Posted on 05/25/2006 10:45:12 AM PDT by Mike Bates
DOES JESUS have a secret line of descendants who are living today? It's an oddly appealing idea. We tend to think of ancestry in terms of bloodlines, in which some individuals are descended from famous ancestors and others are not. And the idea echoes deeper religious themes of individuals and groups favored by God.
But this is one idea in "The Da Vinci Code," which opens today in theaters worldwide, that just won't wash. Jesus couldn't have just a few descendants living today. If anyone alive today is descended from Jesus, then so are most of the people on the planet.
This absurd-sounding statement is an inevitable consequence of the workings of ancestry. People may have just a few descendants in the two or three generations after they lived, but after that the number of descendants explodes. For a population to remain the same size, every adult has to have an average of two children who grow to adulthood and have children. So the number of descendants for the average person grows exponentially two children, four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and so on. In just 10 generations roughly 250 years an average person can have more than 1,000 descendants.
SNIP
In real genealogies, a person's descendants either peter out within a few generations or begin to grow exponentially. That's why people who came to America on the Mayflower now have thousands of descendants. People who lived just a few centuries earlier have many millions of descendants.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
>>>Waiting for the first "It's just fiction" comment. :)<<<
LOL! There is a website that claims everyone is a descendant of Charlemagne.
http://www.oz.net/~lee/Genealogy/charlemagne.html
It would have to be from Mary at least. I always thought of Jesus 'body' as human but his 'soul' divine.
I'm gonna hate dropping that word at my next Sons of Charlemagne meeting.
So, where's the 'mothership near Saturn' fit in?
You mention it here:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1637815/posts?page=6#6
It's not an argument. It's an observation.
While EU certainly has had a decline in observation of religion (not counting the Islamic faith, which is growing), those nations formerly under Soviet control had an increase in attendance. oh, and I've neither seen the movie or read the book.
All I need to know about ectoplasm I got from Ghostbusters. Truly, a fascinating documentary!
Well, how will the bill passed by the Senate affect them? Will they finally get the green cards they've worked so hard towards?
"Jesus was conceived prior to being implanted into Mary's womb, thus his DNA was not Mary or Joseph derived."
I disagree. Mary was not the surrogate mother of Jesus. She was really and truly His mother.
First, I found this link, which explains the technical/biological side. The best tech explanation Ive seen.
Q & A: Did Jesus have Mary's DNA? http://www.bibleanswerstand.org/QA_DNA.htm
CHURCH FATHERS A Sectional Confession of the Faith (St_ Gregory Thaumaturgus)
http://www.newadvent.org/Fathers/0605.htm
Further, we acknowledge that the Son of God was made a Son of man, having taken to Himself the flesh from the Virgin Mary, not in name, but in reality
The Summa Theologica of St. Thomas Aquinas
http://www.newadvent.org/summa/403504.htm
she [Mary] begot of her flesh the Word of God made flesh
Therefore He who is "above all things, God blessed for ever," is truly born of the Blessed Virgin as of His Mother.
she is the mother, according to His human nature, of the Person who has both the divine and the human nature.
CHURCH FATHERS On the Flesh of Christ (Tertullian)
http://www.newadvent.org/Fathers/0315.htm
If it was not as her son, but only as a stranger that Mary carried Jesus in her womb, how is it she says, "Blessed is the fruit of thy womb?
Father William Saunders
https://www.ewtn.com/faith/teachings/maryc1.htm
Mary conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Lk 1:26-38 and Mt 1:18-25) Through her, Jesus Christ--second person of the Holy Trinity--entered this world, taking on human flesh and a human soul. Jesus is true God and true man. In His person are united both a divine nature and a human nature.
the One whom she conceived as man by the Holy Spirit, who truly became her Son according to the flesh, was none other than the Father's eternal Son, the second person of the Holy Trinity. (CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, No. 495). Council of Ephesus (431)
Flesh of Her Flesh Mary Full of Grace
http://www.boston-catholic-journal.com/flesh_of_her_flesh_mary_full_of_grace.htm
Grace is a participation in the life of God" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, §1997) and Mary, the Angel Gabriel declares is filled with it! Filled with the life of God, participating in the life of God as no other human being in history. She is full of grace, participates consummately in the life of God even before she bore His Son.
