Friday, March 23, 2012

Priesthood Completes the Atonement

Section 20 of the Doctrine and Covenants is one of the most complete and, at the same time, compelling explanations of the purpose of such a complete organization as the Church is.  Looking at it as a whole you come to an appreciation of why the Lord would not sanction a church with little or no organization. You can also see why the Lord would not sanction a church with a corporate-style organization. The section also points out the importance of the Book of Mormon in bringing to the world the more complete understanding of the Atonement.

It begins with the calling of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, the fact that they were ordained to their callings as first and second elders of the Church. It points out the Joseph received a remission of his sins, then "became entangled in the vanities of the world" (a reference to the incident where the first 116 pages of the translated Book of Lehi were lost), repented and was able to complete the translation of the Book of Mormon.

It next bears witness of the verity of the book, the confirmation of witness, some of whom witnessed the book by the ministering of angels. The coming forth of the Book of Mormon and the testimony of the witnesses proves to the world that God is unchanging and gives scripture to men today as he did of old. Those who humble themselves to receive these scriptures and work righteousness will receive eternal life while those who reject it will do so to their own condemnation.

Who is this unchangeable God? He is the same who created the heavens and the earth and created man and woman in his own image and likeness. He gave them commandments that they should love and serve him, but through transgression they became fallen, sensual and devilish. He then gave his Only Begotten Son who suffered, died and rose again, then ascended into heaven to assume almighty power. Now as many as will repent and accept baptism in his holy name and endure to the end will be saved, which includes those living today, those who lived before and those who will yet come. They must believe the words of inspired prophets and the Holy Ghost who bears record of the Father and the Son.

Yet, even after having received the ordinances and the justification through the grace of Christ; even after having received sanctification by our holy love and service as well as the grace of Christ, we may yet fall from His grace and depart from God. Therefore, even the sanctified must take heed and pray always, lest we fall into transgression.

What an amazing and inspiring summary of the creation, fall and atonement. It is a simple, inspiring summary of our duty and opportunity to build our character and become like Him: holy and sanctified. Who does not, in their heart of hearts, desire such a state? Yet we live in a fallen world; we have the concerns of fallen man and we will not always be sanctified and holy (though, I have met men and women who have learned to live above the petty concerns that weigh down the majority of us).

He now goes into the tools given to those who embrace the restored gospel, church, priesthood and priesthood ordinances.

Baptism is to be received by those who humble themselves before God and who have truly repented of their sins and are determined to serve Christ to the end. If that doesn't sound like an eight-year old, consider the verses later in the chapter that describe those who receive the sacrament. Not only do we make such a commitment at our initial baptism, but each week throughout our lives. As we mature and our lives become more complicated, this ongoing commitment becomes even more important.

Next, we receive the offices of the priesthood. With the exception of the office of a deacon, all priesthood offices have the duty to preach, teach, expound, exhort, watch over the church, and take charge of meetings. Throughout this portion of Section 20, it is clear that the whole purpose of holding offices in the priesthood is to be a strength to the church. The word church is not capitalized, indicating that these verses apply not to the organization - Church, but to the members - church. Exhort them to pray, see that there is no iniquity, hardness, lying, backbiting, or evil speaking. Teach them their duties, meet together often (including quarterly conferences) in order to see that they do their duties.

The wisdom in this type of organization is only now being recognized by the corporate world. If all the responsibility of these important matters is left primarily to one person, a minister or preacher (or even a boss), not only would much fall through the cracks, but little growth would take place in the individual members. Certainly, they would have the reinforcement of the Holy Ghost as they strive to live their lives, but taking this level of responsibility engenders loyalty, a deep commitment to the work and to the individual members, as well as personal growth in spirit and understanding.

The section ends with the exact words for those prayers/ordinances that can be performed outside the temple and which require the exact wording specified by scripture: the sacrament prayers and the baptismal prayer. It is once again observed that in order for the blessings of baptism to be realized and the commitments to be better understood and accepted as we mature, it is important that we meet together often to partake of the emblems of the sacrament.

So important are these ordinances and ordinations that records are kept and certificates are issued so no one can take this honor to himself upon a whim that he has received some order from God to act outside the structure of the Lord's church. The record is so important that specific instructions are given for the removal of a person's name should his actions of rebellion rise to the level of apostasy.

This is one of the most complete treatises and inspired writings in all scripture. Beginning with the need for the restoration and the publishing of the Book of Mormon to the explanation of who the unchangeable God is and describing the creation, fall and atonement all in a way that engenders hope, faith and gratitude, the Section then gives specific instruction for our accepting and performing the ordinances of salvation. It deserves careful reading and re-reading to extract for ourselves where we are and where we could be with just a little more effort and a little deeper commitment.

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