Ezra Taft Benson Lesson 13: Priceless Blessings Of The House Of The Lord

[CV75]

 

Yes, and even the sure calling and election is not a complete realization of the “fulness.” It is “the earnest of our inheritance” of that which is to come (Ephesians 1).

 

Articles of Faith 9 came out several years after D&C 110 and 13, indicating additional elements of restoration. One or more of these yet-to-be restored ordinances would be associated with the prophecies of the Lord suddenly coming to His temple and Adam delivering the earthly keys to Him prior to His more public Second Coming in glory (See D&C 116; 133; Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 157). This would be part of establishing the “fullness” or “order” of the priesthood of which the eligible are a part.

 

"We are accustomed to thinking that all keys of the priesthood were conferred on Joseph Smith in the Kirtland Temple, but the scripture states that all that was conferred there were “the keys of this dispensation” (D&C 110:16). At general conference many years ago, President Spencer W. Kimball reminded us that there are other priesthood keys that have not been given to man on the earth, including the keys of creation and resurrection." https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/the-keys-and-authority-of-the-priesthood?lang=eng

 

Each restoration of a key is given by ordinance, and most often conducted in a temple, and additional each key draws us (individually and for the purpose of exaltation, collectively) more perfectly or completely into the fulness or the order of the Son of God. We need the keys of resurrection and creation to do that, even after the keys of sealing, calling and election.

 

Keys of resurrection have already been restored as far as we are concerned.

 

"How are you going to get your resurrection? You will get it by the President of the resurrection pertaining to this generation, and that is Joseph Smith Jun. Hear it all ye ends of the earth; if ever you enter into the kingdom of God it is because Joseph Smith let you go there. This will apply to Jews and Gentiles, to the bond, and the free; to friends and foes; no man or woman in this generation will get a resurrection and be crowned, without Joseph Smith saying so. The man who was martyred in Carthage Jail, State of Illinois, holds the keys of life and death to this generation. He is the President of the resurrection in this dispensation" - Brigham Young

 

Keys of creation would not apply to the earth in mortality.  And in my opinion that would be the order of the Gods/the Father, not the son of God.  But that's just my opinion and another topic for another thread.

 

We are talking about the fullness of the Melchizedek Priesthood (order of the Son of God) as can be gained in the earthly temple experience.

 

In mortality that fullness is achieved through the second anointing/ordination as Kings and Queens and Priests and Priestesses.

There is no higher priesthood office held in mortality (except Messiah, the president of the Melchizedek order - which is how Christ is King of Kings). 

The second anointing IS the fulness of the Melchizedek priesthood.  Not the endowment.  Not the marriage sealing.  Not even "Calling and Election made Sure" which is Christ confirming his acceptance of these ordinances, not ordaining to an office.  It's really not a complicated concept.

 

Is there priesthood beyond the fulness of the Melchizedek?  Of course, but it is beyond the priesthood of the Son and into the priesthood of the Father.

 

RE: Keys of resurrection having been restored: Yes and no – Joseph Smith may be said to hold “the keys of life and death to this generation” and so be the “President of the resurrection in this dispensation,” speaking of things to come as if they are present, but those keys are not held by the mortal Apostles of this dispensation. And we would still need to receive their exercise through the ministrations of authorized individuals (it wouldn’t be consistent for it to come through Joseph Smith alone) in order to enjoy a fullness.

 

RE: keys of creation not applying to earth: In any case, as these keys are a necessary part of the fulness, they would be received and exercised in a temple, even if a heavenly one. We are bringing heaven and earth together.

 

RE: the fullness of the Melchizedek Priesthood as can be gained in the earthly temple experience: OK (although the earthly temple experience is a heavenly one, and the heavenly will be on this celestialized earth)... then I began to receive a fulness of the earthly temple experience (looking forward with the eye of faith) when I was baptized, and will continue to receive more in the earthly (whether mortal or celestial) as I become a creator. Those who die after baptism have received this fulness as far their mortal probation allowed, and more awaits them through the temple ordinances (whether you consider them earthly or heavenly). Baptism allows as much a fulness as any other ordinance: “the earth will be smitten with a curse unless there is a welding link of some kind or other between the fathers and the children, upon some subject or other—and behold what is that subject? It is the baptism for the dead.” (D&C 128:18). The “fulness of times” is the completion of the Lord’s work for this earth, in other words, His order of things, which is the “inheritance” we all seek (Ephesians 1:10).

