So now, let’s look at the concept of God’s time versus ours.
We learn also in Psalms, “For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.” (Psalm 90:4)
Joseph Smith taught us from what he had learned in his lessons from on high, that we only live away from our Father for about two hours (if we live to be 80+ years of age). Do the math — it is fascinating. I like to think of it as a long lunchtime that we are parted from Him. So little eternal time, but so pregnant with possibility and importance.
Maybe these words will take on new meaning in this light:
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth? I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it. He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end. I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-12)
“A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the Lord will hasten it in his time.” (Isaiah 60:22)
“And the Lord said unto me, by the Urim and Thummim, that Kolob was after the manner of the Lord, according to its times and seasons in the revolutions thereof; that one revolution was a day unto the Lord, after his manner of reckoning, it being one thousand years according to the time appointed unto that whereon thou standest. This is the reckoning of the Lord’s time, according to the reckoning of Kolob.” (Abraham 3:4)
“And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end: because it is yet for a time appointed.” (Daniel 11:35)
“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. 5 ¶ Then I Daniel looked, and, behold, there stood other two, the one on this side of the bank of the river, and the other on that side of the bank of the river. 6 And one said to the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders? 7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.” (Daniel 12:4-7)
“And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?” (Matthew 8:29)
“That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him” (Ephesians 1:10)
“And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation” (Acts 17:26)
“But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day” (2 Peter 3:8)
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations” (1 Peter 1:3-6)
“And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer” (Revelation 10:6)
“Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” (Revelation 12:12-13)
“And the days of the children of men were prolonged, according to the will of God, that they might repent while in the flesh; wherefore, their state became a state of probation, and their time was lengthened, according to the commandments which the Lord God gave unto the children of men. For he gave commandment that all men must repent; for he showed unto all men that they were lost, because of the transgression of their parents. 2 Nephi 2:21
8 Now whether there is more than one time appointed for men to rise it mattereth not; for all do not die at once, and this mattereth not; all is as one day with God, and time only is measured unto men.” (Alma 40:8)
“The Lord hath redeemed his people; And Satan is bound and time is no longer. The Lord hath gathered all things in one. The Lord hath brought down Zion from above. The Lord hath brought up Zion from beneath.” (D&C 84:100)
“And also that God hath set his hand and seal to change the times and seasons, and to blind their minds, that they may not understand his marvelous workings; that he may prove them also and take them in their own craftiness” (D&C 121:12)
“But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it; for in the time that thou eatest thereof, thou shalt surely die. Now I, Abraham, saw that it was after the Lord’s time, which was after the time of Kolob; for as yet the Gods had not appointed unto Adam his reckoning.” (Abraham 5:13-14)
“Fig. 1. Kolob, signifying the first creation, nearest to the celestial, or the residence of God. First in government, the last pertaining to the measurement of time. The measurement according to celestial time, which celestial time signifies one day to a cubit.
One day in Kolob is equal to a thousand years according to the measurement of this earth, which is called by the Egyptians Jah-oh-eh Abraham” (Facsimile No. 2)
Which act are we in?
The first, the second or the third — where are we positioned in these acts?
I am so grateful for a loving Savior and Father in Heaven. They have situated us all in this time, forgetting the Times and Seasons we have lived before and will continue to live in as we go forth in faith and knowledge, pressing forward until we can learn all that He has to teach us. We will learn it all in HIS Time and by His Will. Time is so relative to where we are in our process of the plan of salvation. The time we now live in will transition to the Time of the Lord. Glory be to the Father and the Son.
UnBlogmysoul 
I am grateful for your VofG book and insights you have shared. Thank you Spencer! As I have read it twice now I seem to feel the whole time period from the 1st earthquake (matches Revelations 6: 12-17) which is the end of our 6th Seal time period (D&C 77: 7) and the 2nd earthquake (matches Rev. 8: 5) which is the opening of the 7th Seal time period. After the 7th Seal opens I hope the whole time period is no longer than 7 years before the Lord comes… I am ready right now but I know I must be patient…I long for His return as I am sure the earth does too!
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I’m so sorry. I must be asking the wrong questions….I could be missing the reply, but they seem to get passed over. I’m not sure if I’m asking the wrong kind of question. I will try to comment once in a while….sorry.
