Question

Gramps,

What will happen to the righteous people who are still on the earth when God cleanses the earth by fire.

Tracie

Answer

Dear Tracie,

At the coming of Christ, the wicked will be burned as stubble:

“For the hour is nigh and the day soon at hand when the earth is ripe; and all the proud and they that do wickedly shall be as stubble; and I will burn them up, saith the Lord of Hosts, that wickedness shall not be upon the earth” (D&C 29:9).

The righteous dead will be resurrected:

“But before the arm of the Lord shall fall, an angel shall sound his trump, and the saints that have slept shall come forth to meet me in the cloud” (D&C 45:45).

And the righteous who are still alive will be lifted off the earth to meet the resurrected host:

“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, …Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

President Joseph Fielding Smith had this to say regarding the subject:

D&C 29:9.  The Wicked Shall be Burned as Stubble

 

Is this passage figurative, or will the wicked really burn? President Joseph Fielding Smith said: “It is not a figure of speech that is meaningless, or one not to be taken literally when the Lord speaks of the burning. All through the scriptures we have the word of the Lord that at his coming the wicked and the rebellious will be as stubble and will be consumed. Isaiah has so prophesied. … Surely the words of the Lord are not to be received lightly or considered meaningless.” (Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:238.)

 

Christ is a glorified, celestial being, and the glory of such beings is comparable to that of the sun (see D&C 76:70). The presence of Christ when He comes in His glory will be as a consuming fire. The mountains will flow down at His presence, the elements will melt with fervent heat, and the waters will boil. Even the sun will hide its face in shame. (See Hebrews 12:29; D&C 133:40–44, 49.) The scriptures also talk about the time when “devouring fire” will be poured out upon the wicked (D&C 29:21; see also D&C 35:14; 1 Nephi 22:17, 23; Ezekiel 38:22;39:6).

Gramps

Question

Hi Gramps,

I have a friend who has two sets of temple ceremonial clothes and he wants to give me one.  Since he has used both, he’s not sure if he can do that. Is it ok? Thanks.

Edson

Answer

Hi Edson,

Yes, members of the church may give temple clothing to other worthy endowed members of the church.

LDS Church Handbook 2: 21.1.42  Temple Clothing and Garments

“Members may give garments and temple clothing that are in good condition to other worthy endowed members. The bishop can identify those who might need such clothing. Under no circumstances should members give garments or temple ceremonial clothing to Deseret Industries, bishops’ storehouses, or charities.”

Thanks.

Gramps

Question

Gramps,

Answer

Hello Dan,

Thank you for your question, this has always been a fun subject for me.

As we know, thanks to the Atonement of the Savior, all mankind will one day become the recipients of the gift of immortality and will be resurrected. As members of the Church, we also believe that we have the potential to some day inherit a Kingdom of Glory: Celestial Kingdom, Terrestrial Kingdom or Telestial Kingdom. While all mankind will be resurrected, not all people will be resurrected with the same type of resurrected body. Our resurrected bodies will correspond to the Kingdom of Glory we will inherit, thus those who will inherit the Celestial Kingdom will receive a Celestial resurrected body and those of lower orders will receive corresponding bodies to those kingdoms.

President Joseph Fielding Smith shared the following:

“In the resurrection there will be different kinds of bodies; they will not all be alike. The body a man receives will determine his place hereafter. There will be celestial bodies, terrestrial bodies, and telestial bodies. …

 

“… Some will gain celestial bodies with all the powers of exaltation and eternal increase. These bodies will shine like the sun as our Savior’s does. … Those who enter the terrestrial kingdom will have terrestrial bodies, and they will not shine like the sun, but they will be more glorious than the bodies of those who receive the telestial glory”

In the scriptures we can read the words of the Apostle Paul in the Corinthians 15:39-42:

39 All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.

 
40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.

 
41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.

 
42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown incorruption; it is raised in incorruption:

Doctrine and Covenants 88:28-32 reads:

28 They who are of a celestial spirit shall receive the same body which was a natural body; even ye shall receive your bodies, and your glory shall be that glory by which your bodies are quickened.

 
29 Ye who are quickened by a portion of the celestial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fulness.

 
30 And they who are quickened by a portion of the terrestrial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fulness.

 
31 And also they who are quickened by a portion of telestial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fulness.

 
32 And they who remain shall also be quickened; nevertheless, they shall return again to their own place, to enjoy that which they are willing to receive, because they were not willing to enjoy that which they might have received.

Ultimately, at some point we will all be resurrected. Our new bodies will vary in glory according to our worthiness and according to the kingdom which we shall inherit.

Thank you again Dan for your question.

Gramps

Question

Hi Gramps,

I prayed recently to be granted any spiritual gift, any “leftover” gift God will give. I don’t know which spiritual gift is appropriate for my situation, obviously God’s wisdom is better. But then I read D&C 88:65 “And if ye ask anything that is not expedient for you, it shall turn unto your condemnation.” I am now more confused/fearful to ask, but feel so desperate for any gift to assist my (many) weaknesses. Please help. Thanks

Anne

Answer

Hi Anne,

Thank you for your question. First, I would like to commend you for your desire to become more spiritual. Being more spiritual is always a worthy and righteous desire of the heart, and one that we should be actively seeking after.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, speaking on Seeking the Good referred to the Articles of Faith and said:

The last part of the thirteenth article states, “If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”
The word seek means to go in search of, try to discover, try to acquire. It requires an active, assertive approach to life. For example, Abraham “sought for the blessings of the fathers…and to be a greater follower of righteousness.” (Abr 1:2) It is the opposite of passively waiting for something good to come to us, with no effort on our part.

As you read Doctrine & Covenants Section 88, let it not trouble or confuse you any longer. Let’s take a look at a couple of thoughts regarding that section. Using  Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, (2002), 197–206 It states:

D&C 88:62-65. What is a Proper Prayer?
Smith and Sjodahl wrote:

 

“There are too many who call upon the Lord only in their expediency (expediency: the quality of being convenient and practical despite possibly being improper or immoral) when they, in desperation need His help. To these he may not be near, but may be slow to hearken to their pleadings. (D&C 101:7-8)

 

“Prayer is the most wonderful institution in the kingdom of God, and none was more familiar with it than the Prophet Joseph. But there are many who have no higher conception of it than to regard it as only a means whereby to obtain gifts from God, most often of a material character. Is the gift bestowed? Then the prayer is answered. Is it withheld? Then God did not hear. ‘Such theory,’ as one has said, ‘is obviously too simple and superficial to be true. Prayer is more subtle than this doctrine implies. It may be described as the soul speaking to God and hearing God speak to it. It is, therefore, the deepest and the most wonderful act of which a man is capable, for in it the whole universe is, as it were, concentrated.’ …

 

“Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name.’ That is the prayer that is acceptable to God. To pray in the name of the Lord is to ask as one belonging to Him – one accepted by Him. It is to pray according to the dictation of His Spirit. Such prayers God will hear and grant, if ‘expedient for you.’ There is quite a difference between the mechanical petition of a street beggar and the request of one who is a friend of the son in the house. The latter is treated as a the son. What is good for him he will receive.

 

Bishop Hall says:

 

“What God requires and looks at, is neither the arithmetic of our prayers (how many that are); not the rhetoric of our prayers  (how eloquent they be); nor the geometry of our prayers (how long they be); nor the music of our prayers (how sweet our voice may be); nor the logic, nor the method, nor even the orthodoxy of our prayers.”

 

God looks to our welfare, even when He does not give us that for which we ask. If we were to pray for, and receive what is not good for us, it would be for our condemnation”
(Commentary, pp. 551-52)

Is there a time when being truly more spiritual is a bad thing? No. Is there a time when being blessed with a spiritual gift is “not good for us?” No, there is not if our desire for those these gifts originates from a worthy/pure motive. Praying for and seeking spiritual gifts because of worthy/pure desires is expedient for us all, and therefore does not qualify for condemnation.

