Creation - A Step by Step Process

And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. (Genesis 1:31)

The above verse tells us that the Lord concluded the six days of creation. It is interesting to note the order of creation. Man was the last to be created. This process was a step-by-step procedure of preparing this planet as a testing place for men. Man was not created until the groundwork had been laid. Adam could not have been placed on this earth and survived until each of the essential components were in place.

So it is in preparing for eternity. It is a step-by-step, day-by-day, process. I think we often try to do too much, or we worry about all that needs to be done. Our preparation for eternity is done incrementally, line upon line. We must take each step along the way and gain mastery before we try to move further along. Otherwise we will thwart the end result of that which we want to achieve.

The Creation - Part II

And worlds without number have I created.... For behold, there are many worlds that have passed away by the word of my power. And there are many that now stand, and innumerable are they unto man; but all things are numbered unto me, for they are mine and I know them. (Moses 1:33, 35)

The Lord told Moses that his creations were innumerable. Carl Sagan, in his book Cosmos, attempts to give us perspective about the immensity of the universe. “The dimensions of the Cosmos are so large that using familiar units of distance, such as meters or miles, chosen for their utility on Earth, would make little sense. Instead, we measure distance with the speed of light. In one second a beam of light travels 186,000 miles, nearly 300,000 kilometers or seven times around the earth. In eight minutes it will travel from the Sun to Earth. We can say that the Sun is eight light-minutes away. In a year, it crosses nearly ten trillion kilometers, about six trillion miles of intervening space. That unit of length, the distance light goes in a year, is called a light year. It measures not time, but distances--enormous distances....

“There are some hundred billion galaxies, each with, on the average, a hundred billion stars. In all the galaxies, there are perhaps as many planets as stars...ten billion trillion.”(1) The creations of the Lord are grand and incomprehensible by human standards. Mr. Sagan only begins to help us imagine the greatness and immensity of the universe.

George Reynolds and Janne M. Sjodahl wrote, “The works of God encompass many other worlds, and of these Moses would not receive knowledge.

“We, perhaps, cannot conceive the immensity of God’s works; indeed, His ‘works and words’ have no end. The worlds which He has by His Son created, cannot be numbered by men. There are worlds that endure forever, serving the Lord. There are others that had not fulfilled the measure of their creation and at the word of God passed away. But truly, in the heavens above, in the stars He has established, God has raised a memorial of His greatness to all generations.”(2)

Though the creations of God are immeasurable, the Lord told Moses, “But only an account of this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, give I unto you.”(3) It would be fascinating to know more about these great creations spread across the universe and their part in the gospel plan. Apparently, this is not necessary for us to fulfill our purpose on this earth. The scriptures remain virtually silent on the other creations of God. Our focus should be on the scriptures and revelations the Lord has given us and not on the mysteries that have not yet been revealed.
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[1] Carl Sagan, Cosmos (New York: Random House, 1980), pp. 5-7.
[2] George Reynolds and Janne M. Sjodahl, Commentary on the Pearl of Great Price (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1965), p. 94.
[3] Moses 1:35.

The Creation

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.(Genesis 1:1)

A discussion about the creation of the universe, this world, and man inevitably will raise the issue of science versus religion in attempting to explain this remarkable set of events. Using the temporal tools of this planet, men have attempted to explain the creation through science. Some have concluded that a random sequence of events occurred which eventually lead to the creation of this world and the evolution of man. Other scientists have observed the complexity of the universe and life and have concluded that there was some sort of omnipotent power involved in its creation. The search for knowledge through the scientific process is tedious and slow. Sometimes knowledge is gained in a random, even accidental fashion. After 6,000 years of human existence, man has yet to perfect the scientific tools that might provide a full knowledge of the creation.

True wisdom and knowledge can only be gained through the Spirit of God. As Moses was blessed with this discerning spirit, he was able to behold the earth in its most minute fashion and thus begin to comprehend the greatness of the Lord’s creation. Even with the world’s most powerful microscopes, men have only had a glimpse at what Moses beheld while in the Spirit. In speaking about gaining spiritual knowledge, Joseph Smith said, “Could you gaze into heaven five minutes, you would know more than you would by reading all that ever was written on the subject.”(1) Thus, if we wish to fully understand the creation, we must prepare ourselves, as did Moses. All the scientific study, though worthwhile, can only provide a drop in the bucket of the information that is available through the source of all truth.

