Why do Latter Day Saints believe that they can work their
way to heaven when the Bible clearly states that salvation is a gift
(grace)? Today at the funeral of an LDS friend the speakers all spoke
about how “Good works” was what leads one to heaven.

M.

Dear M.

It is sometimes confusing for non-members to understand our beliefs as they pertain to salvation and exaltation.  Salvation means to be saved.  We believe this means to be saved from a physical death.   Through the grace of our Lord we believe that all men will be saved from physical death.  Everyone who has lived on this earth will be resurrected.  This is a gift brought about through the resurrection of our Savior and His love for us.

We also believe that exaltation is made possible through the grace of God, but it is our individual works that will distinguish our status in the hereafter.  The Savior indicated that there will be differences in the hereafter when he spoke of different mansions in John 14:  “2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.  3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.  Paul when writing to the Corinthians spoke of various glories in the hereafter.  In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul states:   “40There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.  41 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. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead…”

We believe that we were placed here on this earth to prove ourselves to God whether we would do good or evil.  It is through our obedience to his laws and ordinances that we show him  our worthiness.  We are told in the scriptures that we will stand before God and be judged according to our works, whether they are good or evil.  In 1 Peter we are told that Christ went and preached to the spirits in prison after his death here upon the earth.  In 1 Peter 4, we are told why He went there:   “6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.”

In Matthew 7, Jesus tells us that:   “21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”  It is through the performance of good works that we show the Lord that we are His children and worthy to enter into His glory and dwell with Him forever.

Gramps

My RM sons, who have never been inactive in their lives,
have made a conscience choice to go inactive just after returning from
their missions. Both won’t listen to me anymore and both think they
can just play for a while and have no effect on their testimonies. I
am a convert. My wife and I have always been active, served
faithfully,FHE, personal/family prayer, personal/family scripture
study. The boys have filled priesthood callings, EFY, Seminary
graduates, Eagle Scouts, 100% HT, Patriarchal blessings, and every
other advantage a good Mormon boy would have. They both think they can
be inactive without damaging effects to their testimony or conviction.
Yet there is no commitment to build the kingdom.
I am wondering if i can share with them the effects of inactivity?
How a person weakens step by step until they fall into full apostate
status.

Don

Dear Don,

There are too many members of the Church who feel they can take a “vacation” from Church activity and then be able to return when they have had their fun or rest.  What they don’t realize is that they develop habits that become very difficult to break.   The longer they are inactive the less likely they will return to full activity.

One of the great parables the Lord gave us is that of the “Ten Virgins”.  Five were wise and prepared for the Bridegroom.  When they were awakened with the cry that he was coming, they had sufficient oil for their lamps.  They were active, they had kept the commandments continually and they had received all of their life saving ordinances.   They then trimmed their lamps and went into the wedding when He came.  The five that were foolish had to go find more oil for their lamps.  They were not active, they had to repent of their sins, and try to receive ordinances they had delayed in receiving.  They were not prepared, worthy or there when the Savior came and the wedding began.  When they finally returned with oil in their lamps, the door had been shut and they were not to be admitted.  In Matthew 25, we read:  “11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.  12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.  13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.”  Each of us including your sons need to be prepared each day as we do not know when the Savior will come again.  We can’t be saying that we will repent and return to full activity at that time as it will be too late.  The door will be shut and He will say:  “I know you not.”

There are those who have been active and served many years in the Church and feel that the Lord will remember all  they have done in the past, that they will still be rewarded for all the good they have done and be invited into the wedding.  In Chapter 3 of Ezekiel, the prophet Ezekiel tells us that this is not so for he states:   “20 Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity,… he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.”

Just as the “Good Shepherd” left the ninety and nine and went to look for the one that was lost, we need to help those who have lost their way.  With love in our heart, we need to pray for them, help them realize the importance of “enduring to the end” and assist them in regaining a testimony of the Gospel and the Lord Jesus Christ.  This can best be accomplished through love, concern for their well being, helping when needed and not being argumentative.  We should never give up or think that someone is lost or beyond help.  Rather we need to trust in the Lord and become an instrument in His hand in bringing them back into the fold.

Gramps

I am a student in Early Morning/Home Study seminary.  This last Friday we were discussing resurrection and our teacher gave four people and asked us if any of them would not be resurrected.  We answered the question, however, the discussion turned to sins and whose were worse.  Two of the people on the list were Hitler and Cain. I say that although Cain had a full knowledge of the gospel, killed his brother and then lied about it, it doesn’t quite measure up for being directly and indirectly responsible for 11 million deaths.  The
boy I was arguing with says that Cain will be held more responsible than Hitler and will be sent to outer darkness while Hitler will not. This just doesn’t seem right to me.  So I guess my question is: whose sins were worse?

