Sanctification: Perfection
706. Sanctification is a process whereby we eventually become pure and spotless before God.
707. Christ would have us be perfect, even as He is perfect.
708. If we sanctify ourselves so our minds become single to God and His glory, we may one day see the face of the Lord (for some, this may occur in mortal life).
709. He who faithfully magnifies his calling in the priesthood will be sanctified by the Spirit and receive the fulness of the Father's kingdom; he will receive all the Father has.
710. A sanctified person cannot look upon sin without abhorrence.
711. Even those who are sanctified may fall from grace, for all of us must endure in faith to the end or we cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.
706. Sanctification is a process whereby we eventually become pure and spotless before God.
Bruce R. McConkie
President Brigham Young
Moroni, son of Mormon
Bruce R. McConkie
Jesus
Delbert L. Stapley
Hugh B. Brown
Paul
Alma, the younger
President Brigham Young
Enoch
Joseph Smith
Mormon
Bruce R. McConkie
Those who go to the celestial kingdom of heaven have to be sanctified, meaning that they become clean and pure and spotless. They've had evil and sin and iniquity burned out of their souls as though by fire, and the figurative expression there is "the baptism of fire." Here again it is a process. Nobody is sanctified in an instant, suddenly. But if we keep the commandments and press forward with steadfastness after baptism then degree by degree and step by step we sanctify our souls until that glorious day when we're qualified to go where God and angels are. ("Jesus Christ and Him Crucified," Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year, 1976, p. 399) TLDP:605
President Brigham Young
I will put my own definition to the term sanctification, and say it consists in overcoming every sin and bringing all into subjection to the law of Christ. God has placed in us a pure spirit; when this reigns predominant, without let or hindrance, and triumphs over the flesh and rules and governs and controls as the Lord controls the heavens and the earth, this I call the blessing of sanctification. Will sin be perfectly destroyed? No, it will not, for it is not so designed in the economy of Heaven. . . .
Do not suppose that we shall ever in the flesh be free from temptations to sin. Some suppose that they can in the flesh be sanctified body and spirit and become so pure that they will never again feel the effects of the power of the adversary of truth. Were it possible for a person to attain to this degree of perfection in the flesh, he could not die, neither remain in a world where sin predominates. Sin has entered into the world, and death by sin. (In Tabernacle, May 1863) TLDP:604; MPSG1985:205 (in part)
Moroni, son of Mormon
Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.
33. And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot. (Moroni's final writings, about A.D. 421) Moroni 10:32-33
Related Witnesses:
Bruce R. McConkie
To be sanctified is to be cleansed from all sin; it is to stand pure and spotless before the Lord; it is to overcome the world and be a fit candidate for a celestial inheritance. The "sanctified" are "them of the celestial world." (D&C 88:2) The Holy Ghost is a sanctifier. His baptism of fire burns dross and evil out of repentant souls as though by fire. Sanctification comes only to the obedient; it is the truth of heaven—the very word of God, his everlasting gospel—which sanctifies the souls of men. (The Mortal Messiah, 4:114) TLDP:605
Jesus,
quoted by Mormon
quoted by Mormon
And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end.
20. Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day. (The resurrected Jesus Christ instructs his twelve Nephite disciples, A.D. 34) 3 Nephi 27:19-20
Delbert L. Stapley,
also quoting Mormon
"Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God." (Helaman 3:35)
My brothers and sisters, if we fast and pray often I am sure that we, too, can wax stronger and stronger in our faith and in our humility, that our hearts will be filled with joy and consolation; that we will also purify and sanctify our hearts, which sanctification will come because we do yield our hearts unto God. CR1951Oct:126
Hugh B. Brown
Nothing but the gospel of love, the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, which we gratefully proclaim, can save the world or the individual from the dangers that threaten us. This is a gospel of character-building activity, of invincible faith and the courage that is born of faith; of repentance, the doorway to progress; of sanctification through baptism of water and of the Spirit, the doorway, to the celestial kingdom. CR1963Apr:8
Paul
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
10. Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
11. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (Letter to the Church at Corinth, Greece, about A.D. 55) 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Alma, the younger,
quoted by Mormon
quoted by Mormon
Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their garments made white; being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence; and there were many, exceedingly great many, who were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God. (Alma instructs the people that high priests were ordained because of righteousness, about 82 B.C.) Alma 13:12
President Brigham Young
When the will, passions, and feelings of a person are perfectly submissive to God and His requirements, that person is sanctified. It is for my will to be swallowed up in the will of God, that will lead me into all good, and crown me ultimately with immortality and eternal lives. (In Tabernacle, April 1853, JD2:123) DGSM:50
Enoch,
quoted by Joseph Smith,
quoted by Joseph Smith,
translating the Book of Moses
That by reason of transgression cometh the fall, which fall bringeth death, and inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit, which I have made, and so became of dust a living soul, even so ye must be born again into the kingdom of heaven, of water, and of the Spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten; that ye might be sanctified from all sin, and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory;
60. For by the water ye keep the commandment; by the Spirit ye are justified, and by the blood ye are sanctified; (The record of Moses : Enoch testifies to the people) Moses 6:59-60
Joseph Smith
And we know also, that sanctification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true, to all those who love and serve God with all their mights, minds, and strength. (Revelation on Church Organization and Government, April 1830; laws governing repentance, justification, sanctification, and baptism are set forth) D&C 20:31
Mormon
Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God. (The more humble part of the Nephite Church members suffer persecutions, 41 B.C.) Helaman 3:35
Author's Note: Doctrine D-706 states "Sanctification is a process whereby we eventually become pure and spotless before God." The "elect" are chosen and called elect because they merit the appellation, and yet not quite because of merit, but because they have gone through a process, have become godlike, have become elect spirits. The elect are not "rewarded" for good works, but they have become elect because they have developed into godlike spirits. There is no selection on any other basis than change of character. There are no arbitrary placements, no selections because of rank or family or worldly nobility or talent. God is no respecter of persons, choosing one over the other without worthiness: "Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—
"That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
"That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man." (D&C 121:35-37)
707. Christ would have us be perfect, even as He is perfect.
Moroni, son of Mormon
Jesus
Jesus
Jesus
Jesus
President Spencer W. Kimball
Moroni, son of Mormon
Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.
33. And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot. (Moroni's final writings, about A.D. 421) Moroni 10:32-33
Jesus,
quoted by Mormon
quoted by Mormon
Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am. (The resurrected Jesus Christ teaches the Nephites, A.D. 34) 3 Nephi 27:27
Jesus,
quoted by Mormon
quoted by Mormon
Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect. (The resurrected Jesus Christ teaches the Nephite people, A.D. 34) 3 Nephi 12:48
Jesus,
recorded in Matthew
recorded in Matthew
Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (Jesus Christ teaches the multitude near Jerusalem, about A.D. 30) Matthew 5:48
Jesus,
quoted by Joseph Smith,
quoted by Joseph Smith,
translating Matthew
Ye are therefore commanded to be perfect. . . . (Jesus teaches the multitude to love their enemies) JST(Matthew 5:48 fn. a)
Related Witnesses:
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. (To University of Utah Institute of Religion students, Oct. 1976) DGSM:29
708. If we sanctify ourselves so our minds become single to God and His glory, we may one day see the face of the Lord (for some, this may occur in mortal life).
Joseph Smith
Mark E. Petersen
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Recorded in Job
George F. Richards
Melvin J. Ballard
Nephi, son of Lehi
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord
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. (Revelation, Dec. 27/28, 1832) D&C 88:67-68
Mark E. Petersen
Through righteous living we invite the Holy Spirit in, and when it enters our bodies it sanctifies them with a holy influence and prepares us for the spiritual blessings which may be enjoyed by the faithful.
