On how The Testimony of Jesus determines our eternal state of being. Prepared by Elder Dwight Burford June 13, 2013 Revised June 20, 2013

Transcription

1 On how The Testimony of Jesus determines our eternal state of being Prepared by Elder Dwight Burford June 13, 2013 Revised June 20, 2013

2 The Mark The Resurrection of the Dead Just Unjust Resurrection: Redemption & Restoration The Glories Stations of the Cross The Testimony of Jesus How Great the Importance 2012, 2013 D Burford 2

3 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 2012, 2013 D Burford 3

4 8 I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith; 2012, 2013 D Burford 4

5 KJV That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. IV That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the just. 2012, 2013 D Burford 5

6 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect; but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 2012, 2013 D Burford 6

7 17 And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18 Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19 If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first-fruits of them that slept. 2012, 2013 D Burford 7

8 KJV But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. IV But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets; And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. 2012, 2013 D Burford 8

9 KJV It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory, 1 I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell; God knoweth;) such a one caught up to the third heaven. IV It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 1) True, there is nothing to be gained by it, but [as I am obliged] to boast (Amp. Bible) 2012, 2013 D Burford 9

10 KJV IV There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. Also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial, and bodies telestial; but the glory of the celestial, one; and the terrestrial, another; and the telestial, another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption; It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 2012, 2013 D Burford 10

11 The Mark The Resurrection of the Dead Just Unjust Resurrection: Redemption & Restoration The Glories Stations of the Cross The Testimony of Jesus How Great the Importance 2012, 2013 D Burford 11

12 KJV Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? IV Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live; And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 2012, 2013 D Burford 12

13 KJV But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. IV But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind, And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee; for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just. 2012, 2013 D Burford 13

14 KJV Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. IV Marvel not at this; for the hour is coming, in the which all who are in their graves shall hear his voice. And shall come forth; they who have done good, in the resurrection of the just; and they who have done evil, in the resurrection of the unjust. 2012, 2013 D Burford 14

15 72 Behold, he <Jesus Christ> offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered. 73 Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the holy Messiah, 74 Who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, 75 That he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise. 76 Wherefore, he is the first fruits unto God, inasmuch as he shall make intercession for all the children of men; 77 And they that believe in him, shall be saved. 78 And because of the intercession for all, all men come unto God; 79 Wherefore, they stand in the presence of him, to be judged of him, according to the truth and holiness which is in him. 2012, 2013 D Burford 15

16 10 For it behooveth the great Creator that he suffereth himself to become subject unto man in the flesh, and die for all men, that all men might become subject unto him. 11 For as death has passed upon all men, to fulfill the merciful plan of the great Creator, there must needs be a power of resurrection, 12 And the resurrection must needs come unto man by reason of the fall; 13 And the fall came by reason of transgression; 14 And because man became fallen, they were cut off from the presence of the Lord; 15 Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement; 16 Save it should be an infinite atonement, this corruption could not put on incorruption. 2012, 2013 D Burford 16

17 KJV And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. IV And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them; and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshiped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands: and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. 2012, 2013 D Burford 17

18 KJV This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. IV This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are they who have part in the first resurrection; on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. 2012, 2013 D Burford 18

19 there is a space between death and the resurrection of the body, and a state of the soul in happiness or in misery, until the time which is appointed of God that the dead shall come forth and be reunited, both soul and body, and be brought to stand before God, and be judged according to their works; 2012, 2013 D Burford 19

20 KJV But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. IV But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets; And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. 2012, 2013 D Burford 20

21 First Resurrection 1000 years Resurrection of Life/Just Last Resurrection *(Ref. Luke 14:13,14, John 5:38,39, Revelation 20:4-6 & Acts 24:14,15) Resurrection of Damnation/ Unjust 2012, 2013 D Burford 21

22 The Mark The Resurrection of the Dead Just Unjust Resurrection: Redemption & Restoration The Glories Stations of the Cross The Testimony of Jesus How Great the Importance 2012, 2013 D Burford 22

