Saturday, December 30, 2017

Nephi's "Allegory of the Cave" - A Place of Correction





And it came to pass as they smote us with a rod, behold, an angel of the Lord came and stood before them, and he spake unto them, saying: Why do ye smite your younger brother with a rod? Know ye not that the Lord hath chosen him to be a ruler over you, and this because of your iniquities? Behold ye shall go up to Jerusalem again, and the Lord will deliver Laban into your hands. And after the angel had spoken unto us, he departed.  And after the angel had departed, Laman and Lemuel again began to murmur, saying: How is it possible that the Lord will deliver Laban into our hands? Behold, he is a mighty man, and he can command fifty, yea, even he can slay fifty; then why not us?” (1 Nephi 3:27-31)

The servants of Laban represent those influences, forces, individuals, groups, and powers that seek to prevent the seeker from obtaining the Record of Heaven. Unable to overcome these influences, Nephi and his brothers hide themselves in the cavity of a rock.  The cavity of a rock is a cave and the place of the cave in ancient Israel is called the place of correction. It is the place where the light of understanding and this world merge to change Nephi and potentially his brothers into vessels upon whom God can bestow.  In this place of correction, the carnal man (the inclination of receiving to covet, etc.) is corrected. The cave is also a place of death where the natural inclinations of the carnal man are buried and the rebirth of the spiritual man can occur.

As Laman and Lemuel are angry with their Father and their younger brothers who represent the maturing child of God, a life and death struggle emerges.  It is a struggle between the carnal and the spiritual that resides in each of us.  Their smiting their younger brothers with a rod represents the attempt of the carnal man to subdue or even kill the spiritual man or woman that is emerging through sheer force of will.  

This incident at the cave or cavity of a rock is reminiscent of another prophet and cave of correction. In 1 Kings 19 we see the epic of Elijah after he fled from before King Ahav and Jezebel seeking comfort and safety in case.  Just as the angel of the Lord appeared to Nephi and his brothers so too did an angel of the Lord appear to Elijah to offer instruction and correction as he resided in the cave.  In this place the efforts and instruments of the carnal man are left behind and the submissive will of the child of God (of whom Nephi is a type) emerges.   Even after the intervention of God’s angel that represents the wisdom and understanding of God, Laman and Lemuel as the carnal man cannot grasp the correction.  They are overcome by their adversary Laban as a mighty one who can slay them in their attempts to obtain the record.  Here the angel of the Lord explains that Nephi has been chosen to ascend because of his submission and obedience to God as indicated by the phrase, “the Lord hath chosen him to be a ruler over you”.  While Laman and Lemuel as a symbol of the natural man cannot because of their self-will and lawlessness (iniquity).

Saturday, December 9, 2017

ZION - A CLOSER VIEW





"And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem." Micah 4:2

Over the years I have heard many erroneous descriptions of Zion. My favorite is that it is a place where the streets are paved with Gold, Houses grow up out of the ground at priesthood command, and food appears on trees as you need it. Rather than Zion some of these descriptions sound more like the Magical World of Harry Potter rather than the City of God.

To "dis-spell" some of the fantasies which have arisen, I believe it would surprise many to learn that "Zion" is really a place where the rule of God's Law is upheld and administered. The reason for this is that God's law produces life and liberty. Jerusalem or the New Jerusalem was the governing city wherein God's Word was delivered and the rule of law was upheld. The reason for this is that the CONDITION of Zion is to create a navel or focal point where Heaven and Earth Connect like a life line or umbilical cord between this world and the Worlds Above. In establishing conditions of law, a land of freedom and opportunity is established. Once established Men are then placed in a position to ascend upward to God or do descend into lawlessness or destruction based on their own agency.

The Israelite Concept of Zion and a New Jerusalem is literally a place that could be summed up as a place of unity thus: "I Pledge Allegiance ......One Nation, Under God, Indivisible, With Liberty and Justice for ALL!"

Yes! The United States of America was designed to be a Zion and Washington DC was designed to be a New Jerusalem (more literally than some even believe), but our Zion is falling into lawlessness and our Capital is the epitome of Sodom and Gomorrah. As such, The Day of the Lord is coming Upon the United States of America and judgments upon us are increasing in intensity. These judgments are designed to accomplish 2 things: 1. Bring the people to a return to God and his laws that establish their Freedom, 2. Continue in Intensity until the Government and people are destroyed.

Is it any wonder that the Book of Mormon goes to great lengths to repeat over and over again the covenant promise that, "if you keep the commandments you shall prosper in the land"? What Commandments? The Torah--The Ten Commandments, etc? These were the commandments given to the Nephites that preserved them. These commandments are the same commandments given to the United States of America and which sit engraven in stone in our Nations Capital. Notice that it is also these commandments that our adversaries seek to remove from all our public buildings, schools, etc. As a result of their victories in removing the commandments from our hearts, minds, and actions our children now do not know the God in whom they should trust! The prosperity of America is being removed and as such our children mourn for the loss of their prosperity rather than mourning for turning from the God of Israel and his commandments.-- The sorrowing of the Damned as described in the Book of Mormon.

As a result the Day of the Lord (a Hebraic Expression of the Day of Judgment) is coming upon us- The United States of America. The Day of the Lord has occurred once in this land and just prior to it the Lord sent Joseph Smith and the Covenant message of the Book of Mormon to not only warn the people but to lay the foundation for Zion and a New Jerusalem in Jackson County, Missouri. By the time of Joseph Smith, the Government had already experienced its first waves of corruption and lawlessness in the land. The result of not heeding the voice of warning was the Civil War-- a Day of the Lord.

God in his mercy and in keeping his covenant promises to the Fathers of the Book of Mormon to establish this land as a land of freedom used this Day of Judgment to commence a course correction to establish a condition where Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness could once again be established under his commandments. Like Ancient Israel, the result is that we have gone off track again.
Now in our present era we are once again approaching the Day of the Lord for our Nation. But there is a way to overturn the covenant curses coming upon the land. We must obtain the covenant blessings. To obtain the covenant blessings we must once again return to God, His Covenant, and uphold his commandments as the basis for our rule of law. These actions on an individual and collective basis create the condition of Zion- and an opportunity to once again establish a New Jerusalem. By doing this we once again create the sacred space where Heaven and earth connect and the presence of God is restored to the land.

So perhaps rather than viewing Zion as the Magical world of Harry Potter, we can commence our return by seeing it in the same light as our founding fathers did when they established this nation. They saw their lives as a covenant responsibility where WE , " Hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their created with certain (fixed) unalienable rights that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

But remember Wickedness (twisting God's Commandments) never was happiness!



Wednesday, November 29, 2017

OBTAINING THE RECORD OF HEAVEN



Sometimes some of the greatest truths are hidden in plain sight.  In true Israelite fashion the Prophet Nephi encodes his account with the knowledge of the Fathers (even Adam) that was preserved by the House of Israel to come forth in the latter days.  This knowledge preserved by Nephi in its purity contains the building blocks of connecting with God and the establishment of Zion. The keys of this knowledge preserved by the Jews reveals the true purpose of the Book of Mormon as a transformational text and guide for future generations to obtain the presence of the Lord as did Nephi the son of Lehi and 3 Nephi and the people in the Land of Bountiful.  Using the Keys of ancient Israel, reveals that the "Fullness of the Gospel" is more than just a narrative historical account- but a text book that containing the Science and Mysteries preserved by The House of  Israel.

Obtaining the Record of the Jews or Obtaining the Record of Heaven

Many have read the account of Nephi obtaining the brass plates from the possession of Laban in the Land of Jerusalem.  In true Israelite fashion Nephi relates this story not only to communicate the literal historical account, but encodes his account to contain sublime teachings that were passed down by the Fathers through the House of Israel.  The account he records is his literal account of obtaining the Record of the Jews, but the encoded message is one of instruction on obtaining the Record of Heaven.

