2 Peter 1

Sensing that he was in his final days -

"Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle..." (New Testament | 2 Peter 1:14)

...and remembering the prophecy of the Savior that he would experience a similar death, Peter feared the apostasy or falling away of the saints. I sense that Peter now is appealing and teaching the purest of doctrine where he reminds Christ followers -

"According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature..." (New Testament | 2 Peter 1:3 - 4)

Not only does Peter speak of the divine power or atonement that provides eternal life and godliness, he even speaks of actual partaking of "divine nature". Knowing that we are offspring of God, does not this promise of "godliness" and "divine nature" suggest that, as children, we have the capacity, by virture of His grace, to become god like?

Peter teaches the process of the promise of becoming more like Christ or partaking of Divine nature wherein we begin with -

"...giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue..." (New Testament | 2 Peter 1:5)

Obviously, faith is the beginning that grows as we add virtue, then -

"..to virtue knowledge;
6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity." (New Testament | 2 Peter 1:5 - 7)

Can you sense as you acquire these principles and characters, we partake more in His divine nature -

"For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (New Testament | 2 Peter 1:8)

A few blogs ago, I talked of the meaning of "election". As we make sacred covenants, promises are sealed upon our heads, in my mind, we are now elected. And depending upon our faithfulness, eventually those promises will become sure. Now, as we continue to partake of His divine nature, Peter pleads -

"...brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." (New Testament | 2 Peter 1:10 - 11)

For even at this time, as we strive with diligence -

"We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:
20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." (New Testament | 2 Peter 1:19 - 21)

1 Peter 3

As the saints of Peter's day were being persecuted for their "Christian" beliefs, Peter's counsel seems to be just as applicable to the saints of the Savior's restored Church in our day -

"...be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.
12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil." (New Testament | 1 Peter 3:8 - 12)

In other words, it does not matter what others claim. Just continue in living the gospel and being an example of Christ to others -

"...who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?
14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled..." (New Testament | 1 Peter 3:13 - 14)

The counsel is -

"...sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing." (New Testament | 1 Peter 3:15 - 17)

And Peter's reasoning turns to the example of Christ -

"For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water." (New Testament | 1 Peter 3:18 - 20)

Having not only suffered for sin and death, the Savior went on to preach the gospel to those that had passed on -

"For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit." (New Testament | 1 Peter 4:6)

Whether the world agrees are not, avoid -

"...lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries..." (New Testament | 1 Peter 4:3)

"Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you..." (New Testament | 1 Peter 4:4)

In summary -

be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover [or preventeth] the multitude of sins.
9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging." (New Testament | 1 Peter 4:7 - 9)

It does not matter what the world says. Have faith in Christ and keep his commandments for -

"...if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing..." (New Testament | 1 Peter 4:18 - 19)


I feel I need to make a comment to those that extract single verses of scripture to justify their single belief such as -

"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (New Testament | Romans 10:9)

Peter also says -

"...even baptism doth also now save us..." (New Testament | 1 Peter 3:21)

It becomes clear that we need to combine all gospel teachings to come to understand what is required to be saved.

1 Peter 1

In modern revelation, to several men that held the Melchizedek priesthood,, the Lord said -

"...ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 29:7)

In my mind, the "elect" are those that have been elected, chosen, or foreordained based upon faithfulness in a pre-mortal existence to be, hear, obey, do, or obtain a calling or faithfulness in this life. As Peter writes to the saints, he suggests the same, writing -

"Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ..." (New Testament | 1 Peter 1:2)

Peter teaches that even Christ was elected to be the Savior of mankind -

"Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you..." (New Testament | 1 Peter 1:20)

In my mind, elected does not constitute destined or guaranteed. God has given us our agency to choose. We are elected only as such depending upon our faithfulness for the Savior himself -

"Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him..." (New Testament | Hebrews 5:8 - 9)

I believe than while in this life through obedience and entering into sacred covenants also become the elect of exaltaion in the life to come...always conditional upon our faithfulness for -

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead..." (New Testament | 1 Peter 1:3)

"That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
9 Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls." (New Testament | 1 Peter 1:7 - 9)

Our election is conditional upon the trial of our faith -


"Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." (New Testament | 1 Peter 1:13 - 16)

