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Multiple Incarnations: Recurring Voices From Ages - Page 4

Tertullian's utterance reminds us of a hymn praising the Theban sun god
Amun, which speaks of God ("The sole one"), as having "Many arms";[207] or,
From an Amarna hymn, "Your rays [are] a breath of life"[208] suggesting that
The many comprise the one. Abinadi shares a complementary perspective as to
How God is both the Father and the Son.
...I would that ye should understand that God himself shall come down
Among the children of men, and shall redeem his people.
And because he dwelleth in flesh he shall be called the Son of God ...
[I.e. If you've been born, you're somebody's son!]
The Father, because he [I.e. The Son] was conceived by the power of God;
And the Son, because of the flesh; thus becoming the Father and the Son.[209]

The Father, because He plants the seed; the Son, because He's the Fruit
Of the Plant. To complete the holy Triad, the DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS tells us
That the spirit of Christ is also "The Holy Ghost, even the Comforter";[210] a
Position fostered by the Shepherd of Hermas[211] Thus making Christ the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. A tractate from the early Church era
Chants, "A horse begets horses, a human begets human beings, DEITY BEGETS
DEITY."[212] Or, as the religion of ancient Egypt attests, "(Gods) create one
Another reciprocally."[213] To the Nephites, a resurrected and exalted Jesus
Christ instructed them to "Pray unto the Father in my name" (3 Ne. 18:19).
Yet, to Abraham, the Most Holy announced that "Everything which you ask in the
Name OF YOUR BELOVED SON ISAAC you shall have."[214] Rabbinical tradition
Required that
A perfect sacrifice must be a COMPLETE sacrifice ... Especially when it
Was directed against the claims of the Christians, [for such tradition]
Insisted that the sacrifice of Isaac was the perfect sacrifice, thus obviating
The need for the atoning death of Christ.... [As Rosenberg writes], "Isaac was
'the perfect sacrifice,' the atonement offering that brings forgiveness of
Sins through the ages."[215] Accordingly, the blood of the Paschal Lamb is
Considered to be the blood of ISAAC,[216] and according to some Jewish
Sectaries the real purpose of the Passover is to celebrate the offering of
Isaac rather than the deliverance from Egypt.[217] [218]

In light of the above, it is only too obvious that Isaac, Abram's
"Exceeding great reward," Is none other than the Lord God himself.[219]
Lest our reader loudly protest that this writer has taken too many
Liberties, a more thorough analysis of QUICKENING is necessary. As the author
Of Genesis tells us, the Spirit "Is given to abide in you, (It is the) record
Of heaven, the Comforter, the peaceable things of immortal glory, the truth of
All things, that which QUICKENETH all things, which maketh alive all things"
(JST Gen. 6:64). When the Spirit of God descends upon you, you become "Born of
The Spirit and ... QUICKENED in the inner man."[220]

The Apostle Paul asked, "How are the dead raised up? And with what body do
They come? Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not QUICKENED, EXCEPT IT
DIE."[221] And having laid the present body to rest, the immortal spirit
Inhabits yet a new body, for "God giveth (The spirit) a body as it hath
Pleased him, and to every seed his own body."[222] This transition, or
Transformation, is not capricious or arbitrary; "All flesh is not the same
Flesh."[223] As Paul understood, there are bodies celestial, terrestrial, and
Telestial.[224]
In more recent times, the Lord told Joseph Smith that while the deceased
Are resurrected, they inherit a degree of glory (With its corresponding
Tabernacle), proportional to their degree of perfection.[225] Those "Not able
To abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory,"
Etc.[226] The earth, too, shall undergo a celestial metamorphosis, for "It
Shall be sanctified; yea notwithstanding it shall DIE, it shall be quickened
AGAIN [it's died before?] and shall abide the power by which it is quickened,
And the righteous [those who are celestial] shall inherit it. For
Notwithstanding the righteous die, they ALSO shall rise AGAIN [recurring
Deaths?] a spiritual body."[227]