[Avatar4321]

Lesson went well. The Spirit was powerful. I ended up asking questions I hadn't thought of before. Like we went over the from the life of president Benson section and asked if anyone had some early memories of the temple that influenced them. We had a good discussion going before we even got to the meat of the lesson.

[Avatar4321]

The fullness of the MP is indeed received in the Endowment and the sealing of husband to wife.

 

Were Adam and Eve sealed in a temple?

 

Thanks,

Jim

Yes and it looks like the meeting at Adam-ondi-Ahman was a bestial of temple blessing to Adams children

[JLHPROF]

RE: Keys of resurrection having been restored: Yes and no – Joseph Smith may be said to hold “the keys of life and death to this generation” and so be the “President of the resurrection in this dispensation,” speaking of things to come as if they are present, but those keys are not held by the mortal Apostles of this dispensation. And we would still need to receive their exercise through the ministrations of authorized individuals (it wouldn’t be consistent for it to come through Joseph Smith alone) in order to enjoy a fullness.

 

 

RE: keys of creation not applying to earth: In any case, as these keys are a necessary part of the fulness, they would be received and exercised in a temple, even if a heavenly one. We are bringing heaven and earth together.

 

RE: the fullness of the Melchizedek Priesthood as can be gained in the earthly temple experience: OK (although the earthly temple experience is a heavenly one, and the heavenly will be on this celestialized earth)... then I began to receive a fulness of the earthly temple experience (looking forward with the eye of faith) when I was baptized, and will continue to receive more in the earthly (whether mortal or celestial) as I become a creator. Those who die after baptism have received this fulness as far their mortal probation allowed, and more awaits them through the temple ordinances (whether you consider them earthly or heavenly). Baptism allows as much a fulness as any other ordinance: “the earth will be smitten with a curse unless there is a welding link of some kind or other between the fathers and the children, upon some subject or other—and behold what is that subject? It is the baptism for the dead.” (D&C 128:18). The “fulness of times” is the completion of the Lord’s work for this earth, in other words, His order of things, which is the “inheritance” we all seek (Ephesians 1:10).

 

 

1. I don't agree.  We cannot give an ordinance we ourselves have not received.  We cannot baptize without being baptized.  We cannot be a temple worker if unendowed.  We cannot ordain to an office we do not hold ourselves.  A Deacon cannot ordain a High Priest.  And we cannot resurrect unless first resurrected ourselves.  Therefore the keys of resurrection will never be placed into mortality.  Our dispensation will be resurrected in much the same way priesthood is passed down.  In an ordinance chain traceable back to Joseph Smith.  Those keys will never be held by mortal apostles.

 

2. Keys of creation?  Making worlds?  Pretty sure that's not a key that will ever be bestowed in mortality either.  Those keys will only be exercised by immortal beings.

 

3. Don't disagree with anything there.  But to hold the "fullness of the Melchizedek priesthood" in mortality is to be ordained a King and Priest.  That's the highest.

[Avatar4321]

Seems to me that Oliver and Joseph had the authority to baptize before they were baptized. Granted the prescribed order is you need to be baptized and ordained before you can baptize but there are occasionally exceptions.

[Avatar4321]

Btw aren't topics much more interesting than always discussing gay marriage, polygamy and other usual topics around here?

[janderich]

Yes, and even the sure calling and election is not a complete realization of the “fulness.” It is “the earnest of our inheritance” of that which is to come (Ephesians 1).

 

Articles of Faith 9 came out several years after D&C 110 and 13, indicating additional elements of restoration. One or more of these yet-to-be restored ordinances would be associated with the prophecies of the Lord suddenly coming to His temple and Adam delivering the earthly keys to Him prior to His more public Second Coming in glory (See D&C 116; 133; Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 157). This would be part of establishing the “fullness” or “order” of the priesthood of which the eligible are a part.