Chelsey

Dear Chelsey,

It would be difficult to argue that what either Hitler or Cain did was worse than the other.  What they both did was horrible and incomprehensible.  How could anyone be responsible for the suffering and deaths of so many people as what occurred during Hitler’s reign of terror.  How could Hitler or Cain  having accepted the Lord’s plan in the pre-existence and then turned so evil in this life.  There have been and are many other dictators and rulers that fall into this same category.  Some that we hardly hear of have been responsible for many deaths and continue in power.  The principles taught in D&C 121 apply to all men not just those holding the priesthood,  “39 We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.” I am sure that the punishment given to Hitler, as well as others who have caused so many deaths, will be severe.  They will be judged by the Lord whose children these people are.  As to this punishment we do not know.

Cain’s punishment is known for he become a son of perdition for whom there is no forgiveness.  Cain was taught the gospel, knew of the Father’s Plan of Salvation.  He was baptized, held the priesthood and was even taught by Deity.  Cain loved Satan more and rejected the Lord after having had the heavens opened to him.  The Lord told Cain in Moses 5:   “23 If thou doest well, thou shalt be accepted. And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door, and Satan desireth to have thee; and except thou shalt hearken unto my commandments, I will deliver thee up, and it shall be unto thee according to his desire. And thou shalt rule over him.”  In this verse, the Lord tells Cain that if he does not repent, that if he continues to reject the Lord and does not turn from his sinful ways the worse of which was to murder for gain, Cain will rule over Satan.  Cain entered into a secret pact with Satan, which secret was that he could murder for gain by killing his brother Abel.  For this he became know as Master Mahan and gloried in his wickedness.  Since Cain there has been many secret combinations on this earth that the Lord has warned us about.  Without doubt Hitler and many others have been involved in these same secret combinations and have killed for gain.  Lamech, who was of the lineage of Cain also entered into a secret covenant with Satan.  When Irad, his great- grandfather began to reveal these secrets to the sons of Adam, Lamech slew him to protect their secret combination and secrets.

Gramps

Please explain why Cain’s sacrifice was not acceptable to
Heavenly Father but Abel’s was.

Paula

Dear Paula,

Upon the birth of Cain, Eve declared:  “I have gotten a man from the Lord; wherefore he may not reject his words.”  Though Eve had great hope for her son, Cain did not hearken to the Lord, but rather rejected Him saying:  “Who is the Lord that I should know him?”  (Moses 5:16)  In Mormon Doctrine, Elder McConkie states that Cain:   “understood the gospel and the plan of salvation, was baptized, received the priesthood, had a perfect knowledge of the position and perfection of God, and talked personally with Deity.”

Adam and Eve were commanded by the Lord to offer the “firstlings of their flocks” as sacrifices.  In Moses 5: 7, an angel of the Lord explained to them why they had been commanded to make sacrifices:  “7 And then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth.”

We read in Moses 5:  “18 And Cain loved Satan more than God. And Satan commanded him, saying: Make an offering unto the Lord.”  What greater blasphemy than for Cain to make an offering in the similitude of the sacrifice of the Lord, having been commanded to do so by Satan.  Not only did he make the offering at the command of Satan, but he offered “the fruit of the ground” and not the “firstlings of the flock” as had been commanded.  Abel did offer a correct offering as had been commanded.  Because his offering had been rejected, Cain became wroth.  When the Lord asked him why he was wroth and why his countenance had fallen, the Lord stated:  “23 If thou doest well, thou shalt be accepted. And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door, and Satan desireth to have thee; and except thou shalt hearken unto my commandments, I will deliver thee up, and it shall be unto thee according to his desire. And thou shalt rule over him.”

Cain entered into a secret pact with Satan, where Satan agreed to deliver Able into his hands.  Whereupon Cain states: “31… Truly I am Mahan, the master of this great secret, that I may murder and get gain. Wherefore Cain was called Master Mahan, and he gloried in his wickedness.”

Gramps

I have read all your posts to questions on marriage, but I
would like your further opinion on children born to a second marriage.
If both the wife and the husband were sealed to their first spouses,
and they marry and have children, are not the children born under the
covenant twice, to both the husband and the wife?  Where do they
belong in the eternal family tree?

Chris

Dear Chris,

There can be many different circumstances, but children are only to be sealed to one set of parents.  What happens with the children if their parents are divorced and have their sealing canceled?  President Joseph Fielding Smith stated:  “…these children belong to God; they are his children, sent to that home with all the rights of protection from father and mother, guidance from father and mother, to be built up and strengthened in the faith, and to go into the heavens, into the celestial kingdom with the father and mother to sit with them in exaltation and glory.”  He further stated:  “When a man and woman are married in the temple for time and all eternity and then separate, the children will go with the parent who is justified and who has kept the covenants.  If neither of them has kept his covenants, the children may be taken away from both of them and given to somebody else, and that would be by virtue of being born under the covenant.  A child is not to be sealed the second time when born under the covenant, but by virtue of that birthright can be transferred.”  (Doctrine of Salvation 2:  91-92)

A woman can only be sealed to one husband at a time.  If she obtains a divorce and wants to marry another man, she will need to obtain from the President of the Church, a cancellation of her first sealing  prior to being able to be sealed to another man.  Her children from any previous marriages that were born under the covenant or sealed to their parents are not to be sealed again as stated by President Smith.  A reader of this site wrote the following comment:   “I found it enlightening at the sealing of a woman to her second husband, her first having been both abusive and unfaithful, to learn from the Sealer that the first sealing was not canceled until she was able to make that covenant with another because she and the children received all of the promised blessings in spite of the first companion’s sins.”

