Why We Need Prophets and Apostles.

So this past couple of weekends, I was given the opportunity to teach Sunday School in church.  This last weekend didn't work out, due to lack of communication, but I don't mind.  I am grateful for the lesson that was given.  My point is that in the last two weeks, I have been able to focus a lot of my time on studying the scriptures.  I really enjoy studying the scriptures and the understanding that I gain from reading, pondering and studying.  What I really enjoy when I study the scriptures is when you get that spark of understanding, when you read something and other things are brought to your mind that help you understand the principle better than you did before.  I had a few of those this last weekend, but I only want to share one.

There is a scripture in Ephesians 2:18-22
 18 For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

 20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

I was trying to understand why this scripture stated that the apostles and prophets are part of the foundation.  I just could not wrap my head around this scripture, couldn't quite understand.  Then I reread it and all of a sudden another scripture came into my mind.  Lectures on Faith The Second verse 20 and 26 to34

20 Having shown, then, in the first instance, that God began to converse with man, immediately after he "breathed into his nostrils the breath of life," and that he did not cease to manifest himself to him, even after his fall, we shall next proceed to show, that, though he was cast out from the garden of Eden, his knowledge of the existence of God was not lost, neither did God cease to manifest his will unto him.

26 Moses also gives us an account, in the 4th of Genesis, of the transgression of Cain, and the righteousness of Abel, and of the revelations of God to them. He says: In process of time Cain brought of the fruit of the ground, an offering unto the Lord—And Abel also brought of the firstlings of his flock, and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel, and to his offering: but unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. Now satan knew this, and it pleased him. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. And the Lord said unto Cain, Why are you angry? why is your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not well, sin lies at the door, and satan desires to have you; and except you shall hearken unto my commandments, I will deliver you up: and it shall be unto you according to his desire.

27 And Cain went into the field and talked with his brother Abel. And while they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel, and slew him. And Cain gloried in what he had done, saying, I am free! surely the flocks of my brother will now fall into my hands.

28 But the Lord said unto Cain, Where is Abel, your brother? And he said, I know not: am I my brother's keeper? And the Lord said, What have you done? the voice of your brother's blood cries unto me from the ground. And now, you shall be cursed from the earth which has opened her mouth to receive your brother's blood, from your hand. When you till the ground, she shall not henceforth yield unto you her strength. A fugitive and a vagabond also, you shall be in the earth.

29 And Cain said unto the Lord, Satan tempted me because of my brother's flocks. And I was also angry: for his offering was accepted, and mine was not: My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, you have driven me out this day from the face of men, and from your face shall I be hid also; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, every one that finds me will slay me, because of my oath; for these things are not hid from the Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Therefore, whoever slays Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him seven fold. And the Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.

30 The object of the foregoing quotations is to show to this class the way by which mankind were first made acquainted with the existence of a God: that it was by a manifestation of God to man, and that God continued, after man's transgression to manifest himself to him and his posterity: and notwithstanding they were separated from his immediate presence, that they could not see his face, they continued to hear his voice.

31 Adam thus being made acquainted with God, communicated the knowledge which he had unto his posterity; and it was through this means that the thought was first suggested to their minds that there was a God. Which laid the foundation for the exercise of their faith, through which they could obtain a knowledge of his character and also of his glory.

32 Not only was there a manifestation made unto Adam of the existence of a God, but Moses informs us, as before quoted, that God condescended to talk with Cain after his great transgression, in slaying his brother, and that Cain knew that it was the Lord that was talking with him: so that when he was driven out from the presence of his brethren, he carried with him the knowledge of the existence of a God: an through this means, doubtless his posterity became acquainted with the fact that such a being existed.

33 From this we can see that the whole human family, in the early age of their existence, in all their different branches, had this knowledge disseminated among them; so that the existence of God became an object of faith, in the early age of the world. And the evidences which these men had of the existence of a God, was the testimony of their fathers in the first instance.

34 The reason why we have been thus particular on this part of our subject, is, that this class may see by what means it was that God became an object of faith among men after the fall; and what it was that stirred up the faith of multitudes to feel after him; to search after a knowledge of his character, perfections and attributes, until they became extensively acquainted with him; and not only commune with him, and behold his glory, but be partakers of his power, and stand in his presence.

