Let Us Search Them: How Do We Search?

"...he that hath the scriptures, let him search them..." (3 Nephi 10:14).

The command to search His words should not be confused with daily scripture study. There exists a key to searching His words, and I would like to share it with you. Before I do, however, there is an important truth that you need to know. When God speaks His words and causes them to be recorded, His words are very specific and cannot be trifled with. They are not meant for private interpretation. They are not to be transfigured or changed. They are to be searched so His words can be verified by Him in every particular. (3 Nephi 23:1; 1 Nephi 15:10; 2 Nephi 32:7; Alma 17:2; Alma 33:2; Jacob 4:6; Mosiah 1:7; Alma 25:17).

When Annie and I taught 8 and 9 year olds in Primary, we would write a scripture on the board and underline words and phrases which needed to be defined before we could understand the scripture. Then we would search for and find other scriptures that defined the underlined words and phrases. And in this manner, by searching, we could all come to understand.

With that note, let's begin to 'search' 2 Nephi Chapter 31. 

As you go through each verse, ask yourself what words or phrases you need to have defined. I have highlighted some for you. This is not meant to be exhaustive, but to give you enough so you can see the benefits of searching, one of which is, that you are being taught directly by God. 

There are, however, a few shalt nots.

¹Don't assume

²Don't think you know

³Don't think being close is OK

"And now I, Nephi, make an end of my prophesying unto you, my beloved brethren. And I cannot write but a few things, which I know must surely come to pass; neither can I write but a few of the words of my brother Jacob."

So right away we have a parallelism that defines the word "things" as "words." The words "things" and "words" are linked by the phrase that Nephi 'cannot write but a few things/Nephi cannot write but a few words.' This is reinforced with Nephi saying at the beginning of verse 2, "the things which I have written." So whenever you see the phrase "these things" you can be sure that it means "these words." In fact in Hebrew "these things" mean "these words." 

Nephi refers to the words of His brother Jacob. As anyone can obtain and teach His words, can the words Jacob taught add to the words Nephi taught? Whenever you see a reference to the writings of another, chances are good that their words are worth searching as well.

"Wherefore, the things which I have written sufficeth me, save it be a few words which I must speak concerning the doctrine of Christ; wherefore, I shall speak unto you plainly, according to the plainness of my prophesying."

He has given us the subject that he is going to write about--the doctrine of Christ. But beware of what you may think you already know. Never substitute what you think you know or may have heard, because once you do, you are in danger of transfiguringing His words, giving them your own interpretation, or just repeating what others may have said. Also ask yourself, what does Nephi mean by the word plainness? Again do not venture a guess! Do not be quick to think you already know! You don't! The key to searching is to be taught by His words, which are not only truth, but light and spirit, even the Spirit of Christ. 

The key is this: search everywhere in scripture to find the words or phrases you want defined. In this verse I have highlighted "doctrine of Christ" and "plainness." Concerning the doctrine of Christ, for example you will undoubtedly search out 3 Nephi 11. And see what Nephi says about "plainness" and "plain" in 2 Nephi 32:7.

"For my soul delighteth in plainness; for after this manner doth the Lord God work among the children of men. For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding."

The highlighted words should be your focus. Again he uses "plainness" as the manner of which God works among us. The words He speaks are plain because they give "light" unto our understanding. Also whenever the words "plain" or "plainness" appear in scripture, chances are good that additional meaning will be discovered, by learning and by revelation. He will reward you for searching with never before seen meanings and connections to truth, as you are starting to see, hear and understand His words. Compare His words to pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Each word can be fitted with the next until you can see the whole truth. Too often we only have pieces with no idea how they fit together to form a more complete picture. 

Each time you find more on what He means by light, you will be rewarded with more. This is why we never stop at a little here and a little there, which is only the means to receiving more. You will even learn and experience what He means by "more."

"Wherefore, I would that ye should remember that I have spoken unto you concerning that prophet which the Lord showed unto me, that should baptize the Lamb of God, which should take away the sins of the world."

Ask yourself why do I need to remember? The word "remember" is often used in the Book of Mormon to call our attention to other records or references to the subject matter being written about. In this case we can remember the biblical account of that prophet being John the Baptist. The word "remember" is a link to other witnesses of the truth being taught. 

Who is a prophet? What does it take for someone to be a prophet? Why was Nephi a prophet? What do prophets do? A prophet prophecies. Of what? Search and find out. You will come to know that even you can be a prophet with the Spirit of Prophecy. Chapter 31 starts by Nephi saying he is making an end of his prophecies. Go back and search His prophecies. He says his prophecies are plain, but they will not become plain to you without searching them.

"And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!"

By referencing baptize or baptism with many other scriptures you can see how the puzzle works. Do not rely on what you think it means to be baptized. You will certainly fall way short of its necessity, its purpose, its results, why it is God’s commandment, why it cannot be separated from repentance, from grace. Why it is the doctrine of God and Christ? Why does he say that anything more or less than baptism and repentance is not of God, but is of the devil? But you have to search the scriptures. The index is helpful, but not always complete. The key is to be open as you search because He adds more each time baptism appears in scripture. Being holy or unholy are key words to understanding the doctrine of and necessity of baptism.

"And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water?"

Begin a search on "righteousness" and you will learn that only God is righteous, that man cannot be righteous. His righteousness can be imputed to us, however. So much to find, learn and then know!

"Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments."

