Sunday, November 7, 2010

The Telestial Kingdom


“Wherefore, he [Christ] saves all except them [Son’s of Perdition]—they shall go away into everlasting punishment, which is endless punishment, which is eternal punishment, to reign with the devil and his angels in eternity, where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched, which is their torment—” (Doctrine and Covenants 76:44)

The Telestial Kingdom is part of the Kingdom of God, it is a kingdom of salvation, bought and paid for by the blood of Christ and His infinite atonement. 

Like all kingdoms of glory, the only way to achieve this kingdom, resurrection, and glory is through the mercy, merits, and grace of Christ.

No one can pay for their own sins and receive a kingdom of glory. The only people paying for their own sins are the son’s of perdition. No one receives mercy and grace unless they repent and willfully take upon themselves Christ.



To see what is required to inherit the Telestial Kingdom we can go to our examples of the Plan of Salvation made of stone, the temples, and observe what is happening there in that sacred space. The temple space representing the Telestial Kingdom in Solomon’s temple was known as the “court.” Seeing the temple experience as a series of increasing commitments by men, and promises by God, memorialized by ritual acts know as ordinances, we can see what laws (the commitments by men) and ordinances must be kept to enter any particular kingdom.



Obedience is the first law of heaven. When we enter the the court area we first see the altar for animal sacrifice. The entire Mosaic sacrificial system is symbolic of Christ. To enter the telestial space we must be attached to, affiliated with, or joined with Christ. We do this by covenanting to, and keeping the law of the court, the Telestial Kingdom. 

The law of the Telestial Kingdom is the “Law of Obedience and Sacrifice.”

Whether we ritualize our commitment to the Law of Obedience and Sacrifice with animal sacrifice in Mosaic pre Messiah temples, or post Messiah temple, it is in effect the same. This is the “gate” and rejection of this is a rejection of the kingdom, and a rejection of Christ and his atonement.

Without Christ we are son’s of perdition.



In Solomon’s temple the initiate would ritualize his alliance with Christ by making sacrifice at the altar of sacrifice. He would then move on to the bath which sat upon the backs of twelve oxen, which we know is a baptismal font. The oxen represent the twelve tribes of Israel, which is a representation of the Kingdom of God. When we are baptized we become the blood of Israel, a citizen of the temple, or the kingdom.

Baptism is the initiation ordinance.

 There were other things going on in Solomon’s temple, in the court, that are not fully explained in scripture. These are the ordinances corresponding to the Law of Obedience and Sacrifice that must be kept to inherit a Telestial Resurrection.

If these ordinances are not sealed upon us by the Holy Spirit of Promise before the time of our resurrection, we will not receive a Telestial Resurrection. The ordinances must be done, and we must live the law of the telestial kingdom to dwell there:



“And he who cannot abide the law of a telestial kingdom cannot abide a telestial glory; therefore he is not meet for a kingdom of glory. Therefore he must abide a kingdom which is not a kingdom of glory.” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:24)

We can see that keeping the telestial law is akin to what is require to join the church at baptism. A newly baptized convert must only meet a certain minimum threshold of sanctification, but the church envisions increased commitments, ordinances, and levels of sanctification.

How do we reconcile the idea that a person must be baptized to reside in the Telestial Kingdom when we read about an innumerable<1> (appears to be a majority) amount of souls that inherit that kingdom, when they are described as “...liars, and sorcerers, and adulterers, and whoremongers, and whosoever loves and makes a lie.” (Doctrine and Covenants 76:103) On it’s face, baptism does not seem to relate to the above list of sins. The resolution comes in understanding the time-line of events.



The majority of people who come to earth can’t even reach a telestial law while residing here. Telestial laws do not include; lying, witchcraft, adultery, whoring, or any such things.<2> The Law of Obedience and Sacrifice exclude such things. Those who can not live the telestial law in this life, when they die, will be “...cast down to hell and suffer the wrath of Almighty God...” (Doctrine and Covenants 76:106)

This “hell” is the Spirit Prison where the wicked post mortals reside preparing for a resurrection. While there they are vessels of God’s wrath and vengeance.

 It is the authors understanding that when the vessels of wrath repent, they may leave prison and join the residents of Spirit Paradise. If they refuse (rebellion) to repent after receiving a full knowledge of essential things (revelation), they will be resurrected, but remain filthy still, and join the other Son’s of Perdition.

No unclean thing can enter the Kingdom of God, in any of it’s glories. No one is forced to repent, mercy comes only through Christ, only through Christ can we be cleansed of sin.



