Shadows

I have been pondering about shadows and how all things typify of Christ. Is there a symbol hidden within an animal whose shadow is cast upon the earth or the Lords footstool?

I was pondering over a few questions which I don't have answers to. Why does the sun reflect the light off the living creature and create a lesser light or shadow on the ground? The animal which is alive and animated, kind of like a higher self, is reflecting lesser light onto the earth due to the sun. Is this a symbol of the Lord dividing the Light from the darkness (moon, the lesser light)? Is dividing a form of creation or a creative act? Could it be possible that the Holy Ghost, a higher self or light, reflects and animates something like a lesser light? That which maketh alive all things? Why do these things get their animation from the Son? Why is the Son like the Word of God, or Light and Truth? Why is the shadow below the bird, where it seems like it becomes "asunder" (or below), being divided?

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

Is this a symbol of this verse? Why would the word of God need to divide asunder both Soul and Spirit? Why does God need to do this? What is it purpose? What is a soul? How is that different than a spirit? Can you divide something that is inseparably connected?

29 Yea, we see that whosoever will may lay hold upon the word of God, which is quick and powerful, which shall divide asunder all the cunning and the snares and the wiles of the devil, and lead the man of Christ in a strait and narrow course across that everlasting gulf of misery which is prepared to engulf the wicked—
30 And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the right hand of God in the kingdom of heaven, to sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and with Jacob, and with all our holy fathers, to go no more out. (Helamen 3:29-30)

Why would the Lord need to cut asunder all cords? (See Psalms 129:4) What is a cord? What does it come from? What does it cause us to do or become? Is this similar to the chains of hell? (See Alma 11:9-11) Again does the word of God relate to knowledge? Can you speak the word of God if you don't have knowledge of what the word of God is? Does the Lord tell us to first seek to obtain my Word than shall ye declare it? Does declaring the Word of God bring power? Does this tie into the Doctrine of Christ?

3 Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do. (2 Nephi 32:3)

Why do angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost? Why do they speak the words of Christ? Why do the words of Christ tell us all things what ye should do? Why does the Holy Ghost manifest the truth of all things unto us? Does the shadow represent something here on earth? Does the Holy Ghost represent something higher, the true and living creature? What does it mean to receive the Holy Ghost? Why does the telestial word receive its ministration from the Holy Spirit, or angels, or the terrestrial world?

How do all things below represent things above? Does the shadow give us a representation of the bird above?

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; (D&C 88:6)
And he lifted up his voice to heaven, and cried, saying: O, how long, O Lord, wilt thou suffer that thy servants shall dwell here below in the flesh, to behold such gross wickedness among the children of men? (Alma 31:26)

How is 'below' tied into "in the flesh" or tabernacle. What is above? What is below? Is one a greater light, things as they were, are, and to be? The lesser light something that is temporary given (ie. a tabernacle; see Lectures on Faith) from the greater light that moves and has life? The lesser portion moves and behaves based off the original greater light. Again what does it mean to cut asunder both spirit and soul? How is cutting asunder related to dividing? (See 3 Nephi 8:6) Is this part of the creative act of the 7 days? God spoke the word of god, and it was done? Why does the 7 days continuously talks about dividing different elements?

My Journey Through The LDS Church

When you pass through all the rites of the LDS Church it begins and ends at almost the same point. The starting point is believing Joseph Smith, inspired by James 1:5, asked God and received an answer--and you can too. The ending point involves an ordinance which promises you further light and knowledge by conversing with the Lord through the veil. Both at the beginning and the end of the LDS journey you are told to speak with God and expect an answer.

