Our Fallen Condition

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Our Fallen ConditionWe have been sent to a fallen world, a scene abounding in uncertainty, death, & disease. We have inherited a world of misery and woe where hard things happen and innocent people suffer. It is a landscape filled with contradictions, irony, and injustice. Yet, we suppose that fallen worlds have always been designed to try mens souls. Additionally, Satan is here and goeth about as a lion seeking whom he may devour. The battles which rage among mankind do not compare to the battles that rage within mankind, for we have inherited fallen bodies with carnal cravings, sensual inclinations, and devilish desires. When these are mixed into a mortal scene teeming with temptations and swirling with sinful stimulus beckoning each of us down forbidden paths, we truly stand in jeopardy every hour (1 Cor. 15:30). All of thisthe uncertainty and suffering, the contradictions and injustice, the temptations and enticements of the fleshcreates a context of struggle wherein we are to gain the mastery and to come off conquerors. We have, in essence, been sent to enemy territory with this one grand imperative command from our Father ringing in our ears: Overcome the World. Principles: Redemption is through the Atonement of Christ We access the power of the Atonement of Christ by making and keeping covenants. The temple reverses the effects of the Fall and helps us to regain Gods presence. Just as the Fall cast us out of Gods presence, the Atonement and temple help us to regain Gods presence. As we keep our temple covenants we gain access to the full power of Christs atonement and are able to ultimately overcome the world.Text

Redemption from the FallTo EdenTo Eternal Life

When Adam fell, it was as if the human race had fallen into a pit, from which they were powerless, by any act of their own, to emerge; having no means whereby to climb up and out, and not even knowing how to climb [or that they even need to].

To EdenTo Eternal Life

To EdenTo Eternal Life

What is our common inheritance in the pit of mortality?

Moses 6:48-49 We will all Die Partake of Misery & Woe Satan is here Temptations abound Carnal, Sensual, Devilish Shut Out from GodText

The Fall = Cut off from Gods PresenceFrom Parry, Donald W.Temples of the Ancient World: Ritual and Symbolism. Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book Co, 1994. 134-35

7Text

The Atonement = Regaining Gods PresenceFrom Parry, Donald W.Temples of the Ancient World: Ritual and Symbolism. Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book Co, 1994. 134-35 8

9The Fall is dramatized in temple theology.

The Presence of God(Celestial)10

Paradisiacal State(Terrestrial)11

Lone and Dreary World(Telestial)12Moses 5:4

What question do you think they asked?

Text

The somewhat gruesome nature of blood sacrifice has led some people to ask, How could such an activity have anything to do with the gospel of love?

M. Russell BallardQuorum of the Twelve(CES Symposium on the New Testament, 13 August 1996)Text

Moses 5:6-8

Animal Sacrifice The Sacrament

M. Russell Ballard(Quorum of the Twelve)At the fulfillment of the law of Moses, the Lord changed the practice of the law of sacrifice. To change a law that had been practiced for centuries served as a means to further emphasize the importance of the Atonement. Prior to the Atonement, blood sacrifice pointed forward to his sacrifice; after the Atonement the sacrament points minds back to the Atonement....The law of Moses is not the same thing as the law of sacrifice. Although the law of Moses was fulfilled, the principles of the law of sacrifice continue to be a part of the doctrine of the Church.While theprimary purpose of the law of sacrifice continued to be that of testing and assisting us to come unto Christ, two adjustments were made after Christs ultimate sacrifice. First, the ordinance of the sacrament replaced the ordinance of sacrifice; and second, this change moved the focus of the sacrifice from a persons animal to the person himself. In a sense, the sacrifice changed from the offering to the offerer.As we contemplate the replacing of animal sacrifice with the sacrament, we cannot help but notice a strong relationship between the two. Both sacrifice and sacrament:Are affected by a persons attitude and worthiness (seeAmos 5:2122;3Nephi 18:2729;Moroni 7:67).Were designed to be performed by priests officiating in the Aaronic Priesthood (seeD&C 13:1;20:46).Focus on Christ (seeLuke 22:1920;Alma 34:1314).Contain emblems that represent Christs flesh and blood (seeLuke 22:1920;Moses 5:7).Provide a means whereby one can make and renew covenants to God (seeLeviticus 22:21;D&C 20:7779).Are performed regularly on the Sabbath as well as on other special occasions (seeLeviticus 23:15;D&C 59:913).Are associated with meals that symbolically partake of the Atonement (seeLeviticus 7:18;Matthew 26:26).Share the distinction that theyre the only saving ordinance in which members participate for themselves more than once.Provide an important step in the process of repentance (seeLeviticus 19:22;3Nephi 18:11;Moses 5:8).President JosephF. Smith compared the purpose of the sacrament with ancient sacrifice when he said that the purpose of the sacrament is that we may keep in mind continually the Son of God who has redeemed us from eternal death, and brought us to life again through the power of the gospel. Before the coming of Christ to the earth, this was borne in mind ... by another ordinance [blood sacrifice] which was a type of the great sacrifice that should take place in the meridian of time (Gospel Doctrine,103). (CES Symposium on the New Testament, 13 August 1996)18Our Only Hope

Lone and Dreary World(Telestial)20

The Offering of a LambWhats the Turning Point?21Repentance means a turning of the heart and will to God, and a renunciation of sin to which we are naturally inclined. Repentance is not optional for salvation; it is a commandment of God.

