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Question

 

Dear Gramps,

If all things happen in “God’s Time,” why then do we use the Priesthood power to try and interfere?

Anna

 

Answer

 

Dear Anna,

Given that all things happen in God’s time, the things that happen depend upon the words, thoughts and actions of men. The greatest gift that God has given to man is his agency. That is what the war in heaven was all about. When God asked for a plan for the continued development of his children as they transitioned from the spirit world to mortality, Lucifer, a son of the morning, whose other name is Satan, offered a plan that would rob man of his agency. Lucifer would save everyone, regardless of merit. He also demanded the glory of God for his proposed plan. Jehovah, whose other name is Jesus Christ, offered a plan wherein man could retain his agency and act according to his own conscience. He would be rewarded for decisions and actions consistent with righteousness, and punished for decisions and actions contrary to the will of God. Further, Jehovah offered himself as a sacrifice for sin so that the Father could extend His mercy in forgiving the repentant sinner without violating the principles of justice.

Jehovah’s plan was accepted, but Lucifer would have none of it. He actually convinced one third part of the hosts of heaven to opt for his plan and refuse to accept the Savior’s plan. As a result of that rebellion a war ensued. Satan and his followers were defeated, were cast out of heaven, and forever forbidden from advancing to the next estate of progression, i.e., to be born into mortality where they would acquire a physical body, and, acting on their own volition.  They would be denied the opportunity to qualify by virtue of their righteousness to become heirs of God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ of all that the Father has.

The Father then gave to man the authority to act officially in His name and promote the cause of righteousness. Those who were and are given such authority are called to teach the rest of the children of God all the requirements for returning back into the presence of God after this mortal sojourn. In so doing they use the authority of the priesthood to establish organizations for teaching and promoting the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is what the plan of progression in order to return to the Father’s presence is called. In so doing, they act for and in behalf of the Savior of mankind, representing him in carrying out the works of righteousness. Here are the Savior’s instructions in that regard—

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.

 

Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do; for that which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do;

 

Therefore, if ye do these things blessed are ye, for ye shall be lifted up at the last day. (3 Ne 27:20-22)

 

Gramps

 

 

 

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