“And I say unto you again that he cannot save them in their sins; for I cannot deny his word, and he hath said that no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore, how can ye be saved, except ye inherit the kingdom of heaven? Therefore, ye cannot be saved in your sins.” (Alma 11:37)





It is the law a person can and will live that determines his or her resurrection and kingdom of glory, not lingering degrees of sin. All recipients of a glorious resurrection are cleansed in the end. 



“These all [telestial recipients] shall bow the knee, and every tongue shall confess to him who sits upon the throne forever and ever;” (Doctrine and Covenants 76:110)



The bowing of the knee is a symbol of allegiance and subjection. We must all be allied with Christ, we must take him upon us, and repent, or become Son’s of Perdition.

The first degree or level of the temple is associated with being cleansed, and identification with Christ,<3> an allegiance with Christ, and bowing the knee.

“They [Telestial Kingdom recipients] have no part in the first resurrection and are not redeemed from the devil and his angels until the last resurrection, because of their wicked lives and their evil deeds. Nevertheless, even these [Telestial Kingdom recipients] are heirs of salvation, but before they are redeemed and enter into their kingdom, they must repent of their sins, and receive the gospel, and bow the knee, and acknowledge that Jesus is the Christ, the Redeemer of the world” (Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 2:22)



Many faithful saints fret upon the fact that loved ones leave this world in a state of rebellion, and scared with sin. While a portion of that fret may be justified, much stems from a misunderstanding of the plan. The vast majority of those who enter mortality will at one point or another reconfirm the Covenant of Creation, that they agree to take Christ upon themselves. Most will inherit all they are willing and capable of inheriting, the Telestial Kingdom, part of the Kingdom of God.
----------------
<1> Doctrine and Covenants 76:109
<2> These things belong to a fallen sinful world, not a redeemed mansion in God’s Kingdom. “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” Corinthians 6:9 & 10.
<3> “Then, when you were stripped, you were anointed with exorcised [blessed, made holy] oil, from the very hairs of your head to your feet, and were made partakers of the good olive-tree, Jesus Christ. For you were cut off from the wild olive-tree , and grafted into the good one, and were made to share the fatness [blessing and goodness] of the true olive-tree. The exorcised oil therefore was a symbol of the participation of the fatness of Christ...” Cyril on the Mysteries, Lecture 2, verse 3.

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

Admittedly, I skimmed it (it was a bit long), but what I caught rang true. Good work, brother.

Now, I have a question for you. Where to murderers fit in to this? Can they inherit the Telestial Kingdom?

LDS Anarchist

Anonymous said...

"do" not "to" - typo

Michael said...

Enjoyed your post on the Telestial Kingdom. Although we can and should view the Kingdoms of Glory as inheritances after the final judgement, I believe as well that we can view them as the ladder (ha sulam) in which to progress in this life; “that which is spiritual being in the likeness of that which is temporal; and that which is temporal in the likeness of that which is spiritual” (D&C 77:2). Meaning thus, that we can learn to progress through a spiritual likeness of the Kingdoms of Glory in mortality to prepare for a higher inheritance after the final judgement. We can see a correlation of this in the Kabbalistic study of the Upper Worlds.

Kether = Celestial 1

Hokhmah = Celestial 2

Binah = Celestial 3

Zeir Anpin = Terrestrial, which is limited to the “presence of the Son, but not of the fulness of the Father” (D&C 76:77). The Second Comforter.

Makhuth = Telestial, which is “not of his (God’s) fulness…but of the Holy Spirit” (D&C 76:86). The First Comforter or the Holy Ghost as a Constant Companion

Barrier = Veil that separates us from the presence of God

Our World = Outer Darkness

As we learn to progress through one Kingdom, we are prepared to inherit the next, thus allowing God to still honor our agency while providing grace. This process as well honors justice because it does not allow God to bestow upon us those things which we are not prepared to receive. As you said, baptism prepares us to receive entrance into the Kingdom. This is because baptism prepares us for the bestowal of the gift of the Holy Ghost. Although the ordinance introduces the possibility to us, it becomes our responsibility to learn how to receive the Holy Ghost as a constant companion. I believe that many LDS misunderstand this and still trifle with only using the Holy Ghost as a part-time influence. Many view the usage of the Holy Ghost as nothing more than to warn of danger, testify of truth, and to give warm fuzzies; BUT IS THAT THE EXTENT OF TRUE CONSTANT COMPANIONSHIP? I hope not. I know not. Spousalship has taught me otherwise.

