Priesthood, Covenants, and Temple

Some Christians question the LDS Church for out belief that God has restored the Old Testament (OT) Levitical or Aaronic Priesthood and covenant. Our critics are correct in pointing out that the Bible teaches that the OT Levitical covenant and priesthood was fulfilled and changed because we see that the outward rites and ordinances associated with the covenant and priesthood were abolished and not continued in the NT church. So if this is true, how is it that the LDS has an Aaronic Priesthood?

John the Baptist appeared to Joseph Smith and conferred the Aaronic Priesthood on him by the laying on of hands months before Peter James and John conferred the Melchezidek priethood and the authority of the Apostleship. John the Baptist specifically told Joseph Smith that he acted under the direction and authority of Peter James and John.

The LDS church does claim a restoration of the Levitical and Aaronic Priesthood but not a restoration of the Levitical commandments of the Law of Moses. The Levitical is considered to be an appendage, part or subset of the Aaronic and the Aaronic being an appendage of the Melchizedek now as it exists in it's current form. That said, the LDS Church does not claim a restoration of the OT commandments, ritual or requirements associated with the OT version of the Aaronic priesthood. The OT commandments and requirements of the priesthood were annulled, fulfilled, canceled, voided etc. Remember that while God says the Aaronic Priesthood is everlasting, Paul says it is a changeable priesthood. But being changeable doesn't mean the priesthood would stop being everlasting. What Paul says in Heb 7:18 would be canceled or annulled is the commandments associated with the priesthood but not the purpose, covenant or priesthood itself.

Now many here rightly point out that priesthood is all about offering sacrifice. And that is exactly what the priesthood is about today. However, since the requirements of the priesthood have changed no one offers animal sacrifice but the body and blood of Christ's infinite and last sacrifice. And those of the church offer a broken heart and contrite spirit and their whole souls in consecration to God. And like the OT Priests the Bishop judges ritual purity to determine if a person is worthy to offer sacrifice and participate in ordinances of sacrifice.

The Bishop has no official duty to preach the word necessarily. That is why when you attend an LDS sacrament meeting, the sermons and Sunday School lessons are given by the membership. For the preacher is no better than the listener. And the membership has primary responsibility to shepherd and care for one another. And that is why membership visit one another through the program of home and visiting teaching. The responsibility of the Bishop is to offer the communion of the Lord's Supper and to determine ritual purity to participate in and receive this and other rites and offerings of covenant sacrifice.

Is there is evidence that a division of responsibility existed in the NT church? Yes there is. You will remember that despite there being a priesthood of all believers male membership was called to be either deacons or presbyters who acted under the direction and keys of the bishop. The Bible makes a clear distinction between responsibility and authority of deacons and presbyters. James says that the sick were to call upon the Presbyters for an anointing and blessing and Paul says to Timothy that he should neglect not his gift (referring to the gift of the Holy Ghost or baptism of fire) which was given by the laying on of hands by the presbytery. And we should remember that John the baptist whose authority parallels the Aaronic authority had responsibility for water baptism but john said he did not have authority to baptize with fire and the Holy Ghost.

So we see here a distinction in the NT church and everlasting covenant where deacons were likely given authority to administer baptism and assist in the administration of the Lords Supper both of which are rites involved with the reception and continual renewal of justification and the remission of sins, while the higher division of the presbytery had authority over sanctifying ordinances of the baptism of fire and in the restored Melchizedek Priesthood Christian temple and the everlasting "sealing in the forehead" covenant of complete consecration to God.

Some claim that there is no need for the OT temple any more . However most all Christians accept that the Bible prophesies the literal rebuilding of the temple. Isaiah 2, Micah 2, Dan 2 and Ezekiel 37 all talk about that the sanctuary, tabernacle, or mountain of the Lord will be among Israel and God will establish his everlasting covenant to sanctify Israel. And what about Johns words when the angels ask who all the people were who were dressed in white robes and the answer says that these are they who cane out of the tribulation and have washed their robes white in the blood of the lamb and serve in the temple.

It is true that eventually there will be no temple as John foresees because the whole earth and all those on it will become fully sanctified. Remember what Ezekiel says about the purpose of the temple is for sanctification. It provides an eternal pattern and celestial perspective. The idea of the temple is scalable that begins with the soul and then a building, then temple city, holy nation, then celestial earth. And when the stone cut out of the mountain in Daniels dream becomes a mountain (temple) and fills the whole earth, then finally there will be no more need for a place set aside as holy for God because when the Earth becomes part of heaven, everywhere and everyone on it will be holy.

Remember that Paul criticized the law of Moses and Levitical priesthood and covenant because it didn't make anything perfect or sanctified. The law just reminded You that you had to continually repent and offer animal sacrifice to be justified for sin. But through the transformative power and grace of Christs spirit and atonement, the higher covenant promises sanctification and perfection. And the temple is given by God to administer this everlasting covenant of sanctification or "sealing in the forehead" until the whole Earth is sanctified and Christ saves us from our sins and not just in our sins.

Many Christians claim that they do not recognize the operation of the priesthood in the NT because priesthood is all about sacrifice and they do not see sacrifice in the NT. While there may not be any animal sacrifice in the NT, the whole NT is all about sacrifice. Here we see the NT saints giving all they have in consecration and setting it at the feet of the Bishop in the United Order. And we see the Christian martyrs making the ultimate sacrifice by giving their very lives for their testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel. The message of NT is all about sacrifice and therefore it is all about priesthood.

In the OT the Aaronic priest made judgments in the name of the Lord about who was clean and able to make animal sacrifice in the temple. In the NT, the bishop served as a priest to judge ritual purity of the Saints to participate in the covenant sacrificial rites such as who is worthy to receive the communion of the Lord's Supper.

While God says the Aaronic priesthood is everlasting, In the NT Paul says the commandments and requirements of the Aaronic priesthood and covenant had been annulled, canceled, and changed. Jesus Christ said the Law of Moses and animal sacrifice was fill filled. But the purpose of the covenant, the blessings of the covenant, and the principle of sacrifice are the same. Christ has taught that the only acceptable sacrifice is our whole will and a broken heart and contrite spirit to God. While the changeable covenant and priesthood justifies, cleanses us from sin; it reminds us that we need the higher everlasting and unchangeable covenant of sanctification to be perfected as Christ has commanded us.