Divorce is becoming too common in the Church and in the World we live in.  Divorce is not part of the Gospel plan and has been introduced because of the hardness of heart and unbelief of the people.  The Lord was very clear on the matter of divorce, as we read in Matthew 19:  “3  The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?  4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,  5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?  6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.  7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?  8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. 9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery…”

There are certainly cases where divorce is justified, but if both parties are living the Gospel it would not be so.    Spousal abuse, adultery, breaking of Temple Covenants are circumstances where divorce might be permitted if the guilty party is unrepentant.  Those contemplating divorce should counsel with their priesthood leaders prior to any action being taken.

Gramps

I would like to learn more about The Thousand-Year Reign and
what will happen during that time.
I understand that we will see our ancestors and will be able to bring
our family records up to date.
Will there still be Temple work going on? What will be the function
of the Temples during this time.
What other things will take place during this time?
I read some where during this time that a person will be able to go
back in time and view history taking place.

Paul

Dear Paul,

In a revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith in January of 1831, recorded in D&C 38, the Lord stated:  “11 For all flesh is corrupted before me; and the powers of darkness prevail upon the earth, among the children of men, in the presence of all the hosts of heaven—  12 Which causeth silence to reign, and all eternity is pained, and the angels are waiting the great command to reap down the earth, to gather the tares that they may be burned; and, behold, the enemy is combined.”  As each of us are aware, wickedness is more prevalent today than in 1831, which would indicate that the end is near.  The Lord revealed to Joseph that, “…and by this ye may know that the great and dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the door.”

In the 10th Article of Faith, we are told that:   “… that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.”  The earth will become terrestrial and Christ will rule personally.  Those that are in spirit prison will remain there during the thousand years,  (See D&C 88:100-102) and Satan will be bound and unable to tempt man during this period of time.

Several important works will be accomplished during the Millennium.  The Gospel will be taught with greater intensity and power to all the inhabitants on the earth until all those who remain are converted and confess that Jesus is the Christ.  Brigham Young stated that:  “In the Millennium men will have the privilege of their own belief, but they will not have the privilege of treating the name and character of Deity as they have done heretofore.  No, but every knee shall bow and every tongue confess to the glory of God the Father that Jesus is the Christ.”  Isaiah tells us that:  “…for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord , as the waters cover the sea.”(Isaiah 11: 9)  And Jeremiah indicates that:  “And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord; for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord…”

Temple work will continue during the Millennium for all those whose ordinances have not been performed previously.  In Doctrines of Salvation volume 3, page 58 Joseph Fielding Smith states:  However, there shall be mortality upon the face of the earth during the thousand years, because of the great work that is to be accomplished of salvation for the dead.  During that thousand years of peace the great work of the Lord shall be in the temples, and into those temples the people shall go to labor for those who have passed beyond and and who are waiting to have these ordinances which pertain to their salvation performed for them by those who still dwell in mortality upon the earth.  And so there shall be mortal men, but they shall live from the time of birth until they are 100 years old and shall then be changed suddenly.  Men will have power over disease, and their bodies will become vigorous and strong, for it will be a new creation of all things when Christ shall come.”

During the Millennium, deceased children will have the opportunity to choose mates.  Continuing in Doctrines of Salvation pages 65-66, Joseph Fielding Smith states:  “The Lord has said through his servants that during the Millennium those who have passed beyond and have attained the resurrection will reveal in person to those who are still in mortality all the information which is required to complete the work of these who have passed from this life  Then the dead will have the privilege of making known the things they desire, and are entitled to receive.  In this way no soul will be neglected and the work of the Lord will be perfected.   It is the duty of parents who have children who have died and who were old enough to be endowed, to go to the temple and perform this endowment for them.  When you have done this, you may let the matter of further work rest, except the sealing of these children to their parents, until the proper time comes.”

The scriptures speak of the Lord’s coming to usher in the Millennium as “the great and dreadful day of the Lord”.  To the wicked it will be dreadful, but to the righteous it will be great and glorious for Christ will reign personally, peace will prevail and no wickedness will be found.

Gramps

What does it mean to deny the holy ghost? For
example take a person who was a good member, and still believes in the
gospel but does not pray or attend because of the shame of breaking
the commandments (pretty specific example I know).

James

Dear James,

Lucifer, which means “the shinning one” or “light bringer”, was the son of the morning.  He knew God’s plan of salvation, but he rebelled against God and was thrust down from the presence of God and the Son.  He was then called Satan, the Devil or Perdition.  Those that followed him also rebelled against God and became sons of perdition.  Cain was taught the Gospel, was baptized and communed with the Lord.  He also rebelled against God and killed his brother Abel.  For this he was cursed and became a son of perdition.

