The Sermon on the The Sermon on the MountMount

Matthew 5Matthew 5

First of five discourses recorded by MatthewFirst of five discourses recorded by Matthew

The Be-attitudes have been called the “The Be-attitudes have been called the “Blue Print for a Blue Print for a Perfect LifePerfect Life” and “” and “the Constitution for a Perfect Lifethe Constitution for a Perfect Life””

(Harold B. Lee)(Harold B. Lee)

Some scholars look at it as a “Some scholars look at it as a “Temple TextTemple Text.” .”

The message seemed to be, you’re endowed, now go The message seemed to be, you’re endowed, now go and do! and do!

Be-Attitudes!Be-Attitudes!

They err who, instead of concentrating on They err who, instead of concentrating on commandment keeping and personal commandment keeping and personal spiritual progress, desire sweeping spiritual progress, desire sweeping significance and high visibility in the second significance and high visibility in the second estate. Is it really numbers of people estate. Is it really numbers of people touched at the moment which measure the touched at the moment which measure the impact of an individual? Did tens of impact of an individual? Did tens of thousands hear the Sermon on the Mount? thousands hear the Sermon on the Mount? Did it make the six o’clock news? (Neal A. Did it make the six o’clock news? (Neal A. Maxwell, “Maxwell, “Grounded, Rooted, Established, Grounded, Rooted, Established, and Settledand Settled,” 17).,” 17).

Matthew 5:1Matthew 5:1

Jesus ascending the mountain. Jesus ascending the mountain.

This evokes another ancient mountain from the This evokes another ancient mountain from the Old Testament: Old Testament:

Mt. Sinai, where Jehovah delivered the great Mt. Sinai, where Jehovah delivered the great law of Moses. law of Moses.

This allusion appears to be no accident.This allusion appears to be no accident.

A diverse multitude was following him. A diverse multitude was following him.

He left them and ascended a mountain leaving He left them and ascended a mountain leaving the ease of the valley behindthe ease of the valley behind. . This forced only This forced only true disciples to follow himtrue disciples to follow him (another portrayal of (another portrayal of the cost of discipleship). the cost of discipleship).

By following the Savior, the disciples left the By following the Savior, the disciples left the world behind and were taken to a higher level. world behind and were taken to a higher level.

At this higher level, the disciples learned things At this higher level, the disciples learned things that could not be learned in any other settingthat could not be learned in any other setting..

He sat down and taughtHe sat down and taught. .

This may have reflected synagogue worship as it was practiced This may have reflected synagogue worship as it was practiced at the time. at the time.

As part of synagogue worship, a qualified participant read from As part of synagogue worship, a qualified participant read from the scriptures while standing. Then they sat down before the scriptures while standing. Then they sat down before expounding upon what they had read. expounding upon what they had read.

The Savior expounded upon things that men at that time would The Savior expounded upon things that men at that time would have not knownhave not known. .

In essence, he was giving In essence, he was giving new scripturenew scripture! !

This was especially true of the Sermon on the Mount.This was especially true of the Sermon on the Mount.

The message delivered by the Savior on this occasion The message delivered by the Savior on this occasion was not meant merely to produce some greater ethical was not meant merely to produce some greater ethical living in his disciples. living in his disciples.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie said: Elder Bruce R. McConkie said:

““Salvation comes by living the doctrines Salvation comes by living the doctrines proclaimed in the Sermon on the Mountproclaimed in the Sermon on the Mount! That ! That sermon - properly understood - is far more than a sermon - properly understood - is far more than a recitation of ethical principles; rather, it summarizes recitation of ethical principles; rather, it summarizes the Christian way of life, and it charts the course true the Christian way of life, and it charts the course true Saints must pursue to become even as He is” (Saints must pursue to become even as He is” (The The Mortal MessiahMortal Messiah, vol. 4, 308)., vol. 4, 308).

The Sermon on the Mount has never been The Sermon on the Mount has never been recorded in its entirety as far as we know; at recorded in its entirety as far as we know; at least no scriptural account is available to us. least no scriptural account is available to us.