The everlasting covenant is the complete consecration of our hearts and minds and all we are to God. The covenant of perfection was given by Christ when the rich young man had said he had observed the Law of Moses from his youth. In response the Savior invited the young man to sell all that he possessed and come and follow Him. This is the everlasting and sanctifying covenant after the order of the unchangeable Melchizedek priesthood.

Some question why tithing is required for an LDS member to enter the temple. It this a form of coercion? The Bishop, as a high priest offers the flesh and blood of Christs infinite and last sacrifice. And the Bishop as a high priest has responsibility to determine ritual purity. Tithing is one requirement of ritual purity to enter the Melchizedek priesthood temple and receive the everlasting covenant of sanctification. Now why would it make sense to want to make a covenant with God of 100% devotion and consecration when you can't even part with 10%.

But there is also a deeper significance here. And that is giving the person who pays a full tithe a hope of a future complete sanctification from all sin and perfection in all righteousness. And that hope springs from the realization that while there may be many commandments we are not sanctified in, after being declared a full tithe payer by the Bishop who serves as a judge in Israel in the name of the Lord, I know that I have been perfected and sanctified in keeping that commandment. And through this process ,the everlasting temple covenant, and the transformative power and grace of the Holy Ghost and Christs atonement,Christ will sanctify and perfect me in all things.

The bread and water cup of the Holy Communion of the Lord's Supper parallel the sacrificial rites done in the OT temple. But the message, covenant, and blessing of the OT temple and the emblems of the Lords Supper is that we are sinners, and we continually need the justification of Christ for remission of sins. But the key here was that the lesser covenant points us towards the need for sanctification and perfection in Christ through the higher covenant.

The Temple covenant today is a promise of sanctification and does not just carry the same message of justification as the OT temple. The higher and everlasting temple covenant promises us complete sanctification and perfection in righteousness. Not just that we are called clean by the grace and mercy of Christ, but clean in very being through the transformative power after Christ's Spirit. The higher covenant is that Christ will save us from our sins and not in our sins.

The teaching of the fall was that man became sinful. An angel was placed before the tree of life so Adam couldn't partake of the tree and live forever in his sins. Even though Adam was sorry for his transgressions and sins and accepted Christ who was speaking to him, he couldn't just go ahead and eat the fruit of the Tree of Life again and live forever because Adam was still sinful. And although his acceptance of Christ made it possible for Christ to still talk to Adam after sinning; by justification, Adam still needed to live 1000 years before he had become sanctified and perfected in righteousness by the power and transformative grace of Christ such that he was ready to partake of the tree of life again, ready to stand before the Father and dwell in the Celestial Kingdom.

The higher covenant and promise is that Christ really has the power to fully sanctify a perfect man "in this world." That is right. In LDS theology man will be perfected and sanctified by Christ in this world before being admitted into the presence of the Father. This is the new model for the new temple. We cannot enter the presence of the Father without first being sanctified and perfected by Christ here "in this world". It took Adam 1000 years and it will take us the rest of the Millennium but at the end Jesus Christ will yield up His work unto the Father.

Do you not believe that the grace and power of Christ can overcome, perfect and sanctify our sinful natures and the flesh in this world? I say yes for all things are possible with God. The flesh will be changed from corruptible to incorruptible, flesh and blood will become flesh and bone, but as Job said, “yet in my flesh shall I see God” (Philip. 3: 21, 1 Cor. 15: 51-52, Job 19: 26).

When we compare the OT covenants with the NT covenant, we see the first and most important covenant is the covenant of obedience. Obedience involves accepting all those things God has asked us not to do. The next covenant is Sacrifice, which involves all those commandments God has asked His people to do. We know that obedience is better than sacrifice because Samuel tells Saul “And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Sam. 15: 22). To break the law of obedience is considered a sin of commission. To break the law of sacrifice is considered a sin of ommission.

Now that all have sinned who have reached the age of accountability because "where there is no law, sin in not imputed.” But Paul reminds us that even the Gentiles can sin, because a portion of the law and the light of Christ is given to them. Therefore all those who are accountable have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Therefore we are commanded to repent and receive the the covenant of the gospel. The Good News of the covenant of the gospel are the conditions of repentance.

However, receiving the covenant of the gospel and repentance doesn't get us any farther than the OT covenant, because the OT covenant was a continual reminder of our need for continual repentance and acceptance of Christ for Justification by His merits and mercy. So, the final and ultimate covenant is that of sanctification and consecration. Remember Christ to the rich young man who had kept the commandments from his youth. Christ said, that if he desired to made perfect and sanctified, he was to sell all that he possessed, and come and follow Jesus Christ. Consecration is the covenant of sanctification and perfection, and it is the covenant of the NT and the restored temple.

The purpose of the temple which Christ has given us is for sanctification. And until Gods people are totally without sin, the temple will still be needed. The process of sanctification will not be complete until the end of the Millennium. Remember that Christ will suddenly come to His temple. Mal 3:1. The purpose of the Christian temple and the everlasting covenant is to sanctify Israel according to Ezek 37:26-29 because the unrighteous cannot dwell with God and Christs atonement is not just grace that sweeps our sins under the rug. Christ's atonement is transformative power to change us, purify us like silver, turn us away from sin and change our heart such that we have no more disposition to do evil but to do good continually. You and I admit that we are not completely sanctified yet. The Melchizedek priesthood temple will help complete that process of grace and power here and in the Millennium.

Because we are not fully sanctified and perfected 100% at the moment we accept Christ. At the moment we accept Christ, we are fully and 100% justified at the time we accept Christ which makes it possible for the Holy Ghost to enter in us at all. Because the Holy Ghost cannot dwell inunholy temples. But that doesn't mean we are perfect. But through the transformative power of the Spirit and grace of Christ the Holy Ghost will begin to change us. As we receive a greater portion of the Holy Ghost and grow from grace to grace the light and love of Christ grows in us until the perfect day which may not be realized until the end of the Millennium but begins in this world.

How does the Christian temple, the higher covenant or the "sealing in the forehead" help the believer become perfected in Christ and sanctifed?
#1. It reveals to man who they are and their relationship to God. When a person has a spiritual epiphany or realization of the love of God for them and the great potential and future responsibility as priests and kings to God, the light of this knowledge and eternal possibility makes the enticings of sin pale in comparison.

#2. The temple provides an eternal prospective that goes through the stages of the plan of salvation including the pre-existence, creation, the fall, the millennium, judgment and hope of eternal life. By going through the progression of the plan of salvation and understanding where our lives fit into eternity we realize again how brief this life is and what the purpose is to accept Christ and His word. Again when we see how short life is in perspective of the whole of eternity, sin loses any attractiveness.

