“My People” ?

If we are to study Isaiah as Jesus commanded:¹

If we are to apply Isaiah’s words to ourselves as Nephi wrote:²

If we think we are (amongst) God’s chosen in the latter days:

THEN have we ever studied what God had to say about “my people” in Isaiah and elsewhere?

Here are four Isaiah samples. Could there be any déjà vu parallels? Have we become so ensnared in the culture of Babylon that we can’t see for not looking? Can’t hear for not listening? Can’t confess for self-righteousness?

Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider. Ah sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a seed of evildoers, children that are corrupters: they have forsaken the LORD, they have provoked the Holy One of Israel unto anger, they are gone away backward. Why should ye be stricken any more? ye will revolt more and more: the whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment. (Old Testament | Isaiah 1:2-6)

Therefore my people are gone into captivity, because they have no knowledge: and their honourable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. Therefore hell hath enlarged herself, and opened her mouth without measure: and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he that rejoiceth, shall descend into it. (Old Testament | Isaiah 5:13-14)

He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken. (Old Testament | Isaiah 53:8)

CRY aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. (Old Testament | Isaiah 58:1)

Could there be additional déjà vus from Jeremiah?³

Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit. Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the LORD. For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water. (Old Testament | Jeremiah 2:11-13)

O generation, see ye the word of the LORD. Have I been a wilderness unto Israel? a land of darkness? wherefore say my people, We are lords; we will come no more unto thee? Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number. (Old Testament | Jeremiah 2:31-32)

For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge. (Old Testament | Jeremiah 4:22)

Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but my people know not the judgment of the LORD. (Old Testament | Jeremiah 8:7)

And I will punish Bel in Babylon, and I will bring forth out of his mouth that which he hath swallowed up: and the nations shall not flow together any more unto him: yea, the wall [Street???] of Babylon shall fall. My people, go ye out of the midst of her, and deliver ye every man his soul from the fierce anger of the LORD. (Old Testament | Jeremiah 51:44-45)

Perhaps we could all benefit from listening to the déjà vu observations and warnings of Rabbi Jonathan Cahn.⁴

What does the focus of our time, energy, thoughts, and resources witness about the Gods or gods⁵ of our everyday living?

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1. Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 23:1-3 ~ AND now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah. For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel; therefore it must needs be that he must speak also to the Gentiles. And all things that he spake have been and shall be, even according to the words which he spake.
2. Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 11:8 ~ And now I write some of the words of Isaiah, that whoso of my people shall see these words may lift up their hearts and rejoice for all men. Now these are the words, and ye may liken them unto you and unto all men.
3. More of God's Words re “my people” from Jeremiah (circa 600 BC). Could these contain more parallels?
Old Testament | Jeremiah 5:23-31 ~ But this people hath a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone. Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest. Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withholden good things from you. For among my people are found wicked men: they lay wait, as he that setteth snares; they set a trap, they catch men. As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and waxen rich. They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they overpass the deeds of the wicked: they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge. Shall I not visit for these things? saith the LORD: shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this? A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?
Old Testament | Jeremiah 7:12 ~ But go ye now unto my place which was in Shiloh, where I set my name at the first, and see what I did to it for the wickedness of my people Israel.
Old Testament | Jeremiah 9:1-3 ~ OH that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people! Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring men; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they be all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men. And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.
Old Testament | Jeremiah 15:6-7 ~ Thou hast forsaken me, saith the LORD, thou art gone backward: therefore will I stretch out my hand against thee, and destroy thee; I am weary with repenting. And I will fan them with a fan in the gates of the land; I will bereave them of children, I will destroy my people, since they return not from their ways.
Old Testament | Jeremiah 18:15 ~ Because my people hath forgotten me, they have burned incense to vanity, and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths, to walk in paths, in a way not cast up;
Old Testament | Jeremiah 23:2 ~ Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.
Old Testament | Jeremiah 23:25-27 ~ I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart; Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal.
Old Testament | Jeremiah 23:31-32 ~ Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.
Old Testament | Jeremiah 50:6 ~ My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace.
4. Rabbi Jonathan Cahn: http://www.dejavu-times.blogspot.ca/2015/06/talk-about-deja-vu.html 
5. Gods ? http://dejavu-times.blogspot.ca/2015/07/gods.html

Feelings

(Words for a suffering friend who cannot yet hear)

You feel that no one listens to you, but (however you perceive it), we have listened and this is what we have heard. You have said how you feel and have felt*:

empty	discouraged	abused	guilty
numb	disappointed	rejected	shamed
worthless	angry	unlovable	“I have no family.”
hopeless	alone & lonely	distrusting	“No one understands.”
not deserving	bullied	self-loathing

And yet you also say: “I do not need to be ‘fixed’. There is nothing wrong with me.” (An exact quote.)

