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The Atonement

March 1, 2009 by Ben Tanner

Did you know that just one sin would keep you from entering Heaven? Just one little white lie, one little lustful thought or one unkind word will drive you from the kingdom of God and cut you off from His presence.

Does that sound severe? It is. But it’s just. Justice is both our best friend and our worst enemy. Justice to us is our greatest protector and a fierce enforcer that comes to claim repayment.

Justice isn’t worried about the shades of gray. It’s worried about black and white. It’s the Law of the Harvest (you reap what you sow) wrapped up into one word.

God is the same way. He is perfectly just. If a law is broken (sin), then the consequence that is fixed, must be carried out. Some are able to evade the consequences for a short time, others for what seems to be longer, and others are able to evade even until they die. But the punishment will come. Make no mistake.

When Adam and Eve took the fruit, It caused two major things to happen:

1. It caused us to become mortal, so they and their children would all die (Temporal Death)
2. It caused them to die spiritually, meaning they were cut off from God’s presence.

Full and complete Justice. These were the consequences of breaking the commandments that God had given them.

But your probably asking.. “If one single lie can keep me from Heaven, who then can make it in?”

The sad truth is that we all have and do frequently sin. (Romans 3:23)

After Adam and Eve had become mortal they were given what is called a “Probationary State” (Alma 42:4)

This was a period of time before they died in which they would be able to repent of the sins they had committed.

If Adam and Eve showed faith in Jesus Christ (that he would come and atone for their sins), repent of their sins, (confess and forsake the sin), be baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure faithfully to the end they were promised that they would be received back into the presence of God.

Also, they were taught that after Jesus had died for their sins, He would bring about the resurrection of Himself and all the dead. Thus providing a way to conquer Temporal death (the death of our bodies) and Spiritual Death (being cut off from the presence of God)

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints believe that we will be punished for our own sins and not the sins of Adam and Eve.

One of our Articles of Faith says just that:

Article of Faith #2
2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for AdamÃ‚Â’s transgression.

It’s true that we all suffer the effects of the Fall by inheriting mortal bodies but God will not hold us eternally responsible for this.

He has provided a way out of this problem for us. (otherwise He would not be just)
He sent His Perfect Son Jesus Christ to bring about the marvelous resurrection of the dead.

Everyone, no matter what they do in this life will be given the gift of the resurrection.

However, not everyone is automatically saved from the effects of the spiritual death. (Being cut off from the presence of God)

We have been given the ability to choose good or evil in this life. Therefore, we are accountable for our own sins.

And just as the justice of God required the cutting off of Adam and Eve from the presence of the Lord until they went through the process of faith, repentance, baptism, etc.

So too, justice requires the cutting off of us from God, until we go through this same process.

In addition to God being perfectly just, he is perfectly merciful. These two ideas (Justice and Mercy) seem to contradict each other.

How can God not tolerate even one little sin and still be merciful?

He does it by providing a Savior for us. He provided His son, Jesus Christ to take upon himself the punishment we should be getting for our sins. This was accomplished in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross at Calvary.

This allows God to be completely just and completely merciful. The punishment that justice requires was fulfilled in the passion of our Lord and Savior.

And because Jesus was God in the flesh and lived a sinless life the effect of His work is infinite. Meaning it covers everyone who will accept it in the proper way.

Two major questions that have been a bone of contention among Christian sects is how does one access this mercy Grace? And how do you keep access to it?

Lets turn to the scriptures:

First Faith is required:
Hebrews 11:6
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Second you must repent:
2 Corinthians 7:10
10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.

Third and fourth you must be baptized by those who have authority and receive the Holy Ghost: (in this case Peter and the apostles were the ones with authority)
Acts 2:37-38
37 Ã‚Â¶ Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Also Jesus himself said:
John 3: 5
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

I’ve chosen each verse above from the New Testament on purpose. Just to show that Mormonism as many call our faith, is biblical.

The process I’ve described above is simply the process we go through to gain access to the grace of Jesus Christ. If we have access to His grace, He will bring us to Heaven. When we are baptized we take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, we become His Children.

Paul says it best:
Rom. 8: 17
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

So now that we’ve been partakers of this covenant, how do we stay within the grace of Jesus? Are we done? Is salvation made sure? Not quite.

Jesus said:
Matt. 24: 13
13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

(again a New Testament scripture)

We have to endure to the end in this covenant. In other words, after we have entered in, we have to strive with our might to become more like Jesus. We have to do our best to keep His commandments. We have to try to live the life that Jesus would have us live. We have to repent when we sin. And we must testify of him.

King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon told us what we must do to “Retain a Remission of our Sins”

Mosiah 4:11-12
11 And again I say unto you as I have said before, that as ye have come to the knowledge of the glory of God, or if ye have known of his goodness and have tasted of his love, and have received a remission of your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your souls, even so I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own nothingness, and his goodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility, calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come, which was spoken by the mouth of the angel.
12 And behold, I say unto you that if ye do this ye
shall always rejoice, and be filled with the love of God, and always retain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the knowledge of the glory of him that created you, or in the knowledge of that which is just and true.

You too can come unto Jesus Christ and experience being filled with the love of God.
You can experience His divine Justice and Mercy on your behalf.

Talk to Missionaries today:

Click here for Missionaries

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The Fall

February 22, 2009 by Ben Tanner

As stated in my last post, God our Heavenly Father presented His marvelous plan for us. We chose His plan and therefore were entitled to be a part of it by coming to earth, being tested and gaining a body.

After the Lord had prepared all things on the earth for it to be ready to sustain human life, He created Adam and Eve. (Genesis 1:26-27)

He placed them in the Garden of Eden. The Garden of Eden was in a state of paradise. The fruits and flowers sprang forth spontaneously without the need to plant and till and cultivate.

