1. Obedience and Agency

   May 10, 2009 by Ben Tanner

   
   

   
   When one hears the term “obedience” in our modern world, it might make them turn away. Obedience today is seen as a negative word. No one wants to be controlled. An individual’s right to choose is the rule.

   However this is an example of how satan has twisted a God given principle. Satan seeks to make obedience to God a violation of ones right to choose for themselves.

   Never mind the fact that just because someone is being obedient to God, doesn’t mean they have lost any power to choose. In fact, they are exorcising their power to choose in the most positive way.

   Choosing the good, or choosing God is often portrayed as mindless faith in our current media. While those who choose evil are portrayed as free and unchained from the old morality.

   But it doesn’t take long to see who is really free. God gave us commandments for our own benefit. He is not trying to control us or make us slaves to his whim, but instead he wants us to be free from Satan’s traps and snares that bring us into bondage, sorrow, and sin.

   For example:

   He has given us the Word of Wisdom to help us be free from all of the problems associated with any kind of addiction.

   He has given us the Law of Chastity to keep us free from sexually transmitted disease, broken homes, and broken hearts.

   He has given us the Ten Commandments to help us live together in a free and mutually beneficial society without fear of being killed, stolen from, lied to, etc.

   God does not force us to keep his commandments. He gives us commandments for our blessing. After Adam and Eve were cast out of the Garden, the Lord gave them commandments to show them the way back to Him:

   Alma 12: 31-34
   31 Wherefore, he gave commandments unto men, they having first transgressed the first commandments as to things which were temporal, and becoming as Gods, knowing good from evil, placing themselves in a state to act, or being placed in a state to act according to their wills and pleasures, whether to do evil or to do good—
   32 Therefore God gave unto them commandments, after having made known unto them the plan of redemption, that they should not do evil, the penalty thereof being a second death, which was an everlasting death as to things pertaining unto righteousness; for on such the plan of redemption could have no power, for the works of justice could not be destroyed, according to the supreme goodness of God.
   33 But God did call on men, in the name of his Son, (this being the plan of redemption which was laid) saying: If ye will repent, and harden not your hearts, then will I have mercy upon you, through mine Only Begotten Son;
   34 Therefore, whosoever repenteth, and hardeneth not his heart, he shall have claim on mercy through mine Only Begotten Son, unto a remission of his sins; and these shall enter into my rest.

   Jesus has told us that the keeping of his commandments is the litmus test of our love for Him:

   John 14:21
   He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

   The Old Testament prophet Isaiah said:
   Isa. 1: 19
   19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land

   Notice that Isaiah says we must be “willing”. In other words it is our choice. And when we make that good choice, we are blessed from the Lord. (in this case we shall eat the good of the land.)

   In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Nephi said:

   31 …Wherefore, if ye shall be obedient to the commandments, and endure to the end, ye shall be saved at the last day. And thus it is. Amen.

   The Lord can’t wait to give you blessings. He has an endless supply of blessings that he is willing to give. But you must be obedient to his commands for him to give you those blessings.

   In the Doctrine and Covenants, a modern day book of scripture which records many of the revelations given to prophets who have lived since the restoration, this was given:

   20 There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—
   21 And when we obtain any ablessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.

   Commit yourself right now to do all you can to bring your life into conformity to Gods will. If you do this, you are not loosing your freedom, but gaining blessing that you have never known existed. God wants you to bless you and fill your life with joy, peace, prosperity, and happiness. True freedom will be found. Your right to choose will not be lost but enhanced… as now you can use your agency to better your life, and bring you back to that God who made you and loves you.

   One of the best ways to get started on this path to freedom is by committing to obey His command to be baptized a member of His church. I testify that on the other side of the waters of baptism, there is great Joy and blessings beyond my ability to describe.

   In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

   Click here for Missionaries

   Category Uncategorized | Tags: Obedience and Agency | No Comments

   ---

2. Living a Virtuous and Chaste life

   May 3, 2009 by Ben Tanner

   
   Love. That one word can mean so many things to different people. In the Bible, there are three different Hebrew words and three different Greek words that are translated into the word “love.”

   God wants us to express our love in the most pure and edifying ways. Anything less actually diminishes the blessings we can receive from loving relationships.

   When it comes to our God given sexuality, our Father in Heaven has taught us through prophets that such sacred procreative power is only to be employed between a man and a woman who are legally and lawfully wedded.

   Paul said:

   1 Corinthians 11:11
   11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.

   In the Book of Mormon, the Lord said:

   Jacob 2: 28
   28 For I, the Lord God, delight in the chastity of women. And whoredoms are an abomination before me; thus saith the Lord of Hosts.

   When Moses was given the Law, one of the most important commandments given was: “Thou shalt not commit adultery.” (Ex. 20: 14)

   The Law of Moses goes into great detail about the many ways a person should NOT use their procreative powers. Many of these instructions are found in Leviticus Chapter 20.

   Included is that men and women should not use the sacred powers of procreation with those of the same gender, or with animals, or with anyone that is not their husband or wife.

   The apostle Paul spoke about people who break these commandments:

   Rom. 1: 26-28
   26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
   27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.
   28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

   Eph. 5: 3-5
   3 But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;
   4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.
   5 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

   I cite these scriptures not to condemn those who are guilty, but instead to show the seriousness of these sins.

   God not only wants us to refrain from the outward sexual sins, but also wants us to be chaste and virtuous in thought as well:

   Matt. 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 his book, “Come Unto Christ”, The Prophet Ezra Taft Benson, taught that we are not held responsible for thoughts that may come into our minds (unless we are actively seeking evil things), but rather what we do with those thoughts.

   If we hold on to an evil thought and let it take root in our minds, then it is like planting a bad seed. If we do not uproot the seed with sincere repentance, then it is likely to grow into outward action, which then can lead to sorrow.

   The key to becoming chaste is being careful with our thoughts. Fill your mind with clean virtuous things. Don’t give place for evil. Also, ask for the Lord’s help and grace to give you power beyond your own, and He will bless you, and strengthen you.

