DOCTRINE
Understand The Doctrine
Gospel In the Days of Adam and Eve
Two conflicting commandments in the garden?
Command #1: Do not partake of The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. In the day to do Thou shall surely die. First we need to look at the concept can you actually have a commandment until you have made the covenant to be obedient?
Command #2: To multiply and replenish the earth. Moses 2:28 Abraham 4:28. Note the phrase that God uses - "We will bless them, and the Gods said we will cause them to be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth." Or during the creation he gave them the power of creation - to multiply, but he did not enable that while they were in the garden.
Tradition in the church rationalizes the two conflicts commandments as they suspect by teaching that Adam and Eve understood the plan of salvation while they were in the garden, before the fall. This is how many rationalize it. Some suggest that Eve wanted to get started with having a family and so she partook of the fruit to get things going as she understood the plan. This is not what the scriptures say however. It haas been said that Adam and Eve understood the gospel before the fall, but the scriptures teach us that there is no gospel before the fall. There was no need for a Savior before the fall. "If they partake of the fruit THEN a Savior will be provided for them".
Moses 4:17
Why did ADAM choose to partake of the fruit and fall? Look at the scriptures. Moses 4:18 "The woman thou gavest me and commandest that she should remain with me" she ate and you commanded me to stay with her, I knew she would be kicked out of the garden, so we would be separated; so I ate to remain with her. Adam gives his answer as to why he partook of the fruit. He knew that she would be cast out. He ate of the fruit in order to be obedient to God’s command to remain with Eve. In other words, he was committed to remaining married. The Fall of Adam was really about eternal marriage. Adam was not going to eat of the fruit. He told Satan no he would not, he first told Eve he would not until she explained to him that he also made a covenant to her to stay with her, and so her eating of the fruit menat that he could not do that so now he was forced between two options to partake of the fruit and stay with Eve, or to not partake of the fruit and be separated from Eve. He could follow his wife or follow God. (Think about that idea for a moment in light of scripture)
The net result was that Adams decision was based on eternal marriage, to stay with Eve and had nothing at the time to do with posterity, or nothing to do with making the gospel plan go forward(he did not have the gospel plan at that time). Eternal marriage is required for exaltation not children.
Adam was given a command or he entered into a covenant with God when they were given in marriage in the garden. Moses 3:21-25
Moses 3:25 Answers the question to the idea of a conflicting commandments in the garden of Eden having to do with multiplying and replenishing the earth. Because we can see right here plainly taught that they did not have sexuality in the Garden, so therefore they did not partake of the fruit to do something that they knew nothing about, nor would it have been a temptation to do so without the sexuality. Abraham 4:28.
2 Nephi 2:22-23
When did Adam and Eve get the gospel? Moses 5:1-8
We then need to go to Moses 6:51-68 to take up the story.
Moses 5:9-
Moses 5:11 Eve first learns of the plan of redemption. Eve says here "Were it not for our transgression we ... should never have known".
Moses 5:12 Adam and Eve made all of these things known unto their sons and daughters. Those three generations of posterity.
2 Ne. 2:22-23 They were in a state of innocence, everything would have remained that way if they had not partaken of the fruit.
Alma 12:26-31 Says it this way:
Alma 40:12-14 More on the Sons of Perdition
2) have been made partakers thereof - v. 31 |
3) have suffered themselves to be overcome - v. 31 |
4) deny the truth - v. 31 |
5) defy God's power - v. 31 |
6) deny the Holy Spirit after having received it - v. 35 |
7) deny the Only Begotten son - v. 35 |
8) deny the son after the Father has revealed him - v. 43 |
9) having crucified him unto themselves - v. 35 So back to Cain. He is the first born after they get the gospel, as a result he should be the grand patriarch. Moses 5:12-13
26 And now behold, if it were possible that our first parents could have gone forth and partaken of the tree of life [ Immediately is the point being made here. ] they would have been forever miserable, [ This is about the fall. ] having no preparatory state; [ No time for them to prepare to make the changes that they would need to make before they meet God. ] and thus the plan of redemption would have been frustrated, [ So what was Satans plan to frustrate the plan of God? To get Adam and Eve to partake of the Tree of Life right after they partook of the Tree of knowledge of Good and Evil. But Satan knows not the mind of God, and God steps in immediately to prevent such from happening. ] and the word of God would have been void, taking none effect.
27 But behold, it was not so; [ It did not happen that way - Adam and Eve did not partake of the Tree of knowledge and then right after partake of the tree of life - I suppose that the Lord took good measure to insure that did not happen. ] but it was appointed unto men that they must die; [ Joseph Smith said:"It was not appointed to men to partake of the fruit, but it was appointed unto men to die.". How we do not know; so there must have been another way. ] and after death, they must come to judgment, even that same judgment of which we have spoken, which is the end.
28 And after God had appointed that these things should come unto man, [ That man was going to die. So after man had fallen, after death was in the world. ] behold, then he [ God. ] saw that it was expedient that man should know concerning the things whereof he had appointed unto them; [ After the fall, it was the time to. It was not of any importance before the fall, before the fall they needed no redemption from anything. After the fall it was important that they were taught about the gospel. Then God sought out to teach us these things. What things? The things that we would need to know to apply the atonement and return to him. ]
29 [ So what does God do? ] Therefore he sent angels to converse with them, who caused men to behold of his glory. [ Adam had been seeking further light and knowledge, for some three generations when God sent the angels. First, he sent angels to teach us. In Jewish tradition they are called the three sent ones. Peter, James and John in Temple. D&C 29:42.]
30 And they began from that time forth to call on his name; [ Adam & Eve is taught that they need to pray to him. So it is for us. ] therefore God conversed with men, and made known unto them the plan of redemption, [ And what is it that he makes known? The plan of redemption/salvation. And what is the significance of the plan? If we understand the plan then there is purpose and hope in eternal life. ] which had been prepared from the foundation of the world; and this he made known unto them according to their faith and repentance and their holy works. [ Searching for light & truth and character change. ]
31 Wherefore, he [ God. ] gave commandments unto men, [ So God taught them the gospel but that was not until 3 generations after the fall, and at that time he gave them commandments. Why does the Lord give us commandments? he gave us the commandments to teach us how to act, the requirements so to speak. If we are to become like him then we need to learn to make decisions like he would The commandments show us how he would make the decisions. ] they having first transgressed the first commandments [ Notice it says transgressed here, not sinned. Which were? To not partake of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. ] as to things which were temporal, [ They partook of the fruit which made things temporal(mortal). God does not give laws that are temporal. (D&C 29:34) This law that was given to Adam then had eternal consequences, that of mortal death. ] and becoming as Gods, knowing good from evil, [ The direct result of partaking of the tree of knowledge Moses 4:11. Why did God command Adam not to partake of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of Good and evil in the first place? Because knowing good from evil will eventually separate men from God, it is just a fact that over time man will sin, as man sins he cannot remain in Gods presence - this is an eternal law. This verse is talking about a time when they know good from evil (or right from wrong), which they don't know while in the garden because they haven’t yet been taught the Gospel. Their knowledge of good and evil does not come until after they get the Gospel, which happens over in Moses 5! Because without evil we would not become carnal. But as quick as there is a choice and over time we so often become carnal. God knew that would happen and so he just forewarned Adam. What does knowing good from evil mean then? Knowing good from evil means we cannot help but sin. In our mortal state and level of development, having to choose between good and evil and right and wrong guarantees we will make the wrong choices, as we make wrong choices there will be consequences. The disposition of man is to satisfy his own will, his own desires, appetites, and passions. Life is battle of wills—our will or God's will. Pride satisfies our own will, and humility is turning to God's will. That's the battle that we have to fight. That is what we have to change. That alone separates us from God. We gained desires, appetites and passions which are not all bad but often tend to be so. Once we have knowledge, when we can recognize that there is a difference then we are in a position to have consequences. For example: we do not tell a newborn if you touch the stove you will get burnt, because they do not comprehend. We tell a child as he/she is old enough to understand to make decisions. ] placing themselves in a state to act, [ This seems to describe the necessary component of agency. Agency cannot function in the absence of knowledge and the agency of salvation must be in the presence of both good and evil; hence the necessary requirement of opposition. One cannot choose good if there is no evil. We have to choose good in the presence of evil, thus this power to choose will either damn us or it will exalt us! Good has to be chosen in the presence of evil. They were now in a state to act according to their own wills, whether to do good or to do evil. In between the power of knowledge and the power of action is the power of agency: Knowledge ↔ Agency ↔ Action. ] or being placed in a state to act according to their wills and pleasures, — [ Now that you know the difference between good and evil you can use your agency and choose, and it is thru those choices that you can become as the Gods. Agency comes from knowledge and understanding - where Adam and Even were in the state of naive innocence in the Garden - since they knew neither good or bad they were not responsible and therefore were not able to comprehend the law of opposition and choice. This did not happen until they partook of the fruit when they began to see thing differently. ]
32 Therefore God gave unto them commandments, [ The commandment to do no evil; Notice that God gives the commandments after he has made know the plan of salvation. ] after having made known unto them the plan of redemption, [ So the gospel commandments comes after they have been taught the plan of salvation, and after they have made a covenant with God to be obedient. Remember that enough time has passed since leaving the garden that at least three generations are now living. (D&C 29:42) Who gave the commandments? When did he give them? After God gives them the plan so that they can understand the why. How important is it that we understand the plan or salvation? Well it is like this if we don't understand that plan of salvation then we don't or will not understand why we are doing what we are doing. It will not make any sense. But if we do understand the plan then it will all make sense. ] that they should not do evil, [ This commandment was not possible until after they partook of the Tree of Knowledge this commandment to not do evil is not given until they know the difference between good and evil. ] the penalty thereof being a second death, which was an everlasting death as to things pertaining unto righteousness; for on such the plan of redemption could have no power, for the works of justice could not be destroyed, according to the supreme goodness of God.
D&C 29:42 No death UNTIL the gospel was preached to Adam and his posterity.
42 But, behold, I say unto you that I, the Lord God, [ Hebrew - Yahweh ( or Jehovah which means "to become" or "to exist") translated as Lord; Elohim translated as God ("the Gods") which together the words mean "He will cause Gods to be". ] , gave unto Adam and unto his seed, [ All 3 generations of posterity that Adam had at the time, before they hear the Gospel. So there has been three generations at the time that God taught the gospel (the plan of redemption) to Adam and his seed. ] that they should not die as to the temporal death, until I, [ So neither Adam nor his children where able to mortally die until after they had heard of the gospel (Moses 5:12). There was no death in the world prior to this point. ] the Lord God, [ Hebrew - Yahweh ( or Jehovah which means "to become" or "to exist") translated as Lord; Elohim translated as God ("the Gods") which together the words mean "He will cause Gods to be". ] , should send forth angels [ The Peter James and John. In Jewish tradition(Midrash) these are the three sent ones. ] to declare unto them repentance and redemption, [ They needed to have a chance to repent and come to Christ in whom they would be saved. For evil to exist there must be an opposition in all things. One must not only have a choice, but also an understanding of the consequences. These things could only be understood in mortality. That’s why Adam and his posterity could not die until they received the Gospel. Until then they had no true choice between good and evil. ] through faith on the name of mine Only Begotten son.
[ Reason for our mortal probation see 2 Ne. 2:21. Before the Fall, evil could not be comprehended with an immortal body. We cannot comprehend evil unless we are in a temporal existence. With an immortal body we would not have an under-standing of the desires, appetites, and passions of this physical body. ]
Moses 5:58 Messengers teach Adam and his posterity the gospel.
58 And thus the Gospel began to be preached, [ We are three generations in at this point. How did God teach the gospel to Adam and Eve? see 1,2 3 He teaches Adam and Eve how to return to his presence and have eternal life. ] from the beginning, being [1] declared by holy angels sent forth from the presence of God, [ The three sent ones(Jewish Midrash), D&C 29:42. ] and [2] by his own voice, and [3] by the gift of the Holy Ghost[ So we have it from 3 sources or witnesses. ].
Alma 12:29 Angels were sent to converse with Adam.
29 [ So what does God do? ] Therefore he sent angels to converse with them, who caused men to behold of his glory. [ Adam had been seeking further light and knowledge, in my opinion he was asking what he needed to do or if there was a way for him to get back into the presence of God- he would have missed that relationship - RIGHT? So for some three generations he had been praying and sacrificing, being obedient to what he was asked to do before God sent the angels. First, he sent angels to teach us. In Jewish tradition they are called the three sent ones. Peter, James and John in Temple. D&C 29:42. The three that come to Abraham in the wilderness, In the Mandean literature specifically the Book of Adam it points out that "God sent the three pillars of the church to teach Adam the gospel" and the three pillars of the church are specially defined to as Peter James and John. There is a reason that it is Peter James and John and we see this in section 27 of the Doctrine And Covenants. ]
D&C 27:5-12 Reverse genealogy for the priesthood from Moroni all the way back to Adam, and Peter James and John who taught Adam the gospel three generations after the fall.
Back to Moses 5:12-13 Adam and Eve begin to preach the gospel to their children, and they believed it not.
12 And Adam and Eve blessed the name of God, and they made all things known [ So when Adam and Eve start to teach their posterity we already have three generations of posterity. What is the state of men before Satan comes along?Adam and Eve are teaching their children the gospel, but the adversary is among them as well. What is the importance of making all things know to their children? What things do you suppose they were talking about here? ] unto their sons and their daughters. [ Adam taught the gospel to everyone - his children for some 930 years Moses 6:12. Remember Adam is one that can teach all of this first hand - he was there in the garden, he was there when he was kicked out, he could remember everything. He lived it! Why did the Lord wait three generations to introduce the Gospel to Adam? An aspect of the law of revelation is that you have to prove yourself true and faithful to the light and knowledge you have received before you are prepared to receive further light and knowledge. We see this with Moses. He is in the presence of God; he is declared to be a son of God; he is told that he has been created in the Image of the Only Begotten son and that God has a work for him to do. Moses receives a quick view of the eternities (worlds without number) and then “he is left unto himself” to see if he is going to be true and faithful to what he knows. And then Satan comes along in Moses 1 and says, “Worship me, I am also a son of God.” ]
13 And Satan came among [ As is always the case, as soon as God reveals a principle by revelation - Satan reviews it and try's to figure out a plan to prevent it. Joseph Smith taught: “In relation to the kingdom of God, the devil always sets up his kingdom at the very same time in opposition to God.” (TPJS. p. 365.) When Adam taught the gospel of Jesus Christ to his children, “Satan came among them, saying: I am also a son of God” and Adam’s posterity refused to believe their father Adam. Don't believe Adam. You can see me ( he appeared as an angel of light; 2 Ne. 9:9; Alma 30:53). You cannot see the God Adam is telling you about, but you can see me. I am also a son of God. Don't believe your father.” Satan convinced the posterity of Adam to reject their father’s teaching, with the result that they “loved Satan more than God”. As this passage in Moses teaches, Satan was there when the gospel was introduced and explained to Adam. In like manner, Satan was there when Adam’s sons received their ‘oath and covenant of the priesthood’ enabling him to set up (through Cain) his ‘secret oaths and combinations’ using the same signs, tokens, and penalties with which Cain was familiar. You see Satan does not comprehend the entire plan so moving as he sees God move is his strategy, at least in the beginning. ] them, [ Reference to a scene from an older Temple narrative in which Satan hires a preacher to teach “the philosophies of men, mingled with scripture” to the posterity of Adam and Eve. When questioned by the messengers on how this teaching was being received by these people, the preacher responds, “Very well, except for these two (referring to Adam & Eve).” ] saying: I am also a son of God ; [ After the introduction of the Gospel to Adam, Satan declares that he is also a son of God. With the introduction of the blessings of the endowment now given to Cain, Satan sets up his priesthoods as well, and then the oaths and combinations to mimic the priesthood of God, not only the Gospel, but the endowed blessings and covenants of exaltation. If he is implying that he is righteous per Moses 7:1 where "sons of God" means righteous then he is lying. If he is implying that he was born as a spirit of God then he is right as he was in the war in heaven we know as our brother. ] and he [ Satan. Joseph Smith taught: “In relation to the kingdom of God, the devil always sets up his kingdom at the very same time in opposition to God.”(TPJS. p. 365.) When Adam taught the gospel of Jesus Christ to his children, “Satan came among them, saying: I am also a son of God” and Adam’s posterity refused to believe their father Adam (Moses 5:13). They could not see the Son of God that Adam taught about. Satan declaring himself a son of God and appearing as an angel of light (2 Nephi 9:9) convinced the posterity of Adam to reject their father’s teaching, with the result that they “loved Satan more than God” (Moses 5:13). As this passage in Moses teaches, Satan was there when the gospel was introduced and explained to Adam. In like manner, Satan was there when Adam’s sons received their ‘oath and covenant of the priesthood’ enabling him to set up (through Cain) his ‘secret oaths and combinations’ using the same signs, tokens, and penalties with which Cain was familiar. ] commanded them, [ Since to this point God has been the one making commandments to Adam. So here is Satan in a subtle way trying to replace or be a supplement for God. Is this not what he tried to do all the time? For evil to exist there must be an opposition in all things. One must not only have a choice, but also an understanding of the consequences. These things could only be understood in mortality. That’s why Adam and his posterity could not die until they received the Gospel. Until then they had no true choice between good and evil. Seen in this light, the Fall actually takes place after Adam and his posterity receive the Gospel. Adam and Eve and their posterity could not have a knowledge of good and evil until the Gospel is taught to them, which is long after Adam is cast out of the garden. All these things show up in the scriptures, but we generally accept the traditions we have been taught without examining what the scriptures truly say. After being cast out, Satan doesn’t even show up on the scene until after Adam and Eve receive the Gospel. Joseph Smith taught that Satan sets up his counterfeit kingdom the same time the Lord establishes his. This is evidenced by the fact that Satan shows up and tells the posterity of Adam to “believe it not.” They “believed it not” only after they had been taught the plan of salvation by their father and mother. They could only become carnal, sensual, and devilish once there was a real choice between good and evil. Remember, Satan has two goals which he was trying to accomplish right from the beginning: 1) to destroy the nature of God; and 2) to do away with the necessity of the Atonement, thus doing away with the necessity of Christ. His “gospel” consists of stopping us from coming unto Christ, or having faith in Christ, or repenting. His other teachings do away with the doctrine of exaltation: the knowledge that men can become sons of God and thus receive all that the Father has as joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. ] saying: Believe it not; [ He gave them a different message, one that did not require faith - you know the one that has as it's law - eat drink and be marry. Satan gets the children of Adam to not listen to not believe what Adam is teaching them. Again we see agency here. Adam does not just terminate their life when they choose another path, no he let's them move forward. While he may not agree, while he may very well know better he still let's them make their own decisions. ] and they believed it not,[ The people. Adams posterity accepted the teachings of the devil. Now that Adam has taught his posterity the Gospel, Satan comes among them with all of his teachers and ministers teaching them not to believe in the son of God, and they reject what their father Adam had taught them. Now that there is a choice between good and evil, the posterity of Adam can use their agency to choose. There had not been any choice before, and that's why the record says, “from that time forth, men began to be carnal, sensual, and devilish.” This is also why the posterity of Adam could not die as to a temporal death up to this point— they had to have the opportunity to be taught the Gospel! (D&C 29:42)
The "it" is what Adam was teaching them. It required faith, repentance and prayer. Is there a cause relationship here. Because they did not believe they were able to be lead away until they did not love God - but loved Satan. Without the spiritual connection that we have with God we can drift away very quickly to a place were we only think for ourselves, we do as we want what is fun for us. ] and they loved Satan more than God. [ In other words it may be in very small ways but man became less loyal to God; they choose to make choice not according to the way that God would want them to go - hence the loyalty or love for Satan. We might put it another way as well. That is that they loved the ideas that Satan introduced to them more than Gods plan. Remember God said that you will need to work for what you get, Satan was like no; you can lie and change the facts for your gain, you can take by force for your gain, you can have sex without marriage - you can do all of these things and as far as I can see there is no difference to those who choose to follow God and those who choose not too. It seems like at least some of Adam's posterity would have listened to the Gospel.
