Oddly, ordinances were intended to communicate an inner message of redemption and holiness. Instead, they get looked upon as credentials. They aren't. Possession of ordinances without inner holiness is meaningless. On the other hand, D&C 137 shows that possession of inner holiness, while lacking the ordinances, will not be an impediment. (We can send anyone with a card to the temple to take care of the ordinances. But how infrequent it is that we produce a redeemed and acceptable soul to our God and Father.)
How do you reconcile this to D&C 52: 14 And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived; for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations—
ReplyDelete15 Wherefore he that prayeth, whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine ordinances.
16 He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances.
17 And again, he that trembleth under my power shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits of praise and wisdom, according to the revelations and truths which I have given you.
18 And again, he that is overcome and bringeth not forth fruits, even according to this pattern, is not of me.
19 Wherefore, by this pattern ye shall know the spirits in all cases under the whole heavens.
According to the the Lord's own voice obeying the ordinances are an integral part of identifying when someone is on the path of truth vs. being on the path of error.
D&C 137 seems to apply only to those who did not have an opportunity in mortal life. For everyone else there is no excuse.
Gentileman,
ReplyDeleteI see no conflict. When anyone is offered truth, they are obligated to follow it. When we reject truth we risk judgment. I'm speaking about all people in the post. Including those who are raised in other religious traditions, know nothing about ours, and whose lives are good and hearts are right before God. They may advance in light and truth more than even we do. But eventually they will be offered and will need to accept the ordinances. While those of us who have the ordinances and think they are means to an end, or tickets to rewards, but whose hearts are not right before God, really are not "obeying mine ordinances." They can and sometimes do use the ordinances to justify a refusal to obey them, or more correctly abusing them rather than obeying them. They were meant to convey something deep within, sacred and holy. Not to justify us but to bring us to repentance and contrition. I constantly worry that I err by not receiving what has been offered, choosing instead to think myself more than I am. Repentance is the only safe activity to bring us safely back to Him.