October 4, 2015

"What of the Truth" (an essay)


"What of the Truth"
cji
10/4/15

Over time and multiple essays, poems and other writings I’ve tried to present ‘common sense’ truth backed by facts – historical events – the Scriptures and other evidences. However, mostly to fall on deaf ears, blinded eyes, and feelings tuned to the world and not to the reality of this world and our purpose for being here. Too many believe in the ‘Big Bang’ – ‘Evolution Theory as fact” – Creatio ex Niliho – and other ideas which make no sense and have never been proven (except by circular proofs – one teller quoting and another).

(Note: What follows needs to have a set of criteria placed upon it:
1.   One must literally read the Holy Bible
2.   One must literally read the Book of Mormon
3.   One must be striving to live all of the Commandments (all of the time)
4.   One must have a humble spirit and an open mind to feel the still small voice of the promptings of the Spirit to the truthfulness of all things
5.   One must want to know:
a.   Why they are here
b.   Where they came from
c.   Where they might someday go
d.   Who they really are.
There is no other way to discern truth in anything! If one is not obedient to the Commandments of God – God will not be mocked – he has said, “If you love me – keep my Commandments.” Therefore if one professes a love of God and keeps not his Commandments – of what value is their love? Now knowing none of us in mortality is ‘perfect’ (while as the Son has told us, “all should be as the Father and I are – perfect” means we should be repenting and attempting to be more so in our lives on a moment to moment basis. God knows of our true intent – and again he will not be mocked. Thus, if you really want to know truth it has to come from the Father and the Son – there is no other way to attain ‘truth’ – for all else is of the world and the world is truly an evil and wicked place which only tries to substitute guile for truth.)

To literally believe the Bible would mean one would have to read it on their own – without a mentor (who’s a financial interest) and thus to eliminate many of the various editions which have been altered to meet the belief of the editor(s) and various religions promoting its writings. (My recommendation would be to find an earlier edition of the King James or William Tyndale translations. Most of the revisions started in the late 1800’s and continue even today of the Bible as Scripture.) The Bible’s purpose was to testify of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as the Only Begotten of our Heavenly Father – who came to “Atone” for the sins of those born in mortality to this world.[i]

The Bible testifies of other Scriptures – even with all of the editing and transmission errors this still comes through loud and clear. Also, the common belief that what we’ve in the KJV is all there is places severe limitations on the Father and the Son. Therefore, there are other Scriptures – many of them – including the 3400 books lost in the current translation of the Bible. One of these books of Scripture is the Book of Mormon about those who left before the 600BC captivity of the Jews by the Babylonians. It represents almost 2000 years of teachings by the Savior to other people than those located in and around the lands of Jerusalem.

It is taught by the religions of the world that other Scriptures do not exist and that there is no need for them. This is done with good reason for their interests (and livelihood) is directly related to this teaching. If there were other Scriptures (especially the Book of Mormon) it would mean that the Heavens are open –that there is a Prophet of God on the earth once more – that the Church of the Savior is again restored. Therefore, almost all of the Christian world is warned against reading the Book of Mormon – as they are also to let these secular leaders interpret the Bible for them (thus being no need for one to read cover-to-cover – over again and again the Bible) putting in Greek Philosophy and other teachings of men/women to supplement the % they use of the Bible.

But as always I’m sure I weary those who take the time to read what I write – thus let me present what it is about truth that I know, understand, believe and testify of. There is no easy way (except obedience) to understand truth and return to our Father and his Son in the Celestial Kingdom.[ii] First I know the only eternal element found in the Scriptures is that of the family.[iii] Indeed we’re taught that whatever is not sealed on this earth (for those who could’ve been sealed) will not be sealed in heaven as there is no giving of marriage beyond this earth.[iv] One must always remember that the Father and the Son are the same always – otherwise they would cease to be God(s). They waver neither to the left nor the right – but their course is straight and sure and true.

Let’s digress on this idea of marriage and eternal sealing to be together as a family (all of one’s family – progenitors and posterity) it must be performed by one having authority given through the Son to his Prophets. If one reads Malachi 4:4-5[v] and truly seeks to know its meaning then one will understand the true nature of eternal marriage and its purpose. Eternal marriage can only be performed in the House of the Lord (a dedicated Temple) and only by those called of God. The ministries of men/women (or of the world) can only marry ‘till death do you part.’ No matter what authorities they claim their legal jurisdiction is only for the nation, state, city or community in which they were given their license to preach or officiate. While most of the worldly this means nothing to those who love dearly their family – wives loving husbands – husbands loving wives – parents loving their children and children loving their parents – without a Temple Marriage or Sealing – you’re only together during this mortal probation! This is an eternal truth! The Commandments, Laws and Statutes of the Father and the Son – must be obeyed.

