Attributes - IV

Let the mind once reflect sincerely and candidly upon the ideas of the existence of the before mentioned attributes in the Deity and it will be seen that, as far as his attributes are concerned, there is a sure foundation laid for the exercise of faith in him for life and salvation. For inasmuch as God possesses the attribute knowledge, he can make all things known to his saints necessary for their salvation. And as he possesses the attribute power, he is able thereby to deliver them from the power of all enemies. And seeing also that justice is an attribute of the Deity, he will deal with them upon the principles of righteousness and equity, and a just reward will be granted unto them for all their afflictions and sufferings for the truth’s sake. And as judgment is an attribute of the Deity also, his saints can have the most unshaken confidence that they will, in due time, obtain a perfect deliverance out of the hands of all their enemies and a complete victory over all those who have sought their hurt and destruction. And as mercy is also an attribute of the Deity, his saints can have confidence that it will be exercised toward them, and through the exercise of that attribute toward them, comfort and consolation will be administered unto them abundantly amid all their afflictions and tribulations. And lastly, realizing that truth is an attribute of the Deity, the mind is led to rejoice amid all its trials and temptations, in hope of that glory which is to be brought at the revelation of Jesus Christ, and in view of that crown which is to be placed upon the heads of the saints in the day when the Lord shall distribute rewards unto them, and in prospect of that Eternal weight of glory which the Lord has promised to bestow upon them when he shall bring them into the midst of his throne to dwell in his presence eternally.

In view, then, of the existence of these attributes, the faith of the saints can become exceedingly strong, abounding in righteousness unto the praise and glory of God, and can exert its mighty influence in searching after wisdom and understanding until it has obtained a knowledge of all things that pertain to life and salvation.

Such, then, is the foundation which is laid through the revelation of the attributes of God for the exercise of faith in him for life and salvation, and seeing that these are attributes of the Deity, they are unchangeable — being the same yesterday, today, and for ever — which gives to the minds of the present day Saints the same power and authority to exercise faith in God which the Saints of the former day, so that all the saints, in this respect, have been, are, and will be alike until the end of time, for God never changes, therefore his attributes and character remain for ever the same. And as it is through the revelation of these that a foundation is laid for the exercise of faith in God unto life and salvation, the foundation, therefore, for the exercise of faith was, is, and ever will be the same, so that all men have had and will have an equal privilege.

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Attributes - III

By a little reflection it will be seen that the idea of the existence of these attributes in the Deity is necessary to enable any rational being to exercise faith in him. For without the idea of the existence of these attributes in the Deity men could not exercise faith in him for life and salvation, seeing that without the knowledge of all things, God would not be able to save any portion of his creatures. For it is by reason of the knowledge which he has of all things, from the beginning to the end, that enables him to give that understanding to his creatures, by which they are made partakers of eternal life; and if it were not for the idea existing in the minds of men that God had all knowledge, it would be impossible for them to exercise faith in him.

And it is not less necessary that men should have the idea of the existence of the attribute power in the Deity. For unless God had power over all things and was able, by his power, to control all things and thereby deliver his creatures who put their trust in him from the power of all beings that might seek their destruction, whether in Heaven, on earth, or in hell, men could not be saved. But with the idea of the existence of this attribute planted in the mind, men feel as though they had nothing to fear, who put their trust in God, believing that he has power to save all who come to him to the very uttermost.

It is also necessary, in order to the exercise of faith in God unto life and salvation, that men should have the idea of the existence of the attribute justice in him. For without the idea of the existence of the attribute justice in the Deity, men could not have confidence sufficiently to place themselves under his guidance and direction, for they would be filled with fear and doubt, lest the Judge of all the earth would not do right; and thus fear, or doubt, existing in the mind, would preclude the possibility of the exercise of faith in him for life and salvation. But when the idea of the existence of the attribute justice in the Deity is fairly planted in the mind, it leaves no room for doubt to get into the heart, and the mind is enabled to cast itself upon the Almighty without fear, and without doubt, and with most unshaken confidence, believing that the Judge of all the earth will do right.

