I was sixteen when I first read this book. I was completely fascinated with the concept of being "quickened"; some would say "raptured" or "translated" into an immortal being, without every having to die. The truths that are contained here are undeniable regarding the concept of immortality; being born of the spirit; being quickened in Him and by Him. I wanted to believe that we do not have to die a physical death, but I did not want to believe that "immortality" meant anything else. Specifically - I did not believe that we could ever become "perfect even as our Father in heaven is perfect".
"Then you say, 'But no mortal man is perfect.' That too is correct, for when man reaches perfection he is no longer a mere mortal, but becomes translated into a higher state." (Annalee Skarin)
Even the words of Jesus Christ verify the validity of this chapter and the title of this book as He said, " Is it not written in your law, I said, ye are gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the Word of God came, and the scriptures cannot be broken; say ye of him whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou Blashphemest; because I said I am the Son of God?" (John 10:34-36)
The following chapter is truly only for the strong. It is for those who can follow the vision given and fulfill it in their own lives. It contains a "knowledge of truth as it was, as it is, and as it is to come," and the key to use that knowledge that one might be free from the binding shackles of earth's burdens of sorrows and tears -- free from the bondage of other's beliefs and opinions -- free to know and partake of the Light of Eternal Truth. In it is contained the mysteries of the power of "godliness." So if you are afraid of Truth then do not read it, for if you trample it under your feet you will be brought into judgment.
"It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him.
"And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of his word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full.
"And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell."1 (Alma 12:9-11).
The chains of hell are the chains of a sealed mind -- a mind that has shut out light -- a "hardened mind" and heart that has lost the power to kneel humbly before the Lord to know truth, but rather judge according to their own understandings.
"Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am;
"And that I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world:
"And that I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one --
"The Father because he gave me of his fullness, and the Son because I was in the world and made flesh my tabernacle, and dwelt among the sons of men.
"I was in the world and received of my Father, and the works of him were plainly manifest.
"And John saw and bore record of the fullness of my glory, and the fullness of John's record is hereafter to be revealed.
"And he bore record, saying: I saw his glory, that he was in the beginning, before the world was:
"Therefore, in the beginning the Word was, for he was the Word, even the Messenger of salvation.
"The light and the Redeemer of the world: "The Spirit of Truth, who came into the world because the world was made by him, and in him was the life of men and the light of men.
"The worlds were made by him; men were made by him; all things were made by him, and through him and of him;
"And I, John, bear record that I beheld his glory, as the glory of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, even The Spirit of Truth, which came and dwelt in the flesh, and dwelt among us.
"And I, John, saw that he received not the fullness at the first, but received grace for grace.
"And he received not of the fullness at first, but continued from grace to grace until he received a fullness.
"AND THUS HE WAS CALLED THE SON OF GOD, BECAUSE HE RECEIVED NOT OF THE FULLNESS AT THE FIRST.
"And I, John, bear record, and lo, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove, and sat upon him, and there came a voice out of heaven saying: this is my beloved Son.
"And I, John, bear record that he received a fullness of the glory of the Father.
"AND HE RECEIVED ALL POWER, BOTH IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH, AND THE GLORY OF THE FATHER WAS WITH HIM, FOR HE DWELT IN HIM.
"And it shall come to pass, that if you are faithful you shall receive the fullness of the record of John.
"I give unto ye these sayings, that you may understand and know how to worship, and know what ye worship; that ye may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fullness.
"For if ye keep my commandments ye shall receive of his fullness, and be glorified in me as I am in the Father.
"And now, verily I say unto you, I was in the beginning with the Father, and am the Firstborn.
"YE WERE ALSO IN THE BEGINNING WITH THE FATHER: THAT WHICH IS SPIRIT, EVEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH.
"And truth is a knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come.
"THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH IS OF GOD. I AM THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH. And John bore record of me, saying; He received a fullness of truth, yea, even of all truth.
"And no man receiveth a fullness unless he keepeth his commandments.
"He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.
"MAN WAS ALSO IN THE BEGINNING WITH GOD, INTELLIGENCE, OR THE LIGHT OF TRUTH, WAS NOT CREATED OR MADE, NEITHER INDEED CAN BE."2 (D. & C. sec. 93).
The above record plainly reveals the knowledge that man was also in the beginning with God, even that glorious Spirit of Truth of which Christ was. That even as Christ, man can grow from grace to grace unto a fullness of joy and perfection -- that the Spirit of Truth in the beginning was called "Christ" or the "Word", and every man partook of that Spirit, or was definitely that Spirit, hence Christ, or the Spirit of Truth, dwells in him. This is given in Acts 17:28: "For in him we live and move and have our being." And this explains the meaning of the words that we were made of him.
"He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, The Light of Truth.
"Which truth shineth. This is the Light of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made.
"As also he is in the moon, and is the light of the moon, and the power thereof by which it was made;
"As also the light of the stars, and the power thereof by which they were made:
"And the earth also, and the power thereof, even the earth upon which you stand.
"And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light which quickeneth your understandings:
"Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space --
"The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, EVEN THE POWER OF GOD, WHO SITTETH UPON HIS THRONE, WHO IS IN THE BOSOM OF ETERNITY, WHO IS IN THE MIDST OF ALL THINGS." (D. & C. 88:6-13).
"He comprehendeth all things, and all things are before Him, and all things are round about Him: and he is above all things and in all things, and through all things, and is round about all things: and all things are by him and OF him, even GOD, FOREVER AND EVER." (Ibid., verse 41).
