Debunking the Myth: Latter-day Saints Serve God, Not Our "Divine Self"

 

Photo by Guillaume de Germain on Unsplash | Commercial Use Allowed

In addressing the question of whether Latter-day Saint Christians serve their divine self, it’s crucial to analyze the scriptural interpretations and theological assumptions that underpin this inquiry. A blog post by Life After Ministry attempts to critique Latter-day Saint doctrine by employing a selective interpretation of 1 Timothy 6:3-4, juxtaposed against a quote from Rosemary M. Wixom’s October 2015 General Conference address. However, this analysis suffers from fundamental interpretative and logical errors.

Firstly, 1 Timothy 6:3-4, when read in its broader context (1 Timothy 1:1-6:2), clearly aims to caution against diverging from the teachings of Christ which align with godliness. Apostle Paul emphasizes adherence to the sound words of Jesus Christ and those doctrines that shape us towards godliness. This suggests a lifelong pursuit of aligning our will with God’s will, rather than fostering a self-centered "divine self."

The critique further unravels when considering that the interpretation presented in the blog post ignores significant portions of Paul’s epistle which discuss the roles and behaviors befitting a follower of Christ, including prayers, leadership, and community relations—all pointing towards a collective rather than individualistic approach to godliness.

Moreover, the use of a single statement from Wixom’s talk to represent the entirety of Latter-day Saint teaching on divinity within illustrates a cherry-picking fallacy. This selective citation fails to capture the broader Latter-day Saint perspective which views divine nature as part and parcel of a communal journey towards salvation and exaltation, as framed within the overarching plan of salvation which aims for immortality and eternal life of humanity (Moses 1:39).

In the New Testament, Paul teaches that Christians are to be conformed to the image of Christ, who is Himself the express image of the Father (Romans 8:29, Colossians 1:15). Hence, if we are to be molded into Christ's image, and He in the image of the Father, it logically follows that our spiritual journey is about becoming more like the Father, not about serving ourselves.

Drawing from my studies on the doctrine of Theosis, the biblical basis of this teaching is clear. Latter-day Saint theology extends this understanding through the doctrines of Exaltation and Eternal Increase, where we, as joint heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), aspire to receive the same inheritance and glory. This is not about elevating ourselves to a divine status independently of God but rather about participating in the divine nature through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Hence, when examining whether Latter-day Saint Christians serve their divine self, it’s evident that the faith's teachings advocate for a transformative, Christ-centered journey towards godliness that involves serving others, following Christ’s teachings, and seeking to inherit divine glory through His grace. This interpretation aligns with the broader Christian call towards sanctification and glorification through Christ, rather than a self-serving divinization.

General Conference October 2021 - The Greatest Possession

The Vance Creek Bridge - second highest Railroad arch bridge ever built in the United States - is located in the Olympic Forest outside Shelton, Washington and is 347 feet high and spans 422 feet. It was built by Simpson Timber Company in 1929.

 

Each of us is to come to Christ with uncompromised commitment to His gospel.

Touching on the nature of pure teaching, pure doctrine of Christ, and pure revelation - we turn to the message Elder Jeffrey R. Holland gave. His address opens up with the story of the Rich Young Ruler and the encounter he had with Jesus Christ (See Mark 10: 17-22). Many of us are familiar with this story. A young man, quite wealthy and affluent, comes to the Messiah to seek after wisdom and guidance related to attaining eternal life. His question is the very question many of us are asking. What shall we do. Christ simply responds that one is to keep the commandments. To which the young man replied he has throughout his youth. The Lord challenged the young man with a specific direction - go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. This simple directive caused the young man to possibly hang his head in grave disappointment. He turned and walked away from the Savior. His possessions, wealth, affluence, and all that went with worldly prestige appeared to be more important than what he desired - eternal life.

And there are plethora of messages, sermons, scripture studies, devotions on the nature and application of this story. Elder Holland remarks:

Obviously, this is an important cautionary tale about the uses of wealth and the needs of the poor. But ultimately it is a story about wholehearted, unreserved devotion to divine responsibility. With or without riches, each of us is to come to Christ with the same uncompromised commitment to His gospel that was expected of this young man.

The Greatest Possession: Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; General Conference - October 2021.

I agree. The great cost of discipleship. The great cost of picking up our cross and following Christ is a weighty and serious commitment we ought not to take lightly. The directive, as Elder Holland instructs, is to Come completely and wholeheartedly. It is a call for us to take up [our] cross, however, heavy it may be, and follow Him (see Mark 10:21).

