6/29/17 Today s Take-aways s Temple Teachings Scott Woodward Rel. 225 Summer 2017 What are the Three Orders of the Priesthood? How do the keys restored in the Kirtland Temple relate to the Three Orders of the Priesthood? What is the fulness of the priesthood? How does an understanding of s temple teachings given during the last year of his life help us to better understand our temple experience today? Unofficial title: s Temple Teachings Scott Woodward Rel. 225 Summer 2017 What taught about the temple the last year of his life that most of us have missed. The temple is a sacred place, and the ordinances in the temple are of a sacred character. Because of its sacredness we are sometimes reluctant to say anything about the temple. Ezra Taft Benson of the Twelve Ezra Taft Benson of the Twelve ( What I Hope You Will Teach Your Children About the Temple, Ensign, Aug. 1985, 6) ( What I Hope You Will Teach Your Children About the Temple, Ensign, Aug. 1985, 6) As a consequence, many do not develop a real desire to go to the temple, or when they go there, they do so without much background to prepare them for the obligations and covenants they enter into. 1
I believe a proper understanding or background will foster within them a desire to seek their priesthood blessings just as Abraham sought his. What is appropriate to talk about? 1. It s safe if it is: In the Scriptures Taught by the Brethren Published by the Church Ezra Taft Benson of the Twelve ( What I Hope You Will Teach Your Children About the Temple, Ensign, Aug. 1985, 6) 2. We should use the Temple itself as our guide. 3. Couch all things in D&C 63:64. D&C 63:64 Remember that that which cometh from above is sacred, and must be spoken with care, and by constraint of the Spirit; and in this there is no condemnation, and ye receive the Spirit through prayer; wherefore, without this there remaineth condemnation. When did begin learning about the temple? D&C 2 Malachi 4:5-6 D&C 2:1-3 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the Promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers. lest I come and smite the earth with a curse. If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming 2
6/29/17 The Kirtland Temple was built primarily for the restoration of keys of authority. In the receiving of these keys the fulness of gospel ordinances is revealed. The Purpose of the Kirtland Temple Joseph Fielding Smith (Doctrines of Salvation 2:242) The Kirtland Temple filled its mission shortly after the time of its dedication. [I]t was essential that other temples be erected with the facilities for that perfection which the Kirtland Temple lacked. Joseph Fielding Smith (Doctrines of Salvation 2:242) Historical Timeline 1836- Joseph receives the keys in 1836. What does he do with them? Season of Kirtland Apostasy Kirtland SS AntiBank Organized Temple Keys Restored April 1836 JS in Michigan Joseph gone to Salem, MA July 1836 Sept. 1836 Jan. Joseph prophesies many will apostatize if they don t repent Feb. Major Apostasy (Greed & Pride Abound) Mar. Apostates hold secret mtg in K. Temple to appoint David Whitmer Church June Kirtland SS AntiBank Fails JS, SR, & TBM visit Canadian saints & preach Aug. Sept. Apostates attempt armed take-over of K. Temple Joseph & Sidney flee Kirtland JS, SR, & WS find gathering places in Far West, MO Oct. Dec. Jan. Brigham Young flees Kirtland due to death threats 3
6/29/17 Historical Timeline -1839 The Missouri/ Mormon War Joseph & Sidney flee Kirtland Oliver Cowdery Election Day battle Battle at Crooked River JS in MO Excommunicated at Gallatin prisons Jan. Historical Timeline 1839-1841 March April Joseph arrives in Far West, MO July Aug. Cornerstones laid for the Far West Temple Oct. Nov. Joseph in Liberty Jail Dec. Dewitt, a Mormon Extermination Order settlement, sieged by Missourians JS negotiates land purchase in Commerce, IL Apr. 1839 May 1839 JS sends letter to all saints to gather to Commerce area JS sends letter to all saints to gather to Commerce area JS travels to & from Wash. DC July 1839 July 1839 March 1840 Oct. 1839 Aug. 1840 Joseph receives the keys in 1836. D&C 124:25-28, 34 Jan. 1841 Oct. 1840 JS selects 4-acre spot in Nauvoo for a future temple JS & Family move to Commerce He receives the command to build the Nauvoo temple in 1841. D&C 124 received commanding the building of the Nauvoo Temple JS introduces doctrine of baptism for the dead D&C 124:25-28 25 And again, verily I say unto you, let all my saints come from afar. 26 And send ye swift messengers, yea, chosen messengers, and say unto them: Come ye, with all your gold, and your silver 27 and with all your precious things of the earth; and build a house to my name, for the Most High to dwell therein. 28 For there is not a place found on earth that he may come to and restore again that which was lost unto you, or which he hath taken away, even the fulness of the priesthood. Kirtland Keys Prepared for Nauvoo Ordinances Elijah Elias Moses Why Build the Nauvoo Temple? D&C 124:28 Kirtland Temple Nauvoo Temple For therein are the keys of the holy priesthood ordained, that you may have honor and glory. ~D&C 124:34 4