[T]hough we cannot claim these promises which were made to the ancients …we can approach the Father in the name of Christ as they approached him, and for ourselves obtain the same promises. These promises, when obtained, if ever by us, will not be because Peter, John and the other apostles, with the churches at Sardis, Purgamos, Philadelphia, and elsewhere, walked in the fear of God and had power and faith to prevail and obtain them; but it will be because we, ourselves, have faith and approach him in the name of his Son Jesus Christ, even as they did; and when these promises are obtained, they will be promises directly to us, or they will do us no good; communicated for our benefit; being our own property, (through the gift of God,) earned by our own diligence in keeping his commandments, and walking uprightly before him.  (Joseph Smith Papers, Documents, vol 3, pp. 483-484)

A Question and Answer

I have been struggling trying to obtain the greater portion of the word and obtaining great knowledge and understanding of the gospel.   I am conflicted. I am unsure as to the worth of books written of doctrinal teachings of latter-day Prophets and apostles after Joseph Smith, or if I should just delve into the scriptures and focus solely on them? I don't have time to do both.   The Lord tells us to rely on the things which are written, but then we are told a living prophet is more valuable then the scriptures. Why do I need their interpretations and insights, especially when many of them aren't all correct?   Is not scriptural interpretation and understanding given by the Holy Ghost? Is the Prophet the only one to interpret scripture? Seems false to me. I have learned the most from the scriptures when I have gone outside of our leaders books and teachings. None of them seem to understand Isaiah for example. Even Nephi said that in order to understand Isaiah one needed the spirit of prophecy and revelation.   Maybe I am answering my own question, but just wondering what you think. Thanks!

*******
Here is my thoughts.

To write the words of Eternal Life requires one who has the promise of Eternal life. They can be mortal but they must have received and been sealed up by the Holy Spirit of Promise. Can you elevate those if you are not on higher ground? Can you lift someone up a mountain at the bottom of it? Can you know how to get to a destination you have never been to without a guide? Where would I spend my time? In the book of Mormon. The LDS church was put under condemnation because they took lightly that book (See D&C 84:55). Now, today, that book is hardly mentioned, hardly understood, and the mysteries contained therein are still "sealed". If I was told that it contains the fulness of the gospel. If I was told and believe it to be true; that it contains the covenants of the fathers that we may not be utterly wasted at His coming than I would spend my time understanding that book. (See the title page https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/bofm-title). That book is sufficient for our day. I value the Words of Joseph Smith because he has expounded those scriptures to us in such a way that it hard to error. The Lord also vouched for Joseph Smith and what was give to us through him. Don't learn from others opinions of what he said. Go to the source. For if they are wrong and you believe it, it could hinder your progression.

Here is my thought process. Joseph calimed to be a witness of the Father and the Son. The book of Mormon gives us witness after witness of those who have also seen and heard Him. I just read 3 nephi 27 today here is what the Lords disciples teach. "The disciples of Jesus were journeying and were preaching the things which they had both heard and seen". (vs 1). The duty of a "high priest' is to do one thing. They teach. Don't confuse this with the office in the LDS church. That office is not found therein. They used to have an office of Church Patriarch which Jospeh declared to be the "highest office". It was put into Emeritus status in 1979 and with the passing of Eldred G Smith it has been abandoned. Now I'm getting side tracked :).

Alma 13 tells us what High Priests after the Holy Order of the Son do, "priests were ordained after the order of his Son, in a manner that thereby the people might know in what manner to look forward to his Son for redemption." (vs 2). They have received a "a preparatory redemption for such." They "teach his commandments unto the children of men, that they also might enter into his rest—" (vs 6). This is what Moses did as seen in D&C 84:23-25.

23 Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might [also] behold the face of God;
24 But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his angerwas kindled against them, swore that they should notenter 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;

It is a struggle. I struggle daily. I have my own doubts and weaknesses. But I have learned to know that my weaknesses were given to me by Him. I have begun to learn to accept them as gifts. THEY will NOT prevent you from rising up. Ask Him to remove that anvil from you, and in his time He will do it after you learn what is required. Whatever place you are at in your progression he can lift you and succor you and give you the knowledge you need to remove those doubts. What I used to doubt has now been replaced by things I didn't think were issues (because the Lord has replaced doubt with knowledge but also showing me "what lack I yet?" causing other doubts). I don't doubt the truths of the book of mormon, the restoration, or whats happening here and now. In our day. The signs are before us and the people can't even see the scriptures being fulfilled before their eyes. It makes my heart ache. I do struggle to determine what was given by God and what was given by Men however, including the voices that come daily to me in my heart/head, thus you need the holy ghost to guide you.

