I N T R O D U C T I O N

Transcription

1 I N T R O D U C T I O N A great storm is coming. Only those built upon the foundation of the Rock will survive it (see JST Mat. 7; Hel. 5:12; 3 Ne. 18:13). And that Rock is Jesus Christ our Savior, and His doctrine, gospel, and church. A portion of that great storm is the falling away first spoken of in 2 Thessalonians 2:3. It has come because of increasing idolatry, unbelief, and priestcraft among us today. Too many are asleep and do not see our awful situation (Ether 8:24). Most know that the Bridegroom is coming soon. The five wise virgins will go out to meet Him, prepared with oil in their lamps for a joyous reunion. Others, including the five unwise virgins are surprisingly shut out. They are not let into the wedding chamber, even though they did many good works, as they were unprepared. The reason is they did not come to know their Lord (JST Mat. 7:33; 25:10-11). They did not repent and come unto Christ, the Lord s simple definition of His doctrine, gospel, and church. Like the time of Alma (Alma 4:10), the church is failing, leading to the falling away in the last days spoken of in the Bible. Many are leaving the faith. Latter-day Saint convert baptisms are at their lowest convert per missionary ratio since records have been kept (endnote 14). A reformation and restoration is again in order, just like Alma s day (Alma chapters 4-7). There are many reasons for these problems, but in a nutshell they are centered on three important concepts. (1) We are not centered enough on Christ our Savior and His doctrine, gospel, and church. Instead we have embraced the ways of Babylon and allowed idolatry, unbelief, and priestcraft to rise up among us. The Lord has defined what His doctrine, gospel, and church is, and what they are not, in opposing scriptures found throughout the Book of Mormon, the founding document of the Church. God presents us two concepts in four words in an important invitation; repent and come unto me (Alma 5:33-34; D&C 10:67-68). It is a conversion to Him, not to men, churches, and their programs. Opposing the light of Christ and His ways are the false teachings and traditions of the great and abominable church, also defined by the Lord - as those who: 1. Seek to get gain in their preaching priestcraft; Those who, 2. Seek to control others; 3. Seek to become popular; 4. Seek the lusts of the flesh; 5. Seek the things of the world; and 6. Seek to do all manner of iniquity; These things oppose and corrupt the church of Christ, one of save two churches only (1 Ne. 14:10), the other being the great and abominable church. This church is the seventh item listed in the scripture. The Lord lists the six corrupting influences in 1 Nephi 22:23. (2) Because the ways of Babylon have crept in, pushing out Christ and His saving truths, too few understand, teach, and experience salvation at the hands of Christ. The Devil is cheating their souls, leading them carefully down to hell (2 Ne. 28:21). All who desire heaven, God, and the gifts of the Spirit, must be born again in Christ (John 3:5; Mos. 26:24-26). We must receive the fiery baptism at His hands (3 Ne. 12:1). We must not think we are saved when we are not (2 Ne. 25:23; Alma 24:10-11). The Book of Mormon is a manual for this critically important saving event. The book provides many examples as a clear pattern for us. Receiving the mighty change of heart (Alma 5:12-14) is not taught today. The path to salvation is centered on a broken heart and contrite spirit - real repentance in coming to Christ. We are cleansed, transformed, and empowered by the Holy Ghost and placed on the path to the Tree of Life (2 Ne. 31:18) as seen with Lehi and Nephi. Holding tightly to the rod (the written word and the voice of the Spirit and the Master Shepherd), we are led along the path to finally taste of the tree s sweet fruit, the Love of our Savior Jesus Christ. (3) Few are aware of another important message in our founding document, that it is written to the Lamanite Remnant (and Jews and Gentiles), and that they, the Native Americans on this land will be brought to Christ their Redeemer and become a light to us and others. This occurs because Ephraim and other portions of the Biblical Remnant of Jacob (the house of Israel) are all altogether bowed down under sin. This is fulfillment of the covenant made to Joseph and his two sons Manasseh and Ephraim, in the patriarchal blessing of Jacob on them (see JST Gen. 48:11). It will be fulfilled in our day, a stormy time when the Bride (the church) is in travail, just before she delivers. It is the birth of the Millennial kingdom of God, with the help of the man-child, special servants, including the 144,000 (JST Rev. 12). They, our Native American brothers and sisters are the Book of Mormon Remnant. They will soon become a light to the rest of the house of Israel, including Ephraim, after the Indian people are fully converted to Christ. They are led by one of their own, a special lastdays servant known as Joseph the Indian Prophet (2 Ne. 3). This great last-days restoration is the strange act and marvelous work and wonder Isaiah spoke of (Isa. 28:21; 29:14). It has now begun in the Hebrew year 5777, following the Sabbatical Year of Release in 2015 and the Jubilee Year of Restoration in Great and terrible things are about to occur. The forgotten people we called Native Americans, a natural branch of the house of Israel, will lead out in this great reformation movement. They will help us come to Christ and build Zion and the New Jerusalem, with the help of the wise and humble among repentant Ephraim, those in and outside the LDS church. We collectively are destined to be one great family. Our hearts must be turned to the fathers, or the earth will be burned at His coming (Mal. 4&5). We must understand the covenants made to our fathers to understand these things (JST Gen ; Deut. 33; 2 Ne. 3; and the Everlasting and Abrahamic covenants). This work has been created to inform the awakening Remnant of Jacob, those of both Ephraim and Manasseh, the blessed posterity of Joseph - of these very important things. Let us all repent and come unto Christ. 1

2 My Doctrine, My Gospel, My Church Val Brinkerhoff The two witnesses of the Book of Mormon and the Bible represent the founding documents of Christ s kingdom on Earth, wherein we find our Lord s doctrine, gospel, and church. The Prophet Joseph Smith said that, a man could get nearer to God by abiding by [the Book of Mormon's] precepts, than by any other book (DHC 4:461). This is because this book more clearly instructs us on what Christ s doctrine, gospel and church is and what it is not, and more. It also states that there are save two churches only (1 Ne. 14:10), one of God, one of the Devil; one built on the rock, who is Jesus Christ (see JST Mat. 7:32-35; Hel. 5:12; 3 Ne. 11:39-40; 14:22-27), and the other upon sand - men, churches, or any other thing. A storm is coming very soon to wash away idolatry all things built on sand. Another book containing much of God s word is the Doctrine and Covenants. It reminds us that we the Saints remain under condemnation today for not understanding and implementing the important teachings contained in the Book of Mormon (see D&C 84:58 & Unpublished Revelations, p. 73, HC v. 7). Revelations from the Lord in the D&C tell us that we must be familiar with the Book of Mormon s core truths and its primary purpose in reaching out to the Lamanite Remnant among us, that we and they might fully understand what is about to unfold. 1 The book s primary message is to repent and come unto Christ a message written to the Lamanites, as well as Jews and Gentiles - in that order. Its primary purpose is that individuals in each of these three groups come to Him receive His most precious gifts (Mor. 10:30). In both the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord uses the phrases, my doctrine, my gospel, and my church, and often in the same chapter or Section to clearly address the foundational elements of His inspired teachings (D&C 10:67). They represent the way of salvation! All other teachings make up a sandy foundation (verse 68). They are often of man, and are presented us in vanity (without His permission). They typically include false doctrines, beliefs, and traditions that must be removed if truth is to be embraced. In them Satan and the blind lead the blind (Matt. 15:14) carefully down to hell (2 Ne. 28:21). God s church His groups of believers is centered on Jesus Christ, the way, the truth, and the life, not on man s wisdom and ways. The Lord and His prophets have repeatedly stated, repent and Come unto Christ, as these two core concepts, expressed in four simple words - are His doctrine, gospel, and church (see D&C 10:67-68; 1 Ne. 10:18 & 2 Ne. 28:32). It is the way of salvation (see 2 Ne. 2:4). There is no other way! We must come to know the truth of things as they really are. We must awake and then arise, preparing for the coming great storm, the awful situation we are in, and the time when Babylon the Great all around us falls! The truth will then set us free (John 8:32). The truth is in Christ alone, and then He tells us that all is not well in Zion. 2 Corruption and pollution has set in. Prophecy in scripture and the events of our day reveal that very soon winds and floods will come, and upon us the Gentile Saints (D&C 112:25-26). Only those built on the rock, the sure foundation - who is Christ - will survive. All those who have built upon a sandy foundation - on the arm of flesh (leaders), churches, or governments, rather than our Savior and Deliverer Jesus Christ, will be washed away when the stormy rain is poured out. So says both the Book of Mormon (Hel. 5:12) and the Bible (Mat. 7:23-29) two sure witnesses! And what is that storm? It is God pronouncing judgment on the great and abominable church, the Devil s church that is built on a sandy foundation among us. The great whore Babylon will fall and great shall be the fall of it. It is God that will do it - in an hour. We must not reject Christ in favor of men and their faulty traditions. We must repent and come unto Christ. This is the simple four-word formula for His salvation. We must embrace His doctrine, gospel, and church, not that of men and their corrupting influences. Four Divisions This work is hereafter divided into four parts. Part I is centered on the Lord s definition of what He calls my doctrine, my gospel, and my church in scripture. They are part of what He said, is my work and my glory, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man (Moses 1:39). 2

3 In Part II, we read of our collective need to repent, and remove six corrupting influences among man s institutions, including our churches. Too many in what He calls my house (His family or His temple) profess to know Him and do not (D&C 112:25-26). His teachings are revealed to those He calls my people, via what He calls my word and my law established within a church that He says must bare my name. They are part of what He calls my rock the foundation of it all. The stormy gates of hell cannot prevail against those established on it. Those He calls my friends help the trees of the vineyard bare fruit. They are special last-day servants called to carry out a future restoration, the marvelous work and a wonder of the last-days. In Part III we learn of what it really means to come unto Christ and be part of His sheepfold in an invitation our Lord extends to all. He calls those who embrace Him and His ways my sheep. He says that those that hear my voice shall be my sheep (Mos. 26:21). They become His sheep and are sealed His when they see Him, feeling the marks of the Atonement in His body (3 Ne. 15:24; 16:1-3; Mos. 5:15). The last section of this work is the Endnotes, where greater, enlightening detail provides important clarifying support for the main themes of this work. Note the themes tied to our Lord s use of the word my below. They are explored hereafter. My work My glory My people My sheep My friends My servants My disciples My doctrine My gospel My church My rock My name My voice My body My blood My Spirit My word My law My commandments My house My Zion My salvation My grace Part I: My Doctrine, My Gospel & My Church Our merciful, loving God has provided the pathway for receiving salvation at His hands to any person who sincerely loves Him. This includes Christians of all faiths, and those not associated with any institution. His word in scripture reveals that the pathway is to repent and come unto Christ, typically referred to as the way. It is our Lord s doctrine, gospel, and church. They lead us to salvation at His hands. There is no other way! So says the Book of Mormon with especially good clarity (2 Ne. 31:21). In Alma 5:33 34 we read: Behold, he sendeth an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you. Yea, he saith: Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life; yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely. Satan desires to corrupt the things of God. He has made finding and getting onto the way difficult for most. He diverts us onto other pathways that lead us carefully down to hell. Satan doesn t want any person to repent and come unto our Savior Jesus Christ. Satan claims to be the god of this world and desires that we suffer and fail in coming to God by having us cling to false teachings, traditions, and the things of this world. Sadly, many well-meaning members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are in this category. Many have not entered through the gate and onto the way to eternal life. Satan has deceived many into thinking all is well, and that because they were baptized, confirmed, and made covenants later in the temple - their salvation is assured. The doctrine of Christ, as presented in the founding document of the LDS church, states otherwise. All, no matter their faith, age, or position can be saved and enter the kingdom of God if they are born again in Christ. So says the Bible and the Book of Mormon. The latter refers to this important second baptism as the baptism of fire and Holy Ghost (2 Ne. 31:13). It is addressed later in this paper and elsewhere. It is a critically important event that must occur in our lives if we are to receive salvation. Too few understand it or seek it. Many good Christian people in other denominations have been deceived into thinking they are safe in their present situation too. Fortunately, humble ones in and outside of traditional Christian institutions can receive salvation at the Lord s hands! The Book of Mormon provides clear direction for those who take advantage of it, if they search and apply the important teachings of the book. 3

4 God has told us that He is no respecter of persons. Those who humble themselves before Him and seek Him diligently, in or outside any Christian faith, may find Him and His salvation, if they enter in by the way as found in His doctrine, gospel, and church. That way is repentance and coming unto Christ. In Alma 5:49 we read, repent and be born again. Too many in the LDS tradition have not entered into the kingdom of heaven by being born again (see John 3:5; Mos. 27:24-26). We have not been taught about it. Too many have not turned themselves wholly to Christ via sincere repentance. I was one of them. I was baptized at age eight. I was confirmed a member of the LDS faith shortly thereafter, and told in the confirmation ordinance to receive the Holy Ghost. I felt the light of this influence from time to time but didn t receive this important gift on a more permanent basis until many years later, when I was baptized by fire, receiving the Holy Ghost. It is only Christ who baptizes us with fire. This is found in seven scriptures (3 Ne. 9:20; 12:1; 2 Ne. 31:12; 3 Ne. 11:35; JST Mat. 3:38; JST Luke 3:16; JST John 1:28). Though an active Latter-day Saint all of my life, holding many responsible leadership positions, I had not entered in by the way until I was much older. I had thought to enter in by some other way; my works, the law, temple ordinances, etc. (John 10:1-10). I had not humbled myself sufficiently before the Lord - in total submission and repentance to merit being made new. I thus did not receive the mighty change in heart (Alma 5:12-14), until I finally decided to come unto Christ in humility via a broken heart and a contrite spirit. We read in 3 Nephi 9:20, And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost I finally applied this invitation in my later years and was born again, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and a remittance of my sins. I experienced a mighty change of heart. I had more love within me, a promise made in Moroni 7:48. My intense joyful desire then and now is to shout joyful praises to God! I know others of the LDS faith and outside it who were born again earlier, at age 12, 21, 32 and 48 years of age respectively. They are my friends and acquaintances. I was with some of them when they were born again. It is an event with unmistakable effects upon us, and it is absolutely necessary for our salvation (see John 3:5; Mos. 27:24-26; Alma 5:14; 7:14; 36:24). We must seek Christ to have salvation and enter the kingdom of God. There is no other way! There are many good people, especially in non-denominational born-again Christian churches, who seek God and enter onto the way, doing so by the only gate onto it Jesus Christ (2 Ne. 31:17; 3 Ne. 9:20; 12:1; JST Mat. 3:38). The Book of Mormon tells us clearly that He employs no servant there (2 Ne. 9:41). No man can provide this second baptism, as Christ is our judge. What is it that unites all those who have been born again? The answer is a sincere, heartfelt desire to know God and be clean before Him. We must diligently seek Christ, typically by feasting upon His word in scripture, and through prayer and personal revelation. The Bible is a good tool for this, but the Book of Mormon supplies clearer references for the baptism of fire experience. Latter-day Saints are blessed in having the way presented to us as a clear pattern on the pages of the Book of Mormon. The baptism of fire is an essential part of the way of salvation, and those repeatedly receiving it in the book provide us a blueprint for how it fits into Christ s doctrine, gospel, and church. 3 Each of the individuals born again in the Book of Mormon approached God via a broken heart and a contrite spirit. This is the sacrifice that we must make to enter the way and to end up at the Tree of Life, seen by Lehi and Nephi. We must be humble and repentant, placing our faith and trust in Christ the Lord, not in men, churches, or programs, as they drift away from the necessary focus on Christ as our Savior, often lifting themselves up as lights. It is because of this greater clarity that, Lynn Ridenhour, a Baptist preacher, uses the Book of Mormon along with the Bible to teach his congregation. 4 The problem for far too many Saints, and other Christian believers, is that the message of renewal in Christ - via the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost - is not understood and pursued. This doctrine and others is often diluted or polluted by well-meaning men who make mistakes, as well as those with evil intent led by Satan. We are thus distracted by many false teachings, traditions and the things of the world, diverting us away from Christ s doctrine, gospel, and church! Idolatry is the result. 4

5 The Latter-day Saints are frequently accused of lifting up their leaders ( the Brethren ) as lights in replacement of Christ by those of other faiths (see endnote 5). Christ the Lord must be our high tower, set up at the center of the Lord s vineyard (Psalm 18:2), as He alone saves us! Without a laser focus on Him, many of us as trees in the Lord s vineyard don t bare fruit meet for the Father s kingdom. This is the reason leaders, like Pres. Benson, reminded us that we remain under the Lord s condemnation (see D&C 84:58). Scripture informs us that unproductive trees in the Lord s vineyard will be cleansed from it by fire. We are nearing that point in time - in the great last-days harvest of souls. The Way of Salvation The phrase the way is found throughout the Book of Mormon. It is used to signal the Lord s doctrine, gospel, and church, and often in connection with instruction tied to the baptism of fire experience. Note the following scriptures where the way is used, the last three being the most instructive. All point to our being born again - in Christ. Nephi informed us that Christ is the way in 2 Nephi 2:4-8. His salvation is free. He offered Himself as a sacrifice for sin for all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit. Our Lord stated, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14:6). Later Nephi stated this again, adding that Christ is the way of deliverance of our God (2 Ne. 9:10-12). Lehi and his family were delivered in the wilderness by the ball or director. It pointed the way (1 Ne. 16:10). Christ told the family that He was to be their light in the wilderness. He said, I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments... ye shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led (1 Ne. 17:13-14). King Mosiah reinforced the concept that Christ delivers us physically and spiritually, if we trust in Him. He stated that there is no other name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent (Mos. 3:17). In 1 Nephi 10:18, Nephi connects the phrase the way with the concepts of repentance and coming unto Christ. These two things are the doctrine, gospel, and church of Christ (see D&C 10:67-68). Nephi then informs us that, the way for man is narrow and that the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there (2 Ne. 9:41). No mortal man can save us, only Christ! Jacob adds his testimony, stating, enter in at the strait gate and continue in the way which is narrow, until ye shall obtain eternal life (Jacob 6:11). Eternal life is the gift at the end of the way. Alma stated that the Spirit told him to, Cry unto this people, saying Repent ye, and prepare the way of the Lord, and walk in his paths, which are straight... (see also Alma 41:8). Nephi taught that those experience the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost (2 Ne. 31:13) are in this straight and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate [Christ]; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the Promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive (2 Ne. 31:18). Nephi added, stating, And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen (2 Ne. 31:21). Nephi concluded his instruction on being born again by stating, if ye will enter by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do [to receive eternal life, by literally coming unto Christ]. Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ... (2 Ne. 32:5-6). We read in John chapter 5, Mosiah 27, and other places that being born again is a requirement to enter the kingdom of God. There is no other way. Too many do not understand this important truth, part of the doctrine of Christ. Nicodemus, a supposed Master or Rabbi at the time of Christ was not aware of it. This important truth had been corrupted by Satan and by wicked or ignorant men. The Lord told Nicodemus: Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God (John 3:5). 5

6 Alma added:... I have repented of my sins, and have been redeemed of the Lord; behold I am born of the Spirit. And the Lord said unto me: Marvel not that all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters; And thus they become new creatures; and unless they do this, they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God (Mos. 27:24-26). Alma Establishes the Church of Christ In Mosiah chapters 18 to 29 we read of the church Alma founded after his conversion to Christ and after departing from the false church of King Noah and his priests. In chapter 18 we read that Alma repented of his sins and iniquities and then went about teaching repentance, and redemption, and faith on the Lord (v. 7). At the waters of Mormon, those that believed his words were gathered. All desired to be part of the fold of God, and to be called His people, with willingness to bear one another s burdens (v. 8). They desired to be witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places (v. 9). They were thus baptized in water as a witness before him that they had entered into a covenant with Him, to serve Him and keep His commandments, desiring that He would pour out His Spirit more abundantly upon them. Alma, then took Helam into the water and cried to God, stating, O Lord, pour out they Spirit upon they servant, that he may do this work with holiness of heart (v. 12). Upon saying these words, the Spirit was poured upon Alma, after which he stated, Helam, I baptize thee, having authority from the Almighty God, as a testimony that ye have entered into a covenant with him until you are dead... and may the Spirit of the Lord be poured out upon you; and may he grant unto you eternal life, through the redemption of Christ... He then immersed himself and Helam under the water simultaneously. They arose filled with the Spirit (v. 14). After this, two hundred and four souls were then baptized by Alma. They too were filled with the grace of God (v. 16). Alma then ordained a priest for every fifty people baptized. They were just men only, a word tied to those who are born again in the Spirit (Mos. 23:17). He admonished them to teach only repentance and faith on the Lord (v.20, see also Mos. 25:22). He said that they were not to depend upon the people for their support, but labor with their own hands for their support (v. 24 & 26). He said that if they did so, they would receive the grace [Spirit] of God, that they might wax strong in the Spirit, having the knowledge of God, that they might teach with power and authority from God (v. 26). These servants were not to be esteemed above any other person (Mos. 23:7). They were to be men of God (v. 14). Later Alma taught many more people, enough for seven different bodies or churches (Mos. 25:21). Some, because of their hard hearts and unbelief were led into sin. Alma inquired of the Lord for what he should do. The Lord first told him that he was blessed, a phrase tied to those who receive the promise of eternal life (in this life) from the Lord s own mouth. The Lord said he was blessed because of his great faith in the words of Abinadi, and because he established a church among his people, and they shall be my people (Mos. 26:17). And blessed is this people who are willing to bear my name; for in my name shall they be called; and they are mine (v. 18). Alma was then promised eternal life by the Lord in a covenant from Him (v. 20). My Sheep hear My Voice The Lord then provided a definition for those in His church, those whom He calls my sheep (Mos. 26:20). They are those that go forth in my name and those that will hear my voice shall be my sheep (v. 21, see also Mos. 5:15). The Lord then concludes, telling Alma, For behold, this my church; whosoever is baptized unto repentance. And whomsoever ye receive shall believe in my name; and him will I freely forgive (v. 22). Verses then address coming to know the Lord after the watery baptism, that they too might have eternal life. For behold, in my name are they called; and if they know me they shall come forth, and shall have a place eternally at my right hand. And it shall come to pass that when the second trump shall sound then shall they that never knew me come forth and shall stand before me. And then shall they know that I am the Lord their God, that I am their Redeemer; but they would not be redeemed. And then I will confess unto them that I never knew them; and they shall depart into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels (see also JST Mat. 7:33 & 25:10-11; D&C 132:22-24). 6

