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Multiple Incarnations: Recurring Voices From Ages - Page 5

ELIJAH & JOHN THE BAPTIST

The Jews knew that Elijah's return evidenced the imminent appearance of
The promised Messiah.[300] "Elijah the Tishbite" Lived some nine-hundred years
Before Christ and was frequently the beneficiary of divine communication. On
One occasion he was instructed by God to travel to Zarephath, where he met a
Widowed woman caring for her terminally ill child.[301] While a guest in her
Home, the son's health took an immediate turn for the worse and died. Without
Hesitation, Elijah took the child to the privacy of his loft and cried to the
Lord, "Let this child's soul come into him again. And the Lord heard the voice
Of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into him again, and he
Revived."[302] His great faith and confidence in his God was made manifest
Again when he encountered the four hundred fifty prophets of Baal. Inviting
Them to evidence the power and supremacy of THEIR God, by bringing down fire
From heaven to stoke their altered sacrifice, their feckless efforts
Demonstrated that to such imposters the heavens were silent. Elijah, on the
Other hand, was able to evoke from the heavens a fire so intense that it
Consumed not only the sacrifice and the wood, but the twelve stones of the
Alter as well."And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and
They said, The Lord, he IS the God; the Lord, he IS the God."[303]

But this prophet of power and authority was also quick to impose harsh
And exacting judgment. Taking matters into his own hand, he commanded that the
Mendacious prophets be taken to the brook Kishon where he slew them with his
Sword.[304] It appears that such a demonstration of intolerance was of his own
Doing and NOT at the Lord's directive for we are told that he immediately
Took leave of the community and isolated himself in the wilderness. Elijah
Desired to die."It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life; for I am not
Better than my fathers."[305] But the Lord was not finished with this great
Prophet and took him only at HIS discretion and in accordance with HIS
Time-schedule not at the invitation of his vulnerable and passionate
Servant.[306]
We are told that Elijah was a "hairy man, and girt with a girdle of
Leather about his loins."[307] In the King James Version of the Bible, as
Published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1979), their own
Footnotes invite the reader to compare the similarities of appearance between
Elijah and John the Baptist. For in Mark 1:6 we read that John was "Clothed
With camel's hair, and with a girdle of skin about his loins." But why the
Necessary comparison? The writings of Matthew provide us the answer. Referring
To the imprisoned John the Baptist, Christ said,
But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and more
Than a prophet. For this is HE, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my
Messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.[308]
Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen
A greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the
Kingdom of heaven is greater than he....For all the prophets and the law
Prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias [Elijah],
Which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.[309]

From Luke we learn that the righteous priest Zacharias was met by "An
Angel of the Lord"[310] and told that he and his barren wife Elisabeth would
Have a son whom they were to call John. John, they were told, would be "Great
In the sight of the Lord,"[311] for he was indeed one of God's own. "He shall
Be filled with the Holy Ghost,[312] even from his mother's womb."[313] His
Mission was to prepare the way of Jesus Christ, and that he would "Turn the
Hearts of the fathers to the children" In the "Spirit and power of Elias
[Elijah]."[314]

Ages Voices Recurring Incarnations Multiple

It is relevant to the subject of recurrent mortalities that we identify
This "Angel of the Lord" Come to Zacharias announcing the birth of John the
Baptist. From Luke we learn the angel was Gabriel;[315] from Joseph Smith we
Learn that Gabriel is identified with Noah;[316] also from Joseph Smith we
Learn that the angel was Elias [Elijah] himself[317] come to announce HIS OWN
BIRTH[318] for even Elder McConkie concedes, John the Baptist was
Elijah![319] What is going on here? Lest our reader be confused by this
"Shuffling of characters," Let us review: The scriptures declare that John the
Baptist is the returned Elijah, and that Elijah is the returned Noah. To
Summarize, this writer can do no better than defer to the decisive pr"šcis of
Joseph Fielding Smith:
Joseph Smith revealed that Gabriel was Noah; Luke declared that it was
The angel Gabriel who appeared to Zacharias and Mary, and the Lord declared
That Elias appeared to Zacharias and Joseph Smith. Therefore, Elias is
Noah.[320]

In fulfillment of Isaiah's prophesy, that a voice would go forth in the
Wilderness to "Prepare the way of the Lord," So too we are told that John the
Baptist came "Preaching in the wilderness," Calling the people to repentance
In preparation for the coming of Christ.[321] While John himself denied that
He was Elijah incarnate, Christ was unequivocal in identifying John's
"Eternal" Identity.
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias [Elijah] truly shall first
Come, and restore all things. But I say unto you, That Elias is come already,
And they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise
Shall also the Son of man suffer of them. THEN THE DISCIPLES UNDERSTOOD THAT
HE SPAKE UNTO THEM OF JOHN THE BAPTIST.[322]

Christ taught that all who take up the sword "Shall perish with the
Sword."[323] Puryear postulates[324] that as Elijah slew by the sword,[325] so
Did John the Baptist perish by the sword.[326] Nonetheless, in the clearest of
Terms, Christ tells his disciples that John the Baptist fulfilled the promise
Of Elijah's return. The evidence is compelling, and as such it is this
Writer's unqualified belief that John the Baptist IS the reincarnation of
Elijah.[327]
Returning again to the writings of the early Christian community,
Frederick Wisse's introduction of THE APOCRYPHON OF JOHN is very direct, in
Its regard for reincarnation:

Christ is sent down to save humanity by reminding people of their
Heavenly origin. Only those who possess this knowledge and have lived ascetic
Lives can return to the realm of light; the others are reincarnated until they
Also come to saving knowledge.[328]

Multiple Incarnations: Recurring Voices From Ages Studies Doctrine Mormon

In the book of Revelation, St. John the Divine speaks of glory awaiting
Those who have "Not defiled their garments"; for they are the worthy; they
Have over-come adversarial forces and are to become fixtures "In the temple of
God (To go) NO MORE OUT."[329] The corollary to St. John's pearl is that the
Untrue, those undeserving of a celestial inheritance, WILL again "Go out"
They will return; they will be granted the additional time and opportunity to
Improve their circumstance. Today, however, most mainstream Christian
Religions consider the doctrine of reincarnation spurious and unworthy of
Doctrinal embrace. But as Jewish scholar J. Abelson notes,

The soul enjoyed a heavenly pre-existence. This idea is already found in
The Talmud and is deduced from certain passages in the Hebrew Bible....
Complementary to this doctrine of pre-existence is that of the transmigration
Of the soul ... (Where individuals are accorded the privilege of) cleansing
Themselves and working ... Up to a higher level of destiny... The soul's dross
Cannot be cast off in the course of one lifetime. It must pass through many
Bodies and experience many terrestrial existences, each one higher than the
Others, before it can reach the pinnacle of perfection union with God.[330]

