We Believe: Doctrines of Mormonism: November 2013

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Thoughts and Intentions

List of Doctrines on "Thoughts and Intentions"

820. Our minds should be occupied with virtuous and righteous thoughts.

821. We are to abstain from impure thoughts.

822. Our thoughts are to be directed unto the Lord.

823. The Lord knows our thoughts and the intents of our hearts.

824. The Lord judges us by what we are in our minds and hearts, not by how we may appear to others.

825. We are what we think and what we feel in our hearts—and we generally act accordingly.

826. Our evil thoughts will condemn us.

820. Our minds should be occupied with virtuous and righteous thoughts.

President Joseph F. Smith
Paul
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Alma, the younger
Robert D. Hales
L. Tom Perry
Related Witnesses
Recorded in Proverbs

President Joseph F. Smith

I wish to say to all who read these lines that the key to purity is found in chaste thoughts, and the young man who obtains it will be able to unlock a rich storehouse of cleanliness enabling his life to be as the fresh morning. ("Three Threatening Dangers," IE1914Mar:478) TLDP:690

Paul

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Paul writes from Rome to the Church at Philippi in Macedonia) Philippians 4:8

Joseph Smith

[L]et virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven. (Revelation received while in Liberty Jail, March 20, 1839; the priesthood should be used only in righteousness) D&C 121:45

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.
68. Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will.
69. Remember the great and last promise which I have made unto you; cast away your idle thoughts and your excess of laughter far from you. (Revelation received Dec. 27/28, 1832; the "olive leaf message of peace") D&C 88:67-69

Alma, the younger,
quoted by Mormon

[L]et all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord. . . . (Alma instructs his son Helaman, about 73 B.C.) Alma 37:36

Robert D. Hales

By choosing to be in His kingdom, we separate—not isolate—ourselves from the world. Our dress will be modest, our thoughts pure, our language clean. (CR 2000Oct; The Covenant of Baptism: To Be in the Kingdom and of the Kingdom, Ensign, November 2000, p.6)

L. Tom Perry

Truly one of the corners we must diligently strive to keep clean is our thoughts. The ideal is to keep our thoughts focused on spiritual things. (CR 2000Oct; Discipleship, Ensign, November 2000, p.60)

Related Witnesses:

Recorded in Proverbs

The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. Proverbs 12:5

821. We are to abstain from impure thoughts.

Joseph Smith
Jesus
Alma, the younger
Jesus
President David O. McKay
Isaiah
King Benjamin
Paul
President Gordon B. Hinckley
Related Witnesses
Boyd K. Packer
Moses
Recorded in Proverbs

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

And he that looketh upon a woman to lust after her shall deny the faith, and shall not have the Spirit; and if he repents not he shall be cast out. (Revelation "embracing the law of the Church," Feb. 9, 1831) D&C 42:23

Jesus,
quoted by Mormon

Behold, it is written by them of old time, that thou shalt not commit adultery;
28. But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman, to lust after her, hath committed adultery already in his heart.
29. Behold, I give unto you a commandment, that ye suffer none of these things to enter into your heart;
30. For it is better that ye should deny yourselves of these things, wherein ye will take up your cross, than that ye should be cast into hell. (The resurrected Jesus Christ teaches the Nephite people, A.D. 34) 3 Nephi 12:27-30

Alma, the younger,
quoted by Mormon

For our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his presence. (Alma contends with the wicked Zeezrom, about 82 B.C.) Alma 12:14

Jesus,
recorded in Mark

There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.
16. If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.
17. And when he was entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him concerning the parable.
18. And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;
19. Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?
20. And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
21. For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,
22. Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:
23. All these evil things come from within, and defile the man. (Jesus instructs the people) Mark 7:15-23

President David O. McKay

"Tell me what you think about when you do not have to think, and I will tell you what you are."
Temptation does not come to those who have not thought of it before. Keep your thoughts clean, and it will be easy to resist temptations as they come. (Gospel Ideals, p. 401) TLDP:690

Isaiah

Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. (740-659 B.C.) Isaiah 55:7

King Benjamin,
quoted by Mormon

[I]f ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts . . . ye must perish. . . . (King Benjamin addresses his people, about 124 B.C.) Mosiah 4:30

Paul

Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; . . . (Paul writes about charity to the Church at Corinth, Greece, about A.D. 55) 1 Corinthians 13:5

President Gordon B. Hinckley

Those whom we teach will overlook our youth if in our conversations in charity, in spirit, in faith, and in the purity of our lives, we reflect the Spirit of Christ. We cannot indulge in swearing. We cannot be guilty of profanity; we cannot indulge in impure thoughts, words, and acts and have the Spirit of the Lord with us. (CR 1997Apr; Converts and Young Men, Ensign, May 1997, p.47)

Related Witnesses:

Boyd K. Packer

Choose . . . a favorite hymn . . . one that makes you feel something akin to inspiration. Go over it in your mind carefully. Memorize it. . . .
Now, use this hymn as the place for your thoughts to go. . . . Whenever you find these shady actors [shady thoughts] have slipped from the sidelines of your thinking onto the stage of your mind, put on this record, as it were. As the music begins and as the words form in your thoughts, the unworthy ones will slip shamefully away. It will change the whole mood on the stage of your mind. Because it is uplifting and clean, the baser thoughts will disappear. For, while virtue, by choice, will not associate with filth, evil cannot tolerate the presence of light. CR1986Oct:100
Authors Note: Elder Ezra Taft Benson said: "Sometimes we may have difficulty driving off the stage of our minds a certain evil thought. To drive it off, Elder Boyd K. Packer suggested that we sing an inspirational song of Zion, or think on its words." (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, p. 382)

Moses

Recorded in Proverbs

The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the LORD: but the words of the pure are pleasant words. Proverbs 15:26

822. Our thoughts are to be directed unto the Lord.

Alma, the younger
Marion G. Romney
Joseph Smith
Recorded in Psalms
Related Witnesses
Recorded in Psalms
Mormon

Alma, the younger,
quoted by Mormon

Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.
37. Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day. (Alma instructs his son Helaman, about 73 B.C.) Alma 37:36-37

Marion G. Romney

If we would avoid adopting the evils of the world, we must pursue a course which will daily feed our minds with, and call them back to, the things of the spirit. I know of no better way to do this than by reading the Book of Mormon. . . .
I am persuaded that it is irrational to hope to escape the lusts of the world without substituting for them as the subjects of our thoughts the things of the spirit. (Learning for the Eternities, pp. 83-84) TLDP:691

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not. (Revelation to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, April 1829) D&C 6:36

Recorded in Psalms

The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts. Psalms 10:4

Related Witnesses:

Recorded in Psalms

In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul. Psalms 94:19

Mormon

And again, when they thought of the immediate goodness of God, and his power in delivering Alma and his brethren out of the hands of the Lamanites and of bondage, they did raise their voices and give thanks to God. (King Mosiah reads to his people the account of Alma and his brethren and their afflictions; the people respond, about 120 B.C.) Mosiah 25:10

823. The Lord knows our thoughts and the intents of our hearts.

Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Recorded in 1 Samuel
Alma, the younger
Recorded in Matthew
Recorded in 1 Chronicles
Isaiah
Jesus
Paul
Recorded in 1 Kings
Francis M. Lyman
Related Witnesses
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that there is none else save God that knowest thy thoughts and the intents of thy heart. (Revelation for Oliver Cowdery, April 1829) D&C 6:16

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Behold, I say unto you, my servants Ezra and Northrop, open your ears and hearken to the voice of the Lord your God, whose word is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of the joints and marrow, soul and spirit; and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Revelation for Ezra Thayre and Northrop Sweet, Oct. 1830) D&C 33:1

Recorded in 1 Samuel

But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. (The Lord through Samuel chooses David to be king) 1 Samuel 16:7

Alma, the younger,
quoted by Mormon

Now Zeezrom, seeing that thou hast been taken in thy lying and craftiness, for thou hast not lied unto men only but thou hast lied unto God; for behold, he knows all thy thoughts, and thou seest that thy thoughts are made known unto us by his spirit; . . . (Alma contends with the wicked Zeezrom, about 82 B.C.) Alma 12:3

Recorded in Matthew

And Jesus knew their thoughts. . . . (The Pharisees said that Jesus cast out devils by the power of the devil) Matthew 12:25

Recorded in 1 Chronicles

And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searchest all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. (Solomon has been told by King David that he has been chosen by the Lord to build a house unto the Lord) 1 Chronicles 28:9

Isaiah

For I know their works and their thoughts. . . . (The word of the Lord to Isaiah; the wicked shall be destroyed) Isaiah 66:18

Jesus,
recorded in Matthew

And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? (The scribes call it blasphemy when Jesus, healing a man with palsy, says, "thy sins be forgiven thee") Matthew 9:4

Paul

For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Paul writes to the Jewish members of the Church, about A.D. 60) Hebrews 4:12

Recorded in 1 Kings

Then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou, even thou only, knowest the hearts of all the children of men;) . . . (King Solomon calls upon the Lord) 1 Kings 8:39

Francis M. Lyman

We will learn valuable lessons at times, no doubt, by the things we suffer, and sometimes possibly by the mistakes we make. But the Lord knows our hearts, our conduct, and our thoughts, and He will purge us and prove us, and will save us to the uttermost, if we will but be saved. (CR 1898Oct; Third Day—Morning Session)

Related Witnesses:

Joseph Smith

After we had received this revelation, Oliver Cowdery stated to me that after he had gone to my father's to board, and after the family had communicated to him concerning my having obtained the plates, that one night after he had retired to bed he called upon the Lord to know if these things were so, and the Lord manifested to him that they were true, but he had kept the circumstance entirely secret, and had mentioned it to no one; so that after this revelation was given, he knew that the work was true, because no being living knew of the thing alluded to in the revelation, but God and himself. (Entry in Joseph's journal, April 1829) HC1:35

Joseph Smith,

translating the Book of Moses
And Satan . . . knew not the mind of God, wherefore he sought to destroy the world. (The Lord instructs Moses about the devil, the father of lies) Moses 4:6

Author's Note: Only the Lord—and, at times and in part, his righteous servants—can know our thoughts and intents: "there is none else save God that knowest thy thoughts and the intents of thy heart." (D&C 6:16) Satan does not have this ability.

