Chiasm of Fall and Redemption

He (Christ) bears seven wounds on his person: Two in his wrists, two in His palms, two in His feet, and one in His side. Seven is the symbolic number of completion or Perfection. Seven wounds reflect the completion of His sacrifice and of that sacrifice's complete perfection.

Christ's sacrifice has completely healed all that the Fall of Adam brought the pass. As Adam went before, so Christ came after, the one the antithesis of the other, and both making this creation a chiasm of Fall and Redemption. We stand in the center, where it is all in balance about us.

The balance between Adam's Fall and Christ's sacrifice provides a neutral balance of opposites. We choose what we are willing to do with this balanced universe.

We tip the scales by our choices, and by so doing, we change all eternity. We change eternity by the choices we make here.

There is an eternal balance, with infinite results, hanging on our every choice. We stand in peril or stand in glory depending upon our every thought and deed.

Five minutes of mortality are more precious than all the prior eternities of pre-earth life. Only here can you demonstrate the faith from which creation itself was born.  (Source: The Second Comforter - Conversing with The Lord through the Veil, pages 417-418)

Sacrifice is Required

“Having the assurance that they were pursuing a course which was agreeable to the will of God, they were enabled to take, not only the spoiling of their goods, and the wasting of their substance, joyfully, but also to suffer death in its most horrid forms; knowing, (not merely believing,) that when this earthly house of their tabernacle was dissolved, they had a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens (2 Corinthians 5:1).

Do you possess that assurance? If so, how does that feel? How did you obtain it? If not, do you desire it? Are you willing to pay the price by living the laws upon which the blessings are predicated?

Such was and always will be the situation of the saints of God, that unless they have an actual knowledge that the course that they are pursuing is according to the will of God, they will grow weary in their minds and faint; for such has been and always will be the opposition in the hearts of unbelievers and those that know not God, against the pure and unadulterated religion of heaven, (the only thing which ensures eternal life,) that they will persecute, to the uttermost, all that worship God according to his revelations, receive the truth in the love of it, and submit themselves to be guided and directed by his will, and drive them to such extremities that nothing short of an actual knowledge of their being the favorites of heaven, and of their having embraced that order of things which God has established for the redemption of man, will enable them to exercise that confidence in him necessary for them to overcome the world, and obtain that crown of glory which is laid up for them that fear God.

What is the only thing that ensures eternal life? What is the unadulterated religion of heaven? What does it mean to “having embraced that order of things which God has established for the redemption of man?” Perhaps the account of the Brother of Jared found in Ether 3:12-20 can shed some light on the Lord's order of things and what occurs. Here and now in mortality, can you be redeemed from the fall without the Lord showing Himself unto you and you being brought back into my presence? Is there any other way for anyone to be redeemed without following the order of things which God has established for the redemption of man?

Is there any other way than to know the Anointed Redeemer Himself, embrace Him, and enter into His presence? Can you accomplish this by attending a two hour temple session that teaches FIGURATIVELY the way back to His presence, passing by sentinels along the way? Or ... is this talking about the real thing, recognizing and adhering to the words of angels here and now, sacrificing all that the Lord instructs, repenting and facing God, parting the veil, and LITERALLY embracing Him, entering His presence, being redeemed, and laying hold on eternal life?

For a man to lay down his all, his character and reputation, his honor and applause, his good name among men, his houses, his lands, his brothers and sisters, his wife and children, and even his own life also, counting all things but filth and dross for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, requires more than mere belief, or supposition that he is doing the will of God, but actual knowledge: realizing, that when these sufferings are ended he will enter into eternal rest; and be a partaker of the glory of God.

For unless a person does know that he is walking according to the will of God, it would be offering an insult to the dignity of the Creator, were he to say that he would be a partaker of his glory when he should be done with the things of this life. But when he has this knowledge, and most assuredly knows that he is doing the will of God, his confidence can be equally strong that he will be a partaker of the glory of God.

Let us here observe, that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things, never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things: it was through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men should enjoy eternal life; and it is through the medium of the sacrifice of all earthly things, that men do actually know that they are doing the things that are well pleasing in the sight of God. When a man has offered in sacrifice all that he has, for the truth's sake, not even withholding his life, and believing before God that he has been called to make this sacrifice, because he seeks to do his will, he does know most assuredly, that God does and will accept his sacrifice and offering, and that he has not nor will not seek his face in vain. Under these circumstances, then, he can obtain the faith necessary for him to lay hold on eternal life.

