DAVID
The life of David provides a very
graphic example of how free agency determines whether or not someone obtains exaltation.
David is a tragic example of a
person who forfeited his opportunity to be exalted as a result of the grievous
sins he committed.
A study of David’s early life
makes it clear that he was a God-fearing and made an honest effort to live a
righteous life (see 1 Samuel 17:45-47). The fact that David would not lift his
hand against Saul, even though Saul consistently sought to take his life, is a
good indicator of the character of David (see 1 Samuel 24). He understood an
important principle: that we should sustain those who preside over us even when
their personal lives are seriously flawed.
David is acknowledged by scholars
to be Israel’s most effective king. Under his leadership, Israel reached its
golden age of power and influence. As a king, David demonstrated wisdom and good
judgment, and throughout his life his conscious dependence on God is very evident.
Consequently, while he was king, the laws of the government were based upon the
laws of God. This, more than anything else, made it possible for him to unite
the tribes of Israel.
There is every indication that
David achieved a very special status in the eyes of God. For example, God took
steps to protect David from the wrath of Saul (see 1 Samuel 19:18-24), and it
was prophesied that the Messiah would be born through his lineage (see Isaiah
9:7; Luke 1:30-33). As a young man, David was characterized as “a man after [the
Lord’s] own heart” (1 Samuel 13;14), and throughout his life he was continually
guided by the Holy Ghost.
It appears that David became
somewhat complacent in his role as king, and consequently he became less
precise in executing his duties. This led to a more leisurely lifestyle, and,
in this frame of mind, he became much more susceptible to temptation.
One evening while standing on his
balcony, he accidentally saw a woman bathing (2 Samuel 11:2). He made the decision
to continue watching the woman and allowed lust to fill his heart. Instead of
repenting of his lust, David had his servants bring her to his palace, and
committed adultery with her (2 Samuel 11:4). Later, when the woman informed
David she was going to have his child (see 2 Samuel 11:5), he resorted to a
scheme to have her husband killed (see 2 Samuel 11:5).
The Lord was displeased with David’s
conduct and sent Nathan to confront him with his sins (see 2 Samuel 11:27;
12:1-2). Once David was openly confronted with his sins, he became very
contrite and made an earnest effort to repent of his sins, but they were very
grievous (see Hebrews 6:4-6; Revelation 22;14-15; D&C 132:27; 29:41; 42:18,
79).
In spite of all that David did
during his mortal life to be forgiven of his sins, he is still paying in hell
for his sins. “The Lord also hath not put away thy sin that thou shalt not die”
(JST 2 Samuel 12:1). David’s inability to obtain forgiveness has been explained
by President Joseph Fielding Smith as follows: “David committed a dreadful
crime, and all of his afterwards sought for forgiveness. Some of the Psalms
portray the anguish of his soul; yet David is still paying for his sins. He did
not receive the resurrection at the time of the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (Answers
to Gospel Questions, vol. 1, p. 74). During the meridian of time, Peter
declared that David’s body was still in the tomb (see Acts 2:34).
As a result of his sins, David
lost his opportunity to become exalted (see D&C 132:39). The fact that
David was a free agent is the only explanation for the tragic course of events
that occurred in his life. It certainly was not God’s desire that David lose
his exaltation.
President J. Reuben Clark said it
was his feeling that God will give us “that punishment which is the very least
that our transgression will justify. [And] when it comes to making the rewards
for our good conduct, he will give us the maximum that it is possible to
give” (Quoted by Vaughn J. Featherstone, “Forgive Them, I Pray Thee,” English,
Nov. 1980, p. 31; emphasis added). It seems that God did this for David, and
certainly He will be able to do no more for us. (Grant Von Harrison, Understanding
Your Divine Nature [rev ed.; Sandy, Utah: Sounds of Zion, 2000], 43-45)
Further Reading:
Why
Reformed Protestant Appeals to King David Refute, Not Support, Their
Soteriology
1
Corinthians 3:15: A very un-Protestant Biblical Verse
Response
to a Recent Attempt to Defend Imputed Righteousness