824. The Lord judges us by what we are in our minds and hearts, not by how we may appear to others.

Recorded in 1 Samuel
President George Albert Smith
Elder John Taylor
President John Taylor
Related Witnesses
Mormon

Recorded in 1 Samuel

President George Albert Smith

All at once there came to me this interpretation of what he [Karl Maeser] had said: Why of course you will be held accountable for your thoughts, because when your life is completed in mortality, it will be the sum of your thoughts. That one suggestion has been a great blessing to me all my life, and it has enabled me upon many occasions to avoid thinking improperly, because I realize that I will be when my life's labor is complete, the product of my thoughts. (Sharing the Gospel with Others, p. 63) TLDP:691

Elder John Taylor

We may deceive one another, and, in some circumstances, as counterfeit coin passes for that which is considered true and valuable among men. But God searches the hearts and tries the reins of the children of men. He knows our thoughts and comprehends our desires and feelings; he knows our acts and the motives which prompt us to perform them. He is acquainted with all the doings and operations of the human family, and all the secret thoughts and acts of the children of men are open and naked before him, and for them he will bring them to judgment. (In Fourteenth Ward, Nov. 16, 1873, JD16:301-02) TLDP:691

President John Taylor

We may succeed in hiding our affairs from men; but it is written that for every word and every secret thought we shall have to give an account in the day when accounts have to be rendered before God, when hypocrisy and fraud of any kind will not avail us; for by our words and by our works we shall be justified, or by them we shall be condemned. (To some settlements on a trip to Bear Lake, JD24:232) TLDP:691

Related Witnesses:

Mormon

Now when Alma saw this his heart was grieved; for he saw that they were a wicked and a perverse people; yea, he saw that their hearts were set upon gold, and upon silver, and upon all manner of fine goods. . . .
28. Behold, O my God, their costly apparel, and their ringlets, and their bracelets, and their ornaments of gold, and all their precious things which they are ornamented with; and behold, their hearts are set upon them, and yet they cry unto thee and say—We thank thee, O God, for we are a chosen people unto thee, while others shall perish. (Alma heads a mission to reclaim the apostate Zoramites and observes their customs, about 74 B.C.) Alma 31:24,28

825. We are what we think and what we feel in our hearts—and we generally act accordingly.

George Q. Cannon
Recorded in Proverbs
Marion G. Romney
Elder Harold B. Lee
President David O. McKay
Elder Spencer W. Kimball
Related Witnesses
Jesus
Jesus
Paul

George Q. Cannon

It is very true that "As he thinketh in his heart, so is he." (Proverbs 23:7) Words and actions are but the external fruits of the inward thoughts of the soul; they must be conceived there before they find their birth from the lips or the hands of the corporeal frame. Hence, we can see the necessity of properly governing our thoughts and of cultivating a habit of pure and correct thinking. (Gospel Truth, 2:200) TLDP:690

Recorded in Proverbs

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he. . . . (Proverbial literature) Proverbs 23:7

Marion G. Romney

The great overall struggle in the world today is, as it has always been, for the souls of men. Every soul is personally engaged in the struggle, and he makes his fight with what is in his mind. In the final analysis the battleground is, for each individual, within himself. Inevitably he gravitates toward the subjects of his thoughts. Ages ago the wise man thus succinctly states this great truth: "As he thinketh in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7). CR1980Apr:88

Elder Harold B. Lee

Thought is the father of an act. No man ever committed murder who did not first become angry. No one ever committed adultery without a preceding immoral thought. The thief did not steal except he first coveted that which was his neighbor's. (Church News, Nov. 6, 1943; Stand Ye in Holy Places, p. 370) TLDP:690

President David O. McKay

Thoughts are the seeds of acts and precede them. Mere compliance with the word of the Lord, without a corresponding inward desire, will avail but little. Indeed, such outward actions and pretending phrases may be vehemently condemned. . . .
. . . . What a man continually thinks about determines his actions in times of opportunity and stress. A man's reaction to his appetites and impulses when they are aroused gives the measure of that man's character. In these reactions are revealed the man's power to govern or his forced servility to yield. CR1951Oct:6,8

Elder Spencer W. Kimball

Every thought that one permits through his mind leaves its trace. Thoughts are things. Our lives are governed a great deal by our thoughts. (Brisbane, Australia Area Conference, March 1, 1976) (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 154) TLDP:690

Related Witnesses:

Jesus,
recorded in Matthew

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
28. But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. (Jesus Christ to the multitude, about A.D. 30) Matthew 5:27-28

Jesus,
recorded in Matthew

For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (Jesus continues the Sermon on the Mount) Matthew 6:21

Paul

Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. (Paul writes to his companion Titus, about A.D. 64) Titus 1:15

826. Our evil thoughts will condemn us.

Alma, the younger
Elder David O. McKay
King Benjamin
President Spencer W. Kimball
Related Witnesses
Moses

Alma, the younger,
quoted by Mormon

Elder David O. McKay

Actions in harmony with divine law and the laws of nature will bring happiness and those in opposition to divine truth, misery. Man is responsible not only for every deed, but also for every idle word and thought.
"We are spinning our own fates good or evil, and never to be undone. Every smallest stroke of virtue or of vice leaves its ever so little scar. The drunken Rip Van Winkle, in Jefferson's play, excuses himself for every fresh dereliction by saying, 'I won't count this time.' Well, he may not count it, and a kind Heaven may not count it; but it is being counted none the less. Down among the nerve-cells and fibers the molecules are counting it, registering and storing it up to be used against him when the next temptation comes." (William James ) CR1950Apr:33-34

King Benjamin,
quoted by Mormon

But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not. (King Benjamin addresses his people, about 124 B.C.) Mosiah 4:30

President Spencer W. Kimball

If we think that [poem] through, we will realize that it is very true, that the things we tolerate in our lives finally become a part of us. [See Alexander Pope's An Essay on Man, lines 217-20.] It means that all of the teachings that are given to us are fundamental and true and need to be followed. Ugly things, evil thoughts, and evil doings will take place in our lives if we think about them and tolerate them in our minds, and then we will suffer. Eventually we will pay for that which we have done.
["Vice is a monster of so frightful mein,
As, to be hated, needs but to be seen;
Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face,
We first endure, then pity, then embrace."] ACR(Manilla)1975:5

Related Witnesses:

Moses

And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
6. And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
7. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them. (The people are ripe in iniquity; the Lord prepares the great flood) Genesis 6:5-7

Tithing

List of Doctrines on "Tithing"

827. Members of the Lord's Church are to give as tithing one-tenth of all their increase annually.

828. The law of tithing was instituted because the people could not abide the greater law of consecration.

828a. Obedience to the Law of Tithing brings blessings.

827. Members of the Lord's Church are to give as tithing one-tenth of all their increase annually.

Howard W. Hunter
President Joseph F. Smith
Elder John Taylor
President Brigham Young
Joseph Smith
President Joseph F. Smith
Related Witnesses
Jacob (Israel)
Alma, the younger
Paul
Rudger Clawson
Stephen L. Richards
Malachi
Jesus
President Lorenzo Snow

Howard W. Hunter

The law is simply stated as "one-tenth of all their interest." Interest means profit, compensation, increase. It is the wage of one employed, the profit from the operation of a business, the increase of one who grows or produces, or the income to a person from any other source. The Lord said it is a standing law "forever" as has been in the past. CR1964Apr:35

President Joseph F. Smith

The law of tithing was instituted because the people could not abide the greater law. If we could live up to the law of consecration, then there would be no necessity for the law of tithing, because it would be swallowed up in the greater law. The law of consecration requires all; the law of tithing only requires one-tenth of your increase annually. (Millennial Star, June 1894, p. 386) TLDP:106

Elder John Taylor

He [Elder Taylor] . . . said one of the clerks had asked whether any should be baptized who had not paid their tithing; it is our duty to pay our tithing, one-tenth of all we possess, and then one-tenth of our increase, and a man who has not paid his tithing is unfit to be baptized for his dead. It is as easy for a man who has ten thousand dollars to pay one thousand, as it is for a man who has but a little to pay one-tenth. It is our duty to pay our tithing. If a man has not faith enough to attend to these little things, he has not faith enough to save himself and his friends. It is a man's duty to attend to these things. The poor are not going to be deprived of these blessings because they are poor; no, God never reaps where he has not sown. This command is harder for the rich than the poor; a man who has one million dollars, if he should give one hundred thousand, he would think he was beggared forever. The Savior said, how hardly do they that have riches enter the kingdom of heaven. (Conference in Nauvoo, Ill., Oct. 6, 1844; reported in the Times and Seasons) HC7:292-93

President Brigham Young

There has been so much inquiry it becomes irksome: the law is for a man to pay one-tenth of all he possesses for the erecting of the House of God, the spread of the gospel, and the support of the priesthood. When man comes into the church he wants to know if he must reckon his clothing, bad debts, lands, etc. It is the law to give one-tenth of what he has got, and then one-tenth of his increase or one-tenth of his time. (Oct. 7, 1844, Brigham has been sustained as president of the Quorum of the Twelve, and as one of the First Presidency; he addresses the principle of tithing) HC7:301

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

And after that, those who have thus been tithed shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord. (Revelation instituting the law of tithing in these latter days, July 8, 1839) D&C 119:4

President Joseph F. Smith

The tithing system of the Church . . . is in reality a system of free-will offerings. . . . [T]he members, by the law of the Church, are under moral obligation to pay one-tenth of their interest annually. . . . [T]here is no compulsory means of collecting this or any other Church revenue. Tithing is a voluntary offering for religious and charitable purposes. . . . (Address from the First Presidency of the Church to the world, delivered to and accepted by vote of the Church in general conference, April 1907) CR1907Apr(Appendix)9

Related Witnesses:

Jacob (Israel),
quoted by Moses

And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God's house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee. (Jacob covenants to pay tithes—after the vision of a ladder reaching up into heaven) Genesis 28:22

Alma, the younger,
quoted by Mormon

And it was this same Melchizedek to whom Abraham paid tithes; yea, even our father Abraham paid tithes of one-tenth part of all he possessed. (Alma tells the people about the great high priest Melchizedek, about 82 B.C.) Alma 13:15

Paul

For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; 2. To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace; . . . (Letter to the Jewish members of the Church, about A.D. 60) Hebrews 7:1-2

Rudger Clawson

There are doubtless many of the people who only paid a partial tithing, or as Bishop Preston says, "a little ten per cent," which he informs us is not ten per cent at all. Ten per cent is ten per cent, and a tithing is ten per cent, neither more nor less. When it is below that, the view has been held that it is simply an offering to the Lord. . . .
. . . . We learned from President Cannon last night that the law of tithing is just as essential and as saving a principle as the principle of baptism or the laying on of hands. CR1900Apr:45

Stephen L. Richards

I have said in your presence before that tithing does not mean one-fiftieth, nor one-thirtieth, nor one-twentieth. Tithing means one-tenth. I have sometimes wondered what a part tithing means. I have never seen any definition of it, but I know what a tithing means. So far as I know, there is only one tithing, and that is one-tenth. So I believe that you brethren in authority could bring a lot of happiness to men and women throughout the Church if you yourselves would fully comply with this law that the Lord has given to us. CR1952Apr:84