President George Q. Cannon:

“Every man and woman in the Church of Christ can have the gifts of the Spirit of God divided to them according to their faith and as God will…

 
…If any of us are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gift that will make us perfect. Have I imperfections? I am full of them. What is my duty? To pray to God to give me the gifts that will correct these imperfections. If I am an angry man, it is my duty to pray for charity, which suffereth long and is kind. Am I an envious man? It is my duty to seek for charity, which envieth not.”

It is our duty to seek after gifts of the Spirit that will bless our lives and the lives of others around us. We are not to seek gifts of the Spirit for unrighteous/vain reasons. I would encourage you to continue to pray to become more spiritual Anne. As you pray for this don’t allow yourself to become discouraged if things don’t come as fast as you would like. If and when our Heavenly Father sees fit to bless us for our righteous desires, he will. Also, as you stated trust in our Heavenly Father because, “God’s wisdom is better”. Please remember a wonderful quote from Elder Neal A. Maxwell:

“Faith in God includes faith in God’s timing“

Thank you again for your question Anne.

Gramps

Question

Gramps,

What can you tell me about the history of Sacrament Meetings in the early restored church?  When did it become a practice to have members invited or assigned to give talks in Sacrament meeting?  Was it always the case?  I am a branch president of a small branch and assigning and inviting others to share the of speaking is one of the biggest challenges at times.

Sean

Answer

Hello Sean,

Thank you for your question. Before I share my thoughts related to your question, let me thank you for serving as a Branch President and doing your part to help build up the Saints in your area of the world. May our Father in Heaven bless you and your Branch for your faithful efforts.

The people who have been asked to speak in Sacrament Meeting over the years has changed throughout Church History. In early Church history, Sabbath services were sometimes held in homes, schools and most frequently, due to the size of the congregations and a lack of larger buildings, were held outdoors. Through most of early Church History, the division of Saints into Wards did not exist, but rather the Saints met in one large community group instead.

As published in the Ensign Jan 1978 “Mormon Sundays:”

It was at Nauvoo that the first wards were created, but these were for tithing purposes, not for regular meeting purposes. Records do not show any ward sacrament meetings in Nauvoo, only the community-wide morning and afternoon meetings.

The community-wide meetings would number in the thousands, easily larger than most modern day Stake Conferences. In Nauvoo Joseph Smith said:

This morning I preached at the grove to about 8,000 people 

As a side note, with such large numbers, the Sacrament was not always a weekly event.

The “Mormon Sundays” Ensign article states:

From 1850 to 1900 the Sabbath day in the Church changed a great deal. Meetinghouses for each ward made ward sacrament meetings and Sunday Schools possible for the first time. Holding local meetings in turn meant that more local members participated in Sabbath activities as class teachers and members, officers and sacrament administrators, speakers, prayer givers, and choir members. Special fast Sundays and quarterly stake conference Sundays were introduced.

Prior to these changes, and with large community congregations, the speaking was usually left to the General Church leadership to provide. This setting may have felt similar to attending a General Conference where General Authorities would speak but not those of the general membership. As the church began to divide itself into smaller groups (stakes, wards, branches) the responsibility to provide speakers began to flow down to the Church membership. Though the general membership was beginning to provide Sacrament speakers themselves, outside speakers like General Authorities and Home Missionaries (similar to High Councilors) would still visit frequently on speaking assignments.

“I am a branch president of a small branch and assigning and inviting others to share the responsibility of speaking is one of the biggest challenges at times.”

As a Branch President, with limited Branch members, you will face some unique challenges that perhaps a Bishop of a much larger ward would not. On the flip side, a Branch can often times offer it’s members a: faster, stronger, more personalized, one-on-one environment to spiritually grow and produce deep gospel roots.  A small Branch can be an absolute blessing for many members, who might not otherwise flourish hidden in a large Ward membership. Branches offer this spiritual growth because basically everyone is involved. The members of a Branch may have 2-3 callings, unlike a large Ward where they may have only one or none at all. Some members are able to “hide” in their large ward and not speak in Sacrament for years, even decades. While hiding/avoiding speaking in Sacrament may seem ideal to some, you are actually “hiding/avoiding” from potential blessings and spiritual growth. A common theme that you might hear a sacrament speaker say is, “I really needed this talk and I feel that of everyone here today, I might get the most out of it.” This sentiment is absolutely true for many! I would encourage you to do your best to teach your Branch members to see the blessings of being in a Branch. These blessings do not only come from giving multiple Sacrament talks, but also from their participation in literally building the Kingdom of God in your Branch area.

As you look at your Member resources and who is available to call upon to speak, teach and serve, remember that because of your size you have certain abilities to adapt how the Church organizations in your Branch are run. Handbook 2 section 17 deals with “Uniformity and Adaptation.” If you need to lighten the load of the members in your small Branch, so that they are more willing and eager to speak in Sacrament, then I would suggest considering it. For example, if combining all YM classes into one group frees up time to produce three additional Sacrament speakers for the month, that might be an adaption worth prayerfully considering. This is a case where Sacrament would take priority over the Branch’s ability to provide three separate instructors for each individual YM’s class.

Please consider these words from Elder L.Tom Perry:

We do not try to make the ward (branch) fit the organizational chart; we reduce the organizational chart to fit the ward (branch).

Elder Bruce D. Porter said:

Now, brothers and sisters, appropriate adaptations do not weaken the Church. They strengthen it. Our local leaders should not feel that in making them they are settling for less than the ideal. They should know that every unit of the Church has access to the doctrines, to the ordinances, to the priesthood power, and to the gifts of the Spirit necessary for the salvation and exaltation of God’s children.

Thank you for your question again and may the Lord bless you President as you help guide your Branch members in righteousness.

Gramps

Question

Dear Gramps.

I have been told that I must be sealed to my non LDS husband who was anti the church for me to obtain the celestial Kingdom. Is this true? I have done his work except for the sealing.

June

Answer

June,

The ordinance of sealing is the only ordinance that involves a third person which from time to time make people confused on what is really going on.  In other ordinances (like baptism) it is between us and the Lord and we alone live up to the covenants or fail to live up to them. We then must deal with the consequences of our choices and actions.  We alone make the choice to even enter into the covenant.

With sealing we add a spouse..  A spouse clearly has an impact on our lives and our ability to enter into and keep a sealing ordinance and live those covenants. Yet it does not change the fundamental fact that all gospel covenants are between us and the Lord.  We are responsible for seeking out and living the ordinances and covenants of God as best as we can given our circumstances.

When your husband was alive he was ineligible for the temple ordinance, and since you were required to have your spouse present, receiving the sealing ordinance fell in to the category of things you could not do.  The best you could to was to practice long suffering, kindness as you worked with your husband to try to bring him to Christ.

Then he passed on.  You had no trouble having all the other ordinances done on his behalf, knowing that they would only be effective if he had a change of heart and accepted them.  Why should you think the sealing ordinance is any less important for him to have?  For you to have?

Perhaps at some level you are afraid that he will not change?  (You are in a better position to judge that then I)  Perhaps you feel that if you seal yourself to your deceased husband and he does not change you will also be denied? If those are your concerns then I would extort you to exercise your faith in Christ’s promises more fully.  Christ will not deny anyone who works and acts in full faith in following his commandments any blessing.  When it comes to sealing when one spouse is not worthy, Christ will make it right for the other spouse.

Your situation seems quite clear.  You need to seek out the ordinance of sealing for your own blessings and you need to do the work for your departed husband.  Logically the two things answer each other (which is why people are telling you what they are), but the Lord is the one you should be seeking for guidance and ultimately you will need to trust the Lord to take care of the things you have no control over.