The doctrine of Christ is as follows.

"20 Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day." (3 Nephi 27)

The Holy Ghosts job is to sanctify you and make you clean. It will manifest the truth of all things unto you (2 Nehi 32:1-7). Trust in it. Even if it contradicts what others have "stated". You must learn to distinguish between "good and evil". You must learn how to govern yourself. For only the "righteous can deliver their own souls" (See Ezekial 14). You may choose wrong. But if you continue to call upon God, he can teach you through it and you can eventually learn truth from error in all things. He will correct you if you allow him to in due time.

The Lords servants teach you to rise up that you may receive the Holy Ghost and eventually enter into the rest of the Lord. They point TO Christ. NOT to themselves. I would avoid anyone who claims you should follow them. The Holy Ghost will lead you to eternal life. Sometimes we need a messenger to teach us how to "walk" but once we learn that we cannot "depend upon the prophet" else our minds will be darkened. You must learn to walk and walk the path. You do that by relying upon God and He alone. For He will guide you. The Israelites failed because they wanted Moses to talk to God, give them good doctrine, know whats right and wrong, etc... Theres a story of Laman and Lemuel going to nephi and they ask him a question regarding God. Nephi says, why are you asking me? Go ask God! Than he answers them. It shows the pattern. While he was willing to answer, to help them learn of God, that hopefully the light in the words would allow them to go to God and get their own answers, he really wanted them to stop asking him and go straight to God. So a messenger will teach you to gain your own relationship with God.

Measure everything against the Book of Mormon. Its sufficient for our day. When the Lord "added" the Law of moses he did not fulfill it until the dispensation had ended and a new one had ushered in. The Lord at this time is willing to usher something in again, anew, but first we must remember what he has already given us. Interesting how one of the few commandments given out of the saviors own mouth was to study the words of Isaiah. Like you said few understand it. I certainly don't understand it. Isaiah used old revelation to tell "new revelation" of what was about to happen to us today.

If you want to understand God, you will have to accomplish that in the same way as all who went before. Take Enoch and Abraham as examples. They studied everything they could find before asking God to show them more. God refused to move their intelligence upward until after they had first obtained a sound understanding, by study and by faith, of what He had previously revealed to the fathers. (See Abr. 1: 28, D&C 107: 57, for example.) These past saved men were not merely simpletons like us, surfing the web and looking to the blogosphere to provide them shortcuts, or waiting for some "president" to reveal whats required for them. It requires sacrifice, service, and the timing of the Lord. Wait upon Him to teach you, he knows when we are prepared. Trust in Him.

There is a great lecture by Joseph Smith. I would read it even if you have before. Heres the link to the Joseph Smith papers. I copied an excerpt at the bottom.

http://josephsmithpapers.org/paperSummary/letter-to-silas-smith-26-september-1833#!/paperSummary/letter-to-silas-smith-26-september-1833&p=1

" I may believe that Enoch walked with God <and by faith was translated. And I may [believe] that Noah was a perfect man in his generation & also walked with God.> I may believe that Abraham communed with God and conversed with angels. I may believe that Isaac obtained a renewal of the covenant made to Abraham by the direct voice of the Lord. I may believe that Jacob conversed with holy angels and heard the word of his Maker. that he wrestled with the angel until he prevailed and obtained a blessing I may believe that Elijah was taken to Heaven in a chariot of fire with fiery horses I may believe that the [p. 231] saints saw the Lord and conversed with him face to face aft er his resurection I may believe that the Hebrew Church came to Mount Zion and unto the city of the living God the Heaven ly Jerusalem and to an inumerable company of angels. I may believe that they looked into Eternity and saw the Judge of all, and Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant; but will all this purchase an assurance for me, or waft me to the regions of Eternal day with my garments spotless, pure, and white? Or, must I not rather obtain for myself, by my own faith and dilligence, in keeping the commandments of the Lord, an assurance of salvation for myself And have I not an equal priviledge with the ancient saints? and will not the Lord hear my prayers, and listen to my cries, as soon [as] he ever did to their’s if I come to him in the manner they did or is he a respecter of persons?"

