Obedience to the Ordinances of the Gospel PART 2

AUTHORITY FROM GOD IS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ORDINANCES:

Ordinances cannot be performed without the proper authority. That authority is the Priesthood of God.

Within the priesthood of God, there are two branches. The lesser of these is the Aaronic Priesthood which is concerned with the gospel of repentance and baptism and the temporal affairs of the kingdom of God. The Aaronic priesthood is the priesthood that was used to perform the ordinances associated with the Law of Moses. The Law of Moses was to be a school master to bring us to Jesus Christ. (Gal 3:24-25)

John the baptist held this priesthood. By it, he had the authority to baptize. But he didnt have the authority to give the gift of the Holy Ghost. This required a higher priesthood.

The higher priesthood is called the Melchizedek priesthood, which is concerned with higher ordinances and the sanctification, or cleansing of the inner man, including the giving of the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

In ancient times, this priesthood was called the priesthood after the order of the Son of God. Later it was called the Melchizedek priesthood in order to not repeat the name of deity often.

Obviously, Jesus Christ not only held this priesthood, but it originates with Him. It is His priesthood. He ordained His apostles to this priesthood and that is why they not only had the authority to baptize, but also to confer the gift of the Holy Ghost on whomever they laid hands. (Acts 8:18)

When a worthy priesthood holder baptizes someone, they are acting as a representative of Jesus Christ. In order to do this, they must be given the authority to do so. Baptism, performed by the proper authority (the Aaronic Priesthood) brings us to the gate of heaven or the kingdom of God. The Aaronic Priest(Christ) escorts us to the gate through baptism, and then the Melchizedek Priest (Christ) pulls us through the gate and gives us the gift of the Holy Ghost to be our guide on the inside of the Kingdom.

Once inside the Kingdom of God, we find there is more to do. Now begins the work of sanctification, and the saving of our families. Sanctification can only come through the Holy Ghost. All ordinances required for our progression from this point on require the Melchizedek priesthood, and the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

The ordinances associated with the Law of Moses and performed under the direction of the Aaronic priesthood, were no longer needed after Jesus fulfilled the Law of Moses.

But that didn't mean the end of ordinances. The Lord introduced the ordinances associated with the new covenant and the Melchizedek priesthood.

I explained in my last post that an ordinance is the outward expression of a covenant. Since there was a new covenant, the ordinances associated with that covenant were introduced so we could enter into that new covenant.

The name "New Testament" actually means, "new covenant."

There are many who consider ordinances a "work" and therefore no longer needed, since the great sacrifice of our Savior. But why would God give us a new covenant, without providing a way to make or enter into that covenant?

The ordinances of the gospel are not a dead work, but they are a good work. The reason they are not a dead work is because they require the Lord's grace and His power to be performed.

They require an actual representative of Jesus Christ who is worthy and holds his priesthood to perform them.

This priesthood exists on the earth today. The Prophet Joseph Smith was ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood along with Oliver Cowdrey, under the hands of John the Baptist.

John the Baptist actually appeared to the prophet and Oliver Cowdry and ordained them to this priesthood. Later, Peter, James, and John appeared and ordained them to the Melchizedek priesthood.

Joseph and Oliver ordained others to the priesthood. And later, Joseph was given specific keys and the authority to direct the work of the priesthood.

The priesthood, and the keys exist today in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You can have access to the new covenant. You can be baptized by the proper authority and receive the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Please talk with the missionaries today:

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There is more to say about ordinances. I will continue this in my next post.

Obedience to the Ordinances of the Gospel PART 1

I once had a conversation with a good friend and co-worker of mine who belongs to another faith. We were on a business trip together in San Fransisco.

Our schedule allowed for a little time to go see some sites so we went down to Fishermans Warf. While eating lunch, we got into a conversation about how exactly one is saved.

I wanted to make sure that he understood that as Mormons we believe that it is the Savior Jesus Christ that saves us and not by our own power. While our works are necessary, they are not sufficient to save us. It is His grace that saves us after all that we can do.

He asked me a question that I think would be great to talk about here.

His question was "If you are saved by Jesus Christ, why do you have all of those ordinances in your church, including the temple ordinances?"

