THE MYSTERY OF THE 10 COMMANDMENTS -- A FRESH LOOK AT THE 10 WORDS

Many Mormons are not aware that the "Ten Commandments" are never actually called the “Ten Commandments,” but rather, eseret ha-devarim or the "Ten Words” (Exodus 34:28). They are ten unique divine utterances that function in a very special way in the scriptures.  In our Western tradition, we have been taught to view them as a series of prohibitions that carry with it strict penalties if disobeyed.  We have been taught to see them as mundane or "lesser" in comparison to other teachings from the New Testament or Book of Mormon by viewing them as a series of  do's and don'ts applicable to a fallen/temporal world.  Yet, there is a mystery contained in these utterances that comprise a spiral staircase of progression into the presence of God- a ladder of spiritual ascension into oneness with God.

THE HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE AND FUNCTION OF THE TEN

First, the Ten Words were  given in the direct hearing of the people (Exodus 20:18-21).  Unlike the traditions that we have received that they somehow comprise a "lesser law" given because of the transgressions of Israel, the Ten Words were delivered by the voice of God to the entire assembly of Israel before they plead with Moses not to let God speak to them or the episode of the Golden Calf. The experience was so terrifying that it has been said in some literature that the rocks split in two, pregnant animals immediately gave birth, and the people were so overwhelmed that they never want to experience it again.

Second, of all revelations received by Moses from God, only these Ten Words were written by the finger of God. In fact, these utterances were so important in the founding and the establishment of the House of Israel, they were recorded in every testament including the Book of Mormon. (Mosiah 12-13)

Third, the Ten Words are unique in that they in particular are often referred to as “the covenant” (Exodus 34:28). This is why they were placed among the items inside the “aron ha-berit,” the Ark of the Covenant, the Mercy Seat, or Throne of the Most High.

As recorded in the scriptures there was  more given at Mount Sinai than just the Ten Words, but the function of the Ten Words was to establish and bring to remembrance the entire covenant in the minds of the people. These Ten Words capture the essence of God's covenant with Israel, while the rest of instructions given to Israel elaborates on their function and application among the people similar to our modern case law. In the mind of an Israelite, the Ten Words represent the whole Sinai covenant in a manner similar to how we refer to the Constitution or Bill of Rights representing the governing body of law for the United States of America.

The Ten Words function as the foundation of God's covenant. In a literal sense they function as the legal framework that establishes Israel as a nation and the national boundaries they are not to exceed. The Ten Words like the rest of the Torah are filled with principles of morality, but they also establish the basis of God’s relationship with ancient Israel.   This relationship was based first on deliverance as in God delivering Israel out of bondage as expressed in the first utterance “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery...” (Exodus 20:2). Israel's covenant relationship was based on an act of deliverance through the taking of the first born of Egypt in the Passover. This is important because Israel’s salvation was established by God first before he gave them further directions to live by.

Honoring God by keeping his instructions under God's Covenant is similar in that it too is a response to God’s salvation. Many have adopted the Ten Words as just a moral code. Others have rejected most, if not all of God's commandments as being relevant today. But what we are being called to is a relationship of transformation.  Instead of God's commands being written on tablets of stone they are now to be engraved upon our hearts. (Jeremiah 31:31-34; 2 Corinthians 3:3). The spiritual ladder of the Ten Words is pathway of transformation and progression into the presence of God brought about by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

WALKING THE TEN WORDS INTO THE PRESENCE OF GOD- THE SPIRAL STAIRCASE OF TRANSFORMATION

Because of our traditions and our Greek/Western mindset we are often accustomed to reading the 10 utterances by God in a linear/descending fashion.  We start with Commandment  #1 and then read down the list of what we think are a list of do's and don'ts until we reach Commandment #10.  This type of carnal reading of the 10 Commandments/Utterances is correct, but in an of itself it does not reveal the multi-dimensional revelations that the utterances contain. Let us start at the bottom:

"When you climb up a ladder, you must begin at the bottom and ascend step by step, until you arrive at the top; and so it is with the principles of the Gospel– you must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the principles of exaltation. But it will be a great while after you have passed through the veil before you will have learned them. It will be a great work to learn our salvation and exaltation even beyond the grave.” Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 6:306-307

THE TREE OF LIFE GIVEN TO ISRAEL:

Everything in the Torah has a purpose.  The words contain not only the literal rendering of the text but also the hidden plain and precious truths for those who seek further light and knowledge. Rather than just cold letters engraved upon tablets of stone, the 10 Commandments represent the Tree of Life and the pathway we are to walk to ascend back into the presence of God. The path back into the presence of YHVH commences at the Base of the Tree of Life which represents this world in which we live and corresponds to the place where we commence our journey back into the presence of God- You Shall Not Covet.

THE FIRST LESSON- THE FIRST RUNG OF THE LADDER

The first lesson of Holiness and Discipleship to be embraced in our journey from the world here below back into the presence of God is the Lesson Regarding Covetousness. In the Israelite mind covetousness has to do with lusting, possessing, and controlling another person or thing.  It is the opposite of tzedekah (charity).  In fact if we were to paint an Israelite picture of covetousness it might read something like this:

"And covetousness embraces power and is unmerciful, and its face is lust, and is prideful, seeks  his own self interest, is  easily provoked, meditates on evil, and rejoices in lawlessness and in lies, is unwilling to bear the burden of anyone or anything, looks only to themselves, has no expectation of God's promises or judgments, and endures nothing to satisfy the self." (Moroni 7:45- The Adulterated Version).

True Covetousness is the Epitome of Unrighteous Dominion:

"That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man." (D&C: 121:36-37)

So In Israelite thought Covetousness has to do with control, possession of another person or thing, and lust.  It is the fruit of the ego or natural man and woman.  To Ascend the first rung of the ladder in our journey into the presence of God, the first lesson of the traveler is the abandonment of the need to possess or control another person or thing to satisfy ourselves, our natural desire for forced order and control, and our the quenching of our fear through the subjugation of another person or group of people.

Putting off the desire to control, subjugate, or possess another person or thing is the first step as we leave the world we have been born into and then commence our journey into the wilderness like Nephi and Lehi leaving Jerusalem to travel to the Land of Promise and the presence of God. In letting go, we open the doors to higher spiritual experiences as we journey in the more fertile parts of the wilderness.  These disciples understand that the path of Godliness and the power of God is only manifest "by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; by kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy; That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death." (D&C 121:41-44)


(To Be Continued)

I have the power! Wait, no, No, NO! I HAVE THE POWER

Over the last 30 years I have had the opportunity to meet many self declared Masters Of The Universe-aka. Noble and Great Ones, Ones Mighty and Strong, Davidic Servants, Reincarnated Dead Prophets, Holders of the Keys, etc. etc. They come in many shapes and sizes and while they proclaim their "Chosen Status", "Prophetic Calling", and "Dispensational Kingship" they unfortunately fail to produce any of the works that God proclaims should follow those who are true disciples of Christ (Messiah).  They have words mind you-- OH DO THEY HAVE WORDS! (Some of whom declare their prophetic significance and roles by the number of Books they Produce or overall word count.) Unfortunately, at the end of the day, the sum total of their Great and Marvelous Work is a stack of dusty books and papers in a used bookstore--their dead words that fall to the ground unfulfilled.  Rather than a GREAT AND MARVELOUS WORK it turns out to be SMALL AND UNDERWHELMING. (AKA. GOD'S SMALL AND PATHETIC WORK).

The disciples and fan club of these "great and mighty men" will testify with great conviction regarding their particular prophets calling and importance, but so many live out their lives in quiet desperation waiting for something -anything in fact- that their particular brand of prophet pronounces to be fulfilled. They form groups, fellowships, and movements with their own brand of self proclaimed priestcraft (committees, councils, and quorums) all of which are designed to shore up the words of their leader and their self-important egos- each waiting for their chance in the lime light or their moment in the sun to be seen as THE important authority.

