Skip to main content

Men are Not Created Equal

I love truth. In its lofty pursuit the seeker of truth must occasionally collide with false precepts which are all around us. These are the cultural and political beliefs that are touted as truth but which have no eternal footing, and by 'footing' I'm referring to doctrine - or better still, 'canon'.

The purpose of scriptural canon, according to the LDS bible dictionary is, "A word of Greek origin, originally meaning a rod for testing straightness". Canon gives us a foundation for comparing all philosophies against - a litmus test as it were - and if that ideal synchronizes well with canon, then it passes the test. Those with no canon in their lives are those described in Ephesians as "carried about with every wind of doctrine" (Ephesians 4:14).

Lucifer, who's pride led him to think more of himself than God, loves to set forth his own propaganda in every way possible. We see it in media, at church and in our societal culture. It often appeals to the senses, and reinforces selfishness, but it never measures up to the litmus test of true doctrine.

One of those fallacies, and which is ever increasing to society's carnal senses, is that we are all created equal. I now use canon, and other scripture which I believe passes the straightness test, to demonstrate how Lucifer has perverted and crook-ified this pure and simple truth.


The Doctrinal Case for Spiritual Inequality

In Abraham 3, the Father of Many Nations beholds a vision of heaven through the Urim and Thumim (Abraham 3:18-19). In this vision he beheld the difference in glory between the sun and the moon, the moon and the stars; and then his purview expanded and he beheld other glories, one of which I believe is the gallactic core and its tremendous glory. Abraham was shown how there are no two objects in the heavens that proliferate the same measure of light, and how one sphere is always subject to another.

For the second half of the chapter, the stars of Abraham's divine physical science lesson became a metaphor for the children of God, indicating that no two of His children possess the same level of intelligence nor glory. Why is God God? Ultimately because He is more glorious and intelligent than all other beings in His jurisdiction. As I write that, my heart burns within me, verifying the truthfulness and straightness of that doctrine. This scripture alone is enough to refute any claim that men were created equally.

But another reference from the book of Abraham sheds light on spiritual inequality. Consider the noble and great ones referred to in verse 22. The phrase alone indicates at least three degrees of glory among Father's children: 1) those who are great; 2) those who are noble; and 3) those who have not reached either status. The first and second groups are at least 4th estate beings or higher. The third group are young or inexperienced spirits who have not had sufficient experience and testing to consider them noble or great, and are second and third estate beings. In the same account we read of the Savior's greatness, as well as Lucifer's elevated but declining spiritual status from among their spirit siblings.

Brigham Young made a curious comment concerning wives who are grieved by their husbands in this world. But it also sheds light on the differing glory among Father's children, and man's tendency to revere those of an elevated spiritual status:
"Instead of despising him she would feel like worshipping him, he is so holy, so pure, so perfect and so filled with God in his resurrected body." (Conference Reports, October 8, 1861; reported by George D. Watt)
This comment suggests that when you are in the presence of a being of greater light and glory there is an instinctive tendency to worship that being. Examples of this principle are scattered throughout scripture when human beings felt to worship ministering angels who tended to them.

Image result for fish ladder
A fish ladder serves as a metaphor for Isaiah's Ascension
In a non-canonical book, and yet what I consider to be sacred and inspired scripture regrettably left out of the bible, Isaiah describes the progression from earth to the seventh heaven where God dwells and the differing glories and beings that dwell in each heaven. Interestingly, each heaven is governed by a throne of one particular glory, angels to the right of a lesser glory, and angels to the left of a lesser glory still - a pattern that carried through each respective advancement through the seven heavens.

I've found that Father loves this pattern of allowing beings of varying degrees of glory to dwell among each other. It seems to be His process for lifting and exalting His children. It is in fact, condescension in action, and is the very reason He sent His holiest and most exalted child to dwell among men. I am a witness to Christ's great enabling and lifting power through His eternal atonement. I am also a witness to the lifting power of those bright stars in our lives, who were sent to lift us - my wife is one such star in my life.

I've seen the same pattern in families, where one or two of the children have more light and righteous tendencies than that of their siblings or even their parents. We should be careful not to only view parents and teachers as those who condescend, or were meant to lift - it may very well be that our children, or those of the next generation, are advanced in their eternal progression beyond ourselves, and have in fact become more exalted, and condescended to help lift us, if we will humbly accept their lifting.

