Fulness of the Priesthood

Although David was a king, he never did obtain the spirit and power of Elijah and the fullness of the Priesthood; and the Priesthood that he received, and the throne and kingdom of David is to be taken from him and given to another by the name of David in the last days, raised up out of his lineage. (Joseph Smith)

The entire gospel of Jesus Christ, the fulness of the gospel, a new and everlasting covenant, Jesus Christ, is about preserving a family, a Father/Son relationship. David lost his kingdom, because he never obtained to the same promise of Abraham. "He never did obtain the spirit and power of Elijah and the fullness of the Priesthood".

Fulness of the Priesthood

Fulness of the priesthood (By God’s voice) TPJS, sec. 6, pp. 322–23.

Melchezidek priesthood (Through the lineage of our fathers)

Aaronic or Levitical Priesthood (preparatory gospel)

What was the power of Melchizedek? 'Twas not the Priesthood of Aaron which administers in outward ordinances, and the offering of sacrifices. Those holding the fulness of the Melchizedek Priesthood are kings and priests of the Most High God, holding the keys of power and blessings. In fact, that Priesthood is a perfect law of theocracy, and stands as God to give laws to the people, administering endless lives to the sons and daughters of Adam. (TPJS, Section Six 1843-44, p.322)

Signs one has the fulness:

Answers to prayers: "I restore all things, and make known unto you all things in due time." (D&C 132: 45.) 

 Keys to ask and receive (Hyrum Smith here receiving them) "whereby he may ask and receive." (D&C 124: 95.) 

Nephi: "all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for tho shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will." (Hel. 10: 5.)".

The person becomes a true and living church (remember WE ARE The church, the church of the firstborn, D&C 84): "true and living" or has a direct connection to heaven and has the ability to get an answer to any question. No need to speak without revelation. (D&C 1: 30.) 

D&C 28: 7. He had the "keys of the mysteries of the kingdom" 

D&C 64: 5. He held the "keys of the kingdom" 

D&C 81: 2. Joseph had "this greater priesthood [which] admistereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God" 

D&C 84: 19. For Joseph, the fullness was getting answers, solving mysteries and always using revelation to do so".

All things restored that was in the beginning

Speaking of adam referring to this ancient priesthood (fulness of the priesthood),

 7 Now this same Priesthood, which was in the beginning, shall be in the end of the world also. Moses 6:7

JS said of this priesthood (fulness of the priesthood) "Go to and finish the temple, and God will fill it with power, and you will then receive more knowledge concerning this priesthood.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Six 1843 B 44, p.323)

Adam-Ondi-Ahman, which means Adam in the presence of God or the Father and the Son.  Its were Adam dwelt in the presence of God. Which we learn when he partook of the fruit he was cast out of the presence of God (face to face).

Question to Jospeh Smith:

"Was the Priesthood of Melchizedek taken away when Moses died? [Answer by JS] All Priesthood is Melchizedek, but there are different portions or degrees of it. That portion which brought Moses to speak with God face to face was taken away; but that which brought the ministry of angels remained. All the prophets had the Melchizedek Priesthood and were ordained by God himself." TPJS, pp. 180-81

The two greater priesthoods can be distinguished by the lineage or by "God himself".

D&C 107:48 Enoch was twenty-five years old when he was ordained under the hand of Adam; and he was sixty-five and Adam blessed him.

 49 And he saw the Lord, and he walked with him, and was before his face continually; and he walked with God three hundred and sixty-five years, making him four hundred and thirty years old when he was translated. (Kirtland, Section Year 1835, section about the two higher priesthoods)

So we learn first at 25 he had the priesthood under the hand of Adam (MP) and if we read earlier verses it says "it was handed down" from father to son. At age 65 he was given the fulness of the priesthood.

Joseph saw fit to translate Gen 14 to clarify how this power and priesthood is bestowed.

27 And thus, having been approved of God, he was ordained an high priest after the order of the covenant which God made with Enoch,

 28 It being after the order of the Son of God; which order came, not by man, nor the will of man; neither by father nor mother; neither by beginning of days nor end of years; but of God;

29 And it was delivered unto men by the calling of his own voice, according to his own will, unto as many as believed on his name. (JST Gen 14: 27-28)

Helamen: Power of the Elements

Helamen 10 uses the same words.

3…and it came to pass as he was thus pondering in his heart, behold, a voice came unto him saying:

4 Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments.

5 And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will.

6 Behold, thou art Nephi, and I am God. Behold, I [God] declare it unto thee in the presence of mine angels, that ye shall have power over this people, and shall smite the earth with famine, and with pestilence, and destruction, according to the wickedness of this people.

7 Behold, I give unto you power, that whatsoever ye shall seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven; and thus shall ye have power among this people.

Do you see it here? In the presence of his holy angels? Where is this phrase used? Can you reflect in the temple when we do this? Is this what the temple is really pointing you too? We still learn that Moses, with this same power, did in fact sin smiting the rock with his stick when he was told not to for water! But he had consequences for doing so. 