The true Israelite walks with faith and trust into the darkness of the world, but once there he or she has a choice- be overcome and turn back from the darkness or to transform the darkness into light.  We are to transform from the natural man into the spiritual child of God.  In a very real spiritual transformation, we can rise from the weakness of the natural man into the strength that comes from connecting with God.  Our steps of ascension are guided and fueled by the Holy Ghost, The Comforter, the Ruach ha Kodesh—The Record of Heaven.  The steps in obtaining the Record of Heaven are the first steps in leaving behind the illusion of this 1% material/physical world and ascending into the world of the 99%.

The Path to Obtain the Record of Heaven

Because of his first child like steps of trust, steadiness, and submission of heart, Nephi is blessed of God.  This state or condition of “blessed” represents his connection with God because of his openness to the teachings and instructions of God.  He has not ascended into the fullness of the presence of God represented by Celestial World (Atziluth), but he has commenced the journey into the worlds above. As such, Nephi serves as a type of every believing man and woman who seeks oneness with God and a fullness of his rest.   As a new initiate along the Path, Lehi sends his son down into the world from his tent of dwelling to obtain the Record of Heaven represented by the record of the Jews in the possession of Laban in Jerusalem.

“And it came to pass that I, Nephi, returned from speaking with the Lord, to the tent of my father. And it came to pass that he spake unto me, saying: Behold I have dreamed a dream, in the which the Lord hath commanded me that thou and thy brethren shall return to Jerusalem. For behold, Laban hath the record of the Jews and also a genealogy of my forefathers, and they are engraven upon plates of brass. Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me that thou and thy brothers should go unto the house of Laban, and seek the records, and bring them down hither into the wilderness.” (1 Nephi 3:1-4)

Just as our spirits are sent down from God’s tabernacle or tent of dwelling in the high heavens to the world, Nephi is sent forth from his father’s tent of dwelling to Jerusalem.  His task is to obtain the record of the Jews which symbolizes the Record of Heaven, even the Ruach ha Kodesh or Holy Ghost.  The record of the Jews contained a genealogy of his forefathers just as the Holy Ghost or Record of Heaven contains the connecting line or spiritual genealogical chain to the Fathers in Heaven.  Like the characters that are permanently engraven upon shining plates of brass, the Record of Heaven contains the permanent and eternal record (our connection with God) from the realm of glory and everlasting burnings (Atziluth).  Engraven in the Records of Heaven is all knowledge of past, present, and future including the goodness and mysteries of God.*

“Therefore it is given to abide in you; the record of heaven; the Comforter; the peaceable things of immortal glory; the truth of all things; that which quickeneth all things, which maketh alive all things; that which knoweth all things, and hath all power according to wisdom, mercy, truth, justice, and judgment.” (Moses 6:61)

The House of Laban

In Hebrew the name Laban means “white”.  In the teachings of ancient Israel Laban represents what is called loben ha elyon or “the heavenly or celestial whiteness”.  The name “Laban” represents the power of transformation.  He represents the opposition to ascension and transformation. His house is the location where the conflict to obtain the record of Heaven takes place.  His name has to do with the transformation from one extreme state to another- like coal into diamond. At first glance this idea may appear contradictory considering that Laban was an evil person in whom resided an investiture of power and authority in Israel-like unto a mighty one of God.  Laban represents a mighty one who is in a higher station that stands in the way to Nephi to obtaining the record of Heaven.  He is an adversary who attempts to thwart Nephi and his family from their quest to the promises land (the presence of God).  Laban represents the opposition that serves as the catalyst whereby ascension or transformation can take place.  His home being within the walls of Jerusalem tells us that the place where this transformation occurs is in this world of opposition with him representing an adversary that seeks to keep us from obtaining the record of Heaven that will ultimately lead us to the Land of Promise.

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“And now, behold thy brothers murmur, saying it is a hard thing which I have required of them; but behold I have not required it of them, but it is a commandment of the Lord. Therefore go, my son, and thou shalt be favored of the Lord, because thou hast not murmured. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them. And it came to pass that when my father had heard these words he was exceedingly glad, for he knew that I had been blessed of the Lord.” (1 Nephi 3:5-8)

Laman and Lemuel represent the ego or carnal man that cannot comprehend the things of God.  They complain because the carnal man finds security in comfort, apathy, and complacency.  Because of their disconnect with the light of God, they cannot see or comprehend the way.  Nephi representing the spiritual man seeking ascension understands that God has prepared a path or way whereby his children may ascend.  The throne of Heaven does not command unless it also has prepared the path or way to complete the journey.  Again, Nephi’s obedience, willing, and submissive heart to God is represented by his “blessed” state of connectedness or the presence of God that attends him.

“And I, Nephi, and my brethren took our journey in the wilderness, with our tents, to go up to the land of Jerusalem. And it came to pass that when we had gone up to the land of Jerusalem, I and my brethren did consult one with another. And we cast lots—who of us should go in unto the house of Laban. And it came to pass that the lot fell upon Laman; and Laman went in unto the house of Laban, and he talked with him as he sat in his house. And he desired of Laban the records which were engraven upon the plates of brass, which contained the genealogy of my father. And behold, it came to pass that Laban was angry, and thrust him out from his presence; and he would not that he should have the records. Wherefore, he said unto him: Behold thou art a robber, and I will slay thee.” (1 Nephi 3:9-13)

Laman represents the carnal man of lawlessness (iniquity) who goes into the house of transformation or opposition to obtain the Record of Heaven.  He requests the record of Heaven based on the claim of his genealogy or relationship with the Fathers.  In resorting to right by pedigree, he attempts to lay hold upon that which is most holy and in doing so is thrust out by his adversary who declares that his claim has no legal foundation (i.e. Behold thou art a robber) whereupon he was thrust out unable to prevail to obtain the Record of Heaven.  The wall of a city protects the city from robbers, animals, and other enemy forces.  Laban as a Mighty One declares them to be a “robber” meaning that his (Laman’s) desires are still uncorrected- he is still carnal, sensual, and devilish.

“But Laman fled out of his presence, and told the things which Laban had done, unto us. And we began to be exceedingly sorrowful, and my brethren were about to return unto my father in the wilderness. But behold I said unto them that: As the Lord liveth, and as we live, we will not go down unto our father in the wilderness until we have accomplished the thing which the Lord hath commanded us. Wherefore, let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord; therefore let us go down to the land of our father’s inheritance, for behold he left gold and silver, and all manner of riches. And all this he hath done because of the commandments of the Lord.” (1 Nephi 3:14-16)

Laman as a man of lawlessness flees before opposition and because of his carnality fails to obtain the record.  Nephi who is still seeking to walk the path God has laid out to obtain the record of Heaven seeks then to them.  The events following though still demonstrate his youth, inexperience, and zeal as he declares a vow before god, “As the Lord liveth, and as we live, we will not go down unto our father in the wilderness until we have accomplished the thing which the Lord hath commanded us.”  His vow represents the sheer force of will that seeks to obtain the things of God.  His zeal and will power to keep God’s commandments are good and commendable, but as he is still young and inexperienced as all who are young to this walk.  In doing so, his natural mind seeks to do what appears to be the only logical and reasonable thing obtain the record through the riches left by his father.  At this level of interpretation, the gold and silver and all manner of riches represent the vain idols, images, illusions, and things other than God in which men often put their trust.  They represent the rational mind of man that walks solely by the five senses.  They also represent the things of enumeration (counting) wherein mankind seeks to create their own sheets of valuation (i.e. checklists) thinking that in their checklists of supposed spiritual wealth they can obtain the things of God, The Record of Heaven.

“And it came to pass that we went down to the land of our inheritance, and we did gather together our gold, and our silver, and our precious things.  And after we had gathered these things together, we went up again unto the house of Laban. And it came to pass that we went in unto Laban, and desired him that he would give unto us the records which were engraven upon the plates of brass, for which we would give unto him our gold, and our silver, and all our precious things.