From earlier days, there was a dialogue in the Temple narrative where the angels ask Satan how his teachings are being received, and he answers, “Very well, except for these two” (pointing to Adam & Eve), signifying that all of Adam's posterity had rejected the Gospel Adam had taught them. This is what is being taught right here. Satan had come along and corrupted men by getting them to accept the philosophies of men, mingled with scripture. This narrative is found in the Book of Moses because the Book of Moses was used as the Temple narrative. ] And men began from that time forth [ Only after they are taught the gospel does Satan come among them. And after the gospel has been preached do they become "carnal, sensual, and devilish". They now have choice, and exercising their own agency, they choose not to believe the Gospel their father has taught them. This implies that Adam, Eve and humans in general are not intrinsically "carnal, sensual and devilish" but are drawn to be as such by the adversary. Think about it - Do you not have to have gospel law in order to sin against the gospel? Now that they have the Gospel, Adam chooses to believe it. His posterity reject it, and now things are set up for the effects of the fall to take placem that is that they can now die, because with a real distinction between good and evil, they are in a position to choose, making this life a true probationary period (1 Ne. 15:33: Alma 12:16, 32; Hel. 14:18). Adam and Eve did not fall as soon as they partook of the fruit; they did not suddenly understand the Gospel or the difference between good and evil. But now that they have been taught the Gospel and a real distinction is placed before them, they can choose, and the real Fall takes place. ] to be carnal, [ The state inherited by all accountable persons on this earth - as a result (all men) are subject to the lusts, passions and appetites of the flesh. They are no longer in the presence of God and as a result are in a state of worldliness with the inclination to gratify the flesh. ] sensual, [ Meaning carnal and base: it relates to the body in stead of the spirit. Thus sensuality embraces free indulgence in the pleasures of the flesh - since we are flesh it is only the natural state of the flesh. So with the knowledge of good and evil now that they have had the gospel taught to them they can now sin - or as they do sin they become more carnal, sensual and devilish. Knowledge is the key to understanding good and evil, right from wrong. There was no sin until after they received the Gospel because you cannot be disobedient until you make a covenant to be obedient (Baptism). ] and devilish. [ They believed the lie and thus chose to live without the Gospel. So Satan was trying to do was persuade Adam's posterity to not believe Adam's teachings about Christ. Joseph Smith taught that Satan sets up his kingdom at the same time God establishes His Kingdom. “In relation to the kingdom of God, the devil always sets up his kingdom at the very same time in opposition to God” (TPJS p 365). ]
So what does God do? In part he will sum up for Adam the civil and religious future for mankind. That is how the world will play out from that time forward, all of history can be summed up with what God said in Moses 4:21. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is brought forward and the burden of the fall is placed on mankind.
21 And I [ God - Heavenly Father. ] will put [ Create a gulf between with mutual hatred. This one verse sets the stage for everything that takes place upon the earth from the fall to the end of the earth. Everything that happens, all of world history, all current events, every political situtation, all of the wars and perplexities of nations, everything is nothing more than the details of the battle that rages between the establishment of zion (Gods kingdom on earth), and the establishment of Babylon. Everything, everything, everything is nothing more than the details of this great battle going on. The Lord speaks first to: the man Adam → then to the Woman → then to the serpent. The consequences of the transgression are first explained: to the serpent → then to the Woman → and then to the man, Adam. ] enmity [ The opposite of friendship; ill will; hatred; unfriendly dispositions; malevolence. It expresses more than aversion and less than malice, and differs from displeasure in denoting a fixed or rooted hatred, whereas displeasure is more transient. the attitude or feelings toward an enemy, hostility - or deep seated dis-like. ] between thee [ Satan and those that follow him. ] and the woman, [ Christ - The Church - Why Female tense? "the woman" because Christ is the head of the church and he is masculine tense, because he (Jesus Christ) is our defender, our provider, and our protector. ] between thy seed [ Satan's disciples - those that uphold him and sustain Satan, his principles and fulfill his wishes. Or everything that happens will be a result of the enmity. This defines how the world will play out from that time forward, all of history can be summed up with what God said here. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is brought forward and the burden of the fall is placed on mankind. ] and her seed; [ Her is a pronoun - there has only ever been one woman who has walked the earth that has ever had a child without the help of a mortal man, that woman is Mary and her seed alludes to Christ. ] and he [ The child of that specific woman to whom he is referring - Mary the mother of Jesus. ] shall bruise thy head, [ What is the part of serpent that can do the most damage to man? The head - that is where he bites and injects the poison from. Christ was given the power to bruise the head of Satan. If you were given a choice to bruise the head or bruise the heal which would you suppose would be the most lethal? The head is the most important part of the body, if you destroy the head you destroy the body. Christ has won - atonement is in place and Satan has lost. Christ shall crush the head of the serpent (Satan and his kingdom) with the very heel that was bruised in his atoning sacrifice. ] and thou shalt bruise his heel. [ Satan bruised Christ's heel by getting people to kill Him on the cross. It hurts if you have even been kicked in the shin, or bruised your heel. A bruse to the heel can take a long time to heal. The atonement was a difficult process. There was great pain involved, mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. He suffered pain beyond anything that we can comprehend as mortals. While it might cause terrible pain it is not lethal. And in the process of working out the atonement Christ will gain the power to crush the head of the serpent or Satan and his kingdom. This statement by God to the serpent is fulfilled in multiple ways. We get to choose by our agency whom we will follow. We are on equal ground. Opposition here is equal, and we get to break the tie, so to speak, in choosing which direction we will follow. It’s the doctrine of the Two Ways: there is good and evil. We can't know good without evil. If the devil makes us do it, then we cannot be condemned for it. And if God makes us do it, then we cannot be blessed for it. The Spirit can either direct us or we can be directed by wickedness. It comes down to our own choice. Hugh Nibley said: If every choice I make expresses a preference, if the world I build up is the world I really love and want, then with every choice I am judging myself, proclaiming all the day long to God, angels, and my fellowmen where my real values lie, where my treasure is, the things to which I give supreme importance. Hence, in this life every moment provides a perfect and foolproof test of your real character, making this life a time of testing and probation. (Hugh Nibley: “Zeal Without Knowledge,” Approaching Zion, p 66) ]
Moses 5:16-18 We are three generations down the line and Adam and Eve are still calling on God.
16 And Adam and Eve, his wife, ceased not to call upon God. [ They continued to pray; I suppose that this phrase is more than just continued to pray it implies to me faithfulness; for why would you continue to pray if you had lost hope and belief in God? Or does it imply that they were pleading with the Lord for some particular blessing? ] And Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bare Cain, [ Adam and Eve were the parents of numerous children even before Cain "The Way to Perfection" pg 97-98 but Cain is important to the story line because of his choices and actions. Cain however is the first one born after Adam and Eve have received the gospel. He should have become the patriarch (but as we will see he does not fit the standard). Cain should also be the one chosen as the new patriarch (under his father Adam) and set apart to help administer the gospel to all of Adam’s posterity, becoming as is Adam, their prophet, priest and king. Eve is excited about the birth of her son Cain because he will be raised in the gospel that his older brothers and sisters rejected because they were not raised in the gospel and so they “believed it not” (vs. 12, 13). Cain was then born at such a times as he could be taught gospel from birth. Cain was not only ‘born in the covenant’ like his siblings, but will learn of priesthood responsibilities from his father. ] and said: I have gotten a man from the Lord; [ Cain is the firstborn after they have the gospel, so he should be the Grand Patriarch, the priesthood leader and birthright son. Eve declared that she has now gotten a man that would be righteous and could become the next patriarch. This righteous and chosen Grand Patriarch was to lead and direct his father’s family as a prophet, stand as a priest in providing and performing the ordinances of salvation and exaltation that were required, and act in the responsibilities of a king in providing for the temporal needs and the protection of his father’s family. Eve exclaims this because she now has the gospel, a way a plan for her to teach her children from the beginning, so she is excited, and still naïve to have a child that she feels will not wander away from the Lord. She is excited because in her mind she now has someone who will become the patriarch, someone who will hold and honor the priesthood and not reject it as their previous sons and daughters had done.. He is going to go to primary, he will go to young mens, he will go to priesthood, he will go to seminary, he will go to institute, but the problem was that they sent him to scouts. Eve “got,” “acquired,” or “(pro)-created” Cain with Yahweh’s help. We should note here that JST Genesis preserves the detail that Satan had quickly led Adam and Eve’s older posterity astray (Moses 5:13, cf. 5:18, 23). Hence, JST’s longer explanation of the name Cain in terms of qny/qnh clearly expresses the parental expectation that because Cain was “gotten” or “gained” from Yahweh through continuous special petitioning (“Adam and Eve, his wife, ceased not to call upon God”), he would be of such spiritual make as to not reject the Lord like his older siblings, “wherefore he may not reject his words” (Moses 5:16). Nevertheless, even though “Cain” was “gotten” or “acquired” from the Lord, yet he “rejected” him and his words, even after the latter “revealed himself” to Cain (Moses 6:3). ] wherefore he may not reject his words. But behold, Cain hearkened not, [ The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, as do the scriptures, that Cain held the priesthood, providing him the authority to function and officiate in its ordinances.(TPJS, pp. 58-59; 169) Cain received the priesthood from his father and no doubt participated in the ordinances of salvation and exaltation for himself. Cain and his brother Abel prepared themselves to officiate in all the ordinances of the priesthood. His righteousness and priesthood activity would be manifested to his father and to God as he participated in priesthood ordinances, which would include those of sacrifice. The priesthood responsibility that Adam held was an authority that functioned under both the Patriarchal and Melchizedek priesthoods. The lesser, or Aaronic Priesthood, did not exist as a separate authority or responsibility at that time because each patriarch was responsible for their family’s spiritual and temporal needs. Cain was the first in line to become the new Grand Patriarch to all of Adam’s posterity, holding and having all of the priesthood keys and authorities of his father. Patriarchal and Melchizedek Authority In scripture there are patriarchs (family fathers restricted to immediate family lines) and Grand Patriarchs (holding a responsibility for all their father’s children in their extended family lines).
The book of Genesis is the priesthood manual of the Patriarchal Priesthood. Every sealed patriarch and matriarch entered into ‘that order of the priesthood’ which was patriarchal, the father becoming the patriarch to his own immediate family. A father is naturally responsible for the temporal and spiritual wellbeing of his family. The Grand Patriarch held all the keys and authority necessary to provide the temporal (today’s Aaronic) and spiritual (Melchizedek) welfare for his father’s family, (the brothers, sisters and their children etc.) thus, becoming a prophet, priest and king for them as well as for his own family. The Grand Patriarchs (those holding both Patriarchal and Melchizedek authority) are listed in scriptures as the first born of the first born: Adam, Seth, Enoch, etc., down to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Ephraim (D&C 84). The Grand Patriarch’s authority to administer the gospel and its ordinances resides in the authority of Christ, the Firstborn, and is an authority to administer outside the immediate family for the benefit of his Father’s children. The Melchizedek authority steps in as an aid to the family patriarch and becomes a substitute for the families that may not have a father or patriarch to provide for them. Hence the command throughout scripture to take care of the temporal and spiritual needs of the “fatherless, widows, and orphans.” The Patriarchal Law of Inheritance in the Old Testament put forth that the first ‘righteous’ son would receive the birthright, becoming the Grand Patriarch with Melchizedek authority. As is discussed in the Books of Genesis. ] saying: Who is the Lord that I should know him? Eventually the ‘rights’ (authority) and the ‘rite’ (ordinance) of a Grand Patriarch was conferred to Abel, the more righteous second born son to this now gospel centered home. This is made clear in Moses 5:20-21, as the “Lord had respect” for Abel’s offering, and had “not respect” for Cain’s sacrifice and faithless priesthood activity. What does this type of statement tell you about Cain's attitude toward God? He is a little cocky and arrogant. Cain was the firstborn in the gospel, and should have been the Grand Patriarch the priesthood leader as the birthright son, but Abel was chosen because of Cains lack of responsibility for doing what God asked him to do(offer up a correct sacrifice on the altar, and be the priesthood leader to administer outside the immediate family for the benefit of his Father’s children - in other words he is to be his brothers keeper). This righteous and chosen Grand Patriarch was to lead and direct his father’s family as a prophet, stand as a priest in providing and performing the ordinances of salvation and exaltation that were required, and act in the responsibilities of a king in providing for the temporal needs and the protection of his father’s family. What must we do to come to know God? See Alma 22:17-18 What does Cain do? Loves Satan more than God vs 18; Makes his own rules the law of justification vs 19-21; Will not repent vs 22-25; gets angry; rejects God and his servants vs 26; surronds himself with others like him vs 27-28; starts to make covenants with Satan vs 29-30; rejoices in his wickedness vs 31; promotes his ways as true freedom ; blames everyone but himself when he gets caught, as he is not responsible for his actions vs 39-39. ]
17 And she again conceived and bare his brother Abel. And Abel hearkened unto the voice of the Lord. [ The stage is being set. The record is giving us a clue who the next Patriarch is going to be. All of this sets the stage for the information that is to come. All of this is not instantaneous, as they are living to great old ages. For all we know, this account may have taken well over 150 years to transpire. There is from the every beginning an attitude toward God. Abel is humble and worships God. It is obvious that every child is different, maybe some is as a result of decisions made in heaven before we came here. We were there for a long time, we were mature spirits there, so some of what we learned there would no doubt follow with us in our spirit as we came here. vs 24. ] And Abel was a keeper of sheep, [ A sheepherder. ] but Cain was a tiller of the ground. [ A farmer. ]
18 And Cain loved Satan more than God. [ He looses his identity, that he is a child of God. He starts to seek for power, not God's power, not priesthood power. Cain does not kill Able in ignorance. He has had the privilege of standing in the presence of heavenly messengers, has been blessed with communication with the Father, He held the Priesthood: otherwise his sin could not have made him Perdition. He made a choice out of love, Satan over God. Joseph Fielding Smith Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith 169. This is not what Cain said when he was 8 yrs old, or even 20 years old. Cain has received the Priesthood. He has been active in the Priesthood. He has offered sacrifices in the Priesthood, and he had already received his endowment of power, which at that time, was not an ordinance “to become such” through faithfulness. It was the reality of the ordinances of the endowment. (Presently we are anointed only “to become such” based upon our faithfulness.) He has been participating in the Priesthood and all of its ordinances. But now just a few verses later, we see Cain’s change of attitude. ] And Satan commanded him, [ Cain. ] saying: Make an offering unto the Lord. [ So notice that he is making this offerring under the direction of Satan. Cain has already been making sacrifices unto the Lord; he has been active in the Priesthood. He knows perfectly well what kind of offering is acceptable. But in this particular instance, as recorded in scripture, he does as commanded by Satan, which now disqualifies him from becoming the next patriarch. Why did cain make an offering to the Lord? Satan commanded him to, to mock God. Satan is the one making the suggestions here. Let's listen to what he might be saying to Cain. Satan say's "Look make the offerring this way, and if God is a God of love as he say's he is then he will love you anyway, he should be grateful that you have honored him." In other words you can make your own rules here and we will hold God accountable to our rules, he will be required to abide our laws if he really is a God of love as he proclaims. The response from God is found in verse 23, if you do well going forward, you will be accepted. What did he offer? Joseph Smith said: Abel offered to God a sacrifice that was accepted, which was the firstlings of the flock. Cain offered of the fruit of the ground, and was not accepted, because he could not do it in faith, he could have no faith, or could not exercise faith contrary to the plan of heaven. It must be shedding the blood of the Only Begotten to atone for man. Cain could have no faith and whatsoever is not of faith, is sin. But Abel offered an acceptable sacrifice, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous... The mere shedding of the blood of beasts or offering anything else in sacrifice, could not procure a remission of sins, except it were performed in faith of something to come. ( TPJS. pp.58, 59.) ]
So before we get too far along here we need to identify a few different groups from the scriptures. The three different sons in scriptures:
The Sons of God; The Sons of Men; and the Sons of Perdition.
The Sons of God are identified as those who know the gospel and live it.
The sons of men are those who do not know the gospel.
The sons of Perdition are those who do know the gospel and do not live it, they are partakers of the power of God and then turn away from that power.
THE SONS OF GOD
Moses 8:13
13 And Noah and his sons hearkened unto the Lord, and gave heed, [ They listened to the Lord and observed to keep the commandments. ] and they were called the sons of God. [ These sons of Noah accepted the Gospel and they “were called the sons of God” (See Moses 6:68). Why were they called the son's of God? Because they harkened and gave heed to the commandments of God. They were at least ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood. See Mos 6:67-68, see also D&C 76:56-60 for the definition of a son of God. So all three of Noah's sons were holder's of the higher priesthood Pearl of Great Price Student Manual pg 26 D&C 107;40-52. D&C 11:30. ]
D&C 11:30 30 But verily, verily, I say unto you, that as many as receive me, to them will I give power to become the sons of God, [ What are the implications of such a blessing? See Doctrine and Covenants 76:51–60; 84:33–38; 132:22–24; Moses 6:57–68; 1 John 3:1–10. This is the definition then of the Sons of God. ] even to them that believe on my name. Amen.
D&C 25:1
1 HEARKEN unto the voice of the Lord your God, while I speak unto you, Emma Smith, my daughter; for verily I say unto you, all those who receive my gospel are sons and daughters in my kingdom. [ This “becoming a son or daughter of God” is connected to the meaning of the Atonement as described by Christ in the Gospel of John as the individual may become ‘one’ in Christ and the Father. In the Doctrine and Covenants the connection of becoming ‘one with God’ and a ‘son of God’ is clear. ]
D&C 35:2
2 I am Jesus Christ, the son of God, [ He is not the son of Joseph. He is not the son of a man. This title the son Of God means that his Father is literally God our Father in Heaven who was crucified for the sins of the world, even as many as will believe on my name, that they may become the sons of God, [ Notice what is being said: Becoming a son of God is directly connected with the atonement, being at-one-with God. To become a son or daughter of God, we need to become one with God. The atonement needs to be a reality in our lives. Believing is not enough we need to become one with God, "even one in me as I am one in the Father, as the Father is one in me, that we may be one." This verse in D&C 35 is related to John 13-17. Those chapters in John ought to be read together as one discourse. This is the conversation Christ has with His disciples as he leaves the upper room and walks to the Garden of Gethsemane. Chapter 13 begins with the Last Supper in the upper room, and chapter 17 ends right before he is arrested by the High Priests. These chapters are about the atonement and how to become one with God.
