Baptism, a Sign of Repentance

“Now if the Lamb of God, being holy, needed to be baptized by water to fulfill all righteousness, then how much more do we, being unholy, need to be baptized by water! I want to ask you, my dear people, how did the Lamb of God fulfill all righteousness by being baptized by water? Don’t you know that He was holy? However, despite being holy, He showed mankind that in the flesh He humbled Himself before the Father and witnessed to the Father that He was willing to obey Him by keeping His commandments. After He was baptized with water, the Holy Ghost descended upon Him in the form of a dove. This shows mankind the precise path and the exact gate through which they were to enter, since He provides the example for them. He has told mankind: Follow Me. Therefore, my dear people, can we follow Jesus without being willing to keep the Father’s commandments? The Father says: Repent, repent, and be baptized in the name of My Beloved Son. And the voice of the Son also spoke to me, saying: The Father will give the Holy Ghost to those who are baptized in My name, just like He did to Me. Therefore follow Me and do the things you’ve seen Me do. So, my dear people, I know if you follow the Son with all your heart — without being hypocritical or deceptive before God but acting with pure intent, repenting of your sins, showing to the Father you are willing to take upon yourselves the name of Christ by baptism, by following your Lord and Savior down into the water according to His word — then you will receive the Holy Ghost. Then the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost comes, and then you can speak the words of angels and shout praises to the Holy One of Israel.”  (2 Nephi 13:2 CE)

A number of questions arose and some conclusions came to me as I read in the Covenant of Christ and carefully considered the declarations of God recorded in 3 Nephi 5 and Mosiah 11 which are quoted below. In addition, I have included some thoughts, questions, and other scriptures regarding baptism, as a sign of repentance, which is performed with authority and power given from Jesus Christ.

 (Mosiah 11:20-22 CE)

20) After he had poured out his whole soul to God, the Lord’s voice spoke to him, saying: You are blessed, Alma. And those who were baptized in the waters of Mormon are blessed also. You are blessed because of your great faith based upon My servant Abinadi’s words. And they’re blessed because of their great faith based upon the words you’ve taught them. And you are blessed because you’ve established a congregation among this people. They will be strengthened and be My people. And this people is blessed, those who are willing to bear My name; they’ll be called in My name, and they’re Mine. Because you’ve asked Me about those who have done wrong, you are blessed. You are My servant, and I covenant with you that you will have eternal life.

21) You will serve Me, go out in My name, and gather My sheep. And any who hear My voice will be My sheep; and you will receive them into the congregation, and I’ll also receive them. This is My congregation. Whoever is baptized will be baptized as a sign of repentance; and whoever you receive must believe in My name, and I’ll freely forgive them. I Am the one who takes upon Myself the sins of the world, since I Am the one who created them. I Am the one who, in the end, will give to those who believe a place at My right hand. They’re called in My name; and if they know Me, they’ll come forward and have a place eternally at My right hand. And when the second trumpet sounds, those who never knew Me will arise and stand in front of Me. And then they’ll know that I Am the Lord their God, that I am their Redeemer, but they won’t be redeemed. Then I’ll declare to them that I never knew them, and they’ll go away into everlasting fire prepared for the accuser and his angels. Therefore I tell you that you must not receive into My congregation any who refuse to hear My voice, because I won’t welcome them on the last day. 

22) Therefore I tell you: Go; you must judge whoever sins against Me according to the sins they’ve committed. And if a person confesses their sins before you and Me and repents in the sincerity of their heart, you must forgive them; and I’ll forgive them also. And as often as My people repent I’ll forgive them of their offenses against Me. And you must also forgive each other’s offenses. I tell you truthfully: The person who doesn’t forgive their neighbor’s offenses when they say they repent, that person brings themselves under condemnation. Now I tell you: Go; and whoever won’t repent of their sins, the same won’t be included among My people. And this shall be observed from now on.

(3 Nephi 5:8-9 CE)

8) Then the Lord called up others and said the same thing, giving them power to baptize. He instructed them: You must baptize in the following manner, and there must not be any controversies about this. I instruct you that anyone who repents of their sins because of your words and wishes to be baptized in My name, you must baptize them in the following way: You must go down and stand in the water and baptize them in My name. Now these are the words that you must say, calling them by name, saying: Having authority given to me by Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. And then you must immerse them under the water and bring them back out of the water. This is the way you must baptize in My name. Truly I tell you that the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost are united as one; I am in the Father and the Father in Me, and the Father and I are united as one. And exactly as I’ve commanded you, so you must baptize. You must not argue about this as you’ve done before, and you must not argue about the points of My doctrine either, as you’ve done before. In truth I tell you: Anyone who welcomes the spirit of conflict doesn’t follow Me, but is following the accuser, who’s the father of conflict. He incites people to angrily fight with each other. This isn’t My doctrine, to incite angry fighting by people. But this is My doctrine, everything like that should end.