Here is the most common mistake generational members make: they do not know His commandments. Oh, they think they do! All you have to do to know His commandments is to read a few verses ahead. Hint: it begins with "the Father said...." His commandments are not the long list we hear and repeat in church.

"Wherefore, after he was baptized with water the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove.

"And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them.

"And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father?

"And the Father said: Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son."

His commandments. And as you search you will find many references that tell you what His commandments are. This will be difficult if you have been brought up being taught the Gospel of men mingled with scripture rather than light and truth. Searching leads you to the ever increasing and ever brighter light and truth. Don't just focus on what I have highlighted. Highlight and search what you need to understand and desire to know.

"And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do."

I will let you search out the highlighted words and phrases in this verse. If you do you will discover the path to becoming like Him.

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism—yea, by following your Lord and your Savior down into the water, according to his word, behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost; and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels, and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel."

I will help you more on this verse because it is of critical importance that you come to know and understand. I have highlighted many words and phrases in this verse, but will touch upon them with only one or two references. The rest is for you to discover--treasures without end. 

The first word I highlighted was "follow" because it is much more than just following Him into the waters of baptism. We follow Him, for example, when we teach what He taught. And what did He teach? His Father's words, and only His Father's words (John 12:49-50)! Does this add more to what it means to follow him? How about "do the things which you have seen me do"?

Next highlight is "full purpose of heart." Following Him is not for the faint of heart. It is not giving lip service. When he says "no hypocrisy and no deception" what does He mean? For one thing, He is qualifying "full purpose of heart." You can search what He means by hypocrisy, but let me say one thing about deception. We cannot deceive Him, but we can deceive ourselves. He is telling us not to deceive ourselves, which gives you a hint about being a hypocrite. By inference the answer to our self deception is the word of God. We tell ourselves many stories about ourselves, and can easily justify ourselves into believing our life is based on His truth, when it isn't. 

Repenting as the Lord defines this aspect of His doctrine is a must. As you search what He tells us what it means to repent, you will come to know that every truth is linked in one way or another to repentance. My search has led me to share 23 posts on repentance, with repentance being the theme of my blog along with coming to actually repenting through His words.

Sins are described in scripture as being impossible to count and catalog because there are so many ways to sin as you hopefully will discover. Being under the bondage of sin is the state of those who do not repent.

When we are baptized we witness unto the Father that we are willing to take upon ourselves His name. There is no basis in scripture for saying we make covenants when we are baptized and renew them when we partake of the sacrament. This is repeated so often without regard to what Christ actually says. Close, but not quite, and being close is the same as being wrong. When we partake of the sacrament we "witness" unto the Father that we are "willing" to take upon us His name. It is not a promise that we will, but a witness to our Father that we want to, that we are willing to. This witness each week validates our choosing Him, His goodness and righteousness, our repentance, not our keeping a covenant. So easy to miss the mark, but searching His words is the key to not being deceived by false teachings, and not deceiving ourselves. 

"According to his word" is the benchmark. We get in the way because of His word, and we stay in the way by feasting upon His words. There is no other way. Everything is done according to His word. As you search and find endless references to His words, to hearing and heeding His words, to hearing His voice in His words, you will never see "His words" as you once did, unless you quit feasting upon His words and lose all that you had gained, until you know nothing concerning His words. 

"Receive the Holy Ghost" is more than being confirmed a member of the church. Your searching will, again hopefully, be the means to experiencing the Holy Ghost, not just learning about Him. So much to learn and experience. 

Being born of the Spirit by fire--what does it mean? How do you know if you have been born of fire? Another benefit of searching is experiencing His Spirit in His words, receiving, not denying, the Spirit of revelation. 

We come to one of my favorites, being able "to speak with the tongue of angels." What? How can we do this? Nephi gives us the answer in 2 Nephi 32:2-3. 

"Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had received the Holy Ghost ye could speak with the tongue of angels? And now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost?

Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do" (emphasis added).

This gives meaning to Nephi's reference that the Lord teaches us His language (the tongue of angels) in our own language. A shout out to the church by causing His words to be translated into so many languages!

"But, behold, my beloved brethren, thus came the voice of the Son unto me, saying: After ye have repented of your sins, and witnessed unto the Father that ye are willing to keep my commandments, by the baptism of water, and have received the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, and can speak with a new tongue, yea, even with the tongue of angels, and after this should deny me, it would have been better for you that ye had not known me."

Nephi's summary is what prophet writers do. They repeat and reinforce and then add another dimension, in this case ...after repenting, witnessing by being baptized by water and by fire "and of the Holy Ghost, and can speak...with the tongue of angels," and then deny Him..... Wow! Links to Son of Perdition! This should give you new meaning by what He means by enduring to the end.

"And I heard a voice from the Father, saying: Yea, the words of my Beloved are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved."

I can concur with Nephi, having heard and experienced the same. And you can too, if after hearing what happens if you deny Him, can you press forward searching His words with a steadfastness of faith in Him? (I hope you are seeing how His words come together in Him.)

"And now, my beloved brethren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved."

Again repeating and adding something new. Now search what He means by being saved. Your searching will take you to Paul who has much to add about what it means to be saved, about grace, and how Christ saves us.

"Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost."

Do the things which you have seen Him do. This should change how you, for example, search the Gospels in the New Testament as you pay attention to what He did, and what you could do.

"And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive."

