Could It Also Be?

Joseph Smith, Jr. (1805-1844)
(for source info. see footnote 7)

(More questions¹ for the questioners of Joseph Smith’s legacy and the direction of things after his martyrdom. To better understand this post, please read the post: “Could It Be?” of December 15, 2015.)

Since God knows:

» the continual contest between flesh and spirit;
» the cunning psychopathy and agenda of Lucifer;
» the susceptibility of every soul to distractions, deceptions, sin, and self-will;
» that Christ has paid the price for all if they would repent;

then, could it also be:

▪ that God’s redemptive work—revealed in greater fullness through Joseph Smith—continues with every seeking soul and leader in every splinter group of “Mormonism” AND within every nation, kindred, tongue, [religion,] and people?

▪ that in the days following the martyrdom of Joseph Smith, God continued to work His redemptive plan, as He saw fit, with both those who adopted latter-day polygamy and those who denounced it?

▪ that God gives opportunity upon opportunity for every soul who has erred to turn their life over or back to His will and ways?

▪ that even deceived persons can, at times, receive God-inspired dreams, visions, guidance and even wisdom, in order to bless people who are under their stewardship or influence, while God works to correct, humble, and refine everyone? Example:

AND the Lord was not pleased with Solomon for he made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh's daughter to wife , and brought her into the house of David until he had made an end of building his own house, and the house of the Lord, and the wall of Jerusalem round about. And the Lord blessed Solomon for the people’s sake only  (Old Testament | 1 Kings 3:1 JST; bold emphasis added).

▪ that leaders (like everyone else) are susceptible to deceptions in practice and doctrine, so God counsels us to “trust not in the arm of flesh,”² but to always exercise discernment and “to prove all things and hold fast to that which is good”?³

▪ that God uses all kinds of circumstances and human failings (in both laity and leaders) to tutor His children in the ways of discernment and of the Holy Spirit?

▪ that God (as exemplified by Captain Mormon,⁴ and many others) loves and teaches all His children, even in the midst of their sins (even iniquity) right up until the point of no-return?

▪ that any person who seeks with real intent to know of and accept the work that Christ did through Joseph Smith can experience the confirming witness of the Holy Spirit?

▪ that every soul who comes unto Christ through the work and ministry of Joseph Smith is receiving more of what God has to offer in these last days?⁵ 

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 | 2 Nephi 28:30) 

▪ that God’s voice and witness concerning the integrity of His servant, Joseph Smith is to be received and believed above every contrary voice or “witness”?

▪ that God’s purposes may be mysterious to mortal man, but they fail not?⁶

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1. See the Déjà Vu Times II post of December 15, 2015, “Could It Be?” at http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2015/12/could-it-be.html
2. Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 4:34 ~ O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.
Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 28:31 ~ Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 1:19 ~ The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh—
3. New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 5:21 ~ Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
4. Book of Mormon | Moroni 9:3-6 ~ And now behold, my son, I fear lest the Lamanites shall destroy this people; for they do not repent, and Satan stirreth them up continually to anger one with another. Behold, I am laboring with them continually; and when I speak the word of God with sharpness they tremble and anger against me; and when I use no sharpness they harden their hearts against it; wherefore, I fear lest the Spirit of the Lord hath ceased striving with them. For so exceedingly do they anger that it seemeth me that they have no fear of death; and they have lost their love, one towards another; and they thirst after blood and revenge continually. And now, my beloved son, notwithstanding their hardness, let us labor diligently; for if we should cease to labor, we should be brought under condemnation; for we have a labor to perform whilst in this tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness, and rest our souls in the kingdom of God. (See also Book of Mormon | Mormon chapters 3 and 5)
5. Book of Mormon | Alma 12:9-11 ~ And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him. And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full. And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries;
Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 26:8-10 ~ And these things have I written, which are a lesser part of the things which he taught the people; and I have written them to the intent that they may be brought again unto this people, from the Gentiles, according to the words which Jesus hath spoken. And when they shall have received this, which is expedient that they should have first, to try their faith, and 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.
New Testament | Matthew 13:10-12 ~ And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.
6. Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:1-4 ~ HEAR, O ye heavens, and give ear, O earth, and rejoice ye inhabitants thereof, for the Lord is God, and beside him there is no Savior. Great is his wisdom, marvelous are his ways, and the extent of his doings none can find out. His purposes fail not, neither are there any who can stay his hand. From eternity to eternity he is the same, and his years never fail.
Old Testament | Lamentations 3:22 ~ It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.
[Bold emphasis added in footnoted scriptures.]
7. Image Source: Joseph Smith, Jr. (1805-1844), head-and-shoulders portrait, facing front. Charles William Carter - Library of Congress ~ circa 1885 (reproduction of painting) at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Smith,_Jr.#/media/File:Ovalportrait-josephsmith-Carter.jpg | This is a faithful photographic reproduction of a two-dimensional, public domain work of art. The work of art itself is in the public domain for the following reason: This work is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 70 years or less.

