259: The Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ - True Servants vs Miserable Wicked Men Part 13

The Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ - True Servants vs Miserable Wicked Men Part 13

In part 13 of this continuing series, Phil teaches that salvation is deeply relational, rooted in entering and keeping covenant with God. He explains that the Light of Christ is the divine law, power, and intelligence that fills and governs all things, enabling order, creation, and judgment (D&C 88; D&C 93). Phil outlines how the Spirit of Christ allows all people to discern good from evil, drawing them toward covenant loyalty to Christ, while anything that persuades otherwise leads away from Him (Moroni 7). He emphasizes that true service must be rendered according to God’s parameters, not our own interpretations of righteousness. 

Phil explains that Christ is the true Light entering the world (John 1), and that our ability to abide glory is tied to the law we choose to keep—celestial, terrestrial, or telestial. As the Father offers higher law, those who obey receive increased light that sanctifies and elevates them, granting spiritual gifts and preparing them for greater glory (D&C 88). Drawing from Lehi, Phil teaches that law, agency, and opposition are necessary for growth, accountability, and the need for a Savior (2 Nephi 2). He explains that God’s kingdoms remain veiled, so lesser realms are not consumed by greater glory (Moses 1), and that disobedience blocks the endowments governed by divine law. 

Phil teaches that Christ owes us nothing and offers commandments so He may endow us with light and adopt us as His children (Mosiah 2). He explains that greater law brings greater accountability (D&C 82; Luke 12), that Satan seeks to diminish our light through disobedience (D&C 93), and that we are responsible for both the light we gain and the light we lose (2 Nephi 31; 1 Nephi 8). Those who refuse Christ’s name must be called by another, but the steadfast are sealed His (Mosiah 5). Phil also warns that inheritances of light can be lost through unfaithfulness. 

He explains that perfected beings retain agency but do not rebel because they have fully overcome their flaws (2 Nephi 2; D&C 93). Mercy cannot rob justice, and repentance is the means by which mercy claims us (Alma 42). Phil describes the Holy Ghost as the divine system through which the Light of Christ descends through veils, allowing mankind to receive endowments of power and abide higher glory (D&C 88). Increased obedience brings increased light, leading to higher law and greater spiritual capacity. 

Phil concludes by teaching that the plan of happiness endures because perfected beings choose obedience freely. As we seek greater covenant faithfulness, the Lord stands ready to fill us with light and prepare us to stand in His presence. 

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