I am especially impressed with the writings of Peter, as they are so applicable to conditions in the world today. In 2 Peter, chapter 2 he warns about teachings and attitudes of people that we need to watch out for:
verse 1 They will deny Christ.
verse 2 They will make truth appear as evil
verse 3 They will exploit people with cunning arguments.
verse 10 They will be "self-willed," that is, obstinate in doing whatever they want, without regard for others.
verse 12 They will have little knowledge of the things of righteousness which they defy.
verse 13 They will sin openly, publicly, willfully.
verse 14 They will be motivated by lust and greed.
verse 14 They will prey upon those who are unseasoned and unstable.
verse 18 They will present their cause with polished rhetoric and oratory.
verse 19 They will promise to liberate those who sympathize with and follow after them.
Wow! Does that not describe exactly what is going on today, especially among our elected leaders and other high-profile people who are seeking power, wealth, and personal gain, regardless of what it takes to get it. The above list certainly applies to them and to a good share of the common people, as well.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
Resurrection
The other night my husband listened for a few minutes to a guy on the radio who was preaching against organized religion. What caught his attention was that he was belittling our LDS doctrine about the resurrection. He didn't see how anyone could believe there is such a thing as "three degrees of glory" instead of just heaven and hell as believed by mainstream Christians. Apparently he hasn't read, or doesn't understand, chapter 15 of 1 Corinthians. It's true that only the celestial and terestrial kingdoms or degrees are mentioned by name, but the resurrection's comparison to the sun, moon, and stars, is very clear.
Celestial = sun
Terrestrial = moon
Telestial = stars.
As I understand it, most churches teach that good people go to heaven, and bad ones to hell. Yet, some believe that what you do here really doesn't matter, because if you confess Christ - say you believe in Him as your Savior - then all is forgiven and you are saved through His grace.
We, too, believe that we are saved through His grace. No matter how "good" we try to be, we haven't the power to save ourselves nor the ability to live a sin-free life, and no unclean person can dwell with God in "heaven." But, to qualify for complete salvation (the Celestial Kingdom where God dwells), it is essential that we have faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior, forsake and repent of our sins, keep His commandments the best we can, be baptized and participate in other ordinances as the Lord has set forth, and be obedient, repentant, and faithful throughout our lives.
Who goes where?
Celestial Kingdom (heaven) = Those who have been taught the true Gospel and live according to its teachings
Terrestial Kingdom = Good people of the earth who live honest, decent lives but don't accept the Gospel
when it is taught to them
Telestial Kingdom = Liars, robbers, sexually immoral people, dishonest, etc., who don't repent and accept the Gospel when they hear it. Also murders (they can repent and accept the Gospel, but they have forfeited their opportunity to go to the Celestial Kingdom).
These "kingdoms or degrees" are degrees of GLORY. In His loving mercy, God designed life after death so that each person will receive whatever degree of happiness and glory he is able to bear. Everyone will be resurrected (saved from death) - that is a free gift. The Atonement of Christ pays for the sins of the truly repentant so that they don't have to suffer in hell. "Hell" is where the unrepentant wicked go after death and before the final judgment and resurrection. Christ's suffering does not relieve them of their punishment, and it is there, before the resurrection, that they pay the awful price for their wickedness. But when everything is taken care of, and the resurrection and final judgment have taken place, everyone except the sons of Perdition will be assigned to a degree of glory where they will live forever. Sons of Perdition are the few who KNOW through the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ - and they have to know it as surely as seeing the sun shine on a clear day - and then deny it. Sons of Perdition are consigned to life forever with Satan.
