Hope, Faith, and Charity

Speaking in terms of faith, those of the celestial had the faith to follow the living prophet, those of the terrestrial had only enough faith to follow the dead ones, and those of the telestial had not the faith to follow any prophet at all.  Speaking in terms of repentance, those of the celestial repented when they should have, those of the terrestrial repented too late, and those of the telestial repented not at all, but awaited their resurrection through sufferings.

“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” 1Cor 13:13.  Now for a closer look at the fore mentioned principle using this scripture as inspiration.

Speaking in terms of the telestial, living in mortality, it is hope by which they are freed, it is hope that lifts the veil of worldliness, and hope that tests them.  An understanding that there is something more, that there is a God, that there is hope in Him, this is needed to lift the telestial a higher sphere.

Speaking in terms of the terrestrial, living in mortality, it is faith by which they are tested and tried, it is greater faith that they need in order to lift them and free them from chains of doubt; and by exercising their faith the terrestrial may reach out and cling to the heels of the living prophet, and thus may be lifted to a higher sphere.

Speaking in terms of the celestial, living in mortality, even those that dare to walk the straight and narrow path that leads to eternal life, it is charity by which they are stretched, molded, prepared, and tried.  It is through charity that they are refined, is through the struggle to see through charity’s eyes that they may one day see clearly in exalted spheres.  Charity then becomes the blessing and the burden they must bear, once in deed, it is bestowed upon them by the Father.

Brethren and Sisters, may we offer an extended hand of hope, faith, and charity to all of our Father’s children, knowing the Spirit will impart that portion which is needed at the proper time and place.  Let us not be lacking in any of these virtues, and let us always be prepared.  As we do so we will become more like our Master, even the Lord Jesus Christ and will see things as He sees them.  That we may do so, that eternally we may reside where He resides, is my hope and prayer for us all.  In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Echoes of Time and Eternity

My inspiration to write this article comes from Doctrine & Covenants 88:78: “Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;”

Herein is a “theory” as before mentioned, there has been no attempt made to identify any new doctrine, principle, nor law of the gospel. Perhaps theory is the lesser of these, my hope is that it may have some usefulness nonetheless.

Science is slowly catching up to what Prophets have known for dispensations, which is that time is not flat; time is thus experienced differently depending on one’s physical location in the universe.

“General relativity combines the time dimension with the three dimensions of space to form what is called spacetime. The theory incorporates the effect of gravity by saying that the distribution of matter and energy in the universe wraps and distorts spacetime, so that it is not flat.” Stephen Hawking, “The Universe in a Nutshell”, 35; Bantam Books, November 2001.

Simply put this means time is experienced faster or slower depending on the location of the one experiencing the time.  Those on our planet measure/experience time based on the laws that govern it.

David understood this cosmic fact, “For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.” Psalm 90:4. 

Peter taught the same, “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” 2 Peter 3:8.

Abraham learned this as he spoke with the Lord under a star decked night. “And the Lord said unto me, by the Urim and Thummim, that Kolob was after the manner of the Lord, according to its times and seasons in the revolutions thereof; that one revolution was a day unto the Lord, after his manner of reckoning, it being one thousand years according to the time appointed unto that whereon thou standest. This is the reckoning of the Lord’s time, according to the reckoning of Kolob.” Abraham 3:4.

The Prophet Joseph Smith gave us the equation in his explanation of Facsimile No. 2. “One day in Kolob is equal to a thousand years according to the measurement of this earth” Note on Facsimile No. 2.

From these sacred writings we have our formula of measurement of 1,000 earth years is equal to 1 heaven day (1,000 earth years = 1 heaven day). Many interesting thoughts and insights can be gained from this equation alone; for example this was our reckoning of time prior to our mortal births. Therefore if a spirit is born into mortality, leaving Kolob and enter a womb on this earth, and lives here for 62.5 years then dies, if that spirit then were to return to heaven it would have been absent from heaven for only 1.5 hours.  As minutes and hours pass by there, lifetimes pass by here. Thus Adam did truly die in the same day that he ate the forbidden fruit, because he died prior to turning one thousand years old on this earth. According to our reckoning of time Adam lived to be 930 years old, thus Adam was never older than one day old, according to the measurement of time as assigned to Kolob.

An understanding of this equation is necessary to understand the full meaning of other certain passages of scripture. Before looking into these scriptures however, one other scripture concerning time ought to be considered.

