The Characteristics of the Godhead-Part Two

Transcription

1 The Characteristics of the Godhead-Part Two See Part One for the Index and the Combination Scriptures Introduction D&C 93:19: I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fullness. John 14:5-6: Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 17:3: And this is Life Eternal that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent Our Father in Heaven, and His beloved Son Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost love with a perfect Love. The apostle John uses the word Love to describe the Godhead. He simply states God is love meaning God s Love for His children is perfect. The characteristics in this study show that love in perfection. Everything God does is for the benefit of His children. There is no Quality that God has commanded men to obtain that He does not possess in its fullness. Every Law of God given to man in the scriptures is lived in perfection by God. It is through understanding the significance of these characteristics that are possessed by the Godhead that all can have absolute faith, trust and confidence in them. The characteristics of God showing the perfection of His character are given to man in the form of commandments. For example the scriptures teach that God is full of Equity. Thus the Lord commands His children to observe the commandment to be equal. Because He is Just and Merciful, He commands His children to be the same in their dealings with their fellowman. Our Father in Heaven abides by the Eternal Laws of the Celestial Kingdom. He has provided a plan known as the plan of salvation whereby His children can become perfected and live by those same Eternal Laws. Jesus Christ is The Light and Life of the world D&C 93:9: The Light and the Redeemer of the world; the Spirit of Truth, who came into the world, because the world was made by Him, and in Him was the life of men and the light of men D&C 10:70: And now, remember the words of Him who is the life and light of the world, your Redeemer, your Lord and your God. Amen. 1

2 D&C 84:45: For the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ. D&C 6:21: Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the same that came unto mine own, and mine own received me not. I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not. D&C 14:9: Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, who created the heavens and the earth, a light which cannot be hid in darkness See D&C 11:11 D&C 50:23-25: And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness. That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day. And again, verily I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the truth, that you may chase darkness from among you. John 1:4-5: In Him was life and the Life was the Light of men, and the Light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehendeth it not. How is Jesus Christ the Life of the world? Not only did He give life to all things and now upholds all things (preserves and allows to continue) but He is also the source of Eternal Life as the following scripture testifies: 1 John 5:11-12 : And this is the record that God hath given to us Eternal Life, and this life is in His Son. He that hath the Son hath life and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life John 1:7-9: The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all [men] through him might believe. He was not that Light, but [was sent] to bear witness of that Light. [That] was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. John 8:12: Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the Light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the Light of Life. John 12:35-36: Then Jesus said unto them, yet a little while is the Light with you. Walk while ye have the light lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the Light, that ye may be the children of light. John 3:19-21: And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Ether 4:12: For behold, I am the Father, I am the Light, and the Life, and the Truth of the world. Mosiah 16:9: He is the Light and the Life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death. 2

3 3 Nephi 9:18: I am the Light and the Life of the world. I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. See 3 Nephi 11:11; 3 Nephi 15:9: Behold, I am the Law, and the Light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give Eternal Life. Jesus Christ is the Light by setting an example for us to follow: 3 Nephi 18:16: Behold I am the Light and have set an example for you 3 Nephi 18:24: Therefore, hold up your light that it may shine unto the world. Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up--that which ye have seen me do. Behold ye see that I have prayed unto the Father, and ye all have witnessed. 1 John 2:8-11: Again, a new commandment I write unto you..because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light and hateth his brother is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. Revelations 21:23: And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon to shine in it: for the Glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb [is] the light thereof. See also D&C 88:6-13 below The Omnipresence and the Omniscience of God The following scriptures describe the Omnipresence (present in all places at the same time) and the Omniscience of God (Knowledge and comprehends all things). He is in all and through all things. This is accomplished through what is called the Light of Christ. It is through this light that we are enlightened and our understanding developed. This light which originates from God penetrates all parts of the universe gives life to everything and is the law by which all things are ultimately governed. (Notwithstanding the individual agency that is given for a temporary period). His Omnipresence and Omniscience form part of His all encompassing power. (See D&C 60:4) See page 178 in the Topical Guide under God, Omniscience of D&C 88:6-13: He that ascended up on high, as also He descended below all things, in that He comprehended all things, that He might be in all and through all things, the light of truth; Which truth shineth. This is the Light of Christ. As also He is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made. As also He is in the moon, and is the light of the moon, and the power thereof by which it was made; As also the light of the stars, and the power thereof by which they were made; And the earth also, and the power thereof, even the earth upon which you stand. And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings; Which light proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the 3