To obtain a promise of surety or covenant of eternal life and salvation from Christ, what is required? What does it take to have power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation? Must you be willing to make a sacrifice of all earthly things?

Would you suppose the opposition in the hearts of unbelievers and those that know not God would challenge the faith of the believers and those that know God. Would the opposition be against the order of things which God has established? Would the adversary oppose the redemption of man? Would you suspect that the unbelievers, who know not God and belong to the church of the devil, would tend to and likely cause opposition?

If so, what would be potential sacrifices required from the believers, who are “wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived”? (D&C 45:57) Potential sacrifices may include some of the following: Sacrifice her character and reputation? His honor and applause? A good name among men? Your social status? Houses? Lands? Material possessions? Investments? Jobs? Business? Occupation? Income? Brothers and sisters? Spouse? Children? Relatives? Neighbors? “Friends”? And even his own life? Everyone's sacrifice seems to be unique and perfectly situated in such a fashion to test and stretch each individual perfectly.

Whenever a man has offered in sacrifice all that he has, for the truth's sake, not even withholding his life, and believing before God that he has been called to make this sacrifice, what has always happened? Time and time again? Generation after generation? What are the results, blessings, and outcomes that repeatedly emerge and occur by applying the same patterns, truths, and “order of things” under the hand of God, who changes not?!

After you have offered through the medium sacrifice all that you have been required of God, for the truth's sake, not even withholding your life, and believing before God that you have been called to make this sacrifice, what will surely happen? To YOU, intimately and personally?

It is in vain for persons to fancy to themselves that they are heirs with those, or can be heirs with them, who have offered their all in sacrifice, and by this means obtained faith in God and favor with him so as to obtain eternal life, unless they in like manner offer unto him the same sacrifice, and through that offering obtain the knowledge that they are accepted of him.” (Lectures on Faith 6:3-8)

Assuming you have not sacrificed what God requires of you and have failed to obtain His promise of eternal life, is there any fairness, logical reason, or justifiable expectation or anticipation for you to simply stroll into the Zion, Heaven, or Christ's presence with others, who have offered their all in sacrifice, and by this means obtained faith in God and favor with him so as to obtain eternal life?

As you observe and experience first hand sacrifices,  perhaps you will better appreciate how profoundly and perfectly God really does know you.

Free to Act . . . Obtaining Peace

Sometimes when I view our stupidity, inefficiency, wastefulness, cruelty, complacency, ignorance, rebellion, and stubbornness, I get a crazy feeling inside. It doesn't have to be so difficult. There really is a better way.

I asked God, “How can you patiently watch our foolishness?”

I heard him say, “What's the alternative?”

“Hmm”

It wouldn't help in creating strong, independent, loving, capable, gentle, creative, and godlike children were God to force a better way upon us. People need space and time to get things figured out for themselves. It's one of the purposes of this telestial world. Making or forcing us to do some good thing would only build resistance and resentment in us. This scripture came to mind:

All truth is independent in that sphere in which God has placed it, to act for itself, as all intelligence also; otherwise there is no existence. Behold, here is the agency of man, and here is the condemnation of man; because that which was from the beginning is plainly manifest unto them, and they receive not the light. D&C 93:30-31

So there you have it, “Here is the agency of man, and here is the condemnation of man.”

I've heard people give credit to God for all sorts of atrocities. Why would God allow this? Why is this happening? If there really is a God, why is there so much suffering, evil, and heartache?

Well, God is love. We are allowed to make choices, and so we create problems and get to experience the consequences of our decisions. How are we to learn if not allowed to experience the results of our creations?

Lehi in teaching his family said this, “And now, my sons, I speak unto you these things for your profit and learning; for there is a God, and he hath created all things, both the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are, both things to act and things to be acted upon.” 2 Nephi 2:14

God created all things to act or to be acted upon. What does it mean to act? What does it mean to be acted upon? Who is free to act? Who is acted upon? We are creatures of habit, societal norms, addictions, traditions, and customs. Very few are free to act. Most of us are not much better off than Pavlov's dogs. 

We respond the way we've been trained to respond. Why do we do things the way we do? Well, its tradition.