The gift of companionship from the Holy Ghost is the introductory gift that prepares us for further companionship with the Godhead. Progressing in constant companionship with the Holy Ghost prepares us to receive companionship with the Second Comforter Jesus Christ. Progressing with the Second Comforter will prepare us for further inheritance as Jesus declares, “my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him” (John 14:23).

Truly obtaining the gift of the Holy Ghost is entrance into the Kingdom of heaven or a Kingdom of Glory, because achieving such is equated with being sealed up unto a member of the Godhead. Although after this entrance there is still much left to be obtained, learning to view the Kingdoms of Glory as a progressive ladder offers the LDSs a clear and precise path of spiritual progression. One can then know how to measure spiritual progress and know how to exercise faith towards future attainments.

Such an understanding really brings out the essence of teachings like:

“Knowledge therefore, is essential to worship; man cannot adequately serve God in ignorance; and the greater his knowledge of the divine personality, the fuller and truer will be his adoration. He may learn to know the Father, and the Son who was sent; and such knowledge is man’s guaranty to eternal life” (James E. Talmage, A Study of the Articles of Faith, p. 359).

“It is the first principle of the gospel to know for a certainty the character of God. I want you all to know Him, and to be familiar to Him” (Joseph Smith, HC, 6:305).

Michael

David Littlefield said...

Michael:

I agree, it is clear that one of the purposes of this life is for us to climb the ladder, or learn higher worlds of conduct. We largely choose what we will and will not know and understand, and then ultimately do. This is what determines our resurrection.

Thanks,

David

Anonymous said...

They [Telestial Kingdom recipients] have no part in the first resurrection and are not redeemed from the devil and his angels until the last resurrection, because of their wicked lives and their evil deeds.

WHAT Does This Mean?
D&C 132:26
26 Verily, verily, I say unto you, if a man marry a wife according to my word, and they are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, according to mine appointment, and he or she shall commit ANY SIN or TRANSGRESSION of the new and everlasting covenant whatever, and all manner of blasphemies, and if they commit no murder wherein they shed innocent blood, yet they shall come forth in the first resurrection, and enter into their exaltation; but they shall be destroyed in the flesh, and shall be delivered unto the buffetings of Satan unto the day of redemption, saith the Lord God.
D&C 132;19
Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; and if it be AFTER the first resurrection, in the NEXT resurrection; and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths—then shall it be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life,
This Sounds like some new kind of Mormon Doctrine
Is Someone SAVED/Exalted thru Grace or Thru Paying for their Sins at The Hand of Satan? What is "Next" "ANY SIN" "After" mean and why?

John 14;14
15 ¶ If ye love me, keep my commandments.
John 5;24
24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Anonymous said...

Never Never Never Did Jesus teach a Lesser salvation or a Salvation That was Less than Returning to Live in His Fathers House, In his Fathers Mansion, In his Fathers Presence, Jesus Never made a Split or Difference between Salvation or Exaltation.

Never while on the Earth in The Bible or the Book of Mormon.

Yes once again I Invoke Freemasonry,
Blue Lodge Freemasonry and receiving the
3 Degrees.

Never Ever a Less Saved
Exaltation and Salvation are free gifts, no you
Cannot Earn, Climb, Make a Tower, or be found worthy of your own merits to enter In. You cannot
Say while Jesus was on Earth that He Ever Taught anything Less than returning to live with Him and his Father.
John 8:
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
15 ¶ If ye alove me, keep my commandments.
50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

Michael said...

David,

Would love to discuss more about how the Restoration and ancient Jewish study methods are mutually reinforcing in helping to clarify the deliberate and methodical baby-steps we can take to more fully utilize the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the gifts of the Holy Spirit as we prepare to receive God's fulness. Sorry that so much of your site gets highjacked by the readers personal interests. I have found that although the jewish PaRDeS method of study is ancient, it seems as though it was custom made for the scriptures of the Restoration. All four levels of the study bring out the vast depth of spiritual treasures that are contained within them. Every utterance contained within their sacred pages strengthens the multi-dimensional web that unites the eternal nature of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It was through applying these study methods to the Book of Mormon that led me to your site. I know it seems like you are under heavy persecution and recieve very little positive feedback when you post primarily about the more mystical aspects of the Restored gospel, but I would greatly appreciate if you would continue to share those kinds of insights. I think most of your readers would agree. Most of us greatly benefit by finding others who are discovering the correlation between the ancient and Restored truths/methods. I know at times it may seem as though you are casting your pearls to be trampled upon by swine, but please continue to share your thoughts and feelings about the benefits of reconciling ancient oral hebrew tradition and the Restored gospel of Jesus Christ. You have a rare gem of a site and I would hate to see your efforts thwarted by critics.

Michael

Anonymous said...