"The earth rolls upon her wings, and the sun giveth his light by day, and the moon giveth her light by night, and the stars also give their light, as they roll upon their wings in their glory, in the midst of the power of God.
"Unto what shall I liken these kingdoms, that ye may understand?
"Behold, all these are kingdoms, and any man who hath seen any of the least of these hath seen God moving in his majesty and power.
"I say unto you, he hath seen him; nevertheless, he who came unto his own was not comprehended.
"The light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not; nevertheless, the day shall come when you shall comprehend even God, being quickened in him and by him.
"Then shall ye know that ye have seen me, that I am, and that I am the true light that is in you, and that you are in me, otherwise ye could not abound." (Ibid., Sec. 88:45-50).
As we open our minds to these great, dynamic truths, that can only be revealed to our understandings by the Spirit of God, we will comprehend the very glory of Truth, and thus we will receive a knowledge of Truth as it was -- and as it is.
We were "THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH" IN THE BEGINNING, EVEN AS CHRIST WAS THE "SPIRIT OF TRUTH." Yea, we were a very part of the Divine Spirit and Power of God. Our mission in this life is to bring forth that Spirit or light and to let it so shine that others seeing the works will glorify God, who himself will be doing the works, through us.
"My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you." (Gal. 4:19).
"And every man whose spirit receiveth not that light is under condemnation.
"For man is Spirit. The elements are eternal, and Spirit and element, inseparably connected, receiveth a fullness of joy.
"And when separated man cannot receive a fullness of joy.
"The elements are the tabernacle of God; yea, man is the tabernacle of God (the abiding place), even temples: and whatsoever temple is defiled, God shall destroy that temple" (or body, and it shall die). (D. & C. 93:32-25; see also II. Cor. 6:16).
Here is "a knowledge of Truth as it is" -- a knowledge that man can become that very Spirit of Truth which he was in the beginning, and growing from grace to grace, receive a fullness of the glory of God, or all power both in heaven, and on earth. But it must be done while in the flesh -- even as Christ did it. He is our Redeemer as He marked the exact way for us to follow, and the perfect pattern for us to become even as He is -- and do even the greater works, as promised in John 14:12; "Verily, verily, I say unto you; he that believeth on me the works that I do shall he do also, and even greater works than these shall he do . . ." etc.
The following references are given to prove that this perfection is expected of God's children -- in this life.
"I am Almighty God. Walk thou before me, and be thou perfect." (Gen. 17:1).
"For I am the Lord your God, ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy, for I am holy." (Lev. 11:44).
"Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God." (Duet. 18:13).
"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect." (Matt. 5:48).
"And in nothing does man offend God, or against none is His wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments." (D. & C. 50:21).
"Wherefore gird up the loins of your minds, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
"As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts of your ignorance.
"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.
"Because it is written, Be ye holy, for I am holy." (I. Peter 1:13-16).
"And again, verily I say unto you that it is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you, that hath been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch as you strip yourselves of jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble, the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am --
"For no man hath seen God at any time in the flesh, except quickened by the Spirit of God.
"Neither can any natural man abide the presence of God.
"Ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the ministering of angels: wherefore, continue in patience until ye are perfected." (D. & C. 67:10-13).
"He that is ordained of God and sent forth, the same is appointed to be the greatest, notwithstanding he is the least and the servant of all.
"WHEREFORE, HE IS POSSESSOR OF ALL THINGS: FOR ALL THINGS ARE SUBJECT UNTO HIM, BOTH IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH, THE LIFE AND THE LIGHT, THE SPIRIT AND THE POWER SENT FORTH BY THE WILL OF THE FATHER THROUGH JESUS CHRIST HIS SON." (Compare the mission and Power of Christ as given in Sec. 93:17).
"BUT NO MAN IS POSSESSOR OF ALL THINGS EXCEPT HE BE PURIFIED AND CLEANSED FROM ALL SIN.
"And if ye are purified and cleansed from all sin, ye shall ask whatsoever you will in the Name of Jesus and it shall be done." (D. & C. 50:26-29). According to the above record no man is truly ordained of God until he is purified and cleansed from all sin -- for no man is possessor of all the great, dynamic powers of the Almighty except he be purified and cleansed from all sin, or has overcome all sin. For surely baptism is of no avail to a man who continues to live in pride, arrogance, self-seeking and who fails to live the perfect laws of love and forgiveness, not just in a display of hypocritical words, but in the fullness of his whole soul. Only one who loves God with all his heart, soul, mind and strength and his fellow men, has fulfilled all the laws of perfection.
"And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God." (Eph. 3:19). This is the key whereby we may receive of the "fullness of God" even as Christ received of His fullness.
"Behold, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
"AND EVERY MAN THAT HATH THIS HOPE IN HIM PURIFIETH HIMSELF, EVEN AS HE IS PURE." (I John 3:2-4).
"This I say then, walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
"For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
"BUT IF YOU ARE LED BY THE SPIRIT, YE ARE NOT UNDER THE LAW.
"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these, adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
"Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions and heresies.
"Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in the past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." (Gal 5:16-26).
