Re: Necessary for Calling & Election/ 2nd comforter? [message #2223 is a reply to message #1236] |
Thu, 21 February 2013 15:24 |
John
Messages: 4 Registered: February 2013 Location: California
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I think we must always remember the purpose of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To bring us to partake of the fruit (eternal life) from the tree of life (Christ). The process begins with faith in the Lord, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost. Enduring to the end is a principle of faith. We must endure to the end of our faith. Who is the finisher of our faith? Jesus Christ himself.
The portion of offering a contrite spirit and a broken heart refers more specifically to the gift of the Holy Ghost (1st comforter) or being baptized by fire/born again/born of the spirit/remission of sins/justified/etc. Then do what all the BOM guys do to retain their remission of sins: preach gospel, clothe the naked, feed hungry, administer to the sick, etc (mosiah 4). With proving yourself then everything will work itself out for receiving the 2nd comforter or the promise of eternal life or the perfect day (d&c 50:24).
A little off topic: The portion of Christ and His Father making their abode as spoken of in John 14 (to be in the Father presence) is a greater blessing of which I cannot discuss on this thread. There will always be a trial of faith to be had to augment our faith for each endowment of pure knowledge but the trial of "exceeding faith" has to do with entering into the presence of the Father (must have the fulness of the 2nd grand order to do so, JST Gen. 14:31). I personally think Abraham was going for that and was well passed his initial calling and election made sure (2nd comf.) before his great trial.
Can you be in Their presence spiritually, in vision, or hear either of Their voices prior to ordinances? YES! That is why Joseph says, in reference to the 1st Vision, that it was a "vision" like that of Paul on the road to demascus.
I do not pretend to know everything on the subject, so any concerns or comments are welcomed..thank you guys!
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