And it came to pass that when Laban saw our property, and that it was exceedingly great, he did lust after it, insomuch that he thrust us out, and sent his servants to slay us, that he might obtain our property. And it came to pass that we did flee before the servants of Laban, and we were obliged to leave behind our property, and it fell into the hands of Laban.” (1 Nephi 3:22-26)

At first glance it would appear that gathering the gold, silver, and precious things constitute the rational course to obtain the record of Heaven.  Based on human reasoning and the manner in which we enumerate/value things, the exchange of our precious things for the record appears to be a just exchange.  Laban as a formidable adversary sees their worldly wealth, status, and man crafted righteousness again throws them out and sends his servants to take away their wealth.  In the wilderness there is nothing of substance that can give position, rank, comparative righteousness, and security.  In the world, our idols of position, rank, comparative righteousness, and security are of great value.  Their adversary in takes away their wealth of illusions; i.e. checklists and images of manmade righteousness.  In doing so they no longer have standing among the people and institutions of the world. In the face of the adversary, their human devices and idols fail to deliver the record of Heaven. 

“And it came to pass that we fled into the wilderness, and the servants of Laban did not overtake us, and we hid ourselves in the cavity of a rock. And it came to pass that Laman was angry with me, and also with my father; and also was Lemuel, for he hearkened unto the words of Laman. Wherefore Laman and Lemuel did speak many hard words unto us, their younger brothers, and they did smite us even with a rod.

And it came to pass as they smote us with a rod, behold, an angel of the Lord came and stood before them, and he spake unto them, saying: Why do ye smite your younger brother with a rod? Know ye not that the Lord hath chosen him to be a ruler over you, and this because of your iniquities? Behold ye shall go up to Jerusalem again, and the Lord will deliver Laban into your hands. And after the angel had spoken unto us, he departed.  And after the angel had departed, Laman and Lemuel again began to murmur, saying: How is it possible that the Lord will deliver Laban into our hands? Behold, he is a mighty man, and he can command fifty, yea, even he can slay fifty; then why not us?” (1 Nephi 3:27-31)

The servants of Laban represent those influences, forces, individuals, groups, and powers that seek to prevent the initiate from obtaining the Record of Heaven. Unable to overcome these influences, Nephi and his brothers hide themselves in the cavity of a rock.  The cavity of a rock is a cave and the place of the cave in ancient Israel is called the place of correction. It is the place where understanding and this world merge to create a suitable vessel upon whom God can bestow.  In this place of correction, the carnal man (the inclination of receiving to covet, etc) is corrected. The cave is also a place of death where the natural inclinations of the carnal man are buried and the rebirth of the spiritual man can occur.

As Laman and Lemuel are angry with their Father and their younger brothers who represent the maturing child of God, a life and death struggle emerges.  It is a struggle between the carnal and the spiritual that resides in each of us.  Their smiting their younger brothers with a rod represents the attempt of the carnal man to subdue or even kill the spiritual man or woman that is emerging through sheer force of will. 

This incident at the cave or cavity of a rock is reminiscent of another prophet and cave of correction. In 1 Kings 19 we see the epic of Elijah after he fled from before King Ahav and Jezebel seeking comfort and safety in case.  Just as the angel of the Lord appeared to Nephi and his brothers so too did an angel of the Lord appear to Elijah to offer instruction and correction as he resided in the cave.  In this place the efforts and instruments of the carnal man are left behind and the submissive will of the child of God (of whom Nephi is a type) emerges.   Even after the intervention of God’s angel that represents the wisdom and understanding of God, Laman and Lemuel as the carnal man cannot grasp the correction.  They are overcome by their adversary Laban as a mighty one who can slay them in their attempts to obtain the record.  Here the angel of the Lord explains that Nephi has been chosen to ascend because of his submission and obedience to God as indicated by the phrase, “the Lord hath chosen him to be a ruler over you”.  While Laman and Lemuel as a symbol of the natural man cannot because of their self-will and lawlessness.

“And it came to pass that I spake unto my brethren, saying: Let us go up again unto Jerusalem, and let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord; for behold he is mightier than all the earth, then why not mightier than Laban and his fifty, yea, or even than his tens of thousands? Therefore let us go up; let us be strong like unto Moses; for he truly spake unto the waters of the Red Sea and they divided hither and thither, and our fathers came through, out of captivity, on dry ground, and the armies of Pharaoh did follow and were drowned in the waters of the Red Sea.  Now behold ye know that this is true; and ye also know that an angel hath spoken unto you; wherefore can ye doubt? Let us go up; the Lord is able to deliver us, even as our fathers, and to destroy Laban, even as the Egyptians.” (1 Nephi 4:1-3)

The teachings of the Fathers do not just relate the accounts given in the scriptures as just historical accounts.  Besides the literal account of the Red Sea dividing, this miraculous event also teaches the inner reality of man and his ascension in connecting with God.  Nephi cites the parting of the red sea and the deliverance from the armies of Pharoah not only to draw the minds of his brothers to faith and trust in the God of Israel, but also to teach us that submission and obedience to God is the way to ascend the center pillar or pathway to God.


The dividing of the waters “hither and thither” represent the right and left hand pillars of the tree of life.  The dry ground represents the center pillar, pillar of balance or mildness, or the pathway in a strait and narrow course back into the presence of God.  Moses and the children of Israel represent the spiritual children of God who can ascend up the center pillar into the presence of God.  The Pharaoh and his armies represent those who natural, carnal, or egotistical people who attempt to ascend only to drown in the great deep or waters of the Red Sea.  The sea or deep symbolizes the waters of power (Gevurah) that only part for those who desire and are ready to separate themselves from the natural man who is self-interested, self-willed, and lawless.  The miracle of separation only occurs through faith (trusting-loyalty) to God as we are ready to go beyond the reason of our five senses fueled by the sheer force of love (charity/tzedekah).

Nephi understood that there was a revelation and command delivered from God to his father-i.e. obtain the record.  He had the initial understanding that is the result of the light that was revealed.  In his journey to obtain the Record of Heaven he leaves his father’s tent of dwelling in the wilderness to go up to Jerusalem which represents the Heavenly City- the location of the Throne of God (Temple) and the repository of records.

In the teaching’s passed down from the Fathers it is taught that there is no place where God is not.  Even in the darkness his spirit is the light although the darkness does not comprehend it. Nephi’s experience reveals this truth that even in the place of darkness the light of God is revealed. Even in this world of 1% the radiance of God is still present. Nephi and his brothers venture into this world of danger and are then prospered receiving the light of revelation.  His declaration to, “Let us go up” indicates his willing and submissive separation from the natural or carnal man to ascend as the Fathers did thereby overcoming his adversary (Laban) to obtain the record of Heaven (record of the Jews).

“Now when I had spoken these words, they were yet wroth, and did still continue to murmur; nevertheless they did follow me up until we came without the walls of Jerusalem. And it was by night; and I caused that they should hide themselves without the walls. And after they had hid themselves, I, Nephi, crept into the city and went forth towards the house of Laban.” (1 Nephi 4:4-5)

As is usually the case, even though great miracles are manifest and even angels of the Lord appears, the Natural man in us goes up still kicking, screaming, and complaining in our attempts to obtain the record of Heaven and connect with God.  As Nephi and his brothers begin their ascent, they come up against what is called the klipoth, barrier, or what we might term the veil.  It is the place where the ego or carnal man cannot pass, but where the spiritual man can ascend through the darkness to engage his adversary.  Their first step of ascension is their decent into the night and into the city.

THE KEYS OF OBTAINING THE RECORD OF HEAVEN
 – The Testimony and the Law
“And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.” (1 Nephi 4:6)

In their previous attempts to gain the records, the sons of Nephi attempted to approach their adversary and obtain the records after the manner of the natural or carnal man.  Their request based on pedigree was met with expulsion.  Their attempt to purchase the records through the self-righteousness of their idols, riches, status, and other precious things was also met with their expulsion and failure to obtain the record. 

The Voice of the Spirit:

This time Nephi having separated himself from the natural or carnal man begins his ascent as a child of God who approaches his adversary like King David (A man after God’s own heart) - trusting, self-less, seeking not his own, not being puffed up in self.  He approaches his Adversary with the heart of a child filled with Tzedekah (Charity- see Moroni 7:45).  With this heart of altruism, he leans not upon his own understanding but upon the voice of the spirit—being led step by step by God’s voice not know beforehand what he was going to do, but walking in trusting obedience to God’s instructions to go up and obtain the record.

