The [Other] Imitation Game*

In 1950, Alan Turing, (star-subject of the 2015 Oscar-nominated film, The Imitation Game) wrote a paper entitled “Computing Machinery and Intelligence.” He began his paper with these words: "I propose to consider the question 'Can machines think?'"¹

Before he began considering the machine question, he laid out a human scenario as follows:

“The original Imitation game that Turing described is a simple party game involving three players.

▪ player A is a man,
▪ player B is a woman,
▪ player C (who plays the role of the interrogator) can be of either sex.

In the Imitation Game, player C

◦ is unable to see either player A or player B
◦ (knows them only as X and Y),
◦ can communicate with them only through written notes or any other form that does not give away any details about their gender.

By asking questions of player A and player B, player C tries to determine which of the two is the man and which is the woman.
Player A's role is to trick the interrogator into making the wrong decision, while player B attempts to assist the interrogator in making the right one.”²

So, let us consider Turing’s “original imitation game,” BUT with a twist:

▪ player A is Lucifer (the liar);
▪ player B is God (the Truth-teller);
▪ player C is your average human with limited perspective.

The question is: “Can humans spot the imitation?”

Since both “players” A and B are what we might call extra-dimensional, and thus beyond experimental controls, let us first look at a few scriptural examples of attempted imitation. (Additional supporting text can be found in the footnotes.)

MOSES: “And it came to pass that Moses looked upon Satan and said: Who art thou? … and where is thy glory, that I should worship thee? For behold, I could not look upon God, except his glory should come upon me, and I were transfigured before him. But I can look upon thee in the natural man. Is it not so, surely? … where is thy glory, for it is darkness unto me? And I can judge between thee and God;” (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 1:13-15)³

PHARAOH: “Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent. Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, they also did in like manner with their enchantments. For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods. And Pharaoh hardened his heart that he hearkened not unto them.”  (Old Testament | Exodus 7:10-13 JST) ⁴

KORIHOR: “And Korihor put forth his hand and wrote, saying: … behold, the devil hath deceived me; for he appeared unto me in the form of an angel, and said unto me: Go and reclaim this people, for they have all gone astray after an unknown God.”  (Book of Mormon | Alma 30:52)

MICHAEL: … “The voice of Michael on the banks of the Susquehanna, detecting the devil when he appeared as an angel of light! …” (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 128:20) [Note: Did Michael have to make this detection because the human witnesses to the event were not yet fully versed in such discernment?]

HIRAM PAGE: Joseph Smith was known for using a seer stone to receive revelation. At some point, a associate, Hiram Page, obtained a stone that purported to reveal things until revelation directed that: “thou [Oliver Cowdery] shalt take thy brother, Hiram Page, between him and thee alone, and tell him that those things which he hath written from that stone are not of me and that Satan deceiveth him;” (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 28:11)

Next, let us consider some general forms and evidences of imitations versus revealed truths. The A and B designations do not refer to a speaker per se, but to scriptural observations. When we see similar things in our day, can we discern the imitation / distortion?  (Again, see the footnotes for additional examples.)

LOVE, JUSTICE, MERCY⁵

A: For behold, ye do love money, and your substance, and your fine apparel, and the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted. (Book of Mormon | Mormon 8:37)
A: And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. (Old Testament | Ezekiel 33:31)
B: He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? (Old Testament | Micah 6:8)
B: Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (New Testament | Matthew 22:37-40)
B: For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.(Old Testament | Deuteronomy 10:17-19)

MIRACLES⁶

A: And he [the beast with two horns like a lamb] doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; … (New Testament | Revelation 13:13-14)
B: For I am God, and mine arm is not shortened; and I will show miracles, signs, and wonders, unto all those who believe on my name. And whoso shall ask it in my name in faith, they shall cast out devils; they shall heal the sick; they shall cause the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak, and the lame to walk. (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 35:8-9)

SIGNS & WONDERS⁷

A: For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. (New Testament | Matthew 24:24)
A: And there appeared another wonder in heaven; and behold a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. (New Testament | Revelation 12:3)
B: AND there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. (New Testament | Revelation 12:1-2)
B: And the LORD shewed signs and wonders, great and sore, upon Egypt, upon Pharaoh, and upon all his household, before our eyes: (Old Testament | Deuteronomy 6:22)

SACRIFICE⁸

A: And they built the high places of Baal, which are in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire unto Molech; which I commanded them not, neither came it into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin. (Old Testament | Jeremiah 32:35)
B: Therefore, it is expedient that there should be a great and last sacrifice, and then shall there be, or it is expedient there should be, a stop to the shedding of blood; then shall the law of Moses be fulfilled; yea, it shall be all fulfilled, every jot and tittle, and none shall have passed away. And behold, this is the whole meaning of the law, every whit pointing to that great and last sacrifice; and that great and last sacrifice will be the Son of God, yea, infinite and eternal. And thus he shall bring salvation to all those who shall believe on his name; this being the intent of this last sacrifice, to bring about the bowels of mercy, which overpowereth justice, and bringeth about means unto men that they may have faith unto repentance. And thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and encircles them in the arms of safety, while he that exercises no faith unto repentance is exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice; therefore only unto him that has faith unto repentance is brought about the great and eternal plan of redemption. (Book of Mormon | Alma 34:13-16)

WORSHIP⁹

A: And now, when Moses had said these words, Satan cried with a loud voice, and ranted upon the earth, and commanded, saying: I am the Only Begotten, worship me. (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 1:19)
B: Behold, it is my will, that all they who call on my name, and worship me according to mine everlasting gospel, should gather together, and stand in holy places; (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 101:22)

COMMUNICATION

A: And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is none—and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance. (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 28:22)
B: And it came to pass when they heard this voice, and beheld that it was not a voice of thunder, neither was it a voice of a great tumultuous noise, but behold, it was a still voice of perfect mildness, as if it had been a whisper, and it did pierce even to the very soul— (Book of Mormon | Helaman 5:30)

PEACE / SECURITY

A: And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell. (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 28:21)
B: And it came to pass that there came a voice unto them, yea, a pleasant voice, as if it were a whisper, saying: Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in my Well Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world. (Book of Mormon | Helaman 5:46-47)

MARKS & SEALS¹⁰

A: And he [the beast with two horns like a lamb] causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: (New Testament | Revelation 13:16)
B: And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. (New Testament | Revelation 7:2-3)

