I
have of late been studying about the nature of God which has led me to deeper
understanding of the principle of sanctification. It came through doctrinal study
and a personal lesson.
“Joseph
Smith, along with Oliver Cowdery, saw God and declared, “his countenance shone
above the brightness of the sun” (D&C 110:3). In January 1836 Joseph Smith
and others saw “the celestial kingdom of God and the glory thereof…the
transcendent beauty of the gate….like unto circling flames of fire; also the
blazing throne of God, whereon was seated the Father and the Son.” (“History of
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints” edited by B.H. Roberts, 2:380)
These
accounts, along with others such as Moses’ encounter with God in the Pearl of
Great Price (Moses 1), help us to understand that the Father is an exalted
being made entirely of light of truth (see also D&C 50:24). Because of this
‘no unclean thing can enter into the kingdom of God’ (1 Nephi 15:34). We cannot
live with God in Celestial Kingdom if we are not sanctified.
Firstly,
because God cannot abide the least degree of darkness. Light and darkness
cannot co-exist. Hence the need for sanctification which purges all darkness
from us due to our fallen state and sinful nature.
Secondly,
because God is pure and His light is brighter than the sun, it would consume anything
that is not pure in His presence. It consumes every corruption, the same as the
light of Christ will consume all corruptible beings when He returns to earth
(Malachi 4:1-3; 2 Thessalonians 2:8; D&C 5:19; 29:9; 63:34; 133:4-49)
Sanctification
comes in two stages. The first stage happens in this life and is very much
connected to remission of sins (D&C 43:11). Repentance is cessation of sin
while sanctification is purging of its resultant darkness. It’s only a
remission because we are still exposed to temptations of this life and are
liable to sin again (D&C 43:11; see also Daniel H. Ludlow, “A Companion to
Your Study of the Book of Mormon, 2:248-49)
The
second stage happens following judgment which will be permanent and will afford
exaltation to those who are deemed worthy. Both stages of sanctification are
exacted through the power of the Holy Ghost.
In
one of my recent posts I wrote how I have in recent years come to form a
connection with each member of the Godhead separately. This has afforded me immense
closeness with the Father like I had not known before. This closeness, however,
developed something in me I didn’t expect, a fear that I might be spiritually
lost one day.
I
couldn’t understand this for a long time. I had never had this fear before. Recent
clarity, however, helped me see that once I had revived in my heart the
closeness I once had with the Father, I started to fear that I would miss out
on this for all eternity if I didn’t make it. As I could plainly see this
reason, I was given confirmation that the Father acknowledges our bond and the
fear I had lost its power.
I
know my need and desire for sanctification will be honoured one day when I
stand before God to be judged of all the offences I have committed against Him,
no matter how small or great. Every bit of darkness will be expunged from my
soul and forgiveness through the grace of the Son will make me pure as He is
pure so that I can be numbered in The Book of the Names of the Sanctified and be
in Father’s presence forever (D&C 35:21; 88:2; Malachi 3:16). My gratitude
knows no bounds.
- CATHRYNE ALLEN
(Art: Father by FluxPro.art)