Lastly, as I've mentioned the Savior, another point may be worth mentioning. How is it that He became the Savior? Was there something in His spiritual DNA that qualified Him? Did He earn that elevated role through obedience, work, or effort? How is it that Lucifer was so influential in premortal courts? Beneath those questions is found a sacred Terrestrial doctrine, which can be attained to the seeker of truth. It was taught among early saints of this dispensation and ceased, presumably due to the lack of faith among the Saints, and by Joseph Smith's own words...
"...I could tell you who I am! Would to God I could tell you what I know! But you would call it blasphemy, and there are men upon this stand who would want to take my life.” (Orson F. Whitney, Life of Heber C. Kimball, p. 322.). 
Who was Joseph then? What did he know that couldn't be taught? It has been made clear to me that we live in a Telestial world, and Joseph Smith understood Terrestrial and Celestial doctrines that this world was not ready to receive. I know of these doctrines, and am a witness of heaven's eagerness to teach them to those who have eyes to see and ears to hear.

The discovery of those truths will confirm that no two stars are alike in glory, that there is an inherent tendency to worship those of a higher glory than ourselves (just not in this Telestial realm), and that there are noble and great ones among us now. Studying those doctrines will further demonstrate that Christ and our Father are mortally experienced, very old, and very exalted beings, and so are many of the noble and great ones. I worship and praise them both for their willingness to condescend and risk their exaltations for my sake.

Equality is truly an adversarial doctrine, designed to stagnate men in their progression. The only real propensity to exalt Father's children and lead them to Godhood is in the glorious doctrine of condescension and spiritual inequality.

Comments

  1. Thank you for this essay! I feel like it was written specifically for me. It gives more answers to many of my prayers - more clues on directions for me to study. As I read, point after point spoke directly to me, and I couldn't help but smile at the Lord's tender mercies in answering me this way. He's so good to me! Thank you for being an instrument in His hands to help lift and succor me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. RayDean, I'm so glad you were able to get something through this entry. Thanks for letting me know!! Best wishes!

      Delete
  2. Thank you for your thoughts. At our family reunions (old pioneer family) we were taught this principle. I always felt it was true but struggled to reconcile it with what was being said at church. I would've like to see more information on the multiple probations topic in this blog. My husband and I have been discussing this topic since we were told about it and felt its' truth but we have struggled to find scriptural evidence. Can you direct us anywhere for a more fruitful search? And thanks again for your efforts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi. Thank you for commenting! It's always validating to hear others have come to the same conclusions I have.

      There is SO much I wish I could say about the doctrine of multiple probations, but I'm afraid it isn't time yet. Until then, I would just say that there are many references to it in the early days of the Restoration, so Journal of Discourses is a good source. There are many references to it in the four gospels, for those who have eyes to see. Lastly, there are several references to it in LDS temple ceremonies. Best wishes!

      Delete
  3. I would use my name but have been instructed by our Lord to remain silent, because of my wife are experiencing. Is multiple probations real, the Savior shared with me insight a little here and a little there, till my knowledge of the whole principle is very clear in my mind, the Lord even told me how many probationary earths I had been. Recently I have had numerous spirits speak to me from the other side of the veil, sharing with me their knowledge of me in many of those probations. The whole principle behind multiple probations is simple and very straight forward. The key to understanding it is based on Agency, Once that is understood, there is no limit to what the Savior will show you. Well how many Probationary earths are the? We are told that our Lord and Savior created "Worlds without number", another name for that is "Infinite", ponder that for a moment, then the Savior told me that I had been on everyone of them. Each probationary earth has its own dimension, read D&C 88:36-38

    36 All kingdoms have a law given;

    37 And there are many kingdoms; for there is no space in the which there is no kingdom; and there is no kingdom in which there is no space, either a greater or a lesser kingdom.