Dear, dear Friend: Please, please know—there was only ONE person ever born into this world who did not need to be “fixed.” ALL the rest of us desperately need fixing¹ (healing) with His help and by His grace, WITHOUT exception.

You have also said: “I cannot help the way I feel,” but that is one of the great and chief deceptions of the adversary and is contrary to the Word of God and to passing this mortal probation.

We are here in large measure to manage (control) our feelings with God’s help; NOT for our feelings to manage (control) us.

IF natural feelings were the true measure, there would have been:

▪ No atonement

And [Jesus] went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt (Matthew 26:39);

▪ No Moses or Joshua to lead the Children of Israel because these prophets (like most all the others) felt afraid, insecure, unworthy, inadequate, & so forth;

▪ No Esther to save a nation (& hundreds of other examples).

IF “true” feelings were to govern, there would be:

▪ No loving of one’s enemies
▪ No forgiveness
▪ Fewer tithes and offerings
▪ Less Sabbath observance
▪ More pride and narcissism
▪ Less confession and repentance
▪ More pursuit of the things, praise, and approval of the world (The Three Temptations)
▪ & so forth

Almost nothing of God’s will would be accomplished in this life if we were governed by our feelings, because we ALL must overcome the natural man / woman:

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)

We make right choices according to God’s Will and Word, often against how we feel, because God gives us the strength to do His will; to keep our promises and covenants when we have no strength or feeling for it.

▪ We feel hungry, yet we fast.
▪ We feel angry, yet we strive to be kind, compassionate, and forgiving.
▪ We feel afraid, but we commit to walk in His Word and Will.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. (Isaiah 41:10)

Satan wants us to feel guilty for what others have done to us or have wrongfully blamed us for.

Satan wants us to feel condemned and rejected for mistakes and sins, when Jesus has already paid the price if we will just confess our wrongs and weaknesses and ask for His help and forgiveness.

Satan wants us to think peace and happiness are to be found in changing our circumstances instead of changing ourselves, our perceptions, our attitudes, our pursuits.

Beloved Friend: please, do as Jesus did when he was tempted / attacked by Satan (Luke 4). After each encounter, the Savior responded, “It is written, …”; (and then He quoted scripture); SO when you have feelings like anger, worthlessness, emptiness, etc.—feelings that have been recycling in your life for decades—feelings that do not have their source in God—know that you are under attack, and then counter those negatives and lies, ten-thousand times ten-thousand, if necessary, with the power of God’s word:

… the worth of [my] soul is great in the sight of God; (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 18:10)

… for in his strength I can do all things; (Alma 26:12; 20:4)

Find words of God that counter Satan’s emotion-based lies—find words that sustain gospel values and flood your mind with those words of truth to drown-out the whisperings, lies, distortions, and confusions of the adversary.

This is my witness: that whatever burdens you carry, whether self-inflicted or other-inflicted, you are a soul of great worth who yet needs healing—like the rest of us. You are a soul whose mission and purpose must be higher than the pursuits and rewards of this world. God has not brought you thus far or allowed so much suffering in your life, except He has a spiritual place and purpose for you in helping build His kingdom, if you will but see and hear and do.

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1. There are many who say we do not need to be “fixed”; that we are whole and complete as we are; that, like an acorn, we have the “complete tree” within us; BUT if we run this philosophy through scripture, we see that agency can warp the development / perfection of the seed; that because the blueprint shows one thing, the building may end up being constructed quite differently, thus needing to be fixed. As to “affirmation” therapy, that too needs to be run through scripture. God affirms our self-worth, but laments a great deal about the continual déjà vu of His children rejecting Him plan and will as they continually pursue their “our way.” Perhaps “affirmation” of our thoughts, feelings, and actions has done more damage to the plan of God for our lives than we can possibly imagine.

PS: For those who really want more help in healing, the ministry of Joyce Meyer may be eye- and heart-opening.

Re Joyce

Joyce Meyer
from her website

Re:  preposition. ~ in the case or matter of, as regards
Joyce:  name ~ French: Joyeuse. “Joyful.” E.g.: Joyce Meyer of Joyce Meyer Ministries*

How much do we miss by holding to our narrow paradigms? For nigh four decades, Joyce Meyer has been ministering and yet I had never heard of her until April 28, 2015. And so I rejoice to find, what I propose, is the most powerful Christian woman’s voice in the world today. Perhaps, even the most powerful, practical Christian voice, irrespective of gender.

So how many life-changing opportunities do we miss because we don’t have eyes to see or ears to hear? because we are locked inside our narrow cultural biases? because we are bound to conforming / confirming expectations?