Elder Holland also shares this insight where there can be no halfway measures, no starting and stopping, no turning back as it relates to us pondering how we may inherit eternal life. He also shares that when difficult things are asked of us, even things contrary to the longing so four heart, remember that the loyalty we pledge to the cause of Christ is to be supreme devotion of our lives.

The promised blessing is given unto us where God … our Father … is exceptionally good at forgiving and forgetting sins we have forsaken.

Speaking to the mother of the sons of Zebedee - the Savior asks this:

Then came to him the mother of Zebedees children with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing of him. And he said to her, What wilt thou? She saith unto him, Grant that these my two sons may sit, the one on thy right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. But Jesus answered and said, Ye know not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? They say unto him, We are able. And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my father.

Matthew 20:20-23, KJV

The cup Christ drank from is the bitter cup of suffering. In the beatitudes, we find Christ teaching that those who are persecuted, reviled, and slandered with false accusations will be blessed because of their faithfulness and righteousness in following Christ (See Matthew 5:10-12).

Not only are we taking upon ourselves the name of Christ and suffer with Christ; we are also suffering with others as a commitment to our faith (see Mosiah 5:7-8; Mosiah 18:7-17). This is a covenant made through baptism by immersion for the remission of sins. The Apostle Paul, writing to the Christians at Rome reflects on the nature and covenant of baptism in Romans 6:1-18 as a reminder of their covenant and commitment in following Christ.

The baptismal font at St Bartholomew's Church, Liège is a Romanesque brass or bronze baptismal font made between 1107 and 1118 now in St Bartholomew's church in Liège, Belgium. The font is a major masterpiece of Mosan art, remarkable for the classicism of its style, whose origin has been the subject of great debate among art historians. The Meuse River valley in modern Belgium and France, roughly coterminous with the Diocese of Liège, was the leading 12th-century centre of Romanesque metalwork, which was still the most prestigious medium in art.

Cyril of Jerusalem is probably one of the most interesting patristic church fathers that teaches us the mysteries of baptism:

As soon, then, as ye entered, ye put off your tunic; and this was an image of putting off the old man with his deeds. Having stripped yourselves, ye were naked; in this also imitating Christ, who was stripped naked on the Cross, and by His nakedness put off from Himself the principalities and powers, and openly triumphed over them on the tree. For since the adverse powers made their lair in your members, ye may no longer wear that old garment; I do not mean this visible one, but the old man, which waxeth corrupt in the lusts of deceit. May the soul which has once put him off, never again put him on, but say with the Spouse of Christ in the Song of Songs, I have put off my garment, how shall I put it on? O wonderous thing! ye were naked in the sight of all, and were not ashamed; for truly ye bore the likeness of the first formed Adam, who was naked in the garden, and was not ashamed.

Cyril of Jerusalem continues his lecture on the mystery of Baptism - reminding us of the sacredness and oath of the covenant we take:

Then, when ye ere stripped, ye were anointed with exorcised oil, from the very hairs of your head to your feet, and were made partakers of the good olive-tree, Jesus Christ. For ye were cut off from the wild olive-tree, and grafted into the good one, and were made to share the fatness of the true olive-tree. The exorcised oil therefore was a symbol of the participation of the fatness of Christ, being a charm to drive away every trace of hostile influence. For as the breathing of the saints, and the invocation of the Name of God, like fiercest flame, scorch and drive out evil spirits, so also this exorcised oil receives such virtue by the invocation of God, and by prayer, as not only to burn, and cleanse away the traces of sins, but also to chase away all the invisible powers of the evil one.

After touching upon the anointing of oil and it's power, authority, and symbolism, Cyril continues to describe the ordinance of baptism:

After these things, ye were led to the holy pool of Divine Baptism, as Christ was carried from the cross to the Sepulchre which is before our eyes. And each of you was asked whether he believed in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, and ye made that saving confession, and descended three times into the water, and ascended again; here also hinting by a symbol at the three days burial of Christ. For as our Saviour passed three days and three nights in the heart of the earth, so you also in your first ascent out of the water, represented the first day of Christ in the earth and by your descent the night: for as he who is in the night, no longer sees, but he who as in the day, remains in the light, so in the descent, as in the night, ye saw nothing, but in ascending again ye were as in the day. And at the self-same moment ye were both dying and being born; and that Water of salvation was at once your grave and your mother.

