3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
As the third of the Articles of Faith explains, we believe that all mankind may be saved. A scripture from the Book of Mormon states, in reference to Jesus Christ, "he cannot save them in their sins...no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore, how can ye be saved, except ye inherit the kingdom of heaven? Therefore, ye cannot be saved in your sins." In another scripture, this one found in the book of Moses, it says "that all men, everywhere, must repent, or they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God, for no unclean thing can dwell there, or dwell in his presence."
As explained in these scriptures, as well as in the second Article of Faith, disobeying the commands of Heavenly Father means that we cannot be in His presence. We are also taught from the Bible that "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." So if everyone is a sinner, once they are held accountable for their mistakes, then who can be in the presence of God? No one! Unless they make amends for their disobedience. As the third Article of Faith explains, "we believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved." So what is the Atonement mentioned here?
According to dictionary.com, atone means: to make amends or reparation, as for an offense or a crime, or for an offender; to make up, as for errors or deficiencies; to become reconciled (reconciled means to be brought into agreement or harmony; made compatible or consistent); agree. So basically, to atone means to make up for a mistake and to be brought back into harmony with the rule, law, or commandment that was deviated from during the commitment of that mistake.
We believe that Jesus Christ was the literal Son in the flesh of our Heavenly Father.We believe that Christ alone was able to pay the price for sin. While He was on the earth, He spent time in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the Cross of Calvary suffering for the sins of each person that ever did live and ever will live on the earth. He paid the price for each and every mistake that I have made (and will surely make in the future). He paid the price for YOUR sins. There is no greater act of love that any person has ever performed in the history of this world.
But why did Christ pay for our sins. Why don't we pay for our own sins? Because in the great plan of our Heavenly Father, we don't have to suffer the price of our sins if we will repent: "For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent." Only Christ, who was the son of a woman and the Son of God, was able to perform such a sacrifice. He completed His atoning sacrifice as He died on the cross and was resurrected the third day. Christ has provided a way to overcome the Fall of Adam and Eve. Death and sin were consequences of the Fall, but both were overcome by the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
The price has been paid, but we haven't all returned to the presence of our Heavenly Father, yet. As the third article of faith states, "all mankind MAY be saved." It does not state that all mankind WILL be saved. Those who will be saved are those who are "[obedient] to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel." So what are the laws and ordinances of the Gospel that are necessary for our salvation? I will discuss this in greater depth in my next post, but in short, we must follow the laws and commandments that Jesus Christ laid out during His earthly ministry.
So to finish with an analogy, let's say that for many years we have all been wanting to return to our home, in a distant country, to live with our parents, other family, and close friends. Our parents sent us to where we currently live to get the best education possible. Even with our great education and careers, we cannot afford to buy a ticket because it costs 10 quadrillion dollars. We do as much as we can to save our money, but in the end, our efforts are insignificant to purchase that 10 quadrillion dollar passage.
Someone comes to tell us that they have purchased a ticket for each one of us to return to see our parents. In disbelief, we ask what we can do to repay them. They ask us to be loyal to them and to do whatever they ask, so that we will be ready to return to our parents, because the country in which our parents live has very strict rules that must be learned and mastered before entering the country.
All of us begin by doing all of the things that are asked of us, but some of us begin to forget that we need to be prepared for this trip and we stop doing some of the important things to prepare. Some people even get to a point where they say they don't want to go on the trip anymore. Others of us keep doing what is asked; we get our visas, we make sure our clothing and our behaviors will be appropriate for this majestic country we are soon to reach.
As the day of the journey comes, some people are not yet ready for the trip. Some people don't have the proper documents to be able to enter the country. Others haven't learned the traditions and rules of the culture and will not be allowed to enter the country upon arrival. Their tickets have already been paid for, but they will not be allowed to use them since they didn't properly prepare. They longingly look around them at those who are boarding the plane.
YOU were valiant. You followed all of the instructions and requests of the One who purchased your ticket. As you board the plane you see the person who purchased your ticket in the cockpit of the plane. You go over and give them a big hug and thank them for their kindness in purchasing the ticket and preparing you to enter that great country where your parents live. You fly with the others that are also fully prepared, you arrive at that distant country, and you are permitted to enter to see your parents.
Now this is not a perfect analogy, but I hope that it has helped you to understand a bit better that we each need Christ to be able to return to live with our Heavenly Father. I know that Christ is our Savior and that if we do what He has asked of us, we can all return to live with Him and our Heavenly Father.
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Monday, December 7, 2015
Articles of Faith: Original Sin
2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
This is the second of the Articles of Faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden and were given two commandments, among other assignments. The first of these commandments was for Adam and Eve to "be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it." The second was that while Adam and Eve could eat anything they wanted in the garden, they should not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, because it would cause them to spiritually die.