In this writer’s view, every soul could profit from listening, time and again, to the witness of Joyce Meyer, whose ministry might be summed up in these words from a well-known LDS hymn:

Now let us rejoice in the day of salvation.
No longer as strangers on earth need we roam.
Good tidings are sounding to us and each nation
And shortly the hour of redemption will come,

When all that was promised the Saints will be given,
And none will molest them from morn until ev'n,
And earth will appear as the Garden of Eden,
And Jesus will say to all Israel, "Come home."

We'll love one another and never dissemble,
But cease to do evil and ever be one
And when the ungodly are fearing and tremble,
We'll watch for the day when the Savior will come,

In faith we'll rely on the arm of Jehovah
To guide through these last days of trouble and gloom,
And after the scourges and harvest are over,
We'll rise with the just when the Savior doth come.

Then all that was promised the Saints will be given,
And they will be crowned with the angels of heav'n,
And earth will appear as the Garden of Eden,
And Christ and his people will ever be one.^†

Let us break the déjà vu of self-limiting blinders and stiff-necks and let God’s witnesses come in as many diverse ways as God may venture, like unto what the Apostle Paul wrote when quoting the prophet Joel:

And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: (New Testament | Acts 2:17-18; see Old Testament | Joel 2:28-29; bold emphasis added).

P.S.: As with all ministers of the Gospel, one must always exercise discernment and seek confirmation of the Spirit of the things they teach and interpretations they put forward. If there is one serious omission in most Christian and evangelic teachings (including Joyce), it is well described in Dallas Willard's The Great Omission: Reclaiming Jesus's Essential Teaching on Discipleship.

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* https://www.joycemeyer.org/ In addition to the JM Ministry website, there are many YouTube videos.
† "Now Let Us Rejoice" ~ Text: William W. Phelps, Music: Anon.; Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1985], no. 3.)

Law? Order? Obedience?

It seems there is some measure of confusion amongst some saints about what God means regarding law, order, and obedience.¹ Here are the two comments I made on May 18, 2015 (to another’s post of May 8, 2015):

Over the past few years, it seems that "law" and "obedience" have been getting somewhat of a bad rap in the blogosphere, so maybe it would be useful for us to study the scriptural context of their uses, including their derivatives. God's preference has always been "obedience" to Him, His Son, and the Holy Spirit; and He doesn't seem too impressed with the arm of flesh (which ALL of us have fallen heir to). Sure we are subject to laws for the orderly conduct of society (civic, religious, etc.), but when man-made laws / customs / traditions, etc. conflict with our moral / ethical conscience, then maybe Daniel, Shadrach et al. point the right way. At some point we all have to learn that "spiritually-safe" obedience is only to the confirmations of the Spirit. No matter the level of authority, the voice of the Spirit is the final arbiter. So when matters concern us, what is the point of two or three witnesses, if we are not one of those witnesses? (How many of us even pursue that assurance when callings or changes are issued?)

Five observations:
» "first" does not have to mean first in time. It can rate importance;
» as to "The Perfect Day" blogger's extended description of "people who were flawlessly obedient"!!! Hmmm, didn't Jesus call those types "hypocrites" (Matt. 23:25-29)? Maybe such latter-day Pharisees were not such fitting examples to use in critiquing obedience!
» Abraham 3:25 seems pretty crucial to understanding "obedience";
» law and obedience seem inescapably central when one reads D&C 88:21-24; and
» what if obedience is, in final analysis, the ONE great, transcendent [inclusive] law? (For explanation, see the essay: Rule of Law: Ten to One at http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2013/11/rule-of-law-ten-to-one.html )

Below² is a small sampling of God’s Word about law, order, and obedience. Because latter-day revelation is some of the strongest in support, we begin the footnote references with those.

Also, graphically relevant is the story of the old prophet and the young prophet in Old Testament 1 Kings 13 (corrected by the JST). It is an account that every soul in these latter days should know, understand, and apply. Some commentary about that account can be read in a 2010 Déjà Vu ~ TimesTwo post at

http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2010/11/lesson-from-old-prophet.html

(See also: http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2010/08/using-our-heads-minds-and-hearts.html and http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2014/03/are-we-listening.html)

How is the Lord ever going to tutor us in following the voice of the Spirit, if we hang back, like unto (oh, déjà vu) the ancient children of Israel, and send others to hear (or purport to hear) the voice of God in our place?³

How do we:

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good (New Testament | 1 Thessalonians 5:21),

if we consistently neglect “to prove”?

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1. http://puremormonism.blogspot.in/2015/05/the-worst-law-of-heaven.html (and comments)
http://ldsperfectday.blogspot.ca/2015/05/13-spiritual-ascension-step-6-obey-aka.html (and comments)
Note: there is only one example of the phrase “law of heaven” in scripture and it does not seem to concur with its use by those critiquing “law of heaven.”