God’s Will ?

Why do God and His servants repeatedly say:

The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one (Old Testament | Psalms 14:2-3; 53:2-3);

… we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one (New Testament | Romans 3:9-12);

I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? (New Testament | 1 Corinthians 6:5);

For it is expedient that an atonement should be made; for according to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an atonement made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish; yea, all are hardened; yea, all are fallen and are lost, and must perish except it be through the atonement which it is expedient should be made (Book of Mormon | Alma 34:9);

They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 1:16);

Wherefore, I will that all men shall repent, for all are under sin, except those which I have reserved unto myself, holy men that ye know not of  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 49:8);

And the anger 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);

And the whole world lieth in sin, and groaneth under darkness and under the bondage of sin (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:49);

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 112:23)?

So how should we understand this universal accusation of ALL being under sin? Is it because God’s Plan¹ for this earth and for every individual soul was “good,” (like unto His creation), but because of the flesh,² “The Three Temptations,”³ and the way we exercise our agency,⁴ every one of us falls short of “The Good Plan” for our life? Every one of us misses the mark.

So with everyone (except Christ) straying from the “good” plan of our life (in varying degrees), what becomes of God’s will? What is His will:

▪ when our life plan is off-track?
▪ when we sin, transgress; make mistakes; offend goodness, truth, etc.?
▪ when we are injured by another’s actions, choices, or words?
▪ when nothing seems to work out?
▪ when life hurts unbearably?
▪ when the powers that be perpetuate inequality and injustice?
▪ when the wicked (seem to) prosper?
▪ when Heaven seems as brass?
▪ when we don’t understand?
▪ and so forth.

Perhaps God’s overarching will, when all seems to have gone awry, is and has always been, that whatever our sins, injuries, failings, or circumstances, that:

▪ We believe in Him and His Plan of Redemption.⁵
▪ We repent.⁶
▪ We forgive.⁷
▪ We love.⁸
▪ We listen and obey.⁹

All these are within our choice and capacity (even in our weakness) if we seek His grace, strength, and promises:

For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. (New Testament | Revelation 7:17; see also Revelation 21:4)

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1. The Plan: http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2015/03/the-plan.html ; http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2015/04/the-choice.html
2. The Flesh: http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2014/11/the-flesh.html
3. The Three Temptations: http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2010/05/natural-man.html
4. Agency: http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/search/label/Agency