Rabbi Manassa writes in his book NISMATH HAYEM,
The belief or the doctrine of the transmigration of souls is a firm and
Infallible dogma accepted by the whole assemblage of our church with one
Accord.... We are therefore in duty bound to obey and accept this dogma with
Acclamation ... As the truth of it has been incontestably demonstrated by the
Zohar, and all the books of the Kabalists.[331]

According to Mr. Judge, it is "An old Jewish tradition (That) the soul of
Adam reincarnated in David." Talmudists, for example, avow that the name ADAM
(ADM) contains the names A-dam, D-avid, and M-essiah that David, as the
Reincarnation of Adam, will again return as the Messiah. For as the prophet
Jeremiah stated, "But they shall serve the Lord their God, and David their
King, whom I WILL RAISE UP UNTO THEM."[332] From the Jewish Bible, the same
Passage reads, "And they shall serve Jhvh their God, and David their king whom
I shall REAWAKEN for them." The Gnostic community believed that the Messiah
Was the reincarnation of Seth; that Adam and Seth were indeed "The father and
Savior of the incorruptible race."[333] Nevertheless, for the Jews, God's
Promise is very clear: David will again return.[334] As the author of Genesis
Reminds us, for "Dust thou art and unto dust thou shalt return."[335]

Page 5 Ages Voices Recurring Incarnations Multiple

As the ancients observed, the dust of the earth metaphorically represents
The corporeal body.[336] "Who can count the DUST OF JACOB and the number of
The progeny of Israel? (Num. 23:10, emphasis added.) When the Holy One shall
Arise to waken the dead," Writes the author of THE ZOHAR, "What will be the
Plight of those who went through transmigration several times?... Those that
Are worthy will awake to life in the world below since they have not merited
The world above."[337] From the "Wisdom literature" Are intoned similar
Observations from BEN SIRACH:[338]
The Lord created human beings out of the earth, and makes them return to
It AGAIN ...When humans [are] finished, THEY ARE JUST BEGINNING, and when they
Stop, they are still perplexed... The number of days in their life is great if
They reach one hundred years. Like a drop of water from the sea and a grain of
Sand, [What] are a few years among the days of eternity?... [God] sees and
Recognizes that their end is miserable; therefore he grants them forgiveness
All the more... He rebukes and trains and teaches them, and TURNS THEM BACK,
As a shepherd [does] his flock.[339]

"All flesh is of the dust," Reminds Jacob.[340] The author of the
THANKSGIVING HYMNS (1QH) describes himself as "A creature of clay.[341]
Furthermore, by employing the literary tool of parallelism, he provides limpid
Evidence that the ancients referred to the mortal body as "Dust."
But what is flesh that it should understand [these things]?
And how should [a creature of] dust direct his steps?[342]

Acclaimed Jewish writer, Adin Steinsaltz describes the journey of the
Soul this way:

(If the soul) has not managed to complete that portion of reality which
Only this particular soul can complete; and therefore after the death of the
Body, the soul returns and is reincarnated in the body of another person and
Again must try and complete what it failed to correct or what it injured in
The past. The sins of man are not eliminated so long as this soul does not
Complete that which it has to complete... Almost every person bears the legacy
Of previous existences.[343]

It is in this life where the will of the flesh submits to a higher will;
Where we arrest carnal instincts; where we confront unresolved issues of
Seasons past and present; where rancor and chaos defer to discipline and
Righteousness; where one aligns with light rather than darkness. As light
Perfuses our being we become endowed with yet more light; and, as cited
Earlier, " That light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect
Day."[344]
Mortality is the forum God provides to test the will and resolve of each
Participant. This trial mandates the individual be empowered with the freedom
To choose, even if such should prove injurious to their spiritual or eternal
Health. For as with a river, it is desultory man's predictable nature to
Follow the course of least resistance. Life is rife with risk and peril, for
Indifference and mediocrity invite tragedy as sycophants and charlatans alike
Exploit the unwary with disabling and mendacious sophistry. But the best of
Intentions and the wisest of men, too, unwittingly violate individual freedoms
And liberties. God does not take kindly to those who impose obligatory
Participation, even if its design is intended to ensure the safety of the
Subject.[345] Cooperation or compliance alone does not evidence a meaningful
Or a lasting conversion. Without independence, without the freedom to choose,
Man becomes nothing more than an automaton.

Intended to be found at our disposal are the resources necessary to
Support this effort; but we are to use such resources only in proportion to
Our NEED.[346] Therein lies the danger. But to detail the innumerable ways man
Is capable of erring[347] takes us far beyond the scope of this essay.[348] Of
Expedience is the need to bridle our lust for the comforts and conveniences of
This world, no matter how seductive or enticing, and direct our reluctant
Attention heavenward, no matter how allusive or demanding. We are to be
Followers of Abraham.

Ages Voices Recurring Incarnations Multiple

THE MULTIPLE INCARNATIONS OF MELCHIZEDEK

Previously in this essay we asked the question, Who is this Melchizedek
Of whom it is said none were greater? Having introduced the reader to what is
Said and written on the subject of multiple incarnations, the writer now
Chooses to provide additional information about this great and marvelous High
Priest.

In the days leading up to the flood lived the righteous man Nir, brother
Of Noah and ordained High Priest of God.[349] We are told that his wife
Sopanim was advanced in years and barren.[350] Nevertheless, "She conceived in
Her womb, but Nir the priest had not slept with her, nor had he touched
Her."[351] When Nir discovered the pregnancy of his wife, knowing he was not
The father, "he became very ashamed."[352] In her own defense, a shocked
Sopanim implored her husband, "O my Lord, it is the time of my old age ... I
Do not understand how my menopause and the barrenness of my womb has been
Reversed."[353] Nir refused to believe his wife's innocence and dismissed her
From his presence; whereupon a distraught Sopanim fell at his feet and
Died.[354]
Nir reported the tragedy to his brother Noah, who agreed that her death,
Although tragic and unexpected, was justified and evidenced God's displeasure
With her promiscuous behavior.[355] Having dressed the body in "Black
Garments," And ashamed at how she had dishonored them, they set out to
Secretly dig a grave. Upon their return they discovered the deceased had given
Birth to a child who donned the "Badge of (The) priesthood ... On his
Chest."[356] To Nir and Noah alike, it was a revelation: "God is RENEWING the
Priesthood from blood related to us."[357] Whereupon they "Washed the child,
And they dressed him in the garments of (The) priesthood and they gave him the
Holy Bread and he ate it. [Much in the same way Melchizedek did with Abraham?]
And they called his name Melkisedek."[358]
Having recognized their error, they humbly and respectfully removed the
Black garments from Sopanim, "Washed and clothed her in exceptionally bright
Garments,"[359] and provided for her a proper and public burial.