In the above is given the things that must be eliminated and the traits that must be perfected. Usually as one reads the list of "don'ts" in the above he reads with his eyes closed and a drowsiness of mind that fogs his vision, and he thinks, with that unawakened glance, that it means all those faults. It means ANY ONE OF THEM. There are few human beings who could possibly carry the burden of all of them. And there are few mortals who do not have the burden of at least one of these weaknesses weighing upon them. In the original Greek the list is somewhat simplified, giving those little weaknesses that we take so much for granted we are almost unaware of them, at least in ourselves. Every fault, every weakness must be eliminated, as darkness is banished when the light shines forth. As one works toward the high goal of perfection he discovers the amazingly beautiful truth that as he fills his soul with light and love and goodness, the weaknesses are automatically eliminated. To overcome them, he must be honest. He must first search into his own soul without any hypocrisy of self-righteousness, and be willing to see his own weaknesses and faults -- then, with a deep humility and a true determination of devotion to the Most High, he must leave the darkness and look steadfastly into the light. To hold one's weakness and faults in mind, to brood over them is not the way of glory. The way of light is to look steadfastly into the light, and the perfection of the Almighty, knowing that perfection belongs also to His children, and that as the light comes into one's soul, the darkness is dissipated. This is the true use of faith. If one will do this, believing in the power of God, and in light and goodness, there will be no power in heaven or on earth that can keep him from his goal.
So much for the scripture that proves beyond question the status and requirements of man -- or "knowledge of things as they are."
Now, to give added scripture concerning the light and truth, or the Spirit of Truth that is contained in every man that cometh into the world, being released by obedience to the laws.
"Therefore it is given to abide in you; the record of heaven; the Comforter; the peaceable things of immortal glory; the truth of all things; that which quickeneth all things, which maketh alive all things, that which knoweth all things and hath all power, according to wisdom, mercy, truth, justice and judgment." (Moses 6:61).
"And I gave unto them their knowledge in the day I created them . . ." (Moses 7:32).
"Who hath put wisdom in the inward parts? Or who hath given understanding to the heart?" (Job 38:36).
This light and truth that has been placed in the heart and soul of man, from the beginning, is the Spirit of Truth, which he already was before he was clothed in spirit form and sent out as a personality, endowed with full consciousness.
"The prophets who prophesied of the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired what PERSON or TIME was indicated, By the Spirit of Christ within them (long before His advent on the earth) when predicting the suffering of Christ and the subsequent glory." (I. Peter 1:10-11 R.V.).
"And the light which shineth, which giveth you light is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understanding, which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space -- the light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God, who sitteth upon His throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things."
"The light shineth in darkness (or in the flesh) and the darkness (or mortal mind) comprehendeth it not: nevertheless, the day shall come when ye shall comprehend even God, being quickened in Him, and by Him. Then shall ye know that ye have seen me, that I am, and that I am the true light that is in you, and that ye are in me; otherwise ye could not abound."
Below is the promise given to the Three Nephites who were to tarry on the earth until Christ came in His glory: "And for this cause ye shall HAVE FULLNESS OF JOY: AND YE SHALL SIT DOWN IN THE KINGDOM OF MY FATHER: YEA, YOUR JOY SHALL BE FULL, EVEN AS THE FATHER HATH GIVEN ME FULLNESS OF JOY: AND YE SHALL BE EVEN AS I AM, AND I AM EVEN AS THE FATHER AND THE FATHER AND I ARE ONE." (3 Nephi 28:9-10). Here is the definite promise that because these three men believed and because they had the vision to reach, and the faith that the vision could be fulfilled, they would become even as Christ, and He was even as the Father. In other words, they should be even as the Father -- or gods.
"Unto him that keepeth my commandments I will give the mysteries of the kingdom, and the same shall be in him as a well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life." (D. & C. 63:23 and John 7:38).
"For you shall live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.
"For the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is Light, and whatsoever is Light is SPIRIT, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
"And the Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world; and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, That harkeneth to the voice of the Spirit.
"And everyone that harkeneth to the voice of the Spirit cometh unto God, even the Father." (D. & C. 84:47 -- See also John 6:37, 39-40 and verse 65 and John 10:27-30).
Such is the record of things "As they are," for within man is the Spirit of light waiting as a guiding beacon of glory to head into Truth and a perfect life, as was intended by God, our Father.
From the ancients comes this beautiful admonition: "If man has lost the light, let him go deep within his own soul and bring it forth, for it is there as it always has been."
Now, to take up the "Knowledge of things as they are to come." And they will come, or be brought forth whenever man opens his spiritual eyes to see and his heart to understand.
Christ was sent as a forerunner of perfection. He was the pattern, the model, the ideal or guide to follow. And as He perfected Himself in this life, so are we to perfect ourselves -- IN THIS LIFE. We are to seek to become as God, even while living on this earth, even as Christ did by his thinking and living. Thus is given the admonition, "Think as God -- Love as God -- Live as God." Or in other words, "Live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God." As each individual seeks to live by every word of God he becomes that Word -- "And the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light -- and whatsoever is light is Spirit -- even the Spirit of Jesus Christ, and as we apply His words in our lives, or follow that "still small voice of the Spirit" from within us until it becomes a very part of our beings, our source of light and direction and life -- that Word becomes again flesh. As it becomes a living part of every cell and fibre of our bodies our bodies are exalted by the living vibrations of divine thinking -- and we become even as He is.
This is the pattern Christ gave. It is the true pattern, and no one can go into perfection by any other door. Thus the words are spoken: "Straight is the gate and narrow is the way, and few there be who find it." But the day is at hand when those who survive must find it, and live by it.
"Hear, O ye heavens, and give ear, O earth, and rejoice ye inhabitants thereof, for the Lord is God, and besides him there is no Savior.
"Great is his wisdom, marvelous are his ways, and the extent of his doings none can find out.
"His purposes fail not, neither are there any who can stay his hand.
"From eternity to eternity he is the same and his years never fail.
