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.

Questions of Evidence?

The day after posting “The Lamb AND the Lion,” I encountered a theory¹ that seems to propose that the adversary was the “one” who said:

And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them; (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 3:25).

According to this non-traditional reading, Lucifer’s plan was the one designed “to set all things in order, measured by estate and obedience;” “his platform to divide up kingdoms according to some standard of obedience.”²

Before examining this theory, let me say that the beauty of encountering new thoughts and ideas is that it prompts us to think and reconsider our unexamined beliefs. But it should also move us to ask: Does this non-traditional reading bear up?

Also, as we begin, 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;³ 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.”

But since we were not (or else have forgotten), how do we decide who is speaking when the text merely says “one” and “one” and “another”?

And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him: We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials, and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell; And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them; And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon; and they who keep not their first estate shall not have glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate; and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever. And the Lord said: Whom shall I send? And one answered like unto the Son of Man: Here am I, send me. And another answered and said: Here am I, send me. And the Lord said: I will send the first. And the second was angry, and kept not his first estate; and, at that day, many followed after him (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 3:24-28; bold emphasis added).

Is the “one like unto God” the same as the “one like unto the Son of Man”? Or is “another” the “one like unto God” as suggested by the theory? Or is the “one,” someone entirely different? And to compound the matter, whom are the speakers addressing—everybody or just a select group as the theory also proposes?

We can’t know for certain who is who when our only reference is that brief description of the event, so it seems that the best we can do—without visual access to the event—is to follow the weight of the evidence in scripture.⁴ Even then it might be hard to know, but perhaps there are questions we should pursue:

Q1: What could “like unto” mean?

There are 202 uses of the phrase “like unto” in scripture, 115 being extra-Biblical. Most times this phrase is used to convey an image through positive comparison with something already known or understood (to greater degree).

In ancient days, it seems “Son of Man” was clearly defined:

Wherefore teach it unto your children, that all men, everywhere, must repent, or they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God, for no unclean thing can dwell there, or dwell in his presence; for, in the language of Adam, Man of Holiness is his name, and the name of his Only Begotten is the Son of Man, even Jesus Christ, a righteous Judge, who shall come in the meridian of time  (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 6:57).

So then, what does it mean to say “like unto God” or “like unto the Son of Man” instead of  just “Son of Man”? One possibility could be that “like unto” is sometimes used as a way to describe something (planned? ordained?) that has yet to come to pass. What if the mission or potential of every soul is divined as an idea (mental construct) and thereafter uniquely chosen by each soul as each embarks on a new stage of advancement? Then, because fulfillment is subject to each soul’s agency, each one might end up “like unto” OR “not like unto” the original design / intention / blueprint / choice. For example, could the “Son of Man” have been a man and a mission divined in the mind of God before the event that unfolded in Abraham 3:24-28—such that the “Son of Man” was a mental construct with advanced and essential attributes? Once the “one like unto the Son of Man” offered Himself to take on that calling, He became the manifestation. Thus, when comparing the man to the mental construct might one say, “like unto” meaning, “He is like unto that which was seen in the imagery of thought”? In other words, the imagery of the plan is conceived AND visual before the reality is played out.

Another counter point is this: If the first and second estate proposal is an adversarial concept, why is the outcome of choosing the “first” volunteer described as:

And the second was angry, and kept not his first estate; and, at that day, many followed after him. (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 3:28; bold emphasis added).

It seems there may, in fact, be some measurement to warrant advancement in the plan that was adopted.

Also, why would the plan of the adversary be the only plan described just before God chooses “One” to fulfill some other undefined plan? (As to the tradition of “two plans,” please read on to Q3 for a discussion of what the other plan might have entailed.)

Q2: What is the meaning of “good”?

How did God first use and mean “good”? In the creation account, I think its use was to describe how the physical creation was sufficiently “like unto” the idea or form⁵ that preceded creation that God was pleased with the manifest result:

And I, God, saw everything that I had made, and, behold, all things which I had made were very good; and the evening and the morning were the sixth day  (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 2:31; see also Old Testament | Genesis 1:31).