And in doing so, we become -

"...a chosen [or elected] generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light..." (New Testament | 1 Peter 2:9)

James 4

It is as if James can see our day as he warns -

"FROM whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?
2 Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
3 Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts." (New Testament | James 4:1 - 3)

And then James reasons -

"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." (New Testament | James 4:4)

Therefore -

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded." (New Testament | James 4:7 - 8)

Double minded in my mind is striving to do what is right while yet desiring to keep on foot in Babylon. In modern day the Lord has commanded -

"Go ye out from among the nations, even from Babylon, from the midst of wickedness, which is spiritual Babylon." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 133:14)

Even to the extent to not only not commit sin, but to fail to do good for -

"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." (New Testament | James 4:17)

As we struggle for survival and to do good in this mortal existence, James teaches -

"Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord..." (New Testament | James 5:7)

"Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts..." (New Testament | James 5:8)

And in patience -

"Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned..." (New Testament | James 5:9)

I think James provides the greatest counsel as he instructs -

"Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.
11 Behold, we count them happy which endure..." (New Testament | James 5:10 - 11)

James 2

As I have recently blogged, as we contemplate faith as a principle of action, James teaches -

"MY brethren, ye cannot have the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, and yet have respect to persons." (JST -
New Testament | James 2:1)

For -

"...if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin..." (New Testament | James 2:9)

"For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." (New Testament | James 2:10)

Even to the extent -

"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?" (New Testament | James 2:14)

Or does he really not possess faith because there is no action, for -

"If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?" (New Testament | James 2:15 - 16)

Thus -

"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (New Testament | James 2:17)

"Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works." (New Testament | James 2:18)

James reasons that there is a real difference between confessing faith and having faith for -

"...the devils also believe, and tremble." (New Testament | James 2:19)

Of true faith, James asks -

"Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness..." (New Testament | James 2:21 - 23)

Therefore -

"Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only."
(New Testament | James 2:24)

In modern day -

"...we know that justification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 20:30)

So in other words, we are only justified by faith of action and obedience through the atonement and grace of Jesus Christ. Justification then has conditions to be declared just by the Savior who has the power to do so.

James 1

I recently wrote that the Prophet Joseph Smith that faith is a principle of action and a principle of power. True faith suggests conversion to the gospel and principles of the gospel. James taught much the same doctrine as he teaches -

"Blessed is the man that endureth [or resisteth] temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." (New Testament | James 1:12)

True faith requires action to resist temptation but also it provides sufficient strenghth to do so. A "crown of life" seems conditional upon man having sufficient faith to resist temptation. James explains -

"Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." (New Testament | James 1:13 - 15)

"For the wages of sin is death..." (New Testament | Romans 6:23)

Since we all sin, then faith and repentance is required to receive the blessings of the atonement. So therefore -

"...be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed." (New Testament | James 1:22 - 25)

If we really want to know what the Lord expects of us, James teaches -

"Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world." (New Testament | James 1:27)

Hebrews 12

To the Hebrews, Paul taught a difficult but truthful doctrine -

"For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth." (New Testament | Hebrews 12:6)

This is one of those principles where some people begin to question the existence of God, for in their mind, a loving God would do no such thing. But Paul explains -

"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." (New Testament | Hebrews 12:7 - 8)

But we are sons and daughters, spirit sons and daughters of our Father in Heaven for Paul continues -

"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?" (New Testament | Hebrews 12:9)

Suggesting "and live" would suggest chastening or tribulation that qualifies us to be heirs with Christ -

"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." (New Testament | Hebrews 12:10)

And the very purpose of chastening or tribulation as Paul explains -

"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.
12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and [strengthen]the feeble knees;
13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed." (New Testament | Hebrews 12:11 - 13)

For some think that faith is all that is required, but Paul teaches -

"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord..." (New Testament | Hebrews 12:14)

Paul then describes some synonmous names of being joint heirs with Christ in the Celestial Kingdom -

"...Sion, and unto the city of the living God..." (New Testament | Hebrews 12:22)

"...the heavenly Jerusalem..." (New Testament | Hebrews 12:22)

"...the general assembly and church of the firstborn..." (New Testament | Hebrews 12:23)

"heaven...spirits of just men made perfect..." (New Testament | Hebrews 12:23)

