Now we encounter comments that everyone seems to use about this priesthood. It is "without beginning of days or end of years." It is "from the foundation of the world."
- It is "prepared from eternity to eternity."
- When did eternity end and mortality begin?
- When does mortality end and eternity begin again?
- What does the phrase "from eternity to eternity" really refer to?
- Do we pass "from eternity" then back "to eternity" as part of this mortal experience?
- What went on before, back in the first "eternity?" We read elsewhere of this peaceful existence during "millennial" conditions, which end with rebellion, disputes and a war. Was Satan loosed in an earlier eternity after some season of peace to stir the hearts of men to anger one with another? (See Rev. 20: 7-9.) Was he cast out to hell, or the Telestial Kingdom, where we presently reside? What went on? How often would the Lord have gathered us as a hen gathers her chicks, but we would not be gathered? (I suppose His asking and the lack of an answer implies a great number.)
- What is it about what went on before, in the earlier "eternity," that allows God to possess His perfect "foreknowledge of all things" now?
- What is this strange doctrine and the implications which flow from them? Was Joseph Smith trying to tell us this in the later Nauvoo talks? (Maybe we should read them again...)
- How is one to take it all in? How is the priesthood tied to this prior eternity? Why do we get side-tracked into the subject of "from eternity to eternity" when we learn about this endless priesthood which is without beginning of days or end of years?
- What is really going on? How can we learn of the truth? Is there no prophet who can declare it to us?
The suspense is killing me. I'm hoping to get answers. I'm hoping you want them too. I'm confident if you ask the Lord, He will answer you. He intends to pour out knowledge upon the heads of the Saints. If we will stop making others accountable for what we learn, and go to Him to receive what He offers, by the power of the Holy Ghost you may know the truth of all things. I read that somewhere... But the words are mine, now.