OATHS, COVENANTS, PRIESTHOODS¹¹

A: And it came to pass that they did have their signs, yea, their secret signs, and their secret words; and this that they might distinguish a brother who had entered into the covenant, that whatsoever wickedness his brother should do he should not be injured by his brother, nor by those who did belong to his band, who had taken this covenant. And thus they might murder, and plunder, and steal, and commit whoredoms and all manner of wickedness, contrary to the laws of their country and also the laws of their God. (Book of Mormon | Helaman 6:22-23)
A: And my vineyard has become corrupted every whit; and there is none which doeth good save it be a few; and they err in many instances because of priestcrafts, all having corrupt minds. (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 33:4)
A: … for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion. (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 26:29)
B: He is the LORD our God; his judgments are in all the earth. Be ye mindful always of his covenant; the word which he commanded to a thousand generations; Even of the covenant which he made with Abraham, and of his oath unto Isaac; (Old Testament | 1 Chronicles 16:14-16; Psalms 105:9)
B: For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me; And he that receiveth me receiveth my Father; And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father's kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him. And this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood. Therefore, all those who receive the priesthood, receive this oath and covenant of my Father, which he cannot break, neither can it be moved. (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:36-40)

ANGELS¹²

A: … the father of lies … who beguiled our first parents, who transformeth himself nigh unto an angel of light, and stirreth up the children of men unto secret combinations of murder and all manner of secret works of darkness. (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:9)
B: And now, verily saith the Lord, that these things might be known among you, O inhabitants of the earth, I have sent forth mine angel flying through the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel, who hath appeared unto some and hath committed it unto man, who shall appear unto many that dwell on the earth. And this gospel shall be preached unto every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people. (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 133:36-37)

What is the purpose of all these imitations and others? In short:

Satan stirreth them up [and deceiveth], that he may lead their souls to destruction. … And thus he goeth up and down, to and fro in the earth, seeking to destroy the souls of men. (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 10:22, 27)

And Satan put it into the heart of the serpent, (for he had drawn away many after him,) and he sought also to beguile Eve, for he knew not the mind of God, wherefore he sought to destroy the world. (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 4:6)

And so, in perennial déjà vu, here is a re-statement of the “problem, reaction, solution” (from God’s scriptural perspective):

Yea, as one generation passeth to another there shall be bloodsheds, and great visitations among [the children of men]; wherefore, … I would that ye would hearken unto my words. O that ye would awake; awake from a deep sleep, yea, even from the sleep of hell, and shake off the awful chains by which ye are bound, … (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 1:12-13)

But ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally; and that which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me, considering the end of your salvation, doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving, that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men; for some are of men, and others of devils. Wherefore, beware lest ye are deceived; and that ye may not be deceived seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given; (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 46:7-8)

And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived; for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations—Wherefore he that prayeth, whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine ordinances. (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 52:14-15)

So, the gist of this?—discerning imitations is more than a game.

He hath given unto you that ye might know good from evil, and he hath given unto you that ye might choose life or death; and ye can do good and be restored unto that which is good, or have that which is good restored unto you; or ye can do evil, and have that which is evil restored unto you. (Book of Mormon | Helaman 14:31)

Final question for the d-llumati, et al.: What if deception is a two-edged sword?

But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. (New Testament | 2 Timothy 3:13)

-----------------------/
* But not really a game considering the corruption and devastating consequences. And truth be told, this war is as old as the liar’s pride and anger.

Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him, and also, that I should give unto him mine own power; by the power of mine Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down; And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not hearken unto my voice. (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 4:3-4)

