Tithing and Other Offerings, Our Choice

Isn’t it interesting how this little slip allows each one, individually, to live the Law of Consecration?
It is simply between you and the Lord.

I believe that initially when the Law of Consecration was given that the Lord provided a way that the Saints could live it during their time of pre-temple ordinances. This “way” was called the United Order.

When a person entered into the “Law” they did so by negotiating their financial standing with the Great High Priest, who acted as a mediator between the participant and the Lord. This system was very similar to the one used during the time period of the “tabernacle”. Once the individual could “enter in” to the Temple for himself, and become a “priest”, the system or “way” of consecration changed drastically. The Bishop no longer became the one who facilitated the conditions of the “Law”; it became the responsibility of the individual, through the “way” of the offering slip, to decide his portion and the Lords.

In other words, I believe the United Order has been replaced by the “Tithing and Other Offerings” slip, and the decision or accountability with the Lord rests on each individual personally. It is a wonderful way for each Saint to live the “Law” to the fullest, by their own choice. This allows each to live the Celestial Law, and enter in, one person at a time.

The Veil Was Taken From Our Minds

As I was studying the great visions that were received by Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery as recorded in Section 110 of the Doctrine and Covenants, I could not help but contemplate the simple logistics in which they were received. It is recorded that the two men “retired to the pulpit, the veils being dropped, and bowed... in solemn and silent prayer.” This description is loaded with symbolism in itself.

The Kirtland Temple has a completely different construction from any of the other LDS Temples in operation today. In its simplicity, I believe it is arranged similarly to that of the tabernacle that Moses constructed. The tabernacle was organized in a way to reveal the progression necessary to come back into the presence of the Lord. The Kirtland Temple also teaches this theme through the placement of the pulpits and veils.

Originally the Kirtland Temple had four pulpits which stood, one above another, in the centre of the building, from north to south, both on the east and west ends; those on the west for the presiding officers of the Melchizedek priesthood, and those on the east for the Aaronic; and each of these pulpits was separated by curtains of white painted canvas, which were let down and drawn up at pleasure. In front of each of these two rows of pulpits, was a sacrament table, for the administration of that sacred ordinance.

The outer courtyard of the Tabernacle, with the brazen alter and brazen laver, represented the steps necessary to be able to enter in at the door. I believe that these first steps could be correlated with the first four principles of the gospel, which are, faith, repentance, baptism, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. This laying on of hands also was required to “set apart” or ordain those who would become priests, allowing for entrance into the door, to administer in further ordinances.

Floor plan of the Tabernacle of Moses

The saints in Kirtland had proven themselves worthy of the blessing given in the outer courtyard and were prepared to enter into the door, or second gate. Viewing the layout of the Kirtland Temple it is visible that upon entrance one must pass through the Aaronic priesthood side and walk forward to the Melchizedek priesthood side. The veil of the Tabernacle that separated the inner sanctuary from the Holy of Holies symbolically would have been similar to the veil drawn between the congregation and Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery when they received their visions.

Original floor plan of the Kirtland Temple

The veil in itself is very significant; it was a symbol of separation or of “setting up bounds or stakes”. It was symbolic of a separation from the world. Likewise the wording used by Joseph Smith to describe their experience of viewing the Lord behind this literal veil involved another type of veil, and is as follows:

110: 1 The veil was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our understanding were opened.

Joseph Smith taught, “Men will set up stakes and say thus far will we go and no farther. Did Abraham when called upon to offer his son? Did the Savior? No. View him fulfilling all righteousness again on the banks of the Jordon, also on the Mount transfigured before Peter and John there receiving the fulness of the priesthood or the law of God, setting up no stake but coming right up to the mark in all things.”

The veil of unbelief was removed from their minds, thus allowing the transfiguring process to occur which allowed the “eyes of their understanding to open.” I believe this veil was removed by faith.

“Transfiguration is a special change in appearance and nature which is wrought upon a person. This divine transformation is from a lower to a higher state; it results in a more exalted, impressive, and glorious condition” (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 803)

Likewise, we too can have this transfiguring experience by exercising faith in all righteousness and therefore the Lord will not be able to with hold his presence from us. In the Book of Mormon Ether describes a similar experience had by the brother of Jared.

Ether 3:6 And it came to pass that when the brother of Jared had said these words, behold, the Lord stretched forth his hand and touched the stones one by one with his finger. And the veil was taken from off the eyes of the brother of Jared, and he saw the finger of the Lord; and it was as the finger of a man, like unto flesh and blood; and the brother of Jared fell down before the Lord, for he was struck with fear.

7 And the Lord saw that the brother of Jared had fallen to the earth; and the Lord said unto him: Arise, why hast thou fallen?

8 And he saith unto the Lord: I saw the finger of the Lord, and I feared lest he should smite me; for I knew not that the Lord had flesh and blood.

9 And the Lord said unto him: Because of thy faith thou hast seen that I shall take upon me flesh and blood; and never has man come before me with such exceeding faith as thou hast; for were it not so ye could not have seen my finger. Sawest thou more than this?