Ages Voices Recurring Incarnations Multiple

And what is the nature and design of a SPIRITUAL BODY? The scriptures give
Answer: "They who are of a celestial spirit shall receive the same body which
Was a NATURAL BODY; even ye shall receive your bodies, and your glory shall be
That glory by which your bodies are quickened."[228]
Ye who are quickened by a portion of the celestial glory shall then
Receive of the same, even a fulness.
And they who are quickened by a portion of the terrestrial glory shall
Then receive of the same, even a fulness.
And also they who are quickened by a portion of the telestial glory
Shall then receive of the same, even a fulness.
And they who remain shall also be quickened, nevertheless, they shall
RETURN AGAIN to their own place, to enjoy that which they are willing to
Receive, because they were not willing to enjoy that WHICH THEY MIGHT HAVE
RECEIVED.[229]

The scriptures are resolute God is no respecter of persons,[230] and as
Such opportunities for growth are there for all. Those failing to make wise
Use of probationary time have no-one to blame but themselves, for as the Lord
Told Abraham,
...If there be two spirits, and one shall be more intelligent than the
Other, yet these two spirits, notwithstanding one is more intelligent than the
Other, have no beginning; they existed BEFORE they shall have no end, they
Shall exist AFTER, for they are ... Eternal.
And the Lord said unto me: These two facts do exist, that there are two
Spirits, one being more intelligent than the other; there shall be another
More intelligent than they; I the Lord thy God, I am more intelligent than
They all.[231]

Abraham was shown that before this world was organized,
There were many ... NOBLE AND GREAT ONES;
And God saw these souls that they were good, and he stood in the midst of
Them, and he said: These I will make my rulers ... And he said unto me:
Abraham, thou art one of them; thou wast chosen before thou wast born...
And then the Lord said: Let us go down.And they [the noble and great
Ones] went down at the beginning, and they, that is the GODS [the noble and
Great ones], organized and formed the heavens and the earth.[232]

Multiple Incarnations: Recurring Voices From Ages Studies Doctrine Mormon

To wit, Abraham, as one of the gods, came to earth a redeemed participant
And representative of a holy and celestial order. As a first-century writer
Decreed, Abraham came into life "Perfect and blameless."[233] But what is this
Process whereby one becomes a god, a high priest "Ordained after the order of
(The) Son"?[234] Answers to such weighty questions are proffered by the
Erudite Alma.
ALMA 13

This noble prophet invites us to recall that in the beginning "The Lord
God ordained Priests after his holy order ... To teach (The commandments) unto
The people."[235] Such priests were "Ordained after this order" And were to
Serve as witnesses or exemplars so the people might know "In what manner"
They, too, could "Look forward to (The) Son for redemption." And in what
Manner was such to be accomplished? The ordained were "Called and prepared
From the FOUNDATION of the world" Not because of their potential, but "On
Account of their exceeding faith and GOOD WORKS" On account of their past
Performance. Nephi tells us, "... We are judged of [our] works ... The works
Which were done by THE TEMPORAL BODY IN THEIR DAYS OF PROBATION."[236] Let
There be no equivocation: During THEIR probationary period, the ordained, when
"LEFT to choose good or evil" Much in the same way that we today are LEFT to
Choose chose good. And "having chosen good, and [advanced] exceedingly great
Faith," Were provided a requisite redemption in preparation for their holy
Errand. Their charge? To return and invite others to do the same. But to
Orchestrate such a MARVELOUS WORK, those resurrected and redeemed must
Willingly part with robes of royalty and AGAIN don garments of flesh to
Facilitate this glorious WONDER. Such a resplendent event would indeed
Constitute a marvelous work and a wonder.
Lest the reader charge that such elite were granted divine favor or
Consideration, courtesies withheld from the proletariat, we are given
Assurance that NO-ONE is denied due process. However, as the Lord told Joseph
Smith, "Many are called, but few are chosen."[237] Chosen for what? For the
High priesthood, of course. For had obdurate man evidenced equivalent
Obedience; had they not "(Hardened) their hearts," They, too, would have "had
As great privilege as their brethren." They, too, would have been redeemed and
Granted this same holy calling. Such elite were "Ordained unto the high
Priesthood of the holy order of God" And sent "To teach (God's) commandments
Unto the children of men, that they also might enter into (The rest of the
Lord)."
Alma reminds us AGAIN, "There were many who were ordained and became high
Priests of God ... On account of their exceeding faith and REPENTANCE, and
Their righteousness before God, they choosing to repent and work righteousness
Rather than to perish." (It is well to remember that the act of repentance is
Possible ONLY in mortality this probationary state. It is uniquely in this
Environment where we prepare ourselves to meet god.)[238] But as a prelude to
The above discourse on the mortal mission of those redeemed, Alma shares with
His mendacious miscreants the following poignant truths:
And now for this cause, that ye may not be destroyed, the Lord has sent
His angel [note the singular] to visit many of HIS PEOPLE, declaring unto them
That they [his people] must go forth and cry mightily unto THIS PEOPLE,
Saying: Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is nigh at hand.[239]