General Charge to the twelve apostles:

You have been indebted to other men, in the first instance, for evidence; on that you have acted; but it is necessary that you receive a testimony from heaven for yourselves; so that you can bear testimony to the truth of the Book of Mormon, and that you have seen the face of God. That is more than the testimony of an angel. When the proper time arrives, you shall be able to bear this testimony to the world. When you bear testimony that you have seen God, this testimony God will never suffer to fall, but will bear you out; although many will not give heed, yet others will. You will therefore see the necessity of getting this testimony from heaven.

Never cease striving until you have seen God face to face. Strengthen your faith; cast off your doubts, your sins, and all your unbelief; and nothing can prevent you from coming to God. Your ordination is not full and complete till God has laid His hand upon you. We require as much to qualify us as did those who have gone before us; God is the same. If the Savior in former days laid His hands upon His disciples, why not in latter days?

[Pp. 195–96 in Roberts, B.H., ed. 1976. History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Vol. II. 2nd ed. rev. Salt Lake City, UT: Deseret Book Company.]

 D&C 76:20 And we beheld the glory of the Son, on the right hand of the Father, and received of his fulness;

21 And saw the holy angels, and them who are sanctified before his throne, worshiping God, and the Lamb, who worship him forever and ever.

22 And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

23 For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—

24 That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.

First, we are shown a vision of all the workmanship of the Lord’s hands. This vision often includes the grand events of earth’s history. Moses saw this vision and penned the book of Genesis. Every prophet who records his personal experience with the Lord in any detail includes the “vision of all.” The list is too long to mention them all. John the Beloved recorded a portion of his vision in the book of Revelation. Lehi saw and mentioned his experience [The first page of the Book of Mormon!]. Nephi, inspired by his father’s account, saw and recorded parts of his vision in First Nephi. Mormon saw our day. Moroni wrote to us with prophetic vision because he knew us intimately. Joseph Smith recorded parts of his vision in Section 76 [Which i just partially quoted]. This very thing is typified in today’s temple experience. (John Pontius, Oath & the Covenant, pg 19)

Church History (short version)

Lets move on and talk about some church history.

D&C 124:28 For there is not a place found on earth that he may come to and restore again that which was lost unto you, or which he hath taken away, even the fulness of the priesthood. (Nauvoo, Year 1841)

The saints had lost the fulness. This is just a few years before Joseph was killed, he sought to rebuild the temple to get this priesthood restored. Notice the wording of how it was to be restored "he may come to". For only He can bestow this power and authority. Ever wondered why we have so many symbols in the temple and what they point to?

Temple and Sealing Power:

Three Priesthoods
Not only are these three priesthoods mentioned in Hebrews but are also mentioned in D&C 84. As Pres. Romney stated that the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood, is the Endowment received in the temple. (Compilation of quotes by Bruce H. Porter, Patriarchal Priesthood)

Most of the ordinances of the church are not the real thing. They are types, symbols of the real thing. They are official authorized invitations… Any person who has priesthood conferred upon him will need to go into God’s presence, and receive it through the veil for power in their priesthood.

To be Endowed with Power
Purpose of the endowment is to be endowed with power. The endowment is a type of what we must do to get that power.

1 May 1842 (Sunday Morning). Grove.
Manuscript History of the Church
pages 119 - 120 I preached in the grove on the keys of the Kingdom, Charity &c The keys are certain signs and words by which false spirits and personages may be detected from true, which cannot be revealed to the Elders till the Temple is completed —The rich can only get them in the Temple—the poor may get them on the Mountain top as did Moses. The rich cannot be saved without Charity, giving to feed the poor when and how God requires as well as building. There are signs in heaven, earth, and hell, the Elders must know them all to be endowed with power, to finish their work and prevent imposition. The devil knows many signs but does not know the sign of the Son of Man, or Jesus. No one can truly say he knows God {7} until he has handled something, and this can only be in the Holiest of Holies.

16 And ye are to be taught from on high. Sanctify yourselves and ye shall be endowed with power, that ye may give even as I have spoken. (D&C 43:16)

There are no shortcuts, just because you receive a temple ordinance does not mean you are sanctified. The only way to receive this power, this endowment of power, is to be washed pure from the blood and sins of this generation. It will not be "conditional" or "if you are true and faithful" the day you will be called up and anointed kings and priests unto the most high God, but instead you will be called up and converse with Him through the veil while in the flesh.

Peter James and John Endowments

Spencer W Kimbal, as an apostle: As they looked into his kindly eyes and wondered about his wounds, he told them of his birth and ministry. He repeated to them the vital and priceless sermons on the mount, on the Sea of Galilee, in Samaria, in Jerusalem. He taught them the power of faith, of the battle between truth and evil. He told them of the voice of God, his Father, at the time of his baptism, and of the special endowments to Peter, James, and John on the Holy Mount of Transfiguration, when they also heard the voice of God, the Father. (CR, October 1959, pp. 58–59, emphasis added.)\

Clean From the blood and Sins of this Generation

D&C 88

74 And I give unto you, who are the first laborers in this last kingdom, a commandment that you assemble yourselves together, and organize yourselves, and prepare yourselves, and sanctify yourselves; yea, purify your hearts, and cleanse your hands and your feet before me, that I may make you clean;
75 That I may testify unto your Father, and your God, and my God, that you are clean from the blood of this wicked generation; that I may fulfil this promise, this great and last promise, which I have made unto you, when I will.