“And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.” Revelation 5:1.

Doctrine and Covenants 77:7 states: “Q. What are we to understand by the seven seals with which it was sealed? A. We are to understand that the first seal contains the things of the first thousand years, and the second also of the second thousand years, and so on until the seventh.”

Meaning that the book sealed with seven seals is a symbol of the temporal existence of our earth broken down into seven periods of time (a thousand years each) from Adam until the end of the Millennium totaling seven thousand years.

Most people erroneously believe that the entire seventh seal, or seventh period of one thousand years, is the Millennium.  While most of the seventh seal is made up of the Millennium, the entire seal is not.  For clarification we go to the scriptures briefly.

“And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.”  Revelation 8:1-2.

If we go to the calendar and accept it as is, meaning that it is currently the year 2016, then we are currently in the 16^th year of the final and seventh seal. The quick math on this- the 4000 years prior to the birth of the Savior and the 2000 years following his birth give us seals 1 through 6 respectively, rounding the numbers for simplicity. We call it the year 2016 but in reality it is the year 6016 from Adam. In these terms the seventh seal is from 6000 to 7000, thus we are 16 years into the seventh seal as of 2016.

Although we are 16 years into the seventh seal, this does not mean we are 16 years into the Millennium, it is evident that we are not in the Millennium because the Second Coming has not yet occurred. So, the question begs…then where are we? Or better yet when are we in our earth’s history?

The key is in the above verse…… “And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour”

This time of “about the space of half an hour” is after the reckoning of heaven. Let us refer back to our prior formula which is 1 day in heaven equals 1000 years on earth, therefore 1 minute in heaven = 251.85 days on earth. Thus 30 minutes in heaven would equal 20.7 years here on our earth.  This would mean, again following our current calendar, the seventh seal spans from the year 2000 to the year 3000, again rounding numbers for simplicity; therefore from the year 2000 until mid-2020s no trumpets would sound for that is the time the angels are preparing them in heaven.  After this silence in heaven for the space of half an hour the second coming is not far off.

“And there shall be silence in heaven for the space of half an hour; and immediately after shall the curtain of heaven be unfolded, as a scroll is unfolded after it is rolled up, and the face of the Lord shall be unveiled; (D&C 88:95)

The account found in Doctrine & Covenants and the account found in New Testament do not contradict if you consider that one is a record from the perspective of heaven and the other from earth.

It would appear that this before mentioned “silence in heaven for the space of about half an hour” is experienced as approximately 30 minutes in heaven and approximately 20.7 years on earth- is a time of preparation, after which the “face if the Lord shall be unveiled.”

We know we live in the time of the hastening of the work as mentioned in Doctrine & Covenants 88:73 “Behold, I will hasten my work in its time.” Interestingly following this period of hastening the rest of Doctrine & Covenants 88 foretells of the final events leading up to the Second Coming.    

Consider it. Could it be that this time of “hastening”, in which President Monson has stated we are living in, be the very fraction of time following the breaking of the seventh seal, even the silver of time just prior to the Second Coming and Millennial reign of our Savior Jesus Christ?  Could it be that we are currently living in the time described as “silence in heaven about the space of half an hour”…. If so, the Second Coming is much closer than most expect.

Eternal Marriage

Scriptures Requiring Explanation
Matthew 22:30
30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.
Mark 12:25
25 For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.

The Explanation
Doctrine and Covenants 132:15-17
15 Therefore, if a man marry him a wife in the world, and he marry her not by me nor by my word, and he covenant with her so long as he is in the world and she with him, their covenant and marriage are not of force when they are dead, and when they are out of the world; therefore, they are not bound by any law when they are out of the world.
16 Therefore, when they are out of the world they neither marry nor are given in marriage; but are appointed angels in heaven, which angels are ministering servants, to minister for those who are worthy of a far more, and an exceeding, and an eternal weight of glory.
17 For these angels did not abide my law; therefore, they cannot be enlarged, but remain separately and singly, without exaltation, in their saved condition, to all eternity; and from henceforth are not gods, but are angels of God forever and ever.