1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turing_test#Imitation_Game (2nd paragraph)
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turing_test#Imitation_Game . See Subhead; “Versions of the Turing Test”
3. Pearl of Great Price | Moses 1:2, 9-16, 18-22 ~ And [Moses] saw God face to face, and he talked with him, and the glory of God was upon Moses; therefore Moses could endure his presence. … And the presence of God withdrew from Moses, that his glory was not upon Moses; and Moses was left unto himself. And as he was left unto himself, he fell unto the earth. And it came to pass that it was for the space of many hours before Moses did again receive his natural strength like unto man; and he said unto himself: Now, for this cause I know that man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed. But now mine own eyes have beheld God; but not my natural, but my spiritual eyes, for my natural eyes could not have beheld; for I should have withered and died in his presence; but his glory was upon me; and I beheld his face, for I was transfigured before him. And it came to pass that when Moses had said these words, behold, Satan came tempting him, saying: Moses, son of man, worship me. And it came to pass that Moses looked upon Satan and said: Who art thou? For behold, I am a son of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten; and where is thy glory, that I should worship thee? For behold, I could not look upon God, except his glory should come upon me, and I were transfigured before him. But I can look upon thee in the natural man. Is it not so, surely? Blessed be the name of my God, for his Spirit hath not altogether withdrawn from me, or else where is thy glory, for it is darkness unto me? And I can judge between thee and God; for God said unto me: Worship God, for him only shalt thou serve. Get thee hence, Satan; deceive me not; for God said unto me: Thou art after the similitude of mine Only Begotten. And again Moses said: I will not cease to call upon God, I have other things to inquire of him: for his glory has been upon me, wherefore I can judge between him and thee. Depart hence, Satan. And now, when Moses had said these words, Satan cried with a loud voice, and ranted upon the earth, and commanded, saying: I am the Only Begotten, worship me. And it came to pass that Moses began to fear exceedingly; and as he began to fear, he saw the bitterness of hell. Nevertheless, calling upon God, he received strength, and he commanded, saying: Depart from me, Satan, for this one God only will I worship, which is the God of glory. And now Satan began to tremble, and the earth shook; and Moses received strength, and called upon God, saying: In the name of the Only Begotten, depart hence, Satan. And it came to pass that Satan cried with a loud voice, with weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth; and he departed hence, even from the presence of Moses, that he beheld him not.
4. Old Testament | Exodus 7:20-22 ~ [Aaron] lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood. And the fish that was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt. And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the LORD had said.
Old Testament | Exodus 8:6-7, 12-15 ~ Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt. And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt…. and Moses cried unto the LORD because of the frogs which he had brought against Pharaoh. And the LORD did according to the word of Moses; and the frogs died out of the houses, out of the villages, and out of the fields. And they gathered them together upon heaps: and the land stank. But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them;
5. LOVE, JUSTICE, MERCY
A: For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, And greetings in the markets, (New Testament | Matthew 23:4-7)
A: The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: (Old Testament | Jeremiah 5:31)
A: And when her sister Aholibah saw this, she was more corrupt in her inordinate love than she, and in her whoredoms more than her sister in her whoredoms. She doted upon the Assyrians … she increased her whoredoms: for when she saw men pourtrayed upon the wall, the images of the Chaldeans pourtrayed with vermilion, … she doted upon them, and sent messengers unto them into Chaldea. And the Babylonians came to her into the bed of love, and they defiled her with their whoredom, and she was polluted with them, and her mind was alienated from them. (Old Testament | Ezekiel 23:11-12, 14, 16-17)
B: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (New Testament | Matthew 5:44)
B: But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. (Old Testament | Leviticus 19:34)
B: Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; And repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hateth him, he will repay him to his face. (Old Testament | Deuteronomy 7:9-10)
B: A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (New Testament | John 13:34-35)
B: … wherefore, the Lord God hath given a commandment that all men should have charity, which charity is love. And except they should have charity they were nothing. Wherefore, if they should have charity they would not suffer the laborer in Zion to perish. (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 26:30)
B: O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever. (Book of Mormon | Jacob 3:2)
B: ... in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (New Testament | Romans 8:37-39)
B: But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering; Having faith on the Lord; having a hope that ye shall receive eternal life; having the love of God always in your hearts, that ye may be lifted up at the last day and enter into his rest. (Book of Mormon | Alma 13:28-29)
6. MIRACLES
A: And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. (New Testament | Revelation 16:13-14)
B: Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. (Old Testament | 1 Kings 18:38)
B: Now when he [Jesus] was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did. (New Testament | John 2:23)
B: And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. (New Testament | John 6:2)
B: And that he [Jesus Christ, the Eternal God] manifesteth himself unto all those who believe in him, by the power of the Holy Ghost; yea, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, working mighty miracles, signs, and wonders, among the children of men according to their faith. (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 26:13)
7. SIGNS & WONDERS
A: For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. (New Testament | Mark 13:22)
A: And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, (New Testament | 2 Thessalonians 2:8-9)
B: Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion. (Old Testament | Isaiah 8:18)
B: And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 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. (New Testament | Mark 16:17-18)
8. SACRIFICE
A: Moreover [Ahaz] burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the LORD had cast out before the children of Israel. (Old Testament | 2 Chronicles 28:3)
A: And [Manasseh] caused his children to pass through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with a familiar spirit, and with wizards: he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger. (Old Testament | 2 Chronicles 33:6)
A: My fathers having turned from their righteousness, and from the holy commandments which the Lord their God had given unto them, unto the worshiping of the gods of the heathen, utterly refused to hearken to my voice; For their hearts were set to do evil, and were wholly turned to the god of Elkenah, and the god of Libnah, and the god of Mahmackrah, and the god of Korash, and the god of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; Therefore they turned their hearts to the sacrifice of the heathen in offering up their children unto these dumb idols, and hearkened not unto my voice, but endeavored to take away my life by the hand of the priest of Elkenah. The priest of Elkenah was also the priest of Pharaoh. Now, at this time it was the custom of the priest of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, to offer up upon the altar which was built in the land of Chaldea, for the offering unto these strange gods, men, women, and children. … Even the thank–offering of a child did the priest of Pharaoh offer upon the altar which stood by the hill called Potiphar's Hill, at the head of the plain of Olishem. Now, this priest had offered upon this altar three virgins at one time, who were the daughters of Onitah, one of the royal descent directly from the loins of Ham. These virgins were offered up because of their virtue; they would not bow down to worship gods of wood or of stone, therefore they were killed upon this altar, and it was done after the manner of the Egyptians. And it came to pass that the priests laid violence upon me, that they might slay me also, as they did those virgins upon this altar; … And as they lifted up their hands upon me, that they might offer me up and take away my life, behold, I lifted up my voice unto the Lord my God, and the Lord hearkened and heard, and he filled me with the vision of the Almighty, and the angel of his presence stood by me, and immediately unloosed my bands; (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 1:5-8, 10-12, 15)
A: The ritual sacrifice of thousands of human victims (especially children) has occurred over the millennia (including to this very day).
B: Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself. (New Testament | Hebrews 7:25-27)
