The Name Whereby We Shall Call This Church, Part III

Part I | Part II

Let us simply look at Jesus’ complete response to the disciples’ request about the name whereby to call the church to see what we can find. From 3 Nephi 12 [RE]:

Verily, verily I say unto you, Why is it that the people should murmur and dispute because of this thing? Have they not read the scriptures which say ye must take upon you the name of Christ, which is my name? For by this name shall ye be called at the last day. And whoso taketh upon him my name and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day. Therefore whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my name. Therefore ye shall call the church in my name, and ye shall call upon the Father in my name that he will bless the church for my sake. And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses' name, then it be Moses' church; or if it be called in the name of a man, then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name, then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel. Verily, I say unto you that ye are built upon my gospel. Therefore ye shall call whatsoever things ye do call in my name. Therefore if ye call upon the Father for the church, if it be in my name, the Father will hear you.

That last sentence is interesting. Even though Jesus previously said that the disciples were indeed built upon His gospel, the conditional in that last sentence (“if it be in my name”) indicates that that they might not always ask for something in His name. There was always the chance of deviating from the fullness of what Jesus taught them and asking amiss. You might say that the three disciples took Jesus’ counsel - the counsel to call upon the Father for the church in the name of the Lord - very seriously. What Jesus asked the three later was “What will ye that I should do unto you when I am gone unto the Father?” Jesus was going to the Father to relay their desires to Him. So the three’s desire to “bring the souls of men unto [Christ] while the world shall stand” was quite literally them calling upon the Father for the church in Jesus’ name. They understood the fullness of what Jesus was teaching them. They did not ask amiss. And, of course, the Father heard them, just as Jesus said would happen. Jesus continues His answer:

And if it so be that the church is built upon my gospel, then will the Father shew forth his own works in it.

Later in the record we find that that was true. The Father did show forth His own works in the church because of what the three desired. Before we continue on with Jesus’ response to His disciples, let’s look at this summary in 3 Nephi 13 [RE] of the marvelous work that happened after the three made their request and received according to their desires:

They did go forth upon the face of the land and did minister unto all the people, uniting as many to the church as would believe in their preaching, baptizing them, and as many as were baptized did receive the Holy Ghost. And they were cast into prison by them who did not belong to the church, and the prisons could not hold them for they were rent in twain, and they were cast down into the earth. But they did smite the earth with the word of God insomuch that by his power they were delivered out of the depths of the earth, and therefore they could not dig pits sufficient to hold them. And thrice they were cast into a furnace and received no harm. And twice were they cast into a den of wild beasts, and behold, they did play with the beasts as a child with a suckling lamb and received no harm. And it came to pass that thus they did go forth among all the people of Nephi, and did preach the gospel of Christ unto all people upon the face of the land. And they were converted unto the Lord and were united unto the church of Christ.

The three were given power to preach to and convert literally all the people on the face of the land. Everyone was baptized and truly received the Holy Ghost. There was intense resistance but all of it was overcome through God’s grace. I don’t see why we can’t do the same thing in our day that the three did in their day (especially since the three will continue their work at some point). Let’s continue on with Jesus’ response in 3 Nephi 12 [RE]:

But if it be not built upon my gospel and is built upon the works of men or upon the works of the devil, verily I say unto you, They have joy in their works for a season, and by and by the end cometh and they are hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence there is no return for their works do follow them. For it is because of their works that they are hewn down, therefore remember the things that I have told you.

