Why is knowledge important? What knowledge is needful to us? How is it essential to our salvation? What are the results if we neglect to learn? What do the scriptures say about knowledge? How can we gain knowledge most effectively? Questions like these should be foremost in our minds, as we progress through this earthly probation. The scripture that usually comes to mind whenever this important subject is mentioned is often: …
“It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance.” (D&C 131:6)
This was re-iterated by the Prophet Joseph Smith in the “King Follett Discourse” of April 7th, 1844, when he said:
“Knowledge saves a man; and in the world of spirits no man can be exalted but by knowledge.” (T.P.J.S. p. 357)
Even from these statements, we can see that knowledge is absolutely vital to our position in the afterlife, therefore we should make it one of our prime objectives, to increase our understanding of this essential principle. Bruce R. McConkie wrote in Mormon Doctrine:
“All types of knowledge however are not of equal worth.” (p. 426)
Also Boyd K. Packer stated in his address to the 5th Annual C.E.S. Religious Educator’s Symposium:
“Some things that are true are not very useful.”
It is obvious that we must turn to the writings of the prophets and apostles to understand which sort of knowledge is the most useful. John, in his Gospel stated that the Saviour Himself spake these words:
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)
Joseph Smith stated:
“It is the first principle of the Gospel to know for a certainty the character of God.” (T.P.J.S. p. 345)
We must also not rely on any mortal person to give us the knowledge of God. But we must test that information that we receive, by prayer, so that we can know for ourselves,
“Search the scriptures – searcht he revelations which we publish, and ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, to manifest the truth unto you, and if you do it with an eye single to His glory nothing doubting, He will answer you by the power of His Holy Spirit. You will then know for yourselves and not for another. You will not then be dependant on man for the knowledge; nor will there be any room for speculation. No; for when men receive their instructions from Him that made them, they know how He will save them.” (T.P.J.S. p. 11-12)
We must use the Holy Ghost to teach us the truth of all things. (Moro. 10:5) We must also remember that the Holy Priesthood has a key part to play:
“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.” (D&C 84:19)
It is very easy for a person to think they are learned and that they have a great understanding of the Gospel when they have not! This is one of the ploys of Satan!
“O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! when they are learned they think they are wise, an they hearken not unto the council of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish. But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the councils of God.” (2 Ne. 9:28-29)
In order to go before the Lord with this knowledge, we must first obtain it. This is done in a number of ways, but it does take effort. Knowledge must be obtained, and taught, line upon line and precept upon precept. (Isa. 28:9-10) If knowledge is gained too quickly for an individual, then he may very well reject it without a proper understanding of it. It may also mean that the individual comes under condemnation for not acting upon that knowledge which he has obtained. This is why the Temple Endowment is not given to children or new members, why the missionaries would not normally teach the principle of tithing on the first contact with prospective members, etc., etc. Nevertheless we must remember that:
“A man is saved no faster than he gains knowledge, for if he does not gain knowledge, he will be brought into captivity by some evil power in the other world, as evil spirits will have more knowledge, and consequently more power than many men who are on the earth.” (TPJS p. 217)
Also that, “Whatsoever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.” (D&C 130:18-19)
From this we can see that diligence and obedience is an integral part in the obtaining of knowledge. We can also read in the Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith:
“… that God has created man with a mind capable of instruction, and a faculty which may be enlarged in proportion to the heed and diligence given to the light communicated from heaven to the intellect;” (p. 51)
Therefore, by using these different rules we can truly obtain a knowledge that will give us joy in this life, and eternal life in the world to come, because we truly understand that this life is a time for us to perfect ourselves as much as possible and to prepare to meet God. Hopefully we will become like the brother of Jared:
“And because of the knowledge of this man, he could not be kept from beholding within the veil; and he saw the finger of Jesus, which, when he saw, he fell with fear; for he knew that it was the finger of the Lord; and he had faith no longer, for he knew, nothing doubting. Wherefore, having this perfect knowledge of God, he could not be kept from within the veil; therefore he saw Jesus; and he did minister unto him.” (Esther 3:19-20)
PART 2
This article will look into the important principle that we will always have the opportunity to gain more knowledge, even in eternity, and that indeed the very Gods are still progressing in knowledge.
