The Fastest Way to Make Your Calling and Election Sure

[BruceRGilbert]

Doctrine and Covenants 88:
68 Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will.

"in his own time, in his own way, and according to his own will." How many trust God to allow Him to make the determination as to the time, the way, and will in which He will reveal Himself?

Many have been deceived by false spirits going forth unto the world and many have w itnessed things that are not of God . . . because they sought for "signs" and manifestations. Many have been turned over to their own lusts.

There are two phases to having one's Calling and Election Made Sure as evidenced / witnessed in the Life of the Savior. The first phase is having the "more sure word of prophecy" in the form of receiving the "promise" which essentially consists of hearing your name and receiving a promise of eternal life - knowing of your approval in the sight of God by prophecy / revelation. (It is important to recognize that prophecy is a "subset" of revelation as it pertains to the "future.") This event occurred in the Life of the Savior in the following event:

Matthew 3:
13 Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
14 But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
17 And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

Note: It was after this time that the Savior was tried and tempted in the wilderness by Satan prior to beginning His ministry - which should illustrate a pattern that has been given. The "more sure word of prophecy" is NOT an indication that you have arrived as many have presumed and it is dangerous to believe so.

The Second Phase to having one's Calling and Election Made Sure, again witnessed in the Life of the Savior, is in the actual fulfillment of the promise and the reception of the "fulness of the Priestnood" with the conveyance of the associated keys and power; thereof. This event occurred in the Life of the Savior in the following event:

Matthew 17:
1 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,
2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.
3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and *Elias (Elijah) talking with him.
4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.
5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

I believe that it was at this event that Peter, James and John received their "Promise;" however, they did not receive the fulness. They witnessed the Savior receive it. After this event, they received - according to the account - the power to bind on earth and in heaven, as evidenced by the following reference:

Matthew 18:
18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

As can be observed, there are very strong parallels which occurred in the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith. He, also, received a fulness as evidenced by the visitation in the Kirkland Temple.

[Juliet]

We are all deceived there is only one that was not deceived the Savior if we listen to the prophets to guide us and let the spirit testify of the truth then we will be on the right path how do you no the difference from the deception of Satan and the spirit except you put out rules to know the difference Saran claims to be the Gid of this land so he is going to protray the spirit as much as he can and some of the very elect will be deceived all but three witnesses of the Book of Mormon was deceived and the list goes on if you do not think you can be deceived then you are all ready deceived rule number one the prophet cannot lead us asrtray if he attempts to he will die this was a rule determined in the preexsistance just like the spirt of the lord will have a form of a dove these cannot be altered by Satan

One thing I recognize is the Holy Spirit entices me to do good things for the right reason, and rewards me with peaceful warm feelings. It feels good to be in the service of God, even in the small things. It may sound sad, but some of the most peaceful spiritual moments in my life have come while I was sweeping the floor or scrubbing a counter, giving someone my attention instead of just walking by, those little things add up and make prompting easier to hear. I think that is what Jesus did also, He sought to serve His Father. If we do that too, we can build our relationship because we are serving with the Lord. I think those small and simple things we do make a difference to the level of the Holy Spirit we have in our lives.

[Contemplator]

Joseph Smith, talking about 2 Peter 1, said that it is one thing to hear the voice of the Father declaring that Jesus is God (as Peter, James and John did on the mount) and another to that you have been made a joint heir with Jesus Christ.

TPJS, p.298

Now, there is some grand secret here, and keys to unlock the subject. Notwithstanding the apostle exhorts them to add to their faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, etc., yet he exhorts them to make their calling and election sure. And though they had heard an audible voice from heaven bearing testimony that Jesus was the Son of God, yet he says we have a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light shining in a dark place. Now, wherein could they have a more sure word of prophecy than to hear the voice of God saying, This is my beloved Son.

Now for the secret and grand key. Though they might hear the voice of God and know that Jesus was the Son of God, this would be no evidence that their election and calling was made sure, that they had part with Christ, and were joint heir with him. They then would want that more sure word of prophecy, that they were sealed in the heavens and had the promise of eternal life in the kingdom of God. Then, having this promise sealed unto them, it was an anchor to the soul, sure and steadfast. Though the thunders might roll and lightnings flash, and earthquakes bellow, and war gather thick around, yet this hope and knowledge would support the soul in every hour of trial, trouble and tribulation. Then knowledge through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the grand key that unlocks the glories and mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.

