Wednesday, January 1, 2020
What really happened after the Flood?
What really happened after the Flood?
AFTER THE FLOODThe history of Noah and of early Europe has been suppressed! Not since the close of the seventeenth century has it been allowed to be taught publicly. This suppression of truth did not happen in a day.
“.Almost any man of the Renaissance could tell the story of Noah’s wanderings and of his plantation of Europe, for the account appeared in many books.”
(“The Legend of Noah”, Don C. Allen, 1963, p.117).
Before the flood
Before the Flood, Noah was a great, wealth and influential leader . He was actually A GREAT RULER! It was related how Josephus said that Noah, before the Flood, had to flee for his life. Where did he flee from, and where did he go? Ancient Mesopotamian tradition, as contained in the “Epic of Gilgamesh,” records that Noah’s pre-Flood home was a town called Shruppak in Mesopotamia on the banks of the Euphrates. Noah fled to Egypt and that Egypt was the place from which Noah began to speak and warn the world!Berossus which is recorded in Corey’s”Ancient Fragments”, p. 57. In it is the story of a famous individual who, before, the Flood, traveled along all the coastlands. During the day he would come out of his boat and preach to all the people living on the sea; and at night he would retire back to his ship.
Proof of the Flood in history
The Sumerian King List post Flood account:
“After the Flood has swept over the earth and when kingship was slowered again from heaven, kingship was first in KISH.”(Pritchard’s “Ancient Near Eastern Texts”, p. 265.)
After the Flood
Bellrossus states,“Noah and his family came down from (the mountain) into the plain which it overshadowed. The plain was thickly strewn with corpses, from which fact the place has to this day retained the name of Myri-Adam, which means disembowelled men.”
Remember that the location of these earliest post-Flood events is Armenia. The High Priest of most ancient Armenia was the same personage who was High Priest and King of Salem in the time of Abraham — Mesdezdek.
“And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you; and with every living creature . . neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood … This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me andthe earth … (that) the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh” (Gen. 9:9-15).
WHO WAS THE OLDEST? Japheth
Genesis 10:9 here it is recorded that “Unto them also, the father of all the children of Eber, the brother of Japheth the elder, even to him were children born”.(See Jameison, Faucett, and Brown Commentary). Zillah, remember was the first truly black woman in history! And, quite late in Lamech’s life, his black wife, Zillah, had a daughter named Naamah. Naamah became famous as a weaver of cloth — and this is who Ham married!
How long did they live?
Now turn to Genesis 5:32. This verse tells us that Noah was 500 years old when the oldest of his last three children was begotten. Noah lived to be 950, Shem was 600 at death, Abraham 175.
Read Josephus’ brief account:
Now the sons of Noah, Shem, Japheth, and Ham were the first of all descended from the mountains into the plains, and fixed their habitation there and persuaded others who were greatly afraid of the lower grounds on account of the flood, and so were very slow to come down from the higher places, to venture to follow their examples.”(Antiquities of the Jews I, IV, 1.)
Now, from Shem, Ham, and Japheth sprang Noah’s sixteen grandsons– and their sixteen family names illustrate all the general types of people found in the world today! Since it is important to be familiar with these names, they should be listed here. Shem had five sons: Elam, Asshur, Arphaxad, Lud, and Aram. Ham had four: Cush, Mizraim, Phut, and Canaan. And Japheth had the most sons of all, Seven: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras.
Berossus, ancient Babylonian historian and contemporary of Manetho, wrote of events immediately following the Flood. In his discussion of the family of Noah he states; “Now they knew their wives, who, on the very day expected regularly brought forth twins of different sexes; afterwards, when these twins had grown to years of puberty, and married, they also had twins at each birth.”
Noah spent many years educating his children and their families.
World Tour
The human family, then, stayed in the region of Armenia for a little over a century after the Flood. By that time, however, the earth’s tiny but flourishing population had become so large that it was necessary to redistribute the population by sending out colonies in a pre-planned and organized manner as inspired by God and directed by Noah. The project began in 2261.Noah took his sons on a world tour. The original world tour, according to the account of Lemaire, occurred some eight decades after the Flood and required ten years to complete. After their return to Armenia, Noah began to send out groups of colonists to the various parts of the world where God wanted the different segments of the human family to live.
Division of the Nations
“And unto Eber (Heber) were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg; for in his days was the earth divided; and his brother’s name was Joktan. The name “Peleg” is significant. It is a Hebrew word meaning “division”. The margin of many Bibles points this out. In other words, Peleg received this name because IN HIS DAYS GOD DIVIDED UP THE EARTH’S SURFACE AMONG THE NATIONS! This verse has wrongly been understood to mean that this was the time when the continents were separated. Peleg was born to Heber and his wife in Armenia shortly before Noah began sending out the people. Though the plan was not yet being carried out, the human family knew it was soon to occur. Noah had probably informed them of this plan in detail after he had returned from his initial world tour years before. That is why Heber could name his son appropriately.
Josephus’ description of the period: ”God commanded them to send COLONIES abroad, for the thorough peopling of the earth, that they might not raise seditions among themselves, but might cultivate a great part o fthe of Earth …. But they … did not obey God. (Again later) when they flourished with a numerous youth, God admonished them again to send out colonies: but they, Imagining the prosperity they enjoyed was not derived from the favour of God, but supposing that their own power was the proper cause of the plentiful condition they were in, did not obey Him. Nay, they added to … their disobedience … the suspicion that (if they did) send out separate colonies …being (thus) divided assunder, they might the more easily be oppressed. (Antiquities I, IV, 1.)
Apostle Paul to say. “God who made the world and all that is in it … from one forefather …has created every nation of men to live over the face of the whole earth. He has determined the times of their existence and the limits of their habitation”. (Acts 17:24 26).
Deu 32:8 When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel.
Act 17:26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
Journey of Noah
It was described as a “vast retinue” (Allen, page 116).according to Berossus’ account, Noah had with him “a great number of families whom he intended to lead into various distant colonies.” He and his company first went to the region of Hyrcania, that district which is located south of the Caspian Sea. After leaving colonists there, they went “into Mesopotamia, towards the sea below Babylon.” colonies out into Arabia Felix” where he established several new Settlements. The next part of Noah’s itinerary was Africa. According to the account from Berossus, Noah spent over half a century on the African continent. Lemaire’s history of the travels of Noah states that the great Patriarch and his retinue finally left Africa and moved into Spain 259 years after the Flood, which would be the year 2110. After nine years in Spain, Noah moved on into Italy.
Italy becomes the Capitol
Noah is listed as the first ruler to exercise authority in relation to Italy. Italy was uninhabited for 108 years after the Flood (2369-2261). In other words, this is the time Noah originally sent people to live in that area of the world! Gomer, son of Japheth, along with his son, Ochus, is listed as ruling in Italy from earliest times down to the year 2120. (See page 130 of volume two of the Compendium.)
The history of ancient Persia dates its first king on the basis on the date of 2261. And the history of ancient Scandinavia opens with the migration of Magog (Gen. 10:2) out of the region of Armenia at this very same time. (Compendium, Vol. II, pp. 127-130, 157,195-196).
Both Berossus and Lemaire record that Ham had a negative effect on the inhabitants of Italy. Their accounts state that he was “endeavoring to corrupt” them. Lemaire provides this background. Gomer died at an advanced age in 2120. At this crucial juncture Ham came to Italy from Africa and usurped authority over the colonists. Apparently Gomer’s son, Ochus, was not influential enough to maintain rulership. Ham must have then begun a process of turning the people away from the teachings of Noah. Berossus’ account indicates that Ham was a wicked person who got involved in all kinds of sinful practices, and that now, in Italy, he “began to corrupt the people’s morals by his many crimes and iniquities.” Earlier in his history, Berossus wrote that Ham was “assuring the people that it was their duty to commit all kinds”. Italy also mentions a ruler called Sabatius Saga” which might have been Melchisedek of Salem.
There is a very special reason why Italy originally became the home of religious apostasy in the West. That reason should now be obvious from the story that has just been told here. Of course! The pagan mystery religions had a very special problem confronting them in Italy — they had to counter the teachings of Noah! Paganism actually spread from Italy to Greece.
After Noah died, their task became easier. They made a god out of Noah and got the people to worship him! They called him, in their mysteries, Janus — the god with two faces looking in opposite directions the one who could look into both worlds because he experienced the worlds on either side of the Flood.
The Towel of Babel
The building of the city and tower of Babel (Gen. 11:9) commenced in the year 2256. which was five years after this initial colonization of 2261. These two all-important historical events are directly related. Notice Gen. 11:4. The rebellion against God’s plan was led mainly by the family of Ham.Nimrod and his followers said to the people,
Gen 11:4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
The Flood ended in 2369. The colonization started 131 years after the flood. One hundred thirty-one years later brings us to the date of 2238 B.C. The tower of Babel began 2256. Eighteen years after the Babel tower project begun, God stopped the construction.
Adam Clarke, under Genesis 11:4 states that two of the Jewish Targums “assert that the tower was for idolatrous worship: and that they intended to place an image on the top of the tower with a sword”.
Josephus has an interesting statement in this connection:
“after this they were dispersed abroad, on account of their languages, and went by colonies everywhere, and each colony took possession of that land which they light upon, and unto which GOD LED THEM.” (Antiquities I, V, 1,)
In other words. Josephus tells us that by one means or another, through various circumstances, God caused the great majority of people to end up in the areas of the world where He had originally intended them to settle.
CUSH AND NIMROD
Cush initiated the practice of racial intermarriage! He took for a wife the strikingly beautiful white Semiramis! She was destined to become the mother of Nimrod, the greatest rebel of all! The ancient Saxon Chronicle plainly records that Semiramis or Ishtar was the lineage of Japheth. Germanic tradition gives strong indication that she may actually have been the daughter of Ashkenaz, the oldest son of Gomer who, in turn,was the firstborn son of Japheth. She would have been born about 2313 – still over a half-century before the time of Babel! Nimrod could have been born around 2290 B.C.Nimrod was a tall one source describing him as a “warlike giant”. Sargon of Akkad, also known as Sargon the Great famous for his conquest of the Sumerian city-states in the 23rd and 22nd centuries BC. The founder of the Dynasty of Akkad, Sargon reigned during the last quarter of the third millennium BC. He became a prominent member of the royal court of Kish killing the king and usurping his throne before embarking on the quest to conquer Mesopotamia. The ancient historian, Julius Africanus, preserved the fact that Nimrod began his sole reign in 2192 following a joint reign with his father, Cush. Sargon is undoubtedly Nimrod of the Bible.
Gen 10:8 And Cush begat Nimrod: he began to be a mighty one in the earth.
Gen 10:9 He was a mighty hunter before the LORD: wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the LORD.
Gen 10:10 And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar
.Nimrod was called a mighty hunter “before the Eternal”. Adam Clarke notes that “the word ‘tsayid,’ which we render hunter can mean persecution, oppression, and tyranny!
Wkipedia states about Nimrod,
“The figures of King Ninus and Queen Semiramis first appear in the history of Persia written by Ctesias of Cnidus (c. 400 BC), who claimed, as court physician to Artaxerxes II, to have access to the royal historical records. Ctesias’ account was later expanded on by Diodorus Siculus. Ninus continued to be mentioned by European historians …[up to] the 19th century. He was said to have been the son of Belus or Bel, a name that may represent a Semitic title such as Ba’al”lord”. According to Casto Rhodes (apud Syncellus p. 167), his reign lasted 52 years, its commencement falling in 2189 BC according to Ctesias. He was reputed to have conquered the whole of western Asia in 17 years.”
Antiquities of the Jews, Book I, Chapter IV, part 3 states:
“Now it was Nimrod who excited them to … contempt of God. He was the grandson of Ham …, a bold man, and of great strength of hand. He persuaded them to believe that it was their own courage which procured (their physical) happiness. He gradually changed the government into TYRANNY (remember Gen. 10:3– “he began to be a tyrant in the earth!”), seeing no other way of turning men from the fear of God, but to bring them into a constant dependence on his power.”
Kish was the capitol city of Cush and Nimrod. It was the site where they attempted to build the Towel of Babel and near the city of Babylon. Noah had established a colony in Mesopotamia many years earlier. It was first ruled by Shem then by Asshur. Asshur was called Enmerkar.
