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Why Three Glories: Part 5

Part 5: The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost: Work in progress – August 14, 2017 Draft


Now is the judgment of this world; now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die. (John 12:31-33)

He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still.  And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. (Revelation 22:11-13)


Unjust, filthy, righteous, and holy:  These four conditions were introduced in Part 4 of this series as characterizing or representing the four stations around the cross of Jesus Christ. Listed in the concluding chapter of the last book of the Bible, they identify the four eternal rewards or estates that await mankind following the final judgment. [1]  Everyone who has lived, is living, or will yet live upon this earth will inherit one of these four stations in eternity.  Taken together, they account for all of humanity. [2]

For this series on the three glories, these four stations or rewards are schematically arranged around the cross of Jesus Christ to illustrate and contrast the corresponding conditions in each station with respect to the judgments and mercies of the Lord, and the resurrection of the just and of unjust. Three of these stations correspond to the three glories reviewed in Part 1 in this series. The fourth, filthy, corresponds to a state of being in which the light and love of God does not dwell (to any level or degree) within those who inherit this particular station (eternal estate). Consequently, the glory of God will be forever absent from their lives and countenances because they have died to all righteousness in the second death.

In each of the four stations shown here there exists a unique relationship between the Lord and the individuals who inherit the respective station. These relationships are the subject of this post (Part 5) on the three glories. Each relationship corresponds to a unique and fitting identity in Jesus Christ and requires a unique and differing revelation of God.

The scope and setting (venue) for each of the relationships in the four stations around the cross of Jesus Christ has been uniquely prepared through His sovereign redemptive work so He might receive all of humanity under His Lordship for eternity. [3]  As it is written, He is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe and He is the propitiation for our sins … also for the sins of the whole world.

To provide the appropriate (just and merciful) revelation of Himself to those abiding in each of the four stations around the cross of Christ, our Lord manifests or reveals Himself to humanity in three distinct ways, that is, as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.  He manifests Himself in these three unique revelations of Himself for the following purposes:  1) the redemption and salvation of mankind; and 2) maintaining an appropriate and consistent eternal relationship with everyone He originally created in His image.

Stated another way, the Lord manifests Himself in three distinct ways for the purpose of: 1) satisfying the demands of divine justice and extending divine mercy to all mankind based the atonement He has made for the sins of the whole world; and 2) appropriately maintaining and caring for the inhabitants of each station around His cross [4] on an ongoing basis according to the glory each is to receive from Him and which each is willing and able to abide.  And this He does according to each person’s receptiveness to His revelations of Himself in conjunction with His grace and the determinations of His justice and mercy for the way in which each person has handled and represented His image in this life.

God was Manifest in the Flesh

Paul, the Apostle of Jesus Christ, wrote to a young man named Timothy about the pillar and ground of the truth, the first element of which is that God was manifest in the flesh.

The pillar and ground of the truth is, (and without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness,) God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (I Timothy 3:16)

In a subsequent letter to Timothy, Paul encouraged this young minister of the gospel to look to the scriptures for his instruction and doctrine:

… continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. And all scripture given by inspiration of God, is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. (II Timothy 3:14-17)

The holy scriptures to which Paul referred Timothy were, of course,[5] those of the Old Testament of the Bible.  Therefore, we too can expect to find the pillar and ground of the truth in the records of the prophets to which Paul directed Timothy, beginning with the truth that God was manifest in the flesh.  Luke’s account of a conversation between Jesus and two of His disciples on the day He rose from the grave confirms this statement.  There we read of how, beginning at Moses and all the prophets, Jesus expounded unto them in all the scriptures [meaning the Old Testament] the things concerning himself.

And behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem three-score furlongs. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that while they communed together, and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. … And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. (Luke 24:12-14,26)

Clearly our Lord can reveal Himself to us today based on these same records of the prophets. Take Isaiah, for example, the prophet who wrote of a virgin conceiving and bearing a son, of a child being born to rule the nations, and of a suffering servant who would justify many. Through Isaiah’s many prophecies, God tells us that He alone is our Lord and Savior and that there is no God beside Him.