I think he asked this question because many people today believe that baptism (or anything else we do for that matter) is not required for our salvation. Some believe it's Jesus that saves us and we are incapable of doing anything good on our own. Therefore, works such as ordinances are not required in their minds.

Latter-day Saints on the other hand do not believe that people are totally depraved and unable to choose anything good on our own. In contrast, we believe that God has given each person the ability to choose good or evil for ourselves.

We have inherited a fallen nature from father Adam that made us subject to all of the mortal appetites and tempatations, but we have also inherited a divine nature through the Father of our

Spirits, our Heavenly Father. These two "natures" tug and pull against each other and help us to comprehend both the evil and the good.

Latter-day Saints believe that people can choose to do good. This is why our good works are necessary for our salvation. They are necessary but not sufficient. This is because each of us still fall short and many times choose evil over good. The goal then is to put off the natural, carnal, and fallen man and become a saint through the merits of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Latter-day Saints are not only interested in being saved. They are interested in being changed, or becoming a new creature in Christ Jesus.

The big question for the true Christian is not if Jesus' grace is sufficient to save us, but rather, how do we get access to His grace? Because if we have Jesus' grace, we know we have salvation.

The ordinances act as a covenant or contract that binds us to Him.

The ordinances of the gospel make us partners with Jesus in the process of our salvation.

A covenant is a most solemn promise made between God and man. Both God and man make special promises towards each other.

In the case of baptism, we promise to take upon us the name of Jesus Christ, keep His commandments, and serve Him to the end. Mosiah 18:8–10; D&C 20:37) In turn, God promises

to forgive us of our sins through the atonement of Jesus Christ, spiritual rebirth, the companionship of the Holy Ghost, and eternal life.

Like baptism, each ordinance of the gospel, including the temple ordinances, is an outward expression of a sacred covanant.

The ordinances are also evidence of our faith.

James said that faith without works is dead. True faith in Jesus Christ will always manifest works meet for repentance.

The ordinances also act as powerful symbols to remind us of the covenants we have made.

The saving ordinances of the gospel are symbolic in nature. For example, when one is baptized it is a representation of the old natural man dying and being buried.

Paul said:

Col 2:12

12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

Another symbol associated with baptism is birth of the new, faithful and holy man. During birth there is water, blood and Spirit. During Baptism there is water, the blood of Christ, and the Spirit of the Holy Ghost that is given which is called the baptism of fire, or the Gift of the Holy Ghost. (2 Nephi 31:17)

It also symbolizes the washing away of all your sins. (Acts 22:16)

We participate in the ordinances of the gospel to follow the example set forth by Jesus Christ:

The Book of Mormon prophet Nephi said it best:

2 Nephi 31:6-10,17-21

6 And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water?

7 Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments.

Nephi shows here that Jesus had no need to be baptized for forgiveness of sins, because he had no sin, however he still was baptized as a witness that he would be obedient to all of the Father's commandments. This also shows that Baptism, is a commandment of the Father.

8 Wherefore, after he was baptized with water the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove.

9 And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them.

10 And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father?

Nephi makes it clear that the gate by which we enter the kingdom of God is Baptism. And Jesus set an example for us by being baptised. Also, Nephi shows us that it is impossible to follow Jesus unless we are willing to keep the commandments. We may not be perfect in our attempt, but we are willing. Picking up in verse 17 it says:

17 Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.

18 And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son;

and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive.

19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by

the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.

20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

21 And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is fone God, without end. Amen.

Nephi has taught us that it is impossible to follow Jesus, without keeping His commandments. He has also taught that one of those commandments is to be baptized.

Jesus himself taught this when he said:

John 3: 5

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be ^aborn of ^bwater and of the ^cSpirit, he cannot ^denter into the kingdom of God.

Baptism and the receiving of the Holy Ghost are the gateway ordinances of the gospel, but after we have received these ordinances, there is more. These ordinances are designed to help us change and become holy, sanctified, and fit for the kingdom.

But just like we can't keep the commandments or repent without the help and grace of the Savior, each ordinance is powerless to save and change us without His power.

This topic is way too big for one post. So I will explore it more in my next few posts.

