Monday, June 22, 2020

D&C 29:12 and the Contingent Nature of God's ("Firm") Decrees

In D&C 29:12, we read the following:

 

And again, verily, verily, I say unto you, and it hath gone forth in a firm decree, by the will of the Father, that mine apostles, the Twelve which were with me in my ministry at Jerusalem, shall stand at my right hand at the day of my coming in a pillar of fire, being clothed with robes of righteousness, with crowns upon their heads, in glory even as I am, to judge the whole house of Israel, even as many as have loved me and kept my commandments, and none else.

 

In this passage, we read of how the Father issued a “firm decree” that the Twelve Apostles who were with Jesus during his ministry at Jerusalem would play some role in judgment (for a discussion of this, as well as Joseph Smith’s role therein, see Joseph Smith Worship? Responding to Criticisms of the Role and Status of the Prophet Joseph Smith in Latter-day Saint Theology).

 

However, among the Twelve who were with Jesus at this time was Judas, who lost his apostleship and had to be replaced (see Acts 1:15-26; v. 20 shows Judas lost the apostleship). So, Judas will not play a role therein.

 

Why is this important? It shows that God can issue a “decree” and that does not make the fulfilment, ipso facto, a necessity in salvation history, but it remains contingent. Such is consistent with an “Open” view of the future, God’s decrees, foreknowledge, and other issues. While they all held to more “traditional” understanding of God’s foreknowledge, note the following from four Latter-day Saint commentators on this passage:

 

Hyrum M. Smith and Janne M. Sjodahl, Doctrine and Covenants Commentary

 

A firm decree] Our Lord prepared a special reward for His first Apostles. He promised them, while yet with them in the flesh, that, seated on thrones of glory, they should judge the twelve tribes of Israel. Here we are informed that the promise had been ratified by the Father and that a firm decree had been issued, making that fact known. When our Lord comes to judgment, His Apostles will take the places promised to them, arrayed in the robes of their office.

 

Stephen E. Robinson and H. Dean Garrett, A Commentary on the Doctrine and Covenants, Vol. 1

 

12. Mine apostles, the Twelve . . . , and none else. Jesus' original New Testament Apostles (except Judas) shall judge the righteous members of the house of Israel who have died in the Lord—in other words, those who were faithful covenant members when they died (see Matthew 19:27–28; Luke 22:30). Notice the delegation to these brethren of tasks we normally think of Jesus himself as performing.

 

There are many other examples of such contingent foreknowledge such as:

 

D&C 124, William Law, and Open Theism