And in that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee; though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, Praise the Lord, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted. Sing unto the Lord; for he hath done excellent things; this is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion; for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee(Isaiah 12:1-6)

 Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen; that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he; before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no savior. I have declared, and have saved, and I have showed, when there was no strange god among you; therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God. (Isaiah 43:10-12)

Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his Redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and besides me there is no God. And who, as I, shall call, and shall declare it, and set it in order for me, since I appointed the ancient people? and the things that are coming, and shall come, let them show unto them. Fear ye not, neither be afraid; have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God besides me? yea, there is no God; I know not any. (Isaiah 44:6-8)

Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together; who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the Lord? and there is no god else beside me; a just God, and a Savior; there is none beside me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else. (Isaiah 45:21,22)

Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me. Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure; Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country; yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it. (Isaiah 46:9-11)

In Isaiah’s report we read of how God alone is the Creator and Maker of the heaven and earth.  This same God, who is the Creator of Israel, the Holy One of Israel, and the God of Israel, is also the judge, lawgiver, and king over all the kingdoms of the earth.

For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our King; he will save us. (Isaiah 33:22)

O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubim, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth. (Isaiah 37:16)

 It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers? that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in … To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number; he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth. Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the Lord, and my judgment is passed over from my God?  Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. (Isaiah 40:22,25-28)

 I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King. (Isaiah 43:15)

 As for our Redeemer, the Lord of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel. (Isaiah 47:4)

For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; The Lord of hosts is his name. I have declared the former things from the beginning; and they went forth out of my mouth, and I showed them; I did them suddenly, and they came to pass… For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it; for how should my name be polluted? and I will not give my glory unto another. Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; I am he; I am the first, I also am the last. Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens; when I call unto them, they stand up together … Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go. Oh that thou hadst hearkened to my commandments! then had thy peace been as a river, and thy righteousness as the waves of the sea; Thy seed also had been as the sand, and the offspring of thy bowels like the gravel thereof; his name should not have been cut off nor destroyed from before me. (Isaiah 48:2-3,11-13,17-19)

I am he, yea, I am he that comforteth you; behold, who art thou, that thou shouldest be afraid of a man that shall die, and of the son of man which shall be made as grass; And forgettest the Lord thy Maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor? (Isaiah 51:12,13)

Isaiah also clearly refers to this one God as Father, Son, and Spirit.

Doubtless thou art our Father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not; thou, O Lord, art our Father, our Redeemer; thy name is from everlasting.  (Isaiah 63:16)

 But now, O Lord, thou art our Father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand. Be not wroth very sore, O Lord, neither remember iniquity forever; behold, see, we beseech thee, we are all thy people. (Isaiah 64:8,9)

Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance? Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord, or being his counselor hath taught him? With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, and taught him in the path of judgment, and taught him knowledge, and showed to him the way of understanding? Behold, the nations are as a drop of a bucket, and are counted as the small dust of the balance; behold, he taketh up the isles as a very little thing. (Isaiah 40:10-15)

 For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie; so he was their Savior. In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them; in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. But they rebelled, and vexed his Holy Spirit; therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them. Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, and his people, saying, Where is he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where is he that put his Holy Spirit within him?  (Isaiah 63:8-11)

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there is no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. The Lord sent his word unto Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel. (Isaiah 9:6-8)

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and shall bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and to choose the good. For before the child shall know to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land that thou abhorrest shall be forsaken of both her kings. (Isaiah 7:14-16)

In his account of the birth of Jesus Christ, Matthew, the Apostle of Jesus Christ, directly links Isaiah’s testimony to our Lord by identifying Him as this Immanuel of whom the prophet spoke.

