Keys of Asking For and Recieving Knowledge

[Maxel]

Are the keys to asking for and receiving visions for knowledge connected to one of the Priesthoods? Or is it remiss to ask specifically for a vision concerning something?

[Misshalfway]

I don't suppose there is anything remiss about seeking spiritual blessings, as long as its not seeking for a sign. Don't the scriptures teach us to "seek after these things"?

I am not sure I understand the part about "keys". I have always thought that revelation was given according to ones stewardship and if one has keys as part of that stewardship, then it would make sense that they would open certain spiritual capacites.

Am I completely missing your question?

[Generally_Me]

I know the ministering of angels is, but I don't know about visions...

[Just_A_Guy]

Are the keys to asking for and receiving visions for knowledge connected to one of the Priesthoods?

I suppose that D&C 13:1, taken together with D&C 129:3 might be construed to imply as much (or at least that priesthood is necessary to discern whether a vision is of God or not).

But the corollary to that would seem to be that women, who do not hold the priesthood, may not receive (or properly interpret) such manifestations. I have a real problem with such a conclusion.

[lilered]

Maxel: It seems to me that your question is really a two part question. That of being worthy to have visions and to gain knowledge. A Priesthood holder may have either or both. For example: I am promised both separatly in my P.A. Blessing.

Brigham Young taught that The priesthood keys “unlock the treasury of the Lord.”

The Priesthood is given to the people and the keys thereof, and, when properly understood, they may actually unlock the treasury of the Lord, and receive to their fullest satisfaction. But through our own weaknesses, through the frailty of human nature, we are not capable of doing so.

One of the reasons we have Temples is to be taught and/or gain further knowledge:

The ordinances of the house of God are for the salvation of the human family. We are the only ones on the earth at the present time, that we have any knowledge of, who hold the keys of salvation committed to the children of men from the heavens by the Lord Almighty; and inasmuch as there are those who hold these keys, it is important that they should be acted upon for the salvation of the human family. The building of temples, places in which the ordinances of salvation are administered, is necessary to carry out the plan of redemption, and it is a glorious subject upon which to address the Saints .

[threepercent]

Since the Lord will not force you to learn, you must exercise your agency and prayerfully authorize the Spirit to teach you, at this time as you strive to listen carefully for the influence of the Spirit.

- Richard G. Scott

wonderful man.

[Elohel]

LDS.org - Ensign Article - I Have a Question

From this article, the author says there are two ways to endure such an experience. Either

1.) The individual is Quickened in the Spirit and allowed to see the vision temporarily by the power of God.

2.) The individual is a sanctified being and God is unable to withhold his presence from that individual. (Think brother of Jared)

It seems to me, from this article, that there MIGHT be a Priesthood key to visions, but that it would be held only by God the Father and Jesus Christ themselves.

[Traveler]

Once I was very troubled and thought that I should seek a spiritual vision or visitation. An so I departed civilization to fast and live on the land (south west desert) for 40 days thinking that such an effort would be rewarded. After some time to myself I came upon a man that was lost from a prison release program. His feet were blistered and his acute lack of water left him as I found him, near death. It took me 3 days to get him to safety and if it was not for a divine miracle and assistance we would have both perished in the desert. In time I learned that the experience would become more spiritual than I understood at the time and that life is greater than a vision. It is truly better to live a lesson than to see it remotely in vision. Be careful what lessons you seek to learn.

The Traveler

[Danite]

Visions are not neccsarily based on priesthood only. All worthy members have the right to receive revelation. However worthy men that hold either the higher and lesser priesthood ,because of preisthood office are sometimes giving visions pertainning to there preisthood stewardships. Most of the time a vision not neccsary to reveal gods will in a matter. Many visions were actually the means that which priesthood keys were given by laying on of hands to the lords prophets.

[lilered]

Where are all the moderators when you need one?

[Hemidakota]

people like this are the same ones we had to go after to save them from being lost to the thuggary in the Spirit world. Now, they are in this world, they will for a moment return to the same old habits of rebelling. :) Edited August 27, 2009 by Hemidakota

[Hemidakota]

Maxel, what are you seeking?

[Maxel]

The mods will take care of the spam. Just give them time. So anyway, back to the topic at hand...

What's your take on the matter, Hemi?

[Maxel]

Maxel, what are you seeking?

Knowledge of how God's kingdom works. I've heard stories of people who are able to receive visions about certain matters by asking for them, in a righteous manner. Or, Joseph Smith's ability to ask the Lord direct questions and receive a direct answer (such as Smith's Q&A session with the Lord concerning Revalations).

