The Vitality of Mormonism: Brief Essays on Distinctive Doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsTalmage, James E. (James Edward)
Religion
The Vitality of Mormonism: Brief Essays on Distinctive Doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Talmage, James E. (James Edward)
Latter Day Saint churches; Latter Day Saints
The Kingdom of God and the Church of Christ are virtually synonymous
terms. We do not pray that this organization shall come; for it is
now existent. We pray and strive for its growth and development, for
the spread of its saving principles, and for their acceptance by all
mankind. But the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than the Church as the
latter exists today, and when fully established will be seen to be a
development thereof. Its advent is yet to be prayed for.
This relationship is made clear through a revelation given to the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1831:
"Hearken, and lo, a voice as of one from on high, who is mighty and
powerful, whose going forth is unto the ends of the earth, yea, whose
voice is unto men--Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths
straight. The keys of the kingdom of God are committed unto man on
the earth, and from thence shall the gospel roll forth unto the ends
of the earth, as the stone which is cut out of the mountain without
hands shall roll forth, until it has filled the whole earth. . . . Call
upon the Lord, that his kingdom may go forth upon the earth, that the
inhabitants thereof may receive it, and be prepared for the days to
come, in the which the Son of Man shall come down in heaven, clothed in
the brightness of his glory, to meet the kingdom of God which is set
up on the earth. Wherefore may the kingdom of God go forth, that the
kingdom of heaven may come, that thou, O God, mayest be glorified in
heaven so on earth, that thy enemies may be subdued; for thine is the
honour, power and glory, for ever and ever. Amen." (D&C, Sec. 65).
When the Messiah comes to rule and reign, He will be accompanied by
the hosts of the righteous who have already passed through the change
of death; and the righteous who are yet in the flesh shall be caught
up to meet Him, and shall descend with Him as partakers of His glory.
Then shall the Kingdom of God on earth be made one with the Kingdom of
Heaven. Then shall be realized the glorious fulfilment of the prayer
taught by the Christ, and voiced by men through the ages past, Thy
Kingdom come.
The Kingdom of Heaven on earth is to be a literal government,
administered under the supreme direction of Jesus Christ the King. No
longer shall men arrogate to themselves the power of might to exercise
dominion over their fellows, nor exalt themselves on thrones, nor
bedeck themselves with crowns and scepters.
That the extent and jurisdiction of the kingdom shall be world-wide was
declared by Daniel to Nebuchadnezzar, depicting "what shall be in the
latter days." Thus spake the prophet:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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