A Day of Burning & Desolation

3rd Nephi 29:4

4 And when ye shall see these sayings coming forth among you, then ye need not any longer spurn at the doings of the Lord, for the sword of his justice is in his right hand; and behold, at that day, if ye shall spurn at his doings he will cause that it shall soon overtake you.

Doctrine & Covenants 38:13-14
13 And now I show unto you a mystery, a thing which is had in secret chambers, to bring to pass even your destruction in process of time, and ye knew it not;
14 But now I tell it unto you, and ye are blessed, not because of your iniquity, neither your hearts of unbelief; for verily some of you are guilty before me, but I will be merciful unto your weakness.
D&C 38:28-30
28 And again, I say unto you that the enemy in the secret chambers seeketh your lives.
29 Ye hear of wars in far countries, and you say that there will soon be great wars in far countries, but ye know not the hearts of men in your own land.
30 I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.

3rd Nephi 14:15-23

15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them.

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shallenter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day: Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name have cast out devils, and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them: I never knew you;depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

D&C 64:32

32 But all things must come to pass in their time.

D&C 64:38-39

38 For it shall come to pass that the inhabitants of Zion shall judge all things pertaining to Zion.

39 And liars and hypocrites shall be proved by them, and they who are not apostles and prophets shall be known.

3rd Nephi 27:8-12
8 And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses’ name then it be Moses’ church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel.
9 Verily I say unto you, that ye are built upon my gospel; therefore ye shall call whatsoever things ye do call, in my name; therefore if ye call upon the Father, for the church, if it be in my name the Father will hear you;
10 And if it so be that the church is built upon my gospel then will the Father show forth his own works in it.
[11 But if it be not built upon my gospel, and is built upon the works of men, or upon the works of the devil, verily I say unto you they have joy in their works for a season, and by and by the end cometh, and they are hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence there is no return.]
12 For their works do follow them, for it is because of their works that they are hewn down; therefore remember the things that I have told you.

Deuteronomy 18-20
But the prophet, which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.
2 Corinthians 6:16-18
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Mathew 5:33-37

33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:

34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne:

35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.

36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Ether 8:14-26 14 And it came to pass that they all sware unto him, by the God of heaven, and also by the heavens, and also by the earth, and by their heads, that whoso should vary from the assistance which Akish desired should lose his head; and whoso should divulge whatsoever thing Akish made known unto them, the same should lose his life.

15 And it came to pass that thus they did agree with Akish. And Akish did administer unto them the oaths which were given by them of old who also sought power, which had been handed down even from Cain, who was a murderer from the beginning.

16 And they were kept up by the power of the devil to administer these oaths unto the people, to keep them in darkness, to help such as sought power to gain power, and to murder, and to plunder, and to lie, and to commit all manner of wickedness and whoredoms.

17 And it was the daughter of Jared who put it into his heart to search up these things of old; and Jared put it into the heart of Akish; wherefore, Akish administered it unto his kindred and friends, leading them away by fair promises to do whatsoever thing he desired.

18 And it came to pass that they formed a secret combination, even as they of old; which combination is most abominable and wicked above all, in the sight of God;

19 For the Lord worketh not in secret combinations, neither doth he will that man should shed blood, but in all things hath forbidden it, from the beginning of man.

20 And now I, Moroni, do not write the manner of their oaths and combinations, for it hath been made known unto me that they are had among all people, and they are had among the Lamanites.

