It was during this experience that I started to question what the church was really about. The ceremonies, (endowments, sealing) were quite “unique”. It was then that I started looking into the “oaths” and to see where I could find these ceremonies outlined in lds scripture. I was told that I was not to do that. The ceremonies were “sacred” and investigating further would only cause “confusion”.
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Now that is amuzing to read because it is through studying the standards works mainly the OT and POGP and than the Lord will remind those in the Temple who are sincere.
Prov. 23:
9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
D&C 6: 12 Make not thy gift known unto any save it be those who are of thy faith. Trifle not with sacred things.
D&C 10:
37 But as you cannot always judge the righteous, or as you cannot always tell the wicked from the righteous, therefore I say unto you, hold your peace until I shall see fit to make all things known unto the world concerning the matter
3 Ne. 14:
1 And now it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words he turned again to the multitude, and did open his mouth unto them again, saying: Verily, verily, I say unto you, Judge not, that ye be not judged.
D&C 10: 37 (36-37)
35 Marvel not that I said unto you: Here is wisdom, show it not unto the world—for I said, show it not unto the world, that you may be preserved.
36 Behold, I do not say that you shall not show it unto the righteous;
37 But as you cannot always judge the righteous, or as you cannot always tell the wicked from the righteous, therefore I say unto you, hold your peace until I shall see fit to make all things known unto the world concerning the matter.
Some do not study their scriptures or they dsimiss it!
This is a one on one Church where one should study the Lord scriptures and let the Holy Ghost teach those who sincerely want to know!
D&C 9
6 Do not murmur, my son, for it is wisdom in me that I have dealt with you after this manner.
7 Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.
8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.
9 But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me.
Prov. 23:
9 Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words.
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Yes youre right this verse does describe that fool Joey Smith...
He did despise wisdom...
In conclusion let us summarize this grand key, these “Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet”, for our salvation depends on them.
1. The prophet is the only man who speaks for the Lord in everything.
2. The living prophet is more vital to us than the standard works.
3. The living prophet is more important to us than a dead prophet.
4. The prophet will never lead the church astray.
5. The prophet is not required to have any particular earthly training or credentials to speak on any subject or act on any matter at any time.
6. The prophet does not have to say “Thus Saith the Lord,” to give us scripture.
7. The prophet tells us what we need to know, not always what we want to know.
8. The prophet is not limited by men’s reasoning.
9. The prophet can receive revelation on any matter, temporal or spiritual.
10. The prophet may advise on civic matters.
11. The two groups who have the greatest difficulty in following the prophet are the proud who are learned and the proud who are rich.
12. The prophet will not necessarily be popular with the world or the worldly.
13. The prophet and his counselors make up the First Presidency—the highest quorum in the Church.
14. The prophet and the presidency—the living prophet and the First Presidency—follow them and be blessed—reject them and suffer.
I testify that these fourteen fundamentals in following the living prophet are true. If we want to know how well we stand with the Lord then let us ask ourselves how well we stand with His mortal captain—how close do our lives harmonize with the Lord’s anointed—the living Prophet—President of the Church, and with the Quorum of the First Presidency.
Ezra Taft Benson
(Address given Tuesday, February 26, 1980 at Brigham Young University)
They didn't call it dyslexia back then...
Are you claiming that SZonian wasn't SINCERE when he went through the temple??? Imagine THAT!!
Resty,
Notwithstanding that you use BoM passages to justify your position, the simple fact remains.
They are a “pre-emptive” admonition to mormons. Don’t look for answers to your questions or concerns. Just trust us. Since when does God keep secrets regarding salvation?
IF the temple rites are of God, why does he hide them? If God wanted all of His children to return to Him, wouldn’t he ensure that the entirety of His plan was made known to all?
Why would it be so conditional? What purpose does God have if He is making His children solve a maze? None. His plan is in the open, in the scripture. Temple rites are not in the scripture, they are secret from the eyes of man.
That is what concerned me the most with regards to my thoughts regarding the temple. God is a loving God, he wants us all to return to Him.
SZ
Nice verses resty but they have nothing to do with the CONTENT of the temple rituals. Those are not in any LDS scripture.
And, if they are eternal, as the LDS claim, why have they been changed so often and drastically. Not just the words, but the oaths and tokens and signs as well?
Can God not decide what is necessary to get into the celestial kingdom?