9) Listen carefully to what I tell you: I will declare to you My doctrine. This is My doctrine, and it is the doctrine that the Father has given to Me: I testify of the Father, and the Father testifies of Me, and the Holy Ghost testifies of the Father and Me. I also testify the Father commands all people everywhere to repent and believe in Me. And anyone who believes in Me and is baptized will be saved, and they are who will inherit God’s kingdom. But anyone who doesn’t believe in Me and isn’t baptized will be damned. In truth I tell you this is My doctrine, and I testify of it from the Father. Anyone who believes in Me also believes in the Father, and the Father will testify to them of Me, since He will visit them with fire and with the Holy Ghost. In this way the Father will testify of Me, and the Holy Ghost will testify to them of the Father and Me, because the Father and I and the Holy Ghost are united as one. In addition, I say to you: You must repent and become as a little child and be baptized in My name, or under no circumstance can you receive these things. And again, I say to you: You must repent and be baptized in My name and become as a little child, or under no circumstances can you inherit God’s kingdom. In truth I tell you this is My doctrine. Whoever builds on this builds on My rock, and the gates of hell will not prevail against them. And those who declare more or less than this and establish it as My doctrine advocate evil and are not built upon My rock, but are built on a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive them when the floods come and the wind pounds them. Therefore go to this people and declare to the farthest reaches of the earth the words that I’ve spoken.

Who is blessed? God’s servant? Those baptized? His people? Why were they blessed? Were some blessed for a different reason than others were blessed? Why or why not?  When a servant of God speaks His word with authority, does God vouch for what is said? Is a message from God important to us? Valuable? On a more personal basis, what is the value of God’s message?  Is it worth seriously considering His message? Correctly understanding it? Receiving through the power of the Holy Ghost confirmation of it? Acting on it and doing it? How does God perceive those who exercise great faith in His words spoken by His authorized servant?  How about those who overlook His word, ignore it, dismiss it, or fail to act upon it? 

When the Lord says, “This is My doctrine, and it is the doctrine that the Father has given to Me”, would it be wise to pay attention enough to correctly understand the doctrine of Christ? When He says,”You must repent and be baptized in My name and become as a little child, or under no circumstances can you inherit God’s kingdom”, do we take His words seriously? What is God’s promise to those who believe in Him and are baptized?  Will they be saved and inherit God’s kingdom? What is the consequence of those who do not believe in Him and are not baptized as He has instructed? How do we become His sheep? What is required to be considered His people? How can one be received into the congregation and be received by God? How does a person come forward and have a place eternally at His right hand? What is required? Is knowing Him a requirement to be found at His right hand? What are the differences between knowing Him, having faith in Him, believing Him, knowing something about Him, and not knowing Him? 

When the second trumpet sounds, what will be the reward of those who never knew God? On the last day, how welcome and comfortable will be those who refuse to hear God’s voice? In what timeframe does this happen? What is meant by, “... I warn you not to delay your repentance until the end of your life. Because we’ve been provided our lifetime to let us prepare for eternity. If we squander that time, we pass into the dark night where no further work can be done …”?  (Alma 16:37 CE)

Baptism is a sign of repentance and shows evidence of faith in His name. (Alma 5:4 CE, Moroni 8:3 CE) Who is Christ coming to redeem? “... He is coming to redeem those who are baptized as a sign of repentance through faith in His name …” (Alma 7:6 CE) What are the consequences of those who are not baptized? Are all baptisms offered valid and acceptable to God? Why or why not? What is the importance of the Lord giving authority and power to baptize? What are God’s directions regarding baptism today in 2025? T&C 175:7-15, 27-32, contains instructions from the Lord regarding both the ordinance of baptism and required authority and power to baptize. This includes the three requirements that must be met by the one performing a baptism approved by God. Anyone who has the power to baptize, gets it from Christ. The words in the baptismal prayers, “Having authority given me of Jesus Christ” or “Having authority given to me by Jesus Christ”, confirm this fact.

Smoke, Mirrors, and Sensitive Buttons!

"The greatest evils in the world will not be carried out by men with guns, but by men in suits sitting behind desks."

"The descent into hell is easy and those who begin by worshiping power soon worship evil."

"It is not done even in concentration camps and labor camps. In those we see its final result. But it is conceived and ordered (moved, seconded, carried and minuted) in clean, carpeted, warmed and well-lighted offices, by quiet men with white collars and cut fingernails and smooth shaved cheeks who do not need to raise their voices. Hence, naturally enough, my symbol for hell is something like the bureaucracy of a police state or the office of a thoroughly nasty business concern."