It may well be that the most perfect and It may well be that the most perfect and elaborate sermon was delivered to the elaborate sermon was delivered to the Nephites. Nephites.

It may be that the sealed portion of the Book of It may be that the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon contains more of the sermon than is Mormon contains more of the sermon than is now found in Third Nephi.now found in Third Nephi.

Matthew 5:3-12Matthew 5:3-12The BeatitudesThe Beatitudes

1. 1. Blessed are the poor in spiritBlessed are the poor in spirit::

Recognize our spiritual need for humility.

3 Nephi 12:3 adds “demonstrate their faith by 3 Nephi 12:3 adds “demonstrate their faith by coming unto Christ.”coming unto Christ.”

2. 2. Blessed are they that mournBlessed are they that mourn::

Mourn for the spiritual poorness and sins as part Mourn for the spiritual poorness and sins as part of the process of repentance. of the process of repentance.

3. 3. Blessed are the meekBlessed are the meek::

Submitting to the higher power of God. Self-mastery.Submitting to the higher power of God. Self-mastery.

Does not meekness mean at least holding back one’s own Does not meekness mean at least holding back one’s own ego the only one we can control, after all from the ego the only one we can control, after all from the congested daily collisions of so many other egos in the congested daily collisions of so many other egos in the midst of life’s fray? Sensitive and defensive driving midst of life’s fray? Sensitive and defensive driving protects riders in both cars when a foot is removed from protects riders in both cars when a foot is removed from the accelerator of ego (Neal A. Maxwell, the accelerator of ego (Neal A. Maxwell, Lord, Increase Lord, Increase Our FaithOur Faith, 115)., 115).

The meek…make stepping stones of stumbling blocks The meek…make stepping stones of stumbling blocks (Neal A. Maxwell, (Neal A. Maxwell, Meek and LowlyMeek and Lowly, 57)., 57).

If meek, we will place all we have on the altar of the Lord If meek, we will place all we have on the altar of the Lord and will not ask for a receipt! (Neal A. Maxwell, Meek and and will not ask for a receipt! (Neal A. Maxwell, Meek and Lowly).Lowly).

Occasionally, as we all know, backing off is really going forward Occasionally, as we all know, backing off is really going forward (Neal A. Maxwell, (Neal A. Maxwell, EnsignEnsign, May 1989, 62)., May 1989, 62).

If sufficient meekness is in us, it will not only help us to jettison If sufficient meekness is in us, it will not only help us to jettison unneeded burdens, but will also keep us from becoming mired in unneeded burdens, but will also keep us from becoming mired in the ooze of self-pity. Furthermore, true meekness has a the ooze of self-pity. Furthermore, true meekness has a metabolism that actually requires very little praise or recognition metabolism that actually requires very little praise or recognition --- of which there is usually such a shortage anyway. (Neal A. --- of which there is usually such a shortage anyway. (Neal A. Maxwell, Maxwell, Meek and LowlyMeek and Lowly, 55)., 55).

Meekness enables us, after a tumble (from the peak of pride), to Meekness enables us, after a tumble (from the peak of pride), to pick ourselves up but without putting others down blamefully (Neal pick ourselves up but without putting others down blamefully (Neal A. Maxwell, Meek and Lowly, 58).A. Maxwell, Meek and Lowly, 58).

Human suffering does not automatically Human suffering does not automatically produce sweetness and character produce sweetness and character unless meekness is present. unless meekness is present. Meekness is the mulch that must go in Meekness is the mulch that must go in the soil of adversity in order for the soil of adversity in order for empathy to grow and in order for empathy to grow and in order for character to grow. Jesus could not character to grow. Jesus could not have become the most empathetic have become the most empathetic person had he not been the most meek person had he not been the most meek person (Neal A. Maxwell, person (Neal A. Maxwell, Build Up My Build Up My ChurchChurch).).