As you search the highlighted words, you will learn that strait is not the same as straight. Why is the path narrow? Are there other paths? What does the Lord mean by eternal life and can we receive eternal life in this life? So many questions, but that is part of the key in searching. And so many answers if you search.

We also learn that another power of the Holy Ghost is to witness unto us the Father and the Son. Never confine your mind and intellect to what you think you know or what you believe. 

"And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save."

Three truths here. ¹Only the word gets you in the way and keeps you there. ²Why add the word "unshaken" to faith in Him? And ³rely "wholly" on Christ's merits. This excludes relying on any of your own. But why? 

"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life."

This verse should lead you to Moroni Chapter 7 and others. In 2 Nephi 32, Nephi can't believe, after revealing so much in chapter 31, that the people still did not understand what they should do "after [entering] into the way" (vs. 1). So he repeats in verses 2 and 3. But even then, they still don't understand. It causes him "to mourn because of the unbelief, and the wickedness, and the ignorance, and the stiffneckedness of men; for they will not search knowledge, nor understand great knowledge, when it is given unto them in plainness, even as plain as word can be" (2 Nephi 32:7). What is it that you should do? Note the link between "unshaken faith" and "endure to the end."

"And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen."

My question for you is this: Has Nephi said anything about Christ's gospel? He has taught us the doctrine of Christ, but what about the gospel of Christ? They are not the same. How can you proclaim His gospel if you do not know what His gospel is? Where in scripture has Christ defined His gospel? Search and find out. I will give you a hint. He reveals what His Gospel is in 3 Nephi between chapters 26 and 28. You will either be surprised or disappointed. Why? Surprised that His gospel is not what you have been taught. Disappointed to learn that His gospel is not what you have been taught. Hint: you cannot live His gospel. It is a fiction that feeds the many. 

Why are we commanded to search His words? Because in God and Christ are found all hidden treasures. 

You can also do what I call surfing, that is to just open your scriptures somewhere and start reading. You will immediately see the benefit of your searching because you will see connections and links to what you have searched. And it doesn't matter what book of scripture it is. I like to surf all of them. It really is true that you can "enjoy the words of eternal life in this life" especially as they are alive with truth and light and spirit. Even better, they can become your words, found in you, which means of course that you are becoming more truth, more light and more spirit. And more like Him. Amazing!

Searching the scriptures is God's commandment to all his people, not to a select few. The assumption by some that they "know the gospel" or "know the doctrine"--that if they haven't heard something a hundred times before, it cannot be true--is the very thing that prevents them from perceiving the truth. "Searching''--as distinct from reading or studying--is not an option for understanding them. It is a requirement built into the very fabric of scriptural writings, enlightening the mind of the person who persists in searching, but darkening the minds of those who labor under the premise that they already know. 

See Gentiles in Prophecy for an example of searching and analyzing every scripture where the term Gentiles appears, and then behold as the panorama opens up to you concerning the Gentiles: who they are, why we are identified with the Gentiles, and what is prophesied concerning the Gentiles. After searching and gaining knowledge concerning the Gentiles, pray for the Spirit of Revelation and the Spirit of Prophecy. But before you do, search what is revealed about the Spirit of Revelation and the Spirit of Prophecy.

Serve God by Ministering to One Another--Obstacles

As we become more, we are acquiring God’s character traits by ministering to one another. I don't mean 'minister' as in being a good ministering teacher, but being motivated by His love found in us, and by His power given to us, to bless others both spiritually and temporally.

Beginning as infants, we as human beings progress from being totally dependent on others to acting with increasing independence within growing areas of influence. As we mature physically, we follow God’s pattern by participating in God’s creation. We “beget” or “give birth” to others as they begin new physical and spiritual cycles, thus helping their ascent on the ladder. 

Isaiah teaches that the process of ministering and being ministered to on ever-ascending levels leads to our celestial “exaltation.” By this means—by ministering to one another—we acquire God’s character traits. We learn to follow more and more the pattern of God himself as He calls us to serve others of His people in His name. Alternatively, being “damned in hell” means lapsing to the point of having one’s progress stopped or “dammed”—of being unable, or making it difficult to ascend. 

We create a hell for ourselves by our own foolish actions: we refuse to follow God’s pattern of ascent and instead deny our love and service to others and instead become self serving, like a fruit that rots from the inside out. Neither heaven nor hell waits until the next life; we create them for ourselves on the earth, and they extend right on into the next phase of our existence. 

No ones ruins our lives for us, but we destroy our own lives, as every undeserved “ruin,” in the course of complying with God’s will, leads to “rebirth” when we pass the test.

Only those higher can lift those lower spiritually. 

As God’s people ascend to the Zion/Jerusalem level, they, in turn, teach those still in the Jacob/Israel category, to assist them to ascend also: “Scale the mountain heights, O Zion, herald of good tidings. Raise your voice mightily, O Jerusalem, messenger of good news. Make yourself heard, be not afraid” (Isaiah 40:9). 

In the “last days,” when God’s people repent of transgression and return from exile, Isaiah predicts that “many peoples will go, saying, ‘Come, let us ascend to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may instruct us in his ways, that we may follow in his paths.’ For out of Zion will go forth the law, and from Jerusalem the word of Jehovah” (Isaiah 2:3). 

The work of God’s endtime servant and his associates leads to many of God’s people ascending the ladder and surviving the archtyrant’s cleansing of the earth: “Then will they who are left in Zion and they who remain in Jerusalem be called holy—all who were inscribed to be among the living at Jerusalem” (Isaiah 4:3).

