Declare These Things Part 2

I planned on making this post longer but I haven't gotten around to it. Maybe I will add a third part later. I didn't take the time deserved for this but wanted to get it out there.

3 keys to discern true messengers.
1st:  True messengers declare the source of their message
2nd: They prophecy
3rd: Message comes with power like Abinadi, Alma, King Benjamin, etc...

I would also add, they don't need to claim any authority, for truth stands independent. All one needs is the truth given to them by the power of the Holy Ghost.

In part one I brought up many examples of different prophets declaring where their message came from and the fruits of their message. Abinadi declared his message to be from the Lord, so did King Benjamin, the people of Helamen 5 declared their message to be from an angel, the people in 3 nephi, the appearance of Christ to those gathered, declared their message to be from Christ and that they had seen Him. Nephi declared his authority was given him and the words which he had spoken by the power of the holy ghost. All these messengers declared they had either Seen Him or Seen angels.

In the lecture by Oliver Cowdery (see part 1) he told the saints to tarry at kirtland until their ordinations were complete and God had laid their hands on their head. As all prophets received the Melchizedek Priesthood from God Himself (Fulness of the Priesthood not by descent of man, remember there are 3 degrees of priesthood only the lesser two are normally brought up) Joseph made the following comment on missionary work.

It is not the multitude of preachers that is to bring  about the glorious Millenium! but it is those who  are “Called, and chosen, and faithful.”  

Let the elders be exceedingly careful about un necessarily disturbing the and harrowing up the  feeling of the people. Remember that your busi ness is, to preach the gospel, in all humility and  meekness, and warn sinners to repent and come  to Christ. Avoid contentions and vain disputes  with men of corrupt minds, who do not desire  to know the truth. Remember that “it is a day  of warning, and not a day of many words,” If they  receive not your testimony in one place, flee to another, remembering, to cast no reflections,  nor throw out any bitter sayings. If you do  your duty. it will be just as well with you,  as though all men embraced the gospel. 

Be careful about sending boys to preach the  gospel to the world; if they go, let them be accom panied by some one who is able to guide them in  the proper channel, lest they become puffed up,  and fall under condemnation and into the  snare of the Devil: finally, in these critical times,  be careful; call on the Lord day and night.  (Joseph Smith Papers, History, 1838–1856, volume A-1 [23 December 1805–30 August 1834], pg 401)

I would like to re-quote this phrase: "it is those who are “Called, and chosen, and faithful.” that will bring about the millennium. These are they who have communed with the general assembly of God, these are they who are kings and priests unto God, these are they who have received the fulness of the father and have been endowed with power. (D&C 76:62-70) Or as Oliver Cowdery said they have completed their ordinations and God has laid His hand upon them or bestowed this power by the "voice of God".
As well in that same lecture, the early apostles were commanded to bear testimony that they have seen the face of God and have had Him minister to them. As Joseph said you can only elevate those when you are on higher ground. Along with all the scriptural references I have shown in part 1.

The early leaders were very clear on their witnesses of Jesus Christ. Brigham Young shared the desires of his heart as president of the church for 11 years  (Became president in 1847).

I have flattered myself, if I am as faithful as I know how to be to my God, and my brethren, and to all my covenants, and faithful in the discharge of my duty, when I have lived to be as old as was Moses when the Lord appeared to him, that perhaps I then may hold communion with the Lord, as did Moses. I am not now in that position, though I know much more than I did twenty, ten, or five years ago. But have I yet lived to the state of perfection that I can commune in person with the Father and the Son at my will and pleasure? No, - though I hold myself in readiness that he can wield me at his will and pleasure. If I am faithful until I am eighty years of age, perhaps the Lord will appear to me and personally dictate me in the management of his Church and people. A little over twenty years, and if I am faithful, perhaps I will obtain that favour with my Father and God. (Journal of Discourses, 7:243. Brigham Young, September 1, 1859, here)

He desired to hold communion with the Lord (General assembly of God, See D&C 76) so that the Lord could dictate personally the "management of his Church". Six Years later and he was 17 years as president at this time. 

And what shall we say of our Heavenly Father? He is also a man in perfection, and the father of the man Jesus Christ, and the father of our spirits; He lives far above the influence and power of sin, and holds in his hands the destinies of all. We have not seen the person of the Father, neither have we seen that of the Son; but we have seen the children of the Father, and the brethren of the Savior, who are in every way like them in physical appearance and organization. Although mankind of the same color look alike, yet there exist expressions of the features by which one person can be distinguished from another. The human family all resemble one another in the main characteristics of humanity, and all resemble the Savior who died for us; and could we see him in the flesh, as he appeared to the ancients, we should very likely find that some men are more like him that others in feature and form, as we often see men who are more like Joseph Smith than others are. (Journal of Discourses 11:42. Brigham Young, January 8, 1865, here)

Joseph Smith & Sidney Rigdon
It seems we have not an equal to one like unto Moses since Joseph.

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 helives!
23 For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice [Is this what it means to receive the priesthood by His voice] bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father— (D&C 76:21-23)

Pure in Heart Shall See God: School of the Prophets

"I exhorted the brethren to faithfulness and diligence in keeping the commandments of God, and gave much instruction for the benefit of the Saints, with a promise that the pure in heart should see a heavenly vision; and after remaining a short time in secret prayer, the promise was verified; for many present had the eyes of their understanding opened by the Spirit of God, so as to behold many things . . . Many of the brethren saw a heavenly vision of the Savior, and concourses of angels, and many other things, of which each one has a record of what he saw." (Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 1:333)

Tokens follow those that believe 

This winter [1832–33] was spent in translating the Scriptures; in the School of the Prophets; and sitting in conferences. I had many glorious seasons of refreshing. The gifts which follow them that believe and obey the Gospel, as tokens that the Lord is ever the same in His dealings with the humble lovers and followers of truth, began to be poured out among us, as in ancient days. (History of the Church, 1:322.)