Cyril of Jerusalem: On the mysteries, II; On Baptism (Lecture XX)

Cyril of Jerusalem continues his lecture on the mysteries of the Chrism and the sacramental partaking of bread and wine as related to the covenant of baptism for the remission of sins, covenant of God's divine grace and salvation of humanity.

Christ being baptized by John the Baptist

Coming unto Christ requires Spiritual Transformation - A New Birth

Elder Holland points out the scriptures that reflect a real and significant change that occurs within our hearts and minds. This is evidenced by the conversation Nicodemus (a Pharisee) had with Christ (See John 3:1-21) At the outset of their conversation, Christ reveals that no one can see the Kingdom of God except he that is born again. Perplexed by this statement, the Pharisee asked - how can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb to be born? The Savior answered and said … except a man be born of water and spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God. Here, born of water is referencing baptism by immersion for the remission of sins. And being born of spirit is the anointing of the Holy Spirit as a witness that bears record to the Son and the Father that we have made a sacred covenant to take up on ourselves the name of Christ. Without baptism or the gift of the Holy Spirit, one may not be able to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven and be partakers of God's Holy Kingdom.

Upon our baptism, we are given a new heart and a new mind. According to Elder Holland, there is divine help for every one of us at any hour we feel to make a change in our behavior. He also observes that:

• God gave Saul "another heart" (see, 1 Samuel 10:9)

• Ezekiel called upon all of Ancient Israel to cast off her past and "make … a new heart and a new spirit." (see, Ezekiel 18:31; Ezekiel 36:26)

• Alma called for a "mighty change" that would cause the soul to expand (See, Alma 5:9-14)

Along with this, Paul called Christian believers to not be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of the mind (See, Romans 12:1-3). This spiritual transformation and change occurs as a blessing and gifts of God for our welfare and benefit.

Because of this spiritual transformation - new birth - we are able to put aside all strife, contention, divisions, and strive to live in harmony with family, friends, co-workers, and within the community. The love of God ought to begin dwelling within our hearts. And since we have the love of God dwelling within our hearts, we come to realize the true nature of happiness and sets the tone for our own lives, for our relationships to each other and ultimately our feeling for all humankind …

The heart of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is based on the founding truths of loving God and loving others (See Mark 12:30). Christ said that upon the two commandments (love for God and love for others) hang all the prophets and the law. It is the love of God that transforms us and renews us with a new heart and a new spirit. We truly become a new creation through Jesus Christ. And it is through the love of Christ that we are able to minister to others, call them unto repentance, be reconciled with others, and bring restoration, rest, and new life where there is despair, disappointment, and a sense of feeling lost. It is the ability where we love others in a manner that minister the healing power of Christ upon those suffering.

Ultimately, it is our love for God and others that leads us to where we are able to faithfully endure with patience and long suffering those trials and adversities that may come upon us.

Christ calls the Disciples to follow Him

Come Follow Me - The Cost of Discipleship and Crucified Life

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland concludes his General Conference Address and shares his own thoughts and insights related to the encounter between the Rich Young Ruler and our Savior:

Brothers and sisters, I pray we will succeed where that rich young man failed, that we will take up the cross of Christ, however demanding it may be, regardless of the issue and regardless of the cost. I bear witness that when we pledge to follow Him, the path will, one way or another, pass by way of a crown of thorns and a stark Roman cross. No matter how wealthy our young ruler was, he wasn't wealthy enough to buy his way out of a rendezvous with those symbols, and neither can we. For the blessing of receiving the greatest of all possessions - the gift of eternal life - it is little enough that we are asked to stay the course in following the High Priest of our Profession, our Day Star, Advocate, and King.

Elder Holland also shares that each one of us, as Amaleki taught, are to be willing and committed in surrendering our whole souls as an offering unto him (See, Omni 1:26). This is because the Grace of God is one that is of great Cost.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer observes the following:

Costly grace is the treasure hidden in the field; for the sake of it a man will gladly go and sell all that he has. It is the pearl of great price to buy which the merchant will sell all his goods. It is the kingly rule of Christ, for whose sake a man will pluck out the eye which causes him to stumble; it is the call of Jesus Christ at which the disciple leaves his nets and follows him.

Costly grace is the gospel which must be sought again and again, the gift which must be asked for, the door at which a man must knock.