Just so you Know no attack is Personal
"Come lets us reason one with another"
If i say something stupid the readers will know and so will you, you all can sing with the choir at church,
and if I say a Lie, say so, let the truth be told

58 And it came to pass that they were all convinced of the wickedness of Korihor; therefore they were all converted again unto the Lord; and this put an end to the iniquity after the manner of Korihor. And Korihor did go about from house to house, begging food for his support.

Well in this economy I might be begging for food!!!

Anonymous said...

Why does Mormon "God" speak in King James English after the Pattern and Manner of Shakespear,
SHAKESPEAR?????????????????
Book of Poetry ??????????
Psalms???
Shakespear Left a Little Hint---
In 1611 The King James Version of the Bible was Produced-
In 1611 Shakespear's age was 46.
Remember "46" is Important
"Selah". is a Musical direction word not intended to be part of the Text but only a Direction

THE BOOK OF
PSALMS
PSALM 46
God is our refuge and strength—He dwells in his city, doeth marvelous things, and saith: Be still and know that I am God.
TO THE CHIEF MUSICIAN FOR THE SONS OF KORAH, A SONG UPON ALAMOTH.
1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains (shake)* with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth.
9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the (spear)**in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

* 46th word from the Beginnig
**46th word from the End
Psalms 46
Shakespear is 46
46 in 1611
Just an interesting Kwinky Dinky

Michael said...

Anonymous,

It was awful rude of you to butt in with 2 comments as mine was directed to David and not to you. In fact, it is awful rude of you to overrun his site with your endless bickering, as others have come here to discuss with him the things that he has posted whether you feel like what they discuss is truth or not. As well they have sought to exchange feedback with one another and cannot do so with your childish demands for attention.

If you are such a representative of Christ, why do you continue to rudely hijack someone else's site instead of creating one of your own? Probably because no one would purposely visit a sight filled with negativity and endless condemnation, unless they were seeking material to tear others down with. Good people gather to discuss gospel topics because they desire positive experiences that will build them up and support them in Christ's purposes. You don't build up anything but antagonism and the spirit of contention, which is of the devil.

I know you feel lost right now and I am terribly sorry for you, but you must realize that you have never made any declarations concerning your understanding of God's ultimate purposes for His children or why He peopled this world. You have never strengthened any of these readers in exercising faith in His ultimate purposes nor have you empowered them with anything positive or uplifting.

If you have absolutely no idea of what God is trying to accomplish through the purpose of creation and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, how can you honestly feel that you are an adequate authority to speak on anything gospel related?

There are countless falsehoods and misinterpretations throughout the world and I know that I don't have everything perfectly understood yet, but a true disciple of Jesus Christ encourages others by inviting them to be empowered through exercising faith in the positive growth-promoting aspects of the gospel, not by flooding them overwhelmingly with negativity and condemnation.

Is that how you really love the LDS people as you claim you do?

1 of 2
Your Brother in Christ
Michael

Michael said...

Maybe consideration of these questions may help you to find the peace and empowerment that you are obviously lacking in your life. They may help you to discover positive aspects of life in which to build with others instead of living in such disharmony with those around you, including your family members.

I know that you and everyone around you would like you to find happiness and the guidance that you seek. I pray that this will help you find what you are looking for. They are questions that help me keep my life in check as I strive to benefit daily from the gospel of Jesus Christ.

What are you doing to more fully experience the presence of God the Father?

What are you doing to more fully utilize the Atonement of Jesus Christ in your daily life?

What are you doing to more fully feel the influence of the Holy Ghost while striving to obtain Him as a constant companion?

What are you doing to increase your contact with God on a more frequent, consistent, and unconditional basis so that He can teach you what it really means to know God (eternal life John 17:3), be conformed into His image (Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 4:4), and obtain oneness with Him (John 17:all)?

If you do not naturally hunger and thirst after the aforementioned blessings, what activities are you implementing into your daily life that will allow you to diligently work with God in a manner to change your intentions so that you can learn to desire His fullness through the grace of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Ghost?

2 of 2
Your brother in Christ
Michael

Anonymous said...

Michael You are Full of yourself and religion, and that is different than the Holy Ghost.
Do not Argue with Me, Do Not Take it Personal,
If Mormons is False it is my Duty and Calling to say so.
Why do you think when People leave Cults Like Mormons, J. Witnesses, Scientology, Etc....
That they seem to Be Zealous in exposing The LIE and telling the Truth????
Most cults like to Play the Victim when one exposes the truth or Cults like to pretend that Those that expose are in need of Healing!!!!!
You are Rude not Me- You seem to have some need to make this personal - Do Not- This web site for going deep and talking a little deeper than you would in church- The Issues on their own Merits
It is not about me- it is about the truth.
So answer the Question :
Did Jesus ever Teach a Less saved than Exaltation?