These previous quotes are attributed to CS Lewis and here is Buddha's perspective:

"What is evil? Killing is evil, lying is evil, slandering is evil, abuse is evil, gossip is evil, envy is evil, hatred is evil, to cling to false doctrine is evil; all these things are evil. And what is the root of evil? Desire is the root of evil, illusion is the root of evil."

Joseph Smith is quoted, "I love that man better who swears a stream as long as my arm yet deals justice to his neighbors and mercifully deals his substance to the poor, than the long, smooth-faced hypocrite."

I think it was CS Lewis who correctly said that there is far more agreement on what is right and wrong in different cultures than disagreement. What Buddha is quoted as saying above was also likely taught by a Hindu, a Sikh, St. Paul, Moses, Joseph Smith, and others today. Real agreement on this subject spans across cultures and there are behaviors that are consistently condemned across the world.

Therefore, if you ever find a man dressed in a suit and tie with a white collared shirt with smooth shaven cheeks, take immediate note!

If you find him to appear clean and attractive with immaculate care sitting behind a desk situated in a warm well-lighted office, take note again!!

Often accompanied by charisma and the ability to convince or deceive by cunningly devised words, he is able to use his power, influence, and position to lift himself up for a light unto the world that he may get gain and praise of the world. If this is occurring, take note again!!!

If you find any lying, slandering, abuse, gossip, or hatred, pay attention!

Furthermore, if you detect any envy for wealth, position, or power, perceive a pattern of clinging to false doctrines or illusions, or recognize religious or civil leaders who fail to deal justice to his neighbors and mercifully deals his substance to the poor, then pay attention again!!

If long, smooth-faced hypocrites set up rules, traditions, and corrupt laws that require you to pay money, in forms of taxes, tithing, donations, or other methods, and attach stiff consequences of failure, pay attention again!!!

One of the most important things you can do in your life is to learn to pull back the curtain of fear so you can have a better perspective of what is really happening as the enemy blows a lot of smoke and pushes your sensitive buttons.

Whenever the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is restored, including the fullness of the priesthood, the holy order, covenants, and associations and relationships with angels, heavenly beings, and God Himself, men will immediately begin to imitate, pretend, and claim to represent the real things. Lucifer is the promoter of such and makes what he does resemble and look like what the Savior does. Lucifer attempts to mirror the Lord's work and teaches as closely as possible what the Lord teaches, but carefully and slightly alters the truth, partially skews reality, or leaves it short or incomplete. Satan tends to claim what the Savior claims and makes the same promises. The promises made by the Savior always come to fruition, but Lucifer does not and cannot walk his talk when he makes the same promises and claims as the Savior does. In every case, Lucifer does so falsely so that it cannot save anyone.

Lucifer likes to gain control over whatever the Savior establishes to manipulate people. Sometimes Lucifer is able to take control of the actual House of God, His temple, and His Church, by easily fooling the weak-minded into believing that they have salvation, are doing many wonderful things in His name, and are His preferred people when, in reality, they only have a powerless imitation, do not know God face to face, and are not His friends. And to them He will say: “I never knew you; depart from me ye that work iniquity.” (Matt. 7:21-23) If Lucifer is able to take control of the Lord's House by tricking or deceiving the people, then, the adversary has employed the best way known to insure that no one is saved, while almost everyone thinks they are. What an ingenious way for Lucifer and his followers to damn mankind!!

Without the curtain being pulled, much remains hidden, out of view, and missed altogether until it's too late. Therefore, take note, pay attention, open the curtain wide to more fully expose evil, be wise, and act accordingly!

Faith ... Power, Dominion, and Authority

“Who cannot see, that if God framed the worlds by faith, that it is by faith that he exercises power over them, and that faith is the principle of power? And that if the principle of power, it must be so in man as well as in the Deity? This is the testimony of all the sacred writers, and the lesson which they have been endeavoring to teach to man.

The Savior says, (Matthew 17:19-20), in explaining the reason why the disciples could not cast out the devil, that it was because of their unbelief: "For verily, I say unto you," said he, "if ye have faith as a grain of mustard-seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place! and it shall remove: and nothing shall be impossible unto you."

Moroni, while abridging and compiling the record of his fathers, has given us the following account of faith as the principle of power: He says, in Ether 12:13, that it was the faith of Alma and Amulek which caused the walls of the prison to be wrent, as recorded in Alma 14:23-29; it was the faith of Nephi and Lehi which caused a change to be wrought upon the hearts of the Lamanites, when they were immersed with the Holy Spirit, and with fire, as seen in Helaman 5:37-50; and that it was by faith that the mountain Zerin was removed, when the brother of Jared spake in the name of the Lord. See also Ether 12:30.