Why?
Because she was to bear His Son. It was from Mary that Jesus took His Sacred Humanity. It was from Mary that He took His flesh, becoming like unto us in every way but sin.
How much closer can a human being be to God ... than to have given Him His very flesh ... enabling, yes, enabling God to become Man!
Jesus flesh was not different from Mary's it was Mary's! ... just as his Divinity was not different from God's, but was, is, God's.
Luke 18:8
I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"
As LDS you all know we look at the Trinity/Godhead
LDS calls it the Godhead, LDS takes the words literal meaning Father, Son and Holy Ghost, 3 Seperate Personages!
The Mainstream thinks of the Trinity to mean 3 in 1, the MS embraces the Nicene Creed concept of Three in One substance!
***
The arguememt over the year's has been who Father Jesus?
God of the Highest or the Holy Ghost?
Luke 1
30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
***
The LDS position is the Heavenly Father the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
When the Holy Ghost is upon one they are purified to receive the Word of God or Revelation Not the child of God!
Meaning in this event Mary vessle was PURIFIED taken to an Elevated realm to receive the Heavenly Father Only begotten Son!
Before you get excited I want to remind you Trinity folks that you do not seperate the Trinity you view it is THREE in ONE substance!
So with your reasoning you can not seperate the Trinity because it is all ONE SUBSTANCE!
With this reasoning how is this posible to serperate the Holy Ghost from the Trinity?
Hebrews 10:5-6
5. Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me;
6. with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased.
Who ya gonna believe?
What a truly bizarre posting....
All forms of the words JESUS and GRACE in the Text of the Standard Works.
John 1: 17
17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
Acts 4: 33
33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.
Acts 15: 11
11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
Acts 20: 24
24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Rom. 1: 7
7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom. 3: 24
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Rom. 5: 15
15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
Rom. 5: 17
17 For if by one mans offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
Rom. 5: 21
21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
Rom. 16: 20
20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Rom. 16: 24
24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
1 Cor. 1: 3
3 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Cor. 1: 4
4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
1 Cor. 16: 23
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
2 Cor. 1: 2
2 Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Cor. 8: 9
9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
2 Cor. 13: 14
14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
Gal. 1: 3
3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
Gal. 6: 18
18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Eph. 1: 2
2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Eph. 2: 7
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
Eph. 6: 24
24 Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
Philip. 1: 2
2 Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philip. 4: 23
23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Col. 1: 2
2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thes. 1: 1
1 PAUL, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thes. 5: 28
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
2 Thes. 1: 2
2 Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thes. 1: 12
12 That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thes. 2: 16
16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,
2 Thes. 3: 18
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
1 Tim. 1: 2
2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 Tim. 1: 14
14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
2 Tim. 1: 2
2 To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
2 Tim. 1: 9
9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
2 Tim. 2: 1
1 THOU therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2 Tim. 4: 22
22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
Titus 1: 4
4 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Philem. 1: 3
3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philem. 1: 25
25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Heb. 2: 9
9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.
1 Pet. 1: 2
2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.
1 Pet. 1: 13
13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
1 Pet. 5: 10
10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
2 Pet. 1: 2
2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
2 Pet. 3: 18
18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
2 Jn. 1: 3
3 Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
Jude 1: 4
4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rev. 22: 21
21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Alma 5: 48
48 I say unto you, that I know of myself that whatsoever I shall say unto you, concerning that which is to come, is true; and I say unto you, that I know that Jesus Christ shall come, yea, the Son, the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace, and mercy, and truth. And behold, it is he that cometh to take away the sins of the world, yea, the sins of every man who steadfastly believeth on his name.