(Note: When my wife and I were dating we spoke of Eternal Marriage – that if we were to marry it was to be for time and all eternity. The minister who we wanted to marry us – could not do this – and I questioned his authority – at which point he refused to marry us. After five years of marriage – through the Missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I found where an Eternal Marriage could be performed (in addition to many other gospel truths which I’d been seeking). We learned of the Restoration of all things – and the Key’s given by Elijah to the Prophet Joseph Smith, Jr. as stated in Malachi 4:4-5. We learned of Temples (the House of the Lord) and thus peace entered into our hearts and souls.)

The Scriptures when translated correctly are found to be clear, concise, and easy to understand by anyone who can read, see, hear and feel. Thus for those who are blinded by the world – made deaf by the chaotic noise – and cold to their feelings by lusts, greed, power, wealth, envy or pride – nothing is clear, concise or able to be understood. Choice to be obedient is an action each person must take on their own – i.e. faith to believe in Jesus Christ is an individual action (not just voided words). If one is to have faith they must choose to actively live their faith – believing and thus trusting in the Lord.

While most Christians claim this faith – few are willing to pay the price to separate themselves from peers – or basically the worldly aspects of their lives. Most are unwilling or unable to keep even the most basis of the Commandments (which here we’re talking about the Ten well known to the world). How many can’t stay away from the world on the Sabbath Day? How many swear or take the Lord’s name in vain? How many do not envy or lust after the things of others? Almost all churches or religions in the world have idols, statues, figurines, medallions, or other symbols to represent their worship or identify themselves, i.e. even the simple cross.

One does not relish seeing another who could have so much of the eternal blessings – accepting only the secondhand forage of the worldly – but one cannot make or persuade anyone to do anything against their will. One can wash the windows – open the doors – invite the Spirit to enter within – while only the friend or stranger must peer through the window – enter through the door – invite the Spirit within them. 

So what of the truth? Is there really any truth? Does any of this mortality matter? Does God really live? Should we be obedient to the Commandments set down by Him? Was there really a Jesus the Christ? Did he really atone for each of us individually? If you’re worldly it matters not what you give as an answer to any of these questions or thoughts – yes or no – are just answers – which without action mean nothing.

God will not be mocked! If you love him keep his Commandments (all of them – all of the time). Samuel taught, “…to obey is better than to sacrifice…”[vi] while the people of the world could care less. The true Saints or Disciples of the Savior and his Father understand this – are willing to take the ridicule of the world to be found within their flock – working in their gardens and toiling in their vineyards. Nothing is easy about truth to those who wish it were otherwise.

Wither will we be found? Striving to be obedient in all things – all of the time – knowing and loving our Savior and our Eternal Heavenly Father – believing the Scriptures literally – reading them ourselves and not hiring mentors? Will we awaken tomorrow – and be what we were yesterday or will we be become more like the Father and the Son (as we’ve been commanded) – loving, serving and obeying?[vii]

These things I leave with each of you to ponder – it’s really simple stuff – either it’s true or not – each can believe as they wish – but I testify to each of you that what I’ve written is true to the best of my knowledge of our Heavenly Father – his only begotten Son – our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ – that there is a Prophet of God on the earth this day – Thomas S. Monson – and a Quorum of Twelve Apostles. That all of the blessings found in the Scriptures can be literally each of yours – if you adhere to the Father’s Plan – in the name of his Son – Jesus the Christ – amen c/ork


“What of the Truth”
cji
10/4/15

Over and over repeated
sound doctrine sweet
over and over questioned
what of the truth is asked
answered by many voices
some lying and others true
clamoring for our attention
or just the still small voice
which we choose is eternal
now and forever and ever
what of the truth do we know
sound doctrine sweet
over and over repeated!

Copyright © 2015 – cji



[i] One must remember the Savior was not just the Savior for this world but for all of the worlds of which he had been delegated responsibility by the Father.
[ii] Paul teaches of the three degrees of glory to which we can obtain – and the Savior repeatedly teaches he prepares a place for those who are his disciples (as well as places for those who are not).
[iii] 1 Peter 3:7
[iv] Whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, Matt. 16:19 (Matt. 18:18; D&C 124:93; D&C 132:46).Ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of Promise, Eph. 1:13I give unto you power, that whatsoever ye shall seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven, Hel. 10:7To them is power given to seal 
[v]  ¶Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
[vi] Samuel 15:22
[vii] 1 John 3 

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