21 And they have caused the destruction of this people of whom I am now speaking, and also the destruction of the people of Nephi.

22 And whatsoever nation shall uphold such secret combinations, to get power and gain, until they shall spread over the nation, behold, they shall be destroyed; for the Lord will not suffer that the blood of his saints, which shall be shed by them, shall always cry unto him from the ground for vengeance upon them and yet he avenge them not.

23 Wherefore, O ye Gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these things should be shown unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you, which are built up to get power and gain—and the work, yea, even the work of destruction come upon you, yea, even the sword of the justice of the Eternal God shall fall upon you, to your overthrow and destruction if ye shall suffer these things to be.

24 Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you; or wo be unto it, because of the blood of them who have been slain; for they cry from the dust for vengeance upon it, and also upon those who built it up.

25 For it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries; and it bringeth to pass the destruction of all people, for it is built up by the devil, who is the father of all lies; even that same liar who beguiled our first parents, yea, even that same liar who hath caused man to commit murder from the beginning; who hath hardened the hearts of men that they have murdered the prophets, and stoned them, and cast them out from the beginning.

26 Wherefore, I, Moroni, am commanded to write these things that evil may be done away, and that the time may come that Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the children of men, but that they may be persuaded to do good continually, that they may come unto the fountain of all righteousness 

and be saved.

Doctrine & Covenants 1:33-39

33 And he that repents not, from him shall be taken even the light which he has received; for my Spirit shall not always strive with man, saith the Lord of Hosts.

34 And again, verily I say unto you, O inhabitants of the earth: I the Lord am willing to make these things known unto all flesh;

35 For I am no respecter of persons, and will that all men shall know that the day speedily cometh; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand, when peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion.

36 And also the Lord shall have power over his saints, and shall reign in their midst, and shall come down in judgment upon Idumea, or the world.

37 Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.

38 What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.

39 For behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever. Amen.

Doctrine & Covenants 45:24-35

24 And this I have told you concerning Jerusalem; and when that day shall come, shall a remnant be scattered among all nations; 25 But they shall be gathered again; but they shall remain until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. 26 And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth.27 And the love of men shall wax cold, and iniquity shall abound.28 And when the times of the Gentiles is come in, a lightshall break forth among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the fulness of my gospel; 29 But they receive it not; for they perceive not the light, and they turn their hearts from me because of the preceptsof men 30 And in that generation shall the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. 31 And there shall be men standing in that generation, that shall not pass until they shall see an overflowingscourge; for a desolating sickness shall cover the land. 32 But my disciples shall stand in holy places, and shall not be moved; but among the wicked, men shall lift up their voices and curse God and die. 33 And there shall be earthquakes also in divers places, and many desolations; yet men will harden their hearts against me, and they will take up the sword, one against another, and they will kill one another. 34 And now, when I the Lord had spoken these words unto my disciples, they were troubled. 35 And I said unto them: Be not troubled, for, when all these things shall come to pass, ye may know that the promises which have been made unto you shall be fulfilled.

Requires Sacrifice to Obtain the Blessings of Heaven

"What many people call sin is not sin; I do many things to break down superstition, and I will break it down; I referred to the curse of Ham for laughing at Noah, while in his wine, but doing no harm. Noah was a righteous man, and yet he drank wine and became intoxicated; the Lord did not forsake him in consequence thereof, for he retained all the power of his Priesthood, and when he was accused by Canaan, he cursed him by the Priesthood which he held, and the Lord had respect to his word, and the Priesthood which he held, notwithstanding he was drunk, and the curse remains upon the posterity of Canaan until the present day." ~Joseph Smith (November 7, 1841.) DHC 4:445-446.

I consistently see that which some believe to be sin is not sin. Joseph wanted to break down superstitions.