Malachi

Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
9. Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
10. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (The prophet Malachi to the people of Israel, about 430 B.C.) Malachi 3:8-10

Jesus,
quoted by Mormon

Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say: Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. . . .
10. Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse. . . . (The resurrected Christ commands the Nephites to write the words which the Father had given to Malachi, which he would now tell them, A.D. 34) 3 Nephi 24:8,10

President Lorenzo Snow

The word of the Lord to you is not anything new; it is simply this: THE TIME HAS COME FOR EVERY LATTER-DAY SAINT WHO CALCULATES TO BE PREPARED FOR THE FUTURE AND TO HOLD HIS FEET STRONG UPON A PROPER FOUNDATION, TO DO THE WILL OF THE LORD AND PAY HIS TITHING IN FULL. That is the word of the Lord to you, and it will be the word of the Lord to every settlement throughout the land of Zion. . . . [T]he time has come when every man should stand up and pay his tithing in full. (At St. George, Utah, May 8, 1899) MOFP3:313

Author's Note: The revelation through Joseph Smith instituting the law of tithing in the latter days, July 8, 1839, required the saints to pay their surplus property to the Church and thereafter to give as tithing one-tenth of their interest annually. (See D&C 119.) In 1844 Brigham Young said: "It is the law to give one-tenth of what he has got, and then one-tenth of his increase or one-tenth of his time." Since then the prophets have interpreted the word interest to mean increase, as can be observed from the witnesses quoted above. Howard W. Hunter makes it quite clear: "The law is simply stated as 'one-tenth of all their interest.' Interest means profit, compensation, increase. It is the wage of one employed, the profit from the operation of a business, the increase of one who grows or produces, or the income to a person from any other source." (CR1964Apr:35)

828. The law of tithing was instituted because the people could not abide the greater law of consecration.

President Joseph F. Smith
Elder Joseph F. Smith
President Lorenzo Snow
Francis M. Lyman
Orson F. Whitney
Related Witnesses
Melvin J. Ballard

President Joseph F. Smith

Elder Joseph F. Smith

Now, if we are not faithful to this law [of tithing], what evidence have we that we shall be faithful in other things? The Lord instituted it as a substitute, because of our lack of faith, for the higher law of consecration in which the Lord requires not only all that we have, but our hearts also; and by this substitute He designs to prove us, to see whether we will be obedient or not. I perceive in this principle something that is of greater worth to me than all the substance that I put into the storehouse of the Lord as tithing. CR1899Apr:68

President Lorenzo Snow

Joseph tried to develop [the Saints] so that they would conform to the law of consecration, which is in advance of the law of tithing, and is a principle which, as sure as I am speaking, you and I will one day have to conform to. CR1900Oct:61-62

Francis M. Lyman

Before we enter upon the law of consecration, which is the celestial law of God in finance, it is necessary that we should take the training that we are now having under the law of tithing.
You may be certain, my brethren and sisters, that any person who is not able to observe this law faithfully and well will never, worlds without end, be able to observe the law of consecration. The law of tithing is a stepping stone, and it is a law that will abide forever, because a great majority possibly of the children of God will not be able to reach the higher law. CR1899Oct:34

Orson F. Whitney

Those who obey the Law of Tithing will be prepared to live the Law of Consecration. Those who do not obey it will not be prepared. That is the whole thing in a nut shell. We are tithed that the Church may have means to build and maintain temples and tabernacles, to found and sustain missions and schools, and otherwise carry on its great work throughout the world. But that is not all. The spiritual dividend that we draw from heaven as the reward of our obedience, is the principal purpose for which the Law of Tithing was instituted. All the rest is incidental or secondary. CR1931Apr:66

Related Witnesses:

Melvin J. Ballard

No man can live the Order of Enoch who has not learned how to honestly live the law of tithing. CR1934Apr:70

828a. Obedience to the Law of Tithing brings blessings.

Henry B. Eyring
James E. Faust
Joseph B. Wirthlin
Malachi

Henry B. Eyring

If we decide now to be a full-tithe payer and if we are steady in paying it, blessings will flow throughout the year, as well as at the time of tithing settlement. By our decision now to be a full-tithe payer and our steady efforts to obey, we will be strengthened in our faith and, in time, our hearts will be softened. It is that change in our hearts through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, beyond the offering of our money or goods, that makes it possible for the Lord to promise full-tithe payers protection in the last days. We can have confidence that we will qualify for that blessing of protection if we commit now to pay a full tithe and are steady in doing it. (Spiritual Preparedness: Start Early and Be Steady, CR October 2005)

James E. Faust

I am grateful the Lord has seen fit to establish again the law of tithes and offerings for this people. When we keep the law of tithing, the windows of heaven open for us. Great are the blessings poured down upon those who have the faith to keep the law of tithing. (The Restoration of All Things, CR April 2006)

Joseph B. Wirthlin

Obedience to God’s commandments is the foundation for a happy life. Surely we will be blessed with the gifts of heaven for our obedience. Failure to pay tithing by those who know the principle can lead to heartache in this life and perhaps sorrow in the next. (CR 2004Apr; Earthly Debts, Heavenly Debts, Ensign May 2004, p.40)

Malachi

Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that [there shall] not [be room] enough [to receive it]. (Mal 3:10)

Translated Beings

List of Doctrines on "Translated Beings"

829. Some mortals have been translated; in this state their bodies are changed so that they are not subject to disease, sorrow, or death.

830. Translated beings eventually undergo a change equivalent to death.

829. Some mortals have been translated; in this state their bodies are changed so that they are not subject to disease, sorrow, or death.

Bruce R. McConkie
Joseph Smith
George Q. Cannon
Jesus
Related Witnesses
Paul
President John Taylor
Joseph Smith
Moses
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Bruce R. McConkie
Jesus
John
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Jesus
Mormon

Bruce R. McConkie

Some mortals have been translated. In this state they are not subject to sorrow or to disease or to death. No longer does blood (the life-giving element of our present mortality) flow in their veins. Procreation ceases. If they then had children, their offspring would be denied a mortal probation, which all worthy spirits must receive in due course. They have power to move and live in both a mortal and an unseen sphere. All translated beings undergo another change in their bodies when they gain full immortality. This change is the equivalent of a resurrection. All mortals, after death, are also resurrected. In the resurrected state they are immortal and eternal in nature, and those among them who are privileged to live in the family unit have spirit children. Millennial man will live in a state akin to translation. His body will be changed so that it is no longer subject to disease or death as we know it, although he will be changed in the twinkling of an eye to full immortality when he is a hundred years of age. He will, however, have children, and mortal life of a millennial kind will continue. (The Millennial Messiah, p. 644) TLDP:699-70

Joseph Smith

Many have supposed that the doctrine of translation was a doctrine whereby men were taken immediately into the presence of God, and into an eternal fullness, but this is a mistaken idea. Their place of habitation is that of the terrestrial order, and a place prepared for such characters He held in reserve to be ministering angels unto many planets, and who as yet have not entered into so great a fullness as those who are resurrected from the dead. . . .
Now it was evident that there was a better resurrection, or else God would not have revealed it unto Paul. Wherein then, can it be said a better resurrection? This distinction is made between the doctrine of the actual resurrection and translation: translation obtains deliverance from the tortures and sufferings of the body, but their existence will prolong as to the labors and toils of the ministry, before they can enter into so great a rest and glory. (From an article on priesthood, read at a general conference of the Church by Robert B. Thompson, and included as part of minutes of the conference held in Nauvoo, Ill., Oct. 5, 1840, HC4:207-12) HC4:210

George Q. Cannon

"Does translation imply an entire change in the body?"
There is nothing written upon this subject concerning Elijah, who was translated. But we have the words of the Lord in the Book of Mormon concerning the three Nephites unto whom the promise was made, in the words of Jesus, "For ye shall never taste of death." They were told that they should "never endure the pains of death," but when Jesus should come in His glory they were to "be changed in the twinkling of an eye from mortality to immortality." They were not to have pain while they should "dwell in the flesh, neither sorrow save it be for the sins of the world." They were caught up into heaven, and it is recorded that they could not tell whether they were in the body or out of the body; "for it did seem unto them like a transfiguration of them, that they were changed from this body of flesh into an immortal state." In speaking of them, the Prophet Mormon says, "Whether they were mortal or immortal from the day of their transfiguration" he knew not.
This gives us a clear idea of the change that was wrought in these three Apostles. In the translation of Elijah and others who may have been translated there doubtless were similar changes made such as the Prophet Mormon describes as having taken place in the case of the three Nephites. (Gospel Truth, 1:36-37) TLDP:699

Jesus,
quoted by Mormon

And it came to pass when Jesus had said these words, he spake unto his disciples, one by one, saying unto them: What is it that ye desire of me, after that I am gone to the Father? 2. And they all spake, save it were three, saying: We desire that after we have lived unto the age of man, that our ministry, wherein thou hast called us, may have an end, that we may speedily come unto thee in thy kingdom.
3. And he said unto them: Blessed are ye because ye desired this thing of me; therefore, after that ye are seventy and two years old ye shall come unto me in my kingdom; and with me ye shall find rest.
4. And when he had spoken unto them, he turned himself unto the three, and said unto them: What will ye that I should do unto you, when I am gone unto the Father?
5. And they sorrowed in their hearts, for they durst not speak unto him the thing which they desired.
6. And he said unto them: Behold, I know your thoughts, and ye have desired the thing which John, my beloved, who was with me in my ministry, before that I was lifted up by the Jews, desired of me.
7. Therefore, more blessed are ye, for ye shall never taste of death; but ye shall live to behold all the doings of the Father unto the children of men, even until all things shall be fulfilled according to the will of the Father, when I shall come in my glory with the powers of heaven.
8. And ye shall never endure the pains of death; but when I shall come in my glory ye shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye from mortality to immortality; and then shall ye be blessed in the kingdom of my Father.
9. And again, ye shall not have pain while ye shall dwell in the flesh, neither sorrow save it be for the sins of the world; and all this will I do because of the thing which ye have desired of me, for ye have desired that ye might bring the souls of men unto me, while the world shall stand. . . .
12. And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words, he touched every one of them with his finger save it were the three who were to tarry, and then he departed. (Nine of the twelve disciples desire and are promised an inheritance in Christ's kingdom when they die—the three Nephites desire and are given power over death so as to remain on the earth until Jesus comes again) 3 Nephi 28:1-9,12

Related Witnesses:

Paul

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. (Letter to the Jewish members of the Church, about A.D. 60) Hebrews 11:5