   Stay away from pornography in any form. Pornography destroys natural affection. It destroys relationships, it pierces hearts with deep wounds. (Jacob 2: 35)

   Once an image is in your mind, it is there to stay. So instead of evil, fill your mind with light.

   Matt. 6: 22
   22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.

   We are all born with different tendencies, some positive, and some negative.

   But that does not mean we have to give in to any negative trait we may possess.

   Eventually, we will all be resurrected, and any imperfection we’ve inherited through mortality, will be replaced with it’s perfect form. (Alma 11:43)

   Until then, we must live in a way that will merit the kind of resurrection we want to receive. (John 5:29) The Lord will give you grace to overcome any temptation you are dealing with if you will turn to Him. He has said that He will not allow us to be tempted above what we are able to bear.

   1 Cor. 10: 13
   13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

   The Book of Mormon prophet Nephi said:

   1 Nephi 3:7
   7 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.

   If we come to God in humility, He can make our weaknesses become strong:

   Ether 12:27
   27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

   If you have been guilty of being unchaste before marriage, or of infidelity when married, there is hope. God has sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ to atone for our sins. You can become clean. You can be forgiven. You can have peace in your heart and mind. Through faith, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, you can be cleansed from all of your sins, and then commence the work of becoming holy, and sanctified by submitting your will to God’s and keeping His commandments.

   Now that we’ve established the importance of keeping sacred procreative powers within marriage between a man and a woman, let’s talk about the hope and blessings that can come from it.

   When one lives the law of chastity, they are blessed with the ability to use the sacred procreative powers within the bonds of marriage. They can be blessed to create an eternal family that has unlimited love and joy. The loving relationships they have can continue forever.

   Perhaps one of the greatest blessings that can come from living the law of chastity, is self love. The better you live the law of chastity, the more you will love yourself. You will gain self respect and confidence. Your confidence before God will grow as well. (D&C 121:45)

   Our Father in Heaven loves you. He wants only the best for you. Not just what’s good for you, but what’s BEST for you. Come and be cleansed of your sins. Come and be baptized a member of His church. Come unto Christ and reap the rewards of the chaste and virtuous life.

   In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

   Click here for Missionaries

   Category Uncategorized | Tags: Living a Virtuous and Chaste life | 1 Comment

   ---

3. The Word of Wisdom

   April 25, 2009 by Ben Tanner

   
   Back in the early days of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, (early 1830’s) it was common for men to use chewing tobacco and smoke at church and other meetings.

   Emma Smith, the prophet Joseph Smith’s wife was left with the clean up of the vile material that was left behind after the meetings.

   She asked Joseph to do something about it. So Joseph inquired of the Lord. In response to this, the Lord gave Joseph Smith the following revelation that now is known as “The Word of Wisdom” or Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants:

   1 A Word OF Wisdom, for the benefit of the council of high priests, assembled in Kirtland, and the church, and also the saints in Zion—
   2 To be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the word of wisdom, showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days—
   3 Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints.
   4 Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation—
   5 That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him.
   6 And, behold, this should be wine, yea, pure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make.
   7 And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.
   8 And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.
   9 And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.
   10 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man—
   11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.
   12 Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly;
   13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.
   14 All grain is ordained for the use of man and of beasts, to be the staff of life, not only for man but for the beasts of the field, and the fowls of heaven, and all wild animals that run or creep on the earth;
   15 And these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger.
   16 All grain is good for the food of man; as also the fruit of the vine; that which yieldeth fruit, whether in the ground or above the ground—
   17 Nevertheless, wheat for man, and corn for the ox, and oats for the horse, and rye for the fowls and for swine, and for all beasts of the field, and barley for all useful animals, and for mild drinks, as also other grain.
   18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;
   19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
   20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.
   21 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. Amen.

   As you can see, this revelation not only says what not to do, but it also is very specific about what to do. It speaks of basing your diet on grains, fruits and vegetables, wholesome herbs, and also eating meat sparingly. Doesn’t that sound like it came right out of the American Heart Association? After years of scientific study American’s have come to the conclusion that this is indeed the basis of a healthy diet. However Joseph Smith in the 19th century had no science to back this up. But he received it from the Lord. In addition the health code prohibits strong drinks of any kind, Tobacco, and “hot drinks.” The term “hot drinks” has been clarified by other prophets as Coffee and Tea.

   So do Latter-Day Saints who live by this health code show a dramatic increase in health? Yes. In fact not only do they live longer but on average are able to maintain a higher quality of life.

   Later prophets have also counseled against illegal drugs and pretty much anything that can be addicting or cause a dependency. This does not include medications prescribed by a doctor.

   But please don’t think of the Word of Wisdom as just a health code. Instead it is a principle with a promise. Those who live by it are not only blessed with general good health and freedom from addictive substances. They are also blessed with spiritual blessings including, “wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures.” They are promised that the destroying angel will pass by them. The Lord always attaches a spiritual blessing to His temporal blessings

   To become a member of the church through baptism, one must commit to live by the Word of Wisdom. Also, later when you want to experience the blessings of the Temple, you must be living by the word of wisdom to obtain a temple recommend from your Bishop.

   In other words, you must refrain from Coffee, Tea, Tobacco (in any form), Alcohol, Illegal Drugs and any other thing that could be harmful to your body. You must try to base your diet on grains, fruits and vegetables, wholesome herbs, and eat meat sparingly.

   I promise you that the Lord will bless you if you live by His law of health. The blessings He promises are yours for the taking. Your mind will be more clear and able to receive personal revelation, and hidden treasures of knowledge.

   I invite you to live this law and prepare to receive a remission of your sins through baptism into the Lord Jesus Christs church.

