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

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.