There are so many distractions given to us in this world. They are given for a wise purpose by the Lord. I believe they are given to test us and prove us. To prevent those who in their envy and ambition would take the truths that are covered up and hidden within for their own evil designs. For it is the ambition of almost ALL men who get a little authority to use it to get gain and use it for compulsion upon the souls of men. It also prevents the ill prepared to learn those things that they are not ready to heed or willing to pay the price to obtain. It takes great sacrifice to obtains the things of heavens. We must be “one who possessed great knowledge, and [desire] to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge.” WE must first search for the truth. THAT is now our challenge. But we cannot do that when we are in a false sense of security that we have all the truth, or unwilling to pay the sacrifice to obtain it, including our own lives.

I normally don't share my dreams but I feel impressed upon to share one.

Feb 21, 2013
I remember being outside following a large path/spring. At the end of the path was this main spring of water that I had been following the stream to get to. I appeared or walked back inside a building where I knew people and was waiting for people that I knew to come and spend the night with me. This room happened to be almost at the end of the path. I was making my bed than I remember taking a look outside the window of the room I was in and saw the following.

How can you expect to do in 3 years what it took Isaiah 33 years to do in this lifetime? (the rest of the parable faded my mind) The answer to the parable, Is that if it took Joseph smith to do something in 30 years how can you expect to be able to do it in 3 years? It requires great sacrifice to attain the things of heaven. Will you sacrifice carnal securities (different items were shown before me) in place of things that we need (other items were shown before me in comparison to the previous ones). The more we sacrifice the greater the blessing we are able to have in the heavens. Will you set your things on the items of the carnal mind related to temporally items or buy the items that will last you a lifetime (food, things of spiritual worth). If you expect to receive something in the 3 years it will require that much more sacrifice to be able to achieve all the things Isaiah achieved in his 33 years. That is the meaning of the things shown to me.

Something clearly stated at the end, “as it is written In an apocrypha; Elias ascends to heaven.”

If we wish to gain an eternal reward like those who have gone before we must offer the same sacrifice. For we will all be tried even as Abraham. We must in our patience obtain the reward. We must endure to the end, worlds without end, to gain eternal life. It will be a long while after the promise (or covenant) that the reward is bestowed upon us. We have an opportunity now, in this life, to those who will give heed, to in the "first place" prove ourselves and be "prepared and called" after the Holy Order of the Son. And if we continue faithful, having choosen good and exceedingly great faith, we will be called upon by the Lord in some other place, some other rung of progression, to continue the Lords ministry. Do not sleep away this life. There is so much work to be done. The work required for each of us is the same for the Lord is the prototype of a saved man and we must be precisely like Him.

What should we Sacrifice?
It does no good to sacrifice things of our own free will if not asked to do so. It will have no eternal reward. The sacrifice must be asked of us by Him (See Lectures on Faith). As in the story of the two men, Luke 18, who prayed to God, "God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I posses." He was not accepted by the Lord. It was the sinner who observed not the religious practices but offered up a broken heart and a contrite spirit who said "God be merciful to me a sinner." It is not hte level of our observance to "outward ordinances" but rather the heart or as the Lord says behold the kingdom of God is within YOU. Perhaps instead of looking outward we should instead begin to look inward. If we can take care of the inward in due time the outward will take care of itself.

Response to Gods Messengers
Gods messengers do not teach using flattery. They won't tell you are righteous and are in a saved state when we all, equally, fall short of the glory of God. Look at the reaction of the people who heard King Benjamins sermon.

1 And now, it came to pass that when king Benjamin had made an end of speaking the words which had been delivered unto him by the angel of the Lord, that he cast his eyes round about on the multitude, and behold they had fallen to the earth, for the fear of the Lord had come upon them.
2 And they had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth. And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying: O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men. (Mosiah 4:1-2)

Moroni told us to work out our salvation's with "fear and trembling" (Mormon 9:27). If we are not doing that, if we believe we are "righteous" when there is none good but God than truly we cannot say we have "spiritually been born of God", that "ye received his image in your countenances" and "experienced this mighty change in your hearts." If you are not stripped of this pride or envy ye are not prepared to meet your God. (See Alma 5). Gods gospel causes one to 'fear and tremble' for their salvation. The reaction by these people show how the Holy Ghost, when it manifests truth, can cause you to quake and fall to the earth in fear because YOU realize how wicked, how unrighteous, how impure, how no matter how much you do, you cannot measure up. That it is only by calling upon God that you have any hope in being raised from the grave. In luke 18 one man thought he was righteous due to the ordinances and pristine observance to the practice of his day. The other offered all he could, a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

What will God Acknowledge?

