New Testament Gospel Doctrine Lesson 37: Jesus Christ: “The Author and Finisher of Our Faith” Epistle to the Hebrews

New Testament Gospel Doctrine Lesson 37: Jesus Christ: “The Author and Finisher of Our Faith”  
Epistle to the Hebrews

Background

Although traditionally attributed to Paul, the actual authorship of Hebrews is unknown.  In the fourth century AD, St Jerome supported Paul as its author and is likely the reason the tradition continues today.

However, unlike the other Pauline letters, Hebrews does not claim who wrote the epistle.  While the teachings are Pauline in nature, they are not in the language Paul would normally use.  Some scholars also note that Hebrews 2:3 suggests it could not have been Paul, as he was among the first generation that heard the Lord’s voice (albeit in a vision).

While there are many possible candidates for the authorship of Hebrews, scholars consider Barnabas (Paul’s missionary companion) and Apollos (one of Paul’s junior companions) as the two most likely authors of Hebrews.  Because it is traditionally attributed to Paul and is Pauline in nature, I will use traditional attribution.

To whom the letter was specifically written is unknown.   The writings show that it was probably directed to a group of Jews or Jewish Christians who had access to and knowledge of the Hebrew Bible.  It is based upon Psalms 110 as its theme, and so the reader would have been very aware of the text of that psalm.  

Because the epistle discusses the Tabernacle/temple imagery, it is thought by many to be written prior to the destruction of the Jewish Temple (70 AD).

Purpose of Epistle to the Hebrews

Hebrews was written to strengthen the waning faith of some Jewish Christian members, who were being harassed, perhaps by Jews and local leaders.  It was also written as a logical explanation of how Jesus as Messiah could fit into the Mosaic landscape.  The temple and the Law of Moses were administered by priests of Aaron, of the Levite priesthood line.  How then, could Jesus, who was descended from Judah, ever be able to fill the priestly duties of the Messiah.

While many Jews awaited a kingly Messiah (Messiah ben David), Jesus did not seem to fill those sandals in his mortal life.  Rather than leading armies to expel the Romans, Jesus taught to “render unto Caesar.”  Paul would describe Jesus as a priestly Messiah.

In the Dead Sea Scrolls (written around the time of Jesus), the Qumran people foresaw a coming priestly Messiah of Aaron that is similar to Jesus’ role as Savior of the world.  Given Jesus was not a descendant of Aaron, he could not be that Messiah.  Paul will spend much of the epistle, using Psalms 110 as his text, explaining how Jesus could not only be the descendant of King David, but also be the servant who would make the eternal sacrifice.

Christ - the Image of God
Hebrews 1-2

Paul begins by explaining to the Jewish Christians that Jesus has greater power than most realize.  Through Christ, God has created the worlds.  While God spoke through prophets anciently, he called his heir to speak to mankind during Jesus’ personal mortal ministry.  

Jesus was heir of all things, and different than the angels, because God proclaimed at Jesus’ baptism, “Thou art my son, this day I have begotten thee” (Heb 1:5, Luke 3:22 - where some early copies of Luke actually repeat Paul’s quote).  No one had been literally nor spiritually begotten of God before.  Because of the Fall, all mankind was removed from God’s presence.  But Jesus opened the door for a spiritual adoption and reconciliation with God.

Jesus receives the throne and sceptre from God (Heb 1:8, Ps 45:6).  Paul is using the ancient Jewish and important Christian writings to show Jesus is fulfilling them.  In fact, a major portion of his discussion on Christ will revolve around Psalms 110.

“But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool?” (Heb 1:13).  

Compare this question regarding the status of angels to the Psalmist’s prophecy of the Lord:

“The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool” (Ps 110:1).

God said unto the Lord Jesus to sit at his right hand until all things are finished and the wicked are destroyed.  Paul will continue using Psalms to explain Jesus’ divine nature and calling.

In Hebrews 2:6-8, Paul quotes Psalms 8:

“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Thou madest him a little lower than the angels; thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands:
Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet.”

He then explains that Jesus was below all the angels and all things in his death and suffering.  Yet, Paul previously noted that the resurrected and glorified Jesus “being made so much better than the angels” (Heb 1:4) as a stark contrast to the cross.

“For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham” (Heb 2:16).  

Jesus did not merely become an eternal servant of God, but an heir of Abraham and so an heir of God the Father, as well.  In his later discussion, Paul will explain how all can become heirs of Abraham, rather than merely servant angels.

Apostle and High Priest
Hebrews 3-4

“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus” (Heb 3:1).

We find two interesting points here: First, Jesus is an apostle and a high priest.  Second, Paul insists that the members of the church are “partakers of the heavenly calling.”  

Discussing the second point, we may ask what is the heavenly calling?  It is exactly what Jesus’ life, ministry and resurrection has shown forth.  All mankind may become heirs of God, receiving all that God has through Christ, rather than being serving angels in the eternities.

That Jesus is an apostle and high priest denotes his holy calling.  Apostle is a Greek word meaning, “Sent”.   Jesus was sent as a special messenger of salvation to mankind.  Through the power of the apostleship, he would be able to restore the ancient authorities and powers, which the Jews had lost through disobedience. Included would be ordinances and teachings that would sanctify mankind.  Through the Gift of the Holy Ghost via the laying on of hands, mankind would be made holy and worthy of being divine and an heir with Christ of all God’s blessings and promises.