President John Taylor

It would appear that the translated residents of Enoch's city are under the direction of Jesus, who is the Creator of worlds: and that He, holding the keys of the government of other worlds, could, in His administrations to them, select the translated people of Enoch's Zion, if He thought proper, to perform a mission to these various planets, and as death had not passed upon them, they could be prepared by Him and made use of through the medium of the Holy Priesthood to act as ambassadors, teachers, or messengers to those worlds over which Jesus holds the authority. . . .
Each kingdom, or planet, and the inhabitants thereof, were blessed with the visits and presence of their Creator, in their several times and seasons. (The Mediation and Atonement, pp. 76-77) TLDP:699

Joseph Smith,

translating the Book of Moses
And it came to pass that the Lord showed unto Enoch all the inhabitants of the earth; and he beheld, and lo, Zion, in process of time, was taken up into heaven. And the Lord said unto Enoch: Behold mine abode forever. . . .
27. And Enoch beheld angels descending out of heaven, bearing testimony of the Father and Son; and the Holy Ghost fell on many, and they were caught up by the powers of heaven into Zion. . . .
29. And Enoch said unto the Lord. . . .
31. And thou hast taken Zion to thine own bosom, from all thy creations. . . . (The record of Moses : Enoch views the earth) Moses 7:21,27,29,31

Moses

And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. (The generations of Adam are set forth) Genesis 5:24

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

I am the same which have taken the Zion of Enoch into mine own bosom. . . . (Revelation of commandments to Saints in conference, Jan. 2, 1831) D&C 38:4

Joseph Smith,

translating the Book of Moses
Wherefore, hearken ye together and let me show unto you even my wisdom—the wisdom of him whom ye say is the God of Enoch, and his brethren,
12. Who were separated from the earth, and were received unto myself—a city reserved until a day of righteousness shall come—a day which was sought for by all holy men, and they found it not because of wickedness and abominations; (Revelation, March 7, 1831) D&C 45:11-12

Joseph Smith

Enoch was twenty-five years old when he was ordained under the hand of Adam; and he was sixty-five and Adam blessed him.
49. And he saw the Lord, and he walked with him, and was before his face continually; and he walked with God three hundred and sixty-five years, making him four hundred and thirty years old when he was translated. (Revelation on priesthood received as the Twelve met in council, March 28, 1835) D&C 107:48-49

Bruce R. McConkie

Enoch and his whole city were translated, taken up bodily into heaven without tasting death. There they served and labored with bodies of flesh and bones, bodies quickened by the power of the Spirit, until that blessed day when they were with Christ in his resurrection. Then, in the twinkling of an eye, they were changed and became immortal in the full sense of the word. So it was also with Moses and Elijah, who were taken up bodily into heaven for reasons that will be manifest on the Mount of Transfiguration. They too were with the Lord Jesus in his resurrection. (See D&C 133:54-55.) (The Mortal Messiah, 3:52) TLDP:700

Jesus,
quoted by John

Peter seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do? 22. Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me. (Peter asks Jesus about John ) John 21:21-22

John ,
quoted by Joseph Smith,

translating a parchment record of John 's
And the Lord said unto me: John, my beloved, what desirest thou? For if you shall ask what you will, it shall be granted unto you.
2. And I said unto him: Lord, give unto me power over death, that I may live and bring souls unto thee.
3. And the Lord said unto me: Verily, verily, I say unto thee, because thou desirest this thou shalt tarry until I come in my glory, and shalt prophesy before nations, kindreds, tongues and people. (Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, April 1829, when they inquired through the Urim and Thummim as to whether John, the beloved disciple, tarried in the flesh or had died. The revelation is a translated version of the record made on parchment by John and hidden up by himself.) HC1:35-36; D&C 7:1-3

Joseph Smith

After this vision had closed, another great and glorious vision burst upon us; for Elijah the prophet, who was taken to heaven without tasting death, stood before us, . . . (Vision manifested to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the Kirtland Temple, April 3, 1836) D&C 110:13

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Wherefore, I will that all men shall repent, for all are under sin, except those which I have reserved unto myself, holy men that ye know not of. (Revelation, March 1831) D&C 49:8

Jesus,
recorded in Matthew

Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom. (Jesus speaks to his disciples and foretells his death and resurrection) Matthew 16:28

Mormon

And when Alma had done this he departed out of the land of Zarahemla, as if to go into the land of Melek. And it came to pass that he was never heard of more; as to his death or burial we know not of.
19. Behold, this we know, that he was a righteous man; and the saying went abroad in the church that he was taken up by the Spirit, or buried by the hand of the Lord, even as Moses . But behold, the scriptures saith the Lord took Moses unto himself; and we suppose that he has also received Alma in the spirit, unto himself; therefore, for this cause we know nothing concerning his death and burial. (Mormon records the disappearance of Alma, the younger, 73 B.C.) Alma 45:18-19

830. Translated beings eventually undergo a change equivalent to death.

Joseph Smith
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Elder Wilford Woodruff
Bruce R. McConkie

Joseph Smith

Translated bodies cannot enter into rest until they have undergone a change equivalent to death. Translated bodies are designed for future missions. (Conference of the Church, Oct. 3, 1841, Nauvoo, Ill.) HC4:425

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

Translated beings are still mortal and will have to pass through the experience of death, or the separation of the spirit and the body, although this will be instantaneous. The people of the City of Enoch, Elijah, and others who received this great blessing of translation in ancient times, before the coming of our Lord, could not have received the resurrection, or the change from mortality to immortality at that time, because our Lord had not paid the debt which frees us from mortality and grants to us the resurrection and immortal life.
Christ is the "resurrection and the life" and the first fruits of them that slept. Therefore, none could pass from mortality to immortality until our Savior completed his work for the redemption of man and had gained the keys of the resurrection, being the first to rise, having "life in himself " and the power to lay down his life and take it up again, thus freeing all men from the bondage which the fall had placed upon them. (Doctrines of Salvation, 2:300-01) TLDP:700

Elder Wilford Woodruff

We acknowledge that through Adam all have died, that death through the fall must pass upon the whole human family, also upon the beasts of the field, the fishes of the sea and the fowls of the air and all the works of God, as far as this earth is concerned. It is a law that is unchangeable and irrevocable. It is true a few have been translated, and there will be living upon the earth thousands and millions of people when the Messiah comes in power and great glory to reward every man according to the deeds done in the body, who will be changed in the twinkling of an eye, from mortality to immortality. Nevertheless, they must pass through the ordeal of death involved in the change that will come from them. (May 14, 1882, Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, p. 244) TLDP:700

Bruce R. McConkie

Will translated beings ever die? Remember John 's enigmatic words relative to his own translation: "Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die: yet Jesus said not unto him, He shall not die; but, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?" (John 21:23) Note the distinction between avoiding death as such and living till the Lord comes. Then note that Jesus promises the Three Nephites, not that they shall not die, but that they "shall never taste of death" and shall not "endure the pains of death." Again it is an enigmatic declaration with a hidden meaning. There is a distinction between death as we know it and tasting of death or enduring the pains of death. As a matter of doctrine, death is universal; every mortal thing, whether plant or animal or man, shall surely die. Jacob said: "Death hath passed upon all men, to fulfil the merciful plan of the great Creator" (2 Nephi 9:6). There are no exceptions, not even among translated beings. Paul said: "As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive" (1 Corinthians 15:22). Again the dominion of death over all is acclaimed. But the Lord says of all his saints, not that they will not die, but that: "those that die in me shall not taste of death, for it shall be sweet unto them; And they that die not in me, wo unto them, for their death is bitter" (D&C 42:46-47). The distinction is between dying as such and tasting of death itself. Again the Lord says: "He that liveth when the Lord shall come, and hath kept the faith, blessed is he; nevertheless, it is appointed to him to die at the age of man. Wherefore, children shall grow up until they become old; old men shall die; but they shall not sleep in the dust, but they shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye" (D&C 63:50-51). Thus, this change from mortality to immortality, though almost instantaneous, is both a death and a resurrection. Thus, translated beings do not suffer death as we normally define it, meaning the separation of body and spirit; nor do they receive a resurrection as we ordinarily describe it, meaning that the body rises from the dust and the spirit enters again into its fleshly home. But they do pass through death and are changed from mortality to immortality, in the eternal sense, and they thus both die and are resurrected in the eternal sense. This, we might add, is why Paul wrote: "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed" (1 Corinthians 15:51-52).
"And again, ye shall not have pain while ye shall dwell in the flesh, neither sorrow save it be for the sins of the world; and all this will I do because of the thing which ye have desired of me, for ye have desired that ye might bring the souls of men unto me, while the world shall stand."
During the Millennium all men will be translated, as it were; in that day "there shall be no sorrow because there is no death. In that day an infant shall not die until he is old; and his life shall be as the age of a tree; And when he dies he shall not sleep, that is to say in the earth, but shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye, and shall be caught up, and his rest shall be glorious." (D&C 101:29-31)(The Mortal Messiah, 4:389-91) TLDP:700-01

Trusting In God

List of Doctrines on "Trusting in God"

831. Love of God dispels fear.

832. There is nothing too hard for the Lord; for Him, all things are possible.

833. Those who serve the Lord need never fear, for He will be with them and succor them.

834. Courage emanates from righteous living and faith in God.

831. Love of God dispels fear.

John
John
Mormon
Robert D. Hales
Related Witnesses
Jesus
Recorded in Psalms
Related Witnesses
Paul

John

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. (John writes to the churches in Asia about the love of God) 1 John 4:18-19.