7 We must know the Lord to inherit to dwell in Zion when it is created and to receive eternal life. The first watery baptism is where we make an outward physical covenant with God to keep His commandments and serve Him and one another. We must then press on and be born again (Mos. 27:24-28) to enter through the gate and onto the pathway to the Tree of Life (Christ), where eternal life is granted (2 Ne. 31 & 32). Many like Alma have received the second baptism of the Spirit (or fire) just after they were baptized. Others do so later, when they finally come unto Christ fully, with a broken heart and contrite spirit. What is important is that we repent and come to Christ our redeemer with full purpose of heart. It is a second fiery baptism, where the Holy Ghost is given. It is a requirement to enter heaven. Too many Saints have not sought it. Making All Things New 8 Examples, 3 Times To help us find salvation on the way, our Savior used the phrase my doctrine 8 times in 3 Nephi 11, verses 28, 30, 31, 32, 35, 39 and 40. This is when He provided His first instruction to the people gathered at the temple at Bountiful. He also spoke of my gospel 8 times in D&C 10:45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 52, 62 and 63. And note that He also spoke of my church 8 times in D&C 10:53, 54, 55, 67, 68 and 69. A summary of the Lord s 8 uses of the three phrases my doctrine, my gospel, and my church is provided below. They are sometimes found together in the same chapter of the Book of Mormon or the same Section of the Doctrine and Covenants. My Doctrine 8 times in 3 Ne. 11:28, 30, 31, 32, 35, 39, 40 (see also D&C 10:62, 63, 67) The Doctrine of Christ 2 Ne. 31:2 & 21; 32:6 - the only doctrine which is in me (D&C 10:62), the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (3 Ne. 31:21) My Gospel 8 times in D&C 10:45, 46, 48, 49, 50, 52, 62, 63; see also 3 Ne. 27:10, 11, 13, 20-21; 33:12 My Church 8 times in D&C 10:53, 54, 55, 67, 68, 69, see also 3 Ne. 27:8, 10 The number 8 is intimately tied to our Lord and the concepts of our rebirth or renewal through His mediating Atonement and Resurrection. He said, I make all things new (Rev. 21:5). It is through Him that we are made whole, complete, and new. Moses 6:59-60 informs us that we are made new via purification by water, justification by fire, and sanctification in Christ s blood (three progressive cleansings). They are the three witnesses on earth mirroring three witnesses in heaven - the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (1 John 5:7-8). Our Lord s three uses of the number 8 in the verses above (and the number 888) is the numerical equivalent in Gematria - of His Greek name Jesus and the phrases I am the Lord, I change not (Mal 3.6), I Am who I AM, Lord of Miracles, and my beloved. Man, influenced by Satan, takes Christ s doctrine, gospel, and church and corrupts them with 6 things. They are found in 1 Ne. 22:23. The first of these, getting gain - at the expense of the people - is one of the first signs of priestcraft a great sin in the Book of Mormon. There, prophets preach against getting gain in connection with Christ s doctrine, gospel, and church in 9 of its chapters (see p. 14). The number 9 is symbolically tied to judgment. Priestcraft is firmly implanted among us today. Corrupting the Lord s Doctrine, Gospel & Church In 1 Nephi 22:23, our Lord tells us that Satan, with man s help, corrupts His truths, those present in His doctrine, gospel, and church. He states that these six corrupting influences ultimately lead to the consuming of corrupted churches in the coming great day of His judgment upon them, until they are stubble. The Lord s list of six corrupting influences represents a clear formula for failure. Number symbolism reveals that 6 is symbolically tied to man and the beast within him, as seen in the mark of the beast 666. This is directly opposed to the tau mark, a mark tied to the Lord s name and His protection being placed upon us (see Ezek. 9). For the time speedily shall come that all churches which [1] are built up to get gain, and all those who [2] are built up to get power over the flesh, and those who are built up [3] to become popular in the eyes of the world and those who [4] seek the lusts of the flesh and [5] the things of the world, and [6] do all manner of iniquity; yea, in fine, [7] all those who belong to the kingdom of the devil are they who need fear, and tremble, and quake; they are those who must be brought low in the dust: they are those who must be consumed as stubble; and this is according to the words of the prophet (1 Nephi 22:23). 7

8 This prophecy is of the Lord the prophet, given to Nephi. It is all encompassing and includes all churches with these qualities, found in a chapter where the context is most concerned with the last days. Addressing Nephi, the Lord stated that these churches must be consumed as stubble. As we see in this revealing verse, man corrupts God s church for six (the symbolic number of man) reasons - that he might: (1) get gain, (2) get power over the flesh, (3) receive the praise of men, (4) satisfy the lusts of the flesh, (5) seek the things of the world, and (6) do all manner of iniquity. Such ones (7) belong to the kingdom of the devil or the great and abominable church. So says our Lord as The Prophet in this verse. David Whitmer, one of the three witnesses for the Book of Mormon believed consolidation of power in one man caused many of the problems he saw in early church history (endnote 5), a problem tied to pride and desire for power and acclaim. The word church is not used in a positive way in the Book of Mormon until Alma does so in the book of Mosiah. Alma escaped the wicked teachings of Noah and his priests, gathering those around him who repented and turned to the Lord for truth. Prior to this point in time, Lehi, Jacob, Enos and other Book of Mormon authors do not even use the word church in their writings. Instead they use the word temple or kingdom to describe places of gathering for the believers. It is an angel who first uses the word church in the Book of Mormon, doing so in a negative way in connection with the great and abominable church - of the Devil (see 1 Ne. 13:5-6). Those in this church corrupt Christ s teachings, taking away His light and truth (see D&C 39:19). And the angel said unto me: Behold the formation of a church which is most abominable above all other churches, which slayeth the saints of God, yea, and tortureth them and bindeth them down, and yoketh them with a yoke of iron, and bringeth them down into captivity. And it came to pass that I beheld this great and abominable church; and I saw the devil that he was the founder of it (1 Ne. 13:5-6). The second use of the word church in the Book of Mormon is in the next chapter, centered again negatively on the church of the Devil. There, the same angel speaks to Nephi, stating that there are really only two churches; the church of the Lamb of God, and all others that are part of the great and abominable church. Though there may be good in many of them, they lack the saving power of the fulness of Christ s gospel. And he said unto me: Behold there are save two churches only; the one is the church of the Lamb of God, and the other is the church of the devil; wherefore, whoso belongeth not to the church of the Lamb of God belongeth to that great church, which is the mother of abominations; and she is the whore of all the earth (1 Ne. 14:10). The third use of the word church in the Book of Mormon is plural, referring to churches in our day that are built up for man s purposes. In it the Lord supplies the list of six corrupting influences mentioned earlier that are evident again in our day (see 1 Nephi 22:23). They are the signs of priestcraft, where men set themselves up as lights to the people in replacement of God (2 Ne. 26:29). For the time speedily shall come that all churches which are built up [1] to get gain, and all those who are built up [2] to get power over the flesh, and those who are built up [3] to become popular in the eyes of the world [the praise of men], and those who [4] seek the lusts of the flesh and [5] the things of the world, and [6] to do all manner of iniquity; yea, in fine, [7] all those who belong to the kingdom of the devil are they who need fear, and tremble, and quake; they are those who must be brought low in the dust; they are those who must be consumed as stubble; and this is according to the words of the prophet... And he gathereth his children from the four quarters of the earth; and he numbereth his sheep, and they know him; and there shall be one fold and one shepherd; and he shall feed his sheep, and in him they shall find pasture (1 Ne. 22:23, 25). A Simple Definition In D&C 10, a revelation from God to the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1828, the Lord uses the three phrases my doctrine, my gospel, and my church, to define His way to salvation in very simple terms. It features two concepts given in four words. Believers are to repent and to come unto Christ (D&C 10:67-68). The phrases my church and my gospel are both used eight times in this Section of the Doctrine and Covenants, whereas my doctrine is used three times. The phrase the only doctrine which is in me is 8

9 used just once to make emphasis on this point. This particular revelation was given in the summer of 1828, two years prior to the formal organization of the LDS church, occurring on April 6 of This organization apparently allowed Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery the right to preach as religious teachers or elders with an official license in the State of New York (see D&C 20). In D&C 10, our Lord stated: Behold, this is my doctrine whosoever repenteth and cometh unto me, the same is my church. Whosoever declareth more or less than this, the same is not of me, but is against me; therefore he is not of my church (D&C 10:67-68, see also verse 69, and 1 Ne. 10:18 & 2 Ne. 28:32). Prior to Joseph Smith s formal church organization in according to the civil laws of the New York State (D&C 20), Joseph and Oliver had repented and baptized each other, immediately receiving the Holy Ghost. It was a born again experience for them. This was in 1829 (HC 1:73). They had centered themselves on Christ, His teachings, and word. They had become part of His church according to the Lord s definition of it in D&C 10. Their first watery baptisms were also accompanied by the baptism of fire. The later 1830 organization was according to the Laws of New York State, that they might be officially licensed by civil law therein to preach throughout the state as elders. They were baptized again at the 1830 state-approved, more formal organization Whitmer claims that the Holy Ghost was present early on, less so later (see endnote 5). When Alma and Helam were immersed together in the pure waters of Mormon in Mosiah 18:12-13, we have the next use of the word church in the Book of Mormon, now used in a positive way. The people Alma taught represented a body of believers in Christ who had left the wickedness of King Noah, his priests, and their church. Alma (a former priest in this church) and his people had repented and come unto Christ. There were no licenses needed, according to the laws of men (David Whitmer emphasizes this in a final, stirring witness). 5 Previous to this point in time, Alma had been a priest in a corrupted church overseen by King Noah and his priests. We read of its corruptions in Mosiah chapter 11. Compare them with the Lord s list of corrupting influences in 1 Ne. 22:23. Note that Noah had many wives the lusts of the flesh (Mosiah 11, v. 2). He levied heavy taxes on the people for personal gain (v. 3). And he had changed the affairs of the kingdom (v. 4). He and his priests were lifted up in pride of their hearts (v. 5). The changes King Noah made allowed for he and his priests to be supported in their laziness, and in their idolatry, and in their whoredoms, by the taxes which king Noah had put upon his people; thus did the people labor exceedingly to support iniquity (v. 6). Note that there were also many elegant and spacious buildings tied to the things of the world (v. 8). They were funded by the heavy burdens and taxes put upon the people. Such things grind upon the face of the poor (2 Ne. 26:20; Isa. 3:15). These same things have been found in our day. 6 Nephi saw us the Gentiles - and stated: And the Gentiles are lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and have stumbled, because of the greatness of their stumbling block, that they have built up many churches; nevertheless, they put down the power and miracles of God, and preach up unto themselves their own wisdom and their own learning, that they may get gain and grind upon the face of the poor (2 Ne. 26:20). Note too that the eyes of the people had been blinded (v. 7 & 29). They had been deceived by the vain and flattering words of the king and priests (v. 7). Even Alma, one of the very elect, had been deceived for a time, believing in the false teachings and traditions of this church. It was because of these corrupting influences that Abinadi came to preach repentance to the people, along with faith on the Lord Jesus Christ the essence of Christ s doctrine, gospel, and church. Nephi makes it very clear that there is no other doctrine of Christ, no law, and no other way, gospel or church that leads to real salvation. We aren t saved by our works, callings, leaders, or temple ordinances. We are saved only as we repent and come unto Christ. Such is the doctrine of our Savior, our Lawgiver, King, and Judge. There is no other way, thus Second Nephi 31:21 is worth repeating. And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen (2 Nephi 31:21). 9

10 God has added: Behold, this is my work and my glory, to bring about the immortality and eternal life of man (Moses 1:39). Pres. Ezra Taft Benson encouraged the Saints to repent and come unto Christ. He addressed the baptism of fire experience, as part of Christ s doctrine, gospel, and church, quoting D&C 10 in his First Presidency message during the October 1989 General Conference. It was entitled, The Mighty Change of Heart. The humble and repentant experience it. He repeatedly spoke out against its opposite - pride. He placed greater emphasis on the important message of the Book of Mormon, which is to repent and come unto Christ. And it was during his leadership that the greatest success was experienced by our missionaries in spreading Christ s gospel (1989). Such success has since waned to its lowest point ever (see endnote 12). Come Out of Babylon - Before it is too Late God has told us to come out of Babylon many times (Rev. 18:4; Jer. 51:45; D&C 1:16, 133:7). He has also stated, I will not spare any that remain in Babylon (D&C 64:24). He will eventually cause Babylon to fall when the great and dreadful day of the final harvest arrives (D&C 1:16). It is the coming storm, when many have built their sandy foundations on flattering men or corrupt churches and governments rather than God. Their fall will be swift, powerful, and complete. Those that have built their testimonies on the, the sure foundation - Jesus the Christ will abide this day of wind, rain, and more (JST Matt. 7:32-35; Luke 6:48: D&C 11:24). Those whose testimonies are tied to mortal men and their institutions will be washed away when the floods come to cleanse the Earth of all her wickedness. Such is the state of too many trusting Saints. This washing away is already occurring for many today as they find information on the internet (whether true or false) that causes them to abandon long-held beliefs or traditions. Those following this path in Mormonism often reject its most valued offerings; faith in the Lord Jesus and His teachings in the Book of Mormon. In many cases they do so because they have built their testimonies on a sandy foundation - the church and its mortal leaders including Joseph Smith (a stumbling block), rather than on the rock Jesus Christ, the Stone of Israel the Chief Cornerstone. He and His teachings are in the book and other Latter-day Saint scripture. Sadly, many throw out the baby (Christ and faith in Him) with the grey bathwater (false beliefs and traditions). In scripture we read of the former rains and the latter rains in Joel chapter 2, which is both the great storm of an advancing northern army to destroy the wicked among the Lord s people in Jerusalem anciently and our corrupted land today, and the living waters that overflow upon the righteous both then and now. It is the great outpouring of the Lord s Spirit in both the meridian of time (the Day of Pentecost) and the last-days. Both destruction and salvation are addressed both in ancient times and today. The latter rains have arrived. Many are receiving light, the gifts of the Spirit, and are returning to the Lord with all their hearts through sincere repentance. This is occurring independent of apostasy, chaos, and increasing darkness in the land and its institutions. We read in Joel, chapter 2 (KJV): 1 Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the [great] day of the LORD cometh, for it is nigh at hand; 2 A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations. 3 A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them. 4 The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run. 5 Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array. 6 Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness. 10

11 7 They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks: 8 Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded. 9 They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief. 10 The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining: 11 And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp is very great: for he is strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; and who can abide it? 12 Therefore also now, saith the LORD, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: 13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil. 14 Who knoweth if he will return and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering and a drink offering unto the LORD your God? 15 Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly: 16 Gather the people, sanctify the congregation, assemble the elders, gather the children, and those that suck the breasts: let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her closet. 17 Let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God? 18 Then will the LORD be jealous for his land, and pity his people. 19 Yea, the LORD will answer and say unto his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and ye shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen: 20 But I will remove far off from you the northern army, and will drive him into a land barren and desolate, with his face toward the east sea, and his hinder part toward the utmost sea, and his stink shall come up, and his ill savour shall come up, because he hath done great things. 21 Fear not, O land; be glad and rejoice: for the LORD will do great things. 22 Be not afraid, ye beasts of the field: for the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yield their strength. 23 Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month. 24 And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with wine and oil. 25 And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. 26 And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed. 27 And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the LORD your God, and none else: and my people shall never be ashamed. 28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: 29 And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit. 30 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. 31 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of the LORD come. 32 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call. There are Save Two Churches Only 11

12 Earlier we read in 1 Nephi 14:10 that there are save but two churches only, one of God and all others of the devil; one built on the Rock who is Jesus Christ, all others on sand. Note the names and primary scriptures tied to both of them below. Christ s Church built on the Rock The Devil s Church built on sand 1. Repent 1. Seeking gain at the expense of the people 2. Come unto Me 2. Seeking power over flesh 3. Seeking to be popular in the eyes of the world 4. Seeking the lusts of the flesh 5. Seeking the things of the world 6. Seeking to do all manner of iniquity 7. Such belong to the kingdom of the devil Names for Christ s Church The Church of the Firstborn or Lamb The Virgin Bride of the Lamb The Kingdom of God The Church of Christ (3 Ne. 27:8; 4 Ne. 26) The Holy Church of God (Morm. 8:38) The True Faith (3 Ne. 6:14) Names for Satan s Church The Great and Abominable Church The Whore of Babylon The Kingdom of the Devil Primary Scriptures Primary Scriptures D&C 10:67-68; 1 Ne. 10:18; 2 Ne. 28:32; 1 Nephi 14:10 & 22:23 2 Ne. 31:2 & 21, 32:6; Alma 5:333-4; 3 Ne. 11:28-40; 3 Ne. 27:5-21; Mos. 18:16-22 & Mor. 7:34 We have seen that the Lord defines what His doctrine, gospel, and church is via two simple concepts, and just four total words (the number 2 is tied to the law of witnesses and 4 to the Earth), whereas what it is not is defined by six things (the number 6 is tied to man and the beast within him, whereas 7 is symbolically tied to something which is full and complete ). In a 1829 revelation to Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, and David Whitmer, the Lord said, Behold I give unto you a commandment, that you rely upon the things which are written [in the Book of Mormon]; for in them are all things written, concerning my church, my gospel, and my rock. Wherefore if you shall build up my church, and my gospel, and my rock, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you (Chap. 15, verse 4 of the Book of Commandments). Seven words (in italics) were later added to this revelation in D&C 18:4. It now reads, Behold I give unto you a commandment, that you rely upon the things which are written; for in them are all things written, concerning the foundation of my church, my gospel, and my rock; wherefore, if you shall build up my church upon the foundation of my gospel and my rock, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you. My Church: What Defines the Church of Christ & Those in It? Followers of Christ The Way In addition to D&C 10:67-68, chapters 6 and 7 of the book of Moroni, Mormon defines the church of Christ for us (Mor. 6:4), giving us a clear definition of it and those within it. They have experienced the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost. They are born again. Mormon states that those in it are the peaceable followers of Christ (Mor. 7:3) and the true followers of His [God s] son (Mor. 7:48). They are meek and lowly in heart (Mat. 11:29; Mor. 6:2) like Christ. They thus walk in the meekness of my [Christ s] Spirit (Mat. 11:29; D&C 19:23). They have learned of Christ and abide in Him (Mat. 11:29). Their pride has been taken away. They have a broken heart and contrite spirit (Mor. 6:2; Mat. 11:29). They have received the mighty change of heart (Alma 5:12-14) and been wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost (Mor. 6:4), and thus are born again in Christ (John 3:3-5). They follow the Son with purpose of heart (2 Ne. 31:13) and have taken His name upon them. They have learned of the Lord and walk in 12

13 His footsteps. It is the way. They thus do the works of Christ (3 Ne. 18:24; 2 Ne. 31:12-13). And thus, they are filled with the love of God. They exhibit the primary gift of Christ s Spirit, which is charity the pure love of Christ (Mor. 7:47). Having such love casts out all fear (Morm. 8:16). Mormon tells us that it is by these things or by their [those in this church] works [that] ye shall know them (Mor. 7:5). Thus those on the way are a church or gathering of Christ-centered believers, some existing within other institutions. They are those who are born again receiving Christ in their countenances, regardless of their affiliation with a specific institution. They are apparently part of the church of the Firstborn (D&C 76:67), who eventually become the sons and daughters of Christ (the Father of our salvation), as He claimeth all those who have faith in him (Mor. 7:28). They are brought to heaven in this life (a visionary experience) and sealed his (Mos. 5:15). This occurs after they have received the first two baptisms of water and fire. They are eventually sanctified in the atoning blood of Christ when they enter the rest or presence of the Lord the fulness of His glory (D&C 84:24). This is the third and last baptism addressed in Moses 6:58-60 and 1 John 5:6-8. It is a most joyful event. Those in the way experience these three baptisms, doing so in or outside of established churches. The key is to repent and come unto Christ with all our heart, might, mind and strength, the first and great commandment (Mat. 22:38). Believers in the Church of Christ are to gather that they might meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls (Mor. 6:5). Their meetings are conducted... after the manner of the workings of the Spirit and by the power of the Holy Ghost (Mor. 6:9; D&C 46:2). With them, these born again souls are led whether to preach, or to exhort, or to pray, or to supplicate, or to sing, even so it was done (Mor. 6:9). The name the Church of Christ is mentioned by the Lord five times in D&C 20. It is the name of His church in the Book of Mormon. He calls it my church (see My Name hereafter and endnote 21). Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness One of our Lord s many names in scripture is the Righteous or Righteousness (see Moses 7:45, 47). As we hunger for He who is the bread of life and the fountain of living waters then we will be among the blessed to see God (3 Ne. 12:2). This is the eighth be-attitude taught by the Lord in the Book of Mormon. They will also be filled with the Holy Ghost (verse 6 & JST Mat. 5:8). It is our faith in Christ the first principle of the gospel that we receive such blessings, not faith in Joseph Smith, Pres. Monson, or any church. Many early leaders of the church fell away from it. They included Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer, chosen by God to be eyewitnesses of an angel who brought them the gold plates of the Book of Mormon. They saw them, handled their engravings, and bore testimony to the world of the truthfulness of the book. It was not Joseph s intelligence or skill that gave us the Book of Mormon translation. David Whitmer and Oliver Cowdery bore testimony that they were translated by the gift and power of God not Joseph Smith as he was not learned (2 Ne. 27:19). Both men saw first-hand how Joseph Smith used a seer stone in his hat to receive the translation directly from God via a revelatory gift. They saw Joseph s strengths in God and his weaknesses as a man (see endnote 5). Why did they, most of the original Twelve, five of the eight witnesses of the plates, and so many others fall away from the early church? Although the reasons can be complex, one is imperfection in Joseph Smith and the other men leading the church. Too much faith and trust was placed in mortal leaders rather than in God. Joseph erred as we all do. When Brigham Young came to power, many more left. We continue making the same mistake of idolatry today. In the last portion of the Testimony of the Three Witnesses, we read, And we know that if we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men, and be found spotless before the judgment-seat of Christ and shall dwell with him eternally in the heavens. And the honor be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen. Stumbling Blocks Can Mortal Prophets Fail? All mortal men and women fail at times. We have agency and make mistakes. Unlike Satan, God will not force us to obey. Choice is at the center of the Father s eternal plan. Scripture is full 13