“Nevertheless I went forth, and as I came near unto the house of Laban I beheld a man, and he had fallen to the earth before me, for he was drunken with wine.  And when I came to him I found that it was Laban. And I beheld his sword, and I drew it forth from the sheath thereof; and the hilt thereof was of pure gold, and the workmanship thereof was exceedingly fine, and I saw that the blade thereof was of the most precious steel. And it came to pass that I was constrained by the Spirit that I should kill Laban; but I said in my heart: Never at any time have I shed the blood of man. And I shrunk and would that I might not slay him.” (1 Nephi 4:7-10)

Nephi as a child of God did not declare war upon his adversary nor did he enter the city with an intent to take Laban’s life.  As has been illustrated, our Adversary is Mighty and formidable, in and of ourselves we have no power to defeat him or that part of him in us represented by the natural man.  It is God who delivers the Adversary into the hands of the spiritual child with the Adversary being rendered powerless symbolized by his falling to the earth.  Nephi explains that when he found his Adversary he was drunken with wine. Wine represents the Light of Wisdom (Chokmah).  For a spiritual/child of God vessel prepared to receive the wine the wine becomes light to the soul.  For a carnal and natural man, the light of wisdom reduces him to the level of an animal.  The more light given to the natural or carnal man, the more animalistic he/she becomes.  The more light given to the child of God, the more pure and refined he or she becomes. The blade of the sword represents the power to correct the disconnection and disharmony between God and man. The hilt of the sword being forged of pure gold symbolizes the power to change the pure ego/natural man into its opposite or spiritual child of God.  The voice of the spirit compelled Nephi to a course of action that would cause him to slay his Adversary. His first and natural response was to shrink back.

The Law:

“And the Spirit said unto me again: Behold the Lord hath delivered him into thy hands. Yea, and I also knew that he had sought to take away mine own life; yea, and he would not hearken unto the commandments of the Lord; and he also had taken away our property. And it came to pass that the Spirit said unto me again: Slay him, for the Lord hath delivered him into thy hands; Behold the Lord slayeth the wicked to bring forth his righteous purposes. It is better that one man should perish than that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief. And now, when I, Nephi, had heard these words, I remembered the words of the Lord which he spake unto me in the wilderness, saying that: Inasmuch as thy seed shall keep my commandments, they shall prosper in the land of promise.” (1 Nephi 4:12-14)

Despite what many think, Nephi was not commanded to commit pre-meditated murder.  His act was based upon the laws of the goel ha’dam (avenger of blood).  This is established by the voice of the spirit evoking the law of God in Exodus 21:12-13, “He that smiteth a man, so that he die, shall be surely put to death  and if a man lie not in wait, but God deliver him into his hand; then I will appoint thee a place whither he shall flee.”

In the ancient mind, Nephi is rising to the level of wisdom.  In witnessing Laban fallen to the earth before him, Nephi has reached the place of complete awareness of what is happening inside of him.  His obedience to the voice of the spirit is not done in a vacuum.  He slays his Adversary, a symbol of the natural man and ego, by making his decision on the basis of the voice of the spirit and God’s law.  In the mind of an Israelite, the law of God represents the physical manifestation of the character and attributes of God in this physical world.  It is through the law of God that operates in the physical world that the voice of the spirit is given physical manifestation in the world in which we live. 
The manner of destroying the natural man comes through the action of two witness: the voice of the spirit and the Law.  This is the higher meaning of the scripture, “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” (Isaiah 8:20)  As we make our ascent from the carnal to the spiritual child of God, there are many influences that can lead us down paths far from our destination of the promised land.  

“Yea, and I also thought that they could not keep the commandments of the Lord according to the law of Moses, save they should have the law. And I also knew that the law was engraven upon the plates of brass. And again, I knew that the Lord had delivered Laban into my hands for this cause—that I might obtain the records according to his commandments. Therefore I did obey the voice of the Spirit, and took Laban by the hair of the head, and I smote off his head with his own sword.” (1 Nephi 4:15-18)

In the mouths of two or more witnesses all things are established and in the case of ascension it is no different.  The spirit testifies according to the commandments and the commandments of God’s law give the instructions by the spirit physical manifestation in this world.  Remember, the plates of brass on this level of interpretation represent the Record of Heaven.  The commandments of God according to his law are engraven upon the Record of Heaven so that light and structure come together in functional oneness.  It is God’s commandment that we receive the Record of Heaven and it is thus obtained by heeding the voice of the spirit unity with God’s law-one testifying of the other.  In cutting off the head of Laban who represents an Adversary and also the epitome of one in their fallen animalistic condition Nephi cuts of the head and ruling triad of his Adversary’s power- his crown/authority (Kether), His wisdom (Chokmah), and his understanding (Binah).

“And after I had smitten off his head with his own sword, I took the garments of Laban and put them upon mine own body; yea, even every whit; and I did gird on his armor about my loins. And after I had done this, I went forth unto the treasury of Laban. And as I went forth towards the treasury of Laban, behold, I saw the servant of Laban who had the keys of the treasury. And I commanded him in the voice of Laban, that he should go with me into the treasury. And he supposed me to be his master, Laban, for he beheld the garments and also the sword girded about my loins. And he spake unto me concerning the elders of the Jews, he knowing that his master, Laban, had been out by night among them. And I spake unto him as if it had been Laban.   ” (1 Nephi 4:19-20)

After slaying his Adversary, Nephi transforms himself by taking on the garments and armor of Laban.  Donning the garments of superior authority, wisdom, and understanding Nephi symbolically transforms into a being of supernal or celestial whiteness- a new being.   In his new identity, he is able to access the treasury of Laban.  The celestial treasury (Otzer in Hebrew) refers to the source of every human soul.  In his new identity, he is able to pass by the servant who holds the keys to this treasury.   Obtaining the Record of Heaven from the Celestial Treasury symbolizes our connection and lifeline to God as, “it is given to abide in you; the record of heaven; the Comforter; the peaceable things of immortal glory; the truth of all things; that which quickeneth all things, which maketh alive all things; that which knoweth all things, and hath all power according to wisdom, mercy, truth, justice, and judgment. And now, behold, I say unto you: This is the plan of salvation unto all men, through the blood of mine Only Begotten, who shall come in the meridian of time.”  According to the teachings of the Fathers, every human soul is part of God; like a children to their father.  Part of our journey in returning to God is to effect what is called tikkun or the restoration to God. Having subdued the carnal nature and being transformed he is able to assume a new identity in garments and power (sword) he is able to pass by the servant as if he were a mighty or heavenly being who has a right to the Record of Heaven.  Having obtained the Record of Heaven they are then prepared to go down into the wilderness to their Father’s tent or tabernacle of dwelling.

Summary:

The journey of the sons of Lehi represent the first steps in ascending into the presence of God.  It involves a submission and subduing of the natural or carnal man wherein one can the breach the wall or barrier that separates us from the Celestial Treasury that contains the Record of Heaven.  Laban represents our Adversary, the epitome of ego and the source of the carnal in the world, who stands between us and the record.  Attempts to secure our connection with Heaven through carnal, egotistical, and idolatrous means only succeed in getting us thrust out by this mighty Adversary.  Nephi who represents the spiritual child of God goes into his place of correction where the natural man is divided from the spiritual man.  In true childlike humility, trust, and submission he goes forward not knowing what to do but trusting that God has the ability to reduce his Adversary and source of his carnal man to powerlessness wherein he then is given instructions by two witnesses-the voice of the spirit in unity with the Law of God.  In obedience to the instructions given by the voice of these two witnesses, he succeeds in cutting of the authority, wisdom, and understanding of his Adversary.  In doing so he can assume the condition and status of a celestial being or mighty one to pass by the servants who guard the Celestial Treasury and obtain the Record of Heaven.  The Celestial Treasury representing the source of all human spirits even the dwelling place of God and the Record of Heaven representing the connecting Ruach ha Kodesh (Holy Ghost) that comes with all the knowledge and power to manifest the power of God according to wisdom, mercy, truth, justice, and judgment.

