Monday, March 25, 2019

The Tools Of The Disciple - Part 8 In The Watchers Series




The initiate into the ancient School of the Prophets embarked on a journey of holiness and discipline. The disciplined life created the conditions of holiness which allowed the disciple to be a connecting link between Heaven and Earth. As we become skilled in the art of the ancient disciplines taught to and by the Prophets, we follow in their footsteps to become vessels of spirit and light that are meant to draw people to God (YHVH).

The ancient art of the Prophets was composed of disciplines designed to bring the disciple to a knowledge of God (to know in Hebrew is to experience).  The disciplines were comprised of practises that schooled the disciple's daily habits and practises which ultimately led to the correction of the heart.  The correction of the Heart is what was known as walking after the order or pattern of the small face of God or as is also communicated as The Only Begotten.  When the heart is made whole the spirit of man is elevated and vibrates in concert with the Spirit of God (YHVH).  When a group of people heal their collective heart the Kingdom of God is restored to the people.  It is our direct experience (knowledge/knowing) that leads us down the path of darkness or the path of light.  Unless we enter our experiences with God and man with a corrected and healed heart, we will continue to walk in the footsteps of the natural man and woman, who are an enemy to God. As we begin to experience life with a healed and corrected heart, true beauty will follow.  As we create the beauty of God here on earth, the Kingdom of God is on Earth as it is in Heaven.

Just as the new disciple is immersed in the water grave of the tevilah (i.e. baptism/immersion) they die as to their old person. You as (Fill in your name here) become dead and arise as a new creation in Messiah.  In this new creation, all our old patterns and habits are meant to be shattered.   The old person, patterns, and habits belong to the world of the dead and darkness and must be returned to that world. In doing so, the disciple becomes a Son or Daughter of Light.  Is all done at this point? No. Because in this death, they have only walked through the gate.  Now comes the journey of filling our lives with the milk and honey of God's teachings and instructions.  The Son or Daughter of light is then on a journey to learn the disciples way and the art of Warfare.  True ascension to the Throne of God is not something that we do only once and we are done.  True Ascension is raising our spiritual consciousness and resonating with the Spirit of God (YHVH). It is something we live every day. It is a journey. 

The Prophet Nephi teaches this same ancient principle: 

"And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water?

Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments.

Wherefore, after he was baptized with water the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove. And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them."  (2 Nephi 31:6-9) 

He goes on by saying:

"Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.

And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive." (2 Nephi 31:17-18)

Nephi continues to follow this ancient pattern also communicated in the ancient Schools of the Prophets:

"And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.

Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen." (2 Nephi 31: 19-21)

Tool 1: Emunah-The Decision to put your Loyalty and Trust in Messiah:


The journey of the disciple is the journey of decision.  Most of the doubts and insecurity we face is because we have not made the decision of Faith (Emunah).  In Hebrew faith is not mental belief or assent, it is a principle of action wherein we have made the decision that we are putting our Loyalty and Trust in Messiah.  How do we have more faith?  The question we should ask is "How can I be more loyal to Messiah?"

This principle of faith as loyalty is demonstrated by the Messiah when asked:

"The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.

“Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’?

Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’?

Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded?

So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”

In the above teaching of the Messiah, he demonstrates faith/faithfulness (emunah) as being tied to actions of loyalty as a servant would be loyal to a master.  He is not saying to squint your eyes and grunt until you make your brain believe something that is not true or might be true.  He is admonishing us to trusting and loyal service to him as a servant would to a master.  True faith is not hypnotizing yourself to believe something that isn't there, it is a decisions to be loyal and trust the Master in all things- that whether good or unpleasant, all experiences bring us to him.

Tool 2: Having a Perfect Brightness of Hope


In Hebrew hope (tiqvah) is not wishful thinking.  It is an expectation based on a literal promise made by God.  When we place our hope in God, we are placing our expectations of an outcome based upon a literal promise made by God.  Our Hope or expectations are founded upon a declaration made by God.  If God has declared a promise, then a disciple sets his or her expectations based on the promise God has made.  If God made no promise, then there is nothing to base your expectation on.  When there is no promise, we are then engaging in wishful thinking. In wishful thinking there is only found doubt and uncertainty. To know what to expect, we must learn what the actual Promises of God are. 

Tool 3:  A Love of God and of all Men


It may seem strange to refer to Love as tool, but it is in our desire to receive from God to bestow upon God and upon our brothers that the power of God is revealed. When asked the question, What is the Highest law, the Messiah responded by declaring the Heart of Israel Given by God and recited by every observant Israelite to this day- The Shema:

"Hear, O Israel: YHVH our God, the YHVH is one.

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." (Deuteronomy 6: 4-9)

This scripture known as the Shema is the epitome of Oneness of Heart and Oneness of Mind. In Israelite thought the Heart is the center of our Thoughts.  To be ONE HEART is to have the thoughts or words of God always in our conscious and unconscious thoughts.  Our thoughts should be on the fulfilling of his Words and Goals.  The Mind is the center of our will power or force of will which is the source of all our actions. Our deepest need is for the joy and fulfillment of being in a state of Oneness with our God. We receive this joy and fulfillment because of the transformation that comes when we connect with the Light of Christ/Messiah wherein his nature of love and sharing becomes our nature. In other words, we receive his image in our countenance.

Acting in the Love of all Men is a reiteration of the 2nd greatest commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39)  When we live in a state of desiring to receive from God to bestow upon others we fulfill the condition of "no poor among them".  When we live in the state of Desiring to receive from God to covet- THE LIGHT OF CHRIST/MESSIAH IS RESTRICTED AND ALL BLESSINGS CEASE.  There can be no coercion in the things of God. No one, not even God, can impose light and truth upon anyone that is not prepared to receive it. But once someone is prepared to receive, the Light of Christ is there to supply all things. The highest level of Tzedekah and of having no poor is to transform the desire to receive for ourselves alone into the desire to receive to share with others. 

Love is the answer.  It is not just a feeling.  It is expressed in our actions.  We must care about the one lost sheep.  We must be willing to descend below all things in order to ascend above all things for the Love of God and the Love of all Men as Messiah did. The word of God heals, but only for those who are willing to partake of it.

Tool 4: Feasting Upon The Word- 


The idea of reading the scriptures is less that 1% of the Israelite meaning of the phrase "Feasting Upon the Word".  It is taught among the sages of Israel that the Word of God is the fruit of the Tree of Life.  The scriptures are the doorway to higher knowledge.  Without the word of God, mankind will remain conflicted and tossed to and fro by the winds of doubt.  It leads us along the path to receiving the love of God.  The idea of "Feasting on the Word" is connected with a principle taught among the ancients that as we meditate upon and contemplate the word of God our spirit begins to resonate with the Spirit of God that was the original source of the Words.  It was this idea that is connected with Nephi's instructions:

" And now, behold, my beloved brethren, I suppose that ye ponder somewhat in your hearts concerning that which ye should do after ye have entered in by the way. But, behold, why do ye ponder these things in your hearts?

Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had received the Holy Ghost ye could speak with the tongue of angels? And now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost?

Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.

Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock; wherefore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark." (2 Nephi 32: 1-4)

As a person's spirit begins to resonate with the Word of God the light of God begins to transform the person even as the Angels speak by the power of the Ruach Elohiym (Holy Ghost/ the Essence or Mind of God). It is partaking of the word of God (whether we are conscious of it or not) that we are transformed and the Ruach Elohiym also flows through our hearts and minds into our manifest actions.

The phrase "ask not, neither do ye knock; wherefore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark" is connected with an ancient meditative practice taught in the School of the Prophets called Hitbodedut ( meditative isolation or separation) wherein the disciple begins to cleanse the mind by separating from the distracting thoughts and distractions going on around us or in our heads (sometimes called mental clutter or the monkey mind).  It is when the mind becomes separated from this sensory clutter that we will begin to hear the voice of God that pierces the hearts of man. When the prophets came befoe God in prayer they detached from the sensations and sensory clutter of the world and their bodies and mind became quiet and still.  Once they reached this quietness of soul, they begin to reach a condition of spiritual balance wherein the rhythm of the opposing polar thoughts and forces are neutralized and the path of spiritual connection is open.  The idea of asking, seeking, and knocking does not mean that we repetitively hound God until we get what we want but that we first find the place of quietness, then ask with our desire or intention.  It is then that the prophet descended into the klipot/the veil/the internal barrier into the darkness wherein they reached a point of almost total consumption by the darkness wherein they called upon the Name of YHVH (knocking) whereon they were then brought into the light.

This same principle is demonstrated by the Prophet Lehi:

"And it came to pass that as I followed him I beheld myself that I was in a dark and dreary waste.

And after I had traveled for the space of many hours in darkness, I began to pray unto the Lord that he would have mercy on me, according to the multitude of his tender mercies.

And it came to pass after I had prayed unto the Lord I beheld a large and spacious field.

And it came to pass that I beheld a tree, whose fruit was desirable to make one happy." (1 Nephi 8: 7-10)

It was also demonstrated by the Prophet Alma:

"And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.

Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.

And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.

And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!

Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy.

Yea, methought I saw, even as our father Lehi saw, God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels, in the attitude of singing and praising their God; yea, and my soul did long to be there." ( Alma 36:17-22)

Even so it was also demonstrated to the Lamanites because of the Emunah (faith/faithfulness) of Nephi and Lehi:

"And it came to pass that they were overshadowed with a cloud of darkness, and an awful solemn fear came upon them.

And it came to pass that there came a voice as if it were above the cloud of darkness, saying: Repent ye, repent ye, and seek no more to destroy my servants whom I have sent unto you to declare good tidings.

And it came to pass when they heard this voice, and beheld that it was not a voice of thunder, neither was it a voice of a great tumultuous noise, but behold, it was a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper, and it did pierce even to the very soul—

And notwithstanding the mildness of the voice, behold the earth shook exceedingly, and the walls of the prison trembled again, as if it were about to tumble to the earth; and behold the cloud of darkness, which had overshadowed them, did not disperse—

And behold the voice came again, saying: Repent ye, repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand; and seek no more to destroy my servants. And it came to pass that the earth shook again, and the walls trembled.

And also again the third time the voice came, and did speak unto them marvelous words which cannot be uttered by man; and the walls did tremble again, and the earth shook as if it were about to divide asunder.

And it came to pass that the Lamanites could not flee because of the cloud of darkness which did overshadow them; yea, and also they were immovable because of the fear which did come upon them.

Now there was one among them who was a Nephite by birth, who had once belonged to the church of God but had dissented from them.

And it came to pass that he turned him about, and behold, he saw through the cloud of darkness the faces of Nephi and Lehi; and behold, they did shine exceedingly, even as the faces of angels. And he beheld that they did lift their eyes to heaven; and they were in the attitude as if talking or lifting their voices to some being whom they beheld...

And it came to pass that the Lamanites said unto him: What shall we do, that this cloud of darkness may be removed from overshadowing us?

And Aminadab said unto them: You must repent, and cry unto the voice, even until ye shall have faith in Christ, who was taught unto you by Alma, and Amulek, and Zeezrom; and when ye shall do this, the cloud of darkness shall be removed from overshadowing you.

And it came to pass that they all did begin to cry unto the voice of him who had shaken the earth; yea, they did cry even until the cloud of darkness was dispersed.

And it came to pass that when they cast their eyes about, and saw that the cloud of darkness was dispersed from overshadowing them, behold, they saw that they were encircled about, yea every soul, by a pillar of fire.

And Nephi and Lehi were in the midst of them; yea, they were encircled about; yea, they were as if in the midst of a flaming fire, yet it did harm them not, neither did it take hold upon the walls of the prison; and they were filled with that joy which is unspeakable and full of glory." (Helaman 5:28...44)

Whether through willing submission as with the Patriarch Lehi and his descendants Nephi and Lehi in the Book of Helaman, or through judgment as was the case with Alma and the Lamanites who sought to kill Nephi and Lehi ALL must descend into the darkness and in that place of utter submission to YHVH (God) they then call out to him.  It is in that moment the gates of the Kingdom are manifest and the Light of God is revealed.

Tool 5: ENDURING TO THE END


The western gentile concept often associated with the phrase, "endure to the end" is something akin to, "He who dies in the most pain and suffering wins!".  In the Israelite mind the word for endure is the word regel which communicates the idea of walking forward as in walking forward on a road to a destination or goal.  The Torah is often called the way or the path and as we endure or rather more accurately walk forward on the path of dicipleship outlined we then reach our destination.  It has nothing to do with "grinning and bearing it" as much as it has to do with being decisive and focused that we desire to walk in the path of God's instructions of the heart-The Sermon at the Mount/Temple and the Ten Commandments. This pathway of the heart is what leads us to the end- Eternal Life with God.

We walk this pathway of the Heart as we engage in true Israelite Prayer which in essence is that our desires come into harmony with the desires of Heaven.  In all that we do, we seek oneness with God (YHVH).

"And now, my beloved brethren, I perceive that ye ponder still in your hearts; and it grieveth me that I must speak concerning this thing. For if ye would hearken unto the Spirit which teacheth a man to pray, ye would know that ye must pray; for the evil spirit teacheth not a man to pray, but teacheth him that he must not pray.

But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul." (2 Nephi 32:8-9)



TO BE CONTINUED- The Key to the Gifts of the Spirit.

Thursday, March 7, 2019

THE WATCHERS PART 7: THE RETURN OF THE SONS OF LIGHT, THE KEYS OF ENOCH




Zion is a City of Holiness.  In the teachings of Enoch we find the Keys given to Enoch upon which the foundations of Zion can be established.  These Keys of Knowledge and Spiritual Discipline are ancient and were passed down through the Fathers from Adam to Enoch, from Enoch to Noah, From Noah to Abraham, from Abraham to Israel, and from Israel to its varying tribes in one degree or another.  These Keys have been preserved and passed down by various prophets and schools in every period of time that a people have been called to ascend the Mountain of the Lord's House. However tattered, hidden, and obscured these teachings are, it is imperative that they be identified and recovered for this apocalyptic day.

