Temple Ordinances In The New Testament And Early Christianity

[Hick Preacher]

When Considering the following-

Clement concedes that the Scriptures open salvation to the many, who experience the "first saving change," when they pass from heathenism to faith, or from law to Gospel. But these are saved only in the first degree. Besides his public teaching, Christ also taught his Apostles the gnosis [hidden sacred knowledge] which leads to perfection. This knowledge, Clement claims, "has descended by transmission to a few, having been imparted unwritten by the apostles." Great preparation and previous training are necessary to receive it. But those who can obey it, achieve here and now a foretaste of eternal bliss, and, in the world to come, will take their places with the Apostles in the highest sphere. (Masterpieces of Christian Literature, New York: Harper & Row, 1963, p. 47)

This statement I must admit looks just like LDS Eternal Progression to a socialized LDS person. It used to to me some 30 years ago. I quoted this same exact statement in a manuscript for a book named "the Basic Apology Project" in 1988 that was attempting to get Dwane Crowther at Horizen in Bountiful to publish.

Upon investigation of Alexandrian Christianityâ??s statements about graduated â??spheresâ?? it appears that this ECF is not referring to anything that parallels LDS Eternal Progression.

This is a complicated investigation-- but generally one must consider that Clement had read and studied very widely, and had a previous career as a pagan philosopher. Clement was not concerned with expounding about Christianity in terms of any canon. Clement was Christian philospher not essentially a theologian.

St. Clement of Alexandria (c. 150-c. 215) made use of an open canon. He seemed ``practically unconcerned about canonicity.

''Cross and Livingston,. Henry Chadwick, The Early Church (New York: Penguin, 1993), p. 303.

Clement was very skilled at explaining Christianity to pagan audiences using pagan/ancient mystery religion terms. It appears that Clement Stomata commentary is an attempt to explain what ilater became orthodox in ancient pagan religious terms .

Much of the language of his previous career is found in his writings. The language of his previous world view can be seen online in many www sights describing ancient paganism.

http://www.experiencefestival.com/dream_di...y_figure/page/4

Clement of Alex is today the richest sources for what little is known about the Gnostics that Ireanus wrote against.

In addition to books that did not make it into the final New Testament canon but which had local canonicity (Barnabas, Didache, I Clement, Revelation of Peter, the Shepherd, the Gospel according to the Hebrews), he also used the Gospel of the Egyptians, Preaching of Peter, Traditions of Matthias, Sibylline Oracles, and the Oral Gospel.

F. F. Bruce, The Canon of Scripture (Downers Grove, Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1988), p. 215. p. 190.

Clement and Origen were deeply involved in communication of the Gospel in the terms of Plato--- (Clement took a stance in explaining Christianty using the world view Plato) http://www.earlychurch.org.uk/clementalex.php

Note how "spheres" a similar term that LDS use today has a completely different meaning than the LDS meaning in the language of Origen and Clement of Alex.

.

http://www.dacb.org/stories/egypt/origen_.html

Origen of Alexandria

185 to 255 A.D.

Ancient Christian Church

Alexandria / Egypt

P The Platonism of Plotinus

Ammonius Saccas, at different times the tutor of both Origen and Plotinus, was a philospher of a middle school of Platonism. Plotinus (205-270 A.D.) was the creative thinker who took and reshaped this form of Platonic thinking in the third century. In its newly developed character, this philosophical and religious system has become known as Neo-Platonism. lotinus identified three spheres of being. In the first is the Good, the One. Next in order comes the Nous--Mind--which corresponds to Plato's world of ideas. In the third place is the soul which created and sustains the universe. Plotinus followed Plato in his doctrine of the soul of man, the element destined for immortality. .The way for the soul's ascent to the real world is by eschewing material things and by dedicating itself to rigorous moral and intellectual discipline.

Note how the â??paganâ?? spheres are different than Modern LDS spheres

http://www.sacred-texts.com/cla/ogv/ogv14.htm Ancient ideas about the 12 Spheres of transcendence)

In Clement of Alexandria ( and Origen) we sometimes see LDS Eternal Progression appearing statements. After investigation of the actual meaning of these statements the meaning is revealed to stand for teachings that are not parallel to LDS doctrine at all.

[Drewm777]

I'm not sure what your point is, Hick Preacher.

Here are the facts:

1. Paul, Origen and Clement (and apparently others, see original post) spoke of teleoi (the initiated), musterion (secret rites, secret doctrines), hidden wisdom, and gnosis (secret knowledge).

2. They divided the Christians into two groups, the teleoi and the "babes;" the spiritual and the carnal.

3. The teleoi received the mysteries, the hidden wisdom, the gnosis. They were "gnostics."

4. The others, although Christians, did not until they were sufficiently prepared.

Where in modern Christianity can such practices be found today?

Only in Mormonism.

As to the exact nature of the musterion, we cannot know it. It wasn't written. As to what the gnosis is, we cannot know. It wasn't written. We can't know for sure what the hidden wisdom was. It was hidden.

