Item Detail
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22397
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0
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0
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English
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"The Established Order of the Kingdom of God"
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Joseph Smith and the Doctrinal Restoration : The 34th Annual Sidney B. Sperry Symposium
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Provo, Utah: Religious Studies Center, BYU and Deseret Book,
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272-286
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"I have taken the title 'The Established Order of the Kingdom of God' from a statement by the Prophet Joseph Smith as he was discussing the purpose of the ministration of angels and of spirits to men and women on the earth. His explanation was that heavenly messengers converse with mortals to teach them 'the established order of the kingdom of God' and to bring those mortals 'up to the standard of their [the angels'] knowledge.' The 'established order' is that which already exists in heaven. By their ministering, heavenly messengers raise the cultural, spiritual, and intellectual level of the mortals to a higher plane so that the order of heaven will become the order on earth. Explanations by the Prophet Joseph Smith and by other prophets, along with many scriptural passages, shape and mold our understanding about the purpose of revelation and tell of the lifestyle and society of celestial culture. They give us a peek into what is meant by the salvation of mankind. The Lord is making it possible for us to become like Him. Salvation is an attainment--not alone what we know or what we do but what we become." [Author's introduction]