Elijah Part 2: The Fathers In Eternal Glory: Future Coming of Elijah: Records

First Read Part 1: Promises made to the Fathers

"The spirits of the just are enveloped in flaming fire,...are not far from us, and know and understand our thoughts, feelings, and emotions.. and are often pained therewith." (Joseph Smith, Teachings, p. 326.) 

"office & work of Elijah .. . is one of the greatest & most important subjects that God has revealed." -TJS Ch 26- 

When viewing the degrees of the after life and the requirements we should regard them as levels. The requirements as outlined in D&C 76 are attributes of those who have attained to it or what we must become if we wish to do likewise. And we can obtain it by going from "grace to grace" (See D&C 93).

The quote above talks about some characteristics of these saints that exist in the celestial realm. They are "enveloped in flaming fire" that understand what we are each going through. It's like the Book of Mormon described with Lehi when visited with an Angel; there "came a pillar of fire and dwelt upon a rock before him" (1 Nephi 1:6) where he saw and heard much. When Nephi and Lehi were preaching among the Lamanites they were "cast into prison many days without food" (Helamen 5:21) When the Lamanites returned to slay them, Nephi and Lehi had the following experience:

And it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi were encircled about as if by fire, even insomuch that they durst not lay their hands upon them for fear lest they should be burned. Nevertheless, Nephi and Lehi were not burned; and they were as standing in the midst of fire and were not burned. And when they saw that they were encircled about with a pillar of fire, and that it burned them not, their hearts did take courage. (Helamen 5:23-24)

At this moment Nephi and Lehi had experienced or became as those who "appear as a pillar of light". They "were encircled about with a pillar of fire" showing that they were at this moment like those who also "appear as a pillar of fire". Which glory can be withhold as Christ did on the Road to Emmaus talking with two disciples as man.

Another description was given by Joseph of the afterlife. Joseph taught that the Seraphim are "fiery ones" or the "burning ones." All these words are descriptions of the afterlife. These seraphim are the closest to the throne of God as "shining seraphs around thy throne" (D&C 109:79) It was the seraphim (again a description of a class of angels) that purged the lips of Isaiah "Then flew one of the seraphim unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar; " (2 Nephi 16:6) It was their responsibility of cleansing him. "Thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged" (vs 7) to stand in the presence of God.

The Spirits of the Just:
The spirits of the just are talking about a specific type of people. When talking about the attributes of those who attain to celestial glory it states in Doctrine and Covenants section 76 that they are those,

...who overcome by faith, and ARE sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, (HSOP) which the Father sheds forth upon all those who are just and true. (vs 56)

An inheritance is obtained by the HSOP. "In Him also we have obtained an inheritance... the Holy Spirit of promise, who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession" (Ephesians 1:10-14). The HSOP is a sealing power, that binds whats on earth with whats in heaven. It is given as the promise of eternal life. D&C 76 states that they "are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise" meaning they have received it in this life. Its describing the characteristics of those who obtain to that glory.

The early saints at one time received this promise as recorded in D&C 88.

3 Wherefore, I now send upon you another Comforter, even upon you my friends, that it may abide in your hearts, even the Holy Spirit of promise; which other Comforter is the same that I promised unto my disciples, as is recorded in the testimony of John.4 This Comforter is the promise which I give unto you of eternal life, even the glory of the celestial kingdom;5 Which glory is that of the church of the Firstborn, even of God, the holiest of all, through Jesus Christ his Son— (vs 3-5)

Testimony of Jesus:
The testimony of Jesus is not the HG but rather to be sealed by the HSOP.

"To be sealed with the Holy Spirit of Promise that is the Testimony of Jesus.” (WJS, pg 209)

This is another characteristic of the Celestial. We can see those who are terrestial in D&C 76 that they are those "Who received not the testimony of Jesus [which is to be sealed by the HSOP] in the flesh, but afterwards received it.". They did not receive the HSOP but afterwards received it [beyond the grave].