Brother Knights Witness

He saw heaven opened and beheld the Lord Jesus Christ, sitting [at] the right hand of the Majesty on high, and had it made plain to his understanding that the time would come when he should be admitted into his presence to enjoy his society for ever and ever. (Joseph Smith Papers, History, circa June–October 1839 [Draft 1], pg 388, here)

This witness shows how open the early members were and how Joseph did not restrict others from testifying of these experiences. Joseph included it in the early history of the saints. This experience happened in the home where the early saints church meetings were held. He had received his calling and election made sure since he was promised by Gods voice "to enjoy his society for ever and ever".

Nor was any of these witnesses "too sacred".

Endowment: Keys/Key Words: Women Bless the Sick: False Spirits

How are Keys and the Endowment related? 

95 That he [Hyrum] may act in concert also with my servant Joseph; and that he shall receive counsel from my servant Joseph, who shall show unto him the keys whereby he may ask and receive, and be crowned with the same blessing, and glory, and honor, and priesthood, and gifts of the priesthood, that once were put upon him that was my servant Oliver Cowdery; 

97 Let my servant William Law also receive the keys by which he may ask and receive blessings; let him be humble before me, and be without guile, and he shall receive of my Spirit, even the Comforter, which shall manifest unto him the truth of all things, and shall give him, in the very hour, what he shall say.

What kind of keys are given by "showing" something? Knowledge.

It's significant that Joseph's role is limited to "showing" keys. It was up to Hyrum to use those keys to obtain the "priesthood" required for his calling, in process of which he would be shown things by God. So, while Hyrum was ordained by Joseph to the First Presidency 6 days after this revelation was received, no amount of Joseph laying on hands could give Hyrum the authority he needed. It could only come by being "chosen, called up, and anointed a king a priest".

In prior posts I have brought up this quote by Joseph Smith.

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 wonder why both male and females can hold the "keys" of the priesthood (D&C 132:64), as they are knowledge and can only be "shown" unto you. That women can also administer unto the men. (D&C 132:64). I don't wish to focus on the "female" aspect of this but will show a few quotes to persuade this is correct.

Women Blessing the Sick

Some of you, ladies, that go abroad from house to house, blessing the sick, having your little circles of women come together, why are you troubling yourselves to bless and lay your hands on women, and prophesy on them, if you do not believe the principle? (Heber C. Kimball Journal of Discourses, 5: 176 - 177.)

Why do you not live so as to rebuke disease? . . . it is the privilege of a mother to have faith and to administer to her child; this she can do herself, as well as sending for the Elders. (Brigham Young, 14 Nov. 1869, JD 13:155.)

Prest. Smith continued the subject (of healing the sick by the laying on of hands) by adverting to the commission given to the ancient apostles "Go ye into all the world" . . . No matter who believeth; these signs such as healing the sick, casting out devils . . . should follow all that believe whether male or female. He ask'd the Society if they could not see by this sweeping stroke that werein they are ordained, it is the privilege of those set apart to administer in that authority which is conferr'd on them--and if the sisters should have faith to heal the sick, let all hold their tongues, and let every thing roll on. . . . Respecting the females laying on hands, he further remarked, there could be no devil in it if God gave his sanction by healing-- that there could be no more sin in any female laying hands on the sick than in wetting the face with water. It is no sin for any body to do it that has faith, or if the sick has faith to be heal'd by the administration.... President Smith then offered instruction respecting the propriety of females administering to the sick by the laying on of hands. (Joseph Smith, Relief Society on April 28, 1842, Recorded by Eliza R Snow)

Charles W. Penrose, issued a statement answering a list of questions regarding women anointing and ministering to the sick.

4. Have the sisters the right to administer to sick children?
Answer: Yes; they have the same right to administer to sick children as to adults, and may anoint and lay hands upon them in faith. (Charles W. Penrose)

3 February 1854: His father and mother [Phoebe Carter Woodruff] laid hands upon him and blessed him and dedicated him unto the Lord.(Wilford Woodruff's Journal (4:244).)

Endowment: Sign of the Holy Ghost
The book of Abraham Facsimile 2 has the following picture with an explanation written by Joseph Smith. Compare number 7 with the image.

7. Represents God sitting upon his throne, revealing through the heavens the grand Key-words of the Priesthood; as, also, the sign of the Holy Ghost unto Abraham, in the form of a dove.

This key represents the sign of the holy Ghost. When one receives this key than is it a representation of the one who receives the Holy Ghost? What is the key? What is the figure doing? Is this similar to something in the temple? Is that what the temple is really trying to convey to YOU? Is this what it points to you? If so what are the other key words representing for you to do? If this key is the one used to detect false personages is this why Moses made the following comment in the scriptures?

15 Blessed be the name of my God, for his Spirit hath not altogether withdrawn from me, or else where is thy glory[Holy Ghost left or was not "present"], for it is darkness unto me? And I can judge between thee and God; for God said unto me: Worship God, for him only shalt thou serve. 16 Get thee hence, Satan; deceive me not; for God said unto me: Thou art after the similitude of mine Only Begotten. (Moses 1:15-16)

Is this what Joseph really meant when he told us to use this key (token) to detect false personages? If this key represents receiving the Holy Ghost, do you really receive it in the endowment? Or do you receive it when you fulfill the "covenants" required to receive it (qualify for it)? If its done this way, and the endowment shows us the path back to God, our person journey representing the things we must receive, than we should figure out what the other components are, and determine where we are at in the journey to continue and draw closer to God.