   In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

   Click here for Missionaries

   Category Uncategorized | Tags: The Word of Wisdom | No Comments

   ---

4. Tithing and Fast Offerings

   April 19, 2009 by Ben Tanner

   
   You might have heard that faithful Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) pay one tenth of their annual income in tithes. If you’ve heard this, you have heard correctly. Why would anyone pay so much toward their faith? Why 10 Percent? Where does the money go? What blessings if any come from it?

   I would like to explore these four questions in this post.

   1. Why would anyone pay so much toward their faith?

   In the book of Malachi in the Old Testament we read:

   Mal. 3: 8
   8 ¶ Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

   God has created the whole universe. He owns it all. Every day we subsist on the bounty He has provided. The water, the air, the food. It’s all from him. Without use of God’s creation, we would not have the ability to live to ten minutes. Even more important, is another principle taught by our Lord Jesus Christ:

   Matt. 4: 4
   4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

   So God expects us to not only understand that everything in the end is His. But He wants us to understand that we don’t only live by the physical things or temporal things in life, but by His word.

   He has commanded that we reserve ten percent of the blessings He gives us for the work of the Lord. This allows us to live not just by bread alone, but by faith in the word of the Lord.

   Tithing in the end is a principle of faith.

   2. Why 10 percent?

   The simplest answer to this is that the word “tithe” means “tenth.”
   In addition to this, the Lord through His modern prophets has clarified this:

   D&C 119
   4 And after that, those who have thus been tithed shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord.

   “Interest” in this scripture has been shown to mean “increase” by later prophets and apostles.

   3. Where does the money go?

   If you’ve grown up in a faith where there is a paid clergy, meaning the local pastor or priest subsists on the donations of the congregation, you might be a little skeptical about the whole principle of tithing. After all, if they live off of your donations, of course they are going to preach about this over the pulpit often.

   The Latter-Day Saints have no paid clergy. In other words, individuals don’t get paid to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In fact, every Mormon missionary you have seen has either paid their own way to serve a mission, or was helped by friends and family.

   Even the Prophets, Apostles, and General Authorities of the Church are not paid from the tithing of the members. Instead all of the money goes toward the operating of the church, including paying for the building and maintaining of chapels and temples, printing materials, and paying those who have a full time job in keeping for instance the accounting, building maintenance, Information systems, etc up to date.

   No priesthood authority is paid to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is free, and should be given freely. Latter-Day Saints consider the payment of preachers and pastors as priestcraft.

   The Book of Mormon talks about this:

   Alma 1:16
   16 Nevertheless, this did not put an end to the spreading of priestcraft through the land; for there were many who loved the vain things of the world, and they went forth preaching false doctrines; and this they did for the sake of riches and honor.

   This is not to be found among the True Church of Jesus Christ.

   4. What blessings if any come from it (Paying Tithing)?

   If we go back to our original scripture we cited in Malachi, we could read on:

   Mal 3:10-12

   10 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.
   11 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.
   12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.

   I couldn’t say it any better than that. There are many blessings that come from paying an honest tithe. Some are temporal, some are spiritual. Tithing is another way you can show the Lord that you really do believe Him. You really do have faith in Him. It is evidence that your faith is real, because it is backed up by righteous works.

   Now a word about Fast Offerings:

   In addition to paying an honest tithe to God and His church, we have been asked to use the blessings the Lord has given us to help our neighbor. When Jesus was asked what is the greatest commandment in the law he said:

   Matt 22:37-40
   37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
   38 This is the first and great commandment.
   39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
   40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

   Later in the book of James it says:

   James 1: 27
   27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

   Hundreds of Years before these two passages, the Lords prophet Isaiah said:

   Isaiah 58:6
   6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

   The Lord in our day has asked that the members of His church use the law of the fast to help fulfill the second great commandment that requires we love our neighbor.

   Latter-Day Saints forgo eating two meals on the first Sunday of each month, and then take the Money they would have spent on those two meals and give it into the hands of the local Bishop. The Bishop then see’s to it that those who are in need are taken care of. A church member is asked to give at a minimum the amount the two meals would have cost them, but if they can they should give even more generously to see to it that they are practicing “Pure Religion.”

   Fasting blesses both the recipients of the help, and the one who fasts. By fasting and forgoing food and water for a short period of time, the faster is actual subduing the flesh and allowing the Spirit to more fully take charge in their life. Therefore fasting actually helps to sanctify that person who participates.

   Fasting however is not just about going without food and drink. When one fasts they should do so with a purpose. You might have a perplexing problem you are trying to find an answer to. You might need extra help from God. You might know of someone else in distress that needs your faith and prayers. If you fast and pray about the problem, you will receive extra strength from the Lord to help you through the trial. Fasting is another way to show your faith in Jesus Christ. Such faith brings miracles in your life.

   In conclusion I would just like to add my testimony that tithing and fasting are wonderful ways to live the first and second great commandment more fully. If lived, they will both be a blessing to you, the Lord’s work, and others in need.

   The table of
   the Lord is set and ready for you to feast at. Come and partake of the blessings the Lord is waiting to give you. Come be baptized a member of His church.

   In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

   Click here for Missionaries

   Category Uncategorized | Tags: Tithing and Fast Offerings | No Comments

   ---

5. The Temple

   April 12, 2009 by Ben Tanner

   
   

   You may have heard about Mormons and Temples. You might have wondered why we build temples. I’ll do my best to help you understand.

   If you read in the bible, you will find many references to temple worship. When the children of Israel were led out of Egypt by God through his prophet Moses, they were commanded to make a portable temple called the tabernacle.

   The tabernacle allowed them to perform special, sacred ordinances commanded by God in the law of Moses. These ordinances were connected to the Aaronic priesthood and were outward expressions that pointed Israel to the eventual coming of the Messiah (Jesus Christ).

   Later these ordinances continued with the building of King Salomon’s Temple. This temple was destroyed by the Babylonians. Later, it was rebuilt, and by the time of Jesus, King Herod had built it again in great splendor.