John

And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
17. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
18. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
19. We love him, because he first loved us.
20. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
21. And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. (John writes about the love of God to the churches in Asia) 1 John 4:16-21

Mormon

Behold, I speak with boldness, having authority from God; and I fear not what man can do; for perfect love casteth out all fear. (Mormon writes to his son Moroni expressing his own perfect love for little children, prior to A.D. 384) Moroni 8:16

Robert D. Hales

With the Holy Ghost dwelling in us, we feel a love for God and all His children. This love casts out fear and fills us with the desire to open our mouths. (CR 2003Oct; Receiving a Testimony of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, Ensign, November 2003, p.28)

Related Witnesses:

Jesus,
quoted by John

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
28. Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. (Jesus comforts the Twelve in anticipation of his crucifixion) John 14:27-28

Recorded in Psalms

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Psalms 23:4

Related Witnesses:

Paul

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18. May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19. And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. (Paul writes to the Saints at Ephesus in Asia Minor, about A.D. 62) Ephesians 3:17-19

832. There is nothing too hard for the Lord; for Him, all things are possible.

Moses
Jesus
Recorded in Luke
Jeremiah
Jeremiah

Moses

Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. (The Lord promises Abraham and Sarah a son notwithstanding their old age) Genesis 18:14

Jesus,
recorded in Matthew

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. (Jesus teaches of the difficulty for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God) Matthew 19:26

Recorded in Luke

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. . . .
37. For with God nothing shall be impossible. (The angel Gabriel tells Mary she shall be the mother of the Son of God) Luke 1:30,37

Jeremiah

Ah Lord GOD behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee:
18. Thou shewest lovingkindness unto thousands, and recompensest the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children after them: the Great, the Mighty God, the LORD of hosts, is his name,
19. Great in counsel, and mighty in work: for thine eyes are open upon all the ways of the sons of men: to give every one according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings:
20. Which hast set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, even unto this day, and in Israel, and among other men; and hast made thee a name, as at this day;
21. And hast brought forth thy people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs, and with wonders, and with a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm, and with great terror; . . . (Jeremiah prays, worshipping the Lord) Jeremiah 32:17-21

Jeremiah

Then came the word of the LORD unto Jeremiah, saying,
27. Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? (Revelation to Jeremiah, about 628 B.C.) Jeremiah 32:26-27

833. Those who serve the Lord need never fear, for He will be with them and succor them.

Joseph Smith
Isaiah
Ammon, son of Mosiah
Alma, the younger
Amos
Related Witnesses
Moroni, the Prophet General
Recorded in 1 Samuel
Jeremiah
Paul
Daniel
Jesus

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you. . . . (The Lord promises to be with his servants who are called to preach the gospel, Nov. 1831) D&C 68:6

Isaiah,
quoted by Jesus,

quoted by Mormon
For ye shall not go out with haste nor go by flight; for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel shall be your rearward. (The resurrected Jesus Christ teaches the Nephites using the words of Isaiah, A.D. 34) 3 Nephi 20:42

Ammon, son of Mosiah ,
quoted by Mormon

Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success. (Speaking to his brethren, Ammon recounts their successes and rejoices in the Lord, 90-77 B.C.) Alma 26:27

Alma, the younger,
quoted by Mormon

But if ye keep the commandments of God, and do with these things which are sacred according to that which the Lord doth command you, (for you must appeal unto the Lord for all things whatsoever ye must do with them) behold, no power of earth or hell can take them from you, for God is powerful to the fulfilling of all his words.
17. For he will fulfil all his promises which he shall make unto you, for he has fulfilled his promises which he has made unto our fathers. (Alma instructs his son Helaman, about 73 B.C.) Alma 37:16-17

Amos

Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken. (The word of the Lord to the house of Israel) Amos 5:14

Related Witnesses:

Moroni, the Prophet General,
quoted by Mormon

But now, ye behold that the Lord is with us; and ye behold that he has delivered you into our hands. And now I would that ye should understand that this is done unto us because of our religion and our faith in Christ. And now ye see that ye cannot destroy this our faith. (General Moroni commands the Lamanites to make a covenant of peace or be destroyed, about 74 B.C.) Alma 44:3

Recorded in 1 Samuel

David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee. (The boy David goes against the giant Goliath) 1 Samuel 17:37

Jeremiah

Be not afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom ye are afraid; be not afraid of him, saith the LORD: for I am with you to save you, and to deliver you from his hand. (The word of the Lord for Johanan and his captains, about 628 B.C.) Jeremiah 42:11

Paul

Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. (Letter to the Church at Thessalonica, comprising Jews and many pagan converts, A.D. 50) 2 Thess.3:16

Daniel

If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.
18. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. . . .
23. And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
24. Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counsellers, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king.
25. He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.
26. Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace, and spake, and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth, and come hither. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, came forth of the midst of the fire.
27. And the princes, governors, and captains, and the king's counsellers, being gathered together, saw these men, upon whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was an hair of their head singed, neither were their coats changed, nor the smell of fire had passed on them.
28. Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. (King Nebuchadnezzar casts Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego into the fiery furnace because they refuse to worship his idol) Daniel 3:17-18,23-28

Jesus,
recorded in Matthew

And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. (A tempest arises on the sea which causes Jesus' disciples to fear: "Master the tempest is raging, the billows are tossing high. . . .") Matthew 8:26

Author's Note: Fear defined: "A painful emotion excited by an expectation of evil or the apprehension of impending danger." (The New Webster Encyclopedic Dictionary of the English Language, p. 321)

834. Courage emanates from righteous living and faith in God.

Mormon
Helaman, son of Alma, the younger
John A. Widtsoe
Elder Ezra Taft Benson
Related Witnesses
Francis M. Lyman
Richard L. Evans

Mormon

And they were all young men, and they were exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity; but behold, this was not all—they were men who were true at all times in whatsoever thing they were entrusted.
21. Yea, they were men of truth and soberness, for they had been taught to keep the commandments of God and to walk uprightly before him. (Helaman takes command of the two thousand stripling sons of the people of Ammon, about 64 B.C.) Alma 53:20-21

Helaman, son of Alma, the younger,
quoted by Mormon

And now I say unto you, my beloved brother Moroni, that never had I seen so great courage, nay, not amongst all the Nephites.
46. For as I had ever called them my sons (for they were all of them very young) even so they said unto me: Father, behold our God is with us, and he will not suffer that we should fall; then let us go forth; we would not slay our brethren if they would let us alone; therefore let us go, lest they should overpower the army of Antipus.
47. 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. (Helaman's two thousand stripling "sons" fight with miraculous power and none of them are slain, 62 B.C.) Alma 56:45-47

John A. Widtsoe

The gifts of faith are two: knowledge and power. These are to each other as the palm and fingers of a hand, or the charge and the gun to the speeding bullet. Where one is there is the other. These gifts were in the mind of the Apostle Paul when he defined faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." From these chief gifts are derived many lesser ones, such as hope and courage, trust and contentment. Faith, once developed, contributes to the solution of every problem of life. (Man and the Dragon, p. 139) TLDP:178

Elder Ezra Taft Benson,

also quoting Paul
We all have our difficulties, our problems, our reversals. "Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth." (Hebrews 12:6.) It is in the depths that men and women learn the lessons that help to build strong men and women, not at the pinnacle of success. In the hour of a man's success is his greatest danger. It sometimes takes a reversal to make us appreciate our blessings and to develop us into strong, courageous characters. We can meet every reversal that can possibly come with the help of the Lord. Every reversal can be turned to our benefit and blessing and can make us stronger, more courageous, more godlike. ACR(Manilla)1975:11

Related Witnesses:

Francis M. Lyman

Courage has its root in cheerfulness, and cheerfulness becomes rich and deep in a mind busy with earnest work. Doing good to others is a complete cure for the blues. Let the heart be warmed by love, and the mind, too much concerned in the failings and failures of self, begin to make plans for the happiness of others, and we will feel gladness coming into our own souls. It is a duty to be cheerful as well as courageous, for a happy man is of more value to the world than is a melancholy one. A buoyant spirit that fathers pleasant smiles and cheerful words helps the world forward, for joy is a tonic, it gives more energy than does hate, and directs its use in a wholesome way. But if a man would be cheerful, he must live at peace with his neighbors, and be ready to do more than his share of their common labors. He must be prepared to endure criticism, just and unjust, and invariably do good for evil. ("Manhood," IE1904Jan:176-77) TLDP:321

Richard L. Evans

Keep courage. Do not feel sorry for yourselves. Whatever you do, do not feel sorry for yourselves. You live in a great age of opportunity. I remember the words of one very sharp and shrewd observer who said, "Whenever I hear someone sigh and say that life is hard, I am tempted to ask 'compared to what?'" What are the alternatives? No one ever promised us it would be easy. It is a schooling; it is an opportunity; it is a learning period, and a wonderful one. Despite all the disappointments and difficulties, the great and ultimate rewards are beyond price. CR1961Apr:76

Author's Note: Courage is "That quality of mind which enables men to encounter danger and difficulties with firmness, or without fear;" (The New Webster Encyclopedic Dictionary of the English Language, p.197)

Truth: Knowledge of Truth

List of Doctrines on "Truth--Knowledge of Truth"

835. A person gains knowledge of truth through obedience to God.

836. God will give us knowledge of truth as fast as we are able to receive it.

837. The Lord teaches line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little.

838. To gain knowledge of truth requires our persistent effort.

839. All knowledge and intelligence we obtain in this life will rise with us in the resurrection.

840. Divine truth is eternal—it abides and endures forever and has no end.

841. Divine truth is absolute, ultimate, and pure; it never varies.

842. God uses the Holy Ghost to impart truth to His children.

843. Those who gain more knowledge of divine truth than others in this life have an advantage in the world to come.

844. It is impossible for a person to be saved in ignorance of the saving principles of the gospel.

835. A person gains knowledge of truth through obedience to God.

President Joseph F. Smith
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
John A. Widtsoe
John A. Widtsoe
John A. Widtsoe
Stephen L. Richards
Elder Ezra Taft Benson
Related Witnesses
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith

President Joseph F. Smith

Man is indebted to the source of all intelligence and truth, for the knowledge that he possesses; and all who will yield obedience to the promptings of the Spirit, which lead to virtue, to honor, to the love of God and man, and to the love of truth and that which is ennobling and enlarging to the soul, will get a cleaner, a more expansive, and a more direct and conclusive knowledge of God's truths than anyone else can obtain. CR1902Apr:85-86

Joseph Smith

He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things. (Revelation received at Kirtland, Ohio, May 6, 1833) D&C 93:28

Joseph Smith

And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments. . . .
19. . . . shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures; (Revelation Feb. 27, 1833) D&C 89:18-19

Joseph Smith

That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day. (Revelation for the elders of the Church, May 1831) D&C 50:24

J. Reuben Clark, Jr.

[O]bedience must often precede knowledge. CR1950Apr:181

John A. Widtsoe

To possess knowledge, and not to use it, or not to use it properly, is a sin. The failure of the human will to render obedience to God's law is not only unintelligent and unwise, it is sinful. On one occasion the Lord said to the Church, through the latter-day Prophet: "There are many who have been ordained among you, whom I have called but few of them are chosen. They who are not chosen have sinned a very grievous sin, in that they are walking in darkness at noon-day." Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer were in the noon-day of knowledge, yet walked in darkness. Wisdom had departed from them. Therefore they were in sin. So may any man close his eyes in full sunlight and walk in darkness and commit a sin before God. The nations of earth, sated with knowledge, in the full light of a Gospel dispensation, walk in darkness. Therefore, the wages of sin are theirs. Their wars and contentions are sinful before the Lord, and punishment will follow until they open their eyes to the light.
The divine warning has been given: "If you keep not my commandments, the love of the Father shall not continue with you, therefore ye shall walk in darkness." Obedience to law leads to intelligence and wisdom and frees men from darkness and the charge of sin. CR1938Apr:51

John A. Widtsoe

[I]t often happens that a person of limited knowledge but who earnestly and prayerfully obeys the law, rises to a higher intelligence or wisdom, than one of vast Gospel learning who does not comply in his daily life with the requirements of the Gospel. Obedience to law is a mark of intelligence. CR1938Apr:50

