GIFTS: "Beyond Politics" ---> is the Zion society.

On the last night of a play the whole cast and stage crew stay in the theater until the small or not-so-small hours of the morning, striking the old set. If there is to be a new opening soon, as the economy of the theater requires, it is important that the new set should be in place and ready for the opening night. All the while the old set was finishing its usefulness and then being taken down, the new set was rising in splendor to be ready for the drama that would immediately follow. So it is with this world. It is not our business to tear down the old set—the agencies that do that are already hard at work and very efficient; the set is coming down all around us with spectacular effect. Our business is to see to it that the new set is well on the way for what is to come—and that means a different kind of politics, beyond the scope of the tragedy that is now playing its closing night. We are preparing for the establishment of Zion.

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Our introductory paragraph here is from a classic talk first given nearly forty years ago. It is the final paragraph of "Beyond Politics" by Hugh Nibley.

It is a perfect summary of where we stand as Latter-day Saints in the social, civic, cultural, economic, and political turmoil that surrounds us. Our job, even in entering a critical election year in the political landscape of this nation of America, is to remember who we are and keep our eye on our true context and object --- the establishment of Zion.

Why did the Lord call His people ZION in ancient days? "Because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them."

Three essential characteristics: oneness, or unity of purpose and of inspiration; abiding righteousness; and they were all equal economically.

We can say more about each one later, but for now, an illustration of the unity necessary among a Zion people:

Bob Matthews tells it of a missionary companion of his, James B. Allen --- or rather of Elder Allen's mother. This incident took place relatively recently, within the last couple of generations, and was described by Bob as the most recent example of the gift of the Adamic tongue among us.

Apparently, Sister Allen was in the Logan temple when she uttered some beautiful phrases in tongues, lilting and lyrical and lovely to hear. You probably are aware that the gift of tongues as described here is of no value unless someone is present who has the gift to interpret what is said. It was so on this occasion. Apparently Sister Allen said, in the language of Adam, that we must come together as a people, and be one in holiness and purpose, --- and this final phrase she repeated three times in a beautiful, melodic way --- "before it is too late, . . . before it is too late, . . . before it is too late."

Brother Matthews told this to us as a group of seminary teachers studying the Epistles of Paul, in particular the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians. "That does not happen these days," he said. "Can you imagine the reaction of discomfort and confusion if someone spoke in tongues in sacrament meeting today?"

There are several lessons, at many levels, in this account. Do you see them?

It is on the idea of unity, of being one --- with the Lord and with each other --- that is our purpose in relating this sacred event. It can only ever happen on His terms. We can't invent or pretend this Zion unity. It will be a gift from above . . . when, and not until, we are good and ready.

Consider this: what is a good definition of a true disciple of Christ? How would He Himself answer this? He already has:

"If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.

"And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Do you see the "IF . . . THEN . . ." conditional again here? What does it mean to continue in His word? Listen to your own heart, you already know what it means. . . . And you know too that you don't do a very good job of it. If and when we all continue in His word, with all diligence and without excuse, we can expect to be His true disciples. Not until then.

And further, in this course of action we shall come to know Him --- to "know the truth", for He is the Truth (as He is the Word!), and the result will be that "the truth shall make you free."

Surely this has implications and power for our "Beyond Politics" theme, as we stop and recognize that our freedoms are being eroded by political cabals. The Lord has a different freedom in mind for His Zion.

Remember, " . . . for this is Zion --- THE PURE IN HEART" (D&C 97:21), and He has said, "Now ye are clean [pure . . . holy] through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you" (John 15:3--4). And also, "For I am able to make you holy" (D&C 60:7) --- you can't become holy by yourself. He does it.

We quoted Hugh Nibley a couple of weeks ago in answering the question: Who are the righteous? And we learned that "The righteous are whoever are repenting, and the wicked whoever are not repenting." Remember that the Zion people dwell in righteousness, that is, they are of a repentant mindset continually; it is a joy, a way of life with them to be constantly repenting.

So, is Zion a political entity? Is it a republic . . . a democracy . . . or what? It is a kingdom, even the kingdom --- of God. "For he saith---I am Messiah, the King of Zion, the Rock of Heaven" (Moses 7:53).

