For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.
My religious “conversion” started when I was young. I was blessed to have dedicated LDS parents who were faithful to the gospel and faithful to their family. Their sacrifices for God and family were real and heartfelt. I am their oldest child and have 10 siblings, 9 living.
I hate hypocrisy. Always have. Growing up I noted hypocrisy in school, politics, social leaders, everywhere. In Church, not so much. I could easily see no one was getting rich or famous off of Church service. In fact quite the opposite. Sacrifice for love or for principle indicates to me a true sincerity — the opposite of hypocrisy. So that’s where I wanted to be and still do.
My belief in the doctrines of the Church called “The Gospel” began by observing, contrasting, and comparing. Pretty simple. I was happy to be baptized. I had answers to the basic questions of life and I found that satisfying. My family and my gospel knowledge made me feel special, not different.
It continued that way until I reached the age of 15. I had just finished reading a book my mother provided called “Book of Mormon Stories FOR YOUNG LATTER-DAY SAINTS”. Just stories really but I knew it was based on the history from the real Book of Mormon.
So one day I saw a Book of Mormon sitting on the table and I thought “Why not just read the real thing?”. Yes, I know it’s a cliché (because it happens to a lot of people) but, because I was prepared, the Book of Mormon really did change my life. Forever.
That was 47 years ago. Since then, well, I have had my faith confirmed by “miracles”, direct answers to prayers, and new knowledge granted from the heavens. I think a testimony of God is based on two complimentary experiences: 1) Receiving personal revelation, via prayer and study of sacred subjects; and 2) Miracles. I have had miracles in my life, as has everyone who has sought the truth of God. My failures and disappointments have already worked out in my favor or are in process of doing so. I am a great believer in being patient, and playing “the long game”.
Before my experience with the Book of Mormon, my belief was
observational and based on actions and results. Afterwards, it was based
on an active relationship and trust in God. I was introduced to Him on a
more personal level because of the Book of Mormon. Only those who have
let God mold their heart know what I am talking about. There are no
words to describe the experience — the feeling, the understanding, the
epiphany of sacred moments. I remember reading the part in the Book of
Mormon when Jesus appeared to the Nephites. I was on the edge of my
seat.
So, I love the Book of Mormon, or I should say, I love what is in the Book of Mormon.
When feeling successful in my relationship with God, it gives me confidence in other aspects of my life — like I am going in the right direction. And how many people can really say that? I have many goals and aspirations fulfilled and also unfulfilled but I try to be patient. It will all happen according to the Word of God. I trust Him.
I have found that the following instruction from the Book of Mormon is the key to having a relationship with God.
And whoso knocketh, to him will he open; and the wise, and the learned, and they that are rich, who are puffed up because of their learning, and their wisdom, and their riches–yea, they are they whom he despiseth; and save they shall cast these things away, and consider themselves fools before God, and come down in the depths of humility, he will not open unto them.
2 Nephi 9:42
I recently encountered this quote and am fond of it:
“Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated fools. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”
Calvin Coolidge
My determination is to be persistent in following God. He can go His way and I’ll go mine — and it will be the same way.
The doctrines of the “restored Gospel” are glorious to comprehend and I love God and His precepts with all my heart. They are to be found complete and intact only within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Jesus Himself saw many fall away1 from his teachings. So also, the Latter-day Saints see the same in the last days2. It’s sad, but not unexpected. The Kingdom of Heaven is obtained by few. The way is narrow3. Jesus gave a key to this situation in the Parable of the Sower4.
It’s been said that participation in sports does not build character — it reveals character. So true! It’s exactly the same thing with participation in warfare, be it physical or spiritual warfare. It reveals character. The point is that our pre-mortal life5 determines our mortal experience. The simple truth is that our earth time is not our prep time, it’s our test time6 — and it’s a grand mistake to ever think otherwise. Character prep time was in the many years prior to earth life, when we forged our own unique personalities7 AND spiritual capacities8. All that parents and teachers can really do now, at this late point, is provide a comfortable chair, a sharp pencil, and good lighting — but each person must take their own tests and take personal responsibility for the outcomes. It’s important to remember that it’s an open book test9 and that it ain’t over ’till it’s over — that is, until God himself says it’s over10. So don’t give up on anyone or yourself. Remember your own mistakes and that God doesn’t give up on you.