John A. Widtsoe

Those who live the Gospel of Jesus Christ gain this higher knowledge, this greater testimony, this ultimate assurance that this is the truth. It is the way to truth. CR1938Oct:129

Stephen L. Richards

From these statements (D&C 93:24-29) we learn important things about truth, first, that truth is knowledge; second, that it comprehends all things, past, present, and future; third, that it is opposed by an adversary; fourth, that it is of God; fifth, that it may only be received in fullness by keeping God's commandments. (Where is Wisdom? p. 143) TLDP:701

Elder Ezra Taft Benson,

also quoting Joseph Smith
The Lord will increase our knowledge, wisdom, and capacity to obey when we obey His fundamental laws. This is what the Prophet Joseph Smith meant when he said we could have "sudden strokes of ideas" which come into our minds as "pure intelligence." (See TPJS:151.) This is revelation. We must learn to rely on the Holy Ghost so we can use it to guide our lives and the lives of those for whom we have responsibility. CR1983Apr:71-72

Related Witnesses:

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

And that wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers.
40. But I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth. (The Lord speaks by revelation at Kirtland, Ohio, May 6, 1833) D&C 93:39-40

Joseph Smith

An actual knowledge to any person, that the course of life which he pursues is according to the will of God, is essentially necessary to enable him to have that confidence in God, without which no person can obtain eternal life. It was this that enabled the ancient saints to endure all their afflictions and persecutions, and to take joyfully the spoiling of their goods, knowing (not believing merely) that they had a more enduring substance. Hebrews 10:34. . . .
4. Such was, and always will be, the situation of the saints of God, that unless they have an actual knowledge that the course they are pursuing is according to the will of God they will grow weary in their minds, and faint; . . . (Lectures on Faith delivered to the School of the Prophets, 1834-35) LOF6:2,4

836. God will give us knowledge of truth as fast as we are able to receive it.

Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
James E. Talmage
Ammon, son of Mosiah
Related Witnesses
Joseph Smith
Jesus
Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Therefore, be ye as wise as serpents and yet without sin; and I will order all things for your good, as fast as ye are able to receive them. Amen. (Revelation, Aug. 6, 1836) D&C 111:11

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal. . . .
65. Behold, thou shalt observe all these things, and great shall be thy reward; for unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom, but unto the world it is not given to know them. . . . 68. Therefore, he that lacketh wisdom, let him ask of me, and I will give him liberally and upbraid him not. (Revelation "embracing the law of the Church," Feb. 9, 1831) D&C 42:61,65,68

Joseph Smith,
quoted by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

We consider that God has created man with a mind capable of instruction, and a faculty which may be enlarged in proportion to the heed and diligence given to the light communicated from heaven to the intellect; and that the nearer man approaches perfection, the clearer are his views, and the greater his enjoyments, till he has overcome the evils of his life and lost every desire for sin; and like the ancients, arrives at that point of faith where he is wrapped in the power and glory of his Maker and is caught up to dwell with Him. But we consider that this is a station to which no man ever arrived in a moment: he must have been instructed in the government and laws of that kingdom by proper degrees, until his mind is capable in some measure of comprehending the propriety, justice, equality, and consistency of the same. (Written message to the elders of the Church in Kirtland and elsewhere, Jan. 1834) TPJS:51

Joseph Smith,
quoted by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

The Lord deals with this people as a tender parent with a child, communicating light and intelligence and the knowledge of his ways as they can bear it. (Discourse on 2nd Peter, first chapter, May 21, 1843) HC5:401-03; TPJS:305

James E. Talmage

Faith a Gift of God . . . . No compulsion is used in bringing men to a knowledge of God; yet, as fast as we open our hearts to the influences of righteousness, the faith that leads to life eternal will be given us of our Father. AF:97

Ammon, son of Mosiah
quoted by Mormon

Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing—unto such it is given to know the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given to reveal things which never have been revealed; yea, and it shall be given unto such to bring thousands of souls to repentance, even as it has been given unto us to bring these our brethren to repentance. (Ammon addresses his brethren, 90-77 B.C.) Alma 26:22

Related Witnesses:

Joseph Smith

How long can rolling waters remain impure? What power shall stay the heavens? As well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river in its decreed course, or to turn it up stream, as to hinder the Almighty from pouring down knowledge from heaven upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints. (Revelation received in Liberty Jail, March 20, 1839) D&C 121:33

Jesus,
recorded in Matthew

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
8. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. (Jesus concludes the Sermon on the Mount) Matthew 7:7-8

Joseph Smith

God shall give unto you knowledge by his Holy Spirit, yea, by the unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost, that has not been revealed since the world was until now;
27. Which our forefathers have awaited with anxious expectation to be revealed in the last times, which their minds were pointed to by the angels, as held in reserve for the fulness of their glory;
28. A time to come in the which nothing shall be withheld, whether there be one God or many gods, they shall be manifest.
29. All thrones and dominions, principalities and powers, shall be revealed and set forth upon all who have endured valiantly for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
30. And also, if there be bounds set to the heavens or to the seas, or to the dry land, or to the sun, moon, or stars—
31. All the times of their revolutions, all the appointed days, months, and years, and all the days of their days, months, and years, and all their glories, laws, and set times, shall be revealed in the days of the dispensation of the fulness of times—
32. According to that which was ordained in the midst of the Council of the Eternal God of all other gods before this world was, that should be reserved unto the finishing and the end thereof, when every man shall enter into his eternal presence and into his immortal rest. (Revelation received in Liberty Jail, March 20, 1839) D&C 121:26-32

837. The Lord teaches line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little.

Isaiah
Joseph Smith
George Q. Cannon
Nephi, son of Lehi
Boyd K. Packer
Bruce R. McConkie
Joseph Smith
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
James E. Faust
Richard G. Scott
Related Witnesses
President Joseph F. Smith
Boyd K. Packer

Isaiah

Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? . . .
10. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: (The words of Isaiah, 740-659 B.C.; revelation comes line upon line) Isaiah 28:9-10

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

George Q. Cannon

The possession and complete understanding of one truth or principle in the system is but the stepping-stone to the complete and perfect comprehension of its adjacent truth; and thus the investigator is gradually led on from one truth to another, until the mind is fully developed, and he beholds a grand and beautiful system, perfect in all its parts, and every truth having such an intimate relationship with its fellow-truth, that to believe and fully grasp one with the mind is to believe and grasp the other. (Gospel Truth, 2:8) TLDP:704-05

Nephi, son of Lehi

Wo be unto him that shall say: We have received the word of God, and we need no more of the word of God, for we have enough 30. For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have. (Nephi foretells the last days, 559-545 B.C.) 2 Nephi 28:29-30

Boyd K. Packer

Revelation is a continuous principle in the Church. In one sense the Church is still being organized. As light and knowledge are given, as prophecies are fulfilled and more intelligence is received, another step forward can be taken. (The Holy Temple, p. 137) TLDP:569

Bruce R. McConkie

The Lord gives his word to men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little, confirming their hope, building each new revelation upon the foundations of the past, giving his children only that portion of his word which they are able to bear. . . .
Alma summarized the restrictions under which preachers of righteousness serve by saying: "It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him." Such is the universal principle; it is not how much the teacher knows, but how much the student is prepared to receive. Strong and deep doctrine, spoken to rebellious people, drives them further away and widens the gulf between them and the saints of God. . . .
. . . . Even the true saints—the believing disciples, those who have accepted the gospel and received the gift of the Holy Ghost—are not prepared to receive all things. We have the fulness of the everlasting gospel, meaning we have every truth, power, priesthood, and key needed to enable us to gain the fulness of salvation in our Father's kingdom. But we do not have, and are not yet prepared to receive, the fulness of gospel truth. (The Mortal Messiah, 2:235-37) TLDP:672-73

Joseph Smith

When you climb up a ladder, you must begin at the bottom, and ascend step by step, until you arrive at the top; and so it is with the principles of the gospel—you must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the principles of exaltation. But it will be a great while after you have passed through the veil before you will have learned them. It is not all to be comprehended in this world; it will be a great work to learn our salvation and exaltation even beyond the grave. (To the Church in general conference—to a congregation of 20,000—"King Follett Sermon," April 7, 1844) (See HC6:302-17, also see The Words of Joseph Smith, pp. 340-62.) TPJS:348; DGSM:29

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

The truth had to come piecemeal—line upon line, precept upon precept, just like knowledge comes to all of us. CHMR1:95; DCSM:42

James E. Faust

A testimony begins with the acceptance by faith of the divine mission of Jesus Christ, the head of this Church; and the prophet of the Restoration, Joseph Smith. The gospel as restored by Joseph Smith is either true or it is not. To receive all of the promised blessings we must accept the gospel in faith and in full. However, this certain faith does not usually come all at once. We learn spiritually line upon line and precept upon precept. (CR 2003Oct; Lord, I Believe; Help Thou Mine Unbelief, Ensign, November 2003, p.19)

Richard G. Scott

Your testimony may begin from acknowledgment that the teachings of the Lord seem reasonable. But it must grow from practicing those laws. Then your own experience will attest to their validity and yield the results promised. That confirmation will not all come at once. A strong testimony comes line upon line, precept upon precept. It requires faith, time, consistent obedience, and a willingness to sacrifice. (CR 2001Oct; The Power of a Strong Testimony, Ensign, November 2001, p.87)

Related Witnesses:

President Joseph F. Smith

[A]s men grow in the knowledge of God, they shall become more and more like him unto the perfect day, when his knowledge shall cover the earth as the waters cover the deep. (Gospel Doctrine, p. 400) TLDP:339-40

Boyd K. Packer

Many elements of truth come only after a lifetime of preparation. CR1974Apr:138

838. To gain knowledge of truth requires our persistent effort.

Howard W. Hunter
Joseph Smith
Elder Joseph F. Smith
Ammon, son of Mosiah
Elder Spencer W. Kimball
Alma, the younger
John A. Widtsoe
Related Witnesses
Joseph Smith
J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
Elder Spencer W. Kimball

Howard W. Hunter

As important as scientific research may be, the greatest quest is a search for God—to determine his reality, his personal attributes, and to secure a knowledge of the gospel of his Son Jesus Christ. It is not easy to find a perfect understanding of God. The search requires persistent effort, and there are some who never move themselves to pursue this knowledge. CR1974Oct:138

Joseph Smith,

Hyrum Smith, Lyman Wight
The things of God are of vast importance, and require time and experience as well as deep and solemn thought to find them out; and if we would bring souls to salvation it requires that our minds should rise to the highest heavens, search into and contemplate the lowest abyss, expand wide as eternity and hold communion with Deity. ("Copy of a Letter Written . . . While in Prison," Times and Seasons, May 1840, p. 102) TLDP:341-42

