Part 5-God's Authority

“We believe that a Man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.”

“And Moses spake unto the Lord, saying, Let the Lord, the God of the spirit of all flesh, set a man over the congregation; Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the Lord be not as sheep which have no shepherd. And the Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him; And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight. And thou shall put some of thy honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.1”

A) We must be called of God
Every man, in any position in the Church of Christ, must be called of God. No one has the right to call himself to do anything; but must be called of God: “And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.2” Although God chooses his prophets directly (see the calling of Moses or Joseph Smith), other callings must be revealed by inspiration to the servants of the Lord for “ Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.3”

B) The priesthood
To accomplish His work and purposes, the Lord has given His servant the authority to perform and act in His name. This authority is called the Priesthood. Once Jesus Christ chose his twelve Apostles, he bestowed upon them the priesthood: “And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of decease.4” Only one person holds all the keys of authority in the Church. It is the prophet or President of the church.
While Jesus Christ was establishing His church on the earth, He gave those keys pertaining to the Priesthood to Peter: “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of Heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven.5” Thus, Peter, at the death of Christ, was acting as President of the Church, holding the keys of the Priesthood. The Priesthood is conferred by the laying on of hands by someone who already has received this authority: "And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.6” Thus, every worthy male, in the Church of Jesus Christ, may receive the Priesthood authority. Through the Priesthood all the necessary ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ can be performed.

C) The restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ
Let us go back in history to understand the need for a restoration of this authority. There are many truths available to man. We could categorize these truths as two kinds.

The first is the ideas of men. The ideas of men are always changing and limited. We could use the example of scientific theories. Science is wonderful. It helps men develop their ideas in trying to understand the laws of nature in the universe. It helps men develop knowledge of the Eternal truths of God. But because our ideas are limited, we cannot fully comprehend the Eternal truths of God. For many years there was a theory that the earth was flat and the sun revolved around the earth. Modern scientists realized that these theories were completely untrue. Theories change as we grow in knowledge. But the truths of our Father in Heaven are eternal and unchanging. We learn that the prophets, a least seven years before Christ, knew about this truth. They wrote about God: “Yea, by the power of his voice doth the whole earth shake; Yea, by the power of his voice, do the foundation rock, even to the very center. Yea, and if he say unto the earth- Move -it is moved (...) And thus, according to his words the earth goes back, and it appeareth unto man that the sun standeth still; yea, and behold, this is so; for surely it is the earth that moveth and not the sun.7”
About seven years before Christ, it was revealed to the prophets that the earth revolved around the sun. The prophets knew this truth from the beginning of time, because it was revealed from God. This is an example that God knows everything. It is upon Eternal truths that he has created us and given us commandments. It is through the truths of God that we find true happiness in this life and prepare ourselves to return to His presence.
It becomes essential for each of us to find these truths. While Jesus Christ was on earth, He established his Church. He wanted to make sure that the truth was taught to everyone. Christ loves us! He does not want us to be confused. He wants us to know the truth so that we may be able to enjoy the blessings that come from living it.
“And he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.8” He called men who learned firsthand experience about these truths; “ Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. And are build upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone.9” These men are called prophets and apostles. He gave them the authority, the right and power to act in His name. This authority was called the priesthood*.

Even though Jesus Christ was rejected, persecuted and eventually crucified, after his death he continued to lead His Church by revelation to his prophets and apostles. The word " revelation" is translated from the Greek word "apocalypse" which means to make known or uncover. The principle of revelation is one of the greatest truths contained in the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is the way Christ has provided for men to know about the truth, to let men know how they can return to live in God’s presence. Revelations may be given to the saints through the Holy Ghost, but also by other means, like visions, dreams or visitations. Revelations, for the Church, are given to the living prophet who holds the keys and has the authority to receive revelations for the Church. One may receive revelation for himself, or for his own family. Revelations are given pertaining to the calling received and the rights and keys pertaining to that office or calling.

As mentioned earlier, after the death of Christ, Peter was the one who had received those keys and acted as the prophet of the Church. Prophets have been teaching those truths since the beginning of the world. They recorded them in sacred scriptures. Through this continuing revelation process, the truths were taught clearly, without any confusion. As a matter of fact, the prophets and apostles made sure those truths were taught clearly. The Apostles went throughout the world to teach the gospel, establish the truth and correct false doctrines. But because of the wickedness of the people, they rejected them. Because of the wickedness of the people, doctrines were changed.
“ I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.10”
“Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: from which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling: desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.11” “ Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.12” Because of the confusion that was taking place and the persecution against the church, some church members fell into error and unrighteousness.
Under Nero 64 AD., Christians were held responsible for destruction that occurred at the time, and they were tortured and forced into confession. The apostle Paul was beheaded, and Peter crucified.
Under the Domitian 94 AD., Christians were forced to worship idols and were persecuted if they refused to do so.
Under Trujan 100 AD (approximately) Christianity was considered as an unpardonable offense. If Christians did not deny their faith they were put to death. The persecution continued until the reign of Constantine, 300 AD., who made Christianity a religion of state for political reasons.

But, the church had already changed in comparison to the one Christ had established. The church was in a state of increasing perversion. Some changes that occurred may be found in the mode of baptism, the ceremony of baptism and the beginning of infant baptism. The ordinance of the sacrament, which was supposed to be simple and sacred, became long ceremonies with long prayers surrounded by vessels of gold and silver. The organization changed introducing distinctions and recognition between bishops. People were to pay for salvation or remission of sins. Scriptures were reserved for spiritual teachers and not for the followers13.

All these resulted in a state of darkness. The apostles being the foundation of the church were rejected by the people and at times, killed. The Lord took the priesthood authority of the church from the earth. No longer was there a church on earth receiving direct revelation from God. As a result, Man started to rely upon human wisdom which lead to confusion and false ideas taught as truth. This falling away from the truth of the church of Christ is called the apostasy. The apostle Paul prophesied about this apostasy.“ Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, that ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first.14”

There was a lot of confusion in the world about religion. But the Lord would never leave his children in confusion because he wants them to know the gospel. He wants them to know the principles that will lead them back to our Heavenly Father. For many years, the Lord prepared for the gospel of Christ to be restored in its fullness upon the earth. Through great men, under the influence of the spirit, he prepared a place, a state of mind, and freedom of religion that His church may be established again on the earth. One such man was Joseph Smith. He learned from first hand experience the truth about God, and the way that we can return to him. A few years after his vision, while he was translating the Book of Mormon, he had certain questions about the mode of baptism and the necessary authority, which was mentioned in this sacred writing.
“ Yea, and there was continual peace among them, and exceedingly great prosperity in the church because of their heed and diligence which they gave unto the word of God, which was declared unto them by Helaman, and Shiblom, and Corianton, and Ammon and his brethren, ye, and by all those who had been ordained by the Holy Order of God, being baptized unto repentance, and sent forth to preach among the people.15” When Jesus Christ showed himself unto the people in America he gave the authority to his disciples to teach and baptize; “ and the Lord said unto him: I give unto you power that ye shall baptize these people when I am again ascended unto heaven. And again the Lord called others, and said unto them likewise; and he gave unto them power to baptize.16” Those writings are in perfect accord with the biblical teachings, “ Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.17” “ And when they had fasted and prayed, and layed their hands on them they went them away.18”
In answer to his prayer of May 15th, 1829, while Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were in the woods, John the Baptist appeared to them, as a resurrected being, and conferred upon Joseph the Aaronic Priesthood, named after Aaron. These are the words the angel spake unto them. “Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth...19” John the Baptist held the keys of the preparatory gospel and ministering of angels. Because John the Baptist was the one having this authority at the time Jesus Christ desired to be baptized, Christ walked for many days to find him and receive a proper baptism. The Aaronic priesthood, called the lesser priesthood “has power in administering outward ordinances20”, such as baptism and the sacrament.
A short time later, in June 1830, Joseph Smith received the higher priesthood from the hands of Peter, James and John, also as resurrected beings, who were called to lead the church at Christ’s death. It is the exact same priesthood Jesus Christ brought while ministering on earth21. A revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet in 1830 states: “ and also with Peter, and James, and John who I have sent unto you, by whom I have ordained you and confirmed you to be apostles, and especial witnesses of my name, and bear the keys of your ministry and of the same things which I revealed unto them.22” This authority or higher priesthood is called the Melchizedek Priesthood. “Yea, humble yourself even in as the people in the days of Melchizedek, who was also a high priest after the same order which I have spoken, who also took upon him the high priesthood forever. And it was this same Melchizedek to whom Abraham paid tithes; ye, even our father Abraham paid tithes of one tenth of all he possessed. But Melchizedek having exercised mighty faith, and received the office of the high priesthood according to the Holy Order of God, did preach repentance unto his people23”. These were the words Alma taught his people on the American continent. From the Bible we learn about the Melchizedek Priesthood. “For every high priest taken from among them is ordained for men in this pertaining to God, that he may offer both gift and sacrifices for sins. And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made a high priest; but he that said unto him, thou art my son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith in also in another place, thou art a priest, forever after the order of Melchisedec.24”
Through these two priesthoods all the necessary gospel ordinances can be given and received. It is the authority to baptize and confirm a member into Christ's church. By this authority, one can also receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. This authority is given to every faithful, worthy male member of the Church to administer the ordinances thereof. To express how important this priesthood is and how it is received, we could quote the story of Simon in the new testament who seeks to buy this gift and was rebuked by Peter the Apostle: “And when Simon saw that through laying on of the Apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.25”

The priesthood is to be exercised upon principles of righteousness: “Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson- That the right 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 authority of that man. We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. Hence many are called, but few are chosen. No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only 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. Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of priesthood shall distill upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.26”

These words were spoken by the prophet Joseph Smith explaining the responsibility that rests on the shoulders of those who receive the priesthood. This gift enables us to receive personal inspiration and guidance from God.