A small sampling of supporting scripture:
5. Believe / Trust:
New Testament | John 1:12 ~ But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 20:29 ~ And we know that all men must repent and believe on the name of Jesus Christ, and worship the Father in his name, and endure in faith on his name to the end, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.
Book of Mormon | Alma 22:13 ~ And Aaron did expound unto him the scriptures from the creation of Adam, laying the fall of man before him, and their carnal state and also the plan of redemption, which was prepared from the foundation of the world, through Christ, for all whosoever would believe on his name.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 29:43-45 ~ And thus did I, the Lord God, appoint unto man the days of his probation—that by his natural death he might be raised in immortality unto eternal life, even as many as would believe; And they that believe not unto eternal damnation; for they cannot be redeemed from their spiritual fall, because they repent not; For they love darkness rather than light, and their deeds are evil, and they receive their wages of whom they list to obey.
Book of Mormon | Alma 12:32-34 ~ Therefore God gave unto them commandments, after having made known unto them the plan of redemption, that they should not do evil, the penalty thereof being a second death, which was an everlasting death as to things pertaining unto righteousness; for on such the plan of redemption could have no power, for the works of justice could not be destroyed, according to the supreme goodness of God. But God did call on men, in the name of his Son, (this being the plan of redemption which was laid) saying: If ye will repent and harden not your hearts, then will I have mercy upon you, through mine Only Begotten Son; Therefore, whosoever repenteth, and hardeneth not his heart, he shall have claim on mercy through mine Only Begotten Son, unto a remission of his sins; and these shall enter into my rest.
Old Testament | Proverbs 3:5-6 ~ Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Book of Mormon | Mosiah 4:6 ~ I say unto you, if ye have come to a knowledge of the goodness of God, and his matchless power, and his wisdom, and his patience, and his long-suffering towards the children of men; and also, the atonement which has been prepared from the foundation of the world, that thereby salvation might come to him that should put his trust in the Lord, and should be diligent in keeping his commandments, and continue in the faith even unto the end of his life, I mean the life of the mortal body—
6. Repent:
Old Testament | Ezekiel 14:6 ~ Thus saith the Lord GOD; Repent, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations. (Also 18:30)
New Testament | Matthew 4:17 ~ From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
New Testament | Acts 3:19 ~ Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 10:18 ~ For he is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him.
Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 2:21 ~ 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.
Book of Mormon | Mosiah 4:10 ~ And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them.
Book of Mormon | Alma 5:51 ~ And also the Spirit saith unto me, yea, crieth unto me with a mighty voice, saying: Go forth and say unto this people—Repent, for except ye repent ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of heaven.
Book of Mormon | Alma 29:2 ~ Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth.
Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 9:22 ~ Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved.
Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 27:20 ~ Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 18:11-13 ~ For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him. And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance. And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth!
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 19:15-16 ~ Therefore I command you to repent—repent, lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore—how sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not. For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 20:29 ~ And we know that all men must repent and believe on the name of Jesus Christ, and worship the Father in his name, and endure in faith on his name to the end, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 39:18 ~ And inasmuch as they do repent and receive the fulness of my gospel, and become sanctified, I will stay mine hand in judgment.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 133:16 ~ Hearken and hear, O ye inhabitants of the earth. Listen, ye elders of my church together, and hear the voice of the Lord; for he calleth upon all men, and he commandeth all men everywhere to repent.
Pearl of Great Price | Moses 6:23, 27-28 ~ And they [the sons of Adam] were preachers of righteousness, and spake and prophesied, and called upon all men, everywhere, to repent; … Repent, for thus saith the Lord: I am angry with this people, and my fierce anger is kindled against them; for their hearts have waxed hard, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes cannot see afar off; And for these many generations, ever since the day that I created them, have they gone astray, and have denied me, and have sought their own counsels in the dark; and in their own abominations have they devised murder, and have not kept the commandments, which I gave unto their father, Adam.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 1:32 ~ Nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven;
7. Forgive:
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 64:10 ~ I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.
New Testament | Matthew 6:14-15 ~ For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Also New Testament | Mark 11:25-26, etc.)
New Testament | Luke 6:37 ~ Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
New Testament | Matthew 18:21-22 ~ Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 82:1 ~ VERILY, verily, I say unto you, my servants, that inasmuch as you have forgiven one another your trespasses, even so I, the Lord, forgive you.
8. Love:
New Testament | Matthew 22:36-40 ~ Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 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 | 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 ~ And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
9. Listen and Obey:
Book of Mormon | Jacob 2:16 ~ O that he would rid you from this iniquity and abomination. And, O that ye would listen unto the word of his commands, and let not this pride of your hearts destroy your souls!
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 35:1-2 ~ LISTEN to the voice of the Lord your God, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, whose course is one eternal round, the same today as yesterday, and forever. 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 39:1-6 ~ 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; The same which came in the meridian of time unto mine own, and mine own received me not; 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. And verily, verily, I say unto you, he that receiveth my gospel receiveth me; and he that receiveth not my gospel receiveth not me. And this is my gospel—repentance and baptism by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which showeth all things, and teacheth the peaceable things of the kingdom.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 45:6-8 ~ 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. I came unto mine own, and mine own received me not; but unto as many as received me gave I power to do many miracles, and to become the sons of God; and even unto them that believed on my name gave I power to obtain eternal life.
New Testament | John 14:15 ~ If ye love me, keep my commandments.
New Testament | 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 ~ For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 64:34 ~ Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days.
Book of Mormon | Mosiah 4:10 ~ And again, believe that ye must repent of your sins and forsake them, and humble yourselves before God; and ask in sincerity of heart that he would forgive you; and now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them.
Book of Mormon | Mosiah 5:8 ~ And under this head ye are made free, and there is no other head whereby ye can be made free. There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives.
Book of Mormon | Helaman 12:23 ~ Therefore, blessed are they who will repent and hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; for these are they that shall be saved.
Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 3:25 ~ And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them;
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 93:1-2 ~ VERILY, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am; And that I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world;
[See also http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2015/06/law-order-obedience.html ]