To those who have “strayed” and lost their faith …
A little suggestion: for the sake of your own dignity, do not encourage or engage in the mockery of what others consider sacred. Remember that any religion or belief system can easily be made fun of, but it will do you no credit to engage in that kind of activity. It will just make you look small.
If you honestly follow after truth and righteousness in the best way you know how, we are probably both in agreement that you will find Gods mercy come judgement day, if not sooner.
To the parents, siblings, friends, and teachers of those who have departed the faith, either officially or unofficially, through their actions …
It is totally appropriate to feel sorrow, but not remorse. Don’t play the self blame game because that is not healthy, or scriptural. The Lord lays upon us a responsibility for teaching11 but not for outcomes12. Respect the free agency of everyone, shun no one, and remember that once you have taught repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ – another’s sins and errors and “poor decisions” are not yours. Remember that there were many who rejected Jesus to His face, despite His being the best teacher who ever lived and a sinless, perfect man. Are you then better than Jesus? Consider also all the great men and women in scripture who had to deal with loved ones gone astray. Here are a few examples:
Adam and Eve had a son who made a personal pact with Satan and then killed his own innocent brother for material gain. The scripture says that Adam and Eve “mourned before the Lord13“. I’ll bet they did.
Abraham’s father rejected the Holy Priesthood14 and was allied with those who tried to have Abraham killed on a pagan alter.
Jacob’s sons were disrespectful and disobedient and they nearly killed Joseph16 simply because his good character made them look bad. Then then they sold him as a slave for 20 pieces of silver.
Laman and Lemuel beat up on their younger brother17 multiple times, even in front of his family and parents, because he was too preachy in their mind.
Contrary to their fathers wish, the sons of Eli the high priest18 exploited their position in the Holy Temple to commit fornication and make a mockery of that which is sacred.
To the great disappointment of their fathers, Alma and the sons of Mosiah rebelled and left the Church19 totally — and later banded together in an effort to destroy it.
The Lord himself had a wayward nation of Israel, who was constantly unfaithful and disloyal, despite the Lord’s great love and patience.
I could continue with many other scriptural examples of disappointing behavior. In none of the listed cases were parents, siblings, or friends held responsible by God, except for Eli, and that is because his sons were working under his direct supervision in the Temple and he failed to take corrective action. In every other case listed there was great sorrow – even in Heaven20. However, we are promised that this kind of sorrow is temporary21. God makes it all up to us22 eventually — and then some23.
Finally, to those who would take personal credit for the good choices of others, it can be embarrassing to watch. You are in serious error! You should to give credit where credit is due. Much of what we perceive as outcomes is premature, or pure luck, at least from our earthly perspective. It’s not unlike coming up heads or tails a few times in a row. If your close relations, students, children, spouse, or friends are walking a path of righteousness with God and have faith in Him, just be extremely humble and thankful – never proud of yourself.
References
1John 6
59 These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum. 60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? 61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? … 66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? 68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
2JST Matthew 24
22 For in those days there shall also arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch, that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant… 26 For as the light of the morning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west, and covereth the whole earth, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. 27 And now I show unto you a parable. Behold, wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together; so likewise shall mine elect be gathered from the four quarters of the earth… 37 And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived, for the Son of Man shall come, and he shall send his angels before him with the great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together the remainder of his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
3Matthew 7
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
4Matthew 13
3 And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; 4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: 5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: 6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: 8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. 9 Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. … 18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. 19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. 20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. 22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. 23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit,and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
5Jeremiah 1
4 Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
6Abraham 3
22 Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones; 23 And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born. 24 And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell; 25 And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them;
7Jeremiah 1
4 Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, 5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
8Abraham 1
3 It [the Holy Priesthood] was conferred upon me from the fathers; it came down from the fathers, from the beginning of time, yea, even from the beginning, or before the foundation of the earth, down to the present time, even the right of the firstborn, or the first man, who is Adam, or first father, through the fathers unto me.
9Mosiah 26
29 Therefore I say unto you, Go; and whosoever transgresseth against me, him shall ye judge according to the sins which he has committed; and if he confess his sins before thee and me, and repenteth in the sincerity of his heart, him shall ye forgive, and I will forgive him also.
10Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 4:540
The truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.