Elder Joseph F. Smith

If I have learned something through prayer, supplication, and perseverance in seeking to know the truth, and I tell it to you, it will not be knowledge unto you. I can tell you how you can obtain it, but I cannot give it to you. If we receive this knowledge, it must come from the Lord. He can touch your understandings and your spirits, so that you shall comprehend perfectly and not be mistaken. But I cannot do that. You can obtain this knowledge through repentance, humility, and seeking the Lord with full purpose of heart until you find Him. He is not afar off. It is not difficult to approach Him, if we will only do it with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, as did Nephi of old. [2 Nephi 4:32] This was the way in which Joseph Smith, in his boyhood, approached Him. He went into the woods, knelt down, and in humility he sought earnestly to know which church was acceptable to God. He received an answer to his prayer, which he offered from the depths of his heart, and he received it in a way that he did not expect. CR1899Oct:71

Ammon, son of Mosiah ,
quoted by Mormon

Elder Spencer W. Kimball

God and his program will be found only in deep pondering, appropriate reading, much kneeling in devout, humble prayer, and in a sincerity born of need and dependence.
These requirements having been fully met, there is no soul between the poles nor from ocean to ocean who may not positively obtain this knowledge, this hidden treasure of knowledge, this saving and exalting knowledge. . . .
The ultimate and greatest of all knowledge, then, is to know God and his program for our exaltation. We may know him by sight, by sound, by feeling. While relatively few ever do really know him, everyone may know him. . . . CR1968Oct:130

Alma, the younger,
quoted by Mormon

It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him. 10. And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full. 11. And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. (Alma contends with the wicked Zeezrom, about 82 B.C.) Alma 12:9-11

John A. Widtsoe

These . . . are the steps on the way to truth: Desire, prayer, study, and practice. They form the eternal price which must be paid for truth.
This way must be found by each person for himself. Another cannot desire, pray, study, or practice in our stead and for us. Truth must be won individually.
The way to truth is the way to a testimony of the truth of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Try it It never fails those who travel it sincerely. Those who live most, live by truth. (Evidences and Reconciliations, 3:84-85) TLDP:705

Related Witnesses:

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me. 8. But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.
9. But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me. (Revelation for Oliver Cowdery, April 1829; the Book of Mormon is translated by study and by spiritual confirmation) D&C 9:7-9

J. Reuben Clark, Jr.

Thus God made clear that the gaining of knowledge is not to be like the commonplace work of earning a living. He who invades the domain of knowledge must approach it as Moses came to the burning bush; he stands on holy ground; he would acquire things sacred; he seeks to make his own the attributes of Deity, the truth which Christ declared he was (John 14:6), and which shall make us free (John 8:32), free of the shackles of time and space, which shall be no more. We must come to this quest of truth—in all regions of human knowledge whatsoever—not only in reverence, but with a spirit of worship.
In all his promises and commandments about gaining knowledge, the Lord has never withheld from our quest any field of truth. Our knowledge is to be coterminous with the universe and is to reach out and to comprehend the laws and the workings of the deeps of the eternities. All domains of all knowledge belong to us. In no other way could the great law of eternal progression be satisfied. (Charge to President Howard S. McDonald at his inauguration as president of Brigham Young University, Nov. 14, 1945, delivered by J. Reuben Clark, Jr., in behalf of the First Presidency, IE1946Jan:60-63) MOFP6:231-32

Elder Spencer W. Kimball

The Lord has promised repeatedly that he will give you a knowledge of spiritual things when you have placed yourself in a proper frame of mind. He has counseled us to seek, ask, and search diligently. (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 63) TLDP:686

839. All knowledge and intelligence we obtain in this life will rise with us in the resurrection.

Joseph Smith
Charles A. Callis
President Spencer W. Kimball

Joseph Smith

Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.
19. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come. (Revelation, April 2, 1830) D&C 130:18-19

Charles A. Callis,

also quoting Joseph Smith
The Prophet Joseph Smith said: "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another he will have so much the advantage in the world to come." What knowledge? The pure knowledge that greatly enlarges the soul, that makes us more like God by giving more understanding of his glorious purposes. CR1939Oct:20

President Spencer W. Kimball

Each one of you has it within the realm of his possibility to develop a kingdom over which you will preside as its king and God. You will need to develop yourself and grow in ability and power and worthiness, to govern such a world with all of its people. You are sent to this earth not merely to have a good time or to satisfy urges or passions or desires. You are sent to this earth, not to ride merry-go-rounds, airplanes, automobiles, and have what the world calls "fun."
You are sent to this world with a very serious purpose. You are sent to school, for that matter, to begin as a human infant and grow to unbelievable proportions in wisdom, judgment, knowledge, and power, that is why you and I cannot be satisfied with saying merely "I like that or want that." That is why in our childhood and our youth and our young adulthood we must stretch and grow and remember and prepare for the later life when limitations will terminate so that we can go on and on and on. (At University of Utah Institute of Religion, Oct. 1976) DGSM:29

840. Divine truth is eternal—it abides and endures forever and has no end.

Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Charles W. Penrose
Recorded in Psalms
Related Witnesses
Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

[M]y Spirit is truth; truth abideth and hath no end; and if it be in you it shall abound. (Revelation, Dec. 27/28, 1832; the "olive leaf message of peace") D&C 88:66

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled. 38. What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.
39. For behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever. Amen. (Revelation received during a conference of elders of the Church, Nov. 1, 1831) D&C 1:37-39

Charles W. Penrose

The truth of God abideth forever. CR1911Oct:48

Recorded in Psalms

[A]nd the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. (A psalm of David) Psalms 117:2

Related Witnesses:

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come;
25. And whatsoever is more or less than this is the spirit of that wicked one who was a liar from the beginning.
26. The Spirit of truth is of God. I am the Spirit of truth, and John bore record of me, saying: He received a fulness of truth, yea, even of all truth; . . . (The Lord speaks by revelation at Kirtland, Ohio, May 6, 1833) D&C 93:24-26

841. Divine truth is absolute, ultimate, and pure; it never varies.

Charles W. Penrose
J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
President Spencer W. Kimball
President Spencer W. Kimball
Elder Ezra Taft Benson
Related Witnesses:
J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
Alma, the younger
Mormon
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith

Charles W. Penrose

Truth does not change with the centuries. It will not change with the eternal ages. The truth of God abideth forever. That which is true, coming from Him in one age of the world, is true in another. [See D&C 93:24-25.] That which is true on one of His worlds that He has created, is true in all the worlds that He has caused to be organized and sent forth, each in its place, rolling in space, revolving upon its own axis, preserved in its own sphere, in its own orbit, and with the others contributing to the glory of God and bespeaking His handiwork. Truth never changes. Our conception of a truth may change as we grow in wisdom and understanding, and in clearness of spiritual vision. That which appeared to us to be true at one time we may find out later to be incorrect, and so it is we who change, and not the truth that changes. CR1911Oct:48

J. Reuben Clark, Jr.

These are some of the ultimate truths, which God has revealed to us. These truths endure; they are the same in all lands, and among all people, and at all times. They are changeless. They are the truths which must take precedence over all contrary theories, dogmas, hypotheses, or relative truths from whatever source or by whomsoever brought. These ultimate truths may not be questioned. All secular truths will, must, finally conform to these ultimate truths.
He wounds, maims, and cripples a soul who raises doubts about or destroys faith in the ultimate truths. God will hold such a one strictly accountable; and who can measure the depths to which one shall fail who wilfully shatters in another the opportunity for celestial glory. These ultimate truths are royal truths to which all human wisdom and knowledge are subject. These truths point the way to celestial glory. (Charge to President Howard S. McDonald at his inauguration as president of Brigham Young University, Nov. 14, 1945, delivered by J. Reuben Clark, Jr., in behalf of the First Presidency, IE1946Jan:60-63) MOFP6:237

President Spencer W. Kimball

This true way of life is not a matter of opinion. There are absolute truths and relative truths. The rules of dietetics have changed many times in my lifetime. Many scientific findings have changed from year to year. The scientists taught for decades that the world was once a nebulous, molten mass cast off from the sun, and later many scientists said it once was a whirl of dust which solidified. There are many ideas advanced to the world that have been changed to meet the needs of the truth as it has been discovered. There are relative truths, and there are also absolute truths which are the same yesterday, today, and forever—never changing. These absolute truths are not altered by the opinions of men. As science has expanded our understanding of the physical world, certain accepted ideas of science have had to be abandoned in the interest of truth. Some of these seeming truths were stoutly maintained for centuries. The sincere searching of science often rests only on the threshold of truth, whereas revealed facts give us certain absolute truths as a beginning point so we may come to understand the nature of man and the purpose of his life. ("Absolute Truth," Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year, 1977, p. 137-38) TLDP:706

President Spencer W. Kimball

We learn about these absolute truths by being taught by the Spirit. These truths are 'independent' in their spiritual sphere and are to be discovered spiritually, though they may be confirmed by experience and intellect. (See D&C 93:30.) ("Absolute Truth," EN1978Sept:3-4) DGSM:3

Elder Ezra Taft Benson

In the Church we have no fear that any discovery of new truths will ever be in conflict with these standards—with any fundamental basic principle which we advocate in the Gospel. Truth is always consistent. This fact gives to us as members of the Church a feeling of great security, a feeling of peace, a feeling of assurance. We know beyond any question that the truths which we advocate, the truths of the Gospel restored to the earth through the Prophet Joseph, are in very deed the truths of heaven. These truths will always be consistent with the discovery of any new truths, whether discovered in the laboratory, through research of the scientist, or whether revealed from heaven through prophets of God. Time is always on the side of truth. CR1958Apr:60

Related Witnesses:

J. Reuben Clark, Jr.
Temporal truths relate to the materials, forces, compositions that are universe-wide, and to matters that generally are covered as matters of science, economics, sociology, politics, and like matters—I am not listing, I am only indicating—they are essentially non-scriptural, except where the Lord has declared the truth.
Spiritual truths include all matters relating to the principles and doctrines of religion, as generally termed, and all matters of scriptures dealing therewith, and all matters affecting the progress, development, and destiny of the soul of man. Again I am not listing, but indicating.
The first matters, temporal truths, are not normally controlled by revelations of the Lord concerning them and are, so to say, in the public domain. They may be discussed, investigated, experimented upon, theorized about, and handled in any way we wish, with the exception noted.
Spiritual truths, on the other hand, are to be found in and are governed and controlled by the revelations of our Heavenly Father as contained in the scriptures and in inspired utterances of his prophets. . . . As President Joseph F. Smith said, as already quoted:
". . . . There never was and never will be any conflict between truth revealed by the Lord to his servants, the prophets, and truth revealed by him to the scientist, who makes his discoveries through his research and study." ("The Genius of Our Church Organization," Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year, June 17, 1958, p. 16) TLDP:706