In addition to this we are told in Hebrews, 11:32-35, that Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens; and that women received their dead raised to life again, etc.

Also, Joshua, in the sight of all Israel, bade the sun and moon to stand still, and it was done. (Joshua 10:12)

We here understand, that the sacred writers say, that all these things were done by faith—It was by faith that the worlds were framed—God spake, chaos heard, and worlds came into order, by reason of the faith there was in HIM. So with man also—he spake by faith in the name of God, and the sun stood still, the moon obeyed, mountains removed, prisons fell, lions' mouths were closed, the human heart lost its enmity, fire its violence, armies their power, the sword its terror, and death its dominion; and all this by reason of the faith which was in them.

Had it not been for the faith which was in man, they might have spoken to the sun, the moon, the mountains, prisons, lions, the human heart, fire, armies, the sword, or to death in vain!

Faith, then, is the first great governing principle which has power, dominion, and authority over all things: by it they exist, by it they are upheld, by it they are changed, or by it they remain, agreeably to the will of God. Without it, there is no power, and without power there could be no creation, nor existence!” (Lectures on Faith 1:17-24)

Faith ... Principle of Action and Power

"And as faith is the moving cause of all action in temporal concerns, so it is in spiritual; for the Savior has said, and that truly, that he that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved. (Mark 16:16)

As we receive by faith, all temporal blessings that we do receive, so we, in like manner, receive by faith all spiritual blessings, that we do receive. But faith is not only the principle of action, but of power, also, in all intelligent beings, whether in heaven, or on earth. Thus says the author of the epistle to the Hebrews. (11:3):

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God: so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

By this we understand that the principle of power, which existed in the bosom of God, by which the worlds were framed, was faith; and that it is by reason of this principle of power, existing in the Deity, that all created things exist—so that all things in heaven, on earth, or under the earth, exist by reason of faith, as it existed in HIM.

Had it not been for the principle of faith the worlds would never have been framed, neither would man have been formed of the dust—it is the principle by which Jehovah works, and through which he exercises power over all temporal, as well as eternal things. Take this principle or attribute, (for it is an attribute) from the Deity and he would cease to exist." (Lectures on Faith 1:12-16)

Franchising Power and Authority of God

What was started in the garden, rekindled with the Jews, advanced by the Catholics, and is claimed by the Mormons? Authority! Authority! Authority! Religious leaders want to own and franchise God's power. A lot of religious folks get all messed up over this one. They don't realize they are the hammer not the carpenter. They don't know who is swinging the hammer.

I hear the priest say, “I am the Lord's. Hearken unto us, and hear ye our precept; for God hath given his power unto us. We own the franchise.”

And the things which shall be written out of the book [Book of Mormon] shall be of great worth unto the children of men, and especially unto our seed, which is a remnant of the house of Israel.

For it shall come to pass in that day that the churches which are built up, and not unto the Lord, when the one shall say unto the other: Behold, I, I am the Lord’s; and the others shall say: I, I am the Lord’s; and thus shall every one say that hath built up churches, and not unto the Lord—

And they shall contend one with another; and their priests shall contend one with another, and they shall teach with their learning, and deny the Holy Ghost, which giveth utterance. And they deny the power of God, the Holy One of Israel; and they say unto the people: Hearken unto us, and hear ye our precept; for behold there is no God today, for the Lord and the Redeemer hath done his work, and he hath given his power unto men; 2 Nephi 28:2-5

Who has power and authority to teach?

Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God. But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God. Alma17:2-3

How did these Sons of Mosiah obtain the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation? What is the key to teaching with power and authority?

I've pondered this scripture many days. The Lord spoke to my understanding. These sons had a sound understanding of truth because of their diligent search in the scriptures and their much prayer and fasting. The scriptures are there to lead you to the truth. They are the Lord's handbook. You gain understanding as you search, ponder, fast, and pray. The Word of God has power and authority. When you teach the gospel correctly, you teach with power and authority. It is not about the one who is teaching. It has everything to do with what is being taught.

We often use words without understanding what we are saying. To understand the meaning of Alma 17:2-3, we need to know the meanings of these phrases: “knowledge of the truth” and “know the word of God”

Who is the gospel? The Gospel is the Word. The gospel is the life and light of men.

In the beginning was the gospel preached through the Son. And the gospel was the word, and the word was with the Son, and the Son was with God, and the Son was of God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made which was made. In him was the gospel, and the gospel was the life, and the life was the light of men; JST John 1:1-4

Who is the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ? The Son

Of whom we bear record; and the record which we bear is the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, who is the Son, whom we saw and with whom we conversed in the heavenly vision. Doctrine and Covenants 76:14

Who is the light and the life of the world? Jesus Christ

I am the light and the life of the world. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. 3 Nephi 9:18

And now, remember the words of him who is the life and light of the world, your Redeemer, your Lord and your God. Amen. Doctrine and Covenants 10:70

Who is the way, the truth, and the life? Jesus Christ

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6

To come a knowledge of the truth is to come to know Jesus Christ. To know the word of God is to know Jesus Christ. When we speak His words, they are spoken with power and authority of God because they are the same as if he spoke them Himself.

Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled. What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same. For behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever. Amen. D&C1:37-39

Receiving power and authority to teach the word of God is not some abracadabra, a man lays hands upon your head and now you have power and authority! When we know the Word of God, and send it forth, it follows that it is done with power and authority. If we freelance, our words lack power and authority.

God has not given his power unto men to own and franchise. If we are willing to make the sacrifice to learn His doctrine and abide the conditions, we accomplish His will with power and authority; not because we are anything special or have any special power, but because we are obedient to the law upon which the blessing is predicated.

Not many are willing to make this journey and want an easy solution. They would rather claim power and authority by going through the motions of rites and ceremonies without going the distance. They pretend to own it and then proceed to franchise this authority filling their pockets in the process. The facade is maintained until someone looks behind the curtain.

The sons of Mosiah followed the pattern outlined in scriptures. They knew the pattern because they had applied themselves to understanding. They communed with God and made necessary sacrifices. As a result they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God.

God has given us a handbook. It's called the Book of Mormon; but men have written their own handbook because they don't understand, comprehend, or follow God's handbook. We can all read God's handbook and come to a knowledge of God.

God is no respecter of persons.

Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. Acts 10:34-35

All are alike unto God

For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile. 2 Nephi 26:33

God became an object of faith for rational beings because of the testimony of those who know God face to face. It is the testimony of one who has knowledge of God which excites us to begin to exercise faith so that we too might know God. Those who know the Word of God teach with power and authority. If our hearts are soft, the seed of faith can be planted in our hearts. If we nourish the seed by our own study, fasting, prayer, and obedience, we too will obtain knowledge of the glory of God. When diligently pursued, the seekers of truth obtain the most glorious discoveries and eternal certainty.

We have now clearly set forth how it is, and how it was, that God became an object of faith for rational beings; and also, upon what foundation the testimony was based, which excited the enquiry and diligent search of the ancient saints, to seek after and obtain a knowledge of the glory of God: and we have seen that it was human testimony, and human testimony only, that excited this enquiry, in the first instance in their minds—it was the credence they gave to the testimony of their fathers—this testimony having aroused their minds to enquire after the knowledge of God, the enquiry frequently terminated, indeed, always terminated, when rightly pursued, in the most glorious discoveries, and eternal certainty. Lectures on Faith 2:56

Some Things Said Just Ain’t So, Part 1

Who Trumps, God or Man?

In the Sunday morning session of the April 2012 General Conference, Elder Christofferson delivered a message entitled, “The Doctrine of Christ”.  He addressed the issue of persisting doctrinal confusions, talked about correcting doctrinal deviations, spoke concerning the overall power and authority of the President of the Church, and reaffirmed the teaching that a prophet is a prophet only when he is acting as such. He stated in part the following:

. . . We have seen of late a growing public interest in the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is something we welcome because, after all, our fundamental commission is to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, His doctrine, in all the world (see Matthew 28:19–20; D&C 112:28). But we must admit there has been and still persists some confusion about our doctrine and how it is established. That is the subject I wish to address today. . .

We value scholarship that enhances understanding, but in the Church today, just as anciently, establishing the doctrine of Christ or correcting doctrinal deviations is a matter of divine revelation to those the Lord endows with apostolic authority. . .

In 1954, President J. Reuben Clark Jr., then a counselor in the First Presidency, explained how doctrine is promulgated in the Church and the preeminent role of the President of the Church. Speaking of members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, he stated: “[We] should [bear] in mind that some of the General Authorities have had assigned to them a special calling; they possess a special gift; they are sustained as prophets, seers, and revelators, which gives them a special spiritual endowment in connection with their teaching of the people. They have the right, the power, and authority to declare the mind and will of God to his people, subject to the over-all power and authority of the President of the Church.

The President of the Church may announce or interpret doctrines based on revelation to him (see, for example, D&C 138). Doctrinal exposition may also come through the combined council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (see, for example, Official Declaration 2). Council deliberations will often include a weighing of canonized scriptures, the teachings of Church leaders, and past practice. But in the end, just as in the New Testament Church, the objective is not simply consensus among council members but revelation from God. It is a process involving both reason and faith for obtaining the mind and will of the Lord.

At the same time it should be remembered that not every statement made by a Church leader, past or present, necessarily constitutes doctrine. It is commonly understood in the Church that a statement made by one leader on a single occasion often represents a personal, though well-considered, opinion, not meant to be official or binding for the whole Church. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that “a prophet [is] a prophet only when he [is] acting as such.”