Joseph said regarding the sealing of Elijah,

To obtain this sealing [of Elijah] is to make our calling and election sure which we ought to give all diligence to accomplish (WJS, Franklin D. Richards Diary)

The power of Elijah is connected with one receiving their calling and election (being sealed by the HSOP). It is this promise (C&E) given by God that we are able to obtain a promise for our posterity.

Make your calling and election sure go on from grace to grace untill you obtain a promise from God for yourselves that you shall have eternal life. this is eternal life to know God and his son Jesus Christ, it is to be sealed up unto eternal life and obtain a promise for our posterity. Whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, this is the power of Elijah to seal or bind or turn the hearts of the fathers to their children sealed against all sin but the sin of sheding innocent blood and the Sin against the holy ghost. (WJS, James Burgess Notebook)

Receiving Sealing Power - Individuals:
D&C 68:3-4 relates the power of the Holy Ghost to seal:

“And this is the ensample unto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost. And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation.” [Verse 12 adds,] “And of as many as the Father shall bear record, to you shall be given power to seal them up unto eternal life. Amen.”

There is power to seal when moved by the Holy Ghost. That authority anyone can receive on a case-by-case basis. When Christ was brought to the temple at Jerusalem, the prophetess Anna had the power of the Holy Ghost within her. It was the Holy Spirit of Promise that made the declaration through her. In these moments, the one moved simply declares, by the voice of prophecy, what God has done. Women have used this power when moved upon by the Holy Ghost. The first meeting of the school of the prophets in Kirtland, Ohio included both men and women. In the meeting the gift of tongues “was poured out in a miraculous manner” on not only the church’s elders but also “several of the members of the Church both male & female.” Sealing is by the word of God, and in a real sense it is obtained by an ordinance. It is the power of prophecy, and that gift can be experienced by all. The prophetic word contains the power to seal when it originates from God.

While all can experience at times this power through the Holy Ghost it is different than the Spirit of Elijah or the future coming of Elijah.

Role of the Spirit of Elias:
The HSOP is about individuals being sealed to God but the Power of Elijah isn't just about individuals but familial. From the years of 1840-1844 Joseph consistently (at least 6 times) taught about the future need for Elijah to come again and restore the power of Elijah. He never once stated he had already come. In-fact Joseph states the following regarding the role of Elias and Elijah.

"What I want to impress upon your minds is, the difference of power in the different parts of the Priesthood, so that when any man comes among you saying I have the spirit of Elias you can know whether he be true or fals, for any man that comes having the spirit & power of Elias he will not transend his bounds.

John [The Baptist] did not transend his bound but faithfully performed that part belonging to his office, and evry portion of the great building should be prepared right & assigned to its proper place, & it is necessary to know who holds the keys of power & who dont, or we may be likely to be decieved. (WJS, Wilford Woodruff Diary, 10 March 1844)

Those who hold the keys of the "Spirit of Elias" hath a "preparatory work" "His [John's or Spirit of Elijas] mission was to preach repentance & baptize with water, but it was he that should Come after him that should baptise with fire & the Holy Ghost" (ibid). Not once did John the Baptist transcend his bounds but left the "greater work" to others.

Role of The Spirit of Elijah:
Joseph explains about the role of Elijah, "him that should bapitse with fire & the Holy Ghost", was found among the Apostles who were "endowed with greater power than John". The people that were baptized by water under John or Elias - still needed to be baptized with fire - or receive the gift of the Holy Ghost under one with power to do so or from God directly - under the Spirit of Elijah.

"When paul came to Certain Deciples He asked if they had received the Holy Ghost they said no, who baptized you then we were Baptizd unto Johns Baptism No John did not baptized you for he did his work right, & so Paul went & baptized them for He knew what the true doctrine was & he knew that John Had not Baptised them" (ibid)

The apostles knew John's work was baptism by water, not of that of the Holy Ghost. Therefore they batpized the people "with fire & the Holy Ghost". 3 Nephi also distinguishes between these two powers. When bestowing the power to baptize by water the Lord called Nephi forth and said to Nephi "I give unto you power that ye shall baptize this people" The Lord also called others forth and "gave unto them power to baptize" (3 Nephi 11:21-23). All it took was the Lords "words" to give them power. Never did the Lord touch them.

