Home » The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints » LDS Deep Doctrine » The Endowment (The Spiritual Gifts )
| Re: The Endowment [message #3689 is a reply to message #3671] |
Sat, 02 November 2019 14:35   |
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brrgilbert
Messages: 282
Registered: December 2012
Location: Nampa, Idaho
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Senior Member |
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Our "Telestial" depiction of JUSTICE is given as shown: a woman wearing a blind, holding a set of scales in her hand . . . and usually a sword in the other - denoting the potential execution of the penalty; punishment. The reason that "JUSTICE" is depicted as a woman, is because the basis of "measuring" require wisdom or "sophia" which is feminine. The blind depicts impartiality of sight, for judgement is to be done without respect of persons - be they well clothed or impoverished, familiar or foreign.
The purpose for this particular posting and ones that will be following have to do with the three progressive states that lead to perfection: justification, sanctification and purification. In order to be perfect; whole and complete, one must be innocent from sin and infraction of God's Laws, holy and set apart from Babylon; the world, by consecrating themselves to associate with Heaven and, finally, pure; free of dross and contamination as having gone through the Refiner's fire and purged of darkness. In particular, this treatise is on "justification" with many of its implications in our "carnal," fallen world.
Isn't it interesting that in the generation of "excuses," man is inclined to automatically "justify" themselves? Isn't it interesting that in this world, many seek for "validation?" It would seem that such is "hardwired" into the very fiber of our being. Inherently we know that we are accountable to someone. Wouldn't it be wonderful if everyone realized who that Someone really was? Being "justified" is an integral part of finding joy and happiness in life. We are told in scripture that "wickedness was never happiness" and so, it only follows . . . .
The type of scale that is being used is a balance scale. It infers that some "standard" be employed on one side in comparison with that which is being "weighed" and measured on the other. Such comparisons are done in the reference frame of "gravity." It would be pointless to use such a device in the vacuum of space; extant of an absolute. So, in proceeding, that which is to be measured is not external to the object in question, but internal. The process is undertaken in the external reference frame of "natural" law to be witnessed by others so that certain conditions, have, in fact, been met. (The mere fact that "weighing" and "comparing" is had, in the first place, infers audience; witnesses.) The process of Justice, must, certainly, be Just, itself as judged by others. The very notion implies that Laws are known and established before the foundation of such endeavors.
There are three ways to be Justified:
1.) Commit no infraction of the Law being; therefore, on the level and not accountable for any infraction - this is innocence.
2.) Pay the prescribed penalty of the Law; therefore, restoring the weight of the balance in a quid pro quo - eye for an eye fashion.
3.) Allow a "vicarious" person who meets criteria number 1 in being innocent to pay the prescribed penalty of the Law provided that it is acceptable to the "Court" and Law Giver. In our case, this is Jesus the Christ, who qualifies on all counts. This condition allows the penalty to be paid, but subjects us to the conditions made upon us by the one paying the debt or demands of Justice. In the Gospel sense, this is called "Probation." The "immediate" debt to the Law is met; however, there is a contingency based upon our future behavior. This is known as Justification by Grace or Justification by Faith. More will be forthcoming.
"I must endure the presence of a few caterpillars if I wish to become acquainted with the butterflies."
The Little Prince by St. Exupery
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