Such grace is costly because it calls us to follow, and it is grace because it calls us to follow Jesus Christ. It is costly because it costs it man his life: and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life. It is costly because it condemns sin, and grace because it justifies the sinner. Above all, it is costly because it cost God the life of his Son: "ye were bought at a price," and what has cost God much cannot be cheap for us. Above all, it is grace because God did not reckon his Son too dear a price to pay for our life, but delivered him up for us. Costly grace is the incarnation of God.

Cost of Discipleship, p. 45; Dietrich Bonhoeffer

How we take up our cross daily to follow Christ and be transformed by the renewing of our minds is based on our willingness to walk in faithful obedience to God's will. Recognizing the hidden treasure and the great possession of eternal life that is bestowed upon us. When we lose our lives for the sake of Christ and His infinite atonement, we shall find it (See, Matthew 16:24-27).

A. W. Tozer also observed the following:

Many Christians talk about living the crucified life, but nothing in their lives indicates they have even begun the journey. … there is much joy that they have been saved but no anticipation of continuing on the journey toward spiritual perfection. They are so happen they are not what they used to be that they cannot see what God wants them to be.

The Crucified Life: The Foundation of the Christian Experience, pp 23-24

He also observes:

Many are not willing to pay the cost associated with the victorious Christian life. Erroneously, many are taught and believe that the Christian life is a free ride that eventually ends in heaven. After all, Jesus paid it all.

Are we willing to pay the cost of coming unto Christ and following him? Willing to pay the cost of walking in the process of repentance in order to be reconciled? Ready and committed in putting to death our former self? How does the rich young ruler represent you? What are some of the great possessions that you have whereby it may interfere with you committing to immerse yourself in following Christ? And, as Tozer asks - as the only two questions that truly matter in the hearts of men - what are you to think of Christ? Furthermore, what are you going to do with Christ?

How we answer these questions may reflect on our present spiritual condition. There is no other means and no other way. As Christ Himself declared: I am the way, the truth, and the Life (John 14:6)

Meditate and Reflect on Today's Message
Share your Thoughts in the Comment Section Below

Take a moment and reflect on the questions above.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland presents us with a message of hope, a message that challenges us, and a message that provides blessings and truth. Reflecting upon the encounter of the Rich young Ruler and Jesus Christ ought to stir our hearts and minds to reflection and seeking revelation. How do you respond to this challenge? this pure teaching, pure doctrine of Christ, and pure revelation? What areas in your own personal life are you struggling to give up and walk away from? Do you consider the cost of following Christ in these challenging times too much? How so? What prevents you from immersing yourself into a deep and enriching fellowship with Jesus Christ? Please provide any thoughtful response in the comment section. Share this with others on your social media platforms.

General Conference October 2021: A Time of Personal Reflection and Revelation

 

October 2021 General Conference presented us with much blessing and revelation. Twice year members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are blessed with inspiring messages, wise counsel, guidance, and direction. These messages provide a foundation to our growing faith, understanding, and enlightenment of Christ, the plan of salvation, and the infinite atonement. Specifically, these messages come in a time where there is growing upheaval and chaos in our lives. Those whom I have spoken with in private conversations all seem to agree - there is a great sifting occurring in the hearts of men. And for me that sifting begins with deep personal reflection and seeking divine revelation in these difficult and trying times.

In his opening conference address, President Russell M. Nelson shared these words:

During recent weeks I have prayed intently that this conference would be a time of revelation and reflection for all who seek those blessings.

Pure Truth, Pure Doctrine, Pure Revelation - Russell M. Nelson, October 2021 General Conference

One of the greatest counsel's I have ever recalled is that of seeking after personal revelation from our Heavenly Father. Not just a testimony of Christ, the truthfulness of the Restored Gospel, and the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. A much deeper and rich revelation that goes beyond a simple testimony. A revelation that impacts us deeply to move closer to our Heavenly Father.

President Nelson encourages such an understanding with these words:

There has never been a time in the history of the world when the knowledge of our Savior is more personally vital and relevant to every human soul. Imagine how quickly the devastating conflicts throughout the world - and those in our individual lives - would be resolved if we all chose to follow Jesus Christ and His teachings.

Ibid

President Nelson followed up with this challenge:

In that spirit, I invite you to listen for three things during this conference: pure truth, the pure doctrine of Christ, and pure revelation.