23 Now, verily I say unto you, that through the redemption which is made for you, is brought to pass the resurrection from the dead. And the spirit and the body is the soul of man. And the resurrection from the dead is the redemption of the soul; and the redemption of the soul is through him who quickeneth all things, in whose bosom it is decreed, that the poor and the meek of the earth shall inherit it. 2012, 2013 D Burford 23

24 KJV IV Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth. For the powers of heaven shall be shaken. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up and lift up your heads, for the day of your redemption draweth nigh. And then shall they see the Son of Man coming in a cloud, with power and great glory 2012, 2013 D Burford 24

25 KJV IV For we know that the whole creation groaneth and traveileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and traveileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 2012, 2013 D Burford 25

26 69 Yea, it behooveth him, and becometh expedient that he dieth, to bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, that thereby men may be brought into the presence of the Lord; 70 Yea, behold this death bringeth to pass the resurrection, and redeemeth all mankind from the first death; that spiritual death for all mankind, by the fall of Adam, being cut off from the presence of the Lord, or considered as dead, both as to things temporal and to things spiritual. 71 But behold, the resurrection of Christ redeemeth mankind, yea, even all mankind, and bringeth them back into the presence of the Lord; 72 Yea, and it bringeth to pass the conditions of repentance, that whosoever repenteth, the same is not hewn down and cast into the fire; 73 But whosoever repenteth not, is hewn down and cast into the fire, and there cometh upon them again a spiritual death, yea, a second death, for they are cut off again as to things pertaining to righteousness; 74 Therefore repent ye, repent ye, lest by knowing these things and not doing them, ye shall suffer yourselves to come under condemnation, and ye are brought down unto this second death. 2012, 2013 D Burford 26

27 37 And now, it has hitherto been wisdom in God, that these things should be preserved: for behold, they have enlarged the memory of this people, yea, and convinced many of the error of their ways, and brought them to the knowledge of their God, unto the salvation of their souls. 38 Yea, I say unto you, were it not for these things that these records do contain, which are on these plates, Ammon and his brethren could not have convinced so many thousands of the Lamanites, of the incorrect tradition of their fathers; 39 Yea, these records and their words, brought them unto repentance; that is, they brought them to the knowledge of the Lord their God, and to rejoice in Jesus Christ their Redeemer , 2013 D Burford 27

28 53 Now whether the souls and the bodies of those of whom have been spoken, shall all be reunited at once, the wicked as well as the righteous, I do not say; 54 Let it suffice, that I say that they all come forth; or in other words, their resurrection cometh to pass before the resurrection of those who die after the resurrection of Christ. 55 Now my son, I do not say that their resurrection cometh at the resurrection of Christ; but behold, I give it as my opinion, that the souls and the bodies are reunited, of the righteous at the resurrection of Christ, and his ascension into heaven. 56 But whether it be at his resurrection, or after, I do not say; but this much I say, that there is a space between death and the resurrection of the body, and a state of the soul in happiness or in misery, until the time which is appointed of God that the dead shall come forth and be reunited, both soul and body, and be brought to stand before God, and be judged according to their works; 2012, 2013 D Burford 28

29 57 Yea, this bringeth about the restoration of those things of which have been spoken by the mouths of the prophets. 58 The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost, but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame. 59 And now my son, this is the restoration of which has been spoken by the mouths of the prophets. And then shall the righteous shine forth in the kingdom of God. 2012, 2013 D Burford 29

30 64 I say unto thee, my son, that the plan of restoration is requisite with the justice of God; for it is requisite that all things should be restored to their proper order. 65 Behold it is requisite and just, according to the power and resurrection of Christ, that the soul of man should be restored to its body, and that every part of the body should be restored to itself. 66 And it is requisite with the justice of God, that men should be judged according to their works; and if their works were good in this life, and the desires of their hearts were good, that they should also, at the last day, be restored unto that which is good; 67 And if their works are evil, they shall be restored unto him for evil: therefore, all things shall be restored to their proper order; everything to its natural frame; mortality raised to immortality; corruption to incorruption; raised to endless happiness, to inherit the kingdom of God, or to endless misery, to inherit the kingdom of the devil; 2012, 2013 D Burford 30

