To See God Follow Peace and Holiness

Hebrews 12:11; 11. Those saints who yield in the true spirit to chastening increase in personal righteousness.

Hebrews 12:12; 12. It is the duty of those who serve in the Church to: "Succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees." (D&C 81:5.)

Hebrews 12:13; 13. That which is lame] The spiritually lame, those who are weak in the faith and who need to be healed spiritually.

Hebrews 12:14; 14. Jesus said: "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8), meaning that every person who perfects his life shall see God, here and now, while he yet dwells in the flesh, and that if he continues in grace, he shall also see and dwell with him everlastingly in the realms of immortal glory.

Hebrews 12:14; As revealed to Joseph Smith, the divine law enabling man to see Deity is couched in these words: "Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am." (D&C 93:1.)

Hebrews 12:14; Through Joseph Smith the Lord also said to all those who hold his holy priesthood: "It is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble, the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am—not with the carnal neither natural mind, but with the spiritual. For no man has seen God at any time in the flesh, except quickened by the Spirit of God." (D&C 67:10-11.) And the revelation on priesthood says that without "the power of godliness," which is righteousness, "no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live." (D&C 84:21-22.)

Hebrews 12:14; The Prophet also taught: "It is the privilege of every Elder to speak of the things of God; and could we all come together with one heart and one mind in perfect faith the veil might as well be rent today as next week, or any other time, and if we will but cleanse ourselves and covenant before God, to serve him, it is our privilege to have an assurance that God will protect us at all times." (Teachings, p. 9.)

Hebrews 12:14; In his appearances to men, as in all things, the Lord conforms to the eternal laws which he has ordained. Thus, Moroni in telling of the great vision of the Brother of Jared, says: "Because of the knowledge of this man he could not be kept from beholding within the veil; . . . therefore he saw Jesus; and he did minister unto him." (Ether 3:19-20.)

Hebrews 12:15; 15. 'Keep the commandments, lest through bitterness members of the Church are led astray.' And how true it is that bitterness toward church officers or members leads to loss of faith and devotion and to eventual defilement!

Hebrews 12:17; 17. This verse is poorly written. What Esau sought "carefully with tears" was, not repentance, but the blessings of the birthright, which he had given up for a mess of pottage. (Genesis 25:29-34.) All men, Esau included, who have not sinned unto death, thereby becoming sons of perdition (Hebrews 6:1-8), can of course repent.