Nibley again:---

The news of the world today reminds me of nothing so much as those bulletins which a short while ago were being issued by the doctors attending the late King Gustave of Sweden and by those treating Pablo Casals. The king was in his nineties, Casals, ninety-six; and both were very ill—what really good news could come out of the sickroom? That the patient had rested well? That he had had some lucid moments? That he had taken nourishment? Could any of that be called good news, hopeful news—in view of the inevitable news the world was waiting for? What is your own idea of an encouraging and cheering item in the news today? That the next Middle Eastern war has been postponed? That a new oil field has been discovered? "This physic but prolongs thy sickly days."⁵⁸ We shall achieve lasting peace when we achieve eternal life. Politics has the same goal as the gospel: complete happiness. But to achieve that requires eternal life. The most painful thing in the world, says Joseph Smith, is the thought of annihilation;⁵⁹ until that gnawing pain is relieved, all the rest is a forlorn and wistful game of make-believe. The solution of all our problems is the resurrection: only God knows the solution. Why not follow his advice? And only the gospel can remove that pain. The final relief of all our woes lies beyond all worldly politics. So when Joseph Smith says, "My feelings revolt at the idea of having anything to do with politics," he is not being high and mighty but putting his priorities in order. "I wish to be let alone," he says, "that I may attend strictly to the spiritual welfare of the church."⁶⁰ Specifically, "The object with me is to obey and teach others to obey God in just what He tells us to do."⁶¹ "For one truth revealed from heaven is worth all the sectarian notions in existence."⁶² And so he pursues his way: "It matters not to me if all hell boils over; I regard it only as I would the crackling of the thorns under a pot. . . . I intend to lay a foundation that will revolutionize the whole world. . . . It will not be by sword or gun that this kingdom will roll on." 63

. . . "As for politics, we care nothing about them one way or the other, although we are a political people. . . . It is the Kingdom of God or nothing with us."⁶⁶ The kingdom is beyond politics—one way or the other—that is, it is beyond partisan party politics.

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Think of what the Prophet Joseph, and Brigham, and John Taylor are all describing in these quotes. Zion---our true context as Latter-day Saints--- is Beyond Politics. Bear all of these marvelous truths in mind as we conclude with the introduction to Nibley's chapter on "Beyond Politics" from nearly forty years ago:---

For many years a stock cartoon in sophisticated magazines has poked fun at the barefoot, bearded character in the long nightshirt carrying a placard calling all to "Repent, for the End Is at Hand." But where is the joke? Ask the smart people who thought up the funny pictures and captions: Where are they now?

For all of us as individuals, the fashion of this world passeth away; but the Big Bang is something else. How near is that? Should we be concerned at all? The problem may be stated in the form of a little dialogue:

We: Dear Father, whenever the end is scheduled to be, can't you give us an extension of time?

He: Willingly. But tell me first, what will you do with it?

We: Well . . . ah . . . we will go on doing pretty much what we have been doing; after all, isn't that why we are asking for an extension?

He: And isn't that exactly why I want to end it soon—because you show no inclination to change? Why should I reverse the order of nature so that you can go on doing the very things I want to put an end to?

We: But is what we are doing so terribly wrong? The economy seems sound enough. [This was nearly forty years ago, remember!!] Why shouldn't we go on doing the things which have made this country great?

He: Haven't I made it clear enough to you what kind of greatness I expect of my offspring? Forget the statistics; you are capable of better things—your stirring commercials don't impress me in the least.

We: But why should we repent when all we are doing is what each considers to be for the best good of himself and the nation?

He: Because it is not you but I who decide what that shall be, and I have told you a hundred times what is best for you individually and collectively—and that is repentance, no matter who you are.

We: We find your inference objectionable, Sir, quite unacceptable.

He: I know.
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We must come together in unity of mind and heart and purpose "before it is too late" and trust our safety to the King of Zion. That is our true context: He calls us to repent. Elder Packer said there is no geographical safety for what is ahead. "The only safety," he said, "is in the scriptures." That is our true home, safe harbor, shelter from the coming storm (see Alma 34:16).

God bless.

Steve

P.S. As always, feel free to share. Sources and references available on request. I plan to send a link to Brother Nibley's full address on "Beyond Politics" in a couple of days.

Sabbathought: God's Love Is Not "Unconditional".

"I do not know who first figured out that God's love is unconditional," says Joseph McConkie. "I do know, however, that he did it without the help of scripture.

"Do we Latter-day Saints commonly teach as doctrine things for which there is not a shred of scriptural evidence? I am fearful that we do. . . .

"In Latter-day Saint sermons of recent years it has been common for speakers to challenge the congregation to emulate God in exercising 'unconditional love.' . . . The phrase itself is entirely unscriptural; if there are scriptures that sustain the idea, I have been unable to find them."