President Clark, quoted earlier, observed: “To this point runs a simple story my father told me as a boy, I do not know on what authority, but it illustrates the point. His story was that during the excitement incident to the coming of [Johnston’s] Army, Brother Brigham preached to the people in a morning meeting a sermon vibrant with defiance to the approaching army, and declaring an intention to oppose and drive them back. In the afternoon meeting he arose and said that Brigham Young had been talking in the morning, but the Lord was going to talk now. He then delivered an address, the tempo of which was the opposite from the morning talk. …

“… The Church will know by the testimony of the Holy Ghost in the body of the members, whether the brethren in voicing their views are ‘moved upon by the Holy Ghost’; and in due time that knowledge will be made manifest.”

Does being sustained as prophets, seers, and revelators by the members of the church automatically give men a special spiritual endowment in connection with their teaching of the people? Does the sustaining vote of church members by common consent give the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve the right, the power, and authority to declare the mind and will of God to his people? How does a man become a prophet of God? What kind of servant does God ordain? D&C 50:26-29, D&C 18:31-38 

What is required to become a servant of God who speaks His word, which “shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same?” D&C 1:38 Is there a difference between a “holy man” and a “natural man”? If so, what? Is it necessary for a servant of God to first be redeemed from the fall, brought back into His presence, and become a holy man?

If God ordains and speaks through holy men, are God’s words subject to the overall power and authority of the President of the Church, who is sustained by the members of the church? Has God called, chosen, and ordained the President of the Church? Are the First Presidency and members of the Quorum of the Twelve all holy men who have been ordained by God? If not, why? If so, how did they become such? Would holy men ordained by God and acting in His name ever contradict each other?

Would it be necessary for a chosen servant, who is declaring the mind and will of God, to entertain council deliberations, which often include a weighing of canonized scriptures, the teachings of Church leaders, and past practice? In the light of knowing that not every statement made by a Church leader, past or present, necessarily constitutes doctrine, would the weighing of teachings of Church leaders and past practices be reliable and valid?

Would it be useful to know when a prophet is speaking as a prophet of God? Would it be valuable to know when the words of a prophet only represent a personal, though well-considered opinion, not meant to be official or binding for the whole Church? Would it be helpful to be able to recognize, discern, and know the difference between binding prophecies of God and the mere opinions of men? Would it be fundamental and essential to know when a man is talking nonsense versus when God is speaking with clarity and power?

Can those who claim to be endowed with apostolic authority change doctrine that was established before the foundation of the world? Can any natural man establish the doctrine of Christ? Can any council of men change it? Hasn’t the doctrine of Christ already been established? Many prophets have spoken plainly on this subject 2 Nephi 31 & 32. Can a man or group of men vote and, with authority, modify God’s ordinances or doctrines? Isaiah 24:5 Would God change the ordinances because he discovered he didn’t quite get it right the first time? Are altered ordinances valid? What ordinances have been changed in our day? Is the doctrine of Christ unchangeable, consistent, and reliable? Are there laws, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated?  D&C 130:20

To be continued . . .

The Reality of Satan

“The things of God are of deep import; and time, and experience, and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only find them out. Thy mind, O man! if thou wilt lead a soul unto salvation, must stretch as high as the utmost heavens, and search into and contemplate the darkest abyss, and the broad expanse of eternity—thou must commune with God. ” Joseph Smith, DHC 3:295 

“And these signs shall follow them that believe—in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover;” Mormon 9:24

Those who think the devil only has power to tempt and put thoughts into your mind have been deceived by the evil spirits that possess your body.

The Devil doesn't want us to know how real he is.  He likes to stay hidden and undetected. "And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is none—and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance. 2 Nephi 28:22

In the day of judgment the unrepentant will say, "O that we had repented in the day that the word of the Lord came unto us . . . Behold, we are surrounded by demons, yea, we are encircled about by the angels of him who hath sought to destroy our souls. Behold, our iniquities are great. O Lord, canst thou not turn away thine anger from us? And this shall be your language in those days. But behold, your days  of probation are past; ye have procrastinated the day of your salvation until it is everlastingly too late, and your destruction is made sure; yea, for ye have sought all the days of your lives for that which ye could not obtain; and ye have sought for happiness in doing iniquity, which thing is contrary to the nature of that righteousness which is in our great and Eternal Head." Helaman 13:36-38

I have had many experiences where I have seen and felt the destructive reality of Satan, his devils, and demons. I have learned: First, the dark side is real, active, and constantly causing trouble.  Second, through the power of the atonement of Jesus Christ, we have command over and can cast out darkness and all its hellish hues. It’s a matter of choice.  Who is our master?  Who do we choose to follow?