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I am very grateful for the continued thoughts and comments on The Unblog and look forward to every new posting. Throughout my life I have had many opportunities to think about the principles being discussed here. These are fascinating principles and yet I have found, that for me personally, I receive the greatest benefit from disciplining my thoughts to the present moment. I have come to embrace the truth,that here in Act II, it is only in each present moment that we have the power to exercise God’s greatest gift, that of our divine agency, and strive to align our will with His and make our choices accordingly. This endeavor is one that I find takes constant practice and is hard for me. Some time ago I chose to make this desire of my heart a matter of prayer and asked the question as to how Heavenly Father would like me to practice living in the present moment. It was not long after this prayer that the inspired thought occurred to me that I could use “time” itself to serve as a reminder. I began to take notice of time multiples, 1:11; 2:22; 3:33; 10:10 etc. As that took care of an opportunity for me to be reminded of present time for all but four of the hours in the day I chose to add 6:16; 7:17; 8:18; and 9;19 to my “watch list.” As soon as I made the choice to use this system as a reminder it became apparent how much work I had to do. I would find my attention drawn to these “multiple times” many hours in each day. (It was amazing how many times a day I looked at time.) I began calling them my “Zion Times” and no matter what I was doing;;; at the moment of my attention being drawn to one of my “personal sacred times” …I would take my thoughts in prayer to my Creator. First in Gratitude and love for His tender mercies in my life and second for a continued desire to know His will for me and find the strength to carry it out. Often times I find myself drawn out in a longer continual “thought prayer” concerning whatever is on my mind. This kind of communication always results in feelings of deep joy and gratitude for me. It has been quite some time now (many months) that I have been using my little “time trick” and I do not believe that a single day has gone by without multiple “timely” reminders of God’s love for me and His attention to the details of my life. I know that all time is present before Him and I marvel as He uses “time” in each of my days to serve as a reminder to me of my Divine Potential and His perfect “Minutely” orchestrated plan for my happiness! 🙂
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Thank You Dear Brother Spencer. We continue to learn and marvel from your wonderful words and insights. We are so grateful you continue to uplift us and share your thoughts on the UnBlog.
With Appreciation,
Sister Regina and Family
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Dear Spencer:
More questions!
1. Are you aware of the current location of where the cave people are today? Maybe you could simply answer yes or no without giving too much away.
2. Tribulation: What is the sequence of the following (1st, 2nd, 3rd): the biological attack on the east coast, the 1st earthquake in SLC, and the atomic weapon in northern Utah?
3. You mentioned in VoG traveling with a lady, ( also her son & husband), which you knew as a young woman. With a little math, would it be possible to assume her age as a young woman/year, and then guestimate her age in your vision to approximate a year when all this is happening?
Thank you for your patience, sense of humor, and desire to communicate with us about your experiences!
Sincerely,
Mary Jane
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Mary Jane. Your questions made me laugh! I know that many of us are DYING to ask Spencer questions but afraid that we are overstepping our bounds. He has already given us SO much more than we ever knew, (I guess I can only speak for myself but I have read dozens of books on the subject of the last days) but how can we not want MORE!? Anyway, thanks for asking. I, for one will be anxious to hear his reply but I would add to your “2.” question…..The Finantial Collapse and 1st Plauge.
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Mary Jane, I am aware of the location but the earth has not gone through that which needs to come to pass so that we could travel there at this time unobstructed. we will have to wait for the earth to make the changes and for the Lord to direct His work in this direction. 2. you have the correct order of these events at least as I beheld them. 3. can not comment any further regarding this last question, it would be inappropriate.
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Spencer, in Visions of Glory you talk about working extensively in the temples in Zion. I am very involved doing family history work, both helping others find their ancestors and also working on my own family’s ancestry. After reading about portals, I find myself wondering if there is another, easier and more accurate way to do genealogy research in Zion. I know the Spirit is very upon what we are presently doing, so there is value in all the effort many are making now. However, did you learn of other, more accurate ways to find our ancestors in Zion? Who were you doing all the temple work for – our ancestors, similar to what we are doing now? Thank you for your willingness to share your insights!
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Mary, Imagine having your ancestors stand beside you and open unto you through the stone or portal or your own clear stone all the generations which have ever existed upon the earth. Imagine then these individuals awaiting their turn to go through the gates of the temple to receive that which they have desired for thousands of years. Imagine all the tribes and peoples who have populated this earth wanting to enter in and receive all that the Father has for them to progress and receive. That is the work that lies before us. The temples are always open then, night and day and people await their given time to enter in and partake. It is a glorious time and an even more glorious work. To behold it takes your breath away and the joy that fills your heart is more than your chest can hold. Most of the work at this time seemed to be initially for the living in all the different conditions the living were established under. Then it turned to all these kindred death from all the generations of man and women upon the earth.
