Posted on 01/31/2012 11:48:42 AM PST by Laissez-faire capitalist
June 1986 I HAVE A QUESTION
I Have a question
I've noticed a trend for newlyweds to have elaboratevexpensive wedding receptions. Is this necessary particularly for a temple marriage?
...
How can Jesus and Lucifer be spirit brothers when their characters and purposes are so utterly opposed?
Jess L. Christensen, Institute of Religion director at Utah State University, Logan Utah.
On first hearing the doctrine that Lucifer and our Lord, Jesus Christ are brothers may seem surprising to some - especially to those unacquainted with latter-day revelations. But both the scriptures and the prophets affirm that Jesus Christ and Lucifer are indeed offspring of our Heavenly Father and, therefore, spirit brothers. Jesus Christ was with the Father from the beginning. Lucifer, too, was an angel "who was in authority in the presence of God," a "son of the morning." (See Isa. 14:12; D&C 76:25-27.) Both Jesus and Lucifer were strong leaders with great knowledge and influence. But as the Firstborn of the Father, Jesus was Lucifer's older brother. (See Col. 1:15; D&C 93:21.)
How could two such great spirits become so totally opposite? The answer lies in the principle of agency which has existed from all eternity (D&C 93:30-31.) Of Lucifer, the scripture says that because of rebellion "he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies (Moses 4:4.) Note that he was not created evil, but became Satan by his own choice.
When our Father in Heaven presented his plan of salvation, Jesus sustained the plan and his part in it, giving the glory to God, to whom it properly belonged. Lucifer, on the other hand, sought power, honor and glory only for himself (See Isa. 14: 13-14; Moses 4:1-2.) When his modification of the Father's plan was rejected he rebelled against God and was subsequently cast out of heaven with those who had sided with him (See Rev. 12: 7-9; D&C 29: 36-37.)
That brothers would make dramatically different choices is not unusual. It has happened time and time again, as the scriptures attest: Cain chose to serve Satan; Abel chose to serve God. (See Moses 5:16-18.) Esau "despised his birthright"; Jacob wanted to honor it. (Gen. 25: 29-34.) Joseph's brothers sought to kill him; he soughtvto preserve them. (Gen. 37: 12-24; Gen. 45: 3-11.
It is ironic that the agency with which Lucifer rebelled is the very gift he tried to take from man. His proposal was that all be forced back into God's presence. (See Moses 4: 1,3.) But the principle of agency is fundamental to the existence and progression of intelligent beings.; as we make wise choices we grow in light and truth. On the other hand, wrong choices - such as the one Satan made - stop progress and can even deny us blessings that we already have. (See D&C 93: 30-36.)
In order for us to progress, therefore, we must have the opportunity to choose good or evil. Interestingly, Satan and his angels - those who opposed agency - have become the opposition. As the prophet Lehi taught "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 Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself." (2 Neh. 2: 27.)
Although the Father has allowed Satan and his angels to tempt mankind, he has given each of us the ability to rise above temptation (See 1 Cor. 10:13.) He has also given us the grrat gift of the atonement. When the Lord placed enmity between Eve's children and the devil, Satan was told that he would bruise the heel of Eve's seed, but her seed would bruise his head (See Moses 4:21.) President Joseph Fielding Smith explained that "The 'God of Peace' who according to the scriptures is to bruise Satan is Jesus Christ." ( Answers to Gospel Questions, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1957; 1:3.)
Satan would bruise the Saviors' heel by leading men to crucify Him. But through his death and resurrection, Christ overcame death for all of us; and through his atonement, he offers each of us a way to escape the eternal ramifications of sin. Thus, Satan's machinations have been frustrated and eventually he will be judged, bound, and castbinto hell forever (See Rev. 20: 1-10; D&C 29:26-29.)
In Hebrew, the word bruise means "to crush or grind." Therefore, the very heel that was bruised will crush Satan and will help us overcome the world and return to our Father. As we use our agency to choose good over evil, the atonement of Christ prepares the way for us to return to our Father in Heaven.
We can only imagine the sorrow of our Heavenly Father as he watched a loved son incite and lead a rebellion and lose his opportunity for exaltation. But we can also imagine the Fathers love and rejoicing as he welcomed back the beloved son who had valiantly and perfectly fought the battles of life and brought about the great Atonement through his suffering and death.
The Primary lessons in the manual never seem long enough. As a teacher, I always finishvbefore class time ends. What is appropriate for me to do?
...
Why does D&C 104:1 say that the united order was an everlasting order until the Lord comes, yet it is not practiced today?
...
Wow this is crazy Joseph Smith was nothing more than a con artist
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTtQTz7O1Xg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIb8vxf9dSY
For a limited time, watch the film in it’s entirety! NOTE: Please pass this on to everyone you know! Feel free to download it, burn your own DVD copies, and pass them out as well! We want this film to go viral so as many people as possible can see it. We are also working on a special edition “official” DVD that will include many bonus features and and extended version of the film as well. Until then though, enjoy the film in it’s entirety on YouTube for a while
A documentary that dives into the differences between legalistic religion and true redemption found in Christ. Produced by Brad Eggerton & James Anderson.
The film was shot all over the Salt Lake Valley from 2009-2011 and includes interviews on the streets with many LDS people, along with many interviews with people who minister to the LDS, including Sandra Tanner, Shawn McCraney, Russ East, Bill McKeever, Doris Hanson, and more.
ping
Jesus is eternal, lucifer was created - nuff said.
mormons beleive this the same way Eve believed satan, “you to will be a god”. The draw of godhood is powerful for our sinful nature.
The lds-org denies that Jesus is the Creator, that everything was created THROUGH Him, BY Him and FOR Him.
They can’t be and aren’t.
Jesus is the only begotten of the Father. God did not beget Lucifer.
Lucifer, Satan, is a created being, not God Incarnate.
What blasphemy....
Lucifer can only do what God allows him to do. Nothing else.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.