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Posts Tagged ‘Obedience to the Ordinances of the Gospel’

  1. Obedience to the Ordinances of the Gospel PART 4

    August 9, 2009 by Ben Tanner

    THE ABRAHAMIC COVENANT
    What is it?
    Our Heavenly Father made a special covenant with Abraham. It can be found in Gen. 17:4–5;Gen. 48:19. A more detailed account can be found the Book of Abraham that was translated by the prophet Joseph Smith. (Abr. 2:10-11)

    This covenant was between Abraham and God. A covenant is a two way contract. Both parties are expected to fulfill promises towards each other. In the Gospel of Jesus Christ, a covenant is entered into through the ordinances of the gospel.

    The bible dictionary says:

    Abraham first received the gospel by baptism (which is the covenant of salvation). Then he had conferred upon him the higher priesthood, and he entered into celestial marriage (which is the covenant of exaltation), gaining assurance thereby that he would have eternal increase. Finally he received a promise that all of these blessings would be offered to all of his mortal posterity (D&C 132: 29-50; Abr. 2: 6-11). Included in the divine promises to Abraham were the assurances that1Christ would come through his lineage, and that2 Abraham’s posterity would receive certain lands as an eternal inheritance (Gen. 17; Gen. 22: 15-18; Gal. 3; Abr. 2). These promises taken together are called the Abrahamic covenant. It was renewed with Isaac (Gen. 26: 1-4, 24) and again with Jacob (Gen. 28; Gen. 35: 9-13; Gen. 48: 3-4).
    The portions of the covenant that pertain to personal salvation and eternal increase are renewed with each individual who receives the ordinance of celestial marriage (see D&C 132: 29-33). Those of non-Israelite lineage, commonly known as gentiles, are adopted into the house of Israel, and become heirs of the covenant and the seed of Abraham, through the ordinances of the gospel (Gal. 3: 26-29).
    Being an heir to the Abrahamic covenant does not make one a “chosen person” per se, but does signify that such are chosen to responsibly carry the gospel to all the peoples of the earth.Abraham’s seed have carried out the missionary activity in all the nations since Abraham’s day. (Matt. 3: 9; Abr. 2: 9-11).
    To fulfill the covenant God made with Abraham – having particular reference to the fact that the literal seed of his body would be entitled to all of the blessings of the gospel (Abr. 2: 10-11) – a number of specific and particular things must take place in the last days. The gospel must be restored, the priesthood must be conferred again upon man, the keys of the sealing power must be given again to mortals, Israel must be gathered, and the Holy Ghost must be poured out upon the gentiles. All this has already taken place or is in process of fulfillment.

    ote>

    Pre-dates Abraham

    The Abrahamic covenant actually is just another name given to the original covenant given to Father Adam. It it also called, “The New And Everlasting Covenant.” In short, this is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which includes all the teachings, principles, and ordinances associated with the Gospel.
    This covenant was given to father Adam and passed down.
    In each dispensation, the Lord has used prophets or in one case Himself to renew and restore the new and everlasting covenant. The term “New Testament” refers to the “New Covenant.” Or better said, “New and everlasting Covenant.”
    What are the blessings associated with it?
    The main blessings connected to the Abrahamic Covenant are:
    1. Abraham’s seed would continue in the earth so that he would be the father of many nations.
    2. His seed would have access to all of the ordinances of the Gospel like Abraham had.
    3. Abraham’s seed would eventually become as numerable as the stars.
    4. The Holy Messiah, Jesus Christ would be a descendant of Abraham.
    5. The Gospel of Jesus Christ would be preached by his seed to all the world.
    6. Because of what Jesus would do, and because of the preaching of the Gospel, the whole world would be blessed by Abraham’s seed.

    The Abrahamic covenant in the New Testament
    Apparently, by the time of John the Baptist there was a false doctrine circulating that twisted the original meaning of the covenant. Some believed that being a descendant of Abraham made a person better than others who were not. There also may have been those who believed that since they descended from Abraham they were pretty much guaranteed salvation without the need to repent. Lastly, the people of that time were aware that baptism was associated with the covenant of Abraham. Some may have twisted the doctrine and believed that if they were descended from Abraham, they did not need to be baptised.
    John the Baptist refuted these ideas when he said:
    Luke 3:8
    Bring forth therefore afruits bworthy of crepentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, dWe haveeAbraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

    John is making it clear that:
    1. To be counted among Abraham’s seed you must repent. (simply being born into it won’t do)
    2. You must be baptized. ( You have to enter into the covenant yourself through baptism)
    3. God can raise up seed to Abraham from any source He wants. Literal seed is not required..