Therefore -

"...My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him..." (New Testament | Hebrews 12:5)

Hebrews 11

To the Hebrews, Paul teaches the first principle of the gospel as -

"NOW faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (New Testament | Hebrews 11:1)

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that substance herein was synonymous to assurance. He taught that faith is a principle of action and a principle of power. As Paul continues to provide great examples of faith in Hebrew history, we can see where both these definitions faith are shown. As Paul describes the faith of many of the ancient prophets, I was impressed with his example of Abraham. As an example of faith as a principle of action and obedience, Paul writes -

"By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went." (New Testament | Hebrews 11:8)

For we know of the great promise to Abraham that through his seed, all the nations of the earth would be blessed and his posterity would be a numerous as the sands of the sea, so -

"By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise..." (New Testament | Hebrews 11:9)

We see power in faith as -

"Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.
12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable." (New Testament | Hebrews 11:11 - 12)

It is by faith that Abraham and his sons endured to the end with their sights on Celestial inheritance for -

"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth." (New Testament | Hebrews 11:13)

But one of the greatest tests of faith -

"By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called..." (New Testament | Hebrews 11:17 - 18)

In this trial, Abraham had such great faith that Paul taught -

"Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead..." (New Testament | Hebrews 11:19)

Is there any question that faith is a principle of action as well as a principle of power? Thus -

"Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed." (New Testament | Galatians 3:6 - 8)

Hebrews 9

In teaching the New and Everlasting Covenant, Paul teaches some great symbolism, referring the first covenant or Mosaic Law writing -

"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 mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.
6 Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God." (New Testament | Hebrews 9:1 - 6)

It was in the first tabernacle that priests administered outward ordinances and sacrifices that in a sense helped the Israelites repent and become more righteous. But yet there was a vail to the second tabernacle, or the holies of Holy or Holiest of all. This second tabernacle represented in my mind the Celestial kingdom where God dwells. At that time, the Israelites were not allowed to enter. But once each year, in symbolic nature of the Savior and His atonement -

"...into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:
8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing..." (New Testament | Hebrews 9:7 - 8)

I note that "all was not yet made manifest". Which would suggest to me that the day would come that it would be made manifest throught the life, death, and atonement of the Savior. We read upon the death of the Savior -

"...the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,
53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many." (New Testament | Matthew 27:51 - 53)

Suggest now the Holiest of all was now available to all that accepted and oobeyed the New and Everlasting Covenant. In other words, by obedience to the laws, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel, through the atonement of Jesus Christ, the veil is now open for all to enter the Celestial kingdom of God -

"For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us..." (New Testament | Hebrews 9:24)

"So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation." ((New Testament | Hebrews 9:28)

Dad's Passing

With my scripture blog, I consider it somewhat of a journal also. Recently my father passed away. I wanted to share a few thoughts.

My father was 88 years old. My mother passed away about 11 years ago. Over the past 11 years, I know my father longed to be with her.

Dad had emergency surgery 2 & 1/2 weeks ago. We hoped that he would recover, but knew that it would be very difficult for a man his age. A few days later we received word that everything in his body was shutting down. We knew his passing would probably be that day. I come from a family of ten children. We were all able to be there as his respirator was removed. Within an hour, he passed away. But with his passing came a "tender mercy" of knowledge beyond the vail. While we stood together at his hospital bed, suddenly my sister was completely overcome or better described, overpowered with the presence of my mother. Having had a similar experience previously, she suddenly exclaimed "Mom is her!" I know this was real and not just a feeling for I held her for a short period and felt the virtue taken from her. I knew then that Mom had come to take dad. Almost immediately, Dad passed away. Mom had come to take Dad home. Those that do not have faith in a hereafter, have never had such a tender mercy extended to them.

I was asked by my father to speak at his funeral. The following were my remarks -

Dad's Funeral
October 10, 2011

Like Nephi of old, I was -

"... born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 1:1)

It seems that each time I begin another reading of the Book of Mormon, an image of Dad enters my mind as I read of the attributes and faithfulness of Father Lehi. I would suspect that is because much like Lehi, Dad was a "visionary man". It was a gift of the Spirit. He may have shared a few of his many dreams and visions with some of you that are here today.