Attachments

I came upon a conversation yesterday where some relatives and friends were discussing the mystery of “Why do so many bad things happen to good people?” and “Why is life so full of hardships?” Since this has been a persistent grief and exploration of mine for decades, I made the observation that I thought it was not such a mystery—that hardships are to break us of our attachments to the things of this world. If our unrelenting attachments are to things telestial / terrestrial isn’t that what we will inherit—a telestial or terrestrial sphere? Provided however, that everything telestial / terrestrial that is of eternal worth will be included in the celestial sphere. It’s just that we can’t become rigidly attached to anything here in this world.

A mother interjected fervently: “Except for our families.” In reflex, I agreed: “Except for our families.” But within minutes, I knew we were both wrong: that we cannot be stubbornly attached to anything here—not property, fame, wealth, ideas, philosophies, pleasures, convictions, expectations, people, etc.—not even beloved family members. I take my justification from Jesus’ words:

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. (New Testament Matthew 10:37-39)

If our attachment to something in this world (even family) is so great that we will not do or accept God’s will, however wrenching and seemingly unreasonable, then we will lose that thing we are so attached to, plus our life’s potential. Isn’t that the message of Abraham’s story concerning Isaac? But if we are prepared to give up (or accept) whatsoever He wills, then and only then shall we find “our life.”

That is not to say, we should not love and care deeply. To love and care is the second great commandment; but there is a first great commandment¹ that takes priority when the two come into seeming conflict.

That’s the sense I make of why we continually encounter painful wedges between our attachments and our faith, hope, and charity. It is not an easy or welcome spiritual reality for most of us trying to navigate in this “rational” world, but as Jesus said:

... Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting. (New Testament Luke 18:29-30)

And as Isaiah and Paul said:

For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him. (Old Testament Isaiah 64:4)

Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (New Testament 1 Corinthians 2:9)

What are our attachments? How many sharp wedges have we already endured to break us away from the limitations of this world? How many more will be required? How do we know and discern what is God's will for our individual lives?

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1. New Testament Matthew 22:37-40: 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.

In Defense of Peter



Saint Peter
6th-century encaustic icon
from Saint Catherine's Monastery
Mount Sinai
Public Domain Wikimedia Commons

Every so often the topic of the Apostle Peter’s denials surfaces for discussion, and each time, I have felt we were missing something vital in the accepted interpretation of those accounts. Then in the early 1990s, I read a talk^[1] by Pres. Spencer W. Kimball that opened the door, just a crack, for re-analysis. I decided to put my thoughts into a one-act play, “Witness for Peter” and did so in 1995. (It has remained, with minor tweaks, in various incarnations of electronic storage since that time.) Several years after writing it, I discovered a talk^[2] by Bruce C. Hafen, then president of Ricks College, wherein the crack for re-analysis widened. Then in 2005, I encountered a discussion^[3] at TimesandSeasons.org wherein a Greek word was presented as a trump against such re-analysis. In defense of Peter, I left a comment as follows:

