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Difference between revisions of "D&C 84 says God not seen without priesthood"
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When D&C 84:21-22 is analyzed in context then an interpretation emerges that does not support the one proposed by the Prophet's critics. The relevant words read: | When D&C 84:21-22 is analyzed in context then an interpretation emerges that does not support the one proposed by the Prophet's critics. The relevant words read: | ||
| − | :[19] And this greater [i.e., Melchizedek] priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God. [20] Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, '''the power of godliness''' is manifest. [21] And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, '''the power of godliness''' is not manifest unto men in the flesh; [22] For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live. | + | :[19] "And this greater [i.e., Melchizedek] priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God. [20] Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, '''the power of godliness''' is manifest. [21] And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, '''the power of godliness''' is not manifest unto men in the flesh; [22] For without '''this''' no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live." |
The word "this" in verse 22 does not refer to the Melchizedek Priesthood, but rather to "the power of godliness." One of the ordinances of the Melchizeddek Priesthood is the bestowal of the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands (see D&C 49:14). As the Lord explained in an 1831 revelation, "no man has seen God at any time in the flesh, except quickened by the Spirit of God" (D&C 67:11). An example of this happening is seen in the ''Pearl of Great Price'' where it is recorded that Moses "saw God face to face, and he talked with Him, and the glory of God was upon Moses; therefore Moses could endure His presence" (Moses 1:2). Moses confirmed that it was because he was transfigured by the glory of God that he did not die when he saw the Lord's face while in mortality (see Moses 1:11). The Lord verified to Moses in yet another text that sinful mortals cannot see His face and live (see JST Exodus 33:20). | The word "this" in verse 22 does not refer to the Melchizedek Priesthood, but rather to "the power of godliness." One of the ordinances of the Melchizeddek Priesthood is the bestowal of the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands (see D&C 49:14). As the Lord explained in an 1831 revelation, "no man has seen God at any time in the flesh, except quickened by the Spirit of God" (D&C 67:11). An example of this happening is seen in the ''Pearl of Great Price'' where it is recorded that Moses "saw God face to face, and he talked with Him, and the glory of God was upon Moses; therefore Moses could endure His presence" (Moses 1:2). Moses confirmed that it was because he was transfigured by the glory of God that he did not die when he saw the Lord's face while in mortality (see Moses 1:11). The Lord verified to Moses in yet another text that sinful mortals cannot see His face and live (see JST Exodus 33:20). | ||
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This brings us to the case of Joseph Smith in 1820. In the earliest known account of this heavenly manifestation (written in 1832 - the same year as D&C 84) the Prophet made note of the fact that when the experience began a pillar of fire rested down upon him and he was "filled with the Spirit of God." Once the heavens were opened the Savior appeared and said, "Joseph, my son, thy sins are forgiven thee." The Redeemer tied these elements together in a Book of Mormon passage where He informed a multitiude of His disciples that certain persons would be "visited with '''fire''' and with '''the Holy Ghost''', and shall receive a '''remission of their sins''' (3 Nephi 12:2). Since the Prophet's experience followed the same pattern it is reasonable to believe that this is what happened to him in the Sacred Grove. | This brings us to the case of Joseph Smith in 1820. In the earliest known account of this heavenly manifestation (written in 1832 - the same year as D&C 84) the Prophet made note of the fact that when the experience began a pillar of fire rested down upon him and he was "filled with the Spirit of God." Once the heavens were opened the Savior appeared and said, "Joseph, my son, thy sins are forgiven thee." The Redeemer tied these elements together in a Book of Mormon passage where He informed a multitiude of His disciples that certain persons would be "visited with '''fire''' and with '''the Holy Ghost''', and shall receive a '''remission of their sins''' (3 Nephi 12:2). Since the Prophet's experience followed the same pattern it is reasonable to believe that this is what happened to him in the Sacred Grove. | ||
| + | There is further evidence that Joseph Smith experienced a transfiguration during the First Vision event. In Moses chapter 1 we read: | ||
| + | :[9] "And the presence of God withdrew from Moses, that His glory was not upon Moses; and Moses was left unto himself. And as he was left unto himself, he fell unto the earth. [10] And it came to pass that it was for the space of many hours before Moses did again receive his natural strength like unto man" | ||
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| + | When I came to myself again I found myself lying on my back looking up into Heaven (JS 1838) When the light had departed I had no strength, but soon recover[ed] in some degree (JS 1838 note B) | ||
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| + | when I came to myself, I was sprawling on my back and it was some time before my strength returned. (1843 Pittsburgh Gazette) | ||
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| + | I endeavored to arise but felt uncomen feeble (1844 Neibaur) | ||
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| + | It continued descending slowly, until it rested upon the earth, and he was enveloped in the midst of it. When it first came upon him, it produced a peculiar sensation throughout his whole system (1840 Orson Pratt) | ||
Revision as of 11:52, 21 March 2007
This article is a draft. FairMormon editors are currently editing it. We welcome your suggestions on improving the content.