#3. The Christian temple is a space set aside as holy and pure from the world. As a quiet and reverent place set aside, a person is enabled to enjoy and experience the light and power of the Holy Ghost and the infinite love of Jesus Christ for them then you are strengthened against sin and any brief pleasure that comes from sin pales in comparison to a taste of eternal glory and happiness.

The eternal perspective the temple is why the scriptures refer to the temple as the Mountain of the Lords House. Yes you could get all this at home theoretically, the temple is a blessing until the Earth is fully sanctified and perfected.

Operation of the Levitical and Melchizedek Priesthoods

The LDS Church claims to enjoy the restoration of Levitical and Melchizedek Priesthoods. Some Christians claim that there is no evidence of priesthood in the New Testament or NT Church. First we need to establish a definition of what priesthood is. The Priesthood is the authority of God given to man to administer covenants between God and man on His behalf since God can't do it personally because man cannot endure His presence.

What is the purpose of the priesthood? The Levitical Priesthood is for the purpose of the administration of the covenant for justification and sin forgiveness through Jesus Christ. The covenant is initiated and accepted by water baptism. Israel was baptized as a people when they were led through the Red Sea. The covenant is renewed again and again in the OT by animal sacrifice which foreshadowed the sacrifice of Jesus Christ which is the actual payment for sin and not the animal sacrifice itself. God doesn't need dead animals. It is man that needs the constant vivid reminders of our commitments.

In the NT Church, the practice of water baptism continued and was demonstrated by John the Baptist who was the birthright son of the Levitical High Priest. Christians continued to enter into the the covenant of justification and sin forgiveness and continue the practice of water baptism. However, the renewal of that covenant of sin forgiveness changed. Jesus Christ directed that the practice of animal sacrifice was fulfilled but not the law of sacrifice. Instead, Christ says that the only sacrifice acceptable is a broken heart and contrite spirit. Christ institutes a new mechanism for the renewal of the covenant of justification and sin forgiveness through the Lord's Supper. Bread and water serve as better symbols to represent Christ's sacrifice as society is less and less agrarian and there got to be just too many people around the temple selling livestock.

The Levitical Priesthood is a lesser and changeable priesthood, but it is still given to Aaron and his descendants as an everlasting inheritance. Therefore, because the priesthood is everlasting, it should still find operation in the NT church.

The other purpose of the Levitical Priesthood is that it is a preparatory priesthood for the higher or Melchizedek Priesthood which is the priesthood and covenant for sanctification and perfection. Therefore, we see that the Levitical Priesthood still serves as a preparatory role in the LDS church to prepare persons to receive the higher priesthood. This priesthood and the Levitical covenant was also meant to prepare Israel to receive the higher covenant which they rejected according to the Epistle of Barnabas (see Chapter 14) when Moses smashed the first set of stone tablets.

Heb. 7: 11 If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?
Matt. 5: 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Heb 6:1-3 Therefore [not] leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. . . Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:

However, the Levitical Priesthood is not adminstered currently or in NT times by sons of Levi or of Aaron. Why wasn't it administered only by the Levites or sons of Aaron? Because they did show up to the wedding. And so Paul said that he ordained everyone in the church because the priesthood was offered to anyone who would show up. But repentance and righteousness is still required to serve (wedding garment).

Matt. 22: 3, 8, 10-12 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. . . For many are called, but few are chosen.
1 Cor. 7: 17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

But Paul doesn't ordain everyone to the same ordination. Paul calls some as Deacons and some as Presbyters. And each is given different responsibility in the church. Ignatius says that the Deacons should be subject to the Presbyters and the Deacons and the Presbyters would be subject to the Bishop. Ignatius says that no one in the church should do anything without the approval of the Bishop. Ignatius hints that the Deacons had responsibility over the Lords Supper when he says they administer the mysteries (emblems) of Jesus Christ and not "not ministers of meat and drink, but servants of the Church of God."

However, the Apostles in the NT says that there are spiritual rites that only the Presbyters can do. First, they say that the elders of Presbyters have the authority to anoint and bless the sick. And then Paul reminds Timothy that he should not neglect the gift of the Holy Ghost which was given to him by prophecy and by the laying on of hands of the presbytery.

James 5: 14 Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
1 Tim. 4: 14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.

This is interesting because John the Baptist who held the Levitical and Aaronic Priesthood by birthright even though he was never made the High Priest, said he had the authority to water baptism for sin remission but not to baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost. But we see people coming to John the Baptist and confessing their sins and being water baptized so we see how water baptism is associate with this covenant of justification and sin forgiveness but not sanctification through the tranformative power of the Holy Spirit.

Matt. 3: 11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Matt. 3: 6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

Christ is called a priest after the order of Melchizedek and had this higher priesthood, and So we see here that only the Presbyters held this higher priesthood. That must mean that the Deacons represented those in the church who were ordained to the Levitical Priesthood in preparation to receiving the higher and Melchizedek priesthood at some future point. The fact that the higher or Melchizedek Priesthood is the end goal is why it is called an unchangeable priesthood.

Heb 7:12;24 For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. . . . But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.

So, Deacons were ordained to the Levitical Priesthood and had duties and responsibilities in the NT church to administer the rites, ordinances and covenants associated with justification and sin forgiveness such as water baptism and the Lords Supper. Presbyters were ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood and were given responsibilities in the NT church to administer the rites, ordinances and covenants of the higher priesthood of sanctification. This involves the confirmation of the Holy Ghost or the Baptism of Fire and the Temple covenant.

In the OT, the Levites had considerable responsibility in the temple to offer sacrifice. But not in the NT church and not in the restored LDS church. This is because the restored temple is not a Law of Moses or Levitical Priesthood temple. The temple prophesied to be restored in Dan 2, Micah 2, Isaiah 2, Isaiah 29, and Ezek 37:26-29 will not be a Levitical Temple but a Melchizedek Priesthood Christian temple which administers the everlasting covenant for the purposes of sanctification and not just justification.

Ezek 37:26-29 Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And the heathen shall know that I the Lord do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore.