As high priest, Jesus would be in the position to perform the great sacrifice required to save mankind from sin.  Jesus’ sacrifice would open the door for mankind to believe and repent, making man guiltless.  Mankind receives justification through the Savior’s great expiatory event.

Jesus is compared to Moses.  Moses was a great prophet, but it was Jesus as Jehovah and Lord that created Israel in the first place.  While Jews focused much honor on Moses as the great law giver, Jesus gave Moses the law in the first place.  Israel sinned in Moses’ day and lost the promised land.  They were literally cast out of God’s presence when they chose to rebel against Moses, and so were not allowed to enter the Lord’s rest (presence).

In modern revelation, the Lord explained that Moses attempted to bring Israel into the presence of God on top of Mount Sinai.  The people refused to ascend the mount, and instead chose to rebel and sin below.  Because of this, the Lord took the higher priesthood and law from them, giving them the Law of Moses and the lesser priesthood (D&C 84:19-26).

“So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief” (Heb 3:19).

Levitical/Aaronic Priesthood vs Melchizedek Priesthood
Hebrews 5-7

So, how could Jesus perform high priest duties without being a Levite or holding the Aaronic Priesthood?  Paul explains that there was a priesthood that preceded and excelled above the Aaronic Priesthood:

“4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.
5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec” (Heb 7).

No one could hold any priesthood office, unless called of God, as Aaron was called of God through the prophet Moses.  Just as God had proclaimed at Jesus’ baptism that he was begotten of God, so the Father also proclaimed him a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

Melchizedek was king of the ancient city of Salem.  The name “Melchizedek” literally means, “King of Righteousness.”  This king was so righteous that Abraham paid tithes to him.  Melchizedek offered a holy supper to Abraham and others after a successful conquest (Genesis 14, see JST Gen 14).  Melchizedek was a Gentile, and yet held a priesthood greater than Abraham.  Some traditions hold that Melchizedek was Shem, the son of Noah.  That Levi and Aaron were subordinate to Father Abraham shows that the Levitical or Aaronic priesthood is subordinate to the Melchizedek order of priesthood.

Of Melchizedek, the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith:

“26 Now Melchizedek was a man of faith, who wrought righteousness; and when a child he feared God, and stopped the mouths of lions, and quenched the violence of fire.
27 And thus, having been approved of God, he was ordained an high priest after the order of the covenant which God made with Enoch,
28 It being after the order of the Son of God; which order came, not by man, nor the will of man; neither by father nor mother; neither by beginning of days nor end of years; but of God;
29 And it was delivered unto men by the calling of his own voice, according to his own will, unto as many as believed on his name.
30 For God having sworn unto Enoch and unto his seed with an oath by himself; that every one being ordained after this order and calling should have power, by faith, to break mountains, to divide the seas, to dry up waters, to turn them out of their course;
31 To put at defiance the armies of nations, to divide the earth, to break every band, to stand in the presence of God; to do all things according to his will, according to his command, subdue principalities and powers; and this by the will of the Son of God which was from before the foundation of the world.
32 And men having this faith, coming up unto this order of God, were translated and taken up into heaven.
33 And now, Melchizedek was a priest of this order; therefore he obtained peace in Salem, and was called the Prince of peace.
34 And his people wrought righteousness, and obtained heaven, and sought for the city of Enoch which God had before taken, separating it from the earth, having reserved it unto the latter days, or the end of the world;
36 And this Melchizedek, having thus established righteousness, was called the king of heaven by his people, or, in other words, the King of peace.”

In Melchizedek, we get a prototype and foreshadow of Jesus Christ.  Melchizedek took a wicked people and made them fit to be translated or taken up into heaven.  He was able to do great works and miracles through the power of his priesthood.  This priesthood preceded him, held by Enoch and Adam, who received it from the premortal Christ.  Melchizedek was called the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6), as a symbol of Jesus Christ’s role as the ultimate Prince of Peace.

So important was Melchizedek and his priesthood that in the Dead Sea Scrolls’ 11Q Melchizedek, the fragment tells us:  “Melchizedek is El (God)!”  and “Melchizedek is Yahweh (Jehovah).”

This is not to be taken literally that the mortal Melchizedek is God the Father  (El) or Jesus Christ (Jehovah).  It is to say that Melchizedek is a symbol of the Father and Son.  Yes, as a divine heir with Christ of all the Father has given, Melchizedek the man also became a king in heaven, sitting on God’s throne (we’ll discuss more in the upcoming lessons in Revelation), etc.  Remember, Melchizedek literally means, “King of Righteousness.”  Jesus is our eternal King of Righteousness under Father’s direction.

As before noted, justification, or being guiltless is brought forth by the blood sacrifice of Christ, the great High Priest.  The power and ordinances of the Lord’s great priesthood also provides for sanctification as we are made holy through faithfulness, obedience and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost.

The Lord is in his Temple - a New Covenant
Hebrews 8-10

Paul brings us to the Tabernacle or Temple of the Lord.  The Tabernacle was Moses’ portable Temple, where the children of Israel could remain in God’s presence (the temple represented the House of the Lord and his Shekinah [Presence]).  Later, King Solomon’s temple would replace the Tabernacle, but the same rites and teachings would continue regarding the sacrifices.