So perhaps when God saw the noble and great ones in the pre-mortal realm and called them “good,” He was making a similar judgment—that as spirits, they were sufficiently “like unto” the “idea / form” of noble and great, and sufficiently in vibration with “truth,” that He could say they were “good” without making a judgment on what they would be when, through the instrumentality of Adam and Eve, they, as mortals, came to know good and evil for themselves with the freedom to choose between:

And I, the Lord God, said unto mine Only Begotten: Behold, the man is become as one of us to know good and evil; and now lest he put forth his hand and partake also of the tree of life, and eat and live forever, Therefore I, the Lord God, will send him forth from the Garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken; (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 4:28-29)

And it is given unto them to know good from evil; wherefore they are agents unto themselves, and I have given unto you another law and commandment (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 6:56).

So, does each soul come to this “second estate” with a unique plan and purpose? Then, because of the will of the flesh and enticements of telestial / terrestrial things, do we all, in various degrees, miss the measure of our creation, so that prophets of God will lament again and again?

All we, like sheep, have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him [the Messiah] the iniquities of us all (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 14:6).

And the anger [justice?] of God kindleth against the inhabitants of the earth; and none doeth good, for all have gone out of the way (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 82:6).

So, if Jesus was the only One who got it perfectly right—conforming perfectly, by His choices, to the will and design of the Father—wouldn’t He be the only one who was perfectly good? All of us have fallen short of the “idea” of our lives, and that’s why repentance and the atonement are required to satisfy the demands of justice and to allow us to still progress toward the divine that is within our potential.

Q3: Who advocates law, order, commandments, proving, etc.?

In these latter days, there seems to be a lot of discussion about God, agency, freedom, laws, commandments, testing, punishment, etc., so perhaps these are some questions we should ponder:

▪ If the truth shall make you free,⁶ is there any real freedom when we stray from truth?
▪ Does truth have any standards or measures?
▪ Does truth require adherence to true principles for progression to occur?
▪ What does freedom mean? To do anything we want as long as we do not harm others? Or does it mean we are free to accept or reject the principles of truth? Or in final analysis and sufficient advancement do they become the same?
▪ What is the continual lament of God⁷ and His spokespeople?

Mormon tradition speaks of two plans being presented to spirits during the pre-mortal phase—one of agency and one of control. The agency one is expressed thus:

And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given. Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 2:26-27; bold emphasis added).

But, if this “agency” plan entails law, commandments, and punishments,⁸ could the plan opposite to such law and order be a plan of “no law”? Except many seem to imagine “no law” as God’s plan of agency and freedom? But—

And if ye shall say there is no law, ye shall also say there is no sin. If ye shall say there is no sin, ye shall also say there is no righteousness. And if there be no righteousness there be no happiness. And if there be no righteousness nor happiness there be no punishment nor misery. And if these things are not there is no God. And if there is no God we are not, neither the earth; for there could have been no creation of things, neither to act nor to be acted upon; wherefore, all things must have vanished away (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 2:13).

Wherefore, he has given a law; and where there is no law given there is no punishment; and where there is no punishment there is no condemnation; and where there is no condemnation the mercies of the Holy One of Israel have claim upon them, because of the atonement; for they are delivered by the power of him (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:25).

Now, how could a man repent except he should sin? How could he sin if there was no law? How could there be a law save there was a punishment? Now, there was a punishment affixed, and a just law given, which brought remorse of conscience unto man. … And also, if there was no law given against sin men would not be afraid to sin. And if there was no law given, if men sinned what could justice do, or mercy either, for they would have no claim upon the creature? But there is a law given, and a punishment affixed, and a repentance granted; which repentance, mercy claimeth; otherwise, justice claimeth the creature and executeth the law, and the law inflicteth the punishment; if not so, the works of justice would be destroyed, and God would cease to be God (Book of Mormon | Alma 42:17-18, 20-22; see also footnote 9 below).

Wouldn’t “no law” be the only possible plan that could (theoretically) save everyone—no sin, no punishment, no lost souls?!¹⁰ As a side benefit for the adversary, it would dethrone God if He endorsed such a plan (by offending truth and all its corollaries; one vital one being justice). Truth would no longer reign, but whim would¹¹ (if, in the imagination of the adversary, there were anything left to govern!) as he began the captivity portion of his reign.

Furthermore, there are 210 uses of the word “commandments” in the Book of Mormon alone, often preceded by “my” or followed by “of God.” As to the word “order,” there are approximately 47 relevant uses in the Book of Mormon, often preceded by the words “proper” or “holy.”

So who really spoke those words from Abraham 3:25? Does this give us another clue?

