Resurrection versus Raised from the dead

[applepansy]

I'm struggling to find scriptures tonight. Could somebody please help?

The question raised was "how could Christ be the first resurrected when Lazarus was brought back from the dead?"

Thank you.

[Vanhin]

Being raised from the dead, like Lazarus, is not the same as resurrection. Lazarus was brought back to his mortal body, and would ultimately die "again". Resurrection is when our spirit is reunited with an immortal body that will never die again. In the resurrection, we will be resurrected to the glory that we will inherit, or to no glory at all for sons of perdition.

All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds. There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: (1 Cor. 15:39-42)

The Guide to the Scriptures says that Christ was the first to be resurrected on this earth:

Jesus Christ was the first person to be resurrected on this earth (Acts 26: 23; Col. 1: 18; Rev. 1: 5). (Guide to the Scriptures: Resurrection)

Apparently, according to the Book of Moses, God has been bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of mankind on other worlds long before the resurrection of Christ, by his Only Begotten Son no less... (see Moses 1:33-39) :)

Regards,

Vanhin

Edited July 8, 2010 by Vanhin

[Justice]

Vanhin...

Not necessarily. :)

"Apparently" may not be so apparent when understood differently. I believe Christ was the first resurrected of all the Father's children (just as the scriptures say) in this eternal round, or among those that live on the worlds He created. All who were born and died before Him (whether on this world or another) needed to wait for Him to gain the victory over death. As I mentioned earlier, it's all how you interpret "eternal."

But, as far as the question asked and answer you gave, we're in complete agreement. Apple, if you're interested, Alma chapters 12 and 42 are also good for resurrection. 42 discusses a "partial judgement" that happens at resurrection called "restoration," where good is restored to good and evil to evil. I believe this is why we have to overcome the flesh while in the flesh, or at least be sincerely striving to do so. When our spirits and bodies are reunited (immortally), the restoration of all those physical desires we have not learned to overcome or control will have a lot to do with what state or condition we stand before God to be judged.

[Hemidakota]

Ensign references: 108 articles that contains Lazarus

Mary and Martha— Faithful Sisters, Devoted Disciples

in Evelyn T. Marshall, Ensign, 1987, Jan.

...They lived with their brother, Lazarus, in Bethany, a small village within... Jesus, and also Lazarus, who sat at the table with him. ...[illustration] “Jesus Raising Lazarus from the Dead,” by Carl Bloch. ...

Why This Holy Land?

in Russell M. Nelson, Ensign, 1989, Dec.

...late date Martha, sister of Lazarus, exclaimed, “By this time he stinketh....four-day interval between the death of Lazarus and his being called ... Then He raised Lazarus from the dead! Toward the end ...

"I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked"

in Harold B. Lee, Ensign, 1972, Apr.

... just prior to the raising of Lazarus, the significance of his great ...witnessed the miracle of the raising of Lazarus, as the Savior peered into...tomb on the whited figure of Lazarus, who had been buried...

The Shepherd's Flock

in Curtis E. Ledbetter, Ensign, 1973, Apr.

... of Bethany with their brother Lazarus, were tenderly attached to...Martha were present at the raising of Lazarus from the dead. At first Martha ran... stone before the tomb of Lazarus be rolled aside; and ...

"Be Ye Prepared"

in LeGrand Richards, Ensign, 1981, Nov.

...and Lazarus. You remember how Lazarus ate the crumbs that fell from...sores. Then the rich man and Lazarus both died. Lazarus... up and saw Lazarus in Abraham’s bosom ... me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip ...

The Land Jesus Knew, Part 4

in , Ensign, 1983, Apr.

... of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, was a small village on the eastern slope ...the traditional site of the tomb of Lazarus, seen here as the small ..., known today as El-Azariyeh (“Lazarus’s village”), is seen ...

“I Am He”

in Jonathan H. Stephenson, Ensign, 1999, Apr.

...:1 ). At the raising of Lazarus (see John 11:... days. Jesus was met by Lazarus’ sisters, Mary and...and powers said, “Lazarus, come forth” ( John...11:43 ). Lazarus’ emergence from the tomb demonstrated...