11/4/2005 at 8:04 pm
Belated caution re post #17
  Proposition: As no original manuscripts remain to prove the compositional language(s) of the Gospels; as there is no consensus amongst scholars or historians about the use of Greek in those originals; as most of the relied-upon, copied texts for the KJV are distant from the original authors by several hundred years; as interpretive choices in translation work, even by well-meaning translators, can, and often do, change meaning and intent (not to mention, “corrective” or “correlative” interpolations made by copyists and translators); therefore, it is questionable whether we know the precise words spoken by the Lord and whether the words have been accurately transmitted (e.g., compare the synoptic gospels with John’s). And more to the point, we cannot know with certainty how the Lord meant His words—probably spoken in Aramaic—to be understood.
  Perhaps, in fairness to Peter, the safest course is not to take a dogmatic position either way, but to ask, as Spencer W. Kimball, “Are we sure of his motive in that recorded denial?” And then, to not be afraid of uncertainty about the matter (see, Bruce C. Hafen, “On Dealing with Uncertainty,” BYU Devotional, 9 January 1979, Ensign, Aug. 1979, 63-4 where he also addresses the Peter question).

Two days ago, (Nov. 29, 2011) I discovered a thoughtful, scholarly analysis^[4] by Andrew Skinner, that is worth the consideration of every soul who wonders about Peter—an analysis that seems to ably answer the “Greek trump.”

Not only does the command interpretation appear possible, but does it not fit within the pattern of “Abrahamic” tests that God seems to require of all who follow in the footsteps of His Son? A pattern that requires a complete submission of will^[5], of nature, of passion, and sometimes, of possessions (Mark 10:17-22)? If Christ had to suffer great contradiction^[6], and Abraham, Job, Mary & Joseph, Joseph & Emma, and nigh every scriptural prophet, and many saints and sages in the triumph over self, why not Peter?

For some this is an intensely emotional issue. For them it deeply offends the scriptural account. Yet, is it not strange that the Apostle John, who was present at the trials and witness to the events first-hand, does not include any remark about Peter's sudden recollection of his Lord's words when the cock crew?

Also, in this analysis, the inconsistencies in Peter's character do not arise. As well, Peter seems to have had no reservation about rushing to the empty tomb or of meeting his risen Master three days after his awful denial; nor did the Church seem to hold Simon Peter in less esteem for what would surely have been seen as a monumental failing. So shouldn't we be willing to hear all the evidence before making as reasoned a  judgment as possible in the circumstances?

Of course, we cannot know the full truth of that night, but does it not seem credible that this was a night of supreme testing for Peter, which, as we see with Abraham and others, came as a nigh unbearable contradiction (and denial) of his bold character and convictions—to submit his will, against every inclination, to God’s will?

Even if it turns out that Simon Peter failed this test^[7], the account still testifies to the great cleansing power of repentance and to the efficacy of the realized atonement.

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[1] Given in 1971 and now found at http://emp.byui.edu/marrottr/GenlAuthorities/PeterMyBrother.pdf
[2] Given in 1979 and now found at http://lds.org/ensign/1979/08/on-dealing-with-uncertainty?lang=eng
[3] http://timesandseasons.org/index.php/2005/02/peter/
[4] http://emp.byui.edu/marrottr/211FOLDER/Peters%20Denial.pdf
[5] http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.com/search/label/WILL
[6] http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.com/2009/09/agony-of-contradictions.html
[7] I am aware of Pres. Hinckley’s talk on Peter, but find other thoughts and analyses far more persuasive.

See also: http://troygparker.wordpress.com/2011/07/29/peters-denial-prediction-or-command/

I hope in the near future to publish my one-act, one-person play, Witness for Peter, at Scribd.com.

WILL we ever get it? (Part 1)

(CAPS, color, bold, etc. are my emphasis throughout)

“Come, follow me,” the Savior said.^[1]

I am Jesus Christ; I came by the WILL of the Father, and I do his WILL. (Doctrine and Covenants Section 19:24)

I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own WILL, but the WILL of the Father which hath sent me. (New Testament John 5:30)

… These words are not of man nor of men, but of me, even Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, by the WILL of the Father. … (Doctrine and Covenants Section 31:13)

Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the WILL of him that sent me, and to finish his work.^[2] (New Testament John 4:34)

Yea, even so he shall be led, crucified, and slain, the flesh becoming subject even unto death, the WILL of the Son being swallowed up in the WILL of the Father. (Book of Mormon Mosiah 15:7)

And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be WILLING, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my WILL, but thine, be done. (New Testament Luke 22:41-42)

…, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the WILL of the Father in all things from the beginning. (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 11:11)