14 of examples of leaders failing. Joseph Smith was in continual need of repentance (see D&C 3:1-15; 10:1-6; 19:13-21), as are all men and women. He and Brigham Young, along with various teachings embraced by the Saints (past or present) are stumbling blocks to many who might otherwise embrace the Book of Mormon and its message to repent and come to Christ. Polygamy is often the most troubling of these. Joseph Smith introduced some form of it to the Saints at Nauvoo. He repented of it just before his murder. After the deaths of the Smith brothers (Joseph, Hyrum and Samuel), Brigham Young later made it an institution in Utah, one required for the Saint s exaltation. The U.S. government later forced the LDS church to abandon the practice. 7 Joseph Smith made mistakes, but he also did amazing things when under the influence of the Lord. The false narrative that he and other leaders cannot fail is a great stumbling block for many today. God works by stumbling blocks. They are used to test us, to see if we will seek Him out, rather than lifting man up as our light. David Whitmer, one of the three witnesses for the Book of Mormon as chosen by God, said, He [the Father] ordained that Christ should come as a stumbling-block to the Jews, so that all who did not have an eye single to his glory might stumble and not understand. And He (Christ) shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offense to both the houses of Israel, for a sin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken (see Isa. 8:14-15, see also 1 Peter 2:7-8, 1 Cor. 1:23, Rom. 9:32-33.) The Jews did not expect the Christ to come in the way he did, because the prophecies about his coming were obscure; so they rejected him... The scriptures teach that God works in a way least expected by men. Neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord (Isa. 55:8). (See endnote 5 and David Whitmer, An Address to All Believers in Christ, Today, like Joseph Smith, men and churches can be a stumbling block to many, as is the Book of Mormon to many (see endnote 5). We must awake and arise and worship the living God of heaven instead. The Father and Son can and should be our mentors (see John 14:15-23). In reference to the calling of the Twelve in the lastdays, the Lord told Joseph, Oliver, and David Whitmer, Wherefore, if you shall build up my church, my gospel, and my rock [Jesus Christ], the gates of hell shall not prevail against you (Book of Commandments, chap. 15:4; D&C 18:4). A final stumbling block to many Saints is the belief that all is well, that they are saved when they are not. Too many look to their leaders for direction on all things. Too many profess to know Christ and His name, when they do not (D&C 112:24-26). Salvation and entrance into the kingdom of God only come when we are born again (the second fiery baptism). It places us on the pathway to be made new and to have relationship with the Son and the Father. So says our Savior and His words in scripture! Rejecting or Denying Christ Satan (and his kingdom and followers) wants nothing more than to have Christ diminished in our lives in all ways. He revels in individuals forsaking Christ in or outside of any church. Satan wants us to worship him as the god of this telestial, corrupted world. He has been very successful in many ways with this goal. In D&C 93, the Lord lists five steps that will take us into His Holy presence in the very first verse. In this same Section, He also tells us later in verse 39 that as soon as He (God) reveals light and truth to us, Satan then comes and takes it away. The Evil One does so by corrupting it (1 Ne. 22:23), making additions, and introducing distractions. Two of the most damaging influences among us today are idolatry and priestcraft (men replacing God). They become part of our traditions. Prideful, wicked men keep them going to get gain. The Lord stated: And that wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers (D&C 93:39). Contrast that statement with the essence of God s desire - that we repent and come unto Him in verse 1 the essence of His doctrine, gospel, and Church. 14

15 Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who [1] forsaketh his sins and [2] cometh unto me, and [3] calleth on my name, and [4] obeyeth my voice, and [5] keepeth my commandments shall see my face and know that I am (D&C 93:1). In 2 Nephi 28:32, a curse (via usage of the word wo ) is placed on us the Gentiles, because of our rejection of Christ. He adds that we will deny Him! He then concludes addressing the simple way to return to Him. Wo be unto the Gentiles, saith the Lord God of Hosts! For notwithstanding I shall lengthen out mine arm unto them from day to day, they will deny me; nevertheless, I will be merciful unto them, saith the Lord God, if they will [1] repent and [2] come unto me; for mine arm is lengthened out all the day long, saith the Lord God of Hosts. Again and again, the Lord defines what His doctrine, gospel, and church is to repent and come unto Him. Sadly, He is denied and rejected by idolatry among us. Today we lift up other men as lights rather than God. We put our trust in flesh in mortal, imperfect leaders. Too many believe that they cannot lead us astray. Nowhere in scripture do we find this false, damning doctrine. All men are imperfect. We must not lift up Joseph Smith, President Monson, or any man as our light, or we will surely be disappointed. They are stumbling blocks to real progression. God s word reveals that curses come upon those who practice this idolatry. Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost (2 Ne. 28:31). Earlier the Prophet Nephi stated: O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm (2 Ne. 4:34, in this chapter, he refers to Christ as His rock three times). King David repented of his sins, putting away his extra wives. He finally came to understand that Christ the Lord was and is the real center. In the exact, chiastic center verse of the Bible, David stated: It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man (Psalm 118:8). King David also understood that his people would reject the Holy One of Israel, the sure foundation, the Stone of Israel, the Chief Cornerstone. In verse 22 of the same Psalm, he added: The stone which the builders [of the temple] refused is become the head stone of the corner. King David was himself an example of Israel s rejection of Christ. They wanted earthly kings to rule over them (like other nations) rather than the Lord. Note the following additional, classic scriptures revealing our Lord s rejection at the hands of His own people, a type for us as modern Israel today: And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them (1 Sam. 8:7, see also & 10:19). On the last, 8 th day of the joyous Feast of Tabernacles, the Great Day, just after the unique pouring out of the water ceremony, the Lord stood to tell His people that He was the fountain of living waters. They would eventually reject and crucify Him. For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns [imperfect mortal leaders], that can hold no water (Jer. 2:13). 15

16 Forasmuch as this people refuseth the waters of Shiloah that go softly... therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, even the king of Assyria... And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? (2 Ne. 18:6; 20:2, see also 2 Ne. 24:25). On the first day of this same Biblical Holy Day, just after the great candelabra had been lit - making Jerusalem a shining light on a hill, the Lord said, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life (John 8:12). This fulfilled Isaiah 9:2, where we read, The people that walked in darkness [ignorance, idolatry, and sin] have seen a great light [Christ]. Israel rejected this light, as modern Israel (the Gentile Saints of Ephraim) are doing today. This is why this same scripture is found in the Book of Mormon (2 Ne. 19:2). The eyes of the blind and sleepy must be opened or they will be trampled upon as salt that has lost its savor. And like a great river of water (the army of the king of Assyria), the coming consuming fire promised in scripture will destroy the unproductive trees of the Lord s vineyard in the last-days: And the light of Israel shall be for a fire, and his Holy One for a flame, and shall burn and shall devour his thorns and his briers in one day; And shall consume the glory of his forest, and of his fruitful field... And the rest of the trees of his forest shall be few... And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them, but shall stay upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. The remnant shall return, yea, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God (2 Ne. 20:17-21). Summary of Five Ways We Deny or Reject Christ Peter told the Lord that there was no way he would deny Him. Scripture reveals otherwise (Mat. 26:75). There are many ways that we as Latter-day Saints also do this. Note just 5 of them: 1. We reject God by putting our faith and trust in man the arm of flesh - rather than Christ (2 Ne. 4:34; 28:31; Psalm 118:8). This is idolatry and leads to priestcraft. Christ is the high tower rejected by the builders in D&C 101. They were to build the high tower at the center of the vineyard, and after beginning it, later quit. Five vineyard parables speak of rejection of Christ 8 (D&C 101; JST Mat. 21; Isa. 5; Jer. 12 & Jacob 5). He is the high tower in seven scriptures (Psalm 18:2, 61:3, 144:2; 2 Sam. 22:3, 51; Prov. 18:10, and D&C 97:20). As we reject Christ, we lift up men as our lights. We then embrace man s false teachings and traditions. We must shed this idolatry and these false traditions as we come unto Christ. 9 Sadly He too is a stumbling block to many, as Whitmer pointed out earlier (see also endnote 5). 2. We reject God s word in scripture the Book of Mormon (our founding document) and the Bible by not searching them and feasting on God s word. The Lord in D&C 84:58 said we are under condemnation for not valuing the Book of Mormon and by not doing what it says, which is repenting and coming unto Christ. Too few understand that it is written to the Lamanites of our day (Title Page). Many of the Remnant of the house of Israel will soon rise up to cleanse and restore what has been corrupted, leading the humble back to Christ their Savior (see endnote 1). We reject the Bible and its teachings. In it we read that the Holy Days are to be observed forever, for example, and as an eternal ordinance. Like the Sacrament, they are another way to remember our Lord and His Atonement periodically. The Holy Days are part of God s important calendar, now replaced by the Romans and later the Catholic Church with their pagan holidays. The days of the week and the months in it are named after various pagan gods (more idolatry). God s calendar features numbered days and months to avoid this idolatry. The wise have been invited to return to this calendar and God s Holy Days. Many are doing so today. 3. As we reject God, we lose the Gifts of the Spirit, first by not believing we can have them. Thus we do not actively seek them. Moroni repeatedly addressed the unbelief exhibited in our day (3 Ne. 29:6-7; Morm. 9:6-11, 19-21; Mor. 7:33-37, 10:24-25). Article of Faith 7 says we believe in prophecy, revelation, healing, and the gifts of tongues, etc. Where are they? Many Christian people, especially the Pentecostals, seek for, practice, and exhibit them in their meetings and elsewhere (endnote 7). God removes His Spirit (and the gifts tied to it) and 16

17 will not hear our prayers, if we: (1) are not one or unified by not caring for the poor, (2) if we are unbelieving, and (3) when there is idolatry and especially priestcraft among us (Morm. 8:28-41; Mor. 10:24). Unbelief remains one of greatest sins among the Saints. We are not enjoying the gifts of the Spirit as we could. In Mormon chapters 8 and 9 we read that God is an unchanging being a God of miracles. As we lapse into unbelief and idolatry, the gifts of the Spirit - as signs following them that believe - then disappear. We as trees in the Lord s vineyard then no longer bare fruit, fruit meet for the Father s kingdom (D&C 84:58). Our leaders have told us that we remain under condemnation. Note the following four related scriptures. And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust. Behold, I say unto you that whoso believeth in Christ, doubting nothing, whatsoever he shall ask the Father in the name of Christ it shall be granted him; and this promise is unto all, even unto the ends of the earth (Mor. 9:20-21). Yea, wo unto him that shall deny the revelations of the Lord, and that shall say the Lord no longer worketh by revelation, or by prophecy, or by gifts, or by tongues, or by healings, or by the power of the Holy Ghost! Yea, and wo unto him that shall say at that day, to get gain, that there can be no miracle wrought by Jesus Christ; for he that doeth this shall become like unto the son of perdition, for whom there was no mercy, according to the word of Christ (3 Ne. 29:6-7)! for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain (Mor. 7:37). And now I speak unto all the ends of the earth that if the day cometh that the power and gifts of God shall be done away among you, it shall be because of unbelief. And wo be unto the children of men if this be the case; for there shall be none that doeth good among you, no not one. For if there be one among you that doeth good, he shall work by the power and gifts of God (Mor. 10:24-25). See endnote We reject God by not offering up our whole hearts to Him in joyous worship and praise, and in both private and public worship. This greatly diminishes our ability to part the veil to God and receive His light. God wants our hearts. In Joseph Smith s first vision he learned that too many believers said the right things, but their hearts were far from God. The first and great commandment is to love God with all our heart, might, mind, and strength (Mat. 22:38). King David understood the power of heartfelt praise, worship, and thanksgiving in communing with Him. Our Christian friends practice this with good results. The Saints at Kirtland were also successful with it, experiencing a great outpouring of the Spirit at the temple s dedication. Many fellow Christians view Latter-day Saints as not being Christian because of our focus on the church and the brethren rather than Christ. Too many Saints today have forgotten how to praise and worship Him (see D&C 93:19). Our meetings are thus often lifeless, with little or no Spirit. In D&C 46 the Lord tells us that we are to conduct all meetings as we are directed and guided by the Holy Spirit (verse 2). He adds that the Spirit and spiritual gifts help prevent deception, lest ye are deceived (verse 8-9). He adds that we are to earnestly seek after the best gifts. Moroni does the same in his last testimony of the Book of Mormon (see Mor. 10:30). God s spiritual gifts are the signs that follow those that truly believe in Christ (D&C 84:65). How can we worship God better, and receive more light, more of His Spirit? Some Christian congregations stand and joyfully sing multiple songs of praise one after another at the start of their meetings, often with hands raised up to God. With each song, sung with heartfelt praise, the Spirit within builds to a crescendo. There were some 4000 musicians and singers utilized at Solomon s Temple for the purpose of inviting and invoking the Lord s Spirit to be with the worshippers. Heartfelt repentance and seeking Christ must proceed with our whole heart. There must also be love for one another, the second great commandment. Our Lord stated, If ye are not one ye are not mine (D&C 38:27). In addition to more joyful worship music, our meetings should involve more of the word of God also washing over us (scripture and talks centered on Christ). Our Lord s Spirit will be increased among us if we will remember and worship Him as His word reveals to us. 17

18 5. We reject God s repeated invitation to repent and come unto Him (the essence of His doctrine, gospel, and church). As our loving Father, God wants us to return to Him. We must be clean to do so. We must know Him to dwell with Him in Zion. We can do this now and be guided by Him directly in this life. Apostles must do this if they are to be special witnesses of Him (endnote 6). Such a path begins with belief, faith, and trust in God. It is to awake and arise. The whole message of the Book of Mormon is to repent and come unto Christ, literally! The 5 steps of D&C 93:1 states: Verily thus saitih the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am. Unless we stay humble and prayerful, Satan comes to takes these truths away (verse 39). Our progression involves a second baptism by fire, to be born again, where we receive the Holy Ghost. It provides needed guidance in God s word (scripture and personal revelation - the rod) to help take us to the Tree of Life and its sweet fruit which is Christ and his love. He is the Heavenly Gift (Ether 12:8). He then becomes our mentor and Second Comforter (John 14:15-23). The corrupting influences of Babylon divert us from the way to eternal life. The Woman in Travail John the Revelator (also known as the Beloved ) saw our day. He saw how the serpent, men, and secret combinations would corrupt so many things in our day. He saw a woman - the bride of the Lamb (the church) who would be in great distress just before God s kingdom on Earth would be established, leading to the Millennium. Revelation chapter 12 addresses this subject using various symbols. There we read of a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon at her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars (JST Rev. 12:1). This is a rare heavenly marker involving the constellation Virgo (the virgin bride) in association with the sun, moon, stars, and planets, in a unique configuration indicating the time of the birth of the man-child (Sept , or Rosh Hashanah of 2017). This very rare sign occurs one month after a total solar eclipse covers all of North America (Aug. 21 st, 2017), one centered over the Adam-ondi-Ahman area. This special eclipse is a sign of judgment! My Friends Prior to the birth of God s peaceful and just kingdom on Earth, the church (the woman or bride of the lamb) is in great travail or tribulation. It is near the time when God s kingdom will come forth as a result of the birth of a man-child first. The man-child is a name for special last-days servants who are friends of the Bridegroom our Lord. They care for the woman who is travailing in the wilderness. She is helped by the man-child, those the Lord calls my friends (D&C 84:77; 93:45; Isa. 41:8). Special, experienced servants like John the Beloved (D&C 77:9&14) and Joseph the Indian prophet (2 Ne. 3:24, endnote 1) will lead the way. They are like Samuel the Lamanite who was an outsider, came to preach repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ, that the wicked Nephites might be saved. John, Joseph, and other friends of the Bridegroom (as in the 144,000) will aid the Bride and help restore much that has been lost in establishing God s Millennial kingdom on Earth. It will be amidst the great storm of Matthew 7:25 and Helaman 5:12 (corruption from within, persecution of the believers, etc.) that this occurs. Only those built upon the rock will withstand the storm. The aid of the servants or friends of Christ is the nourishing of the woman that takes place over a three and one-half year period in the wilderness (v. 14, the symbolic number 3.5 means a limitation of the powers of Satan ). Isaiah addressed the birth of the man-child before God s kingdom is brought in, doing so in the last chapter of his book. He stated: Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child. Who hath heard such a thing? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children (Isa. 66:7-8). The travailing of the bride or church is what we are seeing today with many leaving traditional institutionalized Christian churches for a variety of reasons (see endnote 16). Some simply seek a closer relationship with Christ outside the failing churches, corrupted by men. Alma Preaches Repentance - to the Church 18

19 The Church Begins to Fail In the first five books of Alma in the Book of Mormon, we read of priestcraft entering the church Alma founded for the first time (Alma 1:12). A man by the name of Nehor began teaching that every priest... ought to become popular; and they ought not to labor with their hands, but that they ought to be supported by the people (v. 3). He also taught that all would be saved and receive eternal life an all is well attitude (v. 4). The same is occurring today. Priestcraft then spreads throughout the land by those who love the vain things of the world... and then [they] went forth preaching false doctrines; and this they did for the sake of riches and honor (v. 16). Later we read that the church had much affliction and that many withdrew themselves from among them (vs ). Alma counteracted these false teachings, stating that priests should not esteem themselves above his hearers, for one man is not better than another (v. 26), and that they were to impart the word of God without money and without price (v. 20). By chapter 4 we read that, the people of the church began to be lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and to set their hearts upon riches (Alma 4:8). The widows, poor, and needy were being ignored in favor of fancy buildings, fine clothing, and the like. The wickedness of those in the church, those that have professed to have known the way of righteousness (Alma 5:37) became a great stumbling block to those not in the church. Thus those in both groups would not harken unto his [Christ s] voice (v. 37). As a result, the church began to fail in its progress (Alma 4:10, see endnote 17). At the same time, the humble followers of Christ, many of them rebaptized in a new commitment to Him (endnote 17), were being persecuted by others in it, especially leaders (v. 15). It was at this time that Alma gave up the Chief Judgment Seat he held to Nephihah, that he (Alma) might devote himself solely to sustaining the travailing corrupted church, in his role as the High Priest over it (vs ). Chapter 5 is where Alma then bears pure testimony to the people, speaking clearly of the need to repent and come unto Christ, that all might be born again in Him. We read in verse 7: he [Alma] changed their hearts; yea he awakened them out of a deep sleep, and they awoke unto God. Behold, they [those in the church] were in the midst of darkness; nevertheless, their souls were illuminated by the light of the everlasting word [of God] Conversion to Christ Thereafter we read of various phrases Alma used in his preaching to members of the church, all tied to the necessity of the baptism of fire experience or being born again in Christ. He had experienced this spiritual rebirth himself and taught it to his people to bring them to Christ (see Alma chapters 5 and 36). Too few Saints today understand this critically important doctrine. Speaking of this conversion, Alma asked the people, And now behold, I say unto you, my brethren [of the church], if ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now? (Alma 5:26) This is a question all the Saints should ask themselves today. First, do you have faith and trust in Jesus Christ, and do you love Him with all your heart? Second, have you had the baptism of fire, and if so do you feel now to sing the song of His redeeming love? The phrases Alma used that are tied to this necessary fiery baptism, include: they did sing the song of redeeming love (v. 9) can ye feel so now (v. 26) mighty change wrought in his heart (vs. 12 & 13) put their trust in the true and living God (v. 13) have ye spiritually been born of God (v. 14) have ye received his image in your countenances (v. 14) Come unto me ye blessed (v. 16) Have ye experienced the mighty change in your hearts (v. 14) pure heart and clean hands (v. 19) Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you (v. 15) repent, for the Lord God has spoken it (v. 32) the image of God engraven upon your countenances (v. 19) stripped of pride (v. 28), of envy (29) no man be saved except his garments are washed white (v. 21, 24, 27) arms of mercy are extended towards them (v. 33) Repent, and I will receive you (v. 33) a shepherd hath called after you (v. 37) repent and be born again (v 49) Come ye out of the wicked, and be ye separate (v. 57) the names of the righteous shall be written in the book of life (v. 58) the Good shepherd doth call after you; and if you will hearken unto his voice he will bring you into his fold (v. 60) Come unto me and ye shall partake of the fruit of the tree of life (v. 34) yea, ye shall eat and drink of the bread and the waters of life freely (v. 34) I speak unto you that belong to the church that ye also may be partakers of the fruit of the tree of life (v. 62) 19

20 A Reformation In Christ Rebirth Alma used the born again language of Alma 5 above to try and restore the people of the church in his day to the true faith (3 Ne. 6:14) faith in Christ, not to a system, leaders, or the church itself. The corrupted church was failing, it was beginning to be broken up. A reformation was need (see Upublished Revelations p. 73, HC vol. 7). Alma retired from being Chief Judge so that he could concentrate on counteracting the corruptions that had entered into the church, as members were seeking the vain things of the world (1 Ne. 22:23). It is a very clear type for our day. Mormon asks us, Why have ye polluted the holy church of God (Morm. 8:38)? When a body of believers move away from the rock, the Book of Mormon reveals it is necessary to set things in order once again. A reformation or renewal of commitment must take place. Alma was setting in order or reestablishing the affairs of the church of God. He was rebuilding Christ as the foundation or rock in God s house. Christ must be the high tower at the center of His vineyard (Psalm 18:3), the focus of those in the true church of Christ (4 Ne. 26). Too few were exhibiting sufficient faith in Christ. Repentance was needed, revealed in re-commitment to the Lord (Mos. 26:22-24). Alma thus commanded church members to repent and come unto Christ to be baptized again, a setting in order the house of God (D&C 85:7). Alma saw the wickedness of the church, and he saw also that the example of the church began to lead those who were unbelievers on from one piece of iniquity to another, thus bringing on the destruction of the people (Alma 4:11). The bad example of the Saints caused missionary work and the church to fail. Upon seeing the afflictions of the humble followers of Christ and the persecutions which were heaped upon them by other members and those outside the church, Alma gave up his office as chief judge, and confined himself wholly to the high priesthood of the holy order of God (Alma 4:15, 20). And this he did that he himself might go forth among his people, or among the people of Nephi, that he might preach the word of God unto them, to stir them up in remembrance of their duty, and that he might pull down by the word of God, all the pride and craftiness [priestcraft] and all the contentions which were among his people, seeing no way that he might reclaim them save it were in bearing down in pure testimony against them (Alma 4:19). And these are the words which he spake to the people in the Church which was established in the city of Zarahemla, according to his own record (Alma 5:2). After preaching a pure testimony about the necessity of being born again in Christ, and of living righteously, Alma then gave the following command to the church. I speak by way of command unto you that belong to the church; and unto those who do not belong to the church I speak by way of invitation, saying: Come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye also may be partakers of the fruit of the tree of life (Alma 5:62). Here we see that Alma commanded all church members in Zarahemla to be re-committed to the true doctrine, gospel, and church of Christ. He commanded them all to be baptized again (see also Alma 7:7-14, Mor. 6:1 & endnote 17). This form of renewal was common in early church history, but is now forbidden. Many have been excommunicated for re-baptism today, even though it was once commonly practiced in the church, from the First Presidency and the Twelve, down to everyday Latter-day Saints (endnote 17). To non-members of his day, Alma spoke by way of invitation that they might believe in our Lord, repent, and be baptized into the church of Christ, embracing His doctrine and gospel. 20