The names and places of these prophets and their groupies may change, but as human nature doesn't change, the story basically remains the same- unfulfilled promises, dashed hopes, victims of abuse, and destroyed lives. BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE!  And by the way, the reason everything went wrong and didn't happen is because IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT! YOU WEREN'T FAITHFUL ENOUGH! YOU WEREN'T GOOD ENOUGH!  THE PEOPLE (not the leader) ARE TO BLAME! And the cycles of spiritual abuse go on and on and on and on.

FALSE PROPHETS AND ANTI-CHRISTS ABOUND

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." (Matthew 7:15-20)


The idea here being communicated by the Messiah is one that goes back to an ancient teaching of "THE SEED" as preserved by the House of Israel:

"Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good." (Genesis 1:11-12)

Every seed produces after its kind.  An apple seed brings forth an apple.  A fig seed produces a fig tree which produces figs.  A monkey produces a monkey.  A human produces and a human baby.  A False Prophet produces other false prophets. 

THE WORD IS THE SEED

In relation to the principle of THE SEED and false prophets we must understand that False Prophets plant their seeds.  What is their seed?  In Israelite thought- THEIR TEACHINGS OR WORDS ARE THE SEEDS.  As we take in the words of God or the words of men these seeds being to take root in our hearts (thoughts) and as we nourish them they begin to grow. The Messiah in what is called the Parable of the Seed demonstrates this ancient principle:

"Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God." (Luke 8:11)

The Prophet Alma in the Book of Mormon reiterates this ancient principle:

"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)

God's seed is considered "the good seed".  In Israelite thought, that which is "GOOD" leads us to fulfill God's commandments.  We must be careful though because even as the word of God is a seed the words of The Adversary or even those words that come from the Hearts of Men are also seeds.  From whatever source, having ingested the seed, we then proceed to produce the fruits or works that the seeds are meant to produce.  This is why the accounts of false prophets/anti-christs in the scriptures are given- as in the case of Korihor:

"And Korihor put forth his hand and wrote, saying: I know that I am dumb, for I cannot speak; and I know that nothing save it were the power of God could bring this upon me; yea, and I always knew that there was a God.

But behold, the devil hath deceived me; for he appeared unto me in the form of an angel, and said unto me: Go and reclaim this people, for they have all gone astray after an unknown God. And he said unto me: There is no God; yea, and he taught me that which I should say. And I have taught his words; and I taught them because they were pleasing unto the carnal mind; and I taught them, even until I had much success, insomuch that I verily believed that they were true; and for this cause I withstood the truth, even until I have brought this great curse upon me...

And it came to pass that as he went forth among the people, yea, among a people who had separated themselves from the Nephites and called themselves Zoramites, being led by a man whose name was Zoram—and as he went forth amongst them, behold, he was run upon and trodden down, even until he was dead. And thus we see the end of him who perverteth the ways of the Lord; and thus we see that the devil will not support his children at the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to hell." (Alma 30: 52-53, 59-60)

WE ARE IN NO LESS PERIL

The Apostle Matthew relates the following warning, "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect" (Mat. 24:24)

If it were possible even the very elect would be deceived.  In Israelite thought an elect person or set apart person was set apart because of the terms of God's covenant.  The Prophet Joseph Smith in his commentary on Matthew's writings made the following additions:

"And except those days should be shortened, there should none of their flesh be saved; but for the elect’s sake, according to the covenant, those days shall be shortened...

 For in those days there shall also arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch, that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant." (JST Matthew 1:20-22)

An elect or set apart person is in the condition of being elect or set apart because they do so according to the terms of God's Covenant.  We may then ask, "What Covenant?" 

The Messiah himself answers the question:

"And it came to pass
that when Yeshoshua had said these words he perceived
that there were some among them
who marveled and wondered
what he would do concerning the Torah of Moshe
For they understood not the saying that old things had passed away
and that all things had become new
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
Behold I say unto you that the Torah is now properly interpreted and established
that was given unto Moshe
Behold I am he that gave the Torah
And I am he who covenanted with my people Isra’el
Therefore the Torah in me is now properly interpreted and established
For I have come to  properly interpret and established the Torah
Therefore it has a purpose
Behold I do not destroy the prophets
For as many as have not been properly interpreted and established by me
Truthfully I say unto you shall all be properly interpreted and established
And because I said unto you that old things had passed away
I do not destroy that which has been spoken
concerning things which are to come
For behold the covenant which I have made
with my people is not all properly interpreted and established
But the Torah that was given unto Moshe
has a purpose in me
Behold I am the Torah and the Light
Look unto me and walk to the end and you shall live
For unto him that walks to the end will I give eternal life
Behold I have given unto you the mitzvot
Therefore keep my mitzvot
And this is the Torah and the prophets
for they truly testify of me"

(Voices from the Dust/ 3 Nephi 15:5 Hebrew Roots Version)

The elect or set apart ones are able to detect the false seeds or words of the Adversary or False Prophets because they know the Terms of Gods Covenant with the House of Israel. It is the same covenant given to Adam and extended down through the Patriarchs even to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  It is the same covenant restored by Moses to the House of Israel.  It is the same covenant renewed by the Messiah and it is the same covenant that exists today.

"For I am YHVH, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the YHVH of hosts (Heaven's Armies). But ye said, Wherein shall we return?" (Mal: 3:6-7 or 3 Nephi 24:6-7)

A True Prophet, One Mighty and Strong, Davidic Servant, etc etc sent from God will follow in the footsteps of the Messiah and properly interpret and establish the Torah.  We can only detect the true messengers of God according to the terms of the Covenant.  A false messenger will lead his followers away from the Messiah and his Torah.

"Wherefore, all things which are good (that which leads you to fulfill God's commandments) cometh of God; and that which is evil (that which leads you away from fulfilling God's commandments) cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually." (Moroni 7:12)

Beware the wolves in sheep's clothing:

Israelite Keys To The Last Days (Part 1)

In the year 999 it is recorded that Saint Peter's basilica in Rome was packed with people who were crying and paralyzed by fear believing that The End Of The World was near. It had been a millennia since the first advent of the Messiah and now 1000 years later the Apocalyptic Events of John's Revelation were upon them.  To their surprise, they miraculously survived the night and a new millennium commenced.  There were no appearances of seven headed beasts, no forced marks placed in their hands and foreheads, and Christ did not return to usher in a millennium of peace and leaping through Edenic lily fields.

Over the past 2000 odd years, there have been many "Last Days" prophets, teachers, and soothsayers who rise up to warn the people that, "The End Is Near! Christ Is Coming Back! Your Unbelieving Asses Are About To Be Roasted!" Attending these voices are the throngs of fearful people, waiting in fervent expectation that the horrific events artfully described in the Book of Revelation are upon them.  Strangely enough in the year 2019, not much has changed, except that now we have new actors on the world stage who are being declared The Beast, The anti-christ, Gog and Magog, etc.

The selling and marketing of the Book of Revelation or what is commonly called The Last Days is literally a multi-billion dollar industry with books, movies, and churches springing up everywhere to capitalize on the frenzy.  But what if I told you that an Israelite would not interpret the Message of the Book of Revelation in the same way as a gentile/modern/ western/ American/ Greek based person or culture?

Revelation- Not Specifically For Our Day

Despite two thousand years of interpretation, mis-interpretation, cultural obscurity, and outright twisting, the Book of Revelation still stands as a prophetic enigma to the Gentile Mind.  To an Israelite reader, the Book was written by a Jew to a believing Jewish audience after the manner of the Jews and meant to be interpreted in the context of a Jewish Culture.  The specific message and symbolism has no immediate application or message to a Gentile Culture who speaks English 2000 years or 5000 miles from the date and place of delivery.  This does not mean that the Book of Revelation has no meaning for us, but that its' message was meant to be interpreted using the culture, language, and local atmosphere of the Jews to whom the message was delivered. 

The author of Revelation was  a Jew:

John (Yochanan) the Revelator was a Jew.  He was one of the original disciples of Messiah Yeshuah. As such, his locale and cultural context was that of the Jews in the Roman ruled world of the Mediterranean between 30 to 70 AD. In point of fact, almost all the original disciples and followers of Messiah would have been Jews or of Jewish connection or descent. They would be very familiar with the history and writings of the Jews. 