It is also of equal importance that men should have the idea of the existence of the attribute judgment in God in order that they may exercise faith in him for life and salvation, for without the idea of the existence of this attribute in the Deity, it would be impossible for men to exercise faith in him for life and salvation, seeing that it is through the exercise of this attribute that the faithful in Christ Jesus are delivered out of the hands of those who seek their destruction. For if God were not to come out in swift judgment against the workers of iniquity and the powers of darkness, his saints could not be saved, for it is by judgment that the Lord delivers his saints out of the hands of all their enemies and those who reject the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. But no sooner is the idea of the existence of this attribute planted in the minds of men than it gives power to the mind for the exercise of faith and confidence in God and they are enabled, by faith, to lay hold on the promises which are set before them and wade through all the tribulations and afflictions to which they are subjected by reason of the persecution from those who know not God and obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ; believing that in due time the Lord will come out in swift judgment against their enemies, and they shall be cut off from before him, and that in his own due time he will bear them off conquerors and more than conquerors in all things.

And again, it is equally important that men should have the idea of the existence of the attribute mercy in the Deity in order to exercise faith in him for life and salvation. For without the idea of the existence of this attribute in the Deity, the spirits of the saints would faint in the midst of the tribulations, afflictions, and persecutions which they have to endure for righteousness’ sake. But when the idea of the existence of this attribute is once established in the mind, it gives life and energy to the spirits of the saints, believing that the mercy of God will be poured out upon them in the midst of their afflictions, and that he will compassionate them in their sufferings, and that the mercy of God will lay hold of them and secure them in the arms of his love so that they will receive a full reward for all their sufferings.

And lastly, but not less important to the exercise of faith in God, is the idea of the existence of the attribute truth in him. For without the idea of the existence of this attribute the mind of man could have nothing upon which it could rest with certainty; all would be confusion and doubt. But with the idea of the existence of this attribute in the Deity in the mind, all the teachings, instructions, promises, and blessings become realities, and the mind is enabled to lay hold of them with certainty and confidence, believing that these things, and all that the Lord has said, shall be fulfilled in their time, and that all the cursings, denunciations, and judgments pronounced upon the heads of the unrighteous will also be executed in due time of the Lord. And by reason of the truth and veracity of him, the mind beholds its deliverance and salvation as being certain.

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Attributes - II

Where do you find the revelations which give us these ideas regarding the attributes of God? In the Bible.

Knowledge:

Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. (Acts 15:18)

Remember the former things of old, for I am God and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient time the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand and I will do all my pleasure. (Isaiah 46:9-10)

Faith or Power:

Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God. Hebrews 11:3

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. Genesis 1:1

The Lord of Hosts has sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass, and as I have purposed, so shall it stand. For the Lord of Hosts has purposed, and who shall disannul it? And his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back? (Isaiah 14:24,27)

Justice:

Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne. (Psalms 89:14)

Tell ye, and bring them near, yea, let them take counsel together: who has declared this from the ancient time? Have not I the Lord? And there is no God else beside me, a just God and a Savior. Isaiah 45:21

The just Lord is in the midst thereof. (Zephaniah 3:5)

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion, shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy king comes unto thee; he is just and having salvation. (Zechariah 9:9)

Judgment:

Justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne. (Psalms 89:14)

He is the Rock, his work is perfect; for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. (Deuteronomy 32:4)

But the Lord shall endure for ever: he has prepared his throne for judgment. (Psalms 9:7)

The Lord is known by the judgment which he executes. (Psalms 9:16)

Mercy:

Mercy and truth shall go before his face. (Psalms 89:14)

And the Lord passed by before him and proclaimed, The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious. (Exodus 34:6)

But thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful. (Nehemiah 9:17)

Truth:

Mercy and truth shall go before thy face. (Psalms 89:14)

Long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth. (Exodus 34:6)

He is the Rock, his work is perfect; for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. (Deuteronomy 32:4)

Into thy hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. (Psalms 31:5)

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Attributes -I

Having shown in the third lecture that correct ideas of the character of God are necessary in order to the exercise of faith in him unto life and salvation, and that without correct ideas of his character, the minds of men could not have sufficient power with God to the exercise of faith necessary to the enjoyment of eternal life, and that correct ideas of his character lay a foundation, as far as his character is concerned, for the exercise of faith so as to enjoy the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Jesus Christ, even that of Eternal glory, we shall now proceed to show the connection there is between correct ideas of the attributes of God and the exercise of faith in him unto eternal life.