21 Part II: Repent All men everywhere must repent and come unto Christ being born again by, of, and in Him! This is the primary message of scripture and the focus of Christ s doctrine, gospel, and church. There are no exceptions, as all men and women sin. All must become clean through repentance and the Atonement of Christ. There is no other way. The Prophet Joseph Smith was imperfect and he knew it. When he spoke under the influence of the Spirit, he spoke with power and authority. Other times he spoke as an imperfect man. He made mistakes, but nevertheless did incredible things as God s servant during the first seven years of his ministry. There was trouble in the last seven years, however, culminating in his death. Many believe his head was covered (diminished revelation) at this time because of the wickedness surrounding him (see 2 Ne. 27:5; Isa. 29:10). Polygamy and Masonry had taken root among the Nauvoo Saints. Joseph s actions and his imperfections remains a stumbling block to many today. The imperfection of all men teaches us that we must not lift David, Moses, or Joseph Smith up as our lights, regardless of what they did or did not do, only God. Christ tells us that He is the light we should hold up before men, and the things he has done (see 3 Ne. 18:24). God never fails us, no matter what happens around us. He forgives the humble and repentant and leads them to His love, the white fruit on the Tree of Life. He does this to those who both in and outside of traditional churches. The humble need only to hang on to Him and the iron rod that teaches of Him. This iron rod is His word in both scripture and personal revelation. Others get distracted and lost in the mists of darkness surrounding us. Many fall into pits or filthy waters. Others find false safety in the great and spacious building, where pride and false traditions dominate. Too many Saints are in this building. Those precious few who cling to the rod make it to the Tree and there partake of its sweet fruit God s love and salvation. Babylon Spreads Mormon and Moroni taught that all churches in the last-days would be corrupt (Mormon 8:36). Many in them develop zeal for the law, specific traditions, and the wisdom of men, rather than for Christ as their Savior and His pure teachings. Hugh Nibley called this tendency within Mormonism zeal without knowledge in other words, valuing the law over Christ. There is zeal by too many Saints for the LDS church itself, for its leaders, programs, teachings, and traditions, rather than a more appropriate focus on Christ, the whole purpose of the church. The knowledge Nibley spoke of - is knowing Jesus Christ personally. 10 Addressing our day, he said, After the coming forth of the Book of Mormon... there is only one holy Church of God (1 Ne. 14:10). The expression here, moreover, cannot refer to the primitive church, of which these latterday Christians know nothing they are not in a position to pollute it, and pollution is necessarily an inside job. And why should the true Church be any more immune to the blandishments of money and fine clothes and beautiful churches today than it was in the days of the Nephites... Why should they now think that all these warnings are not meant for them, but only for the wicked outsiders? It is exactly the attitude which Nephi and Samuel the Lamanite attacked with such vigor. The Book of Mormon was given to us because it was meant for us (Hugh Nibley, Since Cumorah, pps ). We read in Mormon chapter 8 about the coming forth of the word of God, or what the Lord calls my word in the last-days, in a time of great inequality and injustice, a time of unbelief (rather than faith in Christ). It is our day - a time of idolatry and priestcraft where men lift themselves up as lights, twisting the word of God, changing context and meaning. This is often in connection with secret combinations, as addressed in Moses chapter 5 with Cain and Lamech, and those in the Book of Mormon. Those in them seek to get gain at expense of liberty of the people. There is need today for widespread repentance and a return to Jesus Christ our Savior. for out of the earth shall they [the words of God] come, by the hand of the Lord, and none can stay it; and it shall come in a day when it shall be said that miracles are done away; and it shall come even as if one should speak from the dead... those saints who have gone before me, who have possessed this land, shall cry, yea, even from the dust will they cry... And it shall come in a day when the blood of saints shall cry unto the Lord, because of secret combinations and the works of darkness. Yea, it shall come in a day when the power of God shall be denied, and churches become defiled and be lifted up in the pride of their hearts; yea, even in a day when leaders of churches and teachers shall rise in the pride of their hearts, even to the envying of them who belong to their churches. 21

22 Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be heard of fires, and tempests, and vapors of smoke in foreign lands; And there shall also be heard of wars, rumors of wars, and earthquakes in divers places. Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be great pollutions upon the face of the earth; there shall be murders, and robbing, and lying, and deceivings, and whoredoms, and all manner of abominations; when there shall be many who will say, Do this, or do that, and it mattereth not, for the Lord will uphold such at the last day. But wo unto such, for they are in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity. Yea, it shall come in a day when there shall be churches built up that shall say: Come unto me, and for your money you shall be forgiven of your sins. O ye wicked and perverse and stiffnecked people, why have ye built up churches unto yourselves to get gain? Why have ye transfigured the holy word of God, that ye might bring damnation upon your souls? Behold, look ye unto the revelations of God; for behold, the time cometh at that day when all these things must be fulfilled. Behold, the Lord hath shown unto me great and marvelous things concerning that which must shortly come, at that day when these things shall come forth among you. Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing. And I know that ye do walk in the pride of your hearts; and there are none save a few only who do not lift themselves up in the pride of their hearts, unto the wearing of very fine apparel, unto envying, and strifes, and malice, and persecutions, and all manner of iniquities; and your churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted because of the pride of your hearts. For behold, ye do love money, and your substance, and your fine apparel, and the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted. O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God? Why are ye ashamed to take upon you the name of Christ? Why do ye not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that misery which never dies because of the praise of the world? Why do ye adorn yourselves with that which hath no life, and yet suffer the hungry, and the needy, and the naked, and the sick and the afflicted to pass by you, and notice them not? Yea, why do ye build up your secret abominations to get gain, and cause that widows should mourn before the Lord, and also orphans to mourn before the Lord, and also the blood of their fathers and their husbands to cry unto the Lord from the ground, for vengeance upon your heads? Behold, the sword of vengeance hangeth over you; and the time soon cometh that he avengeth the blood of the saints upon you, for he will not suffer their cries any longer (Mormon 8, 28-41). Like Alma s reformation (Alma chapters 5-7, and others in the Book of Mormon), a last-days reformation and restoration to Christ is in store for our day too. It is the strange act and marvelous work and a wonder of Isaiah. Satan has great hold on the hard hearts of the people in our day, as he did in various places throughout the Book of Mormon. The voice of the Good shepherd as said, Come out from the wicked and be ye separate, and touch not their unclean things (Alma 5:57; Mor. 10:30). Moroni stated, If ye have not faith in Him [Christ] then ye are not fit to be numbered among the people of his church (Mor. 7:39). In Section 4, verses 5 and 6 of the Book of Commandments, the Lord tells us: And thus, if the people of this generation harden not their hears, I will work a reformation among them, and I will put down all lyings, and deceivings, and priestcrafts, and envyings, and strifes, and idolatries, and sorceries, and all manner of iniquities, and I will establish my church, like unto the church which was taught by my disciples in the days of old. And now if this generation do harden their hearts against my word, behold I will deliver them up unto satan. The Great Sin of Priestcraft As presented earlier, Satan corrupts the church of God in six ways (see 1 Ne. 11:23). The first of these is 22

23 getting gain. In an important chapter on priestcraft in the Book of Mormon (2 Ne. 26), Nephi states that the Lord s teachings and salvation are free to all in His doctrine, gospel, and church. His salvation is nevertheless priceless. In eight different chapters in the book we read that His servants are not to labor for gain, but for the creation of Zion only (see p. 11). He revealed what He called my law in D&C 42. It is a law based on pure love charity, where no poor are to be among the people. It is the law of the celestial kingdom, the Law of Consecration. Those in Zion will cheerfully live it. Real servants of the Lord have charity. They are blessed with it when they are baptized by the fire and the Holy Ghost (Mor. 7:48). They have received a mighty change of heart, and experience real love for those around them. They do not seek to be lifted up above others, receiving filthy lucre from them. Throughout scripture the Lord has chastised leaders who seek their own welfare above the sheep they are to shepherd. 11 Only then is love and unity evident. Only with such people can God s law be present and effective in bringing all to Christ. In such a place there will be peace and justice and joy. Tithes and offerings go to help churches manage their affairs. The LDS church is no different. 12 Too little of it today goes to humanitarian aid the poor and needy in helping the people become one. The only way to create the unity of Zion is to assist the poor and needy. There must be no poor among us. How churches and we as individuals treat the poor, the needy, and the oppressed speaks volumes about where we are spiritually on the ladder to God. The Lord has told us that we must have charity and be one, with no poor among us, to have Zion and Christ among us. Only then will He bring again Zion (D&C 113:8; Isa. 11). The Lord informs us in several places how we can best show Him our love. He stated: I was hungry and you gave me meat; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you took me in; naked, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you visited me; I was in prison and you came unto me. Inasmuch as you have done it unto the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me (Matthew 25:35,36, 40). When you are in the service of your fellow beings you are only in the service of your God (Mosiah 2:17). Great inequality exists among us, as there are have and have-nots. The welfare of the poor must be addressed in substantive ways if Zion is ever to be created. Sodom and Gomorrah were both destroyed, not only because of the sexual depravity, but because the poor were ignored. Both sins are among us today. Note the words of the Prophet Ezekiel. Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good (Ezek. 16:49-50). In JST Genesis 14:38 it is clear that Abraham paid his tithing to Melchizedek to help the poor and relieve their oppression. There is no mention there of tithing being used for salaries of leaders or to build beautiful buildings. Such was very much evident in the time of King Noah and his replacement priests. They were practicing priestcraft. Nephi addressed the free nature of our Lord s salvation, stating: Behold, doth he cry unto any, saying: Depart from me? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; but he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, buy milk and honey, without money and without price (2 Ne. 26:20). Hath he commanded any that they should not partake of his salvation? Behold I say unto you, Nay; but he Hath given it free for all men; and he hath commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance (v. 27). He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion (v. 29). Behold, the Lord hath forbidden this thing; wherefore, the Lord God hath given a commandment that all men should have charity, which charity is love. And except they should have charity they were nothing. 23

24 wherefore, if they should have charity they would not suffer the laborer in Zion to perish (v. 30). But the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion; for if they labor for money they shall perish (v. 31). Secret combinations from the very beginning of the world have been designed to get gain the first of the six corrupting influences present in too many churches today, as listed by the Lord in 1 Nephi 22:23 and elsewhere. With their secret oaths, there are also lies, polygamy, homosexuality, and murder (see Moses 5:28-31, 51-52). This allows evil men to prey on others as wolves in sheep s clothing, providing them the lusts of the flesh - money, power, and sex. Secret combinations with their hidden blood-oaths are widespread among governments and other institutions on this land, including churches. Secret oaths were present in the widespread Masonry at Nauvoo. The Masonic Temple there was completed, whereas the Nauvoo Temple was never finished. Our continuing sins, unbelievers and Gentile Saints, pollute this holy, chosen land. They will be eliminated in the Lord s time and way in a day the Native Americans call, the day of purification. That stormy time is very close. What to Teach & Not Teach: Three Witnesses The Lord cautions us about adding to or subtracting from what he calls my word in 3 different scriptures and specifically in the places where He teaches us what His doctrine, gospel, and church is. God always provides light and truth via two or three witnesses (2 Cor. 13:1; Deut. 19:15; 1 Tim. 5:19; Ether 5:2-4). He does not change, but is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Man does change, however. He thinks he knows better than God and modifies the things of God for convenience sake, and the corrupting reasons listed in 1 Ne. 22:23. Our corruptions, and the departure of the humble away from God s truths, have led to the repeating apostasy restoration cycle seen throughout scripture. Satan always comes and takes away light and truth as soon as it is given (D&C 93:39). The three scriptural witnesses that warn us to not add to or subtract from His doctrine, gospel, and church include: Behold, this is my doctrine whosoever repenteth and cometh unto me, the same is my church. Whosoever declareth more or less than this, the same is not of me, but is against me; therefore he is not of my church (see D&C 10:67-68, and 1 Ne. 10:18 and 2 Ne. 28:32). And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them (3 Ne. 11:38-40). And after this manner he did baptize every one that went forth to the place of Mormon... in the waters of Mormon, and were filled with the grace of God. And they were called the church of God, or the church of Christ, from that time forward. And it came to pass that whosoever was baptized by the power and authority of God was added to his church. And it came to pass that Alma, having authority from God, ordained priests; even one priest to every fifty of their number did he ordain to preach unto them, and to teach them concerning the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. And he commanded them that they should teach nothing save it were the things which he had taught, and which had been spoken by the mouth of the holy prophets. Yea, even he commanded them that they should preach nothing save it were repentance and faith on the Lord, who had redeemed his people. And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another. And thus he commanded them to preach. And thus they became the children of God (Mos. 18:16-22). Note also Mosiah 25:22 and 3 Nephi 27:20-21: 24

25 And thus, notwithstanding there being many churches they were all one church, yea, even the church of God; for there was nothing preached in all the churches except it were repentance and faith in God (Mos. 25:22). Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day. Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do; for that which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do (3 Ne. 27:20-21). My Word God said, And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived (JS Mat. 1:37). Man s word does not have the same power as God s word. Too many today misquote this statement by God in D&C 1, verse 38, taking it out of context to justify their own words in place of His. In doing so they lift themselves and their words up as a light before the people. This is another example of priestcraft, based on pride. God stated: What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same. Angels and inspired prophets are God s trusted servants. They honor Him by quoting Him exactly - using the same words He did when they deliver His message to us (D&C 1:38). They do not add to or subtract from God s words using their own (see D&C 10:67-68; 3 Ne. 11:38-40; Mos. 18:16-22). Men are prideful by comparison, changing the word of God to fit an agenda. Too many have lifted themselves up as God s servants preaching that which He did not say, that which is not approved by Him. Their words are often not the same as His! Too many of us have treated lightly the things (and words) we have received from God. Some change meaning by using God s word out of context including the Lord s own words about this very thing (see D&C 1:38). Others claim their words are His words and that they are thus the same as His. This often results in vanity, something we are condemned for in D&C 84:54-55, along with our unbelief (for more information, see the blog According to Pres. Benson and Pres. Hinckley, we remain under this condemnation given the Saints in To speak and teach without vanity, we must do our best to quote God and His servants in scripture exactly, and in the context God intended. Nothing should be added to or subtracted from them. Only then can the servants words be the same as His (see D&C 1:38). As John said, the servant is not greater than his Lord (John 13:16). Feast & Be Nourished The Lord directs us to hear and respond to His pure teachings His word. Throughout their teachings, Nephi and Alma encourage us to give ear to God s word and Spirit (Alma 36:1), and to feast on them (2 Ne. 32:3), to experiment on them (Alma 32:33), and to nourish them as a seed in our hearts. If we don t show unbelief and resist the Spirit of the Lord, God s word will act as a seed that will eventually bear fruit in us (Alma 32:28). Alma added that, the preaching of the word God s word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them (Alma 31:5). Speaking to those who are hesitant to accept God s word in the Book of Mormon as scripture, along with the Bible, our Lord said: Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also. And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my words according to mine own pleasure. And because that I have spoken one word ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my work is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man, neither from that time henceforth and forever (2 Ne. 29:8-9). 25

26 My People The Lord provides His words to those He calls my people in connection with His doctrine, gospel, and church. The title page of the Book of Mormon informs us that it is written to the Lamanites (and to Jews and Gentiles). That order is significant (see endnote 1). There, God addresses the Lamanites first as my people. They are the Lamanite Remnant remaining on this land (mostly of Manasseh [3 Ne. 16:8-15; 20:29, 39; 21:1, 11-12, 23-24; D&C 3:16-20]). They are the natural branches of the tree of Jacob. He also speaks of this people in reference to the Gentile Saints who are of a more mixed European bloodline, through mainly Ephraim (1 Ne. 13:30). They are the wild branches of the tree. Throughout the book, its various prophets write to their brethren the Lamanites in a future sense, using the Lord s words in the book to bring their brethren to the knowledge of the truth, and lead them to repent and come unto Christ. They had strayed from God and His word, because of the wicked traditions of their fathers. The Lord tells us the Lamanites are not cast off forever. They are loved and remembered by God, as they are a Remnant of the house of Israel or Jacob, the covenant people of the Lord. Mormon stated: I would speak somewhat unto the Remnant of this people who are spared... that they may know of the things of their fathers; yea, I speak unto you, ye remnant of the house of Israel; and these are the words which I speak: Know ye that ye are of the house of Israel. Know ye that ye must come unto repentance, or ye cannot be saved. Know ye that ye must come to the knowledge of your fathers, and repent of all your sins and iniquities, and believe in Jesus Christ For behold, this is written for the intent that ye may believe... and if ye believe this ye will know concerning your fathers, and also the marvelous works which were wrought by the power of God among them. And ye will also know that ye are a remnant of the seed of Jacob; therefore ye are numbered among the people of the first covenant; and if it so be that ye believe in Christ, and are baptized, first with water, then with fire and with the Holy Ghost, following the example of our Savior, according to that which he hath commanded us, it shall be well with you in the day of judgment. Amen (Morm. 7:1-10). And these things are written that we may rid our garments of the blood of our brethren [the Lamanites], who have dwindled in unbelief. And behold, these things which we have desired concerning our brethren, yea, even their restoration to the knowledge of Christ, are according to the prayers of all the saints who have dwelt in the land (Morm. 9:35-36) The Lamanite Remnant of Israel will rise up in the last days, converted to the truth via a special prophet of the loins of Joseph in Egypt, descending through Lehi s youngest son Joseph. This is evident in Lehi s patriarchal blessing upon him (see 2 Ne. 3). He is not Joseph Smith. The last book in the Book of Mormon is one good example of many where the author addresses the Lamanite Remnant, with the hope in this future conversion in our day (see also endnote 1). Then the last shall be first, and the first last. Mormon s son Moroni states: I write a few more things, that perhaps they may be of worth unto my brethren, the Lamanites, in some future day, according to the will of the Lord (Mor. 1:4). Now I, Moroni... write unto my brethren, the Lamanites... And I seal up these records, after I have spoken a few words by way of exhortation unto you... And again I would exhort you that ye would come unto Christ, and lay hold upon every good gift (Mor. 10:1-2, 30, see also The Remnant Awakens, by the author). The Lamanites were preserved as people, many remaining on this land, even though they were unbelievers. The believing Nephites fell into corruption and were destroyed. They embraced secret combinations, wickedness, and polygamy. The prophet Jacob informs us that such corruption was the reason Lehi and his family departed from Jerusalem, that a righteous branch of the house of Israel might be planted on this choice land (see Jacob 2:25-26). My Rock The Lord said, Behold I give unto you a commandment, that you rely upon the things which are written [in the Book of Mormon]; for in them are all things written, concerning my church, my gospel, and my rock. Wherefore if you shall build up my church, and my gospel, and my rock, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you (see Book of Commandments, chap. 15, v. 4, 1829, changed in D&C 18:4). In this verse 26

27 Christ s church or gospel is His rock. Verses of D&C 33 reveal that His Gospel is specifically defined as to repent be baptized (in water), and then receive the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost. In D&C 11:16, the Lord invited Hyrum Smith to preach, but not until he had first obtained what the Lord called, my word, my rock, my church, and my gospel, that you may know of a surety my doctrine. In it, is found what the Lord Himself calls, my salvation and my grace (see D&C 18:17 & 31). Those in it are to Seek to bring forth and establish my Zion (D&C 14:6), where the pure in heart, with no poor among them, may dwell in peace. In other verses of scripture, Christ is that rock that must be built up in His church and gospel (see JST Mat. 7:32-35; Hel. 5:12; 3 Ne. 11:39-40; 14:22-27). In bearing a powerful testimony of our Lord in 2 Nephi 4, Nephi uses the word rock three times, stating that Christ is the rock of my salvation (v. 30), the rock of my righteousness (v. 35), and the rock and mine everlasting God (also v. 35). He cautions us in this same chapter to not put our trust in the arm of flesh, truly a sandy foundation (v. 34). Those that Remember Me via My Body & My Blood Receive My Spirit In 3 Nephi 18, the Lord stated that those who repent, are baptized in my name (v. 11), and then participate in the Sacrament ordinance in the way I have set forth in my church (v. 5). He said, And this [Sacrament ordinance] shall ye always observe to do, even as I have done, even as I have broken bread and blessed it and given it unto you (v. 6). Such are built upon my rock (v. 12). As we remember Him by consuming what He says is my body (v. 7) and my blood (v. 11), as a witness to the Father that ye do always remember me (v. 11), we receive an outpouring of His Spirit upon us. Like in D&C 10:67-68, the Lord said we are not to add to or subtract from His words, or we will not be built upon His rock. and when the rain descends, and the floods come, and the winds blow, and beat upon them, they shall fall, and the gates of hell are ready open to receive them (v. 13). He added that we are to watch and pray always to the Father, in the Lord s name, that we might not enter into temptation, and then make changes to this sacred, important ordinance. 13 False Churches Keep Men in Darkness The great and abominable church keeps its people ignorant, giving them only a little here and a little there, sufficient to keep the money coming in and the people in control. They become spiritually starved, with little or no gifts of the Spirit apparent. Its leaders live off the people they are to serve. They desire to get: (1) gain or filthy lucre, (2) power and control over their people, (3) the praise of men, (4) the lusts of the flesh, (5) the materials things of the world, (6) to do all iniquity. These are the six things Nephi identified for us in 1 Ne. 22:23 that lead to the seventh trait; Such have become part of (7) the church of the devil the great and abominable church, or the great whore Babylon! Note, that the number 7 here is symbolically tied to a fullness or completion of their wickedness. Such will receive the fullness of the wrath of God in the coming great and dreadful day. Nephi s Restoration Alma s Restoration Christ s Restoration Joseph Smith s Restoration 1 Ne. 22:23 3 Ne. 6: Ne. 1:23-30 Morm. 8: Gain Riches Riches/Gain Money/Gain 2. Power Power/Authority Power/Authority Envy/Strife/Malaice/Persecutions 3. Popularity Pride Pride/Popularity Pride/Praise of the World 4. Lusts of the Flesh/ Vain things of Fine Things of Substance/Fine Apparel/ Things of the World the World the World Adorned Churches 5. All Manner of Iniquity All Manner of Iniquity All Manner of Wickedness All Manner of Iniquities Satan Corrupts Christ s Church Note the pattern of restored truths first (the Lord s doctrine, gospel, and church), followed by corruption of them from within thereafter in the examples above. The message of the corruption of the Lord s church is first given by the Lord Himself ( the Prophet ) to Nephi in 1 st Nephi 22:23, revealing how the church Nephi helped put in place (with his father Lehi, Jacob, and others) would be corrupted by his own people from within. We see the same corrupting influences in the church Alma helped set up after leaving the corrupted one led by Noah and his priests. This pattern is even evident again with the church Christ 27