Years ago, I was awakened in the middle of the night to find my father at the end of my bed. He appeared greatly distressed. He had just awakened from a dream. I dream that must have been so alarming that he needed to awaken and warn me that very night.

Because of the nature of his dream, he told me that he knew that Satan greatly desired to destroy me. Even though he did not reveal the details of his dream, I sensed a great concern for my physical well being. There, at the foot of my bed, in the darkness of the night, he warned me several times to be wise and very careful in everything I chose to do. He told me Satan would destroy me if he ever had an open opportunity to do so.

With a little bit of embarrassment, I confess that I remember thinking, okay, whatever! And went back to sleep.

Well, just a few days later, I chose, or better said, failed to heed his warnings, and because of that, I found myself in the hospital with a collapsed lung. But even though I had been very foolish and in a sense “deaf” to his warning, I was blessed with a strained and aggravated muscle in my back that has since served as a constant reminder, that whenever I tend to turn to the left or veer to the right, I am reminded of that night's patriarchal warning and the need to remain focused on that which is most important in my life.

Much like father Lehi experienced in his great vision of the Tree of Life, Dad, while in his youth, was lead by a man in white (whom I picture as my grandfather) through a dark and dreary waste until he too –

"...beheld a tree, whose fruit was desirable to make one happy." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 8:10)

And even while yet as a young man, Dad –

"...did go forth and partake of the fruit thereof; and...beheld that it was most sweet, above all that [he] ever before tasted." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 8:11)

Even such that it did –

"...[fill his] soul with exceedingly great joy..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 8:12)

Years later, as his family came to be, much like Father Lehi, Dad –

"… began to be desirous that [his] family should partake of it also; for [he] knew that it was desirable above all other fruit." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 8:12)

And because of that, throughout his entire life he –

"...beckoned unto them; and also did say unto them with a loud voice [the loud voice of example] that they should come...and partake of the fruit, which was desirable above all other fruit." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 8:15)

Lehi said that as he cast his eyes round about in order to discover his family, the landscape of his vision began to open to his view, and he –

"...beheld a rod of iron...[which] led to the tree by which [he] stood.
20 And [he] also beheld a strait [as in something very restrictive] and narrow path, which came along by the rod of iron, even to the tree by which [he] stood..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 8:19 - 20)

And as his vision continued to unfold, He saw –

"...numberless concourses of people, many of whom were pressing forward, that they might obtain the path which led unto the tree..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 8:21)

And after they had commenced on the path, which would alarm any loving parent, he saw that –

"...there arose ... an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 8:23)

While at the same time, there were also –

"...others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 8:24)

Obviously, Lehi was not the only one that did partake of the fruit of the tree. It was available to all who were willing to press forward unto the tree.

This vision of Lehi was not the first time that we find the representation of Tree of Life. Years before, this same tree was represented in the Garden of Eden. And as Adam and Eve were evicted from the Garden, we know the Lord placed -

"...cherubim and a flaming sword, which turned every way to keep the way of the tree of life." (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 4:31)

One cannot help but wonder, "why would the Lord keep every way to the tree of life"? Because, as Amulek would later explain to the people of Ammonihah, it was because man would not nor could not –

"...be saved in [their] sins." (Book of Mormon | Alma 11:37)

After Amulek had spoken to the people, Alma stood and explained that it was not even –

"...possible for Adam to have partaken of the fruit of the tree of life at that time..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 12:23)

But even though it was not possible at that time, the Lord did covenant with Adam and Eve, that a way would be provided whereby they could partake of the fruit of the Tree of Life, but that way –

“… could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world…” (Book of Mormon | Alma 42:15)

And thus, through the atonement of Jesus Christ, a way was provided. Years later, Helaman taught his sons –

"...remember that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ..."

And then Helaman pleaded with his sons -

"...remember…the words which Amulek spake...that the Lord surely should come to redeem his people, but that he should not come to redeem them in their sins, but to redeem them from their sins." (Book of Mormon | Helaman 5:9 - 10)

Redeem them "from their sins" then would suggest that sins must first be repented of, for Nephi also saw the same vision of his father wherein he also beheld the way and the restricting nature of the -

"...straitness of the path, and [also] the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter" (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 31:9)

Of this gate, Nephi taught –

"For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 31:17)

Nephi understood that just by entering the gate was not sufficient to obtain the Tree for he asked –

"Now… after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 31:19)

For entering, by the gate to the narrow path, is only just the beginning –

"Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ... feasting upon the word of Christ..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 31:20)

The great blessing of this infinite atonement of the Savior, to save us “from our sins”, would only come about by repentance and obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel, and pressing forward with a steadfastness in Christ. That is that man could only be “saved from their sins", by entering the gate, and moving forward on the strait and narrow path, holding fast to the iron rod which would lead to the Tree of Life.