Alma, the younger,
quoted by Mormon

I perceive that it has been made known unto you, by the testimony of his word, that he cannot walk in crooked paths; neither doth he vary from that which he hath said; neither hath he a shadow of turning from the right to the left, or from that which is right to that which is wrong; therefore, his course is one eternal round. (Alma preaches to the people in Gideon, about 83 B.C.) Alma 7:20

Mormon

For I know that God is not a partial God, neither a changeable being; but he is unchangeable from all eternity to all eternity. (Mormon writes to his son Moroni, prior to A.D. 384) Moroni 8:18

Joseph Smith

For God doth not walk in crooked paths, neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left, neither doth he vary from that which he hath said, therefore his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round. (Revelation, July 1828) D&C 3:2

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

Listen to the voice of the Lord your God, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, whose course is one eternal round, the same today as yesterday, and forever. (Revelation to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon, Dec. 1830) D&C 35:1

842. God uses the Holy Ghost to impart truth to His children.

Moroni, son of Mormon
Nephi, son of Lehi
Delbert L. Stapley
Jesus
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Bruce R. McConkie

Moroni, son of Mormon

And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. (The final writings of Moroni, about A.D. 421) Moroni 10:5

Nephi, son of Lehi

For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round. (Nephi's writings, 600-592 B.C.) 1 Nephi 10:19

Delbert L. Stapley

The Holy Ghost is a revelator of truth. . . . CR1966Oct:112

Jesus,

recorded by John
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (Jesus discourses on the mission of the Holy Ghost) John 16:13

Joseph Smith,
quoted by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

[W]e believe that it [the gift of the Holy Ghost] . . . brings things past to our remembrance, leads us into all truth, and shows us of things to come; we believe that "no man can know that Jesus is the Christ, but by the Holy Ghost." (Editorial in "Times and Seasons," June 1842) HC5:27; TPJS:243

Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord

And again, he that receiveth the word of truth, doth he receive it by the Spirit of truth or some other way?
20. If it be some other way it is not of God.
21. Therefore, why is it that ye cannot understand and know, that he that receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is preached by the Spirit of truth?
22. Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together. (Revelation for the elders of the Church, May 1831) D&C 50:19-22

Joseph Smith

Therefore, whoso readeth it, let him understand, for the Spirit manifesteth truth; . . . (Revelation, March 9, 1833) D&C 91:4

Bruce R. McConkie

True it is that honest truth seekers come to know of the truth and divinity of the Lord's work by the power of the Holy Ghost: they receive a flash of revelation telling them that Jesus is the Lord, that Joseph Smith is his prophet, that the Book of Mormon is the mind and will and voice of the Lord, that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true and living Church upon the whole earth. They gain a testimony before baptism. But it is only after they pledge their all in the cause of Christ that they receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, which is the heavenly endowment of which Jesus spoke. Then they receive a fulfillment of the promise: "by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." (Moroni 10:5) Then they receive the "spirit of revelation," and the Lord tells them in their heart and in their mind whatsoever he will. (D&C 8:1-3(The Millennial Messiah, pp. 98-99) DGSM:45

843. Those who gain more knowledge of divine truth than others in this life have an advantage in the world to come.

Joseph Smith
Charles A. Callis
Related Witnesses
President Joseph F. Smith
Elder Harold B. Lee

Joseph Smith

Charles A. Callis

The Prophet Joseph Smith said: "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another he will have so much the advantage in the world to come." What knowledge? The pure knowledge that greatly enlarges the soul, that makes us more like God by giving more understanding of his glorious purposes. CR1939Oct:20

Related Witnesses:

President Joseph F. Smith

Elder Harold B. Lee

Truth is the scepter of power, which if man possesses, will give him "dominion" and the ability to "subdue all things." (Decisions for Successful Living, p. 188) TLDP:704

844. It is impossible for a person to be saved in ignorance of the saving principles of the gospel.

Bruce R. McConkie
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Elder Ezra Taft Benson
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Related Witnesses
President Spencer W. Kimball
Joseph Smith
Elder Spencer W. Kimball
President Brigham Young
Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards
Joseph Smith

Bruce R. McConkie

Man's hope of gaining salvation is in direct proportion to his knowledge of God and the laws of salvation. No man can be saved in ignorance of Jesus Christ and the laws of the gospel. Man is saved no faster then he gains knowledge of God and the saving truths recorded in the scriptures. A fountain cannot rise above its source; a people cannot live laws of which they are ignorant, nor believe in a Christ about whom they know little or nothing. The Lord expects his people to learn the doctrines of salvation. "Search these commandments" (D&C 1:37), is a decree which applies in principle to all revelations of all ages. (The Mortal Messiah, 2:81) TLDP:339

Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

Now I say it boldly, all the knowledge that a man can gain in this world or beyond this world, independent of the spirit of God, the inspiration of the Almighty, will not lead him to a fulness. . . .
. . . . It is, however, knowledge of the principles of the Gospel that will save men in the Kingdom of God. CR1939Apr:102-03

Elder Ezra Taft Benson

The most vital knowledge you can learn is the saving truths of the gospel—the truths that will make the difference in your eternal welfare. The most vital words that you can read are those of the Presidents of the Church—particularly the living prophet—and those of the apostles and prophets. God encourages learning in many areas, and vocational skills will have increasing importance. There is much reading material that is available which is either time-wasting or corrupting. The best yardstick to use in discerning the worth of true knowledge and learning is to go first and foremost to the words of the Lord's prophets. ("In His Steps," Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year, 1979, p. 62) TLDP:706

Joseph Smith,
quoted by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

As far as we degenerate from God, we descend to the devil and lose knowledge, and without knowledge we cannot be saved, and while our hearts are filled with evil, we are studying evil, there is no room in our hearts for good, or studying good. Is not God good? Then you be good; if He is faithful, then you be faithful. Add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, and seek for every good thing. . . .
A man is saved no faster than he gets knowledge, for if he does not get knowledge, he will be brought into captivity by some evil power in the other world, as evil spirits will have more knowledge, and consequently more power than many men who are on the earth. Hence it needs revelation to assist us, and give us knowledge of the things of God. [Italics supplied.] (From a synopsis by Elder Wilford Woodruff of the Prophet's remarks in a talk in the Grove, Nauvoo, Ill., April 10, 1842) HC4:588; TPJS:217; MPSG1972-73:7

Joseph Smith,
quoted by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

Add to your faith knowledge, etc. The principle of knowledge is the principle of salvation. This principle can be comprehended by the faithful and diligent; and every one that does not obtain knowledge sufficient to be saved will be condemned. The principle of salvation is given us through the knowledge of Jesus Christ. (From a sermon at Yelrome, May 14, 1843, drawn from a synopsis by Elder Wilford Woodruff) HC5:387-90; TPJS:297; MPSG1972-73:7

Related Witnesses:

President Spencer W. Kimball

[W]e must recognize that secular knowledge alone can never save a soul nor open the celestial kingdom to anyone. . . .
. . . . Yet secular knowledge can be most helpful to [those] who have found and are living those truths which lead one to eternal life, ("Seek Learning, Even by Study and Also by Faith," EN1983Sept:3) DGSM:3

Joseph Smith

It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance. (Instructions, May 16/17, 1843) D&C 131:6

Elder Spencer W. Kimball

President Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards

(First Presidency)
If men would be great in goodness, they must be intelligent, for no man can do good unless he knows how; therefore seek after knowledge, all knowledge, and especially that which is from above, which is wisdom to direct in all things, and if you find any thing that God does not know, you need not learn that thing; but strive to know what God knows, and use that knowledge as God uses it, and then you will be like him; will see as you are seen, and know as you are known; and have charity, love one another, and do each other good continually, and for ever, even as for yourselves. ("Sixth General Epistle of the Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," Millennial Star, Jan. 15, 1852, p. 22) TLDP:341

Joseph Smith,
quoted by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith

It is not to be wondered at that men should be ignorant, in a great measure, of the principles of salvation, and more especially of the nature, office, power, influence, gifts, and blessings of the gift of the Holy Ghost, when we consider that the human family have been enveloped in gross darkness and ignorance for many centuries past, without revelation, or any just criterion [by which] to arrive at a knowledge of the things of God, which can only be known by the Spirit of God. (Editorial in Times and Seasons, HC5:26-32, June 15, 1842) TPJS:242

Author's Note: Elder Joseph Fielding Smith wrote: "The Prophet did say that a man cannot be saved in ignorance, but in ignorance of what? He said that a man cannot be saved in ignorance of the saving principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ." (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:290)

We Believe: Doctrines and Principles

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Thoughts and Intentions

820. Our minds should be occupied with virtuous and righteous thoughts.

Related Witnesses:

821. We are to abstain from impure thoughts.

Related Witnesses:

822. Our thoughts are to be directed unto the Lord.

Related Witnesses:

823. The Lord knows our thoughts and the intents of our hearts.

Related Witnesses:

824. The Lord judges us by what we are in our minds and hearts, not by how we may appear to others.

Related Witnesses:

825. We are what we think and what we feel in our hearts—and we generally act accordingly.

Related Witnesses:

826. Our evil thoughts will condemn us.

Related Witnesses:

Tithing

827. Members of the Lord's Church are to give as tithing one-tenth of all their increase annually.

Related Witnesses:

828. The law of tithing was instituted because the people could not abide the greater law of consecration.

Related Witnesses:

828a. Obedience to the Law of Tithing brings blessings.

Translated Beings

829. Some mortals have been translated; in this state their bodies are changed so that they are not subject to disease, sorrow, or death.

Related Witnesses:

830. Translated beings eventually undergo a change equivalent to death.

Trusting In God

831. Love of God dispels fear.

Related Witnesses:

832. There is nothing too hard for the Lord; for Him, all things are possible.

833. Those who serve the Lord need never fear, for He will be with them and succor them.

Related Witnesses:

834. Courage emanates from righteous living and faith in God.

Related Witnesses:

Truth: Knowledge of Truth

Related Witnesses:

836. God will give us knowledge of truth as fast as we are able to receive it.

Related Witnesses:

837. The Lord teaches line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, there a little.

Related Witnesses:

838. To gain knowledge of truth requires our persistent effort.

Related Witnesses:

839. All knowledge and intelligence we obtain in this life will rise with us in the resurrection.

840. Divine truth is eternal—it abides and endures forever and has no end.

Related Witnesses:

841. Divine truth is absolute, ultimate, and pure; it never varies.

Related Witnesses:

842. God uses the Holy Ghost to impart truth to His children.

843. Those who gain more knowledge of divine truth than others in this life have an advantage in the world to come.

Related Witnesses:

844. It is impossible for a person to be saved in ignorance of the saving principles of the gospel.

Related Witnesses: