LDS Freedom Forum

AshleyB wrote:Also, I wanted to share something I have felt regarding sharing things online. As far as people go in my everyday life there are only 3 people I have shared any of these experiences with. And two of them we're present when I experienced receiving the Gift of the Lord. The other one is my husband and I shared with him a little reluctantly but did so as the Lord told me to. Two of them are a large part of the reason I was able to receive the gift. Because of their testimony's and following direct promptings they received to help me. Words cannot even begin to describe how grateful I am to these people and others who have helped me. Even those who sometimes disagree with me. They have helped me in great ways as well and I will be eternally grateful to them as well for all they taught me about the gospel and myself. But in my everyday life I find it is a rare occurrence that I would share so openly a lot of things I have experienced. There are people who live with me who I love dearly who have no idea of any of these things. And ironically enough these same people just see me as a convert and as someone who doesn't have much gospel understanding. They perceive me in their own way and I perceive them in my own way but neither of us REALLY knows what's going on in the hearts of each other. The majority of people I know have no idea about any of these most precious and personal things about me. It is rare to feel to share such things to people around me who really know me. If I really wanted to boast I could share some things with some of them just to get them to stop thinking I have no clue or that Im apostate or that I don't understand the gospel. I could try and offer them proof that I am actually not slothful in trying to live the gospel. I admit its sometimes an annoyance how I get treated sometimes as the convert who doesn't know anything. I really DON'T know much its true. But, at the same time, I know more than they think I do and I am not quite in the danger they sometimes suppose me to be because they don't know whats in my heart. . And probably vice versa too. But truth be told I actually don't want them to know of these things. I want them to perceive how they will because it doesn't really matter how we perceive each other. The Lord knows each of us and that is what's most important. If there comes a time where the Lord tells me to share it then I will but it certainly won't be something I am excited to do. Only because I know how sharing much smaller things I have been prompted to share at times has gone. Iv'e shared some things here and there as the Lord has insisted and every time I dreaded it. I do all I can to actually avoid sharing things with certain people.

Anyway, sorry for the rambling..... But I have felt to share lots more online which is interesting. I think a big reason for it is the anonymity. No one really knows who I am and that anonymity protects me and them. Also, I think part of it are things Jules has mentioned. That those who are meant to hear the message will find it and they will only accept it as they are prepared. To the prepared it is like a beacon leading them to the Lord. To the unprepared, they simply get to put it on a shelf and see if anything ever turns up out of it. But maybe they will remember those words and it can help them at some later time to be able to accept blessings for themselves.

I know for myself, the only thing receiving certain blessings has done for me is give me the strength to keep pressing forward and to stop wallowing in my despair. It has increased my faith, hope, and charity. Which is definitely a huge blessing. But other than those things I am still utterly the same as I was the day before I experienced it. Still just as flawed and still get just as annoyed with myself over my weaknesses. Still begging and pleading for the Lord's mercy on a daily basis and praying for his help to be a good mother and not lose my patience with my kids. That still happens sometimes everyday in spite of my best efforts. I'm still constantly repenting and begging for help to be humble and praying to be stripped of carnal pride. I still question everyday how I am going to get from here to the person the Lord says I will be. And as I look at the giant gulf, I really scratch my head and have no idea how he's going to mold me into a vessel of honor. I still have to work to recognize the Lords voice. I still have to remind myself to pray and seek at times. In short, Im still Ashley. The good and the bad. I think anyone who receives the mercy and grace of the Lord probably asks themselves on a regular basis what in the world the Lord sees in them to give them any promises of anything.

I still can't completely see what He sees. But, I do believe Him. If he says some day I will make it then surely I will. But I know I won't make it on any of my own strength or righteousness. That is self evident. It will be His strength and His goodness and His love that gets me there. I hope that is what people will always remember. That we all fall short. None of us DESERVE His mercy. But He gives it willingly and abundantly because He loves us more than we can possibly comprehend. Our puny efforts are counted unto us as righteousness as long as our hearts are in the right place and we long to be with and love Him.

AshleyB wrote:Freedomfighter, You have a wonderful spirit and I can feel your sincerity. Your post actually made me cry. The online forum anonymity is like a two edged sword in that way isn't it? Iv'e been more brazen on many occasions than I should. We are all in the same boat of trying to control the natural man and get it under submission. Same days we are better than others. And sometimes we are even different from one moment to the next. Its a constant struggle and trial. I think online is a great place to learn to communicate with all its obstacles, because if we can learn how to properly communicate in these kinds of circumstances how much better off will we be in everyday communication? Thank you for the things I have been able to learn from you. I appreciate you.

freedomfighter wrote:There is no fast way as it is an individual thing. It's not like asking for a candy bar. IMO, it is not essential to know before death, because it can carry with it an increased burden of striving to keep all the commandments and being sin free. Who's to say that just because a person learns they have achieved eternal life, they may get a big head and lose it through carelessness or pride?