John says at the beginning of his book that Christ is going to give mankind "power to become the sons of God" (John 1:12), and in chapters 13-17 Christ explains how to become one with Him and with the Father. Chapters 18-21 deal with his atonement, crucifixion, and resurrection. John is writing to members of the Church. He is not trying to convert people; he is trying to give members a little bit of meat! ] even one in me as I am one in the Father, as the Father is one in me, that we may be one. [ Content of this verse is like that found in D&C 34:2-3. ]
THE SONS OF MEN
Moses 8:14-15
14 And when these men [ Noah’s sons. ] began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, the sons of men [ As compared to the sons of God - those who were not obedient to the commands of God, followed the precepts of men. Verse 15 those who will not hearken to the commands of God. Moses 5:54-57. The sons of Men = Haven't heard or accepted the Gospel; sons of God = Accept the Gospel and receive all the ordinances, endure to the end; sons of Perdition = Accept the Gospel, enter into sacred covenants, pronounced clean by the Father, and then reject it. ] saw that those daughters were fair, and they took them wives, even as they chose. [ So the daughters were willing to marry these unrighteous men. Those outside of the church, those not keeping their covenants. Or Noah's daughters and granddaughters married non-believers. There is additional evidence of what is going on here found in The Forgotten Books of Eden. The Second Book of Adam and Eve, Chapter 20. This is based on the Jewish Midrash and other textual evidence that exists out there. The chapter heading for Chapter 20 reads thus:
Ravishing music; strong drink loosed among the sons of Cain. They don colorful clothing. The children of Seth look on with longing eyes. They revolt from wise counsel; they descend the mountain into the valley of iniquity. They can not ascend the mountain again. ]
15 And the Lord said unto Noah: The daughters of thy sons [ Or the Daughters of the sons of God - they were those born under the covenant, they were the daughters of the sons of God - those that held the priesthood of God. In a way they are deliberately deprecating the former status of these women who where previously the daughters of the sons of God. ] have sold themselves; [ They were marrying out of the church and cutting themselves off from the blessings provided by the priesthood which was contrary to the teaching of Noah and the commandments of God. Answers to Gospel Questions 1:136-37. The situation was, then, that the sons of God, or their daughters who had been initiated into a spiritual order, departed from it and broke their vows, mingling with those who observed only a carnal law. ] for behold mine anger is kindled against the sons of men, for they will not hearken to my voice. [ Moses 5:54-57 ]
Moses 5:54-57
54 Wherefore [ This is why. ] Lamech was despised, and cast out, and came not among the sons of men, lest he should die. [ Once the secret was out he was afraid that he would be found and killed. This is the exact same oath administered by the Gadianton Robbers in the Book of Mormon. ]
55 And thus the works of darkness began to prevail among all the sons of men. [ Wicked men as opposed to the sons of God. All those who covenanted with Satan were excluded from the holy covenants of God, though they pretended that everything was the same as before. The dirty business spread as such things do once started; Lamech became an outcast like Cain, not because of the murder but because his wives started spreading his confidential secrets—the very ones he had murdered Irad for divulging. ]
56 And God cursed the earth with a sore curse, [ Or a foreshadowing the flood. ] and was angry with the wicked, with all the sons of men whom he had made; [ We are now five generations after Adam. Adam was the head of the first dispensation and Enoch is the head of another dispensation. Why is there a need to have another dispensation? Because there has been a falling away! The goal of every dispensational prophet is to establish Zion. Because of these secret oaths and combinations, every prophet has failed to establish Zion except for Enoch and Melchizedek. They were translated, not because they were so righteous, but because the world became too wicked for them to remain here. When people no longer desire more light and truth, works of darkness can take root within the hearts of the people. ]
57 For they would not hearken unto his voice, nor believe on his Only Begotten son, [ The definition of the sons of men. Those who neither hearken nor believe in Jesus Christ, nor would they listen to His prophets who declared Him. ] even him whom he declared should come in the meridian of time, who was prepared from before the foundation of the world. [ Recognition that Christ was foreordained in the world before this one. Pre-mortality. ]
SONS OF PERDITION
D&C 76:31-38
31 Thus saith the Lord [ Or this is what God has to say about it. ] concerning all those who know my power, [ Are witnesses of his power, They understand what his power is. They have seen it first hand. Or those who have become a Son of God, know his power (calling and election made sure?). ] and have been made partakers thereof, [ They have received from that power. Either blessed by it or have used his power. Christ has provided the atonement and the resurrection. That is His power, and those who have been washed and pronounced clean are those who have been made “partakers thereof,” or who have received their Calling and Election. This means one has not only received the Priesthood, but has also entered into and received all of the ordinances of Salvation and Exaltation. They have been washed, anointed, and pronounced free and clean from the blood and sins of their generation, and then “altogether turneth therefrom” (D&C 84:41). That is knowing, and being made partakers, of God's power. Being faithful to the concept of the endowment is not the same thing as actually receiving your Calling and Election. ] and suffered [ Allowed, submitted to. ] themselves through the power of the devil to be overcome, [ How are they overcome? ] and to deny the truth [ Deny what they know to be true. This is not just a feeling but a knowledge of truth. ] and defy my power [ Defy - or they willing go against. So they do both they deny what they know to be truth and then go so far as to defy it. ] —
32 They are they who are the sons of perdition, [ So here we have the definition for the Sons Of Perdition. Are witnesses of his power, They understand what his power is and they understand the gospel. They have seen it first hand. Or those who have become a Son of God, know his power (calling and election made sure?) and then altogether turn away from it. (D&C 84:41) ] of whom I say that it had been better for them never to have been born;
33 For they are vessels of wrath, [ What is a vessel of wrath? cp. Romans 9:22, Moses 5:24. ] doomed to suffer the wrath of God, with the devil and his angels in eternity;
34 Concerning whom I have said [ These son's of Perdition. ] there is no forgiveness in this world nor in the world to come— [ Is that because God is made at them, No I don't think so - I think his hand still reaches out to them. So why then is there no forgiviness? Because they do not repent, because they do not believe in God, and the Savior. Therefore God cannot save them as to gain forgivness you must believe. They have become just like Satan. Remember in verse 25 Satan did not want to be subject or accountable to the Savior. This is the same phrase used in D&C 84:41 in relation to those who receive the ‘oath and covenant of the priesthood’ and ‘altogether turneth therefrom’, for they must also become sons of perdition. The requirements to receive the judgment of “not having forgiveness of sins in this world nor the world to come” would appear to be the same. Thus the “oath and covenant of the priesthood” is connected to the fulfilling of the endowment of power, where one would “know my power and been made partakers thereof” before qualifying for this judgment. ]
35 [5)] Having denied the Holy Spirit after having received it, [ I have become a son of perdition because I did not obey the spiritual prompting of the holy ghost and have become lax in Church attendance or failed to observe some rules true or false? What then is the difference between not following the whisperings of the spirit and a son of perdition? This is simply a lie from Satan trying to persuade them that their case is hopeless and God wants nothing to do with them anymore. If a person is penitent at all, and seeking any form of reconciliation they cannot be perdition as perdition is the exact opposite. Perdition is the desire to destroy the thing that indicates you are a sinner rather than repent. ] and having denied the Only Begotten son of the Father, [6)] having crucified him unto themselves [ Despise the Savior enough that they would themselves - knowing that he is the Savior thrust the dagger into his side to crucify him. They would participate in the crucifixion given the opportunity. This implies a murderous intent as well as a knowledge and perception that Jesus really was the Christ and a desire to kill him for just that reason. ] and put him to an open shame. [ How Might Anyone “Crucify” the Only Begotten son of the Father and “Put Him to an Open Shame”? Elder Bruce R. McConkie stated that “commission of the unpardonable sin consists in crucifying unto oneself the son of God afresh and putting him to open shame. (Heb. 6:4–8; D. & C. 76:34–35.) To commit this unpardonable crime a man must receive the gospel, gain from the Holy Ghost by revelation the absolute knowledge of the divinity of Christ, and then deny ‘the new and everlasting covenant by which he was sanctified, calling it an unholy thing, and doing despite to the Spirit of grace.’ (Teachings, p. 128.) He thereby commits murder by assenting unto the Lord’s death, that is, having a perfect knowledge of the truth he comes out in open rebellion and places himself in a position wherein he would have crucified Christ knowing perfectly the while that he was the son of God. Christ is thus crucified afresh and put to open shame. (D. & C. 132:27.)” (Mormon Doctrine, pp. 816–17.) Concerning the degree to which such people become filled with the spirit of Satan, Elder Charles W. Penrose said: “Those who have followed [Satan] so that they become imbued with his spirit, which is the spirit of destruction, in opposition to the spirit which brings life, are his. The spirit of murder enters their hearts; they are ready to put to death even the son of God, if His existence in life comes in their way.” (In Conference Report, Oct. 1911, p. 51.) The scriptures sometimes use the phrase “shedding innocent blood” in reference to the actions of those in this condition. President Joseph Fielding Smith explained that the shedding of innocent blood is not confined to taking lives of the innocent, but is also included in seeking to destroy the word of God and putting Christ to open shame. Those who have known the truth and then fight against the authorized servants of Jesus Christ also fight against Him, and thus are guilty of His blood. “Shedding innocent blood is spoken of in the scriptures as consenting to the death of Jesus Christ and putting him to open shame.” (Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, 1:68.) ]
[ v36-39 These verses describe the end result and eternal consequences of being perdition. These persons will be resurrected, but not redeemed. All others will inherit at least some glory in the resurrection, even those in telestial glory. Those who are perdition however will receive no glory and will be left in their misery eternally. ]
36 These are they who shall go away into the lake of fire and brimstone, with the devil and his angels—
37 And the only ones on whom the second death shall have any power; [ So we have a selective group here. What does it mean when we say first or second death? It means to be cut off from the presence of God. What was the first death? When Adam and eve were kicked out of the garden of Eden - see D&C 29:41 What does this mean? They will be totally separated from the presence of God - totally cut off - What is then is the difference between perdition and Celestial, Telestial, Terrestrial kingdoms? All are degrees of glory except perdition. Outer darkness - Why then is it called outer darkness? Separated from all or any light (God) Why is it the the second death will have power over the sons of perdition? he cannot save them because they are without the light of christ which has the power to save. Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote: “Spiritual death is to be cast out of the presence of the Lord, to die as to the things of righteousness, to die as to the things of the Spirit. Spirit beings as such never die in the sense of annihilation or in the sense that their spirit bodies are disorganized; rather, they continue to live to all eternity either as spirits or as resurrected personages. . . .
“Eventually, all are redeemed from spiritual death except those who have ‘sinned unto death’ (D. & C. 64:7), that is, those who are destined to be sons of perdition. John teaches this by saying that after death and hell have delivered up the dead which are in them, then death and hell shall be ‘cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.’ (Rev. 20:12–15.) And thus the Lord said in our day that the sons of perdition are ‘the only ones on whom the second death shall have any power’ (D. & C. 76:37), meaning any power after the resurrection.” (Mormon Doctrine, pp. 757–58; see also Notes and Commentary on D&C 63:17; 64:7.)]
38 Yea, verily, the only ones who shall not be redeemed [ So there comes a point when everyone(except the sons of perdition) will be happy and content in the kingdom where they are at, they will be satisfied. We don't talk much about this, but we are taught that a man would not be happy in a kingdom where he does not belong.(Mormon 9:4-6) Will Those Born into Mortality Who Become sons of Perdition Receive a Resurrection? President George Q. Cannon explained: “A careful reading of these verses, . . . and especially of the preceding paragraphs, will show that the Lord does not, in this language, exclude even the sons of perdition from the resurrection. It is plain that the intention is to refer to them explicitly as the only ones on whom the second death shall have any power: ‘for all the rest shall be brought forth by the resurrection of the dead, through the triumph and the glory of the Lamb.’ This excluded class are the only ones on whom the second death shall have any power, and ‘the only ones who shall not be redeemed in the due time of the Lord, after the suffering of his wrath.’
“This is by no means to say that they are to have no resurrection. Jesus our Lord and Savior died for all, and all will be resurrected—good and bad, white and black, people of every race, whether sinners or not; and no matter how great their sins may be, the resurrection of their bodies is sure. Jesus has died for them, and they all will be redeemed from the grave through the atonement which he has made.” (Juvenile Instructor, Feb. 1900, p. 123.) ] in the due time of the Lord, after the sufferings of his wrath.
D&C 76:43-45
43 Who glorifies the Father, [ How does the Savior glorify the Father then? He does it by providing the way for Our Father to have His Children back in his presence again. ] and saves all [ Again the word ALL - Saves everyone. ] the works of his hands, [ Hands are symbolic in that it means Pays attention to the details. ] except [ Now we are going to see the list of those who will be exempt from the ALL - the exceptions. ] those sons of perdition who [7)] deny the son after the Father has revealed him. [ So this is a pretty high mark. You need to see the Savior and God the Father needs to testify to you that he is the beloved son - something akin to the vision that Jospeh Smith had in the first vision, This vision that Joseph and Sidney are having right now, or the experiences of Moses, Abraham... ]
44 Wherefore, he saves all [ Emphasis that everyone is saved but a small group who have the following attributes. We could ask a question what about Judas, is he a son of perdition? Some argue yes others suggest no. For me I do not think even he would qualify. Why? Because I think Judas realized what he did, he tried to correct what he had done (Repent in a way, but even more that in verse 35 it says that they would cruicify the Savior unto themselves. I think that Judas does not pass that test as he tried to back out). Why is that of importance? I think that it gives us an idea of how inclusive the saving ALL really is, that the Father has a plan that will save most everyone to some degree of Glory. ] except them— [ Who the sons of perdition - so exactly who are they? 1) know God's power- v. 31 |
2) have been made partakers thereof - v. 31 |
3) have suffered themselves to be overcome - v. 31 |
4) deny the truth - v. 31 |
5) defy God's power - v. 31 |
6) deny the Holy Spirit after having received it - v. 35 |
7) deny the Only Begotten son - v. 35 |
8) deny the son after the Father has revealed him - v. 43 |
9) having crucified him unto themselves - v. 35
It Is Futile to Discuss the Fate of sons of Perdition. It appears that in the early days of the Restoration some attempted to teach the destiny of the sons of perdition. The Prophet Joseph Smith responded by writing: “Say to the brothers Hulet and to all others, that the Lord never authorized them to say that the devil, his angels, or the sons of perdition, should ever be restored; for their state of destiny was not revealed to man, is not revealed, nor ever shall be revealed, save to those who are made partakers thereof: consequently those who teach this doctrine have not received it of the Spirit of the Lord. Truly Brother Oliver declared it to be the doctrine of devils. We, therefore, command that this doctrine be taught no more in Zion. We sanction the decision of the Bishop and his council, in relation to this doctrine being a bar to communion.” (Teachings, p. 24.) ] they shall go away into everlasting punishment, which is endless punishment, which is eternal punishment, [ Which is Gods punishment D&C 19 - hinged on Christ and his world. ] to reign with the devil and his angels [ How Can the sons of Perdition “Reign” in Eternity? Smith and Sjodahl explained: “The Lord is the sovereign ruler. He reigns. Sin is said to reign, when men submit to its behests. Grace is also said to reign (Rom. 5:21). The Saints will reign with Christ. But here the sons of Perdition are said to ‘reign’ with the Devil and his angels in eternity, in the place where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched. The conflict between Lucifer and the son has been, from the beginning, for sovereignty. Men have ranged themselves on one side or the other. The Saints are, and will be, citizens and officials in the Kingdom of God and there they will ‘reign’, as citizens in a free country. The sons of Perdition are, and will remain, citizens and officials in the kingdom of Lucifer. But that kingdom will, finally, be confined to Gehenna. There they will ‘reign’, under such laws and rules as obtain in the kingdom of the Devil, and of which we have had numerous illustrations in human history, during the dark ages of ignorance, superstition, tyranny, and iniquity. Think of a place where the evil passions of human beings and evil spirits rage, unrestrained by the influence of the gospel! Such is the kingdom of the Devil, where the sons of Perdition will reign.” (Commentary, pp. 454–55.) ] in eternity, where their worm dieth not, [ Their(these sons of perdition) attention will be called continuously to what they did wrong, what they could have had. They will not be able to forget it(remember that everyone else will forget this life after the resurrection Isa 65:17) and to what they could have had. They will remember this earth life forever. Those who are not the sons of perdition will not remember this life at all. ] and the fire is not quenched, which is their torment— [ Not literal fire! rather having to live in a placed where the Devil is the master and ruler, where every thing is done by compulsion to the finest detail of existence, where hatred consumes even heart. Sjodahl D&C Commentary p.455. ]
12 And then shall it come to pass, [ When they are brought back into the presence of God ] that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, [ Why are they in a state of happiness? ] which is called paradise, a state of rest, [ Cessation of motion or action of any kind, and applicable to any body or being; as rest from labor; rest from mental exertion; rest of body or mind. A body is at rest when it ceases to move; the mind is at rest when it ceases to be disturbed or agitated. a state of reconciliation to God. Final hope. ] a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow. [ They are now free from the troubles of the flesh. When compared with the unrighteous they are the one's that are free - they are free from looking back and saying what might have been. “When the physical body dies, the spirit continues to live. In the spirit world, the spirits of the righteous ‘are received into a state of happiness, which Alma 40–42 is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow’ (Alma 40:12). A place called spirit prison is reserved for ‘those who [have] died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets’ (D&C 138:32). The spirits in prison are ‘taught faith in God, repentance from sin, vicarious baptism for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, and all other principles of the gospel that [are] necessary for them to know’ (D&C 138:33–34). If they accept the principles of the gospel, repent of their sins, and accept ordinances performed in their behalf in temples, they will be welcomed into paradise” (True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference [2004], 46–47).
This tabernacle, where are you going? Into the spiritual world. Are you going into Abraham’s bosom? No, not anywhere nigh there but into the spirit world. Where is the spirit world? It is right here. Do the good and evil spirits go together? Yes, they do. Do they both inhabit one kingdom? Yes, they do. Do they go to the sun? No. Do they go beyond the boundaries of the organized earth? No, they do not. They are brought forth upon this earth” (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe [1954], 376). ]
13 And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of the wicked, yea, who are evil—for behold, they have no part nor portion of the Spirit of the Lord; [ What does this tell us about them? If they do not have a portion or have the spirit with them then they are going to have to make some very big changes if they are going to ever be comfortable in the presence of God. ] for behold, they chose evil works rather than good; therefore the spirit of the devil did enter into them, and take possession of their house [ The having, holding or detention of property in one's power or command; actual seizin or occupancy, either rightful or wrongful. The state of being under the power of demons or invisible beings. House - Their temple or body; that which is most sacred. They made their decision to make Satan their roommate so to speak. ] —and these shall be cast out into outer darkness; there shall be weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth, and this because of their own iniquity, [ Exercised their own agency. ] being led captive by the will of the devil.
14 Now this is the state of the souls of the wicked, yea, in darkness, [ The total absense of any light. ] and a state of awful, fearful looking for the fiery indignation of the wrath of God upon them; [ They fully realize now that there is a judgement that is about to come; they can do nothing about it except wait in utter fear for the result. The guilt for what they have done comes back to haunt them. ] thus they remain in this state, as well as the righteous in paradise, until the time of their resurrection. [ First thing there is an end of their suffering - it is at the resurrection. See Isa 65:17 as this life will not be remembered or come into mind after the resurrection. So the pain in paradise will only last until the resurrection. And they do not know when they will be resurrected so the time has to be very difficult not knowing when or what is going to happen to them. When you compare the difference with those who are in a state of peace so they are happy and the time does not really matter. We are also taught that we will be resurrected to the kingdom that is consistent with the character that we have obtained, if we are in a kingdom outside of our character(good or bad) we will be unhappy. ]
So Cain was told that if he did not change his ways he could become "Perdition". Looking at the requirement to be a son of perdition will teach us how far Cain had come in accepting the gospel.