31 229 And now as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore I beseech of you, that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; 230 For after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness, wherein there can be no labor performed. 231 Ye can not say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. 232 Nay, ye can not say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world.* 2012, 2013 D Burford 31 *(cf. John 8:21-24)

32 Now, verily I say unto you, that through the redemption which is made for you, is brought to pass the resurrection from the dead. And the spirit and the body is the soul of man. And the resurrection from the dead is the redemption of the soul; and the redemption of the soul is through him who quickeneth all things, in whose bosom it is decreed, that the poor and the meek of the earth shall inherit it. 2012, 2013 D Burford 32

33 37 And now, it has hitherto been wisdom in God, that these things should be preserved: for behold, they have enlarged the memory of this people, yea, and convinced many of the error of their ways, and brought them to the knowledge of their God, unto the salvation of their souls. 38 Yea, I say unto you, were it not for these things that these records do contain, which are on these plates, Ammon and his brethren could not have convinced so many thousands of the Lamanites, of the incorrect tradition of their fathers; 39 Yea, these records and their words, brought them unto repentance; that is, they brought them to the knowledge of the Lord their God, and to rejoice in Jesus Christ their Redeemer , 2013 D Burford 33

34 KJV And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. IV And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as he is, so are we in this world. 2012, 2013 D Burford 34

35 The Mark The Resurrection of the Dead Just Unjust Resurrection: Redemption & Restoration The Glories Stations of the Cross The Testimony of Jesus How Great the Importance 2012, 2013 D Burford 35

36 KJV Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:* IV Women received their dead raised to life again; and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain the first resurrection; *(More precisely, the first resurrection.) 2012, 2013 D Burford 36

37 Better/First Resurrection 1000 years Resurrection of Life/Just Last Resurrection *(Ref. Luke 14:13,14, John 5:38,39, Revelation 20:4-6 & Acts 24:14,15) Resurrection of Damnation/ Unjust 2012, 2013 D Burford 37

38 KJV IV There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. Also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial, and bodies telestial; but the glory of the celestial, one; and the terrestrial, another; and the telestial, another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption; It is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 2012, 2013 D Burford 38

39 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that they who are alive at the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent them who remain unto the coming of the Lord, who are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; 17 Then they who are alive, shall be caught up together into the clouds with them who remain, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we be ever with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. 2012, 2013 D Burford 39

40 a. 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; b. and the saints that are upon the earth, who are alive, shall be quickened, and be caught up to meet him. c. And they who have slept in their graves, shall come forth; for their graves shall be opened, and they also shall be caught up to meet him in the midst of the pillar of heaven: they are Christ's, the first fruits: d. they who shall descend with him first, and they who are on the earth, and in their graves, who are first caught up to meet him; and all this by the voice of the sounding of the trump of the angel of God. 2012, 2013 D Burford 40

41 a. And again, we bear record for we saw and heard, and this is the testimony of the gospel of Christ, concerning them who come forth in the resurrection of the just: b. They are they who received the testimony of Jesus, and believed on his name, and were baptized after the manner of his burial, being buried in the water in his name, and this according to the commandment which he has given, that by keeping the commandments, they might be washed and cleansed from all their sins, c. and receive the Holy Spirit by the laying on of the hands of him who is ordained and sealed unto this power; d. and who overcome by faith, and are sealed by that Holy Spirit of promise, which the Father sheds forth upon all those who are just and true; e. they are they who are the church of the Firstborn 2012, 2013 D Burford 41

42 a. And after this, another angel shall sound, which is the second trump; and then cometh the redemption of those who are Christ's at his coming; b. who have received their part in that prison which is prepared for them, that they might receive the gospel, and be judged according to men in the flesh. *(D&C 76:6) 2012, 2013 D Burford 42