"For thus saith the Lord -- I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness unto the end." This "end" does not mean the end of one's life as many have supposed. It means the end of one's testing -- "And he shall be tested and tried in all things and when the Lord has thoroughly proved him, and found that he is determined to serve Him at all hazards, then he will find his calling and election made sure -- then it will be that the Lord Himself will appear unto him from time to time, and teach him face to face." etc. (Joseph Smith -- also D. & C. 76:1-5 and I. Peter 1:13-16).
"For man is spirit The elements are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparably connected receive a fullness of joy. And when separated man cannot receive a fullness of joy." This has erroneously been believed to be a condition that man is to receive in the resurrected state. Yet in the same section is the exact pattern showing how Christ received this fullness in this life, and that man also is to receive it even as He did -- IN THIS LIFE.
"Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their glory.
"And to them I will reveal all mysteries, yea, all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, and for ages to come, will I make known unto them the good pleasure of my will concerning all things pertaining to my kingdom.
"Yea, even the wonders of eternity shall they know, and things to come will I show them, even the things of many generations.
"AND THEIR WISDOM SHALL BE GREAT, AND THEIR UNDERSTANDING REACH INTO HEAVEN, AND BEFORE THEM THE WISDOM OF THE WISE SHALL PERISH, AND THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE PRUDENT SHALL COME TO NAUGHT." (This verse proves conclusively that these promises are for this life).
"For by my Spirit will I enlighten them and by my power will I make known unto them the secrets of my will -- yea, even those things which eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor yet has entered into the heart of man." (D. & C. 76:6-10).
There are many unspeakable things "That can only be seen and understood by the power of the Holy Spirit, which God bestows on THOSE WHO LOVE HIM AND PURIFY THEMSELVES BEFORE HIM.
"TO WHICH HE GRANTS THIS PRIVILEGE OF SEEKING AND KNOWING FOR THEMSELVES.
"THAT THROUGH THE POWER AND MANIFESTATION OF THE SPIRIT, WHILE IN THE FLESH They may be able to bear his presence in the world of glory." (D. & C. 76:116-118).
"God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the Gods." (Psalms 82:1). Who are these whom God is standing among who are called gods?
"Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, YE ARE GODS? If he called them gods, unto whom the Word of God came, and the scriptures cannot be broken; say ye of him whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?
Now, as the scriptures cannot be broken they have to be fulfilled, for "God's word cannot return unto him void" and "He is a God of truth and cannot lie." (John 10:34-15; Isa. 55:11 and Deut. 13:14).
Again, "Is it not written in your law, I said, ye are gods: If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came . . ." etc. -- This "word of God" referred to does not mean just the scriptures. There are hundreds of Christian churches on the earth, all using the Bible, which they call the "Word of God," yet they are teaching and living by dark doctrines and under false principles, without light. There are millions of people on this earth professing Christianity, to whom the scriptures have come, who are wicked and blind and fanatical and in darkness, and the most ardent straining of the imagination could not possibly classify them as "gods." The only hypocrites on the earth are the religious hypocrites, those who hide their evil behind "The word of God" or the Bible, and their churches.
"The Word of God" referred to by Christ does not mean just the scriptures alone. It refers to those who have learned to live from the very center of their souls -- who have learned to hear and heed that "Still Small voice of the Spirit" until they speak no word unless He gives it to them -- and then permits Him to do His works through them, even as Christ did. These are the ones to whom the "Word of God" is a living fountain of waters, a thing of continual glory, of constant instruction, leading into all truth. As they develop the ears to hear, and the eyes to see, as given so many times in the Sacred, inspired Book of Revelations, they receive constant direction from God, and thus His word abides in them -- and His Word is Truth, and whatsoever is Truth is Light, and whatsoever is Light is Spirit even the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Thus it is that those who receive this Spirit of Jesus Christ, or the Spirit of Truth, are called gods. Thus it is easy to understand that this "Word of God" does not mean just the inspired words of some man written many years ago, only. It means the living contact of each man with his Father -- HERE and NOW. Those who have that living contact are gods. And even as Christ received a fullness of the Father by developing from grace to grace so man has the power to develop in the same way until that inner voice becomes audible and an continual source of light and living glory. Such men can be called "gods" for to them the Word of God comes continually, a living fountain of light, and they speak with "new tongues" or the "voice of angels." These are they who receive the power of the Atonement -- At-one-meant -- and they become ONE with the Father, in His heavenly household.
"Without revelation direct from heaven, it is impossible for any person to understand fully the plan of salvation. We often hear it said that the living oracles must be in the Church, in order that the Kingdom of God may be established and prosper on the earth. I will give another version of this sentiment. I say that the living oracles of God, or the Spirit of revelation must be in each and every individual, to know the plan of salvation and keep in the path that leads them to the presence of God." (Brigham Young).
"O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm." (2 Nephi 4:34).
"And he (Christ) received not of the fullness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fullness.
"AND THUS HE BECAME THE SON OF GOD, BECAUSE HE RECEIVED NOT OF THE FULLNESS AT THE FIRST."
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God -- the Spirit itself beareth witness with our Spirit, that we are the children of God; and if children, then heirs of God (or of godhood), joint-heirs with Christ." (Romans 8:14, 16, 17).
If we are "joint-heirs with Christ" then we are equal with him, if we understand this truth and live by it, making it a very part of our lives.
