The Restoration-Part 2

The Restoration-Part 2

Ok, so let's dive right into deep Mormon doctrine here. Those young
men in black suits come to our door and if we let them in they tell us
some unbelievable story about some white boy, a dead angel, and some
gold plates. We are going to analyze every point of this amazing story
and find out if it can indeed hold up under pressure.

This post will focus on the second point of that discussion, The
Gospel blesses families.

First question/concern is families? Does that mean we have to be
married? This includes: Why is it necessary to be married? Does God
allow marriage or does he consider it evil?

Why is it necessary to be married? It is necessary because sexual
relations outside of marriage, fornication, is something we are told
to abstain from. Acts 15:20. "But that we write unto them, that they
abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from
things strangled, and from blood." Marriage bound by law in Romans
7:2. "For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her
husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is
loosed from the law of her husband." As it is a law and we are subject
to laws Titus 3:1. "PUT them in mind to be subject to principalities
and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work."
Also, we must be married to fulfill desire. We can find this in 1
Corinthians 7:2, 8-9. "Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every
man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. I say
therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they
abide even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is
better to marry than to burn."

Does God allow marriage or does he consider it evil? Let us begin with
Matthew 19:6. "Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What
therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder." This
joining of man and woman is called marriage and we can see here where
God would approve of it. Also, we can see that the servants of the
Lord, even the 12 apostles are married in Luke 4:38. "And he arose out
of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's
mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her."
In this verse, of course, we are referring to Simon Peter's wife. We
also learn from Christ that children are given in marriage in Luke
20:34. "And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world
marry, and are given in marriage." Being given in marriage again
reiterated in 4 Nephi 1:11. "And they were married, and given in
marriage, and were blessed according to the multitude of the promises
which the Lord had made unto them." Another point we could make is
that if God did not approve of marriage, Jesus would not have freely
attended a wedding ceremony. John 2:1-2. "AND the third day there was
a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: And
both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage." Marriage
is honorable. Hebrews 13:4. "Marriage is honourable in all, and the
bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge."
Marriage is ordained of God. Doctrine and Covenants 49:15. "And again,
verily I say unto you, that whoso forbiddeth to marry is not ordained
of God, for marriage is ordained of God unto man." However, we are
asked not to marry outside the covenant if possible. Alma 3:8. "And
this was done that their seed might be distinguished from the seed of
their brethren, that thereby the Lord God might preserve his people,
that they might not mix and believe in incorrect traditions which
would prove their destruction." And finally, to forbid marriage is a
sign of apostasy. Doctrine and Covenants 49:15-16. "And again, verily
I say unto you, that whoso forbiddeth to marry is not ordained of God,
for marriage is ordained of God unto man. Wherefore, it is lawful that
he should have one wife, and they twain shall be one flesh, and all
this that the earth might answer the end of its creation." This is
again mentioned in 1 Timothy 4:2-3. "Speaking lies in hypocrisy;
having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry,
and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be
received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth."

"No woman will be condemned by the Lord for refusing to accept a
proposal which she feels she could not properly accept." -Joseph
Fielding Smith (Doctrines of Salvation II, P.77)

"In time only marriages; the mother takes her children with her dead
husband." -Joseph Fielding Smith (Doctrines of Salvation II, p.79)

All of this brings up a new question, What about divorce? Well, the Law of Moses allowed divorce. Deuteronomy 24:1. "When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house." In the New Testament Jesus also sets the condition of divorce. That condition was for fornication/adultery only. Matthew 5:31-32. "It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of adivorcement: But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery." This is also mentioned again in Matthew 19:3-11. "The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give awriting of divorcement, and to put her away? He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery. His disciples say unto him, If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry. But he said unto them, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given."

All this talk about marriage could naturally lead into the practice of plural marriage, but I will discuss that later if someone requests.

Ok, so this naturally leads into question/concern 2. Families? What
constitutes a family? Why are families so important?

What constitutes a family? Some families have consist of parents and
children. Let's start with the father. We are told to give heed to our
father's instruction. Proverbs 15:5. "A fool despiseth his father's
instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent." We can then
naturally go right into children. A wise child pleases their parents.
Proverbs 15:20. "A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man
despiseth his mother."