The above–named councilors were then asked whether they accepted their appointments, and whether they would act in that office according to the law of heaven, to which they all answered that they accepted their appointments, and would fill their offices according to the grace of God bestowed upon them. (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 102:4)

What if the law of heaven is to seek and to do the will of God with the help of His grace and strength; and with an eye single to His glory?
You can also read other blogger’s thoughts, interpretations, and conjectures about law, order, and obedience at: https://ldsanarchy.wordpress.com/2007/10/25/lds-make-the-best-anarchists/ (and comments)
Many of the ideas by these bloggers are thought-provoking and insightful, but sometimes we seem to forget that without law there is no agency. (Does not agency require that we have something to choose or to reject?) And what if, like the forked tongue of the serpent, Satan’s plan was a two-pronged option as described in Q3 at http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2014/09/questions-of-evidence.html  (Perhaps, force/coercion for some stuff and “no law” for stuff not as susceptible to force/coercion?)
2. Doctrine and Covenants | Section 11:20 ~ Behold, this is your work, to keep my commandments, yea, with all your might, mind and strength.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 14:6-7 ~ Seek to bring forth and establish my Zion. Keep my commandments in all things. And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 29:34 ~ Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal; neither any man, nor the children of men; neither Adam, your father, whom I created.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 41:3-5 ~ And by the prayer of your faith ye shall receive my law, that ye may know how to govern my church and have all things right before me. And I will be your ruler when I come; and behold, I come quickly, and ye shall see that my law is kept. He that receiveth my law and doeth it, the same is my disciple; and he that saith he receiveth it and doeth it not, the same is not my disciple, and shall be cast out from among you;
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 42:2 ~ Again I say unto you, hearken and hear and obey the law which I shall give unto you.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 42:91 ~ And if any one offend openly, he or she shall be rebuked openly, that he or she may be ashamed. And if he or she confess not, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of God.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 82:4 ~ Ye call upon my name for revelations, and I give them unto you; and inasmuch as ye keep not my sayings, which I give unto you, ye become transgressors; and justice and judgment are the penalty which is affixed unto my law.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 85:7 ~ And it shall come to pass that I, the Lord God, will send one mighty and strong, holding the scepter of power in his hand, clothed with light for a covering, whose mouth shall utter words, eternal words; while his bowels shall be a fountain of truth, to set in order the house of God, and to arrange by lot the inheritances of the saints whose names are found, and the names of their fathers, and of their children, enrolled in the book of the law of God;
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:21-25 ~ And they who are not sanctified through the law which I have given unto you, even the law of Christ, must inherit another kingdom, even that of a terrestrial kingdom, or that of a telestial kingdom. 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. And again, verily I say unto you, the earth abideth the law of a celestial kingdom, for it filleth the measure of its creation, and transgresseth not the law—
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 88:34-42 ~ And again, verily I say unto you, that which is governed by law is also preserved by law and perfected and sanctified by the same. That which breaketh a law, and abideth not by law, but seeketh to become a law unto itself, and willeth to abide in sin, and altogether abideth in sin, cannot be sanctified by law, neither by mercy, justice, nor judgment. Therefore, they must remain filthy still. All kingdoms have a law given; And there are many kingdoms; for there is no space in the which there is no kingdom; and there is no kingdom in which there is no space, either a greater or a lesser kingdom. And unto every kingdom is given a law; and unto every law there are certain bounds also and conditions. All beings who abide not in those conditions are not justified. For intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence; wisdom receiveth wisdom; truth embraceth truth; virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light; mercy hath compassion on mercy and claimeth her own; justice continueth its course and claimeth its own; judgment goeth before the face of him who sitteth upon the throne and governeth and executeth all things. He comprehendeth all things, and all things are before him, and all things are round about him; and he is above all things, and in all things, and is through all things, and is round about all things; and all things are by him, and of him, even God, forever and ever. And again, verily I say unto you, he hath given a law unto all things, by which they move in their times and their seasons;
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 105:3-6 ~ But behold, they have not learned to be obedient to the things which I required at their hands, but are full of all manner of evil, and do not impart of their substance, as becometh saints, to the poor and afflicted among them; And are not united according to the union required by the law of the celestial kingdom; And Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom; otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself. And my people must needs be chastened until they learn obedience, if it must needs be, by the things which they suffer.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 130:20-21 ~ There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated— And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 132:5-8 ~ For all who will have a blessing at my hands shall abide the law which was appointed for that blessing, and the conditions thereof, as were instituted from before the foundation of the world. And as pertaining to the new and everlasting covenant, it was instituted for the fulness of my glory; and he that receiveth a fulness thereof must and shall abide the law, or he shall be damned, saith the Lord God. And verily I say unto you, that the conditions of this law are these: All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations, that are not made and entered into and sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, of him who is anointed, both as well for time and for all eternity, and that too most holy, by revelation and commandment through the medium of mine anointed, whom I have appointed on the earth to hold this power (and I have appointed unto my servant Joseph to hold this power in the last days, and there is never but one on the earth at a time on whom this power and the keys of this priesthood are conferred), are of no efficacy, virtue, or force in and after the resurrection from the dead; for all contracts that are not made unto this end have an end when men are dead. Behold, mine house is a house of order, saith the Lord God, and not a house of confusion.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 132:12 ~ I am the Lord thy God; and I give unto you this commandment—that no man shall come unto the Father but by me or by my word, which is my law, saith the Lord.
Doctrine and Covenants | Section 132:21 ~ Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye abide my law ye cannot attain to this glory.
Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 2:5-10 ~ And men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil. And the law is given unto men. And by the law no flesh is justified; or, by the law men are cut off. Yea, by the temporal law they were cut off; and also, by the spiritual law they perish from that which is good, and become miserable forever. Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth. Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered. Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise. Wherefore, he is the firstfruits unto God, inasmuch as he shall make intercession for all the children of men; and they that believe in him shall be saved. And because of the intercession for all, all men come unto God; wherefore, they stand in the presence of him, to be judged of him according to the truth and holiness which is in him. Wherefore, the ends of the law which the Holy One hath given, unto the inflicting of the punishment which is affixed, which punishment that is affixed is in opposition to that of the happiness which is affixed, to answer the ends of the atonement—
Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 2:13 ~ 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 9:25-27 ~ 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. For the atonement satisfieth the demands of his justice upon all those who have not the law given to them, that they are delivered from that awful monster, death and hell, and the devil, and the lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment; and they are restored to that God who gave them breath, which is the Holy One of Israel. 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!
Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:24-28 ~ And, notwithstanding we believe in Christ, we keep the law of Moses, and look forward with steadfastness unto Christ, until the law shall be fulfilled. For, for this end was the law given; wherefore the law hath become dead unto us, and we are made alive in Christ because of our faith; yet we keep the law because of the commandments. And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins. Wherefore, we speak concerning the law that our children may know the deadness of the law; and they, by knowing the deadness of the law, may look forward unto that life which is in Christ, and know for what end the law was given. And after the law is fulfilled in Christ, that they need not harden their hearts against him when the law ought to be done away. And now behold, my people, ye are a stiffnecked people; wherefore, I have spoken plainly unto you, that ye cannot misunderstand. And the words which I have spoken shall stand as a testimony against you; for they are sufficient to teach any man the right way; for the right way is to believe in Christ and deny him not; for by denying him ye also deny the prophets and the law.
Book of Mormon | Mosiah 2:33 ~ For behold, there is a wo pronounced upon him who listeth to obey that [evil] spirit; for if he listeth to obey him, and remaineth and dieth in his sins, the same drinketh damnation to his own soul; for he receiveth for his wages an everlasting punishment, having transgressed the law of God contrary to his own knowledge.
Book of Mormon | Mosiah 13:27-32 ~ And now ye have said that salvation cometh by the law of Moses. I say unto you that it is expedient that ye should keep the law of Moses as yet; but I say unto you, that the time shall come when it shall no more be expedient to keep the law of Moses. And moreover, I say unto you, that salvation doth not come by the law alone; and were it not for the atonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people, that they must unavoidably perish, notwithstanding the law of Moses. And now I say unto you that it was expedient that there should be a law given to the children of Israel, yea, even a very strict law; for they were a stiffnecked people, quick to do iniquity, and slow to remember the Lord their God; 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. But behold, I say unto you, that all these things were types of things to come. And now, did they understand the law? I say unto you, Nay, they did not all understand the law; and this because of the hardness of their hearts; for they understood not that there could not any man be saved except it were through the redemption of God.
Book of Mormon | Alma 42:17-23 ~ 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. Now, if there was no law given—if a man murdered he should die—would he be afraid he would die if he should murder? 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. But God ceaseth not to be God, and mercy claimeth the penitent, and mercy cometh because of the atonement; and the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead; and the resurrection of the dead bringeth back men into the presence of God; and thus they are restored into his presence, to be judged according to their works, according to the law and justice.
Book of Mormon | Alma 50:20 ~ Blessed art thou and thy children; and they shall be blessed, inasmuch as they shall keep my commandments they shall prosper in the land. But remember, inasmuch as they will not keep my commandments they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord.
Book of Mormon | Helaman 10:4 ~ Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments.
Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 12:17-20 ~ Think not that I am come to destroy the law or the prophets. I am not come to destroy but to fulfil; For verily I say unto you, one jot nor one tittle hath not passed away from the law, but in me it hath all been fulfilled. And behold, I have given you the law and the commandments of my Father, that ye shall believe in me, and that ye shall repent of your sins, and come unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Behold, ye have the commandments before you, and the law is fulfilled. Therefore come unto me and be ye saved; for verily I say unto you, that except ye shall keep my commandments, which I have commanded you at this time, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 15:9-10 ~ Behold, I am the law, and the light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life. Behold, I have given unto you the commandments; therefore keep my commandments. And this is the law and the prophets, for they truly testified of me.
Book of Mormon | 4 Nephi 1:12 ~ And they did not walk any more after the performances and ordinances of the law of Moses; but they did walk after the commandments which they had received from their Lord and their God, continuing in fasting and prayer, and in meeting together oft both to pray and to hear the word of the Lord.
New Testament | Matthew 5:17-19 ~ Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
New Testament | Matthew 7:12 ~ Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
New Testament | Matthew 22:35-40 ~ Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, 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 | John 14:15 ~ If ye love me, keep my commandments.
New Testament | John 15:10 ~ If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
New Testament | Romans 2-4
New Testament | Romans 7:22 ~ For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
New Testament | Romans 7:25 ~ … with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
New Testament | Romans 8:7 ~ Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
New Testament | 2 Corinthians 10:5 ~ 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;
Old Testament | Exodus 16:4 ~ Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.
Old Testament | Exodus 20:6 ~ And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
Old Testament | Exodus 24:12 ~ And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.
Old Testament | Joshua 22:5 ~ But take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law, which Moses the servant of the LORD charged you, to love the LORD your God, and to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and to cleave unto him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.
Old Testament | Proverbs 7:1-3 ~ MY son, keep my words, and lay up my commandments with thee. Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye. Bind them upon thy fingers, write them upon the table of thine heart.
Old Testament | Isaiah 5:24 ~ …they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
3. Old Testament Exodus 20:19-21 ~ And they [the people] said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die. And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not. And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.