Gospel Classics: Five Marks of the Divinity of Jesus Christ

in Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994), Ensign, 2001, Dec.

... the raising of His friend Lazarus from the dead. When Jesus received word that His friend Lazarus was sick, He deliberately delayed...His arrival in Bethany until Lazarus had been in the grave ...

Words of Jesus: Riches

in William R. Bradford, Ensign, 2003, Feb.

... certain beggar named Lazarus, who was laid at his gate...parable, the rich man and Lazarus (not the same...then both die, with Lazarus being carried into heaven...things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but...

Scriptures references:

John 11: 1-2, 5, 11, 14, 43

John 12: 1-2, 9-10, 17

Luke 16: 20, 23-25

Prophets and Apostles:

Apostle Bruce R. McConkie stated: At least twice before Jesus had raised the dead, but neither time under such dramatic circumstances or with such a display of divine power as was evidenced in the case of Lazarus. The daughter of Jairus had been called back to mortality in a matter of hours and before her body had been prepared for burial (Luke 8:41-42, 49-56), and the widow's son in Nain had lived and breathed again after most of the burial preparations were complete and while the corpse was being carried to the grave. (Luke 7:11-17.) In neither of these instances had Jesus courted any especial publicity, and in the case of Jairus' daughter he had even enjoined secrecy on the part of those who witnessed the miracle.

But with "our friend Lazarus" it was different. Jesus with full knowledge of Lazarus' sickness, did nothing to prevent his death; allowed his body to be prepared for burial; waited until the funeral was over and the entombment accomplished; permitted four days to pass so that the processes of decomposition would be well under way; tested the faith of Mary and Martha to the utmost; came to the rock-barred tomb under circumstances which attracted many sceptics and unbelievers; conducted himself in every respect as though he were courting publicity; and then—using the prerogative of Deity to give life or death according to his own will—commanded: "Lazarus, come forth."

Why this studied buildup, this centering of attention upon one of the mightiest miracles of his ministry? Two reasons in particular stand out. (1) As our Lord neared the climax of his mortal ministry, he was again bearing testimony, in a way that could not be refuted, of his Messiahship, of his divine Sonship, of the fact that he was in very deed the literal Son of God; and (2) He was setting the stage, so as to dramatize for all time, one of his greatest teachings: That he was the resurrection and the life, that immortality and eternal life came by him, and that those who believed and obeyed his words should never die spiritually. 1John 11:2. See Matt. 26:6-13. (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, vol. 1by Bruce R. McConkie)

Edited July 8, 2010 by Hemidakota

[Vanhin]

Vanhin...

Not necessarily. :)

"Apparently" may not be so apparent when understood differently. I believe Christ was the first resurrected of all the Father's children (just as the scriptures say) in this eternal round, or among those that live on the worlds He created. All who were born and died before Him (whether on this world or another) needed to wait for Him to gain the victory over death. As I mentioned earlier, it's all how you interpret "eternal."

Moses does not use the term "eternity" or "eternal" when describing the scope of God's creations. In fact, the only time any form of the word shows up in Moses 1 is in "eternal life". The account given by Moses is plain, and there are no "eternal rounds" as you understand it. In fact, in all of our scriptures there are no "eternal rounds" (plural), there is "one eternal round". I'm going to stick with orthodoxy. The course of the Lord, is one eternal round.

And as one earth shall pass away, and the heavens thereof even so shall another come; and there is no end to my works, neither to my words. For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. (Moses 1:38-39)

Besides, I think interpreting "eternal" your way every time leads to problems. So, when you are sealed to your wife, will it be for time and all of just this eternity as you understand it, or eternity, as commonly understood? Will your marriage have an end, as this "eternal round ends? Will the blessings you and your posterity receive for time and all eternity end, or does it really mean "all eternity" as commonly understood?

Anyway, since Moses didn't bring up eternity (neither did I), it's kind of a moot point. Just something for you to think about. What he does bring up seems to be at odds with your interpretation of the scope of God's tenure in my opinion.