The requirements are:
1) know God's power- v. 31 |2) have been made partakers thereof - v. 31 |
3) have suffered themselves to be overcome - v. 31 |
4) deny the truth - v. 31 |
5) defy God's power - v. 31 |
6) deny the Holy Spirit after having received it - v. 35 |
7) deny the Only Begotten son - v. 35 |
8) deny the son after the Father has revealed him - v. 43 |
9) having crucified him unto themselves - v. 35 So back to Cain. He is the first born after they get the gospel, as a result he should be the grand patriarch. Moses 5:12-13
12 And Adam and Eve blessed the name of God, and they made all things known [ So when Adam and Eve start to teach their posterity we already have three generations of posterity. What is the state of men before Satan comes along?Adam and Eve are teaching their children the gospel, but the adversary is among them as well. What is the importance of making all things know to their children? What things do you suppose they were talking about here? ] unto their sons and their daughters. [ Adam taught the gospel to everyone - his children for some 930 years Moses 6:12. Remember Adam is one that can teach all of this first hand - he was there in the garden, he was there when he was kicked out, he could remember everything. He lived it! Why did the Lord wait three generations to introduce the Gospel to Adam? An aspect of the law of revelation is that you have to prove yourself true and faithful to the light and knowledge you have received before you are prepared to receive further light and knowledge. We see this with Moses. He is in the presence of God; he is declared to be a son of God; he is told that he has been created in the Image of the Only Begotten son and that God has a work for him to do. Moses receives a quick view of the eternities (worlds without number) and then “he is left unto himself” to see if he is going to be true and faithful to what he knows. And then Satan comes along in Moses 1 and says, “Worship me, I am also a son of God.” ]
13 And Satan came among [ As is always the case, as soon as God reveals a principle by revelation - Satan reviews it and try's to figure out a plan to prevent it. Joseph Smith taught: “In relation to the kingdom of God, the devil always sets up his kingdom at the very same time in opposition to God.” (TPJS. p. 365.) When Adam taught the gospel of Jesus Christ to his children, “Satan came among them, saying: I am also a son of God” and Adam’s posterity refused to believe their father Adam. Don't believe Adam. You can see me ( he appeared as an angel of light; 2 Ne. 9:9; Alma 30:53). You cannot see the God Adam is telling you about, but you can see me. I am also a son of God. Don't believe your father.” Satan convinced the posterity of Adam to reject their father’s teaching, with the result that they “loved Satan more than God”. As this passage in Moses teaches, Satan was there when the gospel was introduced and explained to Adam. In like manner, Satan was there when Adam’s sons received their ‘oath and covenant of the priesthood’ enabling him to set up (through Cain) his ‘secret oaths and combinations’ using the same signs, tokens, and penalties with which Cain was familiar. You see Satan does not comprehend the entire plan so moving as he sees God move is his strategy, at least in the beginning. ] them, [ Reference to a scene from an older Temple narrative in which Satan hires a preacher to teach “the philosophies of men, mingled with scripture” to the posterity of Adam and Eve. When questioned by the messengers on how this teaching was being received by these people, the preacher responds, “Very well, except for these two (referring to Adam & Eve).” ] saying: I am also a son of God ; [ After the introduction of the Gospel to Adam, Satan declares that he is also a son of God. With the introduction of the blessings of the endowment now given to Cain, Satan sets up his priesthoods as well, and then the oaths and combinations to mimic the priesthood of God, not only the Gospel, but the endowed blessings and covenants of exaltation. If he is implying that he is righteous per Moses 7:1 where "sons of God" means righteous then he is lying. If he is implying that he was born as a spirit of God then he is right as he was in the war in heaven we know as our brother. ] and he [ Satan. Joseph Smith taught: “In relation to the kingdom of God, the devil always sets up his kingdom at the very same time in opposition to God.”(TPJS. p. 365.) When Adam taught the gospel of Jesus Christ to his children, “Satan came among them, saying: I am also a son of God” and Adam’s posterity refused to believe their father Adam (Moses 5:13). They could not see the Son of God that Adam taught about. Satan declaring himself a son of God and appearing as an angel of light (2 Nephi 9:9) convinced the posterity of Adam to reject their father’s teaching, with the result that they “loved Satan more than God” (Moses 5:13). As this passage in Moses teaches, Satan was there when the gospel was introduced and explained to Adam. In like manner, Satan was there when Adam’s sons received their ‘oath and covenant of the priesthood’ enabling him to set up (through Cain) his ‘secret oaths and combinations’ using the same signs, tokens, and penalties with which Cain was familiar. ] commanded them, [ Since to this point God has been the one making commandments to Adam. So here is Satan in a subtle way trying to replace or be a supplement for God. Is this not what he tried to do all the time? For evil to exist there must be an opposition in all things. One must not only have a choice, but also an understanding of the consequences. These things could only be understood in mortality. That’s why Adam and his posterity could not die until they received the Gospel. Until then they had no true choice between good and evil. Seen in this light, the Fall actually takes place after Adam and his posterity receive the Gospel. Adam and Eve and their posterity could not have a knowledge of good and evil until the Gospel is taught to them, which is long after Adam is cast out of the garden. All these things show up in the scriptures, but we generally accept the traditions we have been taught without examining what the scriptures truly say. After being cast out, Satan doesn’t even show up on the scene until after Adam and Eve receive the Gospel. Joseph Smith taught that Satan sets up his counterfeit kingdom the same time the Lord establishes his. This is evidenced by the fact that Satan shows up and tells the posterity of Adam to “believe it not.” They “believed it not” only after they had been taught the plan of salvation by their father and mother. They could only become carnal, sensual, and devilish once there was a real choice between good and evil. Remember, Satan has two goals which he was trying to accomplish right from the beginning: 1) to destroy the nature of God; and 2) to do away with the necessity of the Atonement, thus doing away with the necessity of Christ. His “gospel” consists of stopping us from coming unto Christ, or having faith in Christ, or repenting. His other teachings do away with the doctrine of exaltation: the knowledge that men can become sons of God and thus receive all that the Father has as joint-heirs with Jesus Christ. ] saying: Believe it not; [ He gave them a different message, one that did not require faith - you know the one that has as it's law - eat drink and be marry. Satan gets the children of Adam to not listen to not believe what Adam is teaching them. Again we see agency here. Adam does not just terminate their life when they choose another path, no he let's them move forward. While he may not agree, while he may very well know better he still let's them make their own decisions. ] and they believed it not,[ The people. Adams posterity accepted the teachings of the devil. Now that Adam has taught his posterity the Gospel, Satan comes among them with all of his teachers and ministers teaching them not to believe in the son of God, and they reject what their father Adam had taught them. Now that there is a choice between good and evil, the posterity of Adam can use their agency to choose. There had not been any choice before, and that's why the record says, “from that time forth, men began to be carnal, sensual, and devilish.” This is also why the posterity of Adam could not die as to a temporal death up to this point— they had to have the opportunity to be taught the Gospel! (D&C 29:42)
The "it" is what Adam was teaching them. It required faith, repentance and prayer. Is there a cause relationship here. Because they did not believe they were able to be lead away until they did not love God - but loved Satan. Without the spiritual connection that we have with God we can drift away very quickly to a place were we only think for ourselves, we do as we want what is fun for us. ] and they loved Satan more than God. [ In other words it may be in very small ways but man became less loyal to God; they choose to make choice not according to the way that God would want them to go - hence the loyalty or love for Satan. We might put it another way as well. That is that they loved the ideas that Satan introduced to them more than Gods plan. Remember God said that you will need to work for what you get, Satan was like no; you can lie and change the facts for your gain, you can take by force for your gain, you can have sex without marriage - you can do all of these things and as far as I can see there is no difference to those who choose to follow God and those who choose not too. It seems like at least some of Adam's posterity would have listened to the Gospel.
From earlier days, there was a dialogue in the Temple narrative where the angels ask Satan how his teachings are being received, and he answers, “Very well, except for these two” (pointing to Adam & Eve), signifying that all of Adam's posterity had rejected the Gospel Adam had taught them. This is what is being taught right here. Satan had come along and corrupted men by getting them to accept the philosophies of men, mingled with scripture. This narrative is found in the Book of Moses because the Book of Moses was used as the Temple narrative. ] And men began from that time forth [ Only after they are taught the gospel does Satan come among them. And after the gospel has been preached do they become "carnal, sensual, and devilish". They now have choice, and exercising their own agency, they choose not to believe the Gospel their father has taught them. This implies that Adam, Eve and humans in general are not intrinsically "carnal, sensual and devilish" but are drawn to be as such by the adversary. Think about it - Do you not have to have gospel law in order to sin against the gospel? Now that they have the Gospel, Adam chooses to believe it. His posterity reject it, and now things are set up for the effects of the fall to take placem that is that they can now die, because with a real distinction between good and evil, they are in a position to choose, making this life a true probationary period (1 Ne. 15:33: Alma 12:16, 32; Hel. 14:18). Adam and Eve did not fall as soon as they partook of the fruit; they did not suddenly understand the Gospel or the difference between good and evil. But now that they have been taught the Gospel and a real distinction is placed before them, they can choose, and the real Fall takes place. ] to be carnal, [ The state inherited by all accountable persons on this earth - as a result (all men) are subject to the lusts, passions and appetites of the flesh. They are no longer in the presence of God and as a result are in a state of worldliness with the inclination to gratify the flesh. ] sensual, [ Meaning carnal and base: it relates to the body in stead of the spirit. Thus sensuality embraces free indulgence in the pleasures of the flesh - since we are flesh it is only the natural state of the flesh. So with the knowledge of good and evil now that they have had the gospel taught to them they can now sin - or as they do sin they become more carnal, sensual and devilish. Knowledge is the key to understanding good and evil, right from wrong. There was no sin until after they received the Gospel because you cannot be disobedient until you make a covenant to be obedient (Baptism). ] and devilish. [ They believed the lie and thus chose to live without the Gospel. So Satan was trying to do was persuade Adam's posterity to not believe Adam's teachings about Christ. Joseph Smith taught that Satan sets up his kingdom at the same time God establishes His Kingdom. “In relation to the kingdom of God, the devil always sets up his kingdom at the very same time in opposition to God” (TPJS p 365). ]
Moses 5:16
16 And Adam and Eve, his wife, ceased not to call upon God. [ They continued to pray; I suppose that this phrase is more than just continued to pray it implies to me faithfulness; for why would you continue to pray if you had lost hope and belief in God? Or does it imply that they were pleading with the Lord for some particular blessing? ] And Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bare Cain, [ Adam and Eve were the parents of numerous children even before Cain "The Way to Perfection" pg 97-98 but Cain is important to the story line because of his choices and actions. Cain however is the first one born after Adam and Eve have received the gospel. He should become the patriarch (but as we will see he does not fit the standard). Cain should also be the one chosen as the new patriarch (under his father Adam) and set apart to help administer the gospel to all of Adam’s posterity, becoming as is Adam, their prophet, priest and king. Eve is excited about the birth of her son Cain because he will be raised in the gospel that his older brothers and sisters rejected because they were not raised in the gospel and so they “believed it not” (vs. 12, 13). Cain was then born at such a times as he could be taught gospel from birth. Cain was not only ‘born in the covenant’ like his siblings, but will learn of priesthood responsibilities from his father. ] and said: I have gotten a man from the Lord; [ Cain is the firstborn after they have the gospel, so he should be the Grand Patriarch, this is the hope and desire of Eve, that he will grow up to be the priesthood leader and the birthright son. Eve declared that she has now gotten a man that would be righteous and could become the next patriarch. This righteous and chosen Grand Patriarch was to lead and direct his father’s family as a prophet, stand as a priest in providing and performing the ordinances of salvation and exaltation that were required, and act in the responsibilities of a king in providing for the temporal needs and the protection of his father’s family. Eve exclaims this because she now has the gospel, a way a plan for her to teach her children from the beginning, so she is excited, and still naïve to have a child that she feels will not wander away from the Lord. She is excited because in her mind she now has someone who will become the patriarch, someone who will hold and honor the priesthood and not reject it as their previous sons and daughters had done.. He is going to go to primary, he will go to young mens, he will go to priesthood, he will go to seminary, he will go to institute, but the problem was that they sent him to scouts. Eve “got,” “acquired,” or “(pro)-created” Cain with Yahweh’s help. We should note here that JST Genesis preserves the detail that Satan had quickly led Adam and Eve’s older posterity astray (Moses 5:13, cf. 5:18, 23). Hence, JST’s longer explanation of the name Cain in terms of qny/qnh clearly expresses the parental expectation that because Cain was “gotten” or “gained” from Yahweh through continuous special petitioning (“Adam and Eve, his wife, ceased not to call upon God”), he would be of such spiritual make as to not reject the Lord like his older siblings, “wherefore he may not reject his words” (Moses 5:16). Nevertheless, even though “Cain” was “gotten” or “acquired” from the Lord, yet he “rejected” him and his words, even after the latter “revealed himself” to Cain (Moses 6:3). ] wherefore he may not reject his words. But behold, Cain hearkened not, [ The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, as do the scriptures, that Cain held the priesthood, providing him the authority to function and officiate in its ordinances.(TPJS, pp. 58-59; 169) Cain received the priesthood from his father and no doubt participated in the ordinances of salvation and exaltation for himself. Cain and his brother Abel prepared themselves to officiate in all the ordinances of the priesthood. His righteousness and priesthood activity would be manifested to his father and to God as he participated in priesthood ordinances, which would include those of sacrifice. The priesthood responsibility that Adam held was an authority that functioned under both the Patriarchal and Melchizedek priesthoods. The lesser, or Aaronic Priesthood, did not exist as a separate authority or responsibility at that time because each patriarch was responsible for their family’s spiritual and temporal needs. Cain was the first in line to become the new Grand Patriarch to all of Adam’s posterity, holding and having all of the priesthood keys and authorities of his father. Patriarchal and Melchizedek Authority In scripture there are patriarchs (family fathers restricted to immediate family lines) and Grand Patriarchs (holding a responsibility for all their father’s children in their extended family lines).
The book of Genesis is the priesthood manual of the Patriarchal Priesthood. Every sealed patriarch and matriarch entered into ‘that order of the priesthood’ which was patriarchal, the father becoming the patriarch to his own immediate family. A father is naturally responsible for the temporal and spiritual wellbeing of his family. The Grand Patriarch held all the keys and authority necessary to provide the temporal (today’s Aaronic) and spiritual (Melchizedek) welfare for his father’s family, (the brothers, sisters and their children etc.) thus, becoming a prophet, priest and king for them as well as for his own family. The Grand Patriarchs (those holding both Patriarchal and Melchizedek authority) are listed in scriptures as the first born of the first born: Adam, Seth, Enoch, etc., down to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Ephraim (D&C 84). The Grand Patriarch’s authority to administer the gospel and its ordinances resides in the authority of Christ, the Firstborn, and is an authority to administer outside the immediate family for the benefit of his Father’s children. The Melchizedek authority steps in as an aid to the family patriarch and becomes a substitute for the families that may not have a father or patriarch to provide for them. Hence the command throughout scripture to take care of the temporal and spiritual needs of the “fatherless, widows, and orphans.” The Patriarchal Law of Inheritance in the Old Testament put forth that the first ‘righteous’ son would receive the birthright, becoming the Grand Patriarch with Melchizedek authority. As is discussed in the Books of Genesis. ] saying: Who is the Lord that I should know him? Eventually the ‘rights’ (authority) and the ‘rite’ (ordinance) of a Grand Patriarch was conferred to Abel, the more righteous second-born son to this now gospel- centered home. This is made clear in Moses 5:20-21, as the “Lord had respect” for Abel’s offering, and had “not respect” for Cain’s sacrifice and faithless priesthood activity. What does this type of statement tell you about Cain's attitude toward God? He is a little cocky and arrogant. Cain was the firstborn in the gospel, and should have been the Grand Patriarch the priesthood leader as the birthright son, but Abel was chosen because of Cains lack of responsibility for doing what God asked him to do. This righteous and chosen Grand Patriarch was to lead and direct his father’s family as a prophet, stand as a priest in providing and performing the ordinances of salvation and exaltation that were required, and act in the responsibilities of a king in providing for the temporal needs, for serving others and the protection of his father’s family. When confronted by God about shirking his duties how does Cain respond? "Am I my brothers keeper?" (Moses 5:34) What must we do to come to know God? See Alma 22:17-18 What does Cain do? Loves Satan more than God vs 18; Makes his own rules the law of justification vs 19-21; Will not repent vs 22-25; gets angry; rejects God and his servants vs 26; surronds himself with others like him vs 27-28; starts to make covenants with Satan vs 29-30; rejoices in his wickedness vs 31; promotes his ways as true freedom ; blames everyone but himself when he gets caught, as he is not responsible for his actions vs 39-39. ]
Able is true an faithful to what God has asked him regarding sacrifice.
Moses 5:20-22
20 And Abel, he also [ Like his father Adam. ] brought of the firstlings of his flock,< [ Because of his faith, service, sacrifice, and faithful priesthood activity, Abel’s activity was accepted by God as more righteous than the bloodless offerings Cain made without faith in Christ and at the behest of Satan (Moses 5:18). It is important to understand that this is not the first time Cain and Abel offered sacrifice. They both had to prove themselves in priesthood activity over years of growing in either faith or pride. Of this particular offering the scripture states that it was “in process of time” that it came to pass that Cain brought the fruit of the ground” (Moses 5:19). This particular account in scripture is about the decision to choose the Grand Patriarch, someone who is qualified to carry on the priesthood authority and responsibility of the "birthright son" to provide for the temporal and spiritual welfare of all his father’s posterity. It was now time to choose the righteous son who would become ‘his brother’s keeper’, the prophet, priest, and king to all the posterity of Adam, and eventually to all of mankind. The righteousness of Abel is discussed in a passage of scripture quoted by Joseph Smith about the offering of Abel by stating: We read in Genesis 4:4, that Abel brought the firstlings of the flock and the fat thereof, and the Lord had respect to Abel and to his offering. And, again “by faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous.” [Hebrews 11:4](TPJS. p. 169.) Because of faith and righteousness, Abel, the younger brother of Cain, is chosen to be the Grand Patriarch. He is chosen and set-apart to assist his father in caring for the spiritual and temporal welfare of all his father Adam’s posterity (remember there were multiple generations alive before Adam received the gospel). Abel, now chosen to be the ‘prophet, priest and king’ to the family of his father, also becomes Cain’s priesthood and ordained patriarchal leader.
