LDS Blessings

[skylark1]

I think I addressed a mother's blessing. It isn't an ordinance, not using the Priesthood, but it is considered a powerful prayer. I'm not sure if there's more to it, but that's what I gather it is-a prayer of a mother, on behalf of their child.

Yes, it is doctrine in the Church.

I would like to hear Swart's response to the questions that I asked him.

 

[newyorksaint]

"NY,"

I saw no mention of the Apostles being told to lay hands on people and proclaim a blessing. I am not asking about the practice of laying hands, but of "the Apostles being told to proclaim a blessing." If you don't know, then please don't feel obligated to respond.

While no direct order is given, it seems to be a common practice to give blessings by the laying on of hands. If they were doing it, reason would stand that they were told to, either by Christ, or Jewish practice.

 

[newyorksaint]

I would like to hear Swart's response to the questions that I asked him.

My apologies. Sorry, I tend to butt in sometimes.

 

[skylark1]

While no direct order is given, it seems to be a common practice to give blessings by the laying on of hands. If they were doing it, reason would stand that they were told to, either by Christ, or Jewish practice.

"NY,"

Thank you for addressing the question.

Where do you see that the Apostles were "proclaiming blessings?"

 

[newyorksaint]

"NY,"

Thank you for addressing the question.

Where do you see that the Apostles were "proclaiming blessings?"

Acts 28:8 has Paul laying his hands to heal the sick, which is a blessing on the sick. James 5: 14-16 also address the issue. Mark 6:13 also states that they went and anointed with oil those that were sick-which is a form of a blessing.

As a secondary nature, Christ laid His hands on people to bless them, and as the Apostles did all things in His name, and did as He did, it stands to reason that they would have proclaimed blessings as well on the people.

 

[skylark1]

Acts 28:8 has Paul laying his hands to heal the sick, which is a blessing on the sick. James 5: 14-16 also address the issue. Mark 6:13 also states that they went and anointed with oil those that were sick-which is a form of a blessing.

As a secondary nature, Christ laid His hands on people to bless them, and as the Apostles did all things in His name, and did as He did, it stands to reason that they would have proclaimed blessings as well on the people.

As Christians we are to bless people in His name. I didn't realize that this was considered a special privilege for those who hold the LDS priesthood.

Is the following considered by LDS not to really be intended for those who believe, but only for those who hold the LDS priesthood?

Mark 16

17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

18They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.​

 

[Zippythepinhead]

As Christians we are to bless people in His name. I didn't realize that this was considered a special privilege for those who hold the LDS priesthood.

Is the following considered by LDS not to really be intended for those who believe, but only for those who hold the LDS priesthood?

Mark 16

17And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;

18They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
​

My understanding is that it is those who believe regardless or whether they hold the priesthood, have these signs follow them. It seems to me that signs follow those who believe and who work righteousness.

 

[icedtea]

My understanding is that it is those who believe regardless or whether they hold the priesthood, have these signs follow them. It seems to me that signs follow those who believe and who work righteousness.

But I thought if one does not have the authority (and no non-lds is supposed to) then there would be no signs.

 

[Swart]

Why?

Is this LDS doctrine?

It is in that it can be supported by scripture. Many LDS, however, are uncomfortable with the idea that a non-Priesthood holder can give a blessings. You also won't find it expressly written anywhere.

This is part of the Patriarchal order which predates the formal Priesthood ordinations.

What about a mother's blessing?

Ahh! Another cat for the pidgeons!

A woman that has been sealed to her husband shares in his Priesthood authourity and may use it within the family for the blessing of children etc.

 

[skylark1]

It is in that it can be supported by scripture. Many LDS, however, are uncomfortable with the idea that a non-Priesthood holder can give a blessings. You also won't find it expressly written anywhere.

This is part of the Patriarchal order which predates the formal Priesthood ordinations.

Which scripture? I thought that LDS believed that the priesthood and its ordinations went back to Adam.

Ahh! Another cat for the pidgeons!

A woman that has been sealed to her husband shares in his Priesthood authourity and may use it within the family for the blessing of children etc.

What about the LDS view of a mother that is not LDS, or who has not been sealed in the temple?

Is it offensive to LDS if a friend, or a friend's loved one, is sick or in need of healing, for someone who is non-LDS to tell them that that they will pray for them or offer to pray with them?

 

[skylark1]

This is a little off topic, but I don't want to start a new thread just to ask this. Is consecration of a grave considered an LDS ordinance? If so, why?

(I am asking this to better understand the people who I live among, and out of respect for a friend of mine, and her family and friends, I'd like to ask that this not be an issue for joking or debate. Thanks.)

 

[Zippythepinhead]

But I thought if one does not have the authority (and no non-lds is supposed to) then there would be no signs.