Key by Showing:
What kind of thing can be received by seeing, given by showing?

Knowledge.

See my post here: Keys of The Kingdom

Declare these things

What is the mission of the Lords servants? What is their responsibility? The appearance of 3 Nephi 12 the Lord tells the people what to do after they had seen Him.

1 blessed are ye if ye shall believe in me and be baptized, after that ye have seen me and know that I am.
2 And again, more blessed are they who shall believe in your words because that ye shall TESTIFY that YE HAVE SEEN ME, and that ye know that I am. Yea, blessed are they who shall believe in yourwords, and come down into the depths of humility and be baptized, for they shall be visited with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and shall receive a remission of their sins. (3 Nephi 12:1-2)

Blessed are those that believe in THESE people who have seen, when they shall testify that they have seen Him. We shouldn't discount others experiences because they come from unknown sources. More on this later.

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched…WE PROCLAIM to you what we have SEEN and heard” (1 John 1:1,3)

In the Joseph smith Papers a discourse to the early apostles by Oliver Cowdery is given. Go ahead, read the entire discourse its a great talk.

We have work to do, that no other man can do. You must proclaim the Gospel in its simplicity and purity. and we commend you to God and the word of his grace. You have our best wishes, you have our most fervent prayers, that YOU MAY BE ABLE TO BEAR THIS TESTIMONY, THAT YOU HAVE SEEN THE FACE OF GOD. Therefore, call upon him in faith and mighty prayer, till you prevail, for it your DUTY and your privelege to bear such testimony for yourselves. We now exhort you to be FAITHFUL TO YOUR CALLING, there must be no lack here. You must fulfil in all things, and permit is us to repeat, all nations have a claim on you. You are bound together as the three wit nesses were. You, notwithstanding can part & meet & meet and part again till your heads are silvered o[v]er with age. (Joseph Smith Papers, Minute Book 1, 12 Feb. 1834, 27–29., here)

They are supposed to bear testimony if they have it. But first they must receive it. It is their duty. By not doing so you are not magnifying your calling if you have it (unless commanded differently). And if you don’t you must gain it to magnify their calling. Joseph smith also called 12 apostles who had not received this testimony yet. Though they were allowed to not have it and still be called to the 12, they were meant to receive it however and testify of it when they did. But as Oliver Cowdery later stated the apostles ordinations are not complete until God has laid His hands on their head.

The people were asked earlier in the discourse "Tarry at Kirtland until you are endowed with power from on high.". Some believe they are called to this work by descent of man. But as I have shown in many posts now, (my most recent Priesthood Revisited) its not by "descent of man" (Joseph Smith) but by Gods voice (JST Gen 14), or as Oliver described "Your ordination is not full and complete till God has laid His hand upon you.". Finally the discourse ends with

"You have our best wishes, you have our most fervent prayers, that you may be able to bear this testimony, that you have seen the face of God. Therefore call upon Him in faith in mighty prayer till you prevail, for it is your duty and your privilege to bear such testimony for yourselves." (ibid)

While the discourse was directed to the newly called apostles, it applies to all the disciples of Christ, those who wish to be His servants.

Other Declarations

11: behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto them; and he descended as it were in a cloud... 

32 And now it came to pass that Alma began from this time forward to teach the people, and those who were with Alma at the time the angel appeared unto them, traveling round about through all the land, publishing to all the people the things which they had heard and seen, and preaching the word of God in much tribulation, being greatly persecuted by those who were unbelievers, being smitten by many of them. 

48 And now, when they heard this they cast up their eyes as if to behold from whence the voice came; and behold, they saw the heavens open; and angels came down out of heaven and ministered unto them. 49 And there were about three hundred souls who saw and heard these things; and they were bidden to go forth and marvel not, neither should they doubt. 50 And it came to pass that they did go forth, and did minister unto the people, declaring throughout all the regions round about all the things which they had heard and seen, insomuch that the more part of the Lamanites were convinced of them, because of the greatness of the evidences which they had received. (Helamen 5) 

The first thing they do after having this great experience is to go bring others unto repentance and testify unto them the things they had both heard and seen. They had seen angels! They had the windows of heaven (notice what the windows of heaven are, nothing to do with money or temporal things) opened unto them due to their faith and baptism by fire which they had just received earlier in the chapter. Here we have again the Lords servants testifying to the people, the people are converted to the Lord and experience the things of heaven. Than they go out and gather others.

That is the purpose of these events. Moroni 7 explains that the purpose of these great experiences (angels, gifts of the spirit, manifestations of the spirit) is to increase faith in the land. That we may all be profited together, not to be hidden under a bushel (D&C 46:26,29). Until we (those with little faith) may lay hold upon the same blessings and call upon the powers of heaven for themselves. As the lectures on Faith, it requires one to believe on the testimony of others until we can gain the same testimony for ourselves.

We have Nephi, Jacob, and Isaiah (from the Bible) who saw Him (2 Nephi 11:1-2).