We looked at that portion of Jesus’ answer in part 2. Moving on:

Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you: that I came into the world to do the will of my Father because my Father sent me. And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross, and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross I might draw all men unto me. That as I have been lifted up by men, even so should men be lifted up by the Father to stand before me to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil, and for this cause have I been lifted up. Therefore according to the power of the Father I will draw all men unto me that they may be judged according to their works. And it shall come to pass that whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name shall be filled, and if he endureth to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless before my Father at that day when I shall stand to judge the world. And he that endureth not unto the end, the same is he that is also hewn down and cast into the fire from whence they can no more return because of the justice of the Father, and this is the word which he hath given unto the children of men. And for this cause he fulfilleth the words which he hath given and he lieth not, but fulfilleth all his words, and no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom. Therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood because of their faith and the repentance of all their sins and their faithfulness unto the end. Now this is the commandment: Repent all ye ends of the earth and come unto me and be baptized in my name that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day. Verily, verily I say unto you, This is my gospel and ye know the things that ye must do in my church. For the works which ye have seen me do, that shall ye also do, for that which ye have seen me do, even that shall ye do. Therefore if ye do these things, blessed are ye for ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

That is obviously a great summary of the Gospel. That is what drives (or what should drive) His disciples in any age of the world. That is what they need to be built upon. Everything they do (i.e. call) needs to be done (i.e. called) in the name of Jesus, or in other words, everything they do to invite, exhort, or urge people forward, needs to be done in remembrance of what Jesus’ life and mission means to accomplish (see part 1). His disciples need to want to accomplish the same thing that He wants to accomplish. This gospel is foundational, meaning that it’s not just an application of principles that He is advocating for. This gospel is getting at the heart of the Lord’s own “governing principles” that He lives by.

Continuing with Jesus’ response in 3 Nephi 13 [RE]:

Write the things which ye have seen and heard, save it be those which are forbidden. Write the works of this people which shall be even as hath been written of that which hath been. For behold, out of the books which have been written and which shall be written shall this people be judged, for by them shall their works be known unto men. And behold, all things are written by the Father, therefore out of the books which shall be written shall the world be judged. And know ye that ye shall be judges of this people according to the judgment which I shall give unto you, which shall be just. Therefore what manner of men had ye ought to be? Verily I say unto you, Even as I am.

In my view, there are at least three ways to be called in the Lord’s name. You can be a “Christian” who does Christian things. Get baptized, go to church, pray, etc. That’s one way to be called in His name. Another way is to be adopted by Christ. Be part of His family and take His family name upon you. Get promises about your eternal future. If you’re in His family, you’re called by His name. The last way I can think of to be called in the Lord’s name is to do what He does. When deciding what manner of men to be, be even as He is. Do His works. In this manner you are called in the Lord’s name because you are driven by the same purpose that drives Him. I think the three disciples understood that idea and put it into practice.

And now I go unto the Father. And verily I say unto you, Whatsoever things ye shall ask the Father in my name, it shall be given unto you, therefore ask and ye shall receive, knock and it shall be opened unto you; for he that asketh, receiveth, and unto him that knocketh it shall be opened.

We are on the cusp of removing the condemnation that has plagued us and our ancestors. I believe that means the Father will be ready to hear and grant what we ask Him in the name of Jesus. How seriously are we going to take such an opportunity? What will we decide upon as our “governing principles” that drive us and move us forward? What will we establish as our purpose? Whose works will we desire to do? What manner of men will we choose to be? Will we seek our own lives and choose to get promises for ourselves about a future in a glorious kingdom? Or will we choose to bring others to Christ while the world shall stand? We must choose carefully because our desires will be given to us.

And now behold, my joy is great, even unto fulness, because of you and also this generation, yea, and even the Father rejoiceth and also all the holy angels because of you and this generation, for none of them are lost. Behold, I would that ye should understand, for I mean them who are now alive of this generation, and none of them are lost and in them I have fulness of joy.

Do we understand the relevance of this part of Jesus’ response? Here’s a question: Why can’t we help this current generation to such a degree that literally none of them are lost, just as it was with that entire generation of people in Nephite times? Is God more limited than He was two millennia ago? Obviously not. So I find no reason the same miracle cannot occur in our day.

But behold, it sorroweth me because of the fourth generation from this generation, for they are led away captive by him, even as was the son of perdition, for they will sell me for silver, and for gold, and for that which moth doth corrupt, and which thieves can break through and steal. And in that day will I visit them, even in turning their works upon their own heads.