11DC 68
25 And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents.
12Genesis 4, Ezekial 33
5 … And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. 6 And the LORD said unto Cain, Why art thou wroth? and why is thy countenance fallen? 7 If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door…
2 Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, … 7 So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. 8 When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. 9 Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way to turn from it; if he do not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul.
13Moses 5
26 And Cain was wroth, and listened not any more to the voice of the Lord, neither to Abel, his brother, who walked in holiness before the Lord. 27 And Adam and his wife mourned before the Lord, because of Cain and his brethren. 28 And it came to pass that Cain took one of his brothers’ daughters to wife, and they loved Satan more than God. 29 And Satan said unto Cain: Swear unto me by thy throat, and if thou tell it thou shalt die; and swear thy brethren by their heads, and by the living God, that they tell it not; for if they tell it, they shall surely die; and this that thy father may not know it; and this day I will deliver thy brother Abel into thine hands. 30 And Satan sware unto Cain that he would do according to his commands. And all these things were done in secret. 31 And Cain said: Truly I am Mahan, the master of this great secret, that I may murder and get gain. Wherefore Cain was called Master Mahan, and he gloried in his wickedness. 32 And Cain went into the field, and Cain talked with Abel, his brother. And it came to pass that while they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel, his brother, and slew him. 33 And Cain gloried in that which he had done, saying: I am free; surely the flocks of my brother falleth into my hands.
14Abraham 1,2
6 For their hearts were set to do evil, and were wholly turned to the god of Elkenah, and the god of Libnah, and the god of Mahmackrah, and the god of Korash, and the god of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; 7 Therefore they turned their hearts to the sacrifice of the heathen in offering up their children unto these dumb idols … 5 My fathers having turned from their righteousness, and from the holy commandments which the Lord their God had given unto them, unto the worshiping of the gods of the heathen, utterly refused to hearken to my voice; 12 And it came to pass that the priests laid violence upon me, that they might slay me also
1 NOW the Lord God caused the famine to wax sore in the land of Ur, insomuch that Haran, my brother, died; but Terah, my father, yet lived in the land of Ur, of the Chaldees. 5 And the famine abated; and my father tarried in Haran and dwelt there, as there were many flocks in Haran; and my father turned again unto his idolatry, …
15Genesis 25,26
29 And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: 30 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. 31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. 32 And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? 33 And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.
34 And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite: 35 Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah..
16Genesis 37
18 And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. name 19 And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh 20 Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams … 24 And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it … 26 And Judah said unto his brethren, What profit is it if we slay our brother, and conceal his blood? 27 Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmeelites, … 28 Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: …
171 Nephi 18
11 And it came to pass that Laman and Lemuel did take me and bind me with cords, and they did treat me with much harshness; … 15 … And after we had been driven back upon the waters for the space of four days, my brethren began to see that the judgments of God were upon them, and that they must perish save that they should repent of their iniquities; wherefore, they came unto me, and loosed the bands which were upon my wrists, and behold they had swollen exceedingly; and also mine ankles were much swollen, and great was the soreness thereof. 17 Now my father, Lehi, had said many things unto them, and also unto the sons of Ishmael; but, behold, they did breathe out much threatenings against anyone that should speak for me; and my parents being stricken in years, and having suffered much grief because of their children, they were brought down, yea, even upon their sick-beds. 19 And Jacob and Joseph also, being young, having need of much nourishment, were grieved because of the afflictions of their mother; and also my wife with her tears and prayers, and also my children, did not soften the hearts of my brethren that they would loose me.
181 Samuel 2, 1 Samuel 4
22 Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 23 And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people. 24 Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the Lord’s people to transgress. 25 … Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father … 27 And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, … 29 Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people? 30 … but now the Lord saith, … for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed. … 34 And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them. 35 And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.
10 And the Philistines fought, and Israel was smitten, and they fled every man into his tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen. 11 And the ark of God was taken; and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain. 12 And there ran a man of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes rent, and with earth upon his head. 13 And when he came, lo, Eli sat upon a seat by the wayside watching: for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city, and told it, all the city cried out. 14 And when Eli heard the noise of the crying, he said, What meaneth the noise of this tumult? And the man came in hastily, and told Eli. 15 Now Eli was ninety and eight years old; and his eyes were dim, that he could not see. 16 And the man said unto Eli, I am he that came out of the army, and I fled to day out of the army. And he said, What is there done, my son? 17 And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken. 18 And it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, that he fell from off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck brake, and he died: for he was an old man, and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years.