Those who become sons of perdition and deny the Holy Ghost are the only ones who will not be forgiven.  In D&C 76, the Lord says:   “34 Concerning whom I have said there is no forgiveness in this world nor in the world to come—  35 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.”     Joseph Smith defined what a person has to do in order to become a son of perdition.  He stated:  “What must a man do to commit the unpardonable sin?  He must receive the Holy Ghost, have the heavens opened unto him, and know God, and then sin against Him.  After a man has sinned against the Holy Ghost there is no repentance for him.  He has to say that the sun does not shine while he sees it;  he has to deny Jesus Christ when the heavens have been opened unto him, and to deny the plan of salvation with his eyes open to the truth of it; and from that time he begins to be an enemy.”  He further stated:  ‘For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.  Those who sin against the light and knowledge of the Holy Ghost may be said to crucify more than the body of our Lord, they crucify the Spirit.”

Those who enter into the new and everlasting covenant of marriage and are sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise and then commit murder in that they shed innocent blood also will not be forgiven.  In D&C 132 the Lord says:  “ 26 Verily, verily, I say unto you, if a man marry a wife according to my word, and they are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, according to mine appointment, and he or she shall commit any sin or transgression of the new and everlasting covenant whatever, and all manner of blasphemies, and if they commit no murder wherein they shed innocent blood, yet they shall come forth in the first resurrection, and enter into their exaltation; but they shall be destroyed in the flesh, and shall be delivered unto the buffetings of Satan unto the day of redemption, saith the Lord God.  27 The blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, which shall not be forgiven in the world nor out of the world, is in that ye commit murder wherein ye shed innocent blood, and assent unto my death, after ye have received my new and everlasting covenant, saith the Lord God; and he that abideth not this law can in nowise enter into my glory, but shall be damned, saith the Lord.”

Gramps

I read a scripture that has had me questioning if the LDS Church is
the truth. Its in D&C 132 v. 54,55. How could Emma Smith be threatened
to be destroyed if she didn’t abide my this new law? That does not
make sense to me. I am having a hard time understanding the concept of
polygamy. Also, it states in the Mormon Doctrine book that polygamy
will be practiced in the millennium.  Why does it seem like polygamy
is such an important law, but it is not addressed in church lessons?
One of my friends mother is still sealed to her ex-husband even though
he cheated on her for 7 years. He is now remarried and is a bishop.
Why would Heavenly Father make her stay sealed with her ex-husband
even though that would not make her happy? Isn’t it the plan of
happiness? I am having a hard time understanding this.. Please help.

Coleman

Dear Coleman,

Doctrine and Covenants 132 resulted in an Abrahamic test for Joseph Smith, Emma and the entire Church then as well as today.  This revelation required of Joseph and Emma and all members of the Church to put their trust in the Lord who gave Joseph this revelation.  We find in Abraham 3, that when the Lord placed man on the earth He stated:   “25 And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.”  Abraham was commanded to sacrifice his son Issac.  He didn’t say he would not do it because the Lord had commanded “Thou shalt not kill”.  He was obedient and proceeded to follow the Lord’s command until he was stopped by an angel of the Lord.  Abraham was commanded by the Lord to take plural wives as was Issac, Jacob,  and others in the Old Testament.  In this they were obedient as was Joseph when he was given the commandment to take plural wives.

Though section 132 was not written until July 1843, it is apparent that Joseph received this commandment prior to that date.  Historian Joseph Bushman asked the question:  “What drove Joseph Smith to a practice that put his life and his word in jeopardy, not to mention his relationship with Emma?”  Joseph would not have entered into this practice if he had not been commanded by the Lord, as was Abraham.  This is the only commandment where Joseph did not commit himself immediately.  With all other commandments and directions from the Lord he was faithful and determined to obey them immediately.

In D&C 109 Joseph requested of the Lord that he, Emma and his family be exalted:  “68 O Lord, remember thy servant, Joseph Smith, Jun., and all his afflictions and persecutions—how he has covenanted with Jehovah, and vowed to thee, O Mighty God of Jacob—and the commandments which thou hast given unto him, and that he hath sincerely striven to do thy will.  69 Have mercy, O Lord, upon his wife and children, that they may be exalted in thy presence, and preserved by thy fostering hand.”  Steven Harper in his book, “Making Sense of the Doctrine and Covenants” states:  “the historical record shows that Joseph and Emma met its (law of exaltation) terms and conditions precisely.  They made and entered the covenant on May 28, 1843, and received the confirming ordinance section 132 refers to as “most holy” (being sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise) on September 28, 1843.”   Hyrum Smith held this authority as stated in D&C 124:  124. (The definitions in parenthesis have been added for understanding)

In D&C 132, the Lord states:  ” 26 Verily, verily, I say unto you, if a man marry a wife according to my word, and they are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, according to mine appointment, and he or she shall commit any sin or transgression of the new and everlasting covenant whatever, and all manner of blasphemies, and if they commit no murder wherein they shed innocent blood, yet they shall come forth in the first resurrection, and enter into their exaltation; but they shall be destroyed in the flesh, and shall be delivered unto the buffetings of Satan unto the day of redemption, saith the Lord God.”  The Lord is stating this to everyone who meets these conditions, not just to Emma.  When one receives these ordinances they are expected to keep every commandment and follow every direction received from the Lord.