This is "a knowledge of Truth as it is to come" -- or as we bring it to pass. Each degree of glory is merely a state of consciousness in the mind of each individual, from those who live in the filth of the gutters and the slums to those who travel a highway of light. Celestial glory is a state of consciousness or awareness and understanding. It is man's heritage to look unto his Father and to claim his divine birthright. As he lifts his eyes to perfection he can no longer follow his old paths of mortal perception, of weaknesses and sins. As he lifts his heart to understand and opens his eyes to see, and learns the power of the word of God in his life, and begins to live that word, he becomes the very thing his vision holds. So be it according to each man's vision and his desires in righteousness, for the Spirit of God will bear witness to his spirit that this is true if he will but "Ask, seek and knock." "He that believeth these things which I have spoken, him will I visit with the manifestation of my Spirit, and he shall know and bear record. For because of my Spirit he shall know that these things are true; for it persuadeth men to do good." (Ether 4:11).
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God."
And so can be fulfilled in each man's life these glorious words of promise: "Know the truth, and the truth will make you free." To know the truth one must be very humble, willing to learn and also willing to unlearn, for often he has to unlearn the narrowed, bigoted beliefs that he has accumulated through false teachings or through a lack of complete understanding.
As one reaches for truth with all his soul he will be led to the great truth that will free him -- and "Truth is a knowledge of things as they are, as they were, and as they are to come: and whatsoever is more or less than this is the Spirit of that wicked one who was a liar from the beginning." Hence, the only great truth is the complete knowledge. It is the all-inclusive truth whereby man can know all things and be filled with light and spirit as he again reaches out and lays claim to this divine heritage. All other truths are but parts of this one great truth -- they are imperfect bits of it -- and every other truth, or rather, small portion of truth is but a guidepost to direct one to this all-inclusive knowledge of all truth. It is the truth that will give man the vision to become free -- free from darkness, fears, doubts, pride, hates, discords, worries and all weaknesses including either an inferiority complex or an oversized ego, for either of these last named is just as deadly to the progress of the soul as the other. One is without faith, and the other seeks only its own glory. Only truth can free man from any of these deadly weaknesses that destroy the soul. And "He that is free shall be free indeed."
"We know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. -- For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." (I Cor. 13:9-10 and 12).
The complete vision, the complete understanding, the complete power, with all light and all joy and all knowledge is waiting for any man who will "ask, seek and knock." Man was never intended to go blundering through life, heaping unto himself mistakes upon mistakes, burden upon burden, misery upon misery. Man was created to be a bearer of light and glory -- to manifest power, poise and peace.
This is what Christ meant when He said, "Come unto me all ye who labor and are heavy laden (and every mortal man is overburdened -- this IS mortality, this burden of blindness, woes, sorrows, lack of understanding), and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, for my yoke (love) is easy, and my burden is LIGHT" -- even the great light of glory that banishes all darkness or human burdens and man becomes again ONE with the Spirit of Truth or LIGHT. This is the message: "Come unto me all ye mortals, struggling under your burdens of weaknesses, sorrows, sins, blindness, fears, worries and heartaches and enter again into the LIGHT. Share with me the glory which you had with me before the world was."
Even those who think they possess all, are described thus in the scripture: "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind and naked:
"I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment (which signifies purity), that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve that thou mayest see." (Rev. 3:17-18). And regardless of how diligently one thinks he is serving, unless he has learned to live from his soul, and found that personal contact with the Father, his life is a burden and a misery and a blank -- and he is poor, and wretched, and miserable, and blind, and naked.
"The glory of God is intelligence." And according to the Doctrine and Covenants 93:29: "Man was also in the beginning with God, Intelligence, or the Spirit of Truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be."
Thus we were the glory of God, even the very spirit of intelligence before the world was.
This agrees perfectly with the following: "This is my work and my glory, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." Thus the Glory of God is man, exalted. In the beginning we were the very Spirit of Intelligence or Truth, and thus the glory of God is to gather us back as gods, or deified, if we will only understand and co-operate.
"The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth.
"Light and truth forsake that evil one.
"Every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning and God having redeemed man from the fall, man became again, in their infant state, innocent before God.
"And that wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the traditions of their father." (D. & C. 93:36-39).
Now, taking again the eighty-eighth section of the D. & C. verses six to thirteen:
"He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehendeth all things, that he might be in and through all things, The Light of Truth.
"Which truth shineth, This is the Light of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made . . ." It goes on to explain that this light of Christ, or the Light of Truth, or the Spirit of Truth is in the moon and the stars and is the light and power thereof, which is also the light that is in us --
"Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space -- 3
"The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God, who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things."
Here is given a clear explanation that the Spirit of Christ, or the Spirit of Truth, or the Light of Truth, as you may choose to designate it, is the POWER OF GOD, and that it proceeds froth from the true and living God. Thus every man is a living witness to the power of God, for he was that very thing in the beginning. He is still that as he opens his mind to comprehend, and his heart to understand.
As one catches the vision of the glory of these truths the veil of eternity rolls back and man is no longer hampered by a race consciousness of fears, woes and blindness, but with clear vision he is free. "Know the truth and the Truth will make you free," if you will only use it and live by it.
Truth is the substance out of which eternity is composed. Every small truth, or minute portion of it is but a part of the whole. He who builds on truth builds for eternity. He who speaks only truth shall have his words blazed in glory and they shall live forever. Know the truth and you become free -- free from earthly sorrows and trials. Live truth and you become Truth.
He who builds on falsehood builds a false structure on a false foundation and his building will crumble and great will be the fall of it. He who fights truth will be destroyed for he is kicking against the indestructible walls of eternity and they cannot be destroyed or changed in the least by any man's erroneous thinking. Against the false beliefs of a whole world, yea, a whole universe, truth will endure. And since truth is light and light is Spirit, the great realm of spirit rises in ever increasing splendor above the bigotry, the falsehood, the narrowness of personal views and false conceptions -- the only glory for man is to become ONE with the whole, or all truth and this can only be done as he contacts the Spirit of God centered in his own soul -- until the very Word it continues to speak in guiding revelation will lead him into all truth -- and thus the word of God can lead him to perfection that he too might lay claim to his divine heritage.