When you hear or read the word minister, what comes to mind? As with all words of God, minister has a specific meaning in scripture. Minister means to teach,◇ but specifically to teach His words, His truth. Isaiah describes those who obtain His words and teach them to others as ministers, as those who serve God by ministering to those below them. Because His words are powerful and most effective, His ministers or His servants teach with power and authority. His truth is found in them to the degree they are exalted to Zion/Jerusalem, to Sons and Daughters of God, to Seraphs. Isaiah calls these righteous who serve God. As His servant is described as Righteousness, so are those who assist in bringing others to God in truth and righteousness. 

As the servant will declare good tidings to the nations of the earth and the isles of the sea, so do God’s righteous servants. As he releases people from bondage and oppression, so do they. As he patiently endures shame and insult for God’s sake, so do they. As he calls on the name of God and fulfills all his will, so do they. As he trusts in God in the face of perils and opposition, so do they. As he is not disgraced but vindicated by God in the end, so are they. As he refutes the wicked who wrongfully accuse him, so do they. As he restores ancient ruins and rebuilds God’s temple, so do they. As he gains grace and honor in the eyes of God, so do they. As he joyfully celebrates God’s salvation, so do they.

To even ascend to Zion/Jerusalem level, all must pass three tests of loyalty.

By passing these tests, God’s people ascend to Zion/Jerusalem, but by failing them they descend to Babylon, where they remain until Babylon is destroyed. Fortunately there is still time to repent, for it is through repentance that we pass these tests.

Whom do we serve? Are we serving God or are we serving ourselves, while we worship others? There will be three tests of loyalty to God for God’s people. These tests also serve as trials for God’s people. 

¹The King of Assyria/Babylon— A Political Dictatorship 

²Idolaters/Idolatry—Materialism and Sensual Gratification 

³False Brethren—Ostracism by Ecclesiastical Authorities/Putting our Trust in Men

Isaiah’s three tests don’t necessarily follow a particular order, yet they are trials of God’s people in every sense. Each attempts to divert their loyalty away from the true God to a counterfeit—to itself. 

The ¹king of Assyria/Babylon represents a political dictatorship that pressures people, under pain of death, to submit to its control. 

²Idolaters seduce people by selling them Babylon’s standard of total materialism and sensual gratification. But the Lord's people have expanded idolatry to include any and all activities that cause them to waste the days of their probation.* 

And ³false brethren abuse their ecclesiastical authority and in God’s name ostracize people who don’t adopt their current religious point of view. In addition, the three tests allude to temptations such as envy, jealousy, lust, hate, anger, pride, and personal ambition.

In Isaiah’s endtime scenario, the archtyrant rises to prominence as a political power as a result of a decline in spirituality among God’s people. An outward form of worship hides an inward emptiness. Thus, Paul predicts that there will “occur a falling away first” before the “man of sin is revealed, the Son of Perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped, so that he as God sits in the temple of God, showing himself to be God.” 

Concerning this usurper’s false claims, Paul adds that God will send the wicked a “powerful delusion, so that they will believe a lie” (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4, 9–11). Having rejected the truth, they buy into his false propaganda. The king of Assyria/Babylon not only pretends to be divine, he wields unprecedented political power. He has the military capacity to realize his self-serving ambition, to wreak havoc and disaster wherever he strikes. As evil as he is, his seemingly invincible strength will sweep many people off their feet, convincing them to submit to his control. 

The temptation to “go over to the winning side” will sway masses of people as it swayed the Germans and other nationals during World War II. However, by giving the archtyrant their allegiance they dissolve any allegiance they may have had to God. Just as those who love darkness cannot comprehend light, what is evil is incompatible with what is good. The archtyrant’s charisma, too, will influence multitudes to go along with his agenda. Isaiah depicts him figuratively as a “mouth,” “tongue,” and “lips,” referring to his power of speech and oratory. Daniel describes him as “a mouth speaking great things” (Daniel 7:8, 20; emphasis added). Isaiah further characterizes him as a “rod,” “staff,” and “scourge,” reflecting his ability to enforce his rule. Ezekiel predicts mass destruction in a day when violence springs up as a “rod of wickedness” (Ezekiel 7:11; emphasis added).

If we would resist the most powerful force for evil the world has ever known, we must believe that “this too will pass”—that God will deliver those who wait for him. 

The evil influence idolaters have on God’s people may be subtler than the two other challenges, but it is equally deadly. Isaiah represents idolatry as “harlotry”—unfaithfulness to God’s covenant. People become complacent and forget about God as they immerse themselves in the pleasures of Babylon. According to Isaiah, their loving and coveting of material possessions and worldly activities is idolatry, and the effect of idolatry is spiritual blindness. When they are “blind” and “deaf,” people perceive truth as falsehood and falsehood as truth. 

Although an entire society engages in idolatry, God’s people are not justified in doing so. No matter how entrenched Babylon is, all who would ascend must learn to rise above it. 

John predicts that many in the world will worship the image of the “Beast.” Those who refuse to accept the Beast’s “mark,” he says, will be unable to buy or sell. For those who belong to Babylon, worshiping this idol will be more of what they are already doing. On the other hand, to escape Babylon’s net when it is cast over everyone, we must determine beforehand how we will survive. Although Isaiah doesn’t go into detail on this, his scenario shows how idolatry will have a tight hold on God’s people and that economic collapse will follow. 