Jacob when confronting the AntiChrist Sherem could not be shaken due to his many revelations he had and we learn when one is fully converted they "never did fall away" (Alma 23:6),

5 And he had hope to shake me from the faith, notwithstanding the many revelations and the many things which I had seen concerning these things; for I truly had seen angels, and they had ministered unto me. And also, I had heard the voice of the Lord speaking unto me in very word, from time to time; wherefore, I could not be shaken. (Jacob 7:5)

1) Revelations
2) Seen Angles
3) Had Angels Minister to Him
4) Heard the Voice of the Lord

Notice the voice of the Lord is different than the voice of the Holy Ghost. Seems to follow the endowment very well. First we receive the Holy Ghost. Than it shows us what we should through revelation. Than true messengers minister. We continue faithful, we will "hear" God's voice. As we continue faithful to the commandments of God the time will come where we can converse with the Lord through the veil and enter therein.

Ressurection of Christ
Many examples of others testifying of Christ's Resurrection in the Bible can be found here.
http://www3.telus.net/trbrooks/12groups.htm

Who was the first witness of His ressurection as the Second Comforter? Who was the second? Third? Who cares right?

9 ¶Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
10 And she went and told them that had been with him, as they mourned and wept.
11 And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen of her, believed not.
12 ¶After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.
13 And they [The two] went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them.
14 ¶Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen (Mark 16.9-14)

First Mary Magdalene, who told others yet they believed her not.

Second there were two. Luke 24 tells us one of these men was Cleopas and the other an unknown disciple. They too did not believe, and the Lord says "25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken" in verse 31 their eyes are opened to His true identity.

Third the eleven are chastised for not believing the witness of the others. These are the 12 apostles (11 were present) to the lamb. The "presidency" of the church. Yet they would not believe the words of others that had seen Him and were chastised for the hardness of heart, and unbelief.

Are we so quick to discount those who testify because they are not a "leader" or because they are not the "15" of the church?  The Lord appeared to many others first and chastised those who did not believe including the "apostles". Also the order of events teaches a great truth about the order of events for ourselves which I won't get into. There are great truths hidden in this sequence of events.

Arise and Come Forth

Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world” (3 Nephi 11:14)

What you Should Do Now 
Receive your Baptism by Fire and the Holy Ghost (different than the gift of the holy ghost by laying on of hands). That you may enter in by the way. Nephi tells us.

1 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? 

5 For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do. (2 Nephi 32:1, 5)

As Orson Pratt said, (which includes the Sisters)

This failure to realize all the blessings and powers of the Priesthood does not apply to the elders and lesser Priesthood only; but it applies to the higher quorums, and comes home to ourselves, who are Apostles of Jesus Christ. We are presented before the Church, and sustained as prophets, seers and revelators, and we have received oftentimes the gift of prophecy and revelation, and have received many great and glorious gifts. But have we received the fullness of the blessings to which we are entitled? No, we have not. Who, among the Apostles have become seers, and enjoy all the gifts and powers pertaining to that calling? And those who are called to perform special missions in opening up dispensations of the Gospel to the children of men, as Joseph and others were called of the Lord, He endows more fully with these gifts; but this does not hinder others from enjoying similar gifts according to His promises, and according to our faithfulness. And I have thought the reason why we have not enjoyed these gifts more fully is, because we have not sought for them as diligently as we ought. I speak for one, I have not sought as diligently as I might have done. More than forty years have passed away since these promises were made. I have been blessed with some revelations and prophecies, and with dreams of things that have come to pass; but as to seeing things as a seer, and beholding heavenly things in open vision, I have not attained to these things. And who is to blame for this? Not the Lord; not brother Joseph—they are not to blame. And so it is with the promises made to you in your confirmations and endowments, and by the patriarchs, in your patriarchal blessings; we do not live up to our privileges as saints of God and elders of Israel; for though we receive many blessings that are promised to us, we do not receive them in their fullness, because we do not seek for them as diligently and faithfully as we should." (Orson Pratt, JD 25:145-146, http://jod.mrm.org/25/144) 

Priesthood revisited

This will be a short post. I don't wish to lay out all the scriptures just to point out a few things and than you can take it to the Lord and determine if its true.

A Quote by Joseph Smith and the fulness of the priesthood.

****
History of the Church, (5:554-556) Version (Can read the two "recorded" versions here)

Respecting the Melchizedek Priesthood, the sectarians never professed to have it; consequently they never could save any one, and would all be damned together. There was an Episcopal priest who said he had the priesthood of Aaron, but had not the priesthood of Melchizedek and I bear testimony that I never have found the man who claimed the Priesthood of Melchizedek. The power of the Melchizedek priesthood is to have the power of "endless lives;"[fulness of the priesthood] for the everlasting covenant cannot be broken.

The law was given under Aaron for the purpose of pouring out judgments and destructions. (1)

The sectarian world are going to hell by hundreds, by thousands and by millions.

There are three grand orders of priesthood referred to here. 1st. The King of Shiloam. (Salem) had power and authority over that of Abraham, holding the key and the power of endless life.[again fulness of the priesthood] Angels desire to look into it, but they have set up too many stakes. God cursed the children of Israel because they would not receive the last law from Moses.

The sacrifice required of Abraham in the offering up of Isaac, shows that if a man would attain to the keys of the kingdom of an endless life; he must sacrifice all things. (2) 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.

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 fullness 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.

Abraham says to Melchizedek, I believe all that thou hast taught me concerning the priesthood and the coming of the Son of Man; so Melchizedek ordained Abraham and sent him away. Abraham rejoiced, saying, Now I have a priesthood.

Salvation could not come to the world without the mediation of Jesus Christ.