Than the Lord distinguishes between this group and another group, the disciples, AFTER instituting the sacrament and the crowd partaking thereof. He called the disciples before Him.

"He touched with his hand the disciples whom he had chosen, one by one, even until he had touched them all, and spake unto them as he touched them. And the multitude heard not the words which he spake, therefore they did not bear record; but the disciples bare record that he gave them power to give the Holy Ghost.. (3 Nephi 18: 36-37)

The disciples were the only ones with power to give the Holy Ghost. And it required the Lord to "touch them" to receive that power "one by one". Whereas the power to baptize was merely given by the Lord speaking to the people.This power was given after they and the people had received the sacrament. The disciples were the ONLY ones to receive power to do this and was never delegated to others. Though the Lord always retains the right to "visit others with fire and the holy ghost" (paraphrased, 3 Nephi 11:35).

Coming of Elijah:
Joseph spoke repeatedly about the coming of Elijah and his role. There are three parts of this. There is a "spirit of Elias", Spirit of Elijah", and "Spirit of Messiah" and there is Elijah himself who went up into heaven.

The spirit of Elias is first, Elijah second, and Messiah last. Elias is a forerunner to prepare the way, and the spirit and power of Elijah is to come after, holding the keys of power, building the Temple to the capstone, placing the seals of the Melchizedek Priesthood upon the house of Israel, and making all things ready; then Messiah comes to His Temple, which is last of all…. Elijah was to come and prepare the way and build up the kingdom before the coming of the great day of the Lord, although the spirit of Elias might begin it (ibid, or TPJS, pp. 335, 340).

In an alternate recording in a diary by Thomas Bullock (There were multiple recorders each varying slightly from each other as seen here or as recorded in the Words of Joseph Smith. Wilford Woodruff was the most complete recording) said,

The Spirit of Elias is a forerunner same as John the Baptist-the Spirit of Elijah is the sealing power- to seal the hearts of the Fathers to the children-and the children to the Parents 58 as Paul declared that the Saints of the last days could not be perfect without them-neither can they be perfect without us 59-the Spirit of Messiah is all power in Heaven and in Earth 60- Enthroned in the Heavens as King of Kings and Lord of Lords 61-the Rainbow is not to be seen-it is a sign of the commencement of famine & pestilence (WJS, Thomas Bullock Diary, 10 March 1844)

The angel that appeared to Joseph said the following concerning Elijah,

"Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers. If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming" (D&C 2:1-3; JSH 38-39)

This event, where Elijah comes down out of heaven the same way he went up, must still happen before the Lord comes. It will happen when Zion looks downward and a people have received the truth look upward, and follow it. (See JST Genesis 9:22-23) Elijah is vital as the last one to make the ascent from earth to heaven. He rose up through the fiery corridor, and went to God‘s presence. He joined the ―fathers in heaven who are to return. He was the last who opened the way by his physical ascent and will return as the "hosts of heaven" and "they that come shall burn them[us]" (JSH 1:37) if we cannot abide their presence, or obtained to this greater priesthood that allows one to stand in the presence of God and live. (See D&C 84:20-23) This is why we are required to prepare ourselves, individually, before His return or being gathered to Zion.

This work of Elijah involves a temple. It invovles more than just the individual receivng the power themselves, its familial, which at anytime can receive this power by being sealed by the HSOP or receiving their Calling and Election. As seen in Helamen 10.

Connecting Ourselves with the Fathers In Glory:
Joseph said concerning Elijah,

this is the spirit of Elijah that we redeam our dead & connect ourselves with our fathers which are in heaven & seal up our dead to come forth in the first resurrection & here we want the power of Elijah to seal those who dwell on earth to those which dwell in heaven this is the power of Elijah & the keys of the Kingdom of Jehovah. (WJS)

In order to fulfill the spirit of Elijah in our lives we must "redeem our dead" but we cannot do that unless we ourselves are redeemed. Therefore we must receive our "calling and election" or the promise of eternal life that we ourselves can also take part to redeem our dead who are in the world of spirits. That is the mission of Elijah. If you will receive it, this is the spirit of Elijah: That we redeem our dead, but then connect ourselves with our "fathers which are in heaven". "Our dead" are saved through us, but we are saved by connecting to our "fathers in heaven."