Page 4 Ages Voices Recurring Incarnations Multiple

In rehearsing this motif with his unbelieving subjects, Alma reminds
Them:
... Well doth he cry unto THIS PEOPLE, by the voice of HIS ANGELS [note
The plural this time]: Repent ye, repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at
Hand.[240]

A juxtaposed comparison of the above verses reveals that (1) AN angel is
Sent to meet with HIS PEOPLE, and HIS PEOPLE are charged with calling THIS
PEOPLE to repentance. (2)HIS PEOPLE, those issuing the charge to repent, are
Then referred to as HIS ANGELS it is HIS PEOPLE, HIS ANGELS who cry "Repent
Ye, repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Therefore, we have an Angel
From the celestial realms summoning HIS people, the incarnate angels, to call
THIS PEOPLE (An obstreperous brood) to repentance. Recall that there are two
Kinds of angels: angels "Who are resurrected personages, having bodies of
Flesh and bones," And "Spirits of just men made perfect."[241] It follows that
Those angels mortally present to engage the unrighteous would in fact be those
Possessing corporeal bodies; resurrected beings of "Flesh and bones" Who have
Returned for reasons established at the "Foundation of the world."[242] This
Writer submits that "his people" Are in fact incarnate angels the
Beneficiaries of a preparatory redemption in preparation for their holy errand
(As detailed above). For Alma tells us that God "Sent angels to converse with
Them" [the unredeemed].[243] Such angels are gods, yea even sons of God.[244]

To recapitulate: Such individuals from ages past, and at the bidding of
The Divine or His emissaries, chose repentance and righteousness over death
And darkness. Therefore, "They were called after this holy order, and were
Sanctified, and their garments were washed white through the blood of the
Lamb." Such were "Made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God."
In Kabbalistic parlance, "They will be brought to life AGAIN ... And why? Why
Bring them down to earth AGAIN?... It has pleased the Holy One, in former
Time, to send down to earth those spirits and souls who belonged to the
Highest supernal grade ... To come down AGAIN in the future (To) make the
Crooked straight."[245]
True to his charge, a self-effacing, benevolent, and fore-ordained high
Priest, Alma then invites his brethren to humble themselves before God (As
Once HE did), to repent (As once HE did), so that they, too, might enter into
"That (Same) rest." Could Alma have stated it any plainer? From epochs past
Come valiant Voices, Fellows of the Church of the Firstborn, Noble and Great
Ones, bearers of a "Valid priesthood" (As Nibley asseverates)[246] joyfully
Affirming willful participation. To further evidence Alma's greatness, one
Need look no further than an intimate conversation convened between father and
Son.
Alma came unto his son Helaman and said unto him: Believest thou the
Words which I spake ... (And) Believest thou in Jesus Christ, who shall come?
And he said: Yea, I believe all the words which thou hast spoken. And Alma
Said unto him again: Will ye keep MY commandments? And he said: Yea, I will
Keep THY commandments with all my heart. And Alma said unto him: Blessed art
Thou.[247]

Ages Voices Recurring Incarnations Multiple

Referring to such noble servants, an early Christian Gnostic text
Corroborates Alma's perspective: "Such are worthy of the imperishable, eternal
Life ... [such are worthy of] the CALLING. For they endure everything ...that
They may ... Inherit eternal life."[248]