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO STEADY THE ARK?



The cry of “Steadying the Ark” is a  phrase that is often used by people and religious leaders alike to silence people who ask questions or suggest, “ALL IS NOT WELL IN ZION.” In doing do they cite the episode involving King David and a man by the name of Uzzah that occurred when King David set his hand to move the Ark of the Covenant from its temporary resting place to Jerusalem.

It is normal for those involved in group or community dynamics to want to maintain a state of equilibrium--i.e. the status quo.  Like the voice of an innocent child who vocalizes clearly what others know to be true but are often too afraid to say anything, sometimes, the emperor really does have no clothes on. But, what if I told you though that the ark was meant to be steadied? What if I told you that Uzzah was the victim of a Priesthood lax in the adherence to God’s commandments?

In 2 Samuel 6, we read the account of a man named Uzzah, and the inappropriate handling of the Ark of the Covenant:

"David again gathered all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. 2 And David arose and went with all the people who were with him from Baale-judah to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the name of the Lord of hosts who sits enthroned on the cherubim. 3 And they carried the ark of God on a new cart and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill. And Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were driving the new cart, 4 with the ark of God, and Ahio went before the ark. 5 And David and all the house of Israel were making merry before the Lord, with songs and lyres and harps and tambourines and castanets and cymbals.

6 And when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen stumbled. 7 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him down there because of his error, and he died there beside the ark of God. 8 And David was angry because the Lord had burst forth against Uzzah. And that place is called Perez-uzzah, to this day. 9 And David was afraid of the Lord that day, and he said, “How can the ark of the Lord come to me?” 10 So David was not willing to take the ark of the Lord into the city of David. But David took it aside to the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. 11 And the ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-edom the Gittite three months, and the Lord blessed Obed-edom and all his household."

The Ark of the Covenant can and should be steadied in the way God had outlined to the Levites. They were to carry the Ark on their shoulders as is specified in Exodus 25:12-15 and Numbers 7:9. It was never to be placed in a cart pulled by oxen. Instead of the priesthood upholding God’s law and enacting his instructions they treated that which is most holy as common and profane. The story is a description and warning not to Uzzah who was an innocent and well intentioned bystander, but to the Leaders and the Priesthood of God’s people. To an Israelite the message is clear, the laws and ordinances of God can never be altered or changed by the position of the king (Leaders in Zion) or the Priesthood (those who were charged to steady the ark according the law and pattern God had set). In truth Uzzah was a victim of a King (even King David) who did not know the law in this instance and a priesthood that should have known to uphold and adhere strictly to God’s commandments. Ignorance is no excuse for mishandling such things, and is in fact inexcusable under God’s law.

When the ox stumbled Uzzah instinctively reached out to steady the Ark and was struck down. While we may consider this severe, the problem was not simply that he had touched the Ark. The problem was that the Priesthood charged with the care and handling of holy things had grown sloppy and lax. Three months later after consulting other priests, inquiring of the Lord, and consulting the scriptures King David finally figured out that this incident occurred because the Ark had not been steadied according to the commandments of God.

This story was committed to Israel as a warning that God’s commandments and ordinances cannot be changed or abrogated by anyone’s “good intentions” whether it be king, priest, or lay member. The principle of covenant being communicated is a message that had the leaders and the priesthood steaded the Ark of the Covenant according to the commandments and instructions of God, disaster would have been averted.

This story has nothing to do with not questioning leaders or informing leaders about disobedience and failure to adhere to God’s commandments. In fact it is really just the opposite, it is a charge to all of us to study and know God’s commandments and ordinances so that when leaders and Priesthood fail to uphold and follow God’s word that we stand up and inform them and the people of Gods commandments and statutes so that other disaster may be averted.  While it is still the leaders' and the priesthood's responsibility to carry out God's instructions in exactness, it is also our responsibility to know what God's commandments say and to speak up when those instructions may not be considered or are being clearly disregarded.

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

The Importance of the Book of Mormon and the Covenant it Establishes

The Book of Mormon as a covenant establishes the foundation  upon which we can dwell together in peace if we unitedly adopt and establish these principles set forth by the Messiah, Jesus Christ, as the sure foundation and rock upon which all brothers and sisters can establish their hearts, homes, and communities as Holiness to the Lord.

Even as in times past God has given his commandment to be one and to Love the Lord with all our heart, might, mind, and strength those who take upon them the yoke of Christ will uphold the Ten Commandments and the Sermon at the Temple as enumerated by the Book of Mormon to be the foundation and constitution upon which all hearts may come together in oneness and all communities can establish themselves in covenant peace forever heeding the words of God and the prophets, “Inasmuch as thy seed shall keep my commandments, they shall prosper in the land of promise..” (1 Nephi 2:20)

But now Abinadi said unto them: I know if ye keep the commandments of God ye shall be saved; yea, if ye keep the commandments which the Lord delivered unto Moses in the mount of Sinai, saying:

1. I am the Lord thy God, who hath brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other God before me.

2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing in heaven above, or things which are in the earth beneath.

3. And now, ye remember that I said unto you: Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of things which are in heaven above, or which are in the earth beneath, or which are in the water under the earth.

4. And again: Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them; for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquities of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generations of them that hate me;And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.

5. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

6. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

7. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work; But the seventh day, the sabbath of the Lord thy God, thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates; For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is; wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

8. Honor thy father and thy mother, that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

9. Thou shalt not kill.

10. Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt not steal.

11. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

12. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor’s.

The Book of Mormon renews the covenant relationship for those dwelling in the land.  The Heart of the Covenant is the Sermon at the Temple with the Chief and Corner Stone Being the Doctrine of Christ:

"Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him.

And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had appeared unto them. And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying:

Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning….” (3 Nephi 11)

Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, I will declare unto you my doctrine.

“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 me, 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.

And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned. Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and I bear record of it from the Father; and whoso believeth in me believeth in the Father also; and unto him will the Father bear record of me, for he will visit him with fire and with the Holy Ghost. And thus will the Father bear record of me, and the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me; for the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost are one.

And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things. And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them.

And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them.” ( 3 Nephi 11)

The Book of Mormon provides the necessary witnesses to both Jew and Gentile- indeed to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people who come upon this land to receive it as a Land of Promise and  the ordinances contained therein are the ordained instructions to establish this covenant in the land.
The importance of the Book of Mormon cannot be overstated because through it man may connect with God and establish Heaven even Zion on Earth.  Taking this as our foundation we can then commence in walking in the way of peace with greater truths still yet to be revealed. Is it any wonder the articles of faith state in summary, “We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.” (Articles of Faith)

Thursday, May 18, 2017

God's Commandments! His Instructions to Dwell in Righteousness




For a people to be Zion they must dwell in righteousness. This expression contains a two fold meaning that gives us additional information on how to be Zion. If this characteristic was important enough to be used in Moses’ description of Enoch’s Zion then perhaps it would help us to understand what righteousness is and what it means to dwell in righteousness.
In describing Enoch’s Zion Moses stated:

“And from that time forth there were wars and bloodshed among them; but the Lord came and dwelt with his people, and they dwelt in righteousness. The fear of the Lord was upon all nations, so great was the glory of the Lord, which was upon his people. And the Lord blessed the land, and they were blessed upon the mountains, and upon the high places, and did flourish. And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them. (Moses 7: 16-18)

The phrase “dwelt in righteousness” although simple is packed with meaning. To understand what it means to dwell in righteousness we must understand what righteousness is from a Hebraic point of view.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word. Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments. My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law (Torah).” (Psalms 119: 5-9)

To an Israelite his walk with God is the path.  Just as the Hebrew word resha (wicked) carries the meaning of departing from God’s path, the Hebrew word tzadik (righteous) carries of the meaning of walking in God’s path.  God’s commandments and instructions are the path of righteousness.  To uphold, correctly interpret, protect, and carry out God’s commandments is righteousness.