Noah[360] then instructed Nir, "Look after this child in secret ...
Because people will become treacherous in all the earth, and they will begin
To turn away from God, and having become totally ignorant, they will put him
To death."[361] The Lord appeared to Nir in a "Night vision" Warning him that
The licentiousness of the earth's inhabitants could no longer be tolerated,
And that "Everything ... On the earth (Must) perish."[362] The Lord then told
Nir that Michael would be sent to "Take the child" To Eden "Where Adam
Formerly (Dwelt) for seven years."[363] For "This child will not perish along
With those who are perishing ... So that Melkisedek will be the PRIEST TO ALL
HOLY PRIESTS, and I will establish him so that HE WILL BE THE HEAD OF THE
PRIESTS OF THE FUTURE."[364] He will be "The head of the 13 priests who
Existed before. And afterward, in the last generation, there will be ANOTHER
Melkisedek, the first of 12 priests. And the last will be the head of all, a
Great archpriest, the Word and Power of God."[365] Nir was given assurances
That his brother Noah would survive the impending flood, and from him would
Emerge "A planting from his tribe."[366] Furthermore, there would be yet
"ANOTHER Melkisedek, the head of priests reigning over the people, and
Performing the liturgy for the Lord."[367]

As promised, "The Lord said to Michael, 'Go down onto the earth to Nir
The priest, and take MY CHILD Melkisedek [whose child?] ... And place him in
The paradise of (Eden) for preservation."[368] As instructed, Michael appeared
Before Nir and told him he had come to take the child to "The paradise of
(Eden), and there he will be forever."[369] Nir was also told that in the 12th
Generation "There will be born ... A righteous man" Who will be sent "Out of
The mountain," Where he had been living for seven years; he will be "Another
Melkisedek ... Hiding himself from the people who sacrifice to idols ... He
Will be the first priest and king in the city (Salem) in the style of this
Melkisedek, the ORIGINATOR of the priests."[370]
Melchizedek was born and lived on earth PRIOR to the great flood as the
Literal son of the Most High, but was taken to Eden with the intent of
Returning at a later time, "Another Melkisedek."And so continues unabated the
Cyclical iterations of the gods.

Multiple Incarnations: Recurring Voices From Ages

SUMMARY

Renown physicist and Nobel laureate Steven Weinberg ends an otherwise
Marvelous book with this disturbing confession:
The more the universe seems comprehensible, the more it also seems
Pointless.... Men and women are not content to comfort themselves with tales
Of gods and giants ... The effort to understand the universe ... Lifts human
Life a little above the level of farce, and gives it some of the grace of
Tragedy.[371]

What makes Professor Weinberg's dour reflections so utterly tragic is the
Apparent unwillingness, if not refusal, to look outside, what the
PSEUDO-CLEMENTINES call, the "Smoke-filled room."[372] Responding to our
Critic's blemished hortatory would be infeasible. Likewise, to argue or debate
The relative merits of this "Lettered perspective" Would be a depressing and
Philosophically barren exercise. Therefore, if the despondent will not hear
The music, it is pointless to insist they join us in the dance.
It is sufficient for at least this observer to posit that answers to such
Cosmogonic imponderables lie elsewhere. The answers are found not in the
Rhetorical realm of the sophic, nor are they found in the "horizontal" World
Of the empirical but in a region outside our present dimension known only to
The Mantic.[373] For the Egyptians, a melding of the metaphysical with the
Physical world added meaning and purpose to their existence. An awareness of
The "Vertical" Dimension was an imperative to their life experience. But as
One scholar laments, "[Today, however], we are shackled to a 'horizontal' mode
Of perception from which the illuminating presence [and influence] of the gods
Has been [largely] excluded."[374]
However, the unfeigned seeker of wisdom, the honest in heart and mind,
Will find solace and purpose in Justin Martyr's sanguine analysis:

Is it not absurd, that that which has been produced ... And which is
Beyond all else valuable, should be so neglected by its Maker, as to pass to
Nonentity? The sculptor and painter; if they wish the works they have made to
Endure, ... [do they not] renew them when they begin to decay[?] [Are we to
Believe that] God would so neglect His own possession and work, that it
Becomes annihilated, and no longer exists[?] Should we not call this labour in
Vain? As if a man who has built a house should forthwith destroy it, or should
Neglect it, though he sees it falling into [disrepair], and is able to repair
It, [yet chooses not to]: we would blame him for labouring in vain; and should
We not so blame God, [were He to follow a similar course of destruction]?But
Not such an one is the Incorruptible, not senseless is the Intelligence of
The universe. Let the unbelieving be silent, even though they themselves do
Not believe.[375]

To those who have accepted Weinberg's "Gods and giants," We ask, Who are
These noble servants? These are individuals purged of impurity; men and women
Who have satisfied the demands expatiated in the "Doctrine of Christ,"[376]
And who, like Abraham, have "Sought for the blessings of the fathers, and the
Right whereunto (They) should be ordained... (These are the) followers of
Righteousness, desiring to (Possess) great knowledge, and to be greater
(Followers) of righteousness, and to possess (Yet) greater knowledge, and to
Be (Fathers) of many nations (And princes) of peace... Such BECAME rightful
(Heirs), High Priests, (Jointly) holding the rights belonging to the fathers;
They who dwelt in the beginning of time."[377] These are they who reside in
The "Treasuries" Of heaven "Those who have proven themselves to be
Righteous."[378]
As the Lord told Joseph Smith, such were
... Washed and cleansed from all their sins ... And who overcome by faith
... Are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise ...They are they who are the
Church of the Firstborn ... Into whose hands the Father has given ALL things
... Who are priests and kings, who have received of this fulness, and of his
Glory; And are priests of the Most High, after the order of Melchizedek, etc.
Wherefore, as it is written, they are gods, even the sons of God.... These
Shall dwell in the presence of God and his Christ forever and ever ...These
Are they who are just men made perfect through Jesus the mediator of the new
Covenant, who [made possible] this perfect atonement through the shedding of
His own blood.[379]

From a document found in Nag Hammadi, we read: "(Christ came not to)
Bring God down to man, but that man might become like God."[380] For as Christ
Said to James, "I came down to dwell with you so that you in turn might dwell
With me."[381] How unspeakably glorious and wonderful: the sons and daughters
Of men may BECOME sons and daughters of God[382] "A continuing work of great
And marvelous scope."[383] Such ARE the redeemed; not worthy candidates
Awaiting messianic review. As stated previously, this august body were listed
Among the gods based not upon their POTENTIAL but upon their PERFORMANCE. As
A perspicacious voice from ages past observed, "Those whom (God) has anointed
Are the ones who have become perfect."[384] Kings and Queens, Priests and
Priestesses of the Most High, shedding regal robes for garments of flesh. Why?
To mediate the redemption and make possible the apotheosis of recusant man.