Compare this principle once with Christendom at the present day, and where are they, with all their boasted religion, piety and sacredness while at the same time they are crying out against prophets, apostles, angels, revelations, prophesying and visions, etc. Why, they are just ripening for the damnation of hell. They will be damned, for they reject the most glorious principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and treat with disdain and trample under foot the key that unlocks the heavens and puts in our possession the glories of the celestial world. Yes, I say, such will be damned, with all their professed godliness. Then I would exhort you to go on and continue to call upon God until you make your calling and election surer for yourselves, by obtaining this more sure word of prophecy, and wait patiently for the promise until you obtain it, etc.

Whatever you may think of the OP, Joseph says, "continue to call upon God until you make your calling and election surer for yourselves, by obtaining this more sure word of prophecy." And, as for the speed with which this will happen, we are to ask, seek, and know and, "wait patiently for the promise until you obtain it."

God has invited us to seek, promised us the blessing, and we can count on it according to His timing. But, according to Joseph and Peter, we are to ask and seek. Without that, it may never happen because God honors our agency and will not force it upon us.

[Finrock]

Joseph Smith, talking about 2 Peter 1, said that it is one thing to hear the voice of the Father declaring that Jesus is God (as Peter, James and John did on the mount) and another to that you have been made a joint heir with Jesus Christ.

TPJS, p.298

Now, there is some grand secret here, and keys to unlock the subject. Notwithstanding the apostle exhorts them to add to their faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, etc., yet he exhorts them to make their calling and election sure. And though they had heard an audible voice from heaven bearing testimony that Jesus was the Son of God, yet he says we have a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take heed as unto a light shining in a dark place. Now, wherein could they have a more sure word of prophecy than to hear the voice of God saying, This is my beloved Son.

Now for the secret and grand key. Though they might hear the voice of God and know that Jesus was the Son of God, this would be no evidence that their election and calling was made sure, that they had part with Christ, and were joint heir with him. They then would want that more sure word of prophecy, that they were sealed in the heavens and had the promise of eternal life in the kingdom of God. Then, having this promise sealed unto them, it was an anchor to the soul, sure and steadfast. Though the thunders might roll and lightnings flash, and earthquakes bellow, and war gather thick around, yet this hope and knowledge would support the soul in every hour of trial, trouble and tribulation. Then knowledge through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the grand key that unlocks the glories and mysteries of the kingdom of heaven.

Compare this principle once with Christendom at the present day, and where are they, with all their boasted religion, piety and sacredness while at the same time they are crying out against prophets, apostles, angels, revelations, prophesying and visions, etc. Why, they are just ripening for the damnation of hell. They will be damned, for they reject the most glorious principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and treat with disdain and trample under foot the key that unlocks the heavens and puts in our possession the glories of the celestial world. Yes, I say, such will be damned, with all their professed godliness. Then I would exhort you to go on and continue to call upon God until you make your calling and election surer for yourselves, by obtaining this more sure word of prophecy, and wait patiently for the promise until you obtain it, etc.

Whatever you may think of the OP, Joseph says, "continue to call upon God until you make your calling and election surer for yourselves, by obtaining this more sure word of prophecy." And, as for the speed with which this will happen, we are to ask, seek, and know and, "wait patiently for the promise until you obtain it."

God has invited us to seek, promised us the blessing, and we can count on it according to His timing. But, according to Joseph and Peter, we are to ask and seek. Without that, it may never happen because God honors our agency and will not force it upon us.

Us asking and seeking demonstrates that we are willing to believe. Much of what we receive in the gospel comes down to us just believing. Believing that it is possible. Believing that we can obtain it. Believing the promptings and thoughts placed in our mind. Believing Jesus Christ. If we believe that we must strive and endure until the end of our lives to obtain this blessing or if we don't believe we will ever receive this blessing, then that is exactly what will probably happen. For the most part, what we believe is what we obtain.