And we are willing to enter into a covenant with our God to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he shall command us, all the remainder of our days, that we may not bring upon ourselves a never–ending torment, as has been spoken by the angel, that we may not drink out of the cup of the wrath of God. (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 5:5)

And the days of the children of men were prolonged, according to the will of God, that they might repent while in the flesh; wherefore, their state became a state of probation, and their time was lengthened, according to the commandments which the Lord God gave unto the children of men. For he gave commandment that all men must repent; for he showed unto all men that they were lost, because of the transgression of their parents (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 2:21).

So once again I ask: Does advancement in this realm (and beyond) come through doing what we want as long as it does not harm others? Or does it come in filling the measure of our creation through obedience to the laws of realms we have potential to move into?¹²

Q4: Was Lucifer “cast out”? or did he leave by the rules of his own “game”—as the non-traditional reading suggests? Perhaps it depends on whether “cast out” is equal to “cast down” and “thrust down.”

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; (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 4:3)

And it came to pass that Adam, being tempted of the devil—for, behold, the devil was before Adam, for he 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; (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 29:36 - 37; see also Section 76:25-28).

This concludes, for the time being, my “questions of evidence” for the non-traditional reading of Abraham 3:25.

Questions remain however because three of the big issues for truth seekers of this day seem to center on hierarchy, personal sovereignty, and God’s character. I plan to consider these in future posts.

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1. Daymon Mickel Smith, A Cultural History of the Book of Mormon: Volume 5 - Book Fantasia, pp. 105-108.
2. Ibid., p. 106
3. http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2014/02/here-and-there.html
4. For those who don’t believe scripture or who believe that scripture is proof of the “corrupt demiurge,” I recognize this appeal to scripture will bear no weight with you, but I believe the universe blesses all sincere seekers of truth who are willing to follow it wherever it may lead.
5. (Plato may have got it right!)
6. New Testament John 8:31-32 ~ Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
7. http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2014/01/gods-lament.html
8. Book of Mormon | Mosiah 13:30 ~ Therefore there was a law given them, yea, a law of performances and of ordinances, a law which they were to observe strictly from day to day, to keep them in remembrance of God and their duty towards him.
Book of Mormon | Alma 35:15-16 ~ … and seeing that the hearts of the people began to wax hard, and that they began to be offended because of the strictness of the word, his heart was exceedingly sorrowful. Therefore, he caused that his sons should be gathered together, that he might give unto them every one his charge, separately, concerning the things pertaining unto righteousness. And we have an account of his commandments, which he gave unto them according to his own record.
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 9:27 ~ But wo unto him that has the law given, yea, that has all the commandments of God, like unto us, and that transgresseth them, and that wasteth the days of his probation, for awful is his state!
9. New Testament | Romans 4:15 ~ Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.
New Testament | Romans 5:13 ~ (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
10. Pearl of Great Price | Moses 4:1-4 ~ AND I, the Lord God, spake unto Moses, saying: That Satan, whom thou hast commanded in the name of mine Only Begotten, is the same which was from the beginning, and he came before me, saying—Behold, here am I, send me, I will be thy son, and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor. But, behold, my Beloved Son, which was my Beloved and Chosen from the beginning, said unto me—Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever. 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. [Bold emphasis added.]
11. For those who believe that “the whim of God” now reigns and that He manifests as pyschotic, I will admit there are scriptures that could support such a reading from our mortal perspective, but perhaps from the 4th and 5th density, as some call it, the transrational view would prove otherwise.
12. Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:22-24 ~ For he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory. And he who cannot abide the law of a terrestrial kingdom cannot abide a terrestrial glory. And he who cannot abide the law of a telestial kingdom cannot abide a telestial glory; therefore he is not meet for a kingdom of glory. Therefore he must abide a kingdom which is not a kingdom of glory.

Here and There ?

(Words & Imagery)

One problem with communication, especially concerning divine things, seems to be that, down here, we’re missing at least half the conversation—the most important half?—the image half, being the pictures and meanings in the mind of the Speaker.

Some who tell of other-world or near-death experiences have said:¹

1. [Communication] was completely through thought…. There was no mistaking what either of us was saying— there was no possibility of misunderstanding.”

2. [I]t was communication of thought. When he spoke, words were used, but I can't tell you what they were. It was more a conveyance of knowledge.