Having seen the prophetic and panoramic past, present and future of the earth, Enoch was shown that his descendants would be found over all the face of the earth.  He also knew of the secret designs of the Rebellious Watchers and the spiritual and physical bondage that accompanies their rule:

"And after that Zion was taken up into heaven, Enoch beheld, and lo, all the nations of the earth were before him; And there came generation upon generation; and Enoch was high and lifted up, even in the bosom of the Father, and of the Son of Man; and behold, the power of Satan was upon all the face of the earth. And he saw angels descending out of heaven; and he heard a loud voice saying: Wo, wo be unto the inhabitants of the earth. And he beheld Satan; and he had a great chain in his hand, and it veiled the whole face of the earth with darkness; and he looked up and laughed, and his angels rejoiced." (Moses 7:23-26)

Satan and his angels (The Rebellious Watchers) spread their secret works and combinations over the fact of the earth among all the nations of the earth. In doing so, the whole earth was filled with darkness. We in the Last Days are living under the same conditions. As Messiah prophesied to his generation, "And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man: “They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and the flood came and destroyed them all."  (Luke 17: 26-27)

We are in the midst of an ancient war that commenced from before the foundations of the Earth.  It is the War of the Sons of Light versus the Son's of Darkness.  Their physical and spiritual weapons of war are very real and far reaching to this day.  Our enemy is very real and perhaps it is time for the return of the Sons and Daughters of Light.

THE RETURN OF THE SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF LIGHT


Because of apostasy, war, and time we have lost many of the direct writings of Enoch. There are many that have yet to be revealed.  At the same time, the voice and teachings of Enoch have been echoed and preserved by the Prophets of the House of Israel and have been re-revealed in this dispensation.  Unfortunately without the knowledge of the disciplines of ancient Israel these great and sublime teachings have remained hidden in plain sight.

Among many of the Schools of the Prophets and the varying surviving traditions of Israel is what have been orally transmitted as the Seven Laws of Hanoch (Enoch).  They have sometimes been referred to by various names such as the Seven, The Principles of Truth, The words of Creation, and the Key before whose touch all the Doors of the Temple fly open.  The laws presented here will be in English but the ideas have been transmitted among various Jewish, Christian, and even Muslim esoteric traditions.  These seven laws are important because they are the foundation stones by which the Torah of God operates in the Heavens and upon this earth.  They are important because they are the co-creative principles that prepare the Sons and Daughters of Light to enter the Temple in Heaven and draw Heaven to Earth.

1. ALL IS SPIRIT; THE UNIVERSE IS SPIRIT


There have been several expressions of this teaching expressed among various traditions.  In the Greek it was declared THE ALL is MIND; The Universe is Mental.  In other traditions it was declared the ALL is Matter; The Universe is Matter.  In this dispensation of time it has been declared again, "It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance. There is no such thing as immaterial matter. All spirit is matter, but it is more fine or pure, and can only be discerned by purer eyes; We cannot see it; but when our bodies are purified we shall see that it is all matter." (D&C 131:6-8)

It explains that everything we term Life, Matter and Energy is SPIRIT. In other words the matter we see and feel is just spirit that is more dense and the spirit that we contemplate is more refined. It also explains that all the world or universe is simply a creation of God that is subject to the Laws of Created Things.  In a sense it is God in whom "live and move and have our being."  Just as man is matter and spirit in a gross material vessel filled with the spark of the divine we also work and create according to this grand key. An understanding of this great Principle of enables the individual to readily learn the laws of spiritual and physical creation, and to apply the same to his current state and eternal progression. The disciple is enabled to apply intelligently the seven laws of Enoch in an intentional and intelligent manner toward connecting Heaven and Earth. With this master key, the student may unlock the many doors  or gates of the temple of Heaven and to enter the same. This law explains the true nature of life, light, spirit, and matter and the why and how all these are influenced by the disciplines of the Spirit once taught in the ancient Schools of the Prophets. It is an idea of creation with both God and Man that all things are created spiritually/mind/ or thought before they are created or manifested in the physical:

"And I, the Lord God, formed man from the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul, the first flesh upon the earth, the first man also; nevertheless, all things were before created; but spiritually were they created and made according to my word." (Moses 3:7)

It is upon this principle that the Prophet Joseph Smith revealed:

"Ye were also in the beginning with the Father; that which is Spirit, even the Spirit of truth. And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come; And whatsoever is more or less than this is the spirit of that wicked one who was a liar from the beginning.

The Spirit of truth is of God. I am the Spirit of truth, and John bore record of me, saying: He received a fulness of truth, yea, even of all truth; And no man receiveth a fulness unless he keepeth his commandments. He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.Man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be.

All truth is independent in that sphere in which God has placed it, to act for itself, as all intelligence also; otherwise there is no existence. Behold, here is the agency of man, and here is the condemnation of man; because that which was from the beginning is plainly manifest unto them, and they receive not the light. And every man whose spirit receiveth not the light is under condemnation.

For man is spirit. The elements are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparably connected, receive a fulness of joy; And when separated, man cannot receive a fulness of joy. The elements are the tabernacle of God; yea, man is the tabernacle of God, even temples; and whatsoever temple is defiled, God shall destroy that temple. The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth. Light and truth forsake that evil one." (D&C 93: 23-37)

2. AS ABOVE, SO BELOW, AS WITHIN, SO WITHOUT, AS THE UNIVERSE, SO THE SOUL


As with God, everything we create in this world is a reflection of our creation in the world of thought or spirit.  Just as God spoke and creation came into being, so too do we create in the internal world before it is manifest in the external world.  Our souls are microcosm of the Universe. Like God we create procreate in the soil of existence with the seed of thought and intention.  This is why God declared:

"And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew. For I, the Lord God, created all things, of which I have spoken, spiritually, before they were naturally upon the face of the earth. For I, the Lord God, had not caused it to rain upon the face of the earth. And I, the Lord God, had created all the children of men; and not yet a man to till the ground; for in heaven created I them; and there was not yet flesh upon the earth, neither in the water, neither in the air; But I, the Lord God, spake, and there went up a mist from the earth, and watered the whole face of the ground."  (Abraham 3:5-6)

We are creating all the time whether consciously or unconsciously.  The images and thoughts we take in and replay become the reality of our existence. It is a law that gives reason to the commandment, "Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God." (Exodus 20:3, Leviticus 26:1)

It is also the law underlying Alma's parable of the seed and the creative process:

" Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me." (Alma 32:28)

3. NOTHING RESTS, EVERYTHING VIBRATES


This Law underlies the truth that everything is in motion, everything vibrates, and nothing is at rest. This Law of Enoch is also connected to the statement, ""It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance. There is no such thing as immaterial matter. All spirit is matter, but it is more fine or pure, and can only be discerned by purer eyes; We cannot see it; but when our bodies are purified we shall see that it is all matter." (D&C 131:6-8)

The differences between  Matter, Energy, Mind, and Spirit are the results of the varying rates of Vibration or in other words refinement or purity. From the eternal throne of God to his Kingdom here on earth everything is vibrating to one degree or another. The higher the vibration the higher is our progression and the closer our proximity to God. As our mental/spiritual ideas, images, and thoughts draw closer and closer to the thoughts and condition of the Heart Contained in the Sermon the Mount we discover that we are the conduits of desire that connect Heaven and Earth thereby manifesting the reality of the spiritual on this material plane.  This is also why the Teachings of Enoch given to his children after his return from his ascension into Heaven are reflections of those same Holiness Teachings Given to both the Jews and the Nephites at the respective Sermons on the Mount/Temple.