43 a. And again, we saw the terrestrial world, and, behold, and lo; b. these are they who are of the terrestrial, whose glory differs from that of the church of the Firstborn, who have received the fullness of the Father, even as that of the moon differs from the sun of the firmament. c. Behold, these are they who died without law; and also they who are the spirits of men kept in prison, whom the Son visited, and preached the gospel unto them, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, who received not the testimony of Jesus in the flesh, but afterwards received it; d. these are they who are honorable men of the earth, who were blinded by the craftiness of men: e. these are they who receive of his glory, but not of his fullness; 2012, 2013 D Burford 43

44 a. And again, another trump shall sound, which is the third trump: and then cometh the spirits of men who are to be judged, and are found under condemnation: b. and these are the rest of the dead, and they live not again until the thousand years are ended, neither again, until the end of the earth. 2012, 2013 D Burford 44

45 p. these are they who suffer the wrath of God on the earth; q. these are they who suffer the vengeance of eternal fire; r. these are they who are cast down to hell and suffer the wrath of Almighty God until the fullness of times, when Christ shall have subdued all enemies under his feet, and shall have perfected his work, when he shall deliver up the kingdom and present it unto the Father spotless, saying: s. I have overcome and have trodden the wine press alone, even the wine press of the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God; then shall he be crowned with the crown of his glory, to sit on the throne of his power to reign for ever and ever. t. But, behold, and lo, we saw the glory and the inhabitants of the telestial world, that they were as innumerable as the stars in the firmament of heaven, or as the sand upon the seashore, and heard the voice of the Lord saying: u. These all shall bow the knee, and every tongue shall confess to him who sits upon the throne for ever and ever; v. for they shall be judged according to their works; and every man shall receive according to his own works, and his own dominion, in the mansions which are prepared, and they shall be servants of the Most High, but where God and Christ dwell they cannot come, worlds without end. 2012, 2013 D Burford 45

46 KJV But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. IV But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy are they who have part in the first resurrection; on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. 2012, 2013 D Burford 46

47 And another trump shall sound, which is the fourth trump, saying, These are found among those who are to remain until that great and last day, even the end, who shall remain filthy still. 2012, 2013 D Burford 47

48 4a 4b 4c 4d 4e 4f Thus saith the Lord, concerning all those who know my power, and have been made partakers thereof, and suffered themselves, through the power of the Devil, to be overcome, and to deny the truth, and defy my power; they are they who are the sons of perdition, of whom I say it had been better for them never to have been born; for they are vessels of wrath, doomed to suffer the wrath of God, with the Devil and his angels, in eternity, concerning whom I have said there is no forgiveness in this world nor in the world to come; having denied the Holy Spirit, after having received it, and having denied the only begotten Son of the Father; having crucified him unto themselves, and put him to an open shame:* these are they who shall go away into the lake of fire and brimstone, with the Devil and his angels, and the only ones on whom the second death shall have any power; yea, verily, the only ones who shall not be redeemed in the due time of the Lord, after the sufferings of his wrath; for all the rest shall be brought forth by the resurrection of the dead, through the triumph and the glory of the Lamb, who was slain, who was in the bosom of the Father before the worlds were made *(See Hebrews 6:4-8) 2012, 2013 D Burford 48

49 4g 4h 4i 4j And this is the gospel, the glad tidings which the voice out of the heavens bore record unto us, that he came into the world, even Jesus to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness; that through him all might be saved, whom the Father had put into his power, and made by him; who glorifies the Father, and saves all the works of his hands, except those sons of perdition, who deny the Son after the Father has revealed him; wherefore he saves all except them; they shall go away into everlasting punishment, which is endless punishment, which is eternal punishment, to reign with the Devil and his angels in eternity, where their worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched, which is their torment, and the end thereof, neither the place thereof, nor their torment, no man knows; neither was it revealed, neither is, neither will be revealed unto man, except to them who are made partakers thereof 2012, 2013 D Burford 49

50 9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead or in his hand, 10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb; 11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever; and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. 2012, 2013 D Burford 50

