The Kingdoms, The Gospels,
And The Churches
Written in the mid 90’s, supports the idea that there are different deities, gospels, and churches associated with each of the different kingdoms of glory and that we must pass through each of these kingdoms on our journey to the celestial kingdom. Discusses what the purpose and function of the LDS church might be from this broader perspective. A good companion study to The Apostasy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
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The following is an excerpt from this manuscript:
INTRODUCTION
One of the topics that ought to be addressed during any in-depth study of the gospel is the differences between the “lower laws” of the gospel, such as those found in the law of Moses, and the “higher laws” of the gospel, or mysteries. It is clear that the Lord has chosen to give his children higher or lower laws according to their faithfulness and diligence. The prophet Alma explained this principle to us very well.
And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full. (Alma 12:10)
One of the difficulties the Lord has in taking this approach is that all people seem to be at various levels of faithfulness. It is difficult, for example, to give a set of scriptures to a people that will meet the needs of both the weak and the strong at the same time. If they discuss the lower doctrines, the strong do not progress. If they discuss the “mysteries,” then the weak get left behind. The same is true for sermons preached by inspired leaders. It is difficult for the Lord to inspire his prophets to preach sermons that will satisfy the needs of both the proud and the humble at the same time. Generally the Lord must choose to accomplish one or the other, but not both. This can be both confusing and discouraging to those who are trying to progress in the gospel, no matter what level they are at.
The course we will follow in this discussion is directly related to the title of the work. I believe many of the differences between the higher and the lower can be made manifest through a discussion of the respective kingdoms, gospels, and churches. As part of this discourse we will attempt to show that there is a kingdom of the Father which is different from the kingdom of the Son. Likewise there is a gospel and a church of the Father which are different from the gospel and church of Jesus Christ. Though these may be new and bold thoughts to some, I believe a serious study of the scriptures and the words of the prophets will bear these things out, providing us with a greater understanding of our own progression in the gospel.
There is an inherent danger involved with a discussion such as this. As mentioned above, there are those who will not be as prepared to receive some of the things written here. To some, this work may provide a source of great joy and fulfillment. To others, it may be quite discouraging and discomforting. As with all such works, caution, wisdom, and inspiration should be used before sharing this information with others. We should be sure that our motives are pure and that we are trying to do the work the Lord desires of us before sharing this or any other sensitive material with others. We should be mindful of the words Alma spoke concerning the mysteries of the gospel.
And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him. (Alma 12:9, underline added)
This charge applies to us today as much as it did in Alma’s time. Therefore it behooves us to only impart those things unto others which God desires that we impart. This is a “strict command” from God to us. May we be diligent in obeying the same.