In God’s Day of Judgment, he declares, when the wicked suffer famine and destitution, the righteous will “eat the fruits of their own labors” (Isaiah 3:10). They must choose between him and “gods who cannot save.” God warns his people to “come to their senses” and forsake their idols. He will forgive them when they grind their gods to powder, “leaving no idols of prosperity and shining images standing.” 

Moses had required this of those who worshiped the golden calf. God asks his people to “turn to me and save yourselves” from the ends of the earth. God has chosen them to be his “witnesses,” to testify that without him there is no “salvation,” that apart from him there is no God. It is God’s will that his people “magnify the law and become illustrious,” receiving all the blessings of the covenant. They must choose between him and “gods who cannot save” (Isaiah 27:9; 42:21; 43:10–12; 45:20, 22; 46:8). 

Another trial God’s people face is the tendency by some to control others’ spiritual lives. Driven by an ungodly loathing of those more zealous for God than themselves, certain “brethren”—religious leaders—misuse their authority by acting “holier than thou.” Contrary to counsel Jesus gave, they pull out the wheat with the tares, blacklisting and excommunicating those whom they deem unfit or trouble makers. These suffer the misfortune of being social outcasts, of being treated as heretics and apostates. 

They must deal with the paradox of so-called men of God—“shepherds” of the people—making a pretense of mediating God’s covenant while, in fact, persecuting them in His name (Isaiah 56:3, 10–12; 61:7; 66:5). 

Ezekiel, too, describes false brethren as “shepherds” who, instead of feeding the flock, scatter and drive it away. They feed themselves from the fattest. They don’t care for the sick to bind them up nor rescue those astray. The sheep wander wherever they can, becoming a prey to “wild beasts”—forces foreign and hostile to God. God responds by raising up his servant, who gathers the outcasts from whence they are scattered. God appoints His servant as His people’s “prince” and “shepherd,” establishing His covenant with those he gathers (Ezekiel 34). Ezekiel’s scenario thus parallels Isaiah’s, except that Ezekiel emphasizes the shepherds’ abuses whereas Isaiah highlights how people handle them. 

In the end, those who claim God’s authority in support of their unrighteous leadership see their worst fears realized—they lose their place in the kingdom of God. God brings them to judgment and releases them as shepherds. They themselves become a prey to “wild beasts.” The shame they brought on others comes on themselves in full. 

Isaiah likens persecution by false brethren to the Woman Zion, God’s spouse, going into labor, also called the “birthpangs of the Messiah.” She gives birth to God’s “son” or servant, and to a “nation” of God’s children. This nation consists of those whom the servant gathers, who ascend to Zion/Jerusalem (Isaiah 55:4–5; 56:8–11; 61:1–3; 66:5–9).

Such challenges can present huge difficulties for God’s people. Through these trials, they learn to let God fight their battles while they maintain their personal integrity. As they repudiate every power that rivals God’s, they conquer their fear of death, deprivation, and rejection. They face the worst and realize that God sustains them, thus passing the test of their loyalty. To those who fear him—who loathe to offend him—God is a “sanctuary” in the midst of trouble. As they overcome opposition, God transforms their state of weakness into one of strength. The adversity they endured for being loyal to God—for being different from the rest of society—was the very thing that propelled them upward. 

Those who fail these tests suffer a similar fate as the people who challenge them. Siding with evil may momentarily satisfy worldly lusts or personal ambition but may permanently distance a person from God. At the last, all that was gained is lost. God’s justice requires that He brings the wicked to judgment. The archtyrant makes an end of idolaters and false brethren, but God’s servant makes an end of the archtyrant. The oppressors’ anti-God attitude causes God to intervene. 

Those who seize God’s power, who ingratiate themselves into His position, end up disinherited and humiliated. Those who unjustly suffer humiliation at the hands of evil authorities, God moves up the ladder. 

So, simply calling ourselves God’s covenant people will not decide our destiny at the end of the world. A person may confess that he is committed to God but at the same time pursue antichrist endeavors. He may claim to be a Jew, Christian, Moslem, or member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but in reality be an idolater. He may be a professor of religion but irreligiously tyrannize God’s people, believing that they are in error. 

What people do, and what they desire in their hearts, determines what level of the ladder they are on. ¹Do they trust in God or the arm of flesh? ²Do they love God or the lusts of Babylon? ³Do they observe God’s law and word or the commandments of men? Do they release others from oppression or oppress others? Do they minister to one another ◇the greatest good or some other good?

*See That Which We Work For We Worship. 

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Some ideas and narrative I captured from Isaiah Decoded: Ascending the Ladder to Heaven by Avraham Gileadi, which helped me make connections to the obstacles we face in serving God and ministering to one another.

Wasting The Days of Our Probation

"...nevertheless there was a ¹space granted unto man ²in which he might repent; therefore ³this life became a probationary state; a ⁴time to prepare to meet God; a ⁵time to prepare for that endless state which has been spoken of by us, which is ⁶after the resurrection of the dead (Alma 12:24)

It is never too late until it is too late. There are countless ways that we can live our lives here and many things that we can do. I want to share some examples of how people have lived full, rich lives, and then ask if they have or have not wasted the days of their probation? I will let you answer after reading what the Lord has said.

And by wasting the days of their probation, I mean, as Nephi said: "But wo unto him that ¹has the law given, yea, that ²has all the commandments of God, ³like unto us, and ⁴that transgresseth them, and ⁵that wasteth the days of his probation, for ⁶awful is his state" (2 Nephi 9:27 emphasis added)! 