 

"We are accustomed to thinking that all keys of the priesthood were conferred on Joseph Smith in the Kirtland Temple, but the scripture states that all that was conferred there were “the keys of this dispensation” (D&C 110:16). At general conference many years ago, President Spencer W. Kimball reminded us that there are other priesthood keys that have not been given to man on the earth, including the keys of creation and resurrection." https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/the-keys-and-authority-of-the-priesthood?lang=eng

 

Each restoration of a key is given by ordinance, and most often conducted in a temple, and additional each key draws us (individually and for the purpose of exaltation, collectively) more perfectly or completely into the fulness or the order of the Son of God. We need the keys of resurrection and creation to do that, even after the keys of sealing, calling and election.

Elias restored the gospel of Abraham which includes celestial marriage. It is eternal increase of the seeds. But Elijah had to come to make the conditional promise binding. So, the power of Elijah is sufficient to make our calling and election sure, it seals against all but murder and denial of the Holy Ghost. There is as you said yet another, it is the power of Messiah and represents the completion.

“Elias is a forerunner to prepare the way, and the spirit and power of Elijah is to come after, holding the keys of power, building the Temple to the capstone, placing the seals of the Melchizedek Priesthood upon the house of Israel, and making all things ready; then Messiah comes to His Temple, which is last of all. … Elijah was to come and prepare the way and build up the kingdom before the coming of the great day of the Lord. (HC 6:254)

 

The capstone of earthly ordinances is celestial marriage. There are other priesthood keys but such keys are reserved for after this life.If Joseph obtained keys to the resurrection they were after his death. 

[JLHPROF]

Seems to me that Oliver and Joseph had the authority to baptize before they were baptized. Granted the prescribed order is you need to be baptized and ordained before you can baptize but there are occasionally exceptions.

 

Those exceptions involve delegated authority from a being who already received those ordinances.

And are generally used for restoration.

It doesn't change the idea that resurrection is an ordinance performed by a resurrected being, not a mortal one.  Therefore, the keys of resurrection will never reside in mortal men.

It would be like a deacon holding the keys of Elijah.  Doesn't fit.  But if President Monson directed a deacon to perform a sealing, he would be doing it by President Monson's keys, not his own, and that sealing would be valid. 

So I presume the keys of resurrection could be delegated to a mortal, but not ordained.

 

Btw aren't topics much more interesting than always discussing gay marriage, polygamy and other usual topics around here?

 

Absolutely.

Edited July 12, 2015 by JLHPROF

[JLHPROF]

Elias restored the gospel of Abraham which includes celestial marriage. It is eternal increase of the seeds. But Elijah had to come to make the conditional promise binding. So, the power of Elijah is sufficient to make our calling and election sure, it seals against all but murder and denial of the Holy Ghost. There is as you said yet another, it is the power of Messiah and represents the completion.

 

Perfectly stated in my opinion.

 

 

 

The capstone of earthly ordinances is celestial marriage. There are other priesthood keys but such keys are reserved for after this life.

If Joseph obtained keys to the resurrection they were after his death.

 

The first part is incorrect in my opinion.  The second is most likely, from a previously resurrected being, Christ.

Edited July 12, 2015 by JLHPROF

[theplains]

As with all revelations, that is a matter of faith.

I would say revelation or no revelation this teaching comes from  Brigham's correct understanding of priesthood authority, something we all need to work on.

 

 

Your statement of belief is unclear.  Do you believe this was a revelation from God or just Brigham's

opinion?

 

Thanks

Jim

[CV75]

 

RE: Keys of resurrection having been restored: Yes and no – Joseph Smith may be said to hold “the keys of life and death to this generation” and so be the “President of the resurrection in this dispensation,” speaking of things to come as if they are present, but those keys are not held by the mortal Apostles of this dispensation. And we would still need to receive their exercise through the ministrations of authorized individuals (it wouldn’t be consistent for it to come through Joseph Smith alone) in order to enjoy a fullness.