28 set up in 3 rd Nephi. Finally we are warned of it one last time in the pollution of the holy church of God in our day. Early church leader David Whitmer s five reasons why he left the church are insightful (see endnote 5). Corruption results when false teachers do not point the people to Christ (who is life). Instead, many concentrate on the law (which is death), while lifting themselves up before the people as experts on it. They seek to become mediators between men and God. Men are presented the classic choice between The Tree of Life or the The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (see 2 Ne. 25:26-27). Those embracing the Tree of Knowledge typically abandon Christ (the rock) and the way (His teachings). In doing so, they keep their people in ignorance and thus in control. Those few who have eyes to see are fully awake. They stay faithful to the Master. As the church of Christ is broken up by the transgressions of people within it (Mos. 27:13), those who remain true to the Lord are said to possess the true faith (3 Ne. 6:14). They belong to the true church of Christ (4 Ne. 26), or the holy church of God (Morm. 8:38). They are often persecuted or even excommunicated by those who collectively drift away from the way. Too many today do not feast on God s word in scripture, where His doctrine, gospel, and church are clearly defined. Nor are they receiving His word personally via revelation, as the Prophet Joseph Smith clearly taught. Instead of building the Lord up as their high tower at the center of the vineyard (D&C 101), too many raise up men instead. They seek money, praise, and control in priestcraft! The Lord s judgment upon them is the central message of JST Matthew 21 and D&C 101, two of five last-days vineyard parables tied to our day (see endnote 7). Seven scriptures reveal that Christ is the high tower (see endnote 2 & Psalm 18:2, 61:3, 144:2; 2 Sam. 22:3, 51; Prov. 18:10, and D&C 97:20). The builders (leaders, teachers) failed to build Him up in the minds of the people in D&C 101. Christ told His disciples at the last supper that He was and is the stone that the builders His own people reject, the real headstone of the corner (see Psalm 118:22). Priestcraft is thriving among us today too. It is that men set themselves up as towers or lights for gain and praise of the world (2 Ne. 26:29). Christ told His disciples in 3 Nephi 18:24 that He is the light they and we are to hold up before men, along with His example the things He does. He was a charitable servant. Throughout scripture, false teachers hide or change precious saving truths that the people need those tied to the fulness of the Lord s gospel. Some do so via ignorance, others by design. They give the people only the basics over and over again. D&C 39 addresses the the gospel basics in verse 6, whereas the fulness of the gospel is addressed in verse 11 (see also Isa. 28:13). Our Savior stated that we will deny Him in 2 Ne. 28:32. And by commandment of the Father, He told us that we will reject the fulness of His gospel in the last-days (3 Ne. 16:10). That fulness is Christ Himself, the invitation to enter His rest and glory (or receiving Him as our Second Comforter D&C 84:24). The Israelites did the same, rejecting the invitation to come into the Lord s rest or presence at Mt. Sinai (see D&C 84:22-28; JST Ex. 34:1-2). They chose instead to have the man Moses be their mediator with God. Their rejection of God and His fulness led to them receiving the basics only, the lesser gospel and the lesser priesthood. Moses was eventually taken from their midst too. 14 Those practicing priestcraft do not provide the people the key of knowledge. It is tied to the Lord s repeated invitation to enter His presence or His rest in this life the fulness of His glory (D&C 84:24). The Lord s chosen Prophets in scripture didn t draw attention to themselves, but instead invited listeners to, Come unto Christ (Mor. 10:30). This invitation is to be taken literally, as provided in the examples of Joseph Smith, and Lehi, Nephi, Jacob, and others in the Book of Mormon, all brought into the Lord s presence in vision as examples to us. They sought the Lord s face and taught others to do so and how. Note that these leaders and others in early LDS Church history did not hold back in their testimonies of seeing Christ. They sought for and obtained the face of God and proclaimed that they saw Him openly to build faith in Him, to build faith that others too could do it (see endnote 6)! It is important that Nephi listed himself, Jacob, and Isaiah as three witnesses who had seen God - that he might establish the strength, legitimacy, and authority of their special witnesses of Christ in the Book of Mormon (see 2 Ne. 11:2-3). They were thus true Apostles - actual special witnesses of Him to those they served and taught. Those who share such a testimony of Jesus build faith and confidence in others to also come to the Lord. They did not try to enter into heaven or the Lord s 28

29 presence by some other way (John 10:1), by false teachings such as their works, by the law, or by temple ordinances, but only through Christ - the door, our Savior, the author and finisher of their faith. He said: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture (John 10:1-9). Speaking to wicked Scribes, Pharisees, and lawyers who corrupted the way, the Lord stated: Woe unto you, lawyers! For ye have taken away the key of knowledge [of me and entering into my rest]; ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered (Luke 11:52). This is also reflected in Matthew 23:13, where the Lord stated: But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in (Matt. 23:13). The doctrine, gospel, and church of the Lamb each proclaim that Christ is our Savior and God. This is directly opposed to idolatry - lifting men or other things up as our focus. Idolatry is the number one sin of our day according to Isaiah. Twenty-one of Isaiah s books are found in the Book of Mormon for this and other reasons. Christ commanded us to diligently search Isaiah s words (3 Ne. 23:1-3). God would have us be educated in His truth and light. We are also to become one with and in Him. There are to be no poor among us physically or spiritually, no haves and have-nots. All are to be cared for and taught the saving truths. To be one is the very definition of Zion. Priestcraft stops Zion from being created, as its first goal is getting gain. Getting Gain in 8 Book of Mormon Chapters The Book of Mormon teaches us that we can t serve both God and man. We must choose between the two. Joshua said, but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Josh. 24:15). The Book of Mormon also teaches that those who preach the word of God are to labor with their own hands for their support. They are not to receive payment for it from those they serve. This is the first and most telling of the six corrupting influences listed by our Lord in 1 Nephi 22:23. The breaking up of the Lord s church in the Book of Mormon (see Mos. 18:17; 3 Ne. 6; 4 th Nephi 26) is first signaled by believers not caring for the poor among them. Economic inequality rises up because of pride. The same thing occurred in early LDS church history, when the greater blessings tied to the fulness of the gospel were taken from the Saints early on, because they failed to live the Law of Consecration. It is the law of the Celestial Kingdom, wherein lies the fulness of the Father. We are to love God and each other, the two great commandments. All else comes from them. Getting Gain & Secret Combinations Cain and Lamech in Moses chapter 5 called themselves Master Mahan, the master of the great secret. Their primary object was to get gain. This was also the goal of corrupted judges, lawyers, and high priests in 3 Ne. 6:14-30, just before the Lord visited believers after the great destructions came upon the land. The judges, lawyers, and high priests banded together to lie and murder to stay in power, allowing them to practice other abominations as part of the secret combinations and oaths made with one another and Satan. In them the poor were abused, oppressed, and forgotten. These great sins led to the church being broken up. One has only to watch the news to see that our awful situation is the same In direct opposition to this, we read of King Benjamin and King Mosiah his son, as well as Alma the High Priest over the church, all supporting themselves, via laboring with their own hands while serving the people. 29

30 These leaders (kings and priests) were focused on Christ, not on getting gain. And note that the Lord said that by doing so, they would, wax strong in the Spirit (Mos. 18:24, 26)! Such people sacrifice personal comfort for the Lord s influence. Sacrifice is an eternal principle in Christ s teachings. The prideful - those practicing priestcraft are comfortable in their wealth and station in the chief seats. There are plenty Book of Mormon scriptures (the founding document of the Lord s doctrine, gospel, and church) expressing the requirement to support one s self while serving God. There are 9 Book of Mormon chapters addressing the priestcraft theme (the symbolic number 9 is often tied to judgment). 2 Ne. 26:29-31 Mosiah 2:12-15 Mosiah 6:7 Mosiah 7:22 Mosiah 9:9, 12 Mosiah 18:24-26 Mosiah 27:3-5 Alma 1:3-5, 12, 16, & 26 Alma 30:32-33 Those who serve are to be fully converted to Christ, with clean hands and pure hearts. They are to call their people to repentance. They are not to seek to be popular in their eyes (Alma 1:3) by declaring all is well. They are to love their people rather than use them. They are to be led of God and teach the people important truths, like the necessity of being born again. In the Book of Mormon, men like Alma revealed that they had real authority and power from God in their teaching with the Spirit. They openly shared their testimony of Christ. They also made free use of the gifts of the Spirit, which were gifted them upon their full conversion to the Master - after receiving the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost. This event, and receiving Christ as our Second Comforter gave men like Nephi and Jacob power and authority in their teaching. They enjoyed the Holy Ghost and other gifts of the Spirit. We can too. A Special Witness of Christ In Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery s day, the Apostles were taught that they were to be special witnesses of Christ by literally coming unto to Him seeing Him. 15 We are all invited to do the same. God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). All are to be guided by the Holy Ghost into Christ s presence. He will then guide us as our Second Comforter. This path is the way to His greatest gift - eternal life. For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do. Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ... (2 Ne. 32:5). The Book of Mormon tells us that those who do not receive payment for sharing the things of God will have the Spirit with them. They will wax strong in the Spirit. They will thus teach with power and authority from God. They experience being born again in Christ and lead others in their stewardship to do the same. And he also commanded them that the priests whom he had ordained should labor with their own hands for their support... And the priests were not to depend upon the people for their support; but for their labor they were to receive the grace of God, that they might wax strong in the Spirit, having the knowledge of God, that they might teach with power and authority from God (Mos. 18:24, 26). In D&C 70, the Lord stated, He who is appointed to administer spiritual things, the same is worthy of his hire. A correct understanding of Christ s doctrine, gospel, and church - the way has become a stumbling block for far too many today. It need not be so. If we feast on God s word we will find the way. Each of us must learn how to receive revelation from God personally as well to hear the Lord s voice as His sheep do (3 Ne. 15:24; 16:1-3). Direct revelation from God is one of the many gifts of the Spirit all are to enjoy. They and other gifts of the Spirit are signs following His believers, those that are not only hearers of the word but doers of it, those who are in the way. Satan and false teachers place stumbling blocks in the way of the people. These blocks divert and distract God s people from building the high tower the vineyard s center, the tower being Jesus Christ and His more light-filled ways. In D&C 101, we read that the tower to be built at the center of the vineyard was never completed by the builders (the covenant people of the Lord). Five vineyard parables address this problem in our day (see endnote 7), as does all of chapter 28 of 2 Nephi. They are very revealing. In addition to getting gain, the third and fourth things on the Lord s list of corruptions of His Church include power over the flesh, and the lusts of the flesh. Masonry and polygamy, both introduced at Nauvoo, involved them. 16 The Saints were apparently cursed there as they rejected the fulness. The Lord had offered to 30

31 return to them there, if the temple was completed in a timely manner, and if they remained righteous (see D&C 124:28 & 113:8 and endnote 5, 7 & 11). The fulness was taken earlier after the events at the Morley Farm - where the law of consecration was first implemented in preparation for the establishment of Zion once again on the Earth. Our Condemnation The Lord first warned the Saints way back in 1832 that they ( the church ) were under His condemnation for treating lightly the message contained in the Book of Mormon (see D&C 84:54-58). Later in 1989 Pres. Benson reminded the Saints of this continuing condemnation, also addressing our pride. He spoke of the need for our collective baptism by fire in his October general conference address that year The Mighty Change of Heart. Pres. Hinckley also reminded the Saints of the condemnation we remain under, challenging us to again read the Book of Mormon in We must search it and feast on the words of Christ in it. Many believe we have been cursed for four generations since the original curse was given. Why? The simple answer may be that we have not valued and understood the message of the Book of Mormon, the founding document of our faith. Its teachings, warnings, and official curses (wo s) are for us, not other Christians or Gentiles. In many cases, we are the Gentiles who have rejected Christ and the fulness of His teachings. The Book of Mormon was written for our day, for the Lord s covenant people in the last days, both the Lamanite Remnant and the Ephraimite Gentiles. It is a warning to not fall into the same pride cycle that brought down the Nephites, those who originally embraced Christ s doctrine, gospel, and church on this special Promised Land. These sins include pride, idolatry, polygamy, the taking of secret oaths, and tolerating the unrighteous influence of corrupt judges, lawyers, and high priests (3 Ne. 6:21-22), making up the secret combinations of our day. There is also our nation s many offensive wars on peoples of this world for corporate greed (to get gain ). Sadly, we have succumbed to all the things we have been warned of in the Book of Mormon, including those of 1 Nephi 22:23. Note also those of 2 Nephi 28 and Mormon 8, where Nephi and Moroni warn those who are part of last-days corrupted churches. Too many Saints believe these warnings are for those of other Christian faiths. In reality, the book was written to us. This is confirmed in the words of Elder L. Tom Perry. Speaking of Moroni and his message, he stated: He [Moroni] writes first to the members of the Church and then those who have not embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ. Moroni s last words to the members of the Church are written as a voice of warning. He writes as one who sees the history of his people repeating itself in the future (L.T. Perry, Ensign, Nov. 1992, p. 16). Part III: Come Unto Me Greater Light Removing sin and darkness and embracing greater light comes by first having faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (the first principle of the gospel), and then real repentance. As we become clean, we are then invited to come unto Christ literally. This is the message of the way presented us in the Lehi and Nephi experiences - in their visions of the Tree of Life. The greater light is God s love, law, power, and presence. These are some of the very first teachings in the Book of Mormon! Lehi, for example, in the sixth verse of the first chapter of the book, sees God on His throne, surrounding by numberless concourses of angels singing praises to Him. In first and second Nephi, the prophet Nephi teaches that Christ s doctrine is centered on repentance, then baptism by water, and then a second baptism - the baptism by fire, wherein we receive the first comforter the Holy Ghost. These two baptisms, both events are necessary to enter the kingdom of heaven and place us on the way to eternal life. Once we are on this straight and narrow pathway, we receive important guidance via our more permanent companion in the Holy Ghost. With it we are led to the Tree of Life God and His love. This occurs as we hold tightly to the rod God s word (revelation through the Holy Ghost and that in scripture). When we finally make it to the Tree of Life, we partake of the fruit of that Tree there. The fruit is Jesus Christ and His great glory and love. In time He introduces us to Father and Mother. Our Lord and His love is the focus of the vision seen by both Lehi (1 Nephi 1) and Nephi in the Book of Mormon (1 Nephi 11). Partaking of God s love is when we receive Him as the Heavenly Gift (Ether 12:8). He 31

32 becomes our Second Comforter. His love is represented by the sweet, white fruit of the Tree. To receive Him and His love is the most joyous of all things to partake of in this life. It is the culmination of a three-part progression pathway that includes: (1) purification by water, (2) justification by fire, and (3) sanctification by the blood of Christ - the three baptisms addressed in Moses 6: This pathway to Salvation is not taught frequently enough, yet it is essential in receiving eternal life or coming unto Christ. Instead, false churches teach other things distracting us away from the Tree of Life. We are then lost in forbidden paths, blinded by the mists of darkness. There the blind lead the blind. Many thus drown in filthy waters. Speaking of being born again or the second baptism by fire, Nephi stated, that it is the doctrine of Christ; wherefore, I shall speak unto you plainly, according to the plainness of my prophesying (2 Ne. 31:2). He added that it is an important gateway, where our sins are remitted, cleansed by fire....the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost (2 Ne. 31:17). Nephi teaches us that the baptism by water and the baptism of fire are both events, whereas developing faith and repenting prior to them are processes that should continually be practiced throughout our lives, until we enter the rest (presence) of the Lord and there obtain the promise of eternal life. We find the phrase the doctrine of Christ three times in the two Book of Mormon chapters that most clearly address the baptism of fire experience. It is placed at the start of 2 Nephi 31 in verse 2, at its end in verse 21, and a third time in 2 Nephi 32:6. As we finally repent in sackcloth and ashes (true, sincere, heartfelt repentance), and turn to God with full purpose of heart, we then experience the baptism of fire and thereby receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, a real endowment of power. It is then that we enter through the gate and onto the pathway to the Tree of Life and eternal life. The journey to the Tree is greatly aided by this endowment or gift, the gift of the Holy Ghost. And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive. And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save. Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life (2 Nephi 31:18-20). For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do. Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and there will be no more doctrine given until after he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh. And when he shall manifest himself unto you [while you are] in the flesh, the things which he shall say unto you shall ye observe to do. The fiery baptism is the first of two major experiences we are invited to have on our return journey to God, after we are baptized in water (see also endnote 3). With them we are born again. As stated previously, Christ taught Nicodemis, a supposed wise, man and member of the Jewish Sanhedrin that he must be born again to enter the kingdom of heaven (see John 3:3-6; Mos. 27:24-26; Alma 5:14; 7:14). Too many churches today, including our own, do not teach this important doctrine the doctrine of Christ. In this event we finally receive the Holy Ghost (the First Comforter). We finally have charity for those around us (Mor. 7:48). The Nephite disciples sought the Holy Ghost more than any other thing at the time (3 Ne. 19:9). Important spiritual gifts then follow, those we should be experiencing widely today, those which Article of Faith 7 says we believe in things like prophecy, revelation, healing, and speaking in tongues. 17 Christ as the Heavenly Gift (Ether 12:8) is then to follow. He is the Second Comforter (the first gift of the Spirit listed in D&C 46:13). Experiencing the baptism of fire is thus very, very important, as it places us on the pathway to Christ and His 32

33 promise of eternal life. Too few are taught anything about it. It is the gate (or the gateway ordinance) onto this pathway, also called the way to Christ as part of His doctrine, gospel, and church (see also endnote 3). Those who are born again have desire to joyfully shout praises to God, to sing the song of redeeming love (Alma 5:26). Gatherings where individuals desire to sincerely worship, praise, and thank God are gatherings of those who are born again in Christ. Such are His church. In those meetings, those in attendance experience a rich outpouring of the Lord s Spirit. Such seek and receive other gifts of the Spirit as well. The Only True Doctrine of the Father, Son & Holy Ghost As we saw earlier, the Book of Mormon tells us plainly that, there are save two churches only. 18 False churches do not address these important doctrines, leaving their people in darkness and ignorance. The way or the straight and narrow pathway takes us to the Tree of Life in Lehi s vision. It is the rod the word of God in both scripture and personal revelation. We must hold on to it tightly to make it through the dark mists - the false traditions of men - and finally arrive at the Tree of Life, Jesus Christ. Nephi tells us that there is no other way or means where we can be saved but only in and through Jesus Christ, as it is He who baptizes us with fire. So says three scriptures (3 Ne. 9:20; 12:1; JST Mat. 3:38). He does so because He alone paid the price for our redemption in His blood Atonement. He is thus the Father of our salvation, our Judge and King. We must come to know Christ as part of His doctrine, His gospel, and His church, the only doctrine of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost one God (D&C 10:62; 2 Ne. 31:21). The essence of the repeated invitation to come unto Christ is to literally return to His presence while in this life. In time, He will then take us to Father and Mother. We enter onto this pathway to eternal life the way - via the greater gateway of the baptism of fire experience. Nephi tells us that Christ is the lone gatekeeper on the way and that He employs no servant there (2 Ne. 9:41). No mortal man, program, or institution can save us. Christ alone sanctifies us via His fiery glory (3 Ne. 12:1). As we have seen, The way is another name for Christ s doctrine, gospel, and church the only true doctrine of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (2 Ne. 31:21; see also Moses 6:58-60 & 1 John 5:6-8). The Bondage of Sin Many believe the temple ordinances can and will save them. God s word in scripture doesn t say this. The Book of Mormon plainly informs us that salvation is in Christ alone and in no other way. We must come unto Him! Those who do not heed the invitation to repent and come unto Christ are in bondage to sin. So says the Lord Himself in the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood in D&C 84, verses And the whole world lieth in sin, and groaneth under darkness and under the bondage of sin. And by this you may know they are under the bondage of sin, because they come not unto me. For whoso cometh not unto me is under the bondage of sin. And whoso receiveth not my voice is not acquainted with my voice and is not of me. And by this you may know the righteous from the wicked, and that the whole world groaneth under sin and darkness, even now (D&C 84:49-53). Latter-day Rejection of the Fulness a Rejection of Christ In 2 Nephi 28, Nephi outlines our day in an enlightening, accurate summary or our awful situation. Note just a few of this chapter s very pointed verses: Yea, they have all gone out of the way; they have become corrupted. Because of pride, and because of false teachers, and false doctrine, their churches have become corrupted, and their churches are lifted up; because of pride they are puffed up. They rob the poor because of their fine sanctuaries; they rob the poor because of their fine clothing; and they persecute the meek and the poor in heart, because in their pride they are puffed up. They wear stiff necks and high heads; yea, and because of pride, and wickedness, and abominations, and whoredoms, they have all gone astray save it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ; nevertheless, they are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men (2 Ne. 28:11-14). 33

34 This is an accurate description of us, and our day. We are far from creating Zion. It must start with personal sanctification in the first two baptisms. In the last verse of 2 Nephi 28, the Lord stated that those who profess to know Him (but do not), actually deny Him. He informs us that our only hope is to repent and come unto me (2 Ne. 28:32). Later in 3 Nephi 16:10, we read that our Lord received a commandment of the Father to tell us that we, the Ephraimite Gentile Saints on this land, will reject the fulness just as the Israelites did at Sinai, after they left captivity in Egypt a type for us today. This is very clear in JST Ex. 34:1-2 and D&C 84: My Zion The Lord has admonished his people to Seek to bring forth and establish my Zion (D&C 14:6). Zion is the pure in heart. They dwell together with no poor among them. There is love and peace in Zion. Outside of it there is pride, sin, contention, and war. Rejecting the fulness is a rejection of the three things that can lead to the creation of Zion. It is ultimately a rejection of Christ as our God by many of us as Saints. This occurred early on in our history. We have not understood what happened, nor turned things around. These three things tied to the fulness include: 1. Early on the Saints rejected the fulness of the gospel law at Kirtland the Law of Consecration, the law of pure love or charity, also known as the Law of the Celestial Kingdom. God has told us that we must bring forth fruit (love) meet for the Father s Celestial Kingdom (D&C 84:58), not lesser fruits granting access to the lesser Terrestrial or Telestial kingdoms (see D&C 76:94-104). As we are personally sanctified in three baptisms (water, fire & blood), we receive the mighty change of heart spoken of by Alma. We are made new creatures in Christ. We are born again. We have greater love for God and our fellow man. We can then live this higher law of love! Without personal sanctification, there can be no group called Zion. 2. The early Saints rejected the fulness of the greater Melchizedek Priesthood, that of High Priests in God s Holy Order (JST Gen. 14; Alma 13), that power first presented 23 called men to the June 1831 Morley Farm conference in Kirtland. Of the 23 men called to this order, only a few of them were ultimately chosen to receive it. When the timing of Father is manifest, men and women will embrace the responsibilities and blessings of God s Holy Order fully. That time is beginning now. 3. Those who reject the Lord s invitation (given to each of us) to repent and come unto me is a literal invitation to enter the fulness of His rest or glory, His presence here and now (see JST Ex. 34:1-2; D&C 84:23-27, 58; note especially verse 24). It leads to the mighty change of heart, to the reception of the Holy Ghost, and eventually into His presence in heaven, as we are brought there and sealed His (Mos. 5:15). We become His sons and daughters as we receive Him as the Heavenly Gift (Ether 12:8). Only those who have come to know Him are given this great blessing (see JST Mat. 7:33; 25:10-11). They are those who will enter Zion, the place of the pure in heart. No poor will be found there in Zion. The Book of Mormon tells us that our rejection of the fulness causes it to be taken to those who will embrace it fully. They are the forgotten Native American or Lamanite Remnant that the book was originally written to. In the Book of Mormon, they embraced God fully and His law, while the Nephites began to fade. Their fuller conversion is evident in the fact that they would not fight their enemies. They would rather die than to kill them. It is a type for day. They will become a blossoming rose ( ) again in the latter part of the last-days, as many among the Jews and Gentiles (the Ephraimite Saints and others) become a fading flower (Isa. 28:1). The chosen among the Lamanite Remnant will rise up in their full conversion to Christ, with the help of a special servant among them, to then become a light to the rest of the house of Israel when they are all together bowed down under sin (see JST Gen. 48:11). Our nation is at the high point of our rejection of Christ and His fulness. Many of the mostly Ephraimite Saints are in this condition as well. The righteous or virgins (as Matthew calls them) among us don t reject the gospel (D&C 39:6), but instead too many of us reject its fulness (D&C 39:11). This is not wise. The fulness is then taken to others, the forgotten other half of Joseph, those mainly of Manasseh on this chosen land (a name meaning to forget ). And thus commandeth the Father that I should say unto you: At that day when the Gentiles shall sin against my gospel, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel, and shall be lifted up in the pride of their hearts above all nations, and above all the people of the whole earth, and shall be filled with all manner of lyings, and 34