And where do we find information about what goes on in the restored Christian temple? We get details about it by John and Paul and by Christ. John in Revelations gives us the most detailed description. John talks about that before the tribulation in the last days that God will "seal in the forehead" the faithful who have overcome. Those that receive this "sealing" are "called, chosen, and faithful." Those terms are tied to priesthood rights and ordination. Paul says that no one receiveth the honor of the priesthood except he was called as was Aaron. And we know that Aaron was called by revelation and then was washed, anointed and clothed in priests clothing. And so in the temple the "sealing" or "endowment" involves being clothed in a white robe and given a new name and given to eat what John calls "hidden manna" referring to the sacred nature of what is done in the temple that is not spoken of publicly and is not written about in the Bible directly except by John. And John says that those who receive this "sealing" are made priests and kings to God and enter into a covenant of sanctification.

Heb. 5: 4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.

So, what is the covenant of sanctification associated with the Melchizedek priesthood? Jesus Christ answers that in response to the Rich Young Man. The Young Man was already observing the commandment of the Law of Moses and the Levitical Covenant. So, Christ extended to the young man the higher covenant of consecration. Remember that the only acceptable offering to God is our will and a broken heart and contrite spirit.

Matt. 19: 21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
Ezek. 44: 7 In that ye have brought into my sanctuary strangers, uncircumcised in heart, and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in my sanctuary, to pollute it, even my house, when ye offer my bread, the fat and the blood, and they have broken my covenant because of all your abominations.
Ps. 51: 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Ps. 34: 18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

And we see that the NT church had entered into this higher covenant of sanctification. And as a sign of that covenant they were said in the NT to be living the United Order or living with "all things in common." And those of us who desire to me made perfect through Christ must enter into this covenant and consecrate our will and soul to God which He has purchased by the flesh and blood of His Son Jesus Christ and keep nothing back.

Acts 2:44-46 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Acts 4: 32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
Acts 5:1-3 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

Resurrection, Rebuilding, and Restoration

God prophesied and allowed that His Son be crucified and die. God prophesied and allowed that His temple be desecrated and destroyed that not one stone would be left upon another. God also prophesied and allowed that His church would also go into complete apostasy. However, in the Last Days before the Second Coming of Christ, God prophesied that just as His Son rose from the dead in resurrection, that the temple would be rebuilt, and that His church and kingdom would be restored to the Earth.

Prophecies of the Apostasy.
Matt 24:2 There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down
This prophecy of the temple being destroyed also refers to the church. Not one stone of true doctrine would be left upon another.

Matt 24: 29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
Immediately after the destruction of the temple, all heavenly or spiritual light in the form of revelation would cease.

Matt 24: 34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
Christ told us that the destruction of the temple and His church should all be fulfilled in His generation.

Matt. 16: 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Christ's church was to be built upon the rock of Peter, the chief apostle and the keys and sealing power given to him to receive continuous direct revelation from Christ to lead the church.

Rev. 13: 7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
Satan would be given power to overcome the saints because the church is no longer built upon Christ giving direct revelation to authorized prophets from heaven with priesthood keys after the martyrdom of the apostles and many early church fathers.

Amos 8: 11 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord:
Amos says that a person would search north and east, and sea to sea and not find the truth. Never has there been a time when someone searching for the truth couldn't find it somewhere on the Earth. Abraham left Ur and found the gospel with Melchizedek at Salem. Moses left Egypt and found the truth with Jethro at Midian. The disciples at the time of Christ left Jerusalem and found John the Baptist in the Wilderness.

2 Thes. 2: 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
According to Paul there must be a falling away or apostasy before the second coming of Christ. But the apostles told us the anti-Christ was already revealed.

1 Jn. 2: 18, 22 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. . . Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
1 Jn. 4: 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
2 Jn. 1: 7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

John says that just when the woman is about to give birth, the dragon swallows her child. The woman is then taken away and cared for in the wilderness until it is time for her to be restored. The woman is the church and the the flood is the apostasy. The 3 1/2 years represents the spiritual famine because this was the length of time of the famine of Elijah.
Rev 12: 1-17 And when the dragon saw that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. And the serpent cast out of his mouth water as a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away of the flood. And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed up the flood which the dragon cast out of his mouth. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Prophecies of the Restoration.
Peter prophesies that there will be a future "times of refreshing" when Jesus Christ will be sent again to restore all things.
Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

This restoration of all things is called "the dispensation of the fullness of times"
Eph. 1: 10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

God will do a "marvelous work and a wonder" in the Last Days. And those that think they are smart will be shown their folly. And this marvelous work will be a restoration of doctrine.
Isa. 29: 14 Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder: for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid. . . They also that erred in spirit shall come to understanding, and they that murmured shall learn doctrine.

The temple is part of this restoration of all things. The temple will also be restored along with Christ's church. In the temple is where the everlasting temple covenant is made and where people officially accept the name of Christ upon themselves. The temple ceremony is a marriage ceremony, and adoption proceeding, a kingly coronation, and a priestly ordination all in one.
Isa. 2: 2-3 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
Hag. 1: 8 Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the Lord.
Ezek 26-29 Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And the heathen shall know that I the Lord do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore.

Daniel saw the everlasting kingdom that would be cut out the mountain without hands during the days of the kings of clay and iron. This wasn't referring to the days of the Roman Empire, because the Roman Empire was represented in the dream by the legs of Iron. The feet of clay and iron refers to the political systems of today with the EU, USA, UN, NATO etc. The fact that this kingdom would never be destroyed suggests that the previous kingdom was destroyed. The stone rolling forth didn't fill the whole earth immediately suggesting that the foundations of this everlasting kingdom were established before the beginning of the Millennium when the image will be smashed and the entire Earth will become a temple to Christ.
Dan 2: 34;45 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. . . .and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain (temple), and filled the whole earth. . . And in the days of these kings (iron mixed with clay) shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

The restored temple will not be a Jewish temple after the Levitical priesthood, but it will administer the everlasting covenant after the order of the Melchizedek Priesthood. John explains that before and in preparation for the tribulation in the Last Days, and before the Millennium that those who receive the "sealing in the forehead" will be protected. So, while some are receiving the "mark of the beast" God is "sealing" His elect who are "called, chosen, and faithful". John says that God postpones the tribulation to seal his faithful believers with a "sealing in the forehead." This same group from every kindred, nation, tongue and people are called kings and priests unto God and Christ who is the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Most High God and the Most High Priest. This "sealing in the forehead" is the everlasting temple covenant which is received in the restored Christian temples.
Rev. 7: 2-8 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
Rev. 22: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
Rev. 9: 4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.
Rev. 1: 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Rev. 5: 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Rev. 20: 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
1 Tim. 6: 15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
Rev. 17: 14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. Rev. 19: 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

John says that those who are "sealed in the forehead" and are made kings and priests will be given a new name, dressed in a white robe, made a pillar in the temple, blessed to eat of the tree of life, and give "hidden manna" to eat. (see overcometh verses).
Rev 7:13-15 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them

Creation: Examples in Greek and Hebrew

John 1: 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

According to John, God made everything both visible and invisible that needed making. But according to this, not everything needed making. Somethings are self-existent like God is. Interesting how the creation story does not discuss the creation of the angels in heaven or of Lucifer, Michael, and Gabriel. Now, do not misunderstand. God did form or organize the spirits, but not from nothing. Why is that important? Because it means that God is not responsible for creating evil. Satan is the father of lies.