Jesus would be the high priest and king in the heavenly tabernacle, pitched by God and not man.  While in the earthly tabernacle, animal sacrifices continued day and night in order to atone for man’s sins under the Law of Moses, in the heavenly tabernacle would be only one divine sacrifice.  Rather than sacrifice an animal, this one sacrifice would be the lamb of God and Israel’s High Priest, Jesus Christ.  

With the divine sacrifice came a new covenant to replace the old one. No longer would the Levitical priests be required to sacrifice animals on the altars of the temple.  Instead, Jesus will redeem all mankind in his sacrifice.

How can it be that Jesus was not sacrificed in the temple, but we see this as pertaining to him?  Because during the last week of his life during Passover, Jesus taught daily in the women’s court of the temple.  And anciently, the entire city of Jerusalem was considered the outer court of the temple. It was the holy city, where the Lord’s presence shown in his house within the city.  To slay Jesus in Jerusalem was to essentially kill him in the outer parts of the temple or Tabernacle.

The ancient Tabernacle contained sacred emblems to represent God.  Paul mentions the Tabernacle containing different rooms, some more sacred than others, as well:

“1 Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.
2 For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.
3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;
4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
5 And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercy seat; of which we cannot now speak particularly” (Heb 9).

Once one entered in from the outer court where sacrifice was made, the priest entered into the Holy place.  In this place was the menorah (candlestick with 7 candles), and the table holding the shewbread.  In Christian teaching, the menorah represents the Holy Ghost and how it lights our path in life.  The shewbread table (which often also held a cup of wine) represented the Savior Jesus Christ as the bread and wine represented his sacrifice.

Within the veil was the Holy of Holies.  Herein was found the most sacred of items representing God and his promises to man: manna as the Bread of Life, Aaron’s rod also representing life after death, and the Mercy Seat or throne of God sitting upon the ark of the covenant.  Each of these represents a member(s) of the Godhead, and more especially represent Jesus’ various roles as Sacrifice (shewbread), our Example (menorah), resurrection (Aaron’s rod), and eternal life (manna). Judgment and Mercy are shown forth at the Mercy Seat by Jesus, who is our Judge and Intermediary with the Father.

While the priests went daily to offer animal sacrifice and to care for the menorah and table of shewbread, only the chief high priest would enter into the Holy of Holies, and this only once per year.  His temple vesture included bells on the fringes of his robe, so that the priests outside could hear if he was still alive.  A rope was tied to the chief high priest, so that if God were to strike him down, they could pull the deceased out of the Holy of Holies without entering inside. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest would perform an atonement for himself and all of Israel, sprinkling the blood of a sacrifice upon the Mercy Seat, the ark of the covenant, and all of the holiest of items.  

Jesus was the chief high priest who entered into the Holy of Holies of the Heavenly Tabernacle, and after shedding his own blood for himself and all mankind, would then go forth and take his rightful place sitting upon the throne or Mercy Seat.

In chapter 10, Paul tells us that sacrificing animals really cannot atone for our sins.  This is done as a symbol of the great sacrifice done by Jesus Christ for all mankind.  

“11 And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified” (Heb 10).

Paul finishes explaining his quoting of Psalms 110, wherein the Lord will make his enemies his own footstool.  When the Lord ascends to the Mercy Seat, he will judge all mankind.  Those who have embraced Christ in faith and repented, will be his true disciples and receive the promises made.  Those who reject the Lamb shall be judged for their sins.

Faith and Endurance
Hebrews 11-12

Paul goes into a discourse on faith, describing how the ancient prophets were accepted of God because of their great faith.  Abel, Enoch, Abraham and others obtained great blessings of God due to their faith.  We are promised the same blessings as we become as they were, with unshakable and enduring faith in Christ.  

In verses 33-34, we see what power was given to the prophets (compare this with Melchizedek’s power above):

“ 33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.”

While they all experienced great trials, and many were slain for their testimonies, they will receive a great reward in heaven for that faithfulness.  In times of trial, studying their faithfulness through difficult time can give us the strength and faith to endure well.

In chapter 12, we find that the Lord chastens those he loves.  God allows difficult times to occur to the righteous, simply because gold is purified by the highest heat, while the dross is left behind.  We cannot easily increase in faith, hope, charity, compassioin, mercy, forgiveness, patience, love, or any other godly characteristic without a trial that will push us beyond our comfort zone and into the arms of God.  We only find joy when we find true meaning in life.  The plan of salvation shows us that the trials are necessary so we can learn to be and think as God does,  And it is necessary so that we come to truly appreciate the atonement of Jesus Christ.  If life were easy enough to get through without sinning, we would have no need of the atonement.  But then we would not really understand compassion.  Paul taught that Jesus suffered so that he would know how to succor us (Hebrews 2:18, Alma 7:12).

“ 7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
10 For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Heb 12).

If we are truly children of God, we will endure the trials he allows us to go through.  And we will seek to learn the lessons we need to learn, in order to be like him.  If we refuse to accept such trials and learn from them, we are not true children of God, but reject his corrections and guidance.  As stated above, such gives us meaning in our lives and from such comes the peace, holiness and the fruit of righteousness.

God is the “Father of our spirits.”  He has prepared his Only Begotten to be the great and final sacrifice.  God imbued Christ with the Melchizedek Priesthood, so that he could perform all his mighty works, and above all, make us holy and able to enter into the Holy of Holies with Jesus to stand in God’s presence once again.