The scriptures summarize the calling of Abel and the rejection of Cain as the Grand Patriarch stating: “Now Satan knew this, and it pleased him. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell” (Moses 5:21). The Lord addresses Cain giving him another chance to exhibit the faithful responsibility of the birthright son: 22 And the Lord said unto Cain: Why art thou wroth? Why is thy countenance fallen? 23 If thou doest well, thou shalt be accepted. And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door, and Satan desireth to have thee; and except thou shalt hearken unto my commandments, I will deliver thee up, and it shall be unto thee according to his desire. And thou shalt rule over him. (Moses 5:22-23)
The Lord explains that if he (Cain) would remain faithful and ‘doest well’ that he would still be accepted, while at the same time warning him that Satan desires to have control over him. It is explained to Cain that if he doesn't keep and live up to the laws, commandments, and covenants he had entered into—including, no doubt, the oath and covenant of the priesthood—he would be in Satan’s power. (See also D&C 104:5-9) ] and of the fat thereof. [ This may provide a little more insight as it implies that maybe Cain's offering was not the best of his crops even. ] And the Lord had respect unto Abel, [ Found them acceptable. This is a very interesting choice of words. This powerful desire for respect is held in check by a belief in God, and it is removed when the vestiges of religious influence are eliminated from society. For examples, consider the campaign to legalize same-sex marriage. Proponents of same-sex marriage loudly proclaimed that “love wins.” But it was never about love. They were always free to love each other - that barrier was never placed in front of them. Same-sex couples could freely love whomever they wanted. They could have been content with anti-discrimination laws or civil unions, but it wasn’t enough. No, what they really wanted was for their union to be just as respected as anyone else’s. Marriage was an honor afforded only to heterosexual couples and same-sex couples were going to feel slighted until that changed. You see, when people begin rejecting moral codes (because they are based on transcendent truths), they shift from feeling ashamed about falling short of moral standards and become angry that anyone would condemn their actions in the first place. They begin to feel indignant that any person or institution in society would dare to say that one choice, one lifestyle, or one belief has greater moral merit than another. The consequence is that society begins to gravitate around radical equality. That is, people will fight and fight until society cannot and will not recognize that any choice is better than another, that any lifestyle, belief, or action has more moral merit than another. This is the principle that the Lord was trying to teach Cain. Now; Of course, equality is an important social value, but Christian equality looks very different from Atheistic equality. The Atheistic creed is such that every time society allows one choice, one lifestyle, one belief to be honored above another, someone must feel dishonored. And nothing creates more anger and unrest than to be dishonored, to be respected less than your peers. And so, an Atheist society will continue to struggle and struggle under the banner of equality until the world cannot tell a moral difference between two choices. That is the goal. ] and to his offering; [ Able was obedient. God was looking for someone who is qualified to carry on the priesthood authority and responsibility of the "birthright son" to provide for the temporal and spiritual welfare of all his father’s (Adams) posterity to act as the Grand Patriarch for the family. It was now time to choose the righteous son who would become ‘his brother’s keeper’, the prophet, priest, and king to all the posterity of Adam, and eventually to all of mankind. ]
21 But unto Cain, and to his offering, [ This would suggest to me that Cain held the priesthood as he was making offerrings to the Lord. Joseph Smith, speaking of Adam, Cain and Abel, states, “if they offered sacrifices they must be authorized by ordination.” ( TPJS. p.169.) The Prophet Joseph continues by teaching that “Cain, also being authorized to offer sacrifice”, did so without the faith that was required of the righteous priesthood holder. ( TPJS. p.169.) This was not the first offerring of Cain unto the Lord. ] he [ God. ] had not respect. [ Why did the Lord not have respect for Cains Offering? Because of Cain’s attitude, pride, and wickedness the “Lord had not respect” for Cain’s offering. This statement would indicate that the deliberate disrespect by Cain's offering (he knew the rules) disqualified him from being the accepted and rightful priesthood authority. “Satan knew this” (v. 21) “and it pleased him” but Cain was “wroth”, and he was depressed. Cain had prepared his offering under the direction of Satan (Moses 5:18) and therefore it was not an offering of righteousness. Again, the Prophet Joseph Smith gives added insight into this event by explaining that since Cain did not offer his “offering in righteousness, he was cursed.”(TPJS. p. 169) Because his offering was not of the best that he had - Jasher 1:16 "inferior fruit"; second because it was not what the Lord had commanded, the Lord had commanded that they offer a sacrifice here Cain changed the offerring. It was what Cain wanted not what the Lord had asked. Abel’s activity was accepted by God as more righteous than the bloodless offerings Cain made without faith in Christ and at the request of Satan. Why was it so important to make sacrifices the way the Lord commanded? Cain's sacrifice was not accepted because he lacked the faith that the Lord requires. The sacrifice was a type for the atonement of Christ, Cain exercised no faith and that in itself is a sin...Satan continues to use his "pro-choice/no fault" philosophy with Cain The Lord commanded that blood sacrifices should be offered in similitude of the Saviors future sacrifice. Cain not only changed the ordinance that the Lord had given, but preformed it out of his faith in and love of Satan. Therefore, Cain's offering was rejected by the Lord. "The power glory and blessings of the priesthood could not continue with those who received ordination only as their righteousness continued for Cain also been authorized to offer sacrifice (so he held the priesthood) but not offering it in righteousness was cursed is signifies then that the ordinances must be kept in the Very Way, God has appointed otherwise their priesthood will prove a cursing instead of a blessing" teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith page 169. Joseph Smith has made a point here where he says. "Cain offering of the fruit of the ground and was not accepted. The sacrifice of animals was instituted as a type by which mankind was to discern the Great Sacrifice which God had prepared. To offer a sacrifice contrary to that, no faith could be exercised because redemption was not purchased in that way, nor the power of Atonement instituted after that order. Consequently Cain could have no faith, and whatsoever is not of faith, is sin." So there's an important point here that Cain who, by the way, has been taught what it means to sacrifice, and there is a rebellion here where he says, "I want to do it my way. God, you have to take me on my terms and what I say, my personal sensitivities here, are going to rule the day," as opposed to, "Oh, you've said we're going to do it this way. Yeah. But I till the ground, I'm bringing my stuff." And it's like he has purposely said, "I reject that. I'm going to break that ordinance, the way that God has instituted for it to be done, because what I want to do trumps what God has asked me to do." ] Now Satan knew this, [ Well sure he did it was his plan; to move the rules, make the rules what you want, make them sound reasonable so that Cain would agree and do it. It does not matter what it is Satan will use the subtlest thing he can to get us to choose not to follow God, it is so simple, it is no big deal - this is an example of Satans ways. Just get them to do one little thing wrong and I will work from there. ] and it pleased him. [ Satan. He knew that Cain had made a conscience choice to disobey. That is good enough he has started down the path. Satan says to himself I can work with that. The mere shedding of the blood of beasts or offering anything else in sacrifice, could not procure a remission of sins, except it were performed in faith of something to come.(TPJS. pp.58, 59.) It had to be symbolic of the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, and here we have Cain mocking that - openly. So we are left to understand that Cain had no faith at all in the sacrifice, therefore the sacrifice could do nothing for him. ] And Cain was very wroth, [ Angry. By faith in this atonement or plan of redemption, Abel offered to God a sacrifice that was accepted, which was the firstlings of the flock. Cain offered of the fruit of the ground, and was not accepted, because he could not do it in faith, he could have no faith, or could not exercise faith contrary to the plan of heaven. It must be shedding the blood of the Only Begotten to atone for man; for this was the plan of redemption; and without the shedding of blood was no remission; and as the sacrifice was instituted for a type, by which man was to discern the great Sacrifice which God had prepared ; to offer a sacrifice contrary to that, no faith could be exercised, because redemption was not purchased in that way, nor the power of atonement instituted after that order; consequently Cain could have no faith; and whatsoever is not of faith, is sin. But Abel offered an acceptable sacrifice, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God Himself testifying of his gifts. Certainly, the shedding of the blood of a beast could be beneficial to no man, except it was done in imitation, or as a type, or explanation of what was to be offered through the gift of God Himself; and this performance done with an eye looking forward in faith on the power of that great Sacrifice for a remission of sins. Teachings Of the Prophet Joseph Smith Pg 58. ] and his countenance fell. [ Mood, emotion, expression or feelings of the heart - notice how he has changed immediately - he has not been cursed by the Lord or anything, he has just changed...it is the result of sin, it happens every time, our countenances fall when we sin as well. Because of faith and righteousness, Abel, the younger brother of Cain, is chosen to be the Grand Patriarch. He is chosen and set-apart to assist his father in caring for the spiritual and temporal welfare of all his father Adam’s posterity (remember there were multiple generations alive before Adam received the gospel). Abel, now chosen to be the ‘prophet, priest and king’ to the family of his father, also becomes Cain’s priesthood and ordained patriarchal leader. The scriptures summarize the calling of Abel and the rejection of Cain as the Grand Patriarch stating: “Now Satan knew this, and it pleased him. ]
22 And the Lord said unto Cain: [ Here, Cain is having a conversation with the Lord(so that tells us that he is functioning in the priesthood, he is talking with God. The endowment was that power in ancient times). Because of Cain’s attitude, pride, and wickedness, the “Lord had not respect” for Cain’s offering. This statement would indicate that the deliberate disrespect communicated by Cain's offering (he knew the rules) disqualified him from being the accepted and rightful priesthood authority. “Satan knew this, and it pleased him” but Cain was “wroth” and he was depressed. Cain has the priesthood, he is the firstborn son while Adam and Eve have the gospel and Cain should have been the patriarch and he knows it. Cain received the priesthood, as did his brother Abel. However, Cain, being the oldest son (after Adam and Eve had received the Gospel), felt he was entitled (in his mind) to not only the double inheritance of the firstborn, but also the birthright authority to “rule” over all the posterity of his father. [Anciently, the firstborn son received a double portion of the inheritance as part of his responsibility to provide for the widows and orphans in the extended family. In addition; in those days when you received your endowment it was not the propmise of some future blessing, it was not "through your faithfulness you can become" but it was the actual pronouncement of the blessing. They were done in real time what would be called today a ‘calling and election’. I understand that it is difficult to conceive that the first wicked individual had participated in his endowment of power, but the textual evidence shows, in no uncertain terms that this was the case. These eternal ordinances to be washed and pronounced clean, and to come forth in an exalted resurrection is something required to become Perdition (D&C 76:31-34) as is described in Moses, chapter five. To emphasize again, this account of Cain and Abel is rehearsed in the scriptures because it was the time to choose the worthy son to be the Grand Patriarch of the family line for all mankind. Priesthood responsibility is for the spiritual and temporal needs of others. Cain declared his unworthiness to be the priesthood leader in his two questions, “who is the Lord that I should know Him?” and to the Lord “am I my brother’s keeper”. His priesthood activity and heart was not such to become the spiritual leader of his father’s posterity.
But why is he acting that way? Notice how the Lord plays Q. & A. with Cain: ] [1 The Lord is trying to give Cain a chance to respond. Why are you acting thise way, what is going on? Of coarse the Lord knows what is going on but he is trying to teach Cain here, he is a God that never gives up, he still trying to give Cain a chance to make a different choice. ] Why art thou wroth? [2]Why is thy countenance fallen? [ Just insuring that he (the Lord) knows that it is fallen, Does Cain recognize and admit that it has? ]
So the Lord talks to Cain about the priesthood covenants that he has made.
Moses 5:23-25
23 [3] If thou doest well, thou shalt be accepted. [ You can always repent, look at the love that the Lord shows here. Because of Cain’s offering, the Lord reminds him of the consequences of not keeping the covenants that he has made. The Lord is giving him another chance to exhibit the faithful responsibility of the birthright son. Cain has mocked God with his offerring and God is still asking him to return. If you are true and faithful to the covenants that you have made. If you Cain will follow the commandments going forward; there are certain blessings which God bestows upon the children of men only upon the condition of rightful exercise of this agency. Gospel Doctrine 5th Ed.49. The Lord is trying to teach Cain that he can change, that all is not lost, that if he will humble himself and repent and change that God will accept him. That this one thing does not have to make him, this is not the one and only defining moment. ] And [4] if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door, [ Or if you (Cain) continue down this path with Satan, he will become “the father of his (Satan's) lies", and “thou shalt be called Perdition; for thou wast also before the world” (See verse 24) ] and Satan desireth to have thee; [ So in essence "if you are not faithful in keeping the covenants that you have made you will be in Satan's power". ] and except thou shalt hearken [What is the Lord trying to teach Cain here?The Lord states very matter-of-fact that Cain's presently unhappy condition is simply a result of his own actions and he has nobody to blame but himself.] unto my commandments, I [ God. ] will deliver thee up, [ first were does the choice rest? With Cain. So the Lord is telling Cain that he has his agency to choose, and if he makes his decision to follow Satan then the Lord will deliver him up to Satan - for Satan to do with him as he pleases. ] and it shall be unto thee according to his [ Satan's. ] desire. And thou [ Cain. ] shalt rule over him; [ Satan - Cain will rule over Satan because Cain has a body Satan never will. ]
24 For from this time forth thou shalt be the father of his lies ; [ The sponsor. Since Cain had participated in the fullness of the priesthood and knew the oaths and covenants, and the signs and tokens of the priesthood, he would become the father of Satan’s lies. “For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation” (D&C 82:3). Cain qualified to be called “Perdition” because he altogether turned from those exalting ordinances and promises. Because of this, he would not receive forgiveness in “this world or the world to come.” ] thou shalt be called Perdition; [ Means "a perishing destruction" or "lost" they have no hope for any degree of salvation. "Just as Adam represented the Lord on the earth, Cain acted for and on behalf of Lucifer" Bruce R McConkie A New Witness of the Articles of Faith p658. Now if we look at the requirements for someone to become a son of perdition we see Cain, like his brother Abel, participated in and received all the blessings and ordinances of salvation and exaltation. This would include what we call the “endowment”. Only because he had taken upon himself the oath and covenant of the priesthood and received the fullness of the priesthood ordinances, (meaning his calling and election) could he become perdition as described in D&C 76. Accounts of the ordinances of exaltation rehearsed in scripture are not to ‘become such through faithfulness’, or to be realized in time, but these ordinances were real and in real time, and what would be called today a ‘calling and election’. I understand that it is difficult to conceive that the first wicked individual had participated in his endowment of power, but the textual evidence shows, in no uncertain terms that this was the case. These eternal ordinances to be washed and pronounced clean, and to come forth in an exalted resurrection is something required to become Perdition (D&C 76:31-34). What are the requirements to become a son of perdition? They must:
1) “know my power”
2) “been made partakers thereof”
3) “suffered themselves to be overcome by the power of Satan”
4) “deny the truth”
5) “defy my power”
6) “denied the Holy Spirit after having received it”
7) “denied the Only Begotten son of the Father”
8) “crucified him unto themselves and put him to an open shame” What are the curses associated with being a son of perdition?
1) “It had been better for them never to have been born”
2) “They are vessels of wrath”
3) “Doomed to suffer the wrath of God”
4) “With the devil and his angels in eternity”
5) “No forgiveness in this world nor in the world to come”
6) “Go away into the lake of fire and brimstone”
7) “The only ones on whom the second death shall have any power”
8) “The only ones who shall not be redeemed in the due time of the Lord, after the sufferings of his wrath” ] for thou wast also before the world. [Wait a minute Cain was called perdition before he came here? I think that the reference here is that Cain you existed in the pre-earth life, you were there at the grand council in heaven. There you must have been valiant enough to be here now as you have a body. You chose well then but you are choosing a different path right now. If we read this another way it suggests Cain was Perdition before he was even born. This necessarily implies that pre-mortally Cain was at least of the same type as Satan, but apparently when the War in Heaven occurred Cain threw in his lot with the Lord instead of with his brother Satan. See Ether 8:15 for a statement indicating Cain was a murderer from the beginning, and compare this with the John 8:44 statement that Satan was a murderer from the beginning. Also cp. Romans 9:22, and D&C 76:33. We are left to speculate as to the details, but I would guess that Cain foresaw Satan's side being the losers in the War in Heaven and therefore sided with the good guys just so he could win. However, making the right choice on this critical occasion did not change Cain's nature, and when he entered into mortality he was still Satan's kind of guy. sons of Men = those who do not know the Gospel.
"Sons of God "= those who know and have partaken of the fulness of the Gospel.
"Sons of Perdition" = those who know, have partaken, and have altogether turned away. What do you have to do and know to become a son of Perdition? D&C 76:31-45 This is how we know Cain not only received the Priesthood but also participated in all of the saving and exalting ordinances. He knew and was a partaker of God's power. His exaltation was in essence guaranteed. This is why he qualifies as “Perdition.” ]
25 And it shall be said in time to come—That these abominations [ Will become the secret ‘oaths and combinations’ that would be passed to and through wicked men in the future. Joseph Smith taught: “In relation to the kingdom of God, the devil always sets up his kingdom at the very same time in opposition to God.” (TPJS. p. 365.) Satan knows that God has established a covenant relationship with Cain, so Satan begins to set up a 'oath' relationship with Cain. ] were had from Cain; for he rejected the greater counsel [ God tried to give Cain a chance to change his character. Cain was admonished against the folly of rejecting Gods counsel the better counsel. ] which was had from God; and this [ Becoming called Perdition vs 24. The Lord comes to Cain and says if you don't change your ways you will become perdition. This tells us a lot about how much Cain had excepted the gospel. ] is a cursing which I will put upon thee, [ What is this cursing? He will be called Perdition; he shall rule over Satan (because he has a body), but he will be the Father of Satan's lies. It is a complete loss of the rights and the rites of the Priesthood, at least for him. Cain’s posterity could not have the rights of the priesthood (administration) but were not limited in the rites (participation) of priesthood blessings. ] except thou repent. [ He still leaves the choice up to Cain. God in his infinite love has left the door open for Cain to repent and does so until Cain rejects the offer. When Cain rejects the offer then there is nothing more that God can really do. ]
So Satan speaks to Cain about the benefits of follow him. He does this by setting up his counterpart "oaths and combinations" which are like unto the Endowment of power(oaths and covenants) that Cain received from his father.
Satan knows that Cain has the background to understand the principle of oaths and covenants; so Satan interjects his perversion which are called oaths and combinations.
What is the difference between and oath and covenant and and oath and combination?
Moses 5:28-30
28 And it came to pass that Cain took one of his brothers’ daughters [ This does not imply in my opinion that it was one of Abel's daughters. ] to wife, and they loved Satan more than God. [ A conspiracy of brothers and sisters working with Cain as their leader ('Master Mahan') plots and organizes the murder of Abel, the chosen priesthood leader and patriarch. After all Able is tormenting all of them with his cry's of you need to repent and change. What do we know about Cain at this point that makes him different from the rest ot these brethren? The rest of the brethren were not raised in the gospel remember, they the sons of men rejected the gospel when it was tried to be taught to them. So they would not have received the oaths and covenants, the signs and tokens of the priesthood of God and had been endowed with knowledge and power, but Cain had. Through Cain Satan has set up his priesthoods, oaths and combinations to counter, not only the Gospel, but the endowed blessings and covenants of exaltation. Cain knows all about this. I am sure that the sons of men understood or had heard that the Sons of God were given an Endowment, they did not know what it was perse but that would have heard of it and that it had some power associated with it, so they would have been intrigued at the very least. Now Cain comes along and says I will teach you how to get extra power, who is on board? Notice that Cain does not just kill Abel and then become like Satan - No he first chooses Satan - he wants to become like him more than God. He has and wants to further develop the character of Satan rather than the character of God. Looking into this deeper we can understand that he started to communicate with Satan and not with God anymore. This is evident by the next verse where Satan gets Cain to Swear by his throat - he takes an oath with Satan. So now that Cain has chosen Satan over God, Abel will now been chosen to become the Patriarch and priesthood leader over Cain. This cannot sit well with someone who is already in a disposition against God. ]
29 And Satan said unto Cain: Swear unto me by thy throat, [ Here is another indication Cain had received his endowment. Satan is now setting up his counterfeit organization with secret oaths and combinations. He needed the cooperation of someone who already knew the oath and covenant! Within their secret works are penalties of death for revealing their plans to outsiders. Satan will take the oath and covenant that Cain was familiar with and turn it into an oath and combination. These oaths (symbols of death or sacrifice) of secrecy, ‘to swear by their heads and throats,’(Ether 8:14- 18; Helaman 6:21-24; 26, 27; D&C 84:16). An oath is always a symbol or form of death or sacrifice, that is what oath means in Hebrew. Cain becomes the first to make a oath with Satan - but not the last - to swear upon thy throat to swear to the death. So Heavenly Father has the oaths and covenants and Satan mocks God with the oaths and combinations. The oath and covenant place the seriousness of the promise upon the oath maker as a witness to God, as the ‘oath and covenant’ is between mankind and deity. It is not that someone may take your life if you break the commitment, rather it is that the oath taker would rather die than break the promise. In an ‘oath and combination’ it is different as the combination is made between the individual and another person, a group or combination of people. In this case the oath maker is stating(agreeing to the idea) that if they break the oath of silence the group may take the life of the individual. ] and if thou tell it thou shalt die; [ Done in secret and with penalty; Satan teaches Cain how to murder. This is done to protect the secrecy, so Cain and his followers enter into the oaths and combinations, Satan put them under oath using symbols of death or sacrifice to guarantee secrecy. ] and swear thy brethren by their heads, [ Sounds like he is not alone in this covenant as well, so get them to participate as well. ] and by the living God, [ Done as a direct mockery of the covenants that he has made with God as we make our covenants in the name of Jesus Christ. A righteous covenant is between a person and God, no one else even knows. A combination is an oath covenant between a person and a group of people, and we are going to keep it all secret and if I don't do it, or if I tell anyone then you have a right to kill me, that is a combination (the secret is shared with many). In the temple it used to be that this covenant is so sacred that I would rather dies than tell it to someone, verses if you do tell it to someone you can kill me. ] that they tell it not; [ That they keep the secret of how to commit murder a deep dark secret. ] for if they tell it, they shall surely die; [ As part of the covenant they are making - they will bring murder upon themselves. ] and this that thy father [ Adam. ] may not know it; [ Cain convinced his brethren to rebel against their younger brother Abel who had been chosen as the priesthood leader. Cain reassured himself and his followers that they would be free from the authority and retribution of his father and brother. This promise of freedom from gospel standards and leadership was coupled with the promise of a gain in power and wealth with the death of Abel. This was the pattern in the pre-earth councils as Lucifer convinces a third part of the hosts of heaven to rebel against the Father and His choice for the earthly priesthood keys and leadership.