How do we claim to know these things? Because this Church was restored by Jesus Christ through the Prophet Joseph Smith in these latter days. The original teachings and ordinances are again available to the people of the earth because the Lord re-established them through His living prophet. The Bible is a great gift. We believe it is "the word of God as far as it is translated correctly" (Article of Faith #8). But we also acknowledge that certain doctrines and details were lost or changed through the many translations and revisions it has undergone since the original writings by prophets and apostles of the Lord. It is easy to see how that could happen when you consider how differently the teachings in current Bibles are interpreted by the different churches and individuals of today. There is much confusion and disparity of doctrines among today's Christians. But Christ's Church of this day is led by living prophets, as it was in days of old. The Lord speaks to and inspires those whom he chooses to lead, so there is no confusion nor private interpretation of doctrine as revealed by Him to them.
Celestial = sun
Terrestrial = moon
Telestial = stars.
As I understand it, most churches teach that good people go to heaven, and bad ones to hell. Yet, some believe that what you do here really doesn't matter, because if you confess Christ - say you believe in Him as your Savior - then all is forgiven and you are saved through His grace.
We, too, believe that we are saved through His grace. No matter how "good" we try to be, we haven't the power to save ourselves nor the ability to live a sin-free life, and no unclean person can dwell with God in "heaven." But, to qualify for complete salvation (the Celestial Kingdom where God dwells), it is essential that we have faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior, forsake and repent of our sins, keep His commandments the best we can, be baptized and participate in other ordinances as the Lord has set forth, and be obedient, repentant, and faithful throughout our lives.
Who goes where?
Celestial Kingdom (heaven) = Those who have been taught the true Gospel and live according to its teachings
Terrestial Kingdom = Good people of the earth who live honest, decent lives but don't accept the Gospel
when it is taught to them
Telestial Kingdom = Liars, robbers, sexually immoral people, dishonest, etc., who don't repent and accept the Gospel when they hear it. Also murders (they can repent and accept the Gospel, but they have forfeited their opportunity to go to the Celestial Kingdom).
These "kingdoms or degrees" are degrees of GLORY. In His loving mercy, God designed life after death so that each person will receive whatever degree of happiness and glory he is able to bear. Everyone will be resurrected (saved from death) - that is a free gift. The Atonement of Christ pays for the sins of the truly repentant so that they don't have to suffer in hell. "Hell" is where the unrepentant wicked go after death and before the final judgment and resurrection. Christ's suffering does not relieve them of their punishment, and it is there, before the resurrection, that they pay the awful price for their wickedness. But when everything is taken care of, and the resurrection and final judgment have taken place, everyone except the sons of Perdition will be assigned to a degree of glory where they will live forever. Sons of Perdition are the few who KNOW through the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ - and they have to know it as surely as seeing the sun shine on a clear day - and then deny it. Sons of Perdition are consigned to life forever with Satan.
How do we claim to know these things? Because this Church was restored by Jesus Christ through the Prophet Joseph Smith in these latter days. The original teachings and ordinances are again available to the people of the earth because the Lord re-established them through His living prophet. The Bible is a great gift. We believe it is "the word of God as far as it is translated correctly" (Article of Faith #8). But we also acknowledge that certain doctrines and details were lost or changed through the many translations and revisions it has undergone since the original writings by prophets and apostles of the Lord. It is easy to see how that could happen when you consider how differently the teachings in current Bibles are interpreted by the different churches and individuals of today. There is much confusion and disparity of doctrines among today's Christians. But Christ's Church of this day is led by living prophets, as it was in days of old. The Lord speaks to and inspires those whom he chooses to lead, so there is no confusion nor private interpretation of doctrine as revealed by Him to them.
Monday, February 15, 2010
A Personal Experience
A number of years ago I had an interesting experience that relates to 1 Corinthians 2. Our neighborhood was being visited by missionaries from a Christian church, and because our oldest son was serving a mission for our Church at that time, I decided to be "gracious" and invite a couple of the young women in and listen to what they had to say. I even let them come back a couple of times, as I was somewhat curious about what they believed. There was little exchange of thoughts between us, as the leader of the two was very domineering and gave little opportunity for discussion. I had hoped, especially for the sake of the quiet one (who seemed like a nice young woman), that I might be able to say something that would spark an interest in our doctrine, but after a couple of return visits, I could see that it was going nowhere. I determined that on their next visit I would bear my testimony and nicely let them know that I wasn't interested in having them come any more.