4. 4. Blessed are they which do Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after hunger and thirst after righteousnessrighteousness::

The desire to remain on the The desire to remain on the strait and narrow path and learn strait and narrow path and learn the things of God and eternal the things of God and eternal life. They are promised that life. They are promised that they shall be filled. 3 Nephi they shall be filled. 3 Nephi 12:6 adds, “with the Holy 12:6 adds, “with the Holy Ghost.”Ghost.”

The first four beatitudes The first four beatitudes correspond well with the first four correspond well with the first four principles and ordinances of the principles and ordinances of the gospel (D&C 84:26-27). gospel (D&C 84:26-27).

They serve to initiate one onto the They serve to initiate one onto the “strait and narrow path which “strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life.” leads to eternal life.”

5. 5. Blessed are the mercifulBlessed are the merciful::

Those who from their hearts seek to help others in Those who from their hearts seek to help others in their quest for God’s mercy. Our salvation rests upon their quest for God’s mercy. Our salvation rests upon the mercy we show others.the mercy we show others.

If I make errors, I want them to be on the side of If I make errors, I want them to be on the side of mercy (Hugh B. Brown). mercy (Hugh B. Brown).

Let us be merciful with each other. We certainly do Let us be merciful with each other. We certainly do not criticize hospital patients amid intensive care for not criticize hospital patients amid intensive care for looking pale and preoccupied. Why then those looking pale and preoccupied. Why then those recovering from surgery on their souls? No need for recovering from surgery on their souls? No need for us to stare; those stitches will finally come out. And in us to stare; those stitches will finally come out. And in this hospital, too, it is important for everyone to this hospital, too, it is important for everyone to remember that the hospital chart is not the patient remember that the hospital chart is not the patient (Neal A. Maxwell, (Neal A. Maxwell, EnsignEnsign, May 1991, 90-91)., May 1991, 90-91).

6. 6. Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see GodGod::

They shall see him because of their temple They shall see him because of their temple covenants (Doctrine & Covenants 97:15-16, covenants (Doctrine & Covenants 97:15-16, 93:1).93:1).

7. 7. Blessed are the peacemakersBlessed are the peacemakers::

Like Melchizedek, the “Prince of Peace,” helped Like Melchizedek, the “Prince of Peace,” helped others to “enter into the rest of God” through others to “enter into the rest of God” through baptism and temple ordinances (baptism and temple ordinances (JST GenJST Gen. . 14:25-40 and Alma 13:13-19).14:25-40 and Alma 13:13-19).

8. 8. Blessed are they which are persecuted for Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sakerighteousness sake::

Being persecuted is not to be viewed as a Being persecuted is not to be viewed as a negative negative thing (thing (The world simply does not like those The world simply does not like those who who are differentare different).).

Remember “Remember “blessed-nessblessed-ness” is defined as being higher ” is defined as being higher than happiness, blessed-ness is an inward fountain of than happiness, blessed-ness is an inward fountain of joy in the soul itself which no outward circumstance joy in the soul itself which no outward circumstance can seriously affect.can seriously affect.

DummelowDummelow

Matthew 5:13Matthew 5:13Salt will not lose its savor with age, it is lost through mixture and Salt will not lose its savor with age, it is lost through mixture and contaminationcontamination. .

Salt was prescribed as an essential addition to every meat Salt was prescribed as an essential addition to every meat offering under the Mosaic Law. Before Christ’s time it had been offering under the Mosaic Law. Before Christ’s time it had been a symbol of fidelity, hospitality, and covenant (a symbol of fidelity, hospitality, and covenant (Jesus the ChristJesus the Christ, , 217). 217).

Salt is a symbol of indestructibilitySalt is a symbol of indestructibility (Lev. 2:13). In the Book of (Lev. 2:13). In the Book of Mormon, it reads, “I give unto you to be the salt of the earth” (3 Mormon, it reads, “I give unto you to be the salt of the earth” (3 Nephi 12:13). This implies a challenge or invitation.Nephi 12:13). This implies a challenge or invitation.