10 And he answered: Nay; Lord, show thyself unto me.

11 And the Lord said unto him: Believest thou the words which I shall speak?

12 And he answered: Yea, Lord, I know that thou speakest the truth, for thou art a God of truth, and canst not lie.

13 And when he had said these words, behold, the Lord showed himself unto him, and said: Because thou knowest these things ye are redeemed from the fall; therefore ye are brought back into my presence; therefore I show myself unto you.

The prophet Moses described his experience this way:

Moses 1:11 But now mine own eyes have beheld God; but not my natural, but my spiritual eyes, for my natural eyes could not have beheld; for I should have withered and died in his presence; but his glory was upon me; and I beheld his face, for I was transfigured before him.

I love the simplicity with which Joseph Smith described his experience, “The veil was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our understanding were opened.” For me, his simple explanation makes this process seem attainable for all. We simply need to remove the “stake” of unbelief, allowing us to come right up to the mark, and let the Lord open our eyes in faith.

The Burnt Offering A Sacred Temple Ritual

In my study of the Book of Leviticus, I have noticed some interesting insights concerning the procedure outlined for the Burnt Offering at the Tabernacle.

The person who desired to be cleansed brought the offering to the priest at the Tabernacle. The offering could be “from the herd”, “from the flock” or “of birds’. This designation was made according to the wealth and social standing of the offerer. For example, if the offerer owned a herd, then a bullock must be offered for a sacrifice. A lamb would not be an acceptable sacrifice for him. If however, he did not own a herd, but a flock only, then his offering must be a sheep or a goat. If neither a flock nor herd was owned, a bird, meaning turtledoves or pigeons, would suffice. We have been taught that to those who are given much, much is required in return. The Children of Israel were taught that lesson each day, as the smoke of the burnt offering constantly adorned the Tabernacle grounds.

Whatever their status in life was, the offerer was the one required to present the offering to be sacrificed. After he laid his hands upon the offering, the offerer was required to kill the offering himself. Everything was to be burned except the skin or feathers. It was a way in which the offerer could present himself, by way of transference on the offering, willing to “put off” or kill his “natural or sinful” nature in the act of complete submission of his will and seek for the change that would allow for a covering from the Lord. It was a great way of teaching them of the vicarious offering that would be made in their behalf, of the Savior himself. The skin “or covering” was the memorial of the sacrifice used to cover the priest with a “robe of righteousness”, or construct the garment of the holy priesthood, it served as a reminder of what the sacrifice meant to the individual.

The offering was then cut into portions and offered upon the altar. Each cut was symbolic of a covenant that was to be kept. Cuts and covenants are unilaterally the same thing. Today we may even use the euphemism, “to cut a deal” with reference to forming a contractual arrangement. It is interesting to note what parts were to be cut and what they might have represented.

The Head - representing the mind and the intellect

The Inwards - representing the emotions or heart

The Fat - representing health and virility and increase

The Legs – indicating the walk, which represent conduct and lifestyle

The head and inwards were symbols of the mind and heart. Oliver Cowdery was instructed that this process was the process of experiencing revelation when The Lord taught him in Section 8 of the Doctrine and Covenants:

2 Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.

3 Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground.

This process of turning ones thoughts to the Lord is the process involved in living the law of obedience and being willing to offer the sacrifice of ones own will. In turn, the beautiful gospel of Jesus Christ then enters the heart by way of the Holy Ghost, allowing one to have that change of heart needed to continually desire righteousness, and be taught all things.

The fat was always completely burned in every offering. It served as an example of exactness in offering complete fidelity to the Lord. It promised that putting the Lord first before any thing else would lead to a life of consecration in ones walk. In today’s vernacular, it is hard to give everything you have to something unless you are married to the idea. The legs represented the consecrated life, the complete “walk with Him” as Abraham was instructed. This consecration was only possible because of the willingness to sacrifice the fat, or increase.

The instruction that the Lord gave the Children of Israel, through the prophet Moses, concerning the burnt offering is such a beautiful way to view the application of the Atonement and our, as offering and offerer, relationship to our Savior. The sacred teachings of the LDS Temple are memorials of this same sort of instruction. Although the ceremony has changed from times past, and the “cuts” or portioning of the sacrifice are not quite as obvious to the participant, they are still beautifully taught in sacred ritual form. The understanding of what one is actually offering makes all the difference in the world in comprehending the beauty of the LDS Temple ceremony.

Ceremonial Clothing and Temple Worship

The Lord has always used clothing as an avenue for teaching symbolism. As early as in the book of Genesis we learn that the “garment” or coat of skin was a symbol of that which would cover. Unlike the fig leaves, or fake covering, the coat of skin taught of the sacrificial covering, pointing to Jesus Christ and the Atonement as the full covering of nakedness, or sin.

Ceremonial clothing has always been a part of Temple worship as well. In the book of Exodus the Lord gave detailed instructions to the Children of Israel regarding the clothing that was to be worn by the Priests who were called to officiate in the Tabernacle. This process of washing, or becoming clean, and changing of their clothes was an outward expression of the inward change that was to take place to be worthy to participate in the sacred ordinances.