How many miracles do you see in your life? Does God bless you? If you say yes to these things then you are entitled to miracles and blessings in your life. The Lord looks on the heart. Not all LDS are entitled to blessings because they are not worthy of them. Likewise good people not of my faith get blessed all the time because they seek the Lord and remember Him. Therefore signs and miracles can be found wherever good and righteousness are taking place.

 

[Zippythepinhead]

This is a little off topic, but I don't want to start a new thread just to ask this. Is consecration of a grave considered an LDS ordinance? If so, why?

(I am asking this to better understand the people who I live among, and out of respect for a friend of mine, and her family and friends, I'd like to ask that this not be an issue for joking or debate. Thanks.)

Yes, Dedication of graves is an LDS Preisthood ordinance. A blessing is given at the grave to protect the resting place of the deceased until the resurrection and other items as the spirit may direct. It is not done at non LDS services unless a request is given by the non member family to have an LDS Melchezidek Priesthood bearer do so.

 

[chipmunk]

Thanks for all of the responses.

I have a few more questions.



This is confusing. Are you saying that you believe that only LDS who have the "gift of the Holy Ghost" have the Holy Ghost to guide them?

I've been told that LDS believe that it is the Light of Christ that is in all men, not the Holy Ghost.

The LDS believe only those who have been baptized and then confirmed have the "gift of the Holy Ghost."

The light of christ is in everyone. It's their conscience (should have added that to the list of things for this too). It leads them to truth which the presence, but not gift, of the HG will confirm in them. I think of these two as pretty indistinguishable--one leads you to truth, the other confirms. They are slightly different, but still available to those without the gift of the HG, and part of the same thing--bringing people to God's truth. There are so many terms that can sometimes mean the same thing, but not always.

Maybe these will be more helpful to you. Sorry for my confusingness.

The phrase “light of Christ” does not appear in the Bible, although the principles that apply to it are frequently mentioned therein. The precise phrase is found in Alma 28: 14, Moro. 7: 18, and D&C 88: 7. Biblical phrases that are sometimes synonymous to the term “light of Christ” are “spirit of the Lord” and “light of life” (see, for example, John 1: 4; John 8: 12). The “spirit of the Lord,” however, sometimes is used with reference to the Holy Ghost, and so must not be taken in every case as having reference to the light of Christ.

The light of Christ is just what the words imply: enlightenment, knowledge, and an uplifting, ennobling, persevering influence that comes upon mankind because of Jesus Christ. For instance, Christ is “the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (D&C 93: 2; John 1: 9). The light of Christ fills the “immensity of space” and is the means by which Christ is able to be “in all things, and is through all things, and is round about all things.” It “giveth life to all things” and is “the law by which all things are governed.” It is also “the light that quickeneth” man’s understanding (see D&C 88: 6-13, 41). In this manner, the light of Christ is related to man’s conscience and tells him right from wrong (cf. Moro. 7: 12-19).

The light of Christ should not be confused with the personage of the Holy Ghost, for the light of Christ is not a personage at all. Its influence is preliminary to and preparatory to one’s receiving the Holy Ghost. The light of Christ will lead the honest soul who “hearkeneth to the voice” to find the true gospel and the true Church and thereby receive the Holy Ghost (see D&C 84: 46-48). Additional references are Alma 19: 6; Alma 26: 3; D&C 20: 27.

The Holy Ghost is manifested to men on the earth both as the power of the Holy Ghost and as the gift of the Holy Ghost. The power can come upon one before baptism, and is the convincing witness that the gospel is true. It gives one a testimony of Jesus Christ and of his work and the work of his servants upon the earth. The gift can come only after proper and authorized baptism, and is conferred by the laying on of hands, as in Acts 8: 12-25 and Moroni 2: 1-3. The gift of the Holy Ghost is the right to have, whenever one is worthy, the companionship of the Holy Ghost. More powerful than that which is available before baptism, it acts as a cleansing agent to purify a person and sanctify him from all sin. Thus it is often spoken of as “fire” (Matt. 3: 11; 2 Ne. 31: 17; D&C 19: 31). The manifestation on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2) was the gift of the Holy Ghost that came upon the Twelve, without which they were not ready for their ministries to the world.

As the sun gives life and light to the earth, a spiritual light gives nourishment to our spirits. We call this the Light of Christ. The scriptures teach us that it “lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”Thus, all mankind can enjoy its blessings. The Light of Christ is the divine influence that allows every man, woman, and child to distinguish between good and evil. It encourages all to choose the right, to seek eternal truth, and to learn again the truths that we knew in our premortal existence but have forgotten in mortality.