Who are "the fathers who dwell in glory?" Well, go back to the revelation in which Joseph Smith received the sealing power, D&C 132:49. There you learn the sealing power was conferred upon Joseph by God‘s voice: "I the Lord thy God will be with thee even unto the end of the world and through all eternity for verily I seal upon your exaltation. Prepare your throne for you in the kingdom of my Father, with Abraham your father." This is Joseph‘s calling and election. Then, in verse 46 Joseph is given the power to seal: "I say unto you whatsoever you seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven. Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth in my name by my word, saith the Lord, it shall be eternally bound in the heavens. Whosoever‘s sins are remitted on earth shall be eternally remitted eternally in heaven" and so on. This reference to Christ‘s "Father, and [Joseph‘s] father Abraham" is important. The connection was made between Joseph and Abraham, one of the "fathers who dwell in glory" because as soon as Joseph received the sealing authority and was promised exaltation, the Lord immediately describes the effect of the Lord sealing Joseph to eternal life and exaltation. It connected Joseph with "the fathers who dwell in glory." It made Joseph a living member of the family of the exalted.

When we receive "This Gospel", as did Abraham, Jacob or Issac, we will become "Abraham's seed" fulfilling the covenants given to Abraham or those promises made to the fathers. It will reconnect us with this priesthood line that is broken anytime apostasy or wickedness enters the world and people apostatize from the truth. Because priesthood is defined as a connection with heaven, or "inseparably connected with the powers of heaven", if men lose that connection we lose the power to raise up others to connect with heaven. No man can stand in the presence of God and live without this greater priesthood. (See D&C 84:20-23)

When discussing the Sons of God, Joseph said, "I believe in these Gods that God [i.e., the Father] reveals as Gods—to be Sons of God & all can cry Abba Father–Sons of God who exalt themselves to be Gods even from before the foundation of the world & are all the only Gods I have a reverence for..." (Joseph Smith, Bullock report of Sermon in the Grove, 16 June 1844)

Planting in the hearts of the children:

“He shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers." (JSH 1:39)

The promises of the father's shall be fulfilled in part through the children by planting those promises in the hearts of the children. What does it mean to plant something in the heart of a person? The only way for the children to fulfill the promises made to the fathers is to do what Abraham did and receive "This Gospel" (Abraham 2:9-11). To reconnect, as the right of the firstborn, back to the priestly line of the fathers. So to "plant" in the hearts of the children would be best served by planting the "desire" that Abraham also sought after. Alma 32 distinguishes how faith can grow like a seed, or desire, and when that seed grows it becomes a tree or faith bearing fruit. That desire in the children to rise up, as did Abraham being the type of what we are required to do, will bring some few to fulfill the promises.

Abraham had the desire as those who went before and he explained in that desire the following,

And, finding there was greater happinessand peace and rest for me, I sought for the blessings of the fathers, and the right whereunto I should be ordained to administer the same; having been myself a follower of righteousness, desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge, and to be a father of many nations, a prince of peace, and desiring to receive instructions, and to keep the commandments of God, I became a rightful heir, a High Priest, holding the right belonging to the fathers. It was conferred upon me from the fathers; it came down from the fathers, from the beginning of time, yea, even from the beginning, or before the foundation of the earth, down to the present time, even the right of the Firstborn. (Abraham 1:1-3)

Abraham connected with the fathers in heaven and became a righteful heir. The right of the Firstborn is also connected with celestial glory which right was "before the foundation of the earth".

"They are they who are the church of the Firstborn. They are they into whose hands the Father has given all things—They are they who are priests and kings, who have received of his fulness, and of his glory; And are priests of the Most High, after the order of Melchizedek, which was after the order of Enoch, which was after the order of the Only Begotten Son. Wherefore, as it is written, they are gods, even the sons of God. " (D&C 76:54-58)

They are those who have joined the church of the Firstborn. Abraham "was ordained an high priest after the order of the covenant which God made with Enoch" (JST Geneesis 14:25,27-28). The same order that D&C 76 describes. He had connected with the fathers in eternal glory receiving the promises made to the fathers before him. "Wherefore, as it is written, they are gods, even the sons of God". 