-Finrock

[Finrock]

Amaleki wrote in the book of Omni:

25 And it came to pass that I began to be old; and, having no seed, and knowing king Benjamin to be a just man before the Lord, wherefore, I shall deliver up these plates unto him, exhorting all men to come unto God, the Holy One of Israel, and believe in prophesying, and in revelations, and in the ministering of angels, and in the gift of speaking with tongues, and in the gift of interpreting languages, and in all things which are good; for there is nothing which is good save it comes from the Lord: and that which is evil cometh from the devil.

He exhorts us to come unto God and to believe in prophesying, to believe in revelations, to believe in the ministering of angels, to believe in the gift of speaking with tongues, to believe in the gift of interpreting languages, and to believe in all things which are good. He adds the emphasis that we need not fear believing in things that are good, for there is nothing which is good save it comes from the Lord.

We are exhorted to believe in our calling and election to be made sure because it is good and because it is good it comes from the Lord. We don't need to fear it or treat it as if it were evil, unattainable, undesirable, or somehow a thing that is for other men and women but not for us.

-Finrock

[BruceRGilbert]

We are exhorted to believe in our calling and election to be made sure because it is good and because it is good it comes from the Lord. We don't need to fear it or treat it as if it were evil, unattainable, undesirable, or somehow a thing that is for other men and women but not for us.

-Finrock

. . . And once obtained, it is not something that should be flaunted in a way to brandish further "authority, self-agrandizement, or credibility" in the eyes of others. It doesn't belong on a "resume." Such things ought to be evident without proclamation by virtue of demeanor, behavior, and respect for other intelligences. It is the "silent" witness, integrity, and demeanor that engenders confidence "within" and subsequently "without."

[freedomforall]

We are exhorted to believe in our calling and election to be made sure because it is good and because it is good it comes from the Lord. We don't need to fear it or treat it as if it were evil, unattainable, undesirable, or somehow a thing that is for other men and women but not for us.

-Finrock

. . . And once obtained, it is not something that should be flaunted in a way to brandish further "authority, self-aggrandizement, or credibility" in the eyes of others. It doesn't belong on a "resume." Such things ought to be evident without proclamation by virtue of demeanor, behavior, and respect for other intelligences. It is the "silent" witness, integrity, and demeanor that engenders confidence "within" and subsequently "without."

Like raising it up as if one just got awarded a trophy to be shown to those all around, and exclaiming "look at what I just received." Something to do with casting pearls......

[Silver Pie]

bump

[Durzan]

Take a bullet for God.

[Amonhi]

Bump...

[Alaris]

Can we change the name of this thread to "The quick and easy path to having your calling and election made sure?"

[Jesef]

Amonhi, the purpose of eternal progression/evolution is to spiritually grow up, to ascend, to become/increase-to-infinite LOVE (Good/Light/Peace/Joy/Help/etc) & to un-become/reduce-to-zero FEAR (Evil/Dark/Threat/Misery/Harm/etc). So, besides "feeling safe", what is the significance & criticality of "making your calling & election sure" in the grand scheme of things? And what do other religions call this same "process" ("calling & election made sure" being an almost exclusively LDS/Joseph-Smith term)? I hope you'll be candid & not worry about ruffling orthodox feathers here. Thanks.

[Amonhi]

Amonhi, the purpose of eternal progression/evolution is to spiritually grow up, to ascend, to become/increase-to-infinite LOVE (Good/Light/Peace/Joy/Help/etc) & to un-become/reduce-to-zero FEAR (Evil/Dark/Threat/Misery/Harm/etc). So, besides "feeling safe", what is the significance & criticality of "making your calling & election sure" in the grand scheme of things? And what do other religions call this same "process" ("calling & election made sure" being an almost exclusively LDS/Joseph-Smith term)? I hope you'll be candid & not worry about ruffling orthodox feathers here. Thanks.

