If the Kingdom of Heaven is within you, then the King of heaven is also within you. If the King of heaven is within you then all that the King possess is within you also. The King's possessions include the Tree of Life, the Waters of Life, and even the Book of Life. If all these things are within us, including the record of heaven and the truth of all things - then why have so few ever found this inner Kingdom of Heaven? Is it because the Kingdom of Heaven is contained in the tiny seed which has never sprouted in our hearts? That seed has simply been a thought of glory with no heart or soul to enliven it so that it will grow and fill our entire beings! With all the potential of celestial glory embedded in our souls, we seem to look elsewhere to find heaven. We look on the outside. We judge others. We judge churches. We want them to nourish us instead of allowing the King of Glory within to cause His seed to grow. Another name for this seed is "The Word". It is the Word of God, the very light of Christ. Pay heed to that seed of God and you will be nourished and your seed will finally grow.
"And all saints who live by the Word of Wisdom, walking in obedience to the commandments . . . shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures."1
The hidden treasures of knowledge are the sacred, glorifying treasures of truth that have been veiled and hidden between irrelevant passages and verses of scripture.
Take for instance I Nephi 11:22-25, given in answer to the angel's query, "Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw?"
"And I (Nephi) 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."
The above verses tell that the most precious, desirable and joyous gift of God is His love that is shed forth in the hearts of the children of men, as they prepare themselves to receive this divine gift.
Then the great, complete truth is veiled or hidden by the following verse which disconnects or breaks up the full meaning of a revelation that is breath-taking in its fullness.
The passage that veils the full truth is beautiful in its own shimmering glory, but is completely irrelevant to the subject of the tree and its fruit.
The verse that veils or draws away the attention from the full vision reads thus: "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." This verse is beautiful and filled with meaning, yet it has completely broken up the main thought of the tree and the meaning of it, therefore it is quite necessary to pull this intervening veil aside and with clear vision again take up the thought of the tree and its glorious fruit.
"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."
This last verse completes the description of the fruit of the tree which was most precious and explains that the fruit of that tree is the fruit of the tree of life, and is the pure love of God that is shed forth in the hearts of the children of men. Now, the tree of life is located "in the midst of the Paradise of God." And again, "The kingdom of heaven is within you," so is the Paradise of God, and the Tree of Life -- and the fruit of that tree is the great, perfect, divine love of God as it is permitted to come forth and bear fruit in the hearts of the children of men as they are led to the understanding of it by holding steadfastly to the iron rod. And the iron rod is the word of God.
Now analyze for a moment just what the word of God is. The word of God is almost a complete record of promises, from individual blessings to the greatest revelations ever given under the Spirit of Almighty God. There are also warnings to show how the great promises can fail to be fulfilled, but always the promises hold first place. And it is the promises that God is desirous to have man fulfill that he might receive the great promised blessings. His word is a record of promises so great, so dynamic, so glorious that it has been almost impossible for the minds of men to grasp or understand them -- promises that all who believe on Jesus Christ should have the power to do all the works that He did, even greater works -- the promise that man could have the power to move mountains, even as Enoch of old -- the promise that all who believed and were baptized in His Name, even unto the ends of the earth, should have these signs follow them: power to cast out devils, speak with new tongues (or by the power of the Holy Ghost) -- they should pick up serpents and be unharmed; drink deadly poison and be unhurt; lay hands on the sick and they would recover; restore the blind; heal the halt and the lame and cure all manner of diseases; and should have power to perform many mighty miracles in His name. These promises are the word of God, but who has held to them until they received that power? Who has even believed in them? They believe in history, in the record of those of old, but in the word of His promise they do not believe, for they have proved their disbelief in their very lack of power. "For My kingdom is not in word, but in power." Mankind does not believe, neither is it holding to the word of His promises, yet it is only by holding to His word that the power of God can be fulfilled. As these promises are believed in, and held to, it is possible to partake of the fruit of the tree of life, which represents the pure love of God.
In the marvelous record which follows is given some of the veiled thoughts that must be unveiled. Please note the sequence and numbering of the verses:
16. "And, I, John bear record that he received a fulness of the glory of the Father.
17. "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.
19. "I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fulness.
20. "For if you keep my commandments you shall receive of his fulness and be glorified in me as I am in the Father --
21. "And now, verily I say unto you, I was in the beginning with the Father, and am the First born.
23. "Ye were also in the beginning with the Father; that which is Spirit, even the Spirit of Truth.
26. "The Spirit of Truth is of God. I am the Spirit of Truth, and John bore record of me, saying, He received a fulness of Truth, yea, even of all truth.
27. "And no man receiveth a fulness unless he keepeth his commandments.
28. "He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.
29. "Man was also in the beginning with God, Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be." (D. & C. Section 93).