Now, as it is written, the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise. After his mother, Mary, was espoused to Joseph, before they came together she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph, her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a vision, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife; for that which is conceived in her, is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus; for he shall save his people from their sins. Now this took place, that all things might be fulfilled, which were spoken of the Lord, by the prophets, saying, Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, (which, being interpreted, is, God with us.)  (Matthew 2:1-6 IV, Matthew 1:18-23 KJV)

This revelation, that Jesus Christ is Emmanuel (“God with us”), is consistent with the commission Jesus gave His disciples just prior to ascending into heaven. In that commission He instructed them to baptize in a singular name for the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:17-19)

Why pray in this singular name, the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost? It is because the Lord our God is one Lord.

Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord; And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. (Deuteronomy 6:4,5)

For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one. (I John 5:7)

Remember, the Son is the Word and the Holy Ghost is the Spirit of truth, who is our Lord.

<Jesus Christ> was born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the same word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:13,14)

 If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you. … But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:15-18,26)

 Now the Lord is that Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (II Corinthians 3:17,18)

This explains why, on the day of Pentecost, that Peter called upon the people who were convicted in their hearts by the gospel message to be baptized in one name, even the name Jesus Christ.  In so doing, Peter and the other disciples were being obedient to the great commission to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.

Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:37,38)

Peter would go on to declare that Jesus Christ is the name which is above all names.  It is the only name by which we can be saved.

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at naught of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:10-12)

Paul confirmed this truth to the Philippians church in the following admonition:

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus; Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men; And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name; That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11)

 For thy Maker is thine husband

If there is but one God, why does this one God manifest Himself in three distinct and different ways as we read of the scriptures, as the Father, the Son (the Word), and the Holy Ghost?  The answer was also given in Isaiah. There, in his record, we also learn of a special relationship the Lord has established between Himself and His covenant people, Israel.  There, the Lord declares that He is the husband of His covenant peoples.

For thy Maker is thine husband; The Lord of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called. For the Lord hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God. For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer. (Isaiah 54:5-8)

While much could be written about this marriage relationship at this point, it is helpful to go directly to the words of Jesus Christ and His Apostles on this topic of the marriage between Himself (as the Bridegroom) and His bride, the church. Jesus spoke of this relationship directly on a number of occasions, including in parables.  In His parable of the kingdom of heaven recorded in Matthew 22, for example, Jesus Christ likened the kingdom of heaven to a wedding prepared with a great feast.  In the parable our Lord identified three other unique relationships: 1) the guests who refused to come to the wedding; 2) wedding guests that were brought in from the highways and byways; and 3) those who came but without having on the wedding garment.  Although not mentioned directly, there is also, by inference, a bride, who is identified elsewhere as His church. [6]

These four relationships are tied directly to the four stations of the cross shown in the introduction to this post. To explain, as stated in Part 4, the fact that God created us in His image means that He predetermined what we should be like, that is, like Him. In practical terms, this means He has made us agents or stewards of His image. As agents, therefore, we must give an account of what we have done with His image in this life. Those who magnify and honor His image will be filled with His glory when He returns. On the other hand, those who have minimalized or desecrated His image in and through their lives will be judged accordingly by God. [7]

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me

Because Jesus Christ paid the price for the sins of the whole world, every person who has lived, is living, or will yet live is dependent upon Him and subject to Him (as Savior and as Lord). Had He not atoned for our sins upon the cross, we would have forever remained separated from God outside of His light and love. [8]  Jesus Christ not only died for our sins, however, He rose from the grave to bring about the resurrection of the dead – both of the just and unjust. And because He paid for the sins of the whole world in full, every person will now be judged by Him to receive a reward from Him according to the way in which each one has lived his or her life in the freedom His salvation has brought to mankind.

What! know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s. (I Corinthians 6:19,20)

Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that everyone may receive a reward of the deeds done in the body; things according to what he hath done, whether good or bad.  Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men… (II Corinthians 5:9-11)

In words penned by Isaiah:

Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:4,5)

The grace extended to us for the sake of Jesus Christ and His atonement is sufficient to free us sin’s bondage. We can accept His free give of salvation by receiving power from Him to abide forever free from sin.

