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Gramps,

The scriptures give plenty of evidence that man can see God face to face and speak with Him. In addition our temple ceremonies seem to imply that one can receive a personal audience with God the Father or His Son. And in writing this I feel the Spirit telling me this is indeed possible.

Tell me, how can I receive a personal audience with my Heavenly Father face to face, while in the flesh?

Derek

 

Answer

 

Dear Derek,

Not only do our temple ceremonies imply that we can gain a personal audience with the Lord Jesus Christ, it also shows the steps for that. And not only does the rite suggest such a thing, the scriptures are filled with such promises. As the Spirit is already prompting you, I will only give you minimal guidance and let Him be your Teacher. The plainest instruction I have found is D&C 93:1,20.

“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;… For if you keep my commandments you shall receive of [God the Father’s] fulness, and be glorified in me as I am in the Father; therefore, I say unto you, you shall receive grace for grace.”

In your scripture search, you may also want to seek out the Lord’s discourse on the First and Second Comforters (John 14-16). Joseph Smith taught: “Now what is this other [Second] Comforter? It is no more nor less than the Lord Jesus Christ himself; and … when any man obtains this last Comforter, he will have the personage of Jesus Christ to attend him, or appear unto him from time to time, and even he will manifest the Father unto him, and they will take up their abode with him, … and the Lord will teach him face to face” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pages 150-151).

Another scriptural phrase, used by Peter, that you may want to look at is “the more sure word of prophecy” (see 2 Peter 1). Peter used this phrase when encouraging the saints to make their calling and election sure (another related phrase).

For additional study, read Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Elder McConkie’s sermons and writings will often connect passages together to explain some of the concepts, but the foundation always seems to come back to Joseph Smith and the scriptures.

I have to here issue a word of caution. There is a great curiosity among the Saints with regards to this doctrine. We want to know the mysteries without the hard work of covenantal obedience. We want the physics degree without ever attending the lab. Unfortunately, there are a number of wolves in sheep clothing who (like the Gnostics of old with their writings on Christ’s 40-day ministry) are more than willing to publish a rubric and welcome you into an exclusive club. Follow the Spirit over the provocative trumpeting of such false leaders.

Finally, I must emphasize again the importance of letting the Spirit be your guide (after all, how can you receive the Second Comforter without first receiving the First?). It is the Spirit which testifies of the truth and relevance of the passages you read. It is the Spirit which testifies of the Father’s approbation for your faithfulness. It is the Spirit that teaches and instructs on the areas where you need to focus now in your climb from grace to grace.

The Lord bless you Derek.

 

 

Gramps

 

 

 

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