When men are called unto mine everlasting gospel, and When men are called unto mine everlasting gospel, and covenant with an everlasting covenant, they are accounted as covenant with an everlasting covenant, they are accounted as the salt of the earth and the savior of men (Doctrine & the salt of the earth and the savior of men (Doctrine & Covenants 101:39).Covenants 101:39).

Countless families are living in “quiet Countless families are living in “quiet desperation,” held together with the desperation,” held together with the Scotch Tape of sentiment of existing Scotch Tape of sentiment of existing merely on the ice floes of indifference. merely on the ice floes of indifference. The good family is the salt of society; The good family is the salt of society; if it loses its flavor, what will give if it loses its flavor, what will give savor to a tasteless society --- savor to a tasteless society --- “wherewith shall it be salted?” (Neal “wherewith shall it be salted?” (Neal A. Maxwell, A. Maxwell, That My Family Should That My Family Should PartakePartake, 3)., 3).

Matthew 5:14-16Matthew 5:14-16

““Ye are the Light of the World”Ye are the Light of the World”

We can be walking witnesses and standing sermons We can be walking witnesses and standing sermons to which objective onlookers can say a quiet amen to which objective onlookers can say a quiet amen (Neal A. Maxwell, (Neal A. Maxwell, EnsignEnsign, November 1980, 15)., November 1980, 15).

When we learn to “shine as lights in the world” When we learn to “shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15) there is no need to seek to be in the (Philippians 2:15) there is no need to seek to be in the spotlight. Such lesser incandescence is of no interest spotlight. Such lesser incandescence is of no interest (Neal A. Maxwell, (Neal A. Maxwell, Men and Women of ChristMen and Women of Christ, 28)., 28).

Personal RadiationPersonal Radiation

There is a responsibility that no man can evade. That is the There is a responsibility that no man can evade. That is the responsibility of personal influence… Every man (& woman) responsibility of personal influence… Every man (& woman) has an atmosphere or a radiation that is affecting every person has an atmosphere or a radiation that is affecting every person in the world. You cannot escape it… It is simply the constant in the world. You cannot escape it… It is simply the constant radiation of what a man (or woman) really is. Every man (& radiation of what a man (or woman) really is. Every man (& woman) by his mere living is radiating positive or negative woman) by his mere living is radiating positive or negative qualities. Life is a state of radiation. To exist is to be the qualities. Life is a state of radiation. To exist is to be the radiation of our feelings, natures, doubts, schemes, or to be the radiation of our feelings, natures, doubts, schemes, or to be the recipient of those things from somebody else. You cannot recipient of those things from somebody else. You cannot escape it. Man (& women) cannot escape for one moment the escape it. Man (& women) cannot escape for one moment the radiation of his (or her) character. You will select the qualities radiation of his (or her) character. You will select the qualities that you will permit to be radiated. That reminds me of the that you will permit to be radiated. That reminds me of the following poem, the author of which is unknown.following poem, the author of which is unknown.

You tell on yourself by the friends you seek,You tell on yourself by the friends you seek,

By the very manner in which you speak,By the very manner in which you speak,

By the way you employ your leisure time,By the way you employ your leisure time,

By the use you make of dollar and dime.By the use you make of dollar and dime.

You tell what you are by the things you wear,You tell what you are by the things you wear,

And even by the way you wear your hair,And even by the way you wear your hair,

By the kind of things at which you laugh,By the kind of things at which you laugh,

By the records you play on your phonograph.By the records you play on your phonograph.

You tell what you are by the way you walk,You tell what you are by the way you walk,

By the things of which you delight to talk,By the things of which you delight to talk,

By the manner in which you bury deceit,By the manner in which you bury deceit,

By so simple a thing as how you eat.By so simple a thing as how you eat.

By the books you choose from the well fitted shelf.By the books you choose from the well fitted shelf.

In these ways and more you tell on yourself.In these ways and more you tell on yourself.