Cush reigned over both Egypt and Assyria from 2254 – 2194. He mainly reigned from Shinar but moved his throne to Egypt for his last thirty years. In Egypt he as known as Menes. The city of Memphis is named after him. When he arrived in Egypt there were tribes already there. The tribe of Mizraim was living in that area. Mizraim founded a settlement in Janis on the delta which last hundreds of years. It was a totally different tribe not governed by Cush.
Meanwhile Nimrod was driven from Mesopotamia to Egypt by Asshur. Asshur descendants dominated the area of Mesopotamia. Nimrod joined his father in reigning over Egypt for 2 years from 2194-2192. Then Cush drops out of history; he probably died. He lived only 170 years and should have lived longer than that but his life was cut short by Semiramis and Nimrod who had hatched a plot to kill him. Semiramis was the wife of Cush. She was called Isis and Unenephes in history. The land is left to Asshur and Nimrod.
While in Egypt Nimrod reign from 2192 –2167 twenty-five years. He was called Athothis or Osirus. In 2167, he were driven from Egypt by Shem. He fled to Italy where he were killed by Shem. Semiramis also fled to Assyria and stayed for 30 years. During that time the Egyptians were without a king.
Once Semiramis determined it was safe, she returned to Egypt with her young son Horus. In history Horus was known as Gilgamesh. Semiramis told the people that she were impregnated by the spirit of Nimrod and Nimrod lived on through Horus. Semiramis ruled for 4 years until Horus was old enough to reign solely! He reigned from 2125 for 31 years.
In 2094 Horus led a group of people into Western Europe to settle. During that time, Horus left his mother to reign over Egypt for 11 years. He then returns to Shinar to rule for another 131 years until 1968 up to the time of Abraham. When Horus returned to Assyria, he found himself in a war with his mother and Ara the king of Armenia. Ara left Western Europe in the hands of his son. Semiramis went to the Armenia King for assistance. Garthos, the king of Armenia, gave her an army. Both Garthos and Semiramis were killed in the battle against Horus.
In 2254 – Tubal began reigning over Asia Minor where Tarhish originally dwelt. Also in 2254 – Shun began his reign over the Chinese. He was called a Barbarian or Ethiopia. In 2098-2061 Iberia begins in reign in Spain. In 2063 Greece history begins. There a settlement started near Corith with Siciyon. In 2237 is the date given to the stopping of the building of the Towel of Babel. It had been under construction for 18 years. 1828 the land of the Chadeans became part of Assyria.
In 2047 Shem came to Egypt to rule as the 7th King of Egypt called Thinis. He was called the old man with the beard. He divided Egypt into 2 parts. When Noah became ill, Shem left Egypt and took over the responsibilities of Noah in Italy. 1978 Asshur assumes reign over Western Europe.
Shem
Shem would have normally passed his inheritance down through the following generations — Arphaxad to Salah, Salah to Heber and on down through Peleg, Reu, Serug, Nahor, Terah, and Haran (Gen. 11:11-26) But it did not work out this way, something very unusual happened. Terah and Haran died while Shem was still alive.According to Compendiurm, Tuitsch is the father of Mannus or Ninus. Since the Bible calls this Ninus (who built Nineveh) Asshur, Tuitsch is therefore Shem! Tuitsch (Shem) left Europe for Egypt in 2038. His appearance in Egyptian chronological records of Dynasty I dates his arrival and government in 2037. From Armenia, Tuitsch left 155 years after the Flood. With him were twenty-two descendants plus eight from Japheth and two from Ham. Tuitsch made his headquarters at Deutz (today Koeln-Deutz). The country is called Deutschland after him — that is, the land of the great Patriarch or Teacher, Shem. In the 25th year of his reign (2190-2189) Tuitsch held a state assembly, divided lands among his descendants and ordained laws. He also brought more colonies from Mesopotamia.
(Chinese Classic, volume III, part one, page 115,) describe China’s first king — a black man proven to be Nimrod as discussed earlier as having eyes that shone with “double brightness!” The “Bamboo Annals” Shun was not a Chinaman but a barbarian or Ethiopian.
Velleius Paterculus quotes this from the Roman History (Book I, section vi) of Aemilius Sura: “Between this time (when Rome conquered Philip, king of Macedonia and the beginning of the reign of Ninus (Nimrod) king of the Assyrians, who was the first to hold world power).lies an interval of 1995 years.”
Assyria and Egypt became the center of worship of Osirus and Isis.
Ency Wikipedia,
Texts from the Hellenistic period and later offered an eponymous Ninus as the founder of Nineveh. . . The historic Nineveh is mentioned about 1800 BC as a centre of worship of Ishtar, whose cult was responsible for the city’s early importance.
This son of Mannus or Ninus — was the German Mercury.His wife Freia was the German Venus. He instituted the observance of Weinnachten of December 24.
In Summary:
The historians taught this information until the 19th century and all mention of this history was stopped!!!
Reference for Research:
We are getting our material from The famous Babylonian historian, * Berossus 3rd century B.C. in the book “History of the Names of Men, Nations,and Places” written in French by Eusebius Salvarte and translated into English by L.H. Mordacque, Vol. II, London, 1862, pp.295-339, Appendix, Note A.Richard Lynche, An historical treatise of the travels of Noah into Europe, London, 1601. Another similar book, written in French by Jean Lemaire and contained in his Works (Louvain, 1882), is summarized on pages 115-116 of Allen’s “Legend of Noah”.
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http://12tribehistory.com/category/post-flood/
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It Began at Babel
CHAPTER TEN
It Began at Babel
Civilization began at Babel. But the thread of history first had to be traced through Egypt. Into Egypt journeyed the founders of civilization. Egypt kept the history of the past alive. The Greek and Roman historians and theologians and philosophers were universally interested in Egypt.By contrast, Mesopotamia died. Its early inhabitants migrated into Eurasia. Its history was only meagerly preserved. Later, Arabs dwelt on its barren wastes. Yet in those barren wastes lay the buried cities of ancient times, with their fallen libraries and history texts waiting the archaeologists' keen sight.
Mesopotamia Rediscovered
In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries Europeans became aware of the treasures of the TELLS or mounds of the Mesopotamian flatlands. Archaeological expeditions cut into many of the most impressive ones. Hoards of private and public documents were discovered -- most of them lying to this day untranslated in the basements of European museums. A multitude of undreamed of facts were disclosed for the first time. But how were the archaeologists and historians to interpret these facts? How would they arrange the dynastic lists of hitherto unknown kings?Unfortunately the key to a true knowledge of history was being discarded at the very time excavations began in Mesopotamia. That key is God in history. Without God -- and hence without the Bible -- there were no bounds to curb historical speculation. A deliberate conspiracy to interpret every possible fact in opposition to the Bible was summarily begun. The literary critics quickly seized the opportunity. The Babylonian accounts of creation and the Flood were interpreted as the originals of Genesis. Moses, they claimed, patterned the law after Hammurabi's Code.
No one questioned whether Hammurabi lived BEFORE or AFTER Moses. Or whether Genesis was written before rather than after the idolatrous Mesopotamian accounts of creation and the great Flood. Everyone assumed that the ancient arrangements of the dynastic lists of kings and city-states were in proper sequence. That the scribes might have deliberately arranged their history to make Babylonia appear older than any other part of the world did not dawn upon the first critics.
Then came the astounding discovery. Business documents, public monuments, literary classics were translated which made kings contemporaries who were separated by hundreds or thousands of years in the dynastic lists of kings. What were the historians to do?
Wrote Leon Legrain in 1922: "The problem of parallel dynasties is one of the most troublesome for Babylonian chronologists" (Publication of Babylonian Section of University of Pennsylvania, XIII, 17). Weldner of Austria forced the historical world to recognize the problem despite themselves. His famous articles pointing out that several successive dynasties were in fact contemporary appeared in 1923 in "Archiv fuer Keilschriftforschung" (I, 95), and in 1926 in "Archiv fuer Orientforschung" (III, 198).
But the strongest evidence against the modern interpretation of history was discovered by the French at Mari on the Euphrates River. There it was discovered that during the lifetime of Hammurabi -- who was mistakenly dated by historians to the time of Abraham -- the Benjamites were in control of Palestine and men like David were famous! (See Werner Keller's "The Bible as History", pages 49-52).
How were the historians and archaeologists to interpret these astounding discoveries? Were they to date Hammurabi properly to the time of Saul and David? Not at all! Rather, they cleverly assumed that Benjamites were in Palestine long before Benjamin was born -- that the name of David was famous for nearly a thousand years before David was born! They hoped thereby to keep their interpretations of the king lists and reject the history of the Bible.
It is time such nonsense were banished from history. It is time that the truth of history were made plain.
What Archaeologists Learned
In the ruins of the libraries of Assyria and Babylonia the archaeologists uncovered many fragmentary and broken records of ancient Mesopotamian city-states and royal houses. These records will now be examined and the history of Babylonia restored.
The scribes of Babylonia drew up their
records of the past quite differently from those of Egypt. In Egypt
the scribes told the entire history of each city before passing to
the history of the next city. Thus the history of Memphis was
completed before the history of Thebes was expounded. The Babylonian
records present a striking contrast. Ancient Babylonian history may
be best understood by presenting a sketch of the Sumerian account of
the dynastic royal houses.
Name of Dynasty |
|
First Dynasty of Kish |
|
First Dynasty of Uruk (Erech) |
|
First Dynasty of Ur |
|
Dynasty of Awan |
|
Second Dynasty of Kish |
|
Dynasty of Hamazi |
|
Second Dynasty of Uruk |
|
Second Dynasty of Ur |
|
Dynasty of Adab |
|
Dynasty of Mari |
|
Third Dynasty of Kish |
|
Dynasty of Akshak |
|
Fourth Dynasty of Kish |
|
Third Dynasty of Uruk |
|
Dynasty of Akkad, etc. |
Certain lists vary the order slightly or add other dynasties (a significant fact to be explained later).
This list when officially drawn up by scribes, intended to convey the concept that each dynasty in turn had dominated all neighboring states. The result was the mistaken concept that Babylonia, unlike other areas, was always united under one ruler at a time, and that Babylonia, by reason of its extreme antiquity, had political and religious precedence over the world.
No restoration of Babylonian history can claim completeness until these dynasties, recovered by archaeology, are properly assigned their place in the chain of historical events.
Analyzing the Sumerian King List
The Sumerian King List opens the history of postflood civilization by the following account: "After the Flood has swept over the earth and when kingship was lowered again from heaven, kingship was first in Kish. In Kish, Ga ... ur became king and ruled 1,200 years ...." The First Dynasty of Kish contains three kings who ruled, according to the scribes, for 24,510 years! (Pritchard's "Ancient Near Eastern Texts", page 265.)Here certainly is a chronological account that is neither historical nor Biblical. Yet several of the kings named have left behind incontestable evidences of their reality. That the original reigns are purposely lengthened far beyond actual duration is recognized by all historians. The cause of this Babylonian flight of fancy is the same as that which prompted evolutionists and geologists to stretch out the "Ice Ages" to hundreds of thousands of years -- though in reality they occurred in historical times and are found described in Greek and Roman literature.
People want to believe in the extreme antiquity of Man's past. The ancient Babylonians were no exception. In his account of Babylon's first two kings, Cush and Nimrod, the priest Berossus assigned 2,400 years to Evechous (Cush) and 2,700 to Cosmaskelos (Nimrod). ("The Dawn of Civilization", by Maspero, p. 573.) These figures are significant. From Egyptian, Greek and Roman sources it has already been demonstrated in this Compendium that Cush ruled 60 years before he was succeeded by the 27-year reign of his son Nimrod. Thus Berossus multiplied the 60 years of Cush by 40 and arrived at the date 2,400. (In the Sumerian king list the figure for Ga ... ur, the first king, who is Cush, is 1,200 -- that is, 60 multiplied by 20.) Berossus multiplied the 27 years of Nimrod by 100 and obtained 2,700 years. The Babylonians used a clever mathematical trick to lengthen the reigns of the rulers of Kish. However, the device used by the priests has been solved. The dating for Dynasty I and II of Kish can be found in Appendix A of vol. II of the Compendium.