Let us here observe that the real design which the God of Heaven had in view in making the human family acquainted with his attributes was that they, through the ideas of the existence of his attributes, might be enabled to exercise faith in him, and through the exercise of faith in him might obtain eternal life. For without the idea of the existence of the attributes which belong to God, the minds of men could not have power to exercise faith on him so as to lay hold upon eternal life. The God of Heaven, understanding most perfectly the constitution of human nature and the weakness of man, knew what was necessary to be revealed and what ideas must be planted in their minds in order that they might be enabled to exercise faith in him unto eternal life.

Having said so much, we shall proceed to examine the attributes of God as set forth in his revelations to the human family, and to show how necessary correct ideas of his attributes are to enable men to exercise faith in him. For without these ideas being planted in the minds of men, it would be out of the power of any person or persons to exercise faith in God so as to obtain eternal life. So that the divine communications made to man in the first instance were designed to establish in their minds the ideas necessary to enable them to exercise faith in God, and through this means to be partakers of his glory.

We have, in the revelations which he has given to the human family, the following account of his attributes:

1. Knowledge

2. Faith or Power

3. Justice

4. Judgment

5. Mercy

6. Truth

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Character - II

From the foregoing testimonies we learn the following things respecting the character of God:

1. That he was God before the world was created, and the same God that he was after it was created.
2. That he is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abundant in goodness, and that he was so from everlasting and will be to everlasting.
3. That he changes not, neither is there variableness with him, but that he is the same from everlasting to everlasting, being the same yesterday, today, and for ever; and that his course is one eternal round, without variation.
4. That he is a God of truth and cannot lie.
5. That he is no respecter of persons, but in every nation he that fears God and works righteousness is accepted of him.
6. That he is love.

An acquaintance with these attributes in the divine character is essentially necessary in order that the faith of any rational being can center in him for life and salvation. For if he did not in the first instance believe him to be God, that is, the creator and upholder of all things, he could not center his faith in him for life and salvation, for fear there should be a greater than he who would thwart all his plans, and he, like the gods of the heathen, would be unable to fulfill his promises. But seeing he is God over all, from everlasting to everlasting, the creator and upholder of all things, no such fear can exist in the minds of those who put their trust in him, so that in this respect their faith can be without wavering.

But secondly: unless he was merciful and gracious, slow to anger, long-suffering, and full of goodness, such is the weakness of human nature and so great the frailties and imperfections of men that unless they believed that these excellencies existed in the divine character, the faith necessary to salvation could not exist. For doubt would take the place of faith, and those who know their weakness and liability to sin would be in constant doubt of salvation, if it were not for the idea which they have of the excellency of the character of God: that he is slow to anger, and long-suffering, and of a forgiving disposition, and does forgive iniquity, transgression, and sin. An idea of these facts does away doubt and makes faith exceedingly strong.

But it is equally as necessary that men should have the idea that he is a God who changes not in order to have faith in him as it is to have the idea that he is gracious and long-suffering. For without the idea of unchangeableness in the character of the Deity, doubt would take the place of faith. But with the idea that he changes not, faith lays hold upon the excellencies in his character with unshaken confidence, believing he is the same yesterday, today, and for ever, and that his course is one eternal round.

And again, the idea that he is a God of truth and cannot lie is equally as necessary to the exercise of faith in him as the idea of his unchangeableness. For without the idea that he was a God of truth and could not lie, the confidence necessary to be placed in his word in order to the exercise of faith in him could not exist. But having the idea that he is not man that he can lie, it gives power to the minds of men to exercise faith in him.

But it is also necessary that men should have an idea that he is no respecter of persons. [By this I mean that God does not favor one over another simply because he feels like it but instead God's blessings and favor are equally available to all based on the same requirements as required by any who do obtain them.] For with the idea of all the other excellencies in his character and this one wanting, men could not exercise faith in him; because if he were a respecter of persons, they could not tell what their privileges were, nor how far they were authorized to exercise faith in him, or whether they were authorized to do it at all; but all must be confusion. But no sooner are the minds of men made acquainted with the truth on this point — that he is no respecter of persons — than they see that they have authority by faith to lay hold on eternal life, the richest boon of Heaven, because God is no respecter of persons and that every man in every nation has an equal privilege.

And lastly, but not less important to the exercise of faith in God, is the idea that he is love, for with all the other excellencies in his character, without this one to influence them, they could not have such powerful dominion over the minds of men. But when the idea is planted in the mind that he is love, who cannot see the just ground that men of every nation, kindred, and tongue have to exercise faith in God so as to obtain eternal life?