At first, this statement seems to contrary to the Gospel, in that God is omniscient, and the Church today teaches very plainly that God knows all. For example, Bruce R. McConkie (one of the leading theologians in the Church, and an Apostle, who has since passed on), recently said the following:-
“There are those who say that God is progressing in knowledge and is learning new truths. This is false, utterly, totally and completely! …I have been sorely tempted to say at this point that any who so suppose have the intellect of an ant and the understanding of a clod of mirey clay in a primordial swamp. But, of course, I would never say a thing like that!” (B.R.McConkie.BYU 14 Stake Fireside. Marriot Center, Sunday, 1st June 1980)
I find it extremely sad that an Apostle of God would ridicule and mock former Prophets of God, and threaten to call them names, in order to “get a laugh” from his audience.
But, as this article progresses, it will show that the belief as espoused by the Church today, is only a theory, and has no place in the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Is it true that Prophets of God actually taught that God is progressing in knowledge?
Well, Brigham Young stated that any living thing is either progressing or decreasing:-
“To live as I am, without progress, is not life, in fact we may say that is impossible. There is no such principle in existence, neither can there be.
All organized existence is in progress, either to an endless advancement in eternal perfections, or back to dissolution. You may explore all the eternities that have been, were it possible, then come to that which we now understand according to the principles of natural philosophy, and where is there an element, an individual living thing, an organized body, of whatever nature, that continues as it is? IT CAN NOT BE FOUND. All things that have come within the bounds of man’s limited knowledge – the things he naturally understands, teach him, that there is no period, in all the eternities, wherein organized existence will become stationary, that it cannot advance in knowledge, wisdom, power, and glory.
If a man could ever arrive at the point that would put an end to the accumulation of life – the point at which he could increase no more, and advance no further, we should naturally say he commenced to decrease at the same point. Again, when he has gained the zenith of knowledge, wisdom, and power, it is the point at which he begins to retrograde; his natural abilities will begin to contract, and so he will continue to decrease, until all he knew is lost in the chaos of forgetfulness. As we understand naturally, this is the conclusion we must come to, if a termination to the increase of life and the acquisition of knowledge is true.” (B.Young J.D.1:349)
But, surely the above quotation isn’t referring to Gods is it?
I think that it is; and the next passage will confirm that President Young, didn’t just mean men and women, but meant the most advanced beings in eternity, even the Gods!
“Some men seem as if they could learn so much and no more. They appear to be bounded in the capacity for acquiring knowledge, as Brother Orson Pratt, has in theory, bounded the capacity of God. According to his theory, God can progress no further in knowledge and power; but the God that I serve is progressing eternally, and so are his children: they will increase to all eternity, if they are faithful.” (B. Young. J.D.11:286)
This was confirmed by Wilford Woodruff:-
“If there was a point where man in his progression could not proceed any further, the very idea would throw a gloom over every intelligent and reflecting mind. God himself is increasing and progressing in knowledge, power, and dominion, and will do so, worlds without end. It is just so with us. We are in a probation, which is a school of experience.” (W. Woodruff. J.D.6:120)
In the passage taken from J.D.11:286, by Brigham Young, there is mention of a theory about Gods being bounded in knowledge that has been espoused by Orson Pratt. Brigham Young strongly denounces this theory.