Here is given the plan Christ followed -- and our pattern is exactly like His. Notice in verse seventeen where it states that He received all power both in heaven and on earth. In Section 50:24-29 it gives that same exact promise to every man who will but purify himself and chase out darkness and overcome all sin:
"That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light and continueth in God, receiveth more light;
"And again, verily I say unto you and I say it that you may know the truth, that you may chase darkness from among you.
"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.
"But no man is possessor of all things except he be purified and cleansed from all sin."2
Study all the scriptures in this manner, with a humble heart, with earnest prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, seeking only for truth, desiring only to glorify God, and if you are sincere, and if you are truly humble, praying always to know truth, the veil will be lifted. And as you find truth, those great hidden treasures, worship and adore and praise and love and give thanks continually -- and live by every word that is revealed by the Spirit of God to your understanding. Guard such knowledge well, and never seek to force it on the minds of others unless directed by the Spirit of God to do so.
This book has been written under the direction of the Almighty for the sole purpose of opening the sacred Books of scripture to the eyes of those who seek. This work is to unveil the hidden treasures that have already been revealed -- to make clear those dynamic promises of God and reveal some of the hidden treasures to those who keep the commandments and live by the Word of Wisdom, and to those who love the truth. The rebellious, the proud and those with wicked minds will have no power to understand or take hold of these great truths and live by them, for only by deep humility, perfect love, and constant prayer can one know Truth, and use it.
There are only two possible ways for those who read this book to know if it is TRUE, and the first is to pray to God the Eternal Father in the name of Jesus Christ to know if these things are true. The other way is to live these higher laws of love, forgiveness, worship, devotion and singing glory, as Christ admonished. "Live the laws and you will know whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself."3
If you will read Rev. 20:12, "And I saw the dead small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the Book of Life; and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works."
The Books have been opened. This work that has come forth under the command and power of God is to open the Books. Their great hidden treasures of knowledge have been opened to all who will receive -- the knowledge of how to cleanse the inside of the cup, or the hearts, the souls, and the minds of men. The fulfilling of all church ordinances, functions and requirements are only the cleansing of the outside of the cup. The inside can only be cleansed by "Living by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God."
That divine cleansing of the inside of the cup is obtaining that pure Christ-like love which God sheds forth in the hearts of the children of men after they have fulfilled the law. "It is the pure love of Christ which the Father bestows upon all who are true followers of His Son Jesus Christ, after they have prayed for it with all the energy of heart."4 (Moroni 7:47-48). To be a true follower means to live literally as He lived -- to work as He worked -- to do as He did -- love as He loved -- forgive as He forgave -- and believe as He believed.
And the books have been opened and from here on each man will bring his own judgment upon himself -- Yea, and "That all men might judge between the righteous and the wicked, saith your God."
Yea, the Books have been opened wide, and their hidden treasures revealed that their knowledge might be given to every individual who desires it, and who has prepared himself to receive it -- the knowledge of how to open the great Book of Life. The Books of the scripture have been opened for the sole purpose of preparing this people to open that great and glorious Book of Life.
Then if you study carefully that twentieth chapter of Revelations you will say that this record is false -- that the Books are to be opened after the end of the millennium and the judgment is to come after the thousand years of peace. It is true that the great judgment, when men shall have to stand before the throne of God and be judged according to their works will come at the end of that period. But the Books are to be opened at the beginning of it. This great truth has been lost in the translations. But ye may know for yourself as to the truth of what is herein written, if you will only pray sincerely, and are willing to turn to the Light of Christ within you, the gift by which ye may judge with a sure knowing. Pray to understand these things. Pray to comprehend the meaning of the Books and the great and glorious Book of Life, which ye are.
Yes, this Book of Life is contained right within man -- and man himself must open it, which could only be done after the other Books have been opened, revealing how it is to be done, making manifest the truth that love and perfection in an individual can overcome death. With this knowledge of the laws of perfection, and the laws contained in the Books, the Book of Life can be opened in the hearts of the children of men -- and those who open that book need not die nor come into judgment.
Each and every man must open that Book of Life for himself. Those who fail to open it will have to die -- and those who die will be brought into the judgment of the Almighty God, for they shall be judged out of the things that are written in the Books -- the things they refused to live by after the Books were opened.
"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).
This record that is given to abide in you is the Book of Life, but of what value is it to you if you fail to open it and to read the glorious things contained therein? Within you is the truth of all things, but if you condemn truth then you have failed to use the power of God within you. Yea, all truth, all knowledge, all power, and the gift of eternal life is contained in the record within you.
Man, you are that Book of Life, and you will have to open it for yourself. If you fail to open it now that the other Books have been opened, revealing to you the knowledge, then you will have to die, and if you die you will pass into judgment, for the Books have now been opened, which are the Word of God, leading to the Tree of Life -- the love of God shed forth in the hearts of men.