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you always, unto the end of the world.  Amen. (Matthew 28:17-19)

He came unto His own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God; only to them who believe on his name. (John 1:11,12)

Or we can let ourselves to become hardened through the deceitfulness of sin and reject Him and His intercession for us. There are terrible consequences for doing so, however.  By continuing in sin or, worse, returning to a sinful life once a person has been hallowed by His Holy Spirit brings about the second death. [9]

I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh; for as ye have in times past yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.  What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.  For the wages of sins is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 6:19-23)

And we will go on unto perfection if God permit. For he hath made it impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost. And have tasted the good word of God, and the power of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to be renewed again unto repentance; seeing they crucify unto themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.  For the day cometh that the earth … shall be cleansed by fire. (Hebrews 6:3-7)

For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. (Hebrews 10:26-27)

For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they had known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and, The sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. (II Peter 2:20-22)

That is, we are accountable to Him each of us will now be judged by Him and Him alone according to how we have responded to His mediation for us through the cross – which He offered on our behalf to satisfy divine justice and to grant divine mercy. [10]

By manifesting Himself in various revelations of Himself, God is able to relate directly to those who receive the prepared levels or portions of His glory – or no glory in the case of the filthy – according to the light and love He has been able and willing (justly and mercifully) to give to each person.  It is a matter of who is receptive to His revelation of Himself versus those who harden their hearts against Him. [11]  It is a matter of the degree to which each person either responds to or rejects His presence within themselves.  Simply put, it is a matter of who loves Him and who hates His appearing in their lives and the lives of those around them.

The repeated use of the phrase, “he that (which) is …, let him be … still” followed by “… according as his work shall be,” in Revelation 22:11,12 makes it abundantly clear that each of us will receive a reward of the Lord that is 1) consistent with the way in which we have lived our lives in this world, and 2) according to the spirit which inhabits us at the conclusion of our lives. As noted in the prior post in this series, Part 4, how we respond to Jesus Christ and His words determines how we spend our days in this life and where we will spend eternity:

  1. either in His light or in outer darkness; and
  2. either on His right hand or His left hand.

These two statements identify four relationships with Jesus Christ:

  1. In His light / On His right hand
  2. In His light / On His left hand
  3. In darkness / On His right hand
  4. In darkness / On His left hand

Taken together they form a complete cross as shown in the diagram at the beginning of this post. When considering this diagram, remember again how Jesus said, “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”  “This he said,” John tells us, signified “what death he should die” (John 12:32,33). With these words, Jesus helps us understand that His being lifted up upon the cross will account for everyone, both the just and the unjust.  Jesus atoned for the sins of everyone, even the whole world.  Therefore, everyone will have a place around His cross in one of these four stations/conditions: unjust, filthy, righteous, and holy.

Changed into the Same Image from Glory to Glory

In the beginning God created each of us in His own image and likeness. At the final judgment He will grant His glory in certain manifestations of Himself to each person according to the way in which he or she has responded to Him in this life and will yet respond to Him on into eternity.  His reward depends upon whether we yield to His Spirit or harden our hearts against Him. It depends upon whether we worship Him as our God or choose to worship idols (things created) in His place. Those who greatly limit God’s involvement in their lives and the lives of others by hardening their hearts against Him will receive the lessor portion of His glory.  On the other hand, those who yield fully to His presence in their lives will receive the greater portion, even the fullness of His presence and glory prepared for whosoever will receive Him fully into their lives. To punctuate the importance of yielding our hearts to the Lord, here are selected scriptures which speak of the fullness of God and how His fullness is to abide in us by faith in Jesus Christ.

God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. (Hebrews 1:1-3 IV)

 Now the Lord is that Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. (II Corinthians 3:17,18)

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:14-19)

For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood; and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the son of God hath the witness in himself; he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.  (I John 5:7-12)

As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him; Rooted and built up in him, and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power… (Colossians 2:6-10)

As discussed in Part 3 in this series, Called to Glory, by creating mankind in His image, God created us for glory, His glory. For those willing to receive of the fullness of His glory, the Lord has prepared a glory which Paul, the Apostle of Jesus Christ, described as the glory of the sun. This is the only day glory of the three glories prepared for mankind as outlined by Paul for the church in Corinth. In the diagram of the cross shown above, this station, the glory of the sun, is filled with God’s light and those who abide therein are also filled with the fullness of His light.