Ether 12: 41
41 And now, I would commend you to seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written, that the grace of God the Father, and also the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of them, may be and abide in you forever. Amen.
Moro. 7: 2
2 And now I, Mormon, speak unto you, my beloved brethren; and it is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, and his holy will, because of the gift of his calling unto me, that I am permitted to speak unto you at this time.
Moro. 8: 3
3 I am mindful of you always in my prayers, continually praying unto God the Father in the name of his Holy Child, Jesus, that he, through his infinite goodness and grace, will keep you through the endurance of faith on his name to the end.
Moro. 9: 26
26 And may the grace of God the Father, whose throne is high in the heavens, and our Lord Jesus Christ, who sitteth on the right hand of his power, until all things shall become subject unto him, be, and abide with you forever. Amen.
Testimony of Three Witnesses
Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come: That we, through the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, have seen the plates which contain this record, which is a record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites, their brethren, and also of the people of Jared, who came from the tower of which hath been spoken. And we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice hath declared it unto us; wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true. And we also testify that we have seen the engravings which are upon the plates; and they have been shown unto us by the power of God, and not of man. And we declare with words of soberness, that an angel of God came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that it is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, that we beheld and bear record that these things are true. And it is marvelous in our eyes. Nevertheless, the voice of the Lord commanded us that we should bear record of it; wherefore, to be obedient unto the commandments of God, we bear testimony of these things. And we know that if we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men, and be found spotless before the judgment-seat of Christ, and shall dwell with him eternally in the heavens. And the honor be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen.
D&C 20: 4
4 And this according to the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to whom be all glory, both now and forever. Amen.
D&C 20: 30
30 And we know that justification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true;
D&C 20: 31
31 And we know also, that sanctification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true, to all those who love and serve God with all their mights, minds, and strength.
D&C 21: 1
1 BEHOLD, there shall be a record kept among you; and in it thou shalt be called a seer, a translator, a prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church through the will of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ,
D&C 88: 133
133 Art thou a brother or brethren? I salute you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, in token or remembrance of the everlasting covenant, in which covenant I receive you to fellowship, in a determination that is fixed, immovable, and unchangeable, to be your friend and brother through the grace of God in the bonds of love, to walk in all the commandments of God blameless, in thanksgiving, forever and ever. Amen.
D&C 138: 14
14 All these had departed the mortal life, firm in the hope of a glorious resurrection, through the grace of God the Father and his Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
Moses 6: 52
52 And he also said unto him: If thou wilt turn unto me, and hearken unto my voice, and believe, and repent of all thy transgressions, and be baptized, even in water, in the name of mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and truth, which is Jesus Christ, the only name which shall be given under heaven, whereby salvation shall come unto the children of men, ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, asking all things in his name, and whatsoever ye shall ask, it shall be given you.
GS Faith
The just shall live by faith, Hab. 2: 4. Thy faith hath made thee whole, Matt. 9: 22 (Mark 5: 34; Luke 7: 50). According to your faith be it unto you, Matt. 9: 29. If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, nothing shall be impossible unto you, Matt. 17: 20 (Luke 17: 6). I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not, Luke 22: 32. Faith in Christs name hath made this man strong, Acts 3: 16. Faith cometh by hearing the word of God, Rom. 10: 17. If Christ is not risen your faith is also vain, 1 Cor. 15: 14. Faith worketh by love, Gal. 5: 6. By grace are ye saved through faith, Eph. 2: 8 (2 Ne. 25: 23). Take the shield of faith, Eph. 6: 16 (D&C 27: 17). I have finished my course, I have kept the faith, 2 Tim. 4: 7. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, Heb. 11: 1. Without faith it is impossible to please him, Heb. 11: 6. Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, James 2: 17-18, 22. I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, 1 Ne. 3: 7. The Lord is able to do all things for the children of men, if they exercise faith in him, 1 Ne. 7: 12. The pointers in the Liahona worked according to faith, 1 Ne. 16: 28. Repent, and be baptized in his name, having perfect faith in the Holy One, 2 Ne. 9: 23. Christ works mighty miracles among the children of men according to their faith, 2 Ne. 26: 13 (Ether 12: 12; Moro. 7: 27-29, 34-38). Enoss sins were forgiven because of his faith in Christ, Enos 1: 3-8. Salvation cometh to none such except it be through faith on the Lord Jesus Christ, Mosiah 3: 12. Hearts are changed through faith on his name, Mosiah 5: 7. The prayers of Gods servants are answered according to their faith, Mosiah 27: 14. Give us strength according to our faith in Christ, Alma 14: 26. Call on Gods name in faith, Alma 22: 16. Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things, Alma 32: 21 (Ether 12: 6). As it beginneth to swell even so nourish it by your faith, Alma 33: 23 (Alma 32: 28). Their preservation was ascribed to the miraculous power of God because of their exceeding faith, Alma 57: 25-27. As many as should look upon the Son of God with faith might live, Hel. 8: 15. I see that your faith is sufficient that I should heal you, 3 Ne. 17: 8. Faith is things which are hoped for and not seen, Ether 12: 6. All they who wrought miracles wrought them by faith, Ether 12: 12-18. If they have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them, Ether 12: 27-28, 37. Mormon taught about faith, hope, and charity, Moro. 7. Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold, it shall be done unto you, Moro. 7: 26. They who have faith in Christ will cleave unto every good thing, Moro. 7: 28. If ye shall ask, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth, Moro. 10: 4. Without faith ye can do nothing; therefore ask in faith, D&C 8: 10. It should be granted unto them according to their faith in their prayers, D&C 10: 47, 52. All men must endure in faith on his name to the end, D&C 20: 25, 29. Justification through the grace of Christ is just and true, D&C 20: 30. The Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith, D&C 42: 14. Faith cometh not by signs, but signs follow those that believe, D&C 63: 9-12. Parents are to teach children faith in Christ, D&C 68: 25. Seek learning, even by study and also by faith, D&C 88: 118. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel, A of F 1: 4.
GS Grace
Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ, John 1: 17. Through the grace of Christ, we shall be saved, Acts 15: 11 (Rom. 3: 23-24; D&C 138: 14). We have access by faith to his grace, Rom. 5: 2. By grace ye are saved through faith, Eph. 2: 8. The grace of God brings salvation, Titus 2: 11. Come boldly unto the throne of grace, Heb. 4: 16. God gives grace to the humble, 1 Pet. 5: 5. No one can dwell in the presence of God but through the merits, mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, 2 Ne. 2: 8. It is only in and through the grace of God that men are saved, 2 Ne. 10: 24. We are saved by grace, after all we can do, 2 Ne. 25: 23. It is by grace that we have power to do these things, Jacob 4: 7. Men might be restored unto grace for grace, according to their works, Hel. 12: 24. My grace is sufficient for the meek and all that humble themselves, Ether 12: 26-27. Moroni prayed that the Gentiles be given grace that they might have charity, Ether 12: 36, 41. By the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, Moro. 10: 32-33. Jesus received grace for grace, D&C 93: 12-13, 20.
GS Humble, Humility
God led thee forty years in the wilderness to humble thee, Deut. 8: 2. I humbled my soul with fasting, Ps. 35: 13. Better is a poor and wise child than an old and foolish king, Eccl. 4: 13. The Lord dwells with him that is humble, Isa. 57: 15. Whosoever shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven, Matt. 18: 4. He that shall humble himself shall be exalted, Matt. 23: 12 (Luke 14: 11; 18: 14). Jesus humbled himself and became obedient unto death, Philip. 2: 8 (Luke 22: 42; 23: 46). God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble, 1 Pet. 5: 5-6 (2 Ne. 9: 42). Humble yourselves in the depths of humility, Mosiah 4: 11 (2 Ne. 9: 42; 3 Ne. 12: 2). Have ye been sufficiently humble? Alma 5: 27-28. The more humble part of the people became stronger in their humility, Hel. 3: 33-35. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble, Ether 12: 27. Humility is a qualification for baptism, D&C 20: 37. Humble yourselves before me and you shall see me and know that I am, D&C 67: 10. Be thou humble and the Lord shall give thee answer to thy prayers, D&C 112: 10. Let him that is ignorant learn wisdom by humbling himself, D&C 136: 32. The Spirit is sent forth to enlighten the humble, D&C 136: 33.