The principle of sanctification is one with which many Latter-day Saints are unfamiliar, yet one which everyone should study, for the Lord commands us to sanctify ourselves "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 according to his own will." (D&C 88:68)
On the day the Church was organized the Lord told the Prophet Joseph Smith that "sanctification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true, to all those who love and serve God with all their mights, minds and strength." (D&C 20:31)
But unless our bodies are clean and ready for the Holy Spirit to enter, it cannot sanctify them, and without sanctification, can we be admitted to His presence? (Why the Religious Life? pp. 252-53) TLDP:605
Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord
receiving the Word of the Lord
Verily thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am; (Revelation at Kirtland, Ohio, May 6, 1833) D&C 93:1
Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord
receiving the Word of the Lord
And again, verily I say unto you that it is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble, the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am—not with the carnal neither natural mind, but with the spiritual.
11. For no man has seen God at any time in the flesh, except quickened by the Spirit of God. (Revelation, Nov. 1831) D&C 67:10-11
Joseph Smith
Let us here observe, that after any portion of the human family are made acquainted with the important fact that there is a God, who has created and does uphold all things, the extent of their knowledge respecting his character and glory will depend upon their diligence and faithfulness in seeking after him, until, like Enoch, the brother of Jared, and Moses, they shall obtain faith in God, and power with him to behold him face to face. (Lectures on Faith delivered to the School of the Prophets, 1834-35) LOF2:55
Recorded in Job
For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
26. And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:
27. Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me. (Job prophecies of his own resurrection and exaltation) Job 19:25-27
Related Witnesses:
George F. Richards
The Lord has revealed to me, by dreams, something more than I have ever understood or felt before about the love for God and the love for fellow men. I believe in dreams. The Lord has given me dreams, which to me, are just as real and as much from God as was the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar which was the means of saving a nation from starvation, or the dream of Lehi who through a dream led his colony out of the old country, across the mighty deep to this promised land, or any other dreams that we read of in the scripture.
It is not out of place for us to have important dreams, for we read in the scriptures: "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams." (Acts 2:17)
More than forty years ago I had a dream, which I am sure was from the Lord. In this dream I was in the presence of the Savior as he stood in mid-air. He spoke no word to me, but my love for him was such that I have not words to explain. I know that no mortal man can love the Lord as I experienced that love for the Savior unless God reveals it unto him. I would have remained in his presence, but there was a power drawing me away from him, and as a result of that dream I had this feeling, that no matter what might be required at my hands, what the gospel might entail unto me, I would do what I should be asked to do, even to the laying down of my life. CR1946Oct:139
Melvin J. Ballard
I know, as well as I know that I live and look into your faces, that Jesus Christ lives, and he is the Redeemer of the world, that he arose from the dead with a tangible body, and still has that real body which Thomas touched when he thrust his hands into his side and felt that wound of the spear, and also the prints of the nails in his hands. I know by the witness and the revelations of God to me that Thomas told the truth. I know by witness that Joseph Smith told the truth, for mine eyes have seen. For in the visions of the Lord to my soul, I have seen Christ's face, I have heard his voice. I know that he lives, that he is the Redeemer of the World, and that as he arose from the dead, a tangible and real individual, so shall all men arise in the resurrection from the dead. CR1920Apr:40-41
Nephi, son of Lehi
And now I, Nephi, write more of the words of Isaiah, for my soul delighteth in his words. For I will liken his words unto my people, and I will send them forth unto all my children, for he verily saw my Redeemer, even as I have seen him. 3. And my brother, Jacob, also has seen him as I have seen him; wherefore, I will send their words forth unto my children to prove unto them that my words are true. Wherefore, by the words of three, God hath said, I will establish my word. Nevertheless, God sendeth more witnesses, and he proveth all his words. (Nephi testifies that he and his brother Jacob have each seen the Redeemer, 559-545 B.C.) 2 Nephi 11:2-3
Joseph Smith
Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.