Zech 12:1 The burden of the word of the LORD for Israel, saith the LORD, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him.

God formed or brought into being the sprit of man. We are the spiritual offspring of god. But this doesnt mean it was formed from nothing. In fact the word used for create is "yatsar". According to Hebrew lexicons, yatsar (yaw-tsar') means to mould into a form; especially as a potter; to determine, fashion, form, frame, or make.

The Hebrew word "bara" is often translated "create".
The Hebrew word "asah" is often translated "make".
The Hebrew word "yasar" is often translated "form".

"bara" may include the idea of bringing something into existence or into being like the earth and the body of man. However, the body of man was formed from the dust of the earth. And we know that the Earth was formed from dust in the universe which came together (Col. 1: 17 consist = sunesteken = put together). But the mind or intelligence of man, or spirit is self-existent, and is formed and not made like the physical elements. God is spirit and God is self-existent. Therefore all spirit is self-existent. Like the spirit of Jesus Christ, the Bible says was begotten and not made; the spirits of man were generated from God, formed, brought into being, and not brought into existence from non-existence.

The mind and intelligence of Lucifer is self-existent as all intelligences are. So, when it came to God creating Lucifer, it wasnt a matter of God messing up, or giving a killer a weapon. God knew what Lucifer would become and could have skipped him or designed him better. Lucifer's mind always existed and God did know that mind would rebell against Him, but God gave Lucifer every opportunity to do rightly. God gave Lucifer free agency, but Lucifer always possessed will which is an inherit characteristic of self-existence. Consequently Lucifer alone is responsible for his own rebellion.

This is also how Christ bought us and we are said to be God's purchased possessions. The Apostles said that false teachers would enter into the church and deny that Christ purchased them. What would there be for God to buy if God had made us from nothing. God would already own us. But our will is our own, and all of us have given ourselves away for nothing to Satan. But through the grace of Jesus Christ, we have been redeemed by the price of His blood. And all that God expects now is that we deliver to Him the goods. God expects that we turn over to him what He has paid for in full-- our will, without holding anything back.

2 Pet. 2: 1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

ΠΕΤΡΟΥ Β΄ 2:1 Greek NT: WH / NA27 / UBS4 ἐγένοντο δὲ καὶ ψευδοπροφῆται ἐν τῷ λαῷ ὡς καὶ ἐν ὑμῖν ἔσονται ψευδοδιδάσκαλοι, οἵτινες παρεισάξουσιν αἱρέσεις ἀπωλείας καὶ τὸν ἀγοράσαντα αὐτοὺς δεσπότην ἀρνούμενοι. ἐπάγοντες ἑαυτοῖς ταχινὴν ἀπώλειαν,

= also the/that/[omit] bought them Master denying (transliteration).
= denying that the Master bought them. (the KJV incorrectly refers to the Living God using the word "that" instead of "who". Also, my translation places the emphasis of Peter's words on the denial of being purchased by Christ, in contrast to the KJV version which places the emphasis on a denial of Christ, and then adding the "that bought them" as almost an afterthought instead of the basis of their denial).

The Resurrection

Resurrection happens at different times. Christ was the first to be resurrected but many beings have already been resurrected at the time of Christ.

Ezek. 37: 12-13 Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. And ye shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves,
Matt. 27: 52-53 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

The righteous will be resurrected at the beginning of the Millennium so they can enjoy the full 1000 years with Christ and finish the work of sanctification. This is termed the "first resurrection" or the "resurrection of the just.." The unjust will also be eventually resurrected in the "second resurrection" more towards the end of the Millennium and therefore will be delivered from the spirit prison, outer darkness, and hell that they are experiencing.

John 5: 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Acts 24: 15, 21 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
Heb. 11: 35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:
Rev. 20: 5-6 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

But those who are resurrected at the end of the Millennium, Satan will begin to have power again and there will be a final conflict. But those who confess that it was by the power of Christ who resurrected them, will be saved from hell but will not receive the reward of eternal life. This is why LDS says that Salvation without Exaltation = Damnation (no eternal progression, like a damn stops the progression of a river)

Rom. 10: 9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation .

Those that confess Christ at the resurrection will be saved from hell, but not exalted. This is the resurrection of damnation. They will be resurrected to a glory, but a lesser glory or reward.

1 Cor 15:40-42 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead.

The first resurrection has already started. Jesus Christ was first being the first-fruits of them that slept. Some have already been resurrected. Some like Elijah and Enoch were not resurrected but translated where they could not die, but the change in them was not the the same degree as a fully resurrected being. When Christ comes for His Second Coming those caught up with Christ in the air will be fully changed in a twinkling of an eye and receive a fully resurrected state.

1 Cor. 15: 51-52 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
Philip. 3: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Restoration of the Temple

Jesus Christ prophesied that the church would fall into apostasy. This prophecy has multiple fulfillment applying to the destruction of Jerusalem, the apostasy of the church and the tribulation of the Last Days. Doctrinally speaking, not one stone would be left upon another and all sources of spiritual light would go out. There would be no more prophets to apostles and no more priesthood authority to speak in the name of God. Just as Christ was crucified and resurrected. So too would Christ's church (which is likened to His body) and His temple be destroyed and later restored. Several Early Church Father commented how the "son of perdition" or Antichrist was already revealed at that time. And this could have multiple fulfillment and also apply to the Last Days as well.

Matt 24:2 There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down
Matt 24: 29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:
Rev. 13: 7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
Amos 8: 11 Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord:
2 Thes. 2: 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
Matt 24: 34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.