19Mosiah 27
8 Now the sons of Mosiah were numbered among the unbelievers; and also one of the sons of Alma was numbered among them, he being called Alma, after his father; nevertheless, he became a very wicked and an idolatrous man. And he was a man of many words, and did speak much flattery to the people; therefore he led many of the people to do after the manner of his iniquities. 9 And he became a great hinderment to the prosperity of the church of God; stealing away the hearts of the people; causing much dissension among the people; giving a chance for the enemy of God to exercise his power over them. 10 And now it came to pass that while he was going about to destroy the church of God, for he did go about secretly with the sons of Mosiah seeking to destroy the church, and to lead astray the people of the Lord, contrary to the commandments of God, or even the king–
20DC 38
11 For all flesh is corrupted before me; and the powers of darkness prevail upon the earth, among the children of men, in the presence of all the hosts of heaven– 12 Which causeth silence to reign, and all eternity is pained, and the angels are waiting the great command to reap down the earth, to gather the tares that they may be burned; …
21Revelations 7
12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. 13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
22Matthew 19
29 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. 30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.
23DC 137, DC 76
1 THE heavens were opened upon us, and I beheld the celestial kingdom of God, and the glory thereof, whether in the body or out I cannot tell. 2 I saw the transcendent beauty of the gate through which the heirs of that kingdom will enter, which was like unto circling flames of fire; 3 Also the blazing throne of God, whereon was seated the Father and the Son. 4 I saw the beautiful streets of that kingdom, which had the appearance of being paved with gold.
51 They are they who received the testimony of Jesus, and believed on his name and were baptized after the manner of his burial, being buried in the water in his name, and this according to the commandment which he has given– 52 That by keeping the commandments they might be washed and cleansed from all their sins, and receive the Holy Spirit by the laying on of the hands of him who is ordained and sealed unto this power; 53 And who overcome by faith, and are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, which the Father sheds forth upon all those who are just and true. 54 They are they who are the church of the Firstborn. 55 They are they into whose hands the Father has given all things– 56 They are they who are priests and kings, who have received of his fulness, and of his glory; 57 And are priests of the Most High, after the order of Melchizedek, which was after the order of Enoch, which was after the order of the Only Begotten Son. 58 Wherefore, as it is written, they are gods, even the sons of God– 59 Wherefore, all things are theirs, whether life or death, or things present, or things to come, all are theirs and they are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s. 60 And they shall overcome all things. 61 Wherefore, let no man glory in man, but rather let him glory in God, who shall subdue all enemies under his feet. 62 These shall dwell in the presence of God and his Christ forever and ever. 63 These are they whom he shall bring with him, when he shall come in the clouds of heaven to reign on the earth over his people. 64 These are they who shall have part in the first resurrection. 65 These are they who shall come forth in the resurrection of the just. 66 These are they who are come unto Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly place, the holiest of all. 67 These are they who have come to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of Enoch, and of the Firstborn. 68 These are they whose names are written in heaven, where God and Christ are the judge of all. 69 These are they who are just men made perfect through Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, who wrought out this perfect atonement through the shedding of his own blood. 70 These are they whose bodies are celestial, whose glory is that of the sun, even the glory of God, the highest of all, whose glory the sun of the firmament is written of as being typical.
The Articles of Faith originated from the contents of an 1842 letter written by the Prophet Joseph Smith35 in response to an inquiry by John Wentworth. John Wentworth was the editor and proprietor of the Chicago Democrat, the first newspaper in Chicago, Illinois.
Regarding the Articles of Faith, B.H. Roberts said:
These Articles of Faith were not produced by the labored efforts and harmonized contentions of scholastics, but were struck off by one inspired mind at a single effort to make a declaration of that which is most assuredly believed by the church, for one making earnest inquiry about the truth.
The combined directness, perspicuity, simplicity and comprehensiveness of this statement of the principles of our religion may be relied upon as strong evidence of a divine inspiration resting upon the Prophet, Joseph Smith. (B. H. Roberts, Comprehensive History of the Church, Vol.2, Ch.47, p.131)
The Articles of Faith are listed below, with commentary:
I confess to interpreting Holy Scripture literally. A literal interpretation is my first assumption. When the scriptural intention is be be allegorical, it is usually pretty obvious and stated as such. Some things in scripture are symbolic yet real. Like baptism. It is an ordinance full of symbolism, but you really do get wet.