It might be important here to explain that prophets have been given revelation in our day that helps us understand the doctrines of the creation and the Fall better.

One thing the Lord has revealed is that the word “Day” in Genesis doesn’t mean a 24 hour period as is normally used. Each “day” mentioned in the Bible was a period of time. We haven’t been told how long each of these creative periods lasted. But we do know that it wasn’t just 24 hours.

The scriptures don’t say just how long Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden. But if you consider that each creative period was a significant amount of time, and that on the 7th “day” God rested from His labors.. that “day” of rest could have been a long period of time.

All this time Adam and Eve were living in the Garden in a state of paradise. They had been married by God, but could not have children. In addition to this, because they were in this state of paradise, they were unaware of the difference between good and evil and could not die because their bodies were not mortal.

The prophet Nephi in the Book of Mormon explains:

2 Nephi 2:22-24
22 And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end.
23 And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin.
24 But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things.

They had been given commandments and they were as follows:

1. Multiply (have children) (Genesis 1:28)
2. Cleave unto each other and none else
3. Don’t eat the fruit on the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, or they will die.(become Mortal)

When we look at this we can quickly see what seems to be a problem with God’s plan. If Adam and Eve couldn’t have children in this state of paradise, how could they live by the first commandment God gave them to multiply and therefore provide bodies for the rest of Heavenly Fathers’ spirit children?

Also, if we are to be tested to see if we will do what is right, how could Adam and Eve or any of us for that matter be tested if we didn’t understand good or evil?

Clearly Adam and Eve would have to make a choice here. They would have to either not take of the fruit and never have children, thus breaking the first commandment, or take of the fruit and be able to have children but become mortal and eventually die.

Unfortunately, what happened next has I think caused a great deal of strife for women. Many have blamed all the world’s problems on Eve naively thinking that if she hadn’t taken the fruit then we would have all lived in a paradise. What they don’t know is that we wouldn’t have lived or gained bodies if she had not taken the bold step she did by taking that fruit.

Satan came and deceived and tempted Eve telling her the half truth that:
“Ye shall not surely die…For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”
(Genesis 3:4-5)

It was true that their eyes would be opened and that they would know the good from the evil, but it was not true that they would not die.

By taking the fruit noble Eve had started the process by which we would be able to all gain a body and be tested. There was one problem… she needed Adam to do the same.

When she approached Adam I would assume that it was with some fear of rejection. Eve knew Adam would want to try and keep all of God’s commands. When she presented the fruit Adam first refused it. However, he did partake after Eve explained that if Adam didn’t take the fruit, he would be left a lone man in the Garden of Eden.

Some people think that Adam should have just stayed in the garden and God would have provided another help meet for him, but they forget that if Adam had stayed, he would have not only broke the commandment to multiply, but he would have broken that commandment that he should cleave unto Eve and none else.

Now that Adam and Eve had taken the fruit, they had become mortal. Their eyes were opened and they began to know the good from the evil. And since they had broken one of God’s commandments, they were in a state of transgression.

God cannot allow the least degree of sin. If we are in a state of sin, we have become spiritually dead. Or in other words we have been cut off from the presence of the Lord.

Had God’s plan failed? Not at all! In fact God’s plan was working out just as He had designed. Now there would be made available bodies for the rest of His spirit children and they would be able to be tested, knowing good and evil.

God had already known the choice that Adam and Eve would make. But it’s important to note that God didn’t make that choice for them.. for God cannot sin.

With the fruit eaten, one more hazard remained. If Adam and Eve were to eat of the fruit of the tree of life, they would have lived forever in their sin. There could have been no redemption made for them.

So God cast Adam and Eve out of the Garden and placed cherubim and a flaming sword to guard the way of the tree of life.

Adam and Eve were now on their own… they were now in a new mortal world where there is opposition in all things. God would allow them to live a short time before their mortal bodies would die so that they would have time to show faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repent of their sins, be baptized, receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost and endure faithfully to the end of their mortal lives.

If they did this, they were promised that God would send a Savior, even Jesus Christ to pay the price for the sins of all who obey Him through these principles and ordinances. This same Jesus, having lived a sinless life, would also be given the power over life and death itself and be resurrected from the dead, thus paying the price for Adam and Eve’s transgression, breaking the bands of death that fall on all their children and ensuring the resurrection of EVERY man, woman, and child who ever lives on the earth.

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.

So because of Adam and Eve’s choice, we all were given bodies and the chance to be tested whether we would follow the Lord and keep His commandments, allowing us the possibility to experience a fullness of Joy.

2 Nephi 2:25
25 Adam fel
l that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.

If you would like to know more about how you can receive the fullness of the Gospel in your life please contact the missionaries:

Click here for Missionaries

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Where did we come from? — The Pre-Mortal Life

February 8, 2009 by Ben Tanner

What is the definition of Eternal?

A quick look up at Dictionary.com says:

“without beginning or end; lasting forever; always existing (opposed to temporal ): eternal life.”

So for someone to be eternal, they must have always existed. As Latter-day Saints, we believe that each person who has lived on this earth, or will live, actually lived before they came here and were born into this world.

Now let me say here that we don’t believe in reincarnation. That is to say that we are not talking about a rebirth from a previous life lived on this earth in the flesh. Instead we believe that we lived as the spirit children, or literal spiritual offspring of God the Father. (Acts 17:26-29)

None of us at that point had a physical body. As I’ve said in my post about God, our Heavenly Father did have a physical body of flesh and bone. He was (and is) made up of both spirit and flesh. This in no way limits God, but it actually allows Him to have a fullness of joy. (D&C 138:17)

Since we were all His literal children, He wanted us to be able to have what He has. And one of those things is a physical body.

