Friday, April 3, 2009

The Armor of God- Doctrine and Covenants Section 27

The third portion of Section 27 in the Doctrine and Covenants is the direction given to prepare those who desire to be present at the “last great Sacrament meeting”. It is familiarly known as the instruction to “put on the armor of God.”

What can qualify one to be there?

The instructive verse in Section 27 that states, “And also with all those whom my Father hath given me out of the world”, is given as a qualifier for attendance in addition to those who hold specific keys.

I refer to John as he records the Intercessory prayer once again:

John 17:9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.

This verse is in reference to His twelve apostles, but he further adds:

John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

Not only the “keyholders” that are given to Him will be eligible to attend, but also those who believe in Him through their words are eligible, if they are prepared. To become prepared they must have put on the “Armor of God.”

May I suggest an incredible talk called, The Whole Armor of God by Rex C. Reeve which was given as a fireside address at Brigham Young University in 1982. Elder Reeve expounds on the significance of the pieces of armor and what they might represent in our preparation to remain worthy and eligible to stand the day.

If you missed my previous post on The Temple Garment: “An Outward Expression of an Inward Commitment”, go back and read that as well.

We must be not only dressed in the “Armor of God”, but we must be adorned in the “Robes of Righteousness” too. To be properly dressed for the occasion is of necessity.

Matthew 22: 10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.

11 ¶ And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:

12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.

13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

Be one who chooses to be chosen.

Don’t forget another good way to prepare......

3 comments:

annie said...

Diana, It's been a while since I have been over to your blog. Girl, you are amazing! Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge, wisdom and insight for all of us in cyberspace. It makes missing institute a bit easier! : ) Thanks again! You are awesome. Totally inspiring to me!

Bob Norman said...

I have some good material on Adam-Ondi-Ahman that I will put on a future blog. Thank you for using D&C 27.

Lori said...

Awesome post. Checking out the articles you've directed us to by Rex C. Reeve and Carlos E. Asay. Getting prepared to teach this from Ephesians. You're my hero!