From the above description of the character of the Deity which is given him in the revelations to men, there is a sure foundation for the exercise of faith in him among every people, nation, and kindred, from age to age, and from generation to generation.

Let us here observe that the foregoing is the character which is given of God in his revelations to the former day saints, and it is also the character which is given of him in his revelations to the saints of the present day, so that the saints of former days and those of the present day are both alike in this respect; the Saints of the present day having as good grounds to exercise faith in God as the former day saints had because the same character is given of him to both.

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Character - I

Having previously been made acquainted with the way the idea of his existence came into the world, as well as the fact of his existence, we shall proceed to examine his character, perfections, and attributes, in order that this class may see not only the just grounds which they have for the exercise of faith in him for life and salvation, but the reasons that all the world also, as far as the idea of his existence extends, may have to exercise faith in him, the Father of all living.

As we have been indebted to a revelation which God made of himself to his creatures, in the first instance, for the idea of his existence, so in like manner we are indebted to the revelations which he has given to us for a correct understanding of his character, perfections, and attributes, because without the revelations which he has given to us, no man by searching could find out God (Job 11:7–9). But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him, but God has revealed them unto us by his spirit: for the spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so, the things of God no man knows but by the spirit of God. (1 Corinthians 2:9–11)

Having said so much, we proceed to examine the character which the revelations have given of God.

And the Lord passed by before him and proclaimed, The Lord God, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering and abundant in goodness and truth. (Exodus 34:6)

The Lord executes righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy. (Psalms 103:6-8)

But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children, to such as keep his covenant and to those that remember his commandments to do them. (Psalms 103:17-18)

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, you are God. (Psalms 90:2)

And you, Lord, in the beginning have laid the foundation of the earth and the heavens are the works of your hands: they shall perish, but you shall remain; and they shall wax old as a garment, and as a vesture shall you fold them up, and they shall be changed, but you are the same and your years shall not fail. (Hebrews 1:10-12)

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of Lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17)

For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore, ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. (Malachi 3:6)

For God doth not walk in crooked paths, neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left, neither doth he vary from that which he hath said, therefore his paths are straight and his course is one eternal round. (T&C - JSH 10:2)

Listen to the voice of the Lord your God, even Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, whose course is one eternal round, the same today as yesterday and for ever. (T&C 18:1)

God is not a man that he should lie, neither the son of man that he should repent. (Numbers 23:19)

He that loves not knows not God, for God is love. (John 4:8)

Then Peter opened his mouth and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons, but in every nation, he that fears God and works righteousness is accepted with him. (Acts 6:7)

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Three Needed Things

This is the second section of my blog. In it I will be addressing the three needed things each of us must have in order to obtain faith in God to the point of obtaining salvation and eternal life.

These three things are:

1. The idea that God exists

2. A correct idea of the perfections found in his character and attributes

3. An actual knowledge that the course of life they are pursuing is according to God's will.

Our goal is to have saving faith in God. Faith in God, not in man, not in men, not in an institution, not in some magic talisman, faith in God.

To the extent that anyone is trying to displace your faith in God, and attract attention to themselves, myself included, that is a perversion and it will not save you. It is a distraction, it is evil, and it is wrong. It is damnable. Anyone who tries to attract your worship, myself included, ought to be sent to hell.

Appreciating the content of scripture and Christ's Doctrine is important. It's important because you will never be saved because you relied upon some other guy to elevate you. The only way to be saved is to be connected with God. You have to exercise faith in God unto life and salvation.

The fact that you're reading this means you have an idea that God exists. Knowledge that the course in life you are pursuing is according to God's will requires revelation. Since faith in God unto life and salvation requires having a correct idea of his character and perfections of attributes, I turn to content that uses the scriptures to do just that.

In doing so, I'm pretty much quoting from a work written in 1835 by a man of God whose words I value as scripture. This means the writing may sound a little "Old English". It is worth reading.

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The Doctrine of Christ

In truth I tell you: Anyone who welcomes the spirit of conflict doesn't follow Me, but is following the accuser, who's the father of conflict. He incites people to angrily fight with each other. This isn't My doctrine, to incite angry fighting by people. But this is My doctrine, everything like that should end.