Zion Delayed

D&C 105: 11 And this[redemption of zion] cannot be brought to pass until mine elders are endowed with power from on high.
12 For behold, I have prepared a great endowment and blessing to be poured out upon them, inasmuch as they are faithful and continue in humility before me.
13 Therefore it is expedient in me that mine elders should wait for a little season, for the redemption of Zion. 

Delayed because they were not sanctified to be endowed with this great "power". To be sanctified. If they were sanctified they would have built up Zion.

Holy Spirit of Promise

"All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations, that are not made and entered into and sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise,…are of no efficacy, virtue, or force in and after the resurrection from the dead; for all contracts that are not made unto this end have an end when men are dead" (D&C 132:7)

Kirtland Temple

Many of my brethren who received the ordinance with me saw glorious visions also. Angels ministered unto them as well as to myself, and the power of the Highest rested upon us, the house was filled with the glory of God, and we shouted Hosanna to God and the Lamb. My scribe also received his anointing with us, and saw, in a vision, the armies of heaven protecting the Saints in their return to Zion, and many things which I saw. 

The visions of heaven were opened to them also. Some of them saw the face of the Savior, and others were ministered unto by holy angels, and the spirit of prophecy and revelation was poured out in mighty power; and loud hosannas, and glory to God in the highest, saluted the heavens, for we all communed with the heavenly host. And I saw in my vision all of the Presidency in the celestial kingdom of God, and many others that were present. Our meeting was opened by singing, and prayer was offered up by the head of each quorum; and closed by singing, and invoking the benediction of heaven, with uplifted hands. Retired between one and two o'clock in the morning.  (History of the Church, Vol.2,  p.379 ff)

Moses and the Israelites

D&C 84:25 (quick review)

23 Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God;

 24 But they hardened their hearts and could not endure hispresence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his anger was kindled against them, swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory.

25 Therefore, he took Moses out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also;

Different Degrees of the Priesthood of Melchizedek, By Joseph Smith

The Prophet Joseph Smith observed: “God cursed the children of Israel because they would not receive the last law from Moses. . . . When God offers a blessing or knowledge to a man and he refuses to receive it he will be damned. . . . The Israelites [prayed] that God would speak to Moses [and] not to them in consequence of which he cursed them with a carnal law. . . . [The] law revealed to Moses in Horeb . . . never was revealed to the [children] of Israel.”[2] Thus, the children of Israel wandered an unnecessary forty years in the wilderness as God tried to teach them to rely on Him.

 [2] Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook, eds., The Words of Joseph Smith (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1980), 244, 247

Do you see the similarities? God wanted to come to the temple, he wanted to converse with them to give them the fullness of the priesthood.

Oath and the Covenant

Let’s first look at the afterthought of the oath and covenant (Covenant is verses 33-42) the Lord gives us concerning it.

43 And I now give unto you a commandment to beware concerning yourselves, to give diligent heed to the words of eternal life.

Lets continue.

47 And every one that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit cometh unto God, even the Father.

Cross ref: John 14:6-7 [Take this literally remember the keys of interpretation thread, read exactly what it says.]

⁶ Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
⁷ If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him

The Light of Christ -> Holy Ghost -> Jesus Christ -> The Father.

The servants bear testimony of the Son until we gain manifestations for ourselves through the holy ghost and the holy ghost will perfect us until we gain a perfect knowledge in Jesus Christ. He will introduce us the Father and they will take their abode with us when we are fully prepared.

Christ will introduce us to the Father!

48 And the Father teacheth him of the covenant  [He will tell us about this covenant, just like the JS quote about finishing the temple, however i talked about this ancient covenant in my previous covenant, the covenant of the fathers and enoch] which he has renewed and confirmed upon you, which is confirmed upon you for your sakes, and not for your sakes only, but for the sake of the whole world. [So we won’t be burned! The covenant of the Fathers. Exactly what the intro to the book of Mormon said that I quoted]

49 And the whole world lieth in sin, and groaneth under darkness and under the bondage of sin.

50 And by this you may know they are under the bondage of sin, because they come not unto me.

51 For whoso cometh not unto me is under the bondage of sin.

52 And whoso receiveth not my voice is not acquainted with my voice, and is not of me.

53 And by this you may know the righteous from the wicked, and that the whole world groaneth under sin and darkness even now.

54 And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received—

55 Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation.
...

57 And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written—

58 That they may bring forth fruit meet for their Father’s kingdom; otherwise there remaineth a scourge and judgment to be poured out upon the children of Zion.

59 For shall the children of the kingdom pollute my holy land? Verily, I say unto you, Nay.

The same condemnation of those who reject the fullness of the priesthood (see earlier D&C  124). For they cannot endure his presence.

Ok the covenant states:

84:33 For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods [Fulness of the priesthood is one of them] of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies.

34 They become the sons of Moses and of Aaron and the seed of Abraham, and the church and kingdom, and the elect of God.

This is how we become part of the kingdom of God. This is how we become the Sons of God. this is who are the church of the Firstborn, the church, the sanctified.

35 And also all they who receive this priesthood receive me, saith the Lord;

Look at this threefold promise, or 3 degrees.