In the book of Moses chapter 1 verse 39 it says:

“This is my work and my glory, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man”

What is the difference between immortality and eternal life? Simply put, immortality is the ability to never die (physically) and eternal life is the ability to never die spiritually (or in other words to be separated from God).

So God the Father called together a great council in Heaven. There He presented His plan on how he would accomplish both our immortality and eternal life.

He told us that we would be born on the earth and thereby given a physical body. We would be tested to see if we would do everything He asks of us. If we are faithful and live up to His commandments we would inherit eternal life.

But there was a problem… God knew that NONE of us would be completely faithful. (Rom. 3:23) That is none of us except His son Jesus Christ (Jehovah). How would this work if He knew none of us would meet the conditions for eternal life?

In order for this to work, God would have to send someone down to earth who would live a perfect life, and that would willingly give their life as a sacrifice to atone for the sins of the world. This sacrifice would make it possible to meet the divine laws of justice and mercy.

Justice because the punishment for sin would be fully given.
Mercy because that punishment wouldn’t be enacted on the actual sinners, if they met the conditions of faith, repentance, baptism, and received the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and endured to the end.

This marvelous plan would allow us to not only learn and grow in the mortal sphere, but to also gain a body and eventually live the life that God lives along with Him. (Rom. 8:17)

Jesus, being the first born Spirit child of the Father and one who had already progressed to Godhood willingly volunteered to be the sacrifice for our sins, and also to be resurrected allowing our mortal bodies to become immortal.

He said “Here am I, send me”. (Abr. 3:27)

But another in the heavenly host stood up and said “Here am I, send me” and then went on to present another plan. This was none other than Lucifer. He is described in the scriptures as a “Son of the Morning” meaning he held high status in the council.

His alternative plan to the Fathers had some slight differences that at first glance might seem appealing, but would prove to be disastrous if implemented.

Basically he said that he will go down and make sure that not one soul is lost. He would take away our ability to choose or our agency so that each of us would automatically make the right choices. This way we would all be guaranteed to succeed.

In return for doing this great task Lucifer just wanted one thing.. He wanted to take God the Father’s place. He wanted the Father’s honor and glory.

But if we look closer into Lucifer’s plan we can see some big flaws. First of all, if we didn’t have the ability to choose right or wrong for ourselves.. what would we actually learn? How would we progress? In truth the only thing that would make us closer to God after doing this would be the acquiring of a body. However even then our bodies wouldn’t be instruments of agency so their purpose would largely be mute.
(2 Nephi 9:8-9)

After Lucifer had presented his plan, God the Father rejected it and chose Jesus to be our Savior.

This caused quite a stir in Heaven. In fact, this led to war in heaven. Michael (later our father Adam) and his angels (us) fought against Lucifer and those that followed him. Eventually Michael won the battle and cast Lucifer and those who followed him out and into the earth. (Rev. 12:7)

Lucifer became Satan, or the Devil, and those that followed him also became devils or angels to the devil. They were now spirits who would not have the chance to gain a body and progress. They with the devil will all eventually be bound and cast into outer darkness. But until that time they are allowed to tempt and try us. It is said in the scriptures that Satan was able to get 1/3 of the hosts of heaven to follow after him.

The other 2/3rds followed our Heavenly Fathers plan. Because they followed His plan, they or we are able to carry it out. Each child born into this world is one of the 2/3rds of the hosts of heaven who followed the Father.

Each of us has a chance to not only receive immortality, but also eternal life with God.

That is why we are here, to be tested to see if we will have faith in Jesus, repent of our sins, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end.

If we do, then we are promised immortality and eternal life with God.

If you would like to know more, please contact the missionaries.

Click here for Missionaries

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The Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ

February 1, 2009 by Ben Tanner

With the restoration of the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ also came new light and knowledge. Most people are familiar with the Holy Bible. It mostly records the dealings, doctrine, and miracles among Gods people in the Old World.

But what about the Americas? If God is the God of the whole world.. why would he only talk to people in one hemisphere? We believe that He has spoken to prophets all over the world and that the Book of Mormon is a record of Gods dealings with those prophets in the Americas.

The Book of Mormon is a second witness that Jesus is the Christ. The people in the Book of Mormon were among the ancestors of the native people of America.

One of the groups of people mentioned in the Book of Mormon came over to the Americas around the time of the Tower of Babel. They are referred to as the Jaredites. The next new group introduced into the native population came over much later around 600 B.C. They were the Mulekites. They had come over from Jerusalem while trying to escape the oncoming Babylonian captivity. A short while later another group came over to America from Jerusalem. This was a couple of prophet led families that were trying to escape the hands of wicked men who wanted to destroy them because of their leader Lehi, who had been prophesying of the destruction of Jerusalem if the people there did not repent.

This family later broke up into two principle groups called the Nephites and the Lamenites. The majority of the Book chronicles these two groups and their dealings with God.

The most important thing about the Book of Mormon is that it tells of Jesus Christ’s visit to the Americas shortly after His Death and Resurrection. He taught the people the same gospel He had taught in the old world.

For said He:

John 10: 16
16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be cone fold, and one shepherd.

Jesus said “I am not asent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” (Matt. 15: 24). A good student of the Bible will remember that all descendants of Israel didn’t live in Jerusalem and some didn’t even live near Jerusalem at the time Jesus was there.

We know that hundreds of years before Christ 10 of the tribes of Israel had been “lost”. We also know that at times through the years different groups of Jews had left the land of Canaan.

The people in the Book of Mormon were one of these groups. They were some of the “Other Sheep” that Jesus had talked about.

So questions:

Why is this important? Answer: For many reasons. But here are just four:

1. The Book of Mormon is a second witness, independent of the Bible that Jesus is the Christ, our Lord and our Redeemer.
2. The Book of Mormon establishes the truth of the Bible record as it testifies of the same things as the Bible but it came from Prophets on the other side of the world. Showing that God is the source of both the Bible and the Book of Mormon.
3. The Book of Mormon is evidence that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is really Jesus’ restored church on the earth today.
4. The doctrine in the Book of Mormon clarifies many passages in the Bible.