The media, churches, schools, and our families train us. We go along without much thought or question. We are slaves to habit and social conditioning. Look how easy it is to get someone to conform and go along with the group even when it makes no sense.

How are we set free? How does Christ help us step off the rat-wheel and start acting for ourselves?

And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.

Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself. 2 Nephi 2:26-27

Is it possible to be free without being redeemed? What is sin? What does it mean to be redeemed? When captive, what are our choices? What is the relationship between redemption, eternal life, and freedom? What is the relationship between sin, captivity,and death? What brings misery? What brings peace and happiness?

O remember, remember, my sons, the words which king Benjamin spake unto his people; yea, remember that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, who shall come; yea, remember that he cometh to redeem the world.

And remember also the words which Amulek spake unto Zeezrom, in the city of Ammonihah; for he said unto him that the Lord surely should come to redeem his people, but that he should not come to redeem them in their sins, but to redeem them from their sins. And he hath power given unto him from the Father to redeem them from their sins because of repentance; therefore he hath sent his angels to declare the tidings of the conditions of repentance, which bringeth unto the power of the Redeemer, unto the salvation of their souls. Helaman 5:9-11

What is God's purpose in sending angels? What is the difference between being redeemed in your sins and being redeemed from your sins? How are we redeemed from our sins? How does knowledge and intelligence save us?

For, said he, I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed of the Lord; behold I am born of the Spirit. And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God,changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters; And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Mosiah 27:24-26

What happens when we are redeemed from the fall? What does it mean to be born of God? When do we become sons and daughters of God? How do we inherit the kingdom of God?

And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. Luke 17:20-21

Where is the kingdom of God? What does that mean?

Where is the peace of God felt? What is the relationship between peace and redemption? What is the relationship between peace and the kingdom of God?

If we're looking for the peace the world promotes, we won't find it. The story of Abinadi and the priests of Noah shows the contrast between two very different understandings of peace.

Noah and his priests saw Abinadi as a troublemaker. In their view, he was stirring up contentions among the people.

I command you to bring Abinadi hither, that I may slay him, for he has said these things that he might stir up my people to anger one with another, and to raise contentions among my people; therefore I will slay him. Mosiah 11:28

This was Abinadi's message.

Yea, wo be unto this generation! And the Lord said unto me: Stretch forth thy hand and prophesy, saying: Thus saith the Lord, it shall come to pass that this generation, because of their iniquities, shall be brought into bondage, and shall be smitten on the cheek; yea, and shall be driven by men, and shall be slain; and the vultures of the air, and the dogs, yea, and the wild beasts, shall devour their flesh.

And it shall come to pass that the life of king Noah shall be valued even as a garment in a hot furnace; for he shall know that I am the Lord.

And it shall come to pass that I will smite this my people with sore afflictions, yea, with famine and with pestilence; and I will cause that they shall howl all the day long. Yea, and I will cause that they shall have burdens lashed upon their backs; and they shall be driven before like a dumb ass.

And it shall come to pass that I will send forth hail among them, and it shall smite them; and they shall also be smitten with the east wind; and insects shall pester their land also, and devour their grain. And they shall be smitten with a great pestilence—and all this will I do because of their iniquities and abominations.

And it shall come to pass that except they repent I will utterly destroy them from off the face of the earth; yet they shall leave a record behind them, and I will preserve them for other nations which shall possess the land; yea, even this will I do that I may discover the abominations of this people to other nations. And many things did Abinadi prophesy against this people. Mosiah 12:2-8

Keep in mind the priest's question was designed to find an accusation against Abinadi.

And they began to question him, that they might cross him, that thereby they might have wherewith to accuse him; but he answered them boldly, and withstood all their questions, yea, to their astonishment; for he did withstand them in all their questions, and did confound them in all their words. Mosiah 12:19

This is the priest's question.

And it came to pass that one of them said unto him: What meaneth the words which are written, and which have been taught by our fathers, saying: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings; that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good; that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth; Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing; for they shall see eye to eye when the Lord shall bring again Zion; Break forth into joy; sing together ye waste places of Jerusalem; for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem; The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God? Mosiah 12:20-24

Here's Abinadi's response.

And now Abinadi said unto them: Are you priests, and pretend to teach this people, and to understand the spirit of prophesying, and yet desire to know of me what these things mean? Mosiah 12:25

After reading Abinadi's message of warning, can you see why the priests of Noah would use this question about peace in their attempt to confound Abinadi in his words? What was the priest's understanding of publishing peace and bringing good tidings? Here's Abinadi's explanation of the verses.