   When Jesus was crucified the Vail of the Temple was rent apart. This represented Jesus’ triumph over sin and His atonement between God and Man. In addition it had another special meaning in that it signified that the door was now open to redeem the dead.

   During the three day period between the time of Jesus’ death and his resurrection, we learn from the bible that he was preaching to the dead:

   1 Pet. 3:18-19
   18 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:
   19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;

   1 Pet. 4: 6
   6 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.

   Why would Jesus do such a thing? Hadn’t these people already had a chance at salvation?

   Consider for a moment how many people have lived on the earth. We know that right now there are over 6 billion people alive today. How many have lived since Adam and Eve? An astounding amount of people have lived on the earth. However many of these people lived their whole lives without even hearing about Jesus Christ.

   There are some who would have you believe those who died without accepting Jesus as their savior, or even hearing about him, are eternally damned.

   Latter Day Saints believe that everyone will have an equal chance to accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Even those who have already died without that chance.

   The Lord has provided a way for these people to accept the gospel.

   There is a great missionary effort going on in the spirit world that was instituted by Jesus himself to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to all who will listen.

   But if a person never had the chance in this life, and they accept the gospel in the spirit world, how can they be baptized?

   The answer is baptism for the dead. In a sacred holy temple, that has dedicated to the Lord, a worthy person may stand in as proxy for a deceased ancestor and be baptized on their behalf.

   The ancestor may or may not accept this ordinance, they have the choice in the matter.

   When Paul was teaching about the resurrection, he mentioned that the early church was performing baptisms for the dead:

   1 Cor. 15:29
   29 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?

   In other words, Paul was saying baptism for the dead would be pointless if their was no resurrection. Paul obviously believed in the resurrection. He also believed in baptism for the dead.

   Today, these baptisms are performed in the holy temples of the church that dot the world.

   In addition to baptism for the dead, there are other sacred ordinances preformed in LDS temples.

   One of the most important is marriage. When one is married in other faiths, they are married until “Death due us part” or “as long as you both shall live.”

   When you are married in the Temple, you can be married for “Time and All Eternity.”

   We believe that if you live up to the promises you’ve made to each other and to God, your marriage and family can be sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise together forever.

   You don’t have to lose your spouse upon death. You don’t have to lose your children. Instead, you become an eternal family unit, enjoying all of the happiness and joy that comes with it in heaven together.

   The Lord spoke to Joseph Smith and told him the importance of this:

   D&C 131:1-4
   1 In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees;
   2 And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage];
   3 And if he does not, he cannot obtain it.
   4 He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom; he cannot have an increase.

   While baptism is required to enter the kingdom of God, this kind of eternal marriage performed only to worthy couples in the temple is required to “obtain the highest”.

   I had the blessing of being married to my bride in a sacred temple of the lord.
   We were married in the Bountiful, Utah temple. The picture above is the San Diego Temple.

   I testify that temples are the most sacred houses of worship on the earth. What is “bound” in these earthly temples, is truly “bound” in heaven forever.

   If I endure in faith to the end, and keep the promises I made in the temple, the grace of Jesus Christ will allow for my wife and children to be sealed to me forever, and I to them.

   I also testify that you to can have this blessing, it is open to anyone who accepts the gospel of Jesus Christ and becomes a member of His church.

   Through the house of the Lord, the dead are redeemed, individuals are endowed with power from on high, and families are sealed together forever.

   In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

   Please talk to Missionaries today:

   Click here for Missionaries

   Category Uncategorized | Tags: The Holy Temple,The Temple of the Lord | No Comments

   ---

6. Priesthood Keys and Authority

   April 5, 2009 by Ben Tanner

   
   There are many references to the Priesthood in the Holy Bible.

   We first come across the higher order of the priesthood, of which the King of Salem, Melchizedek was a member:

   Gen. 14: 18
   18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the Most High God.

   Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek. He was the great high priest of that day.

   Later in the book of Psalms, it prophesies that Jesus Christ would also be a priest after this order:

   Ps. 110: 4
   4 The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.

   Paul talks about both the Melchizedek and a lesser Levitical or Aaronic priesthood in Hebrews chapter 7. He makes some important points about them.

   1. The Melchizedek priesthood is not a lineal priesthood. Meaning you don’t have to come from a specific bloodline to be ordained to it. It is “Without Father, Without Mother”. The Levitical or Aaraonic priesthood on the other hand was given to descendants of Aaron and members of the tribe of Levi.
   2. The Aaronic Priesthood is a lesser priesthood or the priesthood after “Carnal Commandments” It was the priesthood used to perform the ordinances of the Mosaic law, and the gospel of repentance and baptism taught by John the Baptist.
   3. The Melchizedek priesthood is the priesthood used to perform the ordinances of the higher law or the Gospel law.
   4. The Melchizedek priesthood has a sacred oath connected to it.

   We learn from modern revelation that Jesus not only held the Melchizedek priesthood, but he is the author of it. It his His priesthood.

   D&C 107
   1 There are, in the church, two priesthoods, namely, the Melchizedek and Aaronic, including the Levitical Priesthood.
   2 Why the first is called the Melchizedek Priesthood is because Melchizedek was such a great high priest.
   3 Before his day it was called the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God.
   4 But out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the church, in ancient days, called that priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood.

   The Old Testament goes into great detail about how the function of the Aaronic priesthood and about what a holder of this priesthood was supposed to do.

   Ex. 28:1
   And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest’s office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons.

   Num. 8: 6, 9-15,
   6 Take the Levites from among the children of Israel, and cleanse them.
   • • •
   9 And thou shalt bring the Levites before the tabernacle of the congregation: and thou shalt gather the whole assembly of the children of Israel together:
   10 And thou shalt bring the Levites before the Lord: and the children of Israel shall put their hands upon the Levites:
   11 And Aaron shall offer the Levites before the Lord for an offering of the children of Israel, that they may execute the service of the Lord.
   12 And the Levites shall lay their hands upon the heads of the bullocks: and thou shalt offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, unto the Lord, to make an atonement for the Levites.
   13 And thou shalt set the Levites before Aaron, and before his sons, and offer them for an offering unto the Lord.
   14 Thus shalt thou separate the Levites from among the children of Israel: and the Levites shall be mine.
   15 And after that shall the Levites go in to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation: and thou shalt cleanse them, and offer them for an offering.