Gramps

Question

Gramps,

Answer

Dear Tracie,

I believe you have asked a question that has crossed the mind of many.  Unfortunately, I can’t give you a certain answer.  What I can do is share some examples of how the Lord and His people have dealt with the government in the past.  We’ll begin with the 12th Article of Faith: We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law. Generally speaking, as members we are encouraged to support our government wherever we live.

But what if the government makes a law that is unjust?  Is civil disobedience (refusal to obey certain laws as a form of political protest) ever sanctioned by the Lord?  The first example that comes to my mind is, of course, polygamy.   In 1862, the U.S. government passed a series of laws forbidding plural marriage.  The Leaders and members of the church felt that polygamy should be a religious freedom protected by the Constitution. So what could they do?  First, they attempted to use the proper channels:

“The Church mounted a vigorous legal defense all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. In Reynolds v. United States (1879), the Supreme Court ruled against the Latter-day Saints: religious belief was protected by law, religious practice was not. According to the court’s opinion, marriage was a civil contract regulated by the state. Monogamy was the only form of marriage sanctioned by the state. “Polygamy,” the court explained, “has always been odious among the northern and western nations of Europe.

 

Latter-day Saints sincerely desired to be loyal citizens of the United States, which they considered a divinely founded nation. But they also accepted plural marriage as a commandment from God and believed the court was unjustly depriving them of their right to follow God’s commands.

 

Confronted with these contradictory allegiances, Church leaders encouraged members to obey God rather than man. Many Latter-day Saints embarked on a course of civil disobedience during the 1880’s by continuing to live in plural marriage and to enter into new plural marriages. The federal government responded by enacting ever more punishing legislation.”    The Manifesto and the End of Plural Marriage

The years that followed were difficult for polygamists, who with their families spent much time in hiding.  Eventually, the Lord inspired Pres. Woodruff to write the “Manifesto.”

“On September 25, 1890, President Woodruff wrote in his journal that he was “under the necessity of acting for the Temporal Salvation of the Church.” He stated, “After Praying to the Lord & feeling inspired by his spirit I have issued … [a] Proclamation.” This proclamation, now published in the Doctrine and Covenants as Official Declaration 1, was released to the public on September 25 and became known as the Manifesto.” IBID

Now let’s consider another example of a government creating unrighteous laws: Nazi Germany.  You may have heard of Helmuth Hübener and his two friends were LDS teenagers who fought against Hitler.  Together they listened to the BBC on the radio (which was forbidden by the Nazis) and then created and distributed leaflets attempting to alert the public to Hitler’s lies.  They were caught and shortly after Helmuth’s arrest he was excommunicated.  Of this situation, Mark Albright, institute teacher and author states:

“We certainly cannot judge those who remained silent in Germany or opposed the efforts of these three brave LDS young men.  The pressures to support the German government before and during the war were enormous, the propaganda spread by the Nazis was compelling, and the risks of showing any signs of rebellion were swift and terrifying.  Only God can judge the local branch president who mistakenly excommunicated young Helmuth after his arrest.  Fortunately the Church leaders in Salt Lake posthumously reinstated Helmuth in 1946, shortly after the war ended, for the mistaken excommunication that did not follow proper procedure.”Missionary Moment: The Helmuth Hubener Story – Three LDS Teenagers who Defied Hitler (I highly recommend this whole article.  Helmuth and his friends were so faithful and courageous.)

My point in sharing this story is to show that while we look back in hindsight and see Helmuth and his friends as heroes, things were not as clear for those living through that experience.  Often the Lord allows us to struggle as we work our way through this life.  Such was the case in my final example.  This one is from church history the Missouri period.

As you know, from the time of the First Vision, Joseph Smith and all who joined the church faced severe persecution.  At one point, the main body of the Saints was living in Missouri.  Tensions were high there for many reasons.  Historians generally agree that a big part of the problem was that the Missourians (often called the “Old Settlers” though many were new to Missouri themselves feared that the Mormons would vote as a “block.”  This would be an issue for them with matters such as slavery, as Missourians were pro-slavery, and the Saints were not.  A large body of Saints was gathered together in Far West, Missouri surrounded by a anti-Mormon militia forces.  The Mormon militia had barricaded the city with wagons.  On October 31,1838 the mob outnumbered the Saints five to one.  A tense day passed with neither group making the first move.

“In the evening General Lucas sent a flag of truce, which was met by Colonel Hinkle, the leading officer for the Saints. Colonel Hinkle secretly agreed to Lucas’s demands that certain leaders surrender for trial and punishment, Mormon property be confiscated to pay for damages, and the balance of the Saints surrender their arms and leave the state.

 

Returning to Far West, Hinkle convinced Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, Lyman Wight, Parley P. Pratt, and George W. Robinson that Lucas wanted to talk to them in a peace conference. The brethren were shocked when Hinkle turned them over to Lucas as prisoners. Parley P. Pratt described this tragic scene: “The haughty general [Lucas] rode up, and, without speaking to us, instantly ordered his guard to surround us. They did so very abruptly, and we were marched into camp surrounded by thousands of savage looking beings, many of whom were dressed and painted like Indian warriors. These all set up a constant yell, like so many bloodhounds let loose upon their prey, as if they had achieved one of the most miraculous victories that ever graced the annals of the world.”

 

. . On the morning of 1 November, as George Hinkle marched the Mormon troops out of Far West, the Missouri militia entered the city. While searching for arms they vandalized the town, plundered valuable possessions, raped some of the women, and forced the leading elders at bayonet point to sign promises to pay the expenses of the militia. Many prominent men were arrested and taken as prisoners to Richmond. The rest of the Saints were told to leave the state.”

Chapter 16: Missouri Persecutions and Expulsion

Through this story we see an example of what happened when the Saints surrendered their weapons to the government.

Later the Saints moved to the Utah Territory.

“When Brigham Young, with the first Mormon pioneers, set foot on the spacious Salt Lake Valley floor on July 24, 1847, he boasted that if they could have just 10 years of peace, they would ask no odds of the devil or Uncle Sam. The young religion that taught continuing revelation had already experienced a turbulent 17-year history. By the time the Latter-day Saints sought refuge in the Rocky Mountain wilderness, some members had been driven from their homes as many as four times. It was, curiously, 10 years to the day–on July 24, 1857–that Young received word that an American army was on its way to Utah Territory.” Utah War:  U.S. Government Versus Mormon Settlers

The Saints, due to the history of persecution feared the worst and prepared for war.  You can read a great article about this time period at the above link or there is another helpful article here.

We could also look to the scriptures and find many more examples of righteous people doing their best to deal with government in different situations.  I would encourage you to study the Book of Mormon with this question in mind.  It has many examples of corrupt kings and the righteous people’s responses. But to return to your question regarding whether the Church  would support a law to turn in our guns or will they encourage civil disobedience?  I really can’t say for certain, the best counsel I can give you is should such a situation arise: Follow the Prophet.

Gramps

Question

Gramps,

Hi! My anti-Mormon friend and I recently had a religious discussion. He brought up this point:  “If you believe that in order to make it to heaven you need ordinances in a temple and you also need to do good works. You cannot buy your way into heaven with good deeds.” My response: “Yes, but faith without works is dead.” His response: “Ephesians 2:8 says that we are saved by grace and grace alone.” — My question is, if we are saved by grace alone, then why is there a need for temple ordinances?

Jessie

Answer

Jessie,

This is the age-old argument about grace vs. works.  And as many in our faith do, you’ve provided the common knee-jerk reaction that essentially takes grace out of the equation.  And I’m afraid that is where we tend to fail as a culture.

Grace is a very important part of the salvation equation that we, as a culture, don’t give nearly enough credit to.  But doctrinally, grace holds a much more prominent position than we tend to think.  Your friend is right when he said we are saved by grace.  Does that surprise you?  What do the scriptures actually tell us?