Be it remembered that it is only in a temple... that the fulness of the Priesthood can be obtained. This is the chief purpose of a temple. What is the fulness of the priesthood? Joseph Fielding Smith (Church History and Modern Revelation, 3:74) 40 = Revelations in D&C (Letter to Emma, History of the Church, 3:285-286) I want the blessing once more of lifting my voice in the midst of the Saints. I would pour out my soul to God for their instruction. It has been the plan of the devil to hamper me and distress me from the beginning, to keep me from explaining myself to them; and I never have had opportunity to give them the plan that God has revealed to me. Quantity 30 20 10 16 0 1 28 29 19 37 = Revelation-Based Teachings in D&C = Recorded Doctrinal Sermons (non-d&c) After Liberty Jail 16 10 12 1 1 8 5 1 4 3 3 3 2 1 2 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 3 19 37 32 52 26 Year Joseph s Temple Teachings 1843-1844 27 August 1843 Endowment Ceremony introduced @ the Red Brick Store #2. JS teaches in Ramus, IL (later becomes D&C 131) #4. JS preaches on the purpose of Gathering Israel #6. JS preaches on The Three Orders of Priesthood in Nauvoo grove #8. JS preaches the King Follet Discourse in Nauvoo May 1842 May 1843 June 1843 July 1843 Aug. 1843 Sept. 1843 Mar. 1844 Apr. 1844 #1. JS preaches in Yelrome, IL on 2 Peter 1 #3. JS preaches in Nauvoo on 2 Peter 1 #5. JS records D&C 132 #7. JS preaches on Elias, Elijah, Messiah in Nauvoo Three Orders of the Priesthood 5
( Three Orders of Priesthood, 27 August 1843, The Words of, p.243-248) There are 3 grand orders of Priesthood. 1 st Levitical 2 nd Abraham's Patriarchal power 3 rd That of Melchizedek, who had still greater power even power of an endless life of which was our Lord Jesus Christ. [This is] not the power of a Prophet, nor apostle, nor Patriarch only, but of King & Priest to God, to open the windows of Heaven and pour out the peace & law of [an] endless life to man. What is the fulness of the priesthood? ( Three Orders of Priesthood, 27 August 1843, The Words of, p.243-248) Those holding the fullness of the Melchizedek Priesthood are kings and priests of the Most High God. The Three Orders of Priesthood 3. Melchizedek Priesthood 2. Patriarchal Priesthood 1. Levitical Priesthood All priesthood is Melchizedek, but there are different portions or degrees of it. ~ (Teachings, p.180) The Three Orders of Priesthood The Aaronic/Levitical Priesthood & the Temple 3. Melchizedek Priesthood 2. Patriarchal Priesthood 1. Levitical Priesthood There are 3 grand orders of Priesthood... namely the priesthood of Aaron, Abraham, and Melchizedek. Abraham's priesthood was of greater power than Levi's, and Melchizedek's was of greater power than that of Abraham. ~ (The Words of, p.243-248) 3. Melchizedek Priesthood 2. Patriarchal Priesthood 1. Levitical Priesthood All priesthood is Melchizedek, but there are different portions or degrees of it. ~ (Teachings, p.180) 6
6/29/17 The Aaronic/Levitical Priesthood & the Temple Exodus 40:12-13 And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water. And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy garments, and anoint him, and sanctify him; that he may minister unto me in the priest's office. The Aaronic/Levitical Priesthood & the Temple The Aaronic/Levitical Priesthood & the Temple [In] the Anointing... [we are] anointed to become a king and priest of the Most High; a queen and priestess in the realms of God. I do not know how long it will take to achieve that, but we are anointed that we may become such. [T]he initiatory ordinances of washing and anointing are preparatory ordinances. Robert D. Hales Preparatory to what? (Return: Four Phases of Our Mortal Journey Home, p. 246) David O. McKay ("An Address on the Temple Ceremony," 25 September 1941, Salt Lake Temple Annex, Special Collections, BYU Library) The Aaronic/Levitical Priesthood & the Temple The receiving of the endowment requires the assuming of obligations by covenants which in reality are but an embodiment or an unfolding of the covenants each person should have assumed at baptism. Harold B. Lee (Teachings of s of the Church: Harold B. Lee, 99) Ezra Taft Benson of the Twelve (BYU devotional, 12 April 1977) Celestial laws are complied with by voluntary covenants. The laws are spiritual. Thus, our Father in Heaven has ordained certain holy sanctuaries, called temples, in which these laws may be fully explained, the laws include the law of obedience and sacrifice, the law of the gospel, the law of chastity, and the law of consecration. 7