4:  EVERYTHING IS DUAL AND EVERYTHING HAS POLES


Everything is Dual; everything has poles; everything has its pair of opposites; like and unlike are the same; opposites are identical in nature, but different in degree; extremes meet; all truths are but half-truths; all paradoxes may be reconciled. Polarity means that opposites are actually different degrees of the same thing.  Love and hate or fear and courage, the holy and the profane are degrees of the same thing. The difference between is determined by their vibration. The conditions of the Heart expressed in the Sermon on the Mount/Temple are an example of those emotions and desires vibrating in concert with the Heavenly realm.

It is this principle of Enoch that underlies the words of the Prophet Lehi to his son:

"For it is necessary
that there is an opposite in all things
if not so my firstborn in the wilderness righteousness could not
be brought to pass
neither wickedness
neither holiness nor misery
neither good nor bad
for this reason all things must needs be a mixture  in one
therefore if it should remain one body
it must necessarily remain as dead
having no life neither death
nor corruption nor incorruption
happiness nor misery
neither sense nor insensibility
therefore it must necessarily have been created
for a thing of nothing
therefore there would have been no reason
in the end of its creation
therefore this thing must necessarily destroy the wisdom
of Elohiym and his eternal purposes
and also the power and the mercy and the justice of Elohiym

And if you would say there is no Torah
you shall also say there is no sin
and if you shall say there is no sin
you would also say there is no righteousness
and if there be no righteousness
there be no happiness
and if there be no righteousness nor happiness
there be no punishment nor misery
and if these things are not
there is no Elohiym
and if there is no Elohiym
we are not neither the earth
for there could have been no creation
of things either to act or to be acted upon
therefore all things must have vanished away.
(Voices from the Dust 139, Compare 2 Nephi 2: 11-13)

Good and Evil are but the poles of the same thing. The lesson of the disciple of Christ is to learn and understand the art of transmuting evil into good. This is done by applying the law of polarity. It is a form of spiritual alchemy known and practiced by the ancients. An understanding of this law will enable one to change his or her own polarity and that of others.

5. THE PRINCIPLE OF RHYTHM


Everything has its tides. All things rise and fall.  The principle of rhythm is the pendulum swing that occurs in everything.  The degree to which the pendulum swings to the right is the degree of the swing to the left. Rhythm is compensatory.  It is found in the seasons between work and the rest of the sabbath, it is found in the rotations of the sun, moon, and stars, it is found between birth and death.


"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

This Law of Enoch is the underlying key to prophecy.  The ancient disciples knowing this principle of creation-birth and death, love and loss, happiness and despair- understood that these cycles could not be annulled but they could neutralize its affect upon themselves. Walking in the center path or path of balance, like Messiah they neutralize the rhythm of the polar forces to bring balance and true beauty.

6.  THE PRINCIPLE OF CAUSE AND EFFECT


This Law of Enoch states that there is a Cause for every Effect and an Effect from every Cause. Everything Happens according to Law. Nothing ever happens by chance. In fact  there is no such thing as Chance.  In the varying worlds or dimension of Cause and Effect, the higher dominates the lower, but nothing ever escapes the Law. Understanding that the Causal in Heaven brings effects here on earth the disciple then ascends to that degree or dimension of vibration and rhythm to help transform this world.

This Law of Enoch is Echoed in the following words of Lehi:

"And because of the intercession for all, all men come unto God; wherefore, they stand in the presence of him, to be judged of him according to the truth and holiness which is in him. Wherefore, the ends of the law which the Holy One hath given, unto the inflicting of the punishment which is affixed, which punishment that is affixed is in opposition to that of the happiness which is affixed, to answer the ends of the atonement" (2 Nephi 2:10)

and also to the Prophet Joseph Smith:

"All kingdoms have a law given; And there are many kingdoms; for there is no space in the which there is no kingdom; and there is no kingdom in which there is no space, either a greater or a lesser kingdom. And unto every kingdom is given a law; and unto every law there are certain bounds also and conditions. All beings who abide not in those conditions are not justified.

For intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence; wisdom receiveth wisdom; truth embraceth truth; virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light; mercy hath compassion on mercy and claimeth her own; justice continueth its course and claimeth its own; judgment goeth before the face of him who sitteth upon the throne and governeth and executeth all things." (D&C 88:36-40)

and

"There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated— And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated." (D&C 130:20-21)

It is in this law that the agency of man is revealed wherein he chooses to be that which acts or that which is acted upon.  It is the difference between walking the path of the Messiah as the Master on the cross rather than being a victim on the cross.

7. THE PRINCIPLE OF GENDER


This Law of Enoch embodies the truth that there is male and female manifested in everything. The divine masculine and the divine feminine are eternal principles.  This truth is manifest not only in this world but in the worlds of the mental and spiritual. This grand principle is communicated by God also to Moses:

"And I, God, created man in mine own image, in the image of mine Only Begotten created I him; male and female created I them." (Moses 2:27)

The image of God is both male and female.  Every person contains both the divine masculine and feminine. By understanding this principle we comprehend Spiritual Creation, Generation, and Re-generation. The condition of oneness between the male and female being the foundation of the Divine.  The masculine and the feminine fulfill each other. The masculine tending toward strength, power, structure, and understanding while the feminine tending toward grace, mercy, and wisdom. Imbalanced the masculine leads to tyranny just as the imbalanced feminine leads to chaos and lawlessness. This law has no reference to the many base, animalistic, and degrading teachings or sexual practises that are considered idolatry, abomination, and forbidden by God's laws.

The goal is for the Masculine and Feminine Principles to work in a condition of harmony and oneness with each other.  Contained within it is the idea that the masculine impresses while the feminine is impressed upon. One giving and one receiving to bring forth new creation and regeneration. 

Summary:


These seven laws of Enoch were communicated through the ancient Schools of the Prophets in Israel.  These laws serve as the foundation for which the Sons and Daughters of Light could put into action those principles of the Ten Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount/ Temple wherein they could not only connect Heaven and Earth but to transform the Earth into Heaven.  These laws are the tools by which these Son's and Daughters worked to bring about Zion.  Like the path of any disciple, we too must study and learn these laws and use them to build a Zion here on Earth that embodies the Heavenly Instructions Given in the Sermon on the Mount/Temple. 