Kent P. Jackson wrote, “The detailed process by which the Lord brought the universe and planet Earth into existence is not known by man. It is not unlikely that the principles of science as understood today will never be able to explain the divine powers and the divine actions that created these things.”(2)

Some years ago I attended a father and son campout with our ward, near the foot of Mount Rainier. On Saturday morning there was an informal climb through one of the canyons up to the foot of one of the great glaciers stretching from the peak of the mountain. As one of my priesthood brothers and I sat and observed the greatness of the glacier and the magnificence of the mountain and its environment, this good brother commented on the creation. He said that he could not imagine that such magnificence and beauty happened by chance. Indeed, as we sat there with a cool breeze coming off the glacier and the wonderful fresh smell of the mountain, I was also impressed and moved by the scene. It stood as a quiet testimony that there is a God in heaven who has created this planet as a place where we can continue our eternal progress.
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[1] Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 156.
[2] Kent P. Jackson, “Genesis and the Early Experiences of Mankind,” in Studies In Scripture - Genesis to 2 Samuel, Vol. 3, eds. Robert L. Millet and Kent P. Jackson (Salt Lake City: Randall Book, 1985), pp. 26-27.

The Work of God

For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. (Moses 1:39)

In his great vision, Moses beholds the glory of God (see Moses 1). During this remarkable experience, Moses beheld all the “inhabitants” of the earth and that they were “numberless as the sand upon the sea shore.” This was a remarkable vision. As Moses beheld this great vision, he asked the Lord, “Tell me, I pray thee, why these things are so, and by what thou madest them?”

I find this to be an interesting account. Here was a man who had such great faith in the in the Creator that he was able to converse with the Lord and behold this remarkable vision. Yet, though his faith was great, he was lacking basic knowledge about the plans and designs of God.

In response to Moses’ question, the Lord responds, “For mine own purpose have I made these things.” The Lord then expands Moses’ insight even further when he continues, “And worlds without number have I created; and I also created them for mine own purpose; and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten.”(1)

President Joseph Fielding Smith: “Not only was this earth planned as an architect plans his building but its entire destiny and the destiny of its inhabitants was considered and known to the great Architect, before its foundation stones were laid. Our Eternal Father was not experimenting when this world came into existence. It did not come by chance. It is not the first of his creations. Millions upon millions of worlds such as this had rolled into existence before our earth was born. Every step taken was according to the divine plan, and that plan was an eternal one, which had been followed in the construction of other worlds without number unto man. In other worlds the plan of salvation had been given. Here we are enacting familiar scenes; scenes which are new to all mortal men, but which are well known to the Father and also to the Son.”(2)

Moses’ question is ultimately answered when the Lord stated, “For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” Though this verse is brief, it sums up God’s motivations and our eternal destiny. Elder Neal A. Maxwell wrote, “Fortunately, God is preoccupied with His children. We (and what we may become) are His work and glory. (Moses 1:39.) All that He does is for our benefit. (2 Ne. 26:24.) As George MacDonald said of God, ‘He lays no plans irrespective of His children.’ ‘Worlds and suns and planets,' wrote MacDonald, are but 'a portion of His workshops and tools for the bringing out of righteous men and women to fill His house of love’.”(3)

It is this foundation principle that causes me to continue to desire to do good and to strive for perfection. This is my ultimate reason for membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is only through the ordinances and authority in this Church that men and women can reach their greatest eternal potential.
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[1] See Moses 1:24-33.
[2] Joseph Fielding Smith, The Way To Perfection (Salt Lake City: Genealogical Society of Utah, 1949), pp. 35-36.
[3] Neal A. Maxwell, Meek and Lowly (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1987), p. 12.

Sons & Daughters of God

And I have a work for thee, Moses, my son; and thou art in the similitude of mine Only Begotten; and mine Only Begotten is and shall be the Savior, for he is full of grace and truth; but there is no God beside me, and all things are present with me, for I know them all. (Moses 1:6)

The Book of Moses records the encounter of Moses with the pre-mortal Jesus Christ, speaking on behalf of the Father. Moses learned basic and wonderful truths during this remarkable experience.

Moses learned that he was a son of God and that he was created in the “similitude” of the Only Begotten, the Savior of the world. Moses knew of his earthly father and mother, Amram and Jochebed. He knew he was their son in the flesh. He could only interpret this statement from the Lord as spiritual.

Why is this truth so significant? Like Moses, our spirits came from the great Creator. As part of the same mortal family as Moses, we are also sons and daughters of the Lord God Almighty. We, too, are created in his image. If we, indeed, are literal spirit children of the great Creator, the Eternal Father, we have implanted within us the seeds of great eternal potential, even to become like him.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught, “Consider the power of the idea taught in our beloved song ‘I Am a Child of God.’ . . . Here is the answer to one of life’s great questions, ‘Who am I?’ I am a child of god with a spirit lineage to heavenly parents. That parentage defines our eternal potential. That powerful idea is a potent antidepressant. It can strengthen each of us to make righteous choices and to seek the best that is within us. Establish in the mind of a . . . person the powerful idea that he or she is a child of God, and you have given self-respect and motivation to move against the problems of life.” (Ensign, November 1995, p25)

Thoughts on the Old Testament

Life is busy and I haven't had the time to share so many of my important thoughts on this blog. Over the past few years, I have been assembling in book form, highlights and thoughts from the teachings found in the Gospel Doctrine Class curriculum. I thought that I would share some of those highlights in this blog, possibly on a weekly basis (unless I have more pressing thoughts). I thought I would start with Teachings from the Old Testament (Sunday School curriculum for 2010). Your comments are always appreciated.