Contents
Criticism
Joseph Smith claimed that he saw God in 1820 and also claimed that he received the priesthood in 1829. But in a text which he produced in 1832 (D&C 84:21-22) it is said that a person cannot see God without holding the priesthood. Therefore, Joseph Smith contradicted himself and this is evidence against his calling as an authentic prophet of God.
Source(s) of the criticism
Response
This argument is fatally flawed by an improper interpretation of D&C 84:21-22 and also by not taking into account additional texts that were produced by Joseph Smith.
When D&C 84:21-22 is analyzed in context then an interpretation emerges that does not support the one proposed by the Prophet's critics. The relevant words read:
- [19] "And this greater [i.e., Melchizedek] priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God. [20] Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest. [21] And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh; [22] For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live."
The word "this" in verse 22 does not refer to the Melchizedek Priesthood, but rather to "the power of godliness." One of the ordinances of the Melchizeddek Priesthood is the bestowal of the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands (see D&C 49:14). As the Lord explained in an 1831 revelation, "no man has seen God at any time in the flesh, except quickened by the Spirit of God" (D&C 67:11). An example of this happening is seen in the Pearl of Great Price where it is recorded that Moses "saw God face to face, and he talked with Him, and the glory of God was upon Moses; therefore Moses could endure His presence" (Moses 1:2). Moses confirmed that it was because he was transfigured by the glory of God that he did not die when he saw the Lord's face while in mortality (see Moses 1:11). The Lord verified to Moses in yet another text that sinful mortals cannot see His face and live (see JST Exodus 33:20).
This brings us to the case of Joseph Smith in 1820. In the earliest known account of this heavenly manifestation (written in 1832 - the same year as D&C 84) the Prophet made note of the fact that when the experience began a pillar of fire rested down upon him and he was "filled with the Spirit of God." Once the heavens were opened the Savior appeared and said, "Joseph, my son, thy sins are forgiven thee." The Redeemer tied these elements together in a Book of Mormon passage where He informed a multitiude of His disciples that certain persons would be "visited with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and shall receive a remission of their sins (3 Nephi 12:2). Since the Prophet's experience followed the same pattern it is reasonable to believe that this is what happened to him in the Sacred Grove.
There is further evidence that Joseph Smith experienced a transfiguration during the First Vision event. In Moses chapter 1 we read:
- [9] "And the presence of God withdrew from Moses, that His glory was not upon Moses; and Moses was left unto himself. And as he was left unto himself, he fell unto the earth. [10] And it came to pass that it was for the space of many hours before Moses did again receive his natural strength like unto man"
When I came to myself again I found myself lying on my back looking up into Heaven (JS 1838) When the light had departed I had no strength, but soon recover[ed] in some degree (JS 1838 note B)
when I came to myself, I was sprawling on my back and it was some time before my strength returned. (1843 Pittsburgh Gazette)
I endeavored to arise but felt uncomen feeble (1844 Neibaur)
It continued descending slowly, until it rested upon the earth, and he was enveloped in the midst of it. When it first came upon him, it produced a peculiar sensation throughout his whole system (1840 Orson Pratt)
"godliness can be permanently, individually attained only through the ordinances of the holy priesthood. Nevertheless, 'godliness' or being like God can be attained temporarily in another way - by transfiguration. If the Holy Ghost enters into our physical bodies, so that for a moment we become one with the Spirit, then have been thus 'transfigured' to godliness, we are able to see the face of God and live." (Stephen E. Robinson and H. Dean Garrett, A Commentary on the Doctrine and Covenants: Volume Three [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2004], 32-33).
Conclusion
Endnotes
None
Further reading
FAIR wiki articles
FAIR web site
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