How shall God come to the rescue of this generation? He will send Elijah the prophet. [This lecture was given in 1844, was is this future tense?] The law revealed to Moses in Horeb never was revealed to the children of Israel as a nation.

Elijah shall reveal the covenants to seal the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers.

The anointing and sealing is to be called, elected and made sure.

"Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like unto the Son of God, abideth a priest continually." The Melchizedek Priesthood holds the right from the eternal God, and not by descent from father and mother; (3) and that priesthood is as eternal as God Himself, having neither beginning of days nor end of life.

The 2nd Priesthood is Patriarchal authority. Go to and finish the temple, and God will fill it with power, and you will then receive more knowledge concerning this priesthood.

The 3rd is what is called the Levitical Priesthood, consisting of priests to administer in outward ordinance, made without an oath; but the Priesthood of Melchizedek is by an oath and covenant.

The Holy Ghost is God's messenger to administer in all those priesthoods.

Jesus Christ is the heir of this Kingdom--the only begotten of the Father according to the flesh, and holds the keys over all this world.

Men have to suffer that they may come upon Mount Zion and be exalted above the heavens.
I know a man that has been caught up to the third heavens, and can say, with Paul, that we have seen and heard things that are not lawful to utter.
**** (end quote)

All those who receive the fulness of the priesthood becomes kings and queens (check out the orson hyde diagram)

• All those who receive the fulness of the priesthood have power of an endless lives
• Zion requires those who are willing to receive it. ("Awake, Awake, ...Put on thy strength")
• We receive it by Gods voice (not by descent from father to son) as seen in Helamen 10 or JST Gen 14.
• This is the sealing power of elijah (along with translation)
• Angels set up stakes (limits) for God, saying "he cannot do that" or won't do that, or "this far I will go and no further" and they are damned and cannot look into this priesthood.
• We refuse a gift or blessing, God curses us. (Such as seeing God in the flesh, D&C 84:23-25)
• Israelite's could not and would not enter into God's presence therefore they were Cursed
• The priesthood of  "Aaron [is] for the purpose of pouring out judgments and destruction's". Its a cursing priesthood while the fulness is a blessing priesthood. If you won't accept the blessings than you are cursed with the aaonric. If you won't receive the Fulness you will be cursed with the aaonric. Why anyone would "want" this priesthood is beyond me.
• Aaronic priesthood is appendage priesthood (added due to transgression). 
• Appendage means its not part of the 'order of God', or that which is eternal. 
• Many of the offices we have are only appendages due to transgression (meaning it won't be part of the original when Zion returns, only temporary (a cursing))

5 All other authorities or offices in the church are appendages to this priesthood [Melchezidek Priesthood].
14 Why it is called the lesser priesthood is because it is an appendage to the greater, or the Melchizedek Priesthood, and has power in administering outward ordinances. (D&C 107:5,14)

Outward ordinances don't save us (Cross reference "law of moses", "dead works")
Inward ordinances save us.

One can receive the inward blessings before the "outward" are ever received. For example one can receive the gift of the holy ghost before they have had it by laying on of hands (as did Joseph in JSH and many others in the scriptures). Likewise, the remission of sins comes (should) before one is baptized and than we must retain it.

Outward ordinances are for a "witness and testimony" of what one has done (Mosiah 21:31-35). Thus Christ experienced all the blessings of the gospel before he was baptized at age 30. Yet he was still baptized as a "witness and testimony" of what he had done inwardly because we are commanded to do so. If we change our focus to the inward, the outward can take care of itself in its due time. But if we focus on the outward and never receive the "inward" ("know ye not the kingdom of God is within you"?) you will not be received by Heavenly Father. That is what the pharisees did, it was entirely focused on the outward.

See my post The Covenant Before Baptism

Not By Virtue of the Priesthood

41 No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; (D&C 121:41)

The priesthood does not give anyone a right to govern, control, influence, or power over anyone. We don't listen to another because they have keys or authority. We listen because 1) They teach truth, 2) they do it by "persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;" respecting ones agency. If keys or authority were enough, which the new testament church had both, they would still be the source of all truth today. The great apostasy occurred while the apostles and prophets were still alive. (See Talmage, The Great Apostasy, pg 18 and 41) showing that an apostasy can occur even when "authority" or "keys" are still present. It wasn't because, as sometimes taught, they were all killed. Instead the "truth" was lost or distorted (changed). They retained a "form of godliness" (ordinances) but denied the power thereof.

Pray to the father to receive of his fulness.

Names, Names, Names: Equality among ALL men

I was reading the Book of Mormon and was shown something I have not seen before. I am amazed how closely the Book of Mormon identifies our awful situation and state of wickedness today. How far we are from God and how much we need repentance. It was truly written for us to identify if we will use it as our own Urim and Thmmin our wickedness and abominations before our Maker. Certainly if we want to repent we must first learn the things we must repent of.

A few days ago I read 4th Nephi on a Zion society.

17 There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God. (4 Nephi 1: 17)

Well, ok it makes sense, but it didn't hit me until this morning (April 14th). As I read Alma 4 about the inequality among the people, about the pride of the church became greater than outside the church, how they became scornful to those who did not believe as they did, etc... It flashed before my eyes the scripture in 4th Nephi verse 17 with how we do it today. It was a personal revelation to me that I have felt to share.

Today we have separated each other by the following.

Less Active
Non Member
Member
Mormon
Non Mormon
Inactive
Christian
Atheist
Protestant
Not religious
Homeless

Male

Female

White

Asian

Black

Hispanic
etc...

"neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were in one, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God."