Part 8: The Tools Of The Disciple

Tuesday, March 5, 2019

The Watchers Part 6: Walking In The Way To The City Of Holiness



"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. And Enoch continued his preaching in righteousness unto the people of God. And it came to pass in his days, that he built a city that was called the City of Holiness, even Zion." (Moses 7:17-19)

As we discussed in the last article,  in Kadosh (Holiness) there is a great mystery to be revealed that enables an eathly Zion to establish the connection with Heaven- the Assembly of the First Born, The City of Enoch, and Messiah Himself. The Hebrew word for city iyr comes from the root which means "to awaken and to guard."  For any community of people to establish Zion even the City of Holiness they must Awaken To Holiness and to Guard Holiness.  This Awakening To Holiness comes with walking in the path called The Way- A Path which separates the Holy from the Profane.   It is from this understanding that we hear the admonishment:

"Awake, awake, put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city; for henceforth there shall no more come into thee the uncircumcised and the unclean. Shake thyself from the dust; arise, sit down, O Jerusalem; loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion." (2 Nephi 8:24-25, Isaiah 52:1)

The idea of "there shall no more come unto the the uncircumcised and the unclean" communicating the separating of that which is profane from that which is Holy.  The idea of "loose thyself from the bands of thy neck" communicating the Power of God obtained by cleaving unto holiness that releases the power and authority of Heaven that leads to the freeing of the captives.  It is for this reason that the Prophet Isaiah declared:

"The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because YHVH hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

To proclaim the acceptable year of YHVH, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes (Heb. epher- ashers or dust), the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of YHVH, that he might be glorified." (Isaiah 61:1-3)

It is also why the Messiah declared:

"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives (i.e. loosening their bands), and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of YHVH.

And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.

And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." (Luke 4:18-21)

Zion will be established only upon the principles of Holiness.  What is called the 10 Commandments establishes the vessel or physical boundaries of the city or nation to which Holiness can be poured into.  The teachings of Messiah given at the Sermon On The Mount/ Sermon At the Temple are Zion's Holiness Code.  It is this Code practiced within the physical bounds of the 10 Commandments that "Zion shall yet live though she seemeth to be dead." (Joseph Smith Letter to the Church in Caldwell County, 16 December 1838)

THE FOUR PILLARS OF THE WAYS- THE CENTRAL PRINCIPLES OF ZION


In the statement that, "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." is what is termed the four principles or Pillars of the Way.  As Messiah declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)

It is upon these pillars or principles that Zion is created.

(1) ONENESS OF HEART and (2) ONENESS OF MIND


When asked the question, What is the Highest law, the Messiah responded by declaring the Heart of Israel Given by God and recited by every observant Israelite to this day- The Shema:

"Hear, O Israel: YHVH our God, the YHVH is one.

You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.

You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.

You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." (Deuteronomy 6: 4-9)

This scripture known as the Shema is the epitome of Oneness of Heart and Oneness of Mind. In Israelite thought the Heart is the center of our Thoughts.  To be ONE HEART is to have the thoughts or words of God always in our conscious and unconscious thoughts.  Our thoughts should be on the fulfilling of his Words and Goals.  The Mind is the center of our will power or force of will which is the source of all our actions. Our deepest need is for the joy and fulfillment of being in a state of Oneness with our God. We receive this joy and fulfillment because of the transformation that comes when we connect with the Light of Christ/Messiah wherein his nature of love and sharing becomes our nature. In other words, we receive his image in our countenance.

(3) Dwelling In Righteousness and (4) No Poor Among them


Dwelling in Righteousness is an idiomatic expression of living in Tzedekah (Charity). It is the manner in which we establish and carry out the commandments of God in our lives:

"And tzedekah (charity) suffers long and is kind
and envies not and is not prideful
seeks not her own is not easily provoked
thinks no evil and takes no joy in lawlessness
but rejoices in the truth
bears all things
believes all things
hopes all things
endures all things
therefore my beloved brothers
if you have not tzedekah you are nothing
for tzedekah never fails
therefore hold unto tzedekah
which is the greatest of all
for all things must fail
but tzedekah is the pure love of Mashiach
and it endures forever
and whoever is found possessed of it
at the last day it shall be well with him
therefore my beloved brothers pray unto the Father
with all the energy of heart
that you may be filled with this love
which he has bestowed upon all
who are true followers of his Son Yehoshua Mashiach
that you may become the sons of Elohiym
that when he shall appear we shall be like him
for we shall see him as he is
that we may have this hope
that we may be purified even as he is pure
Amein
( Hebrew Roots Book of Mormon; Compare Moroni 7: 45-48)

The phrase No Poor Among them is one of the most misunderstood phrases in Mormonism. It is from the misunderstanding of this eternal principle that has come various communistic and socialistic endeavors, the results of which is utter failure.  The phrase "no poor among them" is an Israelite expression of living in the desire to receive from God to bestow upon others- it is an expression tied to the 2nd greatest commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:39)  When we live in a state of desiring to receive from God to bestow upon others we fulfill the condition of "no poor among them".  When we live in the state of Desiring to receive from God to covet- THE LIGHT OF CHRIST/MESSIAH IS RESTRICTED AND ALL BLESSINGS CEASE.  There can be no coercion in the things of God. No one, not even God, can impose light and truth upon anyone that is not prepared to receive it. But once someone is prepared to receive, the Light of Christ is there to supply all things. The highest level of Tzedekah and of having no poor is to transform the desire to receive for ourselves alone into the desire to receive to share with others.  There is no economic system or amount of money distributed that equates with this state of being for those who transform and assume this condition the storehouses of Heaven and Earth are opened to fulfill any and all needs.  It is in this that we see the lesson of the children of Israel in their receiving and collecting the Manna from Heaven.

THE PATH OF THE CHILDREN- THE PATH OF THE DISCIPLE


"The Lord said unto Enoch: Behold these thy brethren; they are the workmanship of mine own hands, and I gave unto them their knowledge, in the day I created them; and in the Garden of Eden, gave I unto man his agency; And unto thy brethren have I said, and also given commandment, that they should love one another, and that they should choose me, their Father; but behold, they are without affection, and they hate their own blood." (Moses 7: 32-33)

Transforming the natural man into a spiritual child of God is the greatest undertaking. We must understand that in Israelite thought while a child may be the seed of our own body another kind of child is found in the relationship between a disciple and the master.  God desires that we should choose him not only to be his physical seed but also his disciples.  As a child we must realize how desperately we need the help of our Father, our Master Teacher.  Where the natural man tells us that it is survival of the fittest in the lone and dreary world, the simple acknowledgment of our need for our Heavenly Father is the first and major step in the journey to Holiness and Home. Our realization of our dependence upon our Heavenly Father and our recognition of our need for help is what is termed the Israelite concept of the "Mighty Change of Heart".  

The rebellious Watchers and their disciples perpetuate a grand lie.  They want us to believe that this whole world with it's majestic mountains, beautiful forests, nourishing rivers, and splendid oceans came into being without the hand of a loving Father and Creator.  In doing so, they seek to convince us to deny that we are a portion of the light of God that has the ability to literally change the world. Like an eagle who is raised as a chicken, if we believe we are a chicken then we will never soar with Eagles.  Our traditions and our negative actions cannot extinguish the light of God within us but it can conceal it.  This is why the apostle John recorded:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." (John 1:5)

(Continued)

THE WATCHERS PART 7: THE KEYS OF ENOCH AND THE TOOLS OF THE DISCIPLE.