21. And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh;
22. For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live.
23. Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God;
24. But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his anger was kindled against them, swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory. (Revelation on priesthood received with six elders, Sept. 22/23, 1832) D&C 84:20-24
Author's Note: There are several well known reports of individuals who have seen the Lord in visions or dreams. (There is no doubt in my mind but what there are many, many more instances that have not been publicly disclosed, due to the sacred nature of the experience.) Here are some examples of known reports:
In the course of a temple meeting of the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve, January 7, 1919, Melvin J. Ballard related the following: "I remember one testimony, among the many testimonies which I have received. You will pardon me for referring to it. Two years ago about this time, I had been on the Fort Peck Reservation for several days with the brethren, solving the problems connected with our work among the Lamanites. There was no precedent for us to follow, and we just had to go to the Lord and tell Him our troubles, and get inspiration and help from Him. On this occasion I had sought the Lord, under such circumstances, and that night I received a wonderful manifestation and impression which has never left me. I was carried to this place—into this room. I saw myself here with you. I was told there was another privilege that was to be mine; and I was led into a room where I saw, seated on a raised platform, the most glorious being I have ever conceived of, and was taken forward to be introduced to Him. As I approached He smiled, called my name, and stretched out His hands toward me. If I live to be a million years old I shall never forget that smile. He put His arms around me and kissed me, as He took me into His bosom, and He blessed me until my whole being was thrilled. As He finished I fell at His feet, and there saw the marks of the nails; and as I kissed them, with deep joy swelling through my whole being, I felt that I was in heaven indeed. The feeling that came to my heart then was: Oh if I could live worthy, though it would require four-score years, so that in the end when I have finished I could go into His presence and receive the feeling that I then had in His presence, I would give everything that I am and ever hope to be" (Melvin J. Ballard, Crusader for Righteousness, p. 66; also, Marion G. Romney: His Life and Faith, p. 64)
George Q. Cannon recorded the following: "I know that God lives, I know that Jesus lives; for I have seen Him." (Deseret Weekly, Oct. 6, 1896)
George F. Richards reported in a General Conference: ". . . I had a dream, which I am sure was from the Lord. In this dream I was in the presence of the Savior as he stood in mid-air. He spoke no word to me, but my love for him was such that I have not words to explain. I know that no mortal man can love the Lord as I experienced that love for the Savior, unless God reveals it unto him. . . . [A]s a result of that dream I had this feeling, that no matter what the gospel might entail unto me, I would do what I should be asked to do, even to the laying down of my life." (CR1946Oct:139)
According to the record of Nephi, he and his brother Jacob saw the Lord, and the prophet Isaiah as well: "for he [Isaiah] verily saw my Redeemer, even as I have seen him. And my brother, Jacob, also has seen him as I have seen him; . . ." (2 Nephi 11:2-3)
709. He who faithfully magnifies his calling in the priesthood will be sanctified by the Spirit and receive the fulness of the Father's kingdom; he will receive all the Father has.
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
President Joseph Fielding Smith
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Bruce R. McConkie
President Spencer W. Kimball
Joseph Smith
Marion G. Romney
Marion G. Romney
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Every man who is ordained to an office in the Melchizedek Priesthood should realize fully just what that ordination means. He receives the Priesthood with an oath and covenant that he will magnify his calling and be faithful therein. This oath and covenant when received in the fullness will entitle a man to become a member of the Church of the Firstborn, and the elect of God. He receives the fullness of the Father's kingdom and is entitled, if faithful to the end, "to all that the Father hath." This oath and covenant cannot be treated lightly, and if broken and altogether turned from, the man thus guilty has no forgiveness, that is to say, he will not again have these privileges granted to him which bring exaltation, or "all that the Father hath." He will stand aside without these blessings, but does not become a son of perdition because of this serious offense. The oath and covenant belonging to the Priesthood, pertains to the Melchizedek Priesthood and not to the Aaronic, although it is also a serious matter to turn away or violate that blessing. CHMR1:339
President Joseph Fielding Smith
And so Christ is the great prototype where priesthood is concerned, as he is with reference to baptism and all other things. And so, even as the Father swears with an oath that his Son shall inherit all things through the priesthood, so he swears with an oath that all of us who magnify our callings in that same priesthood shall receive all that the Father hath. CR1970Oct:92
Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord
receiving the Word of the Lord
For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies.