John describes the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven in chapter 21. It is real. Of particular interest is the shape and dimensions of the city: Continue reading “Zion The New Jerusalem”
Throughout recorded history, mankind has repeatedly sought the perfect political-social system1 – where everyone prospers, has freedom, and is truly happy – a utopia. Wars have been fought and millions killed over the political systems which govern mankind but all of these systems have been far from perfect. However, according to Holy Scripture a “perfect” system really does exists and it is called the “Kingdom of Heaven”. The Kingdom of Heaven is where the laws of God prevail2 100% according to the free will of the people. In our pre-mortal state3 we resided in the Kingdom of Heaven before and during the creation of the earth (according to scripture) for millions of years (according to science), although few of us have any idea of what that means now. I imagine that our concept of time was different then, but still, that is a very long time. What were we doing all that time while the earth was being prepared for our visitation?
According to the Scriptures the earth was created by Jesus4, at the direction of God the Father, and that Jesus had others5 under His direct leadership6. Apparently at least some of us had a hand in planning and development7 for the plants, animals and physical environment that would exist in our future world. Afterward we then eagerly looked forward8 to taking our own personal step into mortality9. We had that grand idea of exercising full independance10, with a fully physical existance11.In the Kingdom of God we learned, grew and thrived under God’s benevolent tutelage12. Our Heavenly Father told us that we, as His children, had a potential to achieve all that He had achieved and that He wanted that for us. We knew about Gods plan for us in the “Sunday School” lessons in heaven over and over again and ours was not a superficial understanding, especially since at that time our minds were not yet constrained with the limits of mortality13. We were positively sure we were ready — maybe a little scared but we could hardly wait14. The goal was that we would graduate to our next class in Godhood15, and meet again on earth.
Of course, there’s always those with different ideas. Too risky, they said. Too much pain and suffering they said. There’s got to be an easier way16 they said. The pro’s and con’s were vigorously debated17. A vote was taken. In political terms it was a landslide: 67% in favor of the official plan18, 33% opposed19. The losers would not concede20. They refused to go along. They rebelled21. So they were expelled22. Where did the losers go? To the earth23 of course, but without the experience of physical mortality — just like they wanted it. They wanted to prove themselves right, smarter than God24, our Father in Heaven. In all of recorded history, every personal philosophy and every conceivable type of governing system has been tried. Most have been dismal failures, and others have only partially succeeded but never close to perfectly except for one case in the past: The City of Enoch25. And one prophesied case for the future is destined to succeed: The City of Zion26.
When I was 14, my mother gave me a book called “Book of Mormon Stories for Young People” that retold all the historical narratives of the Book of Mormon. I read it and thought it “interesting” and that was all. Then one day I glanced at the real Book of Mormon, thinking “Hey, I am old enough to read the real thing”. So I began reading and unexpectedly had a profound spiritual experience1. Although I had been taught in religious concepts as a child and accepted Christ in faith, I had just a rudimentary understanding of Jesus, His atonement, and my relationship to God through Christ. Through the Book of Mormon, God opened my eyes. He expanded my vision, showed me that He really cared, gave me to understand my purpose in life, and helped me to set worthy goals with a spiritual foundation. Continue reading “The Marvelous Book of Mormon”
This timeline (click on “timeline”) is centered on the date that Lehi, in the Book of Mormon, left Jerusalem in 601 BC. The dates for the Old Testament events in the timeline are from the work from Edwin R. Thiele15 and his book The Mysterious Numbers of the Hebrew Kings16 which is the definitive work on the subject.
The only Book of Mormon event that can be dated directly to the Old Testament, as an anchor point, is Lehi’s departure1 from Jerusalem. Nephi in the Book of Mormon states that Christ would come 600 years2 from Lehi’s departure. The actual date for this event is 601 BC if one believes, as I do, that Jesus was born in 1 BC17. However, if Jesus was born somewhere within 2-4 BC, as some others believe, it does not materially affect the Book of Mormon timeline, except to shorten the period of Lehi’s prophetic ministry. The narrative of 1 Nephi in the Book of Mormon fits extremely well with the established Old Testament timeline chronology once we account for Nephi’s reference to the first year of the reign of Zedekiah3 as the beginning Lehi’s prophetic call. Continue reading “Nephi’s Zedekiah”