They are those "who have come to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of Enoch, and of the Firstborn" (vs 67) or received the covenant promised to the fathers in heaven. Who's "names are written in heaven" (vs 68). In Revelation 21 it speaks of the city of Enoch "I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband" (vs 2) and that they that join them "are written in the Lamb's book of life" (vs 27).

Sealing Through A Record:

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." (Revelation 20:12) 

"The books spoken of [See Revelation 20:12] must be the books which contained the record of their works, and refer to the records which are kept on the earth. And the book which was the book of life is the record which is kept in heaven;...that in all your recordings it may be recorded in heaven." (D&C 128:7)

The works of men are recorded in the books kept on the earth, and the book of life which is kept in heaven contains the "names [that] are written in heaven" (D&C 76:68, Revelation 21:27) Joseph gave another interpretation of sealing on earth with whats sealed in heaven in section 128. It states,

“It is granted that whatsoever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Or, in other words, taking a different view of the translation, whatsoever you record on earth shall be recorded in heaven, and whatsoever you do not record on earth shall not be recorded in heaven...It may seem to some to be a very bold doctrine that we talk of—a power which records or binds on earth and binds in heaven. Nevertheless, in all ages of the world, whenever the Lord has given a dispensation of the priesthood to any man by actual revelation, or any set of men, this power has always been given. Hence, whatsoever those men did in authority, in the name of the Lord, and did it truly and faithfully, and kept a proper and faithful record of the same, it became a law on earth and in heaven, and could not be annulled, according to the decrees of the great Jehovah... Now the great and grand secret of the whole matter, and the summum bonum of the whole subject that is lying before us, consists in obtaining the powers of the Holy Priesthood. For him to whom these keys are given there is no difficulty in obtaining a knowledge of facts in relation to the salvation of the children of men, both as well for the dead as for the living.” (D&C 128:8-11 )

I want to point out "whatsoever you do not record on earth shall not be recorded in heaven". Records were so important to the Lord that when He visited the Nephites He asked them "How be it that ye have not written this thing [concerning Samuel the Lamanite], that many saints did arise and appear unto many and did minister unto them?" (3 Nephi 23:9-13) After they realized they had not yet recorded the event, "Jesus commanded that it should be written" (vs 13)

Nephi was one who attained to the sealing power. It reads in 2 Nephi,

“And now, behold, my brethren, I have spoken unto you, according as the Spirit hath constrained me; wherefore, I know that they must surely come to pass. And the things which shall be written out of the book shall be of great worth unto the children of men, and especially unto our seed, which is a remnant of the house of Israel.” (2 Nephi 28:1-2)

Nephi held power from God in the words he used. Therefore he could “know that they must surely come to pass” because he sealed them as he wrote them. (D&C 1: 38.) For any person holding the sealing authority, the authority requires an alignment between the Lords servant, the Lord and the Lord’s will. Those who have this authority will not do anything contrary to the will of the Lord. (Helaman 10: 5.) It is because of this trust between the Lord and His messenger that the power is given to the man. Nephi was such a man. His book contained a seal upon it bearing the power of God. Nephi knew. Knowledge came from Christ. Nephi knew Christ. (2 Nephi 11: 3)

Notice Nephi’s prophecy is that “words which shall be written out of the book” rather than the book itself. This is, of course, exactly what we have. The actual book has been withheld. Only words from the book have been given us. But those words are intended to be of great worth to mankind.

These words are given to us by Him, through a servant possessing authority to seal them up. We cannot prevent them from happening. We can, however, align ourselves with them and in turn be saved as well.

Part 3: Words Convey Ideas

The Doctrine of Election (Calling and Election)

I won't spend much time here. It can distract you from things that are more important. But it is important to at least understand what it is and to look into it as the spirit impresses someone to do so. Focus on Christ, as your Second Comforter and this will take care of itself. Of course even that isn't the end. We always have something to work on to become more like Him.