In “Making Sense of the Doctrine and Covenants”, Brother Harper tells us:  “Emma was never excommunicated, her ordinances never voided.  She gave her children faith in the Book of Mormon but blamed Brigham Young for plural marriage.”  Emma asked Joseph to give her a blessing as he was leaving for Carthage.  Being unable to give her a blessing he told her to write the desires of her heart and he would seal the blessing.  She wrote:  “to honor and respect my husband as my head, ever to live in his confidence and by acting in unison with him retain the place which God has given me by his side.”  The transcript of this blessing is found in the Church History Library and was quoted in Carol Cornwall Madsen’s book “The Heavens Are Open”.

Though couples enter into the “New and Everlasting Covenant of Marriage”, it does not become binding until it has been sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise.  The President of the Church has the authority to bind on earth and in heaven as well as to loose on earth and in heaven.   If a couple is divorced civilly they can have their sealing canceled.  This is done by applying to the President of the Church.  Normally the cancellation of a woman’s sealing is not given until she is ready to be sealed to another.  We need to keep in mind that only those that are faithful and deserving of the Celestial Kingdom will have their sealing bound and receive their exaltation.  The Lord will take care of all those who are worthy.  They will receive all the blessings promised that they are worthy of and will not be penalized for the actions of their spouse.

Gramps

Michael

Dear Michael,

We read in the first chapter of Mormon concerning the conditions that existed just prior to the destruction of the Nephite nation.  Mormon states:  “19 And it came to pass that there were sorceries, and witchcrafts, and magics; and the power of the evil one was wrought upon all the face of the land, even unto the fulfilling of all the words of Abinadi, and also Samuel the Lamanite.”  Further in chapter 2 Mormon states:  “10 And it came to pass that the Nephites began to repent of their iniquity, and began to cry even as had been prophesied by Samuel the prophet; for behold no man could keep that which was his own, for the thieves, and the robbers, and the murderers, and the magic art, and the witchcraft which was in the land.  11 Thus there began to be a mourning and a lamentation in all the land because of these things, and more especially among the people of Nephi.”  Here Mormon categorizes magicians or those that practice the magic art,  with those practicing witchcrafts and sorcery.

Joseph Smith in talking about the magicians in Egypt stated:  “Moses could detect the magician’s powers and show that he, himself, was God’s servant.”  While talking about the limitation of power that exists with evil spirits, he said:  “Having said so much upon the general principles without referring to the peculiar situation, power, and influence of the magicians of Egypt, the wizards and witches of the Jews, the oracles of the heathen, their necromancers, soothsayers, and astrologers, the maniacs or those possessed of devils in the Apostles days, we will notice and try to detect some few instances of the development of false spirits in more modern times and in this our day.”

In the above situations they are talking about magicians using the power of the Satan to deceive men and keep them from believing in God and His power.  Though I do not believe performing “tricks” through the use of sleight of hand or deception is the same magic art as spoken of here, it is something you will need to decide for yourself.

Many of the leaders of our Church have advised us against the use of playing cards.  President Kimball speaking in Conference  stated:  “We hope faithful Latter-day Saints will not use the playing cards which are used for gambling, either with or without gambling.”  President Joseph F. Smith was more forceful when he stated:  “A deck of cards in the hands of a faithful servant of God is a satire upon religion…Those who thus indulge are not fit to administer in its sacred ordinances.”  It would not be wise to use “playing cards” at any time.  An alternative would be to use Rook cards or something similar.

Gramps

I know we should wear white shirts in the temple, when
passing sacrament or when giving a blessing.  Is there anywhere that
the church leaders have stated that hometeachers should wear white
shirts and ties when they hometeach?

Danny

Dear Danny,

As Priesthood holders we are representatives of the Lord and have been given the responsibility and authority to teach and watch over the Church and its members.  It states in Doctrine and Covenants 20:   “53 The teacher’s duty is to watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them.”   As a representative of the Lord as well as the Bishop to the families we have been assigned, we should dress properly when visiting them.  Normally this would mean wearing a white shirt and tie, the same as when passing the sacrament, giving a priesthood blessing and officiating in any priesthood calling.

We have been encouraged to visit our families frequently and assist them whenever possible.  Sometimes it might be impractical for us to be wearing a white shirt and tie, such as when we giving physical assistance.  Too often we confine ourselves to visiting our families once a month and giving them a lesson.  We need to keep in mind that we have been given the charge to watch over and help our families in anyway we can.

Home teaching is a divine calling.efinitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:”"; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:”Times New Roman”; mso-fareast-font-family:”Times New Roman”;} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} –> President David O. McKay counseled: “Home teaching is one of our most urgent and most rewarding opportunities to nurture and inspire, to counsel and direct our Father’s children. … [It] is a divine service, a divine call. It is our duty as Home Teachers to carry the divine spirit into every home and heart.” It would be difficult to carry the “divine spirit” into a home if we do not dress as the Lord’s representative.