If you would like to follow the example of Jesus and be baptized, please contact missionaries today:

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A Recent Negative Comment From An Evangelical Preacher

Recently, I received a very negative comment from a Mr. Eli Brayley on my blog. When I set this blog up I determined that it would not be a place to argue over the scriptures, or a place of contention. I also decided it would not be an apologetic's blog as there has already been great work for the church in this area from websites like Fair and FARMs.

So when I received the comment from Mr. Brayley, I decided to try to have a real conversation with him via email so I could try to get to the heart of his dislike for my faith.

Having served a mission for the church in the deep south, I've had many experiences talking with ministers, pastors, and other leaders of evangelical congregations both positive and negative.

Here are a few compliments to them.

1. They are very familiar with the New Testament, particularly the books written by Paul.
2. They have a zeal towards the gospel of Jesus Christ and are driven to share it.
3. They live decent and loving lives and try to follow the example of Jesus.

Each of these compliments could be given to Eli, judging from what I could see after doing a quick Google search on him. However, I've found that it's very difficult to have a conversation about God with an evangelical, without it just going in circles.

So instead of answering each of Eli's accusations about my faith I decided to start with a few questions of my own. My questions were designed to get to the heart of what Eli believed. I really wanted to understand him before I tried to be understood.

Unfortunately, it's been a couple of months now and I have never heard back from Eli. I don't know why, but he has never replied to my email.

Having given the background, I wish to cite part of what Eli wrote to me and answer it in this post. I'm doing this to hopefully answer questions that an evangelical might have about my faith.

I must say that of all the offensive things that have been said about Mormons, there is one in particular that offends me more than any other. Some evangelicals try to attack Mormonism by trying to take Jesus out of it. I've had more than one evangelical try to attack my faith in this way. They want others to believe that we think we can work our way into heaven. They want others to believe that we think Jesus was somehow less than God.

They want others to believe that we think His grace is not sufficient.

Let me make it clear that Jesus Christ is the central focus of Mormonsim. To me, taking Jesus out of my faith would be like taking away my faith. Without Jesus Christ, nothing else matters. This is more offensive to me then even the distorted portrayal I've heard them give of the prophet Joseph Smith and others.

And unfortunately, this is what Eli tried to do in his comments.

Here is one example below, Eli's words are in black. My answers will be in blue:
__________________________________________________________________
"The Jesus of Mormonism speaks with a soft, kind voice but asks for the impossible. He lays heavy burdens on men's shoulders which they are not able to carry.

"Matt. 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect." It would seem to me that "The Jesus of Mormonism" sounds a lot like the Jesus of the New Testament.

And no Mormon can make an excuse, such as, "He knows I will fail." "He only asks me to try." "He knows I'm only human." The late Prophet Spencer Kimball said concerning these excuses: "There is one crucial test of repentance. This is the abandonment of the sin... The saving power does not extend to him who merely wants to change his life... Nor is repentance complete when one merely tries to abandon sin... To 'try' is weak. To 'do the best I can' is not strong. We must do better than we can." (The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 163-165)

I'm very glad that Eli quoted President Kimball here. But he did it in the classic evangelical way. Notice that he got the above "quote" from picking out phrases from three whole pages of text. Eli does not point out the rest of what President Kimball said in the chapter. President Kimball wanted to point out that relying on our own power is not enough. When he said "We must do better than we can" he was pointing out that we need power beyond our own to accomplish true repentance. We need Jesus Christ. Later in the same chapter President Kimball says:

"James gave a formula for conquering: "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will free from you." (Jas. 4:7) In abandoning evil, transforming lives, changing personalities, molding characters or remolding them, we need the help of the Lord, and we may be assured of it if we do our part. The man who leans heavily upon his Lord becomes the master of self and can accomplish anything he sets out to do"

Kimball is not being untrue to Mormon Scripture. 1 Nephi 3:7 removes any excuse from people who say what the Lord asks is too hard, too difficult: "For I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they accomplish the thing which he commandeth them." Therefore, whatever God commands He expects you to do, and you have no excuse for not doing it. Your best IS obedience. All that you can do IS all that God commands. "

Eli has interpreted this scripture wrong. Mormons would not underplay the words "he shall prepare a way for them" notice that the "way" that the command is accomplished is through the Lord prepar[ing] a way. It is not by man's power that it is accomplished.