The Revelation That Shortly Came to Pass:

The opening of the Book of Revelation is clear that the events they are being warned about would occur in the generation in which it was given:

"The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John:" (Revelation 1:1)

In the very first verse of the Book of Revelation, the author clearly communicates that these things must shortly come to pass. That which "must shortly come to pass" written by John in his lifetime does not mean 2000 years later.  In fact the Greek word for "shortly" (en tachei) refers to temporal proximity--i.e. the events were very close to happening at that time.  John goes on to reiterate in verse 3 of Revelation:

"Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near." (Revelation 1:3)

The word near (engus) expresses that the events being related in this book are near or close in time to actually happening.  In other words, the message of the Book of Revelation is speaking to the authors immediate audience about impending events that "must shortly come to pass". 

Not only does the Book of Revelation open with the message that the things communicated are those events which "must shortly come to pass" and are "near", but the End of the Book of Revelation also closes with the message that the prophetic events just revealed are those things which "must shortly come to pass" and "near":

"And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done." (Revelation 22:6)

"And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand." (Revelation 22:10)

In both opening and closing statements, the message being communicated by the Apostle John to his followers is that the events he is warning them about are impending for the various churches/assemblies that he is addressing--not 2000 years later.

The Manner Of The Jews

What a minute?  You mean to tell me that the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, the mark of the beast, the Battle of Armageddon, and a ginormous star called Wormwood that destroys pretty much of a third of all life on earth-- all of this already happened and was fulfilled in Johns' time and with the destruction of the Jewish Temple and Jerusalem about 70 AD?   

YES!

To understand these ancient symbols requires a knowledge of Jewish Culture, The Temple, and Jewish History. That being said, however, it does not mean that the Book of Revelation carries no prophetic meaning for us.  What it should tell us is that John recorded this message after the manner of the Jews to not only communicate a warning to all the believers in his day of impending events, but is also concealing a greater prophetic message for Israel in the future. To unlock the message of the Book of Revelation means we must learn what these poetic and picturesque symbols would mean to the Jews in that culture at the time when these events took place.  Upon learning what the symbols meant to them in their time, we can then, by understanding the cyclical nature of Israelite Prophecy, understand how to apply the meaning of those symbols in our current situation. 

To Be Continued:

(The Jewish Wars with Rome- The Context Of The Book of Revelation)

  

The Science of the Fathers- Praying Like The Fathers

Because of the fall, our souls are incomplete. This idea of being complete is what is communicated in the phrases, "Be ye therefore perfect" and "Be ye holy". Because God is complete or whole, he can also make us holy or complete. In fact, God's greatest desires to make us whole and one with him. To do this, we must connect or become one with him.

In the ancient Science Of The Fathers communicated to the House of Israel, the greatest tool used along the path of wholeness or holiness is that of prayer. The practice of prayer in the Western Gentile cultures is a far cry from the practice of prayer taught by The Fathers. In our Western tradition, we often view prayer in a form of supplication where we ask God for the things we want etc. The idea of prayer taught by the ancients was that when we pray we are asking God to fill us. It does not have to do with the multiplying of many words, but depends on the desire of the heart.

In the Israelite concept of prayer, man is viewed as a vessel to be filled. He is seen as lacking, having an absence, or space within. The vessel is seen as having a lacking of love – both for God and man. This kind of love is the characteristic of bestowal- the characteristic of receiving to bestow.  In this ancient practice of prayer, the disciple is taught to pray to fill the space within like water being poured into a vessel.  This is the meaning behind the teaching of the Messiah:

" And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost." (3 Nephi 12:6)

This idea of praying desire is also seen with Nephites as they prayed before the Messiah:

"And it came to pass that when Jesus had thus prayed unto the Father, he came unto his disciples, and behold, they did still continue, without ceasing, to pray unto him; and they did not multiply many words, for it was given unto them what they should pray, and they were filled with desire." (3 Nephi 19:24)

Words are not the desires.  Partaking of the Word was meant to evoke the desire or intention.

Those who hunger and thirst after righteousness feel the void or lacking within-they feel the hunger.  Hungering for righteousness was to receive the attributes of male and female, mercy and judgment, long suffering and power to reach a state of beauty, wholeness, or holiness before God. When a disciple prayed desire to be filled with YHVH or with these attributes (and the balance that should exist between them) that portion of God (the Ruach Elohiym/Holy Ghost) is poured into them and they in turn bestow that portion in blessing God and blessing others. In doing so, they receive from the never ending river of the living waters of grace by bestowing grace upon others.  This same sentiment was expressed by the Prophet Joseph Smith:

"And I, John, bear record that I beheld his glory, as the glory of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, even the Spirit of truth, which came and dwelt in the flesh, and dwelt among us. And I, John, saw that he received not of the fulness at the first, but received grace for grace;  And he received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness...I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fulness. For if you keep my commandments you shall receive of his fulness, and be glorified in me as I am in the Father; therefore, I say unto you, you shall receive grace for grace." (D&C 93: 11-13,19-20)

When a person desires or changes his intention from wanting to receive to covet (i.e. the natural man) to desiring to receive to bestow (the spiritual child of God) it was taught that he created a screen (masach) or a reflective surface. This screen or reflective surface enables us to reflect the joy (condition of oneness with God) to both God and mankind.  The simple change of intention or desire to receive the essence or attributes of God is what was known as the mighty change of heart. This is the ancient Hebrew Idea behind the scriptures:

" And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?" (Alma 5:14)

I say unto you, can ye look up to God at that day with a pure heart and clean hands? I say unto you, can you look up, having the image of God engraven upon your countenances? (Alma 5:19)

When the offering of prayer is sincere desire and intent, we are filled with strength (gevurah) and we receive the light or Spirit of God.  The light we receive is mercy which allows us to receive wisdom and understanding.  As we are filled with light and truth, we understand the attributes of a spiritual condition or world (i.e. Assiyah, Yetzirah, Beriyah, Atzilut or This world, Telestial, Terrestrial, and Celestial).  As we are filled and progress receiving the conditions/attributes/ or spiritual substance, we progress from one world to another or one degree to another. Each world or degree corresponding with a greater state of wholeness/holiness/perfection and each degree having a new name.

Each degree or world represents our state or condition of spiritual progress. As we ascend this ladder, our minds, hearts, and consciousness become closer or in a state of greater oneness with God. As we progress up the ladder, the natural man is subdued as we submit to oneness with God.  We cannot destroy the natural man because in this world it is us, BUT we can transform the natural man like a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly.

This type of prayer, the offering and purification of our intentions or desires, is real repentance.  No fruits or works are manifest until after the intentions or desires are purified or transformed. While many religions teach that repentance is the changing or stopping of an action, the Science Of The Fathers teaches that true repentance takes place in the intentions or desires with the resulting fruits being naturally produced afterward.  The focus is on mirroring our desires and intentions with God. This is why Israelite repentance looks so bassackward to the western gentile mind.  The battle is not in the actions, but the battle is in the intention or desires. This is the understanding behind the phrase, "Repent, therefore, and bring forth fruits meet for repentance;" (Matthew 3:8).

True Repentance is the purification of intention and desire.  After the intentions and desires are purified, the works or fruits will naturally be produced.  Attempting to destroy or change the fruit is like trying to destroy the fruits or branches of a tree or weed without addressing the roots.  The roots are the unseen spiritual forces (intentions and desires).  If the roots are neither tamed, transformed, or pulled up then the branches can do nothing but produce the fruit that the roots provide nourishment for.  This is the ancient teaching behind the scripture, "And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth.” And it was so."

Every Tree (Man or Woman) produces after his or her own kind.  The outward branches and fruits (works) being a manifestation of the roots (desires and intentions).

"Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?" (3 Nephi 14:16 and Matthew 7:16)


To be continued.