Gramps

When an endowed preisthood holder violates the law of
chastity before he is married, what church discipline is invoked and
what is it based upon (severity, length of time, etc)?

Kristi

Dear Kristi,

The duties of a Bishop was given by revelation to Joseph Smith and recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 107:  “68 …. for the office of a bishop is in administering all temporal things;  69 Nevertheless a bishop must be chosen from the High Priesthood, unless he is a literal descendant of Aaron; ….  72 And also to be a judge in Israel, to do the business of the church, to sit in judgment upon transgressors upon testimony as it shall be laid before him according to the laws, by the assistance of his counselors, whom he has chosen or will choose among the elders of the church.”  To be a “Common Judge in Israel” is one of the Bishop’s  greatest responsibilities.  He is to protect the Church and help the members of his congregation gain forgiveness of their sins.  He has been given the spirit of discernment to help him with this great responsibility.

Each of us need to confess all of our sins to the Lord, as only He can forgive us.  Commission of serious sins, especially those of a moral nature such as the one you speak of, also needs to be confessed to the Lord’s representative under whose ecclesiastical jurisdiction one lives.  In most cases this would be their Bishop.  It is the Bishop’s responsibility to determine what course of action needs to be taken to protect the Church and assist the individual in repenting of his sins and gaining forgiveness from the Lord.

If any discipline is needed, it would be primarily the Bishop who would determine what needed to be done.  He would consider many factors, including those that you mentioned, whether the individual freely confesses his sins or if he has to be confronted in order for him to confess.  Other factors would be how widespread knowledge of the sin is, the effect it has had on those involved, and whether the individual was serving in a leadership capacity in the Church when the sin was committed.  The promptings of the Spirit will be his greatest help in determining the course of action to be followed.

The following statement appears in the Church’s website concerning the discipline of those who have committed transgressions.  “Bishops and branch presidents and stake, mission, and district presidents have a responsibility to help members overcome transgression through repentance. The most serious transgressions, such as serious violations of civil law, spouse abuse, child abuse, adultery, fornication, rape, and incest, often require formal Church discipline. Formal Church discipline may include restriction of Church membership privileges or loss of Church membership.”

Gramps

“until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the
Lord in righteousness”  What did John the Baptist mean when he said
this to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, what is the offering?

Brian

Dear Brian,

In the Doctrine and Covenants section 84, we are told:    “33 For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies.  34 They become the sons of Moses and of Aaron and the seed of Abraham, and the church and kingdom, and the elect of God.”  In other words those that receive the priesthood and magnify their calling become the sons of Levi as was Moses and Aaron.  In the Seminary manual for the Doctrine and Covenants and Church History, page 33, it states:  “Today, the expression “sons of Levi” is used to characterize all those in the Church who faithfully receive the Priesthood and become “sons of Moses and of Aaron.”

In section 128 of the Doctrine and Covenants it states:   “24 Behold, the great day of the Lord is at hand; and who can abide the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap; and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. Let us, therefore, as a church and a people, and as Latter-day Saints, offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness; and let us present in his holy temple, when it is finished, a book containing the records of our dead, which shall be worthy of all acceptation.”  Their responsibilities anciently were in assisting in the temple.  From this scripture it is apparent that one of  the “offerings” is when assist our ancestors in the temple by having their temple ordinances performed and0 recorded.  This record will be part of their “Book of Life” from which they will be judged.

The Prophet Joseph Smith stated the following concerning the Aaronic Priesthood and the sons of Levi:  “To usher in the dispensation of the fulness of times (a dispensation incorporating the blessings, doctrine, and authority of all former dispensations and embodying the restoration of all things), it was necessary that the Aaronic Priesthood be restored. Because John the Baptist restored the Aaronic Priesthood, the literal sons of Levi—descendants of the ancient Levites and of Aaron—shall yet render priesthood service in this dispensation as the Restoration progresses and as the Lord directs through his First Presidency.”  Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp. 171–72.

Gramps

Dear Gramps,

My wife’s father practices polygamy, He has two wives and
several children, I have seen him give blessings to his children and
even baptize some of them. my question is about line of authority, he
can trace his “line of authority” back to Joseph Smith, but he himself
has never been a member of the church, but rather a break off of the
church. I am concerned because my wife, who has recently been
baptized, asked him to give her a blessing, and wanted me to
participate. what should I do? Where is the line between stewardship
of a father with priesthood authority and a father without priesthood
authority?

Sean

Dear Sean,

Only male members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints have the opportunity of holding the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood.  Only members of the Church in good standing who have been ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood are able to trace their “line of authority” back to Jesus Christ, through Peter, James and John. All others who claim to hold any authority from God are mere pretenders. None of the ordinances that they perform are binding or valid.