Michael said...

I believe Jesus promoted God's fullness, what you term exaltation. That is what I would like to discuss with you. You accuse me of being full of myself. I want to discuss how to receive contact with God through Christ and the Holy Ghost unto unification and YOU are so full of your pitiful qualms about LDS and secular information not being able to find reconciliation that you cannot let go of it long enough to promote anything that helps people to draw near unto God. YOU are the one who made this personal when you decided to hijack everyones remarks with your parade of self pity. I DON'T PARADE AROUND MY FAILINGS WHILE HIJACKING OTHER'S DISCUSSIONS. How can you accuse me of making this about me when YOU have made this about YOUR decision to love secular sources above God, and how even though you are now bitter about the results YOU would rather blame others and continue to rely upon secular sources than turn to God and have Him heal you?

IT IS NOBODY'S FAULT BUT YOURS THAT YOU PUT YOUR TRUST IN MAN AND RECEIVE MISERY. GOD SAID THAT WOULD HAPPEN. TRUE JOY COMES FROM APPLYING THE ATONEMENT OF JESUS CHRIST UNTO ETERNAL LIFE NOT BY SECULAR MEANS.

I want to discuss with you how to take positive steps towards receiving God's fullness through Christ and the Holy Spirit, but YOU CHOOSE RELIANCE AND PREOCCUPATION WITH SECULAR SOURCES ABOVE GOD AND HIS CHRIST. YOU WOULD RATHER WALLOW IN SECULAR INFORMATION THAN PROMOTE THE WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY WE HAVE TO RECEIVE LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCES THROUGH CHRIST AND THE HOLY GHOST.

How can you seriosly continue to accuse me of worshipping LDS when I have continued to try to meet you in God's hands and YOU refuse by flooding me with secular information?

How can yours or anyones secular information help me benefit from the Blood of the Lamb unto eternal life? THEN WHY DO CONTINUE TO PROMOTE MAN'S KNOWLEDGE OVER ACTUALLY APPLYING THE ATONEMENT OF CHRIST UNTO RECEIVING GOD'S FULLNESS?

CAN YOU EDIFY ME WITH ETERNAL LIFE PROMOTING ENCOUAGEMENT OR WILL CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE ME TO PUT MY TRUST IN SECULAR INFORMATION THAT YOU HAVE FOUND OVER THE POWER OF GOD THROUGH CHRIST?

I HAVE FOUND JOY WITH GOD AND HIS CHRIST, YOU HAVE FOUND MISERY BY RELYING ON SECULAR SOURCES. I WANT TO SHARE JOY WITH YOU BUT YOU KEEP FLOODING ME WITH MISERY.

CAN YOU SHARE GOD'S JOY WITH OTHERS? WITH ME?

Michael said...

I believe Jesus promoted God's fullness, what you term exaltation. That is what I would like to discuss with you. You accuse me of being full of myself. I want to discuss how to receive contact with God through Christ and the Holy Ghost unto unification and YOU are so full of your pitiful qualms about LDS and secular information not being able to find reconciliation that you cannot let go of it long enough to promote anything that helps people to draw near unto God. YOU are the one who made this personal when you decided to hijack everyones remarks with your parade of self pity. I DON'T PARADE AROUND MY FAILINGS WHILE HIJACKING OTHER'S DISCUSSIONS. How can you accuse me of making this about me when YOU have made this about YOUR decision to love secular sources above God, and how even though you are now bitter about the results YOU would rather blame others and continue to rely upon secular sources than turn to God and have Him heal you?

IT IS NOBODY'S FAULT BUT YOURS THAT YOU PUT YOUR TRUST IN MAN AND RECEIVE MISERY. GOD SAID THAT WOULD HAPPEN. TRUE JOY COMES FROM APPLYING THE ATONEMENT OF JESUS CHRIST UNTO ETERNAL LIFE NOT BY SECULAR MEANS.

I want to discuss with you how to take positive steps towards receiving God's fullness through Christ and the Holy Spirit, but YOU CHOOSE RELIANCE AND PREOCCUPATION WITH SECULAR SOURCES ABOVE GOD AND HIS CHRIST. YOU WOULD RATHER WALLOW IN SECULAR INFORMATION THAN PROMOTE THE WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY WE HAVE TO RECEIVE LIFE CHANGING EXPERIENCES THROUGH CHRIST AND THE HOLY GHOST.

