Who was Jesus?

hordak · #1 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 09:05 AM

The following thread is speculation only. The views expressed are solely those of the poster and do not represent the views the The church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or it's affiliates.

So the different threads on Jesus have got me thinking more about him. Whether he was born of a virgin, conceived in the "traditional" sense by God or Mary was married to God we can clearly agree that he unique. Not just in the earthly visit atonement aspect but prior to that. If i understand correctly he has pretty much always been the Fathers "go to guy" when dealing with Earth as far as the creation and meeting with Prophets is concerned.

So what made him so special?

The thing that comes to mind when asking that question is the plan of salvation. Particularly exaltation and families together forever.

Was Jesus Gods only begotten son in the same way my boy is my only begotten son? Was he Gods physical son in a previous existence? It seems like it would explain his special place in the Godhead.

And if that is the case, will our sons/ or ourselves need to go on a similar mission for our/ our fathers spirit children? Will our spirit children have the same test that we had ?
I have heard the atonement covers all worlds (might be doctrine?) but does that include future worlds/spirit children and if so will Satan and his minions cover all these worlds or will we ourselves have rebellious spirit children as well?

As more people get exalted if Satan has to "cover" all these worlds wont his power become less and less?

Is there any doctrine on the subject?

rameumptom · #2 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 10:13 AM

We are to be saviors on Mt Zion. This means that we become assistants to Jesus in bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of man (Moses 1:39). We do this by preaching the gospel, being an example, and providing saving ordinances to both living and dead.

We will not have to be Saviors as Jesus is. He has already fulfilled this role for all of God's children past, present and future. But we all have our own roles to play in saving and exalting mankind.

Just as there is only one or two major stars in a play with many minor support characters, so it is in real life. We play the supportive roles to Jesus' main role as Savior and Redeemer.

Misshalfway · #3 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 10:19 AM

I am asking similar questions. For some reason, who God the Father is doesn't perplex me as much as who Jesus is. What makes Jesus so special? How did he become part of the Godhead in the pre-earth life? Does being born first make all the difference? Or is it because he was chosen and preserved from imperfection? What were his preparations ? Or was he not able to perform the Atonement until he was physically sired by God himself and had a body of flesh and blood and the natural man to contend with? Not that the plan wasn't set up to succeed.

candyprpl · #4 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 10:44 AM

Good questions people -- I'm too lazy to look for answers -- let me know when you find out

Justice · #5 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 04:20 PM

I don't know you will consider this a cop-out answer or not, or you think it even applies to the question.

I believe it was much like how the right Bishop is called, or the right Stake President, or the right Apostle. God knows everything and everyone. He called Jehova, even after He volunteered. He bestowed the keys and abilities on Jehova just as He does for any who are called.

I'm not saying Jehova wasn't speical or more righteous than the rest, I'm saying He was prepared from the beginning. He possessed the right character make-up and attributes that with the right teaching and foreordination, He would and could do all that was required of Him by the Father.

I really don't think it's a great mystery.

Misshalfway · #6 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justice

I really don't think it's a great mystery.

I do.

changed · #7 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 04:30 PM

We are told that there were great and mighty ones

38 Among the great and mighty ones who were assembled in this vast congregation of the righteous were Father Adam, the Ancient of Days and father of all,
(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 138:38)

seems like there were also some who were not great and mighty, not how we were created, (we were not created) just the natural way of things - chaos sort of beginning... Did God make some handicap and others not? Some smart and others not? Some xyz? No - we were not "created" more like we were found, taken pity on...

29 Man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be.
(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 93:29)

just random chunks of intelligence floating around, no ryme or reason to how we started out. some chunks were larger than others... but that does not mean each had a different potential.

from: LDS.org - Ensign Article - The King Follett Sermon

"God himself, finding he was in the midst of spirits and glory, because he was more intelligent, saw proper to institute laws whereby the rest could have a privilege to advance like himself. "

God was just more intelligent than the rest, Jesus also, next in line I suppose. Just the way the cookie crumbles. No two people are the same. Then, just as now, unique qualities put some above others for certain callings. Not that all of us other folk who were not among the great and noble ones need feel bad - those who overcome much inspire much. We all have the same potential, our end state is equal if our starting state is not. Last shall be first - glorious thing for those who are the ones who grow the most because they started as the least...

I think God started with the biggest intelligence, Jesus became our eldest brother, because God recognized from the start, that He needed help... God need help you say? Well, the plan would not work without Jesus, so I guess He did need someone.

Misshalfway · #8 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by changed

We all have the same potential, our end state is equal if our starting state is not. Last shall be first - glorious thing for those who are the ones who grow the most because they started as the least...

Hmm. I am going to have to think about that one. We have the same potential? And its irrelevant if we get there by being a member of the godhead or saved by a member of the Godhead?

(mulling it all over)

changed · #9 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Misshalfway

Hmm. I am going to have to think about that one. We have the same potential? And its irrelevant if we get there by being a member of the godhead or saved by a member of the Godhead?

(mulling it all over)

If we can grow - eternally grow - have infinity and eternity to grow, then yes, we all have the same potential, can all reach the same levels. The only thing that separates us - those who want to grow, those who do not.

life vs. death - plant vs. rock. Plants grow. Eternal life - eternal growth.

Now let's all join hands and sing a round of

YouTube - If You Could Hie To Kolob

there is no end.

Misshalfway · #10 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by changed

Now let's all join hands and sing a round of

YouTube - If You Could Hie To Kolob

there is no end.

Kolob.....Which incidentally I have just learned is NOT the residence of God but the place from which our earth is governed. Pretty trippy, that Abraham 3. Pretty pretty trippy.

Back to the program....

The thing I am having trouble with is progression maybe. I am trying to understand who Jesus is, and the atonement, and then how progression works together with that. It seems Jesus is able to progress without it, yet the rest of us must progress inside of it with all of its mercy and grace and covenants and commandments. It just doesn't seem that I share the same potential as Jesus as I need help to progress. I get that obedience is how he progressed and all that and that I must obey to progress to. But if I read King Benjamin right, even my best efforts can't get me out of the debt.

Can you see the disconnect?