But what is the special significance of the city of Kish? Why should it be considered first to bear rule in Mesopotamia?
Kish is the city of Cush or Kush. It is situated near the site of ancient Babylon. It became a sacred site because people first dwelt there in the land of Shinar after the flood. From the area of Kish they commenced the erection of the city of Babel. But Babel turned out to be a failure -- "they left off to build the city" (Genesis 11:8).
The government of Cush and Nimrod, begun at Babel, thus continued at Kish while the towns of Erech, Accad and Calneh were being built in the land of Shinar following the abortive attempt at Babel. The First Dynasty of Kish commenced 2256 -- the date of the beginning of the construction of the tower of Babel. The dynasty continued to 1809 at which point the Second Dynasty of Kish began (see vol. II of the "Compendium" for proof).
The Second Dynasty ruled from 1809 to 1748.
History Continues at Erech
The first city which Nimrod succeeded in building was Erech. The government of Cush and Nimrod extended over this city as well as over Kish, and its history is told in the surprising annals of the First Dynasty of Uruk or Erech.
From the "Sumerian King List",
published by Thorkild Jacobsen, and accessible in Pritchard's
often-quoted work, the first Dynasty of Uruk may be summarized as
follows:
Sumerian Names of Rulers (some in fragmentary form) |
Lengths of Reigns in King List |
Notations in King List |
|
Mes-kiag-gasher
|
325 (in one text read as 32(4), see p. 85 of T.
Jacobsen's "Sumerian King List".)
|
Son of Utu, became high priest and
king. Journeyed into the Sea and reached the Mountains beyond.
|
|
En-me(r)-kar |
420
|
Son of predecessor. He built Erech.* |
|
Lugal-banda |
1200
|
A god and shepherd. |
|
Dumu-zi |
100
|
A god and fisherman. |
|
Gilgamesh |
126
|
A divine man, begotten by a spirit. became a high priest |
|
Ur-lugal |
30
|
Son of Gilgamesh. |
|
Udul-kalamma |
15
|
|
|
Labasher |
9
|
|
|
En-nun-dar-anna |
8
|
|
|
Meshede |
36
|
A smith. |
|
Melam-anna |
6
|
|
|
Lugal-ki-dul |
36
|
*Some tablets read: Under him Erech was built.
Though these names may, at first sight, be meaningless, five of the rulers are mentioned by other names in the Bible and a sixth -- Gilgamesh -- has already been alluded to in Egyptian history in this Compendium.
To break down this list one must commence from the known facts. Dumu-zi is a variant spelling of Tammuz, a Mesopotamian name of Nimrod. Nimrod succeeded his father Cush in Babylonia after a 60-year reign. The 60 year reign of Cush has been established as 2254-2194 (see the Egyptian history of Dynasty I of Thinis). The 100 years assigned to Nimrod are, like the records of Egypt, based upon the Era of Nimrod to the coming of his successor. Though Nimrod was executed after a reign of 27 years, his Era continued to year 100, and is to be dated 2194-2094.
What occurred in 2094? Who left Egypt in 2094 to come to the land of Shinar to claim the throne of Nimrod? Horus!
Thus Horus of Egypt is Gilgamesh of Mesopotamia. Each claimed to be heir of Nimrod. Both were born of a Queen of Heaven -- Isis or Ishtar. Both had a "spirit" as a father -- the supposed Nimrod alive as the impregnating sun.
Gilgamesh ruled in Mesopotamia, after he left Egypt, for another 126 years -- 2094-1968. This brings us down to the lifetime of Abram! Gilgamesh lived to be almost 200 years of age. This is in complete harmony with the genealogy of the Bible for the same period (Genesis 11:10-32).
Gilgamesh was succeeded by Ur-lugal -- a name which means "Great King." This Great King was ruler of Erech. Erech was in the land of Shinar. Whoever controlle Erech controlled Shinar. What was the personal name of this Great King who controlled Shinar in the days of Abram? Amraphel (Genesis 14:1).
Amraphel reigned 30 years before he was slain by Abram's army. The dates of Amraphel are 1968-1938. The struggle, recorded in Genesis 14 between Mesopotamian kings and the Canaanites therefore climaxed in 1938 with the death of four kings of Mesopotamia. When Assyrian history is studied this same year will be established for Arioch, king of Ellasar -- that is, king of the City of Asar or Asshur
To return to the Sumerian King List. The predecessor of Dumu-zi (or Tammuz, who is Nimrod), is named Lugal-banda -- a title meaning "Little King." He is Cush. Son Nimrod was, of course, the "Great King." The 1200 years assigned to Cush are a clever expansion (20 x 60) of the true figure of 60 years already established from other sources. The correct dates are 2254-2194.
But how are the two predecessors in the list -- Mes-kiag-gasher and En-mer-kar -- to be explained? Were they parallel rulers who also exercised authority in that world?
The mother of Gilgamesh -- Semiramis or Ishtar -- was at one time the wife of Lugal-banda -- that is, Cush (Jacobsen, "Sumerian King List", page 91). She was also a wife and daughter-in-law of Asshur. The real grandfather of Gilgamesh, however, was not Cush, but En-mer-kar (Aelian in "De natura Animalium", vii, 21, quoted in Jacobsen's work on page 87). From these facts it is clear that the Dynasty of Erech is composed of two blood lines -- that of Cush and that of Asshur.
In history there were three famous queens named Semiramis -- each one claiming to be a Queen of Heaven. The last Semiramis claimed to be thrice born. Each one of them was an Assyrian queen. Does this indicate that En-mer-kar is the Sumerian form of the Semitic name of Asshur? In the King List it is stated either that Erech was built under the rule of En-mer-kar, or that it was built by En-mer-kar. In the Bible the builder is Nimrod. But Nimrod did not build it alone! For "out of that land" Shinar -- where Erech is located -- "went forth Asshur, and built Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah" (Genesis 10:11). This is the correct translation according to the vowel pointing of the Hebrew text. But the consonants, without the pointing, may be translated, "he" -- that is, Nimrod, "went forth, being strong, and build Nineveh and Calah." The land of Assyria or Asshur is also the land of Nimrod (Micah 5:6). The original enterprise was a joint affair.
Cush was originally a prominant figure at Babel. But he was superseded by Nimrod, who gained the carnal affections of his own mother. Cush soon perished and the two dominant figures remaining were Asshur and Nimrod. Then Nimrod was driven from Mesopotamia to Egypt. Thus the entire history of the later world came to be dominated by the shadow of Asshur's children.
But if En-mer-kar is Asshur, the result is that Mes-kiag-gasher is the Sumerian name of Shem! Mes-kiag-gasher was in Sumerian parlance, the "son of Utu" -- the God who warned Noah of the Flood. That is, he was a man who knew the God of creation.
Mes-kiag-gasher was also a high priest. From Egyptian records historians have discovered that Semsem -- the Great Shem -- of Dynasty I of Thinis was also pictured as a high priest! This famous man crossed from Asia over the water to the mountains of Europe. Shem travelled far and wide to put down the government of Nimrod.
Now consider the 325-year reign of Shem. When did it begin and when did it end?
In Egypt only a small part of his life story is revealed. But in the annals of Erech one sees Shem's great figure striding over three and a quarter centuries of history! Shem had no part in the government established at Babel in opposition to the rule of God. When the terror of Nimrod loomed great over the horizon, Shem acted. He exercised, after Nimrod's seizure of power, the administration of government beginning 2191 in Shinar as patriarch and priest of the Semitic world. His full 325 years of authority lasted from 2191 till his death in 1866.
This date -- 1866 -- is the exact year of the death of Shem in Scripture. According to Egyptian history the exodus occurred in 1486. This was exactly 430 years after the covenant God made with Abraham when he was 99 years old -- it was not made at the time Abram entered the land at 75. (See Genesis 17:1-8, Exodus 12:40-41 and Galatians 3:17.) The verb is not expressed in the original Hebrew of Exodus 12:40, which should properly be translated: "Now the sojourning of the children of Israel, who dwelt in Egypt, completed four hundred and thirty years."
Calculating back from 1486, year 99 of Abraham was 1918-1917 autumn to autumn reckoning -- for in the next spring, of 1916, Abraham was already 99 years old and in his hundredth year. Abraham was 75 when he departed from Haran following the death of his father in 1941 (Gen. 12:4). By adding the figures of the Genesis 11, from Terah to Arphaxad, the year 2367-2366 is reached (autumn to autumn). In that year -- two years after the Flood -- Arphaxad was begotten. Shem lived after he begot Arphaxad 500 years (Genesis 11:10-11). This 500 years extends from 2366 to 1866 -- the very year Shem's 325-year reign ended, according to the evidence of the Erech list!
(The broken reading of 32(4) years. proposed by Sumeriologists, if correct, probably merely excludes the calendar year in which Shem died.)
The 420 years of En-mer-kar are also datable. The figure probably represents the length of time between the death of Asshur in 1906 (see German history in vol. II of the "Compendium") and his becoming a head of household in 2326, when age 40 (assuming he is a twin of Arphaxad who was born in 2366).
The First Dynasty of Uruk may now be
restored as follows, beginning with Cush (Lugal-banda).
|
Names of Kings |
Lengths of Reign
|
Dates |
|
Lugal-banda (Cush) |
(60)
|
2254-2194 |
|
Dumu-zi (Nimrod or Tammuz) |
100
|
2194-2094 |
|
Gilgamesh (Horus or Ninyas) |
126
|
2094-1968 |
|
Ur-lugal (Amraphel) dies in Abram's year 78) |
30
|
1968-1938 |
|
Utul-kalamma |
15
|
1938-1923 |
|
Labasher |
9
|
1923-1914 |
|
En-nun-dara-anna |
8
|
1914-1906 |
|
Meshede |
36
|
1906-1870 |
|
Melam-anna |
6
|
1870-1864 |
|
Lugal-ki-dul |
36
|
1864-1828 |
After this dynasty the kings of Shinar do not reappear in the Bible until the reign of Merodach-baladan.
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DOCTRINES OF THE GOSPEL.
COMPENDIUM OF THE DOCTRINES OF THE GOSPEL.
One of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints, and
PREFACE.
We consider the Bible, Book of Mormon, Book of Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price and sayings of Joseph, the Seer, our guides in faith and doctrine. The first four have been adopted as such by a vote of the Saints in General Conference. Reference to other writings are only for illustration of the subject.We have sought to furnish the best available material for the use of the Elders. It is for them to seek for the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to enable them to use it with discretion.
On most of the subjects treated, only a portion of the passages that refer to them have been cited, but we have endeavored to use the best. We designed to make the Compendium sufficiently elaborate to give it a wide range of usefulness, and, at the same time, not make it so large as to be burdensome to the Elders who travel and preach the Gospel. Practically, we have aimed to get up a book that would contain a great amount of information for its bulk.
The arguments on each subject are so plain and direct, that, we trust, they may be made available by the most inexperienced Elders. At the same time, the references and citations are considered sufficient for the more advanced student to acquire a thorough knowledge of the subjects treated on.
The references in small type are not designed to be verbatim, but only to embody, as near as may be, the leading idea of the passage referred lo. They should be studied before being used. The passages included within the usual quotation marks, thus, " ", are designed to be correctly quoted, and may be used without referring to the original.
We are indebted to Elder George Reynolds for the carefully prepared Chronology of the Book of Mormon. It is evidently the result of much study and thought, and as such is entitled to credence.
While we have aimed at accuracy, we should be pleased to have our friends inform us of any material error they may discover.
We expect our labors will elicit some criticism, but we trust the thoughtful and experienced will allow much for the complicated character of the work.
THE COMPILERS.
INDEX.
