Remembering
Forgotten Teachings
Scriptural References to the 2nd Comforter and Calling & Election
"Seek the Lord and His strength, seek His face continually."
1 Chronicles 16:11
1 Chronicles 16:11
The doctrines of the Second Comforter and receiving one’s Calling and Election were at the core of Joseph Smith’s teachings about the fulness of the gospel. He explained that the end of the matter (“the sum and substance of the whole matter”), the thing we endure to the end for, is the Savior Himself who comes to us and declares our Calling and Election. This event is not only promised to the faithful, but is to be expected in this life, “while in the flesh.” Joseph and the temple endowment ceremony are not teaching about what happens after you die, or what happens only to special apostles or prophets, but they are teaching about a real event that can occur to anyone while in this mortal life. Most importantly, these doctrines direct our focus on the Savior Jesus Christ as the center of our worship and devotion. This is the fulness of the gospel that the Prophet Joseph was striving for the saints to receive:
The first comforter is the Holy Spirit that Jesus promised would come to His disciples after he was resurrected (John 14:12-27). The Second Comforter is Jesus Christ in person, who appears “face to face” to the faithful, who have been tested and proved in all things:
The doctrines of Calling and Election and the Second Comforter were not new ideas from Joseph Smith. These doctrines were taught by many Old Testament prophets, and the Savior and His apostles in the New Testament:
Additionally, because the Book of Mormon contains the “fulness of the gospel”, it also teaches this doctrine:
The Second Comforter is not a gift reserved only for “special” people. Joseph taught that all men and women can come unto Christ and receive the Second Comforter:
Receiving a Calling and Election and making it sure, is a more sure word of prophesy spoken of by Peter in 2 Peter 1:10. Joseph Smith taught that receiving a Calling and Election from the Savior means that you have been called up, chosen, sanctified by the blood of Christ, and sealed up to eternal life.
Additional Scriptures:
D&C 29:7; 50:24; 76:5-10, 22-25, 114-19; 84:20-27; 88:3-5, 67-69, 75; 88:68; 97:16; 103:20; 107:18-20, 49, 53-57; 109:5-12; 110:1-10; 130:3 1 Nephi 1:10 2 Nephi 1:15; 2:3; 10:2-3; 25:3; 31:20; 32:6 Enos 1:27 Mosiah 5:15; 27:30 3 Nephi 19:14-36; 28:3 Ether 3:6-16; 9:22; 12:39 Mormon 1:15 Isaiah 42:1; 65:9 2 Peter 1:4-19 |