"FOR IF ONLY THIS LIFE EXISTS WHICH EVERYONE POSSESSES HERE, NOTHING COULD BE MORE BITTER.... FOR OF WHAT HELP IS STRENGTH WHICH CHANGES INTO WEAKNESS, OR FOOD IN ABUNDANCE WHICH CHANGES INTO FAMINE, OR BEAUTY WHICH CHANGES INTO UGLINESS? FOR THE NATURE OF MEN IS ALWAYS CHANGEABLE. FOR AS WE WERE ONCE, WE ARE NO LONGER. AND AS WE ARE NOW, WE SHALL NOT REMAIN IN THE FUTURE. FOR IF AN END OF ALL THINGS HAD NOT BEEN PREPARED, THEIR BEGINNING WOULD HAVE BEEN SENSELESS."[385]

Multiple Incarnations Recurring Voices Ages - Page 5

[1] A redaction of this paper was presented at a Sunstone Symposium convened in Salt Lake City, Utah, August 7-10, 2002. In its earliest development, this essay was entitled THE COALESCENCE OF HARMONIC THEMES: A ROAD TO APOTHEOSIS. However, the writer found it necessary to change the title to more accurately reflect the essay's contents.
[2] This essay will likely remain a work in progress, as new and supportive material surfaces from time to time. This version is dated 08-28-02.
[3] See JST Gen. 14:20, 39; JST Heb. 7:2, 4; Alma 13:15.
[4] JST Gen. 14:20, 39. In Pseudo-Philo 14:4 we read "I command each generation of my people that they should give to me (God) tithes from their fruits ..."
[5] JST Gen. 14:17.
[6] Alma 13:19.
[7] See JST Gen 6:9; 7; Job 1:1; 2:3; D&C 107:43; Testament of Isaac 4:16.
[8] JST Heb. 6:20.
[9] A summary of JST Gen. 14:26-40.
[10] Alma 13:1 (Emphasis added).
[11] D&C 124:123 (Emphasis added).
[12] HC 3:387-88. (See also Origen, COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN, Book 1:3; CONTRA CELSUM, Book 6:20; 8:34.)
[13] D&C 107:2.
[14] Ibid., 138:41. It is this writer's belief that Shem is to Noah what Isaac is to Abraham. This essay attempts to demonstrate that Isaac is indeed God incarnate.
[15] Alma 13:3.
[16] D&C 107:19.
[17] JST Gen. 14:32.
[18] As one example, see Abraham in Egypt, COLLECTED WORKS OF HUGH NIBLEY: Vol.14, 26.
[19] 2 Baruch 76:2.
[20] THE UPANISHADS (Penguin Books, copyright renewed 1975), 18.
[21] It is well known that Osiris was the Egyptian god of the dead (See Jan Assman, THE SEARCH FOR GOD IN ANCIENT EGYPT, 78).
[22] Byron E. Shafer, et al, RELIGION IN ANCIENT EGYPT, 29.
[23] Erik Hornung, CONCEPTIONS OF GOD IN ANCIENT EGYPT, 160, (Emphasis added).
[24] The prophet Moses enjoys similar distinction: Upon retrieving "One of the Hebrew children" From the river, Pharaoh's daughter assumed maternal responsibilities for the child, making him her son and called him Moses. The biological mother, on the other hand, had given him the name of Melchiel "King of God" (Pseudo-Philo 9:7-16).Like Adam and Noah before him, he was born circumcised and considered to be God's covenant (Zohar I, 187).
[25] 3 Ne. 18:19-21 (Emphasis added).
[26] Ibid., 19:18 (Emphasis added).
[27] Half-baked scholars may bristle to hear that Christ IS the Eternal Father and God of heaven, insisting that he is the son and ONLY the son of the Eternal Father. To justify their agitation, they'll recite the following Book of Mormon passages (Copyright 1981, emphasis added): I) 1 NEPHI 11:18: "... The virgin whom thou seest is the MOTHER OF THE SON OF GOD ..." However, the 1830 EDITION of the same book reads, "... The virgin whom thou seest is the MOTHER OF GOD..." She is the mother of God, not the mother of God's son. Ii) 1 NEPHI 11:21: "... Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even THE SON OF THE ETERNAL FATHER!" The 1830 EDITION reads, "... Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even THE ETERNAL FATHER!" Note: there is no reference to "The son." Iii) 1 NEPHI 13:40: "... The Lamb of God is THE SON OF THE ETERNAL FATHER..." The 1830 EDITION reads, "... The Lamb of God IS THE ETERNAL FATHER ..." (Emphasis added). In light of these scriptures, it is clear that God HIMSELF came down God did not send another. As the prophet Abinadi affirmed, "Redemption cometh through Christ the Lord, WHO IS THE VERY ETERNAL FATHER" (Mosiah 16:15, emphasis added).And how did his audience respond? "For thou hast said that God himself should come down among the children of men; and now, for this cause thou shalt be put to death ..." (Mosiah 17:8).
[28] To complete the holy Triad, the D&C 36:2 tells us that Christ is also the "Holy Ghost, even the Comforter."
[29] Dimitri and Christine Meeks, DAILY LIFE OF THE EGYPTIAN GODS, 16. See also Jan Assman, THE SEARCH FOR GOD IN ANCIENT EGYPT, 17; James H. Breasted, DEVELOPMENT OF RELIGION AND THOUGHT IN ANCIENT EGYPT, 16 ("The conception of the Sun-god as a former king of Egypt ...").
[30] Jeremy Naydler, TEMPLE OF THE COSMOS: THE ANCIENT EGYPTIAN EXPERIENCE OF THE SACRED, vii (Citing from "Asclepius" 3.29, CORUPUS HERMETICUM).