Ibid

He then shares that contrary to the doubts of some, there really is such a thing as right and wrong. And the problem he observes, despite that there really is absolute truth - eternal truth, is a plague where too few people know where to turn for truth.

In the Doctrine and Covenants Section 123:12 we read the following:

For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it.

What is this pure truth, pure doctrine of Christ, and pure revelation President Russell M. Nelson is referring too?

The answer is found in The Great High Priestly Prayer of John 17.

These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

John 17:1-3, KJV

The pure truth, pure doctrine of Christ, and pure revelation is based on each one of us to come to know Jesus Christ, our Heavenly Father, and the depth and richness of the infinite atonement. This is the blessing of our reflection and personal revelation - eternal life. All other blessings are appendages to this one truth.

In one of my favorite translations, one reads the same passage as follows:

After Yeshua had said these things, he looked up toward heaven and said, "Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, so that the Son may Glorify you - just as you gave him authority over all mankind, so that he might give eternal life to all those whom you have given him. And eternal life is this: to know you, the one true God, and him whom you sent, Yeshua the Messiah

John 17:1-3, CJB (Complete Jewish Study Bible)

Pure truth, pure doctrine of Christ, and pure revelation is the foundation of the Church. There is no other foundation to build upon. It is the basis for all blessings that are bestowed upon us from our Heavenly Father. Pure truth, pure doctrine of Christ, and pure revelation is that which leads us toward the kingdom of God and riches of our eternities (see, D&C 78:17-18, and D&C 84:38) . And these principles are found when we come unto Christ (see, Ether 4:14).

Jesus is the Christ - Son of the Living God

The Prophet Joseph Smith made this observation:

The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it. But in connection with these, we believe in the gift of the Holy Ghost, the power of faith, the enjoyment of the spiritual gifts according to the will of God, the restoration of the house of Israel, and the final triumph of truth

Teachings of Presidents of the Church - Joseph Smith

Throughout Joseph Smith's life, he had experienced multiple visions and revelations of Jesus Christ (See, Teachings of the Presidents of the Church - Joseph Smith; Chapter 3: Jesus Christ, The Divine Redeemer of the World). These visions often included personal and divine revelation that mirror many of the Old Testament and New Testament descriptions of those individuals experiencing theophanies - or Christophanies - and witness to the divine council.

Restoration of the pure teaching, pure doctrine of Christ, and pure revelation formulated the early and young Church of Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith, himself, became acquainted with the truth of what God revealed. Today, we are blessed to receive our own knowledge and truthfulness of who Christ is, what his purpose and mission was, and how it relates to our eternal happiness and well-being.

One may ask themselves, who is Jesus Christ? A question the Savior himself asked of his disciples:

And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou Simon Barjona: For flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say unto thee, That thou art Peter, and up on this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Matthew 16:16-18, KJV

Turning to the same passage in the Complete Jewish Study Bible we read:

Shim'on Kefa answered, "You are the Mashiach, the Son of the Living God." "Shim'on Bar-Yochanan," Yeshua said to him, "how blessed you are! for no human being revealed this to you, no, it was my Father in heaven. I also tell you this: you are Kefa," [which means 'Rock'] "and on this rock I will build my Community and the gates of Sh'ol will not overcome it.

Matthew 16:16-18, CJB

Hebrew for Sheol is death and the grave. What we read here is that Peter's confession came by divine revelation. It is the same divine revelation and knowledge that Christ will build his Church upon. Revelation that even death and the grave will not hold power over. Simply put, it is the pure teaching, pure doctrine of Christ, and pure revelation that Jesus is the Christ, redeemer of humanity, and the Resurrection and the life (see, John 11:25).

In these latter-days, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is restored with the pure teaching, pure doctrine of Christ, and pure revelation given unto humanity as a blessing toward eternal life.

When we read Matthew 16:19, we find something else interesting:

And I will give unto thee the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Here, Christ is talking about divine authority by which he empowers the disciples. Keys of the kingdom of Heaven is the priesthood authority and power of God to administer within the Church. It is fitting that after Christ pronounced blessings upon Peter, he confers upon them the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Regarding these keys of the kingdom of Heaven, Wilford Woodruff shares the experience he had with Brigham Young. Recollecting the last meeting they had with Joseph Smith. Woodruff says this:

I say to the Latter-day Saints the keys of the kingdom of God are here, and they are going to stay here, too, until the coming of the Son of Man. Let all Israel understand that. They may not rest upon my head but a short time, but they will then rest on the head of another Apostle, and another after him, and so continue until the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ in the clouds of heaven to “reward every man according to the deeds done in the body

The Keys of the Kingdom - July 2004 Ensign

In The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, we find the following teaching as well:

What is the priesthood for? It is to administer the ordinances of the gospel, even the gospel of our Father in heaven, the eternal God, the Eloheim of the Jews and the God of the Gentiles, and all he has ever done from the beginning has been performed by and through the power of that priesthood, which is “without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life,” and the administration of his servants holding this priesthood is binding, being the savior of life unto life or death unto death.