Exodus 29:4 And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water.

5 And thou shalt take the garments, and put upon Aaron the coat, and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breastplate, and gird him with the curious girdle of the ephod:

6 And thou shalt put the mitre upon his head, and put the holy crown upon the mitre.

7 Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and pour it upon his head, and anoint him.

8 And thou shalt bring his sons, and put coats upon them.

9 And thou shalt gird them with girdles, Aaron and his sons, and put the bonnets on them: and the priest’s office shall be theirs for a perpetual statute: and thou shalt consecrate Aaron and his sons.

These garments of “glory and beauty” symbolized the change that was to take place of one nature to another or the act of “putting off the natural man.”

On one day of the year, known as the Day of Atonement, the High Priest of the Aaronic priesthood was instructed to make another clothing change.

Leviticus 16:4 He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on.

This Day of Atonement offering required that the priest enter into another level of sacredness, or the Holy of Holies, in the Tabernacle. This offering took place inside the inner vail, as the priest sprinkled the blood of the sacrificial bullock on the mercy seat itself. This most sacred offering required the priest to change into white linen garments, which symbolized the absence of sin and his worthiness to make this vicarious offering on behalf of all the house of Israel. It was a very visual way to instruct the people about the sinless state of Jesus Christ, and the upcoming sacrifice he would make on their behalf.

Leviticus 16:11 And Aaron shall bring the bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and shall make an atonement for himself, and for his house, and shall kill the bullock of the sin offering which is for himself:

12 And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the Lord, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail:

13 And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the Lord, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is upon the testimony, that he die not:

14 And he shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward; and before the mercy seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times.

15 ¶ Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat:

16 And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness.

17 And there shall be no man in the tabernacle of the congregation when he goeth in to make an atonement in the holy place, until he come out, and have made an atonement for himself, and for his household, and for all the congregation of Israel.

The changing of clothing is symbolic of the progression one must make to enter into the presence of the Lord. It represents ones willingness to leave this world behind and seek for that of a better one. It is a beautiful way to learn about the application of the Atonement and the ability one has to “change”. It can be seen as easy as a simple “change of clothes.”

The Camp of Israel and The Three Degrees of Glory

I love the Old Testament. That said, I believe that many of the “plain and precious” truths that were contained in the Old Testament were taken out during the many translation processes. Joseph Smith had the incredible job of restoring some of those truths back where they belong, within the context of the scriptural stories of the Old and New Testament. Today we have what is known as the JST or Joseph Smith Translation which adds back many truths that have been lost to the world.

The Lord knowing the “cunning and craftiness” of Satan and of men, knew that some of these evident truths would be tampered with. In His wisdom he allowed them to remain, buried in symbolism, known only to those who “searched” diligently, guided by the direction of the Spirit, to find them. These are some of the “mysteries of the kingdom” that we are instructed to search for.

One such mystery is that of the organizational make up of our Heavenly abode. The Doctrine and Covenants plainly teaches about the “three degrees of glory” and illustrates the nature of Heaven.

D&C 88:20 That bodies who are of the celestial kingdom may possess it forever and ever; for, for this intent was it made and created, and for this intent are they sanctified.

21 And they who are not sanctified through the law which I have given unto you, even the law of Christ, must inherit another kingdom, even that of a terrestrial kingdom, or that of a telestial kingdom.

22 For he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory.

23 And he who cannot abide the law of a terrestrial kingdom cannot abide a terrestrial glory.

24 And he who cannot abide the law of a telestial kingdom cannot abide a telestial glory; therefore he is not meet for a kingdom of glory. Therefore he must abide a kingdom which is not a kingdom of glory.

I believe that even though this doctrine is not as plainly taught in the Old Testament it is still there. It was such an important concept to learn, that the Lord made sure His covenant children would never forget it, or recognize the truth of it when taught to them a new.

One example of the Lord’s teaching on the "three degrees of glory" is shown to the Children of Israel through the manner in which they were to set up the camp of Israel, as they wandered in the wilderness under the direction of Moses. They were given strict instructions as to the placement of the tribes and tabernacle, as illustrated below.

Even in the placement of the Camp of Israel we see the separation, or concept of the degrees of glory, that is being taught. The innermost place was the Tabernacle of the Lord, moving out from there were the Son’s of Moses and of Aaron, or the priesthood. These priesthood holders acted as mediators between the outermost circle which consisted of the rest of the camp and represented the world, and the Tabernacle itself. There was even a place labeled “outside” the camp of Israel where certain portions of the sacrifices were to be taken.

To illustrate the point even further, within the Tabernacle there were three distinct separations as well.

D&C 131: 1 In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees;

The Lord made sure that the “mysteries of His kingdom” would be made know to those who searched for them throughout all generations. We are so lucky to have the added insights from the additional scripture we have been given, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Joseph Smith Translation. These scriptures allow us to more fully recognize these truths that are taught in both the Old and New Testaments.