How did we get the Book of Mormon?

A: Moroni, the last prophet to write in the record of the Nephites, was commanded to hide up the record into the earth so it could come forth in a future time by the gift and power of God. This record was kept on golden plates. Moroni did just that he hid them up but not without first adding his testimony and a way that we can find out if this record is true:

Moroni 10:4-5
4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

Then over a thousand years later, God called Joseph Smith as a prophet. This very Moroni appeared to Joseph now as an angel from the presence of the Living God. He showed Joseph where he had deposited the record and over a period of time, prepared Joseph to receive the record and translate it. Here is Joseph’s account:

Joseph Smith History Chapter 1

30 While I was thus in the act of calling upon God, I discovered a alight appearing in my room, which continued to increase until the room was lighter than at noonday, when immediately a personage appeared at my bedside, standing in the air, for his feet did not touch the floor.
31 He had on a loose robe of most exquisite whiteness. It was a whiteness beyond anything earthly I had ever seen; nor do I believe that any earthly thing could be made to appear so exceedingly white and brilliant. His hands were naked, and his arms also, a little above the wrist; so, also, were his feet naked, as were his legs, a little above the ankles. His head and neck were also bare. I could discover that he had no other clothing on but this robe, as it was open, so that I could see into his bosom.
32 Not only was his robe exceedingly white, but his whole person was glorious beyond description, and his countenance truly like lightning. The room was exceedingly light, but not so very bright as immediately around his person. When I first looked upon him, I was afraid; but the fear soon left me.
33 He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me, and that his name was Moroni; that God had a work for me to do; and that my name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken of among all people.
34 He said there was a book deposited, written upon gold plates, giving an account of the former inhabitants of this continent, and the source from whence they sprang. He also said that the fulness of the everlasting Gospel was contained in it, as delivered by the Savior to the ancient inhabitants;

As I stated before, Joseph was able to translate this record later into English. The fruit of that translation is the Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ.

Why the curious name? (Book of Mormon)
Mormon is one of the prophets who wrote in the Book. But the main reason we call the book after him is because he was the one who compiled the book together after taking from many of the sacred records of his people. You might say he was the editor of the book.

I found out for myself that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I was 14 years old. I had grown up in an LDS family and we had read from it’s pages often. However this time I decided I needed to know for myself if the Book of Mormon was true. I started reading nightly just before I would go to bed. As I read the book I felt the Holy Ghost speak peace to my heart and illuminate my mind. When I had hit a certain part in the book, Alma chapter 46, I realized that by then I knew that this was the word of God. I’ve had the witness of the Holy Ghost testify of it’s truthfulness to me many times since then. This book has blessed my life in countless ways.

I found out through studying it’s pages and through the still small voice of the Holy Ghost.

It is the Book that convinced me that Jesus is the Christ. I know it is true and that you can know for yourself, independent of any other source that it is truly a second witness of Jesus.

If you would like a FREE copy of the Book of Mormon please navigate here:

Click for your FREE Copy

>
Click on the link “Request a copy” by the picture of the Book of Mormon.

I challenge you to read it without prejudice with a sincere heart and with faith in Jesus Christ. Then ask God if it is true for yourself.

As you read the book, I’m sure you will have questions. Feel free to post your questions here or talk directly with missionaries and they will answer your questions.

You are a child of God and He loves you. This is His work and He wants you to be a part of it. Come and find the light of the Gospel in the Book of Mormon.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Click here for Missionaries

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The Restoration

January 25, 2009 by Ben Tanner

So the dark night of Apostasy started a few decades after the resurrection of Jesus Christ and lasted until early in the Spring of 1820. That isn’t to say that during that span of time there weren’t good people. And it does not mean that during that time period there was no light given to the world. It just means that the keys of the kingdom of God and with them the Lords Church in it’s fullness was not to be found on the earth.

For those of you who are familiar with American History you might recall that in and around 1820 much of New York was referred to as the “Burned over District”. It had been ground zero of what was called the “Second Great Awakening”.

Revivals sprouted up in many places and a great religious excitement prevailed. There were ministers of different Christian sects that were all vying for converts.

At first they would say it didn’t matter what church you joined, but just that you joined one.

But soon after people started making their choices hard feelings prevailed and the different sects started to turn on each other.

Doctrines were hotly debated and confusion arose as to who was interpreting the Bible correctly.

It was in this scene that we find a young farm boy named Joseph Smith. His family had been among the crowds that were being proselyted. They attended different meetings that heard the different preachers make their claims.

Four of the Smith family decided to unite with the Presbyterians. Joseph thought he might join the Methodists.

But he was confused. He wanted to make sure that he made the correct choice. Said he: (Joseph Smith History 1: 10-20)

10 In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?
11 While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contests of these parties of religionists, I was one day reading the Epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse, which reads: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
12 Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know; for the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible.
13 At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness and confusion, or else I must do as James directs, that is, ask of God. I at length came to the determination to Ã‚Â“ask of God,Ã‚Â” concluding that if he gave wisdom to them that lacked wisdom, and would give liberally, and not upbraid, I might venture.
14 So, in accordance with this, my determination to ask of God, I retired to the woods to make the attempt. It was on the morning of a beautiful, clear day, early in the spring of eighteen hundred and twenty. It was the first time in my life that I had made such an attempt, for amidst all my anxieties I had never as yet made the attempt to pray vocally.
15 After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me, and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction.
16 But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destructionÃ‚Â—not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any beingÃ‚Â—just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.
17 It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the otherÃ‚Â—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!
18 My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)Ã‚Â—and which I should join.
19 I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: Ã‚Â“they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.Ã‚Â”
20 He again forbade me to join with any of them; and many other things did he say unto me, which I cannot write at this time. When I came to myself again, I found myself lying on my back, looking up into heaven. When the light had departed, I had no strength; but soon recovering in some degree, I went home. And as I leaned up to the fireplace, mother inquired what the matter was. I replied, Ã‚Â“Never mind, all is wellÃ‚Â—I am well enough off.Ã‚Â” I then said to my mother, Ã‚Â“I have learned for myself that Presbyterianism is not true.Ã‚Â” It seems as though the adversary was aware, at a very early period of my life, that I was destined to prove a disturber and an annoyer of his kingdom; else why should the powers of darkness combine against me? Why the opposition and persecution that arose against me, almost in my infancy?