Listen carefully to what I tell you: I will declare to you My doctrine. This is My doctrine, and it is the doctrine that the Father has given to Me: I testify of the Father, and the Father testifies of Me, and the Holy Ghost testifies of the Father and Me. I also testify the Father commands all people everywhere to repent and believe in Me. And anyone who believes in Me and is baptized will be saved, and they are who will inherit God's kingdom. But anyone who doesn't believe in Me and isn't baptized will be damned.

In truth I tell you this is My doctrine, and I testify of it from the Father. Anyone who believes in Me also believes in the Father, and the Father will testify to them of Me, since He will visit them with fire and with the Holy Ghost. In this way the Father will testify of Me, and the Holy Ghost will testify to them of the Father and Me, because the Father and I and the Holy Ghost are united as one.

In addition, I say to you: You must repent and become as a little child and be baptized in My name, or under no circumstances can you receive these things. And again, I say to you: You must repent and be baptized in My name and become as a little child, or under no circumstances can you inherit God's kingdom. In truth I tell you this is My doctrine.

Whoever builds on this builds on My rock, and the gates of hell will not prevail against them. And who declare more or less than this and establish it as My doctrine advocate evil and are not built upon My rock, but are built on a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive them when the floods come and the wind pounds them. Therefore go to this people and declare to the farthest reaches of the earth the words that I have spoken.

I testify in the name of Jesus Christ that He lives and the above is His Doctrine. These words are true and I've been called to declare it to you.

Please take it seriously, study it out, go to God in faith believing and learn by the power of the holy ghost the truth of the matter.

… Cry peace. Proclaim my words. Invite those who will repent to be baptized and forgiven, and they shall obtain my spirit to guide them. The time is short and I come quickly, therefore open your mouths and warn others to flee the wrath which is to come as men in anger destroy one another. The wicked shall destroy the wicked, and I will hold the peacemakers in the palm of my hand and none can take them from me. …

Jesus Christ 2017

If you love him, you will keep his commandments. Christ in our day invites you to repent and be baptized. To accept his doctrine and be baptized anew even if you were baptized before. To request baptism from someone Jesus Christ has asked to do perform such please go to bornofwater.org.

Turn to face Christ and walk towards him. Be a peacemaker. Do so by keeping Christ's commandments. Flee the wrath which is to come as men in anger destroy one another for time is short and Christ comes quickly. Amen

This concludes the first section of this blog. Next I will address what you need to know about God's character and attributes in order to have saving faith in Him.

Following that is the section where I share revelation given in our day.

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Reconciled - II

Agree with your adversary quickly while you are in the way with him, lest at any time your adversary deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you should be cast into prison. Truly I say unto you, you shall by no means come out from there until you have paid the utmost farthing. (Matthew 5:25-26)

Confessing and forsaking our sins is the way others can tell that we have repented. Therefore when we give offense the goal is to be reconciled with the brother or sister that we have offended. When a brother or sister has given us offense our goal is to go invite them to repent and be forgiven.

He that covers his sins shall not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy. (Proverbs 4:82)

After all, we are to treat others the way we want to be treated. If we sinned we would want others to invite us to repent and be reconciled with us so long as we confessed. We would want to be given time to forsake the confessed sin prior to being cast out of Christ's church and no longer numbered among His people. Therefore we apply to others the standard we wish applied to ourselves.

You are reading this blog. You want to come unto Christ. Therefore ask yourself whether there are any who are part of his church (regardless of what denomination they may worship among) who have something against you wherein you disobeyed Christ's commandments?

If so then go seek to be reconciled. After that bring a gift of a broken heart and a contrite spirit to the Lord. Accept the Doctrine of Christ and submit to baptism by those Christ has asked to do so. Men called to do this do exist and will freely baptize any who accept the Doctrine of Christ and then ask for baptism.

Do this and Christ will forgive your sins and grant you his spirit to guide you through the troubling season now fast approaching for time is short and he comes quickly.

I say accept the Doctrine of Christ but what is it?

The Doctrine of Christ I referred to earlier however is best found as described within The Stick of Joseph in the hands of Ephraim. Its modern name is The Covenant of Christ per the Lord.

“Wait... what? A record by the tribe of Ephraim?”

The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying, Moreover, you son of man, take one stick and write upon it: For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions. Then take another stick and write upon it: For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions. And join them one to another, into one stick, and they shall become one in your hand. And when the children of your people shall speak unto you, saying, Will you not show us what you mean by these? Say unto them, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick; and they shall be one in my hand. And the sticks on which you write shall be in your hand before their eyes. (Ezekiel 19:4)

The Bible is the record of the Jews or the tribe of Judah. But there is more than one tribe and all tribes kept records of God's dealings with them and the teachings of Prophets he sent among them.