The go-to scripture in the Book of Mormon is:

For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.  — For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.  — 2 Nephi 25:23

We tend to focus on the last phrase “after all we can do” as the important part of this verse.  It is not.  As Pres. Dieter F. Uchtdorf said:

I wonder if sometimes we misinterpret the phrase “after all we can do.”  We must understand that “after” does not equal “because.”  — Gift of Grace; General Conference April 2015

This is a tendency, isn’t it?  I’d also like to point out another phrase in the verse: “to be reconciled to God.”  This phrase is more prominent in the following related verse:

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, reconcile yourselves to the will of God, and not to the will of the devil and the flesh; and remember, after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved.  — 2 Nephi 10:24

This verse much more powerfully states that we are saved ONLY through the grace of God.   But it takes being reconciled to God.  It would be illogical to believe that we can accept Christ as our Savior if we’re not reconciled to Him first.  Part of such reconciliation is faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost.   These steps are commandments from the Lord, as are many other ordinances and obedience to His commandments.  It doesn’t make much sense to say that we’re reconciled to God and refuse to obey His commandments.  But Nephi further explains in ch 31:

19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.

 

20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

While works play a role, they are not the saving mechanism.  The works are there to help reconcile us to God.  The reason we emphasize works so much in this faith is that the grace will be there.  We don’t need to worry about the Lord doing His part.  He will do it.  We need to worry about doing our part.  And that includes various works, obedience, faith, and enduring to the end.

As long as we remain reconciled to God and endure to the end, then is His grace sufficient for us.

Gramps

Question

Dear Gramps.

I struggled with pornography for a while. I have recently stopped my actions regarding the subject. And continue to repent and try to make up for what I did. I make sure to put others first, I help out whenever I can, and I know the gospel is true without a doubt. I would like to go on a mission.  It’s like a fire is burning inside of me whenever I talk about the gospel. So, can I work for forgiveness by going on a mission? It’s not my only reason to go of course, but one of them.

Linnes

Answer

Dear Linnes,

I have wonderful news for you! The forgiveness you are seeking can be obtained before you go on a mission! In October 2002, Elder Ballard challenged “our young brethren of the Aaronic Priesthood, to rise up, to measure up, and to be fully prepared to serve the Lord” (The Greatest Generation of Missionaries).

“We need vibrant, thinking, passionate missionaries who know how to listen to and respond to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit. This isn’t a time for spiritual weaklings. We cannot send you on a mission to be reactivated, reformed, or to receive a testimony. We just don’t have time for that. We need you to be filled with ‘faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God’ (D&C 4:5).” (Ibid.)

The mission field is too late to be seeking forgiveness. In fact, if you have not resolved your issues with pornography before then, you may very well find your mission delayed. I do not say this to discourage you. You may have fully repented but not yet felt the Father’s forgiving embrace. Regardless, my point is that you are not powerless to move forward. Your bishop is a gatekeeper to the mission application process. You can ask him his thoughts on your qualification given your current state of repentance. It’s akin to a student who recognizes that her teacher is the one who prepares the exams, so she asks if this particular subject or problem will be on the test. She looks to get the inside scoop that is only a mystery or a secret because no one else is asking. So ask. Additionally, your bishop is also a common judge in Israel (D&C 107:74) and can assist you in completing anything that’s lacking in your repentance, and in recognizing the spirit of forgiveness when it comes. Elder Ballard encourages:

“If you find yourself wanting in worthiness, resolve to make the appropriate changes—beginning right now. If you think you need to talk to your father and your bishop about any sins you may have committed, don’t wait; do it now. They will help you to repent and change so you can take your place as a member of the greatest generation of missionaries.”

Elder L. Tom Perry has echoed Elder Ballard’s challenge. He explained why the worthiness aspect is an important criterion in missionary service.

“Please recognize that while your teaching as a missionary may be persuasive, only the Spirit converts. Preach My Gospel gives a good description of what missionary work is all about. It states, ‘As an authorized representative of Jesus Christ, you can teach people with power and authority that “redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah,” and that no one “can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah” (2 Nephi 2:6, 8)’ ([2004], 2).” (Raising the Bar, October 2007 General Conference).

As a missionary, you will teach people who have addictions, who have committed abortions, or who otherwise need the Atonement. The gospel light will reveal their sins for the darkness they are, and they may sometimes feel alienated from God because of it. When you are worthy and clean, you can testify powerfully to them of “the merits, and mercy, and grace” of the Savior by which redemption and forgiveness come.

Gramps

Question

Gramps,

As someone who loves beards, I am curious, do you suppose we will ever see them sported by general authorities in the future? Why or why not? Thanks!

Shawn

Answer

Question

Hey Gramps,

I have a friend that recently visited with the Bishop for sins she committed almost a year ago. I can tell she has felt very sorrowful for what she had done. It was hard for her to go to the Bishop but, with help she finally did. The Bishop told her she couldn’t take the Sacrament for 3 months and just last week he told her he need to consult with the Stake President on how long it would take for her to repent. He also said they couldn’t stick to a timeline. Please help!
Jake

Answer

Hi Jake,

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. If I am understanding you correctly, it appears you are having some concerns regarding the role of a Bishop during the repentance process. To begin with, I would like to mention that nothing you have shared related to your friend or her Bishop appears to be out of the ordinary, rather it all seems perfectly normal. Your friend sought help from her Bishop in repenting from her sins. Part of her Bishop’s calling is to do exactly that, to “help” her. A Bishop does not forgive sin, but rather his role is to help lovingly guide an individual down the path of repentance.

Repentance is a very personal process, and as such, the time that it takes an individual to fully repent is unique to that specific person. Contrary to the belief of some, repentance is not achieved by simply changing our actions for a specified time.

President Ezra Taft Benson said:

“Repentance involves not just a change of actions, but a change of heart.”

The required time to effect a real in-depth change of heart is dependent upon an individual’s attitude and sincere desire to fully and completely repent. For some this process my take a while. For others this process may come quicker. Ultimately, it is the individual’s change of heart and mind that matters most, not the time period it takes for that process to occur.

President Benson also shared:

“When we have undergone this mighty change, which is brought about only through faith in Jesus Christ and through the operation of the Spirit upon us, it is as though we have become a new person. Thus, the change is likened to a new birth. Thousands of you have experienced this change. You have forsaken lives of sin, sometimes deep and offensive sin, and through applying the blood of Christ in your lives, have become clean. You have no more disposition to return to your old ways. You are in reality a new person. This is what is meant by a change of heart.”  A Mighty Change of Heart

Since the time required to achieve this change in disposition varies by individual, it is easy to see why her Bishop said they were unable to put a timeline on this process. Your friend has made the right choice to seek counsel from her Bishop, her Priesthood leader. Her Bishop in turn is also making the right decision to seek counsel from his Priesthood leader, the Stake President. This should be welcome news to her as she now has the blessing of yet another Priesthood leader praying on her behalf and seeking direction from the Lord.

It is important to remember that true repentance only occurs when we have had an actual “change of heart” and mind. Going through the motions of repentance: not taking the sacrament, waiting “x” amount of time, and meeting with the Bishop are all for naught unless a sincere change of heart and mind takes place. Repentance is not necessarily quick or easy, in fact it can sometimes be a painful process. Though this may be painful at times, because of the real sorrow we feel for our sins, ultimately real change leads to forgiveness and lasting peace, both blessings that outweigh any short lived discomfort.

When we are truly sorry for what we have done, we become more willing to heed the guidance given to us by our Bishop, regardless if it takes 3 months, 6 months or even a year. I would encourage you to do your best to support your friend during this time and have continued faith in the Lord and in his faithful servants.