I can't prove that the secret system in early Christianity is the same as that among the LDS simply because we don't know what the early Christians did for sure. We know that some texts speak of washing, anointing, clothing in garments, and marriage in this context. (See Barker, Restoring the Ancient Church, for starters) We do know that there were certain Christians groups called "gnostics" who claimed that the gnosis was, in part, certain handclasps, passwords, and signs that Jesus taught were needed to ascend into heaven and to be deified although this group was not recognized as being orthodox by Clement or Origen, etc.

You put that all together, and I'm pretty sure that equates to some evidence for the concept of temple ordinances being revealed by Jesus after the resurrection but that were quickly corrupted and changed by apostates and eventually lost but later restored by the same Jesus to the prophet Joseph Smith.

[Hick Preacher]

P.S.: BTW, what is up with the quotes from the Latin Vulgate in the sentences where I asked you to check the Greek? Is that some sort of joke?

That is because the great ephesian mystery is mentioned at the beginning with the Latin being mentioned as evidence.

About a month ago I started a thread on the reference of Paul to marriage as being "a great mystery" in Ephesians 5. In the Latin it refers to it as a "sacramentum." http://www.mormonapologetics.org/index.php?showtopic=28335

[Drewm777]

That is because the great ephesian mystery is mentioned at the beginning with the Latin being mentioned as evidence.

Right. But that isn't what you were discussing. You were discussing at the moment 1 Cor. 2. I mentioned the Latin in the beginning only to show that the word "musterion" was often translated as "sacramentum" from which our word "Sacrament" is derived, meaning a sacred ritual or "ordinance."

[Hick Preacher]

Drewm777:

I'm not sure what your point is, Hick Preacher.

And-

Drewm777:

Right. But that isn't what you were discussing. You were discussing at the moment 1 Cor. 2. I mentioned the Latin in the beginning only to show that the word "musterion" was often translated as "sacramentum" from which our word "Sacrament" is derived, meaning a sacred ritual or "ordinance."

Actually this is a pivotal topic when ever LDS beliefs are discussed. There are many points to be made.

You do point out issues closely associated with key critical aspects of the issue at hand.

1. Paul, Origen and Clement (and apparently others, see original post) spoke of teleoi (the initiated), musterion (secret rites, secret doctrines), hidden wisdom, and gnosis (secret knowledge).

One point to be made is that before Christianity was wide spread, early Christians used pagan language to describe the gospel. This is especially true in the missions to the gentiles. The Greeks were very familiar that their religions had mysteries. The ones sent to preach to the gentiles made many pagan analogies. It is a normal teaching strategy when especially Paul who went to the gentiles expressed the gospel in pagan terms and used the word mystery. Yet when Paul used the word he qualified the Christian analog with descriptions setting it apart from what was truly a classical initiate/secret society. Even Jesus used language and analogies of heretic Dead Sea Scroll people and the Essences in his key sermons- for example the B-attitudes are now knows to predate Jesus- being a popular Essences set of teachings. Yet Jesus used them as leader items, with key modifications to make his teachings relevant to His audience.

When Paul uses the term Mystery, Initiate, Hidden the terms are only rough comparitive analogs to secret humanly controlled secret rites of the Greeks and others-- not secret Christian rites as the LDS Temple.

This is evident from an examination of the broader body of scripture.

Examples--

Mr 4:11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:

Openly taught- but understood by the Holy Ghost not special controlled non-public secret initiations

1Ti 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

This mystery was openly preached to the gentiles-- hardly a secret as the LDS Temple.

Ro 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

Does not appear that knowledge of the above mystery required a secret ceremonyâ??rather enlightment of the Holy Ghost

As it is also written: Mt 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

This mystery is the one Peter had the Father reveal to him direct by the Holy Ghostâ??not by flesh and blood in a humanly controlled secret initiation rite. God initiated Peter direct using the Spirit.

Ro 16:25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

This means that when Jesus came in to the world the mystery of how God saves men was revealed- this comes by knowing the simple milk of the Gospel- not a rite in a secret ceremony. This mystery was kept hidden- not by men but by God.

1Co 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

This hidden wisdom is now manifest amoung the saintsâ??and Paul was openly preaching it ( see below passages). It was not kept secret like an initiate religion kept its teaching.

Eph 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

This mystery is not controlled in a human performed mystery- or in a secret rite- it is revealed by the Holy Ghost.

Look at these mysteries Paul describes:

Eph 3:3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,

Eph 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)

Eph 3:9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:

Paul explains how this hidden mystery is revealedâ?? that is how he was initiated--direct from God to manâ??NOT by a humanly (flesh and blood) controlled secret rite.