Righteousness is not some mystical state of bliss but a condition of being where people establish and carry out God’s commandments or laws amongst them.  In describing who would dwell in the holy hill and in the presence of God’s tabernacle, King David demonstrates God’s definition of righteousness as condition, attitude, and most importantly actions:

 “[[A Psalm of David.]] LORD, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? who shall dwell in thy holy hill?
He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart. He that backbiteth not with his tongue, nor doeth evil to his neighbour, nor taketh up a reproach against his neighbour. In whose eyes a vile person is contemned; but he honoureth them that fear the LORD. He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not. He that putteth not out his money to usury, nor taketh reward against the innocent. He that doeth these things shall never be moved.” (Psalms 15)

When we hear the word Law images of police cars, handcuffs, and swirling red and blue lights come to mind. When many Mormons read their Israelite scriptures their approach is that of western protestant Christianity that is based upon a Greek-Gentile Mindset and culture. They read Hebraic expressions such as “I have come to fulfill the law” from a gentile paradigm.

“2 And it came to pass that when Jesus had said these words he perceived that there were some among them who marveled, and wondered what he would concerning the law of Moses; for they understood not the saying that old things had passed away, and that all things had become new.
3 And he said unto them: Marvel not that I said unto you that old things had passed away, and that all things had become new. 4 Behold, I say unto you that the law is fulfilled that was given unto Moses. 5 Behold, I am he that gave the law, and I am he who covenanted with my people Israel; therefore, the law in me is fulfilled, for I have come to fulfil the law; therefore it hath an end. 6 Behold, I do not destroy the prophets, for as many as have not been fulfilled in me, verily I say unto you, shall all be fulfilled. 7 And because I said unto you that old things have passed away, I do not destroy that which hath been spoken concerning things which are to come. 8 For behold, the covenant which I have made with my people is not all fulfilled; but the law which was given unto Moses hath an end in me. (3 Nephi 15)

Verse 2-3: Old and New-- The word for new finds its root in the Hebrew word Chodesh. The word Chodesh that is translated "new" relates to the idea of the NEW MOON. It draws upon the picture of a cycle. The moon goes through its phases from Dark to light to back to darkness. What we call the New moon is actually a RE-NEWAL OF THE MOON every month. So for old things to become new in a Hebrew concept draws from the idea of a cycle of birth-maturity-death and then birth again, but in the end while we call it a "new moon" it is actually the same MOON Reborn. The Law God gave to Moses had its birth and through the applying of traditions and apostasy it matured and waned but through the Messiah it is re-newed just as our Moon is renewed every month. Same law in its original state and intent or as Mormons might understand it-- IT WAS RESTORED.

4-5 Fulfilled- From a Gentile point of view fulfilled means it literally has an end, i.e so we don't have to follow it anymore. As such that means I get to worship other Gods, disrespect my parents, steal, murder, and sleep with your wife, etc as the law is fulfilled and done away. To FULFILL the Torah to a Jew means to PROPERLY INTERPRET AND PERFORM THE TORAH. So when the Messiah says he comes to FULFILL the LAW he means that he comes to give us the correct Interpretation and performance of the commandments he gave to Moses at Sinai.

The part that trips us up is the "it hath an end" part. Hebraic thought is rooted in cycles-- what we in the LDS world might call an eternal round. In Greek culture and though to have an end is similar to the idea of crossing the finish line in a race-- it is done and you finished the race. In Hebraic thought "the end" is the purpose for which something is Given. Hebrew is rooted in function. Like a cycle of the Moon we go through a cycle but in the end it is still the same moon. To accomplish the "end" of something is to accomplish it's purpose. The section of scripture above is part of a poetic structure and if you will notice the Messiah himself tells you what the end or purpose of the law, "but the law which was given unto Moses hath an end in me." In other words the law given to Moses is to bring us to the Messiah. That is it's purpose. There is one path, one way, one Messiah

Just like the United State of America has a Constitution to govern its people and to establish unity or oneness so does God’s Constitution Found in the Scriptures provides us with the foundation for unity or Oneness.  The ultimate expression of this is found in the greatest law as expressed by the Savior:

“And one of the scribes came up and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, asked him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?”
Jesus answered, “The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ (quoting Deuteronomy 6:4-5, The Shema) The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (quoting Leviticus 19:18)’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." (Mark 12:28-33)

To dwell in Righteousness we must dwell in Love. The Love that permeates Zion is no fleeting emotion or new age touchy feely rehashing of the doctrines perpetrated by the Greek love god.  The Love of Zion is a covenant love based upon God’s definition of love as taught in his instructions to his children:

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments… Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.”(John 14: 14,21)

The Master did not leave us without instructions.  Following classic Israelite style he gave the Sermon on the Mount as his “HOW TO” Manual to fulfill the commandments he gave at Mount Sinai. Lay the foundation of Zion.  Start by embracing the Ten Commandments as your covenant boundaries and the Sermon on the Mount as the Messiahs instructions on how to interpret and correctly perform those commandments.  In doing so, we will see the literal fulfillment of Nephi’s words:

“And because of the righteousness of his people, Satan has no power; wherefore, he cannot be loosed for the space of many years; for he hath no power over the hearts of the people, for they dwell in righteousness, and the Holy One of Israel reigneth. (1 Nephi 22:26)

Without God’s laws we live in a state of iniquity (lawlessness).  “And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked (1 John 2:3-6)

Re-Revealing the Law:



On February 9th and 23rd of 1831 the Prophet Joseph Smith received several revelations which now comprise Doctrine and Covenants 42.  In this section God's Law was given to the Saints in fulfillment of his promise to them that the law would be given in Ohio, "And that ye might escape the power of the enemy, and be gathered unto me a righteous people, without spot and blameless—Wherefore, for this cause I gave unto you the commandment that ye should go to the Ohio; and there I will give unto you my law; and there you shall be endowed with power from on high;  And from thence, whosoever I will shall go forth among all nations, and it shall be told them what they shall do; for I have a great work laid up in store, for Israel shall be saved, and I will lead them whithersoever I will, and no power shall stay my hand." (D&C 38:32-33)

So that the people could escape the power of the enemy and be gathered as a righteous people, God was going to reveal unto them his law so that in addition to being delivered they would be enabled and endowed with power from on high in preparation for the great work to be accomplished and so that all Israel would be saved.

So what Law was revealed?  What commandments did the Lord give us so that we can escape the power of the enemy and be gathered as a righteous people without spot and blameless?

 "18 And now, behold, I speak unto the church. Thou shalt not kill; and he that kills shall not have forgiveness in this world, nor in the world to come.

 19 And again, I say, thou shalt not kill; but he that killeth shall die.

 20 Thou shalt not steal; and he that stealeth and will not repent shall be cast out.

 21 Thou shalt not lie; he that lieth and will not repent shall be cast out.

 22 Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else.

 23 And he that looketh upon a woman to lust after her shall deny the faith, and shall not have the Spirit; and if he repents not he shall be cast out.

 24 Thou shalt not commit adultery; and he that committeth adultery, and repenteth not, shall be cast out.

 25 But he that has committed adultery and repents with all his heart, and forsaketh it, and doeth it no more, thou shalt forgive;

 26 But if he doeth it again, he shall not be forgiven, but shall be cast out.

 27 Thou shalt not speak evil of thy neighbor, nor do him any harm.

 28 Thou knowest my laws concerning these things are given in my scriptures; he that sinneth and repenteth not shall be cast out.

 29 If thou lovest me thou shalt serve me and keep all my commandments." (D&C 42)

God's Law - One Eternal Pattern



The same Law that God gave to Israel through Moses was reiterated to Joseph Smith.  The Lord begins to enumerate the same Law given to Moses. It is the same Law found within the Book of Mormon.  The very SAME LAW now revealed anew to Joseph Smith to us to escape the power of the enemy and be gathered as a righteous people.

What is interesting is that rather than give an entire complete rundown of all the laws he refers the people back to the scriptures they had--The Bible and the Book of Mormon. Of even further interest he reiterates the same instructions for the care of the poor and the needy by consecration as found in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon.