Sunday, March 3, 2019

THE WATCHERS PART 5- THE POWER OF KADOSH



Utopia ends where Human Nature begins.  Perhaps another way of expressing it is that Zion cannot exist where the natural man and woman reigns. Just as paradise was lost in the Garden of Eden as mankind partook of the seeds of Good and Evil, even so the Zion of Enoch fled as the evil fruit matured to fill the earth with violence. What once was lost can be regained, but not by climbing the ladders of the dead with their man made philosophies and institutions. The binding of the Watchers consists of connecting Heaven and Earth wherein the hearts of the people draw the heavens and the spirit of God to themselves.

If one were to ask the majority of Christians and Mormons as to the cause of evils of humanity, the most prominent answer given is "The Fall".  While the Fall of Man did have its repercussions, in the minds of the ancient Israel the cause of humanity's evil condition was the sin of The Watchers. This sentiment is preserved in the writings of Moses:

"And Adam and Eve blessed the name of God, and they made all things known unto their sons and their daughters.And Satan came among them, saying: I am also a son of God; and he commanded them, saying: Believe it not; and they believed it not, and they loved Satan more than God. And men began from that time forth to be carnal, sensual, and devilish." (Moses 5:12-13)

In the beginning Adam and Eve blessed the name of God by making known unto them all of the knowledge, wisdom, and commandments given to them to their children. Notice that it was the intervention of The Watchers (i.e. Satan) and their influence that caused men to become carnal, sensual, and devilish.  For us to "bless the name of God" we must also teach the same knowledge, wisdom, and commandments to our children.  In believing it not they became carnal (governed by the flesh), sensual (ruled by their emotions), and devilish (without law or becoming a law unto themselves).  If anything should be clear, the teachings and influence of the rebellious Watchers has repeatedly brought about suffering, rampant evil, and catastrophe as those who followed them sought to establish their dominion over the souls of men on this earth.  Think about these things for a moment:

1. Adam and Eve are seduced by a Watcher (Satan) and the result is the Fall.
2. The Watchers enter into a secret combination and the result is rampant evil resulting in the deluge of the Floods.
3. The continuing influence of the Watchers after the Flood leading to the establishment of Nimrod and his "Tower" leading to the Deluge of the Winds and mixing of the Nations.
4. The secret acts of the Watchers engaged in by the House of Israel resulted in the demise of their Kingdoms.
5. The secret combinations of the Watchers among the Jaredites resulting in their utter destruction.
6.. The secret combinations among the Nephites resulting in the destruction of their Nation through the rampant infection of the Gadianton Robbers.
7.  The secret combinations of the Watchers are among the Geniltes in the latter days wherein they are warned, "Wherefore, O ye Gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these things should be shown unto you...for it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries; and it bringeth to pass the destruction of all people, for it is built up by the devil, who is the father of all lies; even that same liar who beguiled our first parents, yea, even that same liar who hath caused man to commit murder from the beginning; who hath hardened the hearts of men that they have murdered the prophets, and stoned them, and cast them out from the beginning." (Ether 8:23,25)

The rises and falls among the various ages and civilizations on this earth can seem to be traced to one single source - the influence of the Rebellious Watchers and their disciples who seek to establish their dominion on this planet for gain.  In doing this they take the treasures of the earth, and with gold and silver they and their servants buy up armies and navies, false priests and political rulers who oppress, and tyrants who destroy, and reign with blood and horror on the earth!

The head of these watchers came to the Messiah himself offering him the same covenant and oath which they extend to all those who follow them:

"Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me.

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve." (Matthew 4: 8-10)

What is often seen as just a "test" of the Messiah's strength and endurance was in reality an  inducement from these same Watchers designed to entangle the Messiah in the same secret combination that commenced in the first ages of mankind.  This legal exchange between the Messiah and Satan was witnessed by the Courts of Heaven and conducted under God's Eternal Covenant Law with each exchange being not only a counter argument but an overturning of the legal decrees that the Adversary used to subdue all mankind. With Messiah's victory against the Adversary on the high mountain, he then descends to deliver his most essential teachings.

With such a knowledge of the Laws of God's Kingdom that The Watchers use to bind the souls of men, it doesn't take one long to look about the condition of our modern societies to see their continued influence in the world today. The scenes of corruption in our policital, civil, and religious realms is almost overpowering.  The overwhelming manipulation of the kingdoms of this world and the extreme suffering we see results in the hearts of men failing and losing faith.

KADOSH -The Fifth Key To Binding The Watchers


The legacy of the Messiah is the legacy of Holiness (Kadosh). Kadosh in Hebrew means set apart or consecrated. It is in this legacy that we find eternal relationships, oneness with YHVH (God), justice, and healing.  These aspects of his legacy form the foundation stones of the City of Zion.

KADOSH, KADOSH, KADOSH (HOLY!, HOLY!, HOLY!) is the gift, tool, and condition given from Heaven designed to overturn the power of The Watchers, to release the gifts of God, to unleash the powers of Heaven, and to connect Heaven and Earth.  In Kadosh there is a great mystery to be revealed that enables an eathly Zion to establish the connection with Heaven- the Assembly of the First Born, The City of Enoch, and Messiah Himself.

Over the centuries many Christians have heard the powerful words spoken by the Messiah in his Sermon on the Mount.  In hearing these words many have not grasped or embraced the power of the words he delivered.  Rather, this sermon is often dismissed as being a philosophical "motivational speech" with an almost impossible decree of "Be Ye Therefore Perfect".  Unbeknownst to many, these words carry with them a deep and hidden teaching meant to instruct the listener in an ancient order and power hidden from the world but designed for those who would be Zion.

In Matthew 5:48, the Messiah is found to utter the command, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."  At first glance the command itself appears to be an almost insurmountable feat which would literally require the miraculous intervention of Heaven to enable us mere mortals to achieve this state of "Perfection".  Unfortunately, much is lost not only in translation but also in cultural and historical context.  It is in understanding the Israelite mystery of Kadosh or "Holiness" that God reveals to us an ancient teaching meant not only to bind the influence of the Watchers but to transform our lives and the world around us.

While many have debated over the meaning of the word "perfect" in this command they often fail to hear the Israelite echo wherein in God declared to Moses, "Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy." (Leviticus 19:2)  Here YHVH declares that we are to be Holy (Kadosh) even as he is Holy.   While the direct meaning of the word Kadosh means to be consecrated or set apart to YHVH for the accomplishment of a specific thing, the meaning this word is tied interwoven with the Patriach Enoch and his ascension into the Heavens.  The man Enoch and his city are the archetypes upon which Israel and Zion were to be established.  The Key to unleashing this enabling power is found in the words and teachings of Kadosh (Holy) from which we derive phrases such as Holiness to the Lord (YHVH). 