B: And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; (New Testament | Hebrews 9:27-28)
B: And [the Lord] gave unto them commandments, that they should worship the Lord their God, and should offer the firstlings of their flocks, for an offering unto the Lord. And Adam was obedient unto the commandments of the Lord. And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me. 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. Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore. (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 5:5-8)
9. WORSHIP
A: [And the devil] saith unto [Jesus], All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. (New Testament | Matthew 4:9)
A: And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. (New Testament | Luke 4:6-7)
A: And it came to pass that when Moses had said these words, behold, Satan came tempting him, saying: Moses, son of man, worship me. (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 1:12)
B: Wherefore, I [God] will consecrate this land unto thy seed, and them who shall be numbered among thy seed, forever, for the land of their inheritance; for it is a choice land, saith God unto me, above all other lands, wherefore I will have all men that dwell thereon that they shall worship me, saith God. (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 10:19)
B: And he also gave me [Moses] commandments when he called unto me out of the burning bush, saying: Call upon God in the name of mine Only Begotten, and worship me. (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 1:17)
B: BEHOLD, now it came to pass that the people of Nephi were exceedingly rejoiced, because the Lord had again delivered them out of the hands of their enemies; therefore they gave thanks unto the Lord their God; yea, and they did fast much and pray much, and they did worship God with exceedingly great joy. (Book of Mormon | Alma 45:1)
10. MARKS & SEALS
A: And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; (New Testament | Revelation 20:4)
A: And now, my son, I command you that ye retain all their oaths, and their covenants, and their agreements in their secret abominations; yea, and all their signs and their wonders ye shall keep from this people, that they know them not, lest peradventure they should fall into darkness also and be destroyed. (Book of Mormon | Alma 37:27)
A: And it came to pass that they did have their signs, yea, their secret signs, and their secret words; and this that they might distinguish a brother who had entered into the covenant, that whatsoever wickedness his brother should do he should not be injured by his brother, nor by those who did belong to his band, who had taken this covenant. And thus they might murder, and plunder, and steal, and commit whoredoms and all manner of wickedness, contrary to the laws of their country and also the laws of their God. (Book of Mormon | Helaman 6:22 - 23)
B: And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof. (Old Testament | Ezekiel 9:4)
11. OATH, COVENANTS, PRIESTHOODS
A: And now, my son, I command you that ye retain all their oaths, and their covenants, and their agreements in their secret abominations; yea, and all their signs and their wonders ye shall keep from this people, that they know them not, lest peradventure they should fall into darkness also and be destroyed. (Book of Mormon | Alma 37:27)
A: Turn, all ye Gentiles, from your wicked ways; and repent of your evil doings, of your lyings and deceivings, and of your whoredoms, and of your secret abominations, and your idolatries, and of your murders, and your priestcrafts, and your envyings, and your strifes, and from all your wickedness and abominations, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, that ye may receive a remission of your sins, and be filled with the Holy Ghost, that ye may be numbered with my people who are of the house of Israel. (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 30:2)
A: … At that day when the Gentiles shall sin against my gospel, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel, and shall be lifted up in the pride of their hearts above all nations, and above all the people of the whole earth, and shall be filled with all manner of lyings, and of deceits, and of mischiefs, and all manner of hypocrisy, and murders, and priestcrafts, and whoredoms, and of secret abominations; and if they shall do all those things, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel, behold, saith the Father, I will bring the fulness of my gospel from among them. (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 16:10)
B: That thou shouldest enter into covenant with the LORD thy God, and into his oath, which the LORD thy God maketh with thee this day: That he may establish thee to day for a people unto himself, and that he may be unto thee a God, as he hath said unto thee, and as he hath sworn unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. Neither with you only do I make this covenant and this oath; But with him that standeth here with us this day before the LORD our God, and also with him that is not here with us this day: (Old Testament | Deuteronomy 29:12-15)
B: And thus being called by this holy calling, and ordained unto the high priesthood of the holy order of God, to teach his commandments unto the children of men, that they also might enter into his rest—This high priesthood being after the order of his Son, which order was from the foundation of the world; or in other words, being without beginning of days or end of years, being prepared from eternity to all eternity, according to his foreknowledge of all things—Now they were ordained after this manner—being called with a holy calling, and ordained with a holy ordinance, and taking upon them the high priesthood of the holy order, which calling, and ordinance, and high priesthood, is without beginning or end—Thus they become high priests forever, after the order of the Son, the Only Begotten of the Father, who is without beginning of days or end of years, who is full of grace, equity, and truth. And thus it is. Amen. Now, as I said concerning the holy order, or this high priesthood, there were many who were ordained and became high priests of God; and it was on account of their exceeding faith and repentance, and their righteousness before God, they choosing to repent and work righteousness rather than to perish; (Book of Mormon | Alma 13:6-10)
B: And thus being called by this holy calling, and ordained unto the high priesthood of the holy order of God, to teach his commandments unto the children of men, that they also might enter into his rest—This high priesthood being after the order of his Son, which order was from the foundation of the world; or in other words, being without beginning of days or end of years, being prepared from eternity to all eternity, according to his foreknowledge of all things—Now they were ordained after this manner—being called with a holy calling, and ordained with a holy ordinance, and taking upon them the high priesthood of the holy order, which calling, and ordinance, and high priesthood, is without beginning or end—Thus they become high priests forever, after the order of the Son, the Only Begotten of the Father, who is without beginning of days or end of years, who is full of grace, equity, and truth. And thus it is. Amen. Now, as I said concerning the holy order, or this high priesthood, there were many who were ordained and became high priests of God; and it was on account of their exceeding faith and repentance, and their righteousness before God, they choosing to repent and work righteousness rather than to perish; (Book of Mormon | Alma 13:6-10)
12. ANGELS
A: New Testament | 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 ~ For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
A: Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:16 … they who are filthy are the devil and his angels;
A: Doctrine and Covenants | Section 29:36-37 ~ … the devil … rebelled against me, saying, Give me thine honor, which is my power; and also a third part of the hosts of heaven turned he away from me because of their agency; And they were thrust down, and thus came the devil and his angels;
B: The references to God’s angels are too numerous to list, but here is a reference that has been roundly ridiculed by many, but in this age of technology, holograms, avatars, disembodied spirits, etc. perhaps it might prove more useful than we think
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 129:1-9 ~ THERE are two kinds of beings in heaven, namely: Angels, who are resurrected personages, having bodies of flesh and bones—For instance, Jesus said: Handle me and see, for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. Secondly: the spirits of just men made perfect, they who are not resurrected, but inherit the same glory. When a messenger comes saying he has a message from God, offer him your hand and request him to shake hands with you. If he be an angel he will do so, and you will feel his hand. If he be the spirit of a just man made perfect he will come in his glory; for that is the only way he can appear—Ask him to shake hands with you, but he will not move, because it is contrary to the order of heaven for a just man to deceive; but he will still deliver his message. If it be the devil as an angel of light, when you ask him to shake hands he will offer you his hand, and you will not feel anything; you may therefore detect him. These are three grand keys whereby you may know whether any administration is from God.