36 For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me;

37 And he that receiveth me receiveth my Father;

38 And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father’s kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him.

Do you see the connection in verse 38? The Fathers kingdom? The fullness of the Father as shown back in Section 76, 93 and many other places? The continuation of the works of the father (D&C 132). He defines as receiving the Lord as receiving the priesthood.

In the Flesh

Now we come to the truly grand promises of the Priesthood, and the glorious
“rights” of the Priesthood, that through the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood we may have free association with the Son, receive the Father, receive His kingdom, and
ultimately receive all that the Father has.

Let us not twist the meaning of this wording of truth by mentally inserting death.
We are not discussing the eternities, nor the events after this life. The almost unthinkably grand endowment of the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood is to be enjoyed in this life. (John pontius, O&C)

I underlined ultimately because as Section 93, which is how Jesus Christ received the fulness for himself, we can receive the Son, receive this principle and as we continue faithful to all things the Son asks us to do (2 Nephi 32:6) than we will be presented to the Father and they will take up their abode with us.

In all the passages of scripture wherein men and women are promised that they

can see the Lord, nowhere is it even hinted that we must first die to do so. In fact, every

instance in the scripture of man having an interview with God occurred to a mortal

person. We have no record of a post-mortal visitation. Why would there be? Whatever

occurs after death requires no warning; no instruction from the scripture. It just happens however it happens. What we must prepare to accomplish is this grand promise in mortality. This is the focus of the scripture, the burden of the teachings of the prophets, and the nexus of the entire Gospel – the focal point – that to which all other doctrines point. It is the zenith of our faith in God, the pattern of the temple, the purpose of mortality.

…

The purpose of the priesthood isn’t the priesthood, or the labors we perform as a conscientious holder. These are the processes of the priesthood. The purpose of the priesthood isn’t even the ordinances and offices and ordinations. The purpose of the priesthood is to prepare mankind to see God – in this life! (John Pontius, Oath and the Covenant, pg 17-18)

We read in 2 nephi 9,

 40 O, my beloved brethren, give ear to my words. Remember the greatness of the Holy One of Israel. Do not say that I have spoken hard things against you; for if ye do, ye will revile against the truth; for I have spoken the words of your Maker. I know that the words of truth are hard against all uncleanness; but the righteous fear them not, for they love the truth and are not shaken.

 41 O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name.

[It’s a key so we are not deceived!]

 42 And whoso knocketh, to him will he open; and the wise, and the learned, and they that are rich, who are puffed up because of their learning, and their wisdom, and their riches—yea, they are they whom he despiseth; and save they shall cast these things away, and consider themselves fools before God, and come down in the depths of humility, he will not open unto them.

Do you see it? He employeth no servant at the Gate. So that WE cannot be deceived. If anyone tells you, you must go through them to receive salvation you are being deceived. Joseph said to teach them correct principles and let htem govern themselves. We are meant to be stewards of our own "house" our own "order" under our Father, Jesus Christ (Ether 4:12)

If anyone tells you only the prophet, apostles, leaders, or some other person can tell you how to get through the gate, or will give you the knowledge you must need to or that we must follow them, putting themselves or others between Christ and YOU, you are being deceived by them. That is priestcraft. It is evil.

Christ is the only WAY. He is the gate keeper, He will save us. NO ONE else. For he is the prototype of a saved being.

Covenant Cannot be Broken

39 And this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood.

40 Therefore, all those who receive the priesthood, receive this oath and covenant of my Father, which he cannot break, neither can it be moved.

41 But whoso breaketh this covenant after he hath received it, and altogether turneth therefrom, shall not have forgiveness of sins in this world nor in the world to come.

42 And wo unto all those who come not unto this priesthood which ye have received, which I now confirm upon you who are present this day, by mine own voice out of the heavens; and even I have given the heavenly hosts and mine angels charge concerning you.

This is your dispensation what are you going to do with it?

Joseph story is meant to be YOUR story.

James 1:5, Upbraideth NOT. Do you believe Him? He will fix you, he is a carpenter after all, he is your savior after all, he knows how to fix you, he promises you, he will GIVE it to you if you let him. Stop focusing on the things you are not doing. Focus on connecting to heavenly father and everything else will take care of itself.

All you must do it ask and you shall receive, than turn over EVERYTHING to him. Let him do what he knows best for you. Than he will upbraideth not, and give you what is required, if you are not already able to endure his presence. He will set the events required for you to get to the point to receive these blessings. He will thoroughly prove you by the spirit to see if you will give up all things, including your life for Him.

Seeing versus Receiving

Just because you see Christ does not mean you have the power. To get the fulness of the power in the priesthood, one must receive him as the Second Comforter.

The Gift of Dreams

I felt like i should record here my thoughts about the gift of dreams. This is one area I have attempted to keep a written record. I find the lord will stop giving you things if you fail to record that which he has given you. I also find dreams come when you do "not have a good night rest" so perhaps you shouldn't pray for that :).

I have had dreams before even as a teenager. I find sometimes I am taught things in a dream and wake up and cannot remember what the dream was but knew it was teaching me something. Hopefully my spirit had learned what was needed from those dreams.