Teaching Concerning Priesthood Keys

Thus, we see how the Keys of the Kingdom of God correlate with the pure teaching, pure doctrine, and pure revelation of Jesus Christ. All power and authority has been restored in these last days to assist us in drawing closer to our Heavenly Father, to come to know Jesus Christ, and to be blessed to have revelation on the infinite atonement that leads us back to our Heavenly abode.

Pure Doctrine of Christ is Powerful and Life Changing

Russell M. Nelson addresses the power associated with the pure doctrine of Christ. He remarks how it changes the life of everyone who understands it and seeks to implement it in his or her life. He further observes that:

The doctrine of Christ helps us find and stay on the covenant path. Staying on that narrow but well-defined path will ultimately qualify us to receive all that God has. Nothing could be worth more than all our Father has!

Pure Truth, Pure Doctrine, and Pure Revelation - October 2021 General Conference

What is the pure doctrine of Christ? Brian K. Ashton shares his thoughts on what the scriptures reveal:

The scriptures define the doctrine of Christ as exercising faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repenting, being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end.

The Doctrine of Christ - Ensign, November 2016

One of those scriptures is 3 Nephi 11:21-39. In this passage we find Christ giving authority and teaching on the administration of Baptism by immersion. It is when we come to verses 32-33 that we find Christ saying to the inhabitants:

And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of men, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me. And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God.

3 Nephi 11:32-33

And this doctrine of Christ ... is the means - the only means - by which we can obtain all of the blessings made available to us through Jesus's Atonement. Furthermore, it is the power that allows us to access the spiritual power that will lift us from our current spiritual state to a state where we can become perfected like the Savior (See, 3 Nephi 27:13-21).

What I love about Brian K. Ashton's message is how he breaks down the doctrine of Christ:

• First, faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement

• Second, Repentance

• Third, baptism and the sacrament

• Fourth, the gift of the Holy Ghost

• Fifth, enduring to the end

He expounds on each of these principle truths. Not only are they important, and powerful, in our own lives - we are admonished to apply these principles. It is by applying the doctrine of Christ in our lives where we experience temporal and spiritual blessings. Even blessings that come because of adversity. And the important reason we must apply the doctrine of Christ in our own lives?

But more importantly, we must apply the doctrine of Christ in our lives because it provides the only path back to our Heavenly Father. It is the only way to receive the Savior and become His sons and daughters. In fact, the only way to be redeemed from sin and progress spiritually is to apply the doctrine of Christ in our lives.

Ibid.

Those who do not abide in the doctrine of Christ do not have God. They are spiritually bankrupt, lost, confused, and lack any direction (see, 2 John 1:9).

Pure Revelation comes through the ministering of the Holy Spirit

Since the pure truth establishes that Jesus is the Christ. And pure doctrine of Christ involves our faith in him, humble and sincere repentance, and our willingness to be baptized for the remission of sins. Pure revelation comes through the ministering and witness of the Holy Spirit.

President Russell M. Nelson says this:

If you have not yet sought for the ministering of the Holy Ghost to help you hear what the Lord would have you hear ... I invite you to do so now.

There are three distinct ways we receive the ministering of the Holy Spirit.

• Reflection and prayerful meditation upon the scriptures

• Reflection and meditation on messages delivered through the Leaders of our faith

• Personal ministry and fellowship with others

John 16:13 gives us this insight about the ministering power and authority of the Holy Spirit:

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.

John 16:13, KJV

The ministering authority of the Holy Spirit is to reveal unto us Jesus Christ. Convict us of our need to repent. Assist and guide us toward all truth. By the ministering of the Holy Spirit, we are comforted in times of sorrow and distress. Because of the ministering of the Holy Spirit, we are guided in times of confusion and stand in need of direction. And it is because of the ministering of the Holy Spirit that we are able to receive our own personal revelation of who Jesus Christ is, and the pure doctrine of Christ and how it impacts and influences our lives for the better. Through the ministering of the Holy Spirit, we are able to endure to the end.