    Jesus said that in order to be Abraham’s seed you must do the works of Abraham:
    John 8:39
    39 They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were aAbraham’sbchildren, ye would do the cworks of Abraham.

    Paul taught that Abraham’s blessings were actually the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The law was given for transgression:

    16 Now to aAbraham and his seed were the bpromises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as
    of     many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

    17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was afour hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.

    18 For if the ainheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
    In other words, inheritance of the Abrahamic covenant actually comes through obedience to the ordinances of the gospel.
    The covenant shows the importance of Ordinances

    The Abrahamic covenant contains the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The ordinance of Baptism is the ordinance of Salvation. But what of Exaltation?

    It’s clear that the promises of the Abrahamic covenant include a multitude of children both in this life and the next. This requires eternal marriage. The ordinances in the temple include this blessing. They are simply the ordinances of exaltation.

    Jesus Christ, John the Baptist, and the Apostle Paul all pointed to the Abrahamic covenant to show the importance of both the first principles and ordinances of salvation, and the ordinances of exaltation which includes eternal marriage. Obedience to the ordinances of the Gospel enters a person into a covenant relationship with Jesus Christ. They allow one to be an heir to the promises given to Abraham. They give you access to the atoning sacrifice and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

    If you would like to become an heir of the promises given to Abraham, please talk to missionaries today.



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  2. Obedience to the Ordinances of the Gospel PART 3

    August 2, 2009 by Ben Tanner



    THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SALVATION AND EXALTATION:
    A Latter-day Saint believes that Jesus’ Grace will redeem everyone from the fall of Adam and Eve.

    This means that every man woman and child on the earth will one day be ressurected. Also everyone will receive a kingdom of glory, except for those who activily fight against the Lord by denying the Holy Ghost. (The unpardonable sin spoken of in the New Testament. Matt 12:31)

    The Kingdoms of Glory are…

    The Telestial Kingdom (lowest)
    The Terrestiral Kingdom (middle)
    The Celestial Kingdom (Highest)

    (See 1 Corinthians 15:40)

    This almost, universal salvation comes through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

    The salvation mostly talked about in the Bible and the Book of Mormon concerns those who will inherit the Celestial Kingdom or the Kingdom of God.

    When a person is baptized and given the gift of the Holy Ghost, they enter the Kingdom of God on earth and are qualified through the grace of Jesus for the Celestial Kingdom. This person could be considered “Saved” in the sense talked about in the Holy Scriptures.

    However, this person has only entered the kingdom at this point. They have only inherited the lowest degree of the Celestial Kingdom.

    Latter-day Saints also believe that one can fall from this state of grace if they do not endure in faith until the end of their mortal lives. (Galatians 5:4, Matt 24:13, Mark 13:13, James 5:11, 2 Nephi 31: 16)

    Now that they are in the Kingdom, there is more to do. There are three degrees of glory within the Celestial Kingdom. (D&C 131:1) The highest degree, is where God dwells.

    When a person obtains this glory, it is also through Jesus’ grace, and obedience to the higher ordinances performed and entered into in the Holy Temple. This person is qualified for Exaltation, if they endure faithfully to the end.

    Baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost, are required to enter the kingdom of God. (John 3:5) They can be considered the ordinances of salvation. The ordianances after this are important for our growth and progression within the kingdom of God, these can be considered the ordinances of Exaltation.

    God wants to save us. But He also wants to change us. He wants us to become more than we are. He wants us to be fit for His kingdom. He wants us to eventually become perfect (Matt 5:48) This is only possible through the merits and grace of Jesus Christ. (2 Nephi 2:8) Without the Savior, none of this would be possible.

    But because of Jesus, we can change. We can become more. When you enter in at the gate through baptism, you then receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost as your guide within the kingdom. He sanctifies us (Rom 15:16). The Holy Ghost helps you on your journey from being saved, to changing and becoming Exalted. This can only happen if we submit our will to the will of God. (Mosiah 3:19) Then it is through His power that we are changed and become perfect.

    If you would like to receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and the the Higher ordinances available in the temple through the new and everlasting covanent, I invite you to come and be baptized by an authorized representative of Jesus Christ.