Because not all people love the light of God and are thus not okay with being filled with the fullness of His glory, our Creator has prepared other stations of lessor glory for them, namely two night glories. In the words of Paul, there is “another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars.” A final station is reserved for those who want nothing to do with the glory of God and for those who have utterly disgraced His glory. The individuals who abide in this final station receive no glory from the Lord.  Specific examples of persons who inherit this station are listed in II Peter 2:1-22 and in Jude 1:4-19 as recorded in the New Testament of the Bible.

Summed up, for those willing to receive the fullness of God’s glory, the glory of the sun awaits them.

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God; therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.  (I John 3:1-3)

Two night glories await those in whom the love of darkness yet remains (e.g. those who believe but love their place among men more than their relationship with God and those who die in their sins, not having been born again, etc.). [12] Finally, those who have sinned against the light will also die spiritually and go on into an eternal estate prepared for them in which there is no glory. A few scriptures will illustrate the reason for this fourth station.

For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses; Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden underfoot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Hebrews 10:26-31)

And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb; And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever; and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. (Revelation 14:9-11)

He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death. (Revelation 21:7,8)

 “He that (which) is …, let him be … still

The repeated use of the phrase, “he that (which) is …, let him be … still” followed by “… according as his work shall be,” in Revelation 22:11,12 makes it abundantly clear that each of us will receive a reward of the Lord that is 1) consistent with the way in which we have lived our lives in this world and 2) according to the spirit which inhabits us at the conclusion of our lives. Thus the phrase “let him be…still … according as his work shall be” reveals just how the Lord promises to give to each of us one of these four final estates as our eternal reward.  It will be a reward that is consistent with the way in which we have lived our lives on this earth.  If we have sown to the Spirit of the Lord, we will receive the riches of our Lord’s kingdom.  On the other hand, if we have sown to the flesh in this life we will reap the corruption thereof.

Lay not up for yourselves treasure upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye; if therefore thine eye be single to the glory of God, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light which is in thee be darkness, how great shall that darkness be. No man can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and Mammon. (Matthew 6:19-24)

Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:7-10)

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. (II Corinthians 9:6)

Briefly understood, after we depart from this life, each of us will continue on under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and in the course we have set for ourselves by our actions and deeds, by the thoughts and intents of our heart.[13]  If we submit to His lordship and love Him with our whole beings, it will be well with our souls.

Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of body and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:11,12)

Paul, the Apostle of Jesus Christ, testified plainly of these things. According to his witness, each of us will receive a reward of the deeds done in the body; things according to what he hath done, whether good or bad.[14]

Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that everyone may receive a reward of the deeds done in the body; things according to what he hath done, whether good or bad.  Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men… (II Corinthians 5:9-11)

Jesus Christ also spoke openly and plainly of this final judgment and how every one of us will be judged when we are brought before Him at the last day.

Therefore, forsake the world, and save your souls; for what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of Man shall come in the glory of his Father, with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. (Matthew 16:29,30)

… love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great; and ye shall be the children of the Highest; for he is kind unto the unthankful, and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged; condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned; forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal, it shall be measured to you again(Luke 6:35-38)

 All of our works will be made manifest and tried before the Lord.

Every man’s work shall be made manifest; for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss; but he himself may be saved; yet so as by fire. (I Corinthians 3:13-15)

 This is why our Lord has reminded us that our works will follow us.

Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; and their works do follow them. (Revelation 14:12,13)

Here, then, is found the goodness and severity of God toward us: if our works are works meet for repentance, and thus, the fruit of the Spirit, then we will receive a glorious reward from the Lord.  Otherwise, we may receive a lessor glory or no glory for our reward depending upon the justice and mercy of God.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1,2)

Boast not against the branches, for thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. For if thou boast, thou wilt say, The branches were broken off, that we might be grafted in. Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear; For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God; on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness; otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in; for God is able to graft them in again. (Romans 11:18-23)

 Moreover, if we follow after His Spirit as the sheep of His fold, He will lead us in all goodness and righteousness before heaven.

For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary the one to the other; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law [i.e. you are under grace]. (Galatians 5:13-18)

For the grace of God which bringeth salvation to all men, hath appeared; Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. (Titus 2:11-15)

Paul exemplified these words with and in his own life. Moreover, these words sum up his motivation and calling in Christ, a calling which Paul testified of openly before kings and magistrates.

Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision; But showed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. (Acts 26:19,20)

Consequently, Paul could boldly testify to Timothy:

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (II Timothy 4:6-8)

Those individuals who, on the other hand, fail to repent of their sins, their works will likewise follow them on into eternity according to the pronouncement, “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still.

Be not deceived; God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.  (Galatians 6:7-9)

 Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward;[15] How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him. God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?  (Hebrews 2:1-4)

This we must keep in mind, then: everyone who has ever lived will be accounted for at the time this final pronouncement will be made: He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still.  No one will be left out.  All people will inherit for eternity one of these four stations just prior to when Jesus Christ delivers up the kingdom to His heavenly Father.

For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order; Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. Afterward cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule, and all authority and power. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy, death, shall be destroyed. (I Corinthians 15:21-26)

This declaration represents the culmination of the Lord’s labor of redemptive love in seeking to bring everyone to repentance so they may enter into the kingdom of heaven under His Lordship.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise and coming, as some men count slackness; but long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (II Peter 3:9)

However, not all will repent and turn toward the light of His presence. Nevertheless, He is yet the Lord of all and they will inherit what they are willing to receive at His hand.  These four unique descriptors – unjust, filthy, righteous, and holy – provide, then, significant insights into the events which lead up to this final everlasting proclamation.  They also speak plainly of the Lord’s work of separating the peoples of the earth according to how we have dealt with those around us.

When the Son of Man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then he shall sit upon the throne of his glory; And before him shall be gathered all nations; and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth sheep from the goats; the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on his left. And he shall sit upon his throne, and the twelve apostles with him. Then shall the king say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in; naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee; or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in; or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the king shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me not in; naked, and ye clothed me not; sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these my brethren, ye did it not unto me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment; but the righteous into life eternal. (Matthew 25:32-47)

Briefly comprehended, the phrase, “let him be … still” speaks of restoration.  Each of us will be restored to the same spirit that is in us when we die according to the plan of restoration. If we leave this life unjust, we remain unjust still; and if we are filthy, we will remain filthy still.  On the other hand, those in whom the glory of the sun abides when they die, this same spirit, even the spirit of celestial glory, will abide in them still.  The same applies to those who are justified by Jesus Christ, those who are righteous in His eyes because they have exercised faith in His name.  If they not sanctified and made holy by the Holy Ghost, they will yet abide with Him as guests in His kingdom.  More will be written on this topic in the final section of this post on the wedding feast as recorded in the scriptures.

As stated in the introduction, He does so to minister to the inhabitants of the three glories He has prepared for the children of men based on the extent to which they love and receive Him as the truth, to the extent that they love and receive His Spirit of truth. [16]

Each glory is based on how much of God’s light each person will receive in eternity.  In effect, the amount of light each person inherits will be according to their love of God and His truth (His word) which He offers each of us freely in this life.