The Hijacking of Hierarchy ?

Has anyone noticed how hierarchy keeps getting such bad press these days? It seems like almost all the muckrakers¹ are denouncing hierarchy as an evil paradigm designed to perpetuate the oppression of humanity. Their chief focus has become the hierarchy of the Illuminati (hereafter referred to as the d-lluminati).

Some muckrakers² use the Hermetic phrase “As above, so below”³ to present their own preferred structure—flatland horizontal (aka, unilevel)—such that each person is a sovereign creature who should live only according to the dictates of his own will and conscience—a type of anarchy unto herself (but not in a negative sense, in their view). Each soul (maybe like God? above?⁴) is free to do anything as long as it does not (unjustly?) harm another. These anarchists don’t believe their autonomy fosters chaos or disorder; rather, to them, it preserves freedom and agency for every self-directed soul. And because the God of scripture is unacceptable to many of them, they make no reference to His perpetual lamentations about this horizontal premise.⁵

But are these plucky, gifted muckrakers making a huge error in observation? Are they, in rejecting the evils and corruptions of the power-obsessed “elites,” also rejecting the foundational structure of the universe? Is there really no good hierarchy here below? Is there none there above? OR is hierarchical structure everywhere in the universe?

What about the observation that:

“A natural hierarchy is simply an order of increasing wholeness, such as: particles to atoms to cells to organisms, or letters to words to sentences to paragraphs. The whole of one level becomes a part of the whole of the next. ... Virtually all growth processes, from matter to life to mind occur via natural holarchies, or [nested] orders of increasing holism or wholeness—wholes that become parts of new wholes—and that’s natural hierarchy or holarchy.”^6-NB

In other words, nature is constantly processing hierarchy—either downward, disintegrating into constituent elements or upward, aggregating toward complexity and higher states of being? And, upon reflection, is this not as observable in the spiritual realm as the physical?—growth, development, progress, increasing consciousness, all being manifestations of hierarchy as souls move up the great “ladder of enlightenment?”⁷ (Or otherwise, as the case may be.)

BUT—and this is a BIG but that the d-lluminati miss (as well as many muckrakers). They all get the part about hierarchical power, but they seem blind to its purpose. Increasing consciousness brings increasing awareness of purpose—of levels lower and higher—and comes to value the process of lifting upward as much as moving upward. That is the saving grace of true hierarchy. Instead of hording power and position, like the d-lluminati, every mover on God’s “ladder” has one hand gripping the hand of God while the other is extended to those ascending below (metaphorically speaking). Everyone is ONE in purpose⁸ and heir to all, if they ascend.⁹ That is the great difference between true and false hierarchy.¹⁰

In addition, the muckrakers seem to miss that the ladder is also a duality. It is individual, but it also has universal structure. There are rungs of justice, equity, truth, etc.—universal laws and attributes required for ascension—without exception.

But I suspect I am NOT preaching to the choir as many of these muckrakers have rejected God, scripture, and organized religion. In many ways, one can hardly fault them—on at least two levels. First, there are corruptions and misinterpretations within both scripture and religion; and secondly, it is impossible, without humility and revelation, for we mortals, with our limitations, to discover or comprehend the eternal principles, purposes, and imperatives of the universe and its transrational God,¹¹ or Source, as some prefer.

One further observation: It is interesting to note that those who denounce hierarchy consistently use the language of hierarchy without a shred of cognitive dissonance when speaking about:

▪ frequencies
▪ vibrational levels
▪ growth / progression / advancement / learning / experience
▪ brain function (brain stem to cerebral cortex)
▪ levels of awareness / consciousness
▪ truth, accuracy, trustworthiness
▪ evolution
▪ moral development
▪ ethical practice
▪ the periodic table
▪ chakras
▪ next step
▪ Etc., etc.

One final observation (that will be taken up in more detail in a future post) is that hierarchy may feel irredeemably offensive because we have been misled by a corrupted imitation, which has been a brilliant strategy—used déjà vu upon déjà vu—to obscure the truth of ten-thousand things.

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1. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muckraker: “The term muckraker refers to reform-minded journalists who wrote largely for all popular magazines and continued a tradition of investigative journalism reporting; muckrakers often worked to expose social ills and corporate and political corruption. Muckraking magazines–notably McClure's of publisher S. S. McClure–took on corporate monopolies and crooked political machines while raising public awareness of chronic urban poverty, unsafe working conditions, and social issues like child labor.”
2. For example: Cameron Day, George Kavassilas, Peter Joseph, David Icke, etc, etc. They each have their own take on a variety of issues, so this list is not intended to suggest a symmetry of ideas or a “guilt by association.” They may  have some important things to say (or unwittingly reveal about dark matters)—things to consider with skepticism and GREAT discernment. However, in some respects, they manifest a courage and boldness that more of us would do well to emulate in pursuit of Truth revealed in Scripture (which many of them reject).
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hermeticism: As above, so below: “These words circulate throughout occult and magical circles. / The actual text of that maxim, as translated by Dennis W. Hauck from The Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus, is: "That which is Below corresponds to that which is Above, and that which is Above corresponds to that which is Below, to accomplish the miracle of the One Thing." Thus, whatever happens on any level of reality (physical, emotional, or mental) also happens on every other level. This principle, however, is more often used in the sense of the microcosm and the macrocosm. The microcosm is oneself, and the macrocosm is the universe. The macrocosm is as the microcosm and vice versa; within each lies the other, and through understanding one (usually the microcosm) a man may understand the other.
4. But see “Things God Cannot (Will Not) Do?” at http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2014/10/things-god-cannot-will-not-do.html
5. http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2014/01/gods-lament.html
6. From A Brief History of Everything by Ken Wilber, © 1996, Shambhala, p. 28. See also: “Reality is composed of holons”—a holon being “an entity that is itself a whole and simultaneously a part of some other whole” (p. 20). “In other words, normal hierarchies are composed of holons” .... “When a holon in a natural hierarchy usurps its position and attempts to dominate the whole then you get a pathological or dominator hierarchy—a cancerous cell dominates the body, or a fascist dictator dominates the social system or a repressive ego dominates the organism, and so on,  / But the cure for these pathological holarchies is not getting rid of holarchy, per se—which isn’t possible anyway—but rather in arresting the arrogant holon and integrating it back into the natural holarchy, or putting it in its rightful place, so to speak” (p. 28, bold emphasis added). [But] people confuse dominator hierarchies with natural hierarchies” (p. 28). “[T]he point is not to get rid of hierarchies or holarchies altogether—that’s impossible. Trying to get rid of ranking is itself a ranking. Denying hierarchy is itself a hierarchy. ... you can’t escape nested orders” (p. 29).
7. Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 28:30 ~ For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.
Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 26:9-10 - Jesus: ~ … if it shall so be that they shall believe these things then shall the greater things be made manifest unto them. And if it so be that they will not believe these things, then shall the greater things be withheld from them, unto their condemnation.
8. —enlightenment, growth, filling the measure of one’s unique creation, achieving greater wholeness / knowledge—
Pearl of Great Price | Moses 1:39 ~ For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 29:7 ~ And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts;
9. Heir: New Testament | Galatians 4:4-7 ~ But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
New Testament | Revelation 21:6-7 ~ And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 78:22 ~ And he that is a faithful and wise steward shall inherit all things. Amen.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:36-40 ~ For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me; And he that receiveth me receiveth my Father; And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father's kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him. And this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood. Therefore, all those who receive the priesthood, receive this oath and covenant of my Father, which he cannot break, neither can it be moved.
New Testament | Ephesians 5:5 ~ For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Ascend: Old Testament | Psalms 24:3-4 ~ Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
New Testament | John 6:61-62 ~ When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?
New Testament | John 20:17 ~ Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
Joseph Smith ~ When you climb up a ladder, you must begin at the bottom, and ascend step by step, until you arrive at the top; and so it is with the principles of the Gospel—you must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the principles of exaltation. But it will be a great while after you have passed through the veil before you will have learned them. It is not all to be comprehended in this world; it will be a great work to learn our salvation and exaltation even beyond the grave. (Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, selected and arranged by Joseph Fielding Smith [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1976], 348.)
10. Perhaps false hierarchy is more like a steep pyramid with polished sides. The pinnacle is accessed only via the gold(-colored) key purchased with the sale of one’s soul. The key opens an insider, secret door to a shaft. A second secret might be that the elevator that takes you up will, in time, take you down—into a bottomless pit(?); and the third secret? Perhaps after your brief sojourn at the top, the controls are preset to autopilot—both as to the down function and the eject one!!
11.   http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2013/11/god-is-not-rational.html

Heads-Up ?

informal
noun

1. an advance warning of something.

