August 27, 2012 - Seeking after Mysteries

[pam]

“There is little to be gained by seeking after the mysteries, for there is hardly time in a lifetime to master the plain and precious things.”

Boyd K. Packer

[HiJolly]

Odd that President Packer would set himself against the scriptures. I'm sorry, but as a mystic myself, this kind of quote just makes me wonder!

1st Nephi, Chapter 1, Verse 1:

"I, NEPHI, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days."

1 Nephi Chapter 10:17

"And it came to pass after I, Nephi, having heard all the words of my father, concerning the things which he saw in a vision, and also the things which he spake by the power of the Holy Ghost, which power he received by faith on the Son of God—and the Son of God was the Messiah who should come—I, Nephi, was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men.

18 For he is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him.

19 For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round."

Note here that Nephi is not just happy to have received the mysteries, but actually speaks of "diligently seek"ing the mysteries.

D&C 39:6 And this is my gospel—repentance and baptism by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which showeth all things, and teacheth the peaceable things of the kingdom.

This is my understanding: A mystery is something that we can only understand when it is taught to us by the power of the Holy Ghost, or in many cases, by the Holy Ghost personally.

HiJolly

[pam]

HiJolly I understand where you are coming from. Not knowing exactly the context of his quote I can agree with it somewhat.

If we are referring to someone who only wants to seek after the mysteries and not the simple plan of the gospel and the simple truths I would agree with him.

We see that quite often here on lds.net.

[HiJolly]

HiJolly I understand where you are coming from. Not knowing exactly the context of his quote I can agree with it somewhat.

If we are referring to someone who only wants to seek after the mysteries and not the simple plan of the gospel and the simple truths I would agree with him (Pres. Packer).

We see that quite often here on lds.net.

That's a very good point -- I agree. Everything is built on the foundation of the first four principles.

In addition, I'd say that if we do not have "clean hands" and a "pure heart"(psalms 24:4), the mysteries will only work to our damnation. Or perhaps condemnation would be a better word.

HiJolly