As man overcomes the darkness of the earth and forsakes all evil, the intelligence, or light again increases with him and he returns to the status of the glory which he had with God before the world was -- even as Christ, our elder Brother did. As one turns to Christ, the Spirit of Truth, he again becomes ONE with Him, and the burdens of mortality drop away and he becomes again the Light.
When one reaches this point he receives all power both in heaven and on earth, and nothing is impossible to him, for he has glorified his heritage and become a god -- a true son of his Divine Sire. (See D. & C. 50:26-29; also Sec. 93:17).
These are the great and marvelous things that have been hid from the foundation of the world and have been lost because of wickedness, and the hardness of men's hearts and the blindness of their minds, as given in the Record of Ether, the ancient historian.
And I hear you ask, "If any man say, I am without sin, he is a liar, and the truth is not in him," what about it? The above is certainly an exact statement, for if any man is without sin he would be the last person in existence to speak such a thing. For Christ was the only One who lived without sin -- "We have all sinned," but it is possible to overcome sin -- to overcome our weaknesses, but after this is done the very humility of a person, his developed love and meekness would seal his lips forever against such boasting. He would become like the description given in the Odes of Solomon, given of the Christ: "And His Word is with us in all our way; The Savior who makes alive and does not reject our souls; The man who was humbled and exalted by His own righteousness." Thus true righteousness does not make a man proud -- it makes him humble. Self-righteousness exalts one in the pride of his heart – but true righteousness perfects his love and devotion until he would be quite unaware of perfection within himself, for in viewing the very goodness and glory of God he would thoroughly understand his own incompleteness without that divine power of God behind him.
No man could possibly be perfect without having overcome many human weaknesses -- and he will realize with all his heart that without the help of the Almighty, without the constant direction of the "Father within," that "Still small voice" he could never have overcome them. Such a man would never in the world be able to boast of his goodness. He would understand that boasting itself is a great transgression -- a transgression as bad as stealing, lying, hate, confusion or any of the other sins of the flesh. Like Christ, he would say, "Why callest thou me the good? God is the good." The power to seek in any way to exalt himself above his fellowmen would have been banished by his reverent love, and deep humility -- that is perfection.
In order to be without sin would require a divine meekness of soul that carries its own light. Then you say, "But no mortal man is perfect." That too is correct, for when man reaches perfection he is no longer a mere mortal, but becomes translated into a higher state. And this condition is every man's right, if he will only catch the vision of it -- and live for it.
Step forth, ye sons of light, and with clear vision claim your heritage and thus glorify your Father forever and ever. "Let the same mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus, who being in the form of God thought it not robbery to be equal with God."
And when the "Unspeakable name of God," which the ancients knew, but which has long since been lost because of wickedness, is again revealed to your understanding you will know that these things are true. And you will know that they are true if you will only "Ask," for every one who asks receives. "And if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not."
Below is the pure and perfect prayer of the Sacrament of Jesus Christ: "Oh, God, the Eternal father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat it in remembrance of the body of Thy Son, and witness unto thee, Oh God, the eternal father, THAT THEY ARE WILLING TO TAKE UPON THEM THE NAME OF THY SON, and always remember Him, and keep His commandments which He has given them, that they may always have His Spirit to be with them -- AMEN.
"Behold, Jesus Christ is the name given of the Father, and there is none other name given whereby man can be saved.
"Wherefore, ALL MEN MUST TAKE UPON THEM THE NAME WHICH IS GIVEN OF THE FATHER, FOR IN THAT NAME SHALL THEY BE CALLED AT THE LAST DAY."4 (D. & C. 18:23-24).
Every woman who takes upon her the name of her husband is henceforth known by that name. And so it is with everyone who takes upon them the name of Christ. He is the Bridegroom. The Saints, or Holy Ones, or those who have purified themselves before him until they become holy, are called the bride, according to the scripture. At the marriage the two become ONE -- and forever after the bride, or Holy Ones, are known by His name. Anyone who takes upon him a name becomes that name. And the word "Christ" meaning "The Anointed", when man becomes "Anointed with light" he enters again into that Light, or receives of the fullness -- and so he receives the name of "Christ."
In childhood small boys are known by their individual, first names, but when they mature to manhood they take upon them the names of their fathers.
The name "Adam" means "many" according to Moses 2:34. The name "Christ" includes all who enter into and receive the light -- for it means "THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH" and we were that very Spirit of Truth before the world began. We become that again when we lift our hearts and minds to understand and partake of the anointing which is ours, and receive of His fullness as we fulfill the laws of righteousness. Again, quoting 3 Nephi 28:10:
"And for this cause ye shall have fullness of joy; and ye shall sit down in the Kingdom of my Father; yea, your joy shall be full, even as the Father hath given me fullness of joy; and ye shall be even as I am, and I am even as the father and the Father and I are ONE."5
If these three men can become even as Christ and God the father, then all men can if they will fulfill the laws of righteousness and perfection.
Any son who makes an idol of his father, knowing his father is all-important, all-wise, all-efficient, all-powerful and perfect and yet never attempts to become like his father will never amount to anything. God to every man should be the ideal, not the idol. And ideal is something or Someone to model one's life after. "Therefore be ye perfect even as your Father in heaven is perfect." So to become gods we must step forth and live the life and claim the birthright, for it is ours as we live for it. "Yea, all that the Father has is yours." Not just in eternity, but whenever we prepare ourselves to accept the glory of our heritage.