I had talked to someone about dreams and the conversation is as follows.

Person A: I wasn't always able to remember my dreams very well, but while serving a mission I came across this scripture: "Behold, he hath heard my cry by day, and he hath given me knowledge by visions in the night-time." - 2 Nephi 4:23 I decided that night that I would pray with all the energy of my soul to ask God if He would help me remember my dreams. And it worked! Elder Richard G. Scott has suggested that we keep a notebook next to us while we sleep so that we may record the information that God sends us while we sleep.

We must also remember that we each have different spiritual gifts and that if we want more, we must be obedient and ask the Lord for them. Even then, it is up to the Lord to decide if He wants us to have that gift. We must also remember what these gifts are for: "For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts." - D&C 46:9

So if you would like to receive information via dreams and remember them, just ask! Ask with a desire to benefit the spiritual progression of you and your brethren and not to just satisfy your curiosity.

Tyson (me): Ok, wow, I read this and took it to heart. I desired to have these things. I read this yesterday. I prayed to the father last night before I went to bed and asked basically "Father, I would like to have a dream and be taught, show me what you want me to do, what you want me to know, or thy will for me". I was so confident... 

Well I even told the Lord, look I have a study journal I don't use very often (for spiritual experiences) "I will put it next to my bed and write down anything that is shown and DO IT or respond to it if I know the meaning and can remember it". I went to the 3rd page which is empty, wrote tomorrows date Jan 30 2013 

So I haven't dreamed very often and recently I never remember my dreams as I normally have to sleep 9+ hours to have any. Lately lucky to get 8. Well I went to bed and woke up at 3:30 am WITH a DREAM! It was so vivid I could remember every detail. I was so exhausted I forced myself to open my eyes. Swear it took forever to get myself to do so due to the exhaustion. Opened my study journal and learned it was too dark to write anything. Well i attempted anyways opening it to what I thought was the 3rd page (turns out it was the cover page) and wrote in the dark. Couldn't read it in the morning so had to re-record it

I choose the dream I received from this experience, there are others but I do not at the time have permission to share them here. The Dream: I have omitted the interpretations that the Lord gave to me and edited a few things...

The dream: First I was wondering, hovering, going down one of the streets by my parents house, turned down another street and was looking for food with others. I wanted something in specific but than we saw Taco Time and went there, We stopped there than I left and looked across the street. I saw a popular celebrity (I couldnt find his photo) who was suing another famous person I didn't know. It was for something like 47/57 million/billion dollars. I wasn't sure why he was than something came to me "That is what is wrong with America today". Than I reappeared (across the street?) wandering a big lot (looked like two places combined) and walked into two stores with nobody in the parking lot and inside. The second store was an Asian type of store and I felt like "I shouldn't be here on the sabbath" and than I left and thought even though I didn't buy anything I shouldn't of gone in there." I looked around and realized that was why nobody was around (sabbath day). Third part happened down the street from the places I was at. I saw a person who I had grown up with and he was getting ready to run. The news was on him or something like that. Than the race started and he was trying to finish the race in 3 mins and 15 seconds (3.15 mins, could of been for a record but unsure) and he crossed the finish line. After he did I was under the assumption he finished in time but barely. He than fell on the ground in exhaustion and almost passed out. The only reason I'm not sure now if he finished in time was after he about passed out it changed quickly to him going into push ups with a bunch of people around him (like they do in the military or as a punishment for not finishing something) and yelling at him to keep doing pushups. 

Commentary: It was very strange and would think nothing of it but now that I write about it I see things to learn from it. 

 They may seem like nothing at first but as soon as i wrote it down the lord had shown me the meaning of two of the three dreams (really it was one long dream). Some dreams the interpretation is given during the dream as clear as scripture, others require you to pray for interpretation.

Satan is out to deceive so we should confirm that what is given is from the Lord and receive an interpretation from him with all things.


There are many scriptures on this gift, search them out. The lord asks us to diligently seek and enhance our different gifts. This is one we should all seek after.

It is better that one man perish than a whole nation be lost

Nephi and the story of Laban

I will discuss the story of Nephi in 1 Nephi 4

6 And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do.

He sets the example of a true servant of the Lord. They are guided by the lord, in the Spirit. Not knowing what to do he waited upon the Lord and went and did what he was asked to do. Go get the plates. He followed the direction doing what he thought was best. The spirit finally speaks to him after being obedient to the original command. Would he have been given the next instruction from the Lord if he had not gone and tried to get the plates? This is also the third time he attempted to get the plates.

7 Nevertheless I went forth, and as I came near unto the house of Laban I beheld a man, and he had fallen to the earth before me, for he was drunken with wine.
8 And when I came to him I found that it was Laban.

Here is what the spirit tells Nephi to do.

10 And it came to pass that I was constrained by the Spirit that I should kill Laban; but I said in my heart: Never at any time have I shed the blood of man. And I shrunk and would that I might not slay him.
 11 And the Spirit said unto me again: Behold the Lord hath delivered him into thy hands. Yea, and I also knew that he had sought to take away mine own life; yea, and he would not hearken unto the commandments of the Lord; and he also had taken away our property.
 12 And it came to pass that the Spirit said unto me again: Slay him, for the Lord hath delivered him into thy hands;

It took three times for Nephi to give heed. Was it because he was slothful in listening to the commands of the Lord or was Nephi wise in waiting for the mouth of “two or three” witnesses that it may be established as His word? It was this testimony of three that he was able to tell it came from the Lord and not a deception deployed by Satan.