As the days seem to grow more and more tumultuous, let our hearts not fail us. Let us root ourselves in the pure truth that Jesus is the Christ, Son of the Living God. For it is on that firm foundation we are built up in resilient and bold faith. Let us lay hold and apply the pure doctrine of Christ that leads us toward a broken heart and contrite spirit (see Psalm 51:17, Acts 2:37-39, and 3 Nephi 9:20). For when we do this, we are blessed and receive pure revelation concerning Jesus Christ, the divine plan of salvation, and the authority and empowerment to endure to the end.

Meditate and Reflect on Today's Message - Share your Thoughts in the Comment Section Below

As President Russell M. Nelson provided his opening remarks to the October 2021 General Conference - we learn that the focus of our attention is to understand three things: Pure Teaching, Pure Doctrine of Christ, and Pure Revelation. Reflecting on this message, how have you come to understand these three principle truths? What are you struggling with when it comes to your faith in Christ? Faith in the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ? and where do you feel lacking when it comes to revelation and the ministering of the Holy Spirit? Knowing that personal revelation comes through our daily commitment to scripture study, prayerfully reflecting and meditating on teachings from Church Leaders and those within our own community, and through personal fellowship and service toward others: how does this help build up your faith and testimony? Please share your comments, thoughts, and feel free to ask any questions in the comment section below. Share this with others through your social media platforms as well.

Cultivating Joy Through Repentance

Photo by Xan Griffin on Unsplash

 

Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.
~ Doctrine and Covenants 58:42 ~

The huge project to renovate the Salt Lake Temple continues. From my office I have a front-row seat to watch the work taking place on the temple plaza.

As I have watched workers dig out old tree roots, plumbing, wiring, and a leaky fountain, I have thought about the need for each of us to remove, with the Savior’s help, the old debris in our lives.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of repentance. Because of the Savior’s Atonement, His gospel provides an invitation to keep changing, growing, and becoming more pure. It is a gospel of hope, of healing, and of progress. Thus, the gospel is a message of joy! Our spirits rejoice with every small step forward we take.
~ President Russell M. Nelson - Welcome Message to the April 2021 General Conference ~

There is forgiveness and healing for each one of us. It comes by way of Christ's infinite atonement. No greater promise, and hope, than that which is given by our Heavenly Father. We are empowered to cultivate joy through the process of repentance. And it takes faith in Christ as well as our determination and commitment toward healing and restoration. Repentance is also a process of spiritual growth toward a more meaningful and purposeful life. One that we are able to attain.

What are some of the debris that prevents us from experiencing joy in Christ? What has caused our faith to leak out? What has rooted into our hearts and minds that has distracted us from living the Gospel of Christ? Answering these important questions helps us level out our path and keeps us firm in our conviction toward what lays ahead (See, Proverbs 4:20-27).

Elder Craig C. Christensen said this:

Joy is much deeper than simply passing moments of contentment or feelings of happiness. Real joy, or “everlasting joy” (2 Nephi 8:11), comes from experiencing the power of the Atonement through sincere repentance and from a spiritual confirmation that we can be redeemed from sin through the Lord Jesus Christ and inherit eternal life.

The Joy of Repentence - April 2007 General Conference

Elder Christensen went on to teach, quoting the Ancient Prophet Mormon, what type of joy that manifests in each of our lives:

Although we cannot receive a fulness of joy in this life (see D&C 93:33–34), we can receive daily manifestations of joy as we live the gospel. Mormon taught the pattern for finding joy when he said of the faithful Nephites, “They did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God” (Helaman 3:35).

Elder Christensen also gives this thought on how joy is cultivated through repentance:

When we understand that being filled with joy involves being filled with the Holy Ghost, we realize that true happiness comes from repenting of our sins and living worthy of the Spirit. In addition, when feeling the Spirit, we can find great joy in knowing that we are being sanctified before God.

The joy that comes from repentance is evident on many levels. First is the joy and comfort that come to the heart of a repentant soul as the burden of sin is lifted. Second are the deep feelings of joy and love that come to those who help others work through the repentance process. And finally there are the joyful feelings of a loving Savior as He sees us follow His admonitions and rely upon the healing power of His atoning sacrifice.

