A discussion among Latter-day Saints about the 2nd Comforter
Conference talks and other experiences about Making Your Calling and Election Sure & 2nd Comforter
Joseph Smith, Bruce R. McConkie, Marion G. Romney, John Taylor on Calling and Election Sure
----
The Second Comforter—Anonymous (8/11/11)
My mom would always say, "so many in the church experience the gospel in black and white when they could be having it in technicolor." What she meant by that is that there are dreams, visions, visitations and even seeing the Savior for ourselves that is available to us.
My mom has passed away, but she was able to see the Savior and gained a witness for herself. She was commanded by the Lord to share this experience with her children when they were prepared to receive it. She shared this with me in a letter I received on my mission.
I knew many of her strengths and weaknesses. Knowing that she was able to obtain this crowning event gave me hope that I might too venture and obtain the gift.
[Retrieved 5/14/12 from http://unblogmysoul.wordpress.com/2011/08/11/aiming-higher/#comment-1257. See comment by "Adam, Lindon, Utah," made August 11, 2011 at 2:35am.]
-----
The Second Comforter—Anonymous (2/13/12)
As a witness, like unto Denver [Snuffer], I've had decades of interaction with beings from the "other side"; through the medium of dreams, visions, visitations, ect. In like manner I have been rejected as a valid voice, even when I've just indirectly hinted to a few people that I've had significant spiritual exposure. Contrary to Denver, I choose to remain anonymous, rather then "come out", because I've received no instructions to do so; only my immediate family members are privy to the details.
Jesus is this amazing person, who patiently awaits each for of us to reach out for Him with all our Hearts. All He needs is just a thought from us and He cannot be restrained; He has to come, This is His greatest desire. He can be here, in an instant; and He will turn your world view completely around, to His Father's view. I witness that this is worth it, it isn't easy, but worth it.
[Retrieved 5/14/12 from http://mormonstories.org/321-322-denver-snuffer-a-progressive-fundamentalist-non-polygamist-mormon-who-claims-to-have-seen-christ/. See comment by "Anon" on February 13, 2012 at 10:22pm.]
---
The Second Comforter—Anonymous (9/21/10)
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the sojourn of being introduced to the restoration gospel, learning the precepts, receiving the ordinances, undertaking both works and faith, and making our way towards the tree of life, is that at some point along the journey (if we are indeed truly moving forward and not just relaxing in a convenient meadow) we make the astonishing discovery that it is not a group effort which will save us. The "church" will NEVER save anyone. That is not its purpose, though it does serve the purpose of getting our feet on the path in the first place.
This becomes a very singular and individual enterprise which is not what we anticipated when we first found the love of the congregational social Mormon experience. We further discover unexpected signposts along the way directing our prayers, our works, and our faith, into areas we had not anticipated. We find that the voice of the Holy Spirit will test and try us to see if we "will do all things whatsoever the Lord" will command us. (Abr 3:25) God will shortly find out if we know His voice or not?
If we prove ourselves worthy of further light and knowledge, additional signposts may quickly overwhelm us, when suddenly and without warning, an angel of the Lord might show up, or a vision may be extended to us to further refine our souls. Many it seems, are unable to progress beyond this point, and sadly, turn away. I unfortunately have known some of these otherwise wonderful souls who could not go on following such an experience for one reason or another. I think of one dear friend who was unable to do what was asked by the Lord's messenger and turned away all further light.
Some souls find it within themselves to continue onward through whatever trials and mists arise and they seek the Father and the Son no matter the cost. At this point in their personal journey, they are typically living in a much different world than their fellow worshipers, and sometimes strain at the seeming spiritual childishness, rudeness, and ignorance with which they are surrounded. Nephi aptly described these things in his spiritual quest. They do not think of themselves as any better than anyone else, they simply see the world through new eyes.
Eventually though, the longed for day arrives when least expected, and the lonely candidate finds herself or himself kneeling at or lying at the feet of the Master, completely "undone" at what is unfolding before them. As moments pass and the person is allowed to feel all of the emotions which are exploding inside of them, and bask in the glory with which they are surrounded, and to gain some courage that they can gather themselves together, then a hand is extended and they are lifted to arise from the floor (and although shaking inside as though they might come apart), a calmness then washes over them as that most masculine baritone voice calms their fears and welcomes them into a new life with an embrace of fellowship not to be forgotten.
Other sacred exchanges might occur, and other even more glorious introductions might follow, and then your world is ever after changed.
This did not happen in the group setting of a sacrament meeting, or an administration meeting, nor during General Conference. This happens in our private intimate lives as we make the Savior the singular focus of our lives. This is the point I was making at the beginning of these words. We must decide that we as individuals are going to attain to the promise extended by the Lord to all of us. Our spouse cannot drag us there, our home teachers cannot take us there, nor can our bishop, or an apostle, or even the president of the church. This is a journey for YOU and YOU alone.
[Retrieved 9/21/10 from http://denversnuffer.blogspot.com/2010/09/remnant-part-ix.html. See anonymous comment made September 21, 2010 at 8:36pm.]
