Why should the oldest son matter? He was a member of the Nauvoo High Council and served for a time as a bodyguard to Joseph Smith. As others note from a genetic perspective it seems silly when you get very many generations away especially if there is sufficient mixing. Since that is way, way, waymore than the total number of people who have ever lived on this earth, how can that be possible? They are then entitled to all the rights and privileges of heirs (TPJS, He was told in his blessing that he would be blessed with many beautiful daughters. He and my mother became the parents of five sons. The answer is common ancestry. 1992). Should I be worried? It also stands as a sign that God will keep His covenants with the remnants of the house of Israel (see 3 Ne. Patriarchal blessings include a declaration of a persons lineage in the house of Israel and contain personal counsel from the Lord. Original Content Copyright 2008-2011 J. Max Wilson. Brigham Young said that Joseph was a pure Ephraimite, but Ugo Perego through investigation of Josephs DNA discovered that he was old irish and a descendant of Niall of the 9. Each blessing is absolutely qualified and given upon the condition of the faithfulness of the recipient of the blessing. Why are there so many rules to obey for salvation if Mormonism is a Christian church? When I met my spouse, he had just gotten his blessing ( he was inactive most of his life and just reactivated when we met). I dont see any of us better or different than others just because we come from a different tribe. I have a dozen or so ancestors who have the exact same claim to fame (almost typed clame). I am going to keep trying for my husband and myself to get new blessings. Paul makes repeated references to adoption into the house of Israel through faith: But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. As always, Mark E. Petersen is the definitive resource: http://www.ldslastdays.com/default.aspx?page=talk_patriarchs.htm. How do I get rid of inappropriate thoughts? The blessing of one . Most of those people are dead now. 5:1-2). If Im in the kingdom of Israel, does it matter where? The majority of modern blessings have designated Ephraim or manasseh as the main link in this tracing, but others of every tribe of Israel have also been named. Her blessing is her and is true to what has transpired down to the details and order of things. Only by following the counsel in a patriarchal blessing can one receive the blessings contained therein. The southern kingdom was nominally comprised of two tribes: Judah and Benjamin (which basically had been absorbed into Judah), and the northern kingdom of the remaining ten tribes. How does swearing secret oaths glorify God? They verify the divinity of Christ and the truthfulness of the Church. But serving as a bodyguard to Joseph Smith is not one of them. Lineage seems a very odd concern for contemporary people. The patriarch seeks inspiration to specify the dominant family line that leads back to Abraham. Your an idiot. Why arent prophets giving us specific signs to watch for? The patriarchal office is one of blessing, not of administration, nor of counseling. In this easy-to-comprehend volume, Pinegar and Allen clarify what a patriarchal blessing is and is not, where it comes from, and what you need to do . Galatians 1:6-9 says not to accept another gospel from an angel of light, yet atop every LDS temple there sits an angel of light proclaiming a new gospel Why is talking to dead people condoned in Mormonism? The views expressed by individual users are the responsibility of those users and do not necessarily represent the position of the Church. I believe I know what it means for me but I couldnt tell someone else what theirs means. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. And if he did not have descendants that survived to today, well, then obviously no one alive today is a descendant of Ephraim. Were all adopted into the covenant relationship. Am I Less Worthy Not Being From the Tribe of Ephraim? Declaration of Lineage All our blessings were *exactly* the same word for word. It does not matter if a persons lineage in the house of Israel is through bloodlines or by adoption. Ill try raising this point next time I need to wreak havoc in HP group. And, if inspiration is tied to it, Im fine being told my lineage whether that relates to some gene manifestation, some promise, or something tied to my spirit. The purpose of a patriarchal blessing is (1) to identify the tribe of Israel to which the individual belongs, whether literal or "adopted", along with the responsibilities and blessings associated; (2) to bless the member with knowledge and the spiritual gifts that may be obtained by obedience to gospel principles; (3) to give advice or help to Perhaps its all really about just getting organized in the last days. No, the slots increase geometrically, not arithmetically, so the answer is 256 (16 x 16). 20% of verses in the Book of Mormon contain the phrase "and it came to pass", Almost 4,000 changes to the Book of Mormon and over 7,200 Greek and Latin words found, Book of Mormon Artifacts; Smithsonian & National Geographic says no artifacts found. asos mens hoodies "And they [others of the tribes of Israel] shall bring forth their rich treasures unto the children of Ephraim, my servants…and there shall they fall down and be crowned with glory, even in Zion, by the hands of the servants of the Lord, even the children of Ephraim, and they shall be filled with songs of everlasting joy" (D&C 133:30-33; see also Israel: Gathering of Israel). My hometeacher was a patriarch, mission president and a bishop. That one is important but Im not convinced there is any deeper meaning. So I talked to some other members my age who I knew, told them what I discovered, and asked if they would take my blessing and compare it to theirs, as they had same Patriarch. The Lord says to disregard the prophet who speaks a lie in His name - Deuteronomy 18:20-22, See how the Mormon canon of scripture contradicts itself & the Bible, The Early Christian Church's Statements of Faith. Mormonism's True Agenda; Saving Souls or Ruling America? Good choice of image. Further, a "choice seer" would arise from Joseph's descendants who would "do a work for the fruit of [Joseph's] loins, his brethren, which shall be of great worth unto them, even to the bringing of them to the knowledge of the covenants which I [the Lord] have made with thy fathers" (2 Ne. Who knows? Yet for the ancients on up through the late modern era it was of prime concern to many. Astrology, witchcraft, Satanism, Masonry, Universalism, Hinduismit's all there in one package called Mormonism. Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Click to share on Skype (Opens in new window), Biographical Sketches Of Joseph Smith The Prophet And His Progenitors For Many Generations. Evidently, the Church thinks enough of this tradition that they continue to insist that declaration of lineage is the most essential part of the blessing. This doctrine of adoption was understood by ancient prophets and apostles (e.g., Rom. An essential part of a patriarchal blessing is a declaration of lineage. This was well illustrated in my fathers patriarchal blessing. Gramps I have a grandson and it stated in his blessing he was of the Tribe of Juda. Those who are not literal descendants are adopted into the family of Abraham when they receive baptism and confirmation (see Law of Adoption). On 4/4/2016 at 11:44 AM, Edspringer said: Curiously, I once came across someone who is from the tribe of Joseph, according to his patriarchal blessing. Like many blessings, they must be requested by the person or by the family of the one desiring the blessing. He knows our capabilities and our potential. Personally while I cant make sense o fit Im more than willing to continue it. While the primary responsibilities of Ephraim are to spread the gospel, the primary responsibilities of Judah are to maintain and keep the records. Mine is really me. Why does Mormonism have so many false doctrines about our galaxy and the Lord? It is to play an important part in convincing Lamanites, Jews, and Gentiles that Jesus is the messiah and that God does remember his covenant people (see Book of Mormon: Title Page From Book of Mormon). I find it interesting and perhaps very relevant that the Kingdom of Israel was often simply referred to as Joseph or Ephraim, being the predominant tribe. James Russell Uhl. My own blessing is short and is limited to perhaps three quarters of one page on one side, yet it has been completely adequate and perfect for me. I received my blessing at sixteen. What are the blessings of the tribe of Ephraim? On the main topic (what does lineage mean in a world where everyone is family), I do wonder about the social impact of promulgating the idea, for example, that technically were all Jewish. I image that concept would be meant with some objection in certain quarters, which begs the question, why, if were all Abrahams seed and (probablisticly) kids of Judah and some harlot (I want to say Tamar?)? My most famous Mormon ancestor was Thomas Grover, who was my great, great, great grandfather (on my mothers side). As for the roles each tribe plays, Genesis 49 is the authoritative source, with additional insights on Ephraim, Manassah, and Levi in the D&C (Sec 13, 110, and 133, primarily). Patriarchal blessings include a declaration of a person's lineage in the house of Israel and contain personal counsel from the Lord. Each tribe is named after one of the sons of Jacob, and carries with it certain primary duties. Why does Mormonism mimic so many religions? 1978 Prophecy, Book of Moses, Curse of Cain, 2 Nephi 30:6, All are Alike Unto GodWhat is the truth? Exotic folk beliefs aside, most Mormons believe that the Ten Tribes still exist in some identifiable fashion, as seems to be suggested by the opening words of the 10th Article of Faith: We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes. 16:11-12; 3 Ne. I dont know, Aaron, I just wrote that without actually looking at anything. In our time the Lord has said, Thus saith the Lord unto you, with whom the priesthood hath continued through the lineage of your fathers, For ye are lawful heirs, according to the flesh, . Because each of us has many bloodlines running in us, two members of the same family may be declared as being of different tribes in Israel. Heber C. Kimball; "I think no more of taking another wife than I do of buying a cow. Our patriarchal blessing names the predominant bloodline to which each individual will be held accountable, and so it is not uncommon for members of the same family to be declared of different tribal lineages. It is important that we study this promise and its attendant responsibilities so that we can know what is and will be required of us. There are two Comforters spoken of. The prophecy in 1st Nephi tells us theyll belong to the tribe of Nephis father, Lehi. She is now 26. They may be shared with immediate family members, but should not be read aloud in public or read or interpreted by others. In the second half of the 8th century B.C. Ephraim and Judah, specifically, are to be joined and Zion and Jerusalem are to be capitals of the world when the Savior comes to rule and reign. They are often among the most humble and faithful of our brethren. EG- you most definitely should have the opportunity to receive another blessing, as do others in this situation. See this page in the original 1992 publication. Kevin, are Australian aborigines truly an exception to the rule? YMMV, of course. Historical evidence proves Lehi & Nephi didn't exist! I would HATE that calling . Id rather have her blessing (!) It is more powerful in expanding the mind, enlightening the understanding, and storing the intellect with present knowledge, of a man who is of the literal seed of Abraham, than one that is a Gentile, though it may not have half as