CHAPTER XXII.
The Operations of the Priesthood in the Heavens and upon the Earth, in Time and Eternity—The Heirs of the Celestial Kingdom—Those who Die without Law—The Judges of the Earth—Priests and Kings—Christ the King of Kings—Condition of Patriarch Joseph Smith, Apostle David Patten and Others—Moses and Elias—The Visits of Angels and their Testimonies—Peter, James and John—The Angel in the Book of Revelation.
There is something peculiarly interesting in the contemplation of events associated with the future destiny of mankind. Among other things it will be seen that there is a very close connection or affinity between the operations of the Priesthood in the heavens and the Priesthood upon earth. In examining this subject we find it written:
"The Lord redeemeth none such that rebel against him and die in their sins; yea, even all those that have perished in their sins ever since the world began, that have wilfully rebelled against God, that have known the commandments of God, and would not keep them; these are they that have no part in the first resurrection."—Mosiah, xv, 26.
But on the other hand it is promised that those who would have received the Gospel if they had had the opportunity shall yet have that privilege. The Prophet Joseph Smith records in his history: "Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying, All those who have died without a knowledge of this Gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God; also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom, for I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts."—Deseret News, Vol. II, No. 22.
With this agree the words of the Apostle Paul, that those who have died without law shall be judged without law; whilst the Lord further reveals to the Prophet Joseph that "that which is governed by law is also preserved by law, and perfected and sanctified by the same. That which breaketh a law, and abideth not by law, but seeketh to become a law unto itself, and willeth to abide in sin, and altogether abideth in sin, cannot be sanctified by law, neither by mercy, justice, nor judgment. Therefore they must remain filthy still."
With this teaching is associated a grand principle connected with the everlasting Priesthood, which administers in time and in eternity. When we reflect upon the statement of creatures being judged without law, the question arises as to who are to be their judges. We may here state that Christ is called the judge of the quick and the dead, the judge of all the earth. We further read that the Twelve Apostles who ministered in Jerusalem "shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." (Matt., xix, 28.) Also the following:
"And again, verily, verily, I say unto you, and it hath gone forth in a firm decree, by the will of the Father, that mine apostles, the Twelve who were with me in my ministry at Jerusalem, shall stand at my right hand at the day of my coming in a pillar of fire, being clothed with robes of righteousness, with crowns upon their heads, in glory even as I am, to judge the whole house of Israel, even as many as have loved me and kept my commandments, and none else."—Doc. and Cov., Sec. xxix, 12, p. 143.
And Nephi writes in the Book of Mormon:
"And the angel spake unto me, saying, Behold the twelve disciples of the Lamb, who are chosen to minister unto thy seed. And he said unto me, Thou rememberest the twelve apostles of the Lamb? Behold, they are they who shall judge the twelve tribes of Israel; wherefore, the twelve ministers of thy seed shall be judged of them; for ye are of the house of Israel. And these twelve ministers, whom thou beholdest, shall judge thy seed. And, behold they are righteous for ever; for because of their faith in the Lamb of God, their garments are made white in his blood."—1 Nephi, xii, 8-10.