Why are families so important? A family is a place where love is.
Proverbs 15:17. "Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a
stalled ox and hatred therewith."

What constitutes a family? Let me start by saying that "the family is
central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His
children." (The Family-A proclamation to the world, presented by
President Gordon B. Hinkley at the September 23, 1995 General Relief
Society Meeting) Some families are just a husband and wife living
'together in the Lord'. 1 Corinthians 11:11-12. "Nevertheless neither
is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in
the Lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by
the woman; but all things of God." The husband is the head of the
household, but is commanded to love his wife. Ephesians 5:22-25.
"Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of
the church: and he is the saviour of the body. Therefore as the church
is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in
every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the
church, and gave himself for it." This commandment of loving your wife
is also given to us in modern revelation. Doctrine and Covenants
42:22. "Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave
unto her and none else." (Since that 'cleave unto...none else' touches
upon adultery, I will take this opportunity to say that I will discuss
the law of chastity later upon request.) Some families consist of
parents and children. Let's start with the father. We are told to give
heed to our father's instruction. Proverbs 15:5. "A fool despiseth his
father's instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent." We
can then naturally go right into children. A wise child pleases their
parents. Proverbs 15:20. "A wise son maketh a glad father: but a
foolish man despiseth his mother." The flip side of that coin is that
a foolish child brings grief to his parents. Proverbs 17:25. "A
foolish son is a grief to his father, and bitterness to her that bare
him." Now I am not trying to say that all children must obey even the
vilest of parents. Parents must be just. Proverbs 20:7. "The just man
walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him." We must
be just in order to keep our children because there are those that
have to forsake their family in order to become a follower of Christ.
Matthew 10:34-39. "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I
came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at
variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and
the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall
be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more
than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more
than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and
followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life
shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."
This concept is very simply stated in Luke 14:26. "If any man come to
me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and
brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my
disciple." So, children, obey your parents IN THE LORD. Ephesians 6:1.
"CHILDREN, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right."

Why are families so important? A family is a place where love is.
Proverbs 15:17. "Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a
stalled ox and hatred therewith." A family is a place where children
are taught the way they ought to behave. Proverbs 22:6. "Train up a
child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart
from it."

Perhaps we could answer both questions at the same time if we look at
this in a slightly different way. The duties of each person in the
family. Colossians 3:18-21. "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own
husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be
not bitter against them. Children, obey your parents in all things:
for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your
children to anger, lest they be discouraged." So let's start with the
husbands. Love your wives. Love your children. Provide for them both.
1 Timothy 5:8. "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for
those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an
infidel." As with all important teachings, this is again stated in
modern revelation. Doctrine and Covenants 83:2-4. "Women have claim on
their husbands for their maintenance, until their husbands are taken;
and if they are not found transgressors they shall have fellowship in
the church. And if they are not faithful they shall not have
fellowship in the church; yet they may remain upon their inheritances
according to the laws of the land. All children have claim upon their
parents for their maintenance until they are of age." This providing
allows us the follow the Lord's council of staying out of debt. Romans
13:7-8. "Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute
is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom
honour. Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that
loveth another hath fulfilled the law." Fathers and husbands are also
responsible to make sure that family prayer is had. 3 Nephi 18:18-21.
"Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always
lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you, that he
may sift you as wheat. Therefore ye must always pray unto the Father
in my name; And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which
is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given
unto you. Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name,
that your wives and your children may be blessed." Mothers and wives
are to love their husbands and children. They are primarily
responsible to teach the children. Teach them the gospel and the ways
of the Lord. Teach them to not fight and quarrel. 'Teach them to walk
in the ways of truth and soberness'. Mosiah 4:13-15. "And ye will not
have a mind to injure one another, but to live peaceably, and to
render to every man according to that which is his due. And ye will
not suffer your children that they go hungry, or naked; neither will
ye suffer that they transgress the laws of God, and fight and quarrel
one with another, and serve the devil, who is the master of sin, or
who is the evil spirit which hath been spoken of by our fathers, he
being an enemy to all righteousness. But ye will teach them to walk in
the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one
another, and to serve one another." In olden times, mothers taught
their children well in the gospel. Alma 56:47-48 "Now they never had
fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the
liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had
been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would
deliver them. And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers,
saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it." We can use the following
as an analogy of a 'safe home' in the midst of 'the storms' of the
world. Ether 6:5-7. "And it came to pass that the Lord God caused that
there should be a furious wind blow upon the face of the waters,
towards the promised land; and thus they were tossed upon the waves of
the sea before the wind. And it came to pass that they were many times
buried in the depths of the sea, because of the mountain waves which
broke upon them, and also the great and terrible tempests which were
caused by the fierceness of the wind. And it came to pass that when
they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them,
their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight
like unto the ark of Noah; therefore when they were encompassed about
by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth
again upon the top of the waters."