Calling and Election is the baptismal ordinance into the Church of the Firstborn and Celestial kingdom. It happens when a person is sealed up to eternal life by the Holy Spirit of Promise. God essentially makes a promise and a covenant to you that you will be exalted. If God breaks that promise, then God ceases to be God. It is the end of your probation. Not the end of your growth and learning. You are no longer being tested to see if you will choose good or bad, but the acceptance that you have chosen good (as best you know, and will continue to do so).

Salvation comes when we accept Christ and commit to doing good (repent of all your sins). When we make this commitment, we enter the gate and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost as a reward. We are now on the path that leads to eternal life. We walk the path that leads to eternal life BY FOLLOWING the Holy Ghost which shows us the path. Without the Holy Ghost, we cannot see the path, which is why we aren't on the path that leads to eternal life until we receive the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost teaches us all things and while we walk this path, there is no other doctrine that applies to us accept follow the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is the voice of God. by following it, we are following God. We come to know God by our interactions with God.

When God has instructed us sufficiently and we have learned to be God-like to a sufficient degree, God will say to us, "Thou shalt have eternal life" or some other such promise that indicates our place in eternity is certain. That is when our calling and election is made sure. Now we are prepared for the Second Comforter which is added to the First Comforter. The Second Comforter is the presence of Christ in addition to the Holy Ghost. You are now a member of the spiritual Church of the Firstborn and enabled to attend meetings in the spirit. (This does not mean that everyone who has their calling and election made sure is active in the Church of the Firstborn, only that they can be if they learn how to attend in the spirit.

All the blessings of eternity are theirs and those few blessings that cannot be given presently are promised, for example, resurrection with the just in the first resurrection, rulers with Christ during the millennium, the sealing power (not the power to seal families in the temple using symbolic ordinances show possible blessings, but the power to entreat the elements and plants and animals to work with you as described in Hel. 10). All things are theirs and like learning to recognize and follow the spirit, they learn to receive all things.

The Church of the firstborn holds meetings to discuss local world events and plans, people receive callings and power to fulfill them. Members receive callings or assignments that are independent of the LDS organization and unbounded by geological areas. If they are active members, they are taught the mysteries of God and how to be Gods. They are shown the principles by which the powers of heaven operate. They are brought to the spiritual New Jerusalem and other Holy places, to learn, develop and grow. Their instructors are Gods, Christ, Angels, Prophets like the Budda, Isaiah, and even prophets we don't have records of. They are able to learn all things by revelation and vision including sciences, histories, philosophies, music, arts, governments, and most especially morality. For them, eternity begins now and they are enabled to progress faster than they could have previously imagined, (if they seek to do so).

I speak from direct personal experience regarding what I know is possible. I also have been told that there are many possibilities that I have not yet learned.

Peace,
Amonhi

[Jesef]

Do we only live once upon this earth or do we re-incarnate (keep coming back as different human beings, along the same timeline) to keep learning & growing? i.e. Is it "one & done" or "multiple mortal lives"?

[Silver Pie]

Or do we incarnate over and over again, but on different planets in a linear fashion, meaning that we get one turn on this planet. When this planet is gone we'll get a chance on another planet, and so on.

[Alaris]

“When you climb up a ladder, you must begin at the bottom and ascend step by step, until you arrive at the top; and so it is with the principles of the Gospel– you must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the principles of exaltation. But it will be a great while after you have passed through the veil before you will have learned them. It will be a great work to learn our salvation and exaltation even beyond the grave.” Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 6:306-307

D&C 130:18 Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.

19 And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.

[True]

Amonhi, the purpose of eternal progression/evolution is to spiritually grow up, to ascend, to become/increase-to-infinite LOVE (Good/Light/Peace/Joy/Help/etc) & to un-become/reduce-to-zero FEAR (Evil/Dark/Threat/Misery/Harm/etc). So, besides "feeling safe", what is the significance & criticality of "making your calling & election sure" in the grand scheme of things? And what do other religions call this same "process" ("calling & election made sure" being an almost exclusively LDS/Joseph-Smith term)? I hope you'll be candid & not worry about ruffling orthodox feathers here. Thanks.