More specifically, I'm trying to figure out what, exactly, is happening to our country. I know Satan is going forth and stirring up the hearts of the children of men to anger, but I'd like to understand more. In the future I know I'll have more things to ask of the Lord; I want to gain a greater understanding of the process of revelation.

I'm not necessarily seeking for visions for myself (although I emphasized it in my first post), but I am wondering if there are 'keys' to the receipt of visions.

If that's not a confusing enough of an answer, I don't know what is.

[Hemidakota]

It starts with desire. Example, my desire in the beginning was to seek out the same knowledge as Enoch and Abraham received. GOD remembers those desire and will answering upon your head after you have given up the world and follow the 'will' of GOD.

It should be our desire as Joseph Smith stated, to seek out the three basic keys as given in this statement -

Contend earnestly for the like precious faith with the Apostle Peter, "and add to your faith virtue," knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, charity; "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." Another point, after having all these qualifications, he lays this injunction upon the people "to make your calling and election sure." He is emphatic upon this subject—after adding all this virtue, knowledge, &c., "Make your calling and election sure." What is the secret—the starting point? "According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness." How did he obtain all things? Through the knowledge of Him who hath called him. There could not anything be given, pertaining to life and godliness, without knowledge. . .

We have no claim in our eternal compact, in relation to eternal things, unless our actions and contracts and all things tend to this. But after all this, you have got to make your calling and election sure. If this injunction would lie largely on those to whom it was spoken, how much more those of the present generation!

1st key: Knowledge is the power of salvation. 2nd key: Make your calling and election sure. 3rd key: It is one thing to be on the mount and hear the excellent voice, &c., &c., and another to hear the voice declare to you, You have a part and lot in that kingdom. (Joseph Smith, History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7 vols. 5:401, 402-3)

Do you understand what is given in the last paragraph? When you finally get the second key, the third key only comes when your maturity is enough to understand your lot in this life and the next. You will have moments when the veil of the past is opened to your eyes and you will see what was. Then comes the opporunity to see what will be for your eternal journey.

Are you endowed and sealed in the Temple? What is your desire from GOD?

[Maxel]

Do you understand what is given in the last paragraph? When you finally get the second key, the third key only comes when your maturity is enough to understand your lot in this life and the next. You will have moments when the veil of the past is opened to your eyes and you will see what was. Then comes the opporunity to see what will be for your eternal journey.

I think I understand what the final paragraph means-- I have a long way to go before I reach the second key though (if I understand it correctly). I believe I understand the first key, as I have felt how the infusion of Godly knowledge into my soul empowers me to be a more powerful agent unto myself and act in a manner of righteousness.

As for the rest of your post, I'm bringing the convo to PM. I hope you don't mind taking the time to message back and forth with me.

[Hemidakota]

I only wish all would seek out the same as what Peter and Joseph Smith sought and received in mortality.

Many here will claim they are going to the Celestial Kingdom by stating - "I have attended my meetings faithfully. I am a active temple holder and attend each month. I am full tithe payer. I am temple endowed. I have a calling in the church and a active member." Even after all of this, the Holy Ghost does not still present this person before the Godhead in receiving number two. There is still yet a problem in this person life. Now, they can wait until the next life or for judgment day, but let’s be clear, if Abraham to Joseph Smith [others I may have failed to list] already received their portions of the highest glory in mortality prior to judgment…why wait at all?

Works alone will not get us into the highest order of the Celestial Kingdom. Even our faith without works will help us in receiving the same blessings of Joseph Smith.

No problem....

[Hemidakota]

Before I forget, here is a statement made by Widtsoe -

Righteous desire, backed by a ready will and honest prayer, works wonders in human lives. It reveals truth. It trains the will for righteousness. It leads to increasing accomplishment. It is protection amidst the temptations and storms of life. It places man on the road to abundant joy. In the end it lifts man to a place near the gods.

When such desire is coupled with obedience to law, the gates of heaven are thrown open, and we may, secure of the outcome, advance to our high, eternal destiny.

A man's prayerful desires, were they fully known, are his truest measure. The truest measure of a nation is its national desire, addressed to God. The progression or retrogression of the race is but a reflection of the combined desire of the multitude. As our desires are, so are we.

This measure of men is recognized by Divinity, itself. When the selection of the first quorum of apostles in this dispensation of time was authorized, the Lord declared, "By their desires and their works you shall know them." [D&C 18:38] This test is of universal application.

For us, individually, who are laying the foundations of faith, the promise, made through the latter-day prophet, should ever be borne in mind, "According to your desires, yea, even according to your faith, shall it be done unto you." [D&C 11:17]