In 2006, I spent about 4 months in Haiti. I was lying on my bed one night, when I felt this power pressing down upon my chest.  I couldn’t call out for help, or move my body.  I knew evil spirits were attacking me.  My mind was still working, so I thought the words, “I am a child of God.” They left, and I was released from the power that held me bound.

One night, one of our little boys was having trouble breathing.  It sounded like he was breathing through one of those tiny coffee straws.  His air supply was being cut off.  The thought came into my mind to check for the presence of evil spirits.  We cast out the evil spirits, and within 30 seconds he was breathing normally again.

Help doesn’t always come immediately.  Sometimes there is a lesson for me to learn, or I lack information.  My understanding in this area is still deficient, but I have confidence in God’s power to lead me through the minefield. I know that continuing to call upon God has brought answers and relief.

Brigham Young said, “You never felt a pain and ache, or felt disagreeable, or uncomfortable in your bodies and minds, but what an evil spirit was present causing it.  Do you realize that the ague, the fever, the chills, the severe pain in the head, the pleurisy, or any pain in the system, from the crown of the head to the soles of the feet, is put there by the devil?  You do not realize this, do you? . . . The spirits that afflict us and plant disease in our bodies, pain in the system, and finally death, have control over us so far as the flesh is concerned.” JD 4:133

During Christ’s mortal ministry, he was constantly casting out devils and unclean spirits.  Do we think that being possessed by evil spirits is a thing of the past?  The devils don’t want us to recognize them or see the havoc they generate in our lives. Once we recognize them and see the problem for what it is, we can get rid of them.  Through the power of the atonement of Jesus Christ, we can choose to cast evil out of our lives.

I am not interested in playing with these devils or entertaining them in any form, fashion, or way.  I am only interested in detecting their presence, casting them out, filling my life with light and love, and shielding my family from their destructive work.

The LDS Church did a professional job creating a new First Vision movie; but I was greatly alarmed when I saw that they deleted the scene where Satan attacked Joseph Smith before he saw God Joseph Smith First Vision Part 2 YouTube. That deletion should not be taken lightly. 

If we’re going to see God, we’ve got to know that Satan will seek to destroy us.  He definitely does not want us to be redeemed.  We don’t need to be afraid. “Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me.” D&C 50:41. Recognizing the pattern is very helpful in knowing what to expect. It is reassuring to know that God will deliver us as we continue to call upon Him.

 15 After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me, and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction.

 16 But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction—not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being—just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.

 17 It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him! JSH 1:15-17

As a Side Note: I just started reading the book Conquering Spiritual Evil by Douglas H. Mendenhall.  This book has been a manual for me in helping me recognize the tricks and tactics of the devil. Even though I have had some experience, I still don’t know very much. I am learning how to cast out evil, the importance of filling my life with light and love, and how to shield my family from the powers of darkness.  The book has proved very beneficial.  I am told you can find the book at Confetti Bookstore, 273 North Main Street, Spanish Fork, UT 84660 (801) 798-0137

Child’s Sincere Temple Question, Part 4

In the year 1844, Joseph Smith was killed and taken from among the Nauvoo saints. It appears they may have missed the opportunity to receive the fullness of the priesthood, and therefore lacked power from heaven. Have latter-day saints received the fullness of the priesthood since 1844? Even if some saints have received the fullness of the priesthood with power, is it something that a man can pass on or confer to another?

Is this what Elder Boyd K. Packer was talking about in the April 2010 General Conference? Elder Packer talked about the church's lack of ability to disseminate power among the saints. Why is the church unable to disseminate power? Why is the church able to spread and distribute authority but not the power of God?”

Let’s look at the words recorded in D&C 121:36 "That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness."

Does this scripture provide us with a solution to the dilemma that Elder Packer was describing? Is there a distinction between authority and power? Is Elder Packer trying to tell us something? Is he giving us notice of something very essential and fundamental that is missing in the current state of the church? If the fullness of the priesthood has been lost or forfeited, can the remaining lesser priesthood bind or seal? Is it possible that many in the church teach one perspective of priesthood power, but the scriptures and the Word of God teach quite another? Is it necessary for God to personally bestow the priesthood with His own voice? Or is it sufficient for men to confer priesthood upon others by the laying on of hands from one generation to another? Alma 13:1

Let’s look at God’s word as recorded in Genesis 14:26-29 JST.

26 Now Melchizedek was a man of faith, who wrought righteousness; and when a child he feared God, and stopped the mouths of lions, and quenched the violence of fire.

27 And thus, having been approved of God, he was ordained an high priest after the order of the covenant which God made with Enoch,

What does it mean to be approved of God? Does a man need to exercise exceeding faith and righteousness to be approved? Alma 13:3 Is it necessary to fear God as did Melchizedek?