After the domineering one had expounded for a few minutes and was taking a breath, I started to express my feelings. She very rudely held her hands out (like to stop me) and started to verbally protest. The phone rang, which I tried to ignore. One of our sons came running upstairs to tell me something. Someone knocked on the door. It was a disaster. It was like some force was trying to prevent me from bearing my testimony to the truths of the Gospel.
Later that morning I sat with my scriptures, just kind of thumbing through the book while thinking about what had happened. I thought, "So much for my efforts at missionary work!" The book fell open to a spot, and for some reason I put my finger there to hold the place while I turned to another scripture I was looking for. When I went back to where my finger was, it was the second chapter of 1 Corinthians. As I read through it, it was like the Lord was thanking me for my desire and efforts, and was showing me why I had failed. Verse 14 says: "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." I wasn't trying to convince her she was wrong, but I did want to say how I felt. It was more than just foolishness to her - she wouldn't even let me say it.
After the domineering one had expounded for a few minutes and was taking a breath, I started to express my feelings. She very rudely held her hands out (like to stop me) and started to verbally protest. The phone rang, which I tried to ignore. One of our sons came running upstairs to tell me something. Someone knocked on the door. It was a disaster. It was like some force was trying to prevent me from bearing my testimony to the truths of the Gospel.
Later that morning I sat with my scriptures, just kind of thumbing through the book while thinking about what had happened. I thought, "So much for my efforts at missionary work!" The book fell open to a spot, and for some reason I put my finger there to hold the place while I turned to another scripture I was looking for. When I went back to where my finger was, it was the second chapter of 1 Corinthians. As I read through it, it was like the Lord was thanking me for my desire and efforts, and was showing me why I had failed. Verse 14 says: "But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." I wasn't trying to convince her she was wrong, but I did want to say how I felt. It was more than just foolishness to her - she wouldn't even let me say it.
Being Prepared
The focus in the study guide I'm using for 1 and 2 Thessalonians is on being prepared both spiritually and physically for the events and calamities before the Second Coming. I'm going to write a couple of quotations from the study guide.
"Are you prepared for the day of vengeance to come, when the Lord will consume the wicked by the brightness of his coming? No? Then do not be too anxious for the Lord to hasten his work. Let our anxiety be centered upon this one thing, the sanctification of our own hearts, the purifying of our own affections, the preparing of ourselves for the approach of the events that are hastening upon us. This should be our concern, this should be our study, this should be our daily prayer. . . . Seek to have the spirit of Christ, that we may wait patiently the time of the Lord, and prepare ourselves for the times that are coming. This is our duty."
It warns about the dangers of debt: "Do you rationalize your indebtedness by insisting that you must have a nicer mode of transportation, a more luxurious place to live, or various recreational equipment? Have you determined that debt shall be incurred only for necessities that cannot be obtained otherwise? Are you committed to the idea that unresolved debts are just another form of theft?" That last question is a thought-provoking one, especially where declaring bankruptcy is so prevalent these days. People don't see any other way out from under obligations they can't meet, and it is a legal way to do it. But, still, when you get right down to it, it is a form of theft, not paying for what you have obtained.
"It is said that today's generation lives in the knowledge explosion. There is hardly any basic skill that cannot be studied in readily available books, [the internet], or learned in classes held around us. Sewing skills, cooking and dietary knowledge, basic mechanical abilities, farming know how--all of these can be learned and will be invaluable to you and those around you in times of crisis or shortage. You need not wait for economic independence to gain these priceless assets. And imagine the self-satisfaction that you would feel if you could say in time of crisis, "Even though I was not able to collect a complete food supply, I have the knowledge to produce food. Even though I have little in terms of temporal goods, I have skills and abilities to contribute to the common cause."