3. “Telepathy is the purest form of communication,” [my guide] said. “There could not possibly be any misunderstanding this way. If I were to send you a message telepathically, you'd see it exactly as I saw it, as I sent it. For instance, if I told you that I wanted to meet you in the park, you'd want to know what park, where in the park, an exact location. I would use words to describe everything the way I understood them. You might not have the same definition for the words I chose. Therefore, a misunderstanding. But, if I sent a message telepathically to you of the same park, you'd see the exact spot as well as the park I had chosen. Therefore, you wouldn't misunderstand because of the different definitions for the words we use.”

4. “That's why it's the purest form of communication,” [my guide] said. “You not only see what I see, you also experience the emotions I feel at the time. Therefore, it's as if you're actually experiencing the message yourself.”

So, the plaguing question is: How can we be sure of the full meaning of anything God or His (inspired) spokespeople say when all we have are the words, unless we have some further encounter with the mind of God? An example is the recurring tussle over the word “one,” as in “one God.”

What was the “one” imagery, when Abinadi said:

I would that ye should understand that God himself shall come down among the children of men, and shall redeem his people. And because he dwelleth in flesh he shall be called the Son of God, and having subjected the flesh to the will of the Father, being the Father and the Son— The Father, because he was conceived by the power of God; and the Son, because of the flesh; thus becoming the Father and Son— And they are one God, yea, the very Eternal Father of heaven and of earth. And thus the flesh becoming subject to the Spirit, or the Son to the Father, being one God, suffereth temptation, and yieldeth not to the temptation, but suffereth himself to be mocked, and scourged, and cast out, and disowned by his people. (Book of Mormon Mosiah 15:1-5)?

Or when Nephi wrote:

And they must come according to the words which shall be established by the mouth of the Lamb; and the words of the Lamb shall be made known in the records of thy seed, as well as in the records of the twelve apostles of the Lamb; wherefore they both shall be established in one; for there is one God and one Shepherd over all the earth. (Book of Mormon 1 Nephi 13:41)

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 one God, without end. Amen. (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 31:21)?

Or with Mormon:

And he hath brought to pass the redemption of the world, whereby he that is found guiltless before him at the judgment day hath it given unto him to dwell in the presence of God in his kingdom, to sing ceaseless praises with the choirs above, unto the Father, and unto the Son, and unto the Holy Ghost, which are one God, in a state of happiness which hath no end. (Book of Mormon Mormon 7:7)?

Or Joseph Smith:

As well as those who should come after, who should believe in the gifts and callings of God by the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of the Father and of the Son; Which Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are one God, infinite and eternal, without end. Amen. (Doctrine and Covenants Section 20:27-28)?

Can the following quotes concerning “one” give us some clue as to how “one” can be both one and many at the same time?²—an attempt to convey imagery in words?

Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. (Old Testament Genesis 2:24; see also New Testament Matthew 19:5; Mark 10:8; Ephesians 5:31; Doctrine and Covenants 49:16; Pearl of Great Price Moses 3:24; Abraham 5:18)

And thou shalt make fifty taches of brass, and put the taches into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one. (Old Testament Exodus 26:11)

Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand. (Old Testament Ezekiel 37:19)

And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one. (Old Testament Zechariah 14:9)

And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. ... That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: (New Testament John 17:11, 21-22)

And he gathereth his children from the four quarters of the earth; and he numbereth his sheep, and they know him; and there shall be one fold and one shepherd; and he shall feed his sheep, and in him they shall find pasture. (Book of Mormon 1 Nephi 22:25)

Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 2:11)

And the branches of the natural tree will I graft into the natural branches of the tree; and thus will I bring them together again, that they shall bring forth the natural fruit, and they shall be one. (Book of Mormon Jacob 5:68)

Father, I pray not for the world, but for those whom thou hast given me out of the world, because of their faith, that they may be purified in me, that I may be in them as thou, Father, art in me, that we may be one, that I may be glorified in them. (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 19:29)

For a trump shall sound both long and loud, even as upon Mount Sinai, and all the earth shall quake, and they shall come forth—yea, even the dead which died in me, to receive a crown of righteousness, and to be clothed upon, even as I am, to be with me, that we may be one. (Doctrine and Covenants Section 29:13)

Behold, you have had many afflictions because of your family; nevertheless, I will bless you and your family, yea, your little ones; and the day cometh that they will believe and know the truth and be one with you in my church. (Doctrine and Covenants Section 31:2)