Looking past the Greek concept of "perfection" to the Israelite concept of Kadosh or Holiness allows us to throw off the man made yokes and heavy weights of the ideas of "perfection" that our religions and culture place upon us.  In truth there really is no equivalence between the Greek Mathematcial Perfection and the Israelite condition of Holiness except that both are meant to describe a condition of beauty (Tiphereth).  To be "Holy" while it does mean to be set apart to God for a specific purpose, it more accurately describes a state or condition of being that includes the presence of God with us in the here and now. It is tied to the concept and condition of being "Blessed".  

For example, if a person, place, or thing is consecrated, set apart, or made holy they then walk after a discipline and way of living as if everything they do whether it be work, play, ordinances, or brushing their teeth is all done as if they were in the presence of God.  They wake up and take a shower in the presence of God.  They do their daily jobs as if God were with them.  They eat their food and even procreate their children all as if it were done before the presence of God (YHVH). From the moments they arise to the time their spirits ascend into the heavenly realms of sleep, all is lived as if it were in the presence of God.  This state of Being is also what is referred to as Being "Blessed".

BLESSED: THE STATE OF BEING IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD


As stated before  To be "Holy"  describes a state or condition of being that implies the presence of God with us in the here and now.  The prophetic birth of the Messiah shares this message of holiness as Matthew declared, ""Look! The young woman will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means 'God is with us.'  The presence of the Messiah stands as a symbol of the physical presence of YHVH (God).  With the restoration of the presence of YHVH (God) comes the Ruach Elohiym (Holy Spirit/Ghost), purification and transformation, and the revelation of things too Great and Marvelous to be uttered by man.  In other words:

BLESSED = A STATE OR CONDITION OF JOY= OR BEING IN THE PRESENCE OF GOD

With that in mind now consider the words of the Messiah as part of his covenant declaration:

"2 And again, more blessed are they who shall believe in your words because that ye shall testify that ye have seen me, and that ye know that I am. Yea, blessed are they who shall believe in your words, and come down into the depths of humility and be baptized, for they shall be visited with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and shall receive a remission of their sins."

Modern Vernacular(Translation):  The presence of God is with those who believe in your words because of your testimony that you have seen me and know that I am.  Yes, the presence of God is with those who believe in your words, and come down and humble themselves by pledging their loyalty to me (Messiah) in baptism for they shall be visited with purifing judgment and the Ruach Elohiym (The spirit or essence of God) and shall be declared innocent of their rebellion.

Blessed [are] the poor in spirit:
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed [are] the meek:
for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed [are] they that mourn:
for they shall be comforted.
Blessed [are] those who hunger and thirst for righteousness:
for they shall be filled.
Blessed [are] the merciful:
for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed [are] the pure in heart:
for they shall see God.
Blessed [are] the peacemakers:
for they shall be called the children of God.  
Blessed [are] those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake/pursue righteousness:
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.


Poor in Spirit = Meek


The word poor as used in Luke 4:18 is a quote from Isaiah 61:1.  The Hebrew word used is 'ânâv and means meek. In Hebraic thought "poor in spirit" means having nothing to offer God, and thus meek and humble, the opposite of  self-righteousness.  Numbers 12:3 uses the first of these to describe Moses as the meekest man on earth- there is no insinuation as to Moses' financial status or state of poverty.  Humility is action or discipline. It is not an outward act or performance of self-deprecation- “I am not worthy” cry, cry, cry. Humility was an active state of mind and being where the will of the servant has been yielded to the will of the Master. The perfect expression of being Poor in Spirit/Meek is found in the words of the Messiah, "Not my will but thy will be done".

We can also see another example of Meekness in Action with the Prophet Nephi:

"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." (1 Nephi: 3-7)


To mourn = to hunger and thirst for righteousness


"Blessed are those that mourn", but how can mourning for the dead be a blessed state?  Mourning in the Psalms ( Psalms 119:136; 42:9; 43:2; 38:6) was often associated with grieving over personal sin, national sin, oppression from an enemy, over injustice, or over lack of respect for God's commandments. In this context the corresponding parallel in the Sermon at the Temple explains it perfectly, the mourners are "those who hunger and thirst for righteousness" for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost- the presence and mind of God.


We see an example of this type of mourning with Captain Moroni as he engages in the ritual of K’riah or the rending of his garments.  The ritual of the k'riah is often performed at a funeral in traditional Judaism.  It is an outward form of mourning that is reminiscent of a deeper stirring of the heart.



Captain Moroni's rending of his garments and is an act of mourning or hungering and thirsting after righteousness.







“11 And now it came to pass that when Moroni, who was the chief commander of the armies of the Nephites, had heard of these dissensions, he was angry with Amalickiah.

 12 And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole…

19 And when Moroni had said these words, he went forth among the people, waving the rent part of his garment in the air, that all might see the writing which he had written upon the rent part, and crying with a loud voice, saying:

 20 Behold, whosoever will maintain this title upon the land, let them come forth in the strength of the Lord, and enter into a covenant that they will maintain their rights, and their religion, that the Lord God may bless them.

 21 And it came to pass that when Moroni had proclaimed these words, behold, the people came running together with their armor girded about their loins, rending their garments in token, or as a covenant, that they would not forsake the Lord their God; or, in other words, if they should transgress the commandments of God, or fall into transgression, and be ashamed to take upon them the name of Christ, the Lord should rend them even as they had rent their garments.” (Moroni 46)

Here we see an example of Captain Moroni walking in the condition of Israelite Mourning and Hungering and Thirsting after Righteousness.  Notice his actions were in contrast to the secret combinations of the Gadianton Robbers (i.e. The disciples of the Watchers) and their attempt to bring the people under their unrighteous dominion.

Comforted = filled/satisfied


These mourners and 'hungerers' will be 'filled'. One meaning of filled', would be 'satisfied' as when justice is seen to be done, when the wicked no longer prosper and the righteous are not oppressed. 3 Nephi 12 makes an interesting addition, “for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost- Ruach Elohiym.  Righteous Judgment (the balance between justice and mercy) is done when the Holy Ghost or mind of God is in the person and among the people.

The title of God as comforter or El Shaddai is connected with the idea that God is the mighty nourishour or provider of nourishment. When God interacts with the Patriarchs as El Shaddai we see his hand as the great provider of sustenenance.  Again we see in the Book of Mormon the great providions God provides in his son and in the provision of his Heavenly Gifts:

"“Awake
and hear the words
which I shall tell you
for behold I am come
to declare unto you
the glad tidings of great joy
for YHVH has heard your prayers
and has judged of your righteousness
and has sent me to declare unto you
that you may rejoice
and that you may declare unto your people
that they may also be filled with joy
for behold the time comes
and is not far distant
that with power YHVH El Shaddai
who reigns
who was and is
from all eternity to all eternity s
shall come down from heaven
among the children of men
and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay
and shall go forth among men working mighty miracles
such as healing the sick
raising the dead
causing the lame to walk
the blind to receive their sight
and the deaf to hear
and curing all manner of diseases
and he shall cast out demons
or the evil spirits
which dwell in the hearts of the children of men" (Vod vol 2, Compare to Mosiah 3)

The gifts of God are only given to enable one to fulfill the commandments and will of God.  As we take upon the name of his son, we embody the Messiah to the world.  As we establish his commandments, we are asking in the name of Messiah to fulfill his commandments. In doing so his great provision is manifest.