Orson Pratt’s Theory
“It has been most generally believed that the Saints will progress in knowledge to all eternity: But when they become one with the Father and Son, and receive a fulness of their glory, that will be the end of all progression in knowledge, because there will be nothing more to be learned. The Father and the Son do not progress in knowledge and wisdom, because they already know all things past, present and to come. All that become like the Father and Son will know as much as they do, and consequently will learn no more. The Father and Son, and all who are like them and one with them, already know as much as any Beings in existence know, or ever can know.” (O.Pratt. The Seer. August 1853. p.117)
On the 17th September 1854, Wilford Woodruff recorded in his journal the discussions that went on in a meeting of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles together with the First Presidency. At this meeting there was a discussion of the above quotation, and Wilford Woodruff recorded the following:-
“President Young… said that the doctrine taught in the Seer that God had arrived at that state whereby He could not advance any further in knowledge, power and glory, was a false doctrine and not true. That there never will be a time to all eternity when all the Gods of Eternity will cease advancing in power, knowledge, experience and glory, for if this were the case, eternity would cease to be and the glory of God would come to an end. But all of celestial beings will continue to advance in knowledge and power, worlds without end.
…He told Brother Pratt to lay aside his philosophical reasoning and get revelation from God to govern him and enlighten his mind more. And it would be a great blessing to him to lay aside his books and go into the canyons as some of the rest of us were doing and it would be better for him. He said his philosophy injured him in a measure.
Many good things were said by President Young, that we should grow up in revelation so that principle would govern every act of our lives.” (W.Woodruff’s Journal. 17th September 1854) (Spelling corrected)
Isn’t it interesting, but sad, that the Church today is teaching and expounding that very theory that was so strongly condemned by Brigham Young the Prophet of God.
But, how is God omniscient, and yet still progressing in knowledge? The two statements seem to contradict each other, don’t they?
At first glance they do, but a more in depth study will explain very clearly how these two statements that seemingly contradict can be resolved.
Brigham Young, again spoke on the subject:-
“All creation, visible and invisible, is the workmanship of our God, the supreme Architect and Ruler of the whole, who organized the world, and created every living thing upon it, to act in its sphere and order. To this end has He ordained all things to increase and multiply. The Lord God Almighty has decreed this principle to be the great, governing law of existence, and for that purpose are we formed. Furthermore, if men can understand and receive it, mankind are organized to receive intelligence until they become perfect in the sphere they are appointed to fill, which is far ahead of us at present. When we use the term perfection, it applies to man in his present condition, as well as to heavenly beings. We are now, or may be, as perfect in our sphere as God and Angels are in theirs, but the greatest intelligence in existence can continually ascend to greater heights of perfection.” (B.Young. J.D.1:93)
This quotation deserves reading through a few times to understand the implication that it conveys.
We can become perfect in knowledge in our own sphere but there is always other spheres of perfection to rise to.
The same Prophet went on about the same subject another time:-
“If we continue to learn all that we can, pertaining to the salvation which is purchased and presented to us through the Son of God, is there a time when a person will cease to learn? Yes, when he has sinned against God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Ghost – God’s minister; when he has denied the Lord, defied Him and committed the sin that in the Bible is termed the unpardonable sin – the sin against the Holy Ghost. That is the time when a person will cease to learn, and from that time forth will descend in ignorance, forgetting that which they formerly knew, and decreasing until they return to the native element, whether it be one thousand or in one million years, or during as many eternities as you can count. They will cease to increase, but must decrease, until they return to the native element. These are the only characters who will ever cease to learn, both in time and eternity.” (B.Young.J.D.3:203)
The only beings, in all of eternity who will cease to learn are the sons of perdition. All others, including the Gods, will continue to progress for ever.
To conclude, let us let the greatest proponent in this dispensation of this exciting and glorious doctrine have the last word:-
“To finite capacity there is much which appears mysterious in the plan of salvation, and there is an eternity of mystery to be unfolded to us; and when we have lived millions of years in the presence of God and angels, and have associated with heavenly beings, shall we then cease learning? No, or eternity ceases. There is no end. We go from grace to grace, from light to light, from truth to truth.” (B.Young. J.D. 6:344)
From Volume 1, Issue 1 of Truth Seeker magazine.