Bible DictionaryRepentance(p. 760-761)

Repentance requires spiritual dominion over appetites of the flesh.

Russell M. NelsonQuorum of the Twelve(BYU Speeches, 29 March 1987)Real, personal sacrifice never was placing an animal on the altar. Instead, it is a willingness to put the animal in us upon the altar and letting it be consumed!

Neal A. MaxwellQuorum of the Twelve(Ensign,May 1995,68)

Natural ManHow is it that we show the Lord that we have symbolically put ourselves upon todays sacrificial altar?When we overcome our own selfish desires and put God first in our lives and covenant to serve him regardless of the cost, then we are living the law of sacrifice.

M. Russell BallardQuorum of the Twelve(CES Symposium on the New Testament, 13 August 1996)How to Regain Gods Presence(Recap of Moses 5:5-8)

Worship the Lord God (Law of Obedience)

Ye are the servant of whom ye choose to obey (Rom. 6:16)If ye love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15)

Law of SacrificeRepent Call upon God in the name of the SonEnoch adds significant details to this account:

Moses 6:50-52What do we call the combined elements of verse 52?3 Nephi 27The Law of the Gospel

M. Russell Ballard (Quorum of the Twelve)The doctrine of faith in Christ, repentance, making and renewing and keeping covenants, and being directed by the Spirit will become a pattern of living. Our actions in daily life are shaped and governed by these doctrinal principles. (CES Fireside for Young Adults, November 7, 2010, Brigham Young University)Preach My GospelFaith in Christ; repentance; making, renewing, and keeping covenants; and being cleansed by the Spirit become a pattern of living. Our actions in daily life are shaped and governed by these principles. Peace and joy come from following this way, and we gradually grow in Christlike attributes. (Preach My Gospel, p.66)The Law of the Gospel: A Pattern of LivingThe Law of the GospelAdams Question

Moses 6:53

Gods Answer

Moses 6:54-62Part 1:

Why do we need to Repent?

Moses 6:54-57[C]hildren are conceived in sin: meaning first, that they are conceived into a world of sin, and second, that conception is the vehicle by which the effects of the Fall (not the original transgression, which God has forgiven) are transmitted to Adam's posterity. To say that we are not punished for the transgression is not to say that we are not subject to and affected by it....

Robert MilletLDS Scholar(Life in Christ, p. 24-25)Adam's fallen nature is passed on to his children and thereby from generation to generation. Thus sin is implanted in man's nature at conception, just as death is implanted at the same time. Both of thesedeath and sinare present only in seed form at conception, and therefore a child is neither dead nor sinful when born. Death and sin do, however, come to pass as a result of man's nature as he grows up. Sin comes naturally, just as does death.

Robert MilletLDS Scholar(Life in Christ, p. 24-25)Part 2:

Why do we need to be Baptized?

Moses 6:58-60[God] could have set up rules in His kingdom whereby a nod, a handclasp, a kiss or a signature, could have been the entrance requirement, into the Kingdom, instead of baptism, but He did not.By the Water ye keep the Commandment

Spencer W. Kimball Quorum of the Twelve(Jan. 16, 1963, BYU Speeches of the Year, 13)

By the Spirit ye are Justified

If you have felt the influence of the Holy Ghost during this day, or even this evening, you may take it as evidence that the Atonement is working in your life. Henry B. EyringQuorum of the Twelve (CES Fireside, September 10, 2006 BYU)

The cleansing power of our Saviors Atonement is renewed for us as we partake of the sacrament. Dallin H. OaksQuorum of the Twelve(Ensign, Nov 1998, 37)

The renewal of our covenants by partaking of the sacrament should be preceded by repentance, so we come to that sacred ordinance with a broken heart and a contrite spirit(see 2 Ne. 2:7; 3 Ne. 12:19; D&C 59:8).

Dallin H. OaksQuorum of the Twelve(Always Have His Spirit,Ensign, November 1996, p.59)

Let everyone who is guilty of sins they have not repented of refuse to partake of that bread, also of that water until they have repented; for unless you do, you shall drink damnation to yourselves, until you make restitution. I do not care who the persons are.

Heber C. KimballFirst Presidency(J of D, 4:81)By the Blood ye are Sanctified.

[E]verything in the temple is founded in the Atonement.