Bibliography

Jim Faulconer’s notes on Hebrews:  http://feastuponthewordblog.org/2011/09/03/nt-sunday-school-lesson-37-jf-hebrews/

Theopedia on Hebrews: http://www.theopedia.com/Epistle_to_the_Hebrews

Wikipedia on Hebrews: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistle_to_the_Hebrews

Catholic Encyclopedia on Hebrews: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07181a.htm

Early Christian Writings on Hebrews: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/hebrews.html

Catholic Resources on Hebrews: http://catholic-resources.org/Bible/Epistles-Hebrews.htm

Justification and Sanctification, see lesson 36 on Romans: http://joelsmonastery.blogspot.com/2011/09/new-testament-gospel-doctrine-lesson-36.html

Joseph Smith Translation concerning Melchizedek the King of Salem: http://lds.org/scriptures/jst/jst-gen/14?lang=eng

11Q Melchizedek in Dead Sea Scrolls:
http://joelsmonastery.blogspot.com/2010/03/gospel-doctrine-ot-lesson-10.html
http://joelsmonastery.blogspot.com/2010/02/lds-gospel-doctrine-class-old-testament_22.html

New Testament Gospel Doctrine Lesson 36: “Beloved of God, Called to Be Saints” Romans

New Testament Gospel Doctrine Lesson 36: “Beloved of God, Called to Be Saints”
 Paul's Epistle to the Romans

Introduction


Paul’s epistle to the Romans is universally accepted as being authentic. It is thought to have been written by Paul around 57 AD. Paul wrote many of his epistles prior to this time, encouraging the Corinthians, Galatians and Thessalonians to provide for the poor. In the Epistle to the Romans, Paul explains he is enroute to Jerusalem with the funds to deliver to the leadership there.

Paul repeats some discussions he has had in previous letters: justification, Abraham, Adam and Christ as the new Adam,

Romans’ topics have been the source for several key traditional Christian concepts, including Augustine’s original sin, Martin Luther’s justification by faith alone, John Calvin’s double predestination, and John Wesley on sanctification.

Paul had established several Christian churches around the Aegean Sea, and desired to preach where others had not yet established a church: Spain. His plan was to visit Rome on the way.

It is probable that the church in Rome was founded by Jewish Christians. Gentile Romans became interested and believed in Christ. The Jewish Christians in Rome taught the Roman converts to receive circumcision and obey the Law of Moses. In writing to Rome, Paul was explaining that the Gentile Christians were saved through faith, and not the law of Moses.

In 49 AD, the Roman leader Claudius expelled from Rome both Jews and Jewish Christians over their disruptive arguments over whether Jesus was the Messiah. His successor, Nero, allowed them to return in 54 AD, but would persecute them a decade later after the Great Fire, where he tradition states he fiddled while Rome burnt.

It is during Nero’s reign that Paul wrote the Romans, in hopes of establishing his branch of Gentile Christianity among them.

  I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ
Romans 1:18-32

 Referencing the “Wisdom of Solomon”, an ancient Jewish document, Paul condemned the sexual and violent sins of Rome. Nero was famous for orgies which often lasted from noon until midnight. He built a 50 foot round dining room, which rotated to simulate the movements of the earth and planets. Entertainment in Rome included violent depictions of battles, and often included the deaths of captured enemies or rebels.

 Paul was not ashamed to preach the gospel of Christ against such evils, noting that God would someday punish the wicked for such great sins. A major portion of his epistle would point to two main issues: the intense focus by some on following the Mosaic Law on the one hand, and the licentiousness of the Roman pagan society. Paul would have to teach them a middle view of what salvation meant. In speaking about the sins of Rome, Paul explained,

“Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile... (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness)” (Romans 2:9-15).

God has given a basic law, which not all have officially received via commandment of God. Many Gentiles lived chaste and non-violent lives without a prophet to command them, but following their conscience. Paul speaks of justification here. Those who keep God’s commandments, whether commanded through prophets, or inspired by the Holy Spirit to the conscience of man, are blessed for it. But it requires us to do, and not just hear or know a law. Many of the Jewish Christians knew the law, but were not following it.

 Instead, the gospel became a point for them to contend with Jews, and some of the Jewish Christians picked and choose the laws to be obeyed. They were not justified in knowing, but not doing. Paul then teaches that the Mosaic Law is one method, as is the method for the Gentile Christians. All have sinned, and therefore none can save themselves (Romans 3:9-11), but there is a salvation offered for both those under the Mosaic Law and those not under the law:

“ 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. 29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. 31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.”

So, Paul confusingly seems to be saying we both need and don’t need the law. In fact, he is teaching that the law is not an ends in itself. One is not saved by being circumcised or offering animal sacrifices. Nor is one saved by making prayers and offerings. But the Jew or Gentile Christian who develops his faith, will follow the Holy Spirit’s guidance to his conscience, and such a person will want to live the laws of God as a normal outpouring of faith. A person obeys because of faithfulness. As Jesus stated, “if ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). What the Lord meant is that if we love him, keeping the commandments will be a natural outcome of that love. Our faith and love of Christ will naturally have us desire to be like him.