To achieve the oneness needed to establish Zion we must embrace Jesus Christ and his law.  Without it we will find ourselves upon a sandy foundation so that when the winds and rains beat upon us we will find ourselves washed away.

If we are truly seeking Zion we must remember what was prophesied about Zion,"And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem." (Isaiah 2:3)

Our current condition is a mystery of iniquity (lawlessness) in that the word of God is present before us like a light shining in a dark place, but the people choose the darkness.  Should we embrace God's commandments then there is an amazing promise in store:


"“In the future (latter-days), when you experience all these blessings and curses I have listed for you, and when you are living among the nations to which the LORD your God has exiled you, take to heart all these instructions.If at that time you and your children return to the LORD your God, and if you obey with all your heart and all your soul all the commands I have given you today,then the LORD your God will restore your fortunes. He will have mercy on you and gather you back from all the nations where he has scattered you. Even though you are banished to the ends of the earth, the LORD your God will gather you from there and bring you back again. The LORD your God will return you to the land that belonged to your ancestors, and you will possess that land again. Then he will make you even more prosperous and numerous than your ancestors! The LORD your God will change your heart and the hearts of all your descendants, so that you will love him with all your heart and soul and so you may live! ...

The LORD your God will delight in you if you obey his voice and keep the commands and decrees written in this Book of Instruction, and if you turn to the LORD your God with all your heart and soul.This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you to understand, and it is not beyond your reach. It is not kept in heaven, so distant that you must ask, ‘Who will go up to heaven and bring it down so we can hear it and obey?’

It is not kept beyond the sea, so far away that you must ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to bring it to us so we can hear it and obey?’

No, the message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart so that you can obey it.

“Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster. For I command you this day to love the LORD your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy.... (Deuteronomy 30).

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalms 119:105)

The mark of false prophets is that they lead people away from keeping God's commandments. Beware the wolves in sheep's clothing!


Monday, March 27, 2017

Walking in Covenant




God having revealed himself to the Fathers and establishing his sovereignty over all things establishes the covenant relationship.  We are then presented with a choice. Will we accept his rule and pledge our loyalty to him as the center of our faith or will we walk after the will of our own heart?  Having gone down into the waters of baptism we make a formal declaration of our loyalty and our intent to obey the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob.  Having made a declaration of our acceptance of him and our loyalty to him, we must then search diligently in the records of the Fathers to identify the promises God made to them and us as the recipients of their record.  

Once we have identified the promises made, the journey really begins. We must lay hold upon the promises-- or in other words we must make a claim for the promises.  God is no respecter of persons; but in every nation he that fears God and works righteousness is accepted of him. (Acts 10:43) As a covenant relationship is bound by legal terms, we must also make legal requests under the covenant. In other words, we have to ask for the promises to be fulfilled. 

Every year during the Fall Feast of Israel called Sukkot or The Feast of Tabernacles the body of people were called in a solemn assembly at an appointed place.  During this assembly the covenant of God (Torah) from the scriptures was read out loud in the ears of all Israel.  The purpose was so that no year went by where the word of God would not be heard in the ears of all the people.  It was a time when his covenant was rehearsed and the people presented themselves before God to honor him with an affirmation of obedience. 

During this time the priests would literally pray the promises.  Like a servant supplicating to a King or a child to a Father, they acknowledged the Sovereignty of God and requested a fulfillment of his promises to them based on the covenant God made with the Fathers.  In all requests, though, they submitted themselves to his will and authority, "Not my will but they will be done."  They did not ask frivolous items or demonstrations of special effects of God's powers.  Everything was requested to do one thing; to become one (echad) with God and to establish his Kingdom according to his will on earth. 

Making a covenant request or asking God to fulfill his promises is not only possible, but it is commanded.  Consider the Brother of Jared, "O Lord, thou hast said that we must be encompassed about by the floods. Now behold, O Lord, and do not be angry with thy servant because of his weakness before thee; for we know that thou art holy and dwellest in the heavens, and that we are unworthy before thee; because of the fall our natures have become evil continually; nevertheless, O Lord, thou hast given us a commandment that we must call upon thee, that from thee we may receive according to our desires." (Ether 3:2)

 As individuals and people, we must ask under the terms he sets out in that relationship.  The first term being that He is God and He is Sovereign.  We can then make a covenant request for his promises or to make promises to us under that relationship.  We uphold his righteous dominion in our submission to him-"Not my will but thy will be done!" We ask in the name of Christ or as it is understood in Hebraic terms, we ask to fulfill his commandments, to establish his kingdom, and to conform our hearts to his image. 

In The Book of Mosiah we see God declaring himself again through his Messenger to King Benjamin who is the servant King to the people in the Land of Zarahemla during a Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) (Mosiah 3:2-3).  His reign and words are reminiscent of Moses and are a type and shadow of Christ who was yet to come. In King Benjamin’s address he confirms the covenant hierarchy and mediation through the Son of God. In Mosiah 3 the covenant hierarchy is established with the Son of God being declared as the Ruler and Mediator of the Covenant.  The people are to consider themselves one like unto another-brothers and sisters and all beggars before the Lord. King Benjamin establishes the people as a covenant people like Moses did with the Children of Israel.  We are shown the opposite example of a righteous body in the story of the corrupt King Noah and his system of priestcraft as a comparison to God’s righteous system through King Benjamin. 

Like the incident of the Golden Calf we are given various accounts of covenant rebellion and restoration to covenant. In the accounts of the Sons of Mosiah, Alma the Younger, Korihor, Nehor, the Zoramites, etc we are shown the rebellion of the people as they attempt to establish and maintain their counterfeit systems as opposed to the society established by God's covenant.   Like ancient Israel who sought to establish their own order through a a golden medium, we are shown similar forms of rebellion and idolatry whether it be priest-craft, lawyer-craft, or king-craft.  Following the inclination of the natural man, the people wanted a god they could manipulate, control, and form after their own image. 

The sin of the Golden Calf occurred when the people took it upon themselves to worship God in a Manner he had not appointed. "behold tomorrow is a feast to YHVH", but God had not declared such a thing at that time. They approached God after the manner of worship in Egypt. The Golden Calf was meant to represent God who had delivered them from Egypt. By engaging in their own self styled manner of worship they expected God to honor it. The sad reality was that they were breaking the covenant and as such were kept out of the presence of God. The tabernacle was taken out of their midst and they were left with the Aaronic priesthood.  This type of idolatry is alive and well today both in and outside the Church.  Like the ancient Israelites many may have good  "intentions" but making an offering to God of that which he has not appointed is engaging in a new form of Golden Calf Worship.

How can you help people who are led only by their emotions and senses and proclaim it to be of God? The Golden Calf and the self styled system of worship was ground to powder in the end and then drunk by those who engaged in the worship. The symbolism is that of a idolatrous/Gentile system being destroyed and drunk by those Israelites who engaged in it. The effects were sickening and deadly to those who engaged in it.

There are many who lift up mortal men such as prophets, apostles, general authorities, Stake presidents, etc and place their words above God and his word.  They erroneously assume that every word from a leader with a title and office is the voice of God himself. In doing so, these same people set aside the revealed word of God being unable to discern between the precepts men and real revelation from the Most High.  In doing so, they are creating a new calf and a new system and then saying behold God this is for you! Accept our self created worship that you have not appointed. 

There are also those who are of the mindset that every fleeting thought and emotion that they have is God telling them what to do.  Like a ship without a rudder these people are tossed to and fro by fickle emotions and deceiving spirits.  Rather than establish themselves upon the Rock of God's word they create their own revelations and then supplant the legitimate word of God with things that are contrary to God's commandments. Those who throw away or belittle God's commandments in light of a spiritual apparition, impression, warm fuzzy, or other manifestation are not only engaging in Golden Calf worship they are placing themselves and their families at risk.

"To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Isaiah 8:20 NKJV

The Spirit of God will not instruct or testify to anyone to break the commandments of God. Not all people engage in this kind of behavior, but then again not all people engaged in the worship of the Golden Calf. Our loyalty and faith should be to God and his commandments. The epic of the Golden Calf and the resulting judgments that followed upon Israel left cultural scars that are still present to this day.  The generation that engaged in this "good intention" idolatry died in the wilderness and leaving only two men of that generation to step foot in the promised land.

