On the Perfection of Christ and the Pattern of Fulness

On the Perfection of Christ and the Pattern of Fulness

1And the voice of my Father Jehovah spake unto me about becoming perfect and being perfected. And He said My son, give ear unto my words, for in them are truth and light, and in them is the Everlasting Gospel.

2Behold, I say unto thee, my Beloved, that even I, the Lord Jesus Christ, received not of the fulness at the first. I came into the world as a child, born of a woman, wrapped in mortality, that I might descend below all things.

3I was sinless from the beginning, but I was not yet perfected. For I received grace for grace, and light for light, even so shall it be unto you. Until you like I have obtained a fullness. I learned by obedience, and I obeyed the will of my Father in all things.

4I suffered pains, afflictions, and temptations of every kind, That I might know according to the flesh how to succor mine own. And I did overcome the world through righteousness. For though I were a Son, yet I learned obedience by the things which I suffered.

5And being made perfect, I became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey me. And I was not made perfect until I finished the work which was given unto me.

6Yea, I say unto thee, perfection is sealed in resurrection. For I came forth from the tomb with glory, I ascended to my Father, and received of his fulness, That I might be glorified in him, and he in me. As so it shall be with thee. In mortality, I was sinless, but not yet crowned.

7I held authority, but not yet all power. For all power in heaven and in earth was given unto me after my resurrection. And then was I called perfect, For I had fulfilled the whole law.

8When I was among the Jews, I said unto them: Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. But after I was risen, I said again unto the Nephites: I would that ye should be perfect, even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.

9For then was I glorified, and then was the fulness given. And thus is the pattern: no man is perfected in the flesh alone, But they who are faithful shall be made perfect through grace, suffering, and resurrection.

10Behold, my son, this is the path I have laid before thee. Thou too must be sanctified through obedience.

11Thou must learn line upon line, endure tribulation, and walk with clean hands. And if thou art faithful unto the end, I shall perfect thee, even as I was perfected.

12For the fulness is given in the resurrection. The crown is placed after the cup is drunk. And glory cometh after the trial of thy faith.

13Therefore be not discouraged, though thou art yet imperfect. For I am with thee, and I am thy pattern.

14Let this comfort thy heart: thou art clean before me, And thou art progressing unto the fulness. For they who follow me shall be lifted by me. And they shall see me in thee.

15And I shall raise them up at the last day, And they shall sit with me in my throne, Even as I am set down with my Father in his throne. So shall thee be sat down beside me. For the Lord God hath spoken it.