 Obedience flows from faith, but not necessarily the other way around. Many Pharisees paid tithes and offerings and prayed, but their obedience did not bring them to believe in Christ. Of course, faith is more than just a belief. According to the Lecture on Faith, faith is a moving power for God and in all things. The greater the faith, the greater the power of God that is with us. In chapter 4, we find that Paul discusses Abraham - a Jewish ancestor that he seeks to use to inspire both the Jew and Roman believers. Abraham was blessed because he believed or had faith, not because he was circumcised. Yet his faith led him to do great works of obedience, including offering up Isaac, his son. As we learn from the Nephite King Benjamin, we cannot obey enough laws or do enough to ever pay back God for our sins and disobedience in life. First off, he gave us life, and then gives us food and other blessings along the way, for which we owe him. When we obey God, he blesses us, so we still are ever in his debt. Benjamin noted that we are not even worth the dust we are created from, because God created the dust (Mosiah 2-5). Nephi taught us that “it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. (2 Nephi 25:23). But what exactly does that mean? The Lamanite king Anti-Nephi-Lehi encouraged his people to bury their weapons of war and violence. In doing so, he explained to the people:

“it has been all that we could do (as we were the most lost of all mankind) to repent of all our sins and the many murders which we have committed, and to get God to take them away from our hearts, for it was all we could do to repent sufficiently before God that he would take away our stain” (Alma 24:11).

In essence, faith and repentance are all we can do. Jesus does the rest. The greater our faith and repentance, the more Jesus can do for us. We find from Alma’s Near Death Experience and his intense sufferings in hell for his sins that a very basic faith and repentance are required for us to be saved from hell and death:

“ 12 But I was racked with eternal torment, for my soul was harrowed up to the greatest degree and racked with all my sins. 13 Yea, I did remember all my sins and iniquities, for which I was tormented with the pains of hell; yea, I saw that I had rebelled against my God, and that I had not kept his holy commandments. 14 Yea, and I had murdered many of his children, or rather led them away unto destruction; yea, and in fine so great had been my iniquities, that the very thought of coming into the presence of my God did rack my soul with inexpressible horror.... 16 And now, for three days and for three nights was I racked, even with the pains of a damned soul. 17 And it came to pass that as I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins, behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world. 18 Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death. 19 And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more. 20 And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!” (Alma 36).

We find that Alma’s sins and disbelief cast him from God’s presence and into a darkness of his own making. Only his repentance could save him from the eternal torment that was upon him. So it is with all of us. A basic faith and repentance save us from hell and death. In chapter 5, Paul explains we are “justified by faith” through the blood of Christ. When we accept the atonement through faith and repentance, we are rescued from hell and death. We are basically made guiltless for our sins, reconciled to God, and therefore made eligible for heaven (or in LDS teaching, one of the levels of heaven). Although Paul does not speak here of it, we can then seek to be sanctified by receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, which purifies us as we become more faithful and obedient. As with Christ, we can go from grace to grace, receiving grace for grace, until we receive a fulness (D&C 93). At each new level of grace, we are sanctified by the Holy Ghost, purifying us and making us worthy to a higher level of glory and heavenly reward.

  Faith, Repentance, Baptism
Romans 6-7

 Interestingly, Paul follows the key principles and ordinances of the gospel in his epistle to the Romans. In chapter six, he discusses baptism. Baptism is the first ordinance of the gospel. Paul explains it is an outward sign of our following Christ as a true disciple. Previous to baptism, we demonstrate faith and repentance. In baptism, we are buried in his death, and follow Christ in the resurrection and rebirth as a child of God. Even after baptism, Paul notes that the believer must continue to believe, repent, and be obedient. He warns that the “wages of sin is death.” In chapter seven, he explains that the Law of Moses is replaced with the law of Christ. This new law is written in the heart of the believer. He naturally follows what is right, because the Spirit guides the conscience of the inner man.

  Joint heirs with Christ
Romans 8

 Paul then taught that the rebirth of faith, repentance and baptism adopts us into the family of God. He emphasizes a belief long lost among the Jews, but restored by Jesus: inheritance.

“ 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

Those reborn are adopted into the family of God. Unlike some Christian ideas of the adoption, where we are still something less than God (i.e., angels that forever play harps), Paul insists that we are literal “heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.” If Christ has a fulness of the Father, then so shall those who are justified by the blood of Christ into being guiltless, and sanctified in the Spirit to being holy. We will be glorified together with Christ. It cannot be made any clearer than that: If God and Jesus are perfect and divine, so we too will become divine and perfect through justification and sanctification.

  Bibliography

 Elder Todd D Christofferson, Justification and Sanctification, Ensign, June 2001: http://lds.org/ensign/2001/06/justification-and-sanctification?lang=eng

 Wikipedia on Romans: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistle_to_the_Romans

 Early Christian Writings on Romans: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/romans.html

 Catholic Encyclopedia on Romans: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13156a.htm

 Wisdom of Solomon: http://www.earlyjewishwritings.com/text/wisdom.html

 Nero’s rotating banquet hall: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33077263/ns/technology_and_science-science/t/neros-rotating-banquet-hall-unveiled-rome/

New Testament Gospel Doctrine Lesson 35: “Be Ye Reconciled to God” - Second Corinthians

New Testament Gospel Doctrine Lesson 35: “Be Ye Reconciled to God”

Second Corinthians

Second Corinthians is accepted by almost all scholars as being authentically written by Paul. There is a twist, however. There is evidence that suggests that 2 Corinthians isn’t one letter, but actually two letters that were later combined. Chapters 1-9 focus on harmony and reconciliation. The last four chapters focus on divisions occurring in Corinth. In fact, 2 Cor 2:4 mentions a “sorrowful letter” or “letter of tears” that Paul had written them. Several scholars believe that the chapters 10-13 of Second Corinthians are that sorrowful letter.