Around where I live some of the domestic skills the above quotation mentions are almost obsolete. The study guide was first published in 1978, thirty-two years ago, and during that time, things have changed a lot. Back then, or a few years earlier, being able to sew one's own clothes (and have them be fashionable and well-made) was a skill to be desired and developed. Stores like JC Penney and Sears carried a lot of fabric for clothes-making. Not any more, and not many women are interested in sewing clothes. Cooking is still necessary, but much of it is done with convenience foods, not making things from "scratch." Some people are still interested in home-gardening, but it isn't prevalent like it used to be, even in rural areas. We have become so dependent on "stores" that we would be in serious trouble if we couldn't just go buy whatever we need.
"Are you prepared for the day of vengeance to come, when the Lord will consume the wicked by the brightness of his coming? No? Then do not be too anxious for the Lord to hasten his work. Let our anxiety be centered upon this one thing, the sanctification of our own hearts, the purifying of our own affections, the preparing of ourselves for the approach of the events that are hastening upon us. This should be our concern, this should be our study, this should be our daily prayer. . . . Seek to have the spirit of Christ, that we may wait patiently the time of the Lord, and prepare ourselves for the times that are coming. This is our duty."
It warns about the dangers of debt: "Do you rationalize your indebtedness by insisting that you must have a nicer mode of transportation, a more luxurious place to live, or various recreational equipment? Have you determined that debt shall be incurred only for necessities that cannot be obtained otherwise? Are you committed to the idea that unresolved debts are just another form of theft?" That last question is a thought-provoking one, especially where declaring bankruptcy is so prevalent these days. People don't see any other way out from under obligations they can't meet, and it is a legal way to do it. But, still, when you get right down to it, it is a form of theft, not paying for what you have obtained.
"It is said that today's generation lives in the knowledge explosion. There is hardly any basic skill that cannot be studied in readily available books, [the internet], or learned in classes held around us. Sewing skills, cooking and dietary knowledge, basic mechanical abilities, farming know how--all of these can be learned and will be invaluable to you and those around you in times of crisis or shortage. You need not wait for economic independence to gain these priceless assets. And imagine the self-satisfaction that you would feel if you could say in time of crisis, "Even though I was not able to collect a complete food supply, I have the knowledge to produce food. Even though I have little in terms of temporal goods, I have skills and abilities to contribute to the common cause."
Around where I live some of the domestic skills the above quotation mentions are almost obsolete. The study guide was first published in 1978, thirty-two years ago, and during that time, things have changed a lot. Back then, or a few years earlier, being able to sew one's own clothes (and have them be fashionable and well-made) was a skill to be desired and developed. Stores like JC Penney and Sears carried a lot of fabric for clothes-making. Not any more, and not many women are interested in sewing clothes. Cooking is still necessary, but much of it is done with convenience foods, not making things from "scratch." Some people are still interested in home-gardening, but it isn't prevalent like it used to be, even in rural areas. We have become so dependent on "stores" that we would be in serious trouble if we couldn't just go buy whatever we need.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Jesus Has Risen
"Jesus rose from the dead. As a glorified, resurrected being, he appeared before his disciples. They saw him - saw the wounds which marked his crucifixion. They saw him eat and speak and move before them. He was alive! They saw that he lived, and they declared that witness before kings and nations and defended it by faithful testimony to the end of their lives. Others, apostles and prophets in this modern day, bear the same witness: that Jesus lives and is the Redeemer! ("The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles," p 201.)
Others have borne testimony of the risen Lord. We find a beautiful account of Him appearing to the ancient inhabitants of America in the "Book of Mormon," 3 Nephi 11:10-17:
"Behold, I am Jesus Christ whom the prophets testified should come into the world. And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.
"And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words the whole multitude fell to the earth for they remembered that it had been prophesied among them that Christ should show himself unto them after his ascension into heaven.
"And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them saying: Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.
"And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one, until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.
"And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying: Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him."
Others have borne testimony of the risen Lord. We find a beautiful account of Him appearing to the ancient inhabitants of America in the "Book of Mormon," 3 Nephi 11:10-17:
"Behold, I am Jesus Christ whom the prophets testified should come into the world. And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.