Molten Images ?

“They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods. Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.”
       (Old Testament | Isaiah 42:17-18)

Will we finally understand when all our investments, savings, and retirement funds vanish “in an instant suddenly”?

A Word of Thanks

(for the Bible)

One year ago, I reviewed* a “newish” reason to discount the Bible. The reason was promulgated by a writer named Daymon. His contention was that the present Bible did not meet the criteria of the “Book of the Lamb of God,” but here are more reasons to rethink his criticism—to consider the witness, attitude, and advice of a prior Smith, named Joseph.

After telling me [Joseph] these things, [Moroni] commenced quoting the prophecies of the Old Testament. He first quoted part of the third chapter of Malachi; and he quoted also the fourth or last chapter of the same prophecy, though with a little variation from the way it reads in our Bibles. Instead of quoting the first verse as it reads in our books, he quoted it thus: For behold, the day cometh that shall burn as an oven, and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly shall burn as stubble; for they that come shall burn them, saith the Lord of Hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. And again, he quoted the fifth verse thus: Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. He also quoted the next verse differently: And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers. If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming. In addition to these, he quoted the eleventh chapter of Isaiah, saying that it was about to be fulfilled. He quoted also the third chapter of Acts, twenty-second and twenty-third verses, precisely as they stand in our New Testament. … He also quoted the second chapter of Joel, from the twenty-eighth verse to the last. … He quoted many other passages of scripture, and offered many explanations which cannot be mentioned here. (Pearl of Great Price | JS-History 1:36-41, bold emphasis added.)

[T]he first and fundamental principle of our holy religion is, that we believe that we have a right to embrace all, and every item of truth, without limitation or without being circumscribed or prohibited by the creeds or superstitious notions of men, or by the dominations of one another, when that truth is clearly demonstrated to our minds, and we have the highest degree of evidence of the same; we feel ourselves bound by the laws of God, to observe and do strictly, with all our hearts, all things whatsoever is manifest unto us by the highest degree of testimony that God has committed us, as written in the old and new Testament, or any where else, by any manifestation, whereof we know that it has come from God: and has application to us, being adapted to our situation and circumstances; age, and generation of life; and that we have a perfect, and indefeasible right, to embrace all such commandments, and do them; knowing, that God will not command any thing, but what is peculiarly adapted in itself, to ameliorate the condition of every man under whatever circumstances it may find him, it matters not what kingdom or country he may be in. (Copy of a Letter from J[oseph] Smith Jr. To Mr. Galland., Times and Seasons, vol. 1 (November 1839-October 1840), Vol. 1 No. 4 February, 1840 54, bold emphasis added.)

