I have often said to myself "Where did that verse come from? I don't remember ever reading it before."
Over the years, as I've matured in my scripture reading, I have come to realize that the scriptures are literally alive. They ebb and flow with the mysteries of Godliness, and those mysteries come alive to our understanding when the Lord feels we are ready to receive them.
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In D&C 76:7 it says, "And to them will I reveal all mysteries, yea, all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, and for ages to come, will I make known unto them the good pleasure of my will concerning all things pertaining to my kingdom."
So where are the mysteries, and how do we find them? Where in the scriptures are they? They're actually easy to find. Read until you come to a passage or phrase you don't understand, most probably it is oft repeated, and one which causes you to ponder. You've just found a mystery. There are thousands of them.
These precious pearls remain mysteries until revealed through revelation. Once we have learned a mystery, mortal language is not able to make them known to another. No combination of words, no matter how powerful or inspired, can be used to explain the concept. Each must acquire them through personally revealed truth.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie, in quoting from the Doctrine and Covenants said:
"The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church -- To have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, to have the heavens opened unto them, to commune with the general assembly and church of the Firstborn, and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus the mediator of the new covenant." (D&C 107:18-19)
From all of this it follows, automatically and axiomatically, that if and when the holy priesthood operates to the full in the life of any man, he will receive its great and full blessings, which are that rending of the heavens and that parting of the veil of which we now speak. (McConkie: TPM 588, commenting on 107:18-19)
The mysteries are those principles of the Gospel which must be received and understood by the Holy Ghost. Mysteries are not to be shunned, but rather appropriately sought under the guidance of the Spirit. It is the mysteries which give us the key to the knowledge of God, and in time, the actually knowledge of God -- which is life eternal. (John 17:3)
How do we prepare and qualify ourselves to receive and understand the mysteries of the kingdom? The Lord gave the Prophet Joseph Smith the answer:
"It is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble, the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am -- not with the carnal neither natural mind, but with the spiritual. For no man has seen God at any time in the flesh, except quickened by the carnal mind. Ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the ministering of angels; wherefore, continue in patience until ye are perfected. Let not your minds turn back; and when ye are worthy in mine own due time, ye shall see and know that which is conferred upon you by the hands of my servant Joseph Smith, Jun." (D&C 67:10-14)
So here are the qualifications:
Elder Bruce R. McConkie, in quoting from the Doctrine and Covenants said:
"The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church -- To have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, to have the heavens opened unto them, to commune with the general assembly and church of the Firstborn, and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus the mediator of the new covenant." (D&C 107:18-19)
From all of this it follows, automatically and axiomatically, that if and when the holy priesthood operates to the full in the life of any man, he will receive its great and full blessings, which are that rending of the heavens and that parting of the veil of which we now speak. (McConkie: TPM 588, commenting on 107:18-19)
The mysteries are those principles of the Gospel which must be received and understood by the Holy Ghost. Mysteries are not to be shunned, but rather appropriately sought under the guidance of the Spirit. It is the mysteries which give us the key to the knowledge of God, and in time, the actually knowledge of God -- which is life eternal. (John 17:3)
How do we prepare and qualify ourselves to receive and understand the mysteries of the kingdom? The Lord gave the Prophet Joseph Smith the answer:
"It is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble, the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am -- not with the carnal neither natural mind, but with the spiritual. For no man has seen God at any time in the flesh, except quickened by the carnal mind. Ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the ministering of angels; wherefore, continue in patience until ye are perfected. Let not your minds turn back; and when ye are worthy in mine own due time, ye shall see and know that which is conferred upon you by the hands of my servant Joseph Smith, Jun." (D&C 67:10-14)
So here are the qualifications:
- Strip yourself from jealousies and fears.
- Humble yourself before the Lord.
- Continue in patience.
- Don't allow your minds to turn back.
- In the Lord's due time.
May the scriptures come alive in our lives, as we allow the spirit to reveal to us the mysteries of the kingdom of God.
Love, Dad
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