Calling and Election is the baptismal ordinance into the Church of the Firstborn and Celestial kingdom. It happens when a person is sealed up to eternal life by the Holy Spirit of Promise. God essentially makes a promise and a covenant to you that you will be exalted. If God breaks that promise, then God ceases to be God. It is the end of your probation. Not the end of your growth and learning. You are no longer being tested to see if you will choose good or bad, but the acceptance that you have chosen good (as best you know, and will continue to do so).

Salvation comes when we accept Christ and commit to doing good (repent of all your sins). When we make this commitment, we enter the gate and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost as a reward. We are now on the path that leads to eternal life. We walk the path that leads to eternal life BY FOLLOWING the Holy Ghost which shows us the path. Without the Holy Ghost, we cannot see the path, which is why we aren't on the path that leads to eternal life until we receive the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost teaches us all things and while we walk this path, there is no other doctrine that applies to us accept follow the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is the voice of God. by following it, we are following God. We come to know God by our interactions with God.

When God has instructed us sufficiently and we have learned to be God-like to a sufficient degree, God will say to us, "Thou shalt have eternal life" or some other such promise that indicates our place in eternity is certain. That is when our calling and election is made sure. Now we are prepared for the Second Comforter which is added to the First Comforter. The Second Comforter is the presence of Christ in addition to the Holy Ghost. You are now a member of the spiritual Church of the Firstborn and enabled to attend meetings in the spirit. (This does not mean that everyone who has their calling and election made sure is active in the Church of the Firstborn, only that they can be if they learn how to attend in the spirit.

All the blessings of eternity are theirs and those few blessings that cannot be given presently are promised, for example, resurrection with the just in the first resurrection, rulers with Christ during the millennium, the sealing power (not the power to seal families in the temple using symbolic ordinances show possible blessings, but the power to entreat the elements and plants and animals to work with you as described in Hel. 10). All things are theirs and like learning to recognize and follow the spirit, they learn to receive all things.

The Church of the firstborn holds meetings to discuss local world events and plans, people receive callings and power to fulfill them. Members receive callings or assignments that are independent of the LDS organization and unbounded by geological areas. If they are active members, they are taught the mysteries of God and how to be Gods. They are shown the principles by which the powers of heaven operate. They are brought to the spiritual New Jerusalem and other Holy places, to learn, develop and grow. Their instructors are Gods, Christ, Angels, Prophets like the Budda, Isaiah, and even prophets we don't have records of. They are able to learn all things by revelation and vision including sciences, histories, philosophies, music, arts, governments, and most especially morality. For them, eternity begins now and they are enabled to progress faster than they could have previously imagined, (if they seek to do so).

I speak from direct personal experience regarding what I know is possible. I also have been told that there are many possibilities that I have not yet learned.

Peace,
Amonhi

Crap. How do you become active? What if you’ve had a temporary (hopefully) slide back into mediocrity?

[jmack]

Amonhi, the purpose of eternal progression/evolution is to spiritually grow up, to ascend, to become/increase-to-infinite LOVE (Good/Light/Peace/Joy/Help/etc) & to un-become/reduce-to-zero FEAR (Evil/Dark/Threat/Misery/Harm/etc). So, besides "feeling safe", what is the significance & criticality of "making your calling & election sure" in the grand scheme of things? And what do other religions call this same "process" ("calling & election made sure" being an almost exclusively LDS/Joseph-Smith term)? I hope you'll be candid & not worry about ruffling orthodox feathers here. Thanks.

Calling and Election is the baptismal ordinance into the Church of the Firstborn and Celestial kingdom. It happens when a person is sealed up to eternal life by the Holy Spirit of Promise. God essentially makes a promise and a covenant to you that you will be exalted. If God breaks that promise, then God ceases to be God. It is the end of your probation. Not the end of your growth and learning. You are no longer being tested to see if you will choose good or bad, but the acceptance that you have chosen good (as best you know, and will continue to do so).

Salvation comes when we accept Christ and commit to doing good (repent of all your sins). When we make this commitment, we enter the gate and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost as a reward. We are now on the path that leads to eternal life. We walk the path that leads to eternal life BY FOLLOWING the Holy Ghost which shows us the path. Without the Holy Ghost, we cannot see the path, which is why we aren't on the path that leads to eternal life until we receive the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost teaches us all things and while we walk this path, there is no other doctrine that applies to us accept follow the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is the voice of God. by following it, we are following God. We come to know God by our interactions with God.