35 deceits, and mischiefs, and all manner of hypocrisy, and murders, and priestcrafts, and whoredoms, and secret abominations; and if they shall do all those things, and shall reject the fullness of my gospel, behold saith the Father, I will bring the fulness of my gospel from among them (3 Ne. 16:10; see also D&C 124:28; 113:8). The characteristics our Lord mentions in this scripture match most of those present in 1 Nephi 22:23, the six corrupting influences tied to His church in our day. President Ezra Taft Benson saw the decline among us in the late 80 s. He stated, The record of the Nephite history just prior to the Savior s visit reveals many parallels to our own day as we anticipate the Savior s second coming (A Witness and a Warning, Deseret Book, p.37.) Verses of 3 Nephi 16 tell us if we repent and return to God that we can join this Remnant, they who will embrace God and build New Jerusalem and at least a portion of the great temple there (Ether 13:6-8; 3 Ne. 21:23-25). If we repent we will be spared (see also 3 Ne 20:14-16; 21:11-29). Verse 15 informs us that if we don t we shall be tread down as salt that hath lost its savor, which is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out, and to be trodden under the foot of my people. The Lamanite Remnant and others will do this. The salt in verse 15 of this same chapter, confirms the idea that the Lord is addressing us the Ephraimite Gentiles who have been placed under covenant with Him in various ordinances in and outside the temple. They temple offerings burned on the Altar of Incense involved being salted first. It was part of the covenant. D&C 101:39-40 states: When men are called unto mine everlasting gospel and covenant with an everlasting covenant, they are accounted as the salt of the earth and the savor of men; They are called to be the savor of men; therefore, if that salt of the earth lose its savor, behold, it is thenceforth good for nothing only to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men. Elder H. Verlan Andersen, of the Quorum of the Seventy, agrees with this assessment. He stated, We are forced to conclude that He [God] is speaking directly to His covenant people here (The Great and Abominable Church of the Devil, p. 126, 171.) In an address to Regional Representatives, Elder Boyd K. Packer stated, In recent years I have felt, and I think I am not alone, that we are losing the ability to correct the course of the church. You cannot appreciate how deeply I feel about the importance of this present opportunity unless you know the regard, the reverence, I have for the Book of Mormon and how seriously I have taken the warnings of the prophets, particularly Alma and Helaman... They warned about fast growth, the desire to be accepted by the world, to be popular, and particularly they warned about prosperity. Each time those conditions existed in combination, the church has drifted off course. All of those conditions are present in the church today. Helaman repeatedly warned, I think four times he used these words, that the fatal drift of the church could occur in the space of not many years. In one instance it took only six years (see Hel. 6:32; 7:6; 11:26; 3 Nephi 7:8; Elder Boyd K. Packer, Regional Representative Seminar, March 30, 1990). Mormon told his son Moroni, that the pride of this nation, or the people of the Nephites, hath proven their destruction except they should repent (Moro 8:27). The Lord in the Doctrine and Covenants tells us to...beware of pride, lest ye become as the Nephites of old (D&C 38:39), a wise warning that President Benson also echoed to us (Ensign, May, 1989, p. 4). Moroni tells us to give thanks unto God that he hath made manifest unto you our imperfections, that ye may learn to be more wise than we have been (Morm. 9:31). It is at these points in time that the church begins to dwindle (Hel. 3:33), the root cause being pride, riches, and prosperity, which cause many to reject Christ. Note that many professed to belong to the church of God (Hel. 3:33 & 4:11, 23). They made a mock of that which was sacred and denied the gifts of the Spirit (Hel. 4:12 & 23). The Spirit of the Lord then withdrew from them (v. 24). They were in a state of unbelief (v. 25). 35

36 Like them, we the Saints must either repent or perish. And what is it that we are to repent of? An excellent place to begin is God s list to Nephi - of Satan s corrupting influences on the Lord s doctrine, gospel, and church (1 Ne. 22:23). Note also the list of vices God ties to us in 3 Nephi 16:10. After our repentance from these things we must then come unto Christ. We must rebuild our relationship with Him. He is our rock and sure foundation. He is the stone that we the builders have rejected. He was and is the headstone of the corner (Psalm 118:22). When the storms come, those who are not built on Christ will be washed away in the torrents, wind, and floods (see JST Mat. 7:32-35; Hel. 5:12; 3 Ne. 11:39-40; 14:22-27). We must not look to the arm of flesh to be our light, as Nephi tells us that cursed is he that putteth his trust in man (2 Ne 28:25-32; 4:34). As His covenant people, Christ and His works are the light we must hold up to all the world (3 Ne. 18:24). He is the way. There is no other way. We must strive to know God, with all our heart, might, mind, and strength and literally come to Him. He alone will then empower us as His called, chosen, and finally elected servants. We can then help save the family of man with Him. This is God s work and glory (Moses 1:39). To be a part of it is a great blessing. Hope in A Summary of The Way - to Salvation - where God s Precious Gifts are Given Us Relationship not Religion The meek have their joy in the Lord (2 Ne. 27:30). Satan turns this completely upside-down (2 Ne. 27:27), and tempts us with the things of Babylon. God s word reveals that peace, happiness and progression is centered in Him. It is about a personal relationship with God, not man s religion. This is why He refers to Himself as the Bridegroom and us as His Bride. Religion stresses law, obedience, and learning about Him. Relationship, on the other hand involves loving God, knowing Him, becoming not just His servant, but His son or daughter and His friend. The Lord asked Peter three times, do you love me, and if so, He asked Him to feed His sheep. Christ loved His sheep so much that He died for us. The way in scripture is revealed in three progressive steps we are to experience in this life to receive His greatest blessings, including eternal life. They are the baptisms by water, fire & blood. They are tied to our purification via water, justification via the Spirit or fire, and sanctification via our Lord s precious, cleansing blood. They are the red, white, and blue colors of the real liberty only He can provide from sin, death, and hell [separation from Him]). God said, Behold, this is my work and my glory to bring about the immortality and eternal life of man (Moses 1:39). He added that these things should be taught to His children (Moses 6:58-60; see also 1 John 5:6-8). The Book of Mormon teaches this path better than any other book of scripture. All three steps are clearly taught there as part of the way of His salvation. In summary they are: 1. Faith on the Lord Jesus - leading to repentance, and then the watery baptism. For those already in the church in Alma 5, there was need of rebaptism. 19 With faith, repentance, and then baptism we receive the gift of entering into our Lord s church on this Earth. The Lord has told us multiple times, repent and come unto me (D&C 10:67-68; 3 Ne. 11:28-40; 3 Nephi 27:5-21; 2 Ne. 31:2 & 21, 32:6 & Mos. 18:16-22; Alma 5:33-34). The only other church - as there are save two only (1 Ne. 14:10), is the great and abominable church, having the qualities the Lord lists for us in 1 Nephi 22:23. Few understand the necessity of two additional steps in our progression, occurring after the baptism in water - along with their attending GIFTS. They are: 2. Be born again via the Baptism of Fire (or Spirit) and the Holy Ghost, addressed throughout the Book of Mormon. The gift of the Holy Ghost (the first comforter) is the engagement gift we as the virgin Bride receive from our Lord as the Bridegroom. With it we are made new in Christ. It is He who baptizes us with fire, not other men (3 Ne. 9:20; 12:1; JST Mat. 3:38). Thereafter we receive additional gifts of the Spirit (see D&C 46; Mor. 10 & 1 Cor. 12). This event was part of the endowment of power the early Saints received at the Kirtland Temple dedication, and those born again in the meridian of time on the Day of Pentecost (Bible). 3. Receive Christ as the Bridegroom, our Second Comforter. We can enter the bridal chamber only if we have come to know Him (JST Mat. 25:10-11, see also JST 7:33) by seeking His face with all our heart, mind, might, and strength. By doing so we are sanctified in His blood. We must ask, seek, and knock to enter into His rest - the fulness of His glory (D&C 84:24). We must literally come unto Christ. We then bare fruit, as 36

37 trees in the Lord s vineyard, fruit meet for the Father s Kingdom (D&C 84:58). Knowing God In the Joseph Smith re-translation of Matthew 25, we read of five of ten virgins (good, pure people) who knock on the door to the Bridegroom s wedding chamber. They are not let in. Why? The Prophet Joseph gives us the reason for their exclusion. He changed the mis-translated words attributed to Christ that read, I know you not in Matthew 25:12 to ye know me not, thus placing clear responsibility on us as virgins (believers) to come to know Christ personally (see JST Mat. 25:10-11; see also JST 7:33; Mos. 26:24-30). Sadly, too few of the Saints read the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible. Equally said is that this particular verse is also not included in the few JST verses found in our Bible, nor is it found on the LDS Church website (the complete Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible can be bought at various bookstores, however). My House In Christ s day Herod s Temple had become polluted. There were many differences between it and Solomon s Temple. Man had corrupted it, changing many of its Christ-centered teachings. The Lord cleansed Herod s Temple of its moneychangers, thieves, and merchants just prior to His crucifixion. Changes are also apparent from the first temple of the Restoration the Kirtland Ohio Temple, to that at Nauvoo and the temples of today. Like those between Solomon s Temple and Herod s Temple, the changes are instructive. 20 We have many temples today, but do we know their core purpose? Hosea stated, Israel hath forgotten his maker, and buildeth temples (Hosea 8:14). We read in a revelation given Joseph in D&C 112, verses 24 through 26, Behold, vengeance cometh speedily upon the inhabitants of the earth, a day of wrath, a day of burning, a day of desolation, of weeping, of mourning, and of lamentation; and as a whirlwind it shall come upon all the face of the earth, saith the Lord. And upon my house shall it begin, and from my house shall it go forth, saith the Lord; First among those among you, saith the Lord, who have professed to know my name and have not known me, and have blasphemed against me in the midst of my house, saith the Lord (see also 1 Peter 4:17-18 & D&C 132:22-24). The phrase my house in these verses may refer to three things: (1) the family of God (literal or adopted) - those of the house of Israel, (2) the Lord s physical, architectural temple, and (3), each of us as the temple of the Lord s Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16-17; John 2:19; Rev. 21:22; Mos. 2:37; Alma 7:21; Hel. 4:24; D&C 93:35). John has told us that we should expect trouble in the world (John 16:33). We should expect Satan to come and take away light as soon as the Lord dispenses it (D&C 93:39), and that Joseph Smith s teachings would be immediately targeted for corruption. All three types of houses may thus become defiled. Because of our Lord s love, we should also expect a restoration from Him. All three types of houses must be set in order (D&C 85:7; 93:43); ourselves, our homes, and our church and its temples. My Law - for a House Restored Because we have trusted in the arm of flesh, too many have been ignorant of what has occurred in our early LDS church history. The Saints have been under condemnation since 1832 according to D&C 84. Why? We rejected those things that could have created Zion. We first rejected Christ and His fulness by not collectively repenting, and coming literally unto Him. This results in the two baptisms. In the second baptism of fire, we receive a mighty change of heart. We have real love for God and one another (charity). We can then live the higher Law of Consecration. The Lord calls it my law in this gospel, the Law of the Celestial Kingdom. The Saints first attempted to live the Law of Consecration at Kirtland. Just before the Morley Farm conference in June of The Lord s higher law of love also includes not killing (and perhaps not eating meat which requires killing animals), as seen in the Book of Mormon with those called the Anti-Nephi Lehis, the fully converted Lamanite people who buried their weapons of war. This higher law is required to create Zion, 21 as is obtaining the higher Melchizedek Priesthood from God. Men and women are called as High Priests and Priestesses in God s Holy Order (JST Gen. 14; Alma 13). Twenty four servants (thought to be 12 men and 12 women) surround God s throne in Revelation 4:4. Little is said of women in this order in our current scripture. More is forthcoming (relative to women and all things) in apocryphal sources like the Mentinah Archives, and in future books like the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon, that will soon come forth. When both the higher law and the higher priesthood are in place, Zion can 37

38 be created. God will rule in it as the King of Zion. He will be present. All in Zion must and will know the Lord (Heb. 8:11). Zion is thus the three-part combination or fullness of God s gospel law, His priesthood power, and His glorious personal presence. Last, we are also under condemnation for undervaluing and misunderstanding the primary Book of Mormon message, one written to the Lamanite Remnant of Jacob (and to Jews and Gentiles), that they a forgotten branch of Israel (see endnote 1) might repent and come unto Christ fully, rather than to men and corrupted churches (see 2 Ne. 28:32). After rejecting these higher things - the fulness (see D&C 39: 6 &11) from 1832 to the present, we have received instead the lesser gospel (D&C 39:6) and its lesser priesthood, like the Jews of old at Sinai (see JST Ex. 34:1-2; D&C 84:23-27, 49-59). We have since been tossed about by every wind of doctrine. There will eventually be one Lord and one faith. All remaining will eventually come to a knowledge of the truth (Eph. 4:14), and that truth is Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). He and those who love Him, lead by the Lamanite Remnant of Jacob will help to bring again Zion (see D&C 113:8). The Book of Mormon was created for our day and our awful situation, that it might hiss forth from the ground in presenting its message of fulness to the Lamanite Remnant first, and then to Jews, and to the Ephraimite Saints and non-believers. There is great ignorance, pride, idolatry, and unbelief among us, the third group of Gentiles known as Latter-day Saints. The coming restoration of and to the Lord Jesus is yet to come. The Lamanite Remnant will lead the way in it. Isaiah called this future day of restoration a strange act, and marvelous work and a wonder. It is beginning to occur among those who are humble and sincerely seek the face of God, including the Lamanite Remnant of Jacob on this land. The humble are finding Him. The Book of Mormon has three primary purposes in this regard: (1) It was written to help restore the Lamanite Remnant and others of Joseph (the Ephraimite Saints who received the book first) to the knowledge of their Redeemer (see the Title Page of the book), in a great latter-day conversion to Christ. Their conversion is not to modern churches and their programs; (2) The book defines what Christ s doctrine, gospel, and church is (2 Ne. 28:32; Alma 4:33-34; D&C 10:67-68), and is not (1 Ne. 22:23). This is the purpose of what you are reading. And (3), the book reveals our awful situation today, as secret combinations, great wickedness, and ignorance (darkness) dominate the Gentile nations and our world generally. Our only hope is repentance and a return to our Savior Jesus, the light and life of the world. My Zion In speaking of the future establishment of Zion, the Lord said, Keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion (D&C 6:6, 11:6, 12:6, 14:6). And that cause is love for God and one another, the first and second of the great commandments. It is put forth in the law of the Celestial kingdom, the Law of Consecration. When it is lived the people receive the fulness of God s blessings, including the fulness of the higher priesthood in the Holy Order. With them, Zion can finally be established among us (see endnote 19). Our Lord added, Blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion, saith the Lord, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost; and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb; and whoso shall publish peace, yea, tidings of great joy, how beautiful upon the mountains shall they be (1 Ne. 13:37). Nephi stated that those practicing priestcraft seek not the welfare of Zion (2 Ne. 26:29). He added, the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion; for if they labor for money they shall perish (v. 31). God stated, Behold, I, the Lord, have made my church in these last days like unto a judge sitting on a hill, or in a high place, to judge the nations. For it shall come to pass that the inhabitants of Zion shall judge all things pertaining to Zion. And liars and hypocrites shall be proved by them, and they who are not apostles and prophets shall be known. And even the bishop, who is a judge, and his counselors, if they are not faithful in their stewardships shall be condemned, and others shall be planted in their stead. For, behold, I say unto you that Zion shall flourish, and the glory of the Lord shall be upon her; And she shall be an ensign unto the people, and there shall come unto her out of every nation under heaven. And the day shall come when the nations of the earth shall tremble because of her, and shall fear because of her terrible ones. The Lord hath spoken it. Amen (D&C 64:37-42; see JST Mat. 21:56; D&C 101:44-64). 38

39 The gathering of God s people to Zion will be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth (D&C 115:6). The Saints will receive some of this judgment because of vanity and unbelief in the church, the Lord said that the whole church remains under condemnation. And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all. And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written -- that they may bring forth fruit meet for their Father's kingdom; otherwise there remaineth a scourge and judgment to be poured out upon the children of Zion (D&C 84:54-58). The Lord added, Nevertheless, Zion shall escape if she observe to do all things whatsoever I have commanded her. But if she observe not to do whatsoever I have commanded her, I will visit her according to all her works, with sore affliction, with pestilence, with plague, with sword, with vengeance, with devouring fire (D&C 97:18-26). My Voice To be guided through the difficult times that are coming, we must be able to receive God s inspiration and revelation the oil in the wise virgins lamps. Alma the elder was guided by God. He was granted eternal life by our Lord in Mosiah, chapter 26. He had served the Lord diligently in establishing a church among the people after leaving the employ of King Noah and his priests. The Lord provided His stamp of approval upon Alma s work, not only in granting him His greatest gift in eternal life, but in associating His sacred name with those whom He calls my sheep and my people. We read the phrase my name four times in verses 17-22: And blessed art thou because thou hast established a church among this people; and they shall be established, and they shall be my people. Yea, blessed is this people who are willing to bear my name; for in my name shall they be called; and they are mine. And because thou hast inquired of me concerning the transgressor, thou art blessed. Thou art my servant; and I covenant with thee that thou shalt have eternal life; and thou shalt serve me and go forth in my name, and shalt gather together my sheep. And he that will hear my voice shall be my sheep; and him shall ye receive into the church, and him will I also receive. For behold, this is my church; whosoever is baptized shall be baptized unto repentance. And whomsoever ye receive shall believe in my name; and him will I freely forgive (Mos. 26:17-22). Note also verses 18 and 21 of 3 Nephi 15 in reference to the Lord s word and voice: And now, because of stiffneckedness and unbelief they [the Jews] understood not my word; therefore I was commanded to say no more of the Father concerning this thing unto them... ye are they of whom I said: Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd (3 Ne. 15:18, 21). My Sheep Later in Alma 5:60 we read, the Good shepherd doth call after you; and if you will hearken unto his voice he will bring you into his fold. The Lord s sheep hear His voice and respond to it. They then repent and are baptized in water. As they finally turn their hearts wholly to God, they receive the fiery baptism, where the gift of the Holy Ghost is given. The Good Shepherd then brings His sheep to heaven, in His time and way, doing so one by one in an ascent-vision experience, where they see Him and feel the prints of the nails and the spear mark in His body. There they are sealed to Him (Mos. 5:15), becoming His seed (Mos. 5:7, 15; 14:10), or His sons and daughters, each a living witness of His reality thereafter. Those the Lord calls my sheep have thus (1) heard his voice and (2) seen Him, feeling the reality of the marks of the Atonement in His body. These are the two requirements to be in His sheepfold or His church, wherein is taught His doctrine and gospel (see 3 Ne. 15:24 & 16:1-3). It is the church of the Firstborn (D&C 76:94). Those who do not hear and respond to the Good Shepherd s voice are not part of His sheepfold or church. They do not know Him (Mos. 26:24-27; JST Mat. 7:33; JST Mat. 25:10). He will not receive them at the last day (Mos. 26:28). In Alma 5:37-39 we read: O ye workers of iniquity; ye that are puffed up in the vain things of the world, ye that have professed to have known the ways of righteousness nevertheless have gone astray, as sheep having no shepherd, notwithstanding a shepherd hath called after you and is still calling after you, but ye will not hearken unto his voice! Behold, I say unto you, that the good shepherd doth call you; yea, and in his own name he doth call 39

40 you, which is the name of Christ; and if ye will not hearken unto the voice of the good shepherd, to the name by which ye are called, behold, ye are not the sheep of the good shepherd. And now if ye are not the sheep of the good shepherd, of what fold are ye? Behold, I say unto you, that the devil is your shepherd, and ye are of his fold; and now, who can deny this? Behold, I say unto you, whosoever denieth this is a liar and a child of the devil (see also 1 Nephi 14:10 there are save two churches only ). My Name - for those in My Church Names for God s body of believers may also reveal our standing before Him. We know that names are often tied to character, especially in scripture. Abram and Sarai were given new names by God in the Bible, a reflection of their new covenant with God and their change in character. Changes in the Saints standing before God appears to be reflected in four different names for the LDS church in its early history. These four consecutive name changes included, The Church of Christ (March 1829, same as that found in the Book of Mormon, see D&C 20, where it is mentioned five times by our Lord), The Church of God (June 1831, the fulness is given at the Morley farm, D&C 84:17 [1832]), The Church of the Latter-Day Saints (Christ s name is dropped when the fulness was rejected [the law of consecration], Dec. 1834, [HC vol. 2, pps ]), and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Sept. 1836, see D&C 115:3-5 & endnote 7). When our Lord appeared to His people on the third day of His mission upon this land, the first thing they said to him was, Lord, we will that Thou wouldst tell us the name whereby we shall call this church; for there are disputations among the people concerning this matter. And the Lord said unto them, Verily, verily I say unto you, why is it that the people should murmur and dispute because of this thing? Have they not read the scriptures, which say, ye must take upon you the name of Christ, which is my name? for by this name shall ye be called at the last day;... therefore, ye shall call the church in my name;... and how be it my church, save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses' name, then it be Moses' church; or if it be called in the name of a man, then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name, then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel (3 Ne. 27:3-8; see also D&C 63:61-64). As a side note, Christ is English version of a Greek title for our Lord as the Anointed one, he who came to save us in the Atonement. His Hebrew name, given to Mary and Joseph by an angel is Yeshua, meaning Salvation. David Whitmer, one of the Three Witnesses of the Book of Mormon and President of the church in Zion (Missouri), stated, In June, 1829, the Lord gave us the name by which we must call the church, being the same as He gave the Nephites. We obeyed His commandment, and called it THE CHURCH OF CHRIST until 1834, when, through the influence of Sydney Rigdon, the name of the church was changed to The Church of the Latter Day Saints [located on the east plaque of the Kirtland Temple], dropping out the name of Christ entirely, that name which we were strictly commanded to call the church by, and which Christ by His own lips makes so plain. He added, I do not indorse the change of the name of the church, for as the wife takes the name of her husband [the Bridegroom Christ] so should the Church of the Lamb of God, take the name of its head, even Christ himself. It is the Church of Christ. 22 The church of the Firstborn [sons of God] (D&C 76:67) or the church of the Lamb of God [the Father] is made up of those who have been born again in Christ, the rock or sure foundation! King Benjamin helped his people be born of God. They took the Lord s name upon them and were sealed His (Mos. 5:15). Contrast this with those in D&C 76 who decide to remain in the lower telestial state in verses They follow men and are called by their names. Some were of Paul, John, Moses, Isaiah, Enoch, etc. They do not receive Christ s gospel, nor the testimony of Jesus, neither the prophets, neither the everlasting covenant. Their lesser character is described in the verses thereafter. We read that they will not be gathered, nor caught up to the church of the Firstborn. They will suffer the wrath of God on earth. Today we often choose men like Joseph Smith, Pres. Monson, and others to lead us instead of relying on Christ to do so. Chapters of 2 nd Nephi address our choice in deciding between these two ways. King Benjamin s address in Mosiah 1-5 draws special attention to God s name. It was placed upon the Lord s people there as they drew closer to Him, experiencing the baptism of fire. They become the children of Christ as 40