I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was crucified for the sins of the world, even as many as will believe on my name, that they may become the sons of God, even one in me as I am one in the Father, as the Father is one in me, that we may be one. (Doctrine and Covenants Section 35:2)

Behold, this I have given unto you as a parable, and it is even as I am. I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine. (Doctrine and Covenants Section 38:27)

And let every man deal honestly, and be alike among this people, and receive alike, that ye may be one, even as I have commanded you. (Doctrine and Covenants Section 51:9)

These type of questions kept cropping up for me as I read Daymon Smith’s A Cultural History of the Book of Mormon, Vol. 1: Setting, a foundation, of stones to stumble over. As I’m re-reading it, I keep wondering if our beliefs, biases, preferences, and theories are as much about mezza-communing as meta-texting? In other words, we start with half-communion³ (the words without the defining imagery) and proceed to elaborations and conclusions (meta-texting).

That seems to be one of the great gaps between here and there, especially in comprehending prophecy. When God (through an inspired prophet) says: “Zion,” which one of the several is He picturing? What about other words like Israel? Jerusalem? Egypt? Assyria? Babylon? Even, “Restore all things”?⁴ and so forth. Can these “words” stand as shifting archetypes—with layer upon layer of historical imagery and déjà vu attached—and thus be brilliantly applied in a different time, to a different entity by virtue of the imagery in the mind of the Speaker?

What if the “Joseph” pictured in the mind of God and referred to in Doctrine and Covenants 113:4 is an entirely different “Joseph” from the one God pictures in verse 6? such that the “rod” descends of one Joseph and the “root” descends of a subsequent Joseph?

What if imagery in the mind of God is the master key to distinguishing and understanding all the “words”? What if, without the revealed imagery, it’s all meta-texting about words, words, words?

A relevant observation from Joseph Smith (added here October 5, 2014):

“Oh Lord God deliver us in thy due time from the little narrow prison almost as it were totel darkness of paper pen and ink and a crooked broken scattered and imperfect language” (source⁵).

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Note: In a future post, I intend to explore some questions I have about Daymon Smith's apparent view (if I am reading him right) that the Bible has become so corrupted by the loss of plain and precious things (Book of Mormon 1 Nephi 13 & 14) that it should not be used. Might such a rejection also constitute meta-texting?

1. See Crowther, Duane S., Life Everlasting, Cedar Fort, Inc.. Kindle Edition (2006-01-01). Chapter 6: “The Amazing Capabilities of Spirit World Beings”, section titled “Telepathic Mind Communication” (Kindle Locations for quotes (Q) are at: Q-1: Locations 5396-5397; Q-2: Locations 5403-5404; Q-3: Locations 5431-5435; Q-4: Locations 5440-5441.
2. See also: New Testament Romans 12:4-5 ~ For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
New Testament 1 Corinthians 10:1 ~ For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
New Testament 1 Corinthians 12:11-14, 18-20 ~ But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. ... But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body.
Book of Mormon Jacob 5:74 ~ ... and they became like unto one body; and the fruits were equal; and the Lord of the vineyard had preserved unto himself the natural fruit, which was most precious unto him from the beginning.
3. The greater accuracy is probably half of that half (or less) since we humans have a tendency to favor those scriptures (as well as other things) that confirm our already established preferences; and miss or discount what doesn’t confirm our biases.
4. New Testament Matthew 17:11 ~ And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.
Doctrine and Covenants Section 77:9 ~ And, if you will receive it, this is Elias which was to come to gather together the tribes of Israel and restore all things.
Doctrine and Covenants Section 77:14 ~ Q. What are we to understand by the little book which was eaten by John, as mentioned in the 10th chapter of Revelation? A. We are to understand that it was a mission, and an ordinance, for him to gather the tribes of Israel; behold, this is Elias, who, as it is written, must come and restore all things.
Doctrine and Covenants Section 132:40 ~ I am the Lord thy God, and I gave unto thee, my servant Joseph, an appointment, and restore all things. Ask what ye will, and it shall be given unto you according to my word.
Doctrine and Covenants Section 132:45 ~ For I have conferred upon you the keys and power of the priesthood, wherein I restore all things, and make known unto you all things in due time.
5. http://josephsmithpapers.org/intro/joseph-smith-and-his-papers-an-introduction?p=8