Merciful = pure in heart


True purity or beauty of heart is acheived when Justice and Judgment are balanced."Pure in heart" and "peacemakers" are both phrases that occur only here in the NT. The pure in heart according to Psalm 24:4 and Proverbs 20:9 are those without sin/rebellion or who engage in righteous or upright actions. The actual phrase "pure in heart" occurs also in Psalm 73:1, cf. Psalm 34:19, but comes primarily from Psalm 24:3-4 and is the key to connecting Heaven and Earth:

"Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?

He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully."

In Alma 42 the Prophet Alma demonstrates how the condition of Purity of Heart is created.  Notice that the Prophet Alma directly addresses the sins of the Watchers as they relate to the Fall of Man and Mankind becoming Carnal, Sensual, and Devilish:

Therefore, as they had become carnal, sensual, and devilish, by nature, this probationary state became a state for them to prepare; it became a preparatory state...


"And now the plan of mercy could not be brought about
except an atonement should be made
therefore Elohiym himself atones for the sins of the world
to bring about the plan of mercy
to appease the demands of justice
that Elohiym might be a perfect just Elohiym
and a merciful Elohiym also
now repentance could not come unto men
except there were a punishment
which also was eternal as the life of the soul should be
affixed opposite to the plan of happiness
which was as eternal also as the life of the soul
now how could a man repent
except he should sin
how could he sin
if there was no Torah
how could there be a Torah
except there was a punishment
now there was a punishment affixed
and a just Torah given
which brought remorse of conscience unto man
now if there was no Torah given
if a man murdered he should die
would he be afraid he would die
if he should murder
and also if there was no Torah given against sin
men would not be afraid to sin
and if there was no Torah given
if men sinned
what could justice do
or mercy either
for they would have no claim upon the creature
but there is a Torah given
and a punishment affixed
and a repentance granted
which repentance mercy claims
otherwise justice claims the creature
and executes the Torah
and the Torah inflicts the punishment
if not so the works of justice would be destroyed
and Elohiym would cease to be Elohiym
but Elohiym ceases not to be Elohiym
and mercy claimes the repentant
and mercy comes because of the atonement
and the atonement brings to pass the resurrection of the dead
and the resurrection of the dead brings back men into the presence of Elohiym
and thus they are restored into his presence
to be judged according to their works
according to the Torah and justice
for behold justice exercises all his demands
and also mercy claims all which is her own
and thus none but the truly repentant are saved

What do you suppose that mercy can rob justice
I say unto you
No not at all
if so Elohiym would cease to be Elohiym
and thus Elohiym brings about his great and eternal purposes
which were prepared from the foundation of the world
and thus comes about the salvation and the redemption of men
and also their destruction and misery
therefore O my son
whoever will come may come
and partake of the waters of life freely
and whoever will not come
the same is not compelled to come
but in the last day it shall be restored unto him
according to his deeds
if he has desired to do evil
and has not repented in his days
behold evil shall be done unto him
according to the restoration of Elohiym"

(Voices from the Dust Vol 2, Compare Alma 42: 10-28)

Peacemakers = persecuted/pursue righteousness


The “peacemakers” shall be called the “sons of God”.  Peace (Shalom) is a being at one with someone or in a covenant relationship with someone. The Hebrew underlying "son of” may also mean someone who acts according to the commandments, character, and attributes of person of which he is a son. Thus, a "son of peace" exhibits the commandments, character, and attributes of the author of the covenant.   He is a "son of God"with the image of God engraven in his countenance. Here God's character is that of a 'peacemaker' and the true disciple acts similarly and is called both a son of God and pursues peace-a condition of oneness with God/Christ.  The establishment of God's commandments leads to the condition of inner and outer peace.

In ancient Israel, we hear of the epic of War of the Sons of Light and the Sons of Darkness.  The Sons of Darkness were those men and women who walked in and carried out of the teachings of the Rebellious Watchers.  Just as the Sons of Darkness embodied the teachings of their father, so too do the Sons and Daughers of Light embody the teachings of their Father.  Here again, the Book of Mormon teaches us how to walk in the Paths of the Sons of Light:

"And now behold I ask of you
my brothers of the assembly have you spiritually been born of Elohiym
have you received his image in your countenances
have you experienced this mighty change in your hearts
do you exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you
do you look forward with an eye of faith
and view this mortal body raised in immortality
and this corruption raised in incorruption
to stand before Elohiym to be judged according to the deeds
which have been done in the mortal body
I say unto you can you imagine to yourselves
that you hear the voice of YHVH saying unto you
in that day

‘Come unto me you blessed
for behold your works have been the works
of righteousness upon the face of the earth’

Or do you imagine to yourselves that you can lie
unto YHVH in that day and say

‘Adonai our works have been righteous works
upon the face of the earth’

And that he will save you
or otherwise can you imagine yourselves
brought before the council of Elohiym with your souls filled
with guilt and remorse having a remembrance of all your guilt
yes a perfect remembrance of all your wickedness
yes a remembrance that you have set at defiance the mitzvot of Elohiym
I say unto you can you look up to Elohiym at that day
with a pure heart and clean hands
I say unto you can you look up having the image of Elohiym engraved
upon your countenances
I say unto you can you think of being saved
when you have yielded yourselves to become subjects to the evil one
I say unto you you will know at that day
that you cannot be saved for there can no man be saved
except his garments are washed white
yes his garments must be purified
until they are cleansed from all stain
through the blood of him of whom it has been spoken by our fathers
who should come to redeem his people from their sins
and now I ask of you my brothers
how will any of you feel if you shall stand
before the porch of Elohiym having your garments stained
with blood and all manner of filthiness
behold what will these things testify against you
behold will they not testify that you are murderers
yes and also that you are guilty of all manner of wickedness
behold my brothers do you suppose
that such an one can have a place to sit down
in the kingdom of Elohiym
with Avraham with Yitzchak and with Yacov
and also all the holy prophets  whose garments are cleansed
and are without blemish pure and white

I say unto you
No except you make our Creator a liar from the beginning
or suppose that he is a liar from the beginning
you cannot suppose that such can have place
in the kingdom of heaven
but they shall be cast out
for they are the children of the kingdom of the evil one" (Voices From the dust Vol 2, Compare to Alma 5)

THE LAW OF KADOSH 


Reminiscent to this day we find taught these same sacred principles Consecration/Kadosh/ or setting apart.  In that we make all things (AND ALL THINGS MEANS ALL THINGS FROM CHANGING DIAPERS TO GOING TO WORK TO OFFICIATING IN TEMPLES) HOLY OR Kadosh  in connection with the law of the gospel (Torah)  and the law of sacrifice (After the manner of Pattern of the Son).  It is in the walking in the footsteps of the Messiah that righteous dominion is established and a true Zion of the inward man and the outward city is built.

The Watchers Part 6:  Walking In The Way To The City Of Holiness