"..the bringing in of a better hope; by the which we draw nigh unto God..."
An individual whose heart is hardened cannot make the necessary sacrifice of a broken heart and a contrite spirit that will enable him/her to lay hold upon the promised blessings.
Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness (probation), and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God (the purpose of the gospel-reconnecting directly to God, which Moses had already experienced) even the Father, and live. Notice that Moses plainly taught them. The problem wasn't their misunderstanding of doctrine, but in Israel's unwillingness to be sanctified and ascend the mount to meet God face to face. The fiery mount frightened them-they could not endure God's presence because of their hardened condition, voluntarily cutting themselves off from further light and knowledge, and the opportunity of entering into his rest, or the fulness of his glory.
One of the underlying messages gleaned from this account is that God intends that every individual ascends for a personal experience, personal knowledge, personal reconnection and communion with the divine.."by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil.." (Hebrews 10:20).
The Lord's visit to the Nephites included a one on one opportunity for each person that was present to feel the prints of the nails in his hands and feet. The brother of Jared also received this personal ministration-that this man might know that he was God. A kingdom of priests is not comprised of one man's connection to heaven but of each individual's connection to heaven.."for the day must come when no man need say to his neighbor, know ye the Lord; for all shall know Him from the least to the greatest.."
Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness (probation), and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God (the purpose of the gospel-reconnecting directly to God, which Moses had already experienced) even the Father, and live. Notice that Moses plainly taught them. The problem wasn't their misunderstanding of doctrine, but in Israel's unwillingness to be sanctified and ascend the mount to meet God face to face. The fiery mount frightened them-they could not endure God's presence because of their hardened condition, voluntarily cutting themselves off from further light and knowledge, and the opportunity of entering into his rest, or the fulness of his glory.
One of the underlying messages gleaned from this account is that God intends that every individual ascends for a personal experience, personal knowledge, personal reconnection and communion with the divine.."by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil.." (Hebrews 10:20).
Partaking of the Heavenly Gift: Faith Transitions to Knowledge
The Lord's visit to the Nephites included a one on one opportunity for each person that was present to feel the prints of the nails in his hands and feet. The brother of Jared also received this personal ministration-that this man might know that he was God. A kingdom of priests is not comprised of one man's connection to heaven but of each individual's connection to heaven.."for the day must come when no man need say to his neighbor, know ye the Lord; for all shall know Him from the least to the greatest.."
Section 84 reminds us that "the Father teacheth him of the covenant" of sonship. "The Lord hath sworn..thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek" (Psalm 110:4). Consider these following steps:
- Holding fast our profession (obedience)
- Come boldly to the throne of grace (sacrifice)
- Enter into his rest, obtain saving knowledge (being redeemed from the fall)
- Oath and covenant of the priesthood (obtained from the Father)
Moroni's Discourse on Knowledge, Grace, and Miracles
Like Paul, Moroni touches on multiple doctrinal concepts while elaborating on the heavenly gift. Chief among these is the power of faith. He uses some key words that help us understand what he is teaching: surety (in the promises given by God), a more excellent hope (received by actual knowledge that God has extended eternal promises to you, i.e., calling and election.
- believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, even at the right hand of God
- an anchor to the soul, sure and steadfast
- prepared a way that thereby others might be partakers of the heavenly gift
- In the gift of his Son hath God prepared a more excellent way