Joseph had read a passage in the Bible, and had the audacity to believe it enough to actually try it out. One of the striking things about Joseph Smith to me is that he wasn’t a man who just said “I talked with God follow me” but he said that anyone can talk with God and God will tell them that what I’m saying is true.

The visions were not exclusive to Joseph, but on other occasions God answered Josephs associates with visions for themselves.

Most striking is that Joseph told us that anyone can have their prayers answered by the power of the Holy Ghost. That would include me and you.

In answer to Josephs humble prayer.. God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith. This was the start of a new dispensation. It was the start of the “Restitution of All things” spoken of by Peter in the Bible. (Acts 3:21)

It was the start of the preparing of the world for Jesus Christ’s second coming.

Many other revelations would follow this first vision. Including the restoring of the keys that are needed to establish the Church of Jesus Christ on the earth, the Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ, and the Priesthood of God.

I testify that all of this really did happen. It’s not just a nice story. But it is indeed the real thing. I also testify that you can kno
w for yourself if these things are true.

The promise has been given to all that if a person will humble themselves, study it out, and ask in faith, God will answer them. Jesus said:
Matt. 21: 22
22 And all things, whatsoever ye shall bask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

I testify that Jesus really lives. He is our savior. He is the way to heaven. The way to Jesus is by obedience to the principles, commandments, and ordinances of the gospel. They way to Jesus is through His church. If you are in Jesus’ Church and live by His teachings, you will have the blessing of Jesus’ grace. And if you have Jesus grace, you have Heaven.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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The Apostasy

January 18, 2009 by Ben Tanner

If you have read the posts up until now you might be thinking.. what makes Mormons or as we prefer to be called “Latter Day Saints” so different from other Christians? One of the things that make us unique is our unique claim.

That claim is simply this: We are the very Church that Jesus Himself set up.

We don’t claim that our church came about as a result of the reformation, like the Baptists, Methodists, Lutherans, Episcopalian, Presbyterian and others. We also don’t claim that we are the different brand of the Roman Catholic church. We also don’t claim to be the true version of Eastern Orthodoxy.

We believe that within a few decades after the original church was organized, there was an apostasy. Not just a small apostasy where there were break offs from the church. But one on such a scale that caused the very keys that Jesus gave Peter to be taken from the earth.

When we talk about this it raises many questions and answers even more. But please don’t confuse what we are saying to mean that we think all other Christian sects to be evil. On the contrary, we believe that God has give His children truth and that truth can be found in most any Christian sect and even non Christian faiths.

But it would be correct to say that we believe that some of that truth was lost to apostasy. In addition to the truths that were lost, so was the sacred authority to officiate in the priesthood. While personal revelation in some degrees continued in the earth, there was no one who could authoritatively speak in the name of the Lord for the whole world.

So to the questions:

Can you back this up with scripture?
Absolutely. This apostasy was prophesied about hundreds of years before it happened.

We read in Amos 8:11-12
11 Ã‚Â¶ Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord:
12 And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it.

Even at the time it was happening the Apostle Paul counseled those who were looking for the second coming of Jesus Christ:

2 Thes. 2: 3
3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

And we read in Acts:
Acts 3: 20-21
20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

Why does there need to be a restitution if nothing had been lost? Also the word restitution connotes that what had been lost had at one time been here on the earth.

Why would God let His church fall into apostasy?
This is an excellent question. The truth is that God will not force us to do anything. He has given each of us our own free will or free agency. We have the power to choose good or evil. So the apostasy was not God’s fault at all. While we don’t know all of the details of how this happened, we do know that as a matter of principle, it happened out of the choices that were made by most of the people at that time. We do believe all of the apostles that led the church were faithful to the end. Many of them were martyred.

But Paul also give us a clue as to what might have happened:

Acts 20: 29-31
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Paul was in tears because he saw what was happening to the church and knew what it would lead to. He said “For I know this”.

So the answer is that God let it happen because God will never interfere with our free will to choose.

Isn’t God all powerful? Couldn’t He save his Church?
Yes, God is all powerful. And Yes He could save His church if He felt it would be the right thing to do. But just as He would not save the 10 tribes of Israel after they turned to worship the Idol Baal. He would take His church back to Himself and away from the Grievous wolves.

So what happened after the apostasy?
Several good people tried to pick up the pieces and live the best they could with what they had. From this arose different sects of Christianity that all tried to claim an unbroken link with the original church. But what is very evident from the early christian writings is that there were all kinds of disputations over doctrine and they were clamoring to find the word as Amos had prophesied

12 And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and shall not find it.

The keys had been taken from the earth. While it is true that there were probably those still on the earth that had been ordained to the priesthood by the proper authority and in the proper way.. they were powerless to exercise that priesthood without the keys.

When the Lord has His true priesthood on the earth, everything with that priesthood has to be done in order.

