Home » Calling and Election Made Sure » How You Received Your Calling and Election Made Sure » A question to those who have received C&E (What about opposition? Abrahamic trial, etc.)
| Re: A question to those who have received C&E [message #2053 is a reply to message #1231] |
Mon, 21 January 2013 15:38   |
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brrgilbert
Messages: 282
Registered: December 2012
Location: Nampa, Idaho
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Senior Member |
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Understanding what an Abrahamic trial is and having experienced several which I claim fall into this category, I am of the opinion, (and I don't know because I am only one person and my experiences may be unique,) that such trials and tests are a prerequisite for experiencing the calling and election / more sure word of prophecy phenomena of being accepted of the Lord. It is with this motivation that I desire to share this understanding.
By way of foreword, please understand that Heavenly Father knows ALL things from the onset or beginning. He knows the outcome of all such tests and trials; therefore, the results are not for His gain or to His satisfaction. This could be compared to the proper perspective to be had for an examination. It is not for the intent of the Instructor that such tests are given, but rather a measure of the thoroughness of the student in their preparation. It is more for the benefit of the student to learn what he or she lacks. Such is the case in such experiences for us, I believe.
(Doctrine and Covenants 101:1-5.)
1 Verily I say unto you, concerning your brethren who have been afflicted, and persecuted, and cast out from the land of their inheritance--
2 I, the Lord, have suffered the affliction to come upon them, wherewith they have been afflicted, in consequence of their transgressions;
3 Yet I will own them, and they shall be mine in that day when I shall come to make up my jewels.
4 Therefore, they must needs be chastened and tried, even as Abraham, who was commanded to offer up his only son.
5 For all those who will not endure chastening, but deny me, cannot be sanctified.
Please note that we are told that we are to be tried even as Abraham (likening the scriptures unto ourselves) and that, according to the last verse, those who do not endure this chastening cannot be sanctified. One of the definitions of sanctification is to be set apart for a holy purpose. I submit to you that having your calling and election made sure is a definite sanctifying principle, well worth the "examination" period. That scriptural citation gives credence to my assertion that such a test is necessary in receiving one's higher assurance.
The question begs itself, "What is the nature of an Abrahamic Test?"
In its essence, an Abrahamic test is a trial of devotion to determine where a participant's priority truly resides. It generally involves the most powerful emotion there is; that of LOVE. It is a "stretching of the heart strings," as some of the Brethren have stated, in that a conflict is created between two seemingly equal beings, objects, concepts, or ideals that are diametrically opposed necessitating a choice or resolution as to which priority takes precedence. It is not easily resolved, but reveals the deep and intricate values and devotions that a soul can muster. It is, seemingly, all that can be afforded and a surrendering of all on the altar of sacrifice. Such was the case with Abraham and such is the case when a heart is neigh drawn assunder because of the intensity.
An Abrahamic test is; therefore, a matter of the heart.
(1 Samuel 16:7.)
7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
Who knows better on how to create such a predicament than God.
(Alma 18:30-32.)
30 And Ammon said unto him: The heavens is a place where God dwells and all his holy angels.
31 And king Lamoni said: Is it above the earth?
32 And Ammon said: Yea, and he looketh down upon all the children of men; and he knows all the thoughts and intents of the heart; for by his hand were they all created from the beginning.
It may prove beneficial for some to review Abrahams proceedings in Genesis 22: 1-19. To understand the intensity of the conflict created for Abraham, consider the dilemma: revelation from God to sacrifice your long sought for heir and the commandment to not kill.
(Doctrine and Covenants 132:36.)
36 Abraham was commanded to offer his son Isaac; nevertheless, it was written: Thou shalt not kill. Abraham, however, did not refuse, and it was accounted unto him for righteousness.
To the casual reader, it may seem like Abraham spent little time in resolving this conflict. In reality this was not the case. (Much like Nephi's dilemma in slaying Laban.) How, then, did Abraham tip the scales in favor of obeying personal revelation versus a prior commandment; revelation versus tradition or, sacrificing one love for another of seemingly equal value; Love of God versus Love of Isaac. The key:
(Hebrews 11:17-19.)
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:
19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.
Abraham trusted in God. He resolved the dilemma by having faith that God couldn't lie and would fulfill His promises previously made by resurrecting Isaac. He made the decision; the value by sacrificing NOW for THEN when it concerned Isaac.
To resolve the severing of the heart; therefore, resolve the problem by trusting in God. I can personally attest that sometimes the knife isn't stayed. The NOW may be lost, but THEN it may be rewarded 7 or 10 or 100 or ?? fold. Such is the worth of obtaining eternal life.
"I must endure the presence of a few caterpillars if I wish to become acquainted with the butterflies."
The Little Prince by St. Exupery
[Updated on: Mon, 21 January 2013 16:04] Report message to a moderator |
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