"the heads-up came just in time to stop the tanks from launching the final assault"

synonyms: warning, forewarning, notice, advance notice, a/the tip-off, a/the red flag

"if we see Mr. [X's spaceship appear], we'll give you a heads-up"

adjective

1. showing alertness or perceptiveness.^[1]

Therefore, a few questions to consider in coming weeks / months:

▪ How much of our day is spent informing ourselves about the real state of the world?²

▪ Do we really think that the power-brokers of this world intend to establish a socialist system of equality (with themselves)?
▪ Have we ever been blinded by a paradigm?³
▪ Do we think that hidden things of darkness don’t affect our lives?
▪ Have we ever investigated how much we are being kept in the dark about incredible technological advancements?
▪ When holograms appear in the sky are we going to perceive them as some real thing?
▪ If “angels” (or aliens!!?) descend in fantastic, mechanical devices are we going to become entranced believers or wise discerners?
▪ Do the real Gods (Godhead) need mechanical inventions to come and go?

Maybe some of these questions don’t make sense now, but in all likelihood, they will in coming days, weeks, or years.⁴

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1. Definition from Google.ca search of “heads-up”
2. This does not mean watching Fox News, CNN, ABC, NBC, CBS, or any of the other mainstream, profit-obsessed media. It means seeking out credible witnesses whose jobs and agendas are not tied to networks, advertizing, big business, etc.—as Bill O’Really!! and his like are tied.
3. Perhaps begin with some of our “blinding paradigms” at:
http://www.dejavu-times.blogspot.ca/2014/11/blinding-paradigms.html
http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2015/02/in-dark.html
http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2014/12/unbelievers.html
And yes, yes, about the “God paradigm”? as I’ve said before: “I guess we shall all know, sooner or later.”
4. There are witnesses everywhere about fantastical things. Check out YouTube (with discernment). Our present paradigm blocks much understanding, so perhaps we do not need to believe or disbelieve at this point. Maybe what we need is to become AWARE of possibilities, yet hold some things in suspension (or as one subject / witness said: “I approach all these things with a healthy skepticism”); and do as Paul advised:
New Testament | 1 Corinthians 4:5 ~ Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

Words Without Images ?

(One-half the Story?)

Once again,¹ I am reminded of the deficit we are laboring under and how easy it is to look beyond the mark when we have no visible mark—only words describing that mark. I refer to the recurring discussions concerning the Fatherhood of Christ.² I wonder if all the philosophical contortions (or not?) of Jesus being His own Father, of praying to Himself, of soul-splitting,³ etc. are all futile attempts by mortal man to understand mysteries (maybe even simplicities) that can only be seen to be understood, as in:

But great and marvelous are the works of the Lord, and the mysteries of his kingdom which he showed unto us, which surpass all understanding in glory, and in might, and in dominion; Which he commanded us we should not write while we were yet in the Spirit, and are not lawful for man to utter; Neither is man capable to make them known, for they are only to be seen and understood by the power of the Holy Spirit, which God bestows on those who love him, and purify themselves before him; To whom he grants this privilege of seeing and knowing for themselves; (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:114-117; bold emphasis added.)

Does this not caution us that understanding the mysteries requires more than words? Yet, words often try, by comparison, to clarify, as we may see (or not) in the many references to the Oneness of God. Might this Oneness be like the oneness that God has described and commanded in so many places?⁴ a oneness that is both individual and collective?

Does our evolution,⁵ our expanding consciousness, our ascent require a new birth (born again⁶) creating a new father (and mother) as we progress and become new creatures? Is it possible, in the mysteries of God, to have more than one Father (and Mother?)? Do these scriptures give a clue?

And now, because of the covenant which ye have made ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold, this day he hath spiritually begotten you; for ye say that your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters. (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 5:7)

And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters; And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 27:25-26)

Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters. (Book of Mormon | Ether 3:14)

[See additional scriptures at footnote 7]

Maybe we should suspend final judgment on the mysteries of God the Father and God the Son until we can marry God’s words “Eternal Father” with the meaning (image) in His mind when He speaks those words. Is it possible that we can have two separate and eternal Fathers depending on whether we are born again?

