Chapter 07 - The Adopt of Christ

Chapter Seven: The Adopt of Christ

Introduction

  • Joseph Smith's statement about the pre-mortal existence:

    • At the first organization in heaven, everyone was present when the Savior was chosen and the plan of salvation was made.

    • The participation in the plan signifies that we are co-participants in God's designs for humanity.

    • This assertion highlights the profound role individuals have in God's scheme.

The New and Everlasting Covenant

  • Definition and context:

    • The 'new and everlasting covenant' represents the full version of the plan of salvation.

    • The covenant is termed 'new' because prior disobedience necessitated a temporary Mosaic law until the original covenant was restored through Christ.

  • Purpose:

    • It is a system of covenants designed to guide individuals through the adoption process into the divine family.

  • Christ’s Role:

    • Through His love and holiness, Christ became fully human, transitioning from the firstborn in the spirit to the only begotten in the flesh, termed as God the Son.

    • He serves as a good shepherd, breaking the chains of death and facilitating access to a more abundant life.

Adoption by Christ

  • Biblical Reference:

    • "The glory which thou gavest me, I have given them. I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am."

  • Explanation of dual adoption:

    • Sometimes individuals feel as if adopted by Christ, while at other times as children of God.

    • This duality is because adoption operates in these two senses:

    • Christ as the father to those who accept the gospel (heirs of eternal life).

    • Obedience to the gospel allows individuals to become sons of God, both through Christ and to God.

Christ's Nature and Mission

  • Insight into Christ:

    • Christ's proactive role in seeking our benefit was established before the world's foundation, emphasizing His intention to form eternal companionship within a heavenly family.

    • Rather than merely rescuing from failure, Christ is seen as the author of salvation from the very beginning.

  • Historical Perspective:

    • Cardinal Walter Casper highlights a catastrophic event as the start of human history—humans aspiring to be like God.

    • Roger Olson defines salvation as God's goal in reversing the corruption introduced by Adam, describing it as recuperative, reparative, and restorative.

    • In contrast, earlier church fathers believed salvation involved a sacramental process of theosis, or deification, indicating an advancement rather than a return.

Understanding of Salvation

  • Conceptual Shift:

    • Salvation is not merely a return to a primordial state but signifies transcendence beyond earthly origins.
      - Sin and death are part of human education rather than the starting point of the human narrative.

    • Christ's essence is to draw humanity into a joyful social existence, promoting a richer incorporation into a heavenly family.

    • Joseph's understanding of salvation emphasized addition and progression rather than mere recuperation.

  • Prototype of Salvation:

    • Christ is the standard for salvation, embodying the ideal by being just and holy.

    • Therefore, salvation is viewed as incorporating into a divine family, not simply escaping condemnation.

Baptism and Its Significance

  • Baptism's Role:

    • Latter-day Saints perceive baptism vital for the remission of sins; however, it functions beyond that scope.

    • Baptism marks the first ordinance of the new and everlasting covenant, likened to a gateway leading to eternal life.

  • The Promise of Integration:

    • Theodoret Osiris viewed remission of sins as a side effect, with the primary goal being participation in Christ's resurrection.

    • Joseph Smith echoed this view, emphasizing the covenant of adoption as essential for entering the celestial family.

The Concept of Adoption

  • Separation from the Divine:

    • Humans become distanced from God through mortality and sinful choices, necessitating cleansing and formal adoption into a heavenly kingdom.

  • Nature as Children of God:

    • B. H. Roberts noted our fundamental status as children of God.

    • Joseph emphasized separation as temporary, rather than sin as the root of our condition, indicating proper relationship is the key to remedy.

  • Covenant Associated with Baptism:

    • The covenant language during baptism stresses adoption.

    • Enoch's experience reveals God's desire for us to choose Him as Father, reflecting the adoption process.

Baptism's Historical Context

  • Early Practices:

    • Early Latter-day Saints would formally affirm their desire for adoption at baptism.

    • Nephi affirms that baptism signifies becoming adopted into Christ’s family.

    • The First Presidency acknowledged this transformation through baptism as a rebirth into Christ’s family.

  • Cultural Significance:

    • The association of baptism with sacred clothing was emphasized in early Christian practices, paralleling God’s instruction to Adam after the fall.

    • The sacred garment is seen as affirming the enduring effectiveness of the covenant.

Conclusion

  • Adam and Eve's Narrative:

    • Eve's reflection reverses historical interpretations of Genesis, stating that their transgression was necessary for the joy of redemption.

  • Joseph Smith's Assertion:

    • God’s foreordaining of the fall indicates a broader plan for humanity, emphasizing progression rather than redemption from sin alone.