This is not new doctrine. The Lord promised John the Revelator that –

"...To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life..." (New Testament | Revelation 2:7)

This would also suggest those who do not enter in by the gate, or who will not strive to overcome, will not partake of the fruit of the tree. This doctrine becomes more evident as Lehi also saw –

"...an awful gulf, which separated the wicked from the tree of life, and also from the saints [or family] of God." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 15:28)

And not just an awful gulf that did separate the wicked from the tree , but much like the flaming sword that did keep the way to the Tree of Life in the garden, Nephi also saw the –

"...justice of God did also divide the wicked from the righteous; and the brightness thereof was like unto the brightness of a flaming fire, which ascendeth up unto God forever and ever, and hath no end." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 15:30)

The justice of God then must have been the same flaming fire or sword that did keep the way to the Tree of Life in the garden. While the justice of God continues to keep the way to the Tree of Life, it is the mercy of God or the atonement of Jesus Christ that provides a way, only one way, for the faithful to come forth and eat of the fruit of the tree.

As Nephi writes of his father's vision of the Tree of Life, he specifically notes of a very interesting occurrence that took place as the people approached the tree, of which I must confess that at first seemed quite illogical to me, in that Nephi wrote that as his father –

"...saw other multitudes... [that] they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 8:30)

As I visualized his words, my thoughts seemed to ask, "Wait a minute, that doesn't seem right". Why would this multitude, as they came forth to the tree, fall down? That doesn’t make sense. Would they not just approach the tree and partake of its fruit.

You can sense my analytical way of thinking as my mind seem to follow with another question. "And if they have fallen down, how would they then partake of the fruit of the tree? Many of you might think, hey, it's just a vision, what's the big deal. But for some reason, it was a big deal to me. I had a sincere desire to understand its meaning.

I believe the answer to the first question, "why would they fall down as they came forth to the Tree?" may be more easily answered with the question, "what does the Tree of Life represent?” or maybe even better asked – “Who is the Tree of Life?".

Because of Nephi's great –

"...desire to behold the things which [his] father saw..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 11:3)

The Spirit of the Lord later opened much of the same great vision to Nephi as he had to his father in which the Spirit instructed Nephi -

"...that after thou hast beheld the tree which bore the fruit which thy father tasted, thou shalt also behold a man descending out of heaven, and him shall ye witness; and after ye have witnessed him ye shall bear record that it is the Son of God." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 11:7)

By referencing "it is the Son of God" then "it would be in reference to the Tree. Or the Tree of Life is the Son of God.

Elder David A. Bednar recently said at a fireside at BYU –

"...The tree of life is the central feature in the dream and is identified...as a representation of Jesus Christ. (David A. Bednar, A Reservoir of Living Water, BYU Fireside, 4 February 2007.)

And if the Savior is then represented by the Tree of Life, then what meaneth the fruit of the tree. Elder Bednar continued –

"...The fruit on the tree is a symbol for the blessings of the Savior’s Atonement..."

Of which blessings, Alma provided a great deal more incite as he spoke the words of Christ to the saints in Zarahemla –

"...Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 5:34)

Where more are the blessings of the atonement more manifest as we regularly eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely in sacred sacrament services? The Savior said of this ordinance to His disciples -

"...Take, eat; this is in remembrance of my body which I give a ransom for you..."

And -

"...Drink ye all of it. For this is in remembrance of my blood of the new testament, which is shed for as many as shall believe on my name, for the remission of their sins." (JST: New Testament | Matthew 26:26 - 28)

…or being saved from their sins. It is by eating and drinking of these sacred emblems that we remember and experience the blessings of the atonement.

Does that not seem to help us understand why those that did come forth to the Tree of Life did fall down in reverent worship? Does it not explain why the fruit of the tree is so desirable to make one happy?