Surely we understand enough about the restored gospel to know that the gospel is found in the scriptures! That is why we call the scriptures "the standard works," because they are the standard for all we teach, speak, and believe.

To illustrate this:

Some years ago a book was published by a Mormon author about the spirit world, which pretended to give many detailed accounts of conditions there, and comings and goings through the veil. Sadly, the book was well received in the Latter-day Saint community, especially among Relief Society sisters.

One such sister saw Elder Thomas S. Monson in a restaurant and knelt by the side of his table to speak of her enthusiasm for the book. "Oh, it is marvelous!" she proclaimed, "it is the gospel, Elder Monson, isn't it!"

Elder Monson's answer was, "Of course it is not the gospel. The gospel is found in the scriptures."

Lacking firm footings in the sacred word, we are prey to any daft idea the world happens to be selling at bargain price at the moment. The notion of "unconditional love" is one of them. It is still heard today in our lessons and prayers and talks, though less than it used to be.

That is a key point: the ideas and precepts of men are fads. Their popularity never lasts very long before they are replaced by some other poor and misleading doctrine. A generation ago it was the false idea of self esteem. This gave way to unconditional love. Both were extremely popular among the Saints. Both did much damage, as we shall show. It is evident both still exist in our thinking to a large degree.

As President Hinckley said, "I have spoken before about the importance of keeping the doctrine of the Church pure, and seeing that it is taught in all of our meetings. I worry about this. Small aberrations in doctrinal teaching can lead to large and evil falsehoods."

That big word he used: . . . aberrations . . . . It's a good word. It's the right word. Can you see the word err in the middle of it? Aberrations means errors, mistakes, "straying from the right way" (Webster), when "the right way is to believe in Christ" --- and an aberration takes you on a different path, when the true path of safety and salvation is strait and narrow, meaning "strict and narrow," and has everything to do with "the very points of His doctrine" and the fact that the Lord "marked the path and led the way, / And ev'ry point defines" (Hymn 195).

The word error means wandering, wandering about all over the place, straying from the path. I sense that many of us don't see how deeply harmful it is to wander off like this. Why are we not afraid to do so? Because we have replaced the scriptural words, "fear God" with the precept of men on "unconditional love." Our brazen attitude is that we have nothing to fear from wandering about and abandoning His path because God loves us . . . !

How dare we! The Lord opened up this last dispensation with a warning voice --- and, yes, that is the right word: warning. He said, speaking of the world, and the reason for the glorious restoration of the true gospel:

"For they have strayed from mine ordinances, and have broken mine everlasting covenant;

"They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way . . . ."

Yes, He said, "This is a day of warning, and not a day of many words. For I, the Lord, am not to be mocked in the last days."

Do we not see that when we adopt the philosophies of men, mingled with scripture, we are again fulfilling these warning words?!

When Joseph in the Grove asked the Lord which church he should join, the Lord Jesus Christ told him he "must join none of them, for they were all wrong; . . . that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight;" and they "were all corrupt."

On more than one occasion I have had class members refute these words as we studied the First Vision and defend the "wrong churches" and insist that they are good and all have some truth in them, and so on. . . ! Their loyalty to their entrenched false ideas of self esteem and unconditional love for the members of those false churches was more important to them than the truth, . . . than the words of the Master Himself. . . !

That is not the only occasion when I have painfully witnessed Latter-day Saints defending their traditions of error in the face of the plain truth of God. I know it sounds incredible, but that is the path we choose when we neglect, or avoid, the scriptures. No one believes in a vacuum. We all believe what we have heard or read. And if we have not taken the positive and specific action of making it our business to know deeply and well the revealed word of the Lord, then we shall be naturally and automatically laboring under the misapprehension of false ideas.

The prophet and hero Nephi foretold that this would be the case among the active and faithful Saints:

"They have all gone astray," said Nephi, speaking of the false churches of the Last Days, "save it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ; nevertheless, they are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men."

Do you see it? Do you see our key words again here? --- stray . . . err . . . precepts of men.

You see . . . even the humble followers of Christ (!!!) do err, wander, stray off like the false churches of the day, and why do they? Because they are taught by the precepts of men, and they embrace such false ideas from men, from the world, ideas like self esteem and unconditional love.

And how is this teaching received by this people? Very well . . . except this man doesn't seem to believe what is being taught.

We largely do not fear to offend the Lord. After all, He has an abundance of unconditional love for each and every one of His children. Such nonsense sends us on the wrong path. It is the philosophies of men, mingled with scripture, and, to our everlasting shame, it is very well received by this people. The solution is clear. We go to the scriptures.