Lo and behold, the serpent (Lucifer, aka Satan) beguiled (led by deception) Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. Eve then gave the fruit to Adam who also ate. Thus Adam and Eve had both disobeyed Heavenly Father. The consequence for this disobedience had been laid out to them when the command was given to not eat of the specific tree. That consequence was death. Adam and Eve did not physically die upon eating of the fruit, but were instead immediately questioned of their actions and then cast out of Heavenly Father's presence. To be separated from Heavenly Father's presence is called spiritual death.
As a result of Adam and Eve's decision to eat of the fruit that was forbidden them, they were not only cast out of the Garden of Eden, but were also subject to pain, suffering, and physical death. They could now die. This was a consequence of their disobedience. But it wasn't a consequence that affected just them; we are all subject to pain, suffering, physical death, and living away from God's presence because of the transgression (infringement or violation of a law, command, or duty) of Adam and Eve.
We are not, however, held responsible for the decision that they made. By this, I mean that we will not be punished for the actual act of them disobeying. We are "punished" by the consequences of their action, but we are not expected to pay for their action.
Let me give an example that may help to clarify this concept. If I, as a husband and father, decide to look at pornography and that leads me to cheat on my wife, it will likely destroy my marriage and have long lasting effects on my wife, my son, the person with whom I cheated, and potentially others (my other family and friends, one of the 8-year-old kids in my Sunday school class, etc.). My wife would not be held responsible for my decision to look at pornography or my decision to be unfaithful, but she would most definitely be affected by the consequences of my decision.
So to reiterate, Adam and Eve disobeyed a rule that Heavenly Father gave to them. They were given consequences for their disobedience. Some of those consequences affect us. Adam and Eve are expected to repent and use the Atonement of Jesus Christ (see the next post for more on this topic) to be forgiven of their disobedience. We do not have to pay for their act of disobedience.
For these reasons, we believe that children are born sinless. We believe that children are not held responsible for their actions until they reach a stage of development that allows them to reason and recognize the difference between good and evil. The Lord revealed to a modern prophet, a man similar to Adam, Enoch, Noah, Moses, and Abraham, that this age of accountability is eight years old. Thus, in the Church of Jesus Christ, baptism is not necessary before the age of eight.
I'm grateful for a Heavenly Father who loves us so much that He only holds us responsible for our own actions and not for the actions of all those who affect us. Can you imagine if you were required to pay for the decisions of all those who decide to mistreat you, hurt you, abuse you, and even kill you? I know that we don't have to suffer in that way, because Jesus Christ did suffer in that way, and as the Son of God, He was able to overcome the consequences of Adam and Eve's disobedience. He overcame both physical and spiritual death, and for that, we are all eternally indebted to Him.
This is the second of the Articles of Faith of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden and were given two commandments, among other assignments. The first of these commandments was for Adam and Eve to "be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it." The second was that while Adam and Eve could eat anything they wanted in the garden, they should not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, because it would cause them to spiritually die.
Lo and behold, the serpent (Lucifer, aka Satan) beguiled (led by deception) Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. Eve then gave the fruit to Adam who also ate. Thus Adam and Eve had both disobeyed Heavenly Father. The consequence for this disobedience had been laid out to them when the command was given to not eat of the specific tree. That consequence was death. Adam and Eve did not physically die upon eating of the fruit, but were instead immediately questioned of their actions and then cast out of Heavenly Father's presence. To be separated from Heavenly Father's presence is called spiritual death.
As a result of Adam and Eve's decision to eat of the fruit that was forbidden them, they were not only cast out of the Garden of Eden, but were also subject to pain, suffering, and physical death. They could now die. This was a consequence of their disobedience. But it wasn't a consequence that affected just them; we are all subject to pain, suffering, physical death, and living away from God's presence because of the transgression (infringement or violation of a law, command, or duty) of Adam and Eve.
We are not, however, held responsible for the decision that they made. By this, I mean that we will not be punished for the actual act of them disobeying. We are "punished" by the consequences of their action, but we are not expected to pay for their action.
Let me give an example that may help to clarify this concept. If I, as a husband and father, decide to look at pornography and that leads me to cheat on my wife, it will likely destroy my marriage and have long lasting effects on my wife, my son, the person with whom I cheated, and potentially others (my other family and friends, one of the 8-year-old kids in my Sunday school class, etc.). My wife would not be held responsible for my decision to look at pornography or my decision to be unfaithful, but she would most definitely be affected by the consequences of my decision.