Articles of FaithAtonement, The
Apostacy of the Primitive Church
Angels
Angel of the Lord
Angels, Ministering
Angels, Fallen
Apostles—The First Presidency and Twelve
Apostles, The Twelve
Baptism, Necessity of
Baptism, Mode of
Baptism, Object of
Baptism for the Dead
Book of Mormon—Evidences of its Divine Authenticity
Book of Mormon Chronology
Christ's Second Coming
Christ's Church, Name of
Consecration, Stewardship, United Order
Church Chronology
Dispensation of the Fulness of Times
Destruction of the Wicked
Evangelists, or Patriarchs
Fall of Adam, The
Free Agency of Man
Faith in God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost
Faith in the Holy Priesthood, Necessity of
Faith in Continual Revelation
Foreordination—Election
Gathering of Israel
Gods, Plurality of
God a Personage
God, The True and Living
Gems from History of Joseph Smith
Israel a chosen people
Joseph Smith, as a Fulfiller of Bible Prophecies
Joseph Smith, as a Fulfiller of Book of Mormon Prophecies
Joseph Smith, as a Fulfiller of His Own Prophecies
Jerusalem of the Eastern Hemisphere, The
Jerusalem, New
Laying on of Hands for Ordination
Laying on of Hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost
Laying on of Hands for Healing the Sick
Latter-day Saints' Emigration
Marriage—A Divine Institution, and designed to be Eternal
Marriage—Plurality of Wives
Marriage—Concubines
Millennial Reign
Miracles
Ordinances, Covenants, etc., Eternal
Priesthood, The Holy
Priesthood, Aaronic
Priesthood, Patriarchal
Pre-existence of Spirits
Passover, or Sacrament
Repentance
Remission of Sins
Resurrection, The
Resurrection at Christ's Resurrection
Resurrection at the Second Coming of Christ
Resurrection at the End of the World
Resurrection of the Body that is Laid Down
Records of the Jaredites
Records mentioned in the Bible and not in it
Records of the Nephites
Scattering of Israel, The
Spirit of God, or Holy Ghost
Spiritual Gifts
Signs and Tokens
Sabbath Day, The
Spirits in prison
Tithing
Temples and Sacred Places
The Book of Mormon
Visions and Dreams
A COMPENDIUM OF THE DOCTRINES OF THE GOSPEL.
ARTICLES OF FAITH.
1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.
3. We believe that, through the atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4. We believe that these ordinances are: First, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by "prophecy, and by the laying on of hands," by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the primitive church, viz: apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc.
7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, etc.
8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God, as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal, and we believe that he will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the ten tribes. That Zion will be built upon this continent. That Christ will reign personally upon the earth, and that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisic glory.
11. We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers and magistrates, in obeying, honoring and sustaining the law.
13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul, "We believe all things, we hope all things;" we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.—JOSEPH SMITH.
THE FALL OF ADAM.
"Honor thy Father and thy Mother." This was one of the ten special commandments given to Israel, during a grand display of God's power and glory on Mount Sinai.In the past centuries of darkness it appears to have lost its significance with the Christian world. They do not appear to realize that honor is due to the first parents of the human race. They have been long taught that Adam and Eve were great transgressors, and have mourned over the fact that they partook of the forbidden fruit and brought death into the world.
There is no possibility that the fall of man was an accident or chance, any more than was his creation. If an accident, then why was Christ prepared from before the foundation of the world as a propitiation for sin, and to open up the way for man to immortality?
Christ's mediation was a sequence of the fall. "Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins;" Acts 5. 31. Without the fall there would have been no broken law, and therefore nothing to repent of; and there could be no forgiveness of sin without the atonement of Christ.
The Book of Mormon makes this subject very plain: "And now, behold, if Adam had not transgressed, he would not have fallen; but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created, must have remained in the same state which they were, after they were created; and they must have remained for ever, and had no end. And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin;" 2 Nephi 2. 22, 23.
It is evident, not only from this passage, but from all that is recorded on this subject, that, if Adam and Eve had not attained to a knowledge of evil, by partaking of the forbidden fruit, the human race could not have existed under present conditions. It is also evident, that without a knowledge of both good and evil, man would be incapable of exercising a free agency, and therefore not capable of independent, self-reliant action—a necessary condition for development and progress.
We, the children of Adam, have no right to bring accusations against the Patriarch of the race. But father, we should rejoice with them, that through their fall and the atonement of Jesus Christ, the way of eternal life has been opened up to us. It was after an angel had administered to Adam, and made known to him the atonement through the Only Begotten Son of the Father, that he and Eve gave expression to their joy, in view of the glorious future of the race.
"And in that day Adam blessed God and was filled, and began to prophesy concerning all the families of the earth, saying, Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh I shall see God. And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying, Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient;" Pearl of Great Price, page 10.
The principle of obedience could only be developed in man through the fall, and only through that can they realize the joys of redemption and eternal life. The woman fell first, and led Adam out of Eden and the presence of the Lord. "Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in transgression;" 1 Tim. 2. 14.
When the Lord asked Adam if he had eaten of the fruit of the tree, of which he had commanded him that he should not eat, he replied, "The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat;" Gen. iii, 12. Adam had been previously commanded to multiply and replenish the earth, and he could not do so unless he remained with Eve. She, being deceived, forced upon him the necessity of partaking of the forbidden fruit with her, or of remaining in a condition where it would have been impossible to fulfil the first great commandment of the Father.
Bible.
Gen. 3. gives a general account of the fall of man.
15 enmity between the seed of the woman and that of the serpent.
16 woman to bring forth children in sorrow, and be subject to her husband.
19 man to labor for his bread, and to return to the ground.
22 man became as the Gods, knowing good and evil.
Rom. 5. 12 by one man sin came into the world and death by sin.
Book of Mormon.
Alma 12. 22, 23 by the fall all mankind became lost.
Chap. 42 explains the plan for the exaltation of man through the fall of Adam, and the atonement of Jesus Christ.
Mormon 9. 12 by Adam came the fall of man, because of the fall came Jesus Christ and the redemption.
Doctrine & Covenants.
Sec. 29. 36 Adam being tempted of the devil, for the devil was before Adam.
40 Adam partook of the forbidden fruit, and became subject to the devil.
41 through the fall Adam became spiritually dead.
Pearl of Great Price.
Pages 7, 8. a general account of the fall of man.
See our Article on Atonement, and also an examination and elucidation of the mediation and atonement of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ: by Prest. John Taylor.
Article, by O. Pratt, Mil. Star. Vol. 28. pages 577, 593 and 609.
Article by C. W. Penrose, Mil. Star, Vol. 29, page 645. Sermon by O. Pratt, Journal of Discourses Vol. I, page 328.
FREE AGENCY OF MAN.
The doctrine of free agency is plainly elucidated in the written revelations from God. The plan for man's redemption was predicated on his fall.No law could have been given to our first parents, and no penalty affixed for the breaking of a law, unless they had been free to act without constraint. The liberty to choose was given by the Creator to the progenitors of the race, and that liberty has been fully recognized in all his dealings with their posterity.
As the Patriarch of the race entailed on it an experimental knowledge of good and evil, through sufferings and death, so, through the sufferings and death of the Only Begotten Son, they are redeemed from the effects of his transgression, independent of any act of theirs.
Man was created in the image of God, with the possibility of becoming like him. But he cannot attain to that position without a knowledge of good and evil. Through the act of the Father he has attained to that knowledge; through the act of the Son he is delivered from the effects of original transgression.
Thus, with the privilege of exercising his free agency, he is placed on an equality with the parents of the race, and has the choice of good or evil for himself, with the results of that choice. If he chooses evil, a second death will be the result. If the good, it will prove to be the way to all the powers, glories and exaltations that the Gods enjoy, in whose image man is created.
The Book of Mormon is very plain on this subject: "Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great mediation of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil;" 2 Nephi 2. 27.
Bible.
Gen. 2. 17 in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
3, 6 Eve eat of the fruit of the tree and gave to her husband and he did eat. 12, 17.
4. 7 if thou doest well thou shalt be accepted.
Book of Mormon.
1 Nephi 6. 4 that I may persuade men to come to God.
2 Nephi 2. 16 Lord gave unto man that he should act for himself.
10. 23 ye are free to act for yourselves.
Mos. 2, 33 if he listeth to obey him, the same drinketh damnation.
Alma 3. 26 reap eternal happiness or misery, according to the spirit they obey.
12. 31 in a state to act according to their will.
13. 3 being left to choose good or evil.
29. 4, 5 he allotteth to man according to their wills.
30. 9 a man's privilege to believe in God or not.
41. 3, 4 evil or good is restored to men, as they have chosen.
Hel. 14. 30 ye are permitted to act for yourselves.
Doctrine & Covenants.
Sec. 10. 66 may come and partake of the waters of life freely.
29. 35 Adam to be an agent to himself. 36.
39 men must needs be tempted, or they could not be agents to themselves. Sec. 58. 27, 28.
98. 8 I, the Lord, make you free.
Pearl of Great Price.
Page 7. thou mayest choose for thyself. Satan sought to destroy the agency of man.
16. given to men to know good and evil; they are agents to themselves.
17. many have believed and become sons of God; many have not believed and perished.
See a sermon by B, Young, J. of D., Vol. I., page I.
Sermon by B. Young, J. of D., Vol. 3, page 80.
,, by O. Pratt, J. of D. Vol. I, page 328.
,, by D. H. Wells, J. of D. Vol. 9, page 259.
THE ATONEMENT.
The word atonement signifies deliverance, through the offering of a ransom, from the penalty of a broken law. The sense is expressed in Job 33. 24: "Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom."As effected by Jesus Christ, it signifies the deliverance, through his death and resurrection, of the earth and everything pertaining to it, from the power which death has obtained over them through the transgression of Adam.
The following passage is very comprehensive on the atonement of Christ: "And the end shall come, and the heaven and the earth shall be consumed and pass away, and there shall be a new heaven and a new earth, for all old things shall pass away, and all things shall become new, even the heaven and the earth, and all the fulness thereof, both men and beasts, the fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea; and not one hair, neither mote, shall be lost, for it is the workmanship of mine hand;" Doc. & Cov. 29. 23-25. In the revelations of St. John we read, "And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new;" 21. 5.
The righteous could not inherit all things in their immortal, exalted condition, if all things were not resurrected to immortality as well as themselves.
The Apostle Paul quite comprehensively sums up the results of Christ's death and resurrection: "But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive;" I Cor. 15. 21, 22. That is, death having come on all men through the disobedience of Adam, so must all be raised to immortality and eternal life through the death and resurrection of Christ.
Paul also asserted that "the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death;" Verse 26. John the Revelator declares that he saw death and hell cast into the lake of fire; Rev. 20. 14.
The atonement, as wrought out by Jesus Christ, further signifies that he has opened up the way for man's redemption from his own sins, through faith in Christ's sufferings, death and resurrection. The Apostle Paul well expresses this, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the Justifier of him which believeth in Jesus;" Rom. 3. 23-26.
These passages evidence that redemption from death, through the sufferings of Christ, is for all men, both the righteous and the wicked; for this earth, and for all things created upon it. The whole tenor of the Scriptures assure us, that while they may be sure of resurrection from death, regardless of their personal acts, yet they will be rewarded for their works, whether they be good or evil, and that redemption from personal sins can only be obtained through obedience to the requirements of the Gospel, and a life of good works.
The transgression of Adam being infinite in its consequences, those consequences cannot be averted, except through an infinite atonement. The Prophet Nephi makes this very plain: "Wherefore it must needs be an infinite atonement; save it should be an infinite atonement, this corruption could not put on incorruption. Wherefore, the first judgment which came upon man, must needs have remained to an endless duration. And if so, this flesh must have laid down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth, to rise no more. O the wisdom of God! his mercy and grace! For behold, if the flesh should rise no more, our spirits must become subject to that angel who fell from before the presence of the eternal God, and became the devil, to rise no more.
O how great the goodness of our God, who prepareth a way for our escape from the grasp of this awful monster; yea, that monster, death and hell, which I call the death of the body, and also the death of the spirit;" 2. Nephi 7, 8, 10. "There is one thing, however, which the atonement does for us, immediately upon our entrance into this mortal life; it sets us free from the first spiritual death."
"As in Adam all died spiritually, even so in Christ all, in their infancy, are made alive spiritually. Christ, by the atonement, became the life and the light of men; he is the true light by which all are lighted who come into the world. Without this light all would have suffered in the eternal night of darkness, from which there would have been no return. But little children, by the atonement, are made alive, and are all subjects of salvation, being redeemed by the blood of Christ from the fall, being pure, and spotless, and innocent, and thus are made heirs of the kingdom of heaven. This redemption from the spiritual death upon all mankind in their infant state, is brought about without any conditions on the part of the creature; it is wrought out by the free grace of Christ alone, without works;" O. Pratt.