 

 

 

RE: keys of creation not applying to earth: In any case, as these keys are a necessary part of the fulness, they would be received and exercised in a temple, even if a heavenly one. We are bringing heaven and earth together.

 

RE: the fullness of the Melchizedek Priesthood as can be gained in the earthly temple experience: OK (although the earthly temple experience is a heavenly one, and the heavenly will be on this celestialized earth)... then I began to receive a fulness of the earthly temple experience (looking forward with the eye of faith) when I was baptized, and will continue to receive more in the earthly (whether mortal or celestial) as I become a creator. Those who die after baptism have received this fulness as far their mortal probation allowed, and more awaits them through the temple ordinances (whether you consider them earthly or heavenly). Baptism allows as much a fulness as any other ordinance: “the earth will be smitten with a curse unless there is a welding link of some kind or other between the fathers and the children, upon some subject or other—and behold what is that subject? It is the baptism for the dead.” (D&C 128:18). The “fulness of times” is the completion of the Lord’s work for this earth, in other words, His order of things, which is the “inheritance” we all seek (Ephesians 1:10).

 

 

1. I don't agree.  We cannot give an ordinance we ourselves have not received.  We cannot baptize without being baptized.  We cannot be a temple worker if unendowed.  We cannot ordain to an office we do not hold ourselves.  A Deacon cannot ordain a High Priest.  And we cannot resurrect unless first resurrected ourselves.  Therefore the keys of resurrection will never be placed into mortality.  Our dispensation will be resurrected in much the same way priesthood is passed down.  In an ordinance chain traceable back to Joseph Smith.  Those keys will never be held by mortal apostles.

 

2. Keys of creation?  Making worlds?  Pretty sure that's not a key that will ever be bestowed in mortality either.  Those keys will only be exercised by immortal beings.

 

3. Don't disagree with anything there.  But to hold the "fullness of the Melchizedek priesthood" in mortality is to be ordained a King and Priest.  That's the highest.

 

1. Well, you should agree because this is what I am saying! You’re saying that Brigham Young explained that Joseph Smith received the keys of resurrection after he was resurrected, has and will delegate them to other resurrected servants at the right time, and those who exercise them will resurrect some souls before and some souls after the Second Coming. While I clearly stated that “those keys are not held by the mortal Apostles of this dispensation,” now that you mention it the Lord could see fit to introduce or even restore them to mortals if that is to serve His purposes, especially after Adam delivers his stewardship completely back to Him.

 

2. My point here was that keys are transferred in a temple setting (or authorized substitute) and this earth will from now on always have such, whether in its telestial, millennial or celestial states.

 

3. The current temple ordinances given in our current temples may have changed from those performed over the years, but their effect in mortality and beyond remains the same for today’s saints as for the saints of yore or the saints of the Millennium. Again, the welding link is always “upon some subject or other,” and baptism for the dead serves us perfectly well as the subject. The efficacy of the temple ordinances, however they are currently structured for the exaltation of the earth and her inhabitants, is just as sure as it always was.

 

The highest ordinance as we currently have them is in temple marriage (sealing), but new elements could be added as needed for our focus of faith and instruction as time goes on, just as some elements were removed or changed over the years for the same reason. I believe baptism will always remain the fundamental "subject" or gateway, and without it (for the living and the dead) the fulness would not be possible and any other temple ordinance would be of none effect.

[JLHPROF]

 

The highest ordinance as we currently have them is in temple marriage (sealing), but new elements could be added as needed for our focus of faith and instruction as time goes on, just as some elements were removed or changed over the years for the same reason.

 

This is still not true.

[JLHPROF]

 

As with all revelations, that is a matter of faith.

I would say revelation or no revelation this teaching comes from  Brigham's correct understanding of priesthood authority, something we all need to work on.

 

 

Your statement of belief is unclear.  Do you believe this was a revelation from God or just Brigham's

opinion?

 

Thanks

Jim

 

 

Why can't it be both?

