Saturday, August 28, 2010

"SHALL SEE MY FACE AND KNOW THAT I AM" -


I have a very deep love for my Savior Jesus Christ. I have reflected many times on whether it would or could be possible to see the Savior in a personal visitation during a life time.  Knowing that if worthy we can have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost who is the first comforter; what criteria then would be needed to receive the second comforter, who is our beloved Savior?
 As I read the scriptures I have collected several verses that do indicate that one might indeed be privledged to see the Savior face to face. Two of my favorite  scriptures on this subject are found in Doctrine and Covenants 93:1 "Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me and calleth on my name and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments shall see my face and know that I am."
D&C 88:68 "Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way and according to his own will."
The following is a list of other scriptures on this subject: D&C 50:45-46, D&C 67:10,D&C 84:19-22,  D&C 97:16, D&C 101:38,  D&C 110:8, D&C 130:1, 1 Nephi: 12:6, 2 Nephi 32:6, and John 14: 21,23.  There are many more teachings about this subject throughout all of our scriptures.
I have pondered many times on the characteristics that would be needed in order to see our Savior face to face. Here is a list of a few of those attributes that we should cultivate in our lives:
 1. Forsake Sin
 2. Follow Christ
 3. Call on his name - Prayer
 4. Obey his voice - Listen 
 5. Keep his commandments
 6. Sanctify  our minds to become single to God - Put God first
 7. Watch and be ready
 8. Strip yourselves of jealousies and fears
 9. Be forgiving
10. Be Humble
11. Receive the Melchizedek Priesthood which holds the key of the mysteries of the kingdom even the key of the knowledge of God. These keys are found in the ordinances of the temple throughout the endowment and sealing experiences and is for both men and women.
12. Become pure in heart
13. Do not pollute his house
 The most important of all attributes is to love the Lord and our Heavenly Father with all of our hearts, might, mind, and strength. I love these verses as found in John 14:21,23  (21)"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me; and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.
(23) " JESUS ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO HIM, IF A MAN LOVE ME, HE WILL KEEP MY WORDS: AND MY Father WILL LOVE HIM, AND WE WILL COME UNTO HIM, AND MAKE OUR ABODE WITH HIM."
What a marvelous promise to us all.
My dear eternal companion wrote two additional verses to the Hymn "Love One Another" many years ago. These additional verses have been sung in many areas of the church. Although unable to have them officially added to the hymn due to copyright requirements; there is permission to sing them in church meetings.  Even Roger's parents while on a mission to Nigeria taught these additional words to the children. My three girls as a trio have sang these verses in many Sacrament meetings throughout the years. At the funeral of my Father-in-law, LaMar Williams; his grandchildren sang this hymn. Pres. Gordan B. Hinckley was present and gave remarks at the funeral. The children sang this hymn in front of him.  I like to think that they indeed sang at the feet of the Prophet.

LOVE ONE ANOTHER
As I have loved you, love one another.
This new commandment love one another.
By this shall men know ye are my deciples,
If ye have love one to another.

Ye have my gospel, share with another.
Ye are my shepherds feed then a brother.
Care for the stranger love as the Messiah;
Then ye shall know joy of the Father.

Someday you'll see me if you endeaver.
Then you will know me we'll walk together.
If you obey me here then is my promise,
I'll come to  you you're mine forever.

Verse one by Luacine Clark Fox, 1914-2002
Additional Verses - Roger L. Williams 

3 comments:

Barb said...

Hi LeAnn!

I agree, I think we must have been sisters in the pre-existence - I do love you like a sister!

I love your post. I always feel such a peaceful feeling when I read your blogs - you always inspire me to do and be better!

I think that the time is coming fast that we will see the Savior. We need to make sure that we are doing everything we can to be worthy to see him face to face . . . it is almost more than I can even comprehend! I love your list of scripture references, I need to ponder on everyone of them, live them as best I can and pray that I am worthy when that day comes.

I love Tasha - that simple lifestyle is very appealing to me. She was so dedicated to living a simple life, and embraced her womanhood with such grace and integrity. She was and is a good example to me in every way.

I would love to see you guys, hopefully soon?

Love to you,
Barb

John said...

Thank you for this lovely and inspiring post. I will read those scriptures you posted. Recently, I felt like had a small glimpse of how much Heavenly Father loves His children as I sat and thought about how much I love and would do for my own children. It is hard to imagine so much love and care-- so much love that He would allow us to suffer through trials.

Dolly said...

My dad writes music also-and I can't wait to show him these two verses your husband wrote:) This was a wonderful post LeAnn-thanks!