Warm regards Jake,

Gramps

Question

Gramps,

I understand that the Rocky Mountains will be the safest place to be with what is coming to the U.S. But is that the whole chain of the Rocky Mountains or mainly in Utah? There are prophecies saying people will be struggling even there in every household. Is that biological warfare? I understand that there may be a land invasion by the Chinese into Utah. And an earthquake in Salt Lake City.

Susan

Answer

Dear Susan,

The one thing that is sure and certain about the future is that we don’t know.  I know that’s frustrating, but that’s the truth.  Yes we have prophecy to help guide us, but prophecy can be misunderstood if we are not very careful and in tune with the Holy Ghost.  For example, the Jews had plenty of prophecy about Christ before He came and what they could expect.  However, they had also been given prophecy about the Second Coming, and they got the two mixed up.  It’s understandable, I think, but the misunderstanding caused some of them to stumble and ultimately reject the Savior that the scriptures had tried to prepare them for!

How do we avoid that mistake?  Two things are most crucial…we must be humble and we must follow the Prophet.  Remember Haun’s Mill?  The Saints were suffering terrible persecution, and the Saints at Haun’s Mill were directed to come to Far West to be with the larger body of Saints for protection.  The leader of that area chose unwisely to ignore this counsel from the prophet, and death and mayhem was the result.  So we need to follow the prophet even if we don’t always understand or agree.  If you have trouble understanding or agreeing, you can pray to receive the inspiration that will help you understand if your heart is humble.

One of the ways the prophet can help us is by interpreting the prophecies for us.  Remember the prophecy of Joel that says the moon will turn to blood? That sounds like an obvious sign that no one…even non-members that aren’t looking for these signs could miss, right?  And yet, it wasn’t obvious at all.   I only know that it has happened because President Hinckley–our prophet at the time–said so!   Here’s the quote:

The vision of Joel has been fulfilled wherein he declared:

 

“And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:

 

“And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit.

 

“And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke.

 

“The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the Lord come.

 

“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call” (Joel 2:28–32). Living in the  Fulness of Times

Now Susan, when I say we need to be humble and follow the prophet, I mean, in part, that we need to LISTEN to him.  Pres. Hinckley gave this talk back in 2001, but then and now, I have come across countless Saints that are surprised when I tell them he said this.  They find it difficult to believe and ask me for the reference, which I am happy to provide.

So now that we have established that we need to humbly follow the prophet, I can answer your question more directly.  Your question, if I understand it correctly, is where in Utah would be safest?  But our leaders, including the prophet have NOT asked us all to come to Utah at all, quite the opposite actually.  They have asked us to build up Zion wherever we live.  So for each Saint the safest place to live is where they are, unless the prophet says otherwise.

Now, I know you have heard these scary things about the future, and I don’t deny that they are scary.  What you need to remember is that the Lord has warned us that in the Last Day the whole earth will be in commotion.  (D&C 45:26)  Utah and every where else will be dangerous, the only real safety lies in the Lord and following His prophet.  Remember that begins with listening to His counsel, which is something I’m sure we can all do better at.

I’m sure the Lord is pleased that you are trying to harken to the signs of the times.  May I share a quote that I find inspiring:

“Whatever level of spirituality we now enjoy in our lives, whatever degree of faith in Jesus Christ we have, whatever strength of commitment or consecration we have, whatever degree of obedience or hope or charity is ours, whatever level of professional skill or ability we may have obtained, it will not be sufficient for the work that lies ahead.  Brothers and sisters, you and I need to be much better than we are now, in every aspect of our lives.  The scriptures teach us that the world is now, and will be, in commotion and we can see it all around us. Wickedness and darkness will increase.  It seems hard to imagine, but it will.  Yet in that darkening world, there’ll be increased light, divine light.  The Lord Jesus Christ has a great work for us to do with the rising generation.  It’s a greater work than we’ve ever done before…  The Lord is working in power to strengthen teaching and learning in his true and living church.  He’s hastening his work.”  Elder Kim B. Clark address given at the BYU-Idaho All Employee Conference entitled “CES: The Lord’s Educational System for His Church” given on February 5th, 2016.

The Lord has a great work for all of us.  Go to Heavenly Father and ask Him what He needs from you and watch the miracles unfold.

Gramps

Question

Gramps,

Recently, at a Relief Society activity, the first counselor deeply hurt my feelings in front of all the sisters. I know the Church is true so I would never stop going to church and I know I need to forgive her.  Yet I am still struggling with the hurt feelings. I have searched the scriptures but there really isn’t anywhere in there that talks about what anyone did to help them forgive another person. Just that we are commanded to forgive. Can you help me forgive this sister and “heal” my feelings?

Allyson

Answer

Dear Allyson,

First I commend you for not letting this hurt keep you from going to church.  We are often told “the Atonement can help you”, but seldom do we discuss how that happens.  What is really meant by that is not very clear either.  I believe the phrase “the Atonement will heal you” is a bit of a misnomer.  I see it this way: the Atonement itself (an event that has passed) does not heal you, Christ does.  Christ has the power to heal our hearts because He suffered the Atonement.  Because He suffered for the sins of the world, and the resulting pain to others, He is uniquely qualified to have empathy, understanding, and wisdom to know exactly what it is each of us needs to be healed of the wounds we have suffered because of others.

The scriptures do tell us how this is done, but the answer is “hidden” in a story and not easy to find.  You might call it a parable.  It’s in the Old Testament, 1 Samuel 25.  I recently shared this story with another reader here: Is having an affair grounds for excommunication?   So I’ll just give a short synopsis now, and if you like you can read the longer explanation (and the scripture reference) later.  David had been working for a man named Nabal, and when the time came for Nabal to pay he refused and called David a robber.  David was incensed and gathered his men, planning to march on Nabal’s house and kill all the men.  Fortunately, Nabal’s wife heard about the incident and gathered all the supplies that had been promised to David, then met David on the road.  She gave him all that he should have received and then said, “Please forgive me.”

In this story, Abigail is a type of the Savior.  She did what He does for us.  Because of the Atonement, He can “repay” your hurt.  Now, for us that does not necessarily happen immediately.  It can take time.  The way He healed people physically was different for different people…sometimes He put His hands on someone, another time He put mud on a blind man’s eyes, and the way He heals our hearts varies as well.   I can’t tell you exactly how the Savior will help you heal these hurt feelings, only that He can and He will if you go to Him.  One example might be helping you understand why the sister said that hurtful thing, sometimes understanding can take the pain away.  Perhaps it was a misunderstanding, or maybe she was stressed because of something that had nothing to do with you. Perhaps what she said hurt you because it reminded you of some pain from your past that is unhealed.  Perhaps the Holy Ghost will direct you to talk to her and tell her how her comment made you feel. There are a myriad of possibilities, but the Savior knows exactly why that comment hurt you and what you need to heal.

So what you need to do is pray and ask Heavenly Father for help.  He will send you help via Christ and the Holy Ghost.  Be patient, it may take time.  Some hurts, like abuse can take years to heal and forgive.  So be patient, and know that as long as you desire to forgive, and ask for help, it will come.

Gramps

Question

Answer

Dear Erin,

I’m sorry for your father’s passing, especially that he wasn’t able to be there for your sealing and to spend time in mortality with his grandchildren.  I’m sure that when he does finally meet them, it will be all the sweeter for him and them.

Regarding your question, I know of one teaching by Joseph Smith which seems to answer this directly:

When men are prepared, they are better off to go hence. Brother Adams has gone to open up a more effectual door for the dead. The spirits of the just are exalted to a greater and more glorious work; hence they are blessed in their departure to the world of spirits. Enveloped in flaming fire, they are not far from us, and know and understand our thoughts, feelings, and motions, and are often pained therewith.