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Spencer, thank you for answering my question about temple work in Zion. I did suspect that the missing pieces concerning ancestors could and would be supplied by using a clear stone or portal. Your excitement and joy is contagious! Your answer allows me to continue doing research with a sense of peace in spite of the fact that some records are just not available. I have a personal witness that the work we are doing now is setting people free beyond the veil so that they can join in the great missionary and preparation efforts that are going on in the Spirit World as we move forward towards the establishment of Zion and the coming of our Lord. In due time, we will seal all the unnamed babies to their parents, and all the women whose maiden names and parents are not named in records will have their lineage completed in the ordinances of the temple. Thank you so much for all the sharing you are willing to do! It is very inspiring!
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Was reading in D&C 88 today and found it interesting that The Lord makes special mention of this doctrine around vs. 42 and discusses in detail – even going so far as giving parables to help those in the Church of the Firstborn better understand this important principle. I believe it is very important to understand it if we are to be members of that group and receive the Comforter associated with it.
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Hi Spencer,
I’ve really been wanting to ask you a few questions… for curiosity and further understandings sake ; – )
1. The new image of the Savior on lds.org is very nice… but is there one painting that you find looks more like him than any other? If so, which one?
2. Is there no such thing as “privacy” ever? Time showering, using the bathroom, appropriate intimate exchanges with one’s spouse etc.? When you saw “everything” in someone’s history and future… did you see those things? Are evil spirits and angels etc. allowed in the room during righteous private events? I’m pretty sure a lot of people are curious in this same regard… I just may be the guy bold enough to ask ; – )
3. Did the Savior call you by your earthly name, a “new name” or your name from the pre-earth life?
Thanks So Much!
I have now read Visions of Glory twice and have bought and given away or loaned another 10 or 12 copies. The Spirit tells me your words are true and I find them incredibly inspiring!
May God Bless You & Yours,
Bill
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Broth Bill, 1. The best image of the savior for me is the painting that Spencer W. Kimball stated was the best likeness of Him. Imagine Him smiling and not so severe, Also I love the image of him in the painting depicting his speaking with the wealthy young man were he tells him to sell all that he has and give it to the poor.
2. Privacy is had in this world and is a sacred gift, however remember that all things are present before the Lord. He knows our hearts and knows us better than we know ourselves. Too oftern in this life we yoke ourselves with that which gives us a guaranteed outcome,which is not a good yoke. We engage in things and behaviors which are not sanctiond by the spirit nor do they uplift us or bring us to Christ. He says unto us. “Take my yoke upon you for it is easy and my burden is light.” When we yoke ourselves with the Lord he is perfect so the burden of that yoking lifts us and it becomes light unto us. For He knows us perfectly and all He does to and for us works together for our good. It enhances our light and truth. We too often yoke ourselves to that which is imperfect and in so doing it, too often it has the tendency to bury us for a time and we become lost in the burden of that which we have yoked ourself with or that which we have attached ourselves to, both body and spirit. Than or brurden becomes far more hard to bear and we learn not light and truth from this yoking but we learn dependance, hardship and misery from these attachments. We must beware of what we yoke with. For only in him do we find rest to our souls and enhancement in al of our other connections and bonds.
3. He called me by my Christian name. I recall Presendent Marion G. Romey saying, to paraphrase. “I do not know Jesus any differently from when I was a missionary but now I know that He knows my first name.”
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Hi Spencer,
I have been looking for hours but can’t find a reference to the painting of our Savior that President Kimball said was the “best likeness.”
Is it the “Red Robe” painting by Del Parson?
Thanks so Much!
Bill
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Thank You Spencer,
I appreciate your answers… even though I was not anticipating your reference to “yokes” at all as related to “privacy.” I’m still trying to absorb and understand that. I’m ok with that fact that God sees our “nakedness” and knows all things… I just think it would be inappropriate for others to vicariously participate in the private (worthy) activities of a married couple etc.
Having worked in dozens of companies and read many “mission statements,” I have come to realize that our Savior’s “mission statement” “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” should likewise be mine; albeit only to the extent I am empowered to do so and within my limited sphere of influence. I love how VoG so strongly validates that feeling, purpose and understanding within me.
