Kara Sears
Obedience is the first law of heaven is a quote that has been attributed to multiple sources, including Bruce R. McConkie, who wrote in his book Mormon Doctrine, and Boyd K. Packer, a mission president. The quote suggests that obedience to divine law and the will of God is paramount, and it has been a topic of discussion and interpretation in religious circles, particularly among Latter-day Saints and in relation to Christ's teachings. The concept of obedience as a form of love and protection is explored, along with the idea that it should be voluntary rather than forced.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Author | Bruce R. McConkie |
| Book | Mormon Doctrine |
| Page Number | 539 |
| Quote | Obedience is the first law of heaven, the cornerstone upon which all righteousness and progression rest. It consists in compliance with divine law, in conformity to the mind and will of Deity, in complete subjection to God and his commands |
| Quote by President Gordon B. Hinckley | I believe that if we will walk in obedience to the commandments of God, … he will open a way even where there appears to be no way |
| Quote by President Boyd K. Packer | By following the rules, you will never make a serious mistake … either while you are on your mission or thereafter without being warned. You will never take the wrong road, you will never go around the wrong bend, or make the wrong decision without your having been warned. That pattern is the pattern of the Latter-day Saint. You were confirmed a member of the Church, and you had conferred upon you the gift of the Holy Ghost to be a guide and a companion to you |
| Quote by Joseph F. Smith | Obedience must be voluntary; it must not be forced; there must be no coercion. Men must not be constrained against their will to obey the will of God; they must obey it because they know it to be right, because they desire to do it, and because it is their pleasure to do it. God delights in the willing heart |
| Quote by Brigham Young | God demands strict obedience to his requirements. But in rendering that strict obedience, are we made slaves? No, it is the only way on the face of the earth for you and me to become free, and we shall become slaves of our own passions, and of the wicked one, and servants to the Devil, if we take any other course |
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What You'll Learn
- The quote is attributed to Bruce R. McConkie in his book Mormon Doctrine
- The quote refers to obedience to God and his divine law, not to human leaders
- Obedience as a path to freedom and protection from evil
- The importance of understanding the rationale behind rules and commandments, rather than blind obedience
- The role of obedience in progressing towards righteousness and heaven
The quote is attributed to Bruce R. McConkie in his book Mormon Doctrine
The quote "Obedience is the first law of heaven" is attributed to Bruce R. McConkie, an influential figure within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon Church. The full quote, as written in his book "Mormon Doctrine" (1958), is:
> "Obedience is the first law of heaven, the cornerstone upon which all righteousness and progression rest. It consists in compliance with divine law, in conformity to the mind and will of Deity, in complete subjection to God and his commands."
McConkie's statement underscores the importance of obedience in the Mormon faith. By drawing a parallel between Newton's first law of motion and heavenly actions, he suggests that every action in heaven aligns with God's commands. This interpretation of the quote implies that obedience to God's commandments is a fundamental principle in achieving righteousness and progression within the Mormon belief system.
However, the quote has been the subject of debate and interpretation within the Mormon community. Some view obedience as a crucial aspect of their relationship with God, while others question the idea of obedience as a "law" itself. Additionally, there are concerns about the quote being taken out of context, as some leaders are accused of using it to justify imposing their will on others.
Despite the varying interpretations and criticisms, the quote remains influential within Mormon doctrine and continues to shape discussions and reflections on the nature of obedience within the faith.
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The quote refers to obedience to God and his divine law, not to human leaders
The quote, "Obedience is the first law of heaven", is often attributed to Bruce R. McConkie, who wrote in his book "Mormon Doctrine":
> Obedience is the first law of heaven, the cornerstone upon which all righteousness and progression rest. It consists in compliance with divine law, in conformity to the mind and will of Deity, in complete subjection to God and his commands.
This interpretation aligns with the belief that the quote refers to obedience to God and his divine law, not to human leaders. McConkie's statement emphasizes the importance of submitting to God's commands and will, suggesting that obedience is the foundation for righteousness and spiritual growth.
Some people interpret the quote as a call to obey human leaders or religious authorities without question. However, this interpretation has been disputed. For instance, in a Reddit discussion, users expressed discomfort with taking the quote out of context, suggesting that it could be used to justify imposing leaders' will on others.
It is important to note that the concept of obedience in the quote is not about blind or forced compliance. Instead, it emphasizes voluntary obedience that arises from a place of love, trust, and humility towards God. This interpretation aligns with the teachings of Jesus Christ, who said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15), indicating that obedience is an expression of love and devotion to God.
Additionally, the scriptures provide examples of obedience to God's commandments, such as the story of Lehi in the Book of Mormon, where he obeys God's command to leave Jerusalem (1 Nephi 2:4). This act of obedience sets the stage for the blessings that come to the obedient and the challenges that arise from disobedience.
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Obedience as a path to freedom and protection from evil
Obedience is the first law of heaven, and it is the cornerstone upon which all righteousness and progression rest. It consists of compliance with divine law and conformity to the mind and will of God. Obedience leads to true freedom, as we become liberated from social diseases, shame, degradation, and feelings of guilt.