34. They become the sons of Moses and of Aaron and the seed of Abraham, and the church and kingdom, and the elect of God.
35. And also all they who receive this priesthood receive me, saith the Lord;
36. For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me;
37. And he that receiveth me receiveth my Father;
38. And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father's kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him. (Revelation on priesthood, Sept. 22/23, 1832) D&C 84:33-38
Joseph Smith
They are they into whose hands the Father has given all things—
56. They are they who are priests and kings, who have received of his fulness, and of his glory;
57. And are priests of the Most High, after the order of Melchizedek, which was after the order of Enoch, which was after the order of the Only Begotten Son.
58. Wherefore, as it is written, they are gods, even the sons of God—
59. Wherefore, all things are theirs, whether life or death, or things present, or things to come, all are theirs and they are Christ's, and Christ is God's.
60. And they shall overcome all things. (Vision to Joseph and Sidney Rigdon, Feb. 16, 1832) D&C 76:55-60
Joseph Smith
He that is ordained of God and sent forth, the same is appointed to be the greatest, notwithstanding he is the least and the servant of all.
27. Wherefore, he is possessor of all things; for all things are subject unto him, both in heaven and on the earth, the life and the light, the Spirit and the power, sent forth by the will of the Father through Jesus Christ, his Son.
28. But no man is possessor of all things except he be purified and cleansed from all sin. (Revelation for the elders of the Church, May 1831) D&C 50:26-28
Bruce R. McConkie
The covenant which a man makes when he receives an office in the Melchizedek Priesthood is threefold:
1. That he will receive and make a part of his life and being the Holy Priesthood and that he will honor it as the holy power and authority which it is;
2. That he will magnify his calling in the priesthood; that is, that he will minister in the duties of the office, that he will do the work assigned; and
3. That he will live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God; that is to say, he will keep the commandments and work righteousness.
The covenant which God makes is that he on his part will give the faithful all that his Father hath. In other words, he will give eternal life to those who keep their priesthood covenants.
Now we have mentioned both an oath and a covenant where the Melchizedek Priesthood is concerned. The oath is the solemn promise of the Lord that all those who keep the priesthood covenant shall gain exaltation. That is to say, the Lord swears with an oath that his adopted and obedient sons shall be high priests forever after the order of Melchizedek (see D&C 76:57); they shall be joint heirs with his natural Son, who is Christ our Lord. ACR(Lima)1977:18
Related Witnesses:
President Spencer W. Kimball
[T]he highest achievement of spirituality comes as we conquer the flesh. We build character as we encourage people to care for their own needs.
As givers gain control of their desires and properly see other needs in light of their own wants, then the powers of the gospel are released in their lives. They learn that by living the great law of consecration they insure not only temporal salvation, but also spiritual sanctification. CR1977Oct:123
Joseph Smith
And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them; (Prayer given to Joseph Smith by revelation to be offered at dedication of Kirtland Temple, March 27, 1836) D&C 109:22
Marion G. Romney
[A] priesthood bearer with serious intentions of so magnifying his calling as to merit the blessing of the "covenant which belongeth to the priesthood" should be conversant with all the instructions given to guide us in our personal conduct—both those recorded in the scriptures and those being received currently by the living prophets. One can scarcely hope to be fortified "against the wiles of the devil" by putting "on the whole armor of God" (see Ephesians 6:11) unless he knows what that armor is. CR1980Oct:65-66
Marion G. Romney
Ordination to the priesthood is a prerequisite to receiving [blessings], but does not guarantee them. For a man actually to obtain them, he must faithfully discharge the obligation which is placed upon him when he receives the priesthood; that is, he must magnify his calling. CR1962Apr:17; MPSG1988:31
Joseph Smith
And unto him that repenteth and sanctifieth himself before the Lord shall be given eternal life. (Revelation received Nov. 3, 1831) D&C 133:62
Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord
receiving the Word of the Lord
And they who are not sanctified through the law which I have given unto you, even the law of Christ, must inherit another kingdom, even that of a terrestrial kingdom, or that of a telestial kingdom. (Revelation, Dec. 27/28, 1832; obedience to celestial, terrestrial, or telestial law prepares men for those respective kingdoms and glories) D&C 88:21
Author's Note: Magnify refers to what we do with our calling. Delbert L. Stapley amplified on this: "Sometimes we hear brethren refer to 'magnifying the priesthood.' While many of us are guilty of making this erroneous statement, it isn't the priesthood we magnify; it is one's office and calling in the priesthood. It [the priesthood] cannot be enlarged upon because there is no authority or power greater in the universe." (Conference report, Mexico and Central America area conference, 1972, p. 64)