   The scriptures are clear that there is a specific way one receives the priesthood:

   Heb. 5: 4
   4 And no man taketh this honor unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.

   No one is to claim they have the authority or priesthood of God unless they have been called of God… as was Aaron. This is a very important idea. There are many who have claimed to be a priest or a pastor or some other priesthood office just because they have gone to divinity school, or because they “felt” a calling.. but true priesthood holders are called of God “as was Aaron.”

   How was Aaron called? Aaron was called of God through God’s prophet on the earth at that time: Moses. In addition, he was ordained by Moses to this priesthood.

   Aaron didn’t take this “Honor to himself”. In other words, he didn’t just claim that he had been called, and then started to minister in his office. He was called by Gods prophet and ordained by the laying on of hands to this office. Moses had received his priesthood from his Father-in-Law Jethro. Moses held the Melchizedek priesthood, for it didn’t come to him from his father, or lineage, but his father-in-law.

   Joseph Smith received the Aaronic Priesthood from John the Baptist, who visited him as a resurrected being:

   D&C 13: 1
   1 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, until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.

   Later Joseph received the Melchizedek priesthood by the hands Peter, James, and John
   who visited him and ordained him. Joseph didn’t just claim he was called, he was called God as was Aaron. He received the Priesthood by those who were authorized to give it. Peter, James, and John had received their authority or priesthood from Jesus Christ himself.

   So why is this so important? It is important because without the proper authority to minister in sacred things, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints could not claim to be Jesus Christ church on the earth today. In fact, no church can make that claim without the proper authority given from God and the its’ priest are called of God “as was Aaron”.

   If its not God’s Priesthood, it’s not Gods church. And every ordinance performed in that church from baptism to the laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost would be null and void.

   One cannot be properly baptized without the baptizer having the proper authority. And without proper baptism, one cannot enter the Kingdom of God. (John 3:5)

   There have been different claims about the priesthood from different churches.

   Roman Catholics claim an unbroken line of authority from Peter to the present day pope.
   Many Protestant faiths claim a priesthood of “believers”. Meaning they believe that any believer is automatically given this priesthood.

   Latter-day saints believe that a few decades after the original church set up by Jesus and his Apostles there was an apostasy, those who held the keys of the priesthood (The Apostles) were martyred.

   While Peter and the other apostles surely ordained others to the priesthood, the keys of that priesthood, which authorize the use of the priesthood, were taken from the earth with the martyrdom of the apostles.

   It is not only important to have the priesthood, but also to have the keys that authorize the use of the priesthood on the earth. (Matthew 16:19)

   These keys were not passed down in the early church and therefore the authority to use the priesthood was gone. After the apostasy angelic messengers such as Peter, James, John, Elias, Elijah, Moses, and John the baptist appeared and conferred the keys and priesthood on the prophet Joseph Smith, then they were passed down to each prophet and apostle since the organization of the church and remain with the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-D
   ay Saints today.

   While Roman Catholics and Protestant believers have good arguments for their beliefs, our beliefs are based on direct revelation from God. He has been very clear about he priesthood on it’s use.

   Ours is not just an interpretation of ancient scripture, but divine revelation direct from God about the subject.

   Having said that, it might be helpful for some to explore the claims of Roman Catholics and Protestant belief.

   Here are a few articles that explore those beliefs further and contrast them with that of the latter-day Saints:

   Roman Catholic Views:

   No Complete Apostasy
   “Gates of Hell”

   Protestant Views:
   
   Priesthood of all Believers
   No Need for a Priesthood
   Jesus is the only Melchizedek Priesthood holder
   No need for a restoration of the priesthood

   We respect the views of our catholic and protestant friends. However, we also assert that God has revealed the true doctrine of the priesthood along with the priesthood itself and the appropriate keys to use it again in our day through modern prophets.

   I testify that to inherit eternal life, one must have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Repent of their sins, be Baptized by immersion, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure faithfully to the end of their lives.

   I also testify that you must be baptized by one who holds the proper priesthood authority and is worthy to exorcise that authority on your behalf.

   The true authority and priesthood is only found within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today.

   Baptism performed without this authority is not recognized by God, and will have no effect in the next life. I invite you to come to the loving arms of Jesus Christ by being baptized by one of His authorized servants. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

   Missionaries:

   Click here for Missionaries

   Category Uncategorized | Tags: Priesthood Keys and Authority,The Holy Priestood | No Comments

   ---

7. The Final Judgement

   March 29, 2009 by Ben Tanner

   
   After the Millennium, there will be a short season where Satan will be loosed from his bands, so he can gather together his armies. A final battle will ensue between the forces of goodness and the forces of evil. (Rev. 20:3, D&C 88:111)

   Michael the archangel and his armies will come out triumphant. Satan and his own will be cast out forever at this point. Another thing that will happen during this time is the final resurrection. Those who were not resurrected during the millennium will be resurrected at this time. This means that after this final resurrection is complete, that every man, woman, and child who ever lived on the earth from the days of Adam to the very end, will have been resurrected through the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ.

   It’s important here to note, that at this point, our Heavenly Father will have accomplished most of what He set out to do. Namely, provide immortal bodies for all of His children and test them to see if they would exercise faith, repent of their individual sins, be baptized, and receive the Holy Ghost.

   Now that this has all been accomplished, it’s time for the final judgment. Each of us will stand before the judgment seat of Jesus Christ. We will be judged according to our works (Rev. 20:12-13)

   Here is one place where Latter-Day Saints differ from other Christians. Most Christians believe the final judgment will be between only two decisions – Heaven or Hell.