How can you seriosly continue to accuse me of worshipping LDS when I have continued to try to meet you in God's hands and YOU refuse by flooding me with secular information?

How can yours or anyones secular information help me benefit from the Blood of the Lamb unto eternal life? THEN WHY DO CONTINUE TO PROMOTE MAN'S KNOWLEDGE OVER ACTUALLY APPLYING THE ATONEMENT OF CHRIST UNTO RECEIVING GOD'S FULLNESS?

CAN YOU EDIFY ME WITH ETERNAL LIFE PROMOTING ENCOUAGEMENT OR WILL CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE ME TO PUT MY TRUST IN SECULAR INFORMATION THAT YOU HAVE FOUND OVER THE POWER OF GOD THROUGH CHRIST?

I HAVE FOUND JOY WITH GOD AND HIS CHRIST, YOU HAVE FOUND MISERY BY RELYING ON SECULAR SOURCES. I WANT TO SHARE JOY WITH YOU BUT YOU KEEP FLOODING ME WITH MISERY.

CAN YOU SHARE GOD'S JOY WITH OTHERS? WITH ME?

Anonymous said...

TRUTH TRUST COURAGE
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth
46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.
4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.
12 Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true.
TRUTH in ZION
Zech. 8: 3, 8, 16, 19
3 Thus saith the Lord; I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of TRUTH; and the mountain of the Lord of hosts the holy mountain.
8 And I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in TRUTH and in righteousness.
16 ¶ These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the TRUTH to his neighbour; execute the judgment of TRUTH and peace in your gates:
19 Thus saith the Lord of hosts; The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth, shall be to the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts; therefore love the TRUTH and peace.
PS 119;30
30 I have chosen the way of TRUTH: thy judgments have I laid before me.
2 Cor. 13: 8
8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
2 Tim. 3: 7-8
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.
8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also aresist the truth: men of bcorrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
Rom. 1: 25
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

Trust in God have Courage to see all Truth
Past Present Future

Michael said...

I trust in God and have the courage to get to know Him by relying upon the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Ghost so that He can continue to reveal Himself unto me until the perfect day.

It is life eternal to know God and Jesus in a manner that we may be one with them (John 17). It is not life eternal to trust in the conclusions that we concoct about God based upon our secular research and own intellect NO MATTER HOW WELL INTENDED.

Eternal life is something we grow into through learning progressively how how to accept holiness and sanctification through yielding to God's perfection as we learn it through contact with Him. THAT IS WHY NO SECULAR SOURCES, BLIND FAITH, OR WISHFUL THINKING WILL EVER SUBSTITUTE THE ACTUAL APPLICATION OF THE ATONING BLOOD AND THE POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST.

Becuase of the grace of Christ we have the opportuniy to learn how to receive the Holy Ghost as a constant companion in preparation to receive the Second Comforter Jesus as our personal minister and preprator for the personal ministry of God the Father. It is only through this process that we will be conformed into His image and likeness. Secular information, including records of other's success with God, will not replace our participation in the process of sanctification unto eternal life. Most people love darkness rather than light and will choose secular knowledge, ritual, self pity, and blame shifting over actual contact with the Light and Life of the world unto union with God.

How can you honestly feel like immersion in secular info and blind trust will provide salvation for you later when you are unwilling to enter into the presence of God now through Christ and the Holy Spirit so that God can sanctify you throughout your days?

Everything I just presented is found in the gospel of John, particularly in chapters 1, 14, 15, 16, and 17.

If you cannot encourage me and empower me through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost in a manner that allows me to learn God from God, then what you offer is in opposition to God.

Please do not keep hammering me with your mormon hang-ups. I don't shove mormonism down your throat, please don't shove anti-mormonism down mine. We can encourage and empower each other in the Light of God or you can continue to hide in the darkness of secular reasoning. I thought you wanted help and healing as you constanstantly display your misery and lack of peace.

Anonymous said...

I do not attack any one, I told you more than once that I do not attack, You do not need to respond to any of my post. In fact nobody has to. I just tell you That what you will say is Truth, I will not take it away. Keep it,
If you feel convicted in your spirit look at the issue at Large, do not be feeling so sad or alone, know that Salvation is near, and do not be fearful or afraid of the vision that GOD will open up to You.
Truth will come hard and fast, be ready to receive.
And remember I invite you not to respond, but if you cannot resist please do not take anything personal.

Michael said...