So to reiterate, Adam and Eve disobeyed a rule that Heavenly Father gave to them. They were given consequences for their disobedience. Some of those consequences affect us. Adam and Eve are expected to repent and use the Atonement of Jesus Christ (see the next post for more on this topic) to be forgiven of their disobedience. We do not have to pay for their act of disobedience.
For these reasons, we believe that children are born sinless. We believe that children are not held responsible for their actions until they reach a stage of development that allows them to reason and recognize the difference between good and evil. The Lord revealed to a modern prophet, a man similar to Adam, Enoch, Noah, Moses, and Abraham, that this age of accountability is eight years old. Thus, in the Church of Jesus Christ, baptism is not necessary before the age of eight.
I'm grateful for a Heavenly Father who loves us so much that He only holds us responsible for our own actions and not for the actions of all those who affect us. Can you imagine if you were required to pay for the decisions of all those who decide to mistreat you, hurt you, abuse you, and even kill you? I know that we don't have to suffer in that way, because Jesus Christ did suffer in that way, and as the Son of God, He was able to overcome the consequences of Adam and Eve's disobedience. He overcame both physical and spiritual death, and for that, we are all eternally indebted to Him.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
Articles of Faith: The Godhead
1 We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
This is the first of the Articles of Faith for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It contains several very simple truths that even a child can understand, yet, the truths are so profound that it can take a lifetime (or longer) to learn what they truly mean.
We believe in God. We believe that He is the Father of our spirits. We believe that He has a body of flesh and bone (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22). We believe that He is the creator of all things in our universe (Mosiah 4:9). We believe that He loves us infinitely. We believe that He has made laws for our protection and happiness. We believe that if we follow the laws that He gives us, we can return to live in His presence after we die.
We believe that God is the literal Father of Jesus Christ's mortal body. We believe that as the Son of God, Jesus Christ was able to live a perfect life. We believe that as the Son of Mary, Jesus Christ was then able to die for the sins of the world. We also believe that as the Son of God, He was able to take His body again as a glorified being. We believe that Christ now has a resurrected body of flesh and bone. We believe that He is one with our Heavenly Father in purpose, yet they are two separate beings with distinct roles (Mark 9:7).
We believe that the Holy Ghost testifies of God, the Father and of Jesus Christ, our Savior. We believe that the Holy ghost has a spirit body. In this way, the Spirit can enter our hearts and tell us of the truth of all things (Moroni 10:5).
We believe in the Godhead. We believe that they are three distinct beings. We believe that they share a common purpose, which is to bring all people back to live with them. We believe that our Heavenly Father has a perfect plan that through Jesus Christ's sacrifice, all of us can return to live with them. We believe that we can know that this is a true plan by the confirming witness of the Holy Ghost.
I invite you to pray to our Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ. I promise that if you are sincere, the Holy Spirit will give you an answer to your prayer.
Articles of Faith: Introduction
In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there are 13 statements that give an overview of many important doctrines. These statements are collectively known as the Articles of Faith.
These articles were written with a focus on explaining the church's beliefs in contrast to other churches of the early 19th century. The articles also draw connections to the original Church of Jesus Christ, the one that Christ established while he walked the earth. I plan to write a post on each of these articles. The articles are as follows:
1 We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5 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.
6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7 We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8 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.
9 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.
10 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
These articles were written with a focus on explaining the church's beliefs in contrast to other churches of the early 19th century. The articles also draw connections to the original Church of Jesus Christ, the one that Christ established while he walked the earth. I plan to write a post on each of these articles. The articles are as follows:
1 We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5 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.
6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7 We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8 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.
9 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.
10 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
Monday, January 13, 2014
The Ten Commandments
The Ten commandments are found in the Book of Exodus in the Old Testament of the Bible. In Exodus chapter 20, we read that these ten commandments are:
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| Image Taken From LDS.org |
- Do not kill
- You will not kill
- Thou shalt not kill
For me, translation 3 is the least applicable to my lingo. Using translations 1 and 2 helps the ten commandments to seem more direct and forceful, like they still should be in the world today.
Now looking at some of the commandments individually I will help define some words to clarify even more what we are expected to do to observe these ten commandments:
The first talks about having no other gods before the god of the Old Testament. Jehova is this God. He is the pre-mortal Jesus. In today's busy world, I would say that most of us let "other gods" come before Jesus Christ, myself included at times. A few samples of "other gods" might include:
- Social media
- A career
- A hobby
- TV, movies, video games, smart phones, and other electronic devices
- Our "favorite sin" (you know, the one that we know we have a problem with, but aren't ready to let go)
Such things aren't inherently bad or wrong, but when they take the place of Jesus Christ, they become "other gods" in our lives. To help me with this commandment, I set a goal this year to not use social media unless I've already studied the scriptures that day. I can count many days where I did my scripture reading (not even studying) right before falling to sleep, but somehow managed to fit 15, 30, even 60 minutes of Facebook into my day. I'm doing fairly well with this goal, but don't be afraid to check up on me if you see me active on Facebook.