“God will not acknowledge that which He has not called, ordained, and chosen. In the beginning God called Adam by His own voice. “And the Lord called unto Adam and said unto him, where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, and hid myself.” (See Genesis 3:9-10.) Adam received commandments and instructions from God: this was the order from the beginning." -Joseph Smith

This is the order after His son. Those called after this order of priesthood, the patriarchal priesthood or fulness of the priesthood, receive it one way. By Gods voice. As the Oath states "I now confirm upon you who are present this day, by mine own voice out of the heavens" (D&C 84:42) or as Joseph put it "the Keys of this priesthood consisted in obtaining the voice of Jehovah that he talked with him in a familiar and friendly manner." (Joseph Smith Papers, here) No man has these keys until they obtain this voice out of the heavens. Also seen in the Joseph Smith Translation of Genesis 14. "And it was delivered unto men by the calling of his own voice" (JST Genesis 14:29) Notice its His voice not mans. By His calling not mans. No man can bestow this power except God. Thus "All the prophets had the Melchizedek Priesthood and were ordained by God himself." (TPJS, pp. 180-81)

It is in this way God prevents those who in their ambition would otherwise use it for their own purposes and they begin to imitate it thinking they can bestow this power upon another. We must be precisely or exactly like Christ, the prototype of the saved man, to receive these greater blessings.

Only they will be called, prepared, and ordained to this higher ministry.

As Helamen 10 shows only if were willing to do His will having first shown we are faithful He will declare this power to us by His voice in the presence of His angels.

Faith By Works.
Alma 13 shows how those who are called to be a high priest after the Order of His Son, having in the first place choosen good works, is to teach others that they also might enter into His rest. That is what the Lords servants do. They teach others what is required to enter into the rest of the Lord while in the flesh. That "ye should humble yourselves before God, and bring forth fruit meet for repentance, that ye may also enter into that rest." (vs 13). You see these are those who have already entered into the rest of the Lord. They teach that ye may "also enter into that rest."

And what works are we asked to give for without works faith is dead? Joseph defined these works or faith as the following.

3 Let us here offer some explanation in relation to faith that our meaning may be clearly comprehended: We ask, then, what are we to understand by a man's working by faith? We answer: We understand that when a man works by faith he works by mental exertion instead of physical force: it is by words instead of exerting his physical powers, with which every being works when he works by faith-- (Lectures on Faith, Lecture 7)

It required mental exertion instead of physical force to exercise faith. Faith by words, for God said, let there be Light and there was Light. Words have power. For He is the Word and it was by the power of Gods word, or the messenger of salvation even Jesus Christ, that the worlds were created. This is why it requires those after the Order of His son to also teach others to enter into His rest. To increase ones faith it requires to hear the word of God by one sent by Him. This is how those called to be "high priests" exercise faith. Or they (we) do as James 1:5 directs, they ask, doubting not, having full confidence before god, without wavering, believing all things, and receive according to their desires. (this is all mental excretion)

Joseph taught,

"The world always mistook false prophets for true ones, and those that were sent of God, they considered to be false prophets, and hence they killed, stoned, punished and imprisoned the true prophets, and these had to hide themselves ‘in deserts and dens, and caves of the earth’ [see Hebrews 11:38], and though the most honorable men of the earth, they banished them from their society as vagabonds, whilst they cherished, honored and supported knaves, vagabonds, hypocrites, impostors, and the basest of men"

It requires a great sacrifice to be one of the Lord servants. His servants are willing to sacrifice all things, even their lives, to be His servants. They are strangers and foreigners here. They are living in exile in the wilderness. Because they have come up to a "general assembly of God." (See D&C 76) They have received a new family. They become entirely unwelcome here.