It is important to ask, In what venue were such individuals "Left" To
Choose between good and evil, if not in a mortal setting? (In other words, How
Likely are miscreants to misbehave in Father's presence?) As the Book of
Mormon affirms, earthly life is a probationary period; "A time to prepare to
Meet God[249]... A time to repent and serve God."[250] But one cannot be
Redeemed without first having expunged all impurity (The process of
Repentance), and without having endured all manner of trials and
Unpleasantries. As Naydler reminds us, "It [is] here, in Seth's domain, far
From the reassuring presence of the company of gods, that one could experience
The utter deprivation of spirit that is the precondition of inner
Renewal."[251] "The plan of redemption could not be brought about, only on
Condition of repentance ... IN THIS PROBATIONARY STATE, yea, this preparatory
State."[252] As Alma implores, "NOW is the time to repent"; here in this life,
At this very moment.[253] For "After your death YOU CANNOT REPENT"[254];
Confidences echoed independently by the learned Baruch[255] and Enoch.[256]

YE MUST BE BORN AGAIN

As a naive child growing up in the shadows of the majestic Canadian
Rockies, it was explained to this writer that to be "Born of the water and of
The Spirit" Underscored the importance of baptism and confirmation into God's
Community. While laced with truth, the explanation was mediocre and simplistic
At best, and is therefore altogether unsatisfactory. To understand what Christ
Is really saying necessitates a more deliberate and conscientious investment
Of time and effort. The announcement "Ye must be born again,"[257] only too
Obviously refers to recurrent births. But what is the form or nature of this
Rebirth? And How many times is one to be reborn? Are we to take Christ
Literally, or was He speaking metaphorically?

We learn in John 3 that Nicodemus was a Pharisee, and according to
Josephus, "The doctrines of the Pharisees ... Laid much stress on the
Immortality of the soul and had a fundamental belief in spirit life.... Being
People of the law they believe in final reward for good works and that the
Souls of the wicked were detained forever ... While those of the virtuous rose
Again and even migrated into other bodies."[258] It is logical that he
Embraced the doctrine of the immortality of the soul. But in uncharacteristic
Fashion, perhaps, Nicodemus confesses his belief that Jesus came as a teacher
From God, "For no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be
With him."[259] Acknowledging the sincerity of his curiously brave petitioner,
Christ affirmed that "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of
God."[260] The discerning Dr. Puryear observes that what Nicodemus REALLY
Wants to know is, "How does one get to be like you?"[261] A desire which,
According to Peter, we must all patronize for Christ provides the example
Which we are all to follow.[262] Christ's answer to Nicodemus was immediate:
"Ye must be born again." For "Except a man be born of the water and of the
Spirit [notice the proper noun], he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That
Which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is
Spirit."[263] As we learn from the obscure writings of Philip, humans beget
Humans, gods beget gods.[264] Perhaps anticipating an incredulous response,
Christ repeated himself "Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born
Again."[265] Jesus was not trying to "Mess with his mind" He was very
Sincere: He as much as said, "If you aspire to such an exalted privilege, you
Must be reborn to come from God's kingdom you must be BORN into God's
Kingdom."

Multiple Incarnations: Recurring Voices From Ages

If one is to capture the unimpeachable beauty of Christ's commentary,
Grasping the differences between "Born of the flesh," And "Born of the Spirit"
Is of supreme importance. What is it to be BORN AGAIN? Puryear, an ordained
Christian minister, and advocate for the doctrine of reincarnation, offers the
Following explanation:
Other than in John 3, there is only one appearance in the entire Bible of
The term, "Born again."[266] This is in 1 Peter 1:23. In context, this
Reference to being born again is preceded by a reference to the work of the
Christ as being, "Foreordained before the foundation of the world." 1 PE 1:20.
And, it is followed by a reference to our being "A chosen people, a royal
Priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people of God." 1 PE 2:9. Thus, the
Context of the 1 Peter 1:23 reference to being "Born again" Lends itself to a
Very cosmic interpretation.[267]

