The Mystery of Godliness | Bruce R McConkie | 1985

To us mortals, the infinite wisdom and power of God may always be, in part, a mystery. However, there are many things about His nature that we can know.
This speech was given on January 6, 1985.
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"I rejoice in the privilege of presenting to the young and rising generation some basic concepts about the deepest and most profound doctrine of the gospel.
It is the first principle of revealed religion, the great cornerstone upon which all else rests, the foundation for all of the doctrines of salvation.
I shall speak of what the revealed word calls the mystery of godliness.
If our vision is blurred where this doctrine and these concepts are concerned, or, if knowingly or unknowingly we have fallen prey to any of the false sectarian notions that abound with reference to them, our progress toward eternal life will be slow indeed.
Comprehending the Mystery of Godliness
A mystery, so the dictionary says, is “something beyond human comprehension.” Defining the word from a theological standpoint, it says a mystery is “an article of faith beyond human comprehension, as the doctrine of the Trinity.”
How apt this illustration is! If there was ever something beyond human comprehension, it is the sectarian doctrine of the Trinity.
This doctrine defines God and the Godhead as a three-in-one spirit essence that fills the immensity of space; it teaches that it and they are without body, parts, or passions; it acclaims that it and they are unknown, unknowable, and uncreated, and specifies, in the creeds, that unless we believe all these things we cannot be saved.
It is true that finite man cannot comprehend his Infinite Maker in the full sense of the word. We cannot tell how gods began to be or from whence existent matter came.
But we are duty-bound to learn all that God has revealed about himself and his everlasting gospel. If we are to gain eternal life we must come to know the Great God and his Only Begotten, whom he sent into the world. And this probationary estate is the appointed time to begin to know God, and to learn his laws, and thereby to start the process of becoming like him. If we do not so begin we shall never receive the promised reward.
Because God stands revealed or remains forever unknown, and because the things of God are known only by the power of the Spirit, perhaps we should redefine a mystery. In the gospel sense, a mystery is something beyond carnal comprehension.
The saints are in a position to comprehend all mysteries, to understand all doctrine, and eventually to know all things. These high levels of intelligence are reached only through faith and obedience and righteousness. A person who relies on the intellect alone and who does not keep the commandments can never, worlds without end, comprehend the mystery of godliness.
There is probably more ignorance and confusion as to the mystery of godliness than there is about any other doctrine. As set forth in the three creeds of Christendom-the Nicene, the Apostles’, and the Athanasian, which God himself said were an abomination in his sight-and as defined in the articles of religion of the various denominations, this doctrine is a mass of confusion and a mountain of falsity.
Even in the Church, thanks to a lack of knowledge and to intellectuality and the worldly enticement to conform to the general beliefs of an apostate Christendom, there are those who have fallen prey to many false delusions about deity. By way of illustration let us note some of the problems.
Who and What Is God?
Is there a God? If so, who or what is he? Is he the laws and forces of nature? Or an image of mud or gold? Or is he Baal, the resurrected son of El to whom the Canaanites offered human sacrifices? Is he Allah or Buddha or the confusing and contradictory nothingness described in the creeds of Christendom?
Is there such a thing as the Trinity in which the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are three gods, and, yet one god, a god who neither hears, nor speaks, nor appears, as did the one worshipped by the ancients?
Is God omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, or are these descriptive designations part of the legends of sectarianism?
Are there three gods or one? Why does Jesus say his Father is greater than he, and Paul say Jesus is equal with the Father? Why the great scriptural emphasis on proclaiming that three gods are one, and that the Lord our God is one Lord?

[@chinesejohn812]

I don’t like it when less faithful members criticize him. I enjoy him very much. My ears were abused by some bad comments about him but I love to listen to him.

[@karynbloxham]

I miss him terribly. I love his sing song voice. I hear it when I read his books.

[@bkanderson2659]

Agreed 100%. I love Elder McConkie. Whatever his faults or flaws, he stands head and shoulders above his critics, be they in or out of the church.

[@traviskeller7086]

His strong testimony really shines through him doesn't it?​@@bkanderson2659

[@LadyColumbiaoftheRepublic]

Perhaps it is not that they are less faithful, perhaps it is merely a lack of knowledge, considering this, it is better for those who feel that their understanding is better than others to pray for more knowledge and and increase of faith to come unto the Savior and be not judged. We are all sinners and in God' eyes that makes each of us the same and only He can determine the heart or the faith or the actions of each of us. It is upon each of us not to criticize but to uplife always and in every way see the good and any of the faith each of us have.

[@aldurtschi5923]

This happens to everyone who dares to step out into the forefront. No one shared greater revelation than he did. Photographic memory and a brilliant intellect to match it. I have an uncle who had him as a mission president in Australia. When the missionaries asked him questions he answered with a scripture reference where their answer could be found.