[31] Shafer, et al, 28.
[32] Ibid, 29
[33] Ibid, 65-66.
[34] Ibid, 64.
[35] Ibid, 71.
[36] Raymond O. Faulkner, THE ANCIENT EGYPTIAN PYRAMID TEXTS, 1466
[37] Raymond O. Faulkner, THE ANCIENT EGYPTIAN BOOK OF THE DEAD, 27.
[38] Jeremiah 1:5. See also 4 Baruch 1:1, 5; 3:7 where God refers to Jeremiah as "My chosen one."
[39] Geza Vermes, editor, THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS IN English, 165
["The Thanksgiving Hymns" (1QH)].
[40] Ibid., 191.
[41] Odes of Solomon 8:12-13.
[42] Pseudo-Philo 50:8.
[43] Hornung, 152.
[44] SECOND APOLOGY, XI.
[45] Hornung, 153.
[46] "Mapping the Afterlife," ANCIENT EGYPTIAN MAGAZINE, Issue Seven - June/July 2001.
[47] Hornung, 155.
[48] Synonymous terms would include Underworld, Netherworld, Duat, Amduat, etc.
[49] Naydler, 26, emphasis added.
[50] Ibid., 157. (See also Moses 1:39.)
[51] Ibid., 160.
[52] James H. Breasted, DEVELOPMENT OF RELIGION AND THOUGHT IN ANCIENT EGYPT, 138.
[53]Hornung, 161.
[54] The "Noble and great ones" Spoken of in Abraham 3.
[55] Jude 1:6; Abr. 3:26-28.
[56] Hornung, 161 (Emphasis added).
[57] Ibid., 162 (Emphasis added).
[58] Ibid., 148.
[59] Abr. 1:2-3.
[60] Meeks, 19.
[61] A very fragmented document housed in the Museum of Turin.
[62] Meeks, 29.
[63] It is said that Nun was the "Father of the gods."
[64] Meeks, 30.
[65] Ibid., 32 (Emphasis added).
[66] Ibid., fig. 12. See also James H. Breasted, DEVELOPMENT OF RELIGION AND THOUGHT IN ANCIENT EGYPT, 15-16
[67] THE SEARCH FOR GOD IN ANCIENT EGYPT, 117.
[68] James H. Breasted, DEVELOPMENT OF RELIGION AND THOUGHT IN ANCIENT EGYPT, 16.
[69] Ibid., 15, 70.
[70] Ibid., 121. See also Jan Assmann, THE SEARCH FOR GOD IN ANCIENT EGYPT, 55.
[71] Ibid., 122.
[72] Siegfried Morenz, EGYPTIAN RELIGION, 36.The doctrine of the "Son of the sun" Is seen embroidered into many Egyptian legends, and found in dogmatic form on several temple walls.
[73] Meeks, 122.
[74] Ibid., 77.
[75] Sarai and Abram had a common father (Terah), but different mothers: Shelmath and Yona respectively (BOOK OF THE BEE 25:42; see also JST Gen. 12:9). So, too, was Isis the wife and sister of Osiris. The writer also wishes to draw the readers attention to figure 1 of facsimile 3 of the Book of Abraham. The figure is identified as "Abraham sitting upon pharaoh's throne." What Joseph Smith neglected to mention was that Abraham is wearing the Atef crown, or the crown of Osiris.
[76] Apocalypse of Sedrach 9:1-3 (Emphasis added).
[77] James H. Charlesworth, editor, THE OLD TESTAMENT PSEUDEPIGRAPHA: Vol. 2, 187.
[78] Joseph and Aseneth 3:6.
[79] Ibid., 4:8(10).
[80] Ibid., 6:2(5).
[81] Ibid., 6:3(6).
[82] Ibid., 6:4(7).
[83] Ibid., 6:8(8).
[84] Ibid., 8:10-11.
[85] Ibid., 10:17(20).
[86] Ibid., 14:1-5.
[87] Ibid., 14:8(7).
[88] Ibid., 14:9(8).
[89] Ibid., 14:13(14)-14(15).
[90] Ibid., 15:2-3.
[91] Ibid., 15:4(3)-7(6), (Emphasis added).
[92] Ibid., 15:11(12)-17:10(7).
[93] Ibid., 19:5-6.
[94] Ibid., 19:8.
[95] Ibid., 20:1-5.
[96] Ibid., 21:3.
[97] Such a concession acknowledges Joseph's divine heritage; that he is, in fact, a god incarnate.
[98] Ibid., 21:4-5.
[99] Ibid., 21:7(5).
[100] Ibid., 21:9(8).
[101] THE TEACHING OF BUDDHA (Copyright 1966, Bukko Dendo Kyokai), 2.
[102] Ibid., 4.
[103] Ibid., 4.
[104] Ibid., 2-18.
[105] Meeks, 54.
[106] Ibid., 54.
[107] Ibid., 55.
[108] Ibid., 61.
[109] Ibid., 100.
[110] See D&C 76:51-70
[111] JST Heb. 7:3 (Emphasis added).
[112] See Abr. 3:23.
[113] Abr. 3:24, 27 (Emphasis added).
[114] See JST Gen. 6:10.
[115] Ibid., 15:1-2 (Emphasis added). See also 2 Sam. 22:31, 36.
[116] Ibid., 15:3.
[117] Ibid, v. 6.
[118] Pseudo-Philo 8:3.
[119] Testament of Abraham 4:1.
[120] There are 200-400 billion stars in our Milky Way galaxy alone. There are approximately 100 billion galaxies in our universe. (Carl Sagan, COSMOS.)
[121] Pseudo-Philo 14:30.
[122] Ibid, 15:10.
[123] Ibid, 15:11.
[124] Hebrews 11:17-19 (Emphasis added).
[125] Testament of Isaac 8:4.
[126] Testament of Jacob 2:13, (Emphasis added).
[127] James M. Robinson, editor, THE NAG HAMMADI LIBRARY, 389 ("The Teachings of Silvanus").
[128] Gospel of Philip 112:10, (Emphasis added).
[129] Hebrews 13:8. (See also 1 Ne. 10:16 "he us the same yesterday, today, and forever"; and D&C 76:4 "From eternity to eternity he is the same.")
[130] Sibylline Oracles, Book 3, 95 (Emphasis added).
[131] Bruce R. McConkie, DOCTRINAL NEW TESTAMENT COMMENTARY: vol. 3:186. This same position is reflected in the NEW CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: "Man has but one life on earth in which to earn his eternal destiny."
[132] CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH 1013 (Liguori, Mo.; Liguori Publications, 1994), 264.