Allowing the reader to conceptualize the distinguishing features of these
Two birth forms, Puryear refers to Paul's writings to the Galatians:

For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the
Other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the
Flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.... Now we, brethren, as Isaac
Was, are the children of promise. But as then he that was born after the flesh
Persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.[268]

We must clarify that Ishmael was the son of Abram and was born of the
Flesh, while Isaac was the son of Abraham and was born of the Spirit yet
Both sons are found as mortals on earth reflecting a similar phenotype. To the
Casual observer, they likely had similar physical features they looked
Human, in other words. But as Paul told the Romans, "Children of the flesh"
Are not "Children of God."[269] Or, if you will, "Children of the flesh" Are
Not "Children of the Spirit." Sons of men are invited to BECOME sons of God,
So that they, too, may one day themselves be an inextricable part of God's
Kingdom, returning as the "Noble and great" As Gods incarnate. For "Isaac,
Like John the Baptist and Jesus, was sent from God."[270] Such individuals
Were in fact "Born of the Spirit" For the Spirit of God perfused their being.
Consider what we learn from young Alma's forty-eight hour ascension:
(I) have been redeemed of the Lord ... I am born of the Spirit.[271] And
The Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind ... Must be born again;
Yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of
Righteousness, being redeemed of God, BECOMING his sons and daughters; And
Thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise
Inherit the kingdom of God.... After wading through much tribulation,
Repenting nigh unto death, the Lord in mercy hath seen fit to snatch me out of
An everlasting burning, and I am born of God.[272]

Multiple Incarnations Recurring Voices Ages - Page 4

As Alma asseverates, to be born of the Spirit IS to be born of God, for
God is the Spirit. Intimated in the dialogue between God and the ascended is
That man, in his vitiated state, is not to be found in God's kingdom an
Environment reserved for the perfect. One could liken the demands for purity
In heaven to the requirements of sterility in the O.R. To preserve the
Integrity of the "Sterile field," No-one harboring contaminants may enter. The
Patron (The corrupt) cannot be at-one with the incorrupt not because the
Pure has rejected the impure, but such a m"šlange would yield an inharmonious,
Incongruous fruit. By excluding man God in no way impugns or minimizes his
Value there is not intent of malice God ENCOURAGES us to at-one with Him;
For "That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and
Continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and
Brighter until the PERFECT DAY."[273] ONLY at the "Perfect day," Is one
Infused with the Spirit of God, thus becoming His son or His daughter
Veritable "Children of light."[274] This process of celestial infusion, we are
Told, is to take place "In this world."[275] This writer postulates that
Baptism by immersion, with its accompanying "Laying on of hands for the gift
Of the Holy Ghost," RITUALIZES an event of transcendent importance. But it is
The ACTUALIZATION of such a miraculous transformation that is of eternal
Expedience. As the contumacious Alma discovered, such an event, for him at
Least, took place OUTSIDE the waters of baptism.
Thus, in juxtaposing the writings of John and Paul, we see that for one
To be a "Teacher come from God," One must be born again one has to come from
God if one is to represent God if one is to come as God himself.[276]

Christ further clarifies,
The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof,
But canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one
That is born of the Spirit.[277]

Puryear asks what is meant by the "Listing of the wind"? "God breathed
Into Adam the breath of life and he became a living soul."[278] In Ezekiel,
God tells His "Son of man" That not until the wind comes and breathes into the
Corpse is the deceased restored to life.[279] His conclusion: "The breath of
God and the listing of the wind refers to the INCARNATION or the entry of the
Soul into the physical body."[280] While this writer agrees with Puryear's
Assessment of the "Breath of life," That such sets man apart, he does not
Agree the above citation speaks of such. To be "Born of the SPIRIT" Is to
Experience the infusion of God, as Alma the younger bears witness. You'll
Recall that Nicodemus, by virtue of his existence, was by definition "Born of
The flesh," And as such a "Living soul" What he wanted to know was how he
Could become like Jesus. The wind (I.e., the Spirit) is something NOT to be
Controlled or manipulated. True, one may feel or hear the presence of the
Wind, but to define its point of origin, or to predict its course, transcends
Our ability. Secondly, one may no more control the "Wind" Than one may discern
Who has been born of God and who has not. Such arrangements are privileged
Understandings between the Initiator and the initiate. As with the priesthood,
It is "The purest folly to assume that WE can tell who has it and who does
Not."[281]