And God spake unto Moses, saying: Behold, I am the Lord God Almighty, and Endless is my name; for I am without beginning of days or end of years; and is not this endless? (Moses 1:3)

Regards,

Vanhin

P.S. You can have the last word on this tangent. I don't want us to hijack another thread with our back and forth.

Edited July 8, 2010 by Vanhin

[Hemidakota]

According to Alma to his son Corianton, Alma the Younger states the following:

1 Now my son, here is somewhat more I would say unto thee; for I perceive that thy mind is worried concerning the resurrection of the dead.

2 Behold, I say unto you, that there is no resurrection—or, I would say, in other words, that this mortal does not put on immortality, this corruption does not put on incorruption—until after the coming of Christ.

3 Behold, he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead. But behold, my son, the resurrection is not yet. Now, I unfold unto you a mystery; nevertheless, there are many mysteries which are kept, that no one knoweth them save God himself. But I show unto you one thing which I have inquired diligently of God that I might know—that is concerning the resurrection.

Edited July 8, 2010 by Hemidakota

[Vanhin]

According to Alma to his son Corianton, Alma the Younger states the following:

1 Now my son, here is somewhat more I would say unto thee; for I perceive that thy mind is worried concerning the resurrection of the dead.

2 Behold, I say unto you, that there is no resurrection—or, I would say, in other words, that this mortal does not put on immortality, this corruption does not put on incorruption—until after the coming of Christ.

3 Behold, he bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead. But behold, my son, the resurrection is not yet. Now, I unfold unto you a mystery; nevertheless, there are many mysteries which are kept, that no one knoweth them save God himself. But I show unto you one thing which I have inquired diligently of God that I might know—that is concerning the resurrection.

We are aware of all the references to Christ being the first to be resurrected in the scriptures (here are a few more Acts 26: 23; Col. 1: 18; Rev. 1: 5). Like the Guide to the Scriptures, I am saying, that He is the first on this earth to be resurrected. Clearly earlier generations in other worlds have received immortality and eternal life before Christ, and they all received it through the merits of Christ long before the actual Atonement (See Moses 1), because his Atonement is "infinite and eternal" in scope. Adam, for example, was able to repent and be baptized because of the Atonement, though he had to wait until Christ was resurrected to be resurrected himself.

What Alma was saying was that for those here on this earth at that time, there is no resurrection until after the resurrection of Christ.

Regards,

Vanhin

Edited July 8, 2010 by Vanhin

[Hemidakota]

Going back to her OP, she asking how was it possible for Lazarus to be called back into mortality, Apostle McConkie had the answer. I went ahead and provided some background references about Lazarus. Giving her the Alma reference was to prevent her in asking why if he died again, would he be resurrected first.

Which Moses verse are you referring too Vanhin?

[Vanhin]

Going back to her OP, she asking how was it possible for Lazarus to be called back into mortality, Apostle McConkie had the answer. I went ahead and provided some background references about Lazarus. Giving her the Alma reference was to prevent her in asking why if he died again, would he be resurrected first.

Oh, well that was already covered in my post, so I thought you were saying something different. No worries. :)

Which Moses verse are you referring too Vanhin?

Most of Moses chapter 1, but the following verses in particular. This reference was in my inital post as well, but here it is:

33 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.

34 And the first man of all men have I called Adam, which is many.

35 But only an account of this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, give I unto you. 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.

36 And it came to pass that Moses spake unto the Lord, saying: Be merciful unto thy servant, O God, and tell me concerning this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, and also the heavens, and then thy servant will be content.

37 And the Lord God spake unto Moses, saying: The heavens, they are many, and they cannot be numbered unto man; but they are numbered unto me, for they are mine.

38 And as one earth shall pass away, and the heavens thereof even so shall another come; and there is no end to my works, neither to my words.

39 For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. (Moses 1:33-39)

I think those scriptures clearly make the case that the work of God (bringing to pass immortality and eternal life) has no end, and has been going on before this earth, and it is all accomplished by his Only Begotten.

