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We compare ordinances listed in Moroni with how the same ordinances are implemented in the modern church. We finish with a discussion of faith, hope, and charity.
Acts 19:1-7
2 Nephi 32:9
3 Nephi 21:2
3 Nephi 28:11
D&C 20:37-38
D&C 20:46-52
3 Nephi 11:25
D&C 20:45
D&C 46:2
Alma 32:22-23
D&C 46:13-14
D&C 35:12
Alma 22:16
1 Corinthians 13
I guess Jesus needs to get baptized for the dead asap, because though we don’t know what He was wearing at his baptism, we know that John “was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins (Mark 1:6).”
Another thing I wanted to point out was why “they ordained them by the power of the Holy Ghost, which was in them.” Lectures on Faith says that, “The Father and the Son possessing the same mind, the same wisdom, glory, power and fulness: Filling all in all—the Son being filled with the fulness of the Mind, glory and power, or, in other words, the Spirit, glory and power of the Father—possessing all knowledge and glory, and the same kingdom: sitting at the right hand of power, in the express image and likeness of the Father—a Mediator for man—being filled with the fulness of the Mind of the Father, or, in other words, the Spirit of the Father: which Spirit is shed forth upon all who believe on his name and keep his commandments: and all those who keep his commandments shall grow up from grace to grace, and become heirs of the heavenly kingdom, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ; possessing the same mind, being transformed into the same image or likeness, even the express image of him who fills all in all: being filled with the fulness of his glory, and become one in him, even as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are one.”
So if the priesthood is God’s power wouldn’t it make sense that we would only be able to use it with His permission? Wouldn’t it be arrogant of us to assume we can now do with it whatever we want without consulting God? By accessing His will/mind aka the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is God’s mind dwelling within us and giving us revelation. If only there was a scripture talking about the consequence of using the priesthood contrary to God’s will.
Section 121:
36 That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
37 That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.
38 Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints, and to fight against God.
39 We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.
40 Hence many are called, but few are chosen.
It’s a good thing that the modern leaders aren’t exercising control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men or they would be in danger of having the spirit withdraw itself (again the connection between the priesthood and the holy ghost) and they would have no more authority.
That would be a problem, because if they didn’t have authority, then D&C 63 would apply:
61 Wherefore, let all men beware how they take my name in their lips—
62 For behold, verily I say, that many there be who are under this condemnation, who use the name of the Lord, and use it in vain, having not authority.
63 Wherefore, let the church repent of their sins, and I, the Lord, will own them; otherwise they shall be cut off.
Condemnation. Being cut off. Thank goodness they can’t ever go astray, otherwise the consequences would be dire.
What is the connection between the terms disciples, elders, and apostles as used in the reading for this week?
What I mean is that chapter 2 talks about Christ’s disciples, the twelve whom he had chosen, and also linked the ability of these disciples to give the Holy Ghost with being an apostle. Then, chapter 3 says “the disciples, who were called the elders of the church” are able to ordain priests and teachers. Chapter 4 gives the instruction that both priests and elders are authorized to bless the sacrament, which might be redundant unless elders/apostles were not expected to be always available. Nowhere in the Book of Mormon do we get instructions on the ordination of new elders, although the ordination of priests and teachers seems to be similar to what the high priests like Alma and Helaman and Nephi did when they traveled to put the church in order.
Are the terms elder and apostle the same thing in these chapters? And is there a numerical limit of 12 total with the need to fill vacancies, or was that simply a convenient number to organize new churches with and others could be added if they met the criteria (just like Paul who was never chosen and ordained by the other living apostles in his day), and the number would decline automatically if there was no one who met the criteria to be a witness of Christ?