   As Bible believing people and having had modern revelation on the subject Latter-Day Saints have a different view.

   Paul, when speaking of the resurrection said:

   1 Corinthians 15:40-42
   40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
   41 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.
   42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

   Paul is saying that people will be resurrected with different kinds of bodies. Meaning, the body they come forth with will be incorruptable (immortal) and that it will be suited for the kingdom they will inherit. (Celestial, Terrestial, etc)

   The Celestial Kingdom, or glory of the Sun, is the highest Kingdom where God Himself dwells. The Terrestrial Kingdom, or glory of the moon is a lesser kingdom, and the glory of the stars (Telestial Kingdom) is the lowest of the three kingdoms of glory.

   Each of these places represent a heaven or kingdom.

   There is one more place that we call outer darkness. It’s simply the place where Satan, his angels, and those who have committed the unpardonable sin (see Matthew 12:31-32) will dwell for ever. This is not a kingdom of glory or a heaven. It is the very opposite.

   So how does God determine which kingdom a person will receive?

   Jesus Christ opened a marvelous vision to the Prophet Joseph Smith and his counselor Sidney Rigdon. This vision is now recorded in the 76th section of the Doctrine and Covenants. You can read the whole thing here if you would like : D&C 76

   If not the short answer to the question is this:

   Celestial Kingdom: Those who have faith in Jesus Christ, Repent, are baptized by the proper authority, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure faithfully to the end. In short those who are “Valiant” in their testimony of Jesus Christ.

   Terrestrial Kingdom: The honorable people of the earth who chose not to receive and live the gospel in this life, but received it afterward in the spirit world.
   Also those who “were not valiant in the testimony of Jesus” meaning people who received the gospel, but didn’t choose to live by it.

   Telestial Kingdom: These are the people who won’t be resurrected until after the Millennium. These rejected the gospel and testimony of Jesus Christ but did not deny the Holy Ghost. These are the adulterers, murderers, and every other kind of sinner you can think of that didn’t repent in this life and receive the grace of Jesus Christ. So during the millennium, they will be in a state of Hell suffering for their sins. But even these will be redeemed and resurrected through the mercy of our Savior. They won’t inherit the Celestial Kingdom, or the place where God dwells, but the scripture tells us that even their kingdom of glory is beyond all description.

   Outer Darkness: The place where Satan, his angels and the sons of perdition will dwell forever. It is not a kingdom of glory. These will be in an eternal hell.

   As you can see, God will have saved most of His children when all is said and done. The only ones that will not receive a kingdom of glory will be those who actively fight against Him.

   So if most will receive a kingdom of glory, what is the goal? God tells us in the book of Moses 1:39: “For this is My work and My glory, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man”

   We can see from this that God not only wants us to gain bodies and live forever, but he wants us to have “eternal life”.

   What is eternal life? Simply put, eternal life is living forever with the giver of life, living with God and living the kind of life He lives. This is only possible for someone who has accepted the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Another name of eternal life is exaltation. Meaning the person has been exalted to live and be like our Heavenly Father in the Celestial Kingdom.

   Faith, repentance, baptism, Gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end is the way to gaining access to Jesus’ Grace which will qualify you for eternal life or exaltation. The Celestial kingdom is the only place where families can be together forever. It is the only place where one can progress to the point of becoming like Heavenly Father, not to replace Him, but to be “joint heirs” with him (Romans 8:17)

   This is also the only place a person can receive a fullness of joy.

   I testify that Jesus died for our sins. He made it possible for us to go back into the presence of our Heavenly Father, and live with Him again. We must have faith in Jesus, repent of our sins, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, and endure faithfully to the end to gain access to Jesus’ grace. If we gain Jesus’ grace, we gain the Celestial Kingdom. If we gain the celestial kingdom, we can eventually gain a fullness of joy and be with our families forever.

   If you would like access to the grace of Jesus Christ please contact missionaries who hold the proper authority today and request baptism, then continue to follow our Heavenly Father’s plan faithfully so you can receive a fullness of joy.

   In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

   Click here for Missionaries

   Category Uncategorized | Tags: The Final Judgement | 1 Comment

   ---

8. The Millennium

   March 22, 2009 by Ben Tanner

   
   When our Savior, Jesus Christ comes again, a great many things will happen. But today I’m only going to focus on one aspect of His second coming. The Millennium.

   The Millennium is a thousand years of peace, prosperity, happiness, and joy where Jesus Christ will reign personally on the earth.

   The earth will be returned to the glory it had during the time Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden.

   People will live in peace and happiness together. The earth will be peopled with those who lived through the calamities of the last days, and those who have been resurrected in the first resurrection.

   Brotherhood, Sisterhood, and joy will attend the earth. Little Children who are born will live long healthy lives and when they reach what the scriptures call “The age of a Tree” (D&C 101:30) Instead of death, they will be changed in the twinkling of an eye into a resurrected being.

   Those who died as children before the millennium will be resurrected as children and given the opportunity to grow to adulthood.

   During this time, there will still be those living on the earth who have not been baptized by the proper authority, but they lived honest and just lives, missionary work with continue to these people so that they have a chance to receive this sacred ordinance.

   Temples will be built to the Most High and the sacred work that goes on in Temples will continue.

   Here are some scriptures that describe this time:

   Rev. 20: 2-7
   “2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
   3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
   4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
   5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
   6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
   7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison”

   D&C 45:55-59 (A revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith)
   55 And Satan shall be bound, that he shall have no place in the hearts of the children of men.
   56 And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins.
   57 For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.
   58 And the earth shall be given unto them for an inheritance; and they shall multiply and wax strong, and their children shall grow up without sin unto salvation.
   59 For the Lord shall be in their amidst, and his glory shall be upon them, and he will be their king and their lawgiver.