We love separating ourselves. We just love it. But God sees us all as Children of God. Thats it. Nothing else. We are all in a fallen state, we are all in need of Him. As we look at the examples of the Book of Mormon and taking the names of the people "lamanites", "nephites", "Josephites", etc.. it was during a time of much "inequality" or iniquity, destruction, contention, wickedness, etc.

We ALL are so far from our God in our faith, in our beliefs and being able to see ALL as God sees us, as children of Christ. We are really all equal in His eyes. Lets not segregate each other for whatever differences we have, even if they are differences we don't agree with.

12 Yea, he saw great inequality among the people, some lifting themselves up with their pride, despising others, turning their backs upon the needy and the naked and those who were hungry, and those who were athirst, and those who were sick and afflicted.
13 Now this was a great cause for lamentations among the people, while others were abasing themselves, succoring those who stood in need of their succor, such as imparting their substance to the poor and the needy, feeding the hungry, and suffering all manner of afflictions, for Christ’s sake, who should come according to the spirit of prophecy;
14 Looking forward to that day, thus retaining a remission of their sins; being filled with great joy because of the resurrection of the dead, according to the will and power and deliverance of Jesus Christ from the bands of death. (Alma 4)

Not meet one should posses one above another

The revelations state, "It is not given that one man should possess that which is above another, wherefore the world lieth in sin?”. But look at America, look how even the poorest of us have these government programs to take care of them, they have shelter, food, water, etc... This is not the case for all, but even in America we have so much than another in other countries. 

Billions are starving in other countries. We are suffering them to go unnoticed. And than the lord will pass by us unnoticed. Look at what Orson Pratt said.

What kind of a revolution would it work among the Latter day Saints if the revelation given in March, 1831, were carried out by them, “It is not given that one man should possess that which is above another, wherefore the world lieth in sin?” How much of a revolution would it accomplish in Salt Lake City if this order of things should be brought about? I think it would work a greater revolution among this people than has ever been witnessed amongst them since they had an existence as a Church.
...
There must be a reformation. There will be a reformation among this people, but He will plead with the stronger ones of Zion, He will plead with this people, He will plead with those in high places, He will plead with the priesthood of this church, until Zion shall become clean before him. I do not know but what it would be an utter impossibility to commence and carry out some principles pertaining to Zion right in the midst of this people. They have strayed so far that to get a people who would conform to heavenly laws it may be needful to lead some from the midst of this people and commence anew in the regions round about in these mountains.
(JD 15:355-360, http://jod.mrm.org/15/354, Orson Pratt)

Purging our self image as good guys: The Message of the Book of Mormon

Only those who are aware of their lost and fallen state can take the mission of the Savior seriously, and before one can embrace it in terms of the eternities it must be grasped on the level of common, everyday reality … For behold, are we not all beggars? … The essence of [King] Benjamin’s preaching is to purge the people, if possible, of their flattering self-image as good guys.

His address is expressly to the inhabitants of "this land" into whose hands "this book" shall come--specifically, it is meant for us. (Scriptural Perspectives on How to Survive the Calamities of the Last Days, Hugh Nibley, read here)

King Benjamin

King Benamin is a great example of how a society that wishes to be like Zion needs to act. I am going to try to go through a few chapters starting in Mosiah 2 and highlight the traits of King Benjamin and the Society.

"I am like as yourselves" (vs 11)

"serve(d) you with all the might, mind and strength" (vs 11)

"spend my days in your service" (vs 12)

Did not receive any gold, silver or riches from the people  (vs 12)

Suffered to be No Dungeons (jails) (vs 13)

No Slaves, murder, plunder, steal, commit adultery... (vs 13)

"taught you [to], keep the commandments" (vs 13)

"labored with mine own hands" (vs 14)

No Taxes (vs 14)

Tells us these things not to boast, or accuse. (vs 15-16)

Refuses to accept thanks (praise), gives it to God (vs 19)

"render all the thanks and praise which your whole soul has power to possess, to that God who has created you" (vs 20) [Notice no praise to the man, we should be wise in this regard to not give praise or glory to any man]

Beware of contention, else you will be led by an evil spirit (vs 32)

"I pray that ye should awake to a remembrance of the awful situation of those that have fallen into transgression" (vs 40)

The peoples reactions

After this message of repentance here is what happened. Mosiah 4:

1 And now, it came to pass that when king Benjamin had made an end of speaking the words which had been delivered unto him by the angel of the Lord, that he cast his eyes round about on the multitude, and behold they had fallen to the earth, for the fear of the Lord had come upon them. 2 And they had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth.11...always retain in remembrance, the greatness of God, and your own nothingness

This is a very real process when on awakens to their awful situation. They realize how little they are in this world, fear comes upon them for their own salvation, they begin to realize their nothingness before God. It is this humility that God requires of us. This fear of our failure and inabililty to do what is required that allows us to stay humble and put our trust in God. No wonder why people never like to "hear" repentance. Because as soon as something is revealed that they are doing wrong they cry "treason". All people want to think they are doing exactly what they need to do to be saved. "Carnal security".

Discourse on the Poor

 16 And also, ye yourselves will succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish. 17 Perhaps thou shalt say: The man has brought upon himself his misery; therefore I will stay my hand, and will not give unto him of my food, nor impart unto him of my substance that he may not suffer, for his punishments are just— 18 But I say unto you, O man, whosoever doeth this the same hath great cause to repent; and except he repenteth of that which he hath done he perisheth forever, and hath no interest in the kingdom of God. 19 For behold, are we not all beggars? Do we not all depend upon the same Being, even God, for all the substance which we have, for both food and raiment, and for gold, and for silver, and for all the riches which we have of every kind?