So what was the justification for killing Laban?

13 Behold the Lord slayeth the wicked to bring forth his righteous purposes. It is better that one man should perish than that a nation should dwindle and perish in unbelief.

It is better to kill one man than a whole nation to dwindle and perish in unbelief.

Jesus Christ is Crucified

Here is what the Pharisees said in response to wanting to kill Jesus Christ.

Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. (John 11:50)

The reasons are almost identical. Laban was killed that the nation would not perish and dwindle in unbelief, Jesus was killed that the whole nation would perish not.

The reasons why both were killed.

Laban

Do we learn anything else to why they were killed? Continuing the Nephi account the spirit speaks to nephi before he kills laban.

14 And now, when I, Nephi, had heard these words, I remembered the words of the Lord which he spake unto me in the wilderness, saying that: Inasmuch as thy seed shall keep mycommandments, they shall prosper in the land of promise.
 15 Yea, and I also thought that they could not keep the commandments of the Lord according to the law of Moses, save they should have the law.
 16 And I also knew that the law was engraven upon the plates of brass.
 17 And again, I knew that the Lord had delivered Laban into my hands for this cause—that I might obtain the records according to his commandments.
 18 Therefore I did obey the voice of the Spirit, and took Laban by the hair of the head, and I smote off his head with his own sword.

He realizes that without the record, his people could not know about the laws of god thus they would remain in the darkness. Also the holy ghost brought back to remembrance something the Lord had told him previously.

Jesus

This is the story of Jesus healing Lazarus and what happened after. But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them what things Jesus had done.

Then gathered the chief priests and the Pharisees a council, and said, What do we? for this man doeth many miracles. 

If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation. (John 11: 46, 48)

A Council was held. Jesus Christ’s own excommunication was being held by those who claimed to be Gods people but were not (John 8:39). They said, this man doth many miracles, if we leave him alone, all men will believe him.

The last phrase tells us exactly how the nation would be lost “Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation”. Fear of losing their leadership, their nation, from the Romans. They were afraid of the consequences of these Romans who they served under.

Differences:

Laban: Would not give the records of God to Nephi and sought to kill Nephi. Preserve the records so that his posterity would believe on Christ.

Jesus: All would believe on him and the Pharisees would lose their nation to the Romans. Wealth, fame, leadership, greed, etc…

The voice of the spirit are commandments

I could write a new post for this but since the scriptures are laid out already I will just briefly mention this.

The voice of the spirit is the commandments of God. Nephi to keep the commandments of God obeyed the voice of the Spirit (vs 18). So if we wish to follow the commandments of God shouldn’t we get intune with the voice of the spirit and find out what God wants to “command” us to do? Isn’t salvation personal? Can’t we only deliver our own souls? Than what are the commandments of God for us? Wouldn’t he tell us just like he told Nephi? If we only focus on what commandments are given through the prophet or servant will we miss the commandments from the Lord to us? Could he tell us something different than another person? 

Will we all be asked to kill someone to preserve a nation?

3 Nephi with Christs appearance teaches this same principle. Why was it that each time he spoke to the people it says “he commanded them” to do baptize, to bring the children, to partake of the sacrament, etc… Each time Christ spoke to them it and asked them to do something it was almost always considered a “commandment”.

Gods voice, his instructions, are the commandments we should worry about. Not the Law of Moses, for it brings forth dead works. If you want good works, than follow the higher law, Gods voice. Not a “pre-set” law that never changes but an ever changing one based off “righteousness”. Really it may seem to contradict itself it doesn’t. For the law is based off one thing and one thing only, saving souls (eternal life). Following the spirit is how we do that.

That which is wrong under one circumstance, may be, and often is, right under another. God said, 'Thou shalt not kill'; at another time He said, 'Thou shalt utterly destroy.' This is the principle on which the government of heaven is conducted—by revelation adapted to the circumstances in which the children of the kingdom are placed. Whatever God requires is right, no matter what it is, although we may not see the reason thereof till long after the events transpire.
Dean C. Jessee (editor), The Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, p. 507-509

Cleansing of the Church: The End of the World: AntiChrist's

The voice of the People: When Does it Begin?

25 Therefore, choose you by the voice of this people, judges, that ye may be judged according to the laws which have been given you by our fathers, which are correct, and which were given them by the hand of the Lord.26 Now it is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right; but it is common for the lesser part of the people to desire that which is not right; therefore this shall ye observe and make it your law—to do your business by the voice of the people.27 And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction even as he has hitherto visited this land. (Mosiah 29: 25-27)

Persecution of the Few humble followers of Christ: Why Does it Begin?

8 For they saw and beheld with great sorrow that the people of the church began to be lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and to set their hearts upon riches and upon the vain things of the world, that they began to be scornful, one towards another, and they began to persecute those that did not believe according to their own will and pleasure10 And thus ended the eighth year of the reign of the judges; and the wickedness of the church was a great stumbling-block to those who did not belong to the church; and thus the church began to fail in its progress. (Alma 4:8,10)

Cleasing of the Lords House: Where does it Begin?