Unjust: Another glory of the stars

Those Individuals who receive this night glory for their eternal inheritance remain outside the kingdom of God in the life to come.  That is, they remain outside the presence of the Father and the Son in eternity.  Nevertheless, because our Lord is the head of all principalities and powers, they are His servants still and He equips them accordingly with a limited portion of His glory for His service. The Lord manifests Himself to this group of people via a portion of His Holy Spirit; He also ministers to them through those in the glory of the moon, or terrestrial glory, and by angels and ministering spirits appointed to this ministry.  It is very important to note that the inheritors of this glory of the stars abide in the least amount of light and truth of those who receive of the Lord’s glory.  As such, they abide in the least amount of His intelligence.  This includes the rich, whom Jesus said would find it difficult to enter the kingdom. and the wise and learned of the world who did not sufficiently humble themselves before the Lord so that He might heal them (2 Nephi 6:83,84 RLDS; 2 Nephi 9:42 LDS with D&C 85:9b-10c RLDS; D&C 88:38-41 LDS).  One consequence of this limit of light and truth (i.e. intelligence) is that the reality of God to them is not as clear as it is for those who receive the greater portions of His glory in either the Terrestrial and Celestial glories.  To many of the individuals and groups of individual in Telestial glory, God is a distant God.  Noting that there are differences in light among stars, to those who receive the least amount of light among them, His existence may even be questionable.  They simply do not have a clear understanding of God or feel the warmth of His closeness as those who receive the fuller revelation He offers to all through Jesus Christ.  One result of this gradation in light and truth among them is that they hold innumerable views on God because none of them experience the Father and Son on a firsthand basis, only through the ministry and revelation of His Holy Spirit and those assigned to minister to them.  Even if another person could convince them that the other glories hold a greater revelation of God, this level of glory (Telestial glory) is their reality and, as such, they cannot abide a greater knowledge concerning God than they have been willing to receive in this life.

 

  • Terrestrial glory / the moon glory (D&C 76:6 RLDS; D&C 76:71-80 LDS):  These are they who receive the presence of the Son but do not receive the fullness of the Father.  This, then, is their reality, both in this life and the life to come.  The Father and Son are forever distinct and separate to them, in both time and eternity.  You cannot convince them otherwise because this is what they know and experience in this life and, according to the plan of restoration, in the life to come (Alma 19:64-71 RLDS; Alma 41:2-8 LDS).  Even if a person could convince them that the Father is the Son and the Son is the Father, as stated in a restored portions of the Bible (see Luke 10:23 IV), if Jesus has not revealed this knowledge to them, they simply cannot know it as truth. To those in this night glory it is given to them to rule over the darkness and to minister to those who abide therein, namely the multitudes who abide in the other night glory having lesser light, meaning Telestial glory.  Because both night glories abide in partial darkness, it is understandable that people in Telestial glory prefer their ministers to be from Terrestrial glory or those with a greater portion of light in Telestial glory, but not those from the one day glory, Celestial glory.  The realities of the two night glories are just too different from the day glory, even as different as the night is from the day.  The reason for each of the night glories is simply this:  in the words of Jesus, as a whole men love darkness more than light (John 3:19,20).  Accordingly, the Lord has prepared a place suitable for each person who is not willing to abide in the fullness of His glory – in which there is no darkness at all (I John 1:5).

 