51 20 And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood; which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk; 21 Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts. 2012, 2013 D Burford 51

52 37 And now, it has hitherto been wisdom in God, that these things should be preserved: for behold, they have enlarged the memory of this people, yea, and convinced many of the error of their ways, and brought them to the knowledge of their God, unto the salvation of their souls. 38 Yea, I say unto you, were it not for these things that these records do contain, which are on these plates, Ammon and his brethren could not have convinced so many thousands of the Lamanites, of the incorrect tradition of their fathers; 39 Yea, these records and their words, brought them unto repentance; that is, they brought them to the knowledge of the Lord their God, and to rejoice in Jesus Christ their Redeemer , 2013 D Burford 52

53 8 I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith; 2012, 2013 D Burford 53

54 KJV That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. IV That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the just. 2012, 2013 D Burford 54

55 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect; but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 2012, 2013 D Burford 55

56 The Mark The Resurrection of the Dead Just Unjust Resurrection: Redemption & Restoration The Glories Stations of the Cross The Testimony of Jesus How Great the Importance 2012, 2013 D Burford 56

57 A vessel and the four ways it may interact with light. 2012, 2013 D Burford 57

58 Revelation 22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. 2012, 2013 D Burford 58

59 CG No G Resurrection of just (right hand) Holy Righteous Filthy Unjust Resurrection of unjust (left hand) Tr G Te G 2012, 2013 D Burford 59

60 Mormon 4:74 And then cometh the judgment of the Holy One upon them; and then cometh the time that he that is filthy, shall be filthy still, and he that is righteous, shall be righteous still; he that is happy, shall be happy still; and he that is unhappy, shall be unhappy still. 2012, 2013 D Burford 60

61 CG No G Resurrection of just (right hand) Holy/ Happy Righteous/ Righteous Filthy/ Filthy Unjust/ Unhappy Resurrection of unjust (left hand) Tr G Te G 2012, 2013 D Burford 61

62 Message: holiness = happiness 82 If not so, my first born in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass; neither wickedness; neither holiness nor misery; neither good nor bad. 84 Wherefore, if it should be one body, it must needs remain as dead, having no life, neither death nor corruption, nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility. 2012, 2013 D Burford 62

63 15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 2012, 2013 D Burford 63

64 74 Behold, I say unto you, Wickedness never was happiness. 75 And now, my son, all men that are in a state of nature, or I would say, in a carnal state, are in the gall of bitterness, and in the bonds of iniquity; they are without God in the world, and they have gone contrary to the nature of God; therefore they are in a state contrary to the nature of happiness. 2012, 2013 D Burford 64

65 The Mark The Resurrection of the Dead Just Unjust Resurrection: Redemption & Restoration The Glories Stations of the Cross The Testimony of Jesus How Great the Importance 2012, 2013 D Burford 65

66 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 2012, 2013 D Burford 66

67 8 I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord; for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith; 2012, 2013 D Burford 67

68 KJV That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. IV That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the just. 2012, 2013 D Burford 68

69 12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect; but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 2012, 2013 D Burford 69

70 6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2012, 2013 D Burford 70

71 9 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ; 10 For the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. 11 For they have overcome him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; for the loved not their own lives, but kept the testimony even unto death. Therefore, rejoice O heavens, and ye that dwell in them. 2012, 2013 D Burford 71

72 CG No G Resurrection of just (right hand) Holy/ Happy Righteous/ Righteous Filthy/ Filthy Unjust/ Unhappy Resurrection of unjust (left hand) Tr G Te G 2012, 2013 D Burford 72

73 Celestial Glory: They are they who received the testimony of Jesus, D&C 76:5b No Glory: Thus saith the Lord, concerning all those who know my power, and have been made partakers thereof, and suffered themselves, through the power of the Devil, to be overcome, and to deny the truth, and defy my power; they are they who are the sons of perdition, of whom I say it had been better for them never to have been born D&C 76:4a,b Terrestrial Glory: who received not the testimony of Jesus in the flesh, but afterwards received it these are they who are not valiant in the testimony of Jesus. D&C 76:6c Telestial Glory: these are they who received not the gospel of Christ, neither the testimony of Jesus D&C 76:7b (see 7m) 2012, 2013 D Burford 73