When God has instructed us sufficiently and we have learned to be God-like to a sufficient degree, God will say to us, "Thou shalt have eternal life" or some other such promise that indicates our place in eternity is certain. That is when our calling and election is made sure. Now we are prepared for the Second Comforter which is added to the First Comforter. The Second Comforter is the presence of Christ in addition to the Holy Ghost. You are now a member of the spiritual Church of the Firstborn and enabled to attend meetings in the spirit. (This does not mean that everyone who has their calling and election made sure is active in the Church of the Firstborn, only that they can be if they learn how to attend in the spirit.

All the blessings of eternity are theirs and those few blessings that cannot be given presently are promised, for example, resurrection with the just in the first resurrection, rulers with Christ during the millennium, the sealing power (not the power to seal families in the temple using symbolic ordinances show possible blessings, but the power to entreat the elements and plants and animals to work with you as described in Hel. 10). All things are theirs and like learning to recognize and follow the spirit, they learn to receive all things.

The Church of the firstborn holds meetings to discuss local world events and plans, people receive callings and power to fulfill them. Members receive callings or assignments that are independent of the LDS organization and unbounded by geological areas. If they are active members, they are taught the mysteries of God and how to be Gods. They are shown the principles by which the powers of heaven operate. They are brought to the spiritual New Jerusalem and other Holy places, to learn, develop and grow. Their instructors are Gods, Christ, Angels, Prophets like the Budda, Isaiah, and even prophets we don't have records of. They are able to learn all things by revelation and vision including sciences, histories, philosophies, music, arts, governments, and most especially morality. For them, eternity begins now and they are enabled to progress faster than they could have previously imagined, (if they seek to do so).

I speak from direct personal experience regarding what I know is possible. I also have been told that there are many possibilities that I have not yet learned.

Peace,
Amonhi

Question; You claim a person is no longer tested once they have their calling and election made sure, where is the evidence of that? There were several who had this during Joseph Smith's time, including him, and there's no way they weren't being tested, in fact, some fell away and the scriptures point to this as a real possibility.

[BruceRGilbert]

Immediately after the "more sure word of prophecy" came to the Savior at His baptism at the age of thirty, He went into the wilderness to be tested of Satan.

[Amonhi]

Crap. How do you become active? What if you’ve had a temporary (hopefully) slide back into mediocrity?

You start where you are and move forward again. Follow the spirit.

Peace,
Amonhi

[Amonhi]

“When you climb up a ladder, you must begin at the bottom and ascend step by step, until you arrive at the top; and so it is with the principles of the Gospel– you must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the principles of exaltation. But it will be a great while after you have passed through the veil before you will have learned them. It will be a great work to learn our salvation and exaltation even beyond the grave.” Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 6:306-307

D&C 130:18 Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.

19 And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.

1. Salvation is attainable in this life through faith in Christ. (Too many scriptures to list.)
2. Exaltation is attainable in this life by following the spirit. (D&C 76:50-70, D&C 88:1-5)
3. Perfection is attainable in this life:

• Perfect in Christ = Baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, being born again
• The command to be perfect = Love your neighbor as your self, don't be a respecter of persons

Eternal progression has begun and continues if we are not damned or stopped in our progression on any of the rungs of the ladder above.

Peace,
Amonhi

[Amonhi]

Question; You claim a person is no longer tested once they have their calling and election made sure, where is the evidence of that? There were several who had this during Joseph Smith's time, including him, and there's no way they weren't being tested, in fact, some fell away and the scriptures point to this as a real possibility.

Being tested mean that you can fail and not pass the course. I'm not saying that a person isn't learning, growing, and receiving lessons. I'm saying that they already got a passing grade and will not fail. The scriptures say that if we build on the rock, we cannot fall. The only way for these people to fall is to choose to become a son of perdition, leave the good and fight against God willingly.