The Science Of The Fathers- The Book of Remembrance and The Scriptures of Israel

ADAM THE FIRST SCIENTIST

The history of this science that God delivered to The Fathers is traced to the foundations or the creation of this world.  In fact, however, the science is actually much older than this earth and contains the laws and principles upon which all creation was organized.  In Israelite tradition and lore, Adam and Eve kept a record of this knowledge and the  revelations of God that were supposedly passed down from one patriarch to another. Over the centuries there have been some oral teachings passed down through various sects of Judaism that claim to have preserved various portions of this knowledge, but no single sect appears to have preserved all of the teachings-with many teachings being lost all together.  It was also taught in the oral traditions of Israel that these records were preserved in the undefiled language of Adam and were the records by which his descendants were taught.  (Of note there are still some books in Judaism brought forth in the middle ages that claim to be this record, but there is no proof that the extant texts that make the claim are valid or of ancient date.)

What is important is that both Mormon and Jewish teachings share this concept of an ancient record composed by Adam. This same tradition and teaching regarding the existence of  the "first records" was also a teaching delivered by Moses:

"And a book of remembrance was kept, in the which was recorded, in the language of Adam, for it was given unto as many as called upon God to write by the spirit of inspiration; And by them their children were taught to read and write, having a language which was pure and undefiled."  (Moses 6:5-6)

According to Israelite tradition and lore, the record of Adam tells of the creation of the earth and the descent of the souls of man from heaven to earth.  It also supposedly detailed his interaction with different angelic beings assigned to this world and the eternal cycle of progression of God's children between the worlds.  The record also supposedly contained a revelation to Adam entailing the beginning of creation to the end of the world and progression into "the world to come".

ABRAHAM THE SCIENTIST

In Israelite tradition, Abraham was also a great teacher and preserver of the Science of The Fathers.  It is also told that he passed this knowledge through not only Isaac, but Ishmael, the Children of Keturah, and his many servants.  It was taught the he was shown the wonders of creation, asked direct questions to God, and ascended to through the worlds above like Enoch. It was also told that he passed the knowledge and keys of how to ascend into these upper worlds to his descendants as well as a knowledge of astronomy, mathematics, and language, among many other things.

This same sentiment also exists within Mormonism as well.  As it is recorded in the Pearl of Great Price:

" In the land of the Chaldeans, at the residence of my fathers, I, Abraham, saw that it was needful for me to obtain another place of residence; And, finding there was greater happiness and peace and rest for me, I sought for the blessings of the fathers, and the right whereunto I should be ordained to administer the same; having been myself a follower of righteousness, desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge, and to be a father of many nations, a prince of peace, and desiring to receive instructions, and to keep the commandments of God, I became a rightful heir, a High Priest, holding the right belonging to the fathers." (Abraham 1:1-2)

MOSES THE SCIENTIST

During Israel's sojourn in Egypt much of the knowledge of the Fathers had become lost or corrupted with idolatrous influences.  In response to Israel's condition, Moses was commanded by God to restore much of the Science of the Fathers to the various tribes of The House of Israel.  His disciples such as Joshua the son of Nun and the 70 Elders of Israel being the primary students and teachers to dispense this knowledge to the rest of the nation.  Unfortunately, due to Israel's rebellion, much of the great knowledge was withheld from the masses, but still preserved by the various disciples of Joshua and the 70 Elders for those who desired and qualified.  Part of the transmission of this ancient science was the revelation of the Torah which included the instructions whereby Israel on earth could obtain what was known as the "promised land"/Atzilut/ or the presence of God. Written in a manner to both reveal and conceal, the Torah of Israel contains this ancient science written in true Israelite Fashion to convey a story so simple a child could remember it and yet so sublime that those who were taught with the keys of the ancient knowledge could unlock the deeper teachings.

"The words of God, which he spake unto Moses at a time when Moses was caught up into an exceedingly high mountain, and he saw God face to face, and he talked with him, and the glory of God was upon Moses; therefore Moses could endure his presence. And God spake unto Moses, saying: Behold, I am the Lord God Almighty, and Endless is my name; for I am without beginning of days or end of years; and is not this endless?

And, behold, thou art my son; wherefore look, and I will show thee the workmanship of mine hands; but not all, for my works are without end, and also my words, for they never cease. Wherefore, no man can behold all my works, except he behold all my glory; and no man can behold all my glory, and afterwards remain in the flesh on the earth. And I have a work for thee, Moses, my son; and thou art in the similitude of mine Only Begotten; and mine Only Begotten is and shall be the Savior, for he is full of grace and truth; but there is no God beside me, and all things are present with me, for I know them all." (Moses 1)

To understand The Science of the Fathers, we have to understand the manner in which it written. While it is not necessary to read and write Hebrew, we have to understand that this knowledge was transmitted using stories to present concepts and ideas. Stories about the events, people, and journeys become a method of transmitting great principles and ideas of the celestial worlds. The symbols in the accounts describe how the forces of the celestial worlds interact with this world. They transmit knowledge of how this world and the universe work. When the Scriptures are approached in this manner the stories in the Book of Mormon in the Bible take on new meaning.

The Apple Doesn't Fall Far from the Tree

In the Science of the Fathers, one of the first principles taught to a disciple when reading an account in the Scriptures was to identify the causative actions and their effects in every story. Tree of life symbols, philosophies, and paradigms permeate the world and words of the Scriptures. For example, in the Israelite mindset, the symbols of a tree or a plant with both branches and roots represent a series of causes and effects. Literally and figuratively the roots of the tree are equated with the cause. The effects are literally and figuratively considered the branches and the fruits. This same principle is encoded in the Hebrew language as Hebrew words have both parent roots and children branches.

The same is true with the stories and accounts recorded in the Scriptures. The roots are equated with spiritual principles, laws, and ordinances that cause certain effects be produced in this world. The branches and the fruits that come from them are the effects that are connected and originate from these roots or causes. It is taught that the roots exist in the celestial worlds while the branches exist in this world. In other words, just as roots grow below the ground and cannot be seen, so are the spiritual principles, laws, and forces unseen. This is why the prophets defined faith as follows:

"And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true." (Alma 32:21)

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)

We exercise faith based upon promises that are expected to be fulfilled, spiritual laws, and principles which are unseen or not yet materialized in the world that we live in. This is why the words of the Prophet Alma are so important because his parable of the seed and the tree in Alma 32 are perfect examples of this eternal principle:

"Now, as I said concerning faith—that it was not a perfect knowledge—even so it is with my words. Ye cannot know of their surety at first, unto perfection, any more than faith is a perfect knowledge.

But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.

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: 26-28)

The seed is the word that is planted below the ground-the unseen world of the spiritual. Being nourished it begins to take root.  The roots representing the spiritual principles, laws, and forces of the unseen world.  The results or effects of these spiritual principles, laws, and forces being the seen trunk, branches, and fruit.

That which happens in the celestial or unseen worlds shows up in the material world. Stated another way, that which happens in the roots manifests in the branches and fruits (i.e. the kind and type of fruit or lack thereof). If the seed is nourished according to the principles, laws and forces of the celestial, they produce the desired fruit or effects. As man is both spiritual and physical, he exists as the link and mechanism between these two worlds being able to influence the spiritual and manifest in the physical.

As they read and studied the accounts given in the Scriptures, the disciples of the Science of the Fathers were to discover causes and effects or roots and branches of every story.  Each event, occurrence, and outcome of the particular story that occurred in their physical world capturing principles and laws of the Science of the Fathers.  Adam partaking of the tree of knowledge, Moses parting the Red Sea, Nephi obtaining the plates from Laban, Lehi finding the Liahona at the door of his tent, Nephi breaking his bow, or Nephi obtaining food, or building a ship to sail to the promised land being stories that both reveal and conceal great principles of this eternal science.  In feasting upon the words of the scriptures, they learned the celestial principles to transform their hearts and the world around them. This concept of unseen and seen or cause and effect being the Israelite understanding and practice communicated by Moses;

"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)

The various accounts in the Scriptures relate many stories and events. In addition to the literal rendering of the stories, the events were written in such a manner to preserve and teach the laws and principles behind the spiritual forces that govern the Heavens as well as mankind and world around us. Men and women such as Abraham and Sarah, Joseph in Egypt, Moses, Lehi, Nephi, etc are not only to be considered as people but also represent but spiritual elements/forces that work on and transform the desires of the heart.