This is the part of the history of the Nephites that we must avoid repeating if we are to establish a millennium of peace. Only three or four generations of peace will not cut it. So how will we do better? Let’s use some math to figure it out. In the Old World, one disciple - John - desired to build upon the surest foundation of charity and thus true Christianity lasted for several decades. In the New World, three disciples desired to build upon the surest foundation of charity and thus that era of peace lasted for a few centuries. If my math is correct, in order to have an entire millennium of peace, we just need to have at least 15 disciples who are built upon the surest foundation of charity. The more people who decide to be built upon the Lord’s gospel, driven by the Lord’s own “governing principles”, and who desire to do His works; the better!

And it came to pass that when Jesus had ended these sayings, he saith unto his disciples, Enter ye in at the straight gate. For straight is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to life and few there be that find it, but wide is the gate and broad the way which leads to death and many there be who travel therein until the night cometh, wherein no man can work.

To go through the straight gate and the narrow way, there is simply no room to bring all the rules, regulations, and specific applications of truth with us as our foundational and governing principles. There is only room for the Lord’s own principles which never fail. There is no time to worry about all the contention concerning exactly how we are all to conduct ourselves as a great Gentile church. There is no time to do any of that because we need to spend a great deal of time and energy practicing charity and pleading with the Lord so that He can change our hearts to match His. Only then will we truly know the name whereby to call this church.

The Name Whereby We Shall Call This Church, Part I

3 Nephi 12 [RE] says,

The disciples were gathered together and were united in mighty prayer and fasting. And Jesus again shewed himself unto them for they were praying unto the Father in his name, and Jesus came and stood in the midst of them and saith unto them, What will ye that I shall give unto you? And they said unto him, Lord, we will that thou wouldst tell us the name whereby we shall call this church, for there are disputations among the people concerning this matter.

I always assumed that the disciples were asking for a label. I figured they just wanted to know what they should call the organization they were building through their preaching and baptizing. “What should we write on the sign in front of the synagogue, Jesus?” However, I no longer believe that’s what they were asking for. Just a few sentences before the scripture quoted above, it says, “And it came to pass that they did do all things even as Jesus had commanded them. And they who were baptized in the name of Jesus were called the church of Christ.” The record explicitly tells us that the people already had a name for their church. It was called the church of Christ. And they were being obedient to Jesus by calling it that. So then, if they already had a name for their church, what were the disciples asking Jesus about?

They wanted to know “the name whereby [they should] call this church” and they wanted to know it because people were arguing about it and they knew how important it was to Jesus to get rid of contentions. I believe that defining the words “name,” “call,” and “whereby” is critical for understanding exactly what the disciples wanted. Let’s attempt to do that in a way that allows the record to make sense, so it doesn’t seem like the disciples were asking about something they already knew about. In Webster’s 1828 dictionary, there are many definitions for “name” that don’t involve simply a label for something or someone:

Reputation; character; that which is commonly said of a person; as a good name; a bad name

Remembrance; memory.

Authority; behalf; part; as in the name of the people. When a man speaks or acts in the name of another, he does it by their authority or in their behalf, as their representative.

Assumed character of another.

In Scripture, the name of God signifies his titles, his attributes, his will or purpose, , his honor and glory, his word, his grace, his wisdom, power and goodness, his worship or service, or God himself.

So it appears that we have some options when trying to figure out what “name” meant when the disciples were asking for one. Now let’s see about the word “call.” The first thing Webster says about the word “call” is “[Heb. To hold or restrain.] In a general sense, to drive.” I thought that was rather curious. Webster’s first two definitions for “drive” are,

1. To impel or urge forward by force; to force; to move by physical force. We drive a nail into wood with a hammer; the wind or a current drive a ship on the ocean.

2. To compel or urge forward by other means than absolute physical force, or by means that compel the will; as, to drive cattle to market. A smoke drives company from the room. A man may be drive by the necessities of the times, to abandon his country.

