The Fastest Way to Make Your Calling and Election Sure

           Now that we have discussed the details of how this blessing is most commonly received, and pointed out that we should be seeking it.  We can now finally show you the fastest way to receive the promise for yourself.

           It is the fastest way, because it is not our way, or man’s way, it is the Lord’s way.

           When we say “the fastest way”, we do not mean that you will somehow bypass required progression, only that you will be told exactly what you need to focus on so that you have a personalized map showing you exactly what is required for you to do from where you are right now.  It is the fastest way because you will not wander aimlessly in the “Endure to the End” stage of your life.

           There are many who have received the promise but looked beyond the mark and did not recognize it at the time they received it.

           There are also many who are already worthy of receiving this great blessing and yet simply have not asked for it.

           And there are even more who are not yet ready to receive it and who continue along aimlessly without solid concrete direction.

           After all that has been discussed in this book,  we would like to point out that studying and knowing about the doctrine of Calling & Election is like knowing and studying about the doctrine of baptism.

           Baptism requires very little information prior to accepting the ordinance.  So much so is the case that an eight year old child is capable of receiving the ordinance and may yet spend much of its adult life studying and pondering the implications, meaning and experience of the ordinance.

           Such is the case with many of the ordinances in the church.  And, such is the case with Calling & Election.  From this simple book alone, you may know more about the doctrine of Calling and Election than many who have already received it.  And we know people who are well studied experts on the topic, (so they think), who have still not yet received it.

           Clearly knowledge about the topic has little bearing on whether we receive and accept the ordinance.  What does?

           In a talk entitled, “Making our Calling and Election Sure” given during the Church General Conference in October 1965, President Romney read 2Peter 1:10 as quoted above, then continued by saying,

“Speaking on Sunday, the 14th of May, 1843, the Prophet Joseph Smith took this statement of Peter for his text. From the Prophet's sermon I quote:

 

"Notwithstanding the apostle exhorts them to add to their faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, etc., yet he exhorts them to make their calling and election sure. And though they had heard an audible voice from heaven bearing testimony that Jesus was the Son of God, yet he says we have a more sure word of prophecy.... Now wherein could they have a more sure word of prophecy than to hear the voice of God saying, This is my beloved Son, etc." Answering his own question, the Prophet continued, "Though they might hear the voice of God and know that Jesus was the Son of God, this would be no evidence that their election and calling was made sure, that they had part with Christ, and were joint heirs with Him. They then would want that more sure word of prophecy, that they were sealed in the heavens and had the promise of eternal life in the kingdom of God. Then, having this promise sealed unto them, it was an anchor to the soul, sure and steadfast. Though the thunders might roll and lightnings flash, and earthquakes bellow, and war gather thick around, yet this hope and knowledge would support the soul in every hour of trial, trouble and tribulation."

 

Then speaking directly to his listeners, the Prophet continued:

"... I would exhort you to go on and continue to call upon God until you make your calling and election sure for yourselves, by obtaining this more sure word of prophecy,..." (HC 5:388 389.)  - “Making Our Calling and Election Sure” by Marion G. Romney, Conference Report, October 1965, 20-23

           This then gives us the final missing key.  We are to “call upon God until” we receive the promise for ourselves.  We call on God through sincere prayer.  What do we pray for?  We pray for the promise of eternal life.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.

 

Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.” - John 16:23-24

           If you will now permit us to share with you our most important thought on the subject of Calling & Election, then we will tell you the fastest way we know to receive the promise for yourself.

1. Set a date - It could be as early as right now or next week or whenever you feel is right for you.
2. Prepare - Fast, study, pray for the spirit and angels to attend, put your name on the temple prayer roll, etc. You might even consider asking others to fast and pray for you.
3. Ask God in Prayer - When you are ready, in sincere prayer, open your heart completely to God. Trust in his judgment completely and ask God the following questions:

1. 1. Have I made my calling & Election sure? – Wait for a response if you get a negative response, then ask…
   2. May I have your promise that I will be exalted and receive all the blessings of eternal Life right now? – Wait for a response…
   3. And only if you get a negative response ask the following…What do I need to “become” to be worthy of this promise? – Wait for a response…

           The words are not as important as the intent and sincerity.  These questions simply give you a frame work by which you can understand how to ask God for the blessing.

Consider the purpose of each question:

Question 1: Have I made my calling & Election sure?

           You may already have received the promise via a previous revelation and yet not have recognized it. We have known a small number to people who had received the promise already but did not recognize it.  They were looking beyond the mark and so had missed the blessing when it came. They may have been looking for the Prophet to call them to the temple, or for angels and trumpets.

           This first question is to ask if you already received it but didn't recognize it at the time. If you get a favorable response to this question, you don't need to ask further.

Question 2: May I have Your promise that I will be exalted and receive all the blessings of eternal Life?

           You may not have already received the promise, but you might not have received the promise ONLY because you didn't ask for it.

           This question is for those who already qualify, but have not asked for the blessing. If you get a favorable response to this question, you don't need to ask further.

           As with the first question, when the Holy Ghost, which is the testifier and Holy Spirit of Promise, testifies to you that you have the promise, then you’ve got it.

           If you are still unsure, or want a reconfirmation, ask again as many times as you need.

           However, ultimately you have to have faith in the promise you have received, you must believe the witness of the Holy Ghost and outgrow doubts and feelings of unworthiness. (See Galatians chapter 3.)

Question 3: What do I need to “become” to be worthy of this promise?

           In the event that you did not get a favorable response to the previous 2 questions, this question is asking for direction.  Do not spend hours, days or years wandering in darkness, (1Ne. 8:7-10).  Pray for direction from God who knows the best path for you.

           This does not mean the path is short or easy, only that you need not wander aimlessly.  This question focuses on your lack based on God’s perfect view point, and not your own imperfect view point.

           Hold in mind the intent of growth and progression to overcome your lack as shown you by the Lord.

           Practice gratitude and find love within you and emanating from you in your life every day.

           Also ask for guidance and instruction as to how to most effectively overcome your lack.  This allows the Lord to essentially give you a pretest evaluation.   You can do this as many times as you wish.  The Lord will not tire of talking with you.

           That’s it.

           We recommend asking the questions in order even if you know for certain that you are not worthy. 

           Few people ask for it in a way that they can receive the sealing promise or ratifying witness of the Holy Ghost.  They tend to only ask the third question supposing that they have not yet qualified.  Or ask in a way that doesn’t give them a solid plan to become worthy.

 

For those who say: “That’s Too Easy!”

           It may or may not be easy depending on how far you have come already and how far you have to go.

           Again, let the Lord judge you and learn to trust His judgment.

           We have spoke with some who are willing to tackle the hardest challenges, take on the world and do whatever is required to prove themselves to the Lord and yet they will not do the smallest and most important things because they are too easy.

           Alma gave this warning to his son Helaman,

“O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look they might live; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever.” - Alma 37:46

           We know more than a few who have received the promise for themselves by following this simple process.  We know you can too.