John says that when the tribulation comes in the Last Days, that those who receive the "sealing in the forehead" will be protected. So, while some are receiving the "mark of the beast" God is "sealing" His elect who are "called, chosen, and faithful"

Rev. 7: 2-8 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
Rev. 22: 4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
Rev. 9: 4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

Those who receive this "sealing in the forehead" are called kings and priests unto God and Christ who is the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Most High God and the Most High Priest. Christ is the great High Priest but will empower men to participate in the offering of His flesh and blood to others (Lord's Supper) as well as enabling them to offer the only acceptable offering to God which is a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

Rev. 1: 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Rev. 5: 10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Rev. 20: 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
1 Tim. 6: 15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
Rev. 17: 14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
Rev. 19: 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

The Temple will also be restored along with Christ's church. In the temple is where the everlasting temple covenant is made and where people officially accept the name of Christ upon themselves. The temple ceremony is a marriage ceremony, and adoption proceeding, a kingly coronation, and a priestly ordination all in one.

Isa. 2: 2-3 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
Hag. 1: 8 Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified, saith the Lord.
Ezek 26-29 Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore. My tabernacle also shall be with them: yea, I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And the heathen shall know that I the Lord do sanctify Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them for evermore.
Dan 2: 34;45 Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. . . .and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain (temple), and filled the whole earth. . . And in the days of these kings (iron mixed with clay) shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

Those who receive the testimony of Christ and the "sealing of the forehead" are said to have overcome. John gives some details about the temple in the series of "overcometh" verses. Brigham Young said that we learn things in the temple which will enable us to pass by the angels into the presence of God. This is from Revelations and Luke 12: 8 where Christ said he would confess our name before God and the angels meaning there are certain angels that require His confession. Those who go through the restored temple and are blessed with this "hidden manna" are dressed in white robes and receive a new name and figuratively partake of the tree of life and are made kings, priests, and made worthy to be called "gods" and "sons of God."

Rev. 2: 7, 11, 17, 26 To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. . . .
He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. . . .
To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it. . . .
And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:
Rev. 3: 5, 12, 21 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. . . .
Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. . . .
To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
1 Jn. 5: 4-5 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
Rev. 21: 7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
Rev 7:13-15 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them

And remember that these scriptures are talking about events leading into the Millennium. Remember that the stone cut out the mountain without hands was done during the days of the feet of iron mixed with clay. This isn't the Romans. The Roman Empire was represented by the legs of Iron. The feet of iron and clay is the European Union, United nations, United States of Mexico, United states of America. The rock was cut out of the mountain this everlasting kingdom was started which then became a mountain (temple) and struck the image and pulverized it. That is when the Millennium starts. But the rock was already rolling and growing. And in the case of the "sealing" remember the angel stopped the 4 angels from unleashing the tribulation and said "hurt not the earth nor the seas, nor the trees until we have sealed them in the forehead" And then they were sealed and the power of the tribulation could not hurt them. And then we see that those made priests and kings unto God and who were dressed in the white robes "came out of the tribulation" into the Millennium to rule with Christ.So, these event definitely start before the tribulation and lead into the Millennium.

The restoration of the temple of God will not be a restoration of a Law of Moses temple and the restoration of animal sacrifice. The Law of Moses has been fulfilled and the practice of animal sacrifice has been done away. The temple that will be restored in the Last Days must be after the order of the higher and everlasting law, higher and everlasting covenant, and the higher and everlasting priesthood of Melchizedek. Jesus Christ is the Son of the Living God, the Messiah, and the Savior of the world and the restored temple must be a Christian temple dedicated in His Holy Name: Holiness to the LORD, the House of the LORD.

Eternal Marriage and Eternal Life

Three of the Gospels record a brief interaction between a certain Sadducee and Jesus Christ. The Sadducee approached Christ with a tricky question. According to the Law of Moses, if a man dies before he is able to have a child by his wife, then his wife is to be married a brother so that that brother can "raise up seed unto his brother." This is what is known as the Law of Levarite Marriage and is a clear example of the Bible advocating the practice of bigamy and polygamy under certain specific circumstance. So, this certain Sadducee poses a sort of hypothetical situation to Christ. The Sadducee asks if a Jewish woman following the Law of Levarite Marriage as part of the Law of Moses were to have been married to 7 brothers, whose would she be in the resurrection?

Luke 20:27-36 Then came to him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection; and they asked him, Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man’s brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. There were therefore seven brethren: and the first took a wife, and died without children. And the second took her to wife, and he died childless. And the third took her; and in like manner the seven also: and they left no children, and died. Last of all the woman died also. Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she? for seven had her to wife. And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.

Mark 12:24-25 And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God? For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven.

Matt 22:29-30 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.

Now, Christ gives a very clear and unmistakable answer to this question. Christ says that for the woman, she will be an angel and therefore not be married nor given in marriage in the next world. Now, a great many Evangelicals and other Christians point to this scripture as proof that there is to be no continuation of family relationships marital bonds in the next life. Despite all the debate about Adam and Eve being joined together in holy innocence in the garden before the Fall, and the Sealing power which binds in heaven what has been bound on Earth, and Paul saying that "neither is the man without the woman, nor woman without the man in the Lord." You cannot deny what Christ clearly and unmistakably says about this Jewish woman. She will be physically resurrected, a child of God, but she will be an angel and not married or given in marriage.

Gen. 2: 18, 24 And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him. . . Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
1 Cor. 11: 11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.

Matt. 16: 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

But here is the key to the whole debate right there. The woman in the hypothetical, was a Jew and not Christian. Paul made a clear distinction between the Jews and the Christians in the next life when he in Rom. 9: 8 and Gal. 4: 28 likened the calling and election of the Jews vs. the Christians to the family of Abraham. Paul called the Jews "the children of the bondwoman" after Ishmael who was the son of Hagar. On the other hand, Paul called the Christians "the children of the promise" likening them to Isaac who was the son of Sarah.

Gal 4: 1-7; 22-24; 29-31 1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. . . . For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. . .

Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

Paul explained that Jesus Christ and those who believed on Him for salvation would be made "higher than the angels" and "given a more excellent name than they."

Heb 1: 2-4; 13-14 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. . . . But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?

Paul goes on to explain that true Christian believers who would be made heirs of eternal life would be worthy to be glorified together with Christ, worthy to be called children of God, and worthy to be "called gods" and not angels.

Rom 8:14-21 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope, Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

So, while the Jewish woman in the example would be saved from hell, and resurrected, because she hadn't accepted Christ as the Messiah, she would not receive the same inheritance with the children of the promise and would be made an angel and not be married or given in marriage in the next world. But the promise to those who accept Christ and love God with all their heart, might, mind, and strength is to enjoy the eternal companionship and familial bonds of wife and family.

