To receive the Lord's grace requires a lifetime commitment of repentance and striving to become as our Saviour as commanded (3 Nephi 27:27, Matthew 5:48) and as we are changed through grace, we qualify for Zion.
To qualify for Zion we need to be prepared to live Celestial Law. We need to be of one heart and one mind, prepared to live the law of consecration and celestial marriage to their fullest.
Do we think that most active members are prepared to do that?
Many are called but few are chosen because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world (D&C 121:34-35) so as they do not learn this one lesson, and what is that lesson? That the power of God or Priesthood power can only be handled or accessed by the principles of righteousness.
What are these principles?
To conduct our lives in holiness, lowliness of heart, meekness, long-suffering, in faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity. (D&C 121:36, D&C 107:30, D&C 4:6, Alma 7:23, Titus 2:2, D&C 12:8, Galatians 5:22-23, D&C 6:19)
These principles of righteousness distinguish the divine nature or character of the Saviour.
“The Apostle Peter spoke of the process by which a person can be made a partaker “of the divine nature” (2 Pet. 1:4). This is important, for if we truly become partakers of the divine nature, we shall become like Him. The virtues outlined by Peter are part of the divine nature, or the Savior’s character. These are the virtues we are to emulate if we would be more like Him.” (Ezra Taft Benson, Godly Characteristics of the Master,1986)
Peter teaches we need to be partakers of the divine nature to make our calling and election sure. This is relevant because if we are prepared to live Celestial law it follows that we will qualify to receive this blessing.
It is interesting to note Pres Nelson has encouraged as to make our calling and election sure. In April 2024 he said in reference to studying D&C 109:15;
“We are also promised that in the temple we may “receive a fulness of the Holy Ghost.” Imagine what that promise means in terms of having the heavens open for each earnest seeker of eternal truth.”
And in 2021 Pres Nelson referenced this same scripture “… as we keep our covenants, He endows us with His healing, strengthening power (see Doctrine and Covenants 109:15, 22). And oh, how we will need His power in the days ahead.” (The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation. 2021)
The fullness of the Holy Ghost is another name for making our calling and election sure, when we look up this scripture in the Institute Student manual chapter 43, we find this explanation by Elder D Todd Christofferson;
“As Latter-day Saints receive the ordinances of the temple and faithfully keep their covenants, they obtain the fulness of blessings that come through the power of the Holy Ghost, including personal sanctification and godliness… “The ‘fulness of the Holy Ghost’ [D&C 109:15] includes what Jesus described as ‘the promise which I give unto you of eternal life, even the glory of the celestial kingdom; which glory is that of the church of the Firstborn, even of God, the holiest of all, through Jesus Christ his Son.’ (D&C 88:4–5)” (“The Power of Covenants,” 23, note 5).”
I was delighted to see in April 2024 that along with President Nelson, Elder Anderson spoke of the very same thing;
“On that sacred occasion in the Kirtland Temple, the Prophet prayed that in the Lord’s holy house, the Saints would be armed with the power of God, that the name of Jesus Christ would be upon them, that His angels would have charge over them, and that they would grow up in the Lord and “receive a fulness of the Holy Ghost.” These powerful supplications are fulfilled in our lives as we faithfully worship in the house of the Lord.” (Temples, Houses of the Lord Dotting the Earth)
There is much which might cause us high anxiety or fear that we just might not achieve this standard however, I am comforted by Peter's promise that as we increase in knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, our grace and peace will be multiplied.(2 Peter 1:2)
In 2004 D. Todd Christofferson emphasised what is required to become like the Saviour;
“Is there something in you or in your life that is impure or unworthy? When you get rid of it, that is a gift to the Savior. Is there a good habit or quality that is lacking in your life? When you adopt it and make it part of your character, you are giving a gift to the Lord. Sometimes this is hard to do, but would your gifts of repentance and obedience be worthy gifts if they cost you nothing? Don’t be afraid of the effort required. And remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Jesus Christ will help you make of yourself a worthy gift. His grace will make you clean, even holy. Eventually, you will become like Him, “perfect in Christ.” (When Thou Art Converted, 2004)
It reminds me of these words from President Nelson in 2022:
"Overcoming the world is not an event that happens in a day or two. It happens over a lifetime as we repeatedly embrace the doctrine of Christ. We cultivate faith in Jesus Christ by repenting daily and keeping covenants that endow us with power. We stay on the covenant path and are blessed with spiritual strength, personal revelation, increasing faith, and the ministering of angels. Living the doctrine of Christ can produce the most powerful virtuous cycle, creating spiritual momentum in our lives.
As we strive to live the higher laws of Jesus Christ, our hearts and our very natures begin to change. The Savior lifts us above the pull of this fallen world by blessing us with greater charity, humility, generosity, kindness, self-discipline, peace, and rest."(Overcome the World and Find Rest)
The words I notice from these two quotes are strive and effort, it reminds me of this scripture from 2 Nephi 25:23;
“For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.”
I pray as President Benson “that these qualities and attributes of the Savior may abound in us so that when we stand at the Judgment and He asks each one of us, “What manner of man[and women] are ye?” we can raise our heads in gratitude and joy and answer, “Even as thou art.”(Ezra Taft Benson, Godly Characteristics of the Master,1986)
I know as I do ALL I can to strive to overcome the world and put in the effort to make of myself a worthy gift and eventually become even as the Saviour, that God's grace will justify and perfect me, for I know I can not do it alone. I am so grateful for this knowledge as I prepare in hope and faith for the wonderful blessing of being gathered to Zion. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen.
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