References:

1. Numbers 27: 15-20
2. Hebrews 5: 4
3. Amos 3:7
4. Matthew 10: 1
5. Matthew 16: 19
6. Acts 13: 3
7. Helaman 12: 11-13, 15
8. John 3: 21
9. Ephesians 2: 19-20
10. Galatians 1: 6-7
11. 1 Timothy 1: 5-7
12. 1 John 2: 18
13. See James Talmage, The Great Apostasy
14. 2 Thessalonians 2: 1-3
15. Alma 49: 30
16. See 3 Nephi 11: 21-22
17. Luke 9: 1
18. Acts 13: 3
19. See Doctrine and Covenants 13
20. See Doctrine and Covenants 107: 14
21. See Hebrews 7
22. Doctrine and Covenants 27: 12
23. See Alms 13: 14-15, 18
24. Hebrews 5: 1, 4-5
25. See Acts 8: 18-21
26. See Doctrine and Covenants 121: 34– 45

Part 6-Organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

“ We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists and so forth. "

A) Restoration of the church as an “organization”
Once Joseph Smith received the authority or priesthood, the Lord commanded him to re-establish the Church of Jesus Christ, on April 6, 1830. It is the restored Church. The same church that Christ organized while He was on the earth. Peter expressed this truth while preaching: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you.1” Peter knew that before the Second Coming of the Lord, he would come again and restore His church.

B) The name of the Church: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The name of the Church is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and not the "Mormons".
The name Mormon has been given because of the strong belief Latter-day Saints have in the Book of Mormon. But the Church is called by the name of Jesus Christ. Paul speaking said: “For the Husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the Church: and he is the saviour of the body.2” The same teaching was given by Jesus Christ on the American continent:
“And they said unto him: Lord, we will that thou wouldst tell us the name whereby we shall call this church; for there are disputations among the people concerning this matter. And the Lord said unto them: Verily, verily, I say unto you, why is it that the people should murmur and dispute because of this thing? Have they not read the scriptures, which say ye must take upon you the name of Christ, which is my name? For by this name shall ye be called at the last day; And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day. Therefore, whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my name; therefore ye shall call the church in my name; and ye shall call upon the Father in my name that he will bless the church for my sake. And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses' name then it be Moses' church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel. Verily I say unto you, that ye are built upon my gospel; therefore ye shall call whatsoever things ye do call, in my name; therefore if ye call upon the Father, for the church, if it be in my name the Father will hear you; And if it is be that the church is built upon my gospel then will the Father show forth is own works in it.3”
The name Latter-day Saints has been added to distinguish the Church of Jesus Christ of today, with the primitive Church of Christ while He was ministering on the earth. A revelation was given to Joseph Smith, the prophet, a year after the church was organized which stated: “And also those to whom these commandments were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased, speaking unto the church collectively and not individually.4”

C) Organization within the Church
The church is organized the same way it was organized when the Savior established his church on the earth. “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.5”
A prophet holding the keys of the priesthood and supported by two counselors, constitute the first presidency of the Church. The prophet receives direct revelation from Christ, but Christ, is at the head of the Church.
Twelve Apostles have also been chosen by the Lord, through revelation, to teach God’s plan for us, to perform the Lord's work on the earth and lead His church with authority. They make sure that the gospel is taught correctly throughout the world. These men are true witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, the Church of Christ is lead by revelation from the Lord through living prophets: for “Surely the Lord god will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.6” The church is worldwide and grows every year at a phenomenal rate. From 6 members in 1830, 11,000,000 members of the Church living throughout the world today.
Quorum of seventies are organized to go throughout the world and make sure that the Gospel truths are taught correctly without misunderstanding; “After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two by two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.7”

Elders are chosen to take part in the welfare of the souls of each members; “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee.8” “And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commanded them to the Lord, on whom they believed.9” The church is organized in regions, stakes, wards and branches throughout the world. Each ward has a bishop, “Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philipi, with the bishops and deacons10”. Each bishop has the qualification required from the Lord to officiate “ This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre, but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?11”
Through the priesthood authority, elders of the church have the authority to heal the afflicted; “Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.12”

D) Come unto Christ: A responsibility
It is our responsibility to come unto Christ by being a member of His church. Moroni said, in the Book of Mormon “Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins. And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end. And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith.13”
Christ's church contains the fullness of his gospel. Only in His church can we find the authority to perform gospel ordinances. It is important for everyone to find His church.
I recall one simple example using a milkman. Let us say that we are driving very fast. Let us say that we are driving over the speed limit when a milkman sees us driving too fast. He stops us and tells us that he will give us a ticket. Would it make sense that he could give us a ticket? Without the authority, he cannot do so. In a similar way, we cannot receive baptism by someone not having the authority. It is essential that we find this authority. This authority is found in Christ's church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

E) Church meeting and fellowship
“And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls. And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus.14” The Lord wants us to meet often that we may worship him and remain active in our faith. The sacrament is an essential part of these worship services. It is sometimes called “communion” and “last supper”. The Lord introduced it just before he was crucified: “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and breaks it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body, which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you.15”

Christ commands his followers to meet often, “And behold, ye shall meet together oft; and ye shall not forbid any man from coming unto you when ye shall meet together, but suffer them that they may come unto you and forbid them not.16”
To follow God's commandments, the followers of Christ meet every Sabbath day. Ezra Taft Benson, one of the prophets of the Church wrote: “The purpose of the Sabbath is for spiritual uplift, for a renewal of our covenants, for worship, for prayer. It is for the purpose of feeding the spirit, that we may keep ourselves unspotted from the world by obeying God’s command.17”
The sacrament helps members of the church remember that Christ suffered for our sins and by His death and resurrection made it possible for us to return to the presence of our Heavenly father. On the same point of importance, this ordinance helps us remember the covenant or promise we made with God when we were baptized. When we partake of the sacrament we renew the promise to follow him and we have his Spirit with us, as long as we keep our part of the covenant.
The Saints go to church to be taught and to teach one another the gospel of Jesus Christ. Each of us has the chance to be a special individual, a unique individual with unique experiences. In this way, everyone can be strengthened through the experiences and testimonies of others. It brings a unique sense of unity and fellowship. “It is like a fire made with many logs. Together, the logs make a great fire and generate much heat. But if the logs are separated to burn individually, they soon cool. Instead of bright flames, they produce a dull glow. If they are left alone, soon the glow will die. Church members need to meet together to share convictions, to learn from each other, and to strengthen one another.18”
It is a great family that meets together. Everyone cares for his brother and sister. Everyone is heading in the same direction, with the goal to return in the presence of our Heavenly Father. It gives every member a chance to participate in the spiritual growth of his fellowman. It gives everyone a chance to serve the Lord and to develop and share personal talents and gifts. A lot of interaction is possible and makes this church a living Church.
By going to church, it enables the Saints to keep the Sabbath day holy which is one of the commandments of God. It also enables the Saints to develop knowledge and understanding of the truth. It brings opportunities to use the priesthood and strengthen the Disciples of Christ. Finally, it helps each of us to better understand the purposes of God, his love for us, and to make the Atonement of Jesus Christ more effective in our own lives.

References Part 6
1. Acts 3: 19-20
2. Ephesians 5: 23
3. 3 Nephi 27: 3-10
4. Doctrine and Covenants 1: 30
5. Ephesians 4: 11-13
6. Amos 3: 7
7. Luke 10: 1
8. Titus 1: 5
9. Acts 14: 23
10. Philippians 1: 1
11. 1 Timothy 3: 1-5
12. James 5:14
13. Moroni 6: 2-4
14. Moroni 6: 5-6
15. Luke 22: 19-20
16. 3 Nephi 18: 22
17. Ezra Taft Benson, God, Family, Country: Our Three Great Loyalties, pp. 103-4
18. Missionary Discussions: Uniform System for Teaching the Gospel

Part 7-The Gifts of the Spirit; Part of Christ's Church

“We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth."

“Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.1” The Lord said to the people on the American continent: “He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do.2”

One of the prophets, Moroni, explained the same truth given by Paul to the people in Corinth: “Nothing that is good denieth the Christ, but acknowledgeth that he is. And ye may know that he is by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, I would exhort you that ye deny not the power of God; for he worketh by power, according to the faith of the children of men, the same today and tomorrow, and forever. And again, I exhort you, my brethren, that ye deny not the gifts of God, for they are many; and they come from the same God. And there are different ways that these gifts are administered; but it is the same God who worketh all in all; and they are given by the manifestations of the Spirit of god unto men, to profit them.3”

For the benefit of his followers, the Lord has given to those who receive the Holy Ghost different gifts; that everyone may be edified. As the scriptures explain; many gifts are bestowed upon men and women who have received the Holy Ghost and remain faithful to their covenant with God. A revelation from the Lord given to the prophet Joseph Smith states: “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.4”

For this study, we will discuss the different gifts of the Spirit, and see how the Bible and the Book of Mormon complement each other. All the gifts the Lord gave to His primitive Church are found, in our day in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Lord restored the same gifts when he restored His gospel on the earth.

The gift of tongues: While the Apostles were teaching the people on the day of the Pentecost, they received this gift: “And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.5” In the Book of Mormon, Alma, the prophet, is reminding the people how blessed they have been and are, when they have followed the Lord: “Having been visited by the Spirit of God; having conversed with angels, and having been spoken unto by the voice of the Lord; and having the Spirit of prophecy, and the Spirit of revelation, and also many gifts, the gift of speaking with tongues, and the gift of preaching, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and the gift of translation...6” The prophet Moroni added: “For behold, to one is given the Spirit of God that he may teach the word of wisdom; and again, to another, the interpretation of languages and of divers kinds of tongues.7”
The gift of tongue is the ability to preach the gospel in all languages. God gives a gift so men may go all over the world and announce the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sends missionaries around the world to preach repentance and baptism; 60.000 missionaries are laboring in the world. The missionaries receive this gift of tongue while doing the work of the Lord. Often times, within 2 to 6 months, they are able to speak a new language, which would take years without the influence of the Spirit of the Lord.

The gift of prophecy: In the Old Testament, Samuel received this gift from the Lord: “And the Spirit of the Lord will come upon thee, and thou shalt prophecy with them, and shalt be turned into another man. And when they came thither to the hill, behold, a company of prophets met him; and the spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them.8”
On the day of the Pentecost, the apostles of the Lord taught the words of the Savior: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophecy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.9” This gift is given to faithful members to guide them through their life. Also, the prophet prophesies for the people, being a special instrument in the hand of the Lord to let us know His truth. The Book of Mormon teaches us: “And I, Nephi, said unto them: Behold they were manifest unto the prophet by the voice of the Spirit; for by the Spirit are all things made known unto the prophets, which shall come upon the children of men according to the flesh.10”

The gift of revelation: Jesus was giving a discourse on the mission of the Holy Ghost: “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.11”
A great follower of the Lord, in the Book of Mormon expressed his feelings about revelation: “Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing- unto such it is given to know the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given to reveal things which never have been revealed; yea, and it shall be given unto such to bring thousands of souls to repentance, even as it has been given unto us to bring these our brethren to repentance.12” Ammon explained how we could receive personal revelations. The prophet Nephi added: “For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round.13” Just as in the bible time, the prophets, 600 years before Christ appeared on the American continent knew about those gifts. They are part of the truth, part of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The gift of visions: One of the prophets explained a vision that he received in the Old Testament: “And he put forth the form of an hand, and took me by a lock of mine head; and the spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate that looketh toward the north...And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was there, according to the vision that I saw in the plain.14” Prophets of old received visions when the Lord wanted to teach them. Another example in the Book of Mormon shows the ways of the Lord. Nephi explains the vision that his father, the prophet Lehi, received from the Lord: “And being thus overcome with the Spirit, he was carried away in a vision, even that he saw the heavens open, and he thought he saw God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels in the attitude of singing and praising their God.15” This is one way the Lord used to talk to his prophets of old, and through His modern-day prophet today.

The gift of healing: When the Lord chose his twelve Apostles, he gave them power to “heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.16” With such a gift and power, they did many miracles. The Lord was ministering with this gift: “...God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.17” Paul explained the diversity of the gifts of the Spirit17: “To another (it is given) faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same spirit.” This gift was passed down to the elders of the Church through priesthood power to administer the sick: “Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick.19” It is the way the church was organized in Christ’s time and is in our days. Elders have received this priesthood authority and a gift for the healing of the sick. The Book of Mormon prophet, Moroni, testifies of the same gift pertaining to the Church of Jesus Christ: “And to another (it is given) exceedingly great faith; and to another, the gift of healing by the same Spirit.20”

The gift of interpretation of tongues21: Paul taught about those gifts: “And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God, which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues.” Moroni, in the Book of Mormon added those words: “And again I speak unto you who deny the revelations of God, and say that they are done away, that there are no revelations, nor prophecies, nor gifts, nor healing, nor speaking with tongues, and the interpretation of tongues; behold I say unto you, he that denieth these things knoweth not the gospel of Christ; yea, he has not read the scriptures; if so, he does not understand them. For do we not read that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.22”
This is the gospel of Jesus Christ. These gifts are given to those that diligently seek them.

References Part 7
1. 1 Corinthians 12:3-4
2. See 2 Nephi 31: 12
3. Moroni 10: 6, 7-8
4. Doctrine and Covenants 46: 10-11
5. Acts 2: 6
6. Alma 9: 21
7. Moroni 10: 9, 16
8. 1 Samuel 10: 6, 10
9. 9 Acts 2: 17
10. 1 Nephi 22: 2
11. John 16: 13
12. Alma 26: 22
13. 1 Nephi 10: 19
14. See Ezekiel 8: 3-4
15. 1 Nephi 1: 8
16. Matthew 10: 1
17. See Acts 10: 38
18. 1 Corinthians 12: 9
19. James 5: 13–15
20. Moroni 10: 11
21. 1 Corinthians 12: 5-8, 10
22. Mormon 9: 7- 9

Part 8-The Bible and The Book of Mormon: Two Witnesses of Christ

“We believe the bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.”

The Bible contains a record of the people from the beginning of “Genesis” to the birth of Christ; it is called the Old Testament. It is a record of many prophets who taught the gospel to the people and prophesied about the birth and divine mission of the Savior. From the book of Matthew to the book of Revelation is the record of Christ and His apostles. It is called the New Testament. Jesus Christ came into the world to establish His church and overcome sin and death for us. As prophets of old were writing these records, they knew that those records would be for a future time. “Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever.1”

The Bible is the word of God. To those who read it, this truth may be confirmed individually.

A) A comparison
The Book of Mormon testifies of the Bible. The prophets, on the American continent, knew about the Bible. Nephi, a prophet on the American continent, saw a vision and expressed his feelings about it. An apostasy was to come forth so the church of Jesus Christ could be restored. It was more than an individual apostasy. Nephi, in his vision, saw people from different churches, who professed to be the church of Christ, put incorrect doctrines into the Bible and corrupted it. He qualified those churches that taught incorrect doctrines as "Abominable churches". “The book that thou beholdest is a record of the Jews, which contains the covenants of the Lord, which he hath made unto the House of Israel; and it also containeth many of the prophecies of the holy prophets; and it is a record like unto the engravings which are upon the plates of brass, save they are not so many; nevertheless, they contain the covenants of the Lord, which he hath made unto the House of Israel; wherefore, they are of great worth unto the gentiles. And the angel of the Lord said unto me: thou hast beheld that the book proceeded forth from the mouth of a Jew; and when it proceeded forth from the mouth of a Jew it contained the fullness of the gospel of the Lord, of whom the twelve apostles bear record; and they bear record according to the truth which is in the Lamb of God. Wherefore, these things go forth from the Jews in purity unto the gentiles, according to the truth, which is in God. and after they go forth by the hand of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, from the Jews unto the Gentiles, thou seest the formation of that great and abominable church which is most abominable above all other churches; for behold, they have taken away from the gospel of the Lamb may parts which are plain and most precious; and also many covenants of the Lord have they taken away. And all this have they done that they might pervert the right ways of the Lord, that they might blind the eyes and harden the hearts of the children of men. 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.2”
The prophet Nephi saw all that in vision 600 years before the birth of Christ.