This is said of those who fail: "Yea, they are grasped with death, and hell . . . and all that have been seized therewith must stand before the throne of God, and be judged according to their works." The above states plainly that those who are grasped by death will have to stand before God and be judged.
Then the record goes on to tell who it is who are to receive this great condemnation and judgment!
"Therefore, woe be unto him that is at ease in Zion!
"Woe be unto all that crieth, All is well!
"Yea, woe be unto him that harkeneth unto the precepts of men, and denieth the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost!
"Yea, woe be unto him that saith; We have received, and we need no more!
"And in fine, woe be unto all those who tremble, and are angry because of the Truth of God; For behold, he that is built upon the rock receiveth it with gladness; and he that is built upon a sandy foundation trembleth lest he shall fall.
"Woe be unto him that shall say; We have received the word of God, and we need no more of the word of God, for we have enough!
"For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of man line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, we have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.
"Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost."5 (II Nephi 28:23-31. See also Isa. chapter 28).
"Unto him that receiveth I will give more." "The More" that will be given to those who do not seal their minds against Truth that is revealed by the power of God, will be power, as is revealed in the following:
"Now, behold this is wisdom; whoso readeth, let him understand and receive also:
"For unto him that receiveth it shall be given more abundantly, even power." (D. & C. 71:5-6).
Yea, they shall receive even power to open the Book of Life. For the Books have been opened and the knowledge made plain whereby man can step into a higher way of life, yea, even beyond death, fulfilling the laws of all righteousness.
Yea, from here on you will be judged according to the great and marvelous truths that are written in the Books -- these Books of scripture that are now opened -- the Books that reveal the keys to the Book of Life.
Open that Book. Open it, man, for it is yours! Its seal is in your own heart! Open your heart wide to receive the full love of God! Open your heart, your mind, your soul wide to the Spirit of Truth, to the Spirit of Almighty God, to His great, unspeakable love, and to the Light of Christ, then you will have not only power to open that Divine Book of Life, but to read it and fulfill it -- and all knowledge will be yours, both in heaven and on earth -- and all power.
Speak to God through that glorious instrument of love, your own heart, at all times. Then learn to speak every word you utter through that glorious microphone of perfection. Think through it -- and behold you shall walk with God -- and the words that you speak will be His words -- and your thoughts will be His thoughts -- and your power will be His power, for you shall be filled with the Spirit of the Almighty, and receive of His fullness.
The following keys are placed in your hands that you need never fail. Use them. Perfect love! Deep humility! Constant prayer -- a prayer that is a song of eternal praise and glory! These keys hold forever the power of light through which the powers of darkness cannot penetrate. Use them! Adore! Worship! Praise and love with every fibre of your being and your prayers will ascend in a flaming glory of everlasting power.
Yea, perfect these keys and use them and the Book of Life will be opened wide to you -- and all that it contains, for the Living Book of Life ye are! Yea, the complete record of Life. Man, awake! And know now and forever that you are that sacred Book of Life and if you do not open it no other can. Open that Book of Life and you shall live forever -- Yea, open your own soul and read the record written there; open your mind to comprehend the power and strength of your soul, and the glory of the Spirit of God; open your heart to the great inflow of His everlasting love. Unseal yourself for you are the Book of Life. You are the very glory of God.
1. RLDS D&C 86:3c: And all Saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel, and marrow to their bones, and shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; return to paragraph →
2. RLDS D&C 50:6b-6e: and that which doth not edify, is not of God, and is darkness: that which is of God is light, and he that receiveth light and continueth in God, receiveth more light, and that light groweth brighter and brighter, until the perfect day. And again, verily I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the truth, that you may chase darkness from among you, for he that is ordained of God and sent forth, the same is appointed to be the greatest, notwithstanding he is 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 the earth, the life, and the light, the spirit, and the power, sent forth by the will of the Father, through Jesus Christ, his Son; 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: return to paragraph →
3. John 7:17 IVB: If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. return to paragraph →
4. Moroni 7:53 RLDS 1908 Book of Mormon: Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son Jesus Christ, that ye may become the sons of God, that when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is, that we may have this hope, that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen. return to paragraph →
5. 2nd Nephi 12:30-39 RLDS 1908 Book of Mormon: Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion. Wo be unto him that crieth, All is well; yea, wo be unto him that hearkeneth unto the precepts of men, and denieth the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Yea, wo be unto him that saith, We have received, and we need no more. And in fine, wo unto all those who tremble, and are angry because of the truth of God. For behold, he that is built upon the rock, receiveth it with gladness: and he that is built upon a sandy foundation, trembleth, lest he shall fall. Wo be unto him that shall say, We have received the word of God, and we need no more of the word of God, for we have enough. For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little: And blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; For unto him that receiveth, I will give more: and from them that shall say, We have enough, shall be taken away even that which they have. Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost. return to paragraph →