Satan’s work of rebellion that began before this earth continues in mortality. It is often seen in the rejection of priesthood keys and authority, and in the unworthy seeking the power to exercise control and dominion over the souls of men. ] and this day I will deliver thy brother Abel into thine hands. [ Satan will teach Cain and his associates how to commit murder. vs 31. What are the goals of Satan? Satan's goal is to destroy the eternal opportunities for the family of Adam, which he lost in the pre- earth “war in heaven.” some of the blessings that Satan lost were: Priesthood authority, A physical body, The power to pro-create, The potential to become a son of God, The ‘power to become’ an heir of ‘all that the father hath’, Exaltation, and The Glory of God To destroy these divine potentials for the family of Adam, Satan must set up his counterfeit organizations with his similar oaths and combinations. This requires someone who held the priesthood, has knowledge of the sacred ordinances, and has received their own endowment of power. Cain, in rejecting "the greater counsel which was had from God", is the prime candidate to resume the war on earth for Satan, which began in heaven. ]
30 And Satan sware [ Covenanted promised. ] unto Cain that he would do according to his commands. And all these things were done in secret. [ Hence the name secret combination Helaman 6:21-30; Ether 8:13-25. All was done in secrecy so that Cain’s ‘father may not know it.’ Nevertheless, the “devil will not support his children at the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to hell.” (Alma 30:60). ]
Ether 8:13-15
13 And it came to pass that Akish gathered in unto the house of Jared all his kinsfolk, [ So we have a group. ] and said unto them: Will ye swear unto me that ye will be faithful unto me in the thing which I shall desire of you? [ The first part of any secret combination (combination - made with many) is that you insure that those who are aware of it are sworn to allegiance. If they break this oath they know that death is on their head as well. The secret oaths and combinations are Satans way of mocking the endowment. We make oaths and covenants with God and they are just between God and us, and we commit that we would rather dies than tell them to someone. The secret combinations are made with a group and if one tells them to another or does not do what he pledges to do then the others can kill him. The process was the same as that of Cain, based on ‘secrecy’ for their protection from the law and judgement. In the case of Cain and Akish, both first swore by the God of heaven, then performed the oaths (symbols and signs of death) and entered into a mutual commitment—a combined or group promise of secrecy secured by an oath of death if broken. This group promise or combination is used to maintain the secrecy necessary to accomplish the evil by ‘a collective conspiracy,’ where the evil action, protection, secrecy, administration, and execution of the oath are all done, by and for, the combined members of the group (see verse 14 below). This is called in scripture a “combination.” ]
14 And it came to pass that they all sware unto him, [ They made a covenant with the group. ] by the God of heaven, and also by the heavens, and also by the earth, and by their heads, [ They made an oath. Oath in Hebrew means symbol or form of death or sacrifice. ] that whoso should vary from the assistance which Akish desired [ If you did not do as the leader instructed. ] should lose his head; [ The form of death declared in the oath. ] and whoso should divulge [ If you did not keep all things secret. ] whatsoever thing Akish made known unto them, the same should lose his life. [ Does it sound like gang membership? Once you are a made member then you subscribe to the same oaths and once a member you are a member for life - there is almost no way out. ]
15 And it came to pass that thus they did agree with Akish. And Akish did administer unto them the oaths [ The ritual. Hebrew "oath" is always a symbol of death or sacrifice for those who commit to something. "I cross my heart and hope to die" is an oath that many of us participated in as youth, this is an example of an oath. ( Mafia initiation ritual) The new recruit is led into the presence of other members and presented by a member. The association is explained, including its basic rules, then his finger is pricked with a needle by the officiating member. A few drops of blood are spilled on a card bearing the likeness of a saint, the card is set on fire, and finally, while the card is passed rapidly from hand to hand to avoid burns, the novice takes an oath of loyalty to the Mafia family A variation on this oath is "As burns this saint, so will burn my soul. I enter alive and I will have to get out dead." ] which were given by them of old [ The oaths and rituals are not new. They have been passed down from thousands of years, from the devil himself. It must be remembered that the definition of an “oath” is a ‘cutting’ or symbol of death. It can be seen in Moses that these oaths that Cain knew were used and then instituted by Satan in the secret oaths and combinations. This could only be done because Cain had at one time participated in covenant making with his father, and knew and understood the penalties, the oath process and the consequences of the breaking of a covenant. ] who also sought power, which had been handed down even from Cain, [ Who was taught by Satan himself. Moses 5:25. ] who was a murderer from the beginning.
Moses 5:32-36
32 And Cain went into the field, and Cain talked with Abel, [ This was something that most likely had not happened for a while because we read earlier that Cain quit communicating with both God and Able. So Able the priesthood leader and brother of Cain would have most likely been excited to just have a conversation with his brother Cain. ] his brother. And it came to pass that while they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel, his brother, and slew him. [ "For a wise purpose in [God's] providence He permits the wicked, in the exercise of their agency, from time to time to afflict his followers" Messages of the First Presidency 6 vols 3:5. ]
33 And Cain gloried in that which he had done, [ Pride lies at the foundation of the Mahan Principle. It is a philosophy and doctrine that is in stark contrast to the priesthood, which exists to bless and serve others. With our passions we either: our pride fills us with greed, or we fill our needs with love and charity. In the endowment, one covenants to love God and one's fellow man. Instead of selfishness, the meek are selfless and seek not their own. Instead of personal security, the pure in heart sacrifice all. Instead of competition for gain, the merciful consecrate. The character of the righteous (one of "charity, the pure love of Christ") is the opposite of Cain. ] saying: I am free; [ Free from what? Cain thought that he was free from the leadership of a younger brother, free from the priesthood responsibilities and its obligations of righteousness, free (he supposed) from the guilt and anger of being rejected by the Lord, Cain believed that all his brother had (i.e. the double inheritance and the birthright) would become his. Not only did Cain believe his brother’s personal property would become his, he also believed Abel’s priesthood position would now belong to him and his posterity in perpetuity.
The ‘Law of Inheritance’ in the days of the Patriarchs stipulated that the eldest and firstborn and birthright son receive a “double portion” of all that his father had as part of his responsibility for the temporal welfare of his father's family (the fatherless, widows, orphans, he was expected to use his inheritance to take care of his now deceased father’s household, widowed mother, unmarried sisters, livestock, things like that). The birthright son could become not only a patriarch to his family through his marriage and sealing but also the Grand Patriarch by ordinance and the Melchizedek authority. Being the Grand Patriarch and birthright son (not necessarily the firstborn) placed his posterity into that birthright line forever. He thinks he is now freed by the death of his priesthood leader, believing that he and his posterity would now have the birthright authority to rule over mankind for the rest of world history, to "murder and get gain". Did he think that he was free from future work? From the righteous example of Abel? Or because he was made rich? Or is this really showing the state of his rebellion? That he is free from the commandments of God - that he has been able to replace God that the Law of Sacrifice does not apply to him and neither does any other commandment. I am free from the commands of God. It is important for us to always keep in mind that the commandment of God are there only to help us, to teach us what we need to do in order to return to him. They do not compel us to make any decision, we are not forced by them - we are always free to choose. So the commandments are there for us, Satan would suggest that theses commandment limit our choices, put us in bondage to God, and that is where you can become free. ] surely the flocks of my brother falleth into my hands. [ His gain is the flock of his brother material wealth. This is the motivating force behind the conspiracy to murder Abel, for he supposes that the possessions of his brother Abel, as well as the leadership and authority, will now belong to him. It cannot be lost that Cain felt that he should be the Grand Patriarch for his father’s family, becoming a king unto them. This desire for unrighteousness dominion was cut short when Abel was chosen to be the Grand Patriarch and his linage would fill that position throughout time. Not only did Cain believe his brother’s personal property would become his, he also believed Abel’s priesthood position would now belong to him and his posterity in perpetuity. This ‘Law of Inheritance’ in the days of the Patriarchs stipulated that the eldest and firstborn and birthright son receive a “double portion” of all that his father had as part of his responsibility for the temporal welfare of his father's family (the fatherless, widows, orphans, he was expected to use his inheritance to take care of his now deceased father’s household, widowed mother, unmarried sisters, livestock, things like that). The birthright son could become not only a patriarch to his family through his marriage and sealing but also the Grand Patriarch by ordinance and the Melchizedek authority. Being the Grand Patriarch and birthright son (not necessarily the firstborn) placed his posterity into that birthright line forever. This is never more evident than in the Book of Mormon as Laman and Lemuel speak about Nephi, their younger brother, who becomes the ‘birthright’ son chosen by God. The concerns of Nephi’s brothers were no doubt some of the same concerns and worries Cain had when Abel was chosen as the birthright son and Grand Patriarch. ]
34 And the Lord said unto Cain: Where is Abel, thy brother? And he said: [ Cain us left to stand up for himself - Satan is no where around when the chastisement from God comes around. It is another evidence of his ways sneak and hid. ] I know not. Am I my brother’s keeper? [ We see Cain's loss of light and truth in his answer to the Lord. To be your brother's keeper is the major duty of the grand patriarch(his holding the priesthood and in the position in which he was, the position to become the grand patriarch was righteously serve others). His answer shows he no longer cares for anyone but himself, which is the underlying philosophy of Satan and the Mahan Principle. The correct answer here is "well yes you are, you are supposed to be the patriarch of Adams family, so yes you are responsible for your brother". This provides some detail for us as Cain was endowed, anciently they had their calling and election made sure when they were endowed, today we are anointed to become. So Cain has the priesthood in which the priesthood is here to help us help others, this suggests that he does not honor his priesthood. So Cain has the priesthood, and he is the patriarch so the answer to him is yes, yes you are your brother's keeper. In essence, Cain is saying it's a dog-eat-dog world and survival of the fittest is the way of life. If this was the pride of Cain, it is no wonder that Abel was chosen as the new Grand Patriarch. The Mahan principle is to "murder and get gain," and to personally prosper at any and all costs. This is the same philosophical force that led to the Nephite destruction.(3 Nephi 6:15-16)
Character is of greater importance than that of obedience to law, as all commandments are given to create the character that loves God and their fellow man. Cain’s question “Am I my brother’s keeper?” is descriptive of his inner nature and lack of worthiness for the responsibility of the temporal and spiritual welfare of all his brothers and sisters that he knew, and all the posterity of Adam that he would never know.
Obedience is the attitude or character of loving God and is more important than the performances of ordinances. “If ye love me keep my commandments” (John 14:15). Obedience and ordinances without a resulting character change is useless. Nonetheless obedience to the Lord's commands and the connected ordinances are imperative in that character change. Repentance is the process of character change.]
35 And the Lord said: What hast thou done? The voice of thy brother’s blood [ In Hebrew, "blood" is considered in the dual, which means it is not really talking about the liquid blood, but rather it refers to "bloods" or lineage, descendants, posterity. The Aramaic translation of the Hebrew Bible is called the Targum, and it has the oldest, best, and most complete translations of the Old Testament. In these older manuscripts and translations, the word “blood” is rendered as “bloods” (in the dual form) and should be translated to mean ‘bloods’ which would mean the ‘bloodline’ of the deceased, or the “descendants that would have been born” cry from the ground that swallowed, not just blood, but the bloodline and seed of Abel. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that “every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of heaven before this world was.”(TPJS. p.365.) This would mean that Abel was ordained before he came here, plus all of those righteous and valiant spirits who would become the Grand Patriarchs for the family of Adam through Abel. Thus, in the oldest translations of Genesis, it is the “bloods” or “descendants” that were to come through the patriarchal line of Abel that cry from the ground for justice, those who were set apart in the councils of heaven. They cry from the ground as their father and progenitor has been cut off without seed. Thus, the Levirate Law.
Under Levirate Law, Seth, the new priesthood line (in name only) becomes a replacement for Abel. Moses, chapter six teaches that at the birth of Seth, Adam stated: “God hath appointed me another seed, instead of Abel, whom Cain slew” (Moses 6:2). “Seth,” in Hebrew means “replacement or substitute” as described by Adam. Under this law, Seth would then replace Abel and marry the widow of Abel (following the Levirate Law of Marriage) and the firstborn son of that union, Enos, is considered the “sealed” descendent and priesthood line of Abel and his wife, even though he was sired by Seth. This would seem conjecture only except for the fact that the priesthood line is traced through Abel in the Doctrine and Covenants:(D&C 84:14-16.). ] cries unto me from the ground. [ So in other words Able's descendants are crying from the ground. So the descendants of Able who were set apart in the pre-existance to do certain things here on earth are now crying from the ground because of what they were set apart to do. The descendants of Able were set apart as the patriarchs in the councils of heaven - "Everyman who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of heaven before this world was. I suppose I was ordained to this very office in that Grand Council." TPJS pg. 365. ]
36 And now thou shalt be cursed from the earth [ Your crops will not produce as they once have vs 37. ] which hath opened her mouth to receive thy brother’s blood [ Or thy brother's descendants are crying from the ground. In the Targums (texts that are older than the Old Testament texts of Genesis) it says, “The voice of thy brother’s blood(s) cry from the ground.” This means the voice of thy brother’s descendants cry from the ground. This is talking about those who have been foreordained to be in the patriarchal line of Abel. They(the descendants of Able) were foreordained(set apart in the councils of heaven) to become the Patriarchs of the earth. Joseph taught "Every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of heaven before this world was. I suppose I was ordained to this very office in that Grand Council." (TPJS p. 365). This gives us further understanding why the voice of Abel’s descendants would be crying from the ground after he was slain. These are the patriarchs and ministers who were set apart in that Grand Council before the world was. These patriarchs were to be the ministers to the world at large (not our local leadership).
The sin of conspiring to murder the anointed priesthood leader for the sake of position and control for himself and his posterity is what led to the Priesthood restriction placed on Cain. Cain will now be cursed from the ground that opened her mouth to receive his brother’s blood, and by extension, “bloods” (descendants). This all plays into the time when the priesthood was restored. ] from thy hand.
Cains livelihood was a tiller of the ground, a farmer. Plant crops develop the ground, build up the soil, stay in the same place so he did not have to break new ground every year. So his lifestyle was a sedentary.
So what is the burden placed on Cain? "When thou tillest the ground it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength."
Moses 5:37
37 When thou tillest the ground [ He is the curse put upon Cain. Many mistakenly assume that skin color was part of the curse of Cain, but these verses make clear that that is not the case. The curse was one of livelihood, lifestyle, and restricted priesthood administration. This is Cains lifestyle, he is a tiller of the ground, which usually means that he would tend to stay in the same place year after year. If you have cleared the field you do not want to do that every year. Therefore you become sedentary. If you are a farmer and have to clear the ground every year(move) because the ground is no good - well you are going to have a very tough time in life - really tough. ] it shall not henceforth yield unto thee her strength. [ So your livelihood is going to change. A farmer depends on the fruits of the earth to receive his sustenance, his life and livelihood. A farmer is anchored to the land he tends in order to prepare the soil, plant, weed, and harvest. The agrarian cultures realized better than any that their life and livelihood depend upon the grace of God, understanding that the God of nature bestows the blessings of rain, weather and a bountiful harvest. Thus, the judgments of God affected the livelihood (farming) and very lifestyle (sedentary) of Cain. The implication in scripture is that he is “cursed from the earth” because the earth “opened her mouth to receive (his) brother’s blood” therefore the earth “shall not henceforth yield her strength” (Moses 5:36, 37). With the loss of his livelihood, the Lord further addresses the lifestyle of Cain: “A fugitive and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth” (Moses 5:37). Cain essentially no longer has a place he can call home, and can no longer live the sedentary lifestyle to which he had grown accustomed. ] A fugitive [ Is a person who is fleeing from custody, whether it be from jail, a government arrest, questioning. ] and a vagabond [ A person who wanders from place to place without a home or job. So not only is his livelihood going to change as the ground will not produce for him, but also his lifestyle is going to change as he will no longer be able to just stay in the same place. Because he killed his priesthood leader, and as a result in Abraham we learn that he also lost the right to hold the priesthood, he should have been the birthright son but he has lost that right by killing his priesthood lead Able. We see this detail spelled out in Abr Also D&C 121:16-24. ] shalt thou be in the earth.
D&C 121:16-22
16 [ Vs 16 - 25 list a long list of calamities Why does the Lord rehearse this long list of calamities? ] Cursed are all those that shall lift up the heel against mine anointed, [ Who are mine anointed? They are those anointed in the house of the Lord. This council goes all of the way back to Cain who was cursed as to the priesthood when he killed Able.(Abr. 1:27; Moses 5:37) So we have a statement from the Lord about those who threaten to harm or destroy the priesthood line that was set apart in the council in heaven: Cain murdered his priesthood leader Abel, seeking to replace him and his posterity with his own. ] saith the Lord, and cry they have sinned when they have not sinned before me, saith the Lord, but have done that which was meet in mine eyes, and which I commanded them.
17 But those who cry transgression do it because they are the servants of sin, and are the children of disobedience themselves. [ What does children of disobedience themselves suggest? Interesting point about human psychology academically called “projection”. When people feel guilty about their sin, they commonly project that same sin on others by accusing those around them of the same thing or worse, particularly those individuals who aggravate their guilt by their good example. In other words, the real sinners rather than repent, seek to find fault in others at every opportunity in order to assuage their guilt. Hence the admonitions against searching for motes in other’s eyes. ]
18 And those who swear falsely against my servants, that they might bring them into bondage and death— [ This verse draws on the ancient prohibition against false testimony, cp. Deut 19:16-21. Cain did this when he murdered his priesthood leader Able. ]
19 Wo unto them; because they have offended my little ones [Who are the “little ones” referred to? Are they the children of the Saints, or are they the Lord’s children, in other words, the Saints as a whole? ] they shall be severed from the ordinances of mine house. [ This is is the burden put upon Cain. He broke this law and as a result his posterity was not allow for a period to have access to the ordinances of the temple. They will not have the right to the priesthood nor their posterity after them from generation to generation. D&C 121:21 Meaning? If you murder the priesthood leaders you will be cut off from the priesthood from generation to generation. Since they are not worthy they will not be able to enter the Lords house and receive the ordinances of the temple. How important is this curse? Notice what Cain says when this curse is place on him. Moses 5:39 "thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the Lord, and from thy face shall I be hid;" Or he has lost his priesthood power the power to sanctify himself so that he can be in Gods presence, the power to call upon God and see his face. D&C 84:22. ]
20 Their basket shall not be full, [ Deut 19:16-21. ] their houses and their barns shall perish, and they themselves shall be despised by those that flattered them.
21 They shall not have right to the priesthood, nor their posterity after them from generation to generation. [ In Abraham we read that this is the same curse given to Cain when he killed Able. How do we understand verse 21? Does this give any signifgance to how much the Lord values the priesthood? Apostates and those persecuting the Church are obviously not going to enter the Temple to covenant with the Lord - and receive the eternal blessing therein. It can be seen from the scriptural evidence above that those who “shall lift up the heel against mine anointed” (those foreordained to be priesthood leaders) shall “be severed from the ordinances of mine house” and shall “not have right to the priesthood, nor their posterity after them from generation to generation.” The term generation to generation here I find very interesting. Perhaps the most controversial of Cain's burdens was the loss of priesthood rights for his posterity from "generation to generation". But the murder of Abel didn't affect just one person. Abel's righteous posterity were foreordained to be the patriarchs throughout gospel history. The prophet Joseph Smith taught that the patriarchs were foreordained before this earth.(TPJS. p.365. "Every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of heaven before this world was.") It was Abel, the father of this Grand Patriarchal family line, ordained in the pre-earth council, that Cain murdered. He murdered the rightful priesthood leader, Abel, (before he had posterity) thinking to secure for himself and his descendants this priesthood and leadership position throughout time. The sin of “conspiring” to murder the anointed priesthood leader for the sake of position and control for himself and his posterity is what led to the restriction of Cain pertaining to the priesthood.
That Abel died before any of his pre-earth promised patriarchal posterity were born into mortality is inferred from the birth and naming of Seth:
(Moses 6:2-3)
Seth now becomes the replacement for Abel, (Seth means “replacement” in Hebrew) as Adam declares above. The fact that the priesthood is traced through Abel's line in the Doctrine and Covenants establishes the importance of the Levirate Law of Marriage. As a matter of fact it is only one way that I can think of that the patriarchal priesthood line could be traced back through Abel, could only be if Seth became the “replacement” for Abel as described in scripture.
This would mean that Abel was ordained before he came here, plus all of those righteous and valiant spirits who would become the Grand Patriarchs for the family of Adam through Abel. Thus, in the oldest translations of Genesis, it is the “bloods” or “descendants” that were to come through the patriarchal line of Abel that cry from the ground for justice, those who were set apart in the councils of heaven. They cry from the ground as their father and progenitor has been cut off without seed. Thus, the Levirate Law. Under Levirate Law, Seth, the new priesthood line (in name only) becomes a replacement for Abel. So when Joseph Smith taught that the ‘descendants of Cain would not have the opportunity to hold the priesthood until the seed of Abel (the “bloods” or fore-ordained patriarchal descendants that cried from the ground) had a chance to come to the earth’ and fulfill their set apart responsibility. Cain murdered Abel so that he and his posterity would take the place of Abel’s posterity in the patriarchal priesthood. Therefore, Cain and his descendants were banned from priesthood administration until the foreordained posterity of Abel had a chance to come to the earth and fulfill their responsibility in that patriarchal line.
The teachings of Joseph Smith on the subject are varied in detail but overall express the same.
Collectively, the rendered idea and doctrine would be: ‘The seed of Cain would not be able to hold or administer the priesthood until the seed of Abel had an opportunity to come to the earth and fulfill their responsibility as the Grand Patriarchs.’ As explained, this could only happen by way of the Levirate Law.
President Cannon in a statement implies that the restriction is one of administration. President George Q. Cannon remarked that the prophet taught this doctrine: That the seed of Cain could not receive the priesthood nor act in any of the offices of the priesthood until the seed of Abel should come forward and take precedence over Cain’s offspring. (Smith, Joseph Fielding, The Way to Perfection [Salt Lake City: Genealogical Society of Utah, 1949], 110 - 111.)