[@BlueFlame414mdftw]

Having only been born in 02, I missed out on a lot. One thing I miss the most is hearing his quotes in lessons and talks. His name is one that reminds me of primary and still, focused Sacrament meetings. I rarely hear him quoted today. Maybe I should bring it back in my next talk.

[@marianoitalia8902]

"The doctrine is what the doctrine is, and the concepts are what the concepts are. It is of no moment whatever that they spread confusion among uninspired worshippers at divers shrines, or among intellectuals whose interest in religion is purely academic and who rely on the power of the mind rather than the power of the Spirit for understanding." ... Beautiful

[@jeanetterust2201]

What an amazing spiritual intellect he possessed while here on Earth! I ❤ the truths he laid out so understandably!

[@traviskeller7086]

I have such gratitude for Bruce R. Mcconkie. His faith and courage to tell it like it is is inspiring

[@beoneB1]

What a powerful speech, especially since Elder McConkie was dealing with cancer and would pass to his eternal reward about 3-1/2 months after delivering this teaching.

[@AMANOTAVANTA]

❤️🙏🏻🏳️❤️👆🏻🙏🏻

[@evelyncmawk3871]

He was number one of my favorite persons to liston to. At general conference. I love his song also in our hymn book. 62 almost 63 and remember listening to and being very impressed by him. Second is a tie between Neil ? Maxwell, and Spencer W Kimball.

[@jeremiahlintz2116]

What a wonderful servant of the Lord

[@timothyhudson7999]

Now THAT a talk right there boys and girls! In this day it seems that it is popular to dismiss, "cancel" to use a contemporary term, the teachings of Bruce R. McConkie. Don't ever forget that he was an apostle. Just sayin'.

[@ILuVeKeNT]

Pure truth ❤

[@bluzone7]

How grateful we all should be to have this way of hearing Gods truth proclaimed from the house tops into our very ears and heart. At our fingertips we can be reminded of who and where we came from. Praise be to God.

[@barbaraneville9056]

😊

[@CarlHammer]

Elder McConkie died just a few months after this talk was given. At 69 years old. He will always be one of my favorite apostles. Great talk.

[@Moose1032]

Thank you Elder McConkie for your boldness of truth.

[@cathrinbantjes7954]

Such an honour to say *AMEN* to this apostle's discourse .. and believe in my heart it is true!

[@rexlogan5385]

What a noble and great man of high intellect he is missed.

[@barbaraneville9056]

😊

[@cryptoforce990]

A true man of God. Far beyond anyone who dares criticize him.

[@douglaschristensen5170]

This is a profound discourse on the nature of our Father in Heaven and His Son Jesus Christ. Thankyou!

[@gregorycaison9309]

😊

[@theresagraham5893]

Wow! He got his education from the most high. What an honor to hear this talk.

[@jerryvennerholm]

Bruce is the best of the best of the best. Have read all his books, some of them (Mortal Messiah books) three times. He died way too early.

[@l.richmondchilds9548]

So many memories flood my mind as I listen to Elder Mckonkie. You I am 62 He died in 1985 I was the age of youth herein. He was the Doctrinal beginning of my Scholarship. I have never found a fault in 40 plus years of Study Thank You Bro. /Elder Mckonkie🌎

[@gator_bait_8583]

January 4, 1985 is my birthday 😳

[@alanrunner1347]

A quote for David O. McKay's journal on Thursday, January 7, 1960, when he was president of the Church says, "The First Presidency held a meeting. We decided that Bruce R. McConkie's book, "Mormon Doctrine" recently published by Bookcraft Company, must not be re-published, as it is full of errors and misstatements, and it is most unfortunate that is has receive such wide circulation. It is reported to us the Brother McConkie has made corrections in his book, and is now preparing another edition. We decided this morning that we do not want him to publish another edition." A report by Elders Mark E. Peterson and Marion G. Romney said there were 1067 errors affecting most of the 776 pages of the book.

[@shadowfire246]

​@@alanrunner1347So.... make sure you have the second edition published in 1966. Got it. Just goes to show you cant take things at face value and that eqch of us need individual confirmation from the spirit.

[@anaseinilangi8738]

A very powerful testimony and teachings of the Doctrine of Salvation and The Power of Godliness. By an Apostle of the Lord JESUS CHRIST Elder Bruce R. Mconkie. Teaching of the Doctrines is so, Powerful that brought men and women and of all ages unto Salvation when abiding to its principles and truths and through obeying all of God's Commandments and to Hear God through His Prophets and Apostles, and their teaching of the Doctrines and by the good word of God, the Holy Scriptures.

[@austinmichaels7654]

One of my favorite talks from McConkie and receives an annual listen from me.