Not everyone knows of these other scriptures or would believe them in hearing of them. I can tell you though that anyone who believes the Bible will on reading this other book of scripture believe it too.

The Book of Joseph in the hands of Ephraim (The Covenant of Christ) is the record of the tribe of Joseph who immigrated to America prior to the house of Israel being taken into bondage in Babylon. It is the record of the ancestors of those native to North and South America. It is scripture and it is true.

As part of responding to Christ's invitation to repent and be baptized you must choose to accept the Doctrine of Christ as found within it. Therefore let's turn to it for you to prayerfully consider.

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Reconciled - I

Therefore, if you shall come unto me, or shall desire to come unto me, or if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother has anything against you, leave there your gift before the altar, and go your way unto your brother, and first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Agree with your adversary quickly while you are in the way with him, lest at any time your adversary deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you should be cast into prison. Truly I say unto you, you shall by no means come out from there until you have paid the utmost farthing. (Matthew 5:23-26)

What happens if you don't quickly agree with your brother who you offended? Consequences up and to being cut off from among Christ's Church and thrust down to hell.

Why? Because repentance requires us to confess and forsake our sins. Those unwilling to repent are not worthy to be numbered among Christ's sheep. Therefore, we should be quick to admit our errors when a brother or sister comes against us having been offended by our disobedience.

There are many things that people do that may be offensive to us. Yet the only time I feel it appropriate to be offended is towards those who were taught and should have obeyed but are choosing not to.

We ought to forgive one another. Those who do not forgive their brother or sister their trespasses are condemned before the Lord for within them is a greater sin. Instead we should forgive and say in our hearts, “Let God judge between me and you, and reward you according to your deeds.”

When functioning properly, those who repent not and confess not their sins are to be brought before the Church and dealt with as instructed by the scriptures or by revelation.

And if your eye which sees for you — him who is appointed to watch over you to show you light — becomes a transgressor and offends you, pluck him out. … It is better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than having two eyes to be cast into hellfire; for it is better that you should be saved than to be cast into hell with your brother, where their worm dies not and where the fire is not quenched. (Mark 9:46-48)

Or if your brother offend you, and confess not and forsake not, he shall be cut off. (Mark 9:43-44)

Those of us who desire to be members of Christ's Church are never to act the role of Satan. Satan is a title that means adversary, opponent and accuser. We cannot be Satan and be Christ's.

That said, Christ's church is intended to self-regulate. Satan and the accusers of his kingdom are unneeded. Therefore members of Christ's church must sometimes testify against those who were “taught and should have obeyed” but are willfully choosing not to. This isn't because we don't first forgive or because we don't have compassion but is instead in order to be justified in the eyes of Christ's law and to not offend him who is our lawgiver.

Currently, members of Christ's church can be found within all denominations claiming to be his. Christ's work in our day involves gathering all who are Christ's into one regardless of where else or who else they may individually choose to worship among.

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Worthless

You have heard that it has been said by them of old time that you shall not kill, and whoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment of God. But I say unto you that whoever is angry with his brother shall be in danger of his judgment. And whoever shall say to his brother, Raca, or Rabcha, shall be in danger of the council. And whoever shall say to his brother, You fool, shall be in danger of hellfire. (Matthew 5:21-22)

To call your brother or sister Raca is to call them worthless. Christ suffered and died for your brother or sister and you're going to call them worthless? Do you see why this would be offensive to God and invite His judgment? 

Not only that, calling someone inflammatory names invites anger.

How are we to have a community at peace and harmony with each other if we keep getting angry with one another? Christ's will is that anything which incites people to angrily fight with one another should end.

Even a single soul stirring up the hearts of others to anger can destroy the peace of all Christ's people. Therefore, it makes sense that Christ would have you not call your brother or sister inflammatory names.

Thinking as to the consequences of doing so. Is it worth it?

It's no longer sufficient to simply not kill. Give no heed to accuse one another. Subdue anger in our heart.

Or risk God's judgment. Our call.