Lecture the Second questions and answers

Question 8: What testimony had the immediate descendants of Adam, in proof of the existence of a God?
The testimony of their father. And after they were made acquainted with his existence, by the testimony of their father, they were dependent upon the exercise of their own faith, for a knowledge of his character, perfections and attributes. (2:23-26)

Question 9: Had any others of the human family, beside Adam, a knowledge of the existence of God, in the first instance, by any other means than human testimony?
They had not. For previous to the time that they could have power to obtain a manifestation for themselves, the all-important fact had been communicated to them by their common father: and so, from father to child, the knowledge was communicated as extensively, as the knowledge of his existence was known; for it was by this means, in the first instance, that men had a knowledge of his existence. (2:35, 36)

Question 144: What testimony have men, in the first instance, that there is a God?
Human testimony, and human testimony only. (2:56)

Question 145: What excited the ancient saints to seek diligently after a knowledge of the glory of God, his perfections and attributes?
The credence they gave to the testimony of their fathers. (2:56)

Question 146: How do men obtain a knowledge of the glory of God, his perfections and attributes?
By devoting themselves to his service, through prayer and supplication incessantly, strengthening their faith in him, until like Enoch, the brother of Jared, and Moses, they obtain a manifestation of God to themselves. (2:55)

Question 147: Is the knowledge of the existence of God a matter of mere tradition, founded upon human testimony alone, until a person receives a manifestation of God to themselves?
It is.

So, a bit long winded, but the point is that Paul was teaching the same principle that Joseph Smith was teaching.  The reason that Apostles and Prophets are our foundation is because they bear testimony of Jesus Christ, who is the Chief Cornerstone.  The reason having Joseph Smith seeing God the Father and Jesus Christ in the first vision was so important was because, there had not been anybody that had seen the Father and Christ, since the Great Apostasy.  Without Joseph Smith and his experience as a 14 year old boy, we could not have the hope of attaining the same.  What Father, having such an experience as Adam's or Enoch's, would not want their children to come into the presence of the Son and the Father like they did.  This is the reason they taught of the Father and the Savior.  2 Nephi 25:26, 28-29

26 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

 28 And now behold, my people, ye are a stiffnecked people; wherefore, I have spoken plainly unto you, that ye cannot misunderstand. And the words which I have spoken shall stand as a testimony against you; for they are sufficient to teach any man the right way; for the right way is to believe in Christ and deny him not; for by denying him ye also deny the prophets and the law.

 29 And now behold, I say unto you that the right way is to believe in Christ, and deny him not; and Christ is the Holy One of Israel; wherefore ye must bow down before him, and worship him with all your might, mind, and strength, and your whole soul; and if ye do this ye shall in nowise be cast out.

Ephesians 2: 21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:

 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.

This is talking about us, individually, we are the temple of God.  All of these things, will help to build our temple and as they come together, we become a habitation of God.  

So this brings me to a pressing question.  Is this pattern of coming to Christ, being taught in church?  I believe not!  Our apostles and prophets do not testify of the divinity of Christ, they testify of the "name" of Christ.  Does this mean that they will never be able to? No, but it is one thing to not have this experience and it is another to teach against it or to not teach it at all.  Joseph Smith vehemently taught that we are all able to and should receive the Savior, or Second Comforter.  While I have no personal vendetta with the church or its leaders, I encourage all to pray and ask the Father, if any of these men have seen the Savior's face.  I know for myself that they have not.  I believe they can, just as we all can.  I do not hold it against them and I have no desire to tell them how to do their job better, but because I know this of myself, I am encouraged to seek Christ for myself and to ask the Father through the Spirit, to verify the things that I should be doing in my life.  Everything in the Gospel comes back to qualifying ourselves to come into the presence of the Father and no man comes to Him, but by the Savior.  Yes, listen to apostles and prophets of old, who have testified of these truths.  Who testify of Jesus Christ, who call to repentance and that we need the Savior to come to the Father. The idea that the present prophet is the most important is false doctrine, it should never have been spoken over the pulpit.  If Joseph Smith can teach what Paul taught, then so can the present prophets and apostles teach the teachings of old.  The Doctrine of Christ or the gospel, is never changing.  If it is changing, it is because of the precepts of men mingled with scripture.  There is more, plenty more, but it does not have to do with where we build or how many temples we build, it has nothing to do with changing the missionary age.  There is so much more that the Savior can teach us. The idea that we need a man or group of men, to tell us what to do to come to Christ, is false.  We are not all the same and each and every individual is different in their needs, their weaknesses and their unbeliefs, only Christ knows what we need to come to Him.  Hear His voice, He is calling, always calling, and ever present. Seek Him and you will find!

