Internal Apostasy: Rejection of the Gospel and the Apostles & The Holy Bible
A few weeks ago while I was serving in the temple, it became clear to me how important it is to be trained and re-trained as an ordinance worker. It would be easy to overlook things or things may get changed without specific instruction and to keep the ordinances pure. The scriptures teach us truth, and if we follow the truth there is less opportunity to err.
In 1 Timothy 1:1-7 we read,
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;
2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.
5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;
7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.
To me, our hearts should always be prepared to receive instruction, and with a humble heart strove to follow the Lord according to His word and His servants. I have witnessed people struggle to follow God, and the prophets instructions, and it would be good to examine how we feel when we are being instructed. Are there principles that you just don't agree with and don't want to follow? This can lead to personal apostasy.
A talk comes to mind as I ponder how to avoid Internal Apostasy. Elder Robert D. Hales spoke of Obedience in his talk, "If Ye Love Me, Keep My Commandments"
There are a few types of obedience:
1. "natural man's obedience" - "in which we disobediently reject God’s law in favor of our wisdom or our desires or even popularity. Because this is widely practiced by so many, this perversion of obedience diminishes God’s standards in our culture and in our laws."
2. "selective obedience" - claiming to love God and honor God while picking and choosing which of His commandments and teachings-and the teachings and counsel of His prophets-they follow.
3. "the Savior's obedience" - motivated by true love for Heavenly Father and His Son. When we willingly obey, as our Savior did, we cherish the words of our Heavenly Father.
Obedience is a way to keep focused on the path of righteousness, and with a willing mind and heart follow the Lord. Our testimony of the Savior, Jesus Christ, and His mission is a key to preventing personal apostasy. We need to work at receiving a testimony and nourishing it.
One of my favorite scriptures Alma 7:11 - 13 shares what our Savior did and how His Atonement benefits each of us.
"11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
13 Now the Spirit knoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me."
When we have received and embraced a testimony of the Savior, Jesus Christ, His mission and His gospel, our testimony will guide us, protect us, and strengthen us and those around us. It is a sure prescription to avoid internal apostasy.