B) Prophecies about the Book of Mormon and our days
We see a lot of confusion in our day with many Churches that believe in the same Bible, but interpret it differently. The Apostles and Prophets did not intend this confusion when they kept records of their dealings with the Lord.
For this reason, the Lord has revealed the Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ. The prophet Ezekiel, in the Old Testament, prophesied about these two books; comparing them as two different “stick3”: “The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying; Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one stick, and write upon it, for Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, for Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions: and join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become one in thine hand. And when the children of thy people shall speak unto thee, saying, Wilt thou not shew us what thou meanest by these? Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand. And the sticks whereon thou writest shall be in thine hand before their eyes.4”
The stick of Judah spoken about in this scripture represents the children of Israel; the people in Jerusalem at the time.
The Lord Jesus Christ said: “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.5”
Jesus Christ, after His resurrection, visited the American continent. He established His church among those other “sheep”. He told them about the people in Jerusalem: “This much did the Father command me, that I should tell unto them: That other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. And now, because of stiffneckedness and unbelief they understood not my word; therefore I was commanded to say no more of the Father concerning this thing unto them. But, verily, I say unto you that the Father hath commanded me, and I tell it unto you, that ye were separated from among them because of their iniquity; therefore it is because of their iniquity that they know not of you. And verily, I say unto you again that the other tribes hath the Father separated from them; and it is because of their iniquity that they know not of them. And verily I say unto you, that ye are they of whom I said: Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. And they understood me not... But behold, ye have both heard my voice, and seen me; and ye are my sheep, and ye are numbered among those whom the Father hath given me.6”
The people on the American continent were descendants of Joseph. They were of the stick of Ephraim. They wrote records testifying of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Nephi, one of the early prophets on the American continent shared: “And it came to pass that I beheld the remnant of the seed of my brethren, and also the book of the Lamb of God, which had proceeded forth from the mouth of the Jew, that it came forth from the Gentiles* unto the remnant of the seed of my brethren. And after it had come forth unto them I beheld other books, which came forth by the power of the Lamb, from the Gentiles7 unto them, unto the convincing of the Gentiles and the remnant of the seed of my brethren, and also the Jews who were scattered upon all the face of the earth, that the records of the prophets and of the twelve apostles of the Lamb are true. And the angel spake unto me, saying: These last records, which thou hast seen among the Gentiles, shall establish the truth of the first, which are of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, and shall make known the plain and precious things which have been taken away from them; and shall make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people, that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the Savior of the world; and that all men must come unto him, or they cannot be saved.8”

The Lord has said of the Bible and the Book of Mormon, that they will be joined together and become one. Lehi, a prophet, just before his death gave some instructions to his children. He expressed an interesting vision that he had received for his son Joseph about 580 years BC: “And now I speak unto you, Joseph, my last born in the wilderness of mine afflictions; yea, in the days of my greatest sorrow did thy mother bear thee... For behold, thou art the fruit of my loins; and I am a descendant of Joseph who was carried captive into Egypt. And great were the covenants of the Lord which he made unto Joseph.9” The story of Joseph who was carried captive into Egypt is found in the book of Genesis starting in chapter 37.
Lehi, continuing the explanation of his vision to his son Joseph said: “Wherefore, Joseph (who was carried captive) truly saw our day. And he obtained a promise of the Lord, that out of the fruit of his loins the Lord God would raise up a righteous branch unto the house of Israel; not the Messiah, but a branch which was to be broken off; nevertheless, to be remembered in the covenants of the Lord that the Messiah should be made manifest unto them in the latter-days, in the spirit of power, unto the bringing of them out of darkness unto light -yea, out of hidden darkness and out of captivity unto freedom.10” It is interesting to note that Joseph Smith was also a descendant of Ephraim. This Joseph, from the book of Genesis, received a revelation about Joseph Smith of the latter-days and the Book of Mormon. Lehi explained it: “For Joseph truly testified, saying: A seer shall the Lord my God raise up, who shall be a choice seer unto the fruit of my loins. Yea, Joseph truly said: Thus saith the Lord unto me: A choice seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and he shall be esteemed highly among the fruit of thy loins. And unto him will I give commandment that he shall do a work for the fruit of thy loins, his brethren, which shall be of great worth unto them, even to the bringing of them to the knowledge of the covenants which I have made with my fathers. And I will give unto him a commandment that he shall do none other work, save the work which I shall command him. And I will make him great in mine eyes; for he shall do my work. And out of weakness he shall be made strong, in that day when my work shall commence among all my people, unto the restoring thee, O house of Israel, saith the Lord. And his name shall be called after me; and it shall be after the name of his father. And he shall be like unto me; for the thing, which the Lord shall bring forth by his hand, by the power of the Lord shall bring my people unto salvation. Yea, thus prophesied Joseph: I am sure of this thing, even as I am sure of the promise of Moses; for the Lord hath said unto me, I will preserve thy seed forever. And the words which he shall write shall be the words which are expedient in my wisdom should go forth unto the fruit of my loins. And it shall be as if the fruit of thy loins had cried unto them from the dust; for I know their faith. And they shall cry from the dust; yea, even repentance unto their brethren, even after many generations have gone by them. And it shall come to pass that their cry shall go, even according to the simpleness of their words. And now, behold, my son Joseph, after this manner did my father of old prophesy.11”

The prophets knew about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. It came out of the dust because it was buried by the last prophet of the Book of Mormon, Moroni. They knew Joseph Smith would be chosen to translate those writings and restore the gospel in the latter-days.
The Bible as well as the Book of Mormon is the word of God. Both of these books stand as a witnesses of Christ; witnesses of His divine Sonship and of his role as Creator, Savior and Judge of the world. The apostle Paul helped us know how the word of God would be established upon the earth. It is the divine law of witnesses: “This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.12”
The Bible is one record that witnesses the word of the Lord. The book of Mormon is another one. An example of the importance of the law of witnesses is the illustration of hinges on a door. Why would you want to use two hinges instead of only one? How do the two hinges working together make the door more stable? In the same way, the Bible and the Book of Mormon are united to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. They firmly establish the truth. Both support the truth of the gospel and the divine nature of Jesus Christ.13

C) How we can know that it is true?
We know the Bible is the word of God from the Holy Ghost confirming the truth as we read it. The same can be said about the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. God has said, “ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be open unto you.”
The prophet Moroni, while writing his last thoughts and testimony of the Book of Mormon, sealed the book with a promise to all those that would read it. And thus are his words: “Behold, I will exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts. And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.14”
This promise is simple. God has knowledge of everything. He can tell us what is right and what is wrong. God promises he will send the Holy Ghost to let us know the truth. The Holy Ghost is manifest in many different ways. Among those, are feelings we described earlier.15

This invitation is for everyone; believers as well as non believers.

Brief explanation of a "stick”: From Hebrew, wood meaning wooden writing tablets. It was really common to use those in Ezeckiel's time. In his days, writings were recorded on parchment rolled unto a stick, which made a scroll. First, it was a record of Judah (the bible) containing the religious history of the ancestor of Judah and of his descendant, with a primary focus on Jesus Christ.
Next, the record of Judah would be joined with the record of the descendant of Joseph of Egypt and his son Ephraim (the Book of Mormon). The Book of Mormon also focuses primarily on Christ.

Brief explanation of the "Gentiles”: Literally, the word Gentile means “of the same clan or race”. In the Bible, it is often substituted as “nations”. After the kingdom of Israel was destroyed and the ten tribes were led away into Assyrian captivity, those of the kingdom of Judah called themselves Jews and designated all others as Gentiles.16 The Gentiles that accept the gospel of Jesus Christ are adopted, through baptism, into the house of Israel.

References Part 8
Isaiah 30: 8
3 Nephi 13: 23-27
See Explanation of a “stick” at on pg 96
Ezekiel 37:15-20
John 10: 14-16
See 3 Nephi 15: 16-24
See Explanation of “Gentiles” on pg. 96
1 Nephi 13: 38-40
2 Nephi 3: 1, 4
2 Nephi 3: 5
2 Nephi 3: 6-8, 13,15-16, 19-20, 22
2 Corinthians 13:1
Missionary Discussions: Uniform System for Teaching the Gospel.
Moroni 10: 3-5
Galatians 5: 22-23
Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine.
References
1. See explanation of books on page 7
2. See introduction page of The Book of Mormon
3. See Genesis 11: 5-9
4. Ether 1: 33
5. See Genesis 10: 25
6. See Genesis 37
7. 2 Nephi 3: 4
8. See Genesis 48: 16
9. See Omni 1: 15-16
10. See Jeremiah 16:11-13
11. See History of Joseph Smith on page 11
12. See introduction page of The Book of Mormon
13. See introduction page of Doctrine and Covenants
14. See introduction page of The Pearl of Great Price
15. See Pearl of Great Price; Joseph Smith History vs. 4
16. Meaning “separated”
17. See Pearl of Great Price; Joseph Smith History vs. 8
18. See Pearl of Great Price; Joseph Smith History vs. 10
19. Meaning “without any reproach.”
20. See Pearl of Great Price; Joseph Smith History vs. 11-12
21. See Pearl of Great Price; Joseph Smith History vs. 13
22. See Pearl of Great Price; Joseph Smith History vs. 14
23. See Pearl of Great Price; Joseph Smith History vs. 16-17
24. See Pearl of Great Price; Joseph Smith History vs. 19
25. See explanation of The Book of Mormon on page 7
26. See Pearl of Great Price; Joseph Smith History vs. 30-47
27. See Pearl of Great Price; Joseph Smith History vs. 33
28. Isaiah 29: 10
29. See Part 5 & 6
30. Isaiah 29: 11-12
31. See Pearl of Great Price; Joseph Smith History vs. 64-65
32. Isaiah 29: 14
33. Doctrine and Covenants 4: 1
34. See History of the Church V4 pg. 535

Part 9-Continuing Revelation From God

“ We believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal, and we believe that he will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the kingdom of God."