Marriage in Heaven
Matthew 16:19
19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Mark 10:7-9
7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;
8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.
9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
1 Corinthians 11:11
11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.
Doctrine and Covenants 132:19-23
19 And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood; and it shall be said unto them—Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection; and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths—then shall it be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, that he shall commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, and if ye abide in my covenant, and commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever.
20 Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them.
21 Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye abide my law ye cannot attain to this glory.
22 For strait is the gate, and narrow the way that leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of the lives, and few there be that find it, because ye receive me not in the world neither do ye know me.
23 But if ye receive me in the world, then shall ye know me, and shall receive your exaltation; that where I am ye shall be also.

My Favorite Scripture
Genesis 29:18-20
18 And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.
19 And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.
20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.

Scriptural Connections to The Atonement of Jesus Christ

I feel, and the Spirit seems to accord, that the most important doctrine I can declare, and the most powerful testimony I can bear, is of the atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. His atonement is the most transcendent event that ever has or ever will occur from Creation’s dawn through all the ages of a never-ending eternity.1

The Atonement is the most important single thing that has ever occurred in the entire history of created things; it is the rock [solid] foundation upon which the gospel and all other things rest. Indeed, all ‘things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it.2

I was shown a panoramic view of His earthly ministry: His baptism, His teaching, His healing the sick and lame, the mock trial, His crucifixion, His resurrection and ascension. There followed scenes of His earthly ministry to my mind in impressive detail, confirming scriptural eyewitness accounts. I was being taught, and the eyes of my understanding were opened by the Holy Spirit of God so as to behold many things.3
The first scene was of the Savior and His Apostles in the upper chamber on the eve of His betrayal. Following the Passover supper, He instructed and prepared the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper for His dearest friends as a remembrance of His coming sacrifice. It was so impressively portrayed to me—the overwhelming love of the Savior for each. I witnessed His thoughtful concern for significant details—the washing of the dusty feet of each Apostle, His breaking and blessing of the loaf of dark bread and blessing of the wine, then His dreadful disclosure that one would betray Him. He explained Judas’s departure and told the others of the events soon to take place.3

We do not know, we cannot tell, no mortal mind can conceive the full import of what Christ did in Gethsemane. We know he sweat great gouts of blood from every pore as he drained the dregs of that bitter cup his Father had given him. We know he suffered, both body and spirit, more than it is possible for man to suffer, except it be unto death. We know that in some way, incomprehensible to us, his suffering satisfied the demands of justice, ransomed penitent souls from the pains and penalties of sin, and made mercy available to those who believe in his holy name. We know that he lay prostrate upon the ground as the pains and agonies of an infinite burden caused him to tremble and would that he might not drink the bitter cup.1

For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.4

And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.5

And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.6

Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.7

This sacred spot, like Eden where Adam dwelt, like Sinai from whence Jehovah gave his laws, like Calvary where the Son of God gave his life a ransom for many, this holy ground is where the Sinless Son of the Everlasting Father took upon himself the sins of all men on condition of repentance.1

And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.8

We know that an angel came from the courts of glory to strengthen him in his ordeal, and we suppose it was mighty Michael, who foremost fell that mortal man might be.1

And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow.9

As near as we can judge, these infinite agonies—this suffering beyond compare—continued for some three or four hours.1
After this—his body then wrenched and drained of strength—he confronted Judas and the other incarnate devils, some from the very Sanhedrin itself; and he was led away with a rope around his neck, as a common criminal, to be judged by the arch-criminals who as Jews sat in Aaron’s seat and who as Romans wielded Caesar’s power.1

Rise up, let us go; lo, he that betrayeth me is at hand. And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.10

And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye?11

And he that betrayed him had given them a token, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he; take him, and lead him away safely. And as soon as he was come, he goeth straightway to him, and saith, Master, master; and kissed him.12

{The band or cohort and party assembled to apprehend the Savior likely consisted of some 500-800 men.}

Webster’s Dictionary: Co´hort
n. 1. (Rom. Antiq.) A body of about five or six hundred soldiers; the tenth part of a legion.

