Name: Nieija
Comments: I've often wondered about the "exalted man" revelation(assuming it to be one since Joseph Smith taught it)
How then did God become a god himself? Has he also been going through the same stages we have? Wouldn't that mean that there would have to have been a savior and a tempter etc. Basically a former model of what we know from the scriptures and revelations today?
Again, any input on this is greatly appreciated!
Very simply, we don't know. Most of us who have attempted to understand much of this doctrine have thought deeply about it, and even attempted to research it. However, there are no revelations about recorded. Presumably, this is one of those mysteries that we are encouraged to learn, but then we must keep the answers to ourselves.
QUOTE (JoePublic @ 19-May 09, 2:34 PM) |
Name: Nieija Comments: Basically a former model of what we know from the scriptures and revelations today? |
Name: Steve
Comments: You need to look at the King Follett discourse that Joseph Smith gave talking about how exaltation works. True he gave it at a funeral and the record is composed of notes of those in attendance, but it gives a good answer. It talks about the Christ doing what his father did etc. As well. In short, God must have grown as we did, because the creation of the Earth was based upon the creation of other worlds. The plan and path back to him must have been created based on that of other plans. Read the King Follett discourse, and if someone wants to argue that the church doesn't recognize it as divine relation, then why is it quoted in the new Joseph Smith manual and the old gospel essential manuals.
Source 1: King Follett Discourse
Source 2: Gospel Principals
Name: George
Comments: Good and evil exist eternally, as with the plan of salvation, creation, etc. Simply put " as man is, God once was, and as God is, man may become" You do not have to understand all of the elements for it to be true. Truth is independent and eternal also.
Source 1: Doctrine and Covenants
If you look at the lyrics to "If You Could Hie to Kolob" in our hymn book, we can gain some answers to your question. You question is a very deep one, but we can gain answers from this hymn because hymns contain official Church doctorine.
I have broken it up into relevant sections, providing feedback as I go.
QUOTE |
If you could hie to Kolob In the twinkling of an eye, And then continue onward With that same speed to fly, Do you think that you could ever, Through all eternity, Find out the generation Where Gods began to be? Or see the grand beginning, Where space did not extend? Or view the last creation, Where Gods and matter end? |
QUOTE |
Me thinks the Spirit whispers, "No man has found "pure space," Nor seen the outside curtains, Where nothing has a place." The works of God continue, And worlds and lives abound; Improvement and progression Have one eternal round. |
QUOTE |
There is no end to matter; There is no end to space; There is no end to spirit; There is no end to race. There is no end to virtue; There is no end to might; There is no end to wisdom; There is no end to light. There is no end to union; There is no end to youth; There is no end to priesthood; There is no end to truth. There is no end to glory; There is no end to love; There is no end to being; There is no death above. There is no end to glory; There is no end to love; There is no end to being; There is no death above. |
Message Edited... Persephone: Please look at how we use the Quote Tags here. When you do not use these tags source material that is not your own may appear to be yours when it is not. See our Constructive Posting Policy. |
QUOTE (Nighthawk @ 19-May 09, 10:49 PM) |
Presumably, this is one of those mysteries that we are encouraged to learn, but then we must keep the answers to ourselves. |
QUOTE |
"I have done nothing but what I've seen the Father do" |
Message Edited... Persephone: Please look at how we use the Quote Tags here. When you do not use these tags source material that is not your own may appear to be yours when it is not. See our Constructive Posting Policy. |