For example, let's take the story of the Exodus.  Besides being an account of the physical events, the story was written in a manner to communicate certain teachings regarding The Science of the Fathers. As they were delivered from Egypt (Mitzraim-representing the trouble and tribulations of the World), they commenced their journey to ascend the Holy Mountain of Sinai into the presence of God.  The physical leaving of Egypt into the Wilderness being what was taught as a separation of the spiritual child of God from the world of the Natural Man.  Each event of the Exodus revealing and concealing the process and principles by which men ascend into the presence of God.

THE BOOK OF MORMON AS A SCIENCE BOOK

The purpose of the Book of Mormon was to preserve and restore many of the plain and precious truths of the Science of the Fathers as transmitted by the prophets Lehi, Nephi, and their descendents. In doing so Nephi follows the ancient method and pattern of transmission by communicating his journeys in a manner that captures both the literal events and preserves the principles of this ancient science. When Nephi obtained the Record of the Jews, he not only obtained the physical record, but also preserved teaching of how to obtain the Record of Heaven. When Lehi obtained the Liahona he not only obtained the ball of curious workmanship but also preserved teaching regarding the ancient Paths of Wisdom. When Nephi came to the land Bountiful and worked timbers of curious workmanship, he not only built the ship, but also preserved teaching of how man constructs his vessel to reach the promised land or the presence of God. Each word and event of the stories carefully preserved and chosen specifically to be communicated in a way to both reveal and conceal this ancient science. This is why Nephi draws upon various stories and teachings from the Torah of which the Exodus is but one:

"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." (1 Nephi 4;2)

This portion of the Torah cited contains the primary teaching regarding the overcoming of our Mighty Adversary in the obtaining of the Record of Heaven. In the Exodus, Pharaoh and his armies represent a Mighty One in his forces who attempt to prevent the children of Israel from leaving spiritual Egypt to obtain the Torah of God and his presence. In Nephi's account Laban and his 50 representing a Mighty One who attempts to prevent Nephi and his brothers from obtaining the
Record of Heaven before their Exodus into the wilderness and their ultimate goal of reaching the land of promise. The fullest purpose of the story not being that the Exodus happened, or that Nephi just obtained plates, but that these events are happening to you. Not only that they are happening to you, but the stories contain the path and principles by which you are to obtain the same.

The Scriptures in general and specifically the Book of Mormon when understood in true Israelite manner really are a Great and Marvelous Work. The message being communicated in a multi-dimensional format. Many of the keys to understanding the Scriptures have either been hidden, lost, or disregarded because of the ignorance and stupidity of men throughout the ages. Yet despite this predicament, God has preserved these teachings and in his mercy extends them to us in our day. The language of Israelite symbols is a discipline of deep thought, revelation, and study. Where one may read the simple story of Adam and Eve and the serpent, another sees the ancient meaning of Adam as the desire to give/bestow while Eve is seen as the desire to receive with the serpent being the ego or natural man.

"And in that day the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam, which beareth record of the Father and the Son, saying: I am the Only Begotten of the Father from the beginning, henceforth and forever, that as thou hast fallen thou mayest be redeemed, and all mankind, even as many as will.

And in that day Adam blessed (blessing - bestowal) God and was filled, and began to prophesy concerning all the families of the earth, saying: Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh I shall see God.

And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed (i.e. woman being a receiver of the seed which brings life), and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient." (Moses 5:9-11)

To Be Continued

THE SCIENCE OF THE FATHERS- MAN IS THAT HE MIGHT HAVE JOY.

"Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy." (2 Nephi 2:25)

God called Israel to be The House through which he would disseminate his light and truth to the world. This endowment of light and truth contained the knowledge revealed by God to Adam and his posterity. The scriptures we have inherited are records transmitted through this covenant house (Israel).  The idea of a covenant house includes a covenant people, a covenant land, and a covenant culture.  But, Israel was not the first covenant people.  In truth, they were a covenant house or culture that was formed out of the heirs of prior covenant houses or civilizations that had passed away.  From Adam to Seth, and from Seth down to Enoch, and from Enoch to Noah, and from Noah to Abraham, and from Abraham to the House of Israel, God has made covenant with many houses through which light and truth has been transmitted in varying degrees until we reach modern day.  Part of that endowment is the science given to Adam by God that was designed to lift all mankind and the earth itself into a closer relationship with himself.  For the purpose of this chapter, we will refer to this knowledge as The Science of the Fathers.

The wisdom of The Fathers is not the property of any religious system or belief.  While religions may contain certain performances and ordinances that were developed to communicate certain principles of this ancient science, the Science of the Fathers transcends them all.  In doing so, the Science of the Fathers  was given to understand the nature and purpose of mortality, the higher worlds, and God.  It is the science of creation, eternal progression, and the cycles of eternity.  The purpose of this Science was not to create a cult or a corporation, but to connect heaven and earth in such a manner to transform the heart of man and the world upon which he lives. Where some religions often teach a person an outside in approach by engaging a person in religious performances and ordinances, the Science of the Fathers is a science of transformation from the inside out.

Almost every religion claims a connection to a "prophet".  The idea of a prophet is usually connected to a man who had a spiritual revelation and then disseminated his knowledge among the people. In other words the idea of a prophet became connected with a man to whom God reveals himself who would then communicate his experience and knowledge to those who would listen to him.  The concept of "prophet" (navi in Hebrew) in the mind of an ancient Israelite is not a person, but a condition of consciousness and connection to God that exists within all mankind. Over time the terms became intermingled as a true prophet was one who had an elevated state of consciousness and connection with God.  This was the deeper teaching behind the the statement of Moses:

" And the Lord came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease. But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp.

And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp.
And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them.

 And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!" (Numbers 11:25-29)

Those whose consciousness had truly ascended beyond the bounds of this world and had experienced the true God were then called to be teachers, but not teachers of dependency upon man.  They were called to transmit the light and truth whereby all men and women could reach the state of "prophet" and know (i.e. experience) God.

The cults and religions of today are more like copyrighted software like Windows or Google.  You must use their license and operating system to "know" or experience God. The Science of the Fathers is more like open source software whereby any person can know God.  The degree of this experience being limited only by the individual's desire and practice.

The scriptures passed down by the House of Israel are the stories and teachings written in plain story form but designed to conceal the great truths of this science through symbol, metaphor, and number to those who seek to learn this great science for themselves.  These men who reached the state of "prophet" record in true Israelite fashion the process they went through in step by step fashion so that those who read their records could attain the same.  The connection with God being based on their own internal desire, intentions, and applications and not the leadership of a cult or business.

THE BOOK OF MORMON AND THE SCIENCE OF THE FATHERS

The Book of Mormon together with the Bible contains this science as preserved and presented by the prophets Lehi, Nephi, and their descendants. as well as many great gifts meant for God's people in preparation for meeting his Son.  We read about the "plain and precious things" being taken from the scriptures, but what exactly are the "plain and precious things" and why are they important?


In reading the Book of Mormon the Prophet Nephi relates the following:

“Wherefore, thou seest that after the book hath gone forth through the hands of the great and abominable church, that there are many plain and precious things taken away from the book, which is the book of the Lamb of God.  And after these plain and precious things were taken away it goeth forth unto all the nations of the Gentiles; and after it goeth forth unto all the nations of the Gentiles, yea, even across the many waters which thou hast seen with the Gentiles which have gone forth out of captivity, thou seest—because of the many plain and precious things which have been taken out of the book, which were plain unto the understanding of the children of men, according to the plainness which is in the Lamb of God—because of these things which are taken away out of the gospel of the Lamb, an exceedingly great many do stumble, yea, insomuch that Satan hath great power over them.
(1 Nephi 13:28-29)


In examining the concept of "plain and precious things" from a Israelite Mindset, we discover that there is more to the phrase than meets the eye.


Plain = {Nakoakh} = Straight, Uprightness

All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. (Psalms 8:8-9)
The word "plain" comes from the Hebrew word Nakoakh which means straight or uprightness.  In its mechanical sense the concept of straight refers to the surface of the land or path which one walks. So while it can be used in phrases attempting to convey that something is straightforward or self evident its deeper meaning refers to a path which one walks.