In chapters 2-6, Paul attempts to establish himself with the Corinthian Christians, explaining his authority compared to that of others who had arrived in Corinth with claims of authority from elsewhere. He has had a painful visit with them, and wants to show that his love for them is greater than the pain caused during the visit. Chapters 1 and 7 show Paul’s effort to reconcile with the saints in Corinth and to reestablish the gospel in its proper form.

In the “sorrowful letter” found in chapters 10-13, Paul discussed his sadness from a visit he made to Corinth, where he was humiliated by others who had obtained power in the church there. In fact, it becomes a polemic defense of his apostleship against those who attacked his authority.

So disconcerting is this letter that Paul has to strongly chastise the people for rejecting him and following others. He establishes that he never has taken money from them, but was provided by the churches in other areas, such as Macedonia. He warned the Corinthians:

“13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light” (2 Cor 11).

They were deceived by pretenders, who came to town with forged letters of authority, who then gained power in Corinth and attempted to turn the members away from Paul and the real apostles of God. Paul told of his conversion and dedication to the gospel, as well as his call to preach by the apostles in Jerusalem. Why? To establish his authority once again among the Corinthians, as well as to help them reject the falsehoods that plagued the Christians there.


Paul’s Vision of the Heavens
2 Corinthians 12:2-4

Paul continued to explain his authority and power that God had given him through visions:

“2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.”

Most scholars agree that Paul is speaking about himself when he refers of “a man” who was caught up to heaven. Such an experience would show that Paul was worthy of being an apostle of God, and with knowledge of God to share with the people of Corinth.

These verses are perhaps the best in all scripture to denote a separation between paradise and heaven, and that there are levels of heaven. LDS belief is along these lines. For Mormons, Paradise is the place the spirits of the dead go to as they await the resurrection and final judgment of God. So, when Jesus told the thief on the cross, “today shalt thou be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43) we get a better understanding of what was going on. Jesus went to the “spirits in prison” to preach to them (1 Peter 3:18-20, 4:6) - obviously there are two sections to the world of Spirits (paradise and prison). The thief could not have been that day with Jesus in heaven, for Jesus told Mary Magdalene he had not yet ascended up to God (John 20:17).

Ancient Jews and Christians believed in three or more levels of heaven. Some think these statements referenced the Hebrew belief of a tripartite world: heavens above, earth, and Sheol or hell beneath. And while this may apply, there is definite evidence from early sources of levels within heaven itself, such as the Ascension of Isaiah.

There is an ancient Christian text entitled, “the Apocalypse of Paul”, wherein Paul ascends through the ten levels of heaven. Like Nephi, Moses, the apostle John, and others, Paul is caught up to an exceedingly high mountain. There, he is given a special guide to direct him through the vision. In this case, as with Nephi (1 Nephi 11), it is the Holy Spirit.

Paul tells us:

“Then the Holy Spirit who was speaking with him caught him up on high to the third heaven, and he passed beyond to the fourth heaven.”

The fourth heaven was filled with angels, presided over by the “toll collector” or sentinel. People were judged for their sins, with witnesses and books brought forth to judge them. With the Holy Spirit as his guide, Paul continued through the fifth and onto the sixth heavens.

“Then we went up to the sixth heaven. And I saw my fellow apostles going with me, and the Holy Spirit was leading me before them. And I gazed up on high and saw a great light shining down on the sixth heaven. I spoke, saying to the toll-collector who was in the sixth heaven, "Open to me and the Holy Spirit who is before me." He opened to me.
Then we went up to the seventh heaven, and I saw an old man [...] light and whose garment was white. His throne, which is in the seventh heaven, was brighter than the sun by seven times. The old man spoke, saying to me, "Where are you going, Paul? O blessed one and the one who was set apart from his mother`s womb." But I looked at the Spirit, and he was nodding his head, saying to me, "Speak with him!". And I replied, saying to the old man, "I am going to the place from which I came." And the old man responded to me, "Where are you from?" But I replied, saying, "I am going down to the world of the dead in order to lead captive the captivity that was led captive in the captivity of Babylon." The old man replied to me saying, "How will you be able to get away from me? Look and see the principalities and authorities." The Spirit spoke, saying, "Give him the sign that you have, and he will open for you." And then I gave him the sign. He turned his face downwards to his creation and to those who are his own authorities.
And then the heaven opened and we went up to the Ogdoad. And I saw the twelve apostles. They greeted me, and we went up to the ninth heaven. I greeted all those who were in the ninth heaven, and we went up to the tenth heaven. And I greeted my fellow spirits.”

In this instance, we see there are ten levels or layers of heaven. At least some of them are guarded by sentinels, who question Paul concerning his purpose and require a sign before he is allowed to pass on to the next higher level.