While many may be ordained to the priesthood, not all are given keys to exercise it.
For example:

I have been ordained an Elder in the priesthood and am entitled to perform sacred ordinances such as baptism. However that doesn’t mean I can just go baptize anyone I want to. I would first need to get permission from my Bishop who holds the keys and therefore he has to “unlock” so to speak or authorize me to use my priesthood in that way.

But what about the scripture that says:

Matt. 16: 18
18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

This scripture read in English could cause people to think that the Lord will not allow His church to fail.. but when you read the original Greek quite a different meaning comes to the front.

The word translated “Hell” in the King James Version of the Bible, was actually “Hades” in the Greek. Now, why would that matter? Because the word Hell as it’s used in English means something very different than the word “Hades”.

Hades was considered the world of Spirits by the Greeks. It was the place where all people went after they died, Good or Bad, Believer or Non-believer.

So how would the gates of Hades try to prevail against the Church?

Hades, or the Spirit World, holds the Spirits of all people. Through Jesus’ Resurrection, all those Spirits will be reunited with their bodies one day. But also among those spirits there are those who were never baptized or even heard of Jesus Christ while they were alive. We have learned through modern revelation that these people have been separated from those who have died in the faith. Those who die in full faithfulness are put a holding place called paradise until they are resurrected. Those who didn’t or never had the chance to accept Jesus are put in a different holding place until they are resurrected where they can have the opportunity to hear and accept His words. Peter is given the keys to perform ordinances on behalf of those people such as baptism for the Dead.
Therefore Jesus goes on to say:

Matt. 16: 19
19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

The gates of Hades, or the place where people go after they die will not have the power to prevent the Church from using the keys of the priesthood on behalf of those within the Spirit World. I’ll talk more about this when I post about baptism for the dead.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is Eternal in nature. Even though there was an apostasy, God had a plan to remedy it. In my next post I will discuss the Restoration or the Restitution of all things spoken of by Peter. (Acts 3: 20-21).

I testify with all my heart that an Apostasy did occur. While we don’t know the details of the exact events that transpired, we do have both ancient prophets, and apostles testifying that it would happen. We also have the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith who was given direct revelation from God that it did happen.

In addition to those witnesses.. I add my own. I have been assured by the power of the Holy Ghost that the apostasy actually took place. And that is why it is so important to hear the message of the Restoration. The message of God through the prophet Joseph Smith.

The message of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

If you would like to know more now.. please contact missionaries:

Click here for Missionaries

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Keeping the Commandments and Enduring to the End

January 11, 2009 by Ben Tanner

After you’ve gone through the process of Faith, Repentance, Baptism and receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost.. are you done?

Our Heavenly Father has an eternal plan for His children and this process spoken of before is just the beginning.

In fact, you will most likely repeat the process of the first four principles and ordinances of the gospel over and over again. Each time you repeat it, you will gain new insight. You will grow. You will come closer to God.

Let me clarify here that I’m not saying you have to be baptized over and over again. After you have been baptized you can renew your baptismal covenants through the ordinance of the Sacrament. (The Lords Supper)

But we will discuss that ordinance in more detail in another post. The important thing now that you have received a remission of your sins through the Grace of Jesus Christ, is to retain a remission of your sins. King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon, spoke of what you must to accomplish this:

Mosiah 4: 11-12, 26
11 And again I say unto you as I have said before, that as ye have come to the knowledge of the glory of God, or if ye have known of his goodness and have tasted of his love, and have received a remission of your sins, which causeth such exceedingly great joy in your souls, even so I would that ye should remember, and always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own nothingness, and his goodness and long-suffering towards you, unworthy creatures, and humble yourselves even in the depths of humility, calling on the name of the Lord daily, and standing steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come, which was spoken by the mouth of the angel.
12 And behold, I say unto you that if ye do this ye shall always rejoice, and be filled with the love of God, and always retain a remission of your sins; and ye shall grow in the knowledge of the glory of him that created you, or in the knowledge of that which is just and true.
Ã‚Â• Ã‚Â• Ã‚Â•
26 And now, for the sake of these things which I have spoken unto youÃ‚Â—that is, for the sake of retaining a remission of your sins from day to day, that ye may walk guiltless before GodÃ‚Â—I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants.

In the Bible, The Lord Jesus Christ and his Apostles also spoke of this:

Matt. 24: 13
13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Mark 13: 13
13 And ye shall be hated of all men for my nameÃ‚Â’s sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

James 5: 11
11 Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

We can see from these scriptures that in order to live within the Grace of Jesus Christ, we must keep his commandments and be faithful to the end of our lives. It’s not enough just to say a prayer to be guaranteed salvation. We must stay with the program and like the apostle Paul, we must finish the course.

2 Tim. 4: 7
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Our motivation for keeping the commandments and trying to live our lives as God has asked is and should be Love. After we’ve been ransomed and brought into the kingdom of God, we keep doing good works because he first did the ultimate good work and laid down His life for us.

Jesus said:
John 15:10
10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my FatherÃ‚Â’s commandments, and abide in his love.

So you can see that to abide in Jesus’ Love (Grace) you must keep His commandments.

He also said:

John 14: 15, 23
15 Ã‚Â¶ If ye love me, keep my commandments.
Ã‚Â• Ã‚Â• Ã‚Â•
23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

It is clear that if we really love Jesus. If we really have faith in Him, we will do our best to live by His words.

It is also clear that if we keep His commandments, He will shed forth His grace and love on us.

We can never out give the Savior. He will always repay you 100 fold.

King Benjamin described what happens when we keep the commandments of the Lord:

Mosiah Chapter 2
41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.

I testify that if you want to be truly happy. If you want to have a clear conscience. If you want lasting peace in your heart and your mind. The way is Jesus Christ.