"And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words the whole multitude fell to the earth for they remembered that it had been prophesied among them that Christ should show himself unto them after his ascension into heaven.
"And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto them saying: Arise and come forth unto me, that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet, that ye may know that I am the God of Israel and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.
"And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one, until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.
"And when they had all gone forth and had witnessed for themselves, they did cry out with one accord, saying: Hosanna! Blessed be the name of the Most High God! And they did fall down at the feet of Jesus, and did worship him."
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Gethsemane and the Cross
Jesus Christ's crucifixion is a major focal point of Christianity. Jesus suffered, died, and was resurrected so that our sins may be forgiven and we can be resurrected and live forever with Him. Latter-day revelation, as recorded in the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants, gives insight in addition to what is recorded in the New Testament.
Matthew and Mark tell us that as Jesus and the eleven apostles reached the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was feeling very heavy, sorrowful, and sore amazed. Eight of the eleven stayed behind while Peter, James, and John went with Jesus farther into the Garden. Leaving them to watch and pray, Jesus went a stone's throw farther to be by himself. What happened there? It is recorded that something was so horrendous that Jesus Christ, the very Son of God, cried out twice in anguish for His Father to release Him from the bitter cup if it be possible, but nevertheless, He would do His Father's will. Only Luke records that something so terrible was happening that great drops of blood seeped out of His skin like sweat and fell to the ground. An angel was sent from heaven to strengthen Him, but he couldn't be released from His suffering until His mission was accomplished.
Was Jesus' ordeal in Gethsemane related to fear of His coming crucifixion? No! Although He knew it would be a terribly painful ordeal, that was not why He was in such great distress. I quote from the N.T. study guide: "As a mortal you are unable to fully understand the significance of the sufferings, the sorrow, and the anguish of soul endured by the Savior in the Garden of Gethsemane; for what mortal could comprehend the intensity of the physical, mental, and spiritual pain Jesus suffered when he took upon himself the punishment and remorse incident to the sins of all mankind? Yet, you may understand in part; and the words of the Savior give you a glimpse of what was experienced in the Garden. To the Prophet Joseph Smith the Lord said of the suffering of that hour,
"Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit--and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink-- Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men." (D&C 19:18, 19.)
It was mostly in the Garden where Jesus suffered and paid the demands of justice for all who obey Him and repent of their sins. It came upon Him again the next day while hanging on the cross. He cried out in anguish, asking why His Father had forsaken Him (as had happened in the Garden) It was necessary that He complete His atoning sacrifice by Himself, that He tread "the winepress alone" (Isa. 63:3; D&C 76:107; 88:106; 133:48,50).
Matthew and Mark tell us that as Jesus and the eleven apostles reached the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was feeling very heavy, sorrowful, and sore amazed. Eight of the eleven stayed behind while Peter, James, and John went with Jesus farther into the Garden. Leaving them to watch and pray, Jesus went a stone's throw farther to be by himself. What happened there? It is recorded that something was so horrendous that Jesus Christ, the very Son of God, cried out twice in anguish for His Father to release Him from the bitter cup if it be possible, but nevertheless, He would do His Father's will. Only Luke records that something so terrible was happening that great drops of blood seeped out of His skin like sweat and fell to the ground. An angel was sent from heaven to strengthen Him, but he couldn't be released from His suffering until His mission was accomplished.
Was Jesus' ordeal in Gethsemane related to fear of His coming crucifixion? No! Although He knew it would be a terribly painful ordeal, that was not why He was in such great distress. I quote from the N.T. study guide: "As a mortal you are unable to fully understand the significance of the sufferings, the sorrow, and the anguish of soul endured by the Savior in the Garden of Gethsemane; for what mortal could comprehend the intensity of the physical, mental, and spiritual pain Jesus suffered when he took upon himself the punishment and remorse incident to the sins of all mankind? Yet, you may understand in part; and the words of the Savior give you a glimpse of what was experienced in the Garden. To the Prophet Joseph Smith the Lord said of the suffering of that hour,
"Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit--and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink-- Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men." (D&C 19:18, 19.)