The names have been changed to protect their identity. Assume that each of their lives were also full of love, caring, positive memories, church and family. They also experienced illness, death and sorrow.

Harlin and Catherine have been married for over 50 years. They raised three children, achieved financial independence, and travel extensively. They surround themselves with numerous friends. They are creating a lifetime of cherished memories. Their hobbies, however, are different. 

Catherine is a talented writer and creates family histories and family photo books. They are priceless and enjoyed by family and friends. Harlin is into success stories, reading and learning how some of America's most prominent businessmen have achieved their success. He is a business graduate from a prestigious university. He shares these stories with others, including his children and grandchildren. Later in his life he added podcasts as a method of learning more about these principles, and the successful individuals who applied them. People, however, are his real passion. Their home is often filled with friends, family and good food. Catherine died recently, leaving Harlin with many wonderful memories, but also fears about what was next for them. 

A man of many talents and hobbies, Brad is never at a loss for something to do. Gardening, golf, photography, guitar, boating on Bear Lake, leatherwork, senior softball in his 70's, collecting old vinyl records and music, antiques, gems, reading, yo-yo's, watercolor painting, house painting, and family history are just some of his loves. He enjoys sharing his time, skills and resources with others. His children welcome his painting skills and services in their homes, drop by yard-clean up with his self-owned chain saw, and consultant advice on home beautification projects. He is still able to spend more time at beloved Bear Lake, a place that connects generations, and a place where his creativity, work, love of Denise, family, music, and nature all come together.

Robin has built a legacy of faith, family, learning, service, compassion, and unwavering love. She is a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt, teacher, mentor, and friend. Robin and her husband have spent more than 50 years building a life together. They helped establish and continue to operate the first Better Fried Chicken takeout location in San Francisco. Robin's communication skills and gift for teaching led her to write the companies first training manual and later contribute to the Better Fried Chicken Management Guidebook. Deeply rooted in her faith, she also devotes time to learning about other religions and spiritual traditions, believing that understanding others fosters compassion, respect, and connection. She always seeks to understand her divine purpose.

Katherine (Kaye) brings immense joy and laughter to those around her. Known for her wonderful sense of humor, she laughs easily and often. She is an avid sports enthusiast who loves both playing and watching games. In her younger years, she enjoyed playing softball and bowling, and she remains a passionate sports fan throughout her life. Some of her other loves in life include Diet Dr Pepper and watching her favorite soap opera, General Hospital. She is also exceptionally talented in crocheting, embroidery, and knitting. She channels her creative passions into charity work, crafting thousands of beautiful blankets that are donated to local organizations throughout the valley to comfort those in need.

Jack married his high school sweetheart and eternal companion, Rosella Brinkley on June 20, 1959. Their marriage was later solemnized for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, they have built a beautiful life centered around faith, hard work, and family-with many cherished days spent camping on the shores of Echo Reservoir and Lake Powell and many holiday traditions at their home -until Lynne's heartbreaking passing in August 1999. Jack is a proud and loving father to his six children. He takes immense pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, watching them grow.

John is a man of simple pleasures. At home, he takes tremendous pride in keeping his yard immaculate, famously spending hours meticulously manicuring his lawn and hedges while wearing his signature train suit. When it comes to relaxing, he doesn’t need anything fancy; he is happiest winding down watching a game, enjoying a few of his favorite snacks: potato chips, fresh apples, or a simple slice of white bread. He and his wife are currently serving their third mission together.

I know I have given but a fraction about their lives, so let's make an assumption. Assume that the brief glimpse I've given you mirrors their lifetime activities, what they value, enjoy and spend the bulk of their time doing. What they love and worship.

Plug your life activities in here, and ask "am I wasting the days" of my probation? Afterall wasting our days of probation is more about what we are not doing than about what we are doing.

"And the ¹days of the children of men were prolonged, ²according to the will of God, ³that they might repent while in the flesh; wherefore, ⁴their state became a state of probation, and ⁵their time was lengthened, ⁶according to the commandments which the Lord God gave unto the children of men. For ⁷he gave commandment that ⁸all men must repent; for ⁹he showed unto all men that they were lost, ¹⁰because of the transgression of their parents" (2 Nephi 2:21 emphasis added).

For us who know better, our days have been prolonged so that we might repent while we are still alive. Our time has been lengthened so that we might keep our Father's commandment and repent while in this life!

Here is another.

"I also have charity for the Gentiles. But behold, for none of these can I hope except they shall be reconciled unto Christ, and enter into the narrow gate, and walk in the strait path which leads to life, and continue in the path until the end of the day of probation" (2 Nephi 33:9 emphasis added).

He is speaking directly to us who are identified with the Gentiles. Walking in the strait path which leads to life, until the end of our day of probation, is our test.

Or this one.

"Wherefore, if ye have sought to do wickedly in the days of your probation, then ye are found unclean before the judgment-seat of God; and no unclean thing can dwell with God; wherefore, ye must be cast off forever" (1 Nephi 10:21 emphasis added).

The days of our probation, what are we doing with them? Can we measure by the fruits we bring forth, the fruits of our repentance? Or otherwise?

And another?

"Be wise in the days of your probation; strip yourselves of all uncleanness; ask not, that ye may consume it on your lusts, but ask with a firmness unshaken, that ye will yield to no temptation, but that ye will serve the true and living God" (Mormon 9:28 emphasis added).