Joseph Fielding Smith concludes from this teaching of the Prophet Joseph that: “The promise was given that this curse, or restriction, will be removed, when the time comes . . . when Abel will have posterity.”( Smith, Joseph Fielding, Answers to Gospel Questions, [Deseret Book Co., 1957-1966], 2: 177.) The reasoning for this conclusion is published in The Way to Perfection, chapters 15, 16. ]
22 It
had been better for them that a millstone had been hanged about their
necks, and they drowned in the depth of the sea. [ What does this suggest?Those who commit the acts detailed in v. 11-18 would have been betteroff to have had their mortal probations terminated previous to commission so they would not be guilty of so great a crime. Such persons would probably not have much potential for post-mortal proselyting efforts, but will pretty much end up damned in hell per v.23. ]
Cain thought he was now free. Moses 5:33
33 And Cain gloried in that which he had done, [ Pride lies at the foundation of the Mahan Principle. It is a philosophy and doctrine that is in stark contrast to the priesthood, which exists to bless and serve others. With our passions we either: our pride fills us with greed, or we fill our needs with love and charity. In the endowment, one covenants to love God and one's fellow man. Instead of selfishness, the meek are selfless and seek not their own. Instead of personal security, the pure in heart sacrifice all. Instead of competition for gain, the merciful consecrate. The character of the righteous (one of "charity, the pure love of Christ") is the opposite of Cain. ] saying: I am free; [ Free from what? Cain thought that he was free from the leadership of a younger brother, free from the priesthood responsibilities and its obligations of righteousness, free (he supposed) from the guilt and anger of being rejected by the Lord, Cain believed that all his brother had (i.e. the double inheritance and the birthright) would become his. Not only did Cain believe his brother’s personal property would become his, he also believed Abel’s priesthood position, the birthright authority to rule over humanity for the rest of history would now belong to him and his posterity in perpetuity thus the idea of murder and get gain.
The ‘Law of Inheritance’ in the days of the Patriarchs stipulated that the eldest and firstborn and birthright son receive a “double portion” of all that his father had as part of his responsibility for the temporal welfare of his father's family (the fatherless, widows, orphans, he was expected to use his inheritance to take care of his now deceased father’s household, widowed mother, unmarried sisters, livestock, things like that). The birthright son could become not only a patriarch to his family through his marriage and sealing but also the Grand Patriarch by ordinance and the Melchizedek authority. Being the Grand Patriarch and birthright son (not necessarily the firstborn) placed his posterity into that birthright line forever. He thinks he is now freed by the death of his priesthood leader, believing that he and his posterity would now have the birthright authority to rule over mankind for the rest of world history, to "murder and get gain". Did he think that he was free from future work? From the righteous example of Abel? Or because he was made rich? Or is this really showing the state of his rebellion? That he is free from the commandments of God - that he has been able to replace God that the Law of Sacrifice does not apply to him and neither does any other commandment. I am free from the commands of God. It is important for us to always keep in mind that the commandment of God are there only to help us, to teach us what we need to do in order to return to him. They do not compel us to make any decision, we are not forced by them - we are always free to choose. So the commandments are there for us, Satan would suggest that theses commandment limit our choices, put us in bondage to God, and that is where you can become free. ] surely the flocks of my brother falleth into my hands. [ His gain is the flock of his brother material wealth. This is the motivating force behind the conspiracy to murder Abel, for he supposes that the possessions of his brother Abel, as well as the leadership and authority, will now belong to him. It cannot be lost that Cain felt that he should be the Grand Patriarch for his father’s family, becoming a king unto them. This desire for unrighteousness dominion was cut short when Abel was chosen to be the Grand Patriarch and his linage would fill that position throughout time. Not only did Cain believe his brother’s personal property would become his, he also believed Abel’s priesthood position would now belong to him and his posterity in perpetuity. This ‘Law of Inheritance’ in the days of the Patriarchs stipulated that the eldest and firstborn and birthright son receive a “double portion” of all that his father had as part of his responsibility for the temporal welfare of his father's family (the fatherless, widows, orphans, he was expected to use his inheritance to take care of his now deceased father’s household, widowed mother, unmarried sisters, livestock, things like that). The birthright son could become not only a patriarch to his family through his marriage and sealing but also the Grand Patriarch by ordinance and the Melchizedek authority. Being the Grand Patriarch and birthright son (not necessarily the firstborn) placed his posterity into that birthright line forever. This is never more evident than in the Book of Mormon as Laman and Lemuel speak about Nephi, their younger brother, who becomes the ‘birthright’ son chosen by God. The concerns of Nephi’s brothers were no doubt some of the same concerns and worries Cain had when Abel was chosen as the birthright son and Grand Patriarch. ]
So Able is murdered and as a result a new patriarch is needed because all of the other children of Adam and Eve have rejected the gospel.
So the story will continue in Moses 6:2-3
2 And Adam knew his wife again, and she bare a son, and he called his name Seth.[ Adam, having lost Abel who was slain by Cain, needed a new patriarch (Able was the son who had the birthright, was the grand patriarch for the family and the priesthood leader under Adam.). Remember that the other children of Adam and Eve have already rejected the gospel. So Eve gets another son, named Seth(Seth means replacement), to carry on his work. From him comes that line of successors in the priesthood, duly registered in the Book of Life, from which the wicked were excluded. (Moses 2:5–8.) Seth was born 130 years after the fall of Adam and Eve, lived a total of 912 years, referred to as "perfect man" and looked just like Adam and could only be distinguished from Adam by age D&C 107:43 .] And Adam glorified the name of God; [ This is kind of interesting here. Adam could have been mad at God for letting this happen, after all why did God not stop it. But no, Adam is teaching us that it was not God, That Cain had his agency, that Cain was the one who made the choice. ] for he said: God hath appointed me another seed, [ That is what the name Seth means is replacement. So God has given Adam a substitute for Able. Abel had been chosen to carry the responsibilities of the priesthood to succeeding generations. But after he was murdered, Seth was selected as the chosen son to carry this sacred responsibility. D&C 107:40-42 He was ordained at 69. ] instead [ To replace, in place of. So as a result Seth becomes the new grand patriarch. ] of Abel, whom Cain slew.
3 And God revealed himself unto Seth, [ Symbolic of his righteousness. So Seth becomes the new patriarch. That is why the patriarchal line always goes Adam, Seth, Enos... The Patriarchal Law of Inheritance in the Old Testament put forth that the first ‘righteous’ son would receive the birthright, becoming the Grand Patriarch with Melchizedek authority. The book of Genesis discusses both a firstborn son and a birthright son. In most cases, these should be the same son, but the birthright responsibility is to be passed to the first righteous son, as in the case of Jacob or Israel and his sons. Ruben was the firstborn son, but Joseph became the birthright son. Esau was the firstborn son of Isaac, but Jacob became the birthright son. Ishmael was the firstborn of Abraham, but Isaac became the birthright son. The firstborn son of Joseph (who was sold into Egypt) was Manasseh, but the birthright son was Ephraim. Cain was the firstborn in the gospel (who had accepted it) but Abel was chosen to be the Grand Patriarch, the priesthood leader and birthright son. This righteous and chosen Grand Patriarch was to lead and direct his father’s family as a prophet, stand as a priest in providing and performing the ordinances of salvation and exaltation that were required, and act in the responsibilities of a king in providing for the temporal needs and the protection of his father’s family. ] and he rebelled not, [ He was obedient to the commands of God. ] but offered an acceptable sacrifice, [ He was humble submissive and obedient. He did not try to change the ways of God. He just did what he was told to do. ] like unto his brother Abel. And to him also was born a son, and he called his name Enos. [ So according to Levirate law Seth would have married Ables' wife and their first born son would belong as a descendant of Able. ]
So now we have Seth who is the new patriarch. Meanwhile we have Cain lamenting the following: Moses 5:39-40
39 Behold thou hast driven [ God made the land to not bear fruit, so Cain has no choice but to leave. ] me [ Cain. ] out this day from the face of the Lord, and from thy face shall I be hid; [ He has lost his priesthood power the power to sanctify himself(in the presence of God in his day, or in the temple in our day. Those blessings were taken from him. We know that Cain was able to just converse with God directly as he is doing here. His disobedience has removed the availability to do so going forward. How hard would that have been on Cain, to be able to converse with God directly then not. This is why he says here that "from thy face shall I be hid". (D&C 121:16-22 Gives us an idea of the calamities that come about from hurting Gods anointed ones) Or Cain knows now that he has lost the power to call upon God and see his face. D&C 84:22. Cain has attempted to justify his actions. He says he was “wroth” because Abel’s sacrifice was chosen over his (even though he knew his offering was calculated to be disrespectful), and he was passed over for the birthright. Now he is worried that he will be killed for what he did. ] and I shall be a fugitive [ Always looking over his shoulder because he is worried about being killed. ] and a vagabond [ A wanderer. ] in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that he that findeth me will slay me, because of mine iniquities, for these things are not hid from the Lord. [ Now he recognizes that fact; he has to this point bought into the lies of Satan; but just like everyone realizes at some point. They are accountable; and they will have to answer to the Lord; they cannot hide; and when they do Satan will not be around to help them - he is long gone. ]
40 And I the Lord said unto him: Whosoever slayeth thee, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And I the Lord set a mark upon Cain, [ Look at the compassion of God, even after Cain has betrayed God, even after Cain has chosen Satan over God, God still tries to protect his life, and shows mercy to him. So that he could be recognized, the mark (and we do not know what the mark was. Whatever it was, it was so that others would not kill him. It was a mark of protection. We also know what happens later on to his lineage but at this point we do not know what the mark was for Cain) was a blessing not a curse it was given by God to protect Cain from others, to keep him alive. The curse was that he would be a fugitive and a vagabond and that his crops would not do well vs 36-37. ] lest any finding him should kill him. [ The mark identified him then as one who could be killed - this making him a fugitive from mankind. As to the mark traditions and interpretations have taught (in theory, policy and practice) that an ordination to the ‘greater priesthood’ is a requirement to participate in the ordinances that symbolize the passing through the veil and entering into the presence of God. However, women do not need to hold Melchizedek authority to participate in these ordinances or endowments that are administered by the priesthood. The passage of scripture that has been used to restrict participation based on priesthood could be read and understood differently. Viewed within a contextual deliberation, these verses focus on the fact that the priesthood is necessary for the ‘administration’ of the blessings described—not that the priesthood is necessary for ‘participation’ in the blessings, as in the case of women. The passage below is discussing the administration rather than participation.(D&C 84:19-22)In seeking to obtain the priesthood position of Grand Patriarch for himself and his posterity, Cain and his descendants also lost the ‘right to’ priesthood administration. Abraham explains in his book that this lineage of Cain came through the flood at the time of Noah, as the wife of Ham (Egyptus) was a descendent of Cain. Through Egyptus, the blood of Cain and the burden of priesthood restriction was preserved through the flood and remained after the time of Noah. (Abraham 1:21-27) The mark of Cain was not the curse but a sign of the curse. This “mark” (whatever it was) existed for recognition, and in the case of Cain, this sign or mark was given for the blessing of protection. After Cain voiced his concern for his life saying, “he that findeth me will slay me” (Moses 5:39) the Lord responded with a form of protection for him: “And I the Lord said unto him: Whosoever slayeth thee, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And I the Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him” (Moses 5:40). What that ‘mark’ actually was is absent in the scriptural record.The dark skin may or may not have been the “mark” placed upon Cain to save him. However, hundreds of years later the land of Canaan, where the descendants of Cain presumably lived, became a climatically difficult and unpleasant place to live, which may have caused the genetic adaptation of a darker skin to appear. It must be remembered that the “mark” (whatever it might be) was a mark for survival and protection, not a burden connected to the murder.(Moses 7:6-8)(Abraham 1:21, 22, 27) ]
We learn more about the curse placed on Cain in Abr 1:21-22, 24-26.
21 Now this king of Egypt [ Or the Pharaoh vs 20 who is the son of Egyptus who is the daughter of Ham and Egyptus. The two cradles of civilization are each settled by the Grandsons of Ham – Egypt and Mesopotamia. Each Cradle become the symbols of wickedness in scripture and each used the endowment and ordinances to feign what they did not have, but to declare they where of royal blood. In each of their settlements, had taken the rituals that would make a person a son of god (we would call them the “endowment”) and turned them into their own ceremonies for their own coronations, thus giving them personal authority to rule and reign over their peoples. ] was a descendant from the loins of Ham , [ One of the son's of Noah who was a righteous man, but married Egyptus; and Egyptus was a descendant of Cain. Noah had 3 sons Shem; Ham and Japheth; from Ham came Pharaoh and Nimrod. ] and was a partaker of the blood of the Canaanites by birth .[ Cain and his descendants also lost the ‘right to’ priesthood administration. Abraham explains in his book that this lineage of Cain came through the flood at the time of Noah, as the wife of Ham (Egyptus) was a descendent of Cain. Through Egyptus, the blood of Cain and the burden of priesthood restriction was preserved through the flood and remained after the time of Noah. Canaan was the fourth son of Ham, and Noah singled him out specifically for the curse. I don't see any other references in scripture to explain this, but I think it's reasonable to assume that Canaan had committed his own sins and may have been party to the act that Ham had committed against Noah. For Noah to single Canaan out as a direct consequence of Ham's actions suggests Canaan was involved in some way. Gen 9:25 Also; Ham's wife Egyptus was a descendant of Cain. Therefore the restriction pertaining to the priesthood was placed on the posterity of Ham and Egyptus. From these two descendants came forth all of the Egyptians. Pharaoh rules because of his mother. It’s a Matrilineal Patriarchy, which means his right to rule is determined by who his mother is, not who the father is. The right of priesthood is based on that same thing. That is how the descendants of Cain get through the flood. Ham marries a woman who is a descendant of Cain. This pattern also shows up when Rebecca exclaims, “What value will my life be if Jacob ends up marrying one of the daughters of Heth”? (Heth was also a descendant of Canaan and Cain, and thus was not able to hold the Priesthood. (See Gen 27:46 – Gen 28:1-3). ]
22 From this descent [ Ham marrying a descendant of Cain (Egyptus). ] sprang all the Egyptians, and thus the blood of the Canaanites was preserved in the land .[ Gen 10:6 Ham and Egyptus named their forth son Canaan - hence the Canaanites. There is nothing that proves that the descendants of Cain lived in the land of Canaan. However, the curses or rather burdens of Cain and the verses above imply that the posterity of Cain may have lived in Canaan. Remember that Abraham gives us insight about the curse; namely the loss of priesthood and its connection to the people and blood of those who lived in Canaan prior to the flood. At least one was righteous enough to believe and marry Ham, the son of Noah: This king of Egypt was a descendant from the loins of Ham, and was a partaker of the blood of the Canaanites by birth. From this descent sprang all the Egyptians, and thus the blood of the Canaanites was preserved in the land. Now, Pharaoh being of that lineage by which he could not have the right of Priesthood… (Abraham 1:21, 22, 27). ]
24 When this woman discovered the land it was under water , [ Egypt was under water when discovered by the daughter of Ham (Her name was Mizraim which means Egypt). The flood of Noah had not receeded from that point yet? or was it a place in the delta were the spring waters were still high from the seasonal rains. A delta is usually very fertile land due to the silt washed in. ] who afterward settled her sons in it; and thus, from Ham, sprang that race which preserved the curse in the land . [ What is the curse of that race in the land that we are talking about here? The curse that their crops would not yield as they once had Moses 5:36,37. Additionally in Moses 5:39 Cain lost his priesthood power, the power to sanctify himself, and that curse waas placed on his posterity as well as we see documented in the Doctrine and Covenants 121:19,21 that the loss of the priesthood of those who would kill the priesthood leaders are extended from generation to generation. As Abel's righteous posterity were foreordained to be the patriarchs throughout gospel history.(See D&C 121:21 for discussion on how this curse would play out through time.) ]
25 Now the first government of Egypt was established by Pharaoh, [ Per Wer. Pharaoh was the name of the first ruler of Egypt. In the Book of Mormon, the succeeding kings were called after Nephi. In Rome, the first ruler was called Caesar; anyone succeeding him was also call Caesar. In Germany the rulers were all called Kaiser; in Russia they were called Tsar. In other words, it became a very common practice and tradition to name all kings and rulers after the first king or ruler. ] the eldest son of Egyptus, the daughter of Ham ,[ This is were it all starts to fall apart for the Pharaoh and the priesthood. He is as stated the eldest son of Egyptus - WHO IS THE DAUGHTER OF HAM, Not the son of Ham. As a result the patriarchal Preisthood does not continue to the son of a daughter which would be matriarchal succession. The right to hold the Priesthood did not come through the lineage of the father, but rather it came through the lineage of the mother. Thus her descendants were not eligible to hold the priesthood. ] and it [ The government. Ham's wife was a descendant of Cain and her name was Egyptus. They named their daughter Egyptus also. It was this daughter who discovered Egypt after the flood waters receded. She then settled her sons in the land and put her eldest son, Per-Wer (which signifies King by Royal Blood, or Pharaoh) on the throne of the land she discovered. So the ancient endowment was a coronation ceremony. ] was after the manner [ Patterned after. ] of the government of Ham, which was patriarchal . [ Hence the order of government is a Matrilineal - Patriarchy. The Government was set up “after the manner” of the Patriarchal Order. • This was a system Pharaoh knew and was familiar with. • Pharaoh knew that the patriarchal form of government was inspired. • This system of Government was a Matrilineal – Patriarchy. It's the mother who legitimizes the right of her son to be king. During the coronation of the kings of Judah, the name of his mother is always mentioned (See 1 Kings 14:21; 15:2; 2 Kings 12:1; 14:2; 15:2; 18:2; 21:1; 22:1; 23:31, 36; 24:8). Isis always represents Hathor. She represents the mother who is supporting her son on the Throne. From the information Abraham is giving us, we see it is the mother who places her son on the throne to rule. It is the mother or his wife who legitimizes his authority to sit on the throne. It is the blood line of the matriarch who legitimizes the right to reign. In Egypt it is the matriarch who chooses those who will become the next rulers. The wife legitimizes the rule. Because of this, we see Pharaoh marrying the wives of his father, often his mother, and even his sisters. The authority to become Pharaoh comes because of who the mother is. In the New Testament we are given insight into this practice as it relates to Moses. In Hebrews 11:24 we see Moses refusing to become a son of Pharaoh's daughter, or refusing to become the leader of Egypt. The King, Pharaoh, was placed in power by his mother, and their government was patterned after the Patriarchal government of Ham. Passed from father to son. President Joseph Fielding Smith taught: "Egypt was not the only nation, in these early times, which attempted to imitate the patriarchal order of government. We have seen in Abraham's record that this was the order of government in the reign of Adam, and down to the time of Noah. Naturally that form of government would be perpetuated in large degree by all tribes, as they began to spread over the face of the earth. As men multiplied, they organized first in the family group, then into tribes and eventually into nations. The greater powers would naturally occupy the most favored spots. Stronger tribes would overcome the weaker and force them to join the national government, or else they would be subdued and treated as slaves, or placed under tribute. As the patriarchal order was handed down from father to son, so also would the political authority be perpetuated with the same claims to authority. We know that in ancient times in Egypt, Assyria, Chaldea, Babylon, Persia, and among all the petty nations of the Mesopotamia and Palestine, the monarch was succeeded by his posterity in hereditary right" (Progress of Man, 100-01). ]
26 Pharaoh, being a righteous man ,[ So the Pharaoh knew what was right, he had been taught what was right. However; righteousness is not enough here as lineage will play out as well. But we will suffice it to say that he was a good man, and he tried to do what was right. How did he know about endowments and the Patriarchal order? Well anciently they were performed in the family tent, so he would have seen them performed on brothers and sisters, and possibly cousons and such. ] established his kingdom and judged his people wisely and justly [ Or according to the laws of God as he knew them. The Patriarchal Religion of Egypt is founded in the concept of the redemption from evil and the Exaltation of the Pharaoh. These "Ordinances of Exaltation" (Which are the ordinances of the firstborn - like our temples today. If you are true and faithful you become a firstborn to God, which is how we become and heir and a joint-Heir with Christ the first born( See John 1 power to become the sons of God). ) are often manifest in the Egyptian Religion; carved into the walls and written on papyrus. ( Bruce H. Porter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQd90hFE-LI ). These ordinances where originally for all mankind, but the ancient Pharaohs made them only available to the Pharaoh. ] all his days, seeking earnestly to imitate [ First we have to note that the Pharaoh is a righteous man. and he sought “earnestly” to imitate the religion of the Patriarchs (which was based on the blessings of the endowment and the ordinances of exaltation). Ham his father was a righteous man who walked with God, who held the priesthood, so he had been taught well. But through the lineage of his mother Egyptus their children were not allow to hold the priesthood. However; because the Pharaoh was righteous he would want to have the priesthood blessings, so he sets up a church after the order of the one that he knows (he sets up the government and the church as a copy of what he knows and is right). So one of the things that they did was to take the endowment and turned it into a coronation ceremony. Getting and living as close to the patriarchal order of the priesthood that they could; while knowing that they did not have the authority. In essense immitating the ordaniances without the authority. ] that order established by the fathers [ Egypt was founded on the higher law. Their religion was then based on the order that was passed down from Adam. Why not. It was what they knew to be good and righteous, and if the Pharaoh is righteous he would of coarse base the religion on what he knew to be righteous. What does this also teach us here about the need for a prophet and continued revelation. He does this even though he knows he does not have priesthood authority, but he does know that it was based on the only true religion, one that was based on the ordinances of exaltation. Which order is what? The order of the priesthood and the organization of how the gospel was organized. Or the religious order. So we have the government set up on the patriarchal order, and the religious order is set up on the patriarchal religion (this was not the Mosiac law because it was set up before that. It is based on the endowment blessings and the ordinances of exaltation the doctrines of a higher order even thought they did not have the authority, but because he knew it was right). While the religions that came forth from ancient Israel after the children of Israel refused to take upon themselves the higher order, they were left to function and an Aaronic order. The temples in Israel were Aaronic temples governed by the President of the Aaronic priesthood - like a bishop. Why? Because they knew what the power of the priesthood could do for those who had it. So the imitated it or fained it as in verse 27. The Egyptians had there own version of the endowment where they tried to recreate the knowledge and ordinanced that had be passed down. They lacked the authority but that did not stop them from trying. The Egyptians had an Endowment ceremony that they used which was derived from the practices of Abraham - see notes at the end of this chapter. ] in the first generations, in the days of the first patriarchal reign, even in the reign of Adam, and also of Noah, his father , [ His great-grandfather. ] who blessed him with the blessings of the earth, and with the blessings of wisdom , [ The knowledge that is found in the temple. ] but cursed him as pertaining to the Priesthood . [ He was not allowed to confirm the priesthood on the son of Egyptus who was the Pharaoh. Because Ham married Egyptus who's lineage was of Cain. Why? What was wrong with his lineage? Additionally if we are talking patriarchal priesthood: He descended not from the patriarchal but from the matriarchal line. He was the son of Egyptus, the daughter of Ham. In the days of the patriarchal order, the priesthood was passed on only from father to first-born son. Even though he was trying to govern his people by a system patterned after the patriarch order of the priesthood, he had no right to that priesthood. However noble and respectable the line may be, a matriarchal line cannot claim patriarchal authority, even though all the parties concerned are sympathetic to the idea. In all of this there has been no mention of race. However we also find the following: W. W. Phelps, a counselor in the presidency of the church, was the first in the church to teach that Ham's wife was black because she was under the curse of Cain. In 1835, he taught that Ham himself was cursed because he had married a black wife. Brigham Young also taught that Egyptus was under the curse of Cain and passed the curse through the flood. In April 1836, within months of translating the Book of Abraham verses,Joseph Smith himself taught in reference to Genesis 9:25–27, "it remains as a lasting monument of the decree of Jehovah, to the shame and confusion of all who have cried out against the South, in consequence of their holding the sons of Ham in servitude!".("Letter to Oliver Cowdery, circa 9 April 1836," p. 290, The Joseph Smith Papers, accessed December 24, 2020, https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/letter-to-oliver-cowdery-circa-9-april-1836/2) And after the flood we are told that the curse that had been pronounced upon Cain was continued through Ham's wife, as he had married a wife of that seed. And why did it pass through the flood? because it was necessary that the devil should have a representation upon the earth as well as God;... John Taylor, Journal of Discourses 22:304; Moses 7:8, 22; ]
So lets just say that because the descendants of Cain were not instantly identifiable(Or not all black skinned people where descendants of Cain) there was an implied "Policy" that all black skinned people would not receive the priesthood.
