The Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Chapter 9

Closing Thoughts and Remarks

And Introduction to the Coming Book:

“The Church of the Firstborn - How to Be an Active Member”

           Having explored the steps by which we travel with Faith, through repentance & baptism to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and are finally sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise, we can see how we qualify for all the gifts God has prepared for us.  This progression is clearly defined as the path to exaltation.  Notice each step and the resulting rewards as spelled out in D&C 76:50-76

The Requirements for Receiving Your Calling and Election Made Sure:

“And again we bear record—for we saw and heard, and this is the testimony of the gospel of Christ concerning them who shall come forth in the resurrection of the just—

 

They are they who received the testimony of Jesus, and believed on his name and were baptized after the manner of his burial, being buried in the water in his name, and this according to the commandment which he has given—

 

That by keeping the commandments they might be washed and cleansed from all their sins, and receive the Holy Spirit by the laying on of the hands of him who is ordained and sealed unto this power;

 

And who overcome by faith, and are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, which the Father sheds forth upon all those who are just and true.”  - D&C 76:50-53

The Blessings of Receiving Your Calling and Election Made Sure:

“They are they who are the church of the Firstborn.

 

They are they into whose hands the Father has given all things—

 

They are they who are priests and kings, who have received of his fulness, and of his glory;

 

And are priests of the Most High, after the order of Melchizedek, which was after the order of Enoch, which was after the order of the Only Begotten Son.

 

Wherefore, as it is written, they are gods, even the sons of God—

 

Wherefore, all things are theirs, whether life or death, or things present, or things to come, all are theirs and they are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.

 

And they shall overcome all things.

 

Wherefore, let no man glory in man, but rather let him glory in God, who shall subdue all enemies under his feet.

 

These shall dwell in the presence of God and his Christ forever and ever.

 

These are they whom he shall bring with him, when he shall come in the clouds of heaven to reign on the earth over his people.

 

These are they who shall have part in the first resurrection.

 

These are they who shall come forth in the resurrection of the just.

 

These are they who are come unto Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly place, the holiest of all.

 

These are they who have come to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of Enoch, and of the Firstborn.

 

These are they whose names are written in heaven, where God and Christ are the judge of all.

 

These are they who are just men made perfect through Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, who wrought out this perfect atonement through the shedding of his own blood.

 

These are they whose bodies are celestial, whose glory is that of the sun, even the glory of God, the highest of all, whose glory the sun of the firmament is written of as being typical.” - D&C 76:54-70

           We have now entered a new realm with which many are not familiar and unfortunately, which is not in line with the purposes of this short book.  Though many have heard them, these terms are little understood.  The following simple definitions will be useful in further study of these subjects, however they should not be considered definitive:

  • Calling and Election made sure – When a person has received the promise of exaltation from God, and knows it.
  • More Sure word of Prophecy – The testimony of Christ is the spirit of prophecy, (Rev. 19:10). The sure knowledge of Christ is the more sure word of Prophecy. This comes when we are introduced to Christ in person and the testimony becomes more sure.
  • Comforter – The Holy Ghost with its particular function to teach the truth of all things. This Comforter’s grand gift is received when we receive the witness of the truth which is the promise sealed by the Holy Ghost that you will be exalted.  Also known as “The Holy Spirit of Promise”. Very comforting! (D&C 88:3-5)
  • The Second Comforter – The presence of Jesus Christ with you continuously along with occasional visitations by Jesus Christ. This is discussed in detail in a future book.
  • The Church of the Firstborn – Those who have received their calling and election become members of the Church of the Firstborn. Receiving ones Calling and Election made sure is the “Baptismal” ordinance or initial ordinance required for membership into the Church of the First Born which is a spiritual church beyond the veil.  (D&C 76:50-70) You become a First Born son or daughter of God and thereby a joint heir with Christ and all the other firstborn.  The implications of this and what it can mean to you will be discussed in detail in the upcoming book.

           There are many blessings associated with receiving ones calling and election made sure.  The experience alone is worth it; however, it is what happens after the experience which makes the blessing most valuable.

           The rate in which we are able to learn and progress increases both through association with the general assembly and Church of the First Born and through the safety or comfort of the promise, (D&C 132:26).

           Although it appears to be the end of a path, it is truly a new and glorious beginning in which “all things become new”.

           Because we rely on the spirit, there is no fear of being led astray by false witnesses or even Satan disguised as an Angel of light.  This comes from being built on the rock of personal revelation which protects us from the cunning traps placed before us.  The results of which is every message is tested and tried against the inner witness of the spirit.  Thus even the false teachings of unknown messengers are no threat to those who know the voice of the Spirit.

           Recognizing & following the Holy Ghost is essential to our progression and provides us an incredible gift.

           The highest priority should be placed on the Holy Ghost which is truly an unspeakable gift, far greater than you may presently understand!

“God shall give unto you knowledge by his Holy Spirit, yea, by the unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost, that has not been revealed since the world was until now” - D&C 121:26

           We bear our special witness to the reality of the living Christ.  He lives!  We have seen him and experienced the wounds that witness his life!  We bear witness of the power of the Holy Ghost to teach all things.  We testify that each person can receive the sweet assurance and further knowledge that they are sealed up to their exaltation.  We further testify that it is within the grasp of every person to know for themselves from their own personal experience the reality of the living savior.

           All these things we give to you in the name of Christ… Amen.