But there was still that other question, that I was still struggling with - “if these people had fallen in reverent worship, how would they then partake of the fruit of the tree?” As I continued my study of the scriptures, I eventually became somewhat satisfied with the teachings of Alma to the Zoramites –

"...ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you." (Book of Mormon | Alma 32:43)

I came to the conclusion that if I continued to press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, the tree itself would, at some point, bring forth the fruit unto me.

Not long ago I had personal and sacred experience. I was attending a ward sacrament service within our stake. It was during the administration of the sacrament that day, that I just happened to be pondering these very questions of the atonement, the meaning of the fruit, and the bread and waters of life. When of a sudden, which truthfully caught me a little off guard, stood a young man with a tray extended before me. A young man I immediately recognized held priesthood authority to represent the Savior, even the Tree of Life. For me, it was a revelatory experience as I realized that one representing the Tree of Life had just brought forth the fruit unto me. It couldn't have been a meaningful experience, as I now being enlightened, did reach forth my hand and did pluck of the fruit of the Tree.

As we contemplate the significance of partaking of the bread and waters of life freely, even the fruit that is desirable to make one happy, do we really understand the sacred nature and importance of regular attendance and partaking of the sacrament?

As we ponder the lessons taught in the vision of the Tree of Life and its relationship with the sacrament, it becomes apparent that coming forth to the Tree and partaking of the fruit is not the final destination, for Nephi said there were those that –

"...after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 8:25)

...for we know it was because of their pride and cares of the world. This would also suggest of those that come forth to the tree, unprepared and impenitent, to them the fruit of the tree must seem quite tasteless and with very little meaning.

As we recognize that partaking of the fruit of the tree is not necessarily reaching a destination, we begin to realize that it is more of a process wherein after having entered the gate, we press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and then regularly, being prepared to worship in repentant humility, we approach the Tree of Life weekly in sacred sacrament services, partaking and refreshing ourselves of its fruit.

I testify that Jesus is the Christ; He is the Tree of life, the only name, means, or way whereby man can be saved. May I conclude with the testimony of Alma because they are also my words –

"I testify unto you that I do know that these things whereof I have spoken are true. And how do ye suppose that I know of their surety?
46 Behold, I say unto you they are made known unto me by the Holy Spirit of God. Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the spirit of revelation which is in me.
47 And moreover, I say unto you that it has thus been revealed unto me, that the words which have been spoken by our fathers are true, even so according to the spirit of prophecy which is in me..." (Book of Mormon | Alma 5:45 - 47)

I cannot help but picture at this time, Mom and Dad, hand in hand, having fallen is grateful worship, before the Tree of Life. Even now, I see Dad just as Lehi of old, with a pleading motion -

"...with all the feeling of a tender parent..." (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 8:37)

...beckoning to his children, grandchildren, his posterity, and all that will hear, "come partake of the fruit of the Tree of Life, for it is the only fruit that will truly make one eternally happy." Please, oh please, come partake of the fruit.

Hebrews 7

Paul as taught in chapter 5, Paul again teaches that there is priesthood authority whereby -

"...no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron." (New Testament | Hebrews 5:4)

Paul teaches that there is the two priesthoods, the Melchizedek priesthood and the Aaronic or Levitical priesthood. Teaching of the lessor priesthood, Paul writes -

"If therefore perfection were by the Levitical priesthood, (for under it the people received the law,) what further need was there that another priest should rise after the order of Melchisedec, and not be called after the order of Aaron?" (New Testament | Hebrews 7:11)

We learn that the priesthood held by Melchizedek is -

"Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life..." (New Testament | Hebrews 7:3)

The office of high priest is of the higher priesthood or the Melchizedek priesthood of such the priesthood the Lord has maded an oath and covenants for -

"...this [priesthood] with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec..." (New Testament | Hebrews 7:21)

We learn more of this Oath and Covenant that beloneth to the priesthood in modern revelation -

"For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies.
34 They become the sons of Moses and of Aaron and the seed of Abraham, and the church and kingdom, and the elect of God.
35 And also all they who receive this priesthood receive me, saith the Lord;
36 For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me;
37 And he that receiveth me receiveth my Father;
38 And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father's kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him.
39 And this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood.
40 Therefore, all those who receive the priesthood, receive this oath and covenant of my Father, which he cannot break, neither can it be moved." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:33 - 40)

What a grand oath and covenant to those that magnify their calling within these priesthoods.