"Come now and let us reason together, saith the Lord; though their sins be as scarlet they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool -- TO HIM THAT OVERCOMETH." (Isa. 1:18).
This "overcoming," mentioned so often in scriptures, has to be done on this earth and while in the flesh. This is the key that mankind has lost as the dark veil of night has wrapped itself closely around the world, and man has been lulled to sleep beneath his burden of human weaknesses and blindness. There is just one step between mediocrity and the power of the genius. There is another step between the genius and the Saint, or one who has "overcome all things." These steps are steps in consciousness, the last being taken when all fears and darkness is left behind, as one steps knowingly into the light, or is completely born of the Spirit, not in words, but in the Power of the Almighty. These steps of progress can only be taken as one learns to heed the Light of the Spirit from within.
This is the day of our probation, so we are told. Probation for what? "To see if we will do all things whatsoever the Lord shall command us." That we might receive all the blessings He has for us, which cannot possibly be bestowed upon us unless we have prepared ourselves to receive them. If such glory and power were bestowed upon us before we had overcome our weaknesses we could destroy ourselves completely. We could destroy the world. Such power can only be entrusted to those who have been tested and tried in all things and been proven worthy of so sacred an obligation and privilege. This power banishes all misery, all fears, all darkness, all evil and unhappiness completely as it is used under the power and direction of the Almighty. And God never gives a command that is impossible to fulfill. The road to attainment may be a road of sacrifice and overcoming, but it is a road of eternal glory and light and satisfaction and power that compares to nothing else on earth. It is health. It is happiness. It is eternal youth. It is service. It is light, and it is mastery and achievement and fullness of joy.
From ancient records comes this message, it was told thousands of years ago in language so simple children could read -- the message is: "Man of his own free will shall leave the man kingdom and evolve to the God Kingdom."
I leave a special prayer upon this work that God may enlighten your souls, and open your eyes to see and your hearts to understand that you may walk with Him -- And be ONE with Him -- even gods -- for the scripture cannot be broken, and if you receive the Word of God -- and live it until that Word becomes flesh -- then are ye gods.
"For though there are, indeed, Gods so called, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are Gods many and Lords many).
"Yet to us there is but One God, the father, out of whom are all things, and we in him; and One Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we in Him." (I Cor. 8:5-6 -- Greek original).
"Would to God, brethren, I could tell you who I am! Would to God I could tell you what I know! But you would call it blasphemy and want to take my life." (Joseph Smith).
And now I will say, "Would to God you can understand when I try to tell you who you are -- and what you are -- for these are the things to which Joseph Smith referred. And would to God I could tell you what I know, but you would call it blasphemy.
"When one's mind and lips have lost the power to hurt and wound, then shall his voice be heard among the Gods." No man's voice can be heard among the scholars until he himself, has become a scholar. No man's voice can be heard among the doctors until he himself has become a doctor. No man's voice can be heard among the scientists until he has become a scientist. And no man's voice can be heard among the Gods, until every vibration, every thought, every word is so enfolded in love that he has completely lost the power to hurt and wound -- then to him the door will be opened -- and he will see and know for himself and he will need none to teach him.
Our eyes can only become single to His glory when our thoughts, or mental vision is held steadfastly on His glory and perfection until we begin to fulfill that very perfection in our own lives. Then it is that we shall truly be "Born of the Spirit," or "anointed with Light," or become "ordained of the Father" and receive of "His fullness."
"The pearly gates" are open wide before you, oh son of man, the vision of godhood and glory is yours to claim. Entering the "pearly gates" is not done by dying. It is accomplished by living and loving. Entering the "pearly gates" is entering a higher state of consciousness and leaving one's weaknesses behind. The key is love -- love unfeigned, unselfish, tender, compassionate, merciful, Christ-like, forgiving, and filled with divine understanding. This love is not just to be given to one's own, but it is to embrace the whole human race, the weak, the humble, the lost. Love alone fulfills all the laws and keeps all the commandments. It is the perfect, outpouring melody of love that blends forever with the heavenly choir in symphonies of eternal praise. Love is the melody of heaven vibrating across the universe, playing a symphony of eternal glory upon the stars. Love is the name of God, "For God is love," even as His name is "Endless" and "Eternal" and "Almighty." Love is the only perfecting essence that can redeem man, for though he has all faith and all power, even to raise the dead or to move mountains, and though he gives all that he has to the poor, and his body to be burned, and has not love it will avail him nothing -- for such things are as sounding brass and tinkling cymbals without the divine gift of pure, Christlike love.
Love is heaven -- and "Heaven is within you," son of man, and it must grow as the mustard seed and fill your being as leaven. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness (that you might bring forth that righteousness in your own life), and all else shall be added unto you." Love endureth forever. The "pearly gates" are only symbolical of pure and perfect love and light. Love is more beautiful than pearls and more eternal than precious stones. LOVE IS LIGHT. It is glory and perfection.
As one develops the gift of love to its full perfection -- even as the master musician develops his art, until he not only perfects love within himself, but becomes the very essence of love he will find that "He is truly the door to everything." He will know that the gates to the kingdom of heaven is but the opening wide the portals of his own heart to light and love and gentleness. And he himself will become the very thing he seeks to interpret. "Or who can rest on the Most High, so that with His mouth he may speak? Who is able to interpret the wonders of the Lord? For he who could interpret would be dissolved and would become that which is interpreted."