This book [of Mormon] also tells us that our Saviour made his appearance upon this continent after his resurrection, that he planted the gospel here in all its fulness, and richness, and power, and blessing; that they had apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers and evangelists; the same order, the same priesthood, the same ordinances, gifts, powers, and blessing, as was enjoyed on the eastern continent, that the people were cut off in consequence of their transgressions, that the last of their prophets who existed among them was commanded to write an abridgement of their prophesies, history &c., and to hide it up in the earth, and that it should come forth and be united with the bible for the accomplishment of the purposes of God in the last days. (Extract of a letter by Joseph Smith to Mr. John Wentworth, Editor, and Proprietor of the "Chicago Democrat," Times and Seasons, vol. 3 (November 1841-October 1842), Vol. 3 No. 9 March 1, 1842 708, bold emphasis added.)

In doctrine Mr. [Joseph] Smith is eminently scriptural. I have never known him to deny or depreciate a single truth of the Old and New Testaments; but I have always known him to explain and defend them in a masterly manner.—Being anointed of God, for the purpose of teaching and perfecting the church, it is needful that he should know how to set in order the things that are wanting to bring forth things new and old, as a scribe well instructed. This office and apostleship he appears to magnify; at his touch the ancient prophets spring into life, and the beauty and power of their revelations are made to commend themselves with thrilling interest to all that hear. (Letter of Orson Spencer., Times and Seasons, vol. 4 (November 1842-November 1843), Vol. 4 No. 4 January 2, 1843 57, bold emphasis added.)

I have witnessed the Mormons in their assemblies on a Sunday, and I know not where a similar scene could be effected or produced. With respect to the teachings of the prophet, I must say that there are some things hard to be understood, but he invariably supports himself from our good old Bible. (Excerpt from a letter signed “Yours, An Englishman” published in Times and Seasons, vol. 4 (November 1842-November 1843), Vol. 4 No. 23 October 15, 1843 356-357, bold emphasis added.)

The numerous Bible references cited in Lectures on Faith (the doctrine portion of the Doctrine and Covenants, 1835) which Joseph carefully reviewed in preparation for its publication.

So, considering all the above, if we neglect the Bible could it end up constituting a form of ingratitude similar to what God lamented in:

And because my words shall hiss forth—many of the Gentiles shall say: A Bible! A Bible! We have got a Bible, and there cannot be any more Bible. But thus saith the Lord God: O fools, they shall have a Bible; and it shall proceed forth from the Jews, mine ancient covenant people. And what thank they the Jews for the Bible which they receive from them? Yea, what do the Gentiles mean? Do they remember the travails, and the labors, and the pains of the Jews, and their diligence unto me, in bringing forth salvation unto the Gentiles? (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 29:3-4)

The final word in praise of the Bible we give to another Smith, the elder brother of Joseph:

[Pres't. Hyrum Smith] stated "that there were many of the commands of God that seemed to be overlooked by this generation, and he was fearful that many of the Latter Day Saints in this respect were following their old traditions, and former practices of spiritualizing the word of God, and through a vain philosophy departing from the pure principles of eternal truth which God had given by revelation for the salvation of the human family; but, that every word of God is an importance, whether it be the word contained in the Bible, in the Book of Mormon, or in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, for 'man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God.' The principles that are taught in the Bible are pure, and ought to be adhered too; and if people adhere to that teaching it will prove their salvation. The principles that are taught in the Book of Mormon are also pure, and holy and righteous, and will if followed lead men to God. And the principles that are taught in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, are from God, they are principles of righteousness;—they are given for a blessing to the human family, and the salvation, temporal and spiritual, of his saints; and that man who wantonly departs from any of the revelations of Jehovah, and treats lightly the word of God, whether contained in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, the Book of Mormon, or the Bible, is void of understanding: he is not wise concerning the doings of the Lord, the plan of salvation, the past dealings, present designs, or future purposes of the Almighty. (Extract of a discourse by Hyrum Smith, elder brother of Joseph Smith, Jr.; The Word of Wisdom, Times and Seasons, vol. 3 (November 1841-October 1842), Vol. 3 No. 14 May 16, 1842 799.)