Good Works

I was reading 3 Nephi 13 today and came across these verses:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father who is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day: Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name have cast out devils, and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them: I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
I was thinking about these verses with what I experienced this past weekend and what I believed growing up in the church. I know that this teaching is not only in the LDS church, but in other churches as well. The teaching is God will judge you by your works and as long as you are doing good, you'll be fine. There is some truth to this, but with this scripture it is a partial truth. If Christ had just gone about doing good things, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, raising the dead, casting out devils, etc., it would have been good. He would have blessed many lives and many would have still believed on His name, but He would not have been doing the Father's will. It is not enough to just do good works. It is not enough to just live in the way that you think is good. If we are not being led by the spirit in our daily lives, in the things that we do, how can we know that we are doing the right things. Sure we all want to help the poor, but what if the spirit whispered, not to? What if it told us to go into a bar, because there would be someone there that we could help? What if it told us to give our last $20 dollars to help another family? What if it told us to lay our hands on someone's head and heal them? What if the spirit told you to quit your job and learn to depend on the Father? The spirit can, will, and has asked people to do these things. Do we have the faith to follow? This past weekend I worshipped with some very beautiful families, who desire only to do the Lord's will. It was one of the best experiences I have ever had. We were moved upon by the spirit and led to pray  for each other, bless each other, even do baptisms for healing. To feel the spirit move in such a peaceful way, was amazing. I am in awe at the way the Lord works. There was no judgement, no hard feelings towards each other at all. I was one of those baptized for healing by my husband, in a river. It was so peaceful, although cold. To feel that water wash over me 7 times was so cleansing. With God, I can do all things. I share this as a witness of the power that God grants to His children, independent of an organization. "Where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name, there will I be also" (Mathew 18:20). He was there. I am grateful for this experience. He wants us to follow the Father's will do that we can come closer to Him. When we are one with the Savior, we are one with the Father. John 17. The Father's purpose is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. (Moses 1:39) and the way they chose to accomplish this was to build an earth whereon they could prove us, Abraham 3:25 And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them. We learn of God, by doing His will. Let us move forward in faith. May peace be with you!

Are We Awake!

 

I am extremely excited about this.  The spirit in it is so breathtaking and beautiful. 
3 Nephi 16:3-20 3 But I have received a commandment of the Father that I shall go unto them, and that they shall hear my voice, and shall be numbered among my sheep, that there may be one fold and one shepherd; therefore I go to show myself unto them.

 4 And I command you that ye shall write these sayings after I am gone, that if it so be that my people at Jerusalem, they who have seen me and been with me in my ministry, do not ask the Father in my name, that they may receive a knowledge of you by the Holy Ghost, and also of the other tribes whom they know not of, that these sayings which ye shall write shall be kept and shall be manifested unto the Gentiles, that through the fulness of the Gentiles, the remnant of their seed, who shall be scattered forth upon the face of the earth because of their unbelief, may be brought in, or may be brought to a knowledge of me, their Redeemer.

 5 And then will I gather them in from the four quarters of the earth; and then will I fulfil the covenant which the Father hath made unto all the people of the house of Israel.

 6 And blessed are the Gentiles, because of their belief in me, in and of the Holy Ghost, which witnesses unto them of me and of the Father.

 7 Behold, because of their belief in me, saith the Father, and because of the unbelief of you, O house of Israel, in the latter day shall the truth come unto the Gentiles, that the fulness of these things shall be made known unto them.