GS Justification, Justify
To be pardoned from punishment for sin and declared guiltless. A person is justified by the Saviors grace through faith in him. This faith is shown by repentance and obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel. Jesus Christs atonement enables mankind to repent and be justified or pardoned from punishment they otherwise would receive.
GS Justification, Justify
In the Lord shall all Israel be justified, Isa. 45: 25. Not the hearers but the doers of the law shall be justified, Rom. 2: 13. Man is justified through the blood of Christ, Rom. 5: 1-2, 9. Ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, 1 Cor. 6: 11. Being justified by his grace, we shall be made heirs, Titus 3: 7. Was not Abraham our father justified by works? James 2: 21. By works a man is justified, and not by faith only, James 2: 14-26. By the law no flesh is justified, 2 Ne. 2: 5. My righteous servant shall justify many, for he shall bear their iniquities, Mosiah 14: 11 (Isa. 53: 11). Could ye say that your garments have been cleansed through Christ? Alma 5: 27. Justification through the grace of Jesus Christ is true, D&C 20: 30-31 (D&C 88: 39). By the Spirit ye are justified, Moses 6: 60.
GS Love
Deep devotion and affection. Love for God includes devotion, adoration, reverence, tenderness, mercy, forgiveness, compassion, grace, service, gratitude, kindness. The greatest example of Gods love for his children is found in the infinite atonement of Jesus Christ.
GS Marriage, Marry
Jesus taught the law of marriage, Luke 20: 27-36. Neither is the man without the woman in the Lord, 1 Cor. 11: 11. Husband and wife are heirs together of the grace of life, 1 Pet. 3: 7. Whatsoever you shall seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven, Hel. 10: 7 (Matt. 16: 19). To obtain the highest degree of the celestial kingdom, a man must enter into the new and everlasting covenant of marriage, D&C 131: 1-4. If a man marry a wife not by me, their covenant and marriage is not of force when they are dead, D&C 132: 15. If a man marry a wife by my word and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise, it shall be of full force when they are out of the world, D&C 132: 19.
GS Merciful, Mercy
The Lord is merciful and gracious, Ex. 34: 6 (Deut. 4: 31). His mercy endureth for ever, 1 Chr. 16: 34. Goodness and mercy shall follow me, Ps. 23: 6. He that has mercy on the poor is happy, Prov. 14: 21. I desired mercy and not sacrifice, Hosea 6: 6. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy, Matt. 5: 7 (3 Ne. 12: 7). Woe unto hypocrites who pay tithes and omit the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith, Matt. 23: 23. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful, Luke 6: 36. Not by our works of righteousness, but according to his mercy he saved us, Titus 3: 5. The tender mercies of the Lord are over all, 1 Ne. 1: 20. Mercy hath no claim on the unrepentant, Mosiah 2: 38-39. God is merciful unto all who believe on his name, Alma 32: 22. Mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, Alma 34: 16. Do you suppose that mercy can rob justice? Alma 42: 25 (Alma 42: 13-25). Little children are alive in Christ because of his mercy, Moro. 8: 19-20 (D&C 29: 46). Jesus Christs arm of mercy hath atoned for your sins, D&C 29: 1. By virtue of the blood I spilt, have I pleaded before the Father for those who believe in my name, D&C 38: 4. They who have kept the covenant shall obtain mercy, D&C 54: 6. I, the Lord, forgive sins, and am merciful unto those who confess their sins with humble hearts, D&C 61: 2. I, the Lord, show mercy unto all the meek, D&C 97: 2. And who receiveth you as a little child, receiveth my kingdom, for they shall obtain mercy, D&C 99: 3. Mercy shall go before thy face, Moses 7: 31.