    38 And unto every kingdom is given a law; and unto every law there are certain bounds also and conditions.

    To say the least I have received much knowledge to ponder over. With what I have been taught it all makes since. And I have have multiple witness on the other side of the view to prove it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous,
      I am so glad I found your comments. Very recently this truth has found its way to me and I am slowly absorbing it. I have heard in times past that other earths do not have it as difficult as it is on this earth. Have you found this is true from your communications with those that knew you in the other probationary periods? I am so very curious about it all. Anything you can share would be welcomed...

      Delete
    2. Are you talking about reincarnation? It kind of sounds like that.

      Delete
    3. Hi Dean. My understanding is that reincarnation is a false doctrine as stated by Bruce R. McConkie. I also understand reincarnation to be a corrupt version of what Christ taught the ancient Indians (as in, from the country of India). This doctrine was discussed often in the early days of the church. Thanks for visiting!

      Delete
  4. This rings true to me praise God! I have been shown things as well of who I was before my life here. The training I had. It makes sense because of who I am and why I defend motherhood so fiercely. Father is so loving and so wise if we could just trust Him he would show us so much. Have eyes to see!
    Thank you Eric for your knowledge and sharing it with us. You are one of the old ones, I feel it when you speak. Merry Christmas and Gods blessings this season.
    Anna Brown/New Harmony

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi, thank you for this blog entry and the things you've shared. Could you tell me the name of the book you're referring to when you wrote: "In a non-canonical book, and yet what I consider to be sacred and inspired scripture regrettably left out of the bible, Isaiah describes..." I'd like to read it. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sofia. I really should have included the name of that! It's called "The Ascension of Isaiah". I'd prefer it to be called "The Condescension of Christ", but it works. Thanks for asking!

      Delete
  6. Eric, I appreciate your thoughts on this. One connection with this is that the adversary continually invites us to compare ourselves with others. If he can immerse us in the destructive cycle of comparison, we can never live "our" life, but will be caught up in living "in reference to" others, which stops our progression.

    ReplyDelete
  7. The ascension of Isaiah’s author is? There are two different authors listed on Amazon. This blog was so timely for me, Eric. An answer to prayer.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Erik,

    I admire when people can distill concepts into clear and simple language. It is a gift. This concept has resonated with me from my earliest memories.

    On thing I like to do in my studies is to look up definitions and synonyms to words, especially when it comes to text that has been translated from a different language, such as the Bible, because, "hey, what would have happened if the translator chose a different word", or maybe we just use a different word now than they did when the text was translated. When I do this, sometimes things jump off the page at me. One of the places that this happened to me was in vs 22 with the "noble and great ones".

    Some of the synonyms for Noble are: righteous, virtuous, good, honorable, honest, upright, upstanding, decent, worthy, uncorrupted, etc. and it is also a title or description of Royalty such as Kings and Queens.

    "Great Ones" sounds like a description, so I ask "who are often called Great"?

    After a while the terms of Kings and Queens felt right to slide into place of "Nobel" and then the question came into my mind, "could priest be put in place of "Great". ?

    I sat back and let the thought simmer a minute. Could that be what God was telling Abraham? Was he telling him that there were Kings and Priests (Queens and Priestesses) and that he was one of them?

    I have nothing else to go on except the impressions I've felt, and the understanding I have of Christ's premortal status, and the Church of the Firstborn. Just a thought to consider.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Todd, your thoughts on kings and priests resonate with me very deeply!