A) God’s pattern
The prophet Amos expressed an important truth about the dealings of God with his children. “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.1”
God always chose prophets to reveal His truths that they may be witnesses and testify of the divinity of the Savior Jesus Christ. This scripture also teaches that without prophets we would not know the fullness of God’s plan. God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He is the same forever and ever; if not, he would cease to be God. So why would He change His pattern for revealing his truths? “For I am the Lord, I change not.2” Paul explained: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.3” The prophet Mormon added: “For do we not read that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and in him there is no variableness neither shadow of changing? And now, if ye have imagined up unto yourselves a god who doth vary, and in whom there is shadow of changing, than have ye imagined up unto yourselves a god who is not a god of miracles. And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles.4”
Without revelation, Man would not know of the things of God nor be saved with any degree of salvation in the Eternities. Even though everyone can receive personal revelation and guidance through the Holy Ghost, in the Lord's Church, the First Presidency, the council of the twelve Apostles and patriarchs are entitled to receive revelation for others. They are prophets, seers and revelators to the church and to the world. Daniel, the prophet in the Old Testament, testified to the King Nebuchadnezzar: “But there is a God in heaven that revealeth to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days.5” By revelation through the prophet Daniel, the king knew of latter days. God revealed many things through his prophets since the beginning of time.
He continues to reveal things, through His prophet, and will continue till his “purposes may be accomplished and his work done.7”
One thing important to mention is the reason we are on earth. Many people wonder about this basic principle. To help us understand that, He explained to all his prophets the plan that He established for his children. A plan of love that would allow us to, come on earth, experience life and return to Him. This is the plan of salvation, plan of happiness or plan of redemption as often mentioned in the scriptures.

B) The plan of salvation
To help us understand His plan, is the knowledge that we lived, before we were born into this world. The prophet Jeremiah expressed the words of the Lord to him: “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nation.7” The prophet Alma in the Book of Mormon, knew this truth as well as Jeremiah: “I would that ye should remember that the Lord God ordained priests, after the order of his Son, to teach these things unto these people. And those priests were ordained after the order of his Son, in a manner that thereby the people might know in what manner to look forward to his Son for redemption. And this the manner after which they were ordained- being called and prepared from the foundation of the world, according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith and good works; in the first place being left to choose good or evil; therefore they having chosen good, and exercising exceedingly great faith, are called with a holy calling... And thus they have been called to this holy calling on account of their faith, while others would reject the Spirit of God on account of the hardness of their hearts and blindness of their minds, while, if it had not been for this they might have had as great privilege as their brethren.8”
The Lord knew the prophet Jeremiah before he came to earth in a pre-mortal life existence. He knew each of us before we came to earth. Jeremiah was chosen before he was born to become a prophet. He received His calling through his faith and obedience. We do not remember this state of our life, but he has revealed to His prophets that knowledge so that we may understand the importance of this life.

As we mentioned earlier, we are His children. We lived as a spirit with Him before we were born. Our spirit bodies were created in His image: “For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of our own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.9” We wanted to become like our Heavenly Father, but we were different from him in certain ways. First, His spiritual progression exceeded ours, and we did not have a physical body like His. Heavenly Father loves us so much that He wanted us to become like Him. Just like a father who wants his children to receive the same blessings he has. Heavenly Father wants the same thing.
In order for that to happen, he prepared a plan that would help us become like him. The first step was to come to earth. In the book of Abraham10, the Lord revealed His secret to his servant Abraham. He explained to him our pre-existence and the reason we came to earth: “Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligence that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones; And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born. And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there is a space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell; And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.11”

The fact that we are here on earth today shows that we have accepted this plan and decided to follow it. Many people have been asked: “What is the purpose of life?” Many still wonder about this question as well as what will happen in the after life.
A life without purpose looses direction. It might be difficult to find real meaning in waking up every morning and meeting the challenges of the world. Without an eternal goal, it is difficult to reach an eternal progression.
The purpose of life is simple. It is to work toward becoming like our Father in Heaven and to prepare ourselves to return to Him through opportunities that He will provide. Paul said: “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.12” The prophet Moroni expressed a similar truth: “O then despise not, and wonder not, but hearken unto the words of the Lord, and ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things soever ye shall stand in need. Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him.13” Everything that does not lead to becoming like our Heavenly Father is not needed. In the end, worldly things will make no difference.

Our birth provides us a physical body, which is imperfect, being earthly and mortal. Having a mortal body is a step toward receiving a glorified and immortal body like our Heavenly Father. We are given the gift of free agency: “And men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil.14" "Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.15”
We are free to choose between good and evil as the prophet Alma said in the Book of Mormon: “Now there was no law against a man’s belief; for it was starkly contrary to the commands of God that there should be a law which should bring men on to unequal grounds. For thus saith the scripture: Choose ye this day, whom ye will serve.16” Freedom is given to man to choose whom he wants to serve; but we are responsible for the choices that we make. By learning to distinguish between good and evil and by choosing the good, we get a step closer becoming like our Heavenly Father. This life becomes a probationary state: “And the days of the children of men were prolonged, according to the will of God, that they might repent while in the flesh; wherefore, their state became a state of probation, and their time was lengthened, according to the commandments which the Lord God gave unto the children of men.17”
Amulek testified: “Yea, I would that ye would come forth and harden not your hearts any longer; for behold, now is the time and the day of your salvation; and therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto you. For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors. And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end (...) Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth posses your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world18.” Later he said: “And thus we see, that there was a time granted unto man to repent, yea, a probationary time, a time to repent and serve God.19 ”
Faith is an important principle because we do not remember our pre-mortal life. Our choices become important because of the consequences on earth and in the life to come: “And we see that death comes upon mankind, yea, the death which has been spoken of by Amulek, which is the temporal death; nevertheless there was a space granted unto man in which he might repent; therefore this life became a probationary state; a time to prepare to meet God; a time to prepare for that endless state which has been spoken of by us, which is after the resurrection of the dead20 .”

Once we understand and realize the importance of our choices and know the purpose of this life, then we want to control our physical bodies. We want to act in a manner that will reflect our desire to become more like Heavenly Father and return to His presence.
These bodies are mortal; so, each one of us will die. For lots of people, death is an end. It is a time when we loose our loved one and fear we will not see them again. But in the gospel of Jesus Christ death is part of our Heavenly Father’s plan: “For as death hath passed upon all men, to fulfill the merciful plan of the great Creator, there must need be a power of resurrection, and the resurrection must needs come unto man by reason of the fall; and the fall came by reason of transgression; and because men became fallen they were cut off from the presence of the Lord21 .” At death, our spirit and our physical body are separated. The prophet Alma, teaching his sons, said: “Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection- Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life22 .” While our bodies are in the grave, our spirit continues to live and goes to a place that has been prepared for them. It is called the “spirit world”.
“Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it23.”
Continuing his explanation on life after death, the prophet Alma said about 70 years BC: “And then it shall come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow. And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of the wicked, yea, who are evil- for behold, they have no part nor portion of the spirit of the Lord; for behold, they chose evil works rather than good; therefore the spirit of the devil did enter into them, and take possession of their house-and these shall be cast out into outer darkness; there shall be weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth, and this because of their own iniquity, being led captive by the will of the devil24.”