There we will find that love is a law (see the chapter heading of John 15), and that "unto every law there are certain bounds and conditions" (D&C 88:38).

There are no unconditional laws. Nothing in the gospel is unconditional. Every law and blessing and covenant and reward is highly conditional, for heaven's sake . . . ! Every one!

"When I have asked people who teach this so-called doctrine how they distinguish God's 'unconditional love' from salvation by grace as taught in the Protestant world, they have been unable to do so," concluded Joseph McConkie before citing several scriptures to refute the false doctrine of unconditional love.

Nothing could be plainer than the scriptures. The word IF signals that a condition is to follow: "If . . . then . . . ." So when we see in D&C 95:12 the Savior saying, "If you keep not my commandments, the love of the Father shall not continue with you, therefore you shall walk in darkness" then we should be worried enough to redouble our efforts to keep the commandments so as not to forfeit the inestimable (but clearly now, not unconditional!) love of God in our lives. And so that we don't offend our God.

John 14:21 and 15:10 give the same clear and plain message. We only miss it if we prefer that the precepts of God not interrupt our traditions of belief in the precepts of men.

Do you sense how terribly important this is!

One final thought: President Hinckley warned of small errors leading to large and evil falsehoods. Yes indeed! It is a short step on the path of error from God's unconditional love to the evil falsehood of justice cannot rob mercy. Think about it. He that has ears to hear, let him hear.

Steve

P.S. Again, feel free to share. Let me know if you need clarification on anything here, or if you wish to discuss it.

Sabbathought: Who Are the Righteous? --- a Simple Standard of Definition

"The righteous are whoever are repenting, and the wicked whoever are not repenting.

"'Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee' who gave thanks to God that he was not a crook or a lecher, that he fasted twice a week, paid a full tithe, and was very strict in his religious observances. All this was perfectly true. The other man was a tax collector and rather ashamed of some of the things he had done and instead of thanking God by way of boasting, he only asked God to be merciful to him, a sinner.

"The surprise is that the sinner is the righteous one --- because he was repenting; the other one who 'exalted himself shall be abased' --- because he was not repenting.

"None but the truly repentant are saved, and that is who the righteous are" (Hugh Nibley, source and references available on request).

As we noted from C.S. Lewis several weeks ago, "It takes a good man to repent."

How marvelous the doctrine of Christ is!

God bless.

Steve

Sabbathought: The Tipping Point

There is talk in civic society of "the tipping point" --- the point at which conditions move across an imaginary line of no return. The state of the nation's stability on all fronts: financial, political, moral, spiritual, our very existence as a true democratic republic adherent to a revered and respected constitution is under imminent threat given the current signs of the times.

As we cited a few months ago Elder McConkie wrote that "it is our firm conviction as a people that the stars and stripes will be waving triumphantly in the breeze, as a symbol of the greatness and stability of the United States of America, when the Lord comes."

When we quoted this it was in a Sabbathought we entitled, "A Gem of an Insight from Elder McConkie." It is indeed a gem, a shining jewel of assurance, a pearl of great price of optimism and prophecy.

We know that the Second Coming of the Lord is described as "the great and dreadful day of the Lord," and we might wonder which it will be: great . . . or . . . dreadful, in our own personal and individual case. That, of course, will depend on whether we are found on His right hand or His left, among His sheep, or the goats, at His coming.

To many in the Church He will say, "Depart from me . . . ye never knew me." While the "knowing" is available, while the going is good, while the fulfillment of "Learn of me" is still possible through study, service, and devotion --- all three --- our job is to come unto Christ, to come to know Him "as He is", not as the world or our traditions would depict Him. So that we will know Him when He comes.

This has been a theme of our articles for these past two years.

With national, state, and local elections coming up exactly one year from now as we write, consider this compelling prophecy from the Book of Mormon as a God-given insight into these things:

"Therefore, choose you by the voice of this people, judges [and representative government officials]. . . .

"Now it is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right: but it is common for the lesser part of the people [minority] to desire that which is not right; therefore this shall ye observe --- to do your business by the voice of the people [the electorate]."

Now consider this next verse in view of the "tipping point":

"And if the time comes that the voice of the people [the voters] doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction even as he has hitherto visited this land."

Remember, the inhabitants of this choice land must serve the God of this land, who is Jesus Christ, or be swept off the land. The reason there is so little archeological evidence of prior civilizations on this land --- great and advanced as we know they were --- is because of this principle: when they ripened in iniquity they were swept off, meaning no trace was left of their ever having existed here.