God manifested Himself to me independent of any LDS influence. I am only doing the things He has invited me to do personally. He has invited me to learn how to partake of His fullness through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Ghost. He has counseled me to use the opportunities that the Restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints offers under His directions to more fully partake of His fullness through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Ghost. He empowers me to enter into His presence and partake of His powers more fully through correctly exercising the Melchizedek Priesthood, which was bestowed upon me by another holder of that same priesthood. He has counseled me not to put my trust in the LDS Church leaders, the scriptures, OR IN MYSELF (of our own merits), BUT IN HIM ONLY—AS I NEED HIS GUIDANCE FOR PROGRESSIVE KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF HIS QUALITIES TO BECOME LIKE HIM. That does not mean that the LDS Church or scripture or myself are false or invaluable, IT MEANS THAT GOD IS RIGHT AND ABOVE ALL MEN AND ALL TOOLS. The Church, scriptures, and my personal decisions have become a very crucial part of my life, but I RESPOND TO YOU WITH THE SAME RESPONSE BY WHICH I RESPOND TO THEM. I only use things to help me to learn how to partake of God’s fullness through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Ghost—cleaving unto the things which He endorses to me personally in the manner in which He prescribes me to use them.

So I ask you again “[w]hether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God” (Acts 4:19)?

YOU APPROACH ME WITH SECULAR KNOWLEDGE AND PRIVATE INTERPRETATION OF SCRIPTURES.

YOU CLAIM AND SHARE NO REVELATION OR POWER OF GOD.

YOU EMPOWER NO ONE TO PARTAKE OF GOD’S PURPOSES BUT ONLY SEEK TO CONFOUND OTHERS WITH YOUR PRIVATE INTERPRETATION, WHICH IS DEVOID OF THE POWER AND REVELATIONS OF GOD.

“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:20-21).

YOUR CHOICE TO FILTER SCRIPTURE THROUGH YOUR OWN INTERPRETATION MAKES YOUR USAGE OF THEM INVALID.

You use scripture and secular resources to ACCUSE, ATTACK, AND BLASPHEME people and the revelations that God gives them.

GOD INVITES OTHERS TO PARTAKE OF HIS FULLNESS THROUGH THE ATONEMENT OF JESUS CHRIST AND THE POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST.

YOU DO NOT.

YOU ARE IN OPPOSITION TO GOD BECAUSE YOU CONTINUE TO VALUE SECULAR RESOURCES AND YOUR PRIVATE INTERPRETATION OF SCRIPTURE ABOVE GOD’S REVELATIONS, THE PURPOSE OF HIS SON’S SACRIFICE, AND THE USE OF HIS POWER TO ACCOMPLISH HIS WORK.

YOU ARE IN OPPOSITION TO GOD BECAUSE YOU ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO VALUE YOUR PRIVATE INTERPRETATION AND MAN’S SECULAR RESOURCES ABOVE THE REVELATIONS HE HAS GIVEN THEM.

PLACING VALUE AND ENCOURAGING OTHERS TO PLACE VALUE IN SECULAR RESOURCES AND YOUR PRIVATE INTERPRETATION IS THE SAME AS IDOLATRY AND IS ABOMINABLE TO GOD BECAUSE IT CANNOT ACCOMPLISH HIS PURPOSES.

Michael said...

YOUR ACCUSATIONS AGAINST THE LDS CHURCH ARE ANSWERED UPON YOUR OWN HEAD BECAUSE YOU ARE THE FALSE MESSANGER WHO OPERATES UNDER HIS OWN STRENGTH, INTERPRETATION, AND FULFILLS THE PURPOSES OF THE DEVIL BY PLACING THE CREATION ABOVE THE CREATOR.

YOU MAY USE SCRIPTURES IN YOUR TACTICS, BUT YOU WORK AGAINST THE REVELATIONS AND MANIFESTATIONS THAT GOD IS TRYING TO GIVE HIS CHILDREN THROUGH THE ATONEMENT OF CHRIST AND THE POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST, BECAUSE YOU LOVE AND ENCOURAGE OTHERS TO LOVE RECORDED INFORMATION ABOVE GROWING INTO THE LIKENESS OF GOD THROUGH COMING TO KNOW HIM.

YOU MAY CLAIM NOT TO ATTACK, BUT WHEN YOU PROPOSE THAT OTHERS RELY UPON SECULAR INFORMATION AND YOUR PRIVATE INTERPRETATION ABOVE THE REVELATIONS AND MANIFESTATIONS OF GOD, YOU ATTACK THEIR CHANCES OF OBTAINING ETERNAL LIFE—WHICH IS TO KNOW GOD, NOT TO FOLLOW YOUR PRIVATE INTERPRETATION (John 17:3).