Understanding that the concept of plain can refer to a path that is "straight" helps us to understand that the scriptures contain a pathway and that there were those who altered, changed, or obstructed that pathway by removing great truths.  Altering or removing stones from this path, causes people to stumble by placing or creating stumbling blocks along the path that should be straight and level.  In the mind of an Israelite a stumbling block is anything which causes you to leave the observance or correct understanding of God's commandments.  One of the purposes of the Book of Mormon is to remove stumbling blocks and to make the path level again.  This is why Nephi later states:

And it shall come to pass, that if the Gentiles shall hearken unto the Lamb of God in that day that he shall manifest himself unto them in word, and also in power, in very deed, unto the taking away of their stumbling blocks. (1 Nephi 14:1)

In taking away our stumbling blocks we are led to the proper understanding and observance of God's commandments.  In doing so we are able to walk a path of betrothal with God's Son and arrive at a state of oneness with God.

Precious= {Migdanah} = Choice or Excellent Thing

When we think of the word "Precious" it draws to mind things of choice or excellent things of great worth.  But in the mind of an Israelite this concept draws upon much deeper understanding.  To understand the concept of precious it helps to draw upon Nephi's source material, The Torah.

The word "precious" comes from the Hebrew word Migdanah meaning Choice or Excellent thing. In context of the Torah we find this word first used in regard to the betrothal of Rebekah. The first place in the Torah where we find the use of the word "Precious" refers to the scene where Eliezer, the servant of Abraham, was sent to find a bride for his birthright son.  As the story relates he went to the well and came upon Rebekah who used her vessel to bestow water of life upon Abraham's servant.  Seeing that this was the bride God had designed to bring to Abraham's Chosen Son, Eliezer presented betrothal gifts to Rebekah's family.  These betrothal gifts given by the Servant of Abraham are designed to purchase the bride and to adorn her with gifts to prepare her for her betrothal to the son or bridegroom, among other things.

Behold, Rebekah is before thee, take her, and go, and let her be thy master's son's wife, as the LORD hath spoken. And it came to pass, that, when Abraham's servant heard their words, he worshipped the LORD, bowing himself to the earth. And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things. (Genesis 24:51-53)

In Hebraic context the "Precious Things" are equated with the betrothal gifts given to the Bride for her purchase, adornment, and preparation in getting ready to meet her Groom- Abraham's Only Begotten or Birthright Son.

The message of the Book of Mormon contains contains and endowment of this Science of the Fathers that is designed to bring us into his presence.  When the records and the people of the House of Israel (i.e. The Bible and the Book of Mormon) run together we have a complete road map to the plain (level or straight) path we are to walk as well as the precious things of adornment that we as a bride must adorn ourselves with to make ourselves ready for the Bridegroom.

THE PURPOSE OF MAN- A KEY PRINCIPLE IN THE SCIENCE OF THE FATHERS

One of the first principles preserved by the Book of Mormon in regard to The Science Revealed to the Fathers is the essential principle of the purpose of man.  The Prophet Lehi relates to his son, "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy (simchah)." (2 Nephi 2: 25).   Many readers of the Book of Mormon read over this statement never understanding the true Israelite meaning behind this statement.  To understand the meaning of this statement is to understand the purpose of the Science God revealed to Adam and what the science is designed to create.

In the mind of an Israelite joy is connected with the presence of God (YHVH).  As the Psalmist records, "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." (Psalm 16:11)

In other words Joy is the presence of God.  To be in the presence of God one must be "ONE" with God or in a state of oneness with YHVH. This is what is meant by the expression of "Be ye therefor Holy" or "Be ye therefore perfect"- Holy (Kadosh) or perfect being a state of wholeness which man cannot experience without being in a state of oneness with God.

If we were to restate this principle being communicated by the Prophet Lehi in our modern language it could read:

"Adam fell so that men might exist-the purpose of man and his existence is to be in a condition of Oneness with God."

This essential and foundation principle of the Science of the Fathers (even Adam) is the purpose for God revealing and transmitting this Science.  We are to experience oneness with God.  As both a creature of mortality and the spiritual, man exists as the connecting link between Heaven and Earth.  The connection of these two dimensions or spheres is the purpose of this science with Mankind being the principle instrument through which this can be accomplished.  MAN EXISTS TO BE ONE WITH GOD.

THE BOOK OF MORMON- THE CONNECTION WITH THE SEASONS OF JOY

The Prophetic significance of the Book of Mormon in connection with the Science of the Fathers cannot be overlooked. On September 22nd 1827 (The Feast of Trumpets) the heavens were parted and a trumpet was sounded in fulfillment of this Appointed Time for All Israel throughout their Generations.  And again, what do we hear? Glad tidings from Cumorah! Moroni, an angel from heaven, declaring the fulfilment of the prophets—the book to be revealed. (D&C 128:20)

The Feast of Trumpets commenced a Season of Joy (simchah) and was to be an ordinance through all generations as explained in Numbers 10:

"But when the congregation is to be gathered together, ye shall blow, but ye shall not sound an alarm.
And the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow with the trumpets; and they shall be to you for an ordinance for ever throughout your generations.

And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the LORD your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies.

Also in the day of your joy (simchah), and in your solemn days, and in the beginnings of your months, ye shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; that they may be to you for a memorial before your God: I am the LORD your God." (Numbers 10: 7-10)

I find it interesting that a Book that teaches that the purpose of the existence of Man is to be One with God (i.e. joy) is brought forth out of the ground as a record commencing a Season of Joy (A Season of being in Oneness with God) containing the roadmap (plain) and gifts of God (precious truths) from the Fathers designed to bring us back into a condition of Oneness with God.  Really makes you think!

(to be continued).

The Key to the Gifts of the Spirit.--Part 9 in the Watchers Series

There is much speculation and zeal about the Gifts of the Spirit abroad in the world. At the same time, there is also much mis-information and many counterfeits.  In a world where the evils of the rebellious watchers have been perpetuated and used to bring much of mankind under bondage, these desired gifts give the disciples of Messiah not only witnesses that the Kingdom of God is with them, but also the power to set the captive souls free.

We read stories of great healings, revelations from Heaven, the gift of tongues, the parting of seas, and the restoration of souls and desire the same experiences as the ancients.  In fact the promise of the Messiah himself rings in our ears, "I am telling you the truth, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father." (John14:12)

The sincere seeker of God (YHVH) looks to the many witnesses and miraculous events of deliverance recorded in the scriptures and yet in our modern society we look around and find these "greater works" almost non-existent.  At the same time, the prophet Moroni calls us to remembrance of these mighty works:

"And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith (trusting loyalty to YHVH) is things which are hoped for (expected based on a promise) and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith (trusting loyalty).

For it was by faith (trusting loyalty to YHVH) that Christ showed himself unto our fathers, after he had risen from the dead; and he showed not himself unto them until after they had faith (trusting loyalty to YHVH) in him; wherefore, it must needs be that some had faith (trusting loyalty to YHVH)  in him, for he showed himself not unto the world.

But because of the faith (trusting loyalty to YHVH) of men he has shown himself unto the world, and glorified the name of the Father, and prepared a way that thereby others might be partakers of the heavenly gift, that they might hope for those things which they have not seen.

Wherefore, ye may also have hope, and be partakers of the gift, if ye will but have faith (trusting loyalty to YHVH).

Behold it was by faith (trusting loyalty to YHVH) that they of old were called after the holy order of God.

Wherefore, by faith was the law of Moses given. But in the gift of his Son hath God prepared a more excellent way; and it is by faith that it hath been fulfilled.

For if there be no faith (trusting loyalty to YHVH) among the children of men God can do no miracle among them; wherefore, he showed not himself until after their faith( demonstrating trusting loyalty to YHVH).

Behold, it was the faith (trusting loyalty to YHVH) of Alma and Amulek that caused the prison to tumble to the earth.

