How to Unfold the Mysteries

King Benjamin invited his people to gather as families, including wives and children, to hear his words.  And though he referred to them as "brethren" we assume he is talking to the whole congregation.  He told them to open their ears that ye may hear, and your hearts that ye may understand, and your minds that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to your view.  (Mosiah 2:9)

There is a clause to seeking the mysteries of God.  Alma gives a warning saying, It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him. (Alma 12:9)

(Women have expected to receive the scriptures delivered in the masculine.  For the remainder of this blog, I take the liberty to write scripture giving preference to the feminine)

Alma also gives us great insight on what portion of the mysteries we can receive and how to receive the greatest portion.  He says, She that will harden her heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and she that will not harden her heart, to her is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto her to know the mysteries of God until she know them in full. (Alma 12:10)

LDS men and women who have received their endowments have greater access to the mysteries through their priesthood ordinances.  (D&C 84:19-22)  And this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God.  Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest. And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto women in the flesh; for without this no woman can see the face of God, even the Father, and live.

In all four gospels the common scripture throughout is the direct instruction, invitation and plead to ASK!  Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you; for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.  (Matt 7:7, D&C 4:7 etc.)

So we are told to prepare our spiritual ears and eyes and mind, to trust that the mysteries will be unfolded to us if our heart is pure, and because we are endowed with the holy priesthood we will receive even more, then we are encouraged to ASK!!!!

This is the divine pattern to receive revelation regarding the questions in our heart.  Elder Q.L. Cook boldly reminded us that God spoke to Moses anciently, He spoke to Joseph Smith, and he will speak to us. (Gen. Conf. 10/13).

Is God speaking to you?

Are you following the pattern?

Are you sufficiently calling forth revelation in your life?

Are you seeking the mysteries?

Did you ever consider that the revelations given through our prophet and leaders are contingent on the worthiness and readiness of the main body of Saints?

Sometimes the problem we have is that we are seeking revelation from the prophet.  We are not asked to ask the prophet.  We are seeking to know the will of God directly.  It will never conflict with the modern revelation of the prophet, but  that which you have been given you must realize you will be given according to how well you keep it to yourself until the appropriate time is revealed to you.  These leaders are under the same obligation.

Can you guess how the main body of saints can call forth further light and knowledge?

Yep, by individual members being prepared to hear the mysteries, the prophet will be able to reveal more. Therefore, it becomes our obligation to stop fighting against Zion when we have learned a thing or two. What good does it do the Lord to reveal the mysteries only to create more division in Zion?  This is one of the reasons why the prophet is the only authority to reveal new revelation to the church.

If you keep the pattern of divine revelation, you are denied the mysteries only to the extent that you refuse to keep the laws of heaven.  The Lord knows you.  If your ego expands because you delight in sharing some unknown mystery, the Lord will keep it from you until your heart is pure and you are humble enough to keep it quiet until the time is right. This is more for your protection than His.  Just ask someone who has attempted to share something before its time.

The reason I encourage you to follow the pattern of revelation and to seek the mysteries is because women are not greedy with what they know.  They naturally want to share it with everyone and will do whatever it takes to teach and expound their wisdom. When you have sufficiently opened the conduit of revelation for yourself, you will naturally invite others to do the same and the ripple will flow out and the heavens will open and we will all be permitted to speak those things which eye hath not seen nor ear heard. (1 Cor 2:9)