Regards,

Vanhin

Edited July 8, 2010 by Vanhin

[Hemidakota]

Read what Rodney Turner usage of the term earth meaning land versus world (I have added ther references for you to see why):

Having met the test, Moses was again "filled with the Holy Ghost" and again beheld the glory of God (Moses 1:24-25). It was then that he was reminded of his mission to deliver Israel from Egyptian bondage. 40 His call had been preceded by a vision of this world together with "all the children of men which are, and which were created" (Moses 1:8). Overwhelmed by the enormity of it all, Moses exclaimed: "Now, for this cause I know that man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed" (Moses 1:10).

But far more was to come. In a magnification of the first vision, he again beheld the earth, but this time with the penetrating powers of the Spirit. There was not a particle of it or a living soul upon it which he did not behold (Moses 1:27-28). Nor did he simply view them en masse as one might look at a vast concourse of people without discerning any one individual. By the incomprehensible power of the Holy Ghost he perceived each man, woman, and child comprising the human race at one and the same time! In doing so, he experienced something of the omnipresent nature of the Spirit of the Lord.

Having comprehended this earth and its inhabitants, the mighty seer beheld a third vision in which he was shown "many lands," each of which was also called "earth" because they, too, were inhabited. 41 This awesome knowledge prompted the prophet to ask two questions: "Why these things [earths] are so, and by what thou madest them" (Moses 1:30). He was told that these and numberless other worlds had been organized "by the word of my power" which is the Only Begotten Son of the Father 42 (Moses 1:32, 35) for one supreme and unending purpose: "the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39). Moses had learned a profound truth, a truth which still eludes our modern age: the universe is the home of man; he is not limited to this one small planet. "Space colonies" abound among the numberless worlds of eternity! And new earths are being organized continually as mankind extends itself ever farther into the boundless reaches of the cosmic sea (Moses 1:38; 7:30). And even as the Father organized these worlds by the Only Begotten, so does the Father redeem and glorify them by the Only Begotten. The blood of Jesus Christ was not shed for this world alone; the sons and daughters of God on other earths also partake of its saving powers (Moses 7:53; D&C 76:22-24).

Whereas his initial vision of God's creations had led Moses to exclaim "man is nothing," when the divine power and purpose behind it all was explained to him, he then knew that—when man walks with God—he is everything! All things are subject to him and all things are designed to enrich his life and bring him joy (D&C 59:16-20; 132:20).

Lest Moses should desire to know more about the other worlds he had seen, the Lord cautioned: "But only an account of this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, give I unto you" (Moses 1:35). The Lord then dictated the creation account found in Moses, chapters two and three 43 (Moses 1:40). As it was "spoken" to Moses, so was it "spoken" to the Prophet Joseph Smith (Moses 1:42). (Studies in Scripture, Vol. 2: The Pearl of Great Price by Robert L. Millet, Kent P. Jackson, p.55-56)

References:

40. Moses was about eighty years old when this calling came to him. He led Israel for forty years and died [was translated] at the age of one hundred twenty (see Deut. 29:5; 31:2). The promise that he would be made "stronger than many waters" (Moses 1:25) probably alludes to the miraculous parting of the Red Sea.

41. It appears that the term "earth" is reserved for those worlds which are organized to provide habitations for the children of the Gods. Note that the Lord—in referring to the pre-mortal spirits of men—told his companions" "We will make an earth whereon these may dwell" (Abr. 3:24).

42. The Only Begotten is the "Word" or "messenger" (D&C 93:8-11; John 1:1-3) through whom the will of the Father is carried out and, therefore, through whom the power of God is made manifest. The "word of my power" is further defined as "the power of my Spirit" (D&C 29:30-31) by which all things are organized. The Only Begotten is the living embodiment of this power.

43. For an extensive treatment of Earth's creation and scriptural history from its spirit organization to its final exaltation as a celestial world, see the writer's book, The Footstool of God (Orem, Ut.: Grandin Book Co., 1983).

