David A. Bednar wrote:My dear sister, Harmony (I love that name!),
You asked:Where is Elder Bednar when we need him? I have a question. I'd like him to explain the 2nd Annointing.
Well, I will do my best to explain the second annointing for you.
The second annointing is an ordinance, performed only in the temple, any temple, by one designated by the Prophet to perform such ordinances.
When the Prophet receives revelation to do so, he will make it known to his faithful servants, always a husband and wife, to meet with him or one of his designates in the temple. This will be done by letter to that couple inviting them to meet the temple on a certain date at a certain time.
These couples have proved to the Lord, through their faithfulness in always paying a full-tithe (or more) and keeping every other commandment. Meeting with your friends to play your weekly bridge game will not keep you from receiving this letter.
The Prophet's chosen designate will ordain this couple and seal them up to come forth in the first resurrection, to be kings and queens in the Holy Quorum. Indeed, many are called, but few are chosen. Only a hand-picked few are ever blessed enough to receive this ordinance. New robes are given to these couples which they are to be dressed in for their funerals for when they pass from this earth they are known as the chosen faithful by these robes.
There is no reason to read one's patriarchal blessing ever again after this event because the ordinance supercedes all blessings and promises and seals them upon them. From this point on, unless one commits blasphemy against the Holy Ghost, no sins which they might commit will prevent them from entering the celestial kingdom.
The ordinance has at times been suspended and many have passed to the other side without a sure witness of the Lord's approval of their lives here on this earth.
Also, when one receives this ordinance, it is not the case, not the case, that one is guaranteed to see the Savior during their time on this earth. But, they will surely see His face, when they pass through the vail. It is up to the Lord when he chooses to visit these specially annointed servants.
All General Authorities have received this annointing.
Those who have received this annointing stand as special witnesses of "the name of Christ." Make no mistake here. Not special witnesses of Christ, but, rather, special witnesses of the name of Christ, as is written in the Church Handbook of Instructions. This is an important distinction and a recent change in the "doctrine" which few if any have noticed. It is a crucial distinction which must be understood.
Last, but not least, those who receive this annointing are told not to tell anyone else about this annointing (although most tell their children and grandchildren.) We are not happy about that, but what can we do. It is not such a great sin, which those who are annointed surely know. It must be a great blessing to these children and grandchildren to know that such an annointing is within reach of any worthy saint, although it certainly helps to know someone in the Quorum of the 15 or to be a descendant of the quorum of the 50, instituted in Nauvoo.
What more can I tell you? It is deep stuff, yeah, even one of the mysteries of the Kingdom.
As always your brother in harness and blinders, even Elder David A. Bednar, one of the 15 of the quorum of the 12.
My Dear Brother Bednar,
It saddens me to chastise you in a public forum such as this, but you have ignored my emails, and when I stopped by your office your secretary told me you were out sick today. by the way, it appears your secretary has ignored the commandment in the word of wisdom to eat meat sparingly. I feel sorry for her poor chair. You may politely suggest she use her lunch break to go for a jog rather than stuffing her pie hole with Big Macs. Be careful not to offend her, because although it is true that she is fat and ugly, it is not necessarily helpful for her to know this fact. Simply offer suggestions without necessarily telling her the truth, you know - milk before meat.
Now to more important issues. NEVER EVER DISCUSS THE SECOND ANOINTING. This is the type of behavior that can get you kicked out of the quorum of the twelve. I expect a written apology on my desk by end of business today. You will also be required to write "I will not discuss the second anointing on the internet." 100 times on my white board.
Second. As you know, General Conference is this weekend and as a General Authority you should be too busy to be goofing off on the computer. I read the rough draft of your talk, and to be quite honest, it stunk. I've seen better talks in my great-grandson's primary sharing time. I'd rather hear a child give a memorized testimony than listen to the vomit you puked up and called a talk. Here are some suggestions: Shamelessly kiss up to your superiors. If you want to get a pat on the back from Gordon when General Conference is over, talk about what a great Prophet he is. Don't call him the greatest ever, that's too much. Call him the second best after Joseph Smith. Spend a lot of time talking about the evils of teased hair, earrings, tattoos, and flip flops. Browse the newspapers for some current events that you can complain about. See what R-rated movie is popular right now, than command the members not to see it. Use this to segue into the evils of pornography. Tithing and member missionary work are always big hits. Emphasise the dress code. Members eat that stuff up because it is easy to spot the slackers from the righteous just by looking at their clothes.Polish it up and have it on my desk by Thursday. Good luck brother.
Finally, I need you to pick up my dry cleaning this week. I espect to have my pressed suits hanging in my office closet by end of business Friday.
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Sincerely,
Boyd K. Packer