Going back to “call,” other definitions by Webster include,

To convoke; to summon; to direct or order to meet; to assemble by order or public notice; often with together; as, the king called his council together; the president called together the congress.

To request to meet or come.

To invite.

To invite or summon to come or be present; to invite, or collect.

To give notice to come by authority; to command to come; as, call a servant.

To appoint or designate, as for an office, duty or employment.

To invite; to warn; to exhort.

To invite or draw into union with Christ; to bring to know, believe and obey the gospel.

To invoke or appeal to.

Just like the previous word we looked at, we have some wiggle room when trying to define the word “call” when the disciples used it. Finally, let’s look at the word “whereby.” Another way of saying “whereby” is “by which.” The word’s usage in the disciples request seems to imply more than just a label for a group. The disciples wanted a name by which they could call the church. They wanted something they could use as a tool in order to call the church. Now that we have looked at all three words, allow me to employ everything we have found to try to come up with some alternate translations of the disciples request.

“We will that thou wouldst tell us what we need to remember in order to invite the church to come to you.”

“We will that thou wouldst tell us exactly what we should represent as we warn and exhort the church.”

“We will that thou wouldst tell us the kind of reputation people ought to have if we are to urge them forward.”

It’s almost as if the disciples wanted to know what principles they were to put forward in their efforts to govern and guide the church of Christ. It’s noteworthy that the very first thing Jesus expressed in His reply was disappointment that there would be contention on this topic. Immediately after that, He (unsurprisingly) referred to the scriptures to show the answer which should have been obvious. Below is the beginning of the Lord’s reply. As you read it, try to see if the alternative definitions of “name” and “call” can apply so that it’s not talking about simply an organizational title. I believe that keeping an open mind about the definitions of those terms can give us a better understanding of what He was trying to teach.

And the Lord said unto them, Verily, verily I say unto you, Why is it that the people should murmur and dispute because of this thing? Have they not read the scriptures which say ye must take upon you the name of Christ, which is my name? For by this name shall ye be called at the last day. And whoso taketh upon him my name and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day. Therefore whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my name. Therefore ye shall call the church in my name, and ye shall call upon the Father in my name that he will bless the church for my sake. And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses' name, then it be Moses' church; or if it be called in the name of a man, then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name, then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel. Verily, I say unto you that ye are built upon my gospel. Therefore ye shall call whatsoever things ye do call in my name. Therefore if ye call upon the Father for the church, if it be in my name, the Father will hear you. And if it so be that the church is built upon my gospel, then will the Father shew forth his own works in it.

There are marvelous things being taught here. We will look at this part and other parts of Jesus’ answer more closely in parts 2 and 3.

Part II | Part III

Out of Captivity, Part VII

Part I | Part II | Part III | Part IV | Part V | Part VI

The story of Jesus’ visit to the Nephites may be instructive to us today. Allow me to present distinct elements of His ministry among the Nephites, each with a brief description.

It began with a very personal manifestation of the Son of God (3 Nephi 5 [All references are to the Restoration Edition]). Jesus showed Himself to the Nephites and ministered to them on an individual level.

Jesus chose servants to minister (3 Nephi 5). Nephi and eleven others were chosen to baptize and teach the people.

Jesus taught His doctrine, which included His commandments (3 Nephi 5, 6, & 7). He clearly explained His doctrine of repentance, baptism, and becoming as a little child. He followed up by explaining the fulness of His doctrine, the Sermon on the Mount.

Jesus explained how something different was now underway (3 Nephi 7). People were confused about the Law of Moses being done away. He explained how that was possible and how He had always been the One to look to.

Jesus prophesied many things, with a particular focus on the restoration of Israel through the ministration of the Gentiles (3 Nephi 7). He told the Nephites about the existence of other sheep, or rather, other tribes of Israel that will be ministered to and will eventually be gathered in. He explained that the Gentiles will receive the records of the Nephites in order to teach Israel.

The people were not ready to understand Jesus’ message (3 Nephi 8). The people were weak in their minds and were thus unprepared to receive what Jesus offered them.