[Vanhin]

Read what Rodney Turner usage of the term earth meaning land versus world (I have added ther references for you to see why):

Having met the test, Moses was again "filled with the Holy Ghost" and again beheld the glory of God (Moses 1:24-25). It was then that he was reminded of his mission to deliver Israel from Egyptian bondage. 40 His call had been preceded by a vision of this world together with "all the children of men which are, and which were created" (Moses 1:8). Overwhelmed by the enormity of it all, Moses exclaimed: "Now, for this cause I know that man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed" (Moses 1:10).

But far more was to come. In a magnification of the first vision, he again beheld the earth, but this time with the penetrating powers of the Spirit. There was not a particle of it or a living soul upon it which he did not behold (Moses 1:27-28). Nor did he simply view them en masse as one might look at a vast concourse of people without discerning any one individual. By the incomprehensible power of the Holy Ghost he perceived each man, woman, and child comprising the human race at one and the same time! In doing so, he experienced something of the omnipresent nature of the Spirit of the Lord.

Having comprehended this earth and its inhabitants, the mighty seer beheld a third vision in which he was shown "many lands," each of which was also called "earth" because they, too, were inhabited. 41 This awesome knowledge prompted the prophet to ask two questions: "Why these things [earths] are so, and by what thou madest them" (Moses 1:30). He was told that these and numberless other worlds had been organized "by the word of my power" which is the Only Begotten Son of the Father 42 (Moses 1:32, 35) for one supreme and unending purpose: "the immortality and eternal life of man" (Moses 1:39). Moses had learned a profound truth, a truth which still eludes our modern age: the universe is the home of man; he is not limited to this one small planet. "Space colonies" abound among the numberless worlds of eternity! And new earths are being organized continually as mankind extends itself ever farther into the boundless reaches of the cosmic sea (Moses 1:38; 7:30). And even as the Father organized these worlds by the Only Begotten, so does the Father redeem and glorify them by the Only Begotten. The blood of Jesus Christ was not shed for this world alone; the sons and daughters of God on other earths also partake of its saving powers (Moses 7:53; D&C 76:22-24).

Whereas his initial vision of God's creations had led Moses to exclaim "man is nothing," when the divine power and purpose behind it all was explained to him, he then knew that—when man walks with God—he is everything! All things are subject to him and all things are designed to enrich his life and bring him joy (D&C 59:16-20; 132:20).

Lest Moses should desire to know more about the other worlds he had seen, the Lord cautioned: "But only an account of this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, give I unto you" (Moses 1:35). The Lord then dictated the creation account found in Moses, chapters two and three 43 (Moses 1:40). As it was "spoken" to Moses, so was it "spoken" to the Prophet Joseph Smith (Moses 1:42). (Studies in Scripture, Vol. 2: The Pearl of Great Price by Robert L. Millet, Kent P. Jackson, p.55-56)

References:

40. Moses was about eighty years old when this calling came to him. He led Israel for forty years and died [was translated] at the age of one hundred twenty (see Deut. 29:5; 31:2). The promise that he would be made "stronger than many waters" (Moses 1:25) probably alludes to the miraculous parting of the Red Sea.

41. It appears that the term "earth" is reserved for those worlds which are organized to provide habitations for the children of the Gods. Note that the Lord—in referring to the pre-mortal spirits of men—told his companions" "We will make an earth whereon these may dwell" (Abr. 3:24).

42. The Only Begotten is the "Word" or "messenger" (D&C 93:8-11; John 1:1-3) through whom the will of the Father is carried out and, therefore, through whom the power of God is made manifest. The "word of my power" is further defined as "the power of my Spirit" (D&C 29:30-31) by which all things are organized. The Only Begotten is the living embodiment of this power.

43. For an extensive treatment of Earth's creation and scriptural history from its spirit organization to its final exaltation as a celestial world, see the writer's book, The Footstool of God (Orem, Ut.: Grandin Book Co., 1983).

Good stuff Hemidakota. Thank you. I have no issues at all with what I read. In fact, that is what I believe.

Regards,

Vanhin

Edited July 8, 2010 by Vanhin

[Vanhin]

Reminds me of the Elder Maxwell's testimony of Christ.