Lets take a look at what Joseph said. I had omitted this in the quote in the Doctrine of Christ thread due to its length.

Calling and Election - Temples The Doctrine of Election ¶ St Paul exhorts us to make our Calling & Election shure. This is that sealing power spoken of by Paul in other places (See Eph I. 13.14. In whom ye also trusted, that after ye heard the work of truth; the gospel of your salvation, in whom also after that ye believed ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. Which is the earnest of our inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession unto the praise of his glory.) That we may be sealed up unto the day of redemption, this principle ought. (in its proper place) to be taught, for God hath not revealed any thing to Joseph, but what he will make known unto the Twelve & even the least Saint may know all things as fast as he is able to--bear them. for the day must come when no man need say to his neighbor know ye the Lord for all shall know him (who Remain) from the least to the greatest, How is this to be done? It is to be done by this sealing power & the other comforter spoken of which will be manifest by Revelation. (Joseph Smith, June 27, 1839))

Lets look at what Paul said in 2 Peter 1.

4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and preciouspromises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divinenature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world throughlust.
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 kindnesscharity.
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 neverfall:

Interesting enough he just defined what a blind guide was in verse 9. And if you follow a blind guide you both will fall into a ditch. Secondly, those who have their C&E Sure will never fall. Is this the kind of hope that gives an anchor to the soul that you shall never fall?

Calling and Election
Now, there is some grand secret here, and keys to unlock the subject. Notwithstanding the apostle exhorts them to add to their faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, etc., yet he exhorts them to make their calling and election sure. And though they had heard an audible voice from heaven bearing testimony that Jesus was the Son of God [Mt 17:5], yet he says we have a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light shining in a dark place. Now, wherein could they have a more sure word of prophecy than to hear the voice of God saying, This is my beloved Son? 

Now for the secret and grand key. Though they might hear the voice of God and know that Jesus was the Son of God, this would be no evidence that their calling and election was made sure, that they were sealed in the heavens and had the promise of eternal life in the kingdom of God. Then, having this promised sealed unto them, it was an anchor to the soul, sure and steadfast. Though the thunders might roll and lightnings flash, and earthquakes bellow, and war gather thick around, yet this hope and knowledge would support the soul in every hour of trial, trouble and tribulation. Then knowledge through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the grand key that unlocks the glories and mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. 

Compare this principle once with Christendom at the present day, and where are they, with all their boasted religion, piety and sacredness while at the same time they are crying out against prophets, apostles, angels, revelations, prophesying and visions, etc. Why, they are just ripening for the damnation of hell. They will be damned, for they reject the most glorious principle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and treat with disdain and trample under foot the key that unlocks the heavens and puts in our possession the glories of the celestial world. Yes, I say, such will be damned, with all their professed godliness. Then I would exhort you to go on and continue to call upon God until you make your calling and election sure for yourselves, by obtaining this more sure word of prophecy, and wait patiently for the promise until you obtain it. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 297-298)

Finally
Further studying: http://emp.byui.edu/marrottr/CallElectSurJSBRMc.htm

UPDATED: Feb 21 2014
My Favorite quote on the subject.