Brigham received testimony, revelatory instruction from Joseph Smith, and much experience in the priesthood.

Does it really matter if this point of doctrine came from direct revelation or reasoned understanding of prior revelation and testimony?

 

As Wilford Woodruff said "I consider that if there ever was any man who thoroughly understood the principle of the Endowments it was Brigham Young. He had been with Joseph Smith from the beginning of the Endowments to the end; and he understood it if any man did."

 

I have no idea how Brigham gained this one specific point of knowledge, but nor do I see an reason to doubt him on it given his understanding of priesthood and the temple.

[CV75]

Elias restored the gospel of Abraham which includes celestial marriage. It is eternal increase of the seeds. But Elijah had to come to make the conditional promise binding. So, the power of Elijah is sufficient to make our calling and election sure, it seals against all but murder and denial of the Holy Ghost. There is as you said yet another, it is the power of Messiah and represents the completion

 

The capstone of earthly ordinances is celestial marriage. There are other priesthood keys but such keys are reserved for after this life.If Joseph obtained keys to the resurrection they were after his death. 

I think we're on the same page. My overarching points are that both keys and ordinances of exaltation are delivered in temples; the earth has temples for this purpose in its telestial, Millennial and Celestial states; and the Lord serves us in and through each of them in a progressive fashion as we make our way back to Him and as Articles of Faith 9 plays out.

[CV75]

This is still not true.

I cannot speak of that which you are calling out from my experience as not being true! The efficacy of the temple marriage ordinance as we have it is dependent on the subject of baptism for the dead, and anything that might change or be added is likewise rooted in baptism for the dead--I'm good on all points!

 

What have you experienced beyond temple marriage?

[janderich]

 

The capstone of earthly ordinances is celestial marriage. There are other priesthood keys but such keys are reserved for after this life.

If Joseph obtained keys to the resurrection they were after his death.

 

The first part is incorrect in my opinion.  The second is most likely, from a previously resurrected being, Christ.

 

So you disagree that celestial marriage is the capstone of earthly ordinances? What then in your opinion is above this ordinance (that can be found on earth)?

[JLHPROF]

So you disagree that celestial marriage is the capstone of earthly ordinances? What then in your opinion is above this ordinance (that can be found on earth)?

 

 

The second anointing.

Without it the exaltation needed to make the Celestial Marriage permanent isn't available.

I imagine one big grouping of the temple work needing to be done in the Millennium will be this ordinance for saints that died without it.

Edited July 12, 2015 by JLHPROF

[janderich]

Btw aren't topics much more interesting than always discussing gay marriage, polygamy and other usual topics around here?

Absolutely

[janderich]

 

So you disagree that celestial marriage is the capstone of earthly ordinances? What then in your opinion is above this ordinance (that can be found on earth)?

 

 

The second anointing.

Without it the exaltation needed to make the Celestial Marriage permanent isn't available.

I imagine the big grouping of the temple work needing to be done in the Millennium will be this ordinance for saints that died without it.

 

Perhaps, I'll have to think about that some more. But at any rate the second anointing done by earthly hands is just another form. It still must follow the process of being sealed and entered into.

[JulieM]

So you disagree that celestial marriage is the capstone of earthly ordinances? What then in your opinion is above this ordinance (that can be found on earth)?

 

The second anointing.

Without it the exaltation needed to make the Celestial Marriage permanent isn't available.

I imagine one big grouping of the temple work needing to be done in the Millennium will be this ordinance for saints that died without it.

I would love a thread discussing the second anointing where you share what you know about this ordinance, JLHPROF. From what I can tell, even very active members know very little (if anything) about it!

[JLHPROF]

 

 

 

The second anointing.

Without it the exaltation needed to make the Celestial Marriage permanent isn't available.

I imagine one big grouping of the temple work needing to be done in the Millennium will be this ordinance for saints that died without it.

I would love a thread discussing the second anointing where you share what you know about this ordinance, JLHPROF. From what I can tell, even very active members know very little (if anything) about it!