 8 But wo, saith the Father, unto the unbelieving of the Gentiles—for notwithstanding they have come forth upon the face of this land, and have scattered my people who are of the house of Israel; and my people who are of the house of Israel have been cast out from among them, and have been trodden under feet by them;

 9 And because of the mercies of the Father unto the Gentiles, and also the judgments of the Father upon my people who are of the house of Israel, verily, verily, I say unto you, that after all this, and I have caused my people who are of the house of Israel to be smitten, and to be afflicted, and to be slain, and to be cast out from among them, and to become hated by them, and to become a hiss and a byword among them—

 10 And thus commandeth the Father that I should say unto you: At that day when the Gentiles shall sin against my gospel, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel, and shall be lifted up in the pride of their hearts above all nations, and above all the people of the whole earth, and shall be filled with all manner of lyings, and of deceits, and of mischiefs, and all manner of hypocrisy, and murders, and priestcrafts, and whoredoms, and of secret abominations; and if they shall do all those things, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel, behold, saith the Father, I will bring the fulness of my gospel from among them.

 11 And then will I remember my covenant which I have made unto my people, O house of Israel, and I will bring my gospel unto them.

 12 And I will show unto thee, O house of Israel, that the Gentiles shall not have power over you; but I will remember my covenant unto you, O house of Israel, and ye shall come unto the knowledge of the fulness of my gospel.

 13 But if the Gentiles will repent and return unto me, saith the Father, behold they shall be numbered among my people, O house of Israel.

 14 And I will not suffer my people, who are of the house of Israel, to go through among them, and tread them down, saith the Father.

 15 But if they will not turn unto me, and hearken unto my voice, I will suffer them, yea, I will suffer my people, O house of Israel, that they shall go through among them, and shall tread them down, and they shall be as salt that hath lost its savor, which is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of my people, O house of Israel.

 16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, thus hath the Father commanded me—that I should give unto this people this land for their inheritance.

 17 And then the words of the prophet Isaiah shall be fulfilled, which say:

 18 Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing, for they shall see eye to eye when the Lord shall bring again Zion.

 19 Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem; for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.

 20 The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of God.

 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was to have the fullness of the Gospel. Joseph Smith was the restorer, but we have rejected the fullness, we have abandoned many plain and precious truths of the gospel. The church is in apostasy.  In apostasy from truth, in apostasy from the fullness and in apostasy from God. If we do not repent we will not be counted among the House of Israel.  They are awakening and it is time for us to awaken.  Awake all you gentiles, Awake from your awful state.  Listen to that Father who loves you, Listen to the Lord, who has bought you with a price!!   If there be any among you who read this blog, who look to any man for guidance, please awake and arise!! Cast off your idolatry! Do not look to man, who cannot save. Look to God and live!!!!  Look to the Savior Jesus Christ, who loves you, who cherishes you, who suffered for your sins, your heartache, your trials and weaknesses.  He knows how to heal you, He knows how to comfort you, He knows your path and purpose more perfectly than any man on this earth can.  Arise stand in your power, in your ability to connect with the Father and Son.  Stand in your ability to receive revelation for your life, independent of what any man says.  Do only the will of the Father, whatever that might look like for you. Let no man stand between you and the Father. There is no sin so great, that He cannot forgive. 

 

Acts 22:1-21  1 Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.

 2 (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)

 3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

 4 And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

 5 As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.

 6 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.

 7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

 8 And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.

 9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.

 10 And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.

 11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.

 12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,

 13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.

 14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.

 15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.

 16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

 17 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;

 18 And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.

 19 And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:

 20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.

 21 And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.

 

Saul killed many who followed Christ.  He didn't just kill them, he tortured them, but he was zealous for God.  He thought that Christ was a false man, he believed that in torturing the followers of Christ that he was doing the will of the Father.  He was raised to know the "laws" of the fathers.  The law of Moses.  Yet in his knowing the law and possibly, having read the scriptures, he did not understand them.  He had men who taught him all that he knew.  He did not have that personal relationship with God that many of us seek.  So he believed in the teachings of his culture and the tradition of the fathers.  Then one day Christ comes to him.  He is changed and he believes in the Savior.  He was called to be a witness of Christ.  Because Christ came to him and spoke to him, he was called to be a witness, an apostle, of Jesus Christ, to witness of the divinity and that He lives.  How many of us can say that we understand the scriptures for ourselves?  How many of us can say that we have a personal relationship with the Savior and our Father in heaven?  If Saul, who killed many, can come into the presence of the Savior, then why not us? Do not be fooled into believing that we need a leader, we need no leader. 2 Nephi 9:41 41 O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name.  He employeth no servant there.  We will all stand before the Holy One of Israel. We will all answer for our own choices.  There will be no stake president, no President of the church, and nobody else there to answer for our choices.  There is only one advocate with the Father for our souls.  Our Savior Jesus Christ.  He and only He can take upon himself our sins.  We are here to be proven, to see if we will do all things which the Lord commands.  Are we?  That is a question only our Savior can answer.  Seek to Him.  Like Enos, ask to know your place before the Lord, and if there be anything lacking, go with all your might to repent.  Repent of that which keeps you from a personal relationship with the Father, with the Savior and from hearing the whisperings of the Holy Ghost.  Coma unto Christ and live! 