When we are talking of covenants and entering into covenant with God it is a serious matter.  It is a matter not to be taken lightly.  It is a matter of deep prayer, study, and contemplation.  The seriousness of covenant is far beyond the pathetic definition given by some as a "strong promise".  A covenant with God is a covenant of life with penalties of death for those who enter and then break it.  The ramifications go far beyond the individual even as far reaching as a thousand generations.  Zeal is not enough!  Emotional Warm Fuzzies are not enough! Going along with "the body" is not enough!  Every man and woman of accountability must have a witness from God of the truthfulness of these things. We must test everything.

Saturday, January 14, 2017

WHY THE APPOINTED TIMES OF GOD?

For many of us who call ourselves Mormons, we seldom think about Biblical Holidays as anything more than a Jewish tradition. But these specific days were actually ordained by God and given to ALL of the House of Israel as perpetual ordinances. It is in these Appointed Times that we find the root of our tradition to engage in General Conference. One of the things we are to remember during the Holy Days are the covenants and promises of God's loving kindness, mercy and grace in history and the fulfillment in Jesus Christ. These set apart days point to God’s plan for all of mankind in regard to salvation and having a relationship with Him.

Q.        When were the Appointed Times Revealed?

A.        The appointed times were revealed by God to Adam in the Genesis of Creation, “Then Elohim said, 'Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons (moed), and for days and years;'” - Genesis 1:14
The Hebrew word translated here as “seasons” is the word moed or moedim (plural). The word itself means: properly an appointment, that is, a fixed time or season; specifically a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for a definite purpose); technically the congregation; by extension, the place of meeting; also a signal (as appointed beforehand): - appointed (sign, time), (place of, solemn) assembly, congregation, (set, solemn) feast, (appointed, due) season, solemn (-ity), synagogue, (set) time (appointed). (Strongs Condcordance From H3259)
Woven into the creation of the world God used the stars and planets to mark times and seasons.  The movement of the sun, moon and stars were provided not only for the calculation of time but for setting the appointed times when God was to meet with his people.  With this in mind, God designed an original science of astronomy to be used as prophetic markers that could not be altered by the hand of men.  His appointed times were part of his plan for man even before man himself was placed in the Garden. 

Q.        What are the Appointed times?

A.        Each week when we observe the Sabbath Day we are observing an Appointed Time.  The Feasts (or Appointed Times) of Israel are what are termed ‘High Sabbaths’.  Like the weekly Sabbath they are days specifically set apart by God for all his people to observe, “Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the Lord, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts.

Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings. These are the feasts of the Lord, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons.” – (Leviticus 23:2-4)
The keeping or remembering (to both say and to do) the Appointed times falls under the commandment, “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.”- (Exodus 20:8-11)

Q.        What is the purpose of Sabbaths or Appointed Times?

A.        Besides fulfilling the commandment to ‘remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy’ the observance of God’s appointed times served as times for his people to come, appear before him, and call upon his name. In many ways the modern Mormon events of General Conferences and Solemn Assemblies echo back to the observance of these divine appointments.  Examples of the observance of God’s appointed times can be seen with Adam at Adam-Ondi-Ahman, Moses and Israel at Mount Sinai, Jacob and the Nephites at the Day of Atonement, King Benjamin at the Feast of Tabernacles, Christ at Passover, Christ at the Temple in Bountiful, Joseph Smith and the receipt of the plates at the Feast of Trumpets, Passover at the Kirtland Temple Dedication, among many others.

Q.        What are the specific Appointed times?

A.        Besides the weekly Sabbath and the new moon of each month there are 7 High Holy Days appointed for all Israel to be observed through all their generations.
There are Seven specifically appointed times divided into Three Seasons of Observance:

Appointed Times of Observance:
(Spring)

1. Passover (Pesach)
2. Unleavened Bread (Chag Ha Matzah)
3. First Fruits (Ha Bikkurim)

4. Pentecost (Shavuot)

(Fall)
5. Day of Trumpets (Yom Teruah)
6. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
7. Tabernacles (Sukkot)

Q.  These appointed times or feasts are in the Law of Moses.  I thought Christ Fulfilled the Law of Moses?

A.        As we have previously shown the appointed times did not originate with Moses but were given in the creation to Adam and all his descendants.  Jesus said that He did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them. In Israelite culture to fulfill the law (Torah) is to observe God's commandments as given by God to Israel and to correctly interpret them. In addition, he also warned his disciples not to annul a commandment or to dissuade others from observing the commandments.
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:17-19)

Q.        The Book of Mormon specifically says that after Christ came they, “did not walk any more after the performances and ordinances of the law of Moses; but they did walk after the commandments which they had received from their Lord and their God, continuing in fasting and prayer, and in meeting together oft both to pray and to hear the word of the Lord.” 4 Nephi 1:12).  If they did not follow any more after the performances and ordinances of the Law of Moses why then should we observe the appointed times?

A.        The statement ‘performances and ordinances of the Law of Moses’ can be a little misleading to those not familiar with Israelite Law.  To an Israelite the Performances (ma-asim- performances or deeds of rabbis, prophets, teachers, elders, etc) and Ordinances (takanot- legislative enactments) would be comparative to our modern case law including city and state ordinances on how to carry out certain laws.  So if you were to compare the Covenant God made with Israel with the US Constitution then the performances and ordinances of the Law of Moses would be equivalent to our 2 million case laws as well as local and state ordinances on how to carry out the intent of the Constitution.  By saying that Christ fulfilled the Law of Moses the Israelite writers of the Bible and Book of Mormon mean that he brought them back to the proper interpretation and performance of the Covenant and commandments he made with all Israel. By saying that they followed no more after the performances and ordinances of the Law of Moses they are stating that they no longer carried out God’s commandments according to the man made legal rulings and traditions that developed over hundreds of years.  The Appointed times are not the legal enactments or traditions of men, but direct commands from God to be observed through all our generations.

Q.        How do the Appointed Times figure in with Prophecy?

A.        The appointed times are prophetic pictures that teach about the Messiah!  The set-apart times are cycles that foretell the redemptive acts which Messiah was to perform for his people.  This is why all Israel gathered together at the temple or other appointed place to present themselves for and participate in divine rehearsals of those things which came before in preparation for those things which will come again.  From the Book of Mormon to the Book of Revelation, God uses the cycles of the appointed times and the instructions for carrying them out to prepare his people for their deliverance from bondage, his deliverance of the covenant, and his establishment of his reign over all the earth.

Q.        What would be the purpose in observing the Appointed Times now?

A.        Besides honoring God and fulfilling his commandments, the Lord warns his people of pending judgment soon to be poured out upon our nation and gives them instructions regarding his appointed times.  The Lord commands his people to call your solemn assemblies:

Hearken, O ye people of my church, saith the Lord your God, and hear the word of the Lord concerning you— The Lord who shall suddenly come to his temple; the Lord who shall come down upon the world with a curse to judgment; yea, upon all the nations that forget God, and upon all the ungodly among you. For he shall make bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of their God.
Wherefore, prepare ye, prepare ye, O my people; sanctify yourselves; gather ye together, O ye people of my church, upon the land of Zion, all you that have not been commanded to tarry-go ye out from Babylon, be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord, call your solemn assemblies, and speak often one to another. And let every man call upon the name of the Lord. (D&C 133:1-6)

Through the mouth of his Servant Joseph Smith, God has declared a curse of judgment upon the nations that forget God and upon all the ungodly. As a result the eyes of ungodly Nations and peoples shall see the revelation of  the arm of the Lord in the experiencing of these judgments to their destruction to their salvation.  Oh, The Greatness and the Mercy of our God, for even in the midst of judgment and calamities, he remembers his people both Gentile, Remnant, and Jews in giving them divine instructions to prepare them for the days ahead:

1. Set yourselves apart by gathering together
2. Be clean
3. Call our solemn assemblies
4. Speak often to one another

5. Call upon the name of the Lord