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* http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2014/04/stumbling-along.html

The Choice

This Easter season is an opportune time to ponder the fundamental choice facing every soul as it relates to The Plan.*

On one hand, we have ONE Who

▪   “so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”;¹
▪  is “the way, the truth, and the life”;²
▪  is merciful, gracious, slow to anger, abundant in goodness, and full of loving-kindness;³
▪  is just, equitable, changes not, and is no respecter of persons;⁴
▪  is a God of truth and cannot lie;⁵
▪  is a God of justice and judgment;⁶
▪  is “more intelligent than they all”;⁷
▪  seeks to guide sons and daughters to their best potential;
▪  will share His power and glory with those who ascend to attain His attributes.⁸

On the other hand, we have another who

◦  is NOT at all as the First IS;
◦  seeks power, gain, and glory without integrity or being honorable;⁹
◦  rants and raves when he does not get his way;¹⁰
◦  wishes to enslave and captivate;¹¹
◦  seeks to destroy the souls of men and women;¹²
◦  (has been profiled in several prior Déjà Vu~Times II posts herein.)¹³

So what has been the déjà vu disposition of man in his exercise of agency?—in this choice between life and death?¹⁴

And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. (New Testament | John 3:19-21)

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)

So whose path are we choosing?¹⁵

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* The Plan: http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2015/03/the-plan.html
1. New Testament | John 3:16
2. New Testament | John 14:6
3. See Lectures on Faith, Lectures 3 & 4 ~ Doctrine & Covenants, 1835 and supporting scriptures therein; http://josephsmithpapers.org/paperSummary/doctrine-and-covenants-1835#!/paperSummary/doctrine-and-covenants-1835&p=13  [use the side arrows to navigate].
4. See Lectures on Faith, Lectures 3 & 4 ~ Doctrine & Covenants, 1835 and supporting scriptures therein; http://josephsmithpapers.org/paperSummary/doctrine-and-covenants-1835#!/paperSummary/doctrine-and-covenants-1835&p=13  [use the side arrows to navigate].
5. See Lectures on Faith, Lectures 3 & 4 ~ Doctrine & Covenants, 1835 and supporting scriptures therein; http://josephsmithpapers.org/paperSummary/doctrine-and-covenants-1835#!/paperSummary/doctrine-and-covenants-1835&p=13  [use the side arrows to navigate]
6. For scripture references see http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/2015/01/whither-justice-and-judgment.html
7. And the Lord said unto me: These two facts do exist, that there are two spirits, one being more intelligent than the other; there shall be another more intelligent than they; I am the Lord thy God, I am more intelligent than they all.” (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 3:19)
8. 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. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (New Testament | 1 John 3:2-3)
9. … for he [the devil] rebelled against me [God], 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; (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 29:36)
10. And now Satan began to tremble, and the earth shook; and Moses received strength, and called upon God, saying: In the name of the Only Begotten, depart hence, Satan. And it came to pass that Satan cried with a loud voice, with weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth; and he departed hence, even from the presence of Moses, that he beheld him not. (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 1:21-22)
11. 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 [God’s] voice”. (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 4:4) [In modern lingo, Satan could be called a psychopath.]
12. And thus he [Satan] goeth up and down, to and fro in the earth, seeking to destroy the souls of men. (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 10:27)
13. See http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/search/label/Satan OR
http://dejavu-timestwo.blogspot.ca/search/label/Devil
14. Old Testament | Deuteronomy 30:15-19 ~ See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; In that I command thee this day to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it. But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; I denounce unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish, and that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land, whither thou passest over Jordan to go to possess it. I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
Old Testament | Proverbs 11:19 ~ As righteousness tendeth to life: so he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death.
Old Testament | Jeremiah 21:8 ~ And unto this people thou shalt say, Thus saith the LORD; Behold, I set before you the way of life, and the way of death.
New Testament | Romans 6:23 ~ For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
New Testament | Romans 8:2-6 ~ For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
New Testament | 2 Timothy 1:10 ~ But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:
Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 2:27-29 ~ 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. And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit; And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over you in his own kingdom.
Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:39 ~ O, my beloved brethren, remember the awfulness in transgressing against that Holy God, and also the awfulness of yielding to the enticings of that cunning one. Remember, to be carnally–minded is death, and to be spiritually–minded is life eternal.
Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 10:23 ~ Therefore, cheer up your hearts, and remember that ye are free to act for yourselves—to choose the way of everlasting death or the way of eternal life.
Book of Mormon | Alma 29:4-5 ~ … I know that he granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life; yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to their wills, whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction. Yea, and I know that good and evil have come before all men; he that knoweth not good from evil is blameless; but he that knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires, whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience.
Book of Mormon | Helaman 14:31 ~ He hath given unto you that ye might know good from evil, and he hath given unto you that ye might choose life or death; and ye can do good and be restored unto that which is good, or have that which is good restored unto you; or ye can do evil, and have that which is evil restored unto you.
15. Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 27:33 ~ And it came to pass that when Jesus had ended these sayings he said unto his disciples: Enter ye in at the strait gate; for strait is the gate, and narrow is the way that leads to life, and few there be that find it; but wide is the gate, and broad the way which leads to death, and many there be that travel therein, until the night cometh, wherein no man can work.