The third tells us to not take the name of God in vain. I decided to look up the word "vain" and the phrase "take in vain" to better understand this commandment. "Vain" basically means without effect or avail; irreverent or improper manner. "Take in vain" means to abuse, misuse, and/or pervert.
With these definitions I learned that when we use the name of God (or any other similar name: Jesus, Jehova, Allah, etc.) irreverently, we are not in line with this commandment. I recently watched Disney's Aladdin and noticed that there were several uses of the name Allah, two of which I would definitely deem irreverent. Since Allah means "the God" in Arabic, and Islam (who practice their religion in Arabic) is an Abrahamic religion (meaning they believe they are descendants of Abraham through Ishmael), then using the name of Allah is nearly the same as using the name of God in Christian religions. To be safe, we should respect the names of the gods of all religions. This way we will be blessed for living the third commandment and we will also avoid offending others for insulting their god.
The fourth tells us to remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. This commandment comes with a lot of specific details in Exodus 20:8-11. Specifically, it tells us that God created the earth in six days and rested on the seventh. We are to likewise rest from our labors on the Sabbath and worship God on that day. Originally, the Sabbath was Saturday as the Jews and Seventh Day Adventists still observe (among others). After Christ was resurrected on the first day of the week (Sunday) His followers began to meet on Sunday rather than Saturday. More important than the actual day of observance is the act of keeping a day Holy. On the Sabbath we should refrain from working, physical activities such as exercise and sports, and fill the day with worship. A day of rest doesn't mean we should nap all day and do nothing. We really should find things to do that help us to grow spiritually. We need to remember the day so that we will keep it as a holy day.
The fifth is about honoring our parents. This is the only commandment of the ten that comes with a blessing: "that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee." To honor is to hold in high respect. That doesn't mean we must blindly do everything that our parents tell us. Rather we should follow their rules while we are in their house (as long as they don't conflict with Gods rules) and hold their opinions and advice in high regard.
The eighth is about not stealing. In a largely digital world, we need to make sure we give credit to others when we use their content. This means that we get permissions where needed, reference the things we use from others, and pay for media that is copyrighted.
The ninth is about not bearing false witness. This includes lying to cover for someone else. It's better to be honest than to be liked (not that we should be verbal and brutally honest about every single thing we are thinking).
The tenth is about not coveting. To covet is to desire something wrongfully.Thus if we want to have all sorts of things to appear great before mankind, then that is wrongfully desiring. It is good to have righteous desires, but we need to make sure we are doing things for the right reasons.
When Jesus taught during His ministry, he fulfilled the Law of Moses. The ten commandments are part of this law. Jesus fulfilled the law by placing a higher law for his followers. His higher law requires more accountability. One example of His higher law is found in Matthew 5:27-28:
27 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
28 But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.
In order to follow Jesus, the ten commandments are a good place to start, but eventually we must learn to live His higher law. The ten commandments will keep any society in a peaceful and loving state. Plus we receive blessings for every commandment we keep, and this is a great way to be worthy of a handful of blessings.
As mentioned above, these are my own insights, and I don't intend to impose them on anyone else, but I like to put them out for others to review and incorporate as desired. I hope someone is enlightened by something I've had to say.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Pioneer Day
Today is July 24, 2013. 166 years ago, today, faithful followers of
Jesus Christ arrived in the barren desert of the Wasatch Front. These
Christians left everything they possessed, other than the bare
essentials, and crossed the plains of the Midwest. Their faith in Jesus
Christ and His restored gospel motivated them to take such drastic
measures as to leave the homes they had established to move west.
These saints of Jesus Christ were persecuted for their faith, much like the saints in the New Testament. But they knew that the religion they believed in was the very same religion that Jesus Christ established during his mortal ministry: His church. The living prophet in 1847, Brigham Young, led the faithful saints to Utah where they could openly practice their religious beliefs. I'm grateful for the many sacrifices of those "Mormon Pioneers." I was born and raised in Utah in a home where Christ was at the center.
I know that Jesus Christ established His church upon the foundation of apostles and prophets. His church was lost after He and His followers were persecuted into their graves. But in love, our God and Heavenly Father has called living prophets and apostles to guide us once again, for "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets (Amos 3:7)."