Hebrews 5

Paul, being an ordained apostle and high priest himself wrote to the Jews -
"Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession." (New Testament | Hebrews 4:14)

In other words, as high priests, let us also magnify our calling -

"FOR every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins..." (New Testament | Hebrews 5:1)

The Savior taught that after his resurrection we including high priests are to sacrifice, as the Savior taught -

"...ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit..." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 9:20)

The Prophet Joseph F. Smith saw in revelation, high priests

"...who had offered sacrifice in the similitude of the great sacrifice of the Son of God, and had suffered tribulation in their Redeemer's name." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 138:13)

Paul also teaches that those who are high priests -

"...art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec." (New Testament | Hebrews 5:6)

We learn in modern day -

"Why the first is called the Melchizedek Priesthood is because Melchizedek was such a great high priest.
3 Before his day it was called the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God.
4 But out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the church, in ancient days, called that priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 107:2 - 4)

Paul teaches and important point regarding this priesthood -

"...no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron." (New Testament | Hebrews 5:4)

How was Aaron called and ordained? I would assume much like Joshua -

"And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;
19 And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight.
20 And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.
21 And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel for him after the judgment of Urim before the LORD: at his word shall they go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he, and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.
22 And Moses did as the LORD commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation:
23 And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.

(Old Testament | Numbers 27:18 - 23)

Paul even noted that of the Savior Himself -

"Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec." (New Testament | Hebrews 5:8 - 10)

It becomes obvious that one just does not take this priesthood upon himself. It must come by one already having authority and authorized by one who hold priesthood keys to do so.

Hebrews 2

Paul, having taught the Jews of the divine nature of Jesus Christ, teaches the truthful doctrine -

"Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.
18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted." (New Testament | Hebrews 2:17 - 18)

One of His purposes in mortality was to experience life as His brethren and thus be tempted in all things, so that He know how to succor others. Alma provided even more incite teaching the people in Gideon that -

"...he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." (Book of Mormon | Alma 7:11 - 12)

The Savior experience more than just temptation, but took upon all the pains and sickness of His people. This would suggest that because of that, He already knows "how to succor his people according to their infirmities". Succor literally means "to rush to the aid of." There is nothing that we experience that He does not understand.

Titus 3

Jospeh Smith wrote in his Wentworth letter -

"We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law." (Pearl of Great Price | Articles of Faith 1:12)

Much of the 134th section of the Doctrine and Covenants is a declaration of that belief in regard to the purpose of governments and related laws for beginning with -

"WE believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 134:1)

Paul teaches the same doctrine to Titus couseling the saints -

"PUT them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work..." (New Testament | Titus 3:1)

Good works including -

"To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men." (New Testament | Titus 3:2)

Paul would probably provide the same counsel today in our present political climate.

Titus 2

My father passed away this passed week. There was a viewing that many faithful friends came to pay their respects. Of all the sincere compliments that I received of my father, I was particularly touched by one father and mother of a ward the my father lived in for few years not long ago. The mother commented on how kind and how much attention my father had given to her children while he was in the ward.

She said my father was always at Church early, sitting in a pew close to the the chapel doors. She said he was so loving and kind to her children ranging in age from teenage years to around 8 years old. Overtime they became very close. She said her children came to love him very much because he seemed to love and care for them so. They even began calling hims "Grandpa". Can you think of a greater compliment. Even though they hadn't seen my father for several years because he moved to live with my sister, upon hearing of his death, they all wept with tears. The mother explained that the youngest, who in now in high school, would not even attend the viewing because he was so upset with the passing of "Grandpa".

With this experience, the words of Paul to Titus seemed to jump off the page this morning counseling -

"...the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience." (New Testament | Titus 2:2)

As well -

"The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things;
4 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children,
5 To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed." (New Testament | Titus 2:3 - 5)

And again of the aged men, just as the aged women, of -

"Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded.
7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned;" (New Testament | Titus 2:6 - 8)

Paul was wise as he recognized the influence of high priests and aged men and women on our youth.