The reason for the Policy was taken from the following verses Moses 7:8, 22
The Church has recently stated that the restriction of priesthood to the Blacks was a policy rather than a doctrine.
This is true. The doctrine however, is that the Seed of Cain could not have the right to the priesthood and a belief that the seed of Cain were black based on scriptural references(Moses 7:8, 22), led to a general restrictive policy, to maintain the doctrine not knowing who might or might not be a descendant of Cain.
Therefore it was a doctrine that the descendants of Cain were restricted from receiving the priesthood,
It was a policy that Blacks be restricted
Joseph Smith ordained Elijah Able to the priesthood However, there was no initial question to initiate the revelation or institute the policy until after the ordination. At a time when Joseph translated the Book of Abraham and received the revelation that:
The seed of Cain would not hold the priesthood until the seed of Abel had chance to come to the earth and fulfill their responsibility'
Joseph Smith said in more than one place, said that the seat of Cain would not hold the priesthood until the seat of Abel had a chance to come to the earth and fulfill their responsibility.
That’s a statement by Joseph Smith and many of the early brethren, and many even in our time, in our lifetime, said, well, Abel never had any posterity, so they’d never be able to hold the priesthood in this life. But that’s not what Joseph Smith said. Joseph Smith, all he said is descendants of Abel or Cain would not hold the priest until the descendants of Abel had an opportunity to fulfill their responsibility. And many of those brethren that said some of those things did not know and understand the doctrine of the lever right law. What was it that the seat of Cain lost? To be a minister to all the people speaking of what the responsibilities of the priesthood to minister to you, to be your servants, that they shall bear this ministry and priesthood to all nations. They just lost an authorized responsibility to administer to all those who would like to participate in the Gospel. That’s what they lost, the right to administrate, not the right to participate. There’s a big difference. The priesthood is for administration, not for participation. The seat of Cain was restricted from the administration of the Gospel, not from the participation in the Gospel for blacks in mormonism.
What was it that the seed of Cain lost?
3 Ne. 28:18 The right to be a minister unto all the people.
3 Ne. 12:1 To minister unto you and to be your servants
Abr. 2:9 They shall bear this ministry and Priesthood unto all nations
Or the authorized responsibility to administer to all those who would like to participate in the Gospel.
So the seed of Cain was restricted from the right of administration of the Gospel, not the right to participate in the Gospel.
Priesthood is a Responsibility of Service and not a requirement for salvation.
A good example of this is found in Exodus 32:26-29 Moses asked who is on the Lords side, let them come to me. Only the tribe of Levi answered the call. So God blessed the tribe of Levi with a specific calling in the priesthood. To administer the priesthood service in the tabernacle, and the rest of the house of Israel no longer were permitted to administer in priesthood responsibilities. Numbers 3:6-12; 8:15-18
Adam is the Firstling of humanity, but not necessarily the first born or the birthright son. You have different sacrifices in Israel. One is the Firstling of the flock and one is the firstborn. Adam is the Firstling of the flock. Christ is the firstborn and Christ is the birthright. So that’s why the sacrifices are different.
Every sealed man(Meaning the new and everlasting covenant marriage. That’s a Patriarchal priesthood.) becomes a patriarch to his family. There are Grand Patriarchs who must hold a Melchizedek Priesthood authority and their responsibility for the spiritual and temporal welfare of those who outside of direct family lines. When you’re sealed, you enter into the Patriarchal Priesthood.
We entered that Patriarchal Priesthood when we are sealed. Every husband and Wife is a Patriarch and Matriarch to Their immediate family. Such that by being Sealed, I have the Authority to bless my children and my Grandchildren by virtue of the Authority of the Patriarchal Priesthood, which I Hold because I’ve been sealed. However; the second I step outside of my family line, I have no Patriarchal Priesthood authority- it stops because Patriarchal Priesthood is the priesthood of a mother and a father, husband and wife.
So what priesthood do I need to have authority outside of my direct family a priesthood that is without husband or wife?
I need to have the Priesthood of the Firstborn. ]
And who is the firstborn?
Jesus Christ. ]
What is his responsibility to the children of our Heavenly Father?
To take care of the temporally and spiritually.
So this is the responsibility and authority of the priesthood of the Firstborn. To bless those who do not have access to the blessings of the patriarchal priesthood, who are the widows and the orphans. Without the priesthood of the firstborn one did not have the authority to administer the gospel to his neighbors or home teaching families or ministering families. ]
So what is another name for the priesthood of the firstborn?
The Melchizedek Priesthood. D&C 76:57
57 And are priests of the Most High, after the order of Melchizedek, [ Melchizedek was a man of faith like unto Enoch, “and his people wrought righteousness, and obtained heaven, and sought for the city of Enoch.” (see JST, Gen. 14:34.)
Since his day the priesthood has been called after his name. King Melchizedek is a well-known ancient figure, all while very little is actually known about him. And indeed in this case, it’s actually his name and what he represents that is important to the symbol. “Melchizedek” comes from the Hebrew Malki Tzedik which means “My King (is) Righteous(ness).” Melchizedek also known as “Prince of Salem,” again from Hebrew meaning Prince of Peace. The name Melchizedek is therefore a foreshadowing or Christ. Likely, this Hebrew tradition was to avoid the too-frequent mention of the Lord’s name—a function that carries through to modern times as well.
Therefore, in text, Hebrew and Christian tradition use of the name Melchizedek almost always indicates Christ, not the man Melchizedek. For example, the Melchizedek Priesthood is not the priesthood of the ancient king, but is actually the Priesthood of Christ. Therefore the Seal of Melchizedek can be interpreted as the Seal of Christ. ] which was after the order of Enoch, [ The holy priesthood did more to perfect men in the days of Enoch than at any other time. Known then as the order of Enoch, it was the power by which he and his people were translated. And they were translated because they had faith and exercised the power of the priesthood. It was with Enoch that the Lord made an eternal covenant that all who received the priesthood would have power, through faith, to govern and control all things on earth, to put at defiance the armies of nations, and to stand in glory and exaltation before the Lord. Bruce R. McConkie, “The Doctrine of the Priesthood,” Ensign, May 1982. ] which was after the order of the Only Begotten son. [ Before Melchizedek it was called the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the son of God. But out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the church, in ancient days, called that priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood. ]
]
Melchizedek Authority Review:
Anciently you had a patriarch for each family(created when the couple was sealed), the father of that family. In addition you had a grand patriarch(who held the priesthood of the firstborn), this male child was typically the first born son(it was not always the first born, but it was always that birthright son - the one to whom the birthright was given). Now this is where we see the power of the birthright come to play. The birthright son was given a double portion of the inheritance. What was the purpose of such a gift? Because the birthright son was responsable to take care of the temporal(physical) needs of the widow and the orphan, or all of his father's posterity, so he had additional resources at his disposal provided to him with the birthright. In addition; as the birthright son he was given additional priesthood responsibility to act as the grand patriarch, which gave him priesthood authority outside of his own direct descendants. This was known as the priesthood of the Firstborn(The firstborn is Christ and he has the ultimate responsibility for the spiritual and temporal welfare of all of the children of God). The priesthood of the Firstborn was later called the Melchizedek priesthood, this priesthood had remember the power to act outside of the patriarchal bounds, or it was there to take care of the widows, and the orphans, or those who did not have access to the patriarchal priesthood in their homes(Fatherless, widows and orphans - those who do not have a patriarch in their home(either missing or unworthy)). So the Melchizedek priesthood acts as a stand in for the patriarchal priesthood. For this reason alone women will never hold the Melchizedek priesthood. They already hold the patriarchal priesthood if they have been sealed, and the Melchizedek priesthood is a substitute for that patriarchal priesthood.
A Patriarch is a PROPHET PRIEST AND KING:
A Prophet to give inspired guidance to his family;
A Priest to provide the necessary ordinances of salvation and exaltation for his family.
A King to provide the temporal protection and prosperity for his family.
This is why Joseph was the birthright son. Leah was Jacob's(Israel) first wife gave birth to the first son of named Rueben(lost his birthright by committing adultery with Bilhah(Gen 35:22)). Joseph was the firstborn son(the one who opens the womb) of Jacob's(Israel) second wife Rachel.
The younger is often chosen to be the priesthood leader and grand Patriarch. This is a pattern that has been repeated from the beginning.
D&C 29:36 Michael(Adam) is the older brother to Lucifer(Satan); There is Cain and Able; There is Shem and Japheth; Issac and Ishmael; Jacob and Esau; Joseph and Ruben; Ephraim and Manasseh; Moses and Aaron; Nephi and Laman all are examples of the younger son receiving the birthright and the priesthood responsibilities.
So the priesthood should have gone through Cain, we know that Cain held the priesthood, but he was not one who took it seriously: 1st he said who am I, Am I my brothers keeper? The answer to that should have been yes you are if you are to be the birthright son. 2nd he made an offer that was not what God had told him to do but what Satan had told to to do - he loved Satan more than God. 3rd Cain killed Able who was his priesthood leader (and those who do that loose their right as well as generational rights to the priesthood(D&C 121:16). ) Cain hoped that he and his posterity would become the Grand patriarchs(with both inheritance and priesthood authority: KINGS) throughout the worlds temporal existence .
Because Cain killed Able before he had posterity according to the Leverite law Seth became the birthright son of Able/Adam this reason the Priesthood is traced back through Abel and his posterity (D&C 84).
Therefore with the murder of Abel the patriarchal leadership moves to the next righteous son: who is Seth(which means substitute(for Abel) Moses 6:2)
So the Grand Patriarchs are Adam -> Abel/Seth -> Enos (Who was Seths son and was the son of Abels wife who Seth married, but Enos would have been sealed to Able and his wife under the leverite law. Which was if a woman is married to a firstborn and her husband dies before she has a son(her first born son) she is to marry the brother. Then the first born son that she has is sealed to her and her first husband. ) Levirate obligation (from Lat. levir, “brother-in-law”) designates the duty of a man to marry the sonless widow of his deceased brother. The term levirate refers to the legal case in Deuteronomy 25:5–10, where the brother-in-law lived in an undivided inheritance with the deceased husband of the widow. A son who is born as the result of a Levirate marriage should not be regarded as the son of his biological father, but as the son of the deceased who is entitled to inheritance, in order to then take over the inheritance of the deceased, which would otherwise remain with his brother. Two biblical narratives are related to Levirate: In Genesis 38, it was in existence in Genesis because we see it with the story of Judah and Tamar. If you remember, Tamar marries Er, who’s the oldest son of Judah and doesn’t have any kids. So she then marries Onan, which is the brother, and he knows that she’s going to get a double portion, so she makes sure she doesn’t get pregnant. The Lord takes him out, and the next son is Sila, and so she’s supposed to marry Cela. And Cela takes off when he knows he has to marry his old aunt, and so he takes off. And then she sets up the red light district when Judah is on his way to the auction. And Judah stops in and she asks some pawn because the price is too high of the patriarchal robe, the ring, the signet ring of the patriarch and the staff, the priest representing the priesthood, she asks for that for pawn. And then she becomes the word gets around that she’s in a motherly way.Then they have a family meeting, and Judah invites her back and thinking to get rid of her and says, okay, you’ve been doing some indiscretions there. And by the way, who’s the father? Which was the mistake you’ve made? And she says, Just a minute. She goes out to her Volkswagen, brings back in the robe and the staff and the signet ring, and Mrs. Judah immediately recognizes it and says, you have some splaining to do. But anyway, that’s the story of the Leverite Law. Also in the book of Ruth, there is no levir left, and Ruth’s father-in-law has died. But Boas, a kinsman of the family, marries Ruth and buys the property of her former husband’s family, whereby the law of redemption (Hebr. go’el) from Leviticus 25:25–28 plays a role, so that this house will endure in Judah.
The priesthood then was traced back through Abel rather than Seth in D&C 84:16.
But it’s there for a reason. It’s there so that we can understand it anyway. Well, the burden of Cain is the Earth would deal not yield for the strength of be a fugitive in a vagabond as posteriority and not have the right of the priest. Now, keeping in mind that Joseph Smith said the seat of Cain would not hold a priesthood until the seat of Abel has a chance to come to the Earth and fulfill their responsibility, the patriarchal responsibility to the descendants of Abel, and that’s the descendants that we just talked about. Then we go down to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob or Joseph and Ephraim, and then in our dispensation, who does it go to?
Now, this is that lineage, the recollect lineage of Abel. How does it continue down through joseph Smith said that the seed of Cain would not be able to hold the priesthood until the seed of Abel had an opportunity to come to the Earth and fulfill their responsibility.
What is that lineage in our time period? Church patriarch. Okay, who’s the first church patriarch? Joseph Smith, Senior. Okay. Brigham Young said, the blood of Joseph that was sold in Egypt, the blood of Joseph runs pure in the veins of Joseph Smith and his father pure. Joseph Smith Senior is a direct line. Joseph isn’t the firstborn. Joseph Smith, Jr. Is not the firstborn. Joseph Smith Senior is the patriarch to the church. He is that direct line of Abel. Okay, and who’s next? Hiram Smith. Hiram Smith has a son, Joseph F. Smith, but he becomes the prophet. And then it goes to John Smith. And from John Smith, Eldridge G. Smith, he just died just a few years ago. Was he 106 or something like that? I think 106, he just died a few years ago. So that’s the lineage of Abel, Adam, Abel, Enos, Cain, and Mahal, Jared, right on down to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Ephraim, Joseph Smith, Senior, Hiron Smith, Joseph Smith, F.Smith, John Smith, Eldridge G. Smith. Keeping in mind, Joseph Smith said that the seed of Cain would not hold the Priesthood until the seed of Abel had an opportunity to come to the Earth and fulfill their responsibility. The revelation about the Priesthood was given in June of 1978, and was read to the Church in September 30, 1978, at the October conference. Within a few months of the announcements, another revelatory event happened to fulfill the prophetic statement of Joseph Smith. What was it? Elder G. Smith was released. President Tanner, under the direction of President Kimball, read the letter to the Church. Because of the increased number, large increase of the number of state patriarchs and the availability of patriarchal service throughout the world, we now designate Eldridge G. Smith as a patriarch Emeritus, which means that he is honorably relieved of all his duties and responsibilities pertaining to the office of the patriarch of the Church. Keeping in mind Joseph Smith’s statement that the seat of Cain would not hold the Priesthood until the seed of Abel had an opportunity to come to the Earth and fulfill their responsibility, the same time that the Priesthood is given to all worthy males, the seat of Abel had fulfilled their responsibility in the released.
It wasn’t because of pressure, it was because of revelation. The Lord knows the end from the beginning, he has prepared everything, and it was fulfilled just as Joseph Smith prophesied and stated, even though many of the brethren had said, well, Abel never had any kids, therefore it’ll never happen in this life. Unknowing of the Leverite Law, and that the Priesthood line was traced back through Abel and the Doctrine Covenants. The release of Elder G. Smith as the patriarch of the Church took place at virtually the same time the Priesthood was made available to all worthy males. President Kimball’s inspiration and timing was not just incredible, but inspired. As these events unfolded, according to the prophecy of Joseph Smith that the seat of Cain would not hold the priesthood until the seat of Abel had a chance to fulfill their responsibility on Earth. The revelation on the priest in 1978 happened in concert with the release of patriarch Smith and was no accident. Even if the connection was not fully understood, the seat of Cain could not hold the priesthood until the seated of Abel. So it doesn’t matter whether the prophet, President Kimball or anybody else knew that.
It doesn’t matter whether they knew it or understand this concept. It happened by revelation, and it happened at the right time. And it happened in the exact same way that Joseph Smith said it would happen. And it was inspired in the right time. Keeping in mind, too, that the seed of Cain was restricted from administration, not participation. Okay? The priesthood is given to all worthy males, including blacks in mormonism, and the descendant of Abel is released from their responsibilities.