And after all this, after working many mighty miracles among the children of men, he shall be led, yea, even as Isaiah said, as a sheep before the shearer is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. Yea, even so he shall be led, crucified, and slain, the flesh becoming subject even unto death, the will of the Son being swallowed up in the will of the Father.

And thus God breaketh the bands of death, having gained the victory over death; giving the Son power to make intercession for the children of men— Having ascended into heaven, having the bowels of mercy; being filled with compassion towards the children of men; standing betwixt them and justice; having broken the bands of death, taken upon himself their iniquity and their transgressions, having redeemed them, and satisfied the demands of justice.

And now I say unto you, who shall declare his generation? Behold, I say unto you, that when his soul has been made an offering for sin he shall see his seed. And now what say ye? And who shall be his seed? Behold I say unto you, that whosoever has heard the words of the prophets, yea, all the holy prophets who have prophesied concerning the coming of the Lord—I say unto you, that all those who have hearkened unto their words, and believed that the Lord would redeem his people, and have looked forward to that day for a remission of their sins, I say unto you, that these are his seed, or they are the heirs of the kingdom of God. For these are they whose sins he has borne; these are they for whom he has died, to redeem them from their transgressions. And now, are they not his seed? Yea, and are not the prophets, every one that has opened his mouth to prophesy, that has not fallen into transgression, I mean all the holy prophets ever since the world began? I say unto you that they are his seed.

And these are they who have published peace, who have brought good tidings of good, who have published salvation; and said unto Zion: Thy God reigneth! And O how beautiful upon the mountains were their feet! And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that are still publishing peace! And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who shall hereafter publish peace, yea, from this time henceforth and forever! And behold, I say unto you, this is not all. For O how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that is the founder of peace, yea, even the Lord, who has redeemed his people; yea, him who has granted salvation unto his people;

For were it not for the redemption which he hath made for his people, which was prepared from the foundation of the world, I say unto you, were it not for this, all mankind must have perished. Mosiah 15:6-19

Who are the Lord's seed? Peace comes to His seed through the redemption. Those who have been redeemed are heirs of the kingdom of God. Prophets have come into the Lord's presence and been redeemed from the fall. They know the truth and the truth has set them free. They invite others to come unto Christ and be redeemed. Peace is established as each soul comes unto Christ.

We live in troubled times. Two paths are before us. A scourge is going forth until those who have inherited peace are the only ones left standing.

For I, the Almighty, have laid my hands upon the nations, to scourge them for their wickedness. And plagues shall go forth, and they shall not be taken from the earth until I have completed my work, which shall be cut short in righteousness—Until all shall know me, who remain, even from the least unto the greatest, and shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, and shall see eye to eye, and shall lift up their voice, and with the voice together sing this new song, saying:

The Lord hath brought again Zion;

The Lord hath redeemed his people, Israel,

According to the election of grace,

Which was brought to pass by the faith

And covenant of their fathers.

The Lord hath redeemed his people;

And Satan is bound and time is no longer.

The Lord hath gathered all things in one.

The Lord hath brought down Zion from above.

The Lord hath brought up Zion from beneath.

The earth hath travailed and brought forth her strength;

And truth is established in her bowels;

And the heavens have smiled upon her;

And she is clothed with the glory of her God;

For he stands in the midst of his people.

Glory, and honor, and power, and might,

Be ascribed to our God; for he is full of mercy,

Justice, grace and truth, and peace,

Forever and ever, Amen. D&C 84:96-102

We can be like Noah and his priests and reject the warning of coming danger, reject the invitation to receive peace, and perish; Or we can be like Alma and take the message to heart, repent, and receive the Lord.

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. Hebrews 8:10-12

May our hearts accept the laws of God. May our minds learn his ways. May we receive the light. May we see things the way God sees them and accept the peace he offers. In spite of all the stupidity, inefficiency, wastefulness, cruelty, complacency, ignorance, rebellion, and stubbornness around us, we obtain peace and our souls are at rest in the kingdom of God when we are redeemed from our sins. Christ frees us from our traditions, customs, social norms, addictions, and habits.  With the knowledge Christ gives, we are free to act and no longer be acted upon.

This is an earthly endeavor.