[133] Daniel H. Ludlow, editor, ENCYCLOPEDIA OF MORMONISM, 1-4 vols., 1198.
[134] Ibid.
[135] Scott H. Faulring, editor, THE DIARIES AND JOURNALS OF JOSEPH SMITH: AN AMERICAN PROPHET'S RECORD, 54-55 (Emphasis added).
[136] Contributing evidence of an apostasy in the early Christian Church comes not from the BIRTH of the doctrine of reincarnation but its death.
[137] Robert Beckstead, M.D., RESPONSE TO CRAIG MILLER'S "DID SWEDENBORG INFLUENCE JOSEPH SMITH" (See Dr. Beckstead's website: www.mormonscience.org)
[138] DIARY OF APOSTLE ORSON F. WHITNEY, June 8, 1889, CHURCH ARCHIVES.
[139] Ibid., June 3, 1889
[140] Joseph Fielding Smith, DOCTRINES OF SALVATION: vol. 1:18.
[141] PLATO'S REPUBLIC, Book X.
[142] A letter addressed to Eugene England from Elder McConkie, written on a Quorum of the Twelve letterhead and dated February 19, 1981. (The writer obtained his personal copy of this letter from THE UTAH LIGHTHOUSE MINISTRY, owned and operated by Gerald and Sandra Tanner.)
[143] 2 Enoch 58:1.
[144] Wim van den Dungen, ON THE SHABAKA STONE, (Www.sophiatopia.org)
[145] See THE ZOHAR I, 132-33, 142; III, 169.See also Bentley Layton, editor, THE GNOSTIC SCRIPTURES, 167-68 ("The Gnostics According to St. Irenaeus," 1.29.3).
[146] Moses 6:22; Gen. 6:23; Luke 3:38.
[147] D&C 76:58.
[148] BOOK OF THE DEAD, Spell 78.
[149] Origen, CONTRA CELSUM, 1:60. See also James M. Robinson, THE NAG HAMMADI LIBRARY, 389 ("The Teachings of Silvanus").
[150] Ibid., 2:23.
[151] Ibid., 2:25.
[152] Justin Martyr, SECOND APOLOGY, Chapter XIII.
[153] Helena Blavatsky, ISIS UNVEILED, 8.
[154] BOOK OF THE DEAD, Spell 71.
[155] Hugh Nibley, ANCIENT DOCUMENTS AND THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE, 1986. Lecture 4, 2.
[156] Origen, CONTRA CELSUM, 3:75.
[157] THE UPANISHADS, 115.
[158] Nibley, Lecture 4, 2.
[159] Carl Sagan, THE DEMON-HAUNTED WORLD: SCIENCE AS A CANDLE IN THE DARK, 268-69 (Emphasis added).
[160] Tertullian, APOLOGY, Chapter 48.
[161] Ibid, (Emphasis added).
[162] Ibid.
[163] See Alma 12:24; 13:10, 21, 27; 34:31-35; 42:4, 10, 13; 1 Ne. 15:32; 2 Ne. 2:21.
[164] Elizabeth Clare Prophet, REINCARNATION: THE MISSING LINK IN CHRISTIANITY, 147.
[165] See Leslie D. Weatherhead, THE CHRISTIAN AGNOSTIC, 332. (Cited in Elizabeth C. Prophet's book, 158-59.)
[166] FRAGMENTS OF THE LOST WORK OF JUSTIN MARTYR ON THE RESURRECTION, VII.
[167] Tertullian, Chapter 48 (Emphasis added).
[168] As cited by Hugh Nibley, ANCIENT DOCUMENTS AND THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE, Lecture 3, 13.
[169] Ibid., pp 13-14.
[170] Ibid., 14.
[171] Ibid.
[172] Spell 135, emphasis added.
[173] Ibid., Spell 136A, emphasis added.
[174] Ibid., Spell 136B.
[175] THE UPANISHADS, 122-123.
[176] Ibid., 23.
[177] Ibid., 110.
[178] Herbert Bruce Puryear, WHY JESUS TAUGHT REINCARNATION, 150.
[179] See Acts 24:15; Alma 12:8; D&C 76:17; JST John 5:29.
[180] See Hugh Nibley, TEACHINGS OF THE BOOK OF MORMON, Vol. 2, 179. ("The second resurrection is a different type of experience a different type of resurrection.")
[181] See Revelation 20:1-7.
[182] G. Vermes, 173
[183] Origen, 1:52.
[184] An Approach to the Book of Mormon, THE COLLECTED WORKS OF HUGH NIBLEY: Vol. 6:376.
[185] Elizabeth Clare Prophet, REINCARNATION: THE MISSING LINK IN CHRISTIANITY, 114.
[186] Ibid., 115.
[187] Approaching Zion, THE COLLECTED WORKS OF HUGH NIBLEY: Vol. 9:271 (Emphasis added).
[188] Puryear, 222.
[189] Pseudo-Philo 15:11.
[190] Moses 1:6 (Emphasis added).
[191] Consider the words of Lehi to his son Jacob: "I know that thouart redeemed" (2 Ne. 2:3). Or, as the Lord told the Brother of Jared, "Because thou knowest these things ye areredeemed from the fall" (Ether 3:13). In both cases, these were men who lived well before the advent of Christ.See also 2 Ne. 33:6; Alma 5:24; 7:25; Mosiah 27:24; DEAD SEA SCROLLS, "The Thanksgiving Hymns" (1QH), II: 1, 3.
[192] See Mosiah 16:6.
[193] Mosiah 3:18.
[194] 2 Baruch 77:10, emphasis added.
[195] Ibid., 85:2.
[196] Ibid., 81:2-3.
[197] Micah 5:2.
[198] 1 Ne. 10:19 (Emphasis added). See also D&C 3:2; 35:1.
[199] Enoch The Prophet, THE COLLECTED WORKS OF HUGH NIBLEY: Vol. 2, 39. (See also p. 47: "Like the Messiah, Si-Osiris returns in every 'time of wickedness and vengeance.'"
[emphasis added])
[200] Jacob 4:8, emphasis added; see also 2 Ne. 9:53.If the condescension of God is the incarnation of God (See 1 Ne. 11:16-27), What would be the condescensions of God if not His multiple incarnations?
[201] See Jacob 5:4, 15-16, 19, 29, 49, 72. In D&C 88:51-61 we read of multiple divisions of time where the Lord tells his servant "I will come unto you," Or "I will visit you."As with the aforementioned, such allegory affirms multiple appearances by the divine in the flesh.