      Delete
  9. Eric!
    As I have communed with the Lord he keeps telling me that I need to ask the right questions to receive the right answer! I have always been interested in the plan of salvation and it wasn't till after I saw you and Julie at the Idaho falls group energy session, that the Spirit prompted me to ask the right questions!...
    Questions like "Lisa what estate being are you and why?" "How many creations have you had?" "Multiple probations?" Now weekly I ask the Lord if I can see an experience, a weapon, a covenant that was made before this mortal life? Maybe in the war in heaven? Maybe a false belief or curse that needs to be made aware of in order to be released? This has given me great insight into my Royal roots and ancestry so, who I am eternally and some of the things I will be accomplishing again for my mission in the future!
    I pray all of us can go to the throne with boldness and ask many of these questions! Eric, you and Julie have been given such a great mission and I am to be a second Witness for each of you!Thank you both for everything you have done are doing and will do in the future!
    Many prayers, support and positive energy your way!
    Your warrior of light, Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  10. Eric, you and Julie have been such a blessing in my life. I've been following Julie's work since 2013 I believe. I've ingested it all and I've loved all of it, even if some of it I didn't like! Truth is truth. And I feel it flows from you and Julie so humbly and sincerely. This is my first time commenting, is there an email I could also communicate with? I couldn't find one on Julie's blog and I searched a bit on here but I'm setsee just the ability to comment. Thank you for all of your work! And what in the world has happened to the podcasts????? I used to listen and re-listen often. But the last few weeks it's all ghosted! I'm so interest to know what has happened? I truly love you both. Sincerely,
    Chelsey v.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I meant I've been following since 2015😊 I think I typoed 2013. Anywho - since the beginning!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Finally!! I found the meat and potatoes of doctrinal insight I've been looking for. I have heard you co hosting with Julie, and really like your insight. I could kick myself for not coming here sooner. You have amazing spiritual gifts, Thanks! for Sharing them with us.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I am fascinated by all I am learning from you and Julie, and grateful that you led me to Michael Tellinger as well. When it comes to mortal probations, do you believe that you could have only one per planet or multiple? I am just learning about this and understand the idea of progression through multiple probations but curious as to the details. I'll look up that book as well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Leah. I've come to see the doctrine you're referring to as a Terrestrial/Celestial doctrine that has largely been out of reach to the masses in this Telestial place. As we move closer and closer to that Terrestrial world it seems Father is letting more and more out.

      I know for myself that the doctrine of multiple probations is a core part of the plan of exaltation. Julie and I are planning a podcast on that doctrine which will spell out more of the details as we have come to understand them. I'll have an accompanying essay on my blog as well with scriptural citations.

      Thanks for visiting and commenting!

      Delete

Post a Comment

Constructive and uplifting comments are welcome.

Popular posts from this blog

The Doctrinal Significance of "The Callout"

Throughout the history of good and evil on earth there have been many key moments when evil might have prevailed over righteous had the Lord not intervened. Such times demonstrate the Lord's tender mercy to the righteous, along with his vengeance upon the wicked. But despite his miraculous ability to protect and preserve he has always used practical means of separating the righteous from the wicked before exercising judgment. Such will be the case again in a future event. "The Callout", as it has come to be known in some circles, will offer protection during the  Days of Tribulation  to those who hear the Lord's voice, and it will safely lead many of the elect who harden not their hearts into the Millennium (see  Doctrine and Covenants 43:29 ). The Callout is not widely discussed or understood. Just enough has been revealed to start conversation and  lead to speculation. Those who have not studied this subject may think of it as a future event when the saints

A Letter to a Church Divided

Dear Brothers and Sisters, For years I have believed a day of division in our church was coming, but I have always supposed it would be over some controversial political issue, like some of those we have seen in the recent past. Perhaps those issues have caused some division, but I believe there is another division taking place that is closer to the heart of the gospel than those issues. It tugs at the heart and soul of the latter-day church, and the experience of a young boy who knew he could receive divine guidance if he asked for it. Following his miraculous vision, he told his experience to his minister and got the following reaction: "he treated my communication not only lightly, but with great contempt, saying it was all of the devil, that there were no such things as visions or revelations in these days; that all such things had ceased with the apostles, and that there would never be any more of them." ( Joseph Smith - History 1:21 ) I believe in a church buil

Nine Takeaways from an intense study of the Last Days

I recently undertook an intense study of the Abrahamic Covenant. I learned a lot! It put nearly every doctrine and principle I've learned in a global context. I now see that everything in the gospel of Jesus Christ relates to the covenants the Father made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. And I see that God is very interested in Abraham's posterity and in protecting them. Later I became curious how those covenants pertained to the Last days, and the Millennium. I have read and reread the books of Isaiah, 1st and 2nd Nephi, key Doctrine and Covenants chapters, and a bunch of general conference quotes. Not surprisingly, I realized the Abrahamic Covenant has everything to do with the Millennium. There were a few other significant lessons I learned along the way. Here are my takeaways from this interesting study: The difficult to understand scriptures are often most critical.  The chapters I have often skipped in scriptures due to their difficulty of interpretation, like Isaiah,