2. Any band or body of warriors.
With him the cohort bright
Of watchful cherubim.

They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way: That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none. Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.13

Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?14

And now, as pertaining to this perfect atonement, wrought by the shedding of the blood of God—I testify that it took place in Gethsemane and at Golgotha, and as pertaining to Jesus Christ, I testify that he is the Son of the Living God and was crucified for the sins of the world. He is our Lord, our God, and our King. This I know of myself independent of any other person. I am one of his witnesses, and in a coming day I shall feel the nail marks in his hands and in his feet and shall wet his feet with my tears. But I shall not know any better then than I know now that he is God’s Almighty Son, that he is our Savior and Redeemer, and that salvation comes in and through his atoning blood and in no other way. God grant that all of us may walk in the light as God our Father is in the light so that, according to the promises, the blood of Jesus Christ his Son will cleanse us from all sin. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.1

References

1. Bruce R. McConkie, General Conference, April 1985, The Purifying Power of Gethsemane.
2. Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1976], p. 121; see also Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966], p. 60).
3. Elder David B. Haight, General Conference, October 1989, The Sacrament—and the Sacrifice.
4. Luke 22:18-19
5. Matthew 26:27-28
6. Mark 14:26
7. Matthew 26:36
8. Luke 22:41-43
9. Luke 22:44-45
10. Mark 14:42-43
11. John 18:2-4
12. Mark 14:44-45
13. John 18:5-10
14. Matthew 26:52-54

Original Poem “Deliver Me”

Deliver Me

As thy servants of old in days gone by

As those that wept at thy feet

As those who turned from a lie

As the one shown thy mercy seat

As those that followed the new star

As her who gave the widow’s mite

As those that loved thee from afar

As him who has cried to thee at night

By Jason L. Cummins

Original Poem, “To Heaven Bind”

To Heaven Bind

We are all from dust of the same distant star
Now pondering waves of light over a distant moon
Longing for the love once had before afar
Remembering glimpses of faith, our souls in tune

Waiting for the day of the lamb, the lion, and the little child
In harmony walking and playing without violence or sin
A millennium of joy and peace and mercy mild
With evil bound in the pit, its reign at end

Patient and wise we wait for our one true King
For His return even the second time
When the stars shall bow as angels sing
He to light the way in the heart and mind
And the family of earth, to heaven bind

By Jason L. Cummins

 

Different Bible Versions of Proverbs 3:33-35

KJV
Proverbs 3:33-35
33 The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked: but he blesseth the habitation of the just.
34 Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.
35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.
NKJV
Proverbs 3:33-35
33 The curse of the LORD is on the house of the wicked,
But He blesses the home of the just.
34 Surely He scorns the scornful,
But gives grace to the humble.
35 The wise shall inherit glory, But shame shall be the legacy of fools.
NIV
Proverbs 3:33-35
33 The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the home of the righteous.
34 He mocks proud mockers
but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.
35 The wise inherit honor, but fools get only shame.
ESV
Proverbs 3:33-35
33 The LORD’s curse is on the house of the wicked,
but he blesses the dwelling of the righteous.
34 Toward the scorners he is scornful,
but to the humble he gives favor.
35 The wise will inherit honor, but fools get disgrace.

Of all scripture this is the one I use to measure the power of different translations of the Bible.   To me the King James version is much more poetic and exact.   Also the word “promotion” is very thought provoking.

The War In Heaven

 

Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?  Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones;
And the Gods took counsel among themselves and said: Let us go down and form man in our image, after our likeness; and we will give them dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them, and he said: These I will make my rulers; for he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good; and he said unto me: Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born.
And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell;
And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them;
And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon; and they who keep not their first estate shall not have glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate; and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads forever and ever.
And the Lord said: Whom shall I send? And one answered like unto the Son of Man: Here am I, send me. And another answered and said: Here am I, send me. And the Lord said: I will send the first.
And the second was angry, and kept not his first estate; and, at that day, many followed after him.
And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.

And it came to pass that Adam, being tempted of the devil—for, behold, the devil was before Adam, for he rebelled against me, saying, Give me thine honor, which is my power; and also a third part of the hosts of heaven turned he away from me because of their agency;
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
And I, the Lord God, spake unto Moses, saying: That Satan, whom thou hast commanded in the name of mine Only Begotten, is the same which was from the beginning, and he came before me, saying—Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor.
I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto me—Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever.
Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him, and also, that I should give unto him mine own power; by the power of mine Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down;
And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not hearken unto my voice.
And this we saw also, and bear record, that an angel of God who was in authority in the presence of God, who rebelled against the Only Begotten Son whom the Father loved and who was in the bosom of the Father, was thrust down from the presence of God and the Son, And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. And was called Perdition, for the heavens wept over him—he was Lucifer, a son of the morning.

This is a long compilation of scripture taken from the standard works of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.