The Patriarchal Priesthood & the Temple The Patriarchal Priesthood & the Temple 3. Melchizedek Priesthood 2. Patriarchal Priesthood 1. Levitical Priesthood All priesthood is Melchizedek, but there are different portions or degrees of it. ~ (Teachings, p.180) It is in the temple that we enter into the patriarchal order, the order of priesthood that bears the name the new and everlasting covenant of marriage. Bruce R. McConkie (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, p.315) The Patriarchal Priesthood & the Temple The Patriarchal Priesthood & the Temple D&C 131:1-4 1 In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees; 2 And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage]; 3 And if he does not, he cannot obtain it. 4 He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom; he cannot have an increase. The Patriarchal Priesthood & the Temple Bruce R. McConkie ("The Promises Made To The Fathers," in Studies in Scripture: Vol. Three The Old Testament, p. 61) And so I go to the Salt Lake Temple and marry my wife for time and for all eternity, and so begins a new kingdom of God. And if we are faithful, that marriage exists here and it exists hereafter. And I have been given through that ordinance every promise that Abraham received. It is given on conditional basis. We must be true and faithful and keep the covenant that we make in the temple, but if we are faithful, we will receive the blessings. 3. Melchizedek Priesthood 2. Patriarchal Priesthood 1. Levitical Priesthood All priesthood is Melchizedek, but there are different portions or degrees of it. ~ (Teachings, p.180) 8
[T]hrough the fulness of the ordinances of the temple [we] receive the fulness of the priesthood and are ordained kings and priests. Those holding the fullness of the Melchizedek Priesthood are kings and priests of the Most High God. Bruce R. McConkie (Mormon Doctrine, p.425) ( Three Orders of Priesthood, 27 August 1843, The Words of, p.243-248) Brigham Young (History of the Church, 5:527; August 6, 1843) For any person to have the fullness of that [Melchizedek] priesthood, he must be a king and priest. Brigham Young (Heber C. Kimball Journal kept by William Clayton, 26 December 1845, Church Archives) Those who come in here and have received their washing & anointing will [later] be ordained Kings & Priests, and will then have received the fullness of the Priesthood, all that can be given on earth. For Brother Joseph said he had given us all that could be given to man on the earth. Fulness of the Priesthood = Being ordained a King or Queen, Priest or Priestess [T]he power of Elijah is to hold the keys of the powers and endowments of the fulness of the Melchizedek Priesthood. ( Elias, Elijah, Messiah, The Words of Joseph Smith, p.327-336) 9
( Elias, Elijah, Messiah, Messages of the First Presidency, 1:203-209) [T]he power of Elijah is sufficient to make our calling and election sure. Fulness of the Priesthood = Being ordained a King or Queen, Priest or Priestess = Calling and election is made sure The Three Orders and the Temple Conditional promises given. We are anointed to become Kings & Priests Washing & Anointing/ Endowment Aaronic/Levitical Order Conditionally promised all blessings of the New and Everlasting Covenant Temple Marriage Patriarchal Order Promises are made sure. We are actually anointed Kings & Priests, Queens & Priestesses Fulness of Priesthood Melchizedek Order References: D&C 76:53-58 D&C 131:5 D&C 132:7, 18-19 D&C 124:124 D&C 76:53, 56-58 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. 56 They are they who are priests and kings, who have received of his fulness, and of his glory; 57 And are priests of the Most High, after the order of Melchizedek, which was after the order of Enoch, which was after the order of the Only Begotten Son. 58 Wherefore, as it is written, they are gods, even the sons of God D&C 131:5 (May 17th, 1843.) The more sure word of prophecy means a man s knowing that he is sealed up unto eternal life, by revelation and the spirit of prophecy, through the power of the Holy Priesthood. D&C 132:7 All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations, that are not made and entered into and sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, of him who is anointed, both as well for time and for all eternity by revelation and commandment through the medium of mine anointed, whom I have appointed on the earth to hold this power (and I have appointed unto my servant Joseph to hold this power in the last days, and there is never but one on the earth at a time on whom this power and the keys of this priesthood are conferred), are of no efficacy, virtue, or force in and after the resurrection from the dead; for all contracts that are not made unto this end have an end when men are dead. 10