Anyone can pray and ask the Lord to bless themselves or others, but only those holding the Melchizedek Priesthood can give a blessing in Christ’s name and through the Priesthood he holds. It would be inappropriate for one holding the Priesthood to participate in giving a blessing with someone who did not hold the Melchizedek Priesthood, especially when they are acting as voice.

In years past it was common practice to allow a father who did not hold the Melchizedek Priesthood to stand in the circle when his child was given a name and a blessing though he was not able to act as voice. The First Presidency has indicated that this is no longer acceptable and only those who are worthy and hold the Melchizedek Priesthood are to be involved in performing an ordinance or in giving a blessing through the Priesthood.

Gramps

Gramps,
My wife just found a geneological line on new.familysearch.org that
runs all the way back to Adam.  The line went through Aaron, the
brother of Moses.  In the Doctrine and Covenants it says that a
literal descendant of Aaron has a right to the Aaronic priesthood
office of Bishop.  Can you explain how this would work for a worthy
priesthood holder?  Don’t worry, I am not looking for a way to get my
young sons promoted, I’m just curious what the implications of this
lineage might be.

Thanks for all of your time,

Paul

Dear Paul,

When the Children of Israel failed to keep the gospel law administered by Moses under the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood, they were given: “an additional law of performances and ordinances and confirmed a priesthood also upon Aaron and his seed, throughout all their generations…” This was of lesser power and authority than the Melchizedek priesthood and was used to administer the outward ordinances. Although the terms Aaronic and Levitical are used synonymously in referring to this Priesthood, there are differences. The Levitical or lesser Priesthood was conferred only on men of the Tribe of Levi, but only Aaron and his sons could hold the office of Priest. The President of the Priests or what we would refer to as Bishop was restricted to the firstborn of the seed of Aaron. This lineal requirement of the lesser priesthood was lifted with the fulfilling of the Law of Moses as is evident in the New Testament, Book of Mormon and the Church today.

The Bible Dictionary states: “Although the Aaronic Priesthood is conferred in the Church today without restriction to the lineage of Aaron, the keys of this priesthood rightly belong to the firstborn of the seed of Aaron, and in the restoration of all things the office of bishop (president of the priests) will once again be conferred on one of that lineage, as it is designated by revelation to the president of the church.

The calling of the firstborn of Aaron as Bishop is referred to in several sections of the Doctrine and Covenants. In section 68 it states: 16”And if they be literal descendants of Aaron they have a legal right to the bishopric, if they are of the firstborn among the sons of Aaron; 17 “For the firstborn holds the right of the presidency over this priesthood, and the keys or authority of the same.” Further in this section additional requirements are given: 20”And a literal descendant of Aaron, also, must be designated by the Presidency, and found worthy, and anointed, and ordained under the hands of this Presidency, otherwise they are not legally authorized to officiate in their priesthood. 21 But, by virtue of the decree concerning their right of the priesthood descending from father to son, they may claim their anointing if at any time they can prove their lineage, or do ascertain it by revelation from the Lord under the hands of the above named Presidency.”

Gramps

Dear Gramps,

Why do people worship on Sunday if Jesus worshiped on
Saturday? Shouldn’t we do what Jesus did since He is our example?

Trinity

Dear Trinity,

The Sabbath was instituted to commemorate the day of rest that the Lord observed following the creation of the world. This was on the last day of the week or Saturday. Later observance of the Sabbath was to commemorate the redemption of the children of Israel from Egypt.

After Christ’s resurrection, which was on Sunday, the members of the Church observed the first day of the week as holy in recognition of His resurrection. In Acts 20, we read where Christ’s disciples partake of the Sacrament on Sunday: “7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them…” Also in 1^st Corinthians 16,  Paul counsels the saints to observe the first day of the week as the Lord’s Day. The practice of observing the first day of the week as the Lord’s day was also referenced by many early Christian writers. We have been commanded as well to observe Sunday as the Lord’s Day. (D&C 59)

The following is given in the Bible Dictionary concerning the observance of the Lord ’s Day: “The first day of the week is meant, being the day of our Lord’s resurrection and also the day on which the Holy Spirit came upon the Apostles…It was never confounded with the Sabbath, but carefully distinguished from it.”

Gramps

How would so many spirits (the 1/3) who were cast out and followed Lucifer so willing to walk out of the Pre-mortal life knowing they were giving up their eternal salvation

Sugar

Dear Sugar,

It is extremely difficult for one to understand how anyone could accept Lucifer’s plan and become one of his followers. When we know what happened in the great Council in the pre-existence, it may become easier to understand though still difficult to accept. In the Great Council the Father presented His plan to each of His spiritual children. His plan called for one of His spirit children to be chosen as our Redeemer and work out the infinite and eternal atonement for all mankind. Two answered the call. Jehovah accepted the role of Redeemer and the will of the Father. Lucifer also accepted this role, but he wanted to change the Father’s plan and receive the honor. In order to do this he wanted to take away the agency of man so “that one soul shall not be lost”.