  • Celestial glory / the sun glory (D&C 76:5 RLDS; D&C 76:50-70 LDS)These are they who receive the fullness of the Father (in the fullness of His light).  Consequently, they understand the words of Jesus when He says I am the Father and the Son (Ether 1:101-108 RLDS, Ether 4:7-12 LDS).  To them it is promised the fullness of His glory (D&C 76:2a-d RLDS; D&C 76:5-10 LDS with D&C 76:5a-r RLDS, D&C 76:50-70 LDS).  Much is written of these in the promises of Jesus Christ found throughout the scriptures.  One of the most impressive to me, at least, is the promise that those who abide in the glory of the sun are one in our Lord according to Jesus’ prayer as found in John 17.  Note how Jesus began His prayer in John 17 by speaking in third person in verse 3 of this chapter:   “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”  This, as I understand it, is the Holy Ghost speaking, for the Holy Ghost bears record of the Father and the Son (D&C 17:5g-h RLDS; D&C 20:27,28 LDS).  Yet this truth speaks to the point that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (these three) are one God who is presently revealed in Jesus Christ (e.g. II Corinthians 6:17,18). Those who abide in the glory of the sun are, therefore, the habitation of God – in whom His fullness dwells.  As Paul has said, God dwells in them (II Corinthians 6:16 with I Corinthians 6:19,20).  They are His city, His habitation, His abode in which He dwells.  This is consistent with the testimony given in the Book of Mormon as well, that God does not dwell in unholy temples, but in the hearts of the righteous (Alma 16:235,236 RLDS; Alma 34:36 LDS).  These, i.e. the righteous, are one in God’s city Zion whom God took unto Himself as His abode forever (Genesis 7:23-28 IV; Moses 7:18-21 LDS).  This testimony also agrees with that given of Jesus recorded in John 14:20-26 and that given by Paul regarding the body of Christ in I Corinthians 12.  So much more could be written and is written about this glory, the glory of the sun.  But the point that I believe is germane here is this: God dwells in the righteous as His habitation.  They are not separate from the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost but one in Him that they might share His glory, because, as it is written, the One true God will not give His glory to another – but He will share it with the righteous by dwelling within them (see Isaiah 48:11 with John 17).  Consequently, those in whom God dwells via His Spirit know of no other God but the One, the infinite and eternal God in whom they dwell and in whom He dwells – a truth which they experience by living according to Jesus’ words, “abide in me and I in you” (John 15:4).  This is the reality and understanding of those who abide fully in the light of God.  It is a condition which differs in light and truth from the two night glories just as the day differs from the night (as described in Why Three Glories, Part 1 and Part 2).

Many simply will not abide in the fullness of His truth.  Therefore, He has prepared kingdoms outside the full revelation of Himself.  In this way He shows Himself to be gracious and good, giving to each and every one of us the desires of our own hearts regarding the love of the truth (His Word).

Yea, and I know that good and evil have come before all men; or he that knoweth not good from evil is blameless; but he that knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires; whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience.  (Alma 15:56)

Draft Edition: To Be Continued


[1] cf. Mormon 4:74; with Alma 19:74,97,98, I Nephi 2:49-53, II Nephi 1:80, II Nephi 6:85, Mosiah 1:88, etc.

[2] cf. John 12:31-33, John 14:1-3, I Corinthians 2:9Hebrews 11:16, etc. with Romans 9:22,23, Matthew 25:42; compare also Genesis 7:70 IV with Genesis 6:30 IV & Genesis 7:44 IV

[3] cf. John 12:31,32, Colossians 2:9-15, I Timothy 4:10 & Hebrews 7:23,24 with II Nephi 6:10-55, etc.

[4] See Why the Cross at https://zionsoutpost.org/2014/03/30/cross/

[5] We know this to be true because the different accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry, and the Apostles’ letters and their prophecies found in the New Testament had not been written and compiled before or during Timothy’s childhood.

[6] cf. Ephesians 5:25-32 with John 3:29,30,

[7] I Corinthians 3:13-17I Corinthians 6:18-20 with Hebrews 10:26-31 & Hebrews 12:29

[8] Philippians 2:9-11 & Isaiah 53:1-12 with John 1:29, John 10:17,18, I John 2:1,2, I Timothy 4:10 & Colossians 2:6-15; see also II Nephi 6:10

[9] Revelation 2:11, 20:6, 20:14, & 21:8 with Alma 9:29 & Alma 19:60

[10] Matthew 25:32-47 with II Corinthians 5:9-11

[11] cf. Genesis 6:4 with Genesis 5:4

[12] cf. John 12:42 with Luke 12:8-10; and John 3:3-22 with John 8:21-24

[13] cf. Alma 16:230-232

[14] cf. Ezekiel 18:23-30 with Proverbs 24:16-23

[15] II Peter 2:12,13, Hebrews 2:1-4, etc.

[16] cf. Romans 1:18 & 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 with John 14:1-11 & John 12:47-50

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