The Restoration-Part 1

Ok, so let's dive right into deep Mormon doctrine here. Those young
men in black suits come to our door and if we let them in they tell us
some unbelievable story about some white boy, a dead angel, and some
gold plates. We are going to analyze every point of this amazing story
and find out if it can indeed hold up under pressure.

This post will focus on the first point of that discussion, God is our
loving Heavenly Father.

First question/concern, What, according to the scriptures, are the
characteristics of God? This includes: What does God look like? Does
he have a personality? What is his name? How does God operate?

What does God look like? His image is described in Genesis 1:27. "So
God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him;
male and female created he them." That tells us that if you want to
see what he looks like, we should look in a mirror. He has two eyes
and a mouth right below his nose. This is further backed up by Genesis
32:30. "And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen
God face to face, and my life is preserved." 'Face' to 'Face' There
has been some controversy as to whether or not God is a spirit or has
a body of flesh and bone. Genesis 6:3. "And the LORD said, My spirit
shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his
days shall be an hundred and twenty years." Note the use of the word
also. He [man] ALSO (meaning same as) is flesh. This is further
supported by Philippians 2:6. "Who, being in the form of God, thought
it not robbery to be equal with God." We know Jesus has a body of
flesh and bone and now we know he was in the form of God. This is also
stated in Hebrews 1:3. "Who being the brightness of his glory, and the
express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of
his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the
right hand of the Majesty on high." The express image of his person.
This could be further broadened if we were to say that not only was
Christ, but WE are in his image. 1 John 3:2. "Beloved, now are we the
sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know
that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him
as he is." Modern day revelation also claims this truth. Doctrine and
Covenants 130:22. "The Father has a body of flesh and bones as
tangible as man's; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of
flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the
Holy Ghost could not dwell in us."

Does he have a personality? Exodus 34:6. "And the LORD passed by
before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and
gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth." So God
is merciful, gracious, and longsuffering. However, he does get angry
from time to time. Jeremiah 4:8. "For this gird you with sackcloth,
lament and howl: for the fierce anger of the LORD is not turned back
from us." God is all powerful; omnipotent. Matthew 19:26. "But Jesus
beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with
God all things are possible." God is all knowing; omniscient. Acts
15:18. "Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the
world." He creates, has power, knowledge, and comprehends. Mosiah 4:9.
"Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things,
both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all
power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not
comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend." He has
glory, strength, justice, mercy, power, and domain. Alma 12:15. "But
this cannot be; we must come forth and stand before him in his glory,
and in his power, and in his might, majesty, and dominion, and
acknowledge to our everlasting shame that all his judgments are just;
that he is just in all his works, and that he is."

What is his name? His name is actually mentioned very few times in the
scriptures, but here it is. Matthew 27:46-48. "And about the ninth
hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama
sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken
me? Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This
man calleth for Elias. And straightway one of them ran, and took a
spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him
to drink." This scripture account is further supported by Mark
15:34-37. "And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice,
saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My
God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? And some of them that stood
by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias. And one ran
and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave
him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to
take him down. And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the
ghost."

How does God operate? Isaiah 55:8-9. "For my thoughts are not your
thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the
heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your
ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Our second question/concern is If God is so loving, why does he allow
suffering and war? This includes: Why does God allow wars? What is the
purpose of war? Should we serve in the military of our country? What
causes war? Why are innocent people killed by murderers?

