Knowledge: The Pathway to Exaltation.

So Knowledge like faith is dead without works. Take this example. Imagine you are hungry. Knowledge would tell you that food will satisfy your hunger. And that nutritious food will satisfy it longer. But knowing alone does not satisfy your hunger. You must act on that knowledge and eat. As we eat food we gain power over hunger. Knowledge applied is Power.

Imagine that you did not know that eating would satisfy hunger. Could you imagine how hellish it would be? Pain, fatigue, desperation… seeking for something, anything! Knowledge alone would not fix your problem but in this case, it would be the key to unlocking that power.

Omniscience And Omnipotence.

Now that we understand that Faith leads us to Knowledge. And Knowledge leads us to Power. The question becomes, what do we need to learn? God has put us on earth for to learn and obey the Gospel. The basics of the gospel (Faith in Jesus Christ, Repentance, Baptism, Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End) are vital to our salvation. As we learn these key principles we realize that just like a diamond, the more you learn about these, the more you realize that they are true and inter connected.

As we learn the Gospel we also learn of the commandments of God. And we start to learn something they all have in common. They have underlining principles. The reason we are commanded to do “things” is because it helps us learn and follow these underlining principles. Once we understand that there are underlining principles behind everything.

 

“I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves” Joseph Smith

When we start to learn those principles, we will govern ourselves also. Once we start to learn those principles it gives us a glimpse into Omniscience of God. And the application of Omniscience brings Omnipotence (Knowledge brings Power). God’s understanding of all correct principles (especial Causality) is known as being Omniscient (Possession of Omniscience), Being Omniscient is the direct reason why he is referred to as Omnipotent, or all powerful. Because he perfectly applies each of these principles to fulfill His will.

He may be all powerful, but He derives His power from knowledge of principles and laws. If he broke them He would be dethroned as God. As the principles and laws hold everything together, and they would refuse to acknowledge Him. His understanding and following of these principles and laws is the reason the elements subject themselves to God. He cannot break a law of the universe and stay God.

 

What, do ye suppose that mercy can rob justice? I say unto you, Nay; not one whit. If so, God would cease to be God. Alma 42:25

So God can do anything. But there are a lot of things if He did, would cause him to be dethroned. Breaking any eternal principles of the Universe. (Including committing any sin.) Would bring about the dethroning of Him. This is where His being Omniscient comes in.

By being Omniscient, He perfectly understands “causality” (also known as cause and effect). The mastery of this principle allows Him to know all things that He can do. While still obeying all the laws and principles of the Universe that will result is the desired outcome. It is through the knowledge of what He can and cannot do and still receive the desired outcomes. That make Him all powerful.

Our Path to Exaltation.

Ultimately the knowledge of the principles of Exaltation is what we must learn. That knowledge allows us to know and understand what causes will cause any given effect. Showing us what we must do to gain any desired result. It also aligns our will with the will of God. Nephi of old learned and understood enough of the Principles that God said this.

And now, because thou hast done this with such unwearyingness, behold, I will bless thee forever; and I will make thee mighty in word and in deed, in faith and in works; yea, even that all things shall be done unto thee according to thy word, for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will. Helamen 10:7 (Emphases added)

God had perfect trust in Nephi. God knew that Nephi understood the principles and would follow them. So God was able to bless him with even more knowledge and power.  If we are to become like God we must learn all that God knows. For that purpose, God gave us the Holy Ghost.

 

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John 14:26

The Holy Ghost commonly referred to as “The Spirit” is out personal teacher.  And what does he teach us? The “principles of Exaltation”. God gives us commandments to provide teaching opportunities for us to learn these principles. Those same principles that God adheres to that cause the elements willingly subject themselves to His commands. The Prophet Joseph put it in these words.

 

“When you climb up a ladder, you must begin at the bottom, and ascend step by step, until you arrive at the top; and so it is with the principles of the Gospel—you must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the principles of exaltation. But it will be a great while after you have passed through the veil before you will have learned them. It is not all to be comprehended in this world; it will be a great work to learn our salvation and exaltation even beyond the grave” (Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 348).

But do not be discouraged. God only gives us what we can handle. Faith leads into Knowledge if you can only say “I believe” You still have enough faith to warrant miracles. Just always be striving for more. To get more the first thing to do is obey what we have. You don’t know everything (yet), but you know enough (to obey).

Conclusion.

With the Holy Ghost as our Teacher and the Temple as our University, we can learn all the “Principles of Exaltation”. As we learn and gain an understanding of the inner workings of each of these principles we can gain the knowledge of how to use the very principles that give God His power. With that knowledge, we become Omniscient. And once we are Omniscient we can finally and truly be endowed with all the “Power from on High” that our Father has and become Omnipotent. In the end, we will be adhering to the same principles that God our Father knows, and follows. And thus become like him.

In closing remember the words of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

19 I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fulness.
20 For if you keep my commandments you shall receive of his fulness, and be glorified in me as I am in the Father; therefore, I say unto you, you shall receive grace for grace.
Doctrine and Covenants Section 93:19-20