Our God is a God of miracles and He is unchanging. He performed miracles in the past and He continues to do so today. The Mormon pioneers are proof that God cares about His children and blesses them when they obey Him. May we all honor our pioneers and ancestors this, and every July 24.
Happy Pioneer Day!
These saints of Jesus Christ were persecuted for their faith, much like the saints in the New Testament. But they knew that the religion they believed in was the very same religion that Jesus Christ established during his mortal ministry: His church. The living prophet in 1847, Brigham Young, led the faithful saints to Utah where they could openly practice their religious beliefs. I'm grateful for the many sacrifices of those "Mormon Pioneers." I was born and raised in Utah in a home where Christ was at the center.
I know that Jesus Christ established His church upon the foundation of apostles and prophets. His church was lost after He and His followers were persecuted into their graves. But in love, our God and Heavenly Father has called living prophets and apostles to guide us once again, for "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth His secret unto His servants the prophets (Amos 3:7)."
Our God is a God of miracles and He is unchanging. He performed miracles in the past and He continues to do so today. The Mormon pioneers are proof that God cares about His children and blesses them when they obey Him. May we all honor our pioneers and ancestors this, and every July 24.
Happy Pioneer Day!
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Stick of Judah, Stick of Jospeh
Scripture is the written word of God.
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:16-17)."
Many people believe that the Bible is the only acceptable word of God. But it was prophesied long ago that there would be multiple sources of scripture.
"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works (2 Timothy 3:16-17)."
Many people believe that the Bible is the only acceptable word of God. But it was prophesied long ago that there would be multiple sources of scripture.
"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 (Ezekiel 37:15-17)."
In ancient times, a scroll of parchment was referred to as a stick. So a stick was written for Judah, or the Jews, and another was written for Joseph. Then these two stick were to be joined into one. The stick of Joseph, specifically the stick of Ephraim, was recorded long ago. It is now available for all to read, study, and learn. Everyone can know that the stick of Ephraim is the word of God, just as the Bible is the word of God.
This stick tells of a group of descendants of Ephraim and Manasseh that left Jerusalem about 600 years before Christ's birth. They crossed great waters and settled in a land of promise. They kept the records of their people, specifically concerning spiritual matters. Many wars and prideful falls are also recorded. The intent of the record is to convince both the Gentile and the Jew that Jesus is the Christ, and it was written for the benefit of those of our day. As we learn from their mistakes and successes, we will be able to come unto Christ and avoid the downfalls that the record describes.
This record was found in the early 19th century in New York. It was translated by a man of God and is now blessing the lives of millions of people all over the world. The record is known today as the Book of Mormon. Combining the teachings of the Bible and the Book of Mormon gives greater understanding and clarity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The two records compliment and expound upon one another, and thus the two sticks become one.
I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, together with the Bible. I know that the Book of Mormon helps people to change by bringing them closer to Christ. It clarifies doctrine and invites the Spirit of the Lord to dwell in our hearts. I know that everyone who reads the Book of Mormon looking for truth will find it; those who sincerely ask God if it is true will receive an answer by the Holy Ghost. This book means everything to me, and I know that it is the stick of Ephraim referred to in Ezekiel 37.
In ancient times, a scroll of parchment was referred to as a stick. So a stick was written for Judah, or the Jews, and another was written for Joseph. Then these two stick were to be joined into one. The stick of Joseph, specifically the stick of Ephraim, was recorded long ago. It is now available for all to read, study, and learn. Everyone can know that the stick of Ephraim is the word of God, just as the Bible is the word of God.
This stick tells of a group of descendants of Ephraim and Manasseh that left Jerusalem about 600 years before Christ's birth. They crossed great waters and settled in a land of promise. They kept the records of their people, specifically concerning spiritual matters. Many wars and prideful falls are also recorded. The intent of the record is to convince both the Gentile and the Jew that Jesus is the Christ, and it was written for the benefit of those of our day. As we learn from their mistakes and successes, we will be able to come unto Christ and avoid the downfalls that the record describes.
This record was found in the early 19th century in New York. It was translated by a man of God and is now blessing the lives of millions of people all over the world. The record is known today as the Book of Mormon. Combining the teachings of the Bible and the Book of Mormon gives greater understanding and clarity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The two records compliment and expound upon one another, and thus the two sticks become one.
I know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, together with the Bible. I know that the Book of Mormon helps people to change by bringing them closer to Christ. It clarifies doctrine and invites the Spirit of the Lord to dwell in our hearts. I know that everyone who reads the Book of Mormon looking for truth will find it; those who sincerely ask God if it is true will receive an answer by the Holy Ghost. This book means everything to me, and I know that it is the stick of Ephraim referred to in Ezekiel 37.
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