"I say unto you, that little children are redeemed from the foundation of the world through mine Only Begotten: wherefore, they cannot sin, for power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children, until they begin to become accountable before me;" Doc. & Cov. 29. 46, 47.
"Wherefore, it came to pass that the devil tempted Adam, and he partook the forbidden fruit and transgressed the commandment, wherein he became subject to the will of the devil, because he yielded unto temptation. Wherefore I the Lord God caused that he should be cast out from the Garden of Eden, from my presence, because of his transgression, wherein he became spiritually dead, which is the first death, even that same death, which is the last death, which is spiritual, which shall be pronounced upon the wicked when I shall say—Depart, ye cursed. But, behold, I say unto you, that I the Lord God gave unto Adam and unto his seed that they should not die as to the temporal death, until I the Lord God should send forth angels to declare unto them repentance and redemption, through faith on the name of mine Only Begotten Son. And thus did I, the Lord God, appoint unto man the days of his probation that by his natural death he might be raised in immortality unto eternal life, even as many as would believe; and they that believe not unto eternal damnation, for they cannot be redeemed from their spiritual fall, because they repent not; for they will love darkness rather than light, and their deeds are evil, and they receive their wages of whom they list to obey;" Doc. & Cov. 29. 40-45.
Bible.
Isa. 45. 22 look unto me and be ye saved.
53. 10 when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin.
63. 9 he, redeemed them and carried them all the days of old.
Matt. 1. 21 Jesus shall save his people from their sins.
18. 11 the Son of Man hath come to save that which was lost.
John 1. 29 the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.
3. 14, 15 even so must the Son of Man be lifted up. 16.
4. 42 this is Christ the Savior of the world.
12. 32 if I be lifted up I will draw all men to me.
Acts 5. 31 him hath God exalted to be a Prince and Savior.
Chap. 13. 23.
Rom. 3. 24 being justified through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
25 whom God hath sent forth to be a propitiation. 26
5. 6 in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 8-11.
15 if through the offence of one many be dead, the gift of grace by one man, Christ Jesus, hath abounded to many. 18.
6. 23 the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ.
8. 32 spared not his own Son but delivered him up for us all.
11. 26 there shall come out of Zion a deliverer.
1 Cor. 1. 30 Christ Jesus who is made to us sanctification and redemption.
5. 7 for even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.
2 Cor. 5. 18 who hath reconciled us to himself, by Jesus Christ.
Gal. 3. 13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law.
4. 4, 5 God sent his Son to redeem them that were under the law. 7.
Eph. 1. 7 in whom we have redemption through his blood. Col. 1. 14.
5. 2 as Christ also hath loved us, and given himself for us.
1 Tim. 1. 15 faithful saying, that Christ came into the world to save sinners.
2. 5 one God, one Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus.
4. 10 we trust in the living God who is the Savior of all men.
Titus 2. 14 who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us.
Heb. 5. 9 being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation.
7. 25 able to save them that come to God by him.
9. 26, 28 so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of the world.
1 Peter 1. 19 with the blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish.
3. 18 Christ hath once suffered for our sins, the just for the unjust.
1 John 1. 7 the blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin.
2. 2 he is the propitiation for the sins of the world.
4. 9 God sent his son into the world that we might live through him. 14.
Rev. 5. 9 and hath redeemed us by his blood, out of every nation.
Book of Mormon.
1 Nephi 11. 27 I looked and beheld the Redeemer of the world 33.
12. 11 made white in the blood of the Lamb.
15. 14 the very points of his doctrine, that they may come to him and be saved.
2 Nephi 1. 10 if the day come, they reject the Messiah. 15.
2. 3 thou art redeemed, for thou hast beheld, that, in the fulness of time he cometh to bring salvation to men.
9. 21, 22 he suffereth the pains of all men.
25, 26 the atonement satisfies the demands of justice, on those without law.
10. 25 may God raise you from everlasting death by the power of the atonement.
26. 24 layeth down his own life, that he may draw all men to him.
31. 21 no other name given whereby men can be saved.
Jacob 4. 15-17 Jews will reject the only foundation on which they can build.
Omni 1. 26 come to Christ and partake of the power of his redemption.
Mos. 4. 6-9 the atonement which has been prepared from the foundation of the world for all who have been, or will be.
27. 25 becoming his sons and daughters. 30.
Alma 7. 12 take upon him death that he may loose the bands of death.
11. 39, 40 the eternal Father shall come into the world to redeem his people.
34. 11-16 the law of Moses fulfilled in the infinite atonement of Christ.
39. 18 as necessary that the plan of salvation should be made known to this people, as to their children?
Hel. 5. 9-12 will not redeem his people in their sins, but from their sins.
3 Nephi 12. 17 in Christ is the law of Moses fulfilled. 21, 22.
Ether 3. 14 was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people.
12. 33 to the laying down of thy life, that thou mightest take it again.
Moroni 8 he that says little children need baptism setteth at naught the atonement of Christ.
Doctrine & Covenants.
Sec. 18. 11 Lord suffered the pain of all men that they might come to him.
23. 25 Jesus Christ, the only name given under heaven whereby men can be saved.
19. 16 I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer.
20. 26, 27 not only those who believed after he came in the meridian of time.
29. 42 Lord gave to Adam and his seed that they should not die until the plan of redemption was declared to them.
46 little children are redeemed from the foundation of the world. Sec. 74. 6, 7. Sec. 93. 38.
76. 41-44 Jesus was crucified that all might be saved, except the sons of Perdition.
Pearl of Great Price.
Page 1. My Only Begotten is and shall be the Savior.
3. For this is my work and my glory, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
9. Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son evermore.
16. Jesus Christ the only name given whereby salvation shall come.
17. Plan of salvation to all men through the blood of mine Only Begotten.
See An examination and elucidation of the mediation and atonement of Jesus Christ; by Prest. J. Taylor.
Articles on the fall and atonement, by O. Pratt, Mil. Star, Vol. 28, pages 577, 593 and 609.
Sermon by O. Pratt, J. of D., Vol. 1, page 280.
" " " " 2, Page 328.
" " " " 2, page 368.
" B. Young, J. of D. Vol. 3, page 80.
Article by W. Woodruff, Mil. Star, Vol. 6, page 113.
Article by C. W. Penrose, Contributor, Vol. 2, page 362.
FAITH.
"Faith is the first principle of revealed religion and the foundation of all righteousness." "Now faith is the substance (assurance) of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen;" Heb. 11. 1, Doc. and Cov., Lecture on Faith, 1. 1-8. That to use the word assurance, instead of substance, would be the proper rendering of the above passage, is evident from the 22d verse of the previous chapter: "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith."Faith begets trust and confidence. "In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him;" (Jesus Christ.) Eph. 3. 12. Faith is the gift of God. "Saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God;" 2. 8. "To another faith by the same Spirit;" 1 Cor. 12. 9. "But to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith;" Rom. 12. 3. Moroni 10. 11.
Through repentance, baptism and the laying on of hands man may receive the Holy Ghost. It will open his spiritual vision and he will begin to comprehend himself, the object of his creation, and his affinity to his Heavenly Father. Then through the further observance of all the ordinances of the Gospel, will the righteousness of God be revealed to him, from faith to faith, until by keeping the commandments and seeking after knowledge through the inspirations of the Holy Ghost, in time, he will reach that assurance of faith which is unto eternal life.
The Lectures on Faith, by Joseph Smith, Jun., in Doc. and Cov., may justly be considered the most elaborate treatise on the subject in the sacred writings. They are written in such simplicity, that they can be easily understood by all who will honestly study them, to obtain a knowledge of the nature of faith. Their fulness, their comprehensiveness, is one of the many evidences of the Divine inspiration of the Prophet Joseph.
The first lecture shows that faith is an assurance that men have of the existence of things that they have not seen, and that it is an element of power. "It is the principle by which Jehovah works, and through which he exercises power over all temporal as well as eternal things."
The second lecture informs us how faith, in the beginning was based on a knowledge of God and his attributes, and that faith in God has existed in man in proportion to that knowledge.
The third lecture teaches us that to exercise faith in God, man must have an idea that he exists, and also of his character and attributes. He must, as well, feel an assurance that he is living in accordance with the will of God. Consequently, those who fail to obtain this knowledge by living in the spirit and power of the Gospel, cannot exercise a true and understanding faith in God, no matter what their pretentions.
Lecture fourth treats of the connection between correct ideas of God's attributes, of his Knowledge, Faith or Power, Justice, Judgment, Mercy and Truth; and the exercise of faith unto salvation, in a rational being.
The fifth lecture shows the necessity of faith in God the Father, and in his Son Jesus Christ.
Lecture sixth evidences the necessity of men knowing that their course of life is in accordance with the will of God, in order to exercise faith in him unto salvation. "It was this that enabled the ancient Saints to endure all their afflictions and persecutions, and to take joyfully the spoiling of their goods, knowing (not believing merely) that they had a more enduring substance. Heb. 10. 34.
The seventh lecture treats of the effects of faith. That working by faith is working by mental exertion instead of physical force; illustrating the fact by numerous examples. It also elucidates the principle that the mental powers are far superior to the physical forces of nature, and that through them the power of faith is manifested.
FAITH IN GOD THE FATHER, THE SON, AND THE HOLY GHOST.
Bible.Gen. 15. 6 Abraham believed in God and he counted it to him for righteousness. Rom. 4. 3; Gal. 3. 6.
Exod. 4. 5 that they may believe that the God of their fathers hath appeared unto thee.
Num. 20. 12 ye believed me not; ye shall not bring this congregation into the land.
Psalm 119. 66 teach me judgment and knowledge, for I have believed thy commandments.
Prov. 16. 20 whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.
Jonah 3. 5 so the people of Nineveh believed God.
John 1. 12 to as many as believed on him he gave power to become the sons of God.
3. 15 that whosoever believeth in him should not perish.
4. 42 know that this is the Christ, the Savior of the world.
5. 24 he that believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting life.
8. 24 if ye believe not I am he, ye shall die in your sins. 31.
11. 25 he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. 26, 27, 40-48.
13. 19 when it comes to pass ye may believe I am he. Chap. 14. 29.
14. 1 ye believe in God believe also in me. Chap. 10. 11.
16. 9 of sin because they believe not on me. 27, 30, 31.
17. 8 they have believed thou didst send me.
20. 29 blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed. 31.
Acts 8. 29 the Spirit said to Philip, go near and join thyself to him.
37 eunuch answered, I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
10. 43 all the prophets witness that whosoever believe in him shall receive remission of sins.
13. 39 by him all that believe are justified from all things, &c.
14. 23 they commended them to the Lord on whom they believed.
16. 31 believe on Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.
19. 4 should believe on him who should come after him.
20. 21 testifying to Jews and Greeks faith towards Jesus Christ.
27. 25 Paul said, I believe God; that it shall be as was told me.
Rom. 1. 16 Gospel of Christ the power of God unto salvation.
17 therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith. The just shall live by faith.
3. 26 the justifier of him who believeth in Jesus. Chap. 4, 5.
4. 24 if we believe in him that raised Jesus from the dead.
6. 8 if we be dead with Christ, we believe we shall live with him.
8. 26, 27 the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us, according to the will of God.
9. 33 a rock of offence, they that believe on him shall not be ashamed. Chap. 10. 4, 11.
10. 9 believe God has raised Christ from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
14 how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?
2 Cor. 1. 9 not trust in ourselves, but in God who raiseth the dead.
Gal. 2. 20 I live by the faith of the Son of God, who gave himself for me.
Col. 1. 4 faith in Christ and love for all the Saints.
1 Tim. 1. 16 for a pattern for those who should hereafter believe on him.
3. 16 God manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
4. 10 who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.
Titus 3. 8 they who believe in God might maintain good works.
Heb. 3. 18 they that believe not should not enter into his rest.
James 2. 19 thou believest there is one God; devils believe and tremble.