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Six 1843-44 Pg.325

No doubt you have heard stories about people being visited by family members who have passed on to the spirit world.  While such events may not be common, and while those who have passed on are certain to have their own work to do in the spirit world, it seems that such events are common enough that there’s reason to believe the spirits of our ancestors are indeed aware of us.  The following story was particularly touching to me.  In it, a man tells of doing sealing work for his father who died before being baptized:

When we were in the sealing room to have him sealed to his parents, a warm glow came over me as we knelt around the altar. I knew my father was there in spirit. Looking at the temple president, I saw tears in his eyes. “Brother Snelson,” he said, “tell me about your father.” I started to tell him of the love and closeness I felt for him, but he interrupted me: “No, no—what did he look like?” As I described father, a gentle smile came across the temple president’s face.

 

After completing the sealing, he asked everyone but me to step out of the room for a moment. Taking me by the hand, he led me to the side of the room and we sat down next to each other. By then both of us had tears in our eyes, and the room felt as if it were filled with electricity. The temple president asked, “You know, don’t you?” “Yes,” I replied quietly.

 

He continued, “Your father was standing right behind you.”

 

“Through the Veil“, September 1983 Liahona

Whatever else your father may be doing, I believe he is aware of his family, including his grandchildren, and may even be very near them at times, as Joseph Smith said.

Gramps

Question

Hi Gramps,

I would appreciate your wisdom here. What is the difference between having faith and having hope? Are they different or the same thing? In Moroni 10:20-21, we learn they cannot exist without each other including charity however often we would think they are the same thing.  What’s the different between having faith we’ll be saved and having hope we’ll be saved?

Warm Regards,
Tetoki

Answer

Hello Tetoki,

In the Book of Mormon, one of my favorite scriptures is found within the book of Alma (Alma 7:24), “And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.” The three principles form the foundation of discipleship in the gospel of Jesus Christ. All three principles are unique; faith is different from hope, hope is different from charity, and yet these three main principles are interwoven with each other. The principle of forgiveness, for example, incorporates faith, hope, and charity. Forgiveness is the ultimate form of love, while we exercise faith and hope in the principle of forgiveness (temporally and spiritually).

The scriptures teach us the following regarding faith, hope, and charity:
1) Faith — “faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.” (Alma 32:21)
2) Hope — An expectation that promised blessings according to our covenants and commandments will be received, not the worldly view of hope as “mere wanting,” — “believing you shall receive.” Hope is the means by which our faith grows or is increased, because through our hope, we act, and through our actions we receive further assurances. (Bible Dictionary)
3) Charity — “But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever.” (Moroni 7:47)

The scripture you have highlighted, Moroni 10:20-21, clearly states, “Wherefore, there must be faith; and if there must be faith there must also be hope; and if there must be hope there must also be charity. And except ye have charity ye can in nowise be saved in the kingdom of God; neither can ye be saved in the kingdom of God if ye have not faith; neither can ye if ye have no hope.”

Faith is a principle of power and action. Hope is a principle encompassing our personal belief and knowledge in the promises given which will be received as we act in faith, or are faithful. The life of Joseph Smith, prior to receiving his first vision, is a great example highlighting the relationship between faith and hope. Faith was exercised when Joseph Smith read his scriptures. Hope is exercised in the belief, or knowledge, that God will provide an answer and give us further knowledge as we read our scriptures (faith). When God provided an answer, Joseph exercised faith when he decided to walk to a grove of trees, kneel down, and pray. Hope was exercised in the belief, knowledge, that God indeed would answer his prayer. This is why the Book of Mormon also teaches (Moroni 7:42) “if a man have faith he must needs have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope.” What other examples do we have from scripture that highlight this relationship of faith and hope?

1) Abraham hoped God would honor all his promises when the Lord commanded him to offer his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice. Faith was exercised when he went to the mount and placed Isaac on the alter.

2) Nephi exercised hope, when he made the statement that God would prepare a way for them to accomplish his commandments. Faith was exercised when he walked to Jerusalem with his brothers (and when he went back to Laban’s house not once, not twice, but three times to honor the Lord). The decision and choice to go back three times represented his belief, his knowledge, and his witness from God that God would prepare a way. Nephi would not have acted as such, without hope. Thus faith cannot ever be exercised without hope, and we cannot exercise the proper application of hope without exercising faith.

3) The Tree of Life vision: Hope is highlighted in the belief that the Rod of Iron will lead to the Tree of Life. Faith is grabbing the Rod in the first place. Yet, would we grab the Rod, if we did not have hope in the promised blessings of Eternal Life?  No, indeed we would not.

Now as we exercise faith and hope, we must realize the greatest character trait of God is Charity, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life,” and “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” The proper exercise of charity, love, is when our actions (our faith and hope) glorify our Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:14-16). We begin to lay down our lives in service and in love toward our fellow human beings without guile, without envy, without selfishness, without a desire for power, and without personal aims for glory, and this is why the proper exercise of faith, hope, and charity will lead all of the children of men toward good works.

Gramps

Question

Gramps,

Answer

Dear Josh,

I have written before on the theatric nature of baptism – that is, as we ponder on it we find an educational drama unfolding. When it comes to ordinances (such as sacrament, baptism, washing and anointing, endowment, and sealing), we are dealing with a world of symbols. Symbols are especially useful because they can convey layers of meaning. For instance, Joseph Smith thought the parable of the three measures of leaven (Matthew 13:33) spoke to the law of witnesses and found specific fulfillment in the 3 Witnesses of The Book of Mormon (Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, Chapter 25: Truths from the Savior’s Parables in Matthew 13) and in the presence of 3 volumes of scripture (Ibid.).

We’ll often build a short program around the presentation of an ordinance. This will include instruction on the purpose of the ordinance (as in baptism) or ways to live up to the covenant of the ordinance (as with sacrament). The endowment is a powerful blend of instruction, theatricality, and symbols. In describing it (and really, the following can apply to any of these ordinances), Elder John A. Widtsoe shared:

“The wonderful pedagogy of the temple service, especially appealing to me as a professional teacher, carries with it evidence of the truth of temple work. … How is all this accomplished? First by the spoken word, through the lectures and conversations, just as we do in the class room, except with more elaborate care, then [second] by the appeal to the eye by representations by living, moving beings; and by pictorial representations in the wonderfully decorated rooms. . . . Meanwhile [third] the recipients themselves, the candidates for blessings, engage actively in temple service. . . . Altogether our temple worship follows a most excellent pedagogical system. I wish instruction were given so well in every school room throught the land, for we would then teach with more effect than we now do” (“Temple Worship”, The Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine 12, April 1921, page 59).

You’ll note that these blend very nicely with the learning modalities of auditory, visual, and kinesthetic. So ordinances provide an excellent system for us to internalize the covenants that accompany them.

Another, even simpler approach to ordinances comes by way of a programming analogy. The programmer says, “untested code is broken code”. The programmer may have written several lines of code to create some whiz-bang application, but until it has been thoroughly exercised no one – not even the programmer – can really say it really performs as claimed. Similarly, how much faith would you say a leper has? Is it enough to be healed? Naaman was given a simple test to discover his faith – bathe in the Jordan 7 times (2 Kings 5:9-14).

Disciples are given a similar test of faith. Is their faith sufficient to for the penitent to receive forgiveness? A simple test can go a long way to weed out those who are just talk from those who are committed to follow Christ. Are they willing to follow Christ, getting immersed in water by someone with priesthood authority? Such indeed is faith shown and exercised by works.

Gramps

Question

Dear Gramps.

Can you please clarify the difference between a curse and a mark? We had an interesting discussion in Sunday school but never came to any conclusion. So many think that all Africans are cursed because of their dark skin. I am inclined to disagree. Hope to hear from you soon so that the whole class will be clear on this subject. Thank you for always helping me in my questions.
June

Answer

Dear June,

Thank you for your question, what is “the difference between a curse and mark.” Though both words are often found in similar lines of thought, they are in fact two distinct and separate things.