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[1] From the LDS Hymn book (1985), # 116 Come Follow Me (Text: John Nicholson, 1839-1909; Music: Samuel McBurney, b. 1847)
[2] What is that work? “For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” (Pearl of Great Price Moses 1:39)

WILL we ever get it? (Part 2)

(CAPS, color, bold, etc. are my emphasis throughout)

Then let us in his footsteps tread, …^[1]

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy WILL be done in earth, as it is in heaven. … (New Testament Matthew 6:9-10)

And he [Jesus] answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the WILL of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother. (New Testament Mark 3:33-35)

Let no man be afraid to lay down his life for my sake; for whoso layeth down his life for my sake shall find it again. And whoso is not WILLING to lay down his life for my sake is not my disciple. (Doctrine and Covenants Section 103:27-28)

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye WILL, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear^[3] much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. (New Testament John 15:7-8; notice the pre-conditions and the many other scriptural clarifications. )

Behold this is my WILL; ask and ye shall receive [my WILL?]; but men do not always do my WILL. (Doctrine and Covenants Section 103:31)

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the WILL of God, ye might receive the promise. (New Testament Hebrews 10:36)

And if ye are purified and cleansed from all sin, ye shall ask whatsoever you WILL in the name of Jesus and it shall be done. But know this, it shall be given you what you shall ask; (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:29-30)

Blessed art thou, Nephi, … [thou] hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my WILL, and to keep my commandments. And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my WILL. (Book of Mormon Helaman 10:4-5)

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, WILL of God. (New Testament Romans 12:2)

And if ye seek the riches which it is the WILL of the Father to give unto you, ye shall be the richest of all people, FOR ye shall have the riches of eternity; and it must needs be that the riches of the earth are mine to give; but beware of pride, lest ye become as the Nephites of old. (Doctrine and Covenants Section 38:39)

Yea, I know that God WILL give liberally to him that asketh. Yea, my God WILL give me, if I ask not amiss; … (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 4:35)

For by my Spirit will I enlighten them, and by my power will I make known unto them the secrets of my WILL—yea, even those things which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor yet entered into the heart of man. (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:10)

“…, the submission of one’s WILL is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God’s altar. The many other things we “give,” brothers and sisters, are actually the things He has already given or loaned to us. However, when you and I finally submit ourselves, by letting our individual WILLS be swallowed up in God’s WILL, then we are really giving something to Him! It is the only possession which is truly ours to give!” (Neal A. Maxwell, “Swallowed Up in the Will of the Father,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 24)

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the WILL of God abideth for ever. (New Testament 1 John 2:17)

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[1] From the LDS Hymn book (1985), # 116 Come Follow Me (Text: John Nicholson, 1839-1909; Music: Samuel McBurney, b. 1847

[3] Notice it says, “bear much fruit”; not “be given much fruit.”

WILL we ever get it? (Part 3)

(CAPS, color, bold, etc. are my emphasis throughout)

“While trav’ling thru this vale of tears?”^[1]

For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, WILLING to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father. (Book of Mormon Mosiah 3:19)

O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish. But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God. (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 9:28-29)

Wherefore, my beloved brethren [and sisters], reconcile yourselves to the WILL of God, and not to the will of the devil and the flesh; and remember, after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved. (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 10:24)

And what is the will of the devil and the flesh? What does this Lucifer ask Adam and Eve in the LDS temple drama?^[4] He asks “What is it you want?” Is that not the very question the “Prosperity Gospel” asks? The very focus of the Law of Attraction? What is it YOU want? What is YOUR WILL? YOUR wish, YOUR dream, YOUR fondest desire? Wasn’t that the substance of the Three Temptations? “I can GIVE YOU anything you could possibly need or desire. … Look to me because I’m the one with the material goods. I’ll come through for you. You can have anything in this world.” A fixation on “GIVE ME”?^[5.a&b]

Yet all the while, the adversary’s goal is to captivate the shortsighted soul. Remember Jabez Stone and Daniel Webster? Remember Faust? For in the strange paradox of life, those who give their WILL to God shall be added upon^[6] (trusted with increasing powers?) while those who pursue their own worldly WILL (without repentence), will lose because they cannot be trusted even with what they have.