D&C 132
26 Verily, verily, I say unto you, if a man marry a wife according to my word, and they are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, according to mine appointment, and he or she shall commit any sin or transgression of the new and everlasting covenant whatever, and all manner of blasphemies, and if they commit no murder wherein they shed innocent blood, yet they shall come forth in the first resurrection, and enter into their exaltation; but they shall be destroyed in the flesh, and shall be delivered unto the buffetings of Satan unto the day of redemption, saith the Lord God.
27 The blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, which shall not be forgiven in the world nor out of the world, is in that ye commit murder wherein ye shed innocent blood, and assent unto my death, after ye have received my new and everlasting covenant, saith the Lord God; and he that abideth not this law can in nowise enter into my glory, but shall be damned, saith the Lord.

I'm out of time, But if you want more info, Elliaison's Book, The Probation of Man, Completing the Test tells us what we are being tested on, why, and how to pass the test and answers a bunch more questions. If part of the book doesn't make sense, let me know. I remember there being a missing section somewhere...

Peace,
Amonhi

[Jesef]

“When you climb up a ladder, you must begin at the bottom and ascend step by step, until you arrive at the top; and so it is with the principles of the Gospel– you must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the principles of exaltation. But it will be a great while after you have passed through the veil before you will have learned them. It will be a great work to learn our salvation and exaltation even beyond the grave.” Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 6:306-307

D&C 130:18 Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.

19 And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.

1. Salvation is attainable in this life through faith in Christ. (Too many scriptures to list.)
2. Exaltation is attainable in this life by following the spirit. (D&C 76:50-70, D&C 88:1-5)
3. Perfection is attainable in this life:

• Perfect in Christ = Baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, being born again
• The command to be perfect = Love your neighbor as your self, don't be a respecter of persons

Eternal progression has begun and continues if we are not damned or stopped in our progression on any of the rungs of the ladder above.

Peace,
Amonhi

Among the "eternal rounds" of eternal progression, how many earth/physical lives are there? One or many? Same earth, different earths?

[Amonhi]

“When you climb up a ladder, you must begin at the bottom and ascend step by step, until you arrive at the top; and so it is with the principles of the Gospel– you must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the principles of exaltation. But it will be a great while after you have passed through the veil before you will have learned them. It will be a great work to learn our salvation and exaltation even beyond the grave.” Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 6:306-307

D&C 130:18 Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.

19 And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.

1. Salvation is attainable in this life through faith in Christ. (Too many scriptures to list.)
2. Exaltation is attainable in this life by following the spirit. (D&C 76:50-70, D&C 88:1-5)
3. Perfection is attainable in this life:

• Perfect in Christ = Baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, being born again
• The command to be perfect = Love your neighbor as your self, don't be a respecter of persons

Eternal progression has begun and continues if we are not damned or stopped in our progression on any of the rungs of the ladder above.

Peace,
Amonhi

Among the "eternal rounds" of eternal progression, how many earth/physical lives are there? One or many? Same earth, different earths?

The blessings of eternity are easily received in a single life if ones knows the path. If multiple lives is a possibility, then we must progress from the beginning in each one, "having forgotten all". All must be born again, in each life no matter how many lives they live. All must receive the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost and be sealed up to eternal life in each incarnation, just as Jesus did in his ao called final incarnation.

Having walked the path back to the Father and having received the promises of eternity before I was 25 years old, I don't know why we need more than a single life to successfully complete our probation and secure the riches of eternity.

However, my current understanding of the plan and the purpose of death and resurrection, and our loving Heavenly Father and His respect for our agency tells me that if a peraon was not satisfied with the eternal status which they merited, giving up their body to try again seems a reasonable option.

Peace,
Amonhi

[XEmilyX]

What if you pray and get no yes or no answers? Lol I really want this and have subconsciously been working for it my entire life it's only about a few years ago that I knew about this and ever since then I've been heavily working on it. I've been a very good girl most of my life and the last 9 years Ive been nothing but awesome.
I feel like I'm ready for it but it seems God doesnt think so. I've even gone to the temple everyday for over 2 years. Goes to show that even if you're doing alot to be good, it's still up to gods timing.
But is there a better way to hear the answer? I'm struggling to figure out his answer on this. I think it's "not yet" but I'm not sure.