[@tenor90210]

Bruce R. McConkie is ahead of his time, and a threat, for the evil system

[@annieochoa5280]

I dearly love the words of this Prophet, Seer and Revelator! I remember sitting in the livingroom with my parents being in awe of him speaking. As a child, I knew his words were prophetic and true. Thank you, dear Elder McConkie, for your beautiful, holy and informative utterings - the church and the world is blessed for your faithfulness, inspiration and your kindness in sharing the truths you have personally sought after, received through your faithfulness and shared so lovingly with us all!! I could listen to this talk over and over again!❤❤❤❤❤

[@byuspeeches]

We're glad that Elder McConkie and his messages have has such a powerful impact in your life!

[@azhyrbooth5982]

This was jam packed with truth. Next time I am grabbing a notebook! Loved it all. So grateful!❤

[@MrGalwacco]

I am so glad for the knowledge that Jesus Christ is indeed the Savior and that we can, through his grace, become christlike and prepare to return to our heavenly parents some day.

[@johnwoolley3239]

From 0:05 to the 43:55 mark, this talkis perfection

[@AMANOTAVANTA]

Thank you Brother McConkie ❤️Rest In Power ❤️🙏🏻

[@notablepianolessons2322]

I love this!!- how only those who have the spirit of the Holy Ghost can know the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. If you’ve noticed, people who fall away and seek to defend a life without God, become illiterate to the principles of the gospel.

[@sherlpurnell6332]

I love to hear his talk it make me feel loved and not feel hate thank you for this talk sister Purnell

[@leswalker2639]

Very good talk, I always like to hear Elder mcconkie speak. He Dives right in to the heart of religion. The Gospel of Jesus Christ there are just too much to know. That's why we have a prophet and 12 Apostles to teach us these things. It is beyond many other religions understanding. The gospel of Jesus Christ, we will never ever know everything until way leave mortality then we will understand a little bit more. It is just way too much for the human mind to understand all of the work of God and His word never ends. Some religions Mock and criticize Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They just don't understand God's word and his work goes forever and ever. Mortal man thinks way too small compared to God work. Only thing that separates the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the other Christian faith, we have more of the Gospel then they do. Doctrine and Covenants, pearl of great price, The Book of Mormon, and the King James version of course we have other writings of Joseph Smith and the history. We have had and this dispensation many prophets and apostles that lead us in these latter days. The Lord is coming soon just around the corner. I'll be glad when's the Lord comes to take the Saints !

[@darronsanderson4837]

They have said His coming was just around the corner for thousand of years.

[@anaseinilangi8738]

This is great and I am grateful that we have living Prophets and Apostles today to witness yo the world that he will come. This is not fairy tales. This is real. I am grateful to these fifteen men, prophets and apostles for the continuing revelations to strengthen our faiths in Our Loving Father in Heaven and His beloved Son JESUS CHRIST. We love pray and sustain you always.

[@leswalker2639]

@@darronsanderson4837 that is true Darron. They have said this is the last dispensation before the coming of Christ also. You can enjoy the many years of tribulation to come if you would like. Eat drink and be merry and happy and do what you want and don't think about Jesus Christ. That is not for me, I want to be ready before the great destruction of the Wicked. The Lord will come before the destruction of the wicked. I want to be ready when the Lord receives his people in the cloud with all his holy angels before doomsday. Just like the ten virgins, five was ready for the bridegroom to arrive and five was not prepared spiritually. Choices we have to make in this life.

[@itsHeatherKay]

What a great speech. Wow.

[@maedrosbott5274]

" Let us here observe that three things are necessary for any rational and intelligent being to exercise faith in God unto life and salvation. Let us here observe that three things are necessary for any rational being to exercise faith in God unto life and salvation. 1. First, the idea that he actually exists; 2. Secondly, a correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes; 3. Thirdly, an actual knowledge that the course of life which one is pursuing is according to His will. For without acquaintance with these three important facts, the faith of every rational being must be imperfect and unproductive. But with this understanding, it can become perfect and fruitful, abounding in righteousness unto the praise and glory of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ"

[@novawarren5074]

Always enjoy his talks❤❣

[@juliustirazona6119]

Wow.... Thank you Elder McConkie!

[@BIGDWH]

Amazing speech. He put in the spiritual work to learn the mysteries of God.

[@novawarren5074]

Love each of his talks ❤❣

[@six1nyne]

Man such a good sermon.

[@knowlittle65]

Inspired man and prophet of God.

[@darronsanderson4837]

He was an Apostle, not Prophet.

[@rexregisanimi]

@@darronsanderson4837 Apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ are sustained as prophets, seers, and revelators. The spirit of prophesy is simply the knowledge of Jesus Christ.