74 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. 2012, 2013 D Burford 74

75 Philip saith unto him, Lord, show us the Father, and it sufficeth us. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father? 2012, 2013 D Burford 75

76 All things are delivered to me of my Father; and no man knoweth that the Son is the Father, and the Father is the Son, but him to whom the Son will reveal it. 2012, 2013 D Burford 76

77 Celestial Glory: these shall dwell in the presence of God and his Christ for ever and ever (D&C 76:5j) No Glory: these are they who shall go away into the lake of fire and brimstone, with the Devil and his angels, and the only ones on whom the second death shall have any power D&C 76:4 (cf. Revelation 14:9-11) Terrestrial Glory: these are they who receive of the presence of the Son but not of the fullness of the Father (D&C 76:6f) Telestial Glory: but where God and Christ dwell they can not come, worlds without end. D&C 76:7v 2012, 2013 D Burford 77

78 CG No G Resurrection of just (right hand) Holy/ Happy Righteous/ Righteous Filthy/ Filthy Unjust/ Unhappy Resurrection of unjust (left hand) Tr G Te G 2012, 2013 D Burford 78

79 6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect; yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to naught; 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory; 8 Which none of the princes of this world knew; for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit; for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 2012, 2013 D Burford 79

80 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, except he has the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. 16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. 2012, 2013 D Burford 80

81 1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God; Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God; 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God; and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now it is already in the world. 4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 5 They are of the world; therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 6 We are of God; he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. 2012, 2013 D Burford 81

82 Celestial Glory: these shall dwell in the presence of God and his Christ for ever and ever (D&C 76:5j) No Glory: these are they who shall go away into the lake of fire and brimstone, with the Devil and his angels, and the only ones on whom the second death shall have any power D&C 76:4 (cf. Revelation 14:9-11) Terrestrial Glory: these are they who receive of the presence of the Son but not of the fullness of the Father (D&C 76:6f) Telestial Glory: but where God and Christ dwell they can not come, worlds without end. D&C 76:7v 2012, 2013 D Burford 82

83 15 And not at any time hath the Father given me commandment that I should tell it unto your brethren at Jerusalem; neither at any time hath the Father given me commandment, that I should tell unto them concerning the other tribes of the house of Israel, whom the Father hath led away out of the land. 16 This much did the Father command me, that I should tell unto them, that other sheep I have, which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. 17 And now because of stiff-neckedness and unbelief, they understood not my word; therefore I was commanded to say no more of the Father concerning this thing unto them. 18 But, verily, I say unto you, that the Father hath commanded me, and I tell it unto you, that ye were separated from among them because of their iniquity; therefore it is because of their iniquity, that they know not of you. 2012, 2013 D Burford 83

84 48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him; the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. 49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. 50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting; whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak. 2012, 2013 D Burford 84

85 19 And verily, I say unto you again, that the other tribes hath the Father separated from them; and it is because of their iniquity, that they know not of them. 20 And verily, I say unto you, that ye are they of whom I said, Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. 21 And they understood me not, for they supposed it had been the Gentiles; for they understood not that the Gentiles should be converted through their preaching; 22 And they understood me not that I said they shall hear my voice; and they understood me not that the Gentiles should not at any time hear my voice; that I should not manifest myself unto them, save it were by the Holy Ghost. 2012, 2013 D Burford 85

86 All things are delivered to me of my Father; and no man knoweth that the Son is the Father, and the Father is the Son, but him to whom the Son will reveal it. 2012, 2013 D Burford 86

87 Mark 9:1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, and James, and John, who asked him many questions concerning his sayings; and Jesus leadeth them up into a high mountain apart by themselves. And he was transfigured before them. Luke 11:10,11 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one who asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. 2012, 2013 D Burford 87