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Christ's Church

You have heard that it has been said by them of old time that you shall not kill, and whoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment of God. But I say unto you that whoever is angry with his brother shall be in danger of his judgment. And whoever shall say to his brother, Raca, or Rabcha, shall be in danger of the council. And whoever shall say to his brother, You fool, shall be in danger of hellfire.

Therefore, if you shall come unto me, or shall desire to come unto me, or if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother has anything against you, leave there your gift before the altar, and go your way unto your brother, and first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

Agree with your adversary quickly while you are in the way with him, lest at any time your adversary deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you should be cast into prison. Truly I say unto you, you shall by no means come out from there until you have paid the utmost farthing. (Matthew 5:21-26)

A more modern translation of the verses in the third part is as follows:

Accept accountability for your misconduct the instant it's brought to your attention, to avoid leaving this life unrepentant and risking condemnation. I warn you: You'll discover no way to escape before paying fully for every sin; and while in prison under condemnation, are you able to redeem yourself? I warn you that you cannot.

Who is the adversary in the third verse? It is your brother or sister who has something against you in the second verses. Remember, Christ's Law is a rule of community. What makes us think we'd be happy to live His law in Heaven if we don't first live it while here on earth?

Christ speaks about going to your brother who has something against you. In doing so I believe Christ is specifically making mention to the members of His Church rather than the world at large. Otherwise, he would have used the word neighbor.

And while he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. Then one said unto him, Behold, your mother and your brethren stand without, desiring to speak with you. But he answered and said unto the man that told him, Who is my mother? And who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples and said, Behold my mother and my brethren. And he gave them charge concerning her, saying, I go my way, for my Father has sent me, and whoever shall do the will of my Father who is in Heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. (Matthew 12:46-50, see also Mark 3:31-35)

If you lived in the day of Nero the Roman Emperor who made being a Christian a crime punishable by death. He was not their brother. Therefore, they had no obligation to go and seek to reconcile with him.

Christ's Law is a rule of community. The members of this community are the members of His church. Each of us must come unto Jesus Christ or we cannot be saved. How do we do this? By faith, repentance, and baptism which brings the holy ghost to show us all things we must know.

Those who repent and come unto Him are His church. Any who declare more or less than this are not of Christ but are against him and are therefore not of His church.

Strong words but they are true and they are how Jesus Christ defines His church.

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Sexuality - III

It has been written that whoever shall divorce his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement. Truly, truly I say unto you that whoever shall divorce his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causes her to commit adultery. And whoever shall marry her that is divorced commits adultery. (Matthew 5:27-32)

Marriage is ordained by God. It is not good for man to be alone.

And I, the Lord God, said unto my Only Begotten that it was not good that the man should be alone; wherefore, I will make a help meet for him. (Genesis 2:18)

Adam and Eve's marriage within the Garden of Eden was before death entered into the world. Their marriage was eternal.

So too it is possible for our marriages here to be preserved into eternity for those who are worthy of such a blessing. In fact, the greatest blessings God offers the faithful is itself completely dependent upon having a marriage worthy of preservation.

More on this topic is found in the third section of this blog within the revelation given by Jesus Christ in 2017.

God commands man to have only one spouse and no concubines. We may remarry if our spouse has died but all of us need greater light and knowledge. The only way it can be acquired is by heed and diligence to the commandments of God. Any other path is a diversion, intended to waylay a person and prevent him or her from developing as God intends. Those who think they can follow God and yet commit adultery are deceived and giving heed to a false spirit. It is impossible to be both on the path to greater light and also engaged in such a serious sin.

That aside, you may not agree with how I understand and apply these commandments. Still, I hope that a desire to spend more time pondering Christ's commandments in an effort to obey them is growing within you. Being visited by Christ and promised eternal life depends on it.

He that has my commandments and keeps them, he it is that loves me. And he that loves me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him and will manifest myself to him.

… If a man love me, he will keep my words, and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him and make our abode with him. He that loves me not keeps not my sayings. And the word which you hear is not mine, but the Father’s, who sent me. (John 14:21,23-24)

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten; be zealous therefore and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he with me. To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame and am seated with my Father in his throne. He that has an ear, let him hear what the spirit says unto the churches. (Revelation 3:19-22)

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Sexuality - II

Behold, it is written by them of old time that you shall not commit adultery. But I say unto you that whoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart. Behold, I give unto you a commandment that you suffer none of these things to enter into your heart; for it is better that you should deny yourselves of these things, wherein you will take up your cross, than that you should be cast into hell. (Matthew 5:27-30)

Adultery is prohibited in the Ten Commandments and remains an important prohibition for any moral society.

Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah. (Genesis 25:1)

God commands man to have only one spouse and no concubines. We may remarry if our spouse has died but all of us need greater light and knowledge. The only way it can be acquired is by heed and diligence to the commandments of God. Any other path is a diversion, intended to waylay a person and prevent him or her from developing as God intends. Those who think they can follow God and yet commit adultery are deceived and giving heed to a false spirit. It is impossible to be both on the path to greater light and also engaged in such a serious sin.

Therefore “deny yourselves of these things, wherein you will take up your cross, than that you should be cast into hell.” (Matthew 5:27-28)

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Sexuality - IV

It has been written that whoever shall divorce his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement. Truly, truly I say unto you that whoever shall divorce his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causes her to commit adultery. And whoever shall marry her that is divorced commits adultery. (Matthew 5:31-32)

One of the false precepts of our day is divorce.

And the Pharisees came to him and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife? This they said, thinking to test him. And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you? And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement and to divorce her. Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your hearts he wrote you this precept, but from the beginning of the creation, God made them male and female. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother and cleave to his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. So then they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder. (Mark 10:1-9)

A more modern translation would be as follows:

It has been written that whoever leaves his wife, let him giver her a written divorce. But I say, unless it's because of unfaithfulness, whoever leaves his wife causes her to be unfaithful. Whoever marries her after such a divorce also betrays the marriage covenant.

What God has put together God can put asunder if he judges such to be appropriate. How are you to know whether or not He permits your divorce? Done wrong, is it not adultery? Recall what I said about adultery. How many in our day divorce for a reason not due to unfaithfulness? Be careful. Don't do this. If you have, repent.

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Sexuality - I

Behold, it is written by them of old time that you shall not commit adultery. But I say unto you that whoever looks on a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart. Behold, I give unto you a commandment that you suffer none of these things to enter into your heart; for it is better that you should deny yourselves of these things, wherein you will take up your cross, than that you should be cast into hell.

Wherefore, if your right eye offend you, pluck it out and cast it from yourself; for it is profitable for you that one of your members should perish, and not that your whole body should be cast into hell. Or if your right hand offend you, cut it off and cast it from yourself; for it is profitable for you that one of your members should perish, and not that your whole body should be cast into hell. And now this I speak, a parable concerning your sins; wherefore, cast them from you that you may not be hewn down and cast into the fire.

It has been written that whoever shall divorce his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement. Truly, truly I say unto you that whoever shall divorce his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causes her to commit adultery. And whoever shall marry her that is divorced commits adultery. (Matthew 5:27-32)

A more correct translation of this verse would be as follows:

Remember also, it was written since ancient time that you shall not commit adultery; but I say to you that anyone who engages in deliberate planning to seduce a woman to sin sexually has already omitted adultery in his heart. Hear now: I command you to not let any of these things enter your heart, for it's better to stop doing any of these things, and carry your own cross, rather than be cast into hell.

To look on a woman to lust after her means the actual scheming or mental planning to engage or seduce. It is not just a passing biological attraction that is subdued by one’s will to obey God, nor is it a whispered temptation from a mischievous spirit. Subduing and rejecting that temptation is part of living righteously.

Adultery is a serious transgression of God's will and commandments. It is second only to murder and denying the holy ghost. Members of Christ's church can repent of adultery but not endlessly. Those that commit adultery but repent with all their hearts who are forgiven but then do so again are not forgiven and are cut off from Christ's church.

So serious is this topic that God gave a commandment to subdue such thoughts in our heart so that it never results in the action. The consequence of looking on a woman to lust after them serious as well. Those that do this will not have Christ's spirit and will deny the faith and shall fear.

Flee fornication. Every sin that a man commits is against the body of Christ, and he who commits fornication sins against his own body. What? Do you not know that your body is the temple of the holy ghost which is in you, which you have of God? And you are not your own, for you are bought with a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. (1 Corinthians 6:13-20)

God delights in the chastity of men and women prior to marriage and in fidelity to their spouse after marriage. Sexual relations outside of marriage are contrary to God's commandments. Looking at someone with the intent to sexually engage or seduce them prior to marriage is contrary to God's commandments. Subdue such thoughts and desires in your heart and mind.

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