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1. » http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2014/02/here-and-there.html
» Quote from http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2014/09/questions-of-evidence.html ~ … it might be useful to acknowledge that we mortals are caught in a disadvantage. In reading scripture, we are forever getting but half the conversation—the word-half without the image-half; and isn’t that the most critical half for understanding another’s words with certitude—by seeing the image within the mind of the speaker or receiving a vision of the meaning when encountering God? The visionaries in scripture often found it next to impossible to adequately describe in words the images that they saw. In short, “Thou needest to be there.”
2. A) http://puremormonism.blogspot.ca/2015/01/know-your-religion_25.html  (Particularly the discussion and comments concerning Paul Toscano's The Serpent and the Dove: Messianic Mysteries of the Mormon Temple; the attributes of God; and the Father / Son question.
B) Book of Mormon | Alma 11:38-39 ~ Zeezrom saith again unto him: Is the Son of God the very Eternal Father? And Amulek said unto him: Yea, he is the very Eternal Father of heaven and of earth, and all things which in them are; he is the beginning and the end, the first and the last; [See also Abinadi’s discourse at Book of Mormon | Mosiah 15.]
3. Soul-splitting idea from http://puremormonism.blogspot.ca/2015/01/know-your-religion_25.html by “Curious enough” on January 25, 2015 at 3:29 PM: “To clarify the word "Father" has not always meant the same thing. Jesus praying to His Father could very well mean praying to that portion of His soul that remained in heaven. / Soul splitting is not limited to just God. No one brings all of themselves into a body. The doctrine is so beautiful when tied in with multiple lives and many other things. It is also crucial to understand what being "sealed" really means. Anyway just some thoughts.”
4. Reference again to http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2014/02/here-and-there.html
5. —In the sense of “growth and progression,” not Darwin’s Descent of Man (though it may contain some truths). It is my belief that there is so much we do not and cannot comprehend about origins and creation without greater revelation (words plus images), that it is unwise to commit too rigidly to the limited observations and philosophies of men. Consider:
Old Testament | Ecclesiastes 8:17 ~ Then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun: because though a man labour to seek it out, yet he shall not find it; yea further; though a wise man think to know it, yet shall he not be able to find it.
Book of Mormon | Mosiah 4:9 ~ Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend.
New Testament | Romans 11:33 ~ O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
New Testament | 2 Corinthians 4:18 ~ While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Old Testament | Isaiah 55:8-9 ~ For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
6. New Testament | John 3:3-7 ~ Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
New Testament | 1 Peter 1:23 ~ Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
Book of Mormon | Alma 5:49 ~ … I say unto you the aged, and also the middle aged, and the rising generation; yea, to cry unto them that they must repent and be born again.
Book of Mormon | Alma 7:14 ~ Now I say unto you that ye must repent, and be born again; for the Spirit saith if ye are not born again ye cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye may be washed from your sins, that ye may have faith on the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, who is mighty to save and to cleanse from all unrighteousness.
Pearl of Great Price | Moses 6:59 ~ That by reason of transgression cometh the fall, which fall bringeth death, and inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit, which I have made, and so became of dust a living soul, even so ye must be born again into the kingdom of heaven, of water, and of the Spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten; that ye might be sanctified from all sin, and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory;
7. Book of Mormon | Mosiah 18:20-22 ~ Yea, even he commanded them that they should preach nothing save it were repentance and faith on the Lord, who had redeemed his people. And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another. And thus he commanded them to preach. And thus they became the children of God.
New Testament | Luke 20:34-36 ~ And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.
New Testament | Romans 8:13-17 ~ For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
New Testament | Romans 8:21-23 ~ Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
New Testament | Romans 9:8-9 ~ They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. For this is the word of promise, …
New Testament | Galatians 3:26-29 ~ For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
New Testament | 1 John 3:9-10 ~ Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, …
Book of Mormon | Moroni 7:48 ~ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 39:4 ~ But to as many as received me, gave I power to become my sons; and even so will I give unto as many as will receive me, power to become my sons.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 93:22 ~ And all those who are begotten through me are partakers of the glory of the same, and are the church of the Firstborn.
New Testament | 1 John 3:2 ~ Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
{See Book of Mormon | Mosiah 15:10-13 concerning who shall be Christ’s seed.
Messianic reference, sample use of father? Old Testament | Isaiah 22:20-25 ~ And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will call my servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah: And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah. And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father's house. And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father's house, the offspring and the issue, all vessels of small quantity, from the vessels of cups, even to all the vessels of flagons. In that day, saith the LORD of hosts, shall the nail that is fastened in the sure place be removed, and be cut down, and fall; and the burden that was upon it shall be cut off: for the LORD hath spoken it.

In the Dark ?

According to Lehi’s dream, this mortal experience entails many hours of wandering in darkness:

And it came to pass that as I followed [the angel] I beheld myself that I was in a dark and dreary waste. And after I had traveled for the space of many hours in darkness, I began to pray unto the Lord that he would have mercy on me, according to the multitude of his tender mercies. … And I saw numberless concourses of people, many of whom were pressing forward, that they might obtain the path which led unto the tree by which I stood. And it came to pass that they did come forth, and commence in the path which led to the tree. And it came to pass that there arose a mist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost. And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree. (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 8:7-8, 21-24; bold emphasis added.)

But what if we have managed to survive the mists of darkness only to find ourselves waiting at a door as night deepens? I have recently wondered about those ten virgins waiting at a door¹—wondered if the five foolish ones, profiled in Jesus’ parable, ever found oil to buy at that midnight hour? The parable doesn’t say, but perhaps this scripture gives a hint:

Give glory to the LORD your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness. (Old Testament | Jeremiah 13:16)

I have wondered about the days and nights of our lives as we wander in the shifting mists? I look at us and wonder whether we are really mindful in dividing the light from the dark.

Would we recognize the déjà vu of

Hearken, O ye people of my church, and ye elders listen together, and hear my voice while it is called today, and harden not your hearts; For verily I say unto you that I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the light and the life of the world—a light that shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 45:6-7)?

Sometimes it seems we are so caught up in the traditions of the world mingled with our religious customs that it might be said of us:

(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. (New Testament | Romans 11:8)

They grope in the dark without light, and he maketh them to stagger like a drunken man. (Old Testament | Job 12:25)

Do we really comprehend how strait the gate? how narrow the way? how strict the law? how steep the ascent? how eternal the consequence?² When I consider:

▪  our food habits;
▪  our unconquered addictions to things of the world;
▪  our pursuit of success and money;
▪  our unthinking adherence to the philosophies and economic theories of the world;
▪  our frequent preference for ease and entertainment over increasing consciousness;
▪  our consumption of so much of the trite and trivial;
▪  our avoidance of being a peculiar people;
▪  our desperation to be “liked” and assimilated;
▪  our unpreparedness in discerning signs, symbols, mysteries, and prophecies;
▪  our trust in the arms of flesh (authorities, armaments, medication,³ technology, media, mortal perceptions, wars, lies, secrets, propaganda, “celebrities,” “elites,” Babylon,⁴ etc. etc.);
▪  our naiveté concerning the ways, means, and intrusions of the adversary and his devotees;

it seems many of us are coasting along thinking all is well in Zion; that Zion prospereth;⁵ that God will protect us and all our things, even when we only seek the surface of good.

One of our greatest dangers in these latter days is how much we willfully remain  in the dark about the:

“evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days”⁶ (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 89:4);

and so we trust in things and people that work to our destruction. When we hide our heads in the sand of ignorance or bliss, might we not, at some future time, face this accounting:

Let not that which I have appointed be polluted by mine enemies, by the consent of those who call themselves after my name; (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 101:97)

God did not warn us and forewarn us only in the “word of wisdom” (D&C 89), but gave other warnings about darkness.⁷ If we cannot discern the enemy, and are thus “blinded by the craftiness of men,”⁸ how can we not know that we are complicit with Babylon?

