I picked this up when I was in Cardston. Had a little dust on it and I thought I would re-read it. Wow - it is like reading a new book. I was so busy trying to read the hard crunchy middle, that I forgot to savor the soft chewy outside...... I literally read it backwards and did not focus so much on the good stuff at the beginning. So many principles and good stuff in there.
If you have read it before - please pull it back out and take another read. I am reading it slowly this time. Sipping - instead of gulping. Last read took a half a day - in one sitting. This one will take several days to a week of deliberate study and looking for things I have learned in the past three years.
That book is the single-most defining work (other than scripture) that I have read in my life. It nailed down so many things for me and I could relate to nearly everything.
Enjoy it!
I've read it 5 times!
ReplyDeleteVisions of Glory is second only to the standard works in its spiritual depth. The things you learn from it with consecutive readings are incredible. It's almost modern scripture--it's that inspired. And if events occur based on how the book describes, that book should be treated like scripture. Think about it--we really do not have an example of modern scripture, a work that actually describes the spirit world, angels, future events, and so on. The nearest comparison we have to contemporary scripture is conference talks, but that's apples and oranges. Conference talks give valuable guidance; they do not give us prophecy. VoG is more like a contemporary, digestible, understandable Book of Revelations or Isaiah.
ReplyDeleteThe book of Isaiah and Revelation can only be understood by the gift of the Spirit of prophecy. Which many won't and don't seek for. The book of Isaiah, we are COMMANDED by Jesus Christ to search the words of. He didn't say that about Visions of Glory. The book of Revelation Joseph Smith said is one of the "plainest books ever written". And we are told by John that we will be blessed for reading his visions. If you study Hebrew you'll pick up on the Jewish feasts/traditions in the Book of Revelation and there is a timeline given. The actual "war in heaven" hasn't occurred yet. Satan STILL has access to Heaven and pesters God accusing us day and night.
ReplyDeleteComparing Visions of Glory "second only to the standard works in spiritual depth" is quite bold, insulting to the Creator, and foolish. By what authority do you have to make such a statement and have God back it up?
"Spencer" with his humble sweet self would tell you he's a sinner come short of the glory of God like the rest of us and that his experience was for himself but he shared to give hope.
It's wrong and weak and to substitute these NDE experiences as translations for holy books of scripture. I testify in the name of Jesus Christ that He can and will open up the "eyes of our understanding" if we have TRUE love and reverence for Him and keep His commandments. As with the brother of Jared, NOTHING can be with held from us and the veil will be parted.
The Lord is owed an apology for the comparison of VoG to His written word that cost the lives of His prophets who so bravely walked in obedience.
And I can truly say when I reach the end of the Isaiah chapters in the Book of Mormon and begin reading the "regular text" again, my spirit has to adjust to the language and I actually miss the absolute beauty and fire of Isaiah's command of language. I actually "feel" something leave me that I was enveloped in. Yes, the Spirit attends while reading the rest of the Book of Mormon, but not so strong as when the Isaiah parts are read.
Isaiah's teachings are in so many layers and only the truly humble who love and reverence God will have it revealed to them. Avraham Gileadi can help as he is a Hebrew scholar as well and has basically given his life to the study of Isaiah.
VoG has its place but NEVER EVER second only to the Standard Works. I am floored by your "think about it......." comment as well.
Oh and by the way, as far as I know we're not condemned as a Church for not reading VoG, but we ARE for neglect of the Book of Mormon.
That being said, better make sure you have the Gift of the Holy Ghost fully operational in your life, learn Hebrew, study the Jewish traditions JESUS followed as a child into adulthood, how they correspond to His life and ministry and death because they were what was happening when He spoke most of his teachings to His followers and up the VERY moment He died, and how the unfulfilled Feast holidays all point to the timing of His coming, READ the Book of Mormon over and over and SEARCH the words of Isaiah!
And by the way, when Gordon B. Hinkley said in his CONFERENCE TALK, "the sun has been darkened", that was how the prophets of old spoke in code to tell us that the Gads have gotten above us. I believe it was 1995. And Henry B. Eyring speaking of places of refuge, and Harold B. Lee telling us to prepare and then not be disturbed in our feelings BOTH in CONFERENCE TALKS.....Hello??????????
Living on borrowed light will not get anyone through the great and terrible Day to come. And that's just what groupies of NDE books are in for.
@ Anonymus- January 9....
DeleteI rarely post comment or reply but your comment was not written via the Spirit. Contention nor contempt for others belief never was the Spirit.
I agree that Isaiah's words are powerful and beautiful and certainly from God...yet Isaiah was also a mortal man who was given a vision as many that have lived since and live now.
Anonymus who posted about how he felt about VofG was simply stating that he/she felt the Spirit in the information shared by Spencer. Not once did they condemn others who may disagree. Simply he/she shared what their expeience was.
Who are any of us to judge that someone is not under the influence of the Spirit, or has not studied extensively the words of Isaiah and other prophets/men, or books/words of all scripture/prophets?
I only reply to remind those who would speak with contempt and scorn to remember Luke and Matthew etc. about removing the plank/beam/mote from ones own eye before trying to remove it from thy brothers/sisters eye.
None of know another's knowledge, experience, or wisdom of a fellow son or daughter of God. We need to always speak in kindness, removing all anger, frustration, and contention from our thoughts and our words.
Then we may know, that we are on the right path. God bless, everyone!
No, you're wrong and you're the one being judgmental.
DeleteI will always defend God's written word as delivered by His holy prophets under HIS AUTHORITY to be delivered to the inhabitants of earth.
No one should ever put the Standard Works in a category with ANY OTHER BOOK unless it is authorized scripture given by the Lord through the voice of a prophet of God.
And Conference talks do give us REVELATION, not just "valuable guidance."
And YES, my comment was written in the fire of the Spirit! Again WHO ARE YOU to judge that it wasn't?
I defended God's word against two false statements you in your luke warm position would allow others to follow and believe.
I was not speaking with contempt and scorn. Only TRUTH!
The commenter was in a sense leading others to cast aside the Standard Works and Conference talks by General Authorities in favor of Visions of Glory. I'm sure "Spencer" would want his experience to lead others to the Standard Works and Conference talks. Not be a replacement for them.
Yes, Isaiah was a mortal man. Look at the place of honor he holds with the Savior as to have his words COMMANDED TO BE READ AND SEARCHED! Isaiah was a chosen PROPHET. Spencer is NOT a prophet. Isaiah's words are for the whole world. Spencer's experience was JUST FOR HIM but he chose to share.
And by the way, Jesus was also a mortal man at one time. He just had the power to not die until the Passover Lamb was being slaughtered at the EXACT SAME TIME OF DAY WHEN HE DIED TO FULFILL PROPHECY THAT HE IS THE CHOSEN MESSIAH.
I now join the ranks of the newest post of "There are always going to be haters for those...." And GLADLY SO!
John Pontius, now deceased wrote many wonderful and inspiring things.
ReplyDeleteHe even did an interview with Spencer that was recorded prior to his death. For more faith promoting reads look at his story of how the Book of Mormon was translated into Afrikans. For the most definitive essay on the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood his was 16 pages. Truly uplifting reading and listening.