While this series of events may seem strange to most Christians, they make perfect sense to Mormons, whose temple rites include practicing going through levels of heaven and returning back into the presence of God. Speaking of these rites, President Brigham Young stated:

"Your endowment is, to receive all those ordinances in the House of the Lord, which are necessary for you, after you have departed this life, to enable you to walk back to the presence of the Father, passing the angels who stand as sentinels, being enabled to give them the key words, the signs and tokens, pertaining to the Holy Priesthood, and gain your eternal exaltation in spite of earth and hell." (Journal of Discourses 2:31).

Bibliography

Early Christian Writings on 2 Corinthians: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/2corinthians.html

Wikipedia on 2 Corinthians: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Epistle_to_the_Corinthians

Bible.org’s Intro on 2 Corinthians: http://bible.org/article/introduction-second-corinthians

Ascension of Isaiah: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/ascension.html

The Apocalypse of Paul: http://www.gnosis.org/naghamm/ascp.html

New Testament Gospel Doctrine Lesson 34: “Keep the Ordinances, As I Delivered Them” 1 Corinthians 11-15

New Testament Gospel Doctrine Lesson 34: “Keep the Ordinances, As I Delivered Them”
1 Corinthians 11-15

Paul’s first epistle to the Corinthians, as discussed in lesson 33, focuses on the many problems the Christians in Corinth faced due to differing teachings and beliefs entering in from many factions. These included issues regarding chastity, idols, the resurrection of Christ, and many other issues. In this second lesson on First Corinthians, we focus on more of the issues Paul covers.

Selfishness

“Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth” (1 Cor 10:24).

The Corinthians were seeking their own. They had personal agendas, with which they sought to change the church to meet their own desires. They were selfish to the point that it was affecting their relationships within the church, and even within their families.

Paul was forced to give them guidance on the roles of husbands and wives, according to Jewish tradition. That tradition was that all should wear a covering, symbolizing that men are subject to God, and women to their husbands. Such guidance is still followed by some Christian religions, while others have adapted it some to modern times. The LDS belief is that the man and woman are equal, and can also be found in chapter 11:

“11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.
12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.”

The LDS Church teaches they are equal, yet there is still a hierarchy in the family to ensure order prevails. The parents make a presidency, with the father presiding and the wife as his counselor. The husband should ensure his wife’s counsel is listened to, considered, and generally heeded in many cases. From the Proclamation on the Family, we read:

“By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation.”

The Lord’s Supper

There seems to have been a tradition in Corinth, where people would attend the religious meetings of the various temples primarily for a free meal. The Lord’s supper seemed to have been used as a meal by many, and so was causing dissensions.

Paul complained that some were coming to the Lord’s supper only to fill their bodies or get drunk. He insisted they eat at home, and attend the Lord’s supper for the purpose of renewing the covenant with Christ.

“27 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord.
28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.
29 For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.”

The focus here is: those who partake of the bread and cup must be remembering the Lord’s sacrifice, and not their bellies. To partake of the blessed sacraments with no thought to the covenant one makes with God causes condemnation, for such a person does not take his covenants with God seriously. For the Corinthians, it became a very serious issue, because many were using the Lord’s supper as a place for food and wine, just as they did with at the pagan temples. Many in our day partake of the divine without first making themselves holy. They profane the sacrifice of Christ’s flesh and blood by their insincere actions and indifference.

Gifts of the Spirit
1 Cor 12

That Paul had to explain to the Corinthians how the Holy Ghost worked with people is telling of how far they drifted from the core Christian teachings. The pagan religions, which led people to worship “dumb idols” also encouraged many to believe Jesus was accursed: the common assumption of people who were crucified. Yet, Paul insisted that only through the Holy Ghost can a person know that “Jesus is Lord” (vs 3).

With such an understanding, we can see that most Christians have been touched by the Holy Ghost with at least one gift: a testimony of the Savior.

Yet, Paul exclaims there are many different gifts available, all from the same Holy Spirit. And not only Christians, “But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal” (vs 7). All mankind is touched on some level by the Holy Spirit. This is not the same as the “Gift of the Holy Ghost” which in its fullest regard means the Spirit becomes a constant companion and guide in all aspects of a person’s life. It does mean that God inspires all mankind, giving them special abilities. And all of these special gifts come from the Holy Ghost.

Most of us know people who seem inspired with wisdom or knowledge. Did Einstein figure out his theories of relativity on his own? Or did God inspire him, enlightening his mind so he could figure out such amazing theories? The ancient Greeks believed mankind was inspired by the muses. We know mankind is inspired by the Holy Ghost.

For those who embrace Christ, Paul seems to suggest a greater level of such gifts of the Spirit. Whether a person is Jew or Gentile, when they embrace Christ, are baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands (Acts 8:18, 19:6), they become a vessel able to receive a greater portion of the Holy Ghost and its powerful gifts.

“28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.”

There is a pattern set forth from Adam on down that helps us see how the Spirit and God’s power work. The pattern begins with apostles and prophets, those holding the priesthood authority to perform ordinances of salvation (baptism, gift of the Holy Ghost, Lord’s supper, etc), establish doctrine, and guide the Church in all things, even as the apostle Paul was now doing for Corinth.

Next, are teachers to explain the doctrines of the church to the believers and those investigating the claims of Christ as Lord. Paul sent this epistle to Corinth with teachers to correct the wrong occurring among the Christians there. Only after the foundation of leadership is established can the miracles and gifts occur in an orderly fashion.