   D&C 101 (A revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith
   22 Behold, it is my will, that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, should gather together, and stand in holy places;
   23 And prepare for the revelation which is to come, when the veil of the covering of my temple, in my tabernacle, which hideth the earth, shall be taken off, and all flesh shall see me together.
   24 And every corruptible thing, both of man, or of the beasts of the field, or of the fowls of the heavens, or of the fish of the sea, that dwells upon all the face of the earth, shall be consumed;
   25 And also that of element shall melt with fervent heat; and all things shall become new, that my knowledge and glory may dwell upon all the dearth.
   26 And in that day the enmity of man, and the enmity of beasts, yea, the enmity of all flesh, shall cease from before my face.
   27 And in that day whatsoever any man shall ask, it shall be given unto him.
   28 And in that day Satan shall not have power to tempt any man.
   29 And there shall be no sorrow because there is no death.
   30 In that day an infant shall not die until he is old; and his life shall be as the age of a tree;
   31 And when he dies he shall not sleep, that is to say in the earth, but shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye, and shall be caught up, and his rest shall be glorious.
   32 Yea, verily I say unto you, in that day when the Lord shall come, he shall reveal all things—
   33 Things which have passed, and hidden things which no man knew, things of the earth, by which it was made, and the purpose and the end thereof—
   34 Things most precious, things that are above, and things that are beneath, things that are in the earth, and upon the earth, and in heaven.

   Isaiah chapter 11:

   6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.
   7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
   8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den.
   9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the dearth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.

   Isaiah 2: 4
   4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

   As you can see, those who have accepted Jesus Christ and lived his Gospel have a lot to look forward to. After the Millennium has ended, the rest of the people who have not been resurrected will be resurrected. These are the people who did not accept Jesus and therefore have had to suffer for their sins during this time, but because of the mercy and grace of Jesus, even they will be rescued from Death’s shackles and resurrected so they can stand before God at the final judgment.

   Satan will again be loosed and a final battle will commence. This is the battle of Gog And Magog. It is the time where Satan will finally be defeated forever, and after this, each person who has lived on the earth will stand before God to be judged and assigned to their eternal destinies.

   The Millennium will happen. Jesus will come again. You can reap the blessings of this marvelous time by receiving the Gospel of Jesus Christ in your life.

   I testify of this Truth, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

   Talk to Missionaries today.

   Click here for Missionaries

   Category Uncategorized | Tags: The Millennium,Thousand Years of Peace | No Comments

   ---

9. The Resurrection

   March 15, 2009 by Ben Tanner

   
   John 11: 25
   “25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live”
   

   A recent news post touted the latest up to date research on aging. According to the article scientists believe our brains start aging and losing their abilities at age 27.

   We reach our peak at age 22. This all sounds very grim. In addition to this as I was trying to comb my hair this morning I couldn’t help but notice the hole in my ozone layer on top of my head. Put in other words, my hair is thinning. With all the rapid advances in science I was sure we would have this problem solved by the time I reached my thirties, but we still search in vain for an answer to the great question of balding.

   But I digress. Science also tells us that all the universe is in a state of atrophy. Take a stroll through an old neighborhood and you will see how the once newer houses now look out of date, old and mostly undesirable.

   It seems we are stuck in a state of decay.

   However, there is hope. In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Alma taught the people about the Resurrection:

   Alma 40: 23
   23 The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame.

   After Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world atoned for our sins and died on the cross, He really did rise from death on the third day.

   Latter-day Saints believe that this was a literal resurrection. It wasn’t just a metaphor, and it wasn’t just a “Spiritual” resurrection. Instead Jesus’ body and spirit were indeed reunited never to be put apart again.

   In addition to them being reunited, we know that his body was made perfect. So my worries about losing my hair and brain power will not be permanent.

   Jesus broke the bands of Death. It fixed not only the problem of sin, but the problem of death. As I talked about in my last post, after we die, our bodies are laid to rest and our spirits go to the spirit world until the day of the resurrection.

   When Jesus Christ comes to the earth again, fulfilling his promise of a second coming, the great resurrection day will commence.

   Jesus spoke of this:

   John 5:25-29
   25 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.
   26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
   27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
   28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
   29 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.

   Everyone will be resurrected, regardless of the choices they have made in this life. It is a free gift by the grace of Jesus Christ. However those choices they made will have an effect on what kind of resurrection they will receive.

   As verse 29 said: “they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”

   If we accept Jesus Christ and live by the principles and ordinances of his Gospel, we will receive the “resurrection of life.” If we do not, we will be resurrected in some way that will damn us or cut short our progression.

   We will talk more about this aspect of the resurrection in another post, but for now, just know that the scriptures and revelations are clear. Your death and the death of your loved ones is only temporary.

   You will be reunited with those who you have already lost to death. This is sure.
   This will happen whether or not you choose to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, it’s important also to say here that if you do accept the fullness of the Gospel, even greater blessings than this are yours for the taking and are also available for your family.

   I testify that the Lord Jesus Christ really did rise from the dead. And by doing so, he broke the bands of death that were holding tight to the whole human race. Because of Jesus, death is only a temporary state. You will be able to keep your body forever. It is a temple for your spirit. It is a blessing given from God.

   Your loved ones who have died will live again in the flesh. You will be able to hug them and shed tears of joy with them, all because of our Savior Jesus.

   If you would like to know the greater blessings and have access to them for your family, I urge you to accept the fullness of the gospel through baptism by those who hold the authority given to them from God to baptize you and cleanse you from sin.

   Talk to the missionaries and remember the words of our Lord:
   John 11: 25
   “25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live”
   

   Click here for Missionaries

   Category Uncategorized | Tags: The Resurrection | No Comments

   ---

10. What Happens After we Die?

    March 8, 2009 by Ben Tanner

    
    If you’ve ever visited a cemetery or been to a funeral, you’ve probably considered the fact that someday you will die.

    This has caused some to despair. From our point of view it looks so final. Scientists dig up the old bones and find only pieces of what was once a living, breathing human being.

    On the other hand, there is the feeling that each of us can’t die. That there is something more to us than bones and sinews.