Behold, it was the faith (trusting loyalty to YHVH) of Nephi and Lehi that wrought the change upon the Lamanites, that they were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost.

Behold, it was the faith (trusting loyalty to YHVH) of Ammon and his brethren which wrought so great a miracle among the Lamanites.

Yea, and even all they who wrought miracles wrought them by faith (trusting loyalty to YHVH), even those who were before Christ and also those who were after.

And it was by faith (trusting loyalty to YHVH) that the three disciples obtained a promise that they should not taste of death; and they obtained not the promise until after their faith(demonstrating trusting loyalty to YHVH).

And neither at any time hath any wrought miracles until after their faith( demonstrated trusting loyalty to YHVH); wherefore they first believed in the Son of God.

And there were many whose faith (trust and loyalty to YHVH)was so exceedingly strong, even before Christ came, who could not be kept from within the veil, but truly saw with their eyes the things which they had beheld with an eye of faith, and they were glad." (Ether 12:6-19)

THE GIFTS ARE GIVEN TO ENABLE US TO FULFILL THE GOD'S COMMANDMENTS 

"And now I speak unto all the ends of the earth—that if the day cometh that the power and gifts of God shall be done away among you, it shall be because of unbelief (infidelity and disloyalty). And wo be unto the children of men if this be the case; for there shall be none that doeth good (fulfills God's commandments or fulfills his Torah) among you, no not one. For if there be one among you that doeth good (fulfills God's commandments and his Torah), he shall work by the power and gifts of God." (Moroni 10:24-25)

Because we as individuals and as a people demonstrate infidelity and disloyalty to God (YHVH) by not properly interpreting, and guarding, and carrying out God's commandments as given in the Torah and the Sermon on the Mount, the gifts of God are withheld.  Would a loving parent give his child a gift that would enable him to commit a crime that would them bring him under the penalty of law? Would you give your child a gift that would enable he or she to then attribute the gift to Satan or another False God like Baal?

The idea of wanting gifts from God (YHVH) while saying that his laws and commandments are done away or no longer need to be followed is like a married woman who desires the spiritual and financial blessings of being the wife to a man all the while having an affair with another man who is not her husband. This type of disloyalty and infidelity (i.e. unbelief) is like wanting to live in the Zion of God with all its attendant blessings and glories while at the same time keeping the law of a different King and a different Kingdom.

The Gifts of Spirit are given to an individual and to a people to enable them to fulfill (i.e. properly interpret, keep [heb. shamar-to guard], and carry out) God's Commandments. They are not given to satisfy the curiosity of the non-believer.  They are not given to give credibility to an idol or a false authority system. They are given to enable those who fulfill God's commandments and those who seek to fulfill God's commandments the enabling power to carry them out.  In Hebrew that which is "Good" is that which leads you to fulfill God's commandments.  This same teaching was delivered by the Prophet Joseph Smith:

"Wherefore, beware lest ye are deceived; and that ye may not be deceived seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given; For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts." (D&C 46:8-9)

In Hebrew to consume it upon our lusts is the desire to receive from God to covet it for ourselves.  Rather than seeking to receive from God to bestow upon others, those who seek to consume the gifts of God upon their lusts seek from God for their own glory, reputation, position, and benefit.

"And again, verily I say unto you, I would that ye should always remember, and always retain in your minds what those gifts are, that are given unto the church. For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby. (D&C 46:10-12)

It seems strange to some that many of the laws revealed in the Torah of Moses seem to pertain to things that appear so mundane or "not so spiritual", but to God (YHVH) even that which appears temporal is spiritual. We are commanded to work and to provide for our families.  Fulfilling this commandment is not consuming upon our lusts but carryout God's ordained directive to provide for our families, to generate a surplus, and to administer to those who stand in need.  We are commanded to be clean physically and to eat clean foods.  Fulfilling this commandment enables our bodies to function and work properly to carryout our daily responsibilities and to receive more of the Spirit of God.  This is why God has revealed so many of his precious laws to us so that in teaching us his laws we may obtain the blessings. By obtaining the blessings from God (YHVH) we may then bestow upon our families and those who stand in need:

"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)

To obtain the blessings we seek we must have trusting loyalty to the giver (YHVH) and we must know the law upon which the blessing is predicated.

THE GIFT OF ANGELS:

"For behold, they are subject unto him, to minister according to the word of his command, showing themselves unto them of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness." (Moroni 7:30)

By examining the laws and functions surrounding some of the various Gifts of God we will begin to understand how God administers to us.  One such gift or blessing is the gift of the ministering of Angels. In Moroni 7:30 we are given a key to the ministration of angels, "For behold, they are subject unto him, to minister according to the word of his command, showing themselves unto them of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness."

Over the years, I have heard just about every theory in Mormonism to explain this scripture each getting more and more complex with every explanation because people just can't seem to figure out why Angels have ceased to minister as in the ancient days.  The complex doctrinal theories fall apart when compared to simplicity of the Hebrew scriptures.  So let's take a look at Moroni 7:30 with our Israelite glasses on:

For behold - Listen and comprehend

they are subject unto him - true angels are servants of Messiah

to minister according to the word of his command  - they deliver their message in  strict accordance with Christ's instructions

showing themselves unto them of

strong faith - those whose desires and actions demonstrate trust and loyalty to God

and a



firm (decisive) mind (will, intent)

in every form of godliness - In Hebrew godliness is equated with keeping God's commandments.

So if we put it all together in our modern vernacular it might read something like this:

"Listen and comprehend, true Messengers are servants of Messiah who are subordinate to the  decrees and instructions of Messiah, to deliver their message in accordance to Messiah's Laws (Torah- Instructions), manifesting themselves to those whose mind and actions demonstrate trust and loyalty to God and who have a decisive will or intent to keep YHVH's commandments."

In other words: Angels come to teach the words of Christ to those who place their trust in and are loyal to him and whose goal is to fulfill his commandments in their every day lives.

The Principle Being Communicated

The principle that is being communicated is that the reason that Angels appear, or that Gifts are given, or that revelations are given is not to dazzle you with special effects, satisfy your vain curiosity, or give you the warm fuzzies.  They are given for the express purpose of fulfilling and helping you to fulfill God's commandments (his laws and instructions).  They are to give you instructions consistent with his laws that will lead you from a state of covenant alienation to covenant oneness with Christ.  If a messenger or angel comes, or miracles are worked, and amazing signs are given, but they lead you away from fulfilling God's laws and commandments then you may know of a certainty those things were not from God.

A GREAT PROMISE:

Understanding this principle is of great importance because it leads us to one of the Greatest promises from God given in the Book of Mormon:

"And after that he came men also were saved by faith in his name; and by faith, they become the sons of God. And as surely as Christ liveth he spake these words unto our fathers, saying: Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold, it shall be done unto you." (Moroni 7:26)

The concept of taking upon the name, asking in the name, calling upon the name is very foreign to our culture.  We have been taught to believe that it is literally the vocal expression of saying "in the name of Jesus Christ" and while this is the outward expression of this principle, the Hebrew understanding of establishing God's name has to do with representing him accurately and you establishing his righteous dominion and kingdom in your home and the world around you.

In a Hebrew Mind, God in Moroni 7:26 is promising that whatever you ask of God that will establish or help you to fulfill his commandments and decrees with loyalty to him believing that you will receive- it will be done!

Like a righteous King he gives liberally to all those who seek assistance in keeping and enacting his commandments in their lives.  It is not a promise to fulfill our lusts for wealth, status, power, etc, but a promise that if we are seeking to fulfill his commandments we may ask for his enabling power and instructions through Angels, Gifts of the Spirit, and frankly all that the Father has to go out and then take action to live and establish his Kingdom (laws, instructions, decrees, judgments, etc) on this earth and in our own lives---EVEN TO THE ASKING AND BECOMING HIS SONS AND DAUGHTERS THROUGH CHRIST! What better blessing OR gift could you ask for?