“There are three grand secrets lying in this chapter, [2 Peter 1] which no man can dig out, unless by the light of revelation, and which unlock the whole chapter as the things that are written are only hints of things which existed in the prophet’s mind, which are not written concerning eternal glory . . . Paul ascended into the third heavens, and he could understand the three principal rounds of Jacob’s ladder—the telestial, the terrestrial, and the celestial glories or kingdoms, where Paul saw and heard things which were not lawful for him to utter. I could explain a hundred fold more than I ever have of the glories of the kingdoms manifested to me in the vision, were I permitted, and were the people prepared to receive them. The Lord deals with this people as a tender parent with a child, communicating light and intelligence and the knowledge of his ways as they can bear it. The inhabitants of the earth are asleep; they know not the day of their visitation. The Lord hath set the bow in the cloud for a sign that while it shall be seen, seed time and harvest, summer and winter shall not fail; but when it shall disappear woe to that generation, for behold the end cometh quickly. Contend earnestly for the like precious faith with the Apostle Peter, ‘and add to your faith virtue,’ knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity; ‘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.’ Another point, after having all these qualifications, he lays this injunction upon the people ‘to make your calling and election sure.’ He is emphatic upon this subject—after adding all this virtue, knowledge, etc., ‘Make your calling and election sure.’ What is the secret—the starting point? ‘According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness.’ How did he obtain all things? Through the knowledge of Him who hath called him. There could not anything be given, pertaining to life and godliness, without knowledge. Woe! woe! woe to Christendom!—especially the divines and priests if this be true. Salvation is for a man to be saved from all his enemies; for until a man can triumph over death, he is not saved. A knowledge of the priesthood alone will do this . . . We have no claim in our eternal compact, in relation to eternal things, unless our actions and contracts and all things tend to this. But after all this, you have got to make your calling and election sure. If this injunction would lie largely on those to whom it was spoken, how much more those of the present generation! 1st key: Knowledge is the power of salvation. 2nd key: Make your calling and election sure. 3rd key: It is one thing to be on the mount and hear the excellent voice, etc., and another to hear the voice declare to you, You have a part and lot in that kingdom” (TPJS, 304-6).

The Doctrine of Christ

The Lord tells us the following about the doctrine of Christ.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine [After expounding it], and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. 

And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them.
3 Nephi11:39-40

If any man declares more or less than what He has established he cometh of evil and is not built upon the Rock. This is a striking declaration from the Savior. It shows the strict line one must walk to return to his presence. It shows the great burden it places upon each of us to not only know the doctrine for ourselves but make sure we follow this admonition seriously and carefully. We may not be perfect but if we ever want to be Zion we must learn how to do precisely what Christ asks us to do and become precisely like Him.

The Doctrine and Covenants gives us another view of this doctrine.

And this I do that I may establish my gospel, that there may not be so much contention; yea, Satan doth stir up the hearts of the people to contention concerning the points of my doctrine; and in these things they do err, for they do wrest the scriptures and do not understand them. 

Therefore, I will unfold unto them this great mystery; 

For, behold, I will gather them as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if they will not harden their hearts; 

 Yea, if they will come, they may, and partake of the waters of life freely. 

Behold, this is my doctrine—whosoever repenteth and cometh unto me, the same is my church.

Whosoever declareth more or less than this, the same is not of me, but is against me; therefore he is not of my church.
D&C10:63-68

He is unfolding a mystery here! We should take heed. There were many contentions so he taught this to do away with them. Christ's Gospel is a gospel where we accept each other even with differing personal beliefs, but we will have the core understanding of the Doctrine of Christ and all will be obeying the will of the Lord

Again the Lord tells us, those who repents and cometh unto Him, IS His Church. Know ye not the kingdom of God is within you? This is a warning the Savior gives to His disiples about the last days as well.

Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.  

Luke 17:21

Many will say lo here, or lo there in the last days. Joseph Smith spoke about his experience in Joseph Smith History Verse 5. Perhaps this will be another post.

Each of us are to be built upon His rock, His doctrine, and if we do that we shall not fall. Not another man, not another servant, prophet, priest, or king, But Jesus Christ Only. For He is the keeper of the Gate and he employeth no servant there (2 Nephi 9:41)

So what is the Doctrine of Christ?

The Doctrine is outlined in 2 Nephi 31:17-21; 32:1-7. 

...for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost. 

 And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive. (Ch 31, vs 17-18)

Repentance, Baptism by Water, baptism by fire and the Holy Ghost is the gospel along with faith. One enters the path by receiving the Holy Ghost (Baptism by fire and the holy ghost).Verse 21 tells us this is the doctrine of Christ, verse 20 tells us to pressforward, feasting upon the words of Christ (which we will hear His words through the Holy Ghost) and endure to the end. 

So what does it mean to endure to the End? Also why is the name "the end" also given to Jesus Christ? Is it pointing us to Him, or "endure to Christ" that we may have eternal life? Chapter 32 touches on this a little more.