41 they turned their hearts to Him completely in real repentance. They became His sons and daughters and were sealed His (Mos. 5:15). He was the Father of their salvation (see Mos. 5:7-15). This is the sealing ordinance addressed in scripture that all of us should be looking for. The ancient Tau mark placed upon the forehead of the righteous (for protection from God s destroying angel, Ezek. 9:4-5) is thought to be another form of our Lord s name. 23 It represents protection for those who are redeemed sons and daughters of God (see Psalm 91). King Benjamin concluded his remarks about being sealed to our Lord in the last words of Mosiah 5. He stated: Therefore, I would that ye should be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life, through the wisdom, and power, and justice, and mercy of him who created all things, in heaven and in earth, who is God above all. Amen (Mos. 5:15). Scripture reveals that baptism by water brings us to the gate but not through it. We go through this gate and are placed on the path or the way to eternal life the Tree of Life (Christ) via the baptism of fire experience. It is the way that leads us to know the Lord intimately (2 Ne. 31:18). To come to know God, we must be clean, via the three baptisms addressed earlier. After receiving the first two baptisms (water and fire), individuals must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men [charity], wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ [His word in scripture and revelation from Him and the Holy Ghost], and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life (2 Ne. 31:20). Being sealed to Christ as the Father of our Salvation is the reward for those on the way. This is His doctrine, gospel, and church. There is no other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen (2 Ne. 31:21). It is wise to remember that an angel explained to Nephi that, there are save two churches only, the church of the Lamb or the Firstborn, and that of the devil - his great and abominable church (1 Ne. 13:26-34; 14:10; 2 Ne. 26:29). The church of the Lamb or the church of the Firstborn is defined for us by the Lord Himself in D&C 76. It is tied to the fulness of God s glory and presence - those who receive Him will inherit the Celestial Kingdom (verses 92-96). The lesser telestial kingdom features the lesser things of men (verses ). Those of a telestial level receive not the gospel neither the testimony of Jesus, neither the prophets, neither the everlasting covenant (v. 101). Such will not be gathered with the saints, to be caught up unto the church of the Firstborn, and received into the cloud (v. 102), as they have worshipped men and things in this telestial world. The Giver of the Gifts Man corrupts all things over time, as is evident in the apostasy restoration cycle seen throughout scripture. Because of this, God in His great mercy provides good people in and out of all institutionalized Christian religions His greatest gifts to us - Himself. This includes #1, receiving Him personally as our God in a face-to-face encounter. This is done in His own time and way and is the greatest gift He provides. It is the first one He lists for us in D&C 46:13. Receiving Him is rest to our souls. He becomes our Second Comforter. He is the Heavenly Gift (Ether 8:12). This joyous experience is associated with the promise of eternal life His greatest gift, received as we partake of the fruit of the Tree of Life (see 1 Ne. 15:36). He later introduces us to Father and Mother. Additional gifts from our Lord include #2, the baptism of fire experience where the first comforter (the Holy Ghost) is given. With it, other gifts of the Spirit then become more commonplace in our lives thereafter. Another gift He alone provides is #3, real power in the priesthood. It is His alone to give (see endnote 19 and JST Gen. 14; Alma 13). Man and his institutions cannot give these special gifts nor control them! They are thus free from our corrupting influences. Although men may baptize each other in water, the baptism by fire (with the attending gift of the Holy Ghost), and the later Heavenly Gift comes from God alone. They are His gifts to give. It is the same with real power in the priesthood, the power promised at the temple veil. He alone grants such things to man. Only 41

42 God can promise and give eternal life, as He alone atoned for our sins, transgressions, and iniquities. These God-given gifts are freely available to all who repent and come unto Him. They are available without money or price, to those both inside and outside of any Christian church - as are all the gifts of the Spirit (see D&C 46, Mor. 10, 1 Cor. 12). This is a beautiful truth and one of many reasons why we must not judge others, but love all our brothers and sisters. God will create Zion and lead all His people there. We will be one or we will not be His. When the Day of Judgment finally comes, the great storm spoken of in Matthew 7:23-29 and Helaman 5:12, the Lord will gather and deliver those who have embraced Him and His truth the true doctrine, gospel, and church of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. They will be those who have been born again, or at a minimum those who are seeking or will seek Him diligently, and at all costs. They will be of many faiths, and some of no particular faith at all. It will be a time of coming together in love and unity for all the pure in heart, not only for survival, but that we might create a healthy environment where God can bring again Zion. No poor will be among us, physically or spiritually. Summary My dear brothers and sisters, in and outside of the church of Christ. I am grateful to have been raised a Latterday Saint, where I have had more of the word of God available to me in the Book of Mormon and other LDS scripture, in addition to the Bible. The Book of Mormon has greatly aided me in coming to Christ and being part of what He describes as my doctrine, gospel, and church. In our scriptures we find that to be in His church, our Lord s sheepfold the church of Christ or of the Firstborn (D&C 76:50-70, 94), we must know Him as our shepherd. We must repent, come unto Christ, and be born again in Him (Alma 5:49; 7:14; John 3:5). The Lord has provided us the requirements to be in His sheepfold. It is made up of the peaceable followers of Christ, those who have obtained sufficient hope to enter into His rest (Mor. 7:3; Alma 7:14-16; Ether 12:4). To do so, we must get out of the boat of complacency and seek the Lord and His face with all our heart, might, mind, and strength. This sanctification process places on the path to His presence and His sheepfold here on earth, and to God s kingdom hereafter. It is most clearly presented to us in the Book of Mormon. 1. We must hear His voice and be obedient to it to be on the path to the Tree of Life (God). 2. We must see Him and feel the marks of the Atonement in His feet, hands, wrists, and side, becoming a sure witness of His reality. Speaking to those gathered at the temple at Bountiful, the Lord said: ye have both heard my voice and seen me; and ye are my sheep, and ye are numbered among those whom the Father hath given me (3 Ne. 15:24; see also 3 Nephi18:25 come unto me, that ye might feel and see. He then added: I have other sheep which are not of this land, neither of the land of Jerusalem, neither in any parts of that land round about whither I have been to minister. For they of whom I speak are they who have not as yet heard my voice; neither have I at any time manifested myself unto them. But I have received a commandment of the Father that I shall go unto them, and that they shall hear my voice, and shall be numbered among my sheep, that there may be one fold and one shepherd... (3 Ne. 16:1-3). In D&C 35:21, speaking of mine own elect the Lord said: For they will hear my voice, and shall see me, and shall not be asleep, and shall abide the day of my coming; for they shall be purified, even as I am pure (see also D&C 38:8; 39:11; Mor. 7:31). We can become witnesses of Christ, able to bear testimony that He lives! With this testimony we become part of His sheepfold. Those gathered at the temple at Bountiful heard Him, they saw Him, and they touched His body, 42

43 going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come (3 Ne. 11:15). In later verses of this chapter the Lord laid out more of His doctrine for the people. They were to build upon it and Him as their rock (verses 30-40). If they did so, the gates of hell would not prevail against them. The invitation to seek God s face and know Him is to receive His greatest gifts, including membership in the kingdom of God. This opportunity is granted as we purify our hearts. We must love God with all our heart, mind, mind, and strength, the first and great commandment (Matt. 22:36-38). The heart is where decisions are made, whereas our mind is a place of storage, our memory, and the place of calculations. The ancient Egyptians knew the importance of the heart, embalming it separately, along with other organs. They cast away the brain. The second of God s great commandments is like the first, to love others as ourselves. All things hang on these two great laws. Too many have ignored them, replacing them with other lesser things. Some have made the second goal number one. Though service is very important, knowing God is more important. Too many seek the things of this world and never find Him. The core purpose of the Book of Mormon teaches us otherwise. It repeatedly invites us to repent and come unto Christ literally. My Journey to awake, arise, and shine forth came later in my life as an active Latter-day Saint. It required shedding many false traditions and beliefs, seeking God with all my heart, repenting, and then coming to Christ. I had to be reborn in Him, one of the most joyful events in my life. I came to learn that I could not be saved by my efforts in church callings or temple service, only in the mercy of Jesus Christ. Like Alma, I learned from the words of Abinadi that my redemption comes only in and through Christ (Mos. 16:13). I could not be saved by the deadness of the law, but needed to seek that life available only in Christ. Like Alma, as I hearkened unto Abinadi s words, the words of Christ, I was led away from falsehoods to new truths on the way to the Tree. I eventually came to the waters of Mormon. I came to the knowledge of my Redeemer. My sins were remitted. My desire then and now is to shout praises to Him and sing the song of redeeming love. I desire others to join me in this joy. Come and partake of the waters of life freely. The Remnant Awakens The Title Page of the Book of Mormon informs us that it was written to the Lamanite Remnant of Jacob remaining on this, promised, covenant land, and to Jews and Gentiles. The Gentile Saints of the third group must come to understand the awful situation we are actually in (Ether 8:24). Too many believe they are saved when they are not. We must be born again. We must remove our pride and see truth or things as they really are. We must repent and return to the pure gospel of Christ and come to know Him literally, as the author and finisher of our faith. We must seek the mighty change of heart that Alma spoke of. As we do, we will naturally have love for others (the second great commandment). As we are born again in Christ, we will be filled with His love. Everything else will then take care of itself. In the last chapter of the Book of Mormon, Moroni addressed his brethren again, one last time. They are the future Native American Remnant of our day who will rise up, the last becoming the first. He desired that the children have their hearts turned to their fathers, that they might not be burned at the great and dreadful day, when Christ, the fathers, and the redeemed come to this earth, burning up those who are unprepared for their glorious presence (see JST Malachi 4-5; JSH 1). The fathers include men like Lehi, Nephi, Jacob, Enos, Mormon, and Moroni, those concerned for their brethren the Lamanites (mostly of Manasseh). These Book of Mormon prophets have invited them and us (the Gentile Saints of mostly Ephraim) to come unto Christ and receive God s greatest gifts (Mor. 10:30), that we might abide the great day of the Lord. If we heed God s word and repent and come to Him, we shall be found among this important last-days Remnant. It is they who will lead out in a future reformation and restoration of all things. It is the fulfillment of covenants made to them and their fathers, especially Jacob in his patriarchal blessing upon Joseph and his two sons Manasseh and Ephraim. Our hearts are more easily turned to him and the other fathers as we come to understand these important covenants, as part of the New and Everlasting Covenant of the gospel, an those specific to Joseph as found in JST Genesis, chapters 48-50, Deuteronomy 33, and 2 Nephi 3. We learn and understand much more as we carefully review them. 43

44 Too many have looked at Joseph Smith s early efforts as the Restoration rather than the future coming one spoken of by Isaiah and others, and especially the Book of Mormon, where it will be led on this land by the Native American Remnant, those the Lord calls my people throughout much of the book. They are the focus of the Book of Mormon covenant, a natural branch of the house of Israel. The Ephraimite Gentiles are of more mixed blood, but of the house of Israel too. When the Indian people are fully converted to Christ, with the help of Joseph the Indian Prophet (2 Ne. 3), they will rise up to be a light to the latter-day Gentiles including the Saints and others, many of whom remain in darkness, and all in preparation for our Lord s return. The Book of Mormon tells us that the Lamanite Remnant will construct New Jerusalem on this land, with the help of the humble and repentant among the Ephraimite believers in and outside the church (see 3 Ne. 21:23-25; Ether 13:6-10). God provided the reason why the Lamanite Remnant will soon blossom as the rose (D&C 49:24). It occurs as the Ephraimite Gentiles become a fading flower (Isa. 28:1). This has been occurring for some time, a result of our rejection of Christ s fulness the invitation to enter His rest. We have learned of Him but most have not come to know Him. In D&C 10:60-62, the Lord stated that, they the latter-day converted Lamanites - are a branch of the house of Israel on this land. And it is they who shall deny not that which you [the Gentiles] have received [and rejected the fulness mentioned in 3 Ne. 16:10], but they shall build it up and shall bring to light the true points of my doctrine which is in me. This statement and the underlying message of the entire Book of Mormon point to truths that will make us free indeed. These humble people, forgotten among us, with the mighty power and aid of their leader Joseph (2 Ne. 3) will be part of a great restoration of all things in the last-days our day. They and other wise virgins with oil in their lamps will repent and come unto Christ. Such will be part of Christ s doctrine, gospel, and church His rock, his sheepfold. The coming storms of Satan will not prevail against them. We can be part of it. It is my hope and prayer that we may all repent, and come unto Christ! For more on the rising up of the Native American Remnant in our near future, see the book, The Remnant Awakens (3 rd or 4 th ed.) by the author ( For more on the heavenly signs tied to the birth of the kingdom of God on Earth, see Seven Heavenly Witnesses of the Coming of Jesus Christ ( See also the author s papers, The Baptism of Fire and the Holy Ghost, and The Gifts of the Spirit, including Tongues, available at End Notes Dear reader, I seek the Lord and His truths. Isaiah and Moroni have encouraged us to Awake and Arise an invitation to wake up to the truth of things as they really are and arise into action. We are then to shine forth, becoming a light to all those around us. The preceding information, and that following, is given in a sincere attempt to help all who will, come to Christ. He is merciful to the repentant. There is thus always hope but only in Him. In verse 28 of 2 Nephi 28, the Prophet Nephi pronounced an official curse upon some who read his words, and do not follow them - yea all those who tremble, and are angry because of the truth of God! For behold, he that is built upon the rock [Christ] receiveth it with gladness; and he that is built upon a sandy foundation trembleth lest he shall fall. Moroni also spoke to us, that readers of his warnings today in the book of Ether might awake to a sense of your [our] awful situation (Ether 8:24), and thus make course corrections in our lives in preparation for the return of our Lord, Judge, and King, Jesus the Christ! We must simply repent, come unto Him, and receive His best gifts (Mor. 10:30) to be part of His doctrine, gospel, and church (D&C 10:67-68). Those who awake and arise, as the five wise virgins did, will be invited to enter into the bridal chamber with the Bridegroom. Other virgins will be shut out. I pray that the following information will be viewed with an open mind and with the humble Spirit they were created in. Please consult with the Lord upon these and all things. He is in control of His church. All things will work out for those who make Him their rock. This is an in-progress project, thus some of the references to see endnotes may be slightly off. This is why they are in red. 1 Book of Mormon Purpose Too few Saints understand the foundational purpose and message of the Book of Mormon in connection with Native Americans. Their importance in the last-days was understood early on in church history, but has been forgotten and now disregarded, leading to many errors. The Title Page of this important book informs us that its prophets wrote to the Lamanite Remnant remaining on this land in the last-days that they might understand 44

45 who they are - that they are a Remnant of the house of Jacob or Israel (the Lord calls them my people throughout the book, the Gentiles [us] are called this people ), and that they are not cast off forever. This is because of special covenants made to their fathers. These fathers, and others like Mormon, Moroni, and Enos prayed for the future welfare of their brethren the Lamanite Remnant of our day, that they might repent and come unto Christ. They are the ancestors of the brethren of Nephi who did not embrace the fulness of Christ s gospel early on in the book s first chapters. They are the blessed lineage of Joseph sold into Egypt through Lehi their father. They have thus inherited the same promises of the patriarchal fathers through the bloodlines of Joseph of Egypt and Lehi (see the covenant promises in 2 Ne. 3 [the patriarchal blessing of Lehi on his youngest son Joseph ]; Joseph of Egypt s dream in Gen. 37; JST Gen ; Deut. 33). In JST 48:11, for example, we learn that this American Remnant will rise up in the last days (the last becoming first) to be a light to the rest of the house of Israel who are bowed down under sin. This is in fulfillment of Isaiah 60:2. With the help of the Book of Mormon and the Bible as two important witnesses, and a special last-days mighty servant of their own bloodline - Joseph the Indian Prophet (2 Ne. 3:24), they will awake... arise... and shine forth. They will be a blossoming rose (Isa. 35:1; D&C 49:24), doing so while the Ephraimite Saints and other Gentiles become a fading flower (Isa. 28:1). The humble among the Jews and the whole house of Israel will come to Christ by way of their work. The Lamanite Remnant are made up of those mainly of Manasseh, who did not embrace secret combinations and polygamy in the Book of Mormon. Ephraim (most of whom came here later via European immigration) will join with them in constructing Zion and its temple. My Servant: Joseph the Indian Prophet In the last-days, many of the Native American Remnant (of Jacob through Joseph of Egypt) will come unto Christ and help restore that which has been lost. This restoration (2 Ne. 3:24) is right around the corner and will be led by an important and mighty one of the lineage of Joseph of Egypt and Lehi. His name will also be Joseph (meaning protector, guardian, preserver, and restorer ). This will occur in the Father s timing, when God s word in the Book of Mormon and the Bible go forth together to them, along with other new scripture, via a special prophet raised up in the Lineage of Lehi s youngest son Joseph, who inherited the same choice blessings as those promised Joseph of Egypt. He is a mighty servant of the Lord, most likely of mixed Lamanite blood, and is a gifted seer. He will bring forth ancient records, including the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon. He will soon rise up to do this restorative work. It will finally bring the Lamanite Remnant on this land to Christ and His fulness, discarding the corrupted traditional Christian churches. He will teach with convincing power (the Spirit) and exhibit miraculous power based on great faith. This Servant is not Joseph Smith as the footnote to 2 Ne. 3:24 now states. This footnote was originally written by Apostle Orson Pratt and once said, future Indian prophet until 1909, when it was changed to Joseph Smith. Early LDS church leaders clearly believed it referred to a future great Native American seer. They included Orson and Parley Pratt, Oliver Cowdery, along with Spencer W. Kimball later on. David Whitmer also knew of this future leader. Whitmer was one of the three witnesses of the Book of Mormon - chosen by God. He was an important early leader closely associated with Joseph Smith. He pointed out that Lehi s patriarchal blessing upon his youngest son Joseph does not match the Prophet Joseph Smith. Whitmer stated, First: He [the future Indian prophet] is to come from the seed of Lehi, and Joseph Smith is not of that seed. Second: He is to convince the Lamanites in person; Joseph Smith did not convince them. Third: His tongue will not be loosed that he can speak much, and the Lord is to raise up a spokesman for him [like Aaron was for Moses potentially pointing to a foreign language requiring an interpreter]; Joseph Smith's tongue was loosed to speak, he being a good speaker. Fourth: Those who seek to destroy this Seer will be confounded, this does not agree as being Brother Joseph, because he was destroyed. Fifth: The Choice Seer will be faithful and do strictly according to the command of God; Brother Joseph broke the commands of God from the beginning (for the full address, with more detail, see David Whitmer, An Address to All Believers in Christ [chap. 10] ). Speaking later in General Conference in 1947, Elder Spencer W. Kimball stated, The Lamanites must rise in majesty and power... And in the day when their prophet shall come, one shall rise... mighty among them... being an instrument in the hands of God, with exceeding faith, to work mighty wonders. (Oct. 47, Gen. Conf. address). Future Conversion The spring equinox in March marks the ancient New Year among indigenous peoples worldwide. It was in March of 1975 that approximately 100 Native American Christian leaders came together in Albuquerque, New Mexico to address the Christian Church among the native peoples on this land. There Dr. Billy Graham stated: The greatest moments of Native History lie ahead of us if a great spiritual renewal and awakening should take place. The Native American is a sleeping giant. He is awakening. The original Americans could become the evangelist who will help win America for Christ! Remember these forgotten people. The future Indian Prophet Joseph will aid the conversion of these people to Christ. He will teach with convincing power the mighty power of the Spirit. Signs and miracles will follow him as did Moses of old (see 2 Ne. 3:11 & 24). Forty years from 1975 and Billy Graham s remarks takes us to 2015, the year the heavens marked the Sabbatical Year (of release). It was followed in 2016 with the Jubilee Year (of restoration). Native Americans on this land were officially released from many centuries of darkness in this year. Another portion of Isaiah s prophecy is now to be fulfilled. The Lamanite Remnant will awake and arise and shine forth (Isa. 60:1-2), becoming a light to the rest of the house of Israel, when they are altogether bowed down under sin (see JST Gen. 48:11). This is literal fulfillment of Jacob s patriarchal 45

46 blessing upon Joseph of Egypt. Those bowed down under sin includes Ephraimite Gentiles of all faiths, including Latterday Saints. The real sheep of the Master (those of His bloodline or family) will recognize His voice and that of His servants and thus they will be be restored to Him not to men, churches, or programs. As this latter-day restoration occurs (the strange act and the the marvelous work and a wonder Isaiah saw), this choice, covenant, Promised Land will also be returned to those it was taken from our Native American brothers and sisters. Most importantly, however, is their return to their Creator, Jesus Christ. There is a great awakening occurring among Native peoples in Central and South American. They recognize the power in the Book of Mormon. There are now more members of the church of this bloodline than of Ephraim. This conversion has only just begun. Sadly, the LDS church and its people have dropped the ball in many ways with regard to their conversion, and especially Native Americans in North America. This is because we have not understood this message and purpose within the Book of Mormon. We have allowed pride and the ways of Babylon to distract us from our mission of sharing the fulness of the gospel message with these covenant people of the Lord, and that fulness is Jesus Christ, not the church, its leaders and programs. We the Gentile Saints must repent and come unto Christ and be born again in Him. We can then take this message to our Native American brothers and sisters. All of us must be established upon Christ as the rock, so that when the storms come, we will not be washed away. Too many have built their belief on the Brethren and the church. This is a sandy foundation (see Hel. 5:12; Mat. 7:25). The Lamanite people will be fully converted to Christ with the aid of Joseph the Indian Prophet. He is one of their own and will possess great convincing power (see 2 Ne. 3:11, 13-14). This mass conversion (like Helaman 5) is a part of the marvelous work and a wonder Isaiah addressed. It will occur quickly. In D&C 10:60-62 the Lord has said that these latter-day converted Lamanites are a branch of the house of Israel on this land who, shall deny not that which you [the Gentiles] have received [and rejected the fulness mentioned in 3 Ne. 16:10], but they shall build it up and shall bring to light the true points of my doctrine which is in me. These humble people and their leader will be part of a great restoration movement of all things in the last-days. This is the second, greater restoration spoken of in scripture tied to Native Americans. Joseph Smith began it, though it mainly occurred among the Gentiles. The last, those of the purer blood of the house of Israel on this land, will then become the first. Knowing this message of the Book of Mormon, and the people it was written to, Joseph Smith sent the first missionaries of the Church to the Native American Remnant to reclaim them to bring them to Christ. The success then was very sparse, as the timing was not yet that of the Father. That time is now upon us. The world and too many Christian churches match the corrupting influences the Lord spoke of in 1 Ne. 22:23. The fulness of Gentile wickedness has come in. Christ has been rejected as a result of unbelief, idolatry, priestcraft, and general wickedness among us. In JST Matthew 21, verses 35-56, the Lord addressed wicked husbandman (leaders) in His vineyard in the last-days. They are destroyed and replaced. They are like the Jewish leaders in Christ s day who rejected John the Baptist and Christ and the fulness of His gospel (3 Ne. 16:10; D&C 124:28; 113:8) and lead the fading flower of Ephraim mentioned in Isaiah 28:1. The Lamanites, on the other hand, shall [soon] blossom as the rose and replace them (see Isa. 35:1; D&C 49:24). This has occurred because the fulness of Christ and His doctrine, gospel, and church is rejected. It is fulfillment of prophecy, the last becoming the first. Christ addressed our day in D&C 101: He is the tower that the builders the wicked husbandmen - fail to raise up at the center of His vineyard (Ephraimite Gentile leadership). Seven scriptures reveal that Christ is this high tower there (see Psalm 18:2, 61:3, 144:2; 2 Sam. 22:3, 51; Prov. 18:10, and D&C 97:20). What is needed today is a return to Christ and His teachings - His fulness. We must heed His invitation to repent and literally come unto Him and receive the fulness of His glory and rest in this life. The Book of Mormon is designed to assist the Book of Mormon Remnant and us the Gentiles - in this important process (Mor. 10:30). See The Remnant Awakens (3 rd or 4 th edition), by the author, The book also details Christ s visit to Native American representatives gathered at Walker Lake, Nevada in It was widely reported in magazines and newspapers that year, known then as The Messiah Craze. 2 Sick Head to Heart to Foot (Isa. 1:6), Yet Hope Remains in Christ! My brothers and sisters, I am grateful that I was raised up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where I have had wonderful scriptures and truths available to me. We as Saints must be set free in the truth that our scriptures present us. They have the world of God in them. There we read that WE must repent and come unto Christ. As we have seen, this is His doctrine, gospel, and church! We do so by removing false traditions and doctrines that have crept into our lives. The Book of Mormon message is for our Lamanite brothers and sisters, the Jews, and us, the Gentile Saints! Like the Nephites of old, we are in the midst of another pride cycle, the last one, when believers are beginning to falter in many ways (see endnote 12). The humble ones, centered on Christ, rather than men, churches, and the things of Babylon, will be blessed in the coming storm. Others will be cursed. Satan is not stupid. He desires to corrupt all the things of God, including individuals, governments, and especially Christian churches. He has succeeded in infiltrating and corrupting nearly all things in this telestial world, doing so via the failings of men and secret combinations (the prideful, the wicked, the illuminati, the New World Order, etc.). Moroni tells us that all churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted because of pride (Morm. 8:36). He asks us, why have ye 46