As to Zion
Just because you have the idea in front of you doesn't mean you have any concept of what will be required to have the angels gather you into that company. It is like the notion that you're going to be "exalted" without any idea that the eternities are completely isolated from the unworthy. No one will or can be "exalted" who is not adequately prepared. Anyone who attains that status will be required first to suffer what is suffered, minister what is required to be ministered, to prove here their fitness. How could a selfish soul ever provide to their ungrateful and abusive offspring everything necessary for them to develop? Exalted beings sacrifice themselves, and endure punishment on behalf of the guilty. They take upon themselves burdens which they do not deserve. They forgive, they succor, they uplift the unworthy. Pride is incompatible, and selfishness utterly disqualifies a soul from "exaltation." The principles which govern there are hardly understood here. Most people imagine they will be able to employ means much like Lucifer's to accomplish their expected outcome. They have no concept of the sacrifices and selflessness required to be trusted by the Lord. He is the prototype of the saved man. He lived His entire existence as a sacrifice. Read 3 Ne. 11: 11 and you will find in His introduction of Himself what a saved man must do. There is no other way. The prideful expectation that someone here is going to attain that status hereafter is based, for the most part, on foolishness and vanity, uninformed by the great things required to become like our Lord. Only those who are exactly like Him will be given that status in the eternities. Zion will be formed from people who are willing to endure His presence. That is no small thing.

What is the "Abrahamic test?"
The Lord adapts the test required to prove a person to their unique circumstances. The test given to Abraham was adapted perfectly to him. To understand how great the sacrifice was, the account needed to inform us of the difficulty encountered by him and Sarah to obtain this child of promise. We needed to know the promised future inheritance of a posterity as numerous as the sand or the stars was tied directly to this son's survival. It was, in the context of Abraham's life and promises from God, the sacrifice of everything. All his hopes, all his promises from God, all his joy with Sarah, all his future descendants were to be laid on the altar and sacrificed. His heart could only be proven through this means. The Abrahamic Test, therefore, will ask the same of you. It will be adapted to what you hope to receive, or have been promised to receive from God. It will end the work of years, and will require you to sacrifice all to God. What one person prizes is never the same as another. What would be easy for one will be nearly impossible for another. The test is adapted to each person. But it will be equally painful, equally difficult and equally proving of the person. Until the heart is tried in this manner we can never know we will submit everything to the Lord. If such a test has not been given you, then it is because the Lord knows you are not prepared to face it. As soon as you are prepared, you will encounter it. For most people they will likely be in their 50's, after having spent many years preparing to overcome themselves. There are notable examples who were much younger, namely Samuel or Joseph Smith. Those are exceptions. Abraham was between 70 and 100, depending on how you reconstruct the chronology. Moses was 80. Those are not atypical examples. Until you know your own heart is purified before God, you cannot bear Him nor have the required faith in Him. This is not an avoidable option, but an essential ingredient in knowing Him. This is why there are years of preparation generally required, and warnings given about continuing forward. The recipient must volunteer. And they must be warned beforehand.

Abraham's great test in sacrificing his son Isaac was all the more difficult when you consider he was nearly sacrificed when he was younger, by his father, on an altar, in a false religious practice. When the true God whom he worshiped asked him to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac, Abraham was put in the exact position he knew from his own past experience to be evil.

Many have stood back in amazement and considered the task given to Abraham to be outrageous, inexplicable and offensive. It was. But it was designed to make us realize how outrageous, inexplicable and offensive the sacrifice of God's Only Begotten was on our behalf. Abraham was one of the few men whose experience allowed him to identify with God the Father.