Later Nephi says "1 Nephi 17:50 And I said unto them: If God had commanded me to do all things I could do them. If he should command me that I should say unto this water, be thou earth, it should be earth; and if I should say it, it would be done."

Clearly Nephi didn't believe that if God commanded him to talk to the water and tell it to be earth that it was by Nephi's power that it would be turned into earth. Nephi is pointing out here that with God nothing is impossible. If you put your faith in Jesus enough to act, He will provide the miracle.

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I've only included here a small part of what Eli said. As you can see from the above his argument was that Mormons believe we have to work and obey every commandment perfectly to get into heaven. But he purposely leaves out the most important part. He leaves out the fact that we as Mormons know that we won't be able to do it. We will and have fallen short. It is only through Jesus Christ that we will be redeemed. It is only through the power of Jesus Christ that we are able to even repent. So let me outline here if you will, what Latter-day Saints believe about grace.

According to the bible dictionary found in the official scriptures of the church, it says that Grace is "Gods enabling power."

Let's explore this in context with the first four principles and ordinances of the gospel.

1. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
"1 Cor. 12:3 ...and that no man can ^asay that Jesus is the ^bLord, but by the ^cHoly Ghost. "

We receive our witness that Jesus is the Christ through the power of the Holy Ghost. It could be said that this is a form of grace. God enables us to know that Jesus is our Savior through His power. But to obtain this "Grace", we must use another gift He has given us, our agency to choose. If we choose to act on our faith in Jesus, he will give us the witness of the Holy Ghost that Jesus really is our Lord and Savior.

2. Repentance.
In order to repent we have to feel Godly sorrow for our sins, ask God to forgive us, confess our sins to God and those who we may have trespassed against, forsake our sins, and try to make restitution in so far that it's possible. NONE of these are possible without the grace or enabling power of Jesus Christ. King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon said:

"Mosiah 2:21-25
21 I say unto you that if ye should ^aserve him who has created you from the beginning, and is ^bpreserving you from day to day, by lending you ^cbreath, that ye may live and move and do according to your own ^dwill, and even supporting you from one moment to another—I say, if ye should serve him with all your ^ewhole souls yet ye would be ^funprofitable servants.

22 And behold, all that he ^arequires of you is to ^bkeep his commandments; and he has ^cpromised you that if ye would keep his commandments ye should prosper in the land; and he never doth ^dvary from that which he hath said; therefore, if ye do ^ekeep his ^fcommandments he doth bless you and prosper you.

23 And now, in the first place, he hath created you, and granted unto you your lives, for which ye are indebted unto him.

24 And secondly, he doth ^arequire that ye should do as he hath commanded you; for which if ye do, he doth immediately ^bbless you; and therefore he hath paid you. And ye are still indebted unto him, and are, and will be, forever and ever; therefore, of what have ye to boast?

25 And now I ask, can ye say aught of yourselves? I answer you, Nay. Ye cannot say that ye are even as much as the dust of the earth; yet ye were ^acreated of the ^bdust of the earth; but behold, it ^cbelongeth to him who created you."

We can't even breathe without the grace or enabling power of Jesus Christ let alone have the power to forsake our sins.

3. Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins.
When baptism is performed in the right way, it must be by the proper authority. It must be performed by an authorized servant of the Lord. This is one who holds the Priesthood of God. This person cannot hold this priesthood without God's enabling power. He cannot even be ordained to it without first having been cleansed from sin through the grace of Jesus as well.
Thus even baptism requires the grace of God.

4. The Gift of The Holy Ghost
Obviously, one cannot receive the gift of the Holy Ghost without the enabling power or grace of God.

For the Latter-day Saint, Jesus doesn't just save us after we qualify, He provides the power and grace for us to qualify for a remission of our sins. He requires us to give him the one gift that we can, and that is our will. Then as we submit our wills to His, he saves us line-upon-line, precept upon precept. Until He has brought us back into the presence of the Lord.

The process of salvation is a partnership with God. While our works are necessary in showing our faith, they are never sufficient. It is Him that provides the gift of Salvation. It is him who steps in and does for us what we could never do for ourselves. He steps in when we submit our wills to Him. Not because we are good. But because He loves us, and He is good.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.


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