One key feature of this tradition is the idea of hidden knowledge or wisdom. This is a major component of Barker's Temple Theology. Sometimes this is referred to as 'gnosis' which is a Greek term for knowledge of spiritual mysteries. Barker goes into great detail as to what these early Christians considered this vital knowledge to be. Consider this quote from Clement:
If we then assert that Christ himself is Wisdom, and that it was His working that showed itself in the prophets, ... then it follows that the gnosis which is the knowledge and apprehension of this present, future and past which is sure and reliable, as being imparted and revealed by the Son of God, is Wisdom.
Barker points out a few key features of Clement's definition of this 'gnosis.' First, it is revealed by Jesus Christ, not the result of intellectual reasoning. This knowledge is divinely imparted, not deduced. Second, it is knowledge of things past, present, and future, which is sure and reliable.
Both aspects are fascinating and I can think of several relevant passages in the Book of Mormon. I'll feature the "revealed" nature of this knowledge in later posts. In this post, I'd like to point out that the Book of Mormon contains several curious past/present/future references. I've noticed these for many years and haven't been able to fully understand why there are there. Here is one such example:
14 And these are they who have published peace, who have brought good tidings of good, who have published salvation; and said unto Zion: Thy God reigneth!
15 And O how beautiful upon the mountains were their feet!
16 And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that are still publishing peace!
17 And again, how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those who shall hereafter publish peace, yea, from this time henceforth and forever!
18 And behold, I say unto you, this is not all. For O how beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that is the founder of peace, yea, even the Lord, who has redeemed his people; yea, him who has granted salvation unto his people;
19 For were it not for the redemption which he hath made for his people, which was prepared from the foundation of the world, I say unto you, were it not for this, all mankind must have perished. (Mosiah 15)
Notice the pattern here, in a discussion of "good tidings" -- past, present, future, CHRIST, plan of salvation "prepared from the foundation of the world."
I'll outline more examples in a future post, too.
This has clear temple relevance.