Robert D. HalesQuorum of the Twelve(Return: Four Phases of Our Mortal Journey Home,p. 246-247)Russell M. NelsonQuorum of the Twelve("Personal Preparation for Temple Blessings,"Ensign, May 2001, 32)The basis for every temple ordinance and covenantthe heart of the plan of salvationis the Atonement of Jesus Christ. How Do We Gain Access to the Power of the Atonement of Christ?

Articles of Faith 1:3Lets Review!How to Regain Gods Presence(Recap of Moses 5:5-8; 6:50-68)

Law of ObedienceLaw of SacrificeLaw of the GospelBelieveRepent Be baptizedReceive the Holy GhostCall upon God in the name of the SonEnter into the Order of the Son of GodReceive all of the Temple Ordinances

To enter into the order of the Son of God is the equivalent today of entering into the fullness of the Melchizedek Priesthood, which is only received in the house of the Lord.Adam and his descendants entered into the priesthood order of God. Today we would say they went to the House of the Lord and received their blessings.

Ezra Taft Benson (Ensign, Aug. 1985, pp. 6-10)How to Regain Gods Presence(Recap of Moses 5:5-8; 6:50-68)

Law of ObedienceLaw of SacrificeLaw of the GospelBelieveRepent Be baptizedReceive the Holy GhostCall upon God in the name of the SonEnter into the Order of the Son of GodReceive all of the Temple OrdinancesAncient Temple Pattern50Text

The Fall = Cut off from Gods PresenceFrom Parry, Donald W.Temples of the Ancient World: Ritual and Symbolism. Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book Co, 1994. 134-35

51Text

The Atonement = Regaining Gods PresenceFrom Parry, Donald W.Temples of the Ancient World: Ritual and Symbolism. Salt Lake City, Utah: Deseret Book Co, 1994. 134-35 52

The Law of Obedience and Sacrifice53

[O]ur Father in Heaven has ordained certain holy sanctuaries, called temples, in which [celestial] laws may be fully explained, the laws include thelaw of obedience and sacrifice, thelaw of the gospel, thelaw of chastity, and thelaw of consecration.

Ezra Taft BensonQuorum of the Twelve(BYU devotional, 12 April 1977)

The Law of Obedience and SacrificeThe Law of the Gospel

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The Law of Obedience and SacrificeThe Law of the GospelThe Law of Consecration56The Altar of Incense and Consecration

In Hebrew the word consecrate means literally fill the hand or fill his hand, referring to incense in the hand.In Lev. 8:33; 16:32; 21:10 the word "consecrate" (from Latin con- (expressing intensive force) + sacrare dedicated, devoted as sacred (from sacer sacred)--i.e., to make something sacred or devoted for Gods glory) is translated from the Hebrew male to fill + yad hand. In these passages, then, the word consecrate means literally fill the hand or fill his hand, referring to incense in the hand.

57The Altar of Incense and Consecration

In Rev. 8:1-5 an angel (i.e., a priest) burns incense at the altar of incense in the temple.Verse 4 explicitly states that the smoke of the incense ascends up from the angel's hand. Numbers 7:80 mentions the offering of a golden spoon, filled with incense. The Hebrew word translated here for spoon is kaph, the same word for the palm ofthe hand (i.e., a spoon is an extension of ones cupped palm).Here are a few ancient Egyptian parallels portraying burning incense on hand-shaped censers or in small incense pots held in cupped hands:

The Altar of Incense and Consecration

We must offer with our hands all that we havei.e., make everything we have holy to the Lord.

Also, the relationship of burning incense in the temple and praying with uplifted hands is demonstrated in Psalm 141:2 (cf. Luke 1:9-10 and Rev. 5:8; 8:3-4).

The Law of Obedience and SacrificeThe Law of the GospelThe Law of Consecration

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FaithRepentanceHoly GhostW & AEndowmentMarriage

BaptismMoses 6:67Moses 3:25Moses 4:27Moses 6:64-65

Did Adam & Eve Receive All of the Ordinances?In the Garden, Adam and Eve were:

Married for eternity (Moses 3:25; implied)Clothed with aprons of fig-leaves (Moses 4:13)Clothed in a garment of skins (Moses 4:27)Given the Key words of the priesthood (Abraham, facsimile #2, Fig. 3 explanation)Prior to their expulsion from the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were clad in sacred clothing. [See Moses 4:27; Gen. 3:21]They received this clothing in a context of instruction on the Atonement, sacrifice, repentance, and forgiveness (see Moses 5:58). The temple garment given to Latter-day Saints is provided in a similar context.

Elder Carlos E. AsayQuorum of the Seventy(Ensign, Aug 1997, 19)

It is given to remind wearers of the continuing need for repentance, the need to honor binding covenants made in the house of the Lord, and the need to cherish and share virtue in our daily living so that promised blessings may be claimed.

Elder Carlos E. AsayQuorum of the Seventy(Ensign, Aug 1997, 19)

What were Adam & Eves reactions when they learned of Gods Plan of Redemption?

Moses 5:10-12EndBlues12251.395Blues7392.6743