I have many more questions but will save them for another day and will also jot them down real-time, upon my third reading of your book.
May God Bless You and Yours,
Bill
P.S. Do we come to know each other that you are aware of? I’m sure I would have told you about my writing on this blog, my nickname “Bill… Your Brother” and such in a possible future meeting. Just curious ; – )
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Wow! So much here to ponder….. I have decided to work my way through each of these scriptures individually in my personal study. I am certain that there is much more that my Heavenly Father would have me understand about the sweet and merciful blessings He has bestowed upon us in the form of time! Thank you Spencer! I look forward to your next post as well as all the continued posts on the Unblog!
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What a fascinating question of which act are we in? Thank you for the opportunity to muse upon the journey in time we are all taking. How can we walk both in eternity (no beginning or end) and mortal time (everything has a beginning and an end) at that same “time”? Even better how can we march through the scriptural phase from eternity to eternity if one eternity alone is beyond our comprehension? Let me take a stab at it because a stab is about all we can take for today we see through a glass darkly.
I visualize myself currently in Act 2 of at least a three act play. Act 1 was an eternity without a beginning or an end. In Act 1 there was no beginning for I cannot not be. The part of each of us that is true reality is self existent, unique, and timeless. Even as physical matter is self existent and cannot be created or destroyed so am I or so was my spirit. All spirits exist on a gradient from a plant to an animal to a man among men as explained in Abraham 3. God did not create any of it for we and all about us exists on the same principle that God exists. God did not create time, space, truth, us, HImself, or the tree down the street. God organizes and advances but does not ex-nihilo create out of nothing. So Act 1 was our pre existence as we commonly call it. If we and everything else “came about” in the pre existence then there would have to be a pre existence before the pre existence. So Act 1 was an eternity for it never began and it is still going on. When God came upon our self existent spirits we each made a conscious choice to move in relation to Him and follow Him and we were begotten unto Him. All forms of life were similarly begotten not birthed as we were on earth. We left neutral ground and time for our timeless spirits began as we moved in relation to God who gave to each of us a measure of creation to exercise our self existent agency unto. We can never return to neutral ground again and to do so exists in the uncomfortable realm of existentialism. In Visions of Glory, Spencer took us on a journey into Act 1 or that pre mortal existence. I do not believe I have ever seen an explanation whether metaphorical or not on the pre mortal life as touching as was given to us.
Now comes Act 2 or mortality. We are still the same as emphasized in Visions of Glory as we were in Act 1 yet we have merely taken another form called mortality. Fortunately we have forgotten Act 1 or we would long for it and would not be able to function in Act 2. Mortals can look forward into living forever after this mortality but when they look backwards into eternity they get confused and uncomfortable because we are mortally trained that everything has a beginning and an end when in reality that is far from the truth for we never really began. Mortality we understand because we live it. Act 2 is merely sandwiched in between the eternity of Act 1 and the eternity of Act 3 thus the scriptural phase from eternity to eternity is not contradictory but revealing.
We look forward to Act 3 as a release from the vicissitudes of Act 2 to reunite with Act 1 making an eternal round of God. A round has no beginning or end and we live in the round though we hardly comprehend it. Spencer took us through Act 1, 2, and 3. Though he naturally and understandably spends most of the book on Act 2 we get glimpses into Act 1 and Act 3. That is called faith and is our test as well as our reward. In Act 2 we seek to make God’s divine calling and election or positioning from Act 1 a mortal surety. That is part of the journey to Zion that we are each taking. Throughout the acts we have experienced, are now experiencing, and will experience we through the grace of God choose our position. Our works only make us eligible for God’s grace and mercy for He is the Master Zion Builder. We make the journey but He carries us. That is our position in Act 1,2,and 3. Thank You.
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Great reply Tom. Thanks and thank you Spencer for taking time to make posts. I love it all.
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Thanks Tom. Very interesting. I wish I had a better understanding of it, (time, eternity, act 1, 2, and 3 as a circle and continuim) but alas, that darn veil is ever blocking my view! So, we are in Act 2 but the play is bringing me down. I’m restless and anxious to get to Act 3 cause I’ve heard it’s fantastic! I feel like shouting, “Can anyone tell me when Act 2 is going to be over? I really want to go home!” 🙂
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Or is it possible that time is the same on Kolob as it is here but 1 rotation of the sun for Kolob takes 1000 years for our earth, but is only 1 day to Kolob since its only 1 rotation?
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