A ritual ordinance was demonstrated to the people so that they would know what to do (3 Nephi 8) Jesus used their little children to show the people what He wanted to have happen and to show what was possible for them to receive.

Jesus departed for a season (3 Nephi 8). He left the people and went to His Father for their sakes. Apparently some waiting time was necessary due to their lack of preparation.

Servants worked tirelessly to prepare people for when Jesus would return (3 Nephi 9). Jesus promised He would come the next day. Many people were impressed to spend a great deal of time and energy preparing people to be where Jesus wanted them to be.

Many people came to the right place at the right time but they were greeted by only messengers at first (3 Nephi 9). I don’t know if anyone was disappointed when they got to the appointed place, but Jesus wasn’t there yet and the people were taught by those who were chosen by Jesus.

The words of Jesus were repeated in their original form with no deviation (3 Nephi 9). There can be no doubt that the very best efforts were made to preserve exactly what Jesus taught the previous day. Fidelity to His word was very important because the salvation of everyone depended on the doctrine being exactly correct.

The commandments of Jesus were not only said with exactness, but also done with exactness (3 Nephi 9). Directly after the disciples taught exactly as Jesus taught, they were baptized exactly as Jesus commanded the previous day.

The very things that Jesus promised would happen did happen (3 Nephi 9). The Holy Ghost fell upon the disciples and they were baptized with fire and the Holy Ghost.

Unimaginable blessings were poured out (3 Nephi 9). The heavens were opened as angels descended to minister, Jesus Himself appeared in the midst of them, and a miraculous and indescribable endowment was given to the disciples.

Let us now see how these same elements have been introduced in these latter-days.

It began with a very personal manifestation of the Son of God (Joseph Smith - History). To start the dispensation of the latter-days, God the Father and His Son appeared to Joseph Smith and ministered to him.

Jesus chose servants to minister (Joseph Smith - History, D&C 1). Joseph Smith, among others, were called to receive revelations and teach the people.

Jesus taught His doctrine, which included His commandments (3 Nephi 5, 6, & 7). To teach us His doctrine, He gave us the same words He gave to the Nephites.

Jesus explained how something different was now underway (D&C 4). Everything revealed in the latter-day dispensation is meant to build up His church and not to destroy it. It is all meant to get people to look to Him and to prepare people to receive Him when He comes again.

Jesus prophesied many things, with a particular focus on the restoration of Israel through the ministration of the Gentiles (1 Nephi 3; 3 Nephi 9). The Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants are filled with a lot of knowledge about the gathering of Israel and the stewardship of the Gentiles.

The people were not ready to understand Jesus’ message (D&C 37 & 49). The early saints had numerous problems that prevented them from receiving everything that the Lord was offering.

A ritual ordinance was demonstrated to the people so that they would know what to do (D&C 40). An endowment was given in the Kirtland temple and Joseph Smith instituted the original ritual form that the LDS Church inherited. These things demonstrate to the saints the things that they are expected to do in this life.

Jesus departed for a season (2 Nephi 12; 3 Nephi 7; Mormon 4; D&C 27, 37, & 49). The early saints lost the chance to receive the Lord’s fulness and would have to wait for a time before He would present another opportunity.

Servants worked, are working, and will work tirelessly to prepare people for when Jesus will return (D&C 37; The Train). We are now caught up with the present. This work of preparation is happening now. How will we respond? Were any of the Nephites annoyed when they were woken from their sleep by those telling people where Christ would be the next day? Did anyone stay in bed?

Many people will come to the right place at the right time but they will be greeted by only messengers at first (D&C 27). The scriptures are clear that we must receive the Lord’s servants in order to receive the Lord. Were any Nephites disappointed when they went to Bountiful and only found twelve men claiming to have the words of Jesus? Did anyone leave because of their disappointment?