A CURSE is a separation from God brought upon a person or people because of disobedience and an unwillingness to follow God’s commands. A curse is the opposite of a “blessing”. We all strive for blessings, and in contrast we do not want to be separated from God. In the scriptures we read:

2 Nephi 5:20 Wherefore, the word of the Lord was fulfilled which he spake unto me, saying that: Inasmuch as they will not hearken unto thy words they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord. And behold, they were cut off from his presence.

A MARK is something that simply identifies and distinguishes one person or group from another. Marks are displayed in various forms. This could be a sign, symbol, badge, or some identifying factor that helps others differentiate the person with a mark as being someone unique or different from the rest. A positive example of a “mark” could be a merit badge on the uniform of a Boy Scout. A silver badge with an eagle worn on the front of the uniform allows others to easily identify the boy as an Eagle Scout. As a negative example, during World War II, those of the Jewish faith were forced to wear the identifying mark of the Yellow Patch or Star of David on their clothing.

Some marks may not be so easily put on or taken off, but rather some marks are self imposed and can become part of our being. A drug user, especially those addicted to Meth, may become “marked” by the effects of years of drug abuse. The once bright lively individual becomes a shell of their former self and the light that once radiated in them is drowned out and they become marked by a hollow blackness and hopelessness.

In the Book of Mormon we see the two words, curse and mark, sometimes next to each other. As stated above, they are different and separate from each other. Alma 3:14 reads:

“Thus the word of God is fulfilled, for these are the words which he said to Nephi: Behold, the Lamanites have I cursed,…

Here we see that God places a “curse” on the Lamanites or rather separates Himself from them. If He wanted, he could have simply stopped there and only cursed them. However, in an attempt to help others know that this group of Lamanites was cursed He also identified them OR set a “mark” on them. The verse continues:

…and I will set a mark on them that they and their seed may be separated from thee and thy seed, from this time henceforth and forever, except they repent of their wickedness and turn to me that I may have mercy upon them.”

How the mark was actually “set,” we are not told. It has been suggested that the mark may have been self imposed by either a lack of clothing, shaving of the hair, tattoos, war paint, particular jewelry or some other form of a mark(s) that they applied in their wickedness and that would have been easily identifiable to those living in righteousness.

IMPORTANT: I particularly enjoy this verse since it says the curse/separation did not have to be “forever,” but rather it could be removed upon their willingness to simply repent.

Throughout much of the history of the Church, speculation, rumors, opinion, misunderstandings and misinterpretations have been perpetuated among members of the Church and even personally among some of the Church leadership regarding the connection between: race (actual skin color), curses and marks. Some have suggested that as a result of the Lamanite curse, the “mark” placed upon them was an actual physical change in their skin color/ pigmentation. While this idea of “skin color” is expressed in the scriptures, there are those who do not believe it to be an actual physical change but rather believe such ideas to be metaphoric examples only. A metaphor expressing the inner light (whiteness) of the gospel that normally shines forth, but for some this light is regrettably snuffed out because of wickedness, bringing a darkness/void/gloom (blackness) to one’s life. Today, this very blackness/gloom can be seen in the lives of those who reject the commandments of God and continuously live in wickedness. In Jeremiah 8:20-22 we read:

20 The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.

 

21 For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me.

 

22 Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?

Also in Lamentations Chapter 5 Heading: Jeremiah recites in prayer the sorrowful condition of Zion:

10 Our skin was black like an oven because of the terrible famine.

It is possible that the Lamanites were not promised that their actual skin would literally change color like that of the chameleon based on their wickedness or righteousness from white to black or black to white again.  Whatever the nature of the mark was, it seems that in the Lamanites’ case once the curse was removed, the penitent could have also removed the mark themselves; perhaps by putting away their identifying apparel or laying down their weapons of war.

Regarding the other part of your question, “Africans are cursed because of their dark skin.” In addition to what I have already shared, dealing specifically with Blacks, the Church has issued several statements and articles to help clarify the Church’s official position and to help dispel or correct previous understandings, opinions or ideas:

Race and the Priesthood

According to one view, which had been promulgated in the United States from at least the 1730s, blacks descended from the same lineage as the biblical Cain, who slew his brother Abel. Those who accepted this view believed that God’s “curse” on Cain was the mark of a dark skin. Black servitude was sometimes viewed as a second curse placed upon Noah’s grandson Canaan as a result of Ham’s indiscretion toward his father.

 

The curse of Cain was often put forward as justification for the priesthood and temple restrictions. Around the turn of the century, another explanation gained currency: blacks were said to have been less than fully valiant in the premortal battle against Lucifer and, as a consequence, were restricted from priesthood and temple blessings.

 

Today, the Church disavows the theories advanced in the past that black skin is a sign of divine disfavor or curse, or that it reflects unrighteous actions in a premortal life; that mixed-race marriages are a sin; or that blacks or people of any other race or ethnicity are inferior in any way to anyone else. Church leaders today unequivocally condemn all racism, past and present, in any form.

Church Statement Regarding ‘Washington Post’ Article on Race and the Church

For a time in the Church there was a restriction on the priesthood for male members of African descent.  It is not known precisely why, how, or when this restriction began in the Church but what is clear is that it ended decades ago. Some have attempted to explain the reason for this restriction but these attempts should be viewed as speculation and opinion, not doctrine. The Church is not bound by speculation or opinions given with limited understanding.
We condemn racism, including any and all past racism by individuals both inside and outside the Church.

It is true that flashy headlines and racist narratives against the Church can be popular to many, but once someone takes the time to actually learn the real facts we all better understand that:

In theology and practice, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints embraces the universal human family. Latter-day Saint scripture and teachings affirm that God loves all of His children and makes salvation available to all. God created the many diverse races and ethnicities and esteems them all equally.

Thank you for your question June,

Gramps

Question

Gramps,

Is it normal to post the favorite quotes from the manual (e.g. “Teachings of the Presidents of the Church”) during the meeting on Facebook?

Kirill

Answer

Dear Kirill,

Many of us are still neophytes in the modern digital landscape and are still learning proper etiquette – especially when the online world butts against real life. Parents and leaders should help youth navigate this world, providing rules and expectations until they learn to balance the underlying principles of courtesy, respect, efficiency, and recreation. An example that springs to my mind is my local elders quorum. The bishop has invited them to periodically administer the Sacrament to give recent converts and returning brethren the opportunity to exercise the Aaronic priesthood. The first time they did it, their president emailed the assignments, routes, and other instructions to the quorum. More recently, I noticed the routes were printed on a piece of paper that they would refer to. I asked the president why they took a technological step backwards. He replied that the youth leadership were teaching the youth reverence for the Sabbath and the sacrament, and including the etiquette of abstaining from digital devices during the administration of the sacred ordinance. Although the elders were only using their phones to review their instructions, they opted instead to use a more old-fashioned way to capture that information so it didn’t appear to be a double standard and to support their youth and the other leaders.

Your case is different. Based on the manual, your class is one that involves only adults. They are expected to have the discipline and life experience to behave like adults in the grown-up world. That also means that where they do not have life experience they are expected to learn like an adult in the grown-up world. It was not that long ago that I myself transitioned from a tote bag that held scriptures, manuals, and binders, to a single device that held the digital equivalent. I had to make this transition as an adult and I’m sure I made many a faux pas along the way. I have learned a few principles that may help you or others win the approval of a modern Miss Manners.