God gives both to the Just and the Unjust, art thou greater than He? I have seen this excuse, that they will just use it for drugs or alcohol, over and over for not giving to those who put up their petition for food, money, etc... We have great cause to repent if we think their punishments are just. We shall not suffer their petitions to be put up in vain.

22 And if ye judge the man who putteth up his petition to you for your substance that he perish not, and condemn him, how much more just will be your condemnation for withholding your substance, which doth not belong to you but to God, to whom also your life belongeth; and yet ye put up no petition, nor repent of the thing which thou hast done.

We are not to withhold but to give freely. No wonder why so few people have ever been able to build Zion. Their hearts are far from Him. They prefer to keep that which is not theirs to begin with. They wish to save all the money they can while those around them suffer with nothing.

Hugh Nibley

He spoke beautifully our dilemma. I will pull excerpts out from his paper, Scriptural Perspectives on How to Survive the Calamities of the Last Days, you can read it here.

there is no point in devising ingenious schemes for survival.There is but one real course of escape. What you should do is to watch yourself at all times (see JS-M 1:46); to be found doing good all the time (see JS-M 1:49); to not act as if it were going to be business as usual indefinitely, as if the great event belonged to a vague and indefinite future (see JS-M 1:51). The one thing you can be sure of is that it will be "in such an hour as ye think not" (JS-M 1:48). So the only preparation is to do what? To abstain from taking advantage of others, oppressing the poor, and living in luxury (see JS-M 1:52).

What do you repent of and how do you repent? It is all a matter of seeking: when you repent you turn from seeking some things to seeking others 

...get rid of our own definition of who are "the good guys" and who are "the bad guys."

The dangerous illusion that the populace may be classified simply as the good guys (our side) and the bad guys (their side) becomes the main theme of the book of Jacob, as of the Book of Mormon itself. While Jacob spares no words in describing the wickedness and depravity of the Lamanites, he can declare of his own people at that early date: "Behold, ye have done greater iniquities than the Lamanites" (Jacob 2:35). Where does that leave us? With a polarized world that emerges in Jacob 3:

It is as pointless, then, to ask who are the good guys and who are the bad guys as it is to ask who should repent. The answer is always the same: I am the sinner, and I must repent.
The essence of Benjamin's preaching is to purge the people, if possible, of their flattering self-image as good guys. 

We must not forget those Book of Mormon super-good guys, the Zoramites--hard working, independent, fiercely patriotic, brave, smart, prosperous Zoramites--strictly attending their meetings and observing proper dress standards. What a perfectly wonderful self-image!

The battle is not between Good and Bad--the wicked shall destroy the wicked.

The book of Mormon is For US

Mormon's message to us is not without a word of hope and advice: "Behold, I speak unto you as though I spake from the dead; for I know that ye shall have my words. . . . Give thanks unto God that he hath made manifest unto you our imperfections that ye may learn to be more wise than we have been" (Mormon 9:30-31). His address is expressly to the inhabitants of "this land" into whose hands "this book" shall come--specifically, it is meant for us.

No More Revelation

How is it possible to be so selective in times of war and confusion? It is done by the process of leading the righteous away. When the lights go out and the grandson of Amaron reports that there is "no revelation save that which has been written, neither prophecy" in his day (Omni 1:11), then the righteous man Mosiah is "warned of the Lord that he should flee out of the land of Nephi" (Omni 1:12), taking any who will go with him--it is Lehi all over again, another society of saints in the wilderness. (ibid)

No More revelation 
King Benamin is an interesting example of a society that is required to build Zion. We should study it. Its also an interesting story of what leads up to the establishment of this Zion like society. If Hugh Nibley is right that the book of Mormon is about US, is this a type of us? For 3-4? generations there was "no revelation save that which has been written, neither prophecy" (Omni 1:11). Until finally a small group was able to awaken through the words of this King Benjamin and remove that self flatery image they had and do what was required to build Zion?

When Destruction Comes
When everything you have is taken away, when your life is lost, or whatever else comes your way, it won't be asked of you whether you had enough to survive during those times but rather it will be asked, how did you succor those that stood in need while you were able? Did you help that man on the corner or did you pass by? After all we could even be entertaining angels unaware (true messengers) sent to prove us in all things. "Done it unto the least of these you have done it unto me".

Don't forget all those who have less. Remove that "covetous".

26 And now, for the sake of these things which I have spoken unto you—that is, for the sake of retaining a remission of your sins from day to day, that ye may walk guiltless before God—I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor, every man according to that which he hath, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief, both spiritually and temporally, according to their wants. (Mosiah 4:26)

The First Blood Moon: The First Warning

What I learned tonight about recent signs of the moon (take it or leave it, I was impressed to share). There were others who saw the really big halo around the moon a couple months back and recognized it for a sign. I saw it too, and felt the same thing. What are the meaning of these things? It was an invitation for something more, something terrestrial, reaching for the terrestrial glory that will be ours if we're faithful, if we truly come unto Him. The lunar eclipses, in contrast, are warnings to repent, warnings before the final blood moon of Revelations that unless we do repent and come unto Him, the coming of the terrestrial world will mean our deaths of body and spirit. This is the first warning.