(President David O. McKay, CR, Oct. 1969, 87)(President David O. McKay, CR, Oct. 1969, 87)

Matthew 5:17Matthew 5:17

The Greek word translated “The Greek word translated “fulfillfulfill” ” means to bring to completion. means to bring to completion.

Christ has come to fulfill the intent Christ has come to fulfill the intent of the Law of Moses. of the Law of Moses.

Matthew 5:18Matthew 5:18

Jot Jot = = Smallest letter of the Hebrew Smallest letter of the Hebrew alphabet.alphabet.

TittleTittle = = A small part of a Hebrew letter A small part of a Hebrew letter that distinguishes it from another that distinguishes it from another letter. Like when we cross the letter. Like when we cross the

“t” “t” or dot the “i.”or dot the “i.”

Matthew 5:22Matthew 5:22The phrase, “The phrase, “without a causewithout a cause” does not appear ” does not appear in the Greek text nor in the Joseph Smith in the Greek text nor in the Joseph Smith Translation. It was added by the King James Translation. It was added by the King James translators (It should not be there).translators (It should not be there).

The moment a man or a woman becomes The moment a man or a woman becomes angry they show great weakness (Brigham angry they show great weakness (Brigham Young).Young).

Matthew 5:29Matthew 5:29

When the Lord spoke of body parts, it When the Lord spoke of body parts, it was evident that he had in mind close was evident that he had in mind close friendsfriends or or relativesrelatives who endeavor to who endeavor to lead us from the path. lead us from the path.

It was simply excluded from the Book It was simply excluded from the Book of Mormon. of Mormon.

Matthew 5:37Matthew 5:37

Yea, yea; Nay, nay = “Honesty”Yea, yea; Nay, nay = “Honesty”

We are either honest or not! We are either honest or not!

There is no middle ground with There is no middle ground with honesty.honesty.

Matthew 5:45Matthew 5:45

How can it rain on the just and How can it rain on the just and the unjust alike without the unjust alike without occasionally raining on our occasionally raining on our personal parade? (Neal A. personal parade? (Neal A. Maxwell, Ensign, November Maxwell, Ensign, November 1989, 84).1989, 84).

Matthew 5:48Matthew 5:48PerfectPerfect in Greek means in Greek means completecomplete, , brought to brought to an endan end, , finishedfinished, , full grown or maturefull grown or mature. .

The Savior taught that each commandment or The Savior taught that each commandment or law should become fully complete in our lives. law should become fully complete in our lives.

The command to be perfect was a plea to The command to be perfect was a plea to endure to end of the strait and narrow pathendure to end of the strait and narrow path..

Elder Neal A. Maxwell pointed out that Elder Neal A. Maxwell pointed out that ““it is much easier to believe in eternal it is much easier to believe in eternal progression than to practice daily progression than to practice daily improvementimprovement” (” (All These Things Shall All These Things Shall Give Thee ExperienceGive Thee Experience [Salt Lake City: [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1979], 71). Deseret Book Co., 1979], 71).

Someone once said, “You earn what Someone once said, “You earn what you learn.”you learn.”

It was a heavenly mandate to rise up to our full potential It was a heavenly mandate to rise up to our full potential and become like God our Father. C.S. Lewis, an and become like God our Father. C.S. Lewis, an articulate advocate of this simple but glorious truth, articulate advocate of this simple but glorious truth, wrote:wrote:

““The command ‘Be ye perfect’ is not idealistic gas. Nor The command ‘Be ye perfect’ is not idealistic gas. Nor is it a command to do the impossible. He is going to is it a command to do the impossible. He is going to make us into creatures that can command. He said (in make us into creatures that can command. He said (in the Bible) that we were ‘gods’ and He is going to make the Bible) that we were ‘gods’ and He is going to make good His words….The process will be long and in parts good His words….The process will be long and in parts very painful; but that is what we are in for. Nothing less. very painful; but that is what we are in for. Nothing less. He meant what he said….Those who put themselves in He meant what he said….Those who put themselves in His hands will become perfect, as He is perfect---perfect His hands will become perfect, as He is perfect---perfect in love, wisdom, joy, beauty, and immortality” (Lewis, in love, wisdom, joy, beauty, and immortality” (Lewis, Mere ChristianityMere Christianity, 176-77)., 176-77).