JulesGP wrote:Marc this is a wonderful explanation!

Lucetta wrote:Okay this is a bit of a sensitive subject, but I have a question. Do you have to see Christ in the flesh? or in a dream?
and every time you hear God say to you "your sins are forgiven." that means you have your calling and election made sure?
sorry just a little confused.

Lucetta wrote:oh thanks marc
so if you receive your C&E no matter what you do, what sins you commit you can still go to heaven? o.o
can you lose it?
do you have to have your endowment/marriage to be qualified?

Lucetta wrote:oh thanks marc
so if you receive your C&E no matter what you do, what sins you commit you can still go to heaven? o.o
can you lose it?
do you have to have your endowment/marriage to be qualified?

http://denversnuffer.blogspot.com/2010/06/alma-1312.html wrote:

Alma 13: 12:

"Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their garments made white, being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence; and there were many, exceedingly great many, who were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God."

If the earlier verse were not clear enough, the point is reiterated again here. These people are "sanctified by the Holy Ghost" as a result of "having their garments made white." They are "pure and spotless before God!"

This is the reason they can enter His presence. He has accepted them because just like Him, they are without sin. They were not perfected by their own acts. The earlier reference to their repentance makes that clear. They become pure and spotless before God because they have done what was asked of them to become clean. They have repented.

Now, measure the effects of their repentance. It has been so complete, so heartfelt, and deeply prized that they "could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence." It is this notion that underlies the mistaken idea that once someone's calling and election has been made sure they are required to suffer for their own sins, because they have knowledge they are redeemed. This is a twisted view, designed by the adversary to discourage those who might otherwise seek and find.

It is not that the atonement ceases to operate for the redeemed. The atonement continues to cover the on-going sins of these redeemed souls which arise from their foolishness, mistakes, errors of comprehension, and the things they don't understand yet. Christ does not require them to do what they don't know is a requirement yet. As the gentle and kind Lord, He will forgive all they do that is wrong, while He reveals through greater light and knowledge a higher path. As He unfolds to their understanding more light, they can measure their conduct according to that greater light.

As they gain greater truth and light they see things how they really are. Right and wrong are seen differently. What once was "right" is now wrong as greater light and truth is received. What was once "wrong" is now seen clearly, without all the errors of understanding held before.

The spotlessness is because their heart is right. They WANT to please their Lord. They WANT to be like Him. Sin is not tempting because it is contrary to Him whom they love.

The abhorrence they feel at sin is not within them. It is not the temptations they struggle against. That is not the meaning at all. It is what they see all about them. The lost souls are the object of their compassion and care. They WANT to have others redeemed and saved from this lost and fallen world. The fruit they tasted is something they desire to share. They WANT many, an exceeding many, to share with them in the hope that can be won by repentance.

They would shout "flee from Babylon" if they thought it would do any good. But shouting does no good among a darkened and benighted people. They may speak the words of an angel to others, but it is up to others to decide whether they will listen. It will be a still, small, quiet pleading they make to others. Within their entreaties will be found the Master's words.

Many may claim to speak in His name, but only these few have the ability to speak with His approval. These are holy men, possessing words of eternal life. In them will be found truths that come from eternity and that will save to all eternity.

Only a few will listen. That won't detract from the power of the message delivered by those who are after the holy order of the Son of God, for their words can save any who will listen.

What an interesting chapter we have found here. And we are only a dozen verses into it! We should press on.

Gad wrote:[quote=" http://denversnuffer.blogspot.com/2010/ ... -1312.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; "

The abhorrence they feel at sin is not within them. It is not the temptations they struggle against. That is not the meaning at all. It is what they see all about them. The lost souls are the object of their compassion and care. They WANT to have others redeemed and saved from this lost and fallen world. The fruit they tasted is something they desire to share. They WANT many, an exceeding many, to share with them in the hope that can be won by repentance.

TZONE wrote:

Gad wrote:[quote=" http://denversnuffer.blogspot.com/2010/ ... -1312.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; "

The abhorrence they feel at sin is not within them. It is not the temptations they struggle against. That is not the meaning at all. It is what they see all about them. The lost souls are the object of their compassion and care. They WANT to have others redeemed and saved from this lost and fallen world. The fruit they tasted is something they desire to share. They WANT many, an exceeding many, to share with them in the hope that can be won by repentance.

:ymhug: Whoa I guess I am on the right track. I have felt this very strongly recently. As alma 5 puts it, have you thought to sing the song of redeeming love? I wish so much recently to reach out with my arms like Christ says to Jerusalem and pull these people in who just can't see.

Thanks.

Lucetta wrote:so wait...you don't have to have your endowment? or do you? o.o