Why does God allow wars? It is not necessarily that God allows, or
encourages wars, as he simply does not stop them, for in doing so,
stopping wars would take away our agency and ability to choose.
Especially if the wars themselves were caused by the hardness of our
hearts as in Helaman 16:17-22. "And they began to reason and to
contend among themselves, saying: That it is not reasonable that such
a being as a Christ shall come; if so, and he be the Son of God, the
Father of heaven and of earth, as it has been spoken, why will he not
show himself unto us as well as unto them who shall be at Jerusalem?
Yea, why will he not show himself in this land as well as in the land
of Jerusalem? But behold, we know that this is a wicked tradition,
which has been handed down unto us by our fathers, to cause us that we
should believe in some great and marvelous thing which should come to
pass, but not among us, but in a land which is far distant, a land
which we know not; therefore they can keep us in ignorance, for we
cannot witness with our own eyes that they are true. And they will, by
the cunning and the mysterious arts of the evil one, work some great
mystery which we cannot understand, which will keep us down to be
servants to their words, and also servants unto them, for we depend
upon them to teach us the word; and thus will they keep us in
ignorance if we will yield ourselves unto them, all the days of our
lives. And many more things did the people imagine up in their hearts,
which were foolish and vain; and they were much disturbed, for Satan
did stir them up to do iniquity continually; yea, he did go about
spreading rumors and contentions upon all the face of the land, that
he might harden the hearts of the people against that which was good
and against that which should come."

What is the purpose of war? As we will read later, sometimes wars are
caused because of lusts and pride. Or we could say that wars and
bloodshed came from Satan. Moses 6:15. "And the children of amen were
numerous upon all the face of the land. And in those days Satan had
great dominion among men, and raged in their hearts; and from
thenceforth came wars and bloodshed; and a man's hand was against his
own brother, in administering death, because of secret works, seeking
for power." But would it not also be prudent sometimes, for God to use
this to cleanse the earth of wicked people as well? To have wars,
murders, and destruction, and yet save the righteous? Alma 50:19-22.
"And thus we see how merciful and just are all the dealings of the
Lord, to the fulfilling of all his words unto the children of men;
yea, we can behold that his words are verified, even at this time,
which he spake unto Lehi, saying: Blessed art thou and thy children;
and they shall be blessed, inasmuch as they shall keep my commandments
they shall prosper in the land. But remember, inasmuch as they will
not keep my commandments they shall be cut off from the presence of
the Lord. And we see that these promises have been verified to the
people of Nephi; for it has been their quarrelings and their
contentions, yea, their murderings, and their plunderings, their
idolatry, their whoredoms, and their abominations, which were among
themselves, which brought upon them their wars and their destructions.
And those who were faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord
were delivered at all times, whilst thousands of their wicked brethren
have been consigned to bondage, or to perish by the sword, or to
dwindle in unbelief, and mingle with the Lamanites."

Should we serve in the military of our country? I personally believe
that the choice to serve in the military of your country lies between
you and God, when that choice is optional and not enforced by the
state, such as a draft. However, please keep in mind the following
statement from Elder Russell M. Nelson in the 2002 Liahona. "The
commandments to love God and neighbor are interrelated. We cannot
fully love God without loving our neighbor. We cannot fully love our
neighbor without loving God. Men really are brothers because God
really is our Father. Nevertheless, scriptures are studded with
stories of contention and combat. They strongly condemn wars of
aggression but sustain obligations of citizens to defend their
families and their freedoms. Because "we believe in being subject to
kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and
sustaining the law," members of this Church will be called into
military service of many nations. "We believe that governments were
instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men
accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws
and administering them, for the good and safety of society.""

During the Second World War, when members of the Church were forced to
fight on opposing sides, the First Presidency affirmed that "the state
is responsible for the civil control of its citizens or subjects, for
their political welfare, and for the carrying forward of political
policies, domestic and foreign. … But the Church itself, as such, has
no responsibility for these policies, [other] than urging its members
fully to render … loyalty to their country." 27

What causes war? We can start with James 4:1-3. "FROM whence come wars
and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that
war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to
have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye
ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may
consume it upon your lusts." So we see that war came because of lusts
and pride.