Thoughts on the Old Testament

What thoughts first come to your mind when I mention a study of the Old Testament? Do you think of an ancient and dusty land? Do you think of tedious and boring reading? Do you think of strange and peculiar laws? Do you look forward to a study of the ancient prophets?

While I was serving on my mission, the Council of the Twelve issued a Missionary Study Guide. This guide stated, “Ordinarily the greatest value will accrue if the Standard Works are studied in this order: Book of Mormon, New Testament, Pearl of Great Price, Doctrine & Covenants, the book of Genesis and those portions of the Old Testament which relate to subjects being studied.”(1) This guide became the basis for my study of the scriptures during my mission. As a consequence, my study focused on all of the Standard Works, except the Old Testament.

Shortly after returning from my mission I decided it was time to read the Old Testament and committed myself to reading it from cover to cover. It was not easy, but I struggled through, completing it several months later. I have studied much of the Old Testament since, but have yet to read it cover to cover a second time. In contrast, I have completed twenty-eight readings of the Book of Mormon, along with multiple readings of the New Testament, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great. In addition, I have read numerous Church books, particularly those related to Church history.

Why is it that we are reluctant to read and study this ancient work of scripture? After preparing and teaching the Sunday School Old Testament course three times, I have come to believe that our reluctance is primarily an attitude problem. Without question, the Old Testament presents greater challenges than those of the other Standard Works. Indeed, it is a book that requires additional effort and study to comprehend and understand. Nonetheless, it is a great treasure that makes the effort one of great value.

President Gordon B. Hinckley stated,

"I hope that for you [studying the scriptures] will become something far more enjoyable than a duty; rather, it will become a love affair with the word of God. I promise you that as you read, your minds will be enlightened and your spirits will be lifted."(2)

President Hinckley’s statement applies to all of the Standard Works, including the Old Testament.

A study of the Old Testament should strengthen our testimony of the Savior and our commitment to live his gospel. If we are guided by the Spirit in our study of this great volume, we should be able to testify with Job, "I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth."(3)

As you study the Old Testament, I suggest the use of a good Bible handbook, an Old Testament commentary, and a history of Bible times to aid you in understanding the culture and background of these ancient peoples. The Old Testament Student Manual, available through Church distribution, is also an excellent resource. Most importantly, the messages of the Old Testament are best understood through the Spirit.
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[1] Search The Scriptures – A Missionary Study Guide For Missionaries (Salt Lake City: The Council of the Twelve, 1971), p. 7.
[2] Ensign, May 1995, p. 99.
[3] Job 19:25.

A New Year's Resolution

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that “A man is saved no faster than he gets knowledge” (History of the Church, 4:588). On another occasion the Prophet stated, “It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance” (D&C 131:6). I’m sure I could list numerous other scriptures and quotations from the prophets about the importance of gaining knowledge, particularly those things related to the gospel plan. Growing in our knowledge and understanding of the gospel is essential as we navigate the difficult waters of mortality and as we prepare for life in the eternities.

We have a new opportunity for expanding our gospel knowledge beginning in 2009. The course of study for the Gospel Doctrine class is the Doctrine and Covenants and Church History. Unlike the previous three years of study (Old Testament, New Testament, and Book of Mormon) which discuss the gospel as written by the ancients, this year we have the opportunity to study the restoration of the gospel in our time. We begin with the stories of those who are only a few generations removed and continue into our own day and time. This is our story. The revelations were given to address the challenges and needs of those living in these latter days.

The question is this: What will we do with the 2009 course of study? Will we do as so many of us have done in the past, show up and enjoy the class, but do little with the information and fail to study the readings? Remembering the vital importance of continually expanding our knowledge of the gospel, it behooves us to do something more. The 2009 course of study gives us that opportunity.

I would suggest the following resolutions for 2009:

• Prepare for each class by at least studying the suggested scriptures as listed in the Class Member Study Guide, along with the suggested reading from the book Our Heritage. If we are truly serious about expanding our gospel knowledge, then we might study other relevant texts, such as the History of the Church by Joseph Smith or the Comprehensive History of the Church by B.H. Roberts.
  

• Over the past two years, I have suggested the keeping of a Gospel Doctrine notebook. Each Sunday afternoon (or evening) take a few moments to sit down and enter your thoughts regarding the lesson. Focus on that which has inspired you and touched your heart. Write down how you might more fully live that teaching or principle during the following week.
  

Are we serious about expanding our gospel knowledge? If so, then make a commitment in 2009 to be more actively involved in scripture study, particularly as it relates to the Gospel Doctrine curriculum. The above is just a suggestion. If there are other ways to more fully engage yourself in gospel study during the next year, write down a goal and then do it. Such activities in 2009 can make a positive impact in your life, prepare you for the difficulties which seem to surround us, and bring you closer to the Lord.