He is the way, the truth, and the life. And no man comes unto the Father but by Him. (John 14:6)

The way to Jesus is through Faith, sincere repentance, Baptism by those who hold the authority given them by Jesus to Baptize, and by the laying on of hands for the receiving of the gift of the Holy Ghost. Last of all one must keep the commandments and endure to the end in order to stay in a state of grace and be redeemed from their sins.

In other words, the way to Heaven is through Jesus. The way to Jesus is through the first four principles and ordinance of His Gospel.

I testify that you can receive great joy and great light if you will follow the Savior of the world and keep His commandments.

Start this today. Please contact the missionaries and follow Jesus’ counsel:

Matthew 11
28 Ã‚Â¶ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

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The Gift of the Holy Ghost

January 4, 2009 by Ben Tanner

Now that we have made a covenant (see my post about Baptism) with God, we are ready to reap the blessings of such a covenant.

After one is Baptized into the church of Jesus Christ, they are promptly confirmed and given the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands by those in authority.

In the book of Acts we read about a man named Simon:

Acts 8: 17-19

17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostlesÃ‚Â’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

Simon made his living through sorcery. He thought you could actually purchase this gift. However Peter made it very clear that you cannot. You have to have faith, repent, be baptized by the proper authority and receive the laying on of hands by those in authority as well.

We know that the Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. (see my post about God) He is a Spirit and as such does not possess a body of flesh and bones. This characteristic allows Him to fulfill His divine mission. Because He is a Spirit He can dwell in us.

Doctrine and Covenants section 130 verse 22 says:

“22 The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as manÃ‚Â’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us.”

The scriptures usually refer to two different aspects of the Holy Ghost.

1. The power of the Holy Ghost
2. The gift of the Holy Ghost

Let’s first talk about the power of the Holy Ghost. One of the main functions of the Holy Ghost is to testify to us of what is true and what is not true.

John 14:26 says: “26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

In the next chapter of John we read:

John 15:26 ” 26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me”

Jesus teaches us here that the Holy Ghost both is the Spirit of Truth and that His main message of truth is to testify of Jesus Christ and of the Father.

In the Book of Mormon, Jacob teaches us
“Jacob 4: 13
13 Behold, my brethren, he that prophesieth, let him prophesy to the understanding of men; for the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us plainly, for the salvation of our souls. But behold, we are not witnesses alone in these things; for God also spake them unto prophets of old.”

So from these few scriptures we’ve learned that the Holy Ghost:
1. Is the Spirit of Truth
2. It “lieth not”
3. It testifies of Jesus
4. “speaketh of things as they really are”

With all of the many people in the world touting there way of thinking, it’s easy to see why people could be deceived or confused. Is there one source we can turn to to find absolute truth? YES. That source is the Holy Ghost.

But how can we receive truth from the Holy Ghost? The answer is through the power of the Holy Ghost.

The Holy Ghost can communicate to us in any way he prefers. The prophet Elijah described one way he communicates to us:

“1 Kings Chapter 19:11-12
11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake:
12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.”

The “still small voice” is a term that many modern prophets have used to describe receiving revelation through the Holy Ghost.

One revelation given from the Lord through the prophet Joseph Smith to Oliver Cowdery says:
“D&C 8:2
2 Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart. ”

This scripture suggests that communication from the Holy Ghost isn’t limited to a feeling. While the feeling is certainly part of the equation the Lord also mentions telling Oliver in his “mind”.

Many times we receive an inspired thought, a new idea, or as Joseph Smith described “Pure intelligence”. We shouldn’t take such inspiration lightly as we know from the revelations that often times it is the Power of the Holy Ghost teaching us truth.

So to the point, the Power of the Holy Ghost is the power of the Spirit to communicate to anyone regardless if they have been baptized or not what is true, and specifically that Jesus is the Christ.

Why is this so important? It’s important because God has given His children a way to know that He lives. A way to know that He has a plan for them. A way to know for sure what is True and what is false.

This is through the Power of the Holy Ghost. It is through this same power that you can know if what I’m writing is true if you ask God with a sincere heart and with faith, He will answer your prayer concerning these things.

Now lets talk about the “Gift of the Holy Ghost”

The Gift of the Holy Ghost can only be given to a person who has faith in Jesus Christ, has repented of their sins, and has been baptized by those with authority to baptize.

This Gift has been described as the Baptism of Fire. It allows us to have the Holy Ghost with us always as our constant companion as long as we stay worthy of His influence. It is the power and gift that sanctifies us and makes us holy.

It is one thing to repent and be forgiven of sins, but quite another to become holy and have no desire for sin. The gift of the Holy Ghost, over time will teach us how to be holy. He will change our hearts and minds. He gives us personal revelation that is God’s specific will for us alone. Without the Gift of the Holy Ghost no one can become truly holy. No one can fully change from a state of sin to a state of holiness and happiness.

The gift of the Holy Ghost gives us the power to make this change. We will only change at the rate we are willing to submit to His will, and keep His commandments. A Book of Mormon prophet/king named Benjamin gave a great sermon to his people and spoke of this process:

“Mosiah 3:19
19 For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.”

The Atonement of Jesus Christ makes it possible for us to be forgiven for all of our sins. The Gift of the Holy Ghost and Grace of Jesus Christ allow us to be changed into what the Apostle Paul calls “A new creature in Christ Jesus”.

I testify that you can know the truth of all things through the power of the Holy Ghost.

I also testify that you can have access to the Gift of the Holy Ghost which, if heeded will sanctify you and bring you to light and happiness.

If you would like to have this wond
erful gift,
I would invite you to show your Faith in the Lord Jesus by repenting of your sins, and being Baptized by one who has the proper authority from God, so you can then receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands and start your way back to your Heavenly Father who loves you.

To start this process, follow this link and enter your contact information so you can be contacted by missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Click here for Missionaires

If you have read this, chances are you are feeling something wonderful right now. That feeling is the power of the Holy Ghost testifying to your heart that what you have read is true. Don’t waste another moment, you can have that wonderful feeling as a constant companion.

I testify that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the sure way to lasting happiness and joy.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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Baptism

December 11, 2008 by Ben Tanner

So far we have discussed the Godhead, Faith, and Repentance. Faith and Repentance are the first two principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. They lay the foundation and bring us to a point where a covenant is required for us to progress closer to Jesus Christ.

In the Bible, there are many references to covenants. Even the name “Testament” means “Covenant”

What is a Covenant?
Simply put, a covenant is a two way promise. Unlike a business contract though, the word Covenant notes our most solemn vow and promise to live by the promise we have made.

One does not make a covenant lightly. Especially one with God. Usually a contract is solemnized on paper. Both parties sign the contract as a way of making a record.

Covenants with God are much more personal. They are made through what we call an Ordinance. Just as most contracts require witnesses and proper authority to enter into.. so do Covenants.

The Ordinance is the way we enter into this Covenant. Baptism is the Ordinance Jesus Christ chose for his people to enter into his covenant of grace and into his kingdom. Said He:

“Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God” (John 3:5)

Baptism as a symbol:
Baptism symbolizes the death of Jesus Christ, His burial, and His resurrection.
It also symbolizes the death of the “natural man” or “sinner” and the birth of a new creature in Christ Jesus.

In fact, when one is Baptized, they are actually adopted as a child of Christ.

The Covenant:
So what does one covenant at Baptism? They make a special promise to God that they will keep His commandments and take upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ. When you take upon yourself the name of Christ, its as if it is your new surname. Another way you have become a child of Christ.

Why is this important? Paul said this:

“And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” (Romans 8:17)

This is one of the reasons that we cannot enter the Kingdom of God without Baptism. We must be born again under the name of Jesus Christ.

Baptism for a remission of Sins:
In addition to the covenant we make, Jesus Christ makes his promise to us. Remember that a covenant is a two-sided promise. One of the blessings of Baptism that is proceeded by true repentance is a remission of your sins.

A third way that Baptism is a symbol is the symbolic washing way of your sins. You become clean. Your slate is clear. Jesus Christ atonement is made effective in your life.

His promise to us is that He will forgive us and grant us access to His grace. He also promises us that He will give us His Spirit..even the Holy Ghost as a constant companion. This is the promise of the Baptism of fire. The only way to be sanctified is through the Holy Ghost. Baptism is not the end, but the beginning of the process of change. To be sanctified is to be made holy. To be holy is to be without sin. Not just cleansed from your sins, but over time, to be changed from a sinful person.

Authority:
Baptism is to be performed by one who has the proper authority.

In Jesus’ day, there existed the Aaronic, or Levitical Priesthood. This was the priesthood given to descendants of Levi. They were the priests in Israel. However, there was more required of a priest than just family history. They had to live a life of righteousness for their priesthood to have any effect. By the time Jesus was born the keys of this priesthood had fallen to Zacharias. He was the father of John the Baptist. Later he conferred these keys to his son John.

John lived righteously and held the proper authority to baptize Jesus Christ.

This priesthood authority was given to the Prophet Joseph Smith, when John the Baptist appeared to the prophet and Oliver Cowdry. They received this special authority to baptized and conferred it upon others.

This same authority is found within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints today.

I testify that Baptism is essential for our salvation. It is the covenant, ordinance, and promise that we can receive a remission of our sins through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and that we can receive His Holy Spirit.

In the name of Jesus Christ amen.

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Repentance

September 25, 2008 by Ben Tanner

The second principle of the the Gospel is repentance.
It’s very important that we look at repentance as the experience that will lead us upward and onward.

When a person undertakes to repent, they should not be looked on as a wicked person, in fact, they should be admired for trying to work through sins head on. They are acting in complete faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that He can truly fix and heal our hearts and the heart of those who we may have injured through on sins.

True Repentance will include the following:

1. True remorse or sorrow for the sin(s) we have committed.
2. Full confession of the sin
3. A complete forsaking of the sin or sinful lifestyle.
4. The determination never to fall into the sin again
5. The making of restitution for the sin so far as possible
6. Living an obedient and commandment keeping life
7. The asking of forgiveness from God and those whom we have sinned against.

As you can see, Repentance is a life long process. The Lord Jesus Christ asked us to replace the sacrifice of burnt offerings that were made for atonement in the Jewish Temple with a “Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit”.

This is an essential step in gaining the grace of Jesus Christ. Repentance alone will not save us. However it is a requirement or a key that brings us to Jesus’ Grace. As Latter-day Saints, we believe that it is the Grace of Jesus Christ that is the only way to heaven. “I am the way, the truth and the light, no man comes unto the Father but by Me.”

Having said that, how does one come to Christ? If Christ is the way to Heaven, how does one “get Christ”. The answer is: Faith, Repentance, Baptism, the bestowal of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. All of this is spelled out in the Bible.

Repentance is the process that prepares us to receive a remission of our sins through baptism. One cannot repent without faith. One cannot be baptized with any effect unless they are willing to repent and make a covenant that they will try to keep the commandments.

The end result of TRUE repentance is ALWAYS Forgiveness through the mercy and merits of Jesus Christ. If one truly repents, there will be peace in their hearts and in their minds. They will experience the love of the Savior. They will actually come out of the experience with a change of heart, one ready for baptism and it’s sacred covenant.

I testify that repentance is a blessing. It is the way to truly get rid of the extra baggage we carry around and give it to the Savior who knows how to carry that burden.

He wants you and me to repent not because He wants to punish us, but because He wants to save us from the full consequences of sin.

Who can repent? EVERYONE. There is grace available to every repentant sinner. There are blessings waiting for you as you repent of the sins and mistakes you make.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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