Here is tough one because it provides us a glimpse of the consequences of wasting the days of our probation.

"But behold, your days of probation are past; ye have procrastinated the day of your salvation until it is everlastingly too late, and your destruction is made sure; yea, for ye have sought all the days of your lives for that which ye could not obtain; and ye have sought for happiness in doing iniquity, which thing is contrary to the nature of that righteousness which is in our great and Eternal Head" (Helaman 13:38 emphasis added).

A time granted. To do what? 

"And thus we see, that there was a time granted unto man to repent, yea, a probationary time, a time to repent and serve God" (Alma 42:4 emphasis added).

Not a time to set our hearts or affections on earthly things.

"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." (Colossians 3:1-2 emphasis added).

Perhaps it is as simple as asking, are we spending our lives preparing to meet God? Are we taking advantage of this "space granted unto man in which they might repent" this... "probationary state" this ...time to prepare to meet God" (Alma 12:24)? 

Are we, while in this life, bringing forth fruit meet for repentance? Or are we wasting the days of our probation spending all our time and energy on those things and activities that give no life? As no one will be left standing on the sidelines, what certainty do we have if we disregard these things? Of what part will we play?

A Higher Law--I Finally Understand

This is the fourth of four posts about going on unto perfection. If you have not already, first read Leave First Principles and Go On Unto Perfection. The link to the next post is at the end of each post. 

As I have been learning more about Isaiah's ladder to heaven, or about how God exalts us, or does not exalt us, I keep seeing references to living higher laws. To me, being under the law has been something that we should want to avoid, because being under grace is preferred. When He revealed to me the answer, I was astonished because it was right there all the time! So obvious, and yet I had missed it for years.

Q. What is a higher law? 

A. As Isaiah teaches it, the higher law is nothing but an expression of God’s love in its purest form, demonstrating God’s design, and desire, to lift us up.

Q. What Does it mean to live a higher law? 

A. As He lifts us up, we become more loving, and live a higher law each time we are lifted up. Being exalted means acquiring more and more of His attributes, including receiving more of His love. 

I am not sure that living a higher law is the right verb. Perhaps abiding* or accepting a higher law is more accurate. I also like the verb receiving, as in receiving a higher law, or receiving what is offered and abiding in it. But even better, because it changes the emphasis to Him, we are enveloped in that portion of His love that we are willing to receive. The more we are willing to receive, the more we do receive. We can, if we desire, receive of His fulness. We receive grace for grace "that [we] may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fulness" (D&C 93:19 emphasis added). 

*Ryan J added this scripture in his comment and it fits perfectly:  "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love" (John 15:10 emphasis added). See also D&C 88:22-25.

At the center of Isaiah’s prophecy, for all who have “eyes to see and ears to hear,” we discover God’s eternal plan to exalt His children, which is motivated by love. The more love we receive, the more loving we become, and thereby become more like Him, exalted as His sons and daughters. We can then be in His presence and abide with Him.

Isaiah’s theology embraces all people born on the earth, no matter how good or evil they turn out to be. In the process, Isaiah describes different ways of living that people choose for themselves, some drawing them nearer to God, others distancing them from Him. Each way has a place on the ladder to heaven. Where we find ourselves in this divine scheme depends on us, on what law we abide—higher or lesser laws.

Again, what is the higher law? "Jesus said..., Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself" (Matthew 22:37-39; Mark 29:29-31; Luke 10:27; Deuteronomy 6:5). 

On these hang "all the law and the prophets" (Matthew 22:40 emphasis added).

By yielding to a wisdom higher than our own, we also show our loyalty to God, whose wisdom it is that we give heed. The same is true for believing His words, and desiring more.

The biggest part of life’s test lies in what we love and worship—God or idols like success, money, things, even family. The bottom line is, are we self-serving or do we serve God?

Only when we love Him more than we love ourselves—when we do what He desires and become more like Him—do we finally see God. But this is the very law we cannot live. We cannot love God more than we love ourselves until we are changed by Him and become more like Him!

Another way of saying this is that we are becoming more capable of living the truth, not because it is something we can do, but because of who we are becoming!

In the very act of desiring to give up our own will in order to do God’s will, we will begin, through the various stages of exaltation, to achieve our highest goal, which is also His highest goal for us. As I have said many times, when we want for ourselves and others, what He wants for us, then our will is aligned with His.

What Moroni taught about charity or the pure love of Christ, now has greater meaning for me. After saying that charity is not self serving and rejoiceth in truth, he says:

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, ¹if ye have not charity, ²ye are nothing, for ³charity never faileth. Wherefore, ⁴cleave unto charity, which is ⁵the greatest of all, for ⁶all things must fail. But ⁷charity is the pure love of Christ, and it ⁸endureth forever; and whoso is ⁹found possessed of it at the last day, it ¹⁰shall be well with him. 

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, ¹pray unto the Father ²with all the energy of heart, that ye may ³be filled with this love, which ⁴he hath bestowed upon all ⁵who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye ⁶may become the sons (and daughters) of God; that when he shall appear ⁷we shall be like him, for we shall ⁸see him as he is; that we may ⁹have this hope; that we ¹⁰may be purified even ¹¹as he is pure. Amen"(Moroni 7:46-48 emphasis added). Note the link: charity is the pure love of Christ and through His love we can be purified even as He is pure.