It was mostly in the Garden where Jesus suffered and paid the demands of justice for all who obey Him and repent of their sins. It came upon Him again the next day while hanging on the cross. He cried out in anguish, asking why His Father had forsaken Him (as had happened in the Garden) It was necessary that He complete His atoning sacrifice by Himself, that He tread "the winepress alone" (Isa. 63:3; D&C 76:107; 88:106; 133:48,50).
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Love One Another
Following the Passover meal before His crucifixion, Jesus gave a new commandment to the eleven disciples (Judas Iscariot had left the group to go make arrangements for the betrayal). John 13:34-35 says, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
What was new about this commandment? Jesus had already taught that to love God and others were the two greatest commandments. Now, Jesus was commanding them to love as He loved, and the ultimate example of His love was about to be demonstrated.
From the N.T. study guide: "Jesus is the Father's gift to all men. In offering his Son as he did, our Father in heaven has shown us our truest example of pure love. Out of his divine love came a willingness to endure the sacrifice of his Son - the incomparable suffering in Gethsemane, the abuse by Romans and Jews, the mockery of a trial, the pain and horror of a crucifixion. And why? Because our Father in heaven loves us and knew that we could return to him only through the atonement of Jesus Christ.
"The Savior did not have to die, for he held death in abeyance. His was a willing sacrifice, a supreme act of love. He lived a life of complete obedience to the Father's will. In giving his life willingly as he did, our Savior placed the seal of divine love on his life and mission and demonstrated the course which all men should emulate.
"It has been aptly observed that while many of the world's great religious leaders taught the principle of love, Jesus is the only one who could truly say, "Follow me," for he alone not only taught the principle but exemplified it. And we are to love one another as he has loved us. "By this," he says, "shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
How do we acquire that kind of love, and what is it? The LDS Bible Dictionary calls it Charity and defines it this way: "The highest, noblest, strongest kind of love, not merely affection; the pure love of Christ. It is never used to denote alms or deeds or benevolence, although it may be a prompting motive." For a more complete description and to learn how to acquire it we turn to Moroni 8:45-48 (Moroni is found in the Book of Mormon. A similiar passage is found in 1 Cor 13:1-13):
45 And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fall--
47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.
48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ, that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen."
What was new about this commandment? Jesus had already taught that to love God and others were the two greatest commandments. Now, Jesus was commanding them to love as He loved, and the ultimate example of His love was about to be demonstrated.
From the N.T. study guide: "Jesus is the Father's gift to all men. In offering his Son as he did, our Father in heaven has shown us our truest example of pure love. Out of his divine love came a willingness to endure the sacrifice of his Son - the incomparable suffering in Gethsemane, the abuse by Romans and Jews, the mockery of a trial, the pain and horror of a crucifixion. And why? Because our Father in heaven loves us and knew that we could return to him only through the atonement of Jesus Christ.
"The Savior did not have to die, for he held death in abeyance. His was a willing sacrifice, a supreme act of love. He lived a life of complete obedience to the Father's will. In giving his life willingly as he did, our Savior placed the seal of divine love on his life and mission and demonstrated the course which all men should emulate.
"It has been aptly observed that while many of the world's great religious leaders taught the principle of love, Jesus is the only one who could truly say, "Follow me," for he alone not only taught the principle but exemplified it. And we are to love one another as he has loved us. "By this," he says, "shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
How do we acquire that kind of love, and what is it? The LDS Bible Dictionary calls it Charity and defines it this way: "The highest, noblest, strongest kind of love, not merely affection; the pure love of Christ. It is never used to denote alms or deeds or benevolence, although it may be a prompting motive." For a more complete description and to learn how to acquire it we turn to Moroni 8:45-48 (Moroni is found in the Book of Mormon. A similiar passage is found in 1 Cor 13:1-13):
45 And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fall--
47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.
48 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ, that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified even as he is pure. Amen."
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