Yea, love is the cohesive power of the Universe. It holds together nations, communities, families, friends, substance and atoms. It holds together body tissue and thus keeps the muscles from sagging and growing old. It keeps the flesh from disintegrating. It will perfect the body and the soul. Love! Boundless and eternal is the vibrant perfection and power of eternal life. It is the power of God made manifest in a human form -- or His holy temple. Open your heart, soul and mind wide to love that the Spirit of God might abide in you and step from death into life. No occupant of a dwelling, who is not slothful and indolent, ever permits his dwelling to crumble into decay over his head. Let the Light of God and the divine love fill your being and feel its ever perfecting power renew your being. Gather this light and love to you -- and you will become love and light -- and you will become the door to everything.
Oh, son of man, evolve from the man kingdom into the god kingdom through the gates of perfect love, for love is the door, and heaven is your heritage -- here and now.
In the very ancient record of Ether is given these marvelous words: "Come unto me, O ye Gentiles, and I will show unto you the greater things, the knowledge which is hid up because of unbelief.
"Come unto me, O ye house of Israel, and it shall be made manifest unto you how great things the Father hath laid up for you, from the foundation of the world; and it hath not come unto you, because of unbelief.
"Behold, when ye shall rend that veil of unbelief which doth cause you to remain in your awful state of wickedness, and hardness of heart, and blindness of mind, then shall the great and marvelous things which have been hid up from the foundation of the world from you -- yea, when ye shall call upon the Father in my name, with a broken (open or cleft) heart and a contrite spirit --"6 etc.
The above scripture tells plainly that the veil which shuts us out from the great, unspeakable blessings is unbelief. It states also that this state of unbelief has caused the world to remain in its awful state of wickedness -- hardness of heart -- and blindness of mind.
This can be better understood when one studies carefully the words of another ancient prophet -- "And the angel said unto me Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw? And I answered him, saying: Yea, It is the love of God which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore it is the most desirable above all things. And he spake unto me saying; Yea, and the most joyous to the soul. ***** And it came to pass that I beheld that the iron rod, which my father had seen was the word of God, which led to the fountain of living waters, or to the Tree of Life; which waters are a representation of the love of God; and I also beheld that the tree of life was a representation of the love of God."7 (I. Nephi 11:21-23 and 25).
Truly it has been the very hardness of our hearts that has not permitted this divine love of God to be shed forth in them. When we can open our hearts to this most joyous of all gifts then the great and unspeakable things that have been hidden from the foundation of the world be revealed in all their breath-taking glory. The veil that has shut us out from partaking of the very Fruit of the Tree of Life, is our own unbelief -- and the perfect love of God, which can be shed forth in our hearts only when our hearts are opened, is the Fruit of that Tree.
"Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
"He that loveth not, knoweth not God; for God is love."
"And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." (I. John 4:7-8 and 16).
1. Alma 9:15-21 RLDS 1908 Book of Mormon: And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying, It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; Nevertheless they are laid under a strict command, that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word, which he doth grant unto the children of men; according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him; And therefore he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; And he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God, until they know them in full; And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word, until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; And then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell; and Amulek hath spoken plainly concerning death, and being raised from this mortality to a state of immortality, and being brought before the bar of God, to be judged according to our works. return to paragraph →
2. RLDS D&C Sec 93 (see 1a-5a) return to paragraph →
3. RLDS D&C 85:2b -3b: he that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth, which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made. As also he is in the moon, and is the light of the moon, and the power thereof by which it was made. As also the light of the stars, and the power thereof by which they were made. And the earth also, and the power thereof, even the earth upon which you stand. And the light which now shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings; which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God, to fill the immensity of space. The light which is in all things; which giveth life to all things; which is the law by which all things are governed; even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things. return to paragraph →
4. RLDS D&C 16:4f-4g: Behold, Jesus Christ is the name which is given of the Father, and there is none other name given whereby man can be saved; wherefore, all men must take upon them the name which is given of the Father, for in that name shall they be called at the last day; wherefore, if they know not the name by which they are called, they can not have place in the kingdom of my Father. return to paragraph →
5. 3rd Nephi 13:21-22 RLDS 1908 Book of Mormon: And all this will I do because of the thing which ye have desired of me, for ye have desired that ye might bring the souls of men unto me, while the world shall stand; and for this cause ye shall have fullness of joy; and ye shall sit down in the kingdom of my Father; Yea, your joy shall be full, even as the Father hath given me fullness of joy; and ye shall be even as I am, and I am even as the Father; and the Father and I are one; return to paragraph →
6. Ether 1:110-112 RLDS 1908 Book of Mormon: Come unto me, O ye house of Israel, and it shall be made manifest unto you how great things the Father hath laid up for you, from the foundation of the world; and it hath not come unto you, because of unbelief. Behold, when ye shall rend that vail of unbelief which doth cause you to remain in your awful state of wickedness and hardness of heart, and blindness of mind, then shall the great and marvelous things which have been hid up from the foundation of the world from you; Yea, when ye shall call upon the Father in my name, with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then shall ye know that the Father hath remembered the covenant which he made unto your fathers, O house of Israel; return to paragraph →
7. 1st Nephi 3:62-69 RLDS 1908 Book of Mormon: And the angel said unto me, Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw? And I answered him, saying, Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore it is the most desirable above all things. And he spake unto me, saying, Yea, and the most joyous to the soul. And after he had said these words, he said unto me, Look! And I looked, and I beheld the Son of God going forth among the children of men: And I saw many fall down at his feet and worship him. And it came to pass that I beheld that the rod of iron, which my father had seen, was the word of God, which led to the fountain of living waters, or to the tree of life; which waters are a representation of the love of God; And I also beheld that the tree of life was a representation of the love of God. return to paragraph →