1 Peter 1. 21 by him believe in God that raised him from the dead, &c.
1 John 4. 16 we have believed the love God hath for us.
5. 10 he that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself.
Book of Mormon.
1 Nephi 10. 6, 17 which power he received by faith on the Son of God.
2 Nephi 11. 6, 7 my soul delighteth in proving to my people, that, save Christ should come, all men must perish.
25. 25 because of our faith we are made alive in Christ. 26.
26. 8 forward to Christ with steadfastness, they are they who shall not perish.
31. 19 ye have not come thus far except by unshaken faith in Christ.
32. 5 receive the Holy Ghost, it will show you what ye shall do.
33. 4 my words persuade them to believe in Jesus. 7, 10.
Jacob 3. 1 pray to God with great faith.
7. 3 Sherem, knowing that I, Jacob, had faith in Christ, who should come.
Enos 1. 8 he said to me, because of thy faith in Christ.
Jarom 1. 11 persuading them to believe in the Messiah to come.
Mos. 4. 2 for we believe in Christ who shall come.
8. 18 God has provided means that man through faith might work mighty miracles.
Alma 5. 15 do you exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you? 48.
13. 10-31 an exhortation to repentance and faith in Christ. Chap. 22. 14.
25. 15 they looked forward to the coming of Christ.
27. 27 the Lamanites were firm in the faith of Christ.
44. 3 is done to us because of our religion and faith in Christ.
46. 41 those who died in the faith of Christ are happy in him.
48. 13 Moroni was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ.
Hel. 3. 35 they grew firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ.
5. 9 no way a man can be saved, only through Christ who shall come. 47.
3 Nephi 11. 32 the Holy Ghost bears record of the Father and Son. 34, 35, 36.
12. 19 that ye shall believe in me and repent of your sins.
17. 8 I see that your faith is sufficient that I should heal you. 20.
19. 9 they desired that the Holy Ghost be given unto them.
28 thou hast purified these whom I have chosen because of their faith. 29, 35.
27. 19 none can enter the kingdom unless they wash their garments in the blood of Christ, by faith. 20.
Chap. 28. The three Nephite disciples of Jesus had the faith that enabled them to receive a change in their bodies, that they might remain on the earth until his coming.
4 Nephi 1. 48 being constrained by the Holy Ghost, Ammaron hid up the records.
Mormon 7. 7 Father, Son and Holy Ghost are one God. 10.
Ether 5. 4 the Father, Son and Holy Ghost beareth record. Chap. 12. 41.
12. 10 by faith they of old were called after the holy order of God.
Moroni 6. 4 were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost. Chap. 7. 32.
8. 7-9 the word of the Lord came by the power of the Holy Ghost. 26.
10. 4-7 the truth will be manifested by the power of the Holy Ghost.
Doctrine & Covenants.
Sec. 18. 18 ask the Father in faith and you shall receive the Holy Ghost. 19.
41. 3 by prayer of faith ye shall receive my law.
44. 2 if they exercise faith in me I will pour my Spirit on them.
45. 8 to those that believe on my name, gave I power to obtain eternal life.
136. 42 Be diligent in keeping all my commandments lest your faith fail you.
Pearl of Great Price.
Page 2. Moses declared to Satan that he would worship only the God of glory. God blessed Moses for his faith in him.
9. Adam and Eve called on the name of the Lord and offered sacrifice.
Thou shalt call upon God in the name of the Son for evermore.
13. Adam hearkened to the voice of God and glorified his name.
17. many believed and became the sons of God, many believed not and perished.
21. Enoch asked the Lord that he would have mercy on Noah and his seed, inasmuch as he was God and he knew him.
24. Noah walked with God, and all his three sons, also.
29. through faith in the Lord, Abraham left Ur to go into the land of Canaan.
NECESSITY OF FAITH IN THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD.
In every dispensation in which God has made known his will to man, it has been done through a living, inspired Priesthood. Passages from the sacred writings might be multiplied, indefinitely, on this subject. But this is not necessary, inasmuch as all the sacred records attest the necessity of an inspired Priesthood, and obedience to it on the part of the people, if they would understand the will of the Lord concerning them.Fifteen centuries of the history of Israel, from the Exodus to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans, is a record of adversity through disobedience to seers and prophets, and of prosperity, the result of listening to their teachings.
Mankind, with a wide range of religious tenets, are instinctively imbued with a sentiment of reverence and obedience to those who minister in the ordinances of religion. After the apostacy of the early apostolic church, it had a strong hold on the minds of the people during the supremacy of the Romish church.
We may consider that this doctrine began to lose its hold on the masses of the people, professing Christianity, after the Reformation and the splitting up of the Christian world into a great multiplicity of sects.
With the introduction of the Gospel and the Holy Priesthood, through Joseph Smith, Jun., the necessity of faith in a living Priesthood is daily being made more apparent to the Latter-day Saints.
Bible.
Exod. 4. 1 Moses answered, they will not believe. 8, 9, 30, 31.
14. 31 Israel believed the Lord and his servant Moses.
19. 9 that the people hear when I speak to thee, and believe thee for ever.
32. 19-34 the golden calf, and the intercession of Moses for the people.
Num. 12. 2 hath the Lord, indeed, spoken only by Moses?
Deut. 9. 19, 20 the Lord hearkened to me; I prayed for Aaron also.
Josh. 1. 5 as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee.
2 Chron. 20. 20 believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.
Amos 3. 7 but he revealeth his secrets to his servants the prophets.
Jonah, Chap. 3. the Ninevites saved by the preaching of Jonah.
Matt. 10. 14, 15 more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah, than for those who will not hear your words.
40 he that receiveth you receiveth me.
Luke 1. 19 sent to speak to thee, and shew thee these glad tidings. 45.
10. 16 he that heareth you heareth me. 29.
24. 25 O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken.
John 5. 46 had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me.
13. 20 he that receiveth whomsoever I send, receiveth me.
17. 20 but for them, also, which shall believe on me through their word.
1 Thess. 2. 13 when ye received from us, ye received it as the word of God.
Heb. 2. 2 for if the word spoken by angels was steadfast?
Book of Mormon.
Jacob 1. 19 taking the responsibility of answering the sins of the people, if we did not teach them the word of the Lord with all diligence.
2. 2 responsibility of magnifying my office, to rid my garments of your sins.
Mos. 2. 28 to assemble together, that I might rid my garments of your blood.
3 Nephi 12. 1, 2 blessed are ye if ye give heed to the words of these twelve, whom I have chosen.
13. 25 ye are they whom I have chosen to minister to this people.
15. 12 ye are my disciples, and a light to this people.
Doctrine & Covenants.
Sec. 1. 4 voice of warning to all people, by the mouth of my disciples.
8, 9 to them is given power to seal, both on earth and in heaven.
14 they who will not hear prophets and apostles shall be cut off. 17, 30.
2. 1 I will reveal to you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah.
3. 9 thou art Joseph, and wast chosen to do the work of the Lord. Sec. 5. 2, 10, 11-18.
10. 33 Satan thinks to overpower your testimony.
19. 13 keep my commandments which you have received by J. Smith, Jun.
24. 4 if they receive them not, I will curse instead of blessing them.
28. 2 no one to receive revelations for the church but J. Smith, Jun. 3.
7 J. Smith, Jun., has the keys of the revelations which are sealed, until I shall appoint another in his stead.
29. 4 ye are chosen out of the world to declare my Gospel. 7, 10, 12.
42. 61 J. Smith. Jun., to receive revelation, and know the mysteries. 69.
43. 3-5 none but Joseph Smith, Jun., appointed to receive revelation. 12.
52. 9 saying none other things than those which the prophets and apostles have written.
58. 45 behold they shall push the people together from the ends of the earth.
64. 5 the keys of the mysteries shall not be taken from J. Smith, Jun.
65. 2 the keys of the kingdom are committed to man on the earth.
68. 4 whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture and the power of God unto salvation.
75. 20 and they receive you not, shake off the dust of your feet.
81. 2 to J. Smith, Jun., I have given the keys belonging to the Presidency.
84. 64 every soul that believes on your words shall receive the Holy Ghost. 74.
89 whoso receiveth you receiveth me. 90-95. Sec. 99. 2-4.
90. 3, 4 the keys of the kingdom never to be taken from J. Smith, Jun. Through him the oracles to be given to the church. 6, 14-16.
103. 25 whomsoever ye curse I will curse.
35 J. Smith, Jun., to organize the kingdom, and establish the children of Zion.
110. 16 the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands.
112. 15 the keys which I have given unto him, and also to youward, shall not be taken from him till I come. 16-21, 30-32.
121. 36 the rights of the Priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven.
124. 58 my servant, Joseph, in thee shall the kingdoms of the earth be blessed.
128 the Twelve hold the keys of the kingdom upon the four corners of the earth.
133. 26 the prophets of the north countries shall hear his voice, and shall no longer stay themselves.
136. 37 ye shall behold it if ye are faithful in keeping all my words, from the days of Adam to Joseph Smith, Jun., whom I called on by my angels.
Miscellaneous Passages.
Hab. 2. 4 the just shall live by faith. Rom. 1. 17. Gal. 3. 11. Heb. 10. 38.
Matt. 6. 30 shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Luke 12. 28.
8. 10 not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. Luke 7. 9.
17. 20 if ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed.
21. 21 if ye have faith, not only do this, but say to this mountain.
Mark 4. 40 how is it that ye have no faith?
Luke 18. 8 when the Son of man cometh shall he find faith on the earth?
Acts 15. 9 purifying their hearts by faith.
26. 18 inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith.
Rom. 3. 3 shall unbelief make the faith of God without effect? 27.
4. 5 his faith is counted to him for righteousness. 9-16.
10. 17 so then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
14. 22 hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. 23.
1 Cor. 2. 5 that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men.
16. 13 watch ye, stand fast in the faith, be strong.
2 Cor. 4. 13 we having the same spirit of faith.
5. 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight.
Gal. 3. 2 received ye the spirit by works of the law, or by faith? 5-25.
5. 5 we wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6, 22.
Eph. 6. 16 above all taking the shield of faith. 23.
Phil. 3. 9 the faith of Christ the righteousness which is of God by faith.
1 Thess. 1. 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith.
5. 8 putting on the breastplate of faith and love.
2 Thess. 1. 4 we glory for your patience and faith in your persecutions. 11.
1 Tim. 1. 5 of a good conscience and faith unfeigned. 14, 19. Chap. 3. 9.
2 Tim. 3. 8 men of corrupt minds reprobate concerning the faith. 10.
4. 7 I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.
Titus 1. 13 rebuke sharply that they may be sound in the faith.
Heb. 4. 2 the word did not profit, not being mixed with faith.
6. 1 not laying again the foundation of repentance and faith.
Chap. 11. by faith the worlds were created, the violence of fire quenched, the armies of the aliens put to flight, kingdoms subdued, &c.
12. 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
James 1. 6 let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.
2. 5 hath not God chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith.
5. 15 the prayer of faith shall save the sick.
1 Peter 1. 5 kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. 7, 9, 21.
5. 9 whom resist steadfast in the faith.
2 Peter 1. 5 add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge.
1 John 5. 4 this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Jude 3. Earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the Saints.
Rev. 13. 10 here is the patience and faith of the Saints. Chap. 14. 12.
Book of Mormon.
1 Nephi 7. 12 the Lord can do all things for men through their faith.
16. 28 the pointers on the ball worked according to their faith. 29.
2 Nephi 1. 10 having power given them to do all things by faith.
27. 23 God works not among the children of men save it be according to their faith.
Jacob 1. 5 manifest to us by faith, what should happen to our people.
Enos 1. 12-18 through faith Enos obtained a promise that the records should be preserved to come forth to the Lamanites.
Mos. 4. 6 that salvation might come to him who continues in faith to the end. 21, 30.
Alma 7. 6 look forward for the remission of sins, with an everlasting faith.
12. 30 plan of salvation made known according to men's faith. 33, 34, 37.
13. 2, 3, 4 men called to the Holy Priesthood according to their faith.
18. 35 the Spirit gives knowledge and power according to faith.