[202] Pseudo-Philo 15:6, emphasis added. The reader is reminded that in ancient literature LAMPS or LIGHTS are pseudonyms used to describe celestial beings (Noble and great ones) sent down as the Lord's emissaries. It is apparent to at least this writer that God is intimately involved with the affairs of this world, and in particular with the sons and daughters of men.
[203] Ibid., 19:4.
[204] Puryear, 240.
[205] Ibid.
[206] APOLOGY, Chapter 21.
[207] Jan Assman, THE SEARCH FOR GOD IN ANCIENT EGYPT, 58.
[208] Ibid., 59.
[209] Mosiah 15:1-3.
[210] D&C 36:2.
[211] III Hermas 5:46.
[212] The Gospel According to Philip (87)a:25
[Bentley Layton, editor, THE GNOSTIC SCRIPTURES, 347 (Emphasis added)].
[213] Hornung, 150.
[214] Testament of Isaac, 6:8 (Emphasis added).
[215] Rosenberg, JESUS, ISAAC, AND THE "SUFFERING SERVANT," 388.
[216] Ibid.
[217] Ibid., 386, citing JUBILEES 18:18.
[218] Abraham in Egypt, COLLECTED WORKS OF HUGH NIBLEY: Vol. 14, 329-30.
[219] To the Nephites, a resurrected and exalted Jesus Christ counseled, "Pray unto the Father IN MY NAME" (3 Ne. 18:19, emphasis added).
[220] JST Gen. 6:68.
[221] JST 1 Cor. 15:35-36 (Emphasis added).
[222] JST 1 Cor. 15:38.
[223] Ibid., v. 38.
[224] Ibid., vv. 40-41.
[225] See D&C 76.
[226] D&C 88:22.
[227] Ibid., vv. 25-27 (Emphasis added).
[228] Ibid., v. 28.
[229] D&C 88:29-32 (Emphasis added).
[230] D&C 1:35; 38:16. See also 1 Enoch 63:8.
[231] Abr. 3:18-19 (Emphasis added).
[232] Ibid, 3:22-23; 4:1 (Emphasis added).
[233] Pseudo-Phil 4:11. So amazed were they that Abram survived the fiery furnace that his peers called the region "Deli"; Chaldean for "God."
[234] Alma 13:2.
[235] The reader is referred to Alma 13:1-11.
[236] 1 Ne. 15:32 (Emphasis added).
[237] D&C 121:40.
[238] See Alma 12:24; 13:21, 27; 34:31-35; 42:4, 10, 13; 1 Ne. 15:32; 2 Ne. 2:21.
[239] Alma 9:25 (Emphasis added).
[240] Ibid., 10:20 (Emphasis added).
[241] D&C 129:1-3.
[242] Alma 13:3.
[243] Alma 12:29.
[244] Ibid., see vv. 30, 33. As D&C 76:58 tells us, sons of God are gods.
[245] THE ZOHAR III, 166-67 (Emphasis added).(The Soncino Press, Copyright 1984.)
[246] Hugh Nibley, PRIESTHOOD, 10-11 (Sunstone Magazine, December 1990)
[247] Alma 45:2-8, (Emphasis added). The reader is invited to compare this citation with similar dialogues between the enlightened and mortal man (1 Ne. 11:1-5; Ether 3:11-17).
[248] Apocryphon of John II 1, 26:5;
[NAG HAMMADI LIBRARY, 119].
[249] Alma 12:24.
[250] Ibid., 42;4.
[251] TEMPLE OF THE COSMOS, 5.
[252] Ibid., 42:13 (Emphasis added).
[253] Ibid., 13:21 (Emphasis added).
[254] Pseudo-Philo 33:2 (Emphasis added).
[255] 2 Baruch 85:12. (Speaking of what will happen after we pass away, he writes "There will not be an opportunity to repent anymore ...")
[256] 2 Enoch 62:2.
[257] John 3:7.
[258] Zondervan's PICTORIAL BIBLE DICTIONARY, 647.
[259] John 3:2.
[260] Ibid., 3:3.
[261] Puryear, 155.
[262] See 1 Peter 2:21.
[263] John 3:5-6.
[264] See The Gospel According to Philip (87)a:25
[Bentley Layton, editor, THE GNOSTIC SCRIPTURES, 347.]
[265] John 3:7.
[266] While Biblical reference to being BORN AGAIN is very limited, modern scripture is more generous. (See MOSIAH 27:25; Alma 5:49; 7:14; 36:23; MOSES 6:59; JST Gen.6:62.)
[267] Puryear, 156-157.
[268] Galatians 4:22-23, 28-29.
[269] Romans 9:8.
[270] Puryear, 158.
[271] Alma's existence evidences he was already "Born of the flesh."
[272] Mosiah 27:24-28 (Emphasis added).
[273] D&C 50:24.
[274] Ibid., 106:5.
[275] Moses 6:59. (See also D&C 76:118; 2 Ne. 32:6; 33:9.)
[276] As the sapient Abinadi disclosed (Mosiah 15:1-5), and as God revealed to Joseph Smith, sons of God ARE Gods themselves (D&C 76:58).
[277] John 3:8.
[278] Genesis 2:7.
[279] See Ezekiel 37:8-9.
[280] Puryear, 159.
[281] Hugh Nibley, PRIESTHOOD, 10 (Sunstone Magazine, December 1990).
[282] D&C 128:12.
[283] See James H. Breasted, DEVELOPMENT OF RELIGION AND THOUGHT IN ANCIENT EGYPT, 92, 107, 130, 134, 136, 137, 138, 139, 149, 158, 159, 163, 279.
[284] "Reincarnation in Judaism and the Bible," William Q. Judge (https://www.blavatsky.net/theosophy/judge/articles/reincarnation-in-judaism-an d-the-bible.htm)
[285] Shirly Toulson, THE CELTIC ALTERNATIVE: A REMINDER OF THE CHRISTIANITY WE LOST, 116.
[286] It is possible St. Augustine's abiding respect for Plato was key to his acceptance of the doctrine. (See Hugh Nibley, ANCIENT DOCUMENTS AND THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE, 1986, Lecture 4, 2.)
[287] Toulson, 20. Platonists believed "In the immortality of the soul, and in the doctrine of its metempsychosis" (Origen, CONTRA CELSUM, 1:13).
[288] Judge.