It was C.S. Lewis who again reaffirmed this divine proposition: “It It was C.S. Lewis who again reaffirmed this divine proposition: “It is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and is a serious thing to live in a society of possible gods and goddesses, goddesses, to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting to remember that the dullest and most uninteresting person you talk to may one day be a creature which…you would person you talk to may one day be a creature which…you would be strongly tempted to worshipbe strongly tempted to worship, or else a horror and a corruption , or else a horror and a corruption such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long such as you now meet, if at all, only in a nightmare. All day long we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of we are, in some degree, helping each other to one or other of these destinations. It is in the light of these overwhelming these destinations. It is in the light of these overwhelming possibilities, it is with the awe and the circumspection proper to possibilities, it is with the awe and the circumspection proper to them, that we should conduct all our dealings with one another, all them, that we should conduct all our dealings with one another, all friendships, all loves, all play, all politics. friendships, all loves, all play, all politics. There are no ordinary There are no ordinary peoplepeople. You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, . You have never talked to a mere mortal. Nations, cultures, arts, civilization---these are mortal, and their life is to cultures, arts, civilization---these are mortal, and their life is to ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, ours as the life of a gnat. But it is immortals whom we joke with, work with, marry, snub, and exploit---immortal horrors or work with, marry, snub, and exploit---immortal horrors or everlasting splendors” (Lewis, Joyful Christian, 197).everlasting splendors” (Lewis, Joyful Christian, 197).

Before President Snow was a member of the Church, Before President Snow was a member of the Church, Joseph Smith Sr., then patriarch of the Church, Joseph Smith Sr., then patriarch of the Church, prophesied that Lorenzo would be baptized, and the prophesied that Lorenzo would be baptized, and the added this postscript, “You will become as great as you added this postscript, “You will become as great as you can possibly wish---even as great as God, and you can possibly wish---even as great as God, and you cannot wish to be greater” (Snow, cannot wish to be greater” (Snow, Biography and Family Biography and Family Record of Lorenzo SnowRecord of Lorenzo Snow, 10)., 10).

Two weeks later Lorenzo was baptized, but the rest of Two weeks later Lorenzo was baptized, but the rest of the promise remained a “dark parable” to him until four the promise remained a “dark parable” to him until four years later when a burst of revelation came upon him, years later when a burst of revelation came upon him, enlightening his mind on the subject. He tells of his enlightening his mind on the subject. He tells of his extraordinary experience:extraordinary experience:

““The Spirit of the Lord rested mightily upon me---the The Spirit of the Lord rested mightily upon me---the eyes of my understanding were opened, and I saw as eyes of my understanding were opened, and I saw as clear as the sun at noonday, with wonder and clear as the sun at noonday, with wonder and astonishment, the pathway of God and man. I formed astonishment, the pathway of God and man. I formed the following couplet with expresses the revelation, as it the following couplet with expresses the revelation, as it was shown me, and explains Father Smith’s dark saying was shown me, and explains Father Smith’s dark saying to me at a blessing meeting in the Kirtland Temple, prior to me at a blessing meeting in the Kirtland Temple, prior to my baptism, as previously mentioned in my first to my baptism, as previously mentioned in my first interview with the Patriarch.interview with the Patriarch.

As man now is, God once was:As man now is, God once was:

As God now is, man may be.As God now is, man may be.

Snow, Snow, Biography and Family Record of Lorenzo Snow, Biography and Family Record of Lorenzo Snow, 1010..

Lorenzo Snow wrote the following poemLorenzo Snow wrote the following poem::

Dear Brother:Dear Brother:

Hast thou not been unwisely bold,Hast thou not been unwisely bold,

Man’s destiny to thus unfold?Man’s destiny to thus unfold?