710. A sanctified person cannot look upon sin without abhorrence.
Alma, the younger
Delbert L. Stapley
President Brigham Young
Mormon
Joseph Smith
Recorded in Psalms
Habakkuk
Joseph Smith
Alma, the younger
Jacob, brother of Nephi
Jacob, brother of Nephi
Alma, the younger,
quoted by Mormon
quoted by Mormon
Therefore they were called after this holy order, and were sanctified, and their garments were washed white through the blood of the Lamb.
12. Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their garments made white, being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence; and there were many, exceedingly great many, who were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God.
13. And now, my brethren, I would that ye should humble yourselves before God, and bring forth fruit meet for repentance, that ye may also enter into that rest. (Alma instructs the people that high priests were called on account of righteousness, about 82 B.C.) Alma 13:11-13
Delbert L. Stapley
Man can only become spotless and sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost in his personal life. The Holy Ghost is a cleansing and purifying agent to all who receive it and are righteous. This means that sin and iniquity are spiritually burned out of the repentant person. He then receives a remission of sins, and his soul is sanctified and made clean for the Holy Ghost to abide in him. The cleansed person enjoys a newness of life and becomes a new creature in the spirit. CR1966Oct:112
Related Witnesses:
President Brigham Young
When through the Gospel the Spirit in man has so subdued the flesh that he can live without wilful transgression, the Spirit of God unites with his spirit, they become congenial companions, and the mind and will of the Creator is thus transmitted to the creature. (In Tabernacle, Feb. 1862, JD9:288) MPSG1985:205
Mormon
And they did look upon shedding the blood of their brethren with the greatest abhorrence; and they never could be prevailed upon to take up arms against their brethren; and they never did look upon death with any degree of terror, for their hope and views of Christ and the resurrection; therefore, death was swallowed up to them by the victory of Christ over it. 29. Therefore, they would suffer death in the most aggravating and distressing manner which could be inflicted by their brethren, before they would take the sword or cimeter to smite them. 30. And thus they were a zealous and beloved people, a highly favored people of the Lord. (Honest, zealous members of the Church choose death at the hands of their enemies rather than taking the sword against them) Alma 27:28-30
Joseph 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. (Excerpt from a letter from the First Presidency in Kirtland, Ohio, to the brethren scattered abroad, Jan. 22, 1834) TPJS:51
Recorded in Psalms
I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil. 163. I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love. 164. Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments. 165. Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. 166. LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments. 167. My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly. 168. I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee. Psalms 119:162-68
Habakkuk
Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity. . . . (The prophet Habakkuk addresses the Lord, about 600 B.C.) Habakkuk 1:13
Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord
receiving the Word of the Lord
For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance; (Revelation received during conference of elders of the Church, Nov. 1, 1831) D&C 1:31
Alma, the younger,
quoted by Mormon
quoted by Mormon
[F]or the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance. (Alma blesses the earth for the sake of the righteous, 73 B.C.) Alma 45:16
Jacob, brother of Nephi,
quoted by Nephi
quoted by Nephi
Behold, my soul abhorreth sin, and my heart delighteth in righteousness; and I will praise the holy name of my God. (Jacob teaches the people of Nephi, 559-545 B.C.) 2 Nephi 9:49
Jacob, brother of Nephi
But behold, hearken ye unto me, and know that by the help of the all-powerful Creator of heaven and earth I can tell you concerning your thoughts, how that ye are beginning to labor in sin, which sin appeareth very abominable unto me, yea, and abominable unto God. (Jacob teaches the Nephites in the temple, 544-421 B.C.) Jacob 2:5
711. Even those who are sanctified may fall from grace, for all of us must endure in faith to the end or we cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Joseph Smith