And now, behold, my beloved brethren, I suppose that ye ponder somewhat in your hearts concerning that which ye should do after ye have entered in by the way. But, behold, why do ye ponder these things in your hearts? (vs 1)

So how did we enter in by the Way? Verse 17 from chapter 31 told us. Repentance, Baptism, and the remission of sins by fire and the holy ghost (baptism by fire and the holy ghost). Now that we are on the way what should we do? He really did see our day didn't he? I have asked this question many times.

Verse 2, "angels speak by the power of the holy ghost", and in verse 3 Nephi states "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." So here we feast upon His words so that we can receive revelation, or the spirit of prophecy, through the Holy ghost to be guided in all things. (vs 5) 

Now he ends talking about the doctrine of Christ in verses 6-7.

Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and there will be no more doctrine given until after he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh. And when he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh, the things which he shall say unto you shall ye observe to do. 

And now I, Nephi, cannot say more; the Spirit stoppeth mine utterance, and I am left to mourn because of the unbelief, and the wickedness, and the ignorance, and the stiffneckedness of men; for they will not search knowledge, nor understand great knowledge, when it is given unto them in plainness, even as plain as word can be.

These verses should be taken literally. I would like to suggest that verse 6 refers to YOU. That no more doctrine (more or less) will be given until he shall manifest (appear) unto you in the flesh. Verse 7 tell us why more is not given. Unbelief, wickedness, ignorance, stiffneckedness, will not search knowledge, nor understand it. This is the purpose of the Holy Ghost. To bring us to the Son, Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ brings us to the Father. We receive the Holy Ghost by listening to the Light of Christ.

This is the doctrine of Christ. Here is what Joseph Smith expounded on these same principles. Here I will simply Quote what Joseph Smith has already written. I hope I have laid out the basic doctrine of Christ. Of course each principle expands in many directions but it all ties back into Faith, repentance, baptism by water, baptism by fire and the holy ghost, and receiving Christ as the Second Comforter.

Willard Richards 2 Pocket Companion Other important items of doctrines from Joseph given in Commerce Ills On the Doctrines of Faith

Faith: comes by hearing the word of God 3 through the testimony of the Servants of God, that Testimony is always attended by the Spirit of prophecy & Revelation
.

Repentance: Is a thing that cannot be trifled with every day. Daily transgression & daily repentance is not that which is pleasing in the sight of God

Baptism: Is a holy ordinance preparatory to the reception of the Holy Ghost. It is the channel & Key by which the Holy Ghost will be administered The gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands cannot be received through the medium of any other principle. than the principle of Righteousness, for if the proposals are not complied with it is of no use but withdraws.

The doctrine of the Resurrection of the Dead & Eternal Judgment are necessary to preach among the first principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Doctrine of Election [Calling and Election] ...

Second Comforter ...

Widtsoe, John A.; Whitney, Orson F.; Roberts, B. H.; Smith, Joseph Fielding; Smith, Joseph; Ehat, Andrew; Smith, Lucy Mack; Cannon, George Q.; Taylor, John (2012-02-25). Words of Joseph Smith - Deluxe Study Edition including the LDS Standar Works, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Lectures on Faith, History of the Church, History of Joseph by His Mother, and More (Kindle Locations 245-289).Packard Technologies. Kindle Edition.

Also found here: (Some things were omitted from the original quote that one can read at this link as they do relate)

I have only attempted to outline the basics of the Doctrine of Christ and the need for us to understand it. I will like to add also what Joseph Smith said elsewhere.

“Oh! I beseech you to forward, go forward and make your calling and your election sure and if any man preach any other gospel with that which I have preached, he shall be cursed.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg 366-367)

This is consistent with Galatians 1:8-9 . The main thing I wanted to bring up here is that Calling and election and the Second Comforter are a part of the core gospel of Jesus Christ, for Jesus Christ is the fullness of the gospel. The gospel leads us to the fullness, Jesus Christ. These things must be sought after and anything “less or more” than this they shall “be cursed”. Have I expounded less or more? Most likely J. But the scriptures are there already so I will leave it at this to expound themselves further.