DIGGING A LITTLE DEEPER-ASCENDING A LITTLE HIGHER

The Gifts of God do not originate from this world.  They come from the throne of the Most High God- from the midst of everlasting burnings.  They are the substance of the grace of God that extends from Celestial Worlds. Like lightning or a pillar of fire, they extend to this world to separate us from Pharaoh's armies while the path of deliverance is revealed by the dividing of the waters from the waters. In order for the Gifts of God to be revealed it takes a point of connection- men and women of covenant- who can ascend  to the worlds above and then descend again to this world as vessels of light and truth.

It takes the higher to produce in this world what appears to be the miraculous. The natural laws of those kingdoms transacting at a transcendent level above those we think we know in this world.  It is the level of experience that is referred to by the Israelite as the Sod level of learning. It is not something that can be communicated in a book or a manual but must be revealed to any man or woman by direct experience in the Councils of Heaven and the Assembly of the Firstborn. They are the Great and Marvelous things of God and the things which are often referred to as "not lawful to utter." But it only takes the stirring of desire in our hearts here, to stir the fires of these Celestial Worlds.

This ancient principle is demonstrated in the epic of the Prophets Nephi and Lehi who were imprisoned only to find themselves being surrounded by an angry mob of dissenting Nephites and Lamanites who sought to take away their lives:

"And after they had been cast into prison many days without food, behold, they went forth into the prison to take them that they might slay them.

And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi were encircled about as if by fire, even insomuch that they durst not lay their hands upon them for fear lest they should be burned. Nevertheless, Nephi and Lehi were not burned; and they were as standing in the midst of fire and were not burned. And when they saw that they were encircled about with a pillar of fire, and that it burned them not, their hearts did take courage. For they saw that the Lamanites durst not lay their hands upon them; neither durst they come near unto them, but stood as if they were struck dumb with amazement.

And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi did stand forth and began to speak unto them, saying: Fear not, for behold, it is God that has shown unto you this marvelous thing, in the which is shown unto you that ye cannot lay your hands on us to slay us.

And behold, when they had said these words, the earth shook exceedingly, and the walls of the prison did shake as if they were about to tumble to the earth; but behold, they did not fall. And behold, they that were in the prison were Lamanites and Nephites who were dissenters.

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." (Helaman 5: 22-29)

Here we see Nephi and Lehi, prophets who had ascended and descended between the worlds, acting as repairers of the breach and the connecting link to manifest the miraculous presence of God in the very presence of people who sought to murder them. The miraculous was not dependent upon the faith of the murderers, but the trusting loyalty of Nephi and Lehi. As Moroni said:

"Behold, it was the faith of Nephi and Lehi that wrought the change upon the Lamanites, that they were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost." (Ether 12:14)

We read of these miraculous experiences, but we do not experience these things among us today. Yet as we contemplate these things, we should also remember the words of Moroni that there were MANY who experienced these things:

"And there were many whose faith was so exceedingly strong, even before Christ came, who could not be kept from within the veil, but truly saw with their eyes the things which they had beheld with an eye of faith, and they were glad." (Ether 12:19)

And the testimony of Alma regarding the Holy Order of God:

"Now, as I said concerning the holy order, or this high priesthood, there were many who were ordained and became high priests of God; and it was on account of their exceeding faith and repentance, and their righteousness before God, they choosing to repent and work righteousness rather than to perish; Therefore they were called after this holy order, and were sanctified, and their garments were washed white through the blood of the Lamb.

Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their garments made white, being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence; and there were many, exceedingly great many, who were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God.

Many is obviously more than one, two, or even twelve.  In Hebraic thought as in our Modern mind set "exeedingly great many" means too numerable to count.  In other words, every man or woman who chooses can be that connecting point or the repairer of the covenant breach.  In repairing the breach of covenant we not only restore the conditions of holiness but the sacred space where Heaven can be revealed to man on earth and the miraculous restored:

"Now Melchizedek was a man of faith, who wrought righteousness; and when a child he feared God, and stopped the mouths of lions, and quenched the violence of fire. And thus, having been approved of God, he was ordained an high priest after the order of the covenant which God made with Enoch,

It being after the order of the Son of God; which order came, not by man, nor the will of man; neither by father nor mother; neither by beginning of days nor end of years; but of God; And it was delivered unto men by the calling of his own voice, according to his own will, unto as many as believed on his name.

For God having sworn unto Enoch and unto his seed with an oath by himself; that every one being ordained after this order and calling should have power, by faith, to break mountains, to divide the seas, to dry up waters, to turn them out of their course;

To put at defiance the armies of nations, to divide the earth, to break every band, to stand in the presence of God; to do all things according to his will, according to his command, subdue principalities and powers; and this by the will of the Son of God which was from before the foundation of the world. And men having this faith, coming up unto this order of God, were translated and taken up into heaven." (JST Genesis 14: 26-32)

The Key To Being Ordained After This Order:

When we think the word ordained we often think of pictures of men laying their hands upon another to ordain them to an office or a specific mission.  While this may be one type of physical ritual that communicates ordination, in Hebraic thought to be ordained is that something is decreed by the voice of God (YHVH).  This is why this decree is given by the calling of his own voice and came  not by man, nor the will of man, neither father nor mother (i.e. lineage), neither by beginning days or end of years (i.e. irrespective of age).  It was these men and women who both resonated with and ascended between worlds who could manifest the miraculous powers of God, accordingly to his will (ie. to fulfill the commandments and decrees of God).  These were the men and women who could, "put at defiance the armies of nations, to divide the earth, to break every band, to stand in the presence of God; to do all things according to his will, according to his command, subdue principalities and powers".

The Key To resonating with God (YHVH) and ascending and descending between worlds was hidden in a unique Hebrew poetic expression recorded in the Book of Helaman:

"Thus we may see 
that YHVH is merciful unto all 
who will in the sincerity of their hearts call upon his holy name
Yes thus we see  
that the gate of heaven is open unto all 
even to those 
who will believe on the name of Yehoshua Mashiach 
who is the Son of Elohiym
Yes we see 
that whoever will may lay hold upon the word of Elohiym 
which is quick and powerful 
which shall divide asunder 
all the cunning and the snares
and the wiles of the evil one 
and lead the man of Mashiach 
in a strait and narrow course 
across that everlasting gulf of misery 
which is prepared to engulf the wicked
and land their souls 
yes their immortal souls 
at the right hand of Elohiym 
in the kingdom of heaven to sit down 
with Avraham and Yitzchak and with Yacov 
and with all our holy fathers 
to go no more out" 

(Voices from the Dust Volume 3, pg 16-17, Compare Helaman 3:27-30)

1.YHVH is merciful unto all who will in the sincerity of their hearts call upon his holy name.

(Contemplative and Meditative Prayer like that which was taught in the Schools of the Prophets. The prayer of a Tzadokim like the Patriarch Lehi in 1 Nephi, or his son Nephi meditating and pondering over the things of YHVH in the 1st Book of Nephi)

2.Yes thus we see that the gate of heaven is open unto all even to those who will believe on the name of Yehoshua Mashiach.

(A disciple or prophet descending through the veil (the klipot, the gate, the wall, etc) before ascending.  The Prophet Nephi slipping through the gates of Jerusalem to obtain the Record of the Jews or the Record of Heaven).

3. That whoever will may lay hold upon the word of Elohiym which is quick and powerful which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the evil one.

(The mists of darkness even as Father Lehi and his son Nephi encountered along their path to the Tree of Life. It is also Nephi after obtaining the records and then descending into the wilderness on their journey to the Land of Promise or Presence of God).

4.  And lead the man of Mashiach in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked.

(The ascension between the world as we know it and the gulf that separates this world from the World of God and the Tree of Life.  Even Nephi leaving the land of Bountiful in his ship and landing in the Promised Land).

5. And land their souls yes their immortal souls at the right hand of Elohiym in the kingdom of heaven to sit down with Avraham and Yitzchak and with Yacov and with all our holy fathers to go no more out.

(The right hand- the place of understanding and the ears through which wisdom is communicated.  The lips of wisdom are closed, except to the ears of Understanding. The arriving or ascending to the eternal worlds of God to commune with the assembly of the first born and to be vessels that carry the light of God from above to this world below. Nephi and his family reaching the Land of Promise).


To Be Continued.