Some Christians only see the purpose of marriage to be sexual or for the purposes of procreation. Therefore they feel that these relationships would be useless in the afterlife. However, I see my relationship with my wife and children to be much more that just for physical purposes. Yes, Christ likens our relationship to Him as a marriage relationship, and like a familial relationship of Father and son. This should mean that marriage and family are eternal principles and important that Christ would use them to refer to His relationship to us.It should not be interpreted that Christ using marriage and father-son relationship analogy should suggest that our current marriage and familial relationships are a threat and somehow would detract from our relationship with God. In fact our marriage and family relationship helps us come closer to God and understand Him more perfectly. Remember that Christ said it was not good for man to be alone. And that God would make man an "ezer" or divine enabler or perfecter. My wife helps me become whole and complete.

Yes, the children of this world will become angels and not married or given in marriage as they are on Earth. The children of Christ are different. They will be heirs of God, glorified together with Christ, made higher than the angels, and given a more excellent name then they. The children of Christ will be made worthy to be "called gods" and they will be rewarded with eternal marriage and eternal family relationships. Therefore, it is incorrect to use this example as a proof against against eternal marriage because the woman in the example and the person asking it both Err, "not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God." which is Christ. Jews were considered by Paul to be children of the bondwoman while Christians were children of the promise. Jews will be saved but the "elder will serve the younger" (Rom. 9: 12). Jews will be saved in heaven but not receive eternal life unless they fully accept Christ as their Messiah and are fully changed by the transformative power and grace of His atonement.

Dimensions of the Gold Plates

Some Evangelical Christians claim Joseph Smith's story of finding gold plates, from which he translated the Book of Mormon, to be false based on the assumption that they would be too heavy for any one man to carry; let alone run with through a forest while being chased by an angry mob. Joseph Smith gave the gold plates the dimensions of approximately 15 cm by 20 cm by 15 cm. The plates were comprised of a thick stack of leaf thin golden metal sheets held together and by 3 D-shaped rings which ran through holes made on the edge of one side of the plates. The witnesses to the Book of Mormon commented that there were engravings on both sides and other witnesses say that the pages were so thin that you could run your thumb up the corner of the pages and cause the pages to make a shuffling sound.

From these dimensions of the gold plates, some calculate that the plates must have weighed more than 200 lbs. However, this calculation is based on a faulty assumption that the plates are the same weight as a solid block of 24 karat gold. This assumption is false because, #1 24 karat gold would have been too soft to keep an engraven record. Gold is a very malleable metal and any engravings in pure gold could too easily be lost. #2 Joseph Smith never actually claimed the plates were made of pure gold. The Book of Mormon only says that the plates were made of ore and the witnesses state that they had the "appearance of gold." #3 The plates were not a solid piece of metal, but were a stack of hand-made plates. Consequently, they would not have been perfectly flat. Engraving on each side of the plates would have distorted them causing a significant amount of air space between each page further reducing the overall density [Glenn Blaylock, Wiki answers].

copper density is 8.92 g/cm3.
gold density is 19.30 g/cm3.
silver density is 10.5 gr/cm3.

To calculate the actual weight of the gold plates, we can assume that Joseph's measurements of the plates are correct. If we assume the plates were 15cm X 20cm X 15cm, that would constitute a volume of 4500 cm3. If the plates were pure gold we would multiply the volume by the density of ~20 g/cm3 giving 90 kg. We can then convert kg. to lbs. by multiplying by a factor of 2.2 giving about 200 lbs. 200 lbs. would be the weight of the plates if they were not plates but a solid 24k-gold brick with the same dimensions.

However, I think we can assume the plates where alloyed with at least 50% copper and silver by volume (12-karat). Since the density of copper and silver are about half the density of pure, gold, we can assume that the plates would be at least 2/3 the weight compared to solid gold. That would bring the total weight of the plates from 200 lbs. to 133 lbs. Still too heavy to run with through the forest.

But then if we remember that the pages themselves were engraven on both sides, I think we can reduce the overall density and weight of the plates by 1/2 again. Glenn Blaylock in his post at Wiki answers suggests an experiment where we take a ream of paper and write on the front and back of each page and then re-stack each page together again. The micro-imperfections add up to give an increase in volume of 2 and a decrease in density by 2. Therefore, taking this into account, the overall weight of the plates is reduced further from 133 lbs to 66 lbs.

66 lbs is still a heavy burden to carry. The witnesses to the Book of Mormon and other eye witnesses talked about hefting the book. But was Joseph strong enough to carry the plates let alone run with them? At first, maybe not. in 1823 at age 17, Joseph was not initially allowed by the angel Moroni to take the plates. Instead, Joseph was instructed to return to the place where the plates were buried each year for 4 years until finally in 1827 at age 21, he was allowed to remove them. Part of the reason Joseph was not permitted to take the plates may have been a lack of sufficient strength. If Joseph wasn't strong enough to carry the plates at 17, we know Joseph Smith was more than strong enough as an adult. Joseph was known for his great strength. He routinely competed against and defeated 2 men simultaneously in stick pull contests.

The Celestial Kingdom

Irenaeus quotes Papias in Against Heresies talking about 3 distinct habitions in the next life and the gradation of arrangement of those who are saved:

"As the presbyters say, then, those who are deemed worthy of an abode in heaven shall go there, others shall enjoy the delights of Paradise, and others shall possess the splendour of the city; (The new Jerusalem on earth) for everywhere the Saviour will be seen, according as they shall be worthy who see Him. But that there is this distinction between the habitation of those who produce an hundred-fold, and that of those who produce sixty-fold, and that of those who produce thirty-fold; for the first will be taken up into the heavens, the second class will dwell in Paradise, and the last will inhabit the city; and that on this account the Lord said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions:” for all things belong to God, who supplies all with a suitable dwelling-place, even as His word says, that a share is given to all by the Father, according as each one is or shall be worthy. And this is the couch in which they shall recline who feast, being invited to the wedding. The presbyters, the disciples of the apostles, say that this is the gradation and arrangement of those who are saved, and that they advance through steps of this nature; and that, moreover, they ascend through the Spirit to the Son, and through the Son to the Father; and that in due time the Son will yield up His work to the Father."

Paul talks about being rewarded for works but saved by grace and even those who would not be reward and who "suffered loss" would still be saved.