Multiple Incarnations Recurring Voices Ages Mormon Doctrine Studies - Page 5

[289] PLATO'S REPUBLIC, Book X.
[290] PG 8:321.
[291] Ian P. McGreal, editor, GREAT THINKERS OF THE WESTERN WORLD, 66.
[292] Robert Payne, FATHERS OF THE EASTERN CHURCH, 51.
[293] Origen, DE PRINCIPIIS II, x, 5.
[294] Hugh Nibley, ANCIENT DOCUMENTS AND THE PEARL OF GREAT PRICE, 1986, Lecture 4, 2.
[295] CONTRA CELSUM, 1:32.
[296] Ibid., 4:30.
[297] It is of great intrigue, to at least this writer, that the Old Testament prophet Ezekiel, likewise, is called "The Son of man" No less than ninety-three times.
[298] JST Matt. 16:14-17, 21.
[299] Origen, COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW, Book 12:9.
[300] See Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1; 4:5-6.
[301] See 1 Kings 17
[302] Ibid., 17:21-22.
[303] Ibid., 18:39.
[304] See 1 Kings 18:40; 19:1.
[305] Ibid., 19:4.
[306] 2 Kings 2:11.
[307] Ibid., 1:8.
[308] A reference to Malachi 3:1. (See also Malachi 4:5-6.)
[309] Matt. 11:9-15.
[310] Luke 1:11
[311] Ibid., 1:15.
[312] As discussed previously in this essay, D&C 36:2 tells us that the Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Christ. Therefore, what this verse affirms is that John the Baptist was born infused with God's Spirit, unlike others who are born of the flesh and at some later time are born of the Spirit (As with Alma the younger, for example).
[313] Ibid.
[314] Ibid., 1:17. (Cf. Malachi 4:5-6.)
[315] Luke 1:19.
[316] History of the Church (HC) 3:368.
[317] D&C 27:7.
[318] Much in the same way God announced His own birth as Abraham's son Isaac. (See JST Gen. 15:1-2. This theme was developed earlier in this essay under the title of "Abraham, follower of righteousness.")
[319] Bruce R. McConkie, MORMON DOCTRINE, 221ff (Bookcraft, Inc., Copyright, 1966). This is not to suggest that McConkie sees one as the reincarnation of the other, but that John was an Elias "Type."
[320]Joseph Fielding Smith, ANSWERS TO GOSPEL QUESTIONS, vol. 3:138.
[321] See Isaiah 40:3; Matt. 3:1-3.
[322] Matt. 17:11-13 (Emphasis added).
[323] Ibid., 26:52.
[324] Puryear, 104-106.
[325] 1Kings 18:40.
[326] Matt. 14:3-12.
[327] The lengths to which some will go to explain how John the Baptist is NOT the reincarnation of Elijah is inspiring if not tragic. To starved and listless-minded apologists it is not enough for Christ to declare that John was Elijah (Matt.17:11-13 as cited above.) The reader is referred to "Elias" In the Bible Dictionary of the LDS Church's publication of the King James Bible to read for themselves such an example of literary gymnastics. The solution to the conflict, it appears is rather simple: If your orthodoxy will not allow you to accept reincarnation, you simply refer to the "Returned" As a "Type" Of the former thus avoiding the inconvenient barriers the scriptures impose.
[328] James M. Robinson, editor, NAG HAMMADI LIBRARY, 104.
[329] JST Rev. 3:4, 12 (Emphasis added).
[330] THE ZOHAR, xviii-xix.
[331] Judge
[332] Jeremiah 30:9. Ezekiel, likewise, speaks of David's mortal return and reign (Ezek. 34:23-24).
[333] The Gospel of the Egyptians (III,2 and IV, 2), (NAG HAMMADI LIBRARY, 208).
[334] See also Hosea 3:5.
[335] Gen 3:19.
[336] THE ZOHAR I, 155-56.
[337] Ibid., III, 319. The Valentinians also held the material body to be "Dust." (Bentley Layton, editor, THE GNOSTIC SCRIPTURES, 316 ("Treatise on Resurrection").
[338] In about 200 BCE, Jesus the son of Sirach, a Jewish scholar, wrote down a compilation of the wisdom he accumulated during his life. Some time after 132 BCE, this grandson translated these wrtings from Hebrew to Greek. The collection is commonly referred to as BEN SIRACH.
[339] BEN SIRACH, 17:1, 18:7-13 (Emphasis added).
[340] Jacob 2:21
[341] G. Vermes, 173.
[342] Ibid., 203. (See also 167, 177, 194, 196, 198, 207.)
[343] Adin Steinsaltz, THE THIRTEEN PETALLED ROSE, 63-64.
[344] D&C 50:24.
[345] See Moses 4:1.
[346] See D&C 82:17; 78:5-6.
[347] See Mosiah 4:29.
[348] Those interested in such themes will find value in Approaching Zion, THE COLLECTED WORKS OF HUGH NIBLEY: Vol. 9.
[349] 2 Enoch 70:13. (See 2 Enoch 70 for greater details surrounding the calling and consecration of Nir.)
[350] Ibid., 71:1.
[351] Ibid., 71:2.
[352] Ibid., 71:6.
[353] Ibid., 71:7.
[354] Ibid., 71:9.
[355] Ibid., 71:12-14.
[356] Ibid., 71:19.
[357] Ibid., 71:20 (Emphasis added).
[358] Ibid., 71:21.
[359] Ibid., 71:22.
[360] Throughout the tractate Noah is referred to as "Noe."
[361] Ibid., 71:23.
[362] Ibid., 71:27.
[363] Ibid., 71:28.
[364] Ibid., 71:29 (Emphasis added).
[365] Ibid., 71:34 (Emphasis added).
[366] Ibid., 71:37.
[367] Ibid., 71:37.
[368] Ibid., 72:1 (Emphasis added). The need to "Preserve" Evidences the intent to RETURN the same.
[369] Ibid., 72:5.
[370] Ibid., 72:6 (Emphasis added).
[371] THE FIRST THREE MINUTES, 154-55.
[372] The Pseudo-Clementines 18:3 (Hennecke-Schneemelcher, NEW TESTAMENT APOCRYPHA, Vol. II, 544).
[373] See Hugh Nibley, The Ancient State, COLLECTED WORKS OF HUGH NIBLEY: Vol. 10 ("Three Shrines: Mantic, Sophic, and Sophistic," Pp 311-379).
[374] Naydler, 11. (See also p. 32.)
[375] Justin Martyr, FRAGMENTS OF THE LOST WORK OF JUSTIN ON THE RESURRECTION, VIII ("Does the Body cause the Soul to Sin?")
[376] See 2 Ne. 31:2 thru 32:7.
[377] Abr. 1:2-3, emphasis added.
[378] 2 Baruch 24:1.
[379] D&C 76: 52-69 (Emphasis added).
[380] Teachings of Silvanus, 111:10; see also 107:10.
[381] Apocryphon of James 9:1 (NAG HAMMADI LIBRARY, 33).
[382] As Paul clarified, children of the flesh are NOT the children of God (See Rom. 9:8). Those who satisfy the rigorous demands and who enjoy covenant-inclusion and are "Spiritually begotten,"And BECOME His children---but not until such time. See Mosiah 5:7. See also Ether 3:14; Mor. 7:19; Moses 6:68; 7:1; D&C 11:30; 25:1; 34:3; 35:2; 39:4; 42:52; 45:8, etc. From The Gospel of Philip 75:13 we read "Nothing will be able to receive imperishability IF IT DOES NOT FIRST BECOME A SON" (Emphasis added). See also Ehat and Cook, editors, THE WORDS OF JOSEPH SMITH, 381.
[383] Puryear, 229.
[384] Gospel of Truth 36:19.
[385] 2 Baruch 21:13-17 (Punctuation added). See also TREATISE ON RESURRECTION, 48:24-27.