Doctrine and Covenants Section 93, Part 2
John’s testimony of the Savior in verses 6-18 provides a necessary clarification about Jesus that contradicts mainstream Christianity’s claim that Jesus was fully God while on earth during his mortal ministry. As Latter-day Saints, we believe that Jesus experienced mortality just as we do, so that He could complete the Atonement. He testifies, “And I, John, saw that he received not of the fulness at the first, but received grace for grace; And he received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness; And thus he was called the Son of God, because he received not of the fulness at the first.” However, at Jesus’ baptism, John recorded, “And I, John, bear record, and lo, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove, and sat upon him, and there came a voice out of heaven saying: This is my beloved Son. And I, John, bear record that he received a fulness of the glory of the Father; And he received all power, both in heaven and on earth, and the glory of the Father was with him, for he dwelt in him.”
This is a crucial clarification that enables us to understand and appreciate the perfect life of Jesus more fully, making his sacrifice personal to us. If Jesus had been fully God, he would not have prayed for his Father to “let this cup pass from me.” As God, he could have blocked the pain of Gethsemane and on the cross. But he bore the pains and sicknesses of humanity as a human being, so that he could succor us in our afflictions. Even though he possessed the power of God, he did the will of the Father.
To further clarify the necessity of Jesus’ mission as a human, it would not make sense for him to atone for us if God were able to cleanse us from sin simply by decree. I do not pretend to know why a sinless human sacrifice makes redemption possible, but God’s law of judgment requires it. That is something I wish I knew more about.
The promise that follows in verse 18 indicates that if we are faithful, the whole record of John will be revealed. That may include an explanation of atonement that we do not currently have. Again, I don’t know and can only speculate.
I will end today’s thoughts with verses 19 and 20.
Verse 20 promises us that we can receive grace for grace in the same way Jesus did, until we, “receive of his (God’s) fulness, and be glorified in me (Christ) as I am in the Father.”
Verse 19 is the one that caught my attention most. It reads, “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.” Knowing how and what to worship is an interesting way to say it. It does not specify how or whom to worship.
Worship is perfect emulation. Perhaps seeing the pattern of receiving grace for grace is the ‘what’ and the ‘how’ is by honoring and imitating Jesus. The concept of worship has always meant feelings of adoration and respect to me more than emulation.
There’s a bit more to chew on. Section 93 is all meat and is not meant to be swallowed without chewing. Maybe I can post again tomorrow. I haven’t got to the best part yet.