1 Cor 2: 11-15 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Both the just and the unjust will be resurrected

Acts 24: 15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. There will be a differentiation of the glory of those who are ressurected.

Not everyone will be resurrected to the same glory or reward.

1 Cor 15:40-42 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead.

Paul sees the third heaven.

2 Cor. 12: 2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth such an one caught up to the third heaven.

While justification and salvation by hell by the grace of Christ is automatic, Paul says he only had a hope of eternal life.

Titus 3: 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Christ, Paul and John talk about denying Christ with our works even if we profess Him with our lips.

Titus 1: 16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Rev. 3: 8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.
Matt. 15: 8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

Christ taught that saying Lord Lord is not enough for the reward of eternal life.

Matt 7:21 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 which is in heaven. 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? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

Jesus Christ, Paul, and John differentiated between the wise and the unwise virgin. Christ differentiated between the profitable and unprofitable servant and the sheep and the goats and the hot and the lukewarm, the children of the bondwoman vs. children of the flesh. If our works don't matter for eternal life, what was wrong with the the unprofitable servant?

Matt. 25: 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us.
Matt. 25: 30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Matt. 25: 32-33 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
Gal 4: 28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
Rev. 3: 15-16 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Paul says, that although works are expected, we should think that we save ourselves, because salvation and eternal life is a gift and reward of God. But that doesnt mean God doesn't expect it. He is just reminding us that our works are only possible through the grace and power of Christ within us. The key here is not not think we can do it alone without Christ. This is not saying that works are not important.

Eph 2:8-10 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Titus 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;

Eternal life involves knowing the Father and having fellowship with the Father and not only Jesus Christ.

1 Jn 1:1-4 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

The righteous will inherit the Earth and the righteous and the Earth will be changed. The righteous wil be changed from flesh and blood to purified, glorified flesh and bone as Christ was changed after His resurrection. But we all will not be changed to the same glory in the resurrection.

Ps. 37: 11 But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
Matt. 5: 5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
1 Cor 15: 50-53 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
1 Cor 15:40-42 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:

During the Millennium the Earth will be in a Paradisiacal state. But the Earth will change again when we are prepared to enjoy the presence and fellowship of the Father. The scene that John sees in vision is not in heaven but the Earth in its full Celestial glory.

Rev. 15: 2 And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.
Rev. 4: 6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal:

The Earth and those on it will be blessed to progress through each change and stage of glory to the final Celestial glory when Christ yields up the Earth and the exalted being on it to the Father. However, some will cease to progress with the Earth. This is the definition of damnation. Just like a damn on a river stops its flow. Again, Irenaeus quotes Papias in the "sayings of the Apostles" saying that there are different habitations and a gradation of arrangement of those who are saved and that the righteous will pass through each stage untill they arrive at the Celestial state. Some will not advance to the highest state."that this is the gradation and arrangement of those who are saved, and that they advance through steps of this nature; and that, moreover, they ascend through the Spirit to the Son, and through the Son to the Father; and that in due time the Son will yield up His work to the Father."

Lukewarmers: Resurrected, Saved from Hell, No Eternal Life.

Many Christians have a dichotomous idea of the afterlife. They understand the Bible to teach about heaven and hell. You either go to one place or of the other. However, if you read the Bible in detail, you see that God differentiates the ideas of heaven and hell a little more than that. Jesus Christ and his apostles made distinctions between believers. Now it doesn't matter how long you were working hard and being profitable in the field, those that worked diligently one hour received the same reward as those who worked through the heat of the day.

Matt 20:12-14 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong: didst not thou agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee.

However, Jesus Christ talked about the sheep vs. the goats, the profitable servants verses unprofitable. But Christ also made a distinction between the wise and the unwise virgins who were all waiting for the marriage but only the wise had extra oil for their lamps. Paul talked about those who would be considered the children of the bondwoman referring to Abraham's son Ishmael by Hagar, vs. his other son Isaac who came by Sarah. Pauls says true Christians will be considered the children of the promise. John in the Book of Revelations doesn't just talk about the wicked and the righteous but those who are hot, lukewarm and cold. So what will happen to the goats, the unprofitable servants, the unwise virgins, children of the bondwoman, and lukewarmers?

Yes, the lukewarmers will be saved. Christ will save them from hell and the unjust will be resurrected.They will go to spirit prison and experience eternal punishment or God's punishment, but eventually the prisoners will go free. This isn't a doctrine of Universalism, but is a doctrine of a loving and merciful Father in Heaven.

Isa. 24: 22 And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be visited.
John 5: 25. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
1 Peter 3:18-19; 4:6 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;. . . .For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

The unjust will be resurrected.

Acts 24: 15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

Paul says that if you confess Christ even right after the resurrection then you and your saved. This means that you can still confess after your resurrected. You will be saved from hell, but that doesn't include the reward of eternal life.

Rom. 10: 9-10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Paul says that everyone will confess and accept that Jesus is the Christ. Confession of Christ is all that is needed for salvation from hell. According to Paul it is possible that you can be saved after death but before the final judgement at the end of the Millennium if you confess the Lord Jesus after the ressurrection. That person who procrastinates will be saved but they will not be exalted or receive eternal life. That is a gift of God.


Rom. 14: 11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

The only sin that can not be forgiven in this life or the next is the sin against the Holy Ghost. Even blasphemy against God will be forgiven, but not against the Holy Ghost. And this suggests that some degree of forgiveness of sin is possible in the spirit world before the final judgement at the end of the Millennium.

Matt 12:31 Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

Paul teaches that everyone builds a foundation of works upon which his life stands. We either build upon Christ or some other foundation. If we are truely built upon Christ we will be saved and be rewarded with the gift of eternal life. But even those who are built on another foundation which fails when tested, will suffer loss, but eventually will be saved from hell.

1 Cor 2: 11-15 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire."

Those who are cold or lukewarm in Christ, or are unprofitable will be cast into outer darkness as the Bible says and endure endless torment and eternal punishment. But Christ says the punishment really isn't endless. Because God says the Joseph Smith that "Endless" and "Eternal" are His name so "Endless torment" and "Eternal punishment" are Gods punishment. And eventually the prisoners will go free and the unjust will be resurrected. They will not receive the same reward with the children of the promise but they will be saved.

D&C 19:10 For, behold, the mystery of godliness, how great is it! For, behold, I am endless, and the punishment which is given from my hand is endless punishment, for Endless is my name. Wherefore— Eternal punishment is God’s punishment. Endless punishment is God’s punishment.