Remember too that the "day of wrath" and vengeance which shall come upon all the face of the earth, shall begin "upon my house . . . and from my house shall it go forth . . .

"First among those among you, saith the Lord, who have professed to know my name and have not known me . . . ." (D&C 112:24--6).

Consider all we and the Brethren and others have said lately on the subject of "Are Mormons Christians?" and the duty and obligation incumbent upon the Saints to represent well His holy name in works and study and testimony. All as a clear indication that we do indeed know Him.

It is to Latter-day Saints that He will say, "Depart from me . . . ye never knew me."

Is the nation close to the "tipping point" of no return? Are we "of the world," of the nation, in this regard? Am I, personally, individually? Do I know enough to be safe? For knowledge---knowing Him, His purposes and plans, knowing the signs of His coming---is crucial in the preparation for that great and dreadful day. The scriptures make it plain. Do we know them?

We may take comfort in thinking that day is close, but "not yet", and that, besides, "I don't expect to be alive to see that day in the flesh." False comfort that.

"If our souls and our bodies are not looking forth for the coming of the Son of Man; and after we are dead, if we are not looking forth, we shall be among those who are calling for the rocks to fall upon them" to hide from Him and His wrath, taught the Prophet (see Teachings, 160).

We labor these things because it is urgent to become familiar with them so we are not found wanting.

"Some have supposed that . . . if they paid their tithing, went to meetings, said their prayers, and performed those duties which were especially commanded, that . . . all would be well with them. But this is a mistaken idea. . . . [When it is too late] they will realize, to their sorrow that God required of them in this world not only obedience to His revealed will, but a searching after His purposes and plans" (Brigham Young).

These possibilities are for us who are "of mine house" if we neglect to take heed. We must decide with Nephi whether all is well in Zion or not, and how to put it right "betimes" --- before it is too late.

As for the world, and this nation in particular, there are now clear signs (for those with eyes to see and ears to hear), that it is ripening in iniquity. The election in twelve months' time will show in a stark manner if the "tipping point" has been reached, in that most people will vote to be looked after by the state or to preserve liberty, agency, faith, and initiative.

To summarize, let me quote (with permission) from my close friend and mentor Jack, who wrote these words to me in August:

"I have given a lot of thought as to what is taking place in our country. Having understanding of the signs of the times, I am equipped to know some things which plague us and will continue to do so. I now feel that Obama will be elected for a second term. Lucifer is having his way, and the elitists and secret combinations have a firm hold. What they are doing is creating a dependency on government, and despite rough times ahead, prophecy will be fulfilled. There must be a cleansing in Zion. Our comfort zones are great and our 'All is well in Zion' attitude is a crippling ignorance. We are heading towards servitude, like it or not, believe it or not. God will have a proven people, and we must be brought to our knees. . . ."

Jack gave more detail, concluding with: "As we know, 'this is the great day of my power' and he is taking full advantage. . . . It is cleverly working. We the Saints have been warned, and all that has been prophesied will be fulfilled. Time to fasten our seat belts."

These thoughts from Jack surely echo Moroni's words, that we "awake to a sense of our awful situation" when we see these things among us. The question is, without being alarmist and fearful, do we see them? Do we recognize them for what they are? Are we awake? Good reason to be intimately familiar with the Lord's words of warning from prophets past and present, which many of us are not.

Many informed observers in the world see us close to the "tipping point" where nearly half of the people are dependent on the state for livelihood in one way or another. And the other half sustain them. Think of it! If these interested observers can see it, without the help of Mormon and Moroni and Nephi . . . ! then it's time for the Saints to be equally --- or more --- informed.

"Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

"Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober."

The crisis is not merely fiscal. It is moral and spiritual. And that is where we come in, with our deep knowledge and understanding of His purposes and plans. If indeed we have such knowledge and understanding.

This explains all that the Savior said to His true followers about light --- about salt --- and leaven to lift and bless and teach the whole. Are we up to it?

Feel free to share with others.

God bless.

Steve

GIFTS : "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is . . . ."

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ," wrote Paul to the Roman Saints, "for it is . . . ."---what? What is the gospel of Christ, of which Paul refused to be ashamed?

Teaching a Primary class in 1994 I had a class member---a ten-year-old girl---go ask the Gospel Doctrine class next door for the answer. She returned with, "It's 'good news'."

It certainly is. But what is that good news? Those "glad tidings of great joy" announced by angels past and present? Now there's a clue---sounds a lot like Christmas, at least the Bible Christmas.