Why are innocent people killed by murderers? The innocent are killed,
yet they stand as a testimony against the wicked. Mosiah 17:10. "Yea,
and I will suffer even until death, and I will not recall my words,
and they shall stand as a testimony against you. And if ye slay me ye
will shed innocent blood, and this shall also stand as a testimony
against you at the last day." A great example of this would be when
some righteous people were burned, but were taken up to God. Alma
14:10-11. "And when Amulek saw the pains of the women and children who
were consuming in the fire, he also was pained; and he said unto Alma:
How can we witness this awful scene? Therefore let us stretch forth
our hands, and exercise the power of God which is in us, and save them
from the flames. But Alma said unto him: The Spirit constraineth me
that I must not stretch forth mine hand; for behold the Lord receiveth
them up unto himself, in glory; and he doth suffer that they may do
this thing, or that the people may do this thing unto them, according
to the hardness of their hearts, that the judgments which he shall
exercise upon them in his wrath may be just; and the blood of the
innocent shall stand as a witness against them, yea, and cry mightily
against them at the last day." This concept of the righteous being
killed and the wicked being condemned is again reiterated in Alma
60:12-14. "Do ye asuppose that, because so many of your brethren have
been killed it is because of their wickedness? I say unto you, if ye
have supposed this ye have supposed in vain; for I say unto you, there
are many who have fallen by the sword; and behold it is to your
condemnation; For the Lord suffereth the righteous to be slain that
his justice and judgment may come upon the wicked; therefore ye need
not suppose that the righteous are lost because they are slain; but
behold, they do enter into the rest of the Lord their God. And now
behold, I say unto you, I fear exceedingly that the judgments of God
will come upon this people, because of their exceeding slothfulness,
yea, even the slothfulness of our government, and their exceedingly
great neglect towards their brethren, yea, towards those who have been
slain." It is here that we also learn that the righteous enter the
rest of God. So, besides the condemnation of the wicked, why put the
righteous through the suffering? Well, for this we can look at the
life of the prophet Joseph Smith. The trials of Joseph gave him
experience and learning for his own good. Doctrine and Covenants
122:5-7. "If thou art called to pass through tribulation; if thou art
in perils among false brethren; if thou art in perils among robbers;
if thou art in perils by land or by sea; If thou art accused with all
manner of false accusations; if thine enemies fall upon thee; if they
tear thee from the society of thy father and mother and brethren and
sisters; and if with a drawn sword thine enemies tear thee from the
bosom of thy wife, and of thine offspring, and thine elder son,
although but six years of age, shall cling to thy garments, and shall
say, My father, my father, why can't you stay with us? O, my father,
what are the men going to do with you? and if then he shall be thrust
from thee by the sword, and thou be dragged to prison, and thine
enemies prowl around thee like wolves for the blood of the lamb; And
if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers,
and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the
deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds
become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the
elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws
of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son,
that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy
good."

"But 'behold,' as Moroni said, the righteous of them who serve and are
slain 'do enter into the rest of the Lord their God,' and of them the
Lord has said 'those that die in me shall not taste of death, for it
shall be sweet unto them' (Doctrine and Covenants 42:26). Their
salvation and exaltation in the world to come will be secure. That in
their work of destruction they will be striking at their bretheren
will not be held against them. That sin, as Moroni said of old, is to
the condemnation of those who 'sit in their places of power in a state
of thoughtless stupor,' those rulers in the world who in a frenzy of
hate and lust for unrighteous power and dominion over their fellowmen,
have put into motion eternal forces they do not comprehend and cannot
control. God, in His own due time, will pass sentence upon them"
(Message of the First Presidency, April, 1942, Principles of the
Gospel, 253-254)

Our third and final question/concern is related to Christ as our savior. This icludes, What is the role of Christ? For whom did Christ suffer? For what human pains? Did he atone for the "Original Sin"? Was he really perfect? Did he really sweat blood?

What is the role of Christ? Christ was the sacrificed Lamb and the High Priest. John 1:29. "The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." Also, we need to look at Hebrews 9:20. "Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you." "The Father was once a Christ and now Jesus follows what he did."-Joseph Smith (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.346) This statement is backed up by John 5:19-21. "Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will." To know Christ is to know the Father. John 8:19, 14:9. "Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also. Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?" We are also commanded to be rooted in Christ Jesus and planted in him. Colossians 2:6-13. "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses." Jesus qualified to be the Christ because he had no sin. 1 Peter 2:21-24. "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." Jesus is the Son of God. John 3:16. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Christ is the second comforter. 2 Nephi 32:5-6. "For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do. Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and there will be no more doctrine given until after he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh. And when he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh, the things which he shall say unto you shall ye observe to do." This doctrine has also been given to us by modern revelation. Doctrine and Covenants 67:10. "And again, verily I say unto you that it is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble, the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am—not with the carnal neither natural mind, but with the spiritual." Jesus Christ, we know thanks to modern revelation, was born on April 6. Doctrine and Covenants 20:1. "THE rise of the Church of Christ in these last days, being one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh, it being regularly organized and established agreeable to the laws of our country, by the will and commandments of God, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called April."