The Light of Christ should not be confused with the personage of the Holy Ghost, for the Light of Christ is not a personage at all. Its influence is preliminary to and preparatory to one’s receiving the Holy Ghost. The Light of Christ will lead the honest soul to “hearkeneth to the voice”to find the true gospel and the true Church and thereby receive the Holy Ghost.



The Holy Ghost is a personage of Spirit, a separate and distinct member of the Godhead. He is a witness or testifier of the power of God, the divinity of Christ, and the truth of the restored gospel. Many throughout history in all nations have sought diligently to commune with the heavens and gain the light of gospel truth. They have felt the influence of the Holy Ghost confirm the truth of the gospel.



The Prophet Joseph Smith explained: “There is a difference between the Holy Ghost and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Cornelius received the Holy Ghost before he was baptized, which was the convincing power of God unto him of the truth of the Gospel, but he could not receive the gift of the Holy Ghost until after he was baptized. Had he not taken this … ordinance upon him, the Holy Ghost which convinced him of the truth of God, would have left him.”




The gift of the Holy Ghost, which is the right to receive the Holy Ghost as a constant companion, is obtained only upon condition of faith in Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion, and the laying on of hands by authorized servants endowed with the Melchizedek Priesthood. It is a most precious gift available only to worthy members of the Lord’s Church.

Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Unspeakable Gift,” Ensign, May 2003, 26

 

[skylark1]

Yes, Dedication of graves is an LDS Preisthood ordinance. A blessing is given at the grave to protect the resting place of the deceased until the resurrection and other items as the spirit may direct. It is not done at non LDS services unless a request is given by the non member family to have an LDS Melchezidek Priesthood bearer do so.

Thanks. My question was in reference to LDS services.

At non-LDS funerals that I have attended, a grave side prayer is offered, but as far as I know anyone can offer it. Do you know why this is considered by LDS to be a priesthood ordinance, instead of a prayer?

 

[skylark1]

The LDS believe only those who have been baptized and then confirmed have the "gift of the Holy Ghost."

The light of christ is in everyone. It's their conscience (should have added that to the list of things for this too). It leads them to truth which the presence, but not gift, of the HG will confirm in them. I think of these two as pretty indistinguishable--one leads you to truth, the other confirms. They are slightly different, but still available to those without the gift of the HG, and part of the same thing--bringing people to God's truth. There are so many terms that can sometimes mean the same thing, but not always.

Maybe these will be more helpful to you. Sorry for my confusingness.

Thanks for the references. I've read those before.

I was confused when you wrote, "The presence of the HG, the spirit of God, that is in all men, it guides them to the truth." To me, there is quite a difference in the idea that the Holy Ghost is in all men, and the idea of the light of Christ or a conscience being in all men. We should distinguish between our conscience and the third person of the Trinity.

Anyway, I'm sorry if it seemed that I was being too critical. I just think that the distinction is an important one.

 

[Deraj]

Thanks for the references. I've read those before.

I was confused when you wrote, "The presence of the HG, the spirit of God, that is in all men, it guides them to the truth." To me, there is quite a difference in the idea that the Holy Ghost is in all men, and the idea of the light of Christ or a conscience being in all men. We should distinguish between our conscience and the third person of the Trinity.

Anyway, I'm sorry if it seemed that I was being too critical. I just think that the distinction is an important one.

Bible Dictionary in the LDS edition of the KJV Bible says under the title of "Holy Ghost";
...The Holy Ghost is manifested to men on the earth both as the power of the Holy Ghost and as the gift of the Holy Ghost. The power can come upon one before baptism, and is the convincing witness that the gospel is true. It gives one a testimony of Jesus Christ and of his work and the work of his servants upon the earth. The gift can come only after proper and authorized baptism, and is conferred by the laying on of hands.. The gift of the Holy Ghost is the right to have, whenever one is worthy, the companionship of the Holy Ghost. More powerful than that which is available before baptism, it acts as a cleansing agent to purify a person and sanctify him from all sin. Thus it is spoken of as "fire"....

 

[skylark1]

Bible Dictionary in the LDS edition of the KJV Bible says under the title of "Holy Ghost";

Deraj,

Chipmunk has already posted this exact quote, and I had previously read it. What point are you trying to make, and how does it relate to this discussion?

 

[Deraj]

Deraj,

Chipmunk has already posted this exact quote, and I had previously read it. What point are you trying to make, and how does it relate to this discussion?

Oh. Sorry. Just that there is a difference to the power and gift of the Holy Ghost.

 

[Swart]

This is a little off topic, but I don't want to start a new thread just to ask this. Is consecration of a grave considered an LDS ordinance? If so, why?

Yes, it is an ordinance, I have dedicated a grave. Under inspiration, a Priesthood holder may declare the site to be undisturbed until the resurrection.