To raise, promote such high desire,To raise, promote such high desire,

Such vast ambition thus inspire?Such vast ambition thus inspire?

Still, ‘tis no phantom that we traceStill, ‘tis no phantom that we trace

Man’s ultimatum in life’s race;Man’s ultimatum in life’s race;

This royal path has long been trodThis royal path has long been trod

By righteous men, each now a God:By righteous men, each now a God:

As Abra’m, Isaac, Jacob too,As Abra’m, Isaac, Jacob too,

First babes, then men---to gods they grew.First babes, then men---to gods they grew.

As man now is, our God once was;As man now is, our God once was;

As now God is, so man may be,---As now God is, so man may be,---

The boy, like to is father grown,The boy, like to is father grown,

Has but attained unto his own;Has but attained unto his own;

To grow to sire from state of son,To grow to sire from state of son,

Is not ‘gainst Nature’s course to run.Is not ‘gainst Nature’s course to run.

A son of God, like God to be,A son of God, like God to be,

Would not be robbing Deity;Would not be robbing Deity;

And he who has this hope within,And he who has this hope within,

Will purify himself from sin.Will purify himself from sin.

Snow, Snow, Teachings of Lorenzo SnowTeachings of Lorenzo Snow, 8-9., 8-9.

The Gospel of Philip, one of the Nag Hammadi The Gospel of Philip, one of the Nag Hammadi discoveries, makes this simple statement of logic: discoveries, makes this simple statement of logic: “A horse sires a horse, a man begets a man, a “A horse sires a horse, a man begets a man, a god brings forth a god” (“Gospel of Philip,” 145).god brings forth a god” (“Gospel of Philip,” 145).

That is exactly what John Taylor taught: “As the That is exactly what John Taylor taught: “As the horse, the ox, the sheep, and every living horse, the ox, the sheep, and every living creature, including man, propagates its own creature, including man, propagates its own species and perpetuates its own kind, so does species and perpetuates its own kind, so does God perpetuate His” (Taylor, God perpetuate His” (Taylor, Mediation and Mediation and AtonementAtonement, 165)., 165).

Joseph Smith so declared: “All those who keep the Joseph Smith so declared: “All those who keep the commandments shall grow up from grace to grace, and become commandments shall grow up from grace to grace, and become heirs of the heavenly kingdom, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ; heirs of the heavenly kingdom, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ; possessing the same mind, being transformed into the same possessing the same mind, being transformed into the same image or likeness, even the express image of him who fills all in image or likeness, even the express image of him who fills all in all; being filled with the fullness of is glory, and become one in all; being filled with the fullness of is glory, and become one in him” (Smith, him” (Smith, Lectures on FaithLectures on Faith, 60)., 60).

C.S. Lewis reminds us, “The job will not be completed in this life: C.S. Lewis reminds us, “The job will not be completed in this life: but He means to get us as far as possible before death” (Lewis, but He means to get us as far as possible before death” (Lewis, Mere ChristianityMere Christianity, 175)., 175).

The First Presidency of the Church in 1909 reiterated the promise The First Presidency of the Church in 1909 reiterated the promise and also the timetable: “Undeveloped offspring of celestial and also the timetable: “Undeveloped offspring of celestial parentage is capable, by experience through ages and aeons, of parentage is capable, by experience through ages and aeons, of evolving into a God” (Smith, “evolving into a God” (Smith, “The Origin of ManThe Origin of Man,” 81).,” 81).