    There is life after death.

    As Latter-Day Saints, we believe that each individual is eternal. They have always existed, and always will.. in some state of happiness or misery.

    Before we came to this world we were the spirit children of a loving Heavenly Father. (God the Father)

    When we came to earth our spirits were clothed in a mortal body.

    When we die, our spirits and bodies separate for a period of time. While our bodies are put in the grave, our spirits go to another place – the Spirit World.

    The Spirit World has been called many different names. Jesus referred to it as “Hades” (Matt. 16:18 “Hell” here should be translated “Hades”)

    Hades was the term the Greeks used to describe the world of spirits, regardless if they were righteous or wicked.

    Jesus also spoke of a certain place within the Spirit World called Paradise. (Luke 23:43)

    The Book of Mormon gives us great insight about this place. There was an ancient prophet in the America’s named Alma. Said he:

    Alma 40:11-14
    11 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 life.
    12 And then shall it 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.
    13 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 devil.
    14 Now this is the state of the souls of the wicked, yea, in darkness, and a state of awful, fearful looking for the fiery indignation of the wrath of God upon them; thus they remain in this state, as well as the righteous in paradise, until the time of their resurrection.
    

    Note here that this only describes what happens “until the time of their resurrection.”

    Many in the christian world understand these places to be heaven or hell. But they forget that the resurrection must still happen.

    We believe these are the waiting places, but eventually every spirit will be united with it’s body and a final judgment will take place.

    While Alma calls the dwelling place of the wicked “outer darkness” Peter in the new testament describes this as a place where spirits are in prison:

    1 Pet. 3: 19
    19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;

    We’ll explore this scripture more in another post, but for now just know that this is why you might here a Latter-Day Saint refer to this place as “Spirit Prison”

    You are going through a process of eternal progression. If you live up to the covenants you make with God, he will bless you with His grace and His Holy Spirit which will eventually lead you back to Him, not just to be with Him in His Kingdom, but to be like him.

    Who are the righteous that get to go to paradise while they await the resurrection?

    The simple answer to this is those who have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repent of their sins, are baptized for the remission of sins by the proper authority, are given the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, and endure faithfully to the end of their lives within the covenant.

    These are the people who are received into paradise. These are they who will one day be received into the Kingdom of God. Not because they have “earned” it. But because they have been found within the grace of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.

    It’s important also to understand the term “wicked”. Alma breaks the spirit world up into two main groups namely the righteous and the wicked.

    The term wicked is often used to describe evil or terrible people. Murderers, tyrants etc. And while it’s true that this is an appropriate word for these people, in this context the term wicked is simply describing anyone who hasn’t participated in the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel to gain access to the grace of Jesus Christ.

    For “all have sinned” (Romans 3:23) and therefore if they die in sin they would be considered wicked.

    So this spirit prison would include people of different levels of wickedness. It would include even noble people who like the rest of us are not perfect, but also never had the chance to accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We know that a great many people of died since this world began that didn’t even have a chance to know about Jesus Christ and His marvelous atonement. You probably have people in your own family who were great and good people, but never were baptized by the proper authority.

    Would God be just in condemning them? No. God is Just and He does not condemn them. He has provided away for them to accept or reject the Gospel of Jesus Christ in it’s fullness while they await the resurrection.

    I will talk about this more in another post.

    One more group of people need to be spoken of here. That group of people are little children who have died in the first few years of life.

    Huge divisions in churches have occurred, over the question of weather you should baptize little children. Some have decided to baptize children while they are infants so that if they die while infants they will still have been baptized. Believing that they are born in sin.

    Other churches have felt this is wrong, because the child hasn’t had a chance to really gain faith in the Lord for themselves.

    What of the Latter-day Saints?

    We believe that little children are automatically born under the grace of Jesus Christ (not sin). They continue in this grace until they have had enough time to become accountable for their own sins.

    Hear again, the Book of Mormon gives great insight:

    Moroni 8:9-10
    9 And after this manner did the Holy Ghost manifest the word of God unto me; wherefore, my beloved son, I know that it is solemn mockery before God, that ye should baptize little children.
    10 Behold I say unto you that this thing shall ye teach—repentance and baptism unto those who are accountable and capable of committing sin; yea, teach parents that they must repent and be baptized, and humble themselves as their little children, and they shall all be saved with their little children.

    The age of accountability has been given by revelation. This was given to the prophet Joseph Smith from the Lord:

    D&C 68: 25, 27
    25 And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the pa
    rents.
    • • •
    27 And their children shall be baptized for the remission of their sins when eight years old, and receive the laying on of the hands.

    We do not believe in infant baptism, but we do believe in baptizing when the child is old enough to be accountable.

    So what does this have to do with where we go after we die?
    If a child dies before they are eight years old, they are automatically received into paradise, regardless if they were baptized or not.

    Just think of that. Through the history of the world how many children have died as infants or small children? — all are saved automatically through the sweeping grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and are received into a state of Paradise until the resurrection where they will be able to receive a perfect body and grow to maturity.

    So I’m sure that this post has given new insight. It has probably raised some more questions as well! I’m happy about that because I hope to answer those questions in future posts and in the comments you give.

    I know that our Heavenly Father has a perfect and wonderful plan for us. He love’s you. He want’s you to partake of the fullness of His Gospel.

    Act now and talk to the missionaries so you can request baptism! The blessings of the Gospel await.

    Click here for Missionaries

    Category Uncategorized | Tags: What Happens After we Die? | No Comments

    ---

• Blogroll
  • FAIR
  • FARMS
  • LDS.ORG
  • Mormanity
  • Mormon.org
  • Temple Study
• Categories:
  • Baptism
  • Enduring To The End
  • Faith
  • Repentance
  • The Gift Of the Holy Ghost
  • Uncategorized
• Search:
  
  
• Archives:
  • May 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • December 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008

Copyright © 2026 Restored Truth is proudly powered by WordPress.org