The words of Jesus will be repeated in their original form with no deviation (3 Nephi 5; D&C 27, 33, 49, 77, 85, & 88). The work of preserving the words of the Lord as they were revealed is going on right now and anyone can offer their assistance to this work. It is hoped that the product of this effort will be the words of Jesus with no deviation. When the Nephite disciples taught the Lord’s words, did the Nephites value those words as if they were spoken by the Lord Himself? Will we value His words as if they were spoken by the Lord Himself?

The commandments of Jesus will not only be said with exactness, but also be done with exactness (Jacob 3). Once we have accurately preserved the words of the Lord we can set about going and doing whatever the Lord has commanded. Everything will be in vain until this step is taken. The Nephite disciples obeyed Jesus’ command to be baptized at the earliest opportunity after they had taught the people His exact words. In fact, it was the obedience to Jesus’ commands that allowed Him to appear in their midst. How long will we wait to obey Jesus’ commands after we faithfully preserve His words?

The very things that Jesus promised would happen will happen (1 Nephi 3 & 7; D&C 21 & 100). If what the Lord commands is actually done, His promises will be fulfilled. The Gentiles who repent will have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost, the Lord will not leave His servants comfortless, the great and marvelous work of the Lord will begin, and He will make bare His arm in the eyes of all the nations. Ultimately Israel will be restored according to the Lord’s covenants. These things have to happen if some Gentiles repent and obey. The Lord is bound to do what He says.

Unimaginable blessings will be poured out (Malachi; 2 Corinthians; D&C 23 & 27). The restoration of Israel seems to be only the beginning of the great and marvelous work God will do in these last days. The blessings that will be given are currently incomprehensible.

There seems to be many parallels between the Nephites back then and us in our day. Will we be at least as faithful to what we receive as the Nephites were to what they received? The Lord needs a people who will repent and act in faith. He has a plan for getting people out of captivity. The entire world can benefit from what He is trying to do. It is my prayer that we can shake off our unbelief and false traditions and receive everything the Lord has to offer. We must fearlessly move forward. The Lord will grant unto us our righteous desires if we believe and obey His words, which are true and faithful.

I say unto you Ezra and Northrop, Open ye your ears and hearken to the voice of the Lord your God whose word is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword to the dividing asunder of the joints and marrow, soul and spirit, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. For verily, verily I say unto you that ye are called to lift up your voices as with the sound of a trump to declare my gospel unto a crooked and a perverse generation, for behold, the field is white already to harvest, and it is the eleventh hour, and for the last time that I shall call laborers into my vineyard. And my vineyard has become corrupted every whit and there is none which doeth good save it is a few only and they do err in many instances because of priestcrafts, all having corrupt minds.

And verily, verily I say unto you that this church have I established and called forth out of the wilderness, and even so will I gather mine elect from the four quarters of the earth, even as many as will believe in me and hearken unto my voice.

Yea, verily, verily I say unto you that the field is white already to harvest, wherefore thrust in thy sickle and reap with all thy might, mind, and strength. Open thy mouth and it shall be filled and thou shalt become even as Nephi of old who journeyed from Jerusalem in the wilderness, yea, open thy mouth and spare not and thou shalt be laden with sheaves upon thy back, for lo, I am with you. Yea, open thy mouth and it shall be filled saying, Repent, repent and prepare ye the way of the Lord and make his path strait for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand, yea, repent and be baptized every one of you for the remission of sins, yea, be baptized even by water and then cometh the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost.

Behold, verily, verily I say unto you, This is my gospel and remember that they shall have faith in me or they can in nowise be saved. And upon this Rock I will build my church, yea, upon this Rock ye are built and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against you. And ye shall remember the church Articles and Covenants to keep them. And whoso having faith, ye shall confirm in my church by the laying on of the hands and I will bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost upon them. And the Book of Mormon and the Holy Scriptures are given of me for thine instruction and the power of my spirit quickeneth all things. Wherefore be faithful praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you that ye may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom, for behold, verily, verily I say unto you that I come quickly. Even so. Amen. (D&C 117)

An Invitation to Go to Work