In more recent times, God has told Joseph Smith that baptism is a
Rebirthing ordinance. By immersing the patron into the water, he is assuming
The "Likeness of the dead"; coming "Forth out of the water" Represents the
"Resurrection of the dead in coming forth out of their graves; hence, this
Ordinance was instituted to form a relationship with the ordinance of baptism
For the dead, being in the likeness of the dead."[282] In other words, For
What purpose are we baptizing for the dead if not RITUALIZING the resurrection
Or rebirth of the dead? Is not one of the intended objectives of this
Baptismal exercise to demonstrate what was known more than five-thousand years
Ago in ancient Egypt that life does not cease to exist with our last mortal
Breath? But that all (Including the dead) must again return, either as fruits
Of the SECOND resurrection an obligatory return allowing the individual to
Attend to "Unfinished business," Or as a Fellow in the FIRST resurrection as
One of the Noble and Great as one of the "Imperishable Stars."[283]

Multiple Incarnations Recurring Voices Ages Mormon Doctrine Studies - Page 4

MULTIPLE INCARNATIONS: A PLAN OF ETERNAL PROGRESSION

Theosophist William Judge observed, "The lost chord of Christianity is
The doctrine of Reincarnation."[284] He, as well as a host of others, posits
That evidence the doctrine was found in the early Christian church is
Compelling. We know that John Chrysostom held to the belief of a previous
Existence,[285] as did the great St. Augustine.[286] Celtic Christians also
Embraced reincarnation as a basic tenet.[287] "It was beyond doubt taught in
The early days of the (Christian religion),"[288] as this writer has attempted
To demonstrate throughout this treatise. Plato tendered his belief in the
Immortality of the soul.[289] Clement of Alexandria bore witness that "God
Knew us before the foundation of the world, and chose us for our
Faithfulness."[290] The greatest of all the early Church theologians Origen
Undeniably believed in the doctrine, as confirmed by a number of independent
Sources. "Origen ... Propounded a theory of successive worlds and the
Transmigration of souls"; although Rufinus "had (Him) deny it."[291] He
Believed that "Sin did not brand a man eternally," That the "Pains of Hell
(Were) disciplinary and temporary, not everlasting." He believed that "The end
Will be as a beginning."[292] "God would never have implanted in our minds the
Love of truth, if it were never to have an opportunity of satisfaction."[293]
Origen believed that reincarnation "Was (A) teaching of the venerated elders,
The earliest Christians, the brethren in the early church."[294] In rebutting
Many of the outrageous claims hurled against the early Christians, he asked,
"(Is it not reasonable that) every soul ... Is introduced into a body ...
According to its deserts and former actions?"[295] Indeed, "The [unbegotten]
Souls of men ... Pass from one body to another."[296]
And what of Christ and his disciples? What were their views on this
Controversial subject? Consider the following:
And when Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his
Disciples saying, "Whom do men say that I, the Son of man[297] am?" And they
Said, "Some say John the Baptist; some say Elias; and others Jeremias; or one
Of the prophets."He said unto them, "But whom say ye that I am?" And Simon
Peter answered and said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God ..."
Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus,
The Christ.[298]

Origen acknowledged that "Unsound theories" Were circulated by the Jews
About Christ, such as that "he who was now called Jesus was (Once)
Elijah."[299] That people of the community would ponder such possibilities
Evidences, at the very least, a familiarity if not frank acceptance of the
Doctrine of multiple incarnations. Christ did not refute or challenge the
Doctrine, nor censure such speculative reasoning. His only charge to the
Faithful was that they keep in confidence his messianic identity.
Why is it the Jews were so fixated on the Old Testament prophet Elijah?
Why is it he commanded from them so much attention? It is to this subject that
We now direct our attention.