Friday 18 July 2014

It Is Time To Stand For Christ

After His resurrection, Christ showed Himself to the ancient inhabitants of the Americas.  And, after introducing Himself, and giving power to baptize, immediately He began teaching His gospel, specifically repeating several times that there should be no disputations among His people, that disputations were not of Him.  Jesus very quickly moves through the first principles of His gospel, emphasizing the importance of repentance and baptism and becoming like a little child.  And He doesn’t stop there.  He continues by listing the behaviours that He expects of His people, which are quite thorough and, in my opinion, could take a great deal of time to master.  After this, our Lord makes this statement:

“… except ye shall keep my commandments, which I have commanded you at this time, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” 

He goes on to explain what the old commandments were, and what His new commandments are, which we must keep in order to enter into the kingdom of heaven.  They are: 

  • Do not be angry, cuss/curse your fellows, nor call him an idiot.  And fix the things we have done wrong, and fast too. 
  • Don’t lust after anyone. Don't allow it to enter into your heart!  This is adultery of the heart, and those who do this will be cast into hell. 
  • Whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causes her to commit adultery: and marrying her who is divorced is adultery. 
  • Make no oaths, but be perfectly honest and honourable in your communications. 
  • Do not return evil for evil (ie: Don’t hurt him back!)  Help those who make you help, give to those who ask, lend to those who would borrow. 
  • Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you and persecute you. 

These six new commandments, along with the beatitudes, are certainly a tall order to live up to.  And yet the Lord says: 

“Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.” 

If the Lord commands it, then it is achievable, so do not be discouraged, keep pushing forward; after all the Lord has said that His blessings are not only for those who are keeping all His commandments, but also for "him that seeketh so to do"  What a glorious promise!  Even though we are not yet perfect, the Lord will still bless us if we love Him and are seeking to keep all His commandments! 

“Therefore come unto me and be ye saved; for verily I say unto you, that except ye shall keep my commandments, which I have commanded you at this time, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.”  

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2 comments:

  1. Sally20 July 2014 at 16:05

    Brother John (Pontius) taught that the key is Flawless Obedience.I try to be quick to observe and obey on a daily basis. We are all given personal commanments or direction from the Lord via the Promptings of the Holy Ghost. I look foweward to that Perfect Day (93:1) when I will enter Christ presance. He is the gatekeeper and he is the one that will escort me to Father,and if I understand correctly he (Father) that perfects me. I do not do it myself. I hope I am making sence. Words are not my strong point, along with grammar and spelling. Thanks for this post as well as all the others-Your sister in the faith.

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    1. Joseph Rockwell20 July 2014 at 17:25

      I definitely agree with Brother John on flawless obedience. It is so imperative! Following every prompting as accurately and quickly as possible makes such an enormous difference in our progression.

      Yes, I agree with you, it is the Father who perfects us after all we can do. Standing in His presence is a truly edifying experience. You are making perfect sense and express yourself with a good grasp on things. I look forward to hearing your experience with Heavenly Father. I can't wait to read it!

      As always, thank-you, I appreciate your comments.

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