 

Lay your crown at the Feet of Jesus!

I watched this video at http://youtu.be/2-L1KIU7lao and thought to myself, "This is what we are seeking, this is what I want." This man is a Saul. He is an apostle of Jesus Christ.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is not the only ones with authority to do the work of God. Anybody can be a witness of Jesus Christ. No man is better than another or greater, we receive as quickly as we are able to bear.

This post is difficult for me to write as I know the direction my Father in Heaven is asking me to go and it is a path in the which I could lose all things. I have a testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ. While I have not seen Him face to face, He has come to me in vision. I have seen the nail prints in His hands and I have kissed His feet. I worship Him. I have been taught by the spirit that those who lead the church are blind guides and do err in many instances in bringing people to Christ. We have lost the many plain and precious truths of the gospel as restored through the prophet Joseph Smith.
The endowment has been changed, the cause of Zion has been let go and we are no longer seeking to bring the remnant into the truth of who their Father and Savior are, or the truth of how to come to Him. In 1835, with the calling of the first apostles in this dispensation, Oliver Cowdery gave the men a charge, "You have been indebted to other men, in the first instance, for evidence; on that you have acted; but it is necessary that you receive a testimony from heaven for yourselves; so that you can bear testimony to the truth of the Book of Mormon, and that you have seen the face of God. That is more than the testimony of an angel. When the proper time arrives, you shall be able to bear this testimony to the world. When you bear testimony that you have seen God, this testimony God will never suffer to fall, but will bear you out; although many will not give heed, yet others will. You will therefore see the necessity of getting this testimony from heaven.

Never cease striving until you have seen God face to face. Strengthen your faith; cast off you doubts, your sins, and all your unbelief; and nothing can prevent you from coming to God. Your ordination is not full and complete till God has laid His hand upon you. We require as much to qualify us as did those who have gone before us; God is the same. If the Savior in former days laid His hands upon His disciples, why not in latter days?"

This charge has changed over the years and they know no more than most of us, about who Christ is. These men may be good and I believe they were given the calling to become a prophet, seer, and revelator, but their fruits are far from this charge. They have not fulfilled their ordination. It is there call to testify of these things, like the apostles of old, that Jesus is the Christ, that He lives, and that He will come again. I denounce the leaders of the LDS (Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints) church as prophets, seers and revelators. I do not support them in their titles or callings, and I hold the right to hear their words and if their words are not congruent with scripture or the spirit, I choose to not follow.  I do not uphold the teaching of follow the prophet, it is false doctrine. The talk on 14 fundamentals of following the prophet is an abomination, and not what the Lord has taught. 

With a world full of distractions, idols and self worship, I encourage all to look within themselves and ask, "do I fully worship the Father and my Savior Jesus Christ?" Then if not, do what is necessary to refine yourself to seeking His will and to following the Savior's example. Be re-baptized if necessary to make that commitment within yourself. Partake of the Sacrament often, even in your own homes, in whatever way the spirit directs. Commit yourself to following all the promptings that you receive as soon as you receive them. Let us recommit ourselves to our Savior and redeemer. 

I place my crown at the feet of Jesus. He is my King! Him will I worship and only His words will I seek and follow. Only He is my salvation and there is no other way in which salvation can come but by Him. It is His grace that fills my heart with hope. I must speak the truth which God has given me, always and forever, come what may! 

Returning to the Fulness (Part 2)

     God's purpose and plan is to "bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39) Jesus fulfilled the part of immortality, the eternal life part is up to us.  We must use the blessings, talents, trials and heartaches that we go through to come to Christ.  What is eternal life?  D&C section 132:22-24 22 For strait is the gate, and narrow the way that leadeth unto the exaltation and continuation of the lives, and few there be that find it, because ye receive me not in the world neither do ye know me.