Ga 1:16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

Paul preached the Christian mystery openly-- it is only hidden because some people are spiriturally blind-

Eph 6:19 And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

Romans 15: 19-- Paul declares that he has fully preached the gospel of Christ

finally-

Col 1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

Col 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

Col 4:3 Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

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Drewm777:

2. They divided the Christians into two groups, the teleoi and the "babes;" the spiritual and the carnal.

The teachings of the babes and the initiated is also a pagan way to explain the milk and the meat aspects of the gospel. The Book of Hebrews explains the content and subject matter of each. The meat of the gospel is understanding how the Old Testament religion pointed to the New Testament fulfillment. By an understanding of the meat of the Gospel we also understand that the ancient Temple worship of the Old Testament was transferred in to the sacrament/mystery of Communion. Deeply understanding Communion is indeed to understand the meat of the gospel.

3. The teleoi received the mysteries, the hidden wisdom, the gnosis. They were "gnostics."

Christians can be compared to Gnostic in terms of gaining knowledge through the Holy Ghost. However, Christians are not Gnostics like Marcion and others. If one were trying to explain how the Holy Ghost aids a Christian to a pagan familiar with Gnostics-- you would likely call Christians gnostic in order to draw an analogy for teaching reasons.

4. The others, although Christians, did not until they were sufficiently prepared.

The preparation comes in various ways, the ordeal was accomplished for us by Christ. The rite of passage is Communion with God. The Holy Ghost prepares people and even imparts the higher level of understanding. A man-made 'flesh and blood' secret hidden rite such as the LDS Temple Ceremony is not what is being suggested in New Testament passages to accomplish this. The rite of Communion is symbolically fulfilled temple worship. One can only understand this after they understand the meat or have been guided and initiated by the Spirit. One must first understand the symbols of the ancient Hebrew Temple to understand how Communion is a type for the Hebrew Temple.

Where in modern Christianity can such practices be found today?

Only in Mormonism.

Perhaps you should explain How and Why you think this is so--

Drewm777:

As to the exact nature of the musterion, we cannot know it. It wasn't written. As to what the gnosis is, we cannot know. It wasn't written. We can't know for sure what the hidden wisdom was. It was hidden.

It is explained in the Book of Hebrews and summarized with Commentaries in various other Biblical places such as by Stephen in Acts. The Apostles revealed it for all that have ears to hear and eyes to see.

I can't prove that the secret system in early Christianity is the same as that among the LDS simply because we don't know what the early Christians did for sure. We know that some texts speak of washing, anointing, clothing in garments, and marriage in this context. (See Barker, Restoring the Ancient Church, for starters) We do know that there were certain Christians groups called "gnostics" who claimed that the gnosis was, in part, certain handclasps, passwords, and signs that Jesus taught were needed to ascend into heaven and to be deified although this group was not recognized as being orthodox by Clement or Origen, etc.

You put that all together, and I'm pretty sure that equates to some evidence for the concept of temple ordinances being revealed by Jesus after the resurrection but that were quickly corrupted and changed by apostates and eventually lost but later restored by the same Jesus to the prophet Joseph Smith.

There are many speculative explainations as to why Gnostics performed rites in efforts to get to heaven.

Gnostic rites are simular to the pattern of the LDS Temple. The Endowment is an effort to teach people how to pass the gatekeepers who stand as gards between various heavenly sphere of the Gnostic cosmology. It is evident that the LDS system is trying to do the same thing. This is in opposition to Jesus' explicit teaching and the teachings of His Apostles in reliable ancient writings of the New Testament.

"Your endowment is to receive all those ordinances in the House of the Lord which are necessary for you, after you have departed this life, to enable you to walk back to the presence of the Father, passing the angels who stand as sentinels, being enabled to give them the key words, the signs and tokens, pertaining to the Holy Priesthood, and gain your eternal exaltation ..."

- Journal of Discourses, Vol. 2, p.315, April 6, 1853

Again These rites directly go against what reliable canonized writings say Jesus taught about the Way to God's presence. It seems you are ignoring what is known and seeking after what is unknown and appears to be wrong.

The theory that true Christian Teachings were completely lost is a huge speculation that has always been popular among certain seekers. You seek after New Testament Temple Worship-- yet it is right before you in Christian Communion-- in Communion is encapulated the Great Christian Mystery-- it is the revelation of the true Christian Temple and its fulfillment. When the Jews build another temple more people will see and understand how this is true. If you in fulness you understood more about the meaning of the ancient Old Testament Temple you would better be able grasp this higher understanding. In Christian communion the Christian symbolically navigates the three courts of the OT temple, past the bread of life, and the sacred waters of creation of life-- the Way is lighted by the light stands of the Holy Spirit of God. Finally the Christian in Communion enters into God's direct presence through the veil.

We know for certain that Jesus commanded this Communion to be done in His rememberence. A Gnostic secret version of this with literal veils, tokens and signs, special words and so forth is a mockery of Communion-- it is not a Christian rite. If you attend the LDS Temple I fear you go against your own baptismal covenant renewal in your Ward Sacrament meeting every time you partake.

I must retire for the evening---cooking CatFish tonight!

your old Hick-

[Drewm777]

Hick Preacher,

Your last post is so full of contradictions and I am so short on time, I don't know that I'll be able to respond for a while.