32. 18 I ask, Is this faith? if a man knoweth a thing, he has no cause to believe. 21, 26, 27.
28-43 faith illustrated by a parable of a seed.
57. 21-27 through faith the young Ammonites were preserved in battle.
Hel. 5. 20-52 deliverance of Nephi and Lehi from prison through their great faith.
6. 1 the Lamanites exceeded the Nephites in righteousness on account of their great faith.
Mormon 3. 12 it was without faith because of the hardness of their hearts.
8. 24 he knoweth their faith, for in his name could they remove mountains.
Ether 3. This chapter gives an account of great manifestations to the brother of Jared, on account of his great faith.
12. 4-33 many examples given of the power of faith.
Moroni 7. 21-44 instructions on faith.
8. 3 will keep you through the endurance of faith on his name.
10. 4 if ye ask, having faith, he will manifest the truth to you. 7, 11.
Doctrine & Covenants.
Sec. 1. 21 that faith might also increase in the earth.
4. 5 faith, hope, charity, love, &c., qualify him for the work Sec. 6. 19, and 12. 8.
8. 10 without faith you can do nothing; ask in faith. 11.
26. 2 all things to be done by common consent, by much prayer and faith.
27. 17 taking the shield of faith, wherewith to quench the fiery darts of the wicked.
41. 3 by prayer of faith ye shall receive my law.
52. 20 the days have come when according to men's faith it shall be done unto them.
103. 36 all victory is brought to pass through your diligence and prayers of faith.
FAITH IN CONTINUAL REVELATION.
Bible.Num. 11. 29 Moses said, would that all the Lord's people were prophets.
Prov. 29. 18 where there is no vision the people perish.
Mark 16. 17 and these signs shall follow them that believe.
John 14. 12 he that believeth on me shall do the works that I do, and greater.
16. 13 Spirit of truth will teach you all things.
Acts 2. 39 the promise is to as many as the Lord our God shall call.
Rom. 1. 17 for therein is the righteousness of God revealed, from faith to faith.
3. 22 the righteousness of God is unto all, and upon all that believe.
Eph. 3. 19 that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
James 1. 5 if any lack wisdom let him ask of God.
1 John 2. 27 the anointing which you have received teacheth you all things.
Book of Mormon.
1 Nephi 10. 17-19 the gifts and mysteries of God to be unfolded to all men and in all times, to those who diligently seek them.
12. 18 the Messiah of whom the Holy Ghost beareth record from the beginning until this time, henceforth and forever.
22. 2 by the Spirit are all things made known to the prophets.
2 Nephi 4. 35 God will give liberally to him that asketh.
26. 13 Christ manifesteth himself by the power of the Holy Ghost, to all who believe on him.
27. 23 that I am the same yesterday, to-day and forever. Chap. 29. 9.
28. 29 wo be to him that shall say, we have received the word of God and need no more. 30.
29. 6 thou fool that shall say, we have a Bible and need no more. 7-12.
Alma 39. 19 is it not as easy for the Lord to declare these things to us as unto our children, or as after the time of his coming?
3 Nephi 27. 29 for he that asketh receiveth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
Mormon 9. 7-11 God, a God of miracles, revelations and prophecy, the same yesterday, to-day and for ever. 15-19. Moroni 10. 19.
Moroni 7. 29 have miracles ceased, or have angels ceased to minister to men because Christ has ascended to heaven? 37, 38.
Doctrine & Covenants.
Sec. 1. 11 the voice of the Lord is unto the ends of the earth. 20.
11. 25 wo to him that denieth the Spirit of revelation and prophecy.
20. 11 that God inspires men to do his work in this generation, as well as in generations of old. 12-17.
26-28 not only those who are but who have been and who shall be, who believe in the gifts and callings of God, shall be saved.
35 diminishing nothing from the revelations of John, or from the revelations of God which shall come hereafter, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
35. 8 will show miracles and wonders unto all who believe on my name.
42. 61 if thou shalt ask thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation. 67, 68.
50. 35 by giving heed to what you have received, and shall hereafter receive.
59. 4 with commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time.
70. 3 revelations which I have given them, and which I shall hereafter give.
See sermon by H. C. Kimball, J. of D., Vol. 2, page 220.
" " " " 3, " 197.
O. Spencer's Letters to Rev. W. Crowell, No. 3.
A Pamphlet, by O. Pratt, on Faith.
Article by F. D. Richards, Mil. Star, Vol. 29, page 681.
REPENTANCE.
The Nephite prophet, Alma, gives a very comprehensive idea of the importance of repentance. "Yea, I would that ye would come forth and harden not your hearts any longer; for behold, now is the time, and the day of your salvation; and therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto you. For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors. And now as I said unto you before, as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end; for after this day of life, which is given us to prepare for eternity, behold, if we do not improve our time while in this life, then cometh the night of darkness, wherein there can be no labor performed. Ye cannot say, when ye are brought to that awful crisis, that I will repent, that I will return to my God. Nay, ye cannot say this; for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world. For behold, if ye have procrastinated the day of your repentance, even until death, behold, ye have become subject to the spirit of the devil, and he doth seal you his; therefore, the Spirit of the Lord hath withdrawn from you, and hath no place in you, and the devil hath all power over you; and this is the final state of the wicked." Alma 34. 31-35."For Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death;" 2 Cor. 7. 10. Of the sorrow that worketh death was that of Judas; Matt. 27. 3-5 In some passages of the Scriptures repentance signifies a change of purpose in man, as in the case of the son who refused to work in his father's vineyard, but afterwards repented and went; 21. 28, 29.
Again, it expresses the sympathy of the Lord for the sufferings of his people: "For the Lord hearkened because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them;" Judges 2. 18. It sometimes expresses sympathy in man for the sufferings of others: "And the people repented them for Benjamin, because that the Lord had made a breach in the tribes of Israel;" 21. 15.
In the history of the deliverance of Israel from Egypt, we are informed that Pharaoh's heart was hardened, so that he would not let the people go. We are evidently to understand by this, that on account of the great wickedness of the Egyptians, the Lord did not soften their hearts by the gentle influences of his Spirit, but permitted them to pursue their own chosen way and suffer the consequences.
We read in the Revelations of St. John: "And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands;" 9. 20. "And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds;" 16. 11. These, like the Egyptians, had passed the day of repentance, and were left to reap the reward of their wickedness.
On account of their former wickedness, it was all the converted Lamanites could do to repent; Alma 24. 11.
Repentance is a gift of God: "Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life;" Acts 11. 18. "If God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;" 2 Tim. 2. 25. "Not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth them to repentance;" Rom. 2. 4. That is, the Lord grants to men of his Holy Spirit to soften their hearts and enlighten their understandings, that they may see and receive the truth, if they will; but his Spirit will not always strive with man. Confession of sin, and restitution to the injured party, was early made a standing law in Israel; Num. 5. 6, 7.
Confession is one of the outward evidences of a godly sorrow for sin: "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation;" Rom. 10. 10. "Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed;" James 5. 16.
On account of the magnitude of sins committed, repentance is not always followed by forgiveness and restoration. For instance, when Peter was preaching to the Jews, who had slain Jesus and taken his blood on themselves and their children, he did not say, repent and be baptized for the remission of sins; but "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 (when) he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: whom the heaven must receive until the times of the restitution of all things;" Acts 3. 19-21. That is, repent now, and believe in Jesus Christ, that you may be forgiven when he whom you have slain shall come again in the days of the restitution of all things; and prescribe to you the terms on which you may be saved.
Bible.
1 Kings 8. 47 if they repent in the land of their captivity.
Job 42. 6 I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes.
Psalm 106. 45 repented according to the multitude of his mercies.
110. 4 the Lord hath sworn and will not repent. Heb. 7. 21.
Ezk. 14. 6 repent and turn from your idols. Chap. 18. 30,
24. 14 neither will I spare, neither will I repent.
Matt. 3. 2 repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Chap. 4. 17.
8 bring forth fruit meet for repentance. Luke 3. 8.
9. 13 not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance. Luke 5. 32.
11. 20 because they repented not. 21. Luke 10. 13.
12. 41 the men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation. Luke 11. 32.
Mark 1. 15 repent ye and believe the Gospel.
6. 12 they went and preached that men should repent.
Luke 13. 3 except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish. 5.
15. 7 over one sinner that repenteth, than over ninety-nine that need no repentance.
16. 30 if one went unto them from the dead they will repent.
17. 3 if thy brother trespass against thee, and repent, forgive him. 4.
Acts 17. 30 times of ignorance God winked at but now commands men to repent.
26. 20 to the Gentiles that they should do works meet for repentance.
Rom. 2. 4 not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.
2 Cor. 7. 9 but that ye sorrowed to repentance.
10 Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation, not to be repented of.
Heb. 6. 1 not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works. 6.
12. 17 he found no place of repentance though he sought it.
2 Peter 3. 9 that any should perish, but all should come to repentance.
Rev. 3. 8 remember how thou hast received; hold fast and repent.
19 those I love I chasten; be zealous, therefore, and repent.
Book of Mormon.
1 Nephi 10. 18 the way is prepared for all men if they will repent.
22. 28 shall dwell safely in the Holy One of Israel, if they will repent.
2 Nephi 2. 21 he gave commandment that all men should repent.
9. 24 if they will not repent and be baptized they must be damned.
30. 2 the Gentiles that will repent are the covenant people of the Lord.
Jacob 3. 3 except ye repent the land is cursed for your sakes.
Mos. 4. 10 believe that you must repent of your sins, and forsake them. 18.
12. 8 unless they repent I will utterly destroy them. 12.
18. 7 Alma preached repentance at the waters of Mormon.
20 he commanded they should preach nothing but repentance and faith.
26. 22 shall be baptized unto repentance.
27. 24 Alma said I have repented of my sins and been redeemed.
29. 19 were it not for the interposition of the Creator because of their repentance.
Alma 5. 31-33 repentance necessary to salvation. 49-56.
7. 9 the Spirit saith repent, prepare the way of the Lord.
9. 12 except ye repent ye can in no wise inherit the kingdom of God.
12. 15 power to save all that bring forth fruit meet for repentance.
24 this life a probationary state for repentance.
22. 6 will repent ye shall be saved.
26. 22 to him that repenteth is given to know the mysteries of God.
27. 23 because of their sore repentance on account of their many murders.
29. 1, 2 that I were an angel to cry repentance to all people.
34. 31-35 to delay repentance until death is to become subject to the devil.
42. 4 there was a probationary time granted to man for repentance. 5, 13.
16 repentance could not come unto men except there was a punishment.
Hel. 5. 11 he hath power to redeem them from their sins because of repentance.
7. 17 O repent ye! why will ye die?
19-24, 28 the Nephites warned of great destruction, unless they would repent.
8. 7 the things he saith will come to pass unless we repent. 26
10. 11 Nephites to be smitten unless they would repent. 17.
11. 8-17 the Lord turned away the famine from the Nephites because of repentance.
12. 22-24 that men might be saved, hath repentance been declared.
13. 2 Samuel preached repentance to the people of Zarahemla. 6.
14. 17, 18 the resurrection of Christ brings to pass the conditions of repentance.
3 Nephi 9. 2 wo to the inhabitants of the earth unless they repent. 13, 22.
10. 6 how oft will I gather you if ye will repent. Matt. 23. 37.
16. 13 if the Gentiles will repent they shall be numbered with my people.
18. 16 as I pray, ye shall pray among those who repent and are baptized. 30-32.
23. 5 he who repents and is baptized shall be saved.
26. 17 whoso repents and is baptized shall be filled.
Mormon 2. 8 although destruction hung over the Nephites they would not repent. 10-13.
3. 22 I would that I could persuade all ye ends of the earth to repent.
5. 22 how can ye stand before the power of God except ye repent? 24.
7. 3 ye must come to repentance or ye cannot be saved. 5, 7, 8
Ether 2. 11 may repent and not continue in your iniquities, until the fulness come.
5. 5 if so be they repent and come unto the Father.
7. 23 there came prophets warning the people to repent. 25, 26
8. 23 that things may be shown to you that ye may repent.
11. 1 many prophecies of the destruction of the people, unless they should repent. 6, 8, 12, 20.