23 Verily, verily, I say unto you, darkness covereth the earth, and gross darkness the minds of the people, and all flesh has become corrupt before my face.
24 Behold, vengeance cometh speedily upon the inhabitants of the earth, a day of wrath, a day of burning, a day of desolation, of weeping, of mourning, and of lamentation; and as a whirlwind it shall come upon all the face of the earth, saith the Lord.
25 And upon my house shall it begin, and from my house shall it go forth, saith the Lord;
26 First among those among you, saith the Lord, who have professed to know my name and have not known me, and have blasphemed against me in the midst of my house, saith the Lord. (D&C 112: 23-26)

Taking the Lords name in Vain: Who are those that have professed to know Him?

Taking the name of the Lord thy God in vain. What does this mean? Lets look at Doctrine and Covenants 63.

61 Wherefore, let all men beware how they take my name in their lips—
62 For behold, verily I say, that many there be who are under this condemnation, who use the name of the Lord, and use it in vain, having not authority.
63 Wherefore, let the church repent of their sins, and I, the Lord, will own them; otherwise they shall be cut off. (D&C 63: 61-63)

Hebrew: Invoking of God’s name to justify doing something that God clearly did not ask you to do.

No wonder he will begin upon his own house to those "who have professed to know my name and have not known me" and it also relates to those who in the authority of Jesus Christ do things that god did not ask them to do.

Tares Choke the Wheat: What happens with the Wheat and Tares?

"The tares choke the wheat and drive the church into the wilderness" (D&C 86:3)(refer to my post here)

So it appears the tares will be left to be burned (bundled up) and the wheat will escape destruction and angels will gather them together in the Last Times. What at first seems to be persecution, affliction, chastisement, punishment, turns out to be a blessing as the tares choke the wheat.

The Righteous Preserve the City: What is the Sign of the voice of the people choosing iniquity?

Helamen 13, a type of the future.

12 Yea, wo unto this great city of Zarahemla; for behold, it is because of those who are righteous that it is saved; yea, wo unto this great city, for I perceive, saith the Lord, that there are many, yea, even the more part of this great city, that will harden their hearts against me, saith the Lord.
13 But blessed are they who will repent, for them will I spare. But behold, if it were not for the righteous who are in this great city, behold, I would cause that fire should come down out of heaven and destroy it. [and so it will be in the end, fire will destroy the wicked]
14 But behold, it is for the righteous’ sake that it is spared. But behold, the time cometh, saith the Lord, that when ye shall cast out the righteous from among you, then shall ye be ripe for destruction; yea, wo be unto this great city, because of the wickedness and abominations which are in her. (Helamen 13:12-14)

When the righteous are cast out, ye are ripe for destruction.

Rejection of a Servant: What does a warning voice sound like?

25 And now when ye talk, ye say: If our days had been in the days of our fathers of old, we would not have slain the prophets; we would not have stoned them, and cast them out.
26 Behold ye are worse than they; for as the Lord liveth, if a prophet come among you and declareth unto you the word of the Lord, which testifieth of your sins and iniquities, ye are angry with him, and cast him out and seek all manner of ways to destroy him; yea, you will say that he is a false prophet, and that he is a sinner, and of the devil, because he testifieth that your deeds are evil.
29 O ye wicked and ye perverse generation; ye hardened and ye stiffnecked people, how long will ye suppose that the Lord will suffer you? Yea, how long will ye suffer yourselves to be led by foolish and blind guides? Yea, how long will ye choose darkness rather than light? (Helamen 13:25-6, 29)

A Voice of Warning Precedes Destruction: Does the Lord always warn us?

2 And it came to pass that in this year there was one Samuel, Lamanite, came into the land of Zarahemla, and began to preach unto the people. And it came to pass that he did preach, many days, repentance unto the people, and they did cast him out, and he was about to return to his own land. 5 And he said unto them: Behold, I, Samuel, a Lamanite, do speak the words of the Lord which he doth put into my heart; and behold he hath put it into my heart to say unto this people that the swordof justice hangeth over this people; and four hundred years pass not away save the sword of justice falleth upon this people. 6 Yea, heavy destruction awaiteth this people, and it surely cometh unto this people, and nothing can save this people save it be repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ, who surely shall come into the world, and shall suffer many things and shall be slain for his people. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord hath declared it unto me, and he did bring glad tidings to my soul. And behold, I was sent unto you to declare it unto you also, that ye might have glad tidings; but behold ye would not receive me. (Helamen 13:2, 5-7)

Never hath any of them been destroyed save it were foretold them by the prophets (2 Nephi 25: 9)

Where was he sent from? Where did He come from?

What is the End of the World?

"Joseph Smith first distinguished between the words world and earth (a distinction not made in the King James Version of the Bible) in 1832 when he translated Matthew 24 (see JS-M 1:4, 55; see also the 5 January discourse: "The world and the earth are not synonymous terms. The world is the human family." By this reasoning the "end of the world" would mean "the end of the wicked part of the human family." Words of Joseph Smith P. 25

They will not endure sound doctrine: How does this Falling away happen? 

