"For behold, this is my work and my glory--to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."
This profound doctrinal statement is one of many contained in the Pearl of Great Price, the smallest of the standard works and the last to be canonized. Studying that scripture in depth adds immensely to our understanding of the Lord's eternal plan. Comprised of addresses delivered at Brigham Young University symposium on the Pearl of Great Price, this book combines the insights and testimonies of thirteen gospel scholars.
The keynote address, "Why the Pearl of Great Price," examines fundamental doctrinal concepts: the nature of God, Restoration of the priesthood, the Articles of Faith, Joseph Smith's translation of Matthew 24, premortal life, and the Gospel. Recognizing but not apologizing for the fact that our beliefs are not of the world," another contributor presents a compelling discussion on the gospel of Jesus Christ as taught from the beginning.
Further doctrinal discussions include in depth treatments of the preeminence of Jesus Christ and his unique relationship with the Father; the anthropomorphic view of God in the scriptures; the Abrahamic covenant with its tests and blessings; and the nature of the call and training given the prophets who have presided over each of the major gospel dispensations, including conferral of the priesthood, the bestowal of keys, a ritual endowment, foreordination, the ministration of angels, and the ministration of angels, and the manifestation of God. The unique Latter-day Saint doctrine on the eternal nature of man is discussed in a stimulating chapter, "The history of Intelligence in Latter-day Saint thought," which elaborates on this topic as discussed in the scriptures and in the writings of Church leaders, and an enlightening review of Joseph Smith-Matthew shows how this inspired version adds the clarity necessary for a full understanding of the prophecy's fulfillment.
Various historical perspectives are also offered in this book: tracing of the sacred writings of Abraham from the time of their disinterment in Upper Egypt until the Prophet Joseph began to publish them; evidence that Ur of the Chaldees was located in Northwest Syria or south central Turkey, not in southern Mesopotamia, as most Bible commentaries state; "Gadiantonism" as the cause for the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70; and a report on detailed research and verification of the historical setting of Joseph Smith's First Vision.
All things were created to bear witness of God. As shown here, the Pearl of Great Price does that in many ways. The perceptive addresses of the contributors, combined with their vibrant testimonies of the Gospel, light the way to increased understanding of the Pearl of Great Price and its revelations from God.
Hardcover
Previous owners name is on the flyleaf.
Small tear on the dust jacket