In the beginning, God gave Adam and Eve freedom, but also the commandment not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. According to Saint John Chrysostom, the knowledge of good was obedience, and the knowledge of evil was disobedience. If Adam and Eve had obeyed, they would have achieved union with God and become immortal. Instead, their disobedience led to exile from God and a loss of the opportunity to partake in the higher gifts of God.
Like Adam and Eve, we too can learn obedience, even as Christ did. Jesus Christ, the new Adam, rectified the disobedience of the first Adam through His perfect submission to the will of God. Through obedience, we can become celestial beings worthy to live in God's presence and receive His protection and provision.
Obedience can be difficult, but it is important to remember that it is a path to freedom and protection from evil. As children of God, we are expected to obey, and in doing so, we align ourselves with His will and path. This alignment brings protection and allows us to do all that God asks of us. Obedience to God's will keeps us in alignment with His Kingdom's purpose, and it protects not only us but also those around us.
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The importance of understanding the rationale behind rules and commandments, rather than blind obedience
The phrase "obedience is the first law of heaven" is attributed to Bruce R. McConkie, who wrote in his book "Mormon Doctrine" that:
> Obedience is the first law of heaven, the cornerstone upon which all righteousness and progression rest. It consists in compliance with divine law, in conformity to the mind and will of Deity, in complete subjection to God and his commands.
This quote highlights the importance of obedience in achieving righteousness and progression, suggesting that following divine laws and submitting to God's commands are essential for spiritual growth. However, it's important to understand the context and rationale behind such rules and commandments rather than blindly obeying them.
Blind obedience can lead to adverse effects and grant power to abusive authorities. It can suppress critical thinking and independent decision-making abilities, making individuals vulnerable to manipulation and control. For instance, in the digital age, constant surveillance and easy access to information can lead to obedience driven by fear of authority rather than genuine respect or understanding. Additionally, blindly following advice or information without verification, such as health advice on social media, can have harmful consequences.
On the other hand, understanding the rationale behind rules and commandments fosters a deeper sense of respect and commitment. It encourages individuals to act out of conviction rather than coercion. By comprehending the reasons behind rules, individuals can internalize values and make informed choices, even when no authority figure is present. This promotes personal growth, ethical decision-making, and a sense of ownership over one's actions.
Furthermore, questioning and critically examining rules can lead to positive change and social progress. It allows for the identification and challenge of unjust or outdated regulations, encouraging the development of more equitable and effective systems. This process of inquiry and reflection is essential for personal autonomy and the advancement of society as a whole.
In conclusion, while obedience can bring order and security, it is crucial to strike a balance between following rules and maintaining individual agency. Understanding the rationale behind rules and commandments empowers individuals to make informed choices, fosters critical thinking, and promotes positive social change. Rather than blind obedience, a thoughtful and reflective approach to following rules is more beneficial for personal growth and societal advancement.
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The role of obedience in progressing towards righteousness and heaven
The notion that "obedience is the first law of heaven" is often attributed to Bruce R. McConkie, who wrote in his book "Mormon Doctrine":
> Obedience is the first law of heaven, the cornerstone upon which all righteousness and progression rest. It consists in compliance with divine law, in conformity to the mind and will of Deity, in complete subjection to God and his commands.
This statement underscores the importance of obedience in progressing towards righteousness and heaven. It suggests that obedience is the foundation upon which righteous actions and spiritual growth are built. By obeying divine laws and aligning our actions with God's commands, we progress towards righteousness and move closer to heaven.
Obedience to God's commandments is seen as an expression of our love for Him. In the Bible, Jesus Christ sets the example for obedience by fulfilling God's will. Christians are called to follow Christ's example and obey God's commandments, demonstrating their love and commitment to God. This obedience should not be forced but should be voluntary, stemming from a genuine desire to follow God's will.
However, it is important to note that obedience should not be reduced to mere rule-following or legalism. Jesus himself taught that righteousness goes beyond rule-following and extends to matters of justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Paul, in his letters, emphasizes that true obedience is not about earning salvation or righteousness but about conforming to the image of Christ and doing good works out of love and gratitude for God's grace.
Furthermore, obedience should be understood in the context of God's character and nature. Sin is defined as transgression of God's law, and by obeying His commandments, we align ourselves with His character and separate ourselves from sin. This obedience leads to righteousness and brings us closer to God and heaven. Ultimately, our obedience should be motivated by love, humility, and a desire to please God, rather than mere rule-following or legalistic adherence to commandments.
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Frequently asked questions
Bruce R. McConkie, in his book "Mormon Doctrine".
The full quote is: "Obedience is the first law of heaven, the cornerstone upon which all righteousness and progression rest. It consists in compliance with divine law, in conformity to the mind and will of Deity, in complete subjection to God and his commands." McConkie is saying that obedience to God's commandments is the cornerstone of righteousness and progression.
Some have criticised the statement as being recursive and silly, arguing that obedience is a principle rather than a law. Others have pointed out that the quote is often taken out of context and used to justify imposing one's will on others.
There are several quotes from religious figures and scriptures that relate to the topic of obedience. For example, President Gordon B. Hinckley said, "I believe that if we will walk in obedience to the commandments of God, … he will open a way even where there appears to be no way." Additionally, in the Book of Mormon, the Lord commands the prophet Lehi to leave Jerusalem, demonstrating the importance of obedience to God's commandments.
