This is more of a check-list of the milestones of how it happens, not necessarily the mechanics of it:
from LDS web:
"The word priesthood has two meanings. First, priesthood
is the power and authority of God. It has always existed and will
continue to exist without end (see Alma 13:7–8; D&C 84:17–18).
Through the priesthood, God created
and governs the heavens and the earth. Through this power, He exalts
His obedient children, bringing to pass “the immortality and eternal
life of man” ( Moses 1:39; see also D&C 84:35–38). Second, in
mortality, priesthood is the power and authority that God gives to man
to act in all things necessary for the salvation of God’s children. The
blessings of the priesthood are available to all who receive the gospel.
(“ Priesthood Authority” Handbook 2, Administering the Church)
The
keys of the priesthood are the right to preside and direct the affairs
of the Church within a jurisdiction. Jesus Christ holds all the keys of
the priesthood pertaining to His Church. He has conferred upon each of
His Apostles all the keys that pertain to the kingdom of God on earth.
The senior living Apostle, the President of the Church, is the only
person on earth authorized to exercise all priesthood keys."
As
it says, Jesus Christ holds all the keys of the Priesthood. He is our
key. " “After a person has faith in Christ, repents of his sins, and is
baptized for the remission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost (by
the laying on of hands), which is the first Comforter, then let him
continue to humble himself before God, hungering and thirsting after
righteousness, and living by every word of God, and the Lord will soon
say unto him, ‘Son, thou shalt be exalted.’ When the Lord has thoroughly
proved him, and finds that the man is determined to serve him at all
hazards, then the man will find his calling and his election made sure”
(Smith, Teachings, 150)."
People think that it takes a life time for this to happen. Hungering and thirsting require a focused determination akin to survival mode. If you were out in the desert and you haven't eating anything for three days and very little or no water either and you saw an oasis a mile or so out before you. Your survival mode instincts would kick in. Adrenalin would begin to pump through your veins and you knew that if I am going to live, I must reach that oasis or I will die. In other words, how badly do you want eternal life? The Lord is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him. That means those who diligently seek His face in this life. I would like to see a post on the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost. That must proceed the C&E experience. Thanks for posting this.
ReplyDeleteI think a sign that we're heading in the right direction individually is when the things of the world become distasteful to us. I find the more I listen to spiritual music, read out of the best books, that even the music I listen to on the radio seems to promote unrighteousness in what used to seem "acceptable" years ago and is just plain yucky now. My spirit is offended and I have to turn it off or tolerate it at best when others want to hear it. Then I find that I cannot be without my music/scriptures/good books anywhere it seems. I MUST have access to the WORD of GOD in these forms along with inspiration and guidance via the Holy Ghost.
ReplyDeleteAnd it's so true what President Kimball told us. When we get "casual" in our relationship with Deity, the heavens seem to close and the darkness gathers round. Return to repentance, praying always, and exposing your senses to Godly things. It would seem if the Holy Ghost, who is a God, is your companion, you're doing pretty darned good! So it's simple. Inventory yourself for any form of idolatry. Be honest about it. Cast it behind you and don't look back.
Two of my favorite verses that swell my heart with love for God and teach us SO MUCH are these from Moses 6: 33-34. The Lord speaking to Enoch:
33 Say unto this people: CHOOSE ye this day to SERVE the LORD GOD WHO MADE YOU.
34 Behold my Spirit is UPON YOU, (Enoch), wherefore all they words will I justify; and the mountains shall flee before you, and the rivers shall turn from their course; and THOU SHALT ABIDE IN ME, AND I IN YOU; THEREFORE WALK WITH ME.
Truly, is there anything more intimate, loving, and beautiful than this conversation and promise between God and man? Can you imagine having this conversation with God?
In every single instance in the scriptures you will find the ones who are walking with God are the ones who have left the world behind and are now peculiar and persecuted by friends, family, and foe alike, because they're not partaking of sinful things.
If Enoch were here today, would he watch the Super Bowl, American Idol, Soap Operas? Would he listen to Country or Rock Music? Would he go water skiing on Sunday? Would he read the National Enquirer or People magazines? Would he gaze longingly at gold and diamond jewelry in display cases? Would he hang posters of his favorite celebrities on the walls of his home? Would he act snobby because he has money? Would he obligate future income for a BMW or a vacation? Would he not have food storage? Would he be texting all the time and be emotionally attached to his smartphone? Would he give up two hours to watch a movie instead of opening his scriptures? Would he have to take a few days to feel worthy to give a blessing? Would he use swear words or gossip? Would he look upon ANY commandment with shame?
I ask all of this to make a point. You see, Enoch was no more special than any of us and he certainly sinned at least one time in his life for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. But he was set apart and for one reason only. OBEDIENCE to and LOVE for GOD.
He didn't have one foot in Zion and the other in Babylon. So if we choose Zion, then stay with it. Be patient and wait with joy and patience upon the Lord's timing. Tthe eyes of our Father are constantly searching to and fro for those who love Him and will have Him to be their God. Are those eyes fixed on us or are we being overlooked today?
The Psalms are a feast for the soul and a blueprint for righteousness. I recommend getting a Hebrew edition with English transliteration so that you can learn to read them in Hebrew as well. God bless all in their desire to leave the world behind and walk with God.