Joseph Smith Biography

LDS Priesthood Unveiled Appendix 1

through the atonement of the Only Begotten Son, who was prepared.” Thus, all newly
created human beings “were on the same standing” with each other.^65
Some, “on account of their exceeding faith and good works,”^66 after
understanding what was to be required of their Christ, volunteered to help him in his
work. A Christ’s work in all advanced solar systems throughout the Universe is to
ensure that all free-willed human beings follow the proper code of humanity to maintain
the “holy order of God.” However, while advanced humans go through the mortal stage of
their eternal development, a Christ’s work is slightly different. Instead of enforcing the code of
humanity, a Christ ensures that everyone has the opportunity to choose for themselves to follow
the code of humanity or not. To a Christ, it is important for a mortal to be provided with the
opportunity to not follow him. Thus, he teaches and unconditionally forgives, but never forces.
When mortals choose not to follow this code, the problems associated with
human nature abound and society plunges into war, chaos, inequality, and injustice.
Upon experiencing mortality, humans learn the quintessential importance of having a
Christ to enforce the eternal laws of the Universe by limiting free will. Therefore, the
purpose of all those chosen by Christ during mortality as one of his true messengers is
to provide the people with the choice by teaching them what the code is. Joseph Smith
later presented this truth in one of the Articles of Faith associated with his religion,
allowing one to “[worship] Almighty God according to the dictates of [their] own
conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or
what they may.”^67
Alma, one of those who volunteered before the foundation of the world, spoke of
people “who humble themselves and do walk after the holy order of God.”^68 He asked
the people why they were treating each other so badly, “trampling the Holy One under
your feet; yea, can ye be puffed up in the pride of your hearts; yea, will ye still persist in
the wearing of costly apparel and setting your hearts upon the vain things of the world,
upon your riches? Yea, will ye persist in supposing that ye are better one than
another...and will you persist in turning your backs upon the poor, and the needy, and
in withholding your substance from them?”^69
Alma acted within the parameters of the authority in his “priestly” calling to

awaken [the people] to a sense of your duty to God, that ye may walk

blameless before him, that ye may walk after the holy order of God, after

which ye have been received. And now I would that ye should be humble,

and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and

long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the

commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand

in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God

for whatsoever things ye do receive. And see that ye have faith, hope, and

charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.”^70

Alma taught the people the proper code of humanity. He taught them the same
words Christ would teach them—a way of life and action that promotes peace,
happiness, and equality in human society. Alma performed his role, as do all true
messengers who are “ordained priests, after his holy order, which was after the order of
his Son, to teach these things unto the people.^71