[@applehoneypieph8622]

The best talk ever... 🇵🇭 🇵🇭 🇵🇭 🇵🇭

[@maryfrankralls9985]

I love Elder McConkie.

[@michaeldoane4629]

This is a great talk!

[@ScriptureMonkey]

I absolutely LOVE the Gospel of Jesus Christ

[@xling5473]

Thank you for sharing!

[@valeriesmith912]

Wow. Took notes! This was great!

[@nelliyong5755]

Very interesting, thanks so much for posting this.

[@leandromonetti2505]

hermosa verdad!

[@nancyp.6052]

BEAUTIFUL TRUTH Amen

[@sidneycabianca8768]

If we read John chapters 14 15 16 17 18 is easy to understand the God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirt by simple wish to understand, we will understand by simple revelation.

[@christinejohnson3379]

I'm a convert of 40 yrs . I was 28 and I grew up catholic. That was my biggest issue when I was searching many churches. I never realized that all taught that, I always knew they were separate. Must have been a very old memory. When the missionaries came to my home that's the first thing I asked. I knew I had come home. Cj

[@leswalker2639]

@@christinejohnson3379 thank you Christine for sharing your testimony about the Father the Son and Holy Ghost. I see so much false Doctrine in other churches. What gets me is the scriptures teach us all to pray and ask for truth and understanding. Why is it that there is so many that just won't pray and ask for the truth and understanding. I guess they just take it as fact when someone with a little bit of authority speaks.

[@leswalker2639]

So true Sydney, maybe it's too simple.

[@kakorn75]

Maybe a dumb question, but what is that letter K pin Brother McConkie is wearing on his jacket?

[@robertovergilio123]

Very good

[@skybarbara03]

I believe in God.....💖

[@TheWeibell]

Bookmark for numbered list of basic concepts: 13:32

[@nancypenarrieta4741]

awesome Tslk 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@papahansel3136]

WOW JUST WOW !

[@hijadedios4757]

bendiciones a todos y todaa

[@jamesmuir8747]

If only I had one hour with Elder McConkie back in the day. Would he have believed what was given me to comprehend of the Eternal Godhead? I cannot imagine him not accepting it as it rolls eternity from each beginning to the end of every Eternal Round of the course of the Eternal Gods.

[@aidanstay9904]

Amen!

[@josephraymancini5142]

I rejoice also Doctrine over Love

[@nuggetoftruth-ericking7489]

This was interesting.

[@darronsanderson4837]

8:26 "Why does Christ say I am the Father AND the Son"? Elder McConkie brings up a good question. 🤔

[@bilagaana1238]

D&C 93:4 “The Father because he gave me of his fulness, and the Son because I was in the world and made flesh my tabernacle, and dwelt among the sons of men.”

[@tracyrees8413]

Simple, he is the father of our salvation and the son of GOD. No one else could do and be this.

[@JoyDaz00]

JESUS is the ROOT and OFFSPRING of David, read Revelation 22:16.

[@Mistressrichards]

I believe that Christ becomes our father through his labors in the garden of Gethsemane and the cross to bring us new life.

[@considerthetruth]

When we are baptized we become the sons and daughters of Christ. Romans 8:16. Now that you know you will see it everywhere

[@lauramccann18]

Let's remember that Elohim means Gods, in plural. Meaning the Heavenly Mother and Heavenly Father.

[@markbirch6760]

❤❤❤

[@AMANOTAVANTA]

🙏🏻 🙏🏻 Amen 🙏🏻 ❤️

[@Cameron4077]

There was a talk that he gave at BYU in 1984 about Salvation , if that's available for upload on here?! Thank you!

[@byuspeeches]

We don't have the video for this talk, but you can listen to it or read it here: speeches.byu.edu/talks/bruce-r-mcconkie/think-ye-salvation-grace

[@robertlewis7208]

One of the true spiritual giants which is amazing that he was still a man

[@CML95018]

❤❤

[@scottbrandon9390]

He died later that year after general conference.

[@johnnyburns1466]

Primum quaerite regnum Dei, et omnia adjicientur vobis, dicit Dominus. ..

[@efrenjaime9598]

Jehovah God And "The Greater Salomon" Jesus Christ Will Resurrect Him And Eveyone Else In The Paradise On Earth.

[@JoyDaz00]

JESUS is the ROOT and OFFSPRING of David, read Revelation 22:16.

[@johnfleming7879]

you must be kidding-we are progrssing?How do we know we have progressed enough?

[@christinejohnson3379]

We just do our best... his grace fills in the rest. I now get it, just read,, Grace Where you Are, by Emily Belle Freeman

[@peaj4812]

We do not earn heaven, we learn heaven. By learning how to act like God we become a little more like him. If given an eternity of practice we will gain perfections of character.