Then comes the day of the resurrection. Just like Jesus Christ was resurrected; each of us will be resurrected. Our spirit will be reunited with our body in an immortal condition. Once resurrected, we will be brought to stand before the Lord to be judged according to our faithfulness and diligence in keeping His commandments. We have to answer for the way we lived. Of this, many prophets and Apostles testified. We will quote some of their writings for our study. “ Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of Man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.25” “But behold, I say unto you, the kingdom of God is not filthy, and there cannot any unclean thing enter into the kingdom of God; wherefore there must needs be a place of filthiness prepared for that which is filthy26 .” “Wherefore, we shall have a perfect knowledge of all our guilt, and our uncleanness, and our nakedness; and the righteous shall have a perfect knowledge of their enjoyment, and their righteousness, being clothed with purity, yea, even with the robe of righteousness27.” “Therefore if that man repenteth not, and remaineth and dieth an enemy to God, the demands of divine justice do awaken his immortal soul to a lively sense of his own guilt, which doth cause him to shrink from the presence of the Lord, and doth fill his breast with guilt, and pain, and anguish, which is like an unquenchable fire, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever28 .” Amulek testified: “Now, there is a death which is called a temporal death; and the death of Christ shall loose the bands of this temporal death, that all shall be raised from this temporal death. The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we now are this time; and we shall be brought to stand before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt29 .”
Later on, the prophet Alma added on the words of Amulek saying: “And Amulek hath spoken plainly concerning death, and being raised from this mortality to a state of immortality, and being brought before the bar of God, to be judged according to our works, Then if our hearts have been hardened, yea, if we have hardened our hearts against the word, insomuch that it has not been found in us, then will our state be awful, for then we shall be condemned. For our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful state awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his presence. But this cannot be; we must come forth and stand before him in his glory, and in his power, and in his might, majesty, and dominion, and acknowledge to our everlasting shame that all his judgments are just; that he is just in all works, and that he is merciful unto the children of men, and that he has all power to save every man that believeth on his name and bringeth forth fruit meet for repentance30 .”

Those prophets knew exactly about death and resurrection. They knew the importance of this life and the judgments of their God. As mentioned in the footnote (29), it is important to explain the term “restored”. Our bodies will be resurrected and become immortal and perfect; but our spirit will remain in the same state that when we left the earth. Alma testified: “The one raised to happiness according to his desires of happiness, or good according to his desires of good; and the other to evil according to his desires of evil; for as he has desired to do evil all the day long even so shall he have his reward of evil when the night cometh. And so it is on the other hand. If he hath repented of his sins, and desired righteousness until the end of his days, even so he shall be rewarded unto righteousness. These are they that are redeemed of the Lord; yea, these are they that are taken out, that are delivered from that endless night of darkness; and thus they stand or fall; for behold, they are their own judges, whether to do good or do evil. Now, the decrees of God are unalterable; therefore, the way is prepared that whosoever will may walk therein and be saved. And now behold, my son, do not risk one more offense against your God upon those points of doctrine, which ye have hitherto risked to commit sin. Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness. And now, my son, all men that are in a state of nature, or I would say, in a carnal state, are in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity; they are without God in the world, and they have gone contrary to the nature of God; therefore, they are in a state contrary to the nature of happiness. And now behold, is the meaning of the word restoration to take a thing of a natural state and place in an unnatural state, or to place it in a state opposite its nature? O, my son, this is not the case; but the meaning of the word restoration is to bring back again evil for evil, or carnal for carnal, or devilish for devilish- good for that which is good; righteous for that which is righteous; just for that which is just; merciful for that which is merciful. Therefore, my son, see that ye are merciful unto your brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually; and if ye do all these things then shall ye receive your reward; yea, ye shall have mercy restored unto you again; ye shall have a righteous judgment restored unto you again; and ye shall have good rewarded unto you again. For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again, and be restored; therefore, the word restoration more fully condemneth the sinner, and justifieth him not at all.31”

Once we come to understand these truths, it brings more meaning and importance to life. This life is a time to prepare ourselves to meet God. If we have followed the way he taught us to live, we will be able to return to live in His presence and dwell with him in a glory, called the celestial glory. This glory is compared to the sun in the New Testament. For those who inherit this glory or kingdom, they are promised a fullness of joy. They will become like our Heavenly Father.
The Lord said: “In my Father's house are many mansions.32 " For those who have not been faithful following the commandments through faith, obedience and repentance; and who have not accepted the ordinances that Christ teaches us, Heavenly Father, in His great love will reward them with another degree of glory. Because they have not qualified for the fullness of joy, they will receive a lesser degree of glory. This demonstrates the love Heavenly Father has for each of His children. This truth was revealed a long time ago but unfortunately partially lost through the Apostasy. The Apostle Paul taught about these different degrees of glory: “There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption.33”
The degrees of glory differ according to our faithfulness. The prophet Joseph Smith received a vision on the different degrees of glory while studying John 5: 29. It was on February 1832, two years after the church was reorganized. (See Doctrine and Covenants 76)
The knowledge of the kingdoms God has prepared for His children show how great is the plan of our Eternal Father. It shows how much He loves each one of his children. He wants us to be happy.

Remember when you were little child. Let us imagine a boy, playing ball in front of the window of his house. His dad warned him a few times to play somewhere else because he might break the window; but he decides to keep playing there anyway. Finally, the boy by mistake, breaks the window. He feels terrible and knows his dad won't be happy because he had warned him. He would rather hide himself instead of looking at his dad in the eyes. He would feel uncomfortable. Our Father in Heaven has given us commandments to avoid breaking the windows of our lives, or breaking laws that would make us unhappy. But, we have tendency to do it anyway, by lack of faith, desire or obedience. One day, if we don't repent, we will have to face Him. Those of us that know what was right and willingly do the contrary anyway won't feel comfortable in front of him. To enable us to partake of some reward and glory, he has prepared different places were we won't live in his presence. It would be terrible to live forever with the knowledge that we could have lived in his presence if we had not rejected him. And for some it will be!
Heavenly Father is a loving father that wants His children to come back in His presence. It is because of disobedience, that we keep ourselves from enjoying the fullness of the blessings He has in store for us and the place that He has prepared for us after this life. This life is really important because our decisions here will have an influence for both our life on earth and after death.

C) Salvation for the dead
The Lord said in the scriptures talking to Nicodemus: “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.34” Unfortunately, many people on this earth won’t have an opportunity to be baptized. We stressed the importance of baptism earlier. Baptism is the only way to enter into the kingdom of heaven. A question may arise about the people who have never heard of Jesus Christ. Is it reasonable to think that our Heavenly Father would condemn them?! For all those who come to know Heavenly Father and have felt of His tremendous love; it is impossible to imagine that he would condemn people without giving them a chance to accept the gospel.
An important truth in the Bible explains us a little more about the people who have died without a chance to be baptized. We read earlier about the Spirit world. The Apostle Peter explained where the Savior was during the three days between His death and resurrection. He said: “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison. For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.35”
Those children of our Heavenly Father who have not been blessed with the gospel in this life will be taught the gospel in the spirit world. In his great plan of love for each of us, Heavenly Father gives an opportunity for us to accept or reject the gospel.

The gospel is the same forever and ever. Those steps of salvation which are Faith, Repentance, Baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost are the same in heaven and on earth. It is possible for a spirit to exercise faith and repent, but when it comes to baptism, it becomes necessary to involve a body.

A truth, partially lost through the apostasy, explains the doctrine of baptism for the dead. It was revealed again through the prophet Joseph Smith. This doctrine is not new. While Paul was teaching the people concerning the resurrection of the dead, he asked the simple question: “Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?36” In other words, why are we doing baptism for the dead if there is no resurrection? Baptism for the dead was practiced in the early church of Jesus Christ.
The prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation concerning baptism for the dead as part of the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ. Words of the angel Moroni to Joseph Smith: “Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers. If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming.37" The prophet Joseph Smith was promised that he would receive the key or authority to bring back hearts of the children to their father. This key and authority would be given by the hands of the prophet Elijah. The prophet Malachi, in the Old Testament, testified about the importance of the prophet Elijah and his mission in the last days: “For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: He shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.38.”
The prophet Joseph Smith commented about this scripture: “I might have rendered a plainer translation to this, but it is sufficiently plain to suit my purpose as it stands. It is sufficient to know, in this case, that the earth will be smitten with a curse unless their is a welding link of some kind or other between the fathers and the children, upon some subject or other- and behold what is that subject? It is baptism for the dead. For we without them cannot be made perfect. Neither can they nor we be made perfect without those who have died in the gospel also; for it is necessary in the ushering in the dispensation of the fullness of times, which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories should take place, and be revealed from the days of Adam even to the present time. And not only this, but those things which never have been revealed from the foundation of the world, but have been kept hide from the wise and prudent, shall be revealed unto babes and sucklings in this, the dispensation of the fullness of times.39”