 

 

Which is strange since there is plenty written on the subject.  It is scriptural, recorded clearly in Church history, and still performed in the Church today.

But since it is so sacred much of the discussion would verge on breaking the "no temple content" rule.  Just as with the endowment the full text is available online, but there is something so blasphemous about it being readily readable.  I am always torn between studying these things and growing in knowledge of the gospel vs making light of sacred things.

 

But Joseph Smith was very clear that it was the necessary step to receiving your Calling and Election Made Sure (the visitation of Christ, the second Comforter.).

Edited July 12, 2015 by JLHPROF

[CV75]

The following sources include authoritative instructions on the sure word of prophecy (calling and election made sure) and its connection to the temple marriage ordinance that apply to our generation. There is no mention—and no need to mention—a required ordinance called “the second anointing”:

 

http://emp.byui.edu/marrottr/callelectsurjsbrmc.htm#MakeCESureMGR

 

https://www.lds.org/ensign/1976/07/accepted-of-the-lord-the-doctrine-of-making-your-calling-and-election-sure?lang=eng

 

https://rsc.byu.edu/archived/shedding-light-new-testament/10-joseph-smiths-inspired-commentary-doctrine-calling-and

 

We of this generation are not missing out on anything!

[JLHPROF]

The following sources include authoritative instructions on the sure word of prophecy (calling and election made sure) and its connection to the temple marriage ordinance that apply to our generation. There is no mention—and no need to mention—a required ordinance called “the second anointing”:

 

http://emp.byui.edu/marrottr/callelectsurjsbrmc.htm#MakeCESureMGR

 

https://www.lds.org/ensign/1976/07/accepted-of-the-lord-the-doctrine-of-making-your-calling-and-election-sure?lang=eng

 

https://rsc.byu.edu/archived/shedding-light-new-testament/10-joseph-smiths-inspired-commentary-doctrine-calling-and

 

We of this generation are not missing out on anything!

 

Christ would disagree.  He had the ordinance performed for the apostles and by his wife.

 

Joseph Smith would disagree.  He had the ordinance performed for the apostles and by his wife.

 

The scriptures still contain Revelation 1:6 last I checked.

 

And this ordinance is still being performed so it is available and being performed by our current General Authorities for some reason.

There was a big debate among general authorities in the 1930's when the performance of this was reduced, but it has never ceased.

 

And even if not mentioned in those sources, it is still required to have your Calling and Election made Sure.  Without it we cannot receive that blessing.  Any source that proclaims an ordinance revealed from heaven to be unnecessary is about as valid as the Christian who calls Baptism an unnecessary work.

 

Joseph Smith taught that the ordinances were created before the foundation of the world and are not to be changed or altered.  All men must be saved/exalted by the same process.  He also taught that if ordinances are changed so is the priesthood that we hold.  There is a direct connection between priesthood authority and unchanging ordinances.  D&C 130 is clear that EVERY blessing has a law attached and if the law is not lived the blessing is not given, even if God himself revoke the law according to D&C 58.  That includes the blessing of the second comforter. 

Edited July 13, 2015 by JLHPROF

[Tacenda]

I went to RS today and regret it. I don't think I can stand to go back. Today they of course talked about the temple. Then it turned into a discussion about how we need to get the youth to go as often as possible. One mother spoke to say she takes her younger children to just go and touch the temple. I don't think this idol worship is right.

[why me]

I went to RS today and regret it. I don't think I can stand to go back. Today they of course talked about the temple. Then it turned into a discussion about how we need to get the youth to go as often as possible. One mother spoke to say she takes her younger children to just go and touch the temple. I don't think this idol worship is right.

And of course you were silent about it all? I would have spoken up and stated my opinion. People are people and people have a host of ideas and misunderstandings. But it is up to you to speak up in such meetings and state your opinions about idol worhip etc. Why remain silent and use it against what they say if you remain silent?

 

But I have seen this before from other posters on other boards too. They seem to 'relish' in hearing strange things coming out of lds mouths and but say nothing to get them to think about what they are saying and offering a different perspective. Such meetings should be learning opportunities for all.