12. 3 Ether exhorted the people to believe in God unto repentance.
Moroni 6. 7 if they repented not their names were blotted out. 8.
8. 24 repentance is unto those who are under the curse of a broken law. 25.
Doctrine & Covenants.
Sec. 1. 32, 33 from him that repents not shall be taken the light he has received. Sec. 5. 21.
3. 10 God commanded Joseph Smith, Jun., to repent.
5. 19 a desolating scourge shall go forth if they repent not.
19. 4 every one must repent or suffer, for I, God, am endless. 3, 15.
20. 29 all men must repent and endure in faith, or they cannot be saved.
29. 17 1 will take vengeance on the wicked for they will not repent.
44 they cannot be redeemed because they repented not. 49.
33. 10 repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
39. 18 inasmuch as they repent, I will stay mine hand in judgment.
42. 77 if not married, they shall repent and ye shall receive them.
43. 20 call on the nations to repent. Prepare, for the great day of the Lord. 21, 22.
54. 3 if your brethren desire to escape their enemies let them repent.
63. 15 repent speedily, lest judgment come on them as a snare.
68. 24 if he repent he shall be forgiven, according to the covenants.
75. 29 the idler shall not have place in the church, except he repent.
84. 57 to remain under condemnation, until they repent. 76.
90. 34 your brethren in Zion begin to repent and the angels rejoice. 35.
98. 21 will chasten them if they do not repent and observe all things.
109. 21 when thy people transgress, they may speedily repent and return unto thee. 29.
50 that wicked mob may repent, if repentance can be found. 53.
124. 50 visit on the heads of those who hindered my work, if they repent not. 52, 116.
133. 16 he commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent.
136. 35 their sorrow shall be great unless they repent speedily.
Pearl of Great Price.
Page 9. said to Adam, thou shalt repent and call upon God.
13. Adam called on his sons to repent.
14. the sons of Adam called on all men to repent.
16. God hath made known to our fathers that all men must repent. Teach it to your children that all men must repent.
18. the Lord said to Enoch, say to this people repent, lest I smite them with a curse. He called on all but the people of Cainaan to repent.
23. if men do not repent I will send in the floods upon them For it repenteth Noah that I have created them.
History of Joseph Smith, Sept. 1, 1835.
A Pamphlet by O. Pratt, on Repentance.
BAPTISM.
NECESSITY OF BAPTISM.
That Gospel baptism is necessary to salvation, is abundantly evidenced in the sacred writings. Christ, the highest authority known to man, asserted this most emphatically when he said to Nicodemus, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God;" John 3. 5.So important did the Savior consider baptism, that when he went to John to be baptized, and John forbade him, he replied to him, "Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness;" Matt. 3. 13-15. In this he taught John the doctrine that a fulness of righteousness or salvation, could not be received without it.
The prophet Nephi, who lived nearly 600 years before the birth of our Savior, clearly understood the necessity of baptism. Said he, "And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water;" 2 Nephi 31. 5.
The prophet Mormon, who lived nearly 1,000 years after Nephi, also taught the necessity of following the example of our Savior in being baptized, first, by water; Mormon 7. 10.
In the opening up of the latter-day dispensation, the Lord said to his prophet Joseph, "Whosoever believeth on my words them will I visit with the manifestation of my Spirit, and they shall be born of me, even of water and of the Spirit;" Doc. & Cov. 5. 16.
The Lord, in a revelation to Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon, speaking of those who should be worthy to come forth in the resurrection of the just, says, "They are they who received the testimony of Jesus, and believed on his name and were baptized after the manner of his burial, being buried in the water in his name;" 76. 51.
Bible.
Matt. 28. 19 go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them.
Mark 16. 16 he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.
John 1. 33 he that sent me to baptize with water.
Acts 2. 41 then they that gladly received his word were baptized.
1 Cor. 12. 13 for by one spirit are we all baptized into one body.
Gal. 3. 27 as many as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ.
Eph. 4. 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism.
1 Peter 3. 21 the like figure whereunto even baptism doth now save us.
Book of Mormon.
2 Nephi 31. 11 the Father said, repent, and be baptized.
17 the gate by which ye shall enter is repentance and baptism.
Alma 5. 62 be baptized unto repentance.
9. 27 cometh to redeem those who will be baptized unto repentance.
3 Nephi 18. 5 one shall be ordained to break bread, and give to those who are baptized in my name.
28. 18 uniting to the church those who believe on their preaching, baptizing them.
Mormon 9. 29 see that ye are not baptized unworthily.
Moroni 6. 1-4 explains who are fit subjects for baptism.
8. 4-22 the reasons given why little children are not fit subjects for baptism.
Doctrine & Covenants.
Sec. 68. 8 preach the Gospel to every creature, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
112. 29 he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; he that believeth not and is not baptized shall be damned.
128. 12 baptism by immersion necessary to answer to the likeness of the dead, that one principle might accord with the other. Also in likeness of the resurrection of the dead, in coming forth out of their graves. This passage explains and beautifully accords with Rom. 6. 4, and Col. 2. 12.
Pearl of Great Price.
Page 16. the Holy Spirit promised to Adam, if he would repent and be baptized. Explanation of the necessity of being born of water and of the Spirit.
17. gives an account of the baptism of Adam.
MODE OF BAPTISM.
Not only is the necessity of baptism taught us by the highest possible authority, but, as well, the manner in which that ordinance is to be administered.Adam, the Father of the race, set an example for all his children to follow. "And it came to pass, when the Lord had spoken with Adam, our father, that Adam cried unto the Lord, and he was caught away by the Spirit of the Lord, and was carried down into the water, and was laid under the water, and was brought forth out of the water. And thus he was baptized; and the Spirit of God descended upon him, and thus he was born of the Spirit, and became quickened in the inner man;" P. of G. P., p. 17.
Christ went where John was baptizing in the river Jordan, to be baptized of him, and "when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water;" Matt. 3. 16. That he was immersed, or buried in the water, is evident from the sayings of the Apostle Paul, "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection;" Rom. 6. 4, 5. "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God;" Col. 2. 12.
The meaning of these passages is evident. If we would come forth in the resurrection in the likeness of Christ, we must, like him, be buried in the water, and come forth out of the water, in the likeness of his burial and resurrection.
The Nephites knew no other mode of Gospel baptism than immersion. Said Jesus to his Nephite disciples, "And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come forth again out of the water;" 3 Nephi 11. 26.
When our Savior sent forth his Jewish disciples to preach the Gospel, he authorized them to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; Matt. 28. 19. He instructed his Nephite disciples to use the following words, "Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen;" 3 Nephi 11. 25.
Quite explicit instructions on this subject are given to the Latter-day Saints in the Doc. & Cov.: "The person who is called of God, and has authority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person who has presented him or herself for baptism, and shall say, calling him or her by name—Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. Then shall he immerse him or her in the water, and come forth again out of the water;" 20. 73, 74.
Under date of May, 1829, we find the following account of the baptism of J. Smith, Jun., and O. Cowdery, being the first baptisms in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: "Accordingly we went and were baptized, I baptized him first, and afterwards he baptized me, after which I laid my hands upon his head and ordained him to the Aaronic Priesthood, afterwards he laid his hands on me and ordained me to the same Priesthood—for so were we commanded. * * * It was on the fifteenth day of May, 1829, that we were ordained under the hand of the Messenger, and baptized. Immediately on our coming up out of the water, after we had been baptized, we experienced great and glorious blessings."
Bible.
Matt. 3. 6 all baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
3. 13 then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John.
John 3. 23 John was baptizing in Enon near Salem, because there was much water there.
Acts 8. 38, 39 Philip went down into the water with the eunuch.
22. 16 arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins.
1 Cor. 10. 2 all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea.
Titus 3. 5 by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost.
Book of Mormon.
Mos. 18. 12-17 a description of the manner in which Alma baptized the Lamanites in the waters of Mormon.
26. 15 blessed are they who were baptized in the waters of Mormon.
Alma 4. 4 many were baptized by Alma in the river Sidon.
3 Nephi 11. 23-28 conditions for and form of baptism.
19. 11-13 Nephi, and his brethren, went down into the water, and came up out of the water.
Pearl of Great Price.
Page 17. Adam was laid under the water, and brought forth out of the water.
18. Enoch was commanded to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
OBJECT OF BAPTISM.
The primary aim and end of baptism is the remission of sins. This subject is fully explained by the Lord to our Father Adam. "Therefore I give unto you a commandment, to teach these things freely unto your children, saying, That by reason of transgression cometh the fall, which fall bringeth death, and inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit, which I have made, and so became of dust a living soul, even so ye must be born again into the kingdom of heaven, of water, and of the spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten; that ye might be sanctified from all sin, and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory: For by the water ye keep the commandment; by the spirit ye are justified, and by the blood ye are sanctified; therefore it is given to abide in you; the record of heaven; the Comforter; the peaceable things of immortal glory;" P. of G. P., p. 16.The above quotation is full of meaning, but it is evident, at once, that the object of baptism is to open the way through which, alone, men may attain to all the blessings of salvation and eternal life. It was especially the mission of John the Baptist to preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; Mark 1. 4.
On the day of Pentecost, the Apostle Peter very earnestly exhorted the multitude, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins;" Acts 2. 38.
The Apostle Paul says, "Without shedding of blood is no remission;" Heb. 9. 22. John the Apostle also asserts the same doctrine: "The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin;" 1 John 1. 7. It is evident, from the tenor of the sacred writings, that only by being buried with Christ in water, by baptism, is the shedding of his blood available to man for the remission of sins.
Bible.
Luke 3. 3 John preached the baptism of repentance, for the remission of sins.
Acts 22. 16 arise and be baptized and wash away your sins.
Eph. 5. 26 that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water.
Titus 3. 5 by the washing of regeneration.
1 Peter 3. 21 the like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us.
Book of Mormon.
2 Nephi 31. 17 after baptism by water, cometh the remission of sins.
Alma 7. 14 be baptized unto repentance, that ye may be washed from your sins.
3 Nephi 1. 23 baptism unto repentance, in which there was a remission of sins.
7. 25 baptism by water, a witness of repentance and a remission of sins.
18. 30 the sacrament to be administered only to those who have been baptized.
30. 2 come to me and be baptized, for the remission of sins.
Moroni 8. 11 baptism and fulfilling the commandments bringeth remission of sins.
Doctrine & Covenants.
Sec. 19. 31 Shalt declare repentance and remission of sins by baptism and by fire.
55. 2 repentance and remission of sins by way of baptism.
68. 27 children to be baptized for remission of sins when eight years old.
76. 51, 52 baptism and remission of sins necessary, in order to come forth in the resurrection of the just.
84. 27 the Gospel of repentance, and of baptism, and remission of sins.
74 those not baptized for the remission of sins shall be damned.
Miscellaneous Passages.
Matt. 3. 7 when he saw Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism.
20. 22 are ye able to be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with? Mark 10. 39.
21. 25 the baptism of John, was it from heaven or of men? Mark 11. 30. Luke 20. 4.
28. 19 go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them.
Mark 1. 8 I, indeed, have baptized you with water.
Luke 3. 7 said he to the multitude that came to be baptized of him. 12.
16 John answered, I indeed baptize you with water. 21.
7. 29 the publicans justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. 30.
12. 50 I have a baptism to be baptized with.
John 1. 25 why baptizest thou, if thou be not the Christ?
26 1 baptize with water, but there standeth one among you. 28.
33 he that sent me to baptize with water, said to me;
3. 22 there he tarried with them and baptized. 23.
4. 1 that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John.
Acts 1. 5 John baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. 22.
2. 41 then they that gladly received his word were baptized.
8. 12 when they believed Philip they were baptized, both men and women. 13.
16 as yet he was fallen on none of them, only they were baptized.
36 see, here is water, what doth hinder me to be baptized?
9. 18 Saul received sight and arose and was baptized.
10. 37 that word published throughout all Judea, after the baptism John preached. 47.
16. 15 Lydia, when she was baptized, and her household, besought us. 33.
18. 8 many of the Corinthians believed and were baptized. 25.
1 Cor. 1. 13 or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 14, 16, 17.
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