There has always been those that want to take the “easy” way out. To them, Lucifer’s plan assured them of not being “lost”. This was the easy and sure way. They didn’t understand the Father’s plan and were undoubtedly misled by Lucifer into believing they could have “their cake and eat it too”. When we consider the countless people who today are unwilling to accept the Lord’s plan, even when it has been explained to them, and prove themselves worthy of exaltation, it is easier to understand what happened in the pre-existence. Keep in mind that these very same people accepted the Father’s plan in the pre-existence and choose to come to this earth to prove themselves.

Men have always been blinded by the craftiness of men and Satan is their ultimate teacher. Think of the number of people who have accepted rulers, dictators and others because of their smooth talk and their promises to give them all that they want. How many did Hitler lead astray?

Enoch was told by the Lord to cry repentance to his people as recorded in Moses 6: 27”…Repent, for thus saith the Lord: I am angry with this people, and my fierce anger is kindled against them; for their hearts have waxed hard, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes cannot see afar off”. This describes many living on the earth today as well as those in the pre-existence who choose to follow Lucifer because they hardened their hearts, their ears are dull of hearing and they can’t see the whole picture.

Gramps

Herbert

Dear Herbert,

We should never question the worthiness or faith of those involved in giving a Priesthood Blessing when the blessing is not totally fulfilled. President Kimball stated that if every prayer and blessing given were fulfilled, no one would die, there would be no sickness and the Lord’s plan would be thwarted. Though one is healed through the power of the Priesthood, we need to remember as Christ taught us in the Lord’s Prayer: “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”

Those receiving a Priesthood blessing, as well as those giving the blessing should have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that they can be healed. In Mark 16, Jesus told His Apostles that: 17” And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Further the Lord states in Doctrine and Covenants section 42: 48 “And again, it shall come to pass that he that hath faith in me to be healed, and is not appointed unto death, shall be healed.”

Those giving the blessing should be worthy to exercise their Priesthood authority. It is also important they be in tune with the spirit and listen to promptings of the spirit. They should spend time prior to giving the blessing in pray and meditation. Some of the most profound blessings I have given, that have been fulfilled, are those where the blessing wasn’t what I wanted to give, but what was dictated by the spirit.

Gramps

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
is the true church,,,right?. well what about the other churches in
this world,,i have a christian friend who goes through tests and
trials also,and is a good person,well if these churches are so wrong,
why is it they face persecution as well,why do they claim to have the
holy ghost with them,,,i am a bit confused, hope you can help me on
this..thankyou.

Andy

Dear Andy,

Your statement is correct, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is the only Church that has the whole truth, but we must recognize the good in other Churches, especially their members.  Many great works have been accomplished by members of other faiths as well as other Church organizations.

We should never say that they are “so wrong” or “bad” as most all strive to better mankind.  President Hinckley counseled us to look for the good in everyone and in all religions.  The LDS Church works closely with other Churches and organizations in helping those who are in need through various humanitarian projects.  The Church recently joined forces with several religious groups, including the Catholic Church in campaigning against the same sex marriage amendment in California.

While there is good in other religions, they do not have the whole truth.  They do not have the Priesthood of God nor the authority necessary to administer the life saving ordinances of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  There are several important doctrines and practices given by Jesus Christ during His ministry that other Churches have lost or changed.  Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians prophesied that there would be an apostasy by the Church prior to the second coming of the Lord.  In 2 Thessalonians the 2nd chapter Paul states:   3 “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first…”  Because of this apostasy it was necessary for the Lord to restore the Gospel and the Priesthood authority through the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Everyone is entitled to the inspiration of the Holy Ghost.  Many great discoveries have been made through the influence of the Holy Ghost, one being the discovery of the American continent by Columbus.  Only those who have received the gift of the Holy Ghost by one who has the authority to administer this ordinance have the opportunity of having the Holy Ghost as their constant companion if they live worthily.

Gramps

Did God create our spirits or did he conceive them?  Did he
just say like, “Spirits be created” or did He have spiritual children
with our Heavenly Mother? If so, why do the scriptures say Jesus is
the only begotten?

Ethan

Dear Ethan,

In 2000, the Frst Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve published a document entitled:  “The Living Christ:  The Testimony of Apostles”.  An excerpt from that document reads:  “We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world”.

Jesus Christ is the “Firstborn of the Father”, because He was the first to be born spiritually of the Father.  We are all spiritually born of our Father in Heaven.  Christ being the firstborn of the spirit, we refer to Him as our “Elder Brother”.  In the book, “Man:  His Origin and Destiny”, The First Presidency of the Church, Joseph F. Smith, John R. Winder and Anthon H. Lund stated:  “…man, as a spirit, was begotten and born of heavenly parents, and reared to maturity in the eternal mansions of the Father,” that man is the “offspring of celestial parentage.”  (pp. 348-355)

Jesus Christ is the “Only Begotten of the Father” because He is the only one born of the Father in the flesh.  President Heber J. Grant gave the following testimony:  “We believe absolutely that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, begotten of God, the first-born in the spirit and the only begotten in the flesh; that He is the Son of God just as much as you and I are the sons of our fathers.”

Gramps