“29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?”

Not all are apostles or prophets. Not all have the gifts mentioned. These are important and necessary things in the Church of Jesus Christ. Without these holy men and gifts of the Spirit, the Church cannot function properly. Both are needed. As apostle Dallin Oaks recently noted, there are both formal and informal lines of power in the Church of Christ. The informal line is often called by the Protestants the “priesthood of all believers”, or the personal inspiration and guidance given each of us through the Holy Spirit. This is extremely important to our personal salvation and personal growth in Christ.

Yet the formal line of power and authority through apostles and prophets is also extremely important. Paul notes the struggle the Corinthian church was going through, precisely because they were listening to many claims of teachings by a variety of speakers. Yet none of these were apostles and prophets. No Christian prophet or apostle taught the Corinthian Christians to be unchaste, to eat the food of idols, or to be selfish. The key doctrines of salvation had to be established and preached by living prophets and apostles, or as in Corinth, they would sink into apostasy.

“ 31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.”

Many believe that the “more excellent way” is a rejection of the Gifts of the Spirit, a rejection of prophets and apostles, a rejection of miracles. Some even believe it to be a rejection of the commandments. But Paul’s original epistle was not divided into chapters. His most excellent way is found in chapter 13: charity.

Faith, Hope and Charity
1 Corinthians 13

Paul now teaches of the greatest gifts we can aspire to as a priesthood of all believers. There are three great gifts, greater than all the others: faith, hope and charity. Of these, Paul explains that faith and hope lead to charity, which is the pure love of Christ (Moroni 7:47-48). When it comes to spiritual things, if we do not have charity, we are nothing.

In this world we often confuse the things of most worth for the things that glitter. The Corinthians had their focus on the things of the flesh: sex, food, drink, selfishness and the philosophies of the Greek idol worshipers. None of these things would make a real positive difference in the world. None would make any difference in the world to come.

Even to give all ones belongings to feed the poor did not mean anything without charity. Why would someone give everything up, if that person did not have charity? What would be the motivation in doing so? Power? Fame? Glory?

Charity is everything the Corinthian Christians are not. It is longsuffering, not selfish, loves truth, hates sin, not given to anger. Only in developing our faith, hope and charity can we ever hope to have our works truly mean something here on earth and in the eternities.

Gifts of Prophecy and Tongues
1 Corinthians 14

In this chapter, Paul explains that not all gifts are of equal importance. The gift of tongues is a good gift for the individual. But without an interpreter, it means nothing to others listening. Only in the instance where the gift of tongues is used to let a prophet speak in someone else’s language is it of great worth to all who listen, such as what happened with the apostles on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2).

But prophesying, whether of current truths or future events, benefits all who listen. So important is prophesy that an angel told the apostle John, “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” (Revelation 19:10). As Paul explained with the gifts of the Holy Spirit, without this special witness from above, we cannot know that “Jesus is Lord”.

Jesus, Resurrected
1 Corinthians 15

Obviously there were also contentions in Corinth over the resurrection of Jesus and all people. Paul begins by reminding them of the witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection. This physical witness is very important in establishing the things he is about to explain, because for the Greeks, the concept of a man being ignominiously crucified as a traitor to the state, then resurrecting, seemed foolish.

If there is no resurrection, there was no need for Jesus to ever be sent down to save us. With death, all would end. We would only be worm food, forever non-existent. If there is no resurrection, then our hope in Christ would make us the most miserable of all people, because we would place our faith in a false hope. But Paul shows there was a resurrection, and how it applies to all mankind from Adam til now.

Paul explained in depth how the resurrection of Jesus overcomes death. “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (vs 22). Jesus became the second Adam. The first Adam brought about death, so that we may have the experience of mortality, of learning, and of building faith in God. Christ came to overcome the affects of the first and second deaths (Alma 11-12), that we may all live again. The resurrection means that Jesus and all mortals who have ever lived, will have their bodies and spirits restored again, only this time in an incorruptible form. We will never die, be sick, injured, or suffer physical ailments again.

As to the resurrection, we find that there is not one level of resurrection, but levels of resurrected glory:

“40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.
42 So also is the resurrection of the dead.”

In the next lesson, we’ll expound more on what this means, as Paul explains it in 2 Corinthians 10:1-4. What we find here is that God has different levels of reward or glory for those who resurrect. This is also reflected in the ancient Christian prophecy of the Shepherd of Hermas, who saw that each person was given a willow twig to care for. On the day of judgment, each twig was reviewed. They differed in quality: some had not changed, others had buds, some had grown branches and leaves, while a few had also sweet fruit growing. For each there was a place given. For those who produced nothing, they were left out of the castle. For those who produced, they were given different rewards within the castle.

The rods or twigs represented the laws of God. As one obeyed the laws, they changed into ever growing rods of life and beauty. So it is with us. As we seek to know Jesus, follow his example, and learn to be Christ-like, we too can receive a glorious resurrection.


Bibliography

Proclamation on the Family: http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,161-1-11-1,FF.html

Dallin Oaks, “Two Lines of Communication”, October 2010 General Conference: http://lds.org/general-conference/2010/10/two-lines-of-communication?lang=eng

Shepherd of Hermas, (see Parable 8): http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd-lightfoot.html