The prophecy concerning Elijah was fulfilled in April 1836, in the Kirtland Temple through the prophet Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith received a revelation concerning this matter. As recorded, this is an epistle from the prophet to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, containing further directions on baptism for the dead dated of September 1842: “As I stated to you in my letter before I left my place, that I would write to you from time to time and give you information in relation to many subjects, I now resume the subject of the baptism for the dead, as that subject seems to occupy my mind, and press itself upon my feelings the strongest, since I have been pursued by my enemies. And further I want you to remember that John the Revelator was contemplating this very subject in relation to the dead, when he declared, as you will find recorded in revelation 20: 12- And I saw the dead, small and great, stand for God; and the books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. You will discover in this quotation that the books were opened; and another book was opened, which was the book of life; but the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works; consequently, the books spoken of must be the books which contained the record of their works, and refer to the records which are kept on the earth. And the book which was the book of life is the record which is kept in heaven; the principle agreeing precisely with the doctrine which is commanded you in the revelation contained in the letter which I wrote to you previous to my leaving my place- that in all your recordings it may be recorded in heaven. Now, the nature of this ordinance consists in the power of the priesthood, by the revelation of Jesus Christ, wherein it is granted that whatsoever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Or, in other words, taking a different view of the translation, whatsoever you record on earth shall be recorded in heaven, and whatsoever you do not record on earth shall not be recorded in heaven; for out of the books shall your dead be judged, according to their own works, whether they themselves have attended to the ordinances in their own propria persona, or by the means of their own agents, according to the ordinance which God has prepared for their salvation from before the foundation of the world, according to the records which they have kept concerning their dead. It may seem to some to be a very bold doctrine that we talk of- a power which records or binds on earth and binds in heaven. Nevertheless, in all ages of the world, whenever the Lord has given a dispensation of the priesthood to any man by actual revelation, or any set of men, this power has always been given. Hence, whatsoever those men did in authority, in the name of the Lord, and did it truly and faithfully, and kept a proper and faithful record of the same, it became a law on earth and in heaven, and could not be annulled, according to the decrees of the great Jehovah. This is a faithful saying. Who can hear it? And again, for the precedent, Matthew 16: 18, 19: And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shall loose on earth shall be loose in heaven. And now, my dearly beloved brethren and sisters, let me assure you that these are principles in relation to the dead and the living that cannot be lightly passed over, as pertaining to our salvation. For their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation, as Paul says concerning the fathers- that they without us cannot be made perfect- neither can we without our dead be made perfect.40”

For all those that accept the gospel of Jesus Christ in the spirit world, they are given an opportunity to be baptized. Faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do genealogical research to identify their ancestor and, perform their baptism by proxy here on earth. These baptisms must be performed in sacred places. The temples are used to accomplish sacred ordinances for both the living and the dead. This truth brings hope and shows the great love that Heavenly Father has for us. He loves us so much that he wants to make sure that we, individually, will have a chance to follow him or not. About the importance of the temple work, John A. Widsoe said: “Temple work…gives a wonderful opportunity for keeping alive our spiritual knowledge and strength… The mighty perspective of eternity is unraveled before us in the holy temples; we see time from its infinite beginning to its endless end; and the drama of eternal life is unfolded before us. Then I see more clearly my place amidst the things of the universe, my place among the purposes of God; I am better able to place myself where I belong, and I am better able to value and to weigh, to separate and to organize the common, ordinary duties of my life, so that the little things shall not oppress me or take away my vision of the greater things that God has given us. 41” Those great blessings are promised to everyone that enters the temple.

D) Divine gifts from God
During this life on earth, our Heavenly Father has given us divine gifts. Among those is the power of procreation, which enables us to participate in the creation of life. It also gives us a chance to lead and help those children that Heavenly Father gives us, to live according to his gospel.
To help us learn to control this power of procreation and make sure that it would be used in a proper way, God has given us laws. He has set up the standard when he gave the commandment: "Thou shalt not commit adultery.42"

Every Latter-day Saint makes a serious commitment to this law called the law of chastity. God has commanded us not to have any sexual relationship with anyone except our husband or wife to whom we are legally married. But the law of chastity goes a little farther than that. Jesus Christ, the Apostles and the prophets in both eastern and western world expounded more on the subject: “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.43” The Book of Mormon prophet, Alma, was explaining his feelings to his son about transgressing that law: “And this is not all, my son. Thou didst do that which was grievous unto me; for thou didst forsake the ministry, and did go over into the land of Siron among the borders of the Lamanites, after the harlot Isabel. Yea, she did steal away the hearts of many; but this was not excuse for thee, my son. Thou shouldst have tended to the ministry wherewith thou wast entrusted. Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination in the sight of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost?.44” Thoughts motivate our actions. The Lord taught us that impure thoughts as well as impure actions make us unworthy to return to His presence. It is our responsibility to learn to control our thoughts. “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.45”
The King Benjamin, a prophet in the Book of Mormon, exhorts his people in this way: “But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not.46”

It is important when bad thoughts come into our mind not to dwell on them! It is important to be modest in our actions, speech and dress. Each member of the church of Jesus Christ is a representative of the gospel of Jesus Christ and has made the promise to take Christ's name upon them. The law of chastity is for our good. For every law, a blessing is promised for those who follow it.
There are penalties for those who misuse those gifts by violating the law of chastity. The major penalty is the loss of the Spirit. The Lord Jesus Christ taught: “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God; and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.47” The apostle Paul added: “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind.48” Helaman, a Book of Mormon prophet, explained why people lost the Spirit: “And they saw that they had become weak, like unto their brethren, the Lamanites, and that the Spirit of the Lord did not more preserve them; yea, it had withdrawn from them because the Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples.49”

The law of chastity will help us control our appetites and desires of the flesh. It will help us put our spiritual above our natural and physical man. “For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.50”
Family relationship is also one of the greatest gifts God has given us. It is also one of our greatest source of joy. The marriage and family relationships do not need to end at death. “And I will give unto thee (talking to Peter) the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loose in heaven.51” The apostle Paul said: “Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.52”

The prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation from the Lord that families have the opportunity to be sealed together for eternity. These sealings take place in the house of the Lord. In the temple and by the power of the priesthood, families receive the promise to be eternal as long as they keep their part of the promise, which is to follow the commandments. In a revelation given to Joseph Smith in 1832, the Lord said: “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.53” It is wonderful to see the love that God has for us. We can be together forever, enjoying the relationship of our families; continuing to enjoy this beautiful love that exist between husband and wife, children and parents, beyond the veil of death.

We can learn to control our physical body through a law of health that comes from the Lord, called the “Word of Wisdom”. To understand this law, we need to know that those bodies we have received at birth are sacred and considered as temples54. Once baptized, we also receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead. He cannot dwell in unholy temples. God knows us, He created us. He knows what is good for our bodies and what would damage them.
In the revelation on the Word of Wisdom received by the prophet Joseph Smith in 1833, the Lord explains that fruits, vegetables and grains are good for the body and that we should use them with thanksgiving. He counsels us on wholesome food. Through this law of health, he commands us not to take into our bodies alcohol, tobacco, coffee, tea and harmful drugs. These substances have the power to damage not only our bodies but also our Spirit. It is a Word of Wisdom. Many other things are not good for our body and each of us must decide which they are. This law teaches us to use wisdom and not partake of anything that would be addictive or harmful. Addiction makes our spirit and body a slave to substances not needed and often destructive.
Our Heavenly Father promises us great blessings if we obey this law. The Lord revealed: “And all saints who remember to keep and do these saying (concerning the Word of Wisdom), walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint. And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them.55” We will enjoy a greater health. Treasures of knowledge will be unfolded to the faithful, even hidden treasures. Strength and protection will be a result of obeying this law. We will receive happiness in this life and great joy in the life to come.

Many people in the world live this precept whether they are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or not. Great blessings are given because the Lord is mindful of all his children and he loves each one. These commandments are proof of His love for us. They are not given in a restrictive way, but to guide us in life. To help us not to fall in the dark ways the devil has prepared for us. The world is full of good things and bad things. The commandments help us discern between those two. They help us appreciate the good things, to be happy and avoid all the things that would make us unhappy. Just as you would tell your children “Do not put your finger in the fire because it will hurt really bad!”; The Lord knows the "fires" of this world and shows us the right way. But, in His infinite love, He gives us the right to choose for ourselves. He will not force us.