Remember, Elder McConkie showed that the gospel, the message that Christ Himself preached, goes far beyond love, honesty, charity, and every other ethical principle. The "Good News" is the message of Christ and how to come unto Him and put Him in a human life. We complicate it.

Some years ago at a Church Educational System symposium at BYU, Commissioner Henry B. Eyring asked a few thousand seminary teachers, What is the gospel? What is it we are to teach our youth?

He continued: "Now I would like to say this: There are two views of the gospel---both true. They make a terrific difference in the power of your teaching. One view is that the gospel is all truth [think of Hugh Nibley's statement given last week]. It is. The gospel is truth. With that view I could teach pretty well anything true in a classroom, and I would be teaching the gospel.

"The other view," he continued, "is that the gospel is the principles, commandments, and ordinances which, if kept, will lead to eternal life. That is also true. When I choose which of these views I will let dominate my teaching, I take a great step.

"If I take the view that the gospel is all truth, rather than that it is the ordinances and principles and commandments which lead to eternal life, I have already nearly taken myself out of the contest to help a student withstand the sea of filth."

Supervising the teaching of seminary teachers a generation ago I had the hardest time trying to get them to see this. Often I would hear, "Well I didn't teach anything that was false . . . !" Brother Bob Matthews, a worthy mentor if ever there was one, said he often heard that too. And he was dean of religious instruction at BYU. Bob said he objected to that view. He said, "It is not enough to just not teach what is false. We must teach the very best things we could have taught that hour." Joseph would agree with him. Sidney might not. . . .

So again, What is the gospel? It is a crucial question, and a companion to the greatest question in history: "What think ye of Christ?" (see Matthew 22:42). Elder Maxwell taught that a failure to answer that question is an answer in and of itself. It is the same with our main question over the past two weeks: What is the gospel? And it is also related to all we have said about the need to be bold and frank in speaking openly and testifying clearly of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whose holy name we bear by covenant and permission. We must live up to it. And we must have good answers to each of these questions.

If we were arrested and interrogated for being Christians, would there be enough evidence to convict us? President Spencer W. Kimball once confided to his brethren in the leading councils of the Church, "Brethren, wouldn't it be a great privilege to die as martyrs for the sake of the Master?" He said, "Some of us may be called upon to do so before this work is finished." I am with him.

So now, in conclusion: What is the gospel? Well, it is something of which not to be "ashamed . . . : for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek [ie the Gentile, and the Muslim, and the Buddhist, and the Mormon, and to all mankind]" (see Romans 1:16).

The three or four places in scripture where the Lord Himself says, "This is my gospel," and then proceeds to define it, all come down to the first principles we emphasized last week. It is summarized in "the doctrine of Christ" Paul taught to the Hebrews and which Nephi so masterfully expounded for us in 2 Nephi 31--32.

Elder McConkie summed up the doctrine of Christ thus: "The whole gospel plan, the whole system of salvation, the total arrangement whereby man can gain perfection and be like God is five things: 1. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; 2. Repentance; 3. Baptism; 4. Receiving the Holy Ghost; and 5. Enduring in righteousness and devotion to the end" (DNTC 3:159).

Do you see it? It is the first principles. The fourth article of faith. The basic fundamental truths that we return to each week, each day, every hour, until we have the privilege to renew that covenant and loyalty at the sacrament table. This is the gospel of Christ, it is infinite in its own sphere, and I am not ashamed of it.

Steve

GIFTS: "Are Mormons Christians?"

Hi everyone:

Because of the Presidential election with two Latter-day Saint candidates in Mitt Romney and Jon Huntsman, attention has been drawn to the issue of whether "Mormons are Christians".

If the issue is approached honestly it will be clearly seen that the issue is a theological one, as perfectly illustrated by Elder Holland in the attached video clip.

Now, to even use the word "theological" is risky, even with you, my dear friends and family. Your eyes will likely glaze over a bit and you will think---with a couple of exceptions---that the water is too deep to swim in.

This is borne out in an article I read today in Meridian magazine on the issue under discussion here. I'll deliberately withhold the author's name out of respect to him and the magazine, because what I have to say is contrary and even a bit critical.

The author boldly and correctly asserts that he is a Mormon and a Christian, using the euphemism "Mormon" instead of Latter-day Saint for reasons, no doubt, of clarity and ease of understanding in the context of the current argument. No problem there.

He makes the following points that I simply do not see at the local level of the Church:--

He questions whether the pastor who said Mormons are cultists "had ever attended one of our meetings and listened to the sermons about Christ?"