Regards,

Vanhin

[Hemidakota]

True. Now I will 'flip the coin over' and see what others stated:

"The Father operated in the work of creation through the Son, who thus became the executive through whom the will, commandment, or word of the Father was put into effect. It is with incisive appropriateness therefore, that the Son, Jesus Christ, is designated by the apostle John as the Word; or as declared by the Father 'the word of my power.' The part taken by Jesus Christ in the creation, a part so prominent as to justify our calling Him the Creator, is set forth in many scriptures. The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews refers in this wise distinctively to the Father and the Son as separate though associated Beings: 'God, who at sundry times and in diverse manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.' Paul is even more explicit in his letter to the Colossians, wherein, speaking of Jesus the Son, he says: 'For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, andthat are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist.' And here let be repeated the testimony of John, that by the Word, who was with God, and who was God even in the beginning, all things were made; 'and without him was not anything made that was made.' (James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ, pp. 33-34.)

"From this [Moses 1:30-33, 35, 38-39 and other scriptures we learn that, representing the Father and serving his purpose 'to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man,' Jesus Christ, in the sense of being its Creator and Redeemer, is the Lord of the whole universe. Except for his mortal ministry accomplished on this earth, his service and relationship to other worlds and their inhabitants are the same as his service and relationship to this earth and its inhabitants ....

"... In short, Jesus Christ, through whom God created the universe, was chosen to put into operation throughout the universe Elohim's great plan, 'to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man'—the gospel of Jesus Christ—the only way whereby man can obtain eternal life." (Marion G. Romney, in Improvement Era, Nov. 1968, pp. 46, 48.)

And I heard a great voice, bearing record from heav'n,

He's the Savior, and only begotten of God—

By him, of him, and through him, the worlds were all made,

Even all that career in the heavens so broad,

Whose inhabitants, too, from the first to the last,

Are sav'd by the very same Saviour of ours,.

And, of course, are begotten God's daughters and sons,

By the very same truths, and the very same pow'rs.

(Joseph Smith, poetic explanation of the vision [D&C 76], stanzas 19-20, in Times and Seasons, 4 [1 Feb. 1843]:82-83.

"He [Jesus] has other worlds or creations and other sons and daughters, perhaps just as good as those dwelling on this planet, and they, as well as we, will be visited, and they will be made glad with the countenance of their Lord." (Orson Pratt, in Journal of Discourses, 17:332.) See also Joseph Fielding Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, 3:211-12; Spencer w. Kimball, in Conference Report, Apr. 1962, p. 61; Bruce R. McConkie, Promised Messiah, p. 55.) (Pearl of Great Price Commentary by Milton R. Hunter, p.102-104)They differ somewhat concerning the creations of other worlds, whether they are in the process of creation or already in a mortal state, but everything is done through the Son.

[Vanhin]

True. Now I will 'flip the coin over' and see what others stated:

"The Father operated in the work of creation through the Son, who thus became the executive through whom the will, commandment, or word of the Father was put into effect. It is with incisive appropriateness therefore, that the Son, Jesus Christ, is designated by the apostle John as the Word; or as declared by the Father 'the word of my power.' The part taken by Jesus Christ in the creation, a part so prominent as to justify our calling Him the Creator, is set forth in many scriptures. The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews refers in this wise distinctively to the Father and the Son as separate though associated Beings: 'God, who at sundry times and in diverse manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.' Paul is even more explicit in his letter to the Colossians, wherein, speaking of Jesus the Son, he says: 'For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, andthat are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist.' And here let be repeated the testimony of John, that by the Word, who was with God, and who was God even in the beginning, all things were made; 'and without him was not anything made that was made.' (James E. Talmage, Jesus the Christ, pp. 33-34.)

"From this [Moses 1:30-33, 35, 38-39 and other scriptures we learn that, representing the Father and serving his purpose 'to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man,' Jesus Christ, in the sense of being its Creator and Redeemer, is the Lord of the whole universe. Except for his mortal ministry accomplished on this earth, his service and relationship to other worlds and their inhabitants are the same as his service and relationship to this earth and its inhabitants ....