GS Plan of Redemption
He was wounded for our transgressions, Isa. 53: 5 (Mosiah 14: 5). There is none other name under heaven by which man can be saved, Acts 4: 12. As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive, 1 Cor. 15: 22. By grace are ye saved through faith, Eph. 2: 8 (2 Ne. 25: 23). God promised eternal life before the world began, Titus 1: 2. Jesus is the author of eternal salvation, Heb. 5: 8-9. The plan of redemption was extended to the dead, 1 Pet. 3: 18-20; 4: 6 (D&C 138). Death fulfills the merciful plan of the great Creator, 2 Ne. 9: 6. How great is the plan of our God! 2 Ne. 9: 13. The plan of redemption brings to pass the resurrection and a remission of sins, Alma 12: 25-34. Aaron taught the plan of redemption to Lamonis father, Alma 22: 12-14. Amulek explained the plan of salvation, Alma 34: 8-16. Alma explained the plan of salvation, Alma 42: 5-26, 31. The doctrines of the creation, fall, atonement, and baptism are affirmed in modern revelation, D&C 20: 17-29. The plan was ordained before the world, D&C 128: 22. My work and my glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man, Moses 1: 39. This is the plan of salvation unto all men, Moses 6: 52-62. We will prove them herewith, Abr. 3: 22-26.
GS Salvation
To be saved from both physical and spiritual death. All people will be saved from physical death by the grace of God, through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Each individual can also be saved from spiritual death as well by the grace of God, through faith in Jesus Christ. This faith is manifested in a life of obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel and service to Christ.
GS Sanctification
God hath chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit, 2 Thes. 2: 13. We are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus, Heb. 10: 10. Jesus suffered that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, Heb. 13: 12. High priests were sanctified and their garments were washed white through the blood of the Lamb, Alma 13: 10-12. Sanctification cometh to those who yield their hearts unto God, Hel. 3: 33-35. Repent that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, 3 Ne. 27: 20. Sanctification through the grace of Jesus Christ is just and true, D&C 20: 31. Jesus came to sanctify the world, D&C 76: 41. Sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, D&C 88: 68.
BD Election
We see that elections are not all of the same kind. Since election has to do with Gods choice of persons or groups to accomplish his purposes, some may be elected by him to one thing and some to another. Although the Lord uses certain individuals to accomplish his purposes, it does not necessarily follow that these persons will automatically receive a fulness of salvation thereby. For instance, Nebuchadnezzar and Cyrus fulfilled certain purposes in the economy of God, but they apparently did it for their own reasons and not as conscious acts of faith and righteousness. On the other hand, salvation of ones soul comes only by personal integrity and willing obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thus there are some elections to be desired over others. An election of grace spoken of in D&C 84: 98-102 and Rom. 11: 1-5 has reference to ones situation in mortality; that is, being born at a time, at a place, and in circumstances where one will come in favorable contact with the gospel. This election took place in the premortal existence. Those who are faithful and diligent in the gospel in mortality receive an even more desirable election in this life, and become the elect of God. These receive the promise of a fulness of Gods glory in eternity (D&C 84: 33-41).
BD Grace
It is through the grace of the Lord Jesus, made possible by his atoning sacrifice, that mankind will be raised in immortality, every person receiving his body from the grave in a condition of everlasting life. It is likewise through the grace of the Lord that individuals, through faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means. This grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts.
BD Grace
Divine grace is needed by every soul in consequence of the fall of Adam and also because of mans weaknesses and shortcomings. However, grace cannot suffice without total effort on the part of the recipient. Hence the explanation, It is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do (2 Ne. 25: 23). It is truly the grace of Jesus Christ that makes salvation possible. This principle is expressed in Jesus parable of the vine and the branches (John 15: 1-11). See also John 1: 12-17; Eph. 2: 8-9; Philip. 4: 13; D&C 93: 11-14.
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