47 polluted the holy church of God? Why are ye ashamed to take upon you the name of Christ? Of course there is much good in our wonderful institution, and in other churches too. I feel the Spirit in my Ward in many Sacrament Meetings, and feel love for and from my fellow Saints. This does not excuse me or you from letting Moroni s words speak truth, as there is need for our house to be cleaned - especially those who have professed to know God but have not come to know Him (see D&C 112: 25-26; JST Matt. 25:10-11). The Lord will do this cleansing work in His time and way. He is the Judge and King. It is His kingdom, His doctrine, gospel, and church. Scripture tells us that there will yet be a full restoration of all things (D&C 77:9&14). I have full faith and trust in the Lord to bring it about. Special servants will help in this regard. At the very beginning of the current Restoration, as soon as Joseph Smith restored truth and light, Satan came to take it away (see D&C 93:39). The Saints attempted to bring Zion and establish New Jerusalem very early on. They attempted to live the law of the Celestial Kingdom and Zion, the Law of Consecration. The Father and the Son came to the first High Priests called at the Morley Farm gathering. The Holy Order the fulness - was offered the Saints. Many were called (23 High Priests), but few were ultimately chosen to receive real power from God in the higher priesthood (Joseph Smith, Lyman Wight, & Harvey Whitlock). Satan came too, and began removing light and love and unity at this same meeting. Things began falling apart thereafter. Zion was not established. New Jerusalem was not built. God knew it would happen. He saw it. The Saints were not yet ready for His higher law. Like the Israelites gathered at Sinai, both groups rejected the fulness and were cursed with a lesser law and priesthood (see D&C 84:23-27, 49-59; JST Exodus 34:1-2). The fulness was later offered again to the Saints at Nauvoo, if they would remain true to the Lord, and center themselves on Him and His gospel. He gave them a sacrifice to make, like the Saints at Kirtland. At Nauvoo, the Temple was to be completed in the Lord s time and way. Instead, the Saints failed to complete it. General wickedness also took over and a rejection of the fulness again occurred (3 Ne. 16:10). At Nauvoo this rejection of Christ was aided by secrets and the embracing of Masonry and polygamy. Joseph, Hyrum, and Samuel Smith were murdered, many believing it was an inside job. The secret combinations of the Book of Mormon were again in place, all for the purpose of getting gain, control, and sex (polygamy), the same things inspired of Satan in Moses 5: The truths of the Book of Mormon remained with the Saints as they were driven west, there establishing a new beginning in the Rocky Mountains. The LDS Church retains this important book and shares it well with the world in our missionary program. We were most effective with it in 1989 (see endnote 12), when Pres. Benson strongly encouraged the Saints to repent as a people and return to God by revisiting the powerful truths in the book Joseph Smith gave his life to provide us. It remains the founding document of our faith, and the source of truths centered on Christ. How might we remove the condemnation of D&C 84 that remains on us? The answer is simple, found in God s words, repent and come unto me (see D&C 10:67-68; 1 Ne. 10:18 & 2 Ne. 28:32). We the Saints must receive this invitation humbly and take them seriously. We must repent, and come to know our Lord and receive Him, literally on an individual basis (see also endnotes 5, 7, and 11). 3 Receiving the Baptism of Fire To enter heaven, we must be born again. Both the Bible and the Book of Mormon reinforce this clear teaching of the Lord (see John 3:5; see also Mos. 27:24-26). And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost (see also 3 Ne. 12:1). Traits - Signs Hel. 5 2 Ne Alma 5 Alma 18 /19 Alma 36 3 Ne. 17 / 19 Mosiah 5 Faith in Christ 41, , , , 10 (4:5, 20) Repent, Cry for Mercy 29, , Heavens Open /34, / 14 See God / / 15 Spirit Sent Down 45 12, 15, 18 / 6 24 / 13, 20 3 Quickening Fire Present 44, 45 13, 14 / /14 Angels Minister 39, 48 /34, /15 Joyful Praise 44, /14, 30, 33 20, 21, 22, 28 17, 18 3 (see also Alma 5:26-34) Gift of Tongues 45 13, 14 /30, 45 13, 14 / 24 3 Fall Down - Submission 42 /15, 16 7, 11 (4:1) 1 Reborn, Sins Remitted 50, , 19 /51 5, 23 / 33 2, 7, 15 Heart purified, gifted with charity (see Mor. 7:48) The scripture chart above and additional lists hereafter reveal the patterns, signs, and scriptures tied to the fiery baptism throughout the Book of Mormon. It is a manual for this born again experience and for coming into the Lord s presence thereafter, which is entering His rest or the fulness of His glory (D&C 84:24). The Holy Ghost, given as a gift in the 47

48 born again experience, guides us on the way until we finally receive eternal life a part of being in Christ s presence. There we experience God s great love the sweet, white fruit of the Tree of Life. We are then sanctified. These gifts (purification in water, justification by the Spirit or fire, and sanctification via Christ s atoning blood, Moses 6:58-60) are the central, three-part purpose of the way or what the Lord says is, my doctrine, my gospel, and my church. Anything else is not of Him (see D&C 10:67-68). He has added, Behold, this is my work and my glory, to bring about the immortality and eternal life of man (Moses 1:39). The phrase repent and come unto me is a literal invitation by our Lord to enter His sacred presence! He is the Heavenly Gift (Ether 12:8), the first of the 13 gifts of the Spirit the Lord Himself lists for us in D&C 46: His Holy presence is the marriage gift He as the Bridegroom gives us. We must be sanctified in His blood to bare His fiery glory, His fulness. Mormon and his son Moroni provide a list of the characteristics present in those born again in Moroni chapters 6 and 7 and Mormon chapter 8. Evidence that one has been born again includes the following 8 things, as part of the mighty change of heart (Alma 5:14). Each of us should ask God if we have received this important gift. What happens to us in this joyful event? 1. We are forgiven of our sins. They are now remitted (2 Ne. 31:17) We have been purged and purified by the fiery baptism, accomplished by Jesus Christ, as it is He who baptizes us with fire (see 3 Ne. 9:20; 12:1; JST Mat. 3:38). 2. We are born again in this ordinance and event, becoming a new creature in Christ with no desire to sin (3 Ne. 12:2; 2 Ne 31:17). We are redeemed (Mos. 27:24-29), becoming His sons and daughters (Mos. 27:25). 3. We are filled with much greater love for God and all men (Mos. 3:19). 4. We have been given the Holy Ghost or First Comforter as our guide (2 Ne. 31:18, 32:2, 5). 5. We have one or more additional spiritual gifts activated in our lives to bless us and others (D&C 46). 6. We experience unspeakable joy in the event (Alma 36:20, 21, 24, 25 [listed 5 times]; Hel. 5:44). 7. We have sincere desire to praise God (2 Ne. 31:13), sometimes with the tongue of angels (2 Ne. 31:14). This is evident in the desire to state or sing praises to God. These joyful praises in song are part of the song of redeeming love, expressed in our newly cleansed hearts - to that God who - out of great love - redeemed us (see Alma 5:26, 26:13, 36:20-28 [where in is 5 mentions of the word joy ]; Rev. 5:9-14, 14:1-3; D&C 84:98-102). Those who are redeemed sing such songs, those promised eternal life (2 Ne. 8:11, 15:1; 3 Ne. 4:31-32, Morm. 7:7 & Rev. 14:1-3). 8. We are then part of Christ s church, the church of the Lamb or Firstborn (D&C 76:67). What outward and inward signs accompany this critically important rebirth event? 1. Some see or feel an encircling fire or a pillar of fire around them, like a tube of light or plasma (Hel. 5:45, 48). Others may see a small fiery flame over the head of the individual. 2. We often fall to the ground in a feeling of total submission to God, doing so willingly (see Alma 19:15-16). We thus lay prostrate on the earth. The word worship in Greek is tied to the word prostrate or submission. 3. We may feel a burning sensation, where we receive a complete remission of our sins via a spiritual and physical purging via fire or the Spirit of God. We are then cleansed and justified (3 Ne. 12:2; 2 Ne 31:17). Our broken hearts are purged by fire (Hel. 5:45). We have become a new creature in Christ and are born again in Him. We have no desire to sin (3 Ne. 12:2; 2 Ne 31:17; JST 1 John 3:9, 5:18). 4. We receive, are filled, and are now empowered by the Holy Ghost (2 Ne. 31:17; D&C 39:6; 33:11-12). 5. We are also filled with unspeakable joy (Hel. 5:44) and feel to shout or sing praises to God and the Lamb (see Alma 5:26, 36:20-28; Rev. 14:1-3; D&C 84:98-102). 6. We may see God on His throne surrounded by concourses of angels, also praising God (Alma 36:22). 7. We may receive the presence and ministration of angels then or later (Hel. 5:48), and show forth one or more of the gifts of the Spirit thereafter (see D&C 46). This may include speaking with a new tongue, that of Angels by the power of the Holy Ghost, especially during sincere praise of God then, or thereafter (2 Ne. 32:2-23; Hel. 5:45). 8. We are now on the path to eternal life and God s presence, and have become part of the church of the Firstborn or the church of the Lamb of God, Christ s Church (D&C 76:67). 4 For more on Lynn Ridenhour see 5 Whitmer s Insightful Testimony David Whitmer is a very important figure in early Later-day Saint history. He has credibility. The fact that he, Oliver Cowdery, and most of the early Twelve separated themselves from Joseph Smith and the church should cause us to ponder. Whitmer did so in 1838, citing five primary concerns for it as listed farther below. His remarks are notable as he was a man of fine character. The Lord chose him to be one of three special witnesses for the Book of Mormon. Whitmer had a close relationship with Joseph Smith. He also had important church leadership positions. He, Joseph, and Oliver also received many revelations from God together in the early portions of the Book of Commandments (which later became the Doctrine and Covenants). 48

49 The following information is presented that we might see the importance of remaining focused on Christ and His doctrine, gospel, and church, not on the ways of man. Lifting up men and things (which is idolatry, often coming because of pride) is the first of five reasons Whitmer gave for his departure from the early church. In looking back at his time then, Whitmer suggested that God works by stumbling blocks, and that they are used to test us, to see if we will seek out God, rather than lifting up men to be our lights. Rather than continuing to submit to this, Whitmer left the church. Who is David Whitmer? In addition to Joseph Smith, David Whitmer was one of three witnesses God chose for the gold plates of the Book of Mormon, the foundational document of the LDS church. The plates were shown to Whitmer by an angel, along with companions Oliver Cowdery and Martin Harris on June 28, 1829 (eight more witnesses saw the plates, but not the angel). Two Book of Mormon scriptures prophetically address these three witnesses from a future perspective (see 2 Ne. 27:12-13 & Ether 5:2-5). Like Joseph Smith, David Whitmer held important leadership positions too. For a time, he was second in command of the new church. Hyrum Andrus stated, Joseph Smith ordained David Whitmer to be the President of the church in Missouri and his own successor should Smith not live to God. This was on July 7 of Andrus added, By virtue of his position as President of the High Council in Zion, David Whitmer was sustained as the president of the church in Zion, not merely as a Stake President. Since the Quorum of the Twelve and the First Quorum of the Seventy had not yet been organized, this meant that there was a short period of time from July 3, 1834, until February 14, 1835 when the High Council in Zion stood in an administrative position next to the First Presidency. It also meant that from July 3, 1834, until December 5, 1834, at which time Oliver Cowdery was made the Associate President of the Church, David Whitmer, as President of the High Council in Zion, was the Prophet's rightful successor (see Hyrum L. Andrus, Doctrines of the Kingdom, Bookcraft, 1973, p. 195). Joseph, Oliver, and David were all baptized in the same month they were shown the gold plates (June, 1829), receiving their fiery baptism and the Holy Ghost as their guides immediately. No official organized church had been put in place prior to that time. It came a year later on April 6 of 1830, when Whitmer was baptized a second time, along with Joseph and Oliver. Whitmer was the third person baptized into the new official Church of Christ, now set up according to the laws in New York State. It was organized to provide legitimacy among men, as the early proselyting Elders were accused of having no right to officiate in the ordinance of marriage, hold church property, etc., at that time in New York State. The new official church and Joseph Smith s increasing power within it, was a significant reason for Whitmer s separation from it, as presented in his testimony below. It was the beginning of the end in his mind, as Joseph Smith would later become more than a Prophet for his people. He would become its Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, the President over the church. In time Joseph took all power. Just prior to his murder in Nauvoo in 1844, Joseph Smith was running for President of the United States of America. Earlier he was anointed King over all Israel by the Council of Fifty. He was also a General of the Nauvoo Legion, and Nauvoo s Mayor. Joseph also officiated as Grand Chaplain over the Nauvoo Lodge of Freemasons. In 1 Nephi 22:23, the Lord lists power over the flesh as the second of six corrupting influences for His doctrine, gospel, and church, just behind getting gain. It is followed by seeking popularity among men and the lusts of the flesh. It was later in Nauvoo where these things became real problems in connection with polygamy, the secret oaths of Masonry, and Danite enforcers insuring loyalty to the new church. Whitmer saw Joseph Smith s acceptance of the new title Prophet, Seer, and Revelator to the church, as the beginning of a steady decline. He blamed Sydney Rigdon for influencing Joseph Smith with many outside influences that corrupted the purity of God s early teachings. In D&C 18:4, the Lord designated David Whitmer and Oliver Cowdery to search out men suitable to be twelve disciples. He told Joseph, Oliver, and David, Wherefore, if you shall build up my church, my gospel, and my rock [Jesus Christ], the gates of hell shall not prevail against you (Joseph later made changes to this and other verses of scripture). Shortly thereafter, Whitmer separated himself from the church (about 1838). Whitmer was never excommunicated from it, nor did he ever deny his witness of Jesus Christ or of the gold plates of the Book of Mormon. His serious misgivings were about the direction the church was being taken. Hell was rising up against it in his mind. He left based on five concerns; (1) the centralization of power in one man Joseph Smith (a prophet, seer, and revelator) (2) the later rise of polygamy (see endnote 7 for its ties to Joseph Smith) (3) the removal of Christ s name from the church in 1834 (changed to The Church of the latter-day Saints ) (4) the division caused by the calling of high priests (5) changes he saw being made in scripture, including those in the original Book of Commandments, later changed in the Doctrine & Covenants, and some in the Book of Mormon, both by Joseph for questionable reasons One of these changes is verse 4 of chapter 15 of the Book of Commandments. Whitmer and Cowdery were with Joseph when the revelation from God was given. Whitmer reveals in his writings that Joseph Smith later added twenty-two words to this verse when it became Section 4 of D&C 18, that he might justify changes being implemented at the time. The original verse read: And he (Joseph) has a gift to translate the Book and I have commanded him that he shall pretend to no other gift, for I will grant him no other gift. Joseph s changes (in italics) later had the verse read: And you have a gift to translate the plates, and this is the first gift that I bestowed upon you, and I have commanded you that you should pretend to 49

50 no other gift, until my purpose is fulfilled in this; for I will grant unto you no other gift until it is finished. (Additional changes by Joseph, Willard Richards, Brigham Young, and others to scripture and historical documents are not listed here for brevity sake.) In His Own Words Whitmer stated, In June, 1829, the Lord called Oliver Cowdery, Martin Harris, and myself as the three witnesses, to behold the vision of the Angel, as recorded in the fore part of the Book of Mormon, and to bear testimony to the world that the Book of Mormon is true. I was not called to bear testimony to the mission of Brother Joseph Smith any farther than his work of translating the Book of Mormon, as you can see by reading the testimony of us three witnesses. In this month I was baptized, confirmed, and ordained an Elder in the Church of Christ by Bro. Joseph Smith. Previous to this, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery had baptized, confirmed and ordained each other to the office of an Elder in the Church of Christ. I was the third person baptized into the [early] church. In August, 1829, we began to preach the gospel of Christ. The following six Elders had then been ordained: Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, Peter Whitmer, Samuel H. Smith, Hyrum Smith, and myself. The Book of Mormon was still in the hands of the printer, but my brother, Christian Whitmer, had copied from the manuscript the teachings and doctrine of Christ, being the things which we were commanded to preach. We preached, baptized and confirmed members into the Church of Christ, from August, 1829, until April 6th, 1830, being eight months in which time we had proceeded rightly; the offices in the church being Elders, Priests and Teachers. Now, when April 6, 1830, had come, we had then established three branches of the Church of Christ, in which three branches were about seventy members: One branch was at Fayette, N.Y.; one at Manchester, N.Y., and one at Colesville, Pa. It is all a mistake about the church being organized on April 6, 1830, as I will show. We were as fully organized spiritually before April 6th as we were on that day. The reason why we met on that day was this; the world [of men] had been telling us that we were not a regularly organized church, and we had no right to officiate in the ordinance of marriage, hold church property, etc., and that we should organize according to the laws of the land [New York State]. On this account we met at my father's house in Fayette, N.Y., on April 6, 1830, to attend to this matter of organizing according to the laws of the land; you can see this from Sec. 17 Doctrine and Covenants: the church was organized on April 6th agreeable to the laws of our country... I do not consider that the church [of God] was any more organized or established in the eyes of God on that day than it was previous to that day. I consider that on that day the first error was introduced into the Church of Christ, and that error was Brother Joseph being ordained as Prophet Seer and Revelator to the church [a lone, single, allpowerful leader]. The Holy Ghost was with us in more power during the eight months previous to April 6, 1830, than ever at any time thereafter. Almost everyone who was baptized received the Holy Ghost in power, some prophesying, some speaking in tongues, the heavens were opened to some, and all the signs which Christ promised should follow the believers were with us abundantly. We were a humble happy people, and loved each other as brethren should love. Just before April 6, 1830, some of the brethren began to think that the church should have a leader, just like the children of Israel wanting a king [rejecting God to be such, 1 Sam. 8:7]. Brother Joseph finally inquired of the Lord about it. He must have had a desire himself to be their leader, which desire in any form is not of God, for Christ said If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. He that would be great, let him be your servant. For he that is least among you all, the same shall be great. A true and humble follower of Christ will never have any desire to lead or be first, or to seek the praise of men or brethren. Desiring any prominence whatever is not humility, but it is pride; it is seeking praise of mortals instead of the praise of God. Joseph received a revelation that he should be the leader; that he should be ordained by Oliver Cowdery as Prophet, Seer and Revelator to the church, and that the church should receive his words as if from God's own mouth. Satan surely rejoiced on that day, for he then saw that in time he could overthrow them. Remember, Some revelations are of God; some revelations are of man, and some revelations are of the devil. God allowed them to be answered according to their erring desires. They were like the children of Israel wanting a king, and God gave them a king, but it was to their final destruction [1 Sam. 8:7]. He gave the church a leader, but it proved their destruction and final landing of the majority of them in the Salt Lake valley in polygamy, believing that their leader had received a revelation from God to practice this abomination. This was the first error that crept into the church. None of us detected it then. We had all [too much] confidence in Brother Joseph [a man], thinking that as God had given him so great a gift as to translate the Book of Mormon, that everything he would do must be right. That is what I thought about it. You see how we trusted too much in man instead of going to God in humility, and to his written word, to see if we were proceeding rightly. It grieves me much to think that I was not more careful, and did not rely upon the teachings of Christ in the written word. But we were then young in years, and all of us were mere babes in Christ. Brother Joseph and myself were only twenty-five years of age. Although Brother Joseph was in this high office, he was humble most of the time, and he and all of us had the Spirit with us when we were humble, but as I have stated we did not have the Spirit with us in power as a body after this, as we did before April 6, After Sydney Rigdon came into the church or in the spring of 1831 we began to make proselytes faster; but great numbers coming into the church does not always signify great spiritual prosperity. The people made light of the church in Noah's time, there was only eight members in it, but it proved to be the true church. 50

51 I want the brethren to understand me concerning this error of ordaining Brother Joseph to that office on April 6, Not at all do I mean to say that I believe the church was then rejected of God. What occurred on that day was this: One of the elders of the church (Joseph) was led into a grievous error; and the members acquiesced in it. In time it proved to be a most grievous error, being the cause of the trouble which afterwards befell the people of God. They put their trust in Brother Joseph and received his revelations as if from God's own mouth. (Jer. 17:5) Thus saith the Lord: cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm; and whose heart departeth from the Lord. This has been the great curse of the work of God in these last days. Nearly all of the church have continued to heed the words of men as if from God's own mouth following man into one error in doctrine after another from year to year even on down into the doctrine of polygamy. [This continues today, as modern leaders use D&C 1:38 to justify their words being equal with those of God. Only when they quote God s words exactly, and in His context, should this scripture be applied to their words, which ARE his words as quoted.] Could Joseph & Modern Prophets Fail? Speaking of the Prophet Joseph Smith, David Whitmer said, Marvel not that we began to be led in to error so soon; the children of Israel went into gross error in forty days, following Aaron while Moses was in the mount. I desire to say a few words here concerning prophets falling into error. Solomon, David, Saul, Uzziah and many great and gifted prophets