"... In short, Jesus Christ, through whom God created the universe, was chosen to put into operation throughout the universe Elohim's great plan, 'to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man'—the gospel of Jesus Christ—the only way whereby man can obtain eternal life." (Marion G. Romney, in Improvement Era, Nov. 1968, pp. 46, 48.)

And I heard a great voice, bearing record from heav'n,

He's the Savior, and only begotten of God—

By him, of him, and through him, the worlds were all made,

Even all that career in the heavens so broad,

Whose inhabitants, too, from the first to the last,

Are sav'd by the very same Saviour of ours,.

And, of course, are begotten God's daughters and sons,

By the very same truths, and the very same pow'rs.

(Joseph Smith, poetic explanation of the vision [D&C 76], stanzas 19-20, in Times and Seasons, 4 [1 Feb. 1843]:82-83.

"He [Jesus] has other worlds or creations and other sons and daughters, perhaps just as good as those dwelling on this planet, and they, as well as we, will be visited, and they will be made glad with the countenance of their Lord." (Orson Pratt, in Journal of Discourses, 17:332.) See also Joseph Fielding Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, 3:211-12; Spencer w. Kimball, in Conference Report, Apr. 1962, p. 61; Bruce R. McConkie, Promised Messiah, p. 55.) (Pearl of Great Price Commentary by Milton R. Hunter, p.102-104)They differ somewhat concerning the creations of other worlds, whether they are in the process of creation or already in a mortal state, but everything is done through the Son.

I see no coin flipping here. This is in harmony with the first quotation you gave. I'm a believer!

Regards,

Vanhin

[applepansy]

Going back to her OP, she asking how was it possible for Lazarus to be called back into mortality, Apostle McConkie had the answer. I went ahead and provided some background references about Lazarus. Giving her the Alma reference was to prevent her in asking why if he died again, would he be resurrected first.

Which Moses verse are you referring too Vanhin?

Hemi, I appreciate your responses but I wasn't askiing how Lazarus could be called back into mortality.

The question is what is the difference between being called back into mortality and resurrection.

Thanks.

[Hemidakota]

Sorry...read McConkie's statement.

Once the person is resurrected, the person cannot come back into mortality with the same unique body.

Edited July 8, 2010 by Hemidakota

[Hemidakota]

I never thought Lazarus was dead for four days before the Lord called him back to his mortal body. Amazing!!!

But, I went back and look at McConkie's other materials concerning Lazarus and found this:

Jesus said to her, "Thy brother shall rise"—meaning, 'I shall call him back to mortal life.' To this Martha, relying on that faith and knowledge which long had been hers, replied: "I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day." Then Jesus, in all the awesome majesty of his eternal godhood, spoke to his beloved Martha, in the presence of his Father, of the holy angels, and of his mortal apostolic witnesses; then Jesus, speaking as the Great Jehovah, speaking as God's Almighty Son, gave this divine testimony of his own divine Sonship:

I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?

Thus saith the Lord. He has spoken and so it is. He is the resurrection; it comes by him; without him there would be no immortality; he is the personification of that power which molds the dust of the grave into an immortal man. He it was who asked: "Can these bones live?" And he it was who answered: "Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live; And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the Lord." (Ezek. 37:3, 5-6.)

..."Loose him, and let him go," Jesus said. And there the inspired account ends. A reverent curtain of silence drops over the sayings and doings of Lazarus—from his youth to the day he fell asleep in the arms of death; during the four days his spirit visited with friends in paradise, as he awaited the call to come back to the turmoils of life; and from the time he again breathed the breath of life until he laid down again his mortal tabernacle, this time to await that glorious day of resurrection of which Martha spoke. Lazarus lived and Lazarus died and Lazarus rose again—that he might continue his mortal probation; that he might die again; that he might be, for his day and for all days, a living witness of the power of him who ministered in Bethany as the Son of God. We cannot doubt that he bore many fervent testimonies to many Jewish brethren relative to the life and death and life that was his. (Mortal Messiah: From Bethlehem to Calvary, vol. 3 by Bruce R. McConkie, p.275)

Edited July 8, 2010 by Hemidakota