President Brubaker's Weekly Letter

Today is “Queen’s Day” in the Netherlands

Today is the celebrated birthday of the queen. When she ascended to the throne Beatrix (whose birthday is in the winter) chose to have the annual celebration continue on her mother’s birthday. For this public holiday, you will notice many things change color to orange. The current queen, Beatrix, is the daughter of Queen Juliana. They are direct descendants of William of Orange and the royal family is often called the house of Orange. Thus we see so much changing of colors this week as a tribute to the house of “Orange”.

Though royalty in the Netherlands wields no meaningful political power, they are generally well respected as a symbol of the country’s heritage. The queen’s children and other members of the royal family are taught to be gracious and act with poise as they serve in various ceremonial capacities.

As children of The Heavenly King, we are also endowed with a royal heritage. In 1st Peter we read…

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light. 1 Peter 2: 9 

The scriptures disclose an important aspect of early Christianity; the doctrine that man can become like God. It is curious to me that many “Christians” like to say that Mormons are not really Christians. One of our beliefs that critics use to substantiate this claim is that we believe that we can progress and eventually become “like God”.

We are promised that we can receive "the fullness of God" through the grace of Christ (Ephesians 3:19).

Christ said that we can become one with Him, as He is one with the Father (John 17:20-23).

Paul said that Christians can become "joint heirs with Christ" and be glorified with Him (Romans 8:14-18).

He challenged us to pursue the example of Christ "who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God" (Philippians 2:5,6).

Peter said that through Christ, we can "put on the divine nature" and receive great and precious promises (2 Peter 1:3-4).

Those who follow Christ can become "like Him" (1 John 3:2), and can "inherit all things" (Rev. 21:7),

and can be kings and priests before God (Rev. 1:6),

sitting with Christ in His throne (Rev. 3:21).

A few years ago Sister Brubaker and I had the opportunity to visit Ravenna, Italy where we visited some very early Christian Churches. There we saw some interesting art and architecture. One of the most impressive of these was a set of murals made of small mosaic tiles. There were two mosaic murals, one on each side of the chapel. Above the windows, along the balconies, from the back to the front of the church were murals depicting men on the right and women on the left side of the room, standing in line, wearing interesting robes and holding crowns in their hands. Though the story line is that this represents the Emperor Justinian and his court, to me it appears as though they are advancing forward wearing priestly robes holding crowns with which to have The Father crown them “Kings and Queens”. This is just my opinion. These murals date from the 400’s AD.

 

Another mural in the church adds credence to the feeling that these murals represent holy ordinances. Note the hand extending out from behind “curtain”.

A stronger case that man can become “as God” comes from an Old Testament scripture that is later followed by a New Testament reference by the Savior. To those who follow Christ and receive His grace and power, great promises are extended. A particularly interesting example is found in Psalm 82:6

"Ye are gods; and all of you children of the Most High."

This is really something! The Bible is telling us that we are Gods. So is this a new and “non-Christian” philosophy? Christ repeated that scripture in John 10:34-36 to defend Himself against charges of blasphemy:

“Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?

If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?”

As we obtain the blessing of priesthoods and magnify our callings, we become co-inheritors of all that God has. (See D&C 84:33-38)

So as you celebrate Queen’s Day just remember that you, too, are royalty. Act with grace and propriety, the people are watching you; and they too have a divine heritage.

Have a wonderful day and week,

We love you,

 President Brubaker