4 immensity of space-- The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne, who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things. D&C 88:41: He comprehendeth all things, and all things are before Him, and all things are round about Him; and he is above all things, and in all things, and is through all things, and is round about all things; and all things are by Him, and of Him, even God, forever and ever. Acts 15:18: Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world Colossians 1:17: And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. Ephesians 4:6: One God and Father of all who is above all, and through all, and in you all Revelations 2:23: And all the churches shall know that I am He which searcheth the reins and hearts and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. Moses 1:6: And I have a work for thee, Moses, my son; and thou art in the similitude of mine Only Begotten; and mine Only Begotten is and shall be the Savior, for He is full of grace and truth; but there is no God beside me, and all things are present with me, for I know them all. Moses 7:36: Wherefore, I can stretch forth mine hands and hold all the creations which I have made; and mine eye can pierce them also, and among all the workmanship of mine hands there has not been so great wickedness as among thy brethren. Mosiah 2:21: I say unto you that if ye should serve Him who has created you from the beginning, and is preserving you from day to day, by lending you breath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own will, and even supporting you from one moment to another--i say, if ye should serve Him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants. D&C 1:1-2: Hearken, O ye people of my church, saith the voice of Him who dwells on High, and whose eyes are upon all men..for verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men, and there is none to escape; and there is no eye that shall not see, neither ear that shall not hear, neither heart that shall not be penetrated. D&C 38:2, 7: The same which knoweth all things for all things are present before mine eyes.but behold, verily, verily, I say unto you that mine eyes are upon you. I am in your midst and ye cannot see me. D&C 60:4: For I, the Lord, rule in the heavens above and among the armies of the earth D&C 67:1-2: Whose prayers I have heard, and whose hearts I know and whose desires have come up before me. Behold and lo, mine eyes are upon you, and the Heavens and the earth are in mine hands See D&C 121:4; Jacob 2:10 4

5 D&C 121:24: Behold mine eyes see and know all their works and I have in reserve a swift judgment in the season thereof for them all. D&C 130:7: But they reside in the presence of God, on a globe like a sea of glass and fire, where all things for their glory are manifest, past, present, and future, and are continually before the Lord. D&C 84:116: Let him trust in me and he shall not be confounded; and a hair of his head shall not fall to the ground unnoticed. Isaiah 66:18: For I know their works and their thoughts. God knows all things- He knows the Beginning to the End 1 Nephi 9:6: But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men; for behold, he hath all power unto the fulfilling of all his words. And thus it is. Amen. 2 Nephi 2:24: But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things. 2 Nephi 9:20: O how great the Holiness of our God! For He knoweth all things, and there is not anything save he knows it. Moroni 7:22: For behold, God knowing all things, being from everlasting to everlasting, behold, He sent angels to minister unto the children of men, to make manifest concerning the coming of Christ; and in Christ there should come every good thing. John 16:30: Now are we sure that thou knowest all things by this we belief that thou camest forth from God. The brother of Jared and Moses through faith were shown all things- See Ether 3:25-26 and Moses 1:27-29 D&C 1:17: Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth called upon my servant Joseph Smith. Abraham 2:8: My name is Jehovah, and I know the end from the beginning; therefore my hand shall be over thee. Isaiah 48:3, 5: I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I shewed them; I did [them] suddenly, and they came to pass I have even from the beginning declared [it] to thee; before it came to pass I shewed [it] thee: lest thou shouldest say, Mine idol hath done them, and my graven image, and my molten image, hath commanded them. See Isaiah 46:9-10 Alma 13:3, 7: And this is the manner after which they were ordained--being called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, on 5

6 account of their exceeding faith and good works This high priesthood..being prepared from eternity to all eternity, according to his foreknowledge of all things- God knows the thoughts and intents of the heart 1 Chronicles 28:9: And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve Him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek Him, He will be found of thee; but if thou forsake Him, He will cast thee off forever. See 2 nd Chronicles 6:30 Romans 8:27 1 Corinthians 2:10; D&C 6:16: Yea, I tell thee that thou mayest know that there is none else save God that knowest thy thoughts and the intents of thy heart. see D&C 10:16 D&C 15:2-3: For behold I speak unto you with sharpness and with power, for mine arm is over all the earth. And I will tell you that which no man knoweth save me and thee alone. See 16:3 D&C 33:1: Hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God.and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart See D&C 88:109 Alma 18:32: And Ammon said: Yea, and he looketh down upon all the children of men; and he knows all the thoughts and intents of the heart John 4:29: The woman then left her water pot, and went her way into the city, and saith unto the men, Come and see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ see John 4:7-30, Woman of Samaria and Luke 5:22 Jesus is the Creator of all things under the direction of His Father I stand in awe when I think of the magnificence of His creations as outlined in the book of Moses and other scriptures. To create is to organize and form from existing materials. All things are created spiritually before their natural creation: Moses 3:5: And every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew. For I, the Lord God, created all things, of which I have spoken, spiritually, before they were naturally upon the face of the earth. For I, the Lord God, had not caused it to rain upon the face of the earth. And I, the Lord God, had created all the children of men; and not yet a man to till the ground; for in heaven created I them; and there was not yet flesh upon the earth, neither in the water, neither in the air. D&C 29:30-32: That the first shall be last, and that the last shall be first in all things whatsoever I have created by the Word of my Power, which is the power of my Spirit; For by the power of my Spirit created I them; yea, all things both spiritual and temporal-- First spiritual, secondly temporal, which is the beginning of my work; and again, first temporal, and secondly spiritual, which is the last of my work. See v 25 6

7 There is no end to the creations of God Genesis 1:1: In the beginning God created the Heaven and the earth. See Genesis 1 Abraham 4 Moses 2 Moses 1:29-39: And he beheld many lands; and each land was called earth, and there were inhabitants on the face thereof. And it came to pass that Moses called upon God, saying: Tell me, I pray thee, why these things are so, and by what thou madest them? And behold, the glory of the Lord was upon Moses, so that Moses stood in the presence of God, and talked with him face to face. And the Lord God said unto Moses: For mine own purpose have I made these things. Here is wisdom and it remaineth in me. And by the Word of my Power, have I created them, which is mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and truth. And worlds without number have I created; and I also created them for mine own purpose; and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten. And the first man of all men have I called Adam, which is many. But only an account of this earth and the inhabitants thereof, give I unto you. For behold, there are many worlds that have passed away by the Word of my Power. And there are many that now stand, and innumerable are they unto man; but all things are numbered unto me, for they are mine and I know them. And it came to pass that Moses spake unto the Lord, saying: Be merciful unto thy servant, O God, and tell me concerning this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, and also the Heavens, and then thy servant will be content. And the Lord God spake unto Moses, saying: The Heavens, they are many, and they cannot be numbered unto man; but they are numbered unto me, for they are mine. And as one earth shall pass away, and the heavens thereof even so shall another come; and there is no end to my works, neither to my words. For behold, this is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the Immortality and Eternal Life of man. Moses 7:29-30: And Enoch said unto the Lord: How is it that thou canst weep, seeing thou art Holy, and from all Eternity to all Eternity? And were it possible that man could number the particles of the earth, yea, millions of earths like this, it would not be a beginning to the number of thy creations; and thy curtains are stretched out still; and yet thou art there, and thy bosom is there; and also thou art just; thou art merciful and kind forever. D&C 38:3 I am the same which spake, and the world was made, and all things came by me. D&C 45:1: Hearken, O ye people of my church, to whom the Kingdom has been given; hearken ye and give ear to him who laid the foundation of the earth, who made the Heavens and all the hosts thereof, and by whom all things were made which live, and move, and have a being. D&C 76:23-24: For we saw Him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that He is the Only Begotten of the Father-- That by Him, and through Him, and of Him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God. D&C 88:7-10: Which truth shineth. This is the Light of Christ. As also He is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made. As also He is in the 7

8 moon, and is the light of the moon, and the power thereof by which it was made; As also the light of the stars, and the power thereof by which they were made; And the earth also, and the power thereof, even the earth upon which you stand. D&C 93:10: The worlds were made by Him; men were made by Him; all things were made by Him, and through Him, and of Him. Jacob 4:9: For behold by the Power of His Word man came upon the face of the earth, which earth was created by the Power of His Word. Wherefore, if God being able to speak and the world was, and to speak and man was created, O then, why not able to command the earth, or the workmanship of His hands upon the face of it, according to His will and pleasure? Mosiah 3:8: And He shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of Heaven and Earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary. Ether 3:15-16: And never have I showed myself unto man whom I have created, for never has man believed in me as thou hast. Seest thou that ye are created after mine own image? Yea, even all men were created in the beginning after mine own image. Behold, this body, which ye now behold, is the body of my spirit; and man have I created after the body of my spirit; and even as I appear unto thee to be in the spirit will I appear unto my people in the flesh. See Ether 4:7 John 1:1-3: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made. See Hebrews 1:1-3; 11:3 Colossians 1:16: For by Him were all things created, that are in Heaven, and that are in Earth, visible and invisible whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by Him and for Him. Jeremiah 1:15: He hath made the earth by His power, He hath established the world by His wisdom, and hath stretched out the Heaven by His understanding. See the Topical Guide Jesus Christ, Creator page 244 for many scriptural references Jesus Christ is full of Holiness, Righteousness, and Goodness, Virtue, the Perfect Sinless Son of God in whom all Fullness dwells His perfection and virtue makes Him Holy. He is full of Holiness and Righteousness Jesus Christ is complete, whole or full of perfection. There are no weaknesses or flaws in His character or behaviour. He is therefore completely righteous and pure in obeying the Eternal Law that governs all Celestial kingdoms. Being Holy means to be full of Righteousness 2 Nephi 2:10 Wherefore, they stand in the presence of Him, to be judged of Him according to the truth and holiness which is in Him. 8

9 2 Nephi 1:19: But behold, His will be done; for His ways are righteousness forever. See Alma 26:8; 2 Nephi 4:33: O Lord, wilt thou encircle me around in the robe of thy righteousness! 2 Nephi 9:20: O how great the Holiness of our God 2 Nephi 30:9, 11: And with righteousness shall the Lord God judge the poor And righteousness shall be the girdle of His loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. Mosiah 15:5:..suffereth temptation, and yieldeth not to the temptation, but suffereth Himself to be mocked, and scourged, and cast out, and disowned by his people. D&C 93:12-14, 16: And I, John, saw that He received not of the Fullness at the first, but received grace for grace; And He received not of the Fullness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until He received a Fullness; And thus he was called the Son of God, because He received not of the Fullness at the first.and I, John, bear record that He received a Fullness of the Glory of the Father; (When He received the Fullness He became as the Father or the Father. D&C 76:20: And we beheld the glory of the Son, on the right hand of the Father, and received of His Fulness. See Hebrews 5:8-9 D&C 93:4: The Father because he gave me of His Fulness and the Son because I was in the world and made flesh my tabernacle, and dwelt among the sons of men. Matthew 6:33: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Ephesians 4:13: Unto a perfect man unto the measure of the Fulness of Christ Hebrews 5:9: And being made perfect, He became the author of Eternal Salvation unto all them that obey Him. 1 Peter 2:21-22: For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth: 3 Nephi 12:48: Therefore I would that ye should be Perfect even as I or your Father who is in Heaven is Perfect. D&C 1:31: For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance. Exodus 15:11: Who [is] like unto thee, O Lord, among the Gods? who [is] like thee, glorious in Holiness, fearful [in] praises, doing wonders? Leviticus 20:26: And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord [am] Holy, and have severed you from [other] people that ye should be mine. 9

10 Jeremiah 23:5-6 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this [is] his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS. Jesus Christ as a perfect being is Pure D&C 35:21: For they will hear my voice, and shall see me, and shall not be asleep, and shall abide the day of His Coming; for they shall be purified, even as I am pure Moroni 7:48: That we may have this hope; that we may be purified as He is pure. God is Unchangeable-No Variableness-He is Constant, from all Eternity to all Eternity D&C 20:12: Listen to the voice of the Lord your God, even Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, whose course is one Eternal Round, the same today as yesterday, and forever. D&C 20:17: By these things we know that there is a God in Heaven, who is Infinite and Eternal, from Everlasting to Everlasting the same unchangeable God, the framer of heaven and earth, and all things which are in them D&C 35:1: Listen to the voice of the Lord your God, even Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, whose course is one Eternal Round, the same today as yesterday, and forever. D&C 76:4: From Eternity to Eternity He is the same, and His years never fail. 1 Nephi 10:18: For He is the same Yesterday, Today, and Forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto Him. 2 Nephi 27:23: For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same Yesterday, Today, and Forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith. ; 2 Nephi 29:9; Alma 31:17; Moroni 10:19 Alma 7:20: I perceive that it has been made known unto you, by the testimony of His word, that He cannot walk in crooked paths; neither doth He vary from that which He hath said; neither hath He a shadow of turning from the right to the left, or from that which is right to that which is wrong; therefore, His course is one Eternal Round. D&C 3:2: For God doth not walk in crooked paths, neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left, neither doth he vary from that which he hath said, therefore his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round. 10

11 Mormon 9:9-10: For do we not read that God is the same Yesterday, Today, and Forever and in Him there is no Variableness neither Shadow of Changing? And now, if ye have imagined up unto yourselves a God who doth vary, and in whom there is shadow of changing, then have ye imagined up unto yourselves a God who is not a God of Miracles. Moroni 8:18: For I know that God is not a partial God, neither a changeable being; but he is unchangeable from all Eternity to all Eternity Moroni 10:19L And I would exhort you, my beloved brethren, that ye remember that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and that all these gifts of which I have spoken, which are spiritual, never will be done away, even as long as the world shall stand, only according to the unbelief of the children of men. Psalms 90:2: Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from Everlasting to Everlasting thou art God. James 1:17: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Hebrews 1:10-12: And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. Jesus Christ is the Supreme intelligence of All, He is Pre-Eminent - the Highest of all Above all things the Greatest of all Abraham 3:19, 22: And the Lord said unto me: These two facts do exist, that there are two spirits, one being more intelligent than the other; there shall be another more intelligent than they; I am the Lord thy God, I am more intelligent than they all.. 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. Jesus Christ is pre-eminent and above all Colossians 1:17-19: And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all [things] He might have the pre-eminence. For it pleased [the Father] that in Him should all fulness dwell Philippians 2:9-11: Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in Heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth; And [that] every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord, to the Glory of God the Father. Because He is pre-eminent and the most intelligent of all He is the great I Am D&C 29:1: Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, the Great I AM, whose arm of mercy hath atoned for your sins. See D&C: 39:1 11

12 D&C 38:1: Thus saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, the Great I AM, Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.. The word Great describes the Saviour so this word is often used to describe events that surround Him. He is the Highest of all Above all things the Greatest of all D&C 76:70: These are they whose bodies are Celestial, whose Glory is that of the sun, even the Glory of God, the highest of all D&C 39:19:.Crying Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God The term The Most High is used frequently in scripture See D&C 45:66; 59:10; 62:4; 88:120; 1 Nephi 11:6; Acts 7:48; Isaiah 14:14; John 3:31: He that cometh from above is above all: He that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: He that cometh from Heaven is above all. Ephesians 4:6: One God and Father of all who [is] above all, and through all, and in you all Philippians 2:9: Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name D&C 19:18: Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain. Jesus Christ was the Firstborn of Heavenly Father s spirit children Because Jesus was the supreme Intelligence He became the Firstborn in the Spirit of our Heavenly Father s children. D&C 93:21: And now, verily I say unto you, I was in the beginning with the Father, and am the Firstborn D&C 110:4: I am the first and the last; I am He who liveth See Isaiah 41:4; Colossians 1:15: The Firstborn of every creature The Church in Heaven is called The Church of the Firstborn which means the Church of Jesus Christ who is the firstborn. See D&C 76:54, 94; 77:11; 78:21; 88:5; 107:19 Jesus as the Firstborn Spirit is called Alpha: 3 Nephi 9:18: I am the Light and the Life of the world. I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. 12

13 D&C 38:1: Thus saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, the Great I AM, Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. See Revelation 1:11; 22:3; D&C 19:1; 45:7; 63:60; 68:35; 75:1; 84:120; 112:34. D&C 54:1: Behold, thus saith the Lord, even Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, even He who was crucified for the sins of the world Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten Son of the Father D&C 20:21: Wherefore, the Almighty God gave his Only Begotten Son, as it is written in those scriptures which have been given of Him. See D&C 76:23 above under Creator D&C 49:5-6: Thus saith the Lord; for I am God, and have sent mine Only Begotten Son into the world And they have done unto the Son of Man even as they listed. D&C 93:11: And I, John, bear record that I beheld His Glory, as the Glory of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, even The Spirit of Truth, which came and dwelt in the flesh, and dwelt among us. Moses 1:6: And I have a work for thee, Moses, my son; and thou art in the similitude of mine Only Begotten; and mine Only Begotten is and shall be the Savior, for He is full of grace and truth; but there is no God beside me, and all things are present with me, for I know them all John 1:14: And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the Glory as of the only Begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. See John 1:18; 3:16; I John 4:9 Jacob 4:11: Wherefore, beloved brethren, be reconciled unto Him through the Atonement of Christ, His Only Begotten Son, and ye may obtain a resurrection See Topical Guide page 251 Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son- for many more references The Lord is Trustworthy and Faithful In Making and keeping all His Promises (Covenants) and fulfilling all His Word and Prophecies. The Lord makes and keeps His promises D&C 3:19-20: And for this very purpose are these plates preserved, which contain these records--that the promises of the Lord might be fulfilled, which He made to His people; and that the Lamanites might come to the knowledge of their fathers, and that they might know the promises of the Lord D&C 67:10: And again, verily I say unto you that it is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me.the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am--not with the carnal neither natural mind, but with the spiritual. 13

14 D&C 88:75: That I may testify unto your Father, and your God, and my God, that you are clean from the blood of this wicked generation; that I may fulfil this promise, this great and last promise, which I have made unto you, when I will. D&C 89:2-3, 21:.Showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise that the destroying angel shall pass by them D&C 118:3: Let the residue continue to preach from that hour, and if they will do this in all lowliness of heart, in meekness and humility, and long-suffering, I, the Lord, give unto them a promise that I will provide for their families; and an effectual door shall be opened for them See D&C 100:7-8 The Saints need to fulfil their part of the bargain to obtain the fulfilment of the promise D&C 82:10: I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise. 2 Peter 3:9: The Lord is not slack concerning His promise as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. D&C 84:39-40: And this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood. Therefore, all those who receive the priesthood, receive this oath and covenant of my Father, which he cannot break, neither can it be moved. See v The Lord provides the promise of Eternal life through the Holy Spirit of Promise D&C 76:53: And who overcome by faith, and are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, which the Father sheds forth upon all those who are just and true. See 76 v for the details of the promise. See also D&C 124:124; 132:7; 132:18-19; 132:26; 132:49 D&C 88:3-4: Wherefore, I now send upon you another Comforter, even upon you my friends, that it may abide in your hearts, even the Holy Spirit of promise; which other Comforter is the same that I promised unto my disciples, as is recorded in the testimony of John. This Comforter is the promise which I give unto you of eternal life, even the glory of the Celestial Kingdom. The Lord even provides a Land of Promise or a Promised Land D&C 38:18-20: And I hold forth and deign to give unto you greater riches, even a Land of Promise, a land flowing with milk and honey, upon which there shall be no curse when the Lord cometh; And I will give it unto you for the land of your inheritance, if you seek it with all your hearts. And this shall be my covenant with you, ye shall have it for the land of your inheritance, and for the inheritance of your children forever, while the earth shall stand, and ye shall possess it again in eternity, no more to pass away. See the document The Land of Zion See D&C 57:1-4; D&C 52:2, 42; 1 Nephi 2:20; 2 Nephi 10:19; Ether 2:7-12; 14

15 Promises are given to the descendants of the righteous: Abraham 2:11 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse them that curse thee; and in thee (that is, in thy Priesthood) and in thy seed (that is, thy Priesthood), for I give unto thee a promise that this right shall continue in thee, and in thy seed after thee (that is to say, the literal seed, or the seed of the body) shall all the families of the earth be blessed.. see 2 Nephi 29:14 D&C 132:30-34, 37: Abraham received promises concerning his seed, and of the fruit of his loins--from whose loins ye are, namely, my servant Joseph.This promise is yours also, because ye are of Abraham, and the promise was made unto Abraham; and by this law is the continuation of the works of My Father, wherein He glorifieth Himself. Go ye, therefore, and do the works of Abraham; enter ye into my law and ye shall be saved. But if ye enter not into my law ye cannot receive the promise of my Father, which He made unto Abraham. God commanded Abraham, and Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham to wife. And why did she do it? Because this was the law; and from Hagar sprang many people. This, therefore, was fulfilling, among other things, the promises. And because they did none other things than that which they were commanded, they have entered into their Exaltation, according to the promises, and sit upon thrones, and are not angels but are Gods. God will fulfil all His promises: Alma 37:16-19:..For God is powerful to the fulfilling of all His Words. For He will fulfil all His promises which He shall make unto you, for He has fulfilled His promises which He has made unto our fathers. For He promised unto them that He would preserve these things for a wise purpose in Him, that He might show forth His power unto future generations. And now behold, one purpose hath He fulfilled, even to the restoration of many thousands of the Lamanites to the knowledge of the truth; and He hath shown forth his power in them. Mormon 8:22: For the Eternal Purposes of the Lord shall roll on, until all His promises shall be fulfilled. 4 Nephi 1:11: And they were married, and given in marriage, and were blessed according to the multitude of the promises which the Lord had made unto them. Mormon 9:21 1 John 2:25: And this is the promise that He hath promised us, [even] Eternal Life. 2 Peter 1:2, 4: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature Hebrews 6:12-13, 15: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises; for when God made promise to Abraham... and so, after he (Abraham) had patiently endured, he obtained the promise The Lord will not fulfil His promises if His children do not keep their part 15

16 D&C 124:47: And it shall come to pass that if you build a house unto my name, and do not do the things that I say, I will not perform the oath which I make unto you, neither fulfil the promises which ye expect at my hands, saith the Lord. The Lord makes His Oaths and keeps His Covenants The Lord works through the principle of making covenants (agreements) with His people. He always remembers and keeps His part of the Covenant. D&C 98:2-3: Waiting patiently on the Lord, for your prayers have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded with this seal and testament--the Lord hath sworn and decreed that they shall be granted. Therefore, he giveth this promise unto you, with an immutable (unchangeable) covenant that they shall be fulfilled. The Lord makes oaths and keeps His covenants (Oath is a solemn promise to tell the truth) D&C 84:39-40: And this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood. Therefore, all those who receive the priesthood, receive this oath and covenant of my Father, which he cannot break, neither can it be moved. See v Nephi 10:15, 17: Wherefore, for this cause, that my covenants may be fulfilled which I have made unto the children of men, that I will do unto them while they are in the flesh, I must needs destroy the secret works of darkness, and of murders, and of abominations. For I will fulfil my promises which I have made unto the children of men that I will do unto them while they are in the flesh See Mormon 9:21; Ether 12:17; 2 Nephi 3:5 Many important events in history occur to fulfil the Lord s covenants such as the establishment of a free people (the gentiles) in the Land of America and the return of the Jews to the land of Jerusalem: 3 Nephi 21:4:.That these things might come forth from them unto a remnant of your seed, that the covenant of the Father may be fulfilled which he hath covenanted with his people, O house of Israel. See V 2-7 See 1 Nephi 2:9; 2 Nephi 6:12; 2 Nephi 9:1 3 Nephi 20:29: And I will remember the covenant which I have made with my people; and I have covenanted with them that I would gather them together in mine own due time, that I would give unto them again the land of their fathers for their inheritance, which is the land of Jerusalem, which is the promised land unto them forever, saith the Father. See also 3 Nephi 20:11-14, 22, and 27 See 2 Nephi 10:7 1 Nephi 13:23: and he said unto me the book that thou beholdest is a record of the Jews, which contains the covenants of the Lord, which he hath made unto the House of Israel See 2 Nephi 11:5 1 Nephi 17:40: And he loveth those who will have him to be their God. Behold, he loved our fathers, and He covenanted with them, yea, even Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and he remembered the covenants which He had made; wherefore, he did bring them out of the land of Egypt. 16

17 2 Nephi 29:1: at that day when I shall proceed to do a marvellous work among them, that I may remember my covenants which I have made unto the children of men, that I may set my hand again the second time to recover my people, which are of the House of Israel; Luke 1:72: To perform the mercy [promised] to our fathers and to remember His Holy Covenant Jeremiah 31:31-34: Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the House of Israel, and with the House of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers But this [shall be] the covenant that I will make with the House of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my Law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. Deuteronomy 7:7-9: The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye [were] the fewest of all people: But because the Lord loved you, and because He would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He [is] God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations D&C 98:14-15:.For I have decreed in my heart, saith the Lord, that I will prove you in all things, whether you will abide in my covenant, even unto death, that you may be found worthy. For if ye will not abide in my covenant ye are not worthy of me Moroni 7:31: And the office of their (Angels) ministry is to call men unto repentance, and to fulfil and to do the work of the covenants of the Father which he hath made unto the children of men. The Saints are blessed are the children of the covenant: 3 Nephi 20:26: The Father having raised me up unto you first, and sent me to bless you in turning away every one of you from his iniquities; and this because ye are the children of the covenant The New and Everlasting Covenant The Lord has provided The New and Everlasting Covenant, which is the Fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the promise of Eternal Life to the obedient: D&C 66:2: Verily I say unto you, blessed are you for receiving mine Everlasting Covenant, even the fulness of my gospel, sent forth unto the children of men, that they might have life and be made partakers of the glories which are to be revealed in the last days, as it was written by the prophets and apostles in days of old. See D&C 133:57 See D&C 22:1; D&C 1:15 D&C 49:9: Wherefore, I say unto you that I have sent unto you mine Everlasting Covenant, even that which was from the beginning. 17