 23 But if ye receive me in the world, then shall ye know me, and shall receive your exaltation; that where I am ye shall be also.

 24 This is eternal lives—to know the only wise and true God, and Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent. I am he. Receive ye, therefore, my law.  Eternal lives is to know God and Jesus Christ.  Few will find it, because we won't receive Him in the world. Many believe
that it is in our hearts, but this is false.  Joseph Smith stated in D&C 130:3 3 John 14:23—The appearing of the Father and the Son, in that verse, is a personal appearance; and the idea that the Father and the Son dwell in a man’s heart is an old sectarian notion, and is false.  We cannot wait to see Christ after this life. This is the day of our probation, this is the day for us to prepare to meet God. Let us wake to our awful state and take hold of the iron rod that leads to the pure love of Christ(1 Nephi 8). Doctrine and Covenants 76 speaks specifically about the three degrees of Glory.  It is a beautiful section and one that allows us to see what experiences we should be having in order to be a part of any of these 3 degrees of Glory. Verse 56 states:   56 They are they who are priests and kings, who have received of his fulness, and of his glory; Those of the celestial kingdom are priests and kings who have received the fullness and glory of God.  If we are to be judged in order to enter into one of these glories wouldn't it fit that we will be judged by what we have received and experienced in this mortal probation? Joseph Smith taught in Lectures on Faith the Sixth verses 7-8 7 Let us here observe, that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things, never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things: it was through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men should enjoy eternal life; and it is through the medium of the sacrifice of all earthly things, that men do actually know that they are doing the things that are well pleasing in the sight of God. When a man has offered in sacrifice all that he has, for the truth's sake, not even withholding his life, and believing before God that he has been called to make this sacrifice, because he seeks to do his will, he does know most assuredly, that God does and will accept his sacrifice and offering, and that he has not nor will not seek his face in vain. Under these circumstances, then, he can obtain the faith necessary for him to lay hold on eternal life.
8 It is in vain for persons to fancy to themselves that they are heirs with those, or can be heirs with them, who have offered their all in sacrifice, and by this means obtained faith in God and favor with him so as to obtain eternal life, unless they in like manner offer unto him the same sacrifice, and through that offering obtain the knowledge that they are accepted of him. What are we doing?  This is not an experience only to be had by the elite of the church.  There are no elite.  NONE!!!  If we are willing to sacrifice all that we have and are, even to our very lives for the Lord's sake we will receive all that the Father hath.  We will enter into His presence. The president and other leaders of the church can and will fail, in many ways the way that any of us do.  Look to Christ and live.  Receive of His Glory. We cannot wait for a man to lead us to Christ.  The Journey, the relationship is individual and personal.   We attend the temple to learn how to part the veil for ourselves, not after a leader parts it, but we must do it for ourselves. We cannot part the veil after we die, for all will part the veil.  The veil is for us, here on the earth. We must part it!
2 Corinthians 14 14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same veil untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which veil is done away in Christ.

Ether 4:15  15 Behold, when ye shall rend that veil of unbelief which doth cause you to remain in your awful state of wickedness, and hardness of heart, and blindness of mind, then shall the great and marvelous things which have been hid up from the foundation of the world from you—yea, when ye shall call upon the Father in my name, with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then shall ye know that the Father hath remembered the covenant which he made unto your fathers, O house of Israel.

This is not an after death experience.  I am sure that it could be, but what chances are there that we will receive the blessing of The Brother of Jared who parted the veil in seeing the finger of God.  As well as Joseph Smith, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Adam.  It is through the experiences that these men had, that we have the hope of attaining these things.  

So how do we attain the presence of our Savior Jesus Christ? 
                   