Jesus
Joseph Smith
The doctrine that the Presbyterians and Methodists have quarreled so much about—once in grace, always in grace, or falling away from grace, I will say a word about. They are both wrong. Truth takes a road between them both, for while the Presbyterian says "once in grace, you cannot fall;" the Methodist says: "You can have grace today, fall from it tomorrow, next day have grace again; and so follow on, changing continually." But the doctrine of the Scriptures and the spirit of Elijah would show them both false, and take a road between them both; for, according to the Scripture, if men have received the good word of God, and tasted of the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall away, it is impossible to renew them again, seeing they have crucified the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame; so there is a possibility of falling away; you could not be renewed again, and the power of Elijah cannot seal against this sin, for this is a reserve made in the seals and power of the Priesthood. (At the Stand in Nauvoo, Ill., Sunday, March 10, 1844) HC6:252-53
Joseph Smith
And we know that all men must repent and believe on the name of Jesus Christ, and worship the Father in his name, and endure in faith on his name to the end, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God. . . .
32. But there is a possibility that man may fall from grace and depart from the living God;
33. Therefore let the church take heed and pray always, lest they fall into temptation; 34. Yea, and even let those who are sanctified take heed also. (Revelation on Church Organization and Government, April 1830) D&C 20:29,32-34
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
If a person violates a covenant, whether it be of baptism, ordination, marriage or anything else, the Spirit withdraws the stamp of approval, and the blessings will not be received. Every ordinance is sealed with a promise of reward based upon faithfulness. The Holy Spirit withdraws the stamp of approval where covenants are broken. (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:45) MPSG1985:204
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Sanctification is also true. Through the praise of the Father, we may be sanctified from all sin through acceptance of the Gospel and compliance with all the ordinances. We are told that those "who overcome by faith, and are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, which the father sheds forth upon all those who are just and true" will be entitled to become sons of God. (See D&C 76:53-54 and Moses 7:57-60) The Lord has said: "But there is a possibility that even those who are cleansed may fall from grace and depart from the living God." What can bring greater sorrow than to see one who has enjoyed the spirit of the Gospel and the power of the Holy Ghost fall from grace and turn to evil practices? How careful we should be to walk the way of truth and constantly be seeking the companionship of the Holy Spirit that we be not led into temptation and fall. CHMR1:94
Related Witnesses:
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
Never in the history of the world, that is, in the history of the Church, have there been so many temptations, so many pitfalls, so many dangers, to lure away the members of the Church from the path of duty and from righteousness, as we find today. Every day of our lives we come in contact with these temptations, these dangers. We should continue in the spirit of prayer and faith, remembering that there is this possibility that we may turn from the grace of the living God, and fall unless we continue in that humility, in the exercise of faith and obedience to every principle of truth. CR1941Oct:94
Joseph Smith,
receiving the Word of the Lord
receiving the Word of the Lord
The blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, which shall not be forgiven in the world nor out of the world, is in that ye commit murder wherein ye shed innocent blood, and assent unto my death, after ye have received my new and everlasting covenant, saith the Lord God; and he that abideth not this law can in nowise enter into my glory, but shall be damned, saith the Lord. (Revelation relating to the new and everlasting covenant, July 12, 1843; law given relative to blasphemy against the Holy Ghost) D&C 132:27
Jesus,
quoted by Mormon
quoted by Mormon
And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end. (The resurrected Jesus Christ instructs his twelve Nephite disciples, A.D. 34) 3 Nephi 27:19