88 Ether 1:101 And in that day that they shall exercise faith in me, saith the Lord, even as the Brother of Jared did, that they may become sanctified in me, then will I manifest unto them the things which the Brother of Jared saw, even to the unfolding unto them all my revelations, saith Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of the heavens and of the earth, and all things that in them are. Ether 5:20,21 And behold we have seen in this record, that one of these was the Brother of Jared; for so great was his faith in God, that when God put forth his finger, he could not hide it from the sight of the Brother of Jared, because of his word which he had spoken unto him, which word he had obtained by faith. And after the Brother of Jared had beheld the finger of the Lord, because of the promise which the Brother of Jared had obtained by faith, the Lord could not withhold anything from his sight; wherefore he shewed him all things, for he could no longer be kept without the veil. 2012, 2013 D Burford 88

89 72 And the Lord said unto him, Because of thy faith thou hast seen that I shall take upon me flesh and blood; and never has man come before me with such exceeding faith as thou hast; for were it not so, ye could not have seen my finger. Sawest thou more than this? 77 Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. 2012, 2013 D Burford 89

90 102 And he that will contend against the word of the Lord, let him be accursed; and he that shall deny these things, let him be accursed; for unto them will I shew no greater things, saith Jesus Christ, for I am he who speaketh; 103 And at my command the heavens are opened and are shut; and at my word, the earth shall shake; and at my command the inhabitants thereof shall pass away, even so as by fire; 104 And he that believeth not my words, believeth not my disciples; and if it so be that I do not speak, judge ye; for ye shall know that it is I that speaketh, at the last day. 105 But he that believeth these things which I have spoken, him will I visit with the manifestations of my Spirit; and he shall know and bear record. 106 For because of my Spirit, he shall know that these things are true for it persuadeth men to do good; and whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do good, is of me; for good cometh of none, save it be of me. 2012, 2013 D Burford 90

91 107 I am the same that leadeth men to all good; he that will not believe my words, will not believe me, that I am; and he that will not believe me, will not believe the Father who sent me. 108 For behold, I am the Father, I am the light, and the life, and the truth of the world. 109 Come unto me, O ye Gentiles, and I will shew unto you the greater things, the knowledge which is hid up because of unbelief. 110 Come unto me, O ye house of Israel, and it shall be made manifest unto you how great things the Father hath laid up for you, from the foundation of the world; and it hath not come unto you, because of unbelief. 2012, 2013 D Burford 91

92 111 Behold, when ye shall rend that veil of unbelief which doth cause you to remain in your awful state of wickedness and hardness of heart, and blindness of mind, then shall the great and marvelous things which have been hid up from the foundation of the world from you; 112 Yea, when ye shall call upon the Father in my name, with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then shall ye know that the Father hath remembered the covenant which he made unto your fathers, O house of Israel; 113 And then shall my revelations which I have caused to be written by my servant John, be unfolded in the eyes of all the people. 2012, 2013 D Burford 92

93 19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 2012, 2013 D Burford 93

94 All things are delivered to me of my Father; and no man knoweth that the Son is the Father, and the Father is the Son, but him to whom the Son will reveal it. 2012, 2013 D Burford 94

95 CG No G Resurrection of just (right hand) Holy/ Happy Righteous/ Righteous Filthy/ Filthy Unjust/ Unhappy Resurrection of unjust (left hand) Tr G Te G 2012, 2013 D Burford 95

96 Celestial Glory: They are they who received the testimony of Jesus, D&C 76:5b No Glory: Thus saith the Lord, concerning all those who know my power, and have been made partakers thereof, and suffered themselves, through the power of the Devil, to be overcome, and to deny the truth, and defy my power; they are they who are the sons of perdition, of whom I say it had been better for them never to have been born D&C 76:4a,b Terrestrial Glory: who received not the testimony of Jesus in the flesh, but afterwards received it these are they who are not valiant in the testimony of Jesus. D&C 76:6c Telestial Glory: these are they who received not the gospel of Christ, neither the testimony of Jesus D&C 76:7b (see 7m) 2012, 2013 D Burford 96