For whom did Christ suffer? Christ suffered for us. Isaiah 49:15-16.
"Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have
compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I
not forget thee. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my
hands; thy walls are continually before me." This is the same man that
hung on the cross and died for us. John 19:30. "When Jesus therefore
had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his
head, and gave up the ghost." And by "it" of course he meant the
atonement is finished, or accomplished. Indeed, this is the same Jesus
that was resurrected 3 days later. There is no other name given by
which men may be saved. Acts 4:10-12. "Be it known unto you all, and
to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of
Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by
him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which
was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the
corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none
other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
God loved us so much, that he did not even spare his own son, so that
we may have eternal life. Romans 8:32. "He that spared not his own
Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also
freely give us call things?" And why did God offer his son? Because of
his love for us. 1 John 4:10. "Herein is love, not that we loved God,
but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our
sins." However, this atonement did not come easily. Christ suffered
only for the sins of those who repent and become just. Alma 11:41;
12:18. "Therefore the wicked remain as though there had been no
redemption made, except it be the loosing of the bands of death; for
behold, the day cometh that ball shall rise from the dead and stand
before God, and be judged according to their works. Then, I say unto
you, they shall be as though there had been no redemption made; for
they cannot be redeemed according to God's justice; and they cannot
die, seeing there is no more corruption." Christ has done his part,
now we must do our part and repent. 2 Nephi 9:20-23. "O how great the
holiness of our God! For he knoweth call things, and there is not
anything save he knows it. And he cometh into the world that he may
save all men if they will hearken unto his voice; for behold, he
suffereth the pains of all men, yea, the pains of every living
creature, both men, women, and children, who belong to the family of
Adam. And he suffereth this that the resurrection might pass upon all
men, that all might stand before him at the great and judgment day.
And he commandeth all men that they must repent, and be baptized in
his name, having perfect faith in the Holy One of Israel, or they
cannot be saved in the kingdom of God."

For what human pains? For the sins of the world. 1 John 2:2-5. "And he
is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for
the sins of the whole world. And hereby we do know that we know him,
if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth
not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But
whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected:
hereby know we that we are bin him." This fact is further reiterated
in 1 Nephi 11:32-33. "And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me
again, saying: Look! And I looked and beheld the Lamb of God, that he
was taken by the people; yea, the Son of the everlasting God was
judged of the world; and I saw and bear record. And I, Nephi, saw that
he was lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world."
But more than sin, he also suffered for our physical pain, for our
sickness. Alma 7:11. "And he shall go forth, suffering pains and
afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word
might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the
sicknesses of his people." He suffered for the pains of EVERYONE.
Doctrine and Covenants 18:11. "For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer
suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all
men, that all men might repent and come unto him."

Did he atone for the "Original Sin"? It is said that his blood
cleanseth us. 1 John 1:7. "But if we walk in the light, as he is in
the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus
Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." But more specific to the
question, he atoned for the original guilt. Moses 6:54. "Hence came
the saying abroad among the people, that the Son of God hath atoned
for original guilt, wherein the sins of the parents cannot be answered
upon the heads of the children, for they are whole from the foundation
of the world."

Was he really perfect? Well we can first look at the fact that not
only was he crucified for us, but that he did it by choice. He was not
forced, he offered to do this for us. Hebrews 9:28. "So Christ was
once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him
shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation." Christ
did not sin, yet he suffered. Doctrine and Covenants 45:4. "Saying:
Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom
thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed,
the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified."

Did he really sweat blood? A good reference for this is Mosiah 3:7.
"And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger,
thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto
death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his
anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people." So,
yes, he suffered terrible pain AND he bled from every pore. Doctrine
and Covenants 19:16-19. "For behold, I, God, have suffered these
things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But
if they would not repent they must asuffer even as I; Which suffering
caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of
pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and
spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—
Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and afinished my
preparations unto the children of men."