    Click here for Missionaries

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  3. Obedience to the Ordinances of the Gospel PART 2

    July 25, 2009 by Ben Tanner


    AUTHORITY FROM GOD IS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ORDINANCES:

    Ordinances cannot be performed without the proper authority. That authority is the Priesthood of God.

    Within the priesthood of God, there are two branches. The lesser of these is the Aaronic Priesthood which is concerned with the gospel of repentance and baptism and the temporal affairs of the kingdom of God. The Aaronic priesthood is the priesthood that was used to perform the ordinances associated with the Law of Moses. The Law of Moses was to be a school master to bring us to Jesus Christ. (Gal 3:24-25)

    John the baptist held this priesthood. By it, he had the authority to baptize. But he didnt have the authority to give the gift of the Holy Ghost. This required a higher priesthood.

    The higher priesthood is called the Melchizedek priesthood, which is concerned with higher ordinances and the sanctification, or cleansing of the inner man, including the giving of the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

    In ancient times, this priesthood was called the priesthood after the order of the Son of God. Later it was called the Melchizedek priesthood in order to not repeat the name of deity often.

    Obviously, Jesus Christ not only held this priesthood, but it originates with Him. It is His priesthood. He ordained His apostles to this priesthood and that is why they not only had the authority to baptize, but also to confer the gift of the Holy Ghost on whomever they laid hands. (Acts 8:18)

    When a worthy priesthood holder baptizes someone, they are acting as a representative of Jesus Christ. In order to do this, they must be given the authority to do so. Baptism, performed by the proper authority (the Aaronic Priesthood) brings us to the gate of heaven or the kingdom of God. The Aaronic Priest(Christ) escorts us to the gate through baptism, and then the Melchizedek Priest (Christ) pulls us through the gate and gives us the gift of the Holy Ghost to be our guide on the inside of the Kingdom.

    Once inside the Kingdom of God, we find there is more to do. Now begins the work of sanctification, and the saving of our families. Sanctification can only come through the Holy Ghost. All ordinances required for our progression from this point on require the Melchizedek priesthood, and the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

    The ordinances associated with the Law of Moses and performed under the direction of the Aaronic priesthood, were no longer needed after Jesus fulfilled the Law of Moses.

    But that didn’t mean the end of ordinances. The Lord introduced the ordinances associated with the new covenant and the Melchizedek priesthood.

    I explained in my last post that an ordinance is the outward expression of a covenant. Since there was a new covenant, the ordinances associated with that covenant were introduced so we could enter into that new covenant.

    The name “New Testament” actually means, “new covenant.”

    There are many who consider ordinances a “work” and therefore no longer needed, since the great sacrifice of our Savior. But why would God give us a new covenant, without providing a way to make or enter into that covenant?

    The ordinances of the gospel are not a dead work, but they are a good work. The reason they are not a dead work is because they require the Lord’s grace and His power to be performed.

    They require an actual representative of Jesus Christ who is worthy and holds his priesthood to perform them.

    This priesthood exists on the earth today. The Prophet Joseph Smith was ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood along with Oliver Cowdrey, under the hands of John the Baptist.

    John the Baptist actually appeared to the prophet and Oliver Cowdry and ordained them to this priesthood. Later, Peter, James, and John appeared and ordained them to the Melchizedek priesthood.

    Joseph and Oliver ordained others to the priesthood. And later, Joseph was given specific keys and the authority to direct the work of the priesthood.

    The priesthood, and the keys exist today in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You can have access to the new covenant. You can be baptized by the proper authority and receive the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Please talk with the missionaries today:

    Click here for Missionaries

    There is more to say about ordinances. I will continue this in my next post.

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  4. Obedience to the Ordinances of the Gospel PART 1