He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. (New Testament Matthew 10:39)

And it shall come to pass, if they are not more faithful unto me, it shall be taken away, even that which they have. (Doctrine and Covenants Section 60:3)

What a subtle twist we have fallen into—preached now from too many pulpits—that God is there to do OUR WILL. Just ask Him. Get in the right frame—the right wave-length of attraction—the right flow of the universe. Then the riches of the world will flood into your life. And if they don’t, it’s your fault; you haven’t gotten in sync, yet. But don’t be discouraged. Keep at it. Buy our books and DVDs. Attend our courses and lectures. Talk to God. Talk to yourself. Talk to us. (Just don’t run this “my will” through the prism of scripture though! Don’t read too deeply about the apostles and prophets or the Son of God! Their lives don’t exactly reflect OUR more attractive reality. It’s a great mystery! That’s why we don’t mention it!)

Even if we claim, our chief motive is to give back to God, or “our neighbor”, or the universe, is it really so? Or are we an enriched version of the church at Ephesus, becoming so distracted by our second love (of riches?), we forget there was even a first love before riches?^[7] Thinking our sacrifices in service, our donations to deserving causes, our tithing of temporal blessings constitute full measure (and running o’er) of all that is required? OR are we already déjà vu Nephites?^[8]

WILL we ever get it that we are on a proving ground?^[9] That we are not wise enough, faithful, charitable, disciplined, enlightened, just, nor visionary enough to know what is best in the eternal WILL and plan of things^[10]?

WILL we ever get it that our daily plea must be:

… thy word must be fulfilled. Help thy servants to say, with thy grace assisting them: Thy WILL be done, O Lord, and not ours (Doctrine and Covenants Section 109:44)?^[11]

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[1] From the LDS Hymn book (1985), # 116 Come Follow Me (Text: John Nicholson, 1839-1909; Music Samuel McBurney, b. 1847)

[2] What is that work? “For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” (Pearl of Great Price Moses 1:39)

[3] Notice it says, “bear much fruit”; not “be given much fruit.”

[4] While teaching some of these concepts on discipleship to a Relief Society group, this insight was brought to my attention by a perceptive class member.

[5.a] 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. (Pearl of Great Price Moses 4:1-4)

[5.b] Of course, God gives us things also, but His goal in giving gifts (and trials) is for our growth, not our obsessions. The gifts He prefers to give—even directs that we ask for—are spiritual gifts, as in 1 Corinthians 12 and Doctrine and Covenants 46 (v. 8 “… and that ye may not be deceived SEEK YE EARNESTLY the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given;”). Proverbs makes it clear: “Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired ARE NOT TO BE COMPARED TO IT. … Riches and honour are with me; yea, DURABLE RICHES and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.” (Old Testament Proverbs 8:10-11, 18-19)

[6] 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. (Pearl of Great Price Abraham 3:26)

[7] “Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.” (New Testament Revelation 2:4-5)

See also: “Think of your brethren like unto yourselves, and be familiar with all and free with your substance, that they may be rich like unto you. But before ye seek for riches, seek ye for the kingdom of God. And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.” (Book of Mormon Jacob 2:17-19)

[8] And if ye seek the riches which it is the WILL of the Father to give unto you, ye shall be the richest of all people, for ye shall have the riches of eternity; and it must needs be that the riches of the earth are mine to give; but beware of pride, lest ye become as the Nephites of old. (Doctrine and Covenants Section 38:39)

[9] 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) 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)

[10] But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things. (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 2:24)

[11] Author’s concession: Of course, some may be rich and living in perfect harmony with God’s WILL, but the margin is so slim, it should keep one awake at night, reviewing one’s day. God and his prophets don’t get much more superlative than “wo, wo, wo” as in Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 28. And from my opinionated opinion, this includes the Church of the Laissez-faire ( http://dejavu-times.blogspot.com/2011/03/econ-009-church-of-laissez-faire.html )

NOTE: a very insightful article on a 3-fold test for discerning the will of God in one's life can be found in the last three paragraphs of the article "32. Jacob's Departure From Haran: Genesis 31" at http://pbministries.org/books/pink/Gleanings_Genesis/genesis_32.htm