I don't hear many "sermons about Christ" in our meetings at the local level. Few, if any, DIRECT sermons about Christ, only what I might term circumstantial references to Him, as when a sacrament speaker said recently in a seniors branch that a talk on food storage or on family history filing is indeed a talk on Christ, presumably because it is given in a building with His holy name displayed on the front. But that is as silly as what Hugh Nibley observed as cited in last week's Sabbathought that, just because "all things are made of electrons, protons, neutrons, etc., whenever anyone opens his mouth to speak he [hardly] gives a lecture on physics." Well said, Brother Nibley, and right to our point here.

Nearly all "sermons" in our meetings are on the ethics of love, service, experiences in family, on small personal miracles that are understood by speaker and congregation to be traceable to the Savior, but are rarely attributed as such. In this sense, AT BEST Jesus Christ is taken for granted in His own sacrament meeting. Not knowing Him and His scriptures, and therefore His gospel plan, we marginalize Him. How could it be otherwise?

Next, "Had [the pastor] ever listened to Latter-day Saints' conversations with each other? Invariably, they default to their love of the Savior and His goodness in their lives."

I have few extended conversations with fellow Latter-day Saints these days. But in the ones I do have, such references to the Savior and His goodness in our lives are "invariably" only initiated by myself. This is so even in the official and intimate context of home teaching. It is as with the sacrament talks --- such feelings may be taken for granted, but they are rarely expressed openly.

The author cites 2 Nephi 25:26 as proof of our devotion to Christ, but --- as mentioned above --- I witness very little evidence that we do indeed "talk of . . . rejoice in . . . preach of . . . prophesy of Christ" in an overt, direct way at all. He and His gospel plan are the best kept secret in His Church, and this is the reason non-member Christians think of us as non-Christian.

Three weeks ago, in the testimony meeting of one of the finest, most focused wards in the Church, around fifteen testimonies were borne. Three of them, at most, even mentioned the Savior, His gospel, or even His goodness! --- except in closing in His name.

When we wrote of this habit last year, one of our friends wrote back and said such "thin testimonies" were still worth bearing, if that is all we have, and that they grow stronger in the bearing of them. That has vague shards of truth. But thin scripture study equals thin testimony, as Harold B. Lee taught. That same reader then, to her credit, examined her own life and admitted that on a recent visit to a struggling friend she had been reluctant to speak of her faith in Christ as a help to her friend, and then was made ashamed by her Christian friend's confession of Christ. Why are we LDS so reluctant in this area? asked our reader / friend, in confirmation of what we had written.

Many of you know Bob Millet of the BYU religion department, and from his books. As a teen growing up in the South---the "Bible Belt"---, Bob once asked his Dad about salvation by Christ's grace that he heard from his Southern Baptist friends. Bob's Dad, a stake president at the time, said we don't believe in it: We believe we earn salvation by our works and keeping the commandments. With such gross misunderstanding, how can we be surprised at the world's view of us?

When my son-in-law Jared died five years ago this month, his widow, my beloved daughter Andree, asked me to be the main speaker at his funeral. I was honored. After the service, Jared's sister came up to me and thanked me for speaking about the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She explained that she now lives in California and has found happiness in a Christian denomination down there. She said that growing up she never once heard a lesson or a talk in Young Women's on Christ. She added: "I'm grateful for my years in Young Women's where I learned good values. But I had to leave the Church to learn about Christ."

Elder M. Russell Ballard had dinner after a stake conference in England with the stake president, my brother, and his family. Over dinner Elder Ballard firmly stated, "If I am the only one doing it, I intend to use all my influence to ensure that Jesus Christ is at the center of sacrament meetings." Why did Elder Ballard need to say that if it was not a serious issue!

Back to the Meridian article: the author's expressions are wishful thinking, in that he is writing of things as he may hope they are, and hope or wish they may be, and that is commendable. But his expressions are hardly an objective description of how they actually are presently at the local level of the Church.

His observations address the social climate in the Church at best. As we said earlier, the issue is a theological one, a matter of doctrine---the doctrine of Christ, which we largely avoid, and which we certainly neglect. For it is rare indeed to find many Saints at the local level of the Church who follow the admonition of Apostles and prophets to study the scriptures. Most of us are content with the Ensign messages which admonish us to study the scriptures . . . ! Think how stupid and short-of-the-mark that is! Please now view Elder Holland's marvelous talk with all this in mind.

God bless.