C.S. Lewis exposed the one obstacle to “absolute perfection” and C.S. Lewis exposed the one obstacle to “absolute perfection” and godhood---ourselves. He teaches the principle by way of a godhood---ourselves. He teaches the principle by way of a childhood experience. He recalls his repeated toothaches and his childhood experience. He recalls his repeated toothaches and his desire for relief---but likewise the nagging fear that if he disclosed desire for relief---but likewise the nagging fear that if he disclosed his pain, his mother would take him to the dentist. He said, “I his pain, his mother would take him to the dentist. He said, “I knew those dentists; I knew they started fiddling about with all knew those dentists; I knew they started fiddling about with all sorts of other teeth which had not yet begun to ache….{I}f you sorts of other teeth which had not yet begun to ache….{I}f you gave them an inch, they took an ell.” Then he made this gave them an inch, they took an ell.” Then he made this comparison: “Our Lord is like the dentists….Dozens of people go comparison: “Our Lord is like the dentists….Dozens of people go to Him to be cured of some one particular sin which they are to Him to be cured of some one particular sin which they are ashamed of….Well, He will cure it all right: but He will not stop ashamed of….Well, He will cure it all right: but He will not stop there. That may be all you asked; but if you once call him in, He there. That may be all you asked; but if you once call him in, He will give you the full treatment.will give you the full treatment.

“…’“…’Make no mistake,’ He says, ‘if you let Me, I will make you Make no mistake,’ He says, ‘if you let Me, I will make you perfect. The moment you put yourself in My hands, that is what perfect. The moment you put yourself in My hands, that is what you are in for.you are in for.

Nothing less, or other, than that. You have free will, and if you Nothing less, or other, than that. You have free will, and if you choose, you can push Me away. But if you do not push Me away, choose, you can push Me away. But if you do not push Me away, understand that I am going to see this job through. Whatever understand that I am going to see this job through. Whatever suffering it may cost you in your earthly life, whatever suffering it may cost you in your earthly life, whatever inconceivable purification it may cost you after death, whatever it inconceivable purification it may cost you after death, whatever it costs Me, I will never rest, not let you rest, until you are literally costs Me, I will never rest, not let you rest, until you are literally perfect---until my Father can say without reservation that He is perfect---until my Father can say without reservation that He is well please with you, as He said he was well pleased with Me. well please with you, as He said he was well pleased with Me. This I can do and will do. But I will not do anything less.’This I can do and will do. But I will not do anything less.’

“…“…You must realize from the outset that the goal toward which He You must realize from the outset that the goal toward which He is beginning to guide you is absolute perfection; and no power in is beginning to guide you is absolute perfection; and no power in the whole universe, except you yourself, can prevent Him from the whole universe, except you yourself, can prevent Him from taking you to that goal. That is what you are in for. And it is very taking you to that goal. That is what you are in for. And it is very important to realize that” (Lewis, important to realize that” (Lewis, Joyful ChristianJoyful Christian, 77-78)., 77-78).

If we are not destined for godhood, the critic must answer, “Why not?” If we are not destined for godhood, the critic must answer, “Why not?” Perhaps we could suggest three answers for the critic’s considerationPerhaps we could suggest three answers for the critic’s consideration ..

Maybe man cannot become like God because God does not have the power to Maybe man cannot become like God because God does not have the power to create celestial offspring. It is beyond his present level of comprehension and create celestial offspring. It is beyond his present level of comprehension and intelligence. “Blasphemous,” responds the critic. “He has all knowledge and all intelligence. “Blasphemous,” responds the critic. “He has all knowledge and all power.”power.”

Perhaps God does not create such a diving offspring because he does not love Perhaps God does not create such a diving offspring because he does not love us. “Ridiculous,” the critic replies. “’For God so loved the world, that he gave us. “Ridiculous,” the critic replies. “’For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son’’ (John 3:16).his only begotten Son’’ (John 3:16).

Well, perhaps God has not planted within us the divine spark because he wants Well, perhaps God has not planted within us the divine spark because he wants to retain godhood for himself; he is threatened by our progress; he can retain to retain godhood for himself; he is threatened by our progress; he can retain his superiority only by asserting man’s inferiority. “No, no, insists the critic. his superiority only by asserting man’s inferiority. “No, no, insists the critic. “Have you ever known a loving, kindly father who did not want his children to “Have you ever known a loving, kindly father who did not want his children to become all that he is and more?” (Tad R. Callister, become all that he is and more?” (Tad R. Callister, The Infinite AtonementThe Infinite Atonement, , 246).246).