E) Overcoming self-centeredness
Every one of us as human beings have the tendency to become self centered, look for our own self-interest and forget about others. It can be dangerous spiritually. For “the Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, that they are vanity.56” Paul described the last days: “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, true breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.57”
The Book of Mormon prophet, Nephi, said: “O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish. But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God. But wo unto the rich, who are rich as to the things of the world. For because they are rich they despise the poor, and they persecute the meek, and their hearts are upon their treasures; wherefore, their treasure is their god. And behold, their treasure shall perish with them also.58”
The prophet Mormon also knew how the world would be: “Behold, the Lord hath shown unto me great and marvelous things concerning that which must shortly come, at that day when these things shall come forth among you. Behold, I speak unto you as ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing. And I know that ye do walk in the pride of your hearts; and there are none save a few only who do not lift themselves up in the pride of their hearts, unto the wearing of very fine apparel, unto envying, and strifes, and malice, and persecutions, and all manner of iniquities: and your churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted because of the pride of your hearts.59”

While on earth, a lawyer asked Jesus “Which is the greatest commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.60” Paul, while teaching the Galatians, said: “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.61"
Loving God with all our hearts and loving others as ourselves help us to overcome this self-centeredness. The prophet, King Benjamin expressed a great truth to his people in the Book of Mormon: “And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.62”
When we serve others, we are in the service of our God. By following these two great commandments we can become more like Jesus Christ; the perfect example of love. Apostles and prophets testified of the importance of those two commandments on both sides of the world. Paul, the apostle, gave a wonderful exhortation on charity and the pure love of Christ. Among his teachings in the 13th chapter of Corinthians, he said:
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up... Charity never faileth.63” John said: “We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.64” In the other part of the world, the prophet Nephi said: “ ...Wherefore, the Lord God hath given a commandment that all men should have charity, which charity is love. And except they should have charity they were nothing.65”

The prophet Mormon also gave a great lecture on charity: “And again, behold I say unto you that he cannot have faith and hope, save he shall be meek, and lowly of heart. If so, his faith and hope is vain, for none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart; and if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have charity; for if he have not charity he is nothing; wherefore he must needs have charity. And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail- But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; 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.66”

Once we obtain this desire in our heart to love and serve God, we realize that it requires some sacrifices. It has been a difficult test for men, but it has also been a way to show God that we are willing to put him first in our life. Everything that we posses we should sincerely be willing to sacrifice. The Lord said: “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.67” He taught the people in America: “ And ye shall offer up unto me no more the shedding of blood68 ; yea, your sacrifices and your burnt offerings shall be done away, for I will accept none of your sacrifices and your burnt offerings. And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit.69”

The most common sacrifice might be time spent in the service of the Lord and His Church. Even this kind of sacrifice can be difficult but those who have the sincere desire will receive blessings in such a way that they will not feel like they missed anything; because they won't. They have put the Lord first in their life. Our willingness to sacrifice is essential to prepare to receive eternal life. The Lord said: “He that findeth his life shall lose it: and that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.70” The Apostle Paul gave an account of his sacrifice for the Lord's sake: “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.71” It is through sacrifice that we develop faith and draw closer to the Savior. The prophet Joseph Smith said: “...A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation...72”

We can show sacrifice through the law of the fast. “Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou taketh no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. Behold ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord?73”
While teaching the people on the American continent, the Lord said: “Moreover, when ye fast be not as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance, for they disfigure their faces that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, they have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father, who is in secret; and thy Father who seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.74” Through the law of the fast, we can show our Father in Heaven that we want to put him first in our life. Food being one of our first priorities in life, fasting helps us put God above our worldly cares and desires. Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints fast for a period of time of two meals on the first Sunday of every month. Then, they gather together in a special testimony meeting where they may express their feelings and experiences that helped them grow in their faith. Fasting is a great opportunity to grow spiritually and helps us learn to govern and control our physical bodies. It is important to include prayers for others and ourselves during our fast, and use this time to receive divine guidance through the Holy Ghost. It helps us find answers for specific questions in our lives and specific decisions we have to make. We can receive a confirmation in our heart if we are in tune with the Spirit.

Fasting is a way for us to help those in need. Every member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints contributes the money saved while fasting to care for the needy. This money goes directly to help members of the church having financial and other problems as well as members of other faiths in some instances. The Church has a tremendous welfare system to care for the needy.

There is no professional clergy in the Church. This money given by faithful members goes entirely to the needy throughout the world. It is not mentioned often in the media, but whenever a catastrophe occurs in any part of the world, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of the first organization that makes sure the people receive aid. In this way, this law enables us to become selfless and gives us an opportunity to participate in the Lord's work. It also helps us to become more like him. Prophets in the Old Testament said: “So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us. 75” David recorded: “But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.76” In the other part of the world, a prophet was also testifying of this law. Alma gained a testimony of the truth of the Gospel through fasting: “Behold, I say unto you they are made known unto me by the Holy Spirit of God, Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now, I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the Spirit of revelation which is in me.77” Helaman, another great prophet explained how his people obtained strength: “Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling of their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.78” Fasting is powerful. It is a wonderful way to get closer to the Lord. It has the power to strengthen our faith and lives.

Another way members of the Church of Jesus Christ learn to put God first in their lives is by obeying and living the law of Tithing. The law of Tithing is not something new; it has always existed: “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord's: it is holy unto the Lord.79” “And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruit of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly.80” The prophet Malachi exhorts his people to pay their tithing. The Lord said to the people in America: “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts. And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.81”

To fully understand this law, we need to realize that everything that we possess in this life comes from God. He is the source of everything we have. The word tithing comes from “tenth”, meaning one tenth. The Lord gives us everything and asks us to return to Him one tenth of our increase. In that way we participate in the building up of His kingdom on earth. This money goes to the building of churches, temples, and other needs for the comfort and worship of the Saints. We are promised that the Lord will bless us both spiritually and temporally. It proves our faith. It is impossible to see the result of obeying the law of Tithing without living it. But the Lord said “prove me”. Every member of the Church of Jesus Christ has received this test of faith with the law of Tithing. For some, it is easier than others but it will strengthen our faith, making us unselfish and more like Jesus Christ. It is wonderful to be able to see the love of the Lord in our lives. He promised that He would remember us!

Law of Moses: Law given by God through the prophet Moses to the house of Israel. It was a way to prepare them to live a higher law that would be more spiritual. The Law of Moses consisted in some ceremonies, rituals and sacrifices of animal to help them remember their responsibility and the future sacrifice of the Savior. (See Exodus 34: 1-2, Romans 3: 20, Ephesians 2: 14-16)

References Part 9
1. Amos 3: 7
2. Malachi 3: 6
3. Hebrews 13: 8
4. Mormon 9: 9-10, 19
5. See Daniel 2: 28
6. See Joseph Smith, The Standard of Truth
7. Jeremiah 1: 5
8. Alma 13: 1-4
9. Acts 17: 28
10. See Explanation on The Book of Abraham pg. 8
11. Abraham 3: 22-25
12. Philippians 2:12
13. Mormon 9:27
14. 2 Nephi 2: 5
15. 2 Nephi 2: 27
16. Alma 30: 7-8
17. See 2 Nephi 2 :21
18. Alma 34: 31-34
19. Alma 42: 4
20. Alma 12: 24
21. 2 Nephi 9: 6
22. Alma 40: 11
23. Ecclesiastes 12: 7
24. Alma 40: 12-13
25. John 5: 25-29
26. 1 Nephi 15: 34
27. 2 Nephi 9: 14
28. Mosiah 2: 38
29. Alma 11: 42-43
30. Alma 12: 12-15
31. Alma 41: 5-15
32. John 14: 2
33. 1 Corinthians 15: 40-42
34. John 3: 5
35. 1 Peter 3: 18-19, 1 Peter 4: 6
36. 1 Corinthians 15: 29
37. Doctrine and Covenants 2: 1-3
References Part 9 cont.
38. Malachi 4: 1, 5-6
39. Doctrine and Covenants 128: 18
40. Doctrine and Covenants 128: 1, 6-10, 15
41. John A Widstoe, IN Conference Report, April 1922, pg. 97-98
42. Exodus 20: 14; See Matthew 19: 16-18
43. Matthew 5: 28
44. Alma 39: 3–5
45. Matthew 15: 19-20
46. Mosiah 4: 30
47. 1 Corinthians 3: 16-17
48. 1 Corinthians 6: 9
49. Helaman 4: 24
50. Mosiah 3:19
51. Matthew 16: 19
52. 1 Corinthians 11: 11
53. Doctrine and Covenants 82: 10
54. 1 Corinthians 3: 16-17
55. Doctrine and Covenants 89:18–21
56. Psalms 94: 11
57. 2 Timothy 3: 1-4
58. 2 Nephi 9: 28-30
59. Mormon 9: 34-37
60. Matthew 22: 36-39
61. Galatians 5:14
62. Mosiah 2:17
63. See 1 Corinthians 13: 4, 8
64. 1 John 4: 6-11
65. See 2 Nephi 26: 30
66. Moroni 7: 43-48
67. Luke 14:33
68. See explanation of the Law of Moses, pg. 126
69. 3 Nephi 9: 19-20
70. Matthew 10: 39, Matthew 16: 24-26
71. Philippians 3:8
72. Joseph Smith, Lectures on Faith
73. Isaiah 58: 3–5
74. 3 Nephi 13: 16
75. Ezra 8: 23
76. Psalms 35: 13; See Isaiah 58: 8-12
77. Alma 5: 46
78. Helaman 3: 35
79. Leviticus 27: 30
80. 2 Chronicles 31: 5
81. Malachi 3: 8-12; 3 Nephi 24: 8-12