much visible effect upon the body; for as the Holy Ghost falls upon one of the literal seed of Abraham, it is calm and serene; and his whole soul and body are only exercised by the pure spirit of intelligence; while the effect of the Holy Ghost upon a Gentile, is to purge out the old blood, and make him actually of the seed of Abraham. I have a friend whose father was declared of Judah, his younger brother was declared of Asher and he was declared of Benjamin. A look at the 3 gods of the Mormon godhead. I've only devoted a few Saturday mornings to this scripture study project, but the [.] Those who are not literal descendants are adopted into the family of Abraham when they receive baptism and confirmation (see Law of Adoption ). Will the United States be on the side of Israel in the last war? The 10th Mormon president/prophet of the LDS Church called the cross 'repugnant'! Whether his children directly through bloodline or through adoption, we are heirs to both the blessings and responsibilities of the Abrahamic covenant. No setting apart required. I dont know whether this was a uniform church policy or just local practice, but years ago, my mission president told me that when he was stake president, one of his responsibilities was to briefly read through each patriarchal blessing just to ensure that the patriarch is still pronouncing fresh, unique, inspired blessings and not falling into rote patterns. You would think he would be adopted into our tribe. You can when you receive your patriarchal blessing. It contains counsel, promises, and information from the Lord. Guide to the Scriptures, Evangelist, Israel, Patriarchal Blessings, Patriarch, Patriarchal, Your Patriarchal Blessing: A Liahona of Light, Declaration of Lineage in Patriarchal Blessings, Request a copy of your own or a deceased ancestors patriarchal blessing, ChurchofJesusChrist.org, Whom do I talk to about getting a patriarchal blessing? New Era, July 2010, Your Patriarchal Blessing, Ensign or Liahona, February 2010, RobertK. Wagstaff, When Should I Get My Patriarchal Blessing? New Era, August 2009, About Patriarchal Blessings, New Era, March 2004, DanielH. Ludlow, Of the House of Israel, Ensign or Liahona, January 1991, Teaching Children about Patriarchal Blessings, Ensign, October 1987, DavidA. Edwards, What a Patriarchal Blessing Can Do for You, New Era, May 2013, The Gathering of the House of Israel, Patriarchal Blessings, Lesson Helps for Teaching Children, What is a Patriarchal Blessing, The Latter-day Saints Channel Q&A, episode62, Request a copy of your own or a deceased ancestors patriarchal blessing. Sometimes here at BCC we do requests. The lembda carry confirmed cmh so can they serve as a bishop by right of lineage with no counselors required? The Twelve Tribes according to their inheritance of land in Palestine were as follows: Eventually the northern kingdom ran afoul of the great world power at the time, Assyria. They are very personal but may be shared with close family members. The only name that counts in the temple is the name of Jesus Christ. 11: 1 ). May 30, 2012 | AAAA AskGramps Website, Bible, Blessings, Family Roots | 3 comments. Anyone or anything that disagrees with the LDS Church is considered anti-Mormon. One is the Holy Ghost, the same as given on the day of Pentecost, and that all Saints receive after faith, repentance, and baptism. They like the rituals, and even some of the garb of the priesthood. It definitely used to be viewed as a literally descent from a specific ancestor. No blessings have been alike that weve come across in the stake. It really makes no difference if the blessings of the house of Israel come through the lineage or through the spirit of adoption. 2:10). A patriarchal blessing is a unique and remarkable privilege that can come to the faithful members of the Church having sufficient maturity to understand the nature and the importance of such blessings. 4:27-31;28;29;30; 3 Ne. Evidences and Reconciliations, arr. Mormon lives are busier than most. By their very nature, all blessings are qualified and conditional, regardless of whether the blessing specifically spells out the qualification or not. While the primary responsibilities of Ephraim are to spread the gospel, the primary responsibilities of Judah are to maintain and keep the records. These blessings include access to the Book of Mormon, which stands as another testament of Jesus Christ. Most of us will be named as members of the tribe of Ephraim, as it is the primary responsibility of this tribe to spread the word of God through missionary work and service that it might be heard by all people throughout the earth. The patriarchal blessings of most Latter-day Saints indicate that they are literal, blood descendants of Abraham and of Israel. Mormon Salvation vs. Biblical Salvation. one child may be declared to be from the tribe of Ephraim and another of the same family from Manasseh or one of the other tribes. More than 1/2 the witnesses denounced their testimonies! I dont like the fact that patriarchal blessings (which I consider to be very personal) are being read by SPs without permission. Well, if Jesus had descendants that survive to today, then that would have been a true belief, but it also would have been utterly meaningless, as we would all be descendants of Jesus. G. Homer Durham (1960), 75. With meetings, temple attendance, food storage, the strive to be perfect - it's overwhelming and far from having peace in knowing Christ. 45 For through that country there was a great way to go, namely, of a year and a half: and the same region is called Arsareth. Should we trust someone who's involved with these things? The Twelve Tribes according to their inheritance of land in Palestine were as follows: Reuben Simeon Judah Issachar Zebulun Dan Naphtali Gad Asher Benjamin Ephraim (son of Joseph) Manasseh (son of Joseph) Levi (no territorial allotment, except a number of cities located within the territories of the other tribes)