Living or abiding in His love means that we serve others as God has served them, both temporarily and spiritually. The motivation being our love for them, or more accurately, the degree of His love found in us. Our commitment to serving God by serving our fellow human beings goes beyond just being good neighbors. God himself is the highest example of service toward his creatures, great and small. Isaiah describes him as the “Holy One” (Saint) and “Valiant One” (Hero) of Israel, emphasizing the attributes that will get God’s people up the ladder. It is no accident that those whom God delivers at the end of the world are also described as “holy ones” (saints) and “valiant ones” (heroes). These and other godlike traits have qualified them as God’s elect (Isaiah 10:20; 13:3; 60:16). And these godlike traits are the result of His doing, not our own.

The prophet Malachi identifies “righteous” people in God’s Day of Judgment not as those who profess a particular creed or repeat religious slogans but as those who “serve God,” while the “wicked” are those who “don’t serve him” (Malachi 3:18). 

Noah wasn’t born “a righteous man, perfect in his generation,” but he became this ¹by loving and serving God (Genesis 6:9). God directed Abraham to ²attain the same perfection (Genesis 17:1). Those who knew God anciently didn’t know Him all at once, but God revealed Himself to them to the degree that they sought Him. As it was in the past so it is in the future: “You will seek me and find [me] when you seek me with *all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).

*Note the link between 'all your heart,' and Moroni's 'all the energy of heart.'

Living or receiving a higher law, then, may not mean just more or greater blessings from God. It is the path that literally brings us into God’s presence, enabling us to interact directly with God. We see in the Bible that specifics of this higher law were the privilege of prophets and others to whom God appeared and gave instructions. It makes sense that such a law would follow a personalized script, not written down but rather revealed by God through His holy Spirit. Thus, Abraham didn’t see God until he had acted on faith (see Moroni's comments on faith in Moroni 7:41-44 and how it relates to receiving of the fulness of His love), and followed God’s word to him personally (Genesis 12:1–7). Moses didn’t see God until he had valiantly defended the rights of the oppressed (Exodus 2:11–3:6).

God called the Israelites in Moses' time to be a “royal priesthood,” to minister His love and salvation to the rest of humanity. For them, it was an opportunity for spiritual service, not a bid for elitism. But instead of accepting God’s call, they hardened their hearts and turned down their mission of ministering to the world. Thus, Isaiah laments that God’s people, then and now, “have not wrought salvation in the earth” to the extent they should have, neither anciently or even in this last dispensation (Isaiah 26:18).

They refused to receive of His fulness. And the result? "And thus commandeth the Father that I should say unto you: At that day when the Gentiles shall sin against my gospel, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel...behold, saith the Father, I will bring the fulness of my gospel from among them" (3 Nephi 16:10 emphasis added).

But in Moses’ day, seventy elders of the congregation of Israel “went up” or “ascended” to that ministering level. They saw God on Mount Sinai and ate and drank in His presence (Exodus 24:9–11).

We often pass by the Old Testament as if it doesn’t relate to us, as if its “sacred history” is no longer sacred. And yet, who today can match the spiritual heights those ancients attained? The law they kept went beyond not sinning. Their lives were models of love and service. In comparison to the higher law, the lesser law centers around becoming clean of sin and spiritually pure. The higher law puts us on a path to attaining perfection by loving others as God loves us, so that we can enjoy the company of God and angels. Those who loved God and neighbor so as to attain this perfection also truly loved themselves, as we do justice to ourselves only when we love God first and foremost.

The fact that Israel’s God Jehovah met with people anciently shows that a higher law existed before New Testament times. Keeping that law of love led to the extraordinary blessings those persons received, as God called them to be patriarchs, prophets, and kings to his people. Some of those “men of God” wrote down the things God revealed in words and visions, which became the Bible. Like Moses, they may have hidden in their writings things they considered sacred or ahead of their time—knowing that people exposed to the higher law who rejected it would come under condemnation. But to their disciples, and to all willing to search their writings for deeper meanings, they left a profound spiritual legacy.

We should not be fooled by the fact that the individuality of illustrious Old Testament figures and their diverse personalities have been succeeded by today’s group psyche. Our different religious and cultural values cultivate stereotypes that tell us we must believe and perform the same sorts of things. 

Clearly, those personalities from millennia past were beloved of God and were privileged to see and know more about God and angels than many of us can comprehend. That isn’t because we are inferior but because we consider ourselves and our love superior, though we have little to show for ourselves by comparison. If we allow those men of God to speak to us there might be a lot we can learn. But perhaps we lack the motivation that can only come from the pure love of God?

According to Isaiah, for people to be born on the earth is but half of life’s equation. Ascending the ladder to heaven completes the process. It is therefore a comforting thing to know that God accommodates everyone born on the earth, equipping each of us with a script that is individualized according to our needs and desires. That way, we aren’t in competition with anyone, but work out our salvation at the pace we choose. As God comes from a position of infinite love, He knows that the circumstances into which we are thrown in life are the best for us personally, that from them we are potentially able to gain the most growth. Ask anyone who has “gone through it” and they will tell you it is so.

Those being exalted leave no one behind. By the very nature of becoming more like God, they continue to minister to those below, so those may also receive more. Those ministering below are continually being ministered to by those above them. And it is all motivated by love, and is a measure of how much of the love of God is found in us.

Next: Serve God by Ministering to One Another

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Some ideas and narrative I captured from Isaiah Decoded: Ascending the Ladder to Heaven by Avraham Gileadi, which helped me make many connections to how the Lord exalts us.