2 Timothy 3

As Paul writes Timothy, he provides one of the clearest pictures our day (and he couldn't have been more correct) -

"...that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof..." (New Testament | 2 Timothy 3:1 - 5)

Even though his epistle is to Timothy, I sense Paul is writing directly to us -

"...from such turn away." (New Testament | 2 Timothy 3:5)

As Paul seemed to see our day, he wrote -

"For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,
7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." (New Testament | 2 Timothy 3:6 - 7)

If you lived in Paul's day, how would you reflect the influence of television and media - "creep into houses". For -

"...evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived." (New Testament | 2 Timothy 3:13)

"For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." (New Testament | 2 Timothy 4:3 - 4)

Paul teaches Timothy several sources that will greatly assist the saints these perilous times. First of living Apostles and Prophets -

"...continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them..." (New Testament | 2 Timothy 3:14)

But also -

"...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.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness..."
(New Testament | 2 Timothy 3:15 - 16)

The very purpose of scriptures, Apostles and Prophets is -

"That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (New Testament | 2 Timothy 3:17)

For -

"...he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive..." (New Testament | Ephesians 4:11 - 14)

2 Timothy 1

Paul provided Timothy great leadership instruction and guidance over a range of topics. After reminding Timothy -

"Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands." (New Testament | 2 Timothy 1:6)

In other words, having been called and set apart or given authority and blessings in that calling, I was impressed with this instruction -

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (New Testament | 2 Timothy 1:7)

And thus blessed and given this power, love, and sound mind -

"Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;
9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began..." (New Testament | 2 Timothy 1:8 - 9)

Jacob taught that the Savior's atonement was -

"...an infinite atonement..." (Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 9:7)

With Paul's writings, it becomes apparent that the grace and atonement of Christ was being exercised even in our premortal existence. Elder Jeffry R. Holland said in conference -

"...even in the Grand Council of Heaven he loved us and was wonderfully strong, that we triumphed even there by the power of Christ and our faith in the blood of the Lamb (see Rev. 12:10–11)." (This Do in Remembrance of Me, Jeffrey R. Holland, Oct. 1995)

There was one more bit of council Paul gave Timothy that struck me -

"...shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness." (New Testament | 2 Timothy 2:16)

I interpret that to be to avoid irreverant talk in that it in itself will tend to lead to contention, loss of the Spirit, and unholiness.

1 Timothy 5

The saints in Paul's day seemed to struggle with many of the same problems we struggle with in our day. To Timothy, a young priesthood leader, Paul teaches principles of self-reliance,taking care of the poor and needy, and spiritual guidance for the those that are wealthy. First, Paul teaches -

"Honour widows that are widows indeed." (New Testament | 1 Timothy 5:3)

Especially -

"...she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day." (New Testament | 1 Timothy 5:5)

This burden was first, the responsibility of family for -

"...if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." (New Testament | 1 Timothy 5:8)

For -

"If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed." (New Testament | 1 Timothy 5:16)

And then Paul instructs -

"Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." (New Testament | 1 Timothy 6:17 - 19)

That a rich man "be rich in good works" would suggest to me the concept of agency, and that a rich man should not be forced by some governmental agency to give, but do it of his own will and choice. This is the only way a rich man can show charity.

"For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (New Testament | 1 Timothy 6:10)

Money is not evil but it is the love of money that is root of all evil. It is clear that to family and all saints -

"...ye must visit the poor and the needy and administer to their relief..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 44:6)

This is what the core of the gospel of Jesus Christ teaches.

1 Timothy 4

Yesterday, President Thomas S. Monson commented on the continual decline of of the definition of morality amongst many Americans. It is interesting that Paul warned Timothy -

"NOW the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron..." (New Testament | 1 Timothy 4:1 - 2)

Loss of an understanding of morality is " conscience seared with a hot iron". Paul then describes several particulars of this loss of morality but then makes the analogy -

"For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." (New Testament | 1 Timothy 4:8)

Godliness or as would define as holiness is what is required for justification and sanctification for His life which is to come. That is why Paul admonished Timothy -

"...therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
11 These things command and teach." (New Testament | 1 Timothy 4:10 - 11)

Godliness is a characteristice "specially of those that believe". As Timothy so does labor, Paul teaches the true method of leadership -

"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." (New Testament | 1 Timothy 4:12 - 16)