True repentance, living the Gospel of Christ, experiencing the presence of the Holy Spirit, and being transformed into Christ's image and likeness is a process we all experience in this life. In order for this to occur, we are asked to do three powerful things.

First, we need to come to a place of humility. Whether it is being made humble, because of our consequences, or choosing to humble ourselves - we seek after God's love and forgiveness. His mercy and grace. Second, we are to surrender ourselves over with willing desire to follow our Heavenly Father's will and care for our lives. Third, we recognize the need to clear out any and all debris that has hindered our spiritual growth and impeded our journey toward Eternal life.

As we follow the principles of the Gospel - we are able to come to a place and experience how repentance leads to more happiness.

Humility and Lowliness of Heart

The ability for each of us to remove the old debris from our hearts, minds, and life begins when we are at a place of humility. When we are humble and experiencing a lowliness of heart the blessings of Christ's infinite atonement works to heal us. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says this:

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land

The Complete Jewish Study Bible has the same verse in this manner:

 then, if my people, who bear my name, will humble themselves, pray, seek my face and turn from their evil ways, I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin and heal their land.

And James 4:10 shares this: Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

When one comes to examine the true teachings and messages of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - one may find the following and simple truth. This comes from Alma 37:33-34:

We also find joy in knowing the cleansing power experienced through #confession, #repentance, #faith, and #forgiveness.

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Preach unto them repentance, and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ; teach them to humble themselves and to be meek and lowly in heart; teach them to withstand every temptation of the devil, with their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ. Teach them to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly in heart; for such shall find rest to their souls.

From these scriptures - we come to know that each one of us are called to:

• Be humble in order to be meek and lowly in heart
• Exercise faith in Jesus Christ
• Withstand every temptation the adversary may cause to come our way
• Not to be weary in being obedient to our Heavenly Father's will and commandments

If we follow these truths - we shall experience rest to our souls. Rest refers to a sense of peace. A place to remain. In Hebrew, rest is shaqat  (shaw-kat' = שָׁקַט) and means to be quiet or undisturbed. Here, we see that through humility, meekness, and lowliness of heart we are able to find our souls to be quiet and undisturbed. This is found in Isaiah 57:20-21: But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.

As we understand the truth of repentance - we come to understand that it is a process. A process by which each one of us experience a healing. This healing is where we may find our souls quiet and undisturbed by rebellion, disobedience, and sin. Continued disobedience keeps our souls locked up in a prison of weariness. A prison of shame and guilt. Disobedience and ongoing rebellion is rooted in pride and keeps us busy with finding fault in others. When there is no peace in our hearts, minds, and soul there is no experience of peace. No experience of healing.

In the September 2016 Ensign Barbara A. Lewis writes:

The defining characteristic of humility is the submission of our will to God’s will. “The submission of one’s will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God’s altar,” said Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “The many other things we ‘give’ … are actually the things He has already given or loaned to us. However, when you and I finally submit ourselves, by letting our individual wills be swallowed up in God’s will, then we are really giving something to Him! It is the only possession which is truly ours to give!”

Lewis also shares:

Humility is not a sign of weakness; it is just the opposite. It shows that we know our strength comes from God. When Christ’s disciples asked, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” our Savior taught, “Whosoever … shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:1, 4). Contrary to what we might often think, greatness does not come only because of strength and power; true greatness requires humility.

Humility requires our willingness to submit ourselves over to the care and will of our Heavenly Father. This includes when we come to the altar to seek forgiveness and engage in the process of repentance. Meekness and lowliness of heart also means we are willing to receive the strength of Jesus Christ and His infinite atonement to withstand temptation and are empowered to conquer and overcome our disobedience.

It is through this act and willingness on our part where we begin to cultivate joy through the process of repentance. Not only do we find rest in Christ's infinite atonement. We also find joy in knowing the cleansing power experienced through confession, repentance, faith, and forgiveness.

Are you experiencing a lack of joy because of disobedience? What prevents you from coming to know the truthfulness of Christ's infinite atonement through the process of repentance? How does this help you understand the joy one may experience through repentance and forgiveness? What are you struggling with today?

Please share your thoughts on this and how this message helps you today in your faith and relationship with Jesus Christ. Want to know more about what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches? Want to be connected and learn more about how Latter-day Saints walk in bold and resilient faith in Jesus Christ? Share this with others. Subscribe for more inspiring messages on gospel topics. And please partner and sponsor Mormon Apologia for more inspiration and apologetic articles.