YOU MAY CLAIM NOT TO ATTACK ME, BUT WHEN YOU OPPOSE THE WORK OF GOD IN MY LIFE AND MAKE FALSE ACCUSATIONS AGAINST ME AND THE TOOLS AND ORGANIZATIONS GOD IS MANIFESTING HIMSELF UNTO ME THROUGH, THEN YOU ARE ATTACKING ME AND SERVING SATAN.

I LOVE YOU AS A RESULT OF COMING TO TASTE OF GOD’S GOODNESS MORE FULLY, AND SEEK NOT TO DISCOURAGE YOU FROM COMING UNTO GOD AND LEARNING TO OBTAIN HIS FULLNESS THROUGH THE ATONEMENT OF JESUS CHRIST AND BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST.

I ONLY DISCOURAGE YOU FROM RELYING UPON SECULAR RESOURCES AND PRIVATE INTERPRETATION ABOVE THE REVELATIONS AND MANIFESTATIONS OF GOD UNTO ETERNAL LIFE.

IF YOU DO NOT BELIEVE THAT THE LDS CHURCH IS OF GOD THEN EARNESTLY SEEK FROM GOD TO MANIFEST AND REVEAL UNTO YOU WHAT IS OF HIM AND LEAVE THE LDS ALONE. PLEASE STOP ATTACKING THAT WHICH YOUR CURRENT REASONINGS DO NOT AGREE WITH, AND LIVE ONLY BY RELYING UPON THE POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION AND ETERNAL LIFE.

“And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God” (Acts 5:38-39)

WHY WAIST YOUR TIME FIGHTING THAT WHICH YOUR REASONING HAS CONVINCED YOU IS ONE WAY OR THE OTHER, WHEN YOU CAN BETTER SPEND YOUR TIME COMING TO KNOW GOD AND BECOMING ONE WITH HIM THROUGH THE ATONEMENT OF JESUS CHRIST AND THE POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST?

WHEN YOUR TIME IS UP AND YOU HAVE FOUND THAT YOU HAVE SWANDERED YOUR TIME IN THIS USELESS WAR OF WORDS, WILL YOU CLAIM THAT THE LDS CHURCH WAISTED THE TIME IN WHICH YOU SHOULD HAVE SPENT BECOMING ONE WITH GOD AND GAINING ETERNAL LIFE?

NO ONE ELSE CAN USE YOUR TIME TO “WORK OUT YOUR OWN SALVATION WITH FEAR AND TREMBLING” (Philippians 2:12) BEFORE GOD BUT YOU.

DON’T ALLOW SATAN TO WAIST YOUR TIME BY CONTENDING WITH OTHERS.

GOD DOES NOT NEED YOU TO FIGHT HIS BATTLES, HE WANTS TO SANCTIFY YOU AND HELP YOU INHERIT ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH HIS SON AND SPIRIT.

Michael said...

David,

I wrote some comments in your Book of Mormon section, under the post Hebrew Book of Mormon. I think you will enjoy. It discusses employing the Hebrew exegesis PaRDeS to the Book of Mormon. I am anxious to read any comments you have to make.

Sorry for eating up so much of your site by trying to reach Anonymous. Maybe some day they will finally allow the Holy Ghost to help them know what to trust in.

Looking forward to your next post. Oh yeah, how is your book coming?

Michael

Vern G. Swanson said...

David Littlefield comment tha in Solomon's temple the court represents the Telestial Kingdom is not, in my opinion correct. The three sections of the Temple Mount (Court of the Gentiles=Telestial Kingdom; the Court of the Camp of Israel inside the Soreg= Terrestrial Kingdom; and the Temple itself is the Celestial Kingdom) The three degrees of the Celestial Kingdom are found in Solomon's temple. The Holy of Holies represents exaltation, the Holy Place represents administering angels and the Court of the Priests represents the Ministering angels.

Vern G. Swanson,

David Littlefield said...

Vern Swanson:

Thanks for visiting and your views.

I am afraid I still see it differently.

So let me ask this. Assuming that you see a correspondence to between Solomon's temple and modern temples, why do you think modern temples have telestial rooms, and terrestrial rooms that represent those kingdoms? And how do you reconcile that to your view?

Thanks,
David

Anonymous said...

Baptism is not a requirement to enter the Telestial kingdom. I'm not sure where you got this idea. It is only required to enter the Celestial Kingdom. You should Study the Articles of Faith by James E Talmage.

Vince Methot said...

I just wrote a blog post that supports your conclusion that baptism is required for salvation in the telestial kingdom:

Understanding Baptism Line upon Line