Joseph Smith stated,"After a person has faith in Christ, repents of his sins and is baptized for the remission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost, which is the first comforter, then let him continue to humble himself before God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and living by every word of God, and the Lord will soon say unto him, Son, thou shalt be exalted. When the Lord has thoroughly proved him, and finds that the man is determined to serve Him at all hazards, then the man will find his calling and election made sure, then it will be his privilege to receive the other comforter, which the Lord has promised the Saints.” Joseph Smith – TPJS, p. 150.  According to Joseph Smith in order to receive our calling and election made sure we must be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, live by every word of God, and serve Him at all hazards. Simon  Peter  in 2 Peter 1:3-11 said, 3According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 6And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We cannot receive an entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord, without receiving calling and election made sure. Joseph Smith said: “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. … 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.” (Teachings, p. 298.)  My question is, if this was taught by Joseph Smith, why are we not being taught this? Apparently he thought it appropriate to teach and taught that when we received this, it would be an anchor to the soul, sure and steadfast, that this would help and support in every hour of trial, trouble and tribulation. This is important!!  This is not a mystery, this does not happen after we die and if we do not receive this in this life, who is to say that we will receive our exaltation?  We must receive our calling and election sure. Many have already received it and know not what they have received.  I encourage all to ask God if you have received this and when you hear His voice giving you the answer, I encourage you to be like Enos and believe His words for He cannot lie.  This is part of the line upon line, precept upon precept.  If we do not accept what He tells us, how can we receive more? We won't believe Him.  We can all receive personal revelation.  The idea that we are not to seek the mysteries of God is a false teaching and one that if looked at the scriptures will be made known to be false.  D&C 76:5-7  5 For thus saith the Lord—I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end.

 6 Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their glory. 7 And to them will I reveal all mysteries, yea, all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, and for ages to come, will I make known unto them the good pleasure of my will concerning all things pertaining to my kingdom.
Alma 26:22 22 Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing—unto such it is given to know the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given to reveal things which never have been revealed; yea, and it shall be given unto such to bring thousands of souls to repentance, even as it has been given unto us to bring these our brethren to repentance.  This is exciting!  We can receive so many blessings and promises.  Let us cast off the unbelief that our religions and traditions have heeped upon us.  This is what caused the Nephites to err.  The traditions of men, the teachings of men, mingled with scripture.  Look to God!! There is a time coming, maybe soon, when we will have to have a personal relationship with God in order to be protected from the coming calamities and trials.  Omni 1:12-14 12 Behold, I am Amaleki, the son of Abinadom. Behold, I will speak unto you somewhat concerning Mosiah, who was made king over the land of Zarahemla; for behold, he being warned of the Lord that he should flee out of theland of Nephi, and as many as would hearken unto the voice of the Lord should also depart out of the land with him, into the wilderness—

 13 And it came to pass that he did according as the Lord had commanded him. And they departed out of the land into the wilderness, as many as would hearken unto the voice of the Lord; and they were led by many preachings and prophesyings. And they were admonished continually by the word of God; and they were led by the power of his arm, through the wilderness until they came down into the land which is called the land of Zarahemla.  Even though Mosiah was made King, the only ones that followed him, were not those that sustained him, they were not those that stood at his entering the room, were not those who had applauded his every effort; it was those who also hearkened unto the voice of God.  Be careful about who your idol is!  Just like in one of the previous scriptures shared, we must be willing to sacrifice all things, even our leadership. 

2 Nephi 25:23-30 23 For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.

 24 And, notwithstanding we believe in Christ, we keep the law of Moses, and look forward with steadfastness unto Christ, until the law shall be fulfilled.

 25 For, for this end was the law given; wherefore the law hath become dead unto us, and we are made alive in Christ because of our faith; yet we keep the law because of the commandments.

 26 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

 27 Wherefore, we speak concerning the law that our children may know the deadness of the law; and they, by knowing the deadness of the law, may look forward unto that life which is in Christ, and know for what end the law was given. And after the law is fulfilled in Christ, that they need not harden their hearts against him when the law ought to be done away.

 28 And now behold, my people, ye are a stiffnecked people; wherefore, I have spoken plainly unto you, that ye cannot misunderstand. And the words which I have spoken shall stand as a testimony against you; for they are sufficient to teach any man the right way; for the right way is to believe in Christ and deny him not; for by denying him ye also deny the prophets and the law.

 29 And now behold, I say unto you that the right way is to believe in Christ, and deny him not; and Christ is the Holy One of Israel; wherefore ye must bow down before him, and worship him with all your might, mind, and strength, and your whole soul; and if ye do this ye shall in nowise be cast out.

 30 And, inasmuch as it shall be expedient, ye must keep the performances and ordinances of God until the law shall be fulfilled which was given unto Moses.

Christ has come, He has fulfilled the law, follow Him and Live!