I like how C. S. Lewis describes fear as one being filled with awe, in which you "feel wonder and a certain shrinking" or "a sense of inadequacy to cope with such a visitant of or prostration before it". It is a fear that comes forth out of love for the Lord. The fear of the Lord is felt because one understands the fearful expectation of judgment Hebrews 10:26-27. This is not a fear that leads one to despair, rather it must be coupled with trust, and most importantly, love.

In Psalms 130:3-4, we read, “If thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.”

In other words, “Lord, if you take an entire record of our thoughts, our words, and our deeds during our mortal life, who can be in your presence without feeling complete inadequacy? Who can stand worthy before you at the judgment seat? Nobody can without being forgiven, but with you, Lord, there is forgiveness. Therefore, we trust you, respect you, love you, and fear you.” When we come humbly in awe unto God, we willingly place everything we have to offer on the altar and seek forgiveness and redemption from the only One who can provide salvation. Mosiah 16:13

So, is it worth having faith and trust in God and putting Him above all other gods? Does this really mean that all things must take a subordinate position to God? Is sacrificing all things required of a true follower of Christ? Must one be willing to sacrifice reputation, social status, and religious rank or position? Does a humble follower of Christ seek to be recognized, acknowledged, distinguished, or accepted as a spiritual and holy celebrity? How about ego, conceit, arrogance, smugness, self-importance, or pride? What about fame, popularity, or worldly wealth? Does any of this get in the way?

Does this mean that one is required to sacrifice anything that stands between him and God, even his own life, if necessary? If one wants to be prepared and called by God, does he or she need to walk this path? Is it God himself that determines the qualifications and credentials of a candidate before a holy ordinance occurs? What does being ordained a high priest after this order mean? Melchizedek was ordained a high priest after the order of the covenant which God made with Enoch.

28 It being after the order of the Son of God; which order came, not by man, nor the will of man; neither by father nor mother; neither by beginning of days nor end of years; but of God;

29 And it was delivered unto men by the calling of his own voice, according to his own will, unto as many as believed on his name.

Is this the same order of priesthood that we receive from men today? When men in the church confer priesthood authority, what is really being conferred? Is there any power from heaven involved? Is it enough to be interviewed and approved by a church authority such as a Bishop, President, or Pope? Is it sufficient to be sustained by a church congregation at a meeting or conference? Can a leader, religious head, bishop, or church president ordain priests unto this high priesthood after the order of the Son of God? Or should we take God’s words at face value, connect with heaven, receive approval from His own voice, be called with a holy calling, be ordained by God with a holy ordinance, and receive from heaven the high priesthood of the holy order?

Do the ordinances of salvation, including sealing you up to eternal life, require power to be given to you from heaven? Does this mean that power in the priesthood must come directly from God Himself? Do you think exercising sealing authority and having one’s calling and election made sure necessarily go together? Can a man hold sealing authority and exercise power from heaven if his calling and election has not been made sure? How does the ability to exercise power come to a man? D&C 132:46-49, Helaman 10:4-7

If a man has not repented, been willing to take upon himself the name of Christ, been baptized, received the Holy Ghost, experienced sanctification and baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, been able to speak with a new tongue and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel, known Him, been admitted through the gate by the gatekeeper 2 Nephi 9:41, and been taken to the Father to receive the fullness of the priesthood and become part of the heavenly family, do you really think the man would have full connection with heaven or be able to obtain power in the priesthood from God? 2 Nephi 31:13-14

If power comes from heaven, can any religious institution ever manage or control this power by passing it down from man to man? Or can they enviously prevent others from connecting with heaven and receiving this power directly from God?

What does this power look like anyway? “For God having sworn unto Enoch and unto his seed with an oath by himself; that every one being ordained after this order and calling should have power, by faith, to break mountains, to divide the seas, to dry up waters, to turn them out of their course; To put at defiance the armies of nations, to divide the earth, to break every band, to stand in the presence of God; to do all things according to his will, according to his command, subdue principalities and powers; and this by the will of the Son of God which was from before the foundation of the world.” Genesis 14:30-31 JST

Sounds like this power is not only valuable but essential.

Where does this kind of power come from? Do you have to be connected to heaven to obtain it? D&C 121:36 If so, how do you get connected with heaven?

To be continued . . .

Child’s Sincere Temple Question, Part 1

Child’s Sincere Temple Question, Part 2

Child's Sincere Temple Question, Part 3

Child's Sincere Temple Question, Part 4

Child's Sincere Temple Question, Part 5

Child's Sincere Temple Question, Part 6

Child's Sincere Temple Question, Part 7 Conclusion