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
“And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (2 Tim. 4:3–4.)

Fable:
A story or statement that is not true (Merriam Webster Dictionary)

Who are those that do not endure sound Doctrine? Who are those with the sound doctrine? The voice of the people (majority) choose a fable, a story, a belief that is not true thus bringing the destruction upon the people? 

3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; (2 Thessalonians 2:1-3)

What causes the falling away?
Who are those falling away?
Why do they fall away and not endure sound doctrine?
Why do the voice of the people choose this way of life?

Son of Righteousness:

3 Nephi 26: (quick summary of the Saviors Sermon)

Notwithstanding all persecution—behold, [The righteous] are they which shall not perish. (vs 8)

But the Son of Righteousness shall appear unto them; and he shall heal them (vs 9)
When the Spirit ceaseth to strive with man then cometh speedy destruction (vs 11)

Prophesy of the Last Days:

I prophesy unto you concerning the last days; (vs 14)

20 And the Gentiles are lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and have stumbled, because of the greatness of their stumbling block [Alma 4:8,10, the church became one when the voice of the people choose iniquity], that they have built up many churches; nevertheless, they put down the power and miracles of God, and preach up unto themselves their own wisdom and their own learning, that they may get gain and grind upon the face of the poor.
21 And there are many churches built up which cause envyings, and strifes, and malice.

Blind Guides: What is a Blind Guide?

4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: (2 Peter 1:4-10)

Will not Enter in themselves: How do you Recognize a Blind Guide?

 Well by their fruits is one way but what did Christ say about the Pharisees?

"Ye blind guides" (Mathew 23, vs 16,17,19, 24, 26) they are called a blind guide.

13 ¶But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye paytithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. (Matthew 23)

Cannot Find Fault: Why do a group of people not recognize a Blind Guide? 

28 Yea, ye will lift him up, and ye will give unto him of your substance; ye will give unto him of your gold, and of your silver, and ye will clothe him with costly apparel; and because he speaketh flattering words unto you, and he saith that all is well, then ye will not find fault with him. 
29 O ye wicked and ye perverse generation; ye hardened and ye stiffnecked people, how long will ye suppose that the Lord will suffer you? Yea, how long will ye suffer yourselves to be led by foolish and blind guides? Yea, how long will ye choose darkness rather than light? (Helamen 13:28)

One Has Not Seen Heaven: What was the difference between Sherem the Antichrist and Jacob?

The scriptures are taken from Jacob 7.

Jacob: 5 And he had hope to shake me from the faith, notwithstanding the many revelations and the many things which I had seen concerning these things; for I truly had seen angels, and they had ministered unto me. And also, I had heard the voice of the Lord speaking unto me in very word, from time to time; wherefore, I could not be shaken.

Sherem: 4 And he was learned, that he had a perfect knowledge of the language of the people; wherefore, he could use much flattery, and much power of speech, according to the power of the devil.

So Jacob had revelations, visions, angels, and the voice of hte Lord, Sherem was merely learned. Sherem understood the scriptures, so he professed (vs 10). Yet he did not understand them (vs 11) and claimed to be only saved by the law of Moses (vs 7).

It is Vain to Minister Without This: Must one see Heaven to be a Minister of Christ?

Salvation cannot come without revelation; it is in vain for anyone to minister without it [revelation]. No man is a minister of Jesus Christ without being a Prophet. No man can be a minister of Jesus Christ except he has the testimony of Jesus; and this is the spirit of prophecy. Whenever salvation has been administered, it has been by testimony. Men of the present time testify of heaven and hell, and have never seen either; and I will say that no man knows these things without this.
Joseph Fielding Smith (editor), Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 160

 This is exactly what Sherem did, the AntiChrist. Revelation is how one had knowledge to confound the AntiChrist.

No Reverence for Blind Guides: Who are the Gods we should have reverence for?

to the Christian world, who are blindly led by the blind.1 I will refer to another Scripture. “Now,”says God, when He visited Moses in the bush,2 (Moses was a stammering sort of a boy like me)3 God said, “Thou shalt be a God unto the children of Israel.”4 God said, “Thou shalt be a God unto Aaron, and he shall be thy spokesman.”5 I believe those Gods that God reveals as Gods to be sons of God,6 and all can cry, “Abba, Father!”7 Sons of God who exalt themselves to be Gods, even from before the foundation of the world,8 and are the only Gods I have a reverence for (TPJS, pg 375)

False Christs: Are we deceived Today?

24For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. (Matthew 24:24)

Why is it almost possible if it is? What allows them to not be deceived?

Will Testify of Christ: Will a true servant testify of Christ?

2 And again, more blessed are they who shall believe in your words because that ye shall testify that ye have seen me, and that ye know that I am. Yea, blessed are they who shall believe in yourwords, and come down into the depths of humility and be baptized, for they shall be visited with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and shall receive a remission of their sins. (3 Nephi 12:2)

Manifestion for Themselves: Shall we always rely on Human Testimony?

Q. Is the knowledge of the existence of God a matter of mere tradition, founded upon human testimony alone, until a person receives a manifestation of God to themselves?
A. It is. (LOF, Lecture 2, here)