Many members believe in a "call out" for Zion. They will be sadly disappointed when the destruction's come. If a "prophet" has to call you into Zion than you are not ready. If one person is unprepared for Zion and they try to gather with those who are ready, Zion will fail. Moses tried to lead the people to Zion, they failed. They wanted a leader, He became their idol (idolatry). They had prayed that Moses would speak to God for them (TPJS). No unclean thing can enter into the presence of God.

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; (D&C 84:19-23)

The day of this life is your salvation, is your probation. If that same spirit that departs this life is unclean when you depart, it will remain unclean. The law states 'blessed are the pure in heart [sanctified] for they shall see God". "For it is not possible for a man to do the will of the Father and not know the doctrine.” (Lyman Wright, Conference Report, Apr 1910, pg 29-30). If this eternal glory is not in you when these times come upon us, you will be burned and unable to bear the glory of the eternal world while in the flesh (D&C 76:117-11)

The Lords arm has been extending, his arm is extending a second time. How do I know an opportunity is being offered? For one the signs in the heavens. Two the signs that are on the earth. But for now I just invite you to seek God's Face (always). I invite you to determine if the many things I have written are true or not. The time is coming when the Gentiles (both LDS and non LDS) are going to reject the fulness of the gospel and the Gentiles kingdoms will be trodden under foot and burned to ashes. (3 Nephi 16). All it takes to throw down the kingdoms of the devil is to preach truth. The pure truth.

Are these different? Holy Ghost: Holy Spirit

Lets have some fun and get outside the box for a moment.

Is there a difference between the Holy Ghost and the Holy Spirit? I have noticed sometimes people use these interchangeably including in the scriptures but are they really the same-thing? If they are used interchangeable even sometimes in our scriptures, it certainly would make it difficult to figure out.

Joseph gave us a clear explanation of what the Holy Spirit is.

There are two personages who constitute the great, matchless, governing and supreme power over all things--by whom all things were created and made, that are created and made, whether visible or invisible: whether in heaven, on earth, or in the earth, under the earth, or throughout the immensity of space--They are the Father and the Son: The Father being a personage of spirit, glory and power: possessing all perfection and fulness: The Son, who was in the bosom of the Father, a personage of tabernacle, made, or fashioned like unto man, or being in the form and likeness of man, or, rather, man was formed after his likeness, and in his image;--he is also the express image and likeness of the personage of the Father: possessing all the fulness of the Father, or, the same fulness with the Father; being begotten of him, and was ordained from before the foundation of the world to be a propitiation for the sins of all those who should believe on his name, and is called the Son because of the flesh--and descended in suffering below that which man can suffer, or, in other words, suffered greater sufferings, and was exposed to more powerful contradictions than any man can be. But notwithstanding all this, he kept the law of God, and remained without sin: Showing thereby that it is in the power of man to keep the law and remain also without sin. And also, that by him a righteous judgment might come upon all flesh, and that all who walk not in the law of God, may justly be condemned by the law, and have no excuse for their sins. And he being the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, and having overcome, received a fulness of the glory of the Father-possessing the same mind with the Father, which mind is the Holy Spirit, that bears record of the Father and the Son, and these three are one, or in other words, these three constitute the great, matchless, governing and supreme power over all things: by whom all things were created and made, that were created and made: and these three constitute the Godhead, and are one: The Father and the Son possessing the same mind, the same wisdom, glory, power and fulness: Filling all in all--the Son being filled with the fulness of the Mind, glory and power, or, in other words, the Spirit, glory and power of the Father--possessing all knowledge and glory, and the same kingdom: sitting at the right hand of power, in the express image and likeness of the Father--a Mediator for man--being filled with the fulness of the Mind of the Father, or, in other words, the Spirit of the Father: which Spirit is shed forth upon all who believe on his name and keep his commandments: and all those who keep his commandments shall grow up from grace to grace, and become heirs of the heavenly kingdom, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ; possessing the same mind, being transformed into the same image or likeness, even the express image of him who fills all in all: being filled with the fulness of his glory, and become one in him, even as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are one 9 (Lectures on Faith, Lecture 5:2)

The Holy Spirit is the mind of God.

45 And behold, the Holy Spirit of God did come down from heaven, and did enter into their hearts, and they were filled as if with fire, and they could speak forth marvelous words. (Helamen 5:45)

Holy spirit came down out of heaven and did enter into their heart.

Holy Ghost

The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us. (D&C 130:22)

The question I ask is how can the mind of God be a personage of Spirit? Perhaps they are different.

1 And now I, Nephi, cannot write all the things which were taught among my people; neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men.
2 But behold, there are many that harden their hearts against the Holy Spirit, that it hath no place in them; wherefore, they cast many things away which are written and esteem them as things of naught. (2 Nephi 33:1-2)

Why the distinction here?

A Key

19 What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.
(Doctrine and Covenants 121:46)

Go re-read these. Do you see it?

So when one receives the gift of the holy ghost what are they really receiving? This admonition for us to "receive the Holy Ghost" refers to what?

Joseph also said,

I want to let you know that THE HOLY GHOST KNOWS SOMETHING AS WELL AS YOU DO. ... But I am learned, and know more than all the world put together. THE HOLY GHOST DOES, ANYHOW; AND HE IS WITHIN ME, and comprehends more than all the world; and I WILL ASSOCIATE MYSELF WITH HIM. (Joseph Smith, King Follet Discourse)

A Random Thought

The Holy Ghost is now in a state of probation which if he should perform in righteousness he may pass through the same or a similar course of things that the Son has. (The Words of Joseph Smith, p. 245, Sermon delivered at Nauvoo temple grounds on Sunday August 27, 1843 or here)

Clearly that is not the "mind of God" right?