 But sooner or later, we shall all come to know how deceived and complicit—or not—we were:

Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops. (New Testament | Luke 12:3)

There is nothing which is secret save it shall be revealed; there is no work of darkness save it shall be made manifest in the light; and there is nothing which is sealed upon the earth save it shall be loosed. (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 30:17)

For verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men, and there is none to escape; and there is no eye that shall not see, neither ear that shall not hear, neither heart that shall not be penetrated. And the rebellious shall be pierced with much sorrow; for their iniquities shall be spoken upon the housetops, and their secret acts shall be revealed. (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 1:2-3)

So if we feel in the dark, here are five recommendations:

Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren [and sisters], that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ. (Book of Mormon | Moroni 7:19; bold emphasis added.)

And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed. (Book of Mormon | Alma 34:33; bold emphasis added.)

And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: (Old Testament | Isaiah 58:10)

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: (New Testament | 1 Peter 2:9)

Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven—These should then be attended to with great earnestness. (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 123:13-14)

-----------------------------/
1. New Testament | Matthew 25:1-13
THEN shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps,
and went forth to meet the bridegroom.
And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.
They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept.
And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.
And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.
But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.
And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.
[Questions to ponder: Were the five foolish thus consigned to outer darkness? Did that leave the five wise to be distributed amongst the three kingdoms of glory as set out in Doctrine and Covenants 76? Does that adjust our notion that 50% will make it to celestial glory with God's statement that "few there be that find it" as set out in the footnote 2? Does that reduce our odds of coasting in?]
2. New Testament | Matthew 7:14 ~ Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (See also Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 14:14)
Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 27:33 ~ And it came to pass that when Jesus had ended these sayings he said unto his disciples: Enter ye in at the strait gate; for strait is the gate, and narrow is the way that leads to life, and few there be that find it; but wide is the gate, and broad the way which leads to death, and many there be that travel therein, until the night cometh, wherein no man can work.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 132:21-22 ~ Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye abide my law ye cannot attain to this glory. For strait is the gate, and narrow the way that leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of the lives, and few there be that find it, because ye receive me not in the world neither do ye know me.
Book of Mormon | Alma 37:13 ~ O remember, remember, my son Helaman, how strict are the commandments of God. And he said: If ye will keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land—but if ye keep not his commandments ye shall be cut off from his presence.
Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:41 ~ O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name.
Old Testament | Isaiah 6:1 ~ IN the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. (Bold emphasis added.)
Book of Mormon | Alma 34:33 ~ And now, as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness wherein there can be no labor performed.
3. http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2015/01/arm-of-flesh.html
4. http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2012/10/some-choice.html
5. Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 28:20- ~ For behold, at that day shall [the devil] rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good. And others will he pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, that they will say: All is well in Zion; yea, Zion prospereth, all is well—and thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.
6. http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2014/12/unbelievers.html
7. Old Testament | Isaiah 29:15 ~ Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the LORD, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?
Old Testament | Ezekiel 8:12 ~ Then said he unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen what the ancients of the house of Israel do in the dark, every man in the chambers of his imagery? for they say, The LORD seeth us not; the LORD hath forsaken the earth.
Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 27:27 ~ And wo unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the Lord! And their works are in the dark; and they say: Who seeth us, and who knoweth us? And they also say: Surely, your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter's clay. But behold, I will show unto them, saith the Lord of Hosts, that I know all their works.
Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 28:9 ~ Yea, and there shall be many which shall teach after this manner, false and vain and foolish doctrines, and shall be puffed up in their hearts, and shall seek deep to hide their counsels from the Lord; and their works shall be in the dark.
Pearl of Great Price | Moses 5:51 ~ For, from the days of Cain, there was a secret combination, and their works were in the dark, and they knew every man his brother.
New Testament | 1 John 2:9 ~ He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.
Old Testament | Ecclesiastes 2:13 ~ Then I saw that wisdom excelleth folly, as far as light excelleth darkness.
Old Testament | Isaiah 5:20 ~ Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (See also Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 15:20)
New Testament | Matthew 6:22 - 23 ~ The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!
New Testament | John 3:19-20 ~ And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
Book of Mormon | Helaman 13:29 ~ O ye wicked and ye perverse generation; ye hardened and ye stiffnecked people, how long will ye suppose that the Lord will suffer you? Yea, how long will ye suffer yourselves to be led by foolish and blind guides? Yea, how long will ye choose darkness rather than light?
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 10:57-58 ~ Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I came unto mine own, and mine own received me not. I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 50:23 ~ And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 82:5 ~ Therefore, what I say unto one I say unto all: Watch, for the adversary spreadeth his dominions, and darkness reigneth;
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 95:5-6 ~ But behold, verily I say unto you, that there are many who have been ordained among you, whom I have called but few of them are chosen. They who are not chosen have sinned a very grievous sin, in that they are walking in darkness at noon–day.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 112:23 ~ Verily, verily, I say unto you, darkness covereth the earth, and gross darkness the minds of the people, and all flesh has become corrupt before my face.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 39:1-2 ~ HEARKEN and listen to the voice of him who is from all eternity to all eternity, the Great I AM, even Jesus Christ— The light and the life of the world; a light which shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not; (see also Sections 34:1-2; 45:7; 88:49)
John Taylor ~ “There are events in the future, and not very far ahead, that will require all our faith, all our energy, all our confidence, all our trust in God, to enable us to withstand the influences that will be brought to bear against us. … We cannot trust in our intelligence; we cannot trust in our wealth; we cannot trust to any surrounding circumstances with which we are enveloped; we must trust alone in the living God to guide us, to direct us, to lead us, to teach us and to instruct us. And there never was a time when we needed to be more humble and more prayerful; there never was a time when we needed more fidelity, self-denial, and adherence to the principles of truth, than we do this day.” (John Taylor, 24 July 1880 speech, as quoted by Joseph Fielding Smith, Essentials in Church History [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1950], 479.)
8. Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:75 - 76 ~ These are they who are honorable men of the earth, who were blinded by the craftiness of men. These are they who receive of his glory [terrestrial], but not of his fulness.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 123:12 ~ [T]here are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it—
New Testament | Matthew 6:22-24 ~ The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (See also: 3 Nephi 13:23-24)