18 D&C 45:9: And even so I have sent mine Everlasting Covenant into the world, to be a light to the world, and to be a standard for my people, and for the Gentiles to seek to it, and to be a messenger before my face to prepare the way before me. D&C 132:6: And as pertaining to the New and Everlasting Covenant, it was instituted for the fulness of my glory; and he that receiveth a fulness thereof must and shall abide the Law, or he shall be damned, saith the Lord God. Each law of the Gospel is part of the New and Everlasting Covenant and is Eternal in nature: D&C 132:4: For behold, I reveal unto you a New and an Everlasting covenant; and if ye abide not that covenant, then are ye damned; for no one can reject this covenant and be permitted to enter into my glory. See D&C 104:4-5 See the document Fulfilling the Abrahamic Covenant also Topical Guide page 65 The Lord fulfils all His words The Doctrine and Covenants contains prophecies and promises that will be fulfilled:- D&C 1:7: Wherefore, fear and tremble, O ye people, for what I the lord have decreed in them shall be fulfilled D&C 1:37-38: Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled. What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled. See D&C 5:20 D&C 29:30:.And as the words have gone forth out of my mouth even so shall they be fulfilled. D&C 64:31-32: And behold, I, the Lord, declare unto you, and my words are sure and shall not fail.but all things must come to pass in their time See Ezekiel 12:25; Jeremiah 33:14; Jesus Christ Governs and is Bound by Eternal Law- He is the Lawgiver Jesus Christ governs all things by Law, to which He is also fully obedient. These Laws have bounds, limitations and conditions. Through the Law of justification the saints receive a portion of the Holy Ghost as they are obedient to the Law. By obedience to each law they are sanctified and become more like God. Each law brings its own blessing and opportunities. The Law of God is given to man by means of commandments both general and individual. These commandments will always be in accordance with the Eternal Law of Heaven or will lead in that direction. The perfect definition of a commandment is given in scripture: D&C 82:8-9: And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a new commandment, that you may understand my will concerning you; or, in other words, I give unto you directions how you may act before me, that it may turn to you for your salvation. 18

19 The Law of Christ 3 Nephi 15:9-10: Behold I am the Law, and the light. Look unto me and endure to the end, and ye shall live.behold, I have given unto you the commandments; therefore keep my commandments. And this is the Law and the Prophets, for they truly testified of me. See 3 Nephi 15:5 D&C 88:21-23: And they who are not sanctified through the Law which I have given unto you, even the Law of Christ, must inherit another kingdom, even that of a Terrestrial kingdom, or that of a Telestial kingdom. For he who is not able to abide the Law of a Celestial Kingdom cannot abide a Celestial Glory. And he who cannot abide the Law of a Terrestrial Kingdom cannot abide a Terrestrial Glory. And he who cannot abide the Law of a Telestial Kingdom cannot abide a Telestial Glory D&C 132:11-12: And will I appoint unto you, saith the Lord, except it be by Law, even as I and my Father ordained unto you, before the world was? I am the Lord thy God; and I give unto you this commandment--that no man shall come unto the Father but by me or by my Word, which is my Law, saith the Lord. D&C 41:2-5: I give unto you a commandment that ye shall assemble yourselves together to agree upon my word; and by the prayer of faith ye shall receive my Law, that ye may know how to govern my church, and have all things right before me.and ye shall see that my Law is kept. He that receiveth my Law and doeth it, the same is my disciple; and he that saith he receiveth it and doeth it not, the same is not my disciple, and shall be cast out from among you. See D&C 43:8-11 D&C 42:2: Again I say unto you, hearken and hear and obey the Law which I shall give unto you. See also D&C 42:66; D&C 51:2 D&C 42:66: Ye shall observe the Laws which ye have received and be faithful. D&C 51:1-2, 15:.For it must needs be that he receive directions how to organize this people. For it must needs be that they be organized according to my Laws; if otherwise, they will be cut off. And thus I grant unto this people a privilege of organizing themselves according to my Laws. D&C 58:23:: Behold the Laws which ye have received from my hand are the Laws of the church, and in this light ye shall hold them forth, Behold here is wisdom. D&C 88:34-39: And again, verily I say unto you, that which is governed by Law is also preserved by Law and perfected and sanctified by the same. That which breaketh a Law, and abideth not by Law, but seeketh to become a Law unto itself, and willeth to abide in sin, and altogether abideth in sin, cannot be sanctified by Law, neither by mercy, justice, nor judgment. Therefore, they must remain filthy still. All kingdoms have a Law given; And there are many kingdoms; for there is no space in the which there is no kingdom; and there is no kingdom in which there is no space, either a greater or a lesser kingdom. And unto every 19