Steve

GIFTS: Even More on What the Gospel Is

In April 1844 the fourteenth annual general conference of the Church was held. Joseph Smith's "lungs were injured" so the main speakers were Brigham, Hyrum, Sidney, and Heber. I wish I had been there, even though Joseph was unable to speak much. . . . Perhaps I was there. You too. Or at least we were aware of the proceedings, as part of our premortal preparation. Possible?

"My lungs are worn out," Joseph said as he spoke briefly on the whole of North and South America is Zion. He and Hyrum would be martyred in less than twelve weeks.

Church membership was a few thousand, scattered over the Eastern States, Eastern Canada, and Great Britain, with a few members elsewhere. Notice how Hyrum's remarks sustain our theme on the gospel. Heber reported something remarkable later. Stay tuned.

The History of the Church records: "President Hyrum Smith called the conference to order . . . and spoke to the assembly one hour and a half.

"He treated upon the subject of Elders preaching abroad. He said it was a matter of consequence that the Elders of Israel should know what they were about when they go to preach the Gospel. . . . When they are sent to preach the Gospel, they should preach the Gospel and nothing else, if they wish to stand approved themselves. The Elders are sent into the world to preach faith, repentance, baptism for the remission of sins, and the laying on of hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost and they should let the mysteries alone."

[We recognize the fourth article of faith on the first principles and ordinances in his admonition.]

"God has commanded you to preach repentance to this generation; and if this generation will not receive the first principles of the Gospel and the Book of Mormon, they will receive nothing greater. Just go and do as you are told and God will bless you," said Hyrum.

This is all consistent with the Lord's instructions in the early revelations of the Doctrine and Covenants. "Every man who knows me knows that I have taught these principles from the beginning," said Hyrum.

"Preach principles that will stand the test of ages;" said Hyrum, "teach them good precepts and save souls, go forth as men of God, and you will find friends wherever you go. Drink deep of the Spirit of Truth and a great and mighty work shall be wrought in the world; hundreds and tens of thousands shall flock to the standard and go up to Zion." What a prophecy!

Later Heber, father of the British mission, spoke: "What Brother Hyrum has told you is God's truth, and will eventually come to pass. As he was making his observations to the Elders, it made me think of the first time that I went out into the vineyard to preach. I dwelt on one subject till it branched like unto a tree that was cultivated, until the branches shot forth in all directions. . . . So it is with the first principles of the Gospel, they branch out in all directions, unfolding new light continually. They are eternal principles. I never preached anything else but the first principles. When first we went to England, we preached nothing else, and never even touched on the gathering, as there was no place of gathering, . . . but as soon as the people were baptized and received the Holy Ghost, the most of them had the spirit of prophecy, and prophesied of coming to this land, as being the land of Zion; and the time would come that they should come here. Yet we never taught the doctrine of the gathering or Book of Doctrine and Covenants."

Just think how remarkable that is! Those early Brethren taught nothing but faith, repentance, baptism, and gave the gift of the Holy Ghost. At which point the people got the spirit of prophecy and foretold their gathering to Zion in America! You cannot conceive how unlikely that is. The faith it took to move family and meager possessions 4000 miles by ship. No British Airways or Pan Am in those days! And they came because the Spirit told them.

When you look at the three places in the D&C where the Lord says, "This is my gospel" --- one of which we identified last time --- you notice that He simply speaks of the first principles, just as Hyrum and Heber did here. This is the gospel.

As Joseph said to the President of the United States, we differ from all other churches in baptism for the remission of sins, and in the Holy Ghost, that everything else is included under that one consideration: the Holy Ghost. Namely, that we have the gift of the Holy Ghost and no one else does. For the Melchizedek priesthood and the Holy Ghost go together. In a sense, the gospel is the Holy Ghost. And the only way to the gift of the Holy Ghost is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, and baptism by immersion at the hands of a legal administrator.

The process is cyclical. When we enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost we find that His main role and function is to teach and testify of the Father and the Son (see Ether 12:41). This increases our faith in Jesus Christ, which leads to repentance, which prepares us for the sacrament (the weekly renewal of baptism), the promised blessing of which is "that they may always have His Spirit [the Holy Ghost] to be with them." Which then increases our faith unto repentance and prepares us for the sacrament and a deeper portion of His Spirit, the Holy Ghost. And so it continues. This is the gospel process and pattern for our lives. These are the first principles. This is the gospel as described by the Lord Himself. As Hyrum and Heber said, "These are eternal principles." We do not graduate past them, and leave them behind in Primary. . . .

It is simple. It is profound. A child can understand it if taught it well (see D&C 68:25). Let's not replace it with a gospel of our own invention.

More later. There is more to say.

Steve