    July 12, 2009 by Ben Tanner


    I once had a conversation with a good friend and co-worker of mine who belongs to another faith. We were on a business trip together in San Fransisco.
    Our schedule allowed for a little time to go see some sites so we went down to Fishermans Warf. While eating lunch, we got into a conversation about how exactly one is saved.
    I wanted to make sure that he understood that as Mormons we believe that it is the Savior Jesus Christ that saves us and not by our own power. While our works are necessary, they are not sufficient to save us. It is His grace that saves us after all that we can do.
    He asked me a question that I think would be great to talk about here.
    His question was “If you are saved by Jesus Christ, why do you have all of those ordinances in your church, including the temple ordinances?”
    I think he asked this question because many people today believe that baptism (or anything else we do for that matter) is not required for our salvation. Some believe it’s Jesus that saves us and we are incapable of doing anything good on our own. Therefore, works such as ordinances are not required in their minds.
    Latter-day Saints on the other hand do not believe that people are totally depraved and unable to choose anything good on our own. In contrast, we believe that God has given each person the ability to choose good or evil for ourselves.
    We have inherited a fallen nature from father Adam that made us subject to all of the mortal appetites and tempatations, but we have also inherited a divine nature through the Father of our
    Spirits, our Heavenly Father. These two “natures” tug and pull against each other and help us to comprehend both the evil and the good.
    Latter-day Saints believe that people can choose to do good. This is why our good works are necessary for our salvation. They are necessary but not sufficient. This is because each of us still fall short and many times choose evil over good. The goal then is to put off the natural, carnal, and fallen man and become a saint through the merits of our Savior Jesus Christ.
    Latter-day Saints are not only interested in being saved. They are interested in being changed, or becoming a new creature in Christ Jesus.
    The big question for the true Christian is not if Jesus’ grace is sufficient to save us, but rather, how do we get access to His grace? Because if we have Jesus’ grace, we know we have salvation.
    The ordinances act as a covenant or contract that binds us to Him.
    The ordinances of the gospel make us partners with Jesus in the process of our salvation.
    A covenant is a most solemn promise made between God and man. Both God and man make special promises towards each other.
    In the case of baptism, we promise to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ, keep His commandments, and serve Him to the end. Mosiah 18:8–10; D&C 20:37) In turn, God promises
    to forgive us of our sins through the atonement of Jesus Christ, spiritual rebirth, the companionship of the Holy Ghost, and eternal life.
    Like baptism, each ordinance of the gospel, including the temple ordinances, is an outward expression of a sacred covanant.
    The ordinances are also evidence of our faith.
    James said that faith without works is dead. True faith in Jesus Christ will always manifest works meet for repentance.
    The ordinances also act as powerful symbols to remind us of the covenants we have made.
    The saving ordinances of the gospel are symbolic in nature. For example, when one is baptized it is a representation of the old natural man dying and being buried.
    Paul said:
    Col 2:12
    12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
    Another symbol associated with baptism is birth of the new, faithful and holy man. During birth there is water, blood and Spirit. During Baptism there is water, the blood of Christ, and the Spirit of the Holy Ghost that is given which is called the baptism of fire, or the Gift of the Holy Ghost. (2 Nephi 31:17)
    It also symbolizes the washing away of all your sins. (Acts 22:16)
    We participate in the ordinances of the gospel to follow the example set forth by Jesus Christ:
    The Book of Mormon prophet Nephi said it best:
    2 Nephi 31:6-10,17-21
    6 And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water?
    7 Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments.
    Nephi shows here that Jesus had no need to be baptized for forgiveness of sins, because he had no sin, however he still was baptized as a witness that he would be obedient to all of the Father’s commandments. This also shows that Baptism, is a commandment of the Father.
    8 Wherefore, after he was baptized with water the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove.
    9 And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them.
    10 And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father?
    Nephi makes it clear that the gate by which we enter the kingdom of God is Baptism. And Jesus set an example for us by being baptised. Also, Nephi shows us that it is impossible to follow Jesus unless we are willing to keep the commandments. We may not be perfect in our attempt, but we are willing. Picking up in verse 17 it says:


    17 Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.
    18 And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have
    entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son;
    and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive.
    19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by
    the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.
    20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.
    21 And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is fone God, without end. Amen.
    Nephi has taught us that it is impossible to follow Jesus, without keeping His commandments. He has also taught that one of those commandments is to be baptized.
    Jesus himself taught this when he said:

    John 3: 5

    5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be aborn of bwater and of the cSpirit, he cannot denter into the kingdom of God.
    Baptism and the receiving of the Holy Ghost are the gateway ordinances of the gospel, but after we have received these ordinances, there is more. These ordinances are designed to help us change and become holy, sanctified, and fit for the kingdom.

    But just like we can’t keep the commandments or repent without the help and grace of the Savior, each ordinance is powerless to save and change us without His power.

    This topic is way too big for one post. So I will explore it more in my next few posts.
    If you would like to follow the example of Jesus and be baptized, please contact missionaries today:

    Click here for Missionaries


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