6/29/17 D&C 132:18 D&C 132:19 Bruce R. McConkie (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3:344-347) And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife, and make a covenant with her for time and for all eternity, if that covenant is not by me or by my word, which is my law, and is not sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, through him whom I have anointed and appointed unto this power, then it is not valid neither of force when they are out of the world, because they are not joined by me, saith the Lord, neither by my word; when they are out of the world it cannot be received there, because the angels and the gods are appointed there, by whom they cannot pass; they cannot, therefore, inherit my glory; for my house is a house of order, saith the Lord God. and if ye abide in my covenant, and commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever. This is the language: Then that is, after their calling and election has been made sure shall it be written in the Lamb s Book of Life, that he shall commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, and if ye abide in my covenant, and commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity [etc. D&C 132:19]. And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood; and it shall be said unto them Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths. D&C 132:19 Bruce R. McConkie (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3:344-347) [M]aking one's calling and election sure comes after and grows out of celestial marriage. Thus the revelation on marriage [D&C 132] speaks both of celestial marriage (in which the conditional promises of eternal life are given) and of making one's calling and election sure (in which the unconditional promise of eternal life are given) in one and the same sentence. Kirtland Keys Prepared for Nauvoo Ordinances Elijah Elias Moses Kirtland Temple Nauvoo Temple For therein are the keys of the holy priesthood ordained, that you may have honor and glory. ~D&C 124:34 11
The Three Orders of the Priesthood Restored Keys Restored Order of Priesthood Covenants/Promises Abrahamic/Patriarchal Melchizedek/ Enoch/Son of God Elijah (D&C 2; 110) Melchizedek/Enoch/Son of God = The Fullness of Priesthood = Church of the Firstborn Anointed King and Queen All promises of exaltation are made sure (unconditional) Presence of God/Visions/Ask & Receive Power Aaronic/ Levitical Elias (D&C 110) Abraham/Patriarchal = The dispensation of the gospel of Abraham (D&C 110:12) = Celestial marriage/ this order of the priesthood (D&C 131:2) Promise of King & Queenship Land. Kingdom, Thrones, Principalities Priesthood. Powers, Dominions Posterity. A fulness and continuation of the seeds forever and ever (D&C 132:19) John the Baptist Moses Elias Elijah John the Baptist/Moses (D&C 13; 110) Aaron/Levitical = Preparatory Gospel = Baptism = Carnal Commandments = Aaronic Temple Ordinances Prepared/Anointed to Become K & Q Remission of Sins Ministry of Angels Gathered into the Temple Anointed to become Kings and Queens Baptismal Covenant Unfolded in Endowment Signs/Tokens/Key Words Revealed No man can attain to the Joint heirship with Jesus Christ with out being administered to by one having the power & Authority of Melchisedec. Joseph came to feel that this was his mission. ( Three Orders of Priesthood, 27 August 1843, The Words of, p.243-248) (History of the Church, 5:139-140; August 1842) My feelings at the present time are that the Lord Almighty... will continue to preserve me until I have fully accomplished my mission in this life, and so firmly established the dispensation of the fulness of the priesthood in the last days, that all the powers of earth and hell can never prevail against it. George Q. Cannon First Presidency (Journal of Discourses 13:49) Previous to his death the Prophet Joseph manifested great anxiety to see the temple completed. Hurry up the work, brethren, he used to say, let us finish the temple; the Lord has a great endowment in store for you, and I am anxious that the brethren should have their endowments and receive the fullness of the Priesthood. Then, said he, the Kingdom will be established, and I do not care what shall become of me. 12
In his journal for 28 Sept. 1843 Joseph records that he and Emma received the anointing and ordination of the highest and holiest order of the priesthood. Make your calling and election sure; go on from grace to grace until you obtain a promise from God for yourselves that you shall have eternal life. ( Diary, 28 September 1843, Church Archives). *Note: they were temple-married together earlier that year on 28 May 1843. ( Elias, Elijah, Messiah, The Words of Joseph Smith, p.327-336) (History of the Church, 5:387-389) I would exhort you to go on and continue to call upon God until you make your calling and election sure for yourselves, by obtaining this more sure word of prophecy, and wait patiently for the promise until you obtain it.??? Questions??? 14 May 1843 I believe a proper understanding or background will foster within them a desire to seek their priesthood blessings just as Abraham sought his. End Ezra Taft Benson of the Twelve ( What I Hope You Will Teach Your Children About the Temple, Ensign, Aug. 1985, 6) 13