1. Digital devices are really useful – even in church! I would still be lugging my tote bag if I didn’t believe this. It’s easier to carry more material, including manuals, scriptures, media, and notes (thanks Gospel Library app!). Elder Jose Teixeira twice notes how blessed we are to have these online and electronic resources so readily available. This is remarkably handy for student and teacher alike. Also, any notes I make during a meeting on Sunday are easily accessible (and easy to stumble upon later) if I need to review it during the week (and invariably I do, otherwise I wouldn’t have written it down). Some people use local electronic text pads to record such notes, while others use social media sites like Facebook. They not only record some inspiration for themselves but also for others outside their class.
2. Digital devices are really distracting – even in church! Recent conference addresses have taken on Sabbath worship and reverence and noted that we sometimes plug in and tune out the Holy Spirit that is delivered to us in Sunday sermons, ordinances, and lessons. Elder Ballard shared that family councils, requiring the participation of all in that council, should be free of online distractions. Our classes should also be free of distractions as each member should be engaged and thus prepared to be edified. Elder Ballard further asked saints to “consider putting your smartphone or tablet in airplane mode for the entire Sunday block. You know you will still have your scriptures, general conference talks, hymnbook, and manuals but will not be distracted by incoming text messages or push notifications”. In this regard, posting to social media and awaiting peer response during church service is a foolishness best outgrown. Elder Teixeira says it’s an “experience [of] peace” and “refreshing” to sit through a meeting “without the constant urge to see if you have a new message or a new post.”
3. Counsel from early leaders are sagely and timeless. John Taylor shared Joseph Smith’s secret of leading by persuasion and righteousness: “Some years ago, in Nauvoo, a gentleman … asked Joseph Smith how it was that he was enabled to govern so many people, and to preserve such perfect order…. Mr. Smith replied, ‘I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves’.” If you are a class president or instructor, you may wish to meet individually with those few members who are distracted or distracting during the meeting. Or if the entire class culture needs to change you may wish to set aside an entire meeting to discuss how to ensure a learning environment so the class is beneficial to those in attendance. The Kirtland temple’s “rules and regulations” is a good example for how to behave in a house of worship (including a prohibition on recreation). Even as a student you can meet individually with a fellow-student who is proving a distraction. But if it’s just another person being distracted, then it’s probably best to follow the Mormon Creed as printed on the masthead of John Taylor’s newspaper: “Mind your own business.” Concern yourself with what you are getting out of the lesson and how you are contributing to it (including whether your own devices are a help or a hindrance) and let the Spirit work on your classmates.

Gramps

Question

Gramps,

Answer

Bonnie,

Forgiveness can be hard.  Sometimes it can be harder then repentance.  The scriptural command for us to forgive can be found many places in the scriptures. The one that I think is most clear is D&C 64:9-10:

9 Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.

 

10 I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.

From these verses it is clear that the Lord requires us to forgive everyone. If that wasn’t hard enough, it also says that if we don’t then we have the greater sin.  I can’t think of many harder commandments that the Lord has given us than this one. That is to forgive those who have hurt us, abused us, and done us wrong in some fashion.  The mere idea that we might be the greater sinner if we don’t forgive goes against our inherent sense of justice and fairness and sense of what is right.  This leaves us struggling to grasp what the Lord is telling us because we have a hard time understanding it and accepting it.

I think the very next verse was intended to help with this

11 And ye ought to say in your hearts—let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds.

In this verse the Lord is telling us exactly what He means by forgiveness.  He means that we need to have and exercise faith in turning it all over to Him.  All our hurt, all our pain, all or desire for justice, for fairness.  All of it needs to be turned to Him, while trusting that He can and will handle it all in His time and in His way.  Thus the ‘greater sin’ we have when we refuse to forgive is one of lack of faith or lack of trust in the Lord and His power and promises.

Now to your particular case.  You don’t want to be sealed for eternity to people that did not want you.  This is totally understandable.  However, while understandable it also means you are rendering an eternal judgement, instead of leaving that to Christ.  Everything about Christ and his Atonement is about giving people the chance to change, to repent, to become better then they were, no matter what mistakes or missteps they may have made along the way.

We want this for ourselves and we need to allow others to have the same chances.

The simple fact is no matter what earthly ordinances are done, Christ has the final say on who is sealed together for eternity.  And we can be assured that it will be to people that “want us.”  Our task is to work on developing our faith to the level Christ would have it be and seek to have all the ordinances that He asks of us done.

Gramps

Question

Gramps,

Right now I’ve left the Church and want to go back but it’s hard for me to read scriptures and understand their meaning. It’s even harder for me to apply the principles in the Book of Mormon. How do I get past this stump? Thanks.

E

Answer

Hello E,

Thank you for your questions. They obviously matter to you on a very personal level so I will do my best to help where I can. First, I commend you for your desire to return to the Church and hope you will continue to cling to the “light” that is currently nurturing that sentiment and not become discouraged with yourself. For many it is human nature when we see very limited or what we perceive as slow progress to throw our arms up in the air and declare ourselves as failures. Please don’t give up. I pray that you will be patient with yourself and give yourself credit for the steps you have already taken so far.

For someone who discovers the Church and decides to follow the gospel for the very first time, there are unique challenges and changes they might face in their life. For members of the Church who have left and decide that they would like to come back, they too may face many of those same challenges and more. For whatever reason a person decides to leave the church, it usually means upon their return, they are typically not a fresh slate, but rather carry with them some form of personal/spiritual baggage that helped lead them away from the church in the first place.

As you look for a way forward might I offer up the following thoughts:

1.  Spiritual Muscles: Similar to our physical muscles, for the moment lets say that we also have Spiritual Muscles as well. When it comes to our physical muscles, if we want to increase our strength, size and endurance we must be committed to some type of an exercise routine. Regardless of a strong desire, unless we are willing to put forth an effort to accomplish this goal, we will not see progress. Healthy muscle development takes time, there are no short cuts. There is no substitute for: hard work, endurance and dedication. While perhaps difficult at first, it does become easier. May I suggest that your Spiritual muscles need to be reconditioned again. Start out easy, lift the light spiritual weights for now. Endurance, increased desire and self confidence will fall into place as you stick to a routine.

2. Recently in General Conference President Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave a wonderful talk entitled: He Will Place You on His Shoulders and Carry You Home. The heading reads, “Just as the Good Shepherd finds His lost sheep, if you will only lift up your heart to the Savior of the world, He will find you.” Consider yourself as a recently found lost sheep making your way home again. President Uchtdorf shares:

“Our Savior, the Good Shepherd, knows and loves us. He knows and loves you “E”… He knows when you are lost, and He knows where you are. He knows your grief. Your silent pleadings. Your fears. Your tears. It matters not how you became lost—whether because of your own poor choices or because of circumstances beyond your control. What matters is that you are His child. And He loves you. He loves His children.”

While it is true that you might have some spiritual/personal baggage from your time away, the Savior loves you and delights in your desire to return to him. The Savior extends this simple invitation to you:

“Turn … to me.” Joel 2:12
“Come unto me.” Matthew 11:28
“Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you.” Doctrine and Covenants 88:63

President Uchtdorf continues:

“This is how we show Him that we want to be rescued. It requires a little faith. But do not despair. If you cannot muster faith right now, begin with hope. If you cannot say you know God is there, you can hope that He is. You can desire to believe. That is enough to start.

 

Then, acting on that hope, reach out to Heavenly Father. God will extend His love toward you, and His work of rescue and transformation will begin. Over time, you will recognize His hand in your life. You will feel His love. And the desire to walk in His light and follow His way will grow with every step of faith you take.

 

We call these steps of faith “obedience.”

Please be patient with yourself “E.” The Lord is by your side with open arms. While it is true that you may be feeling this temporary weakness, please remember the promise found in Book of Mormon, Ether 12:27

“And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.”

Regarding “Weaknesses becoming Strengths”, I have also shared some previous thoughts here:
How Can a Weakness Become a Strength?

You have all the potential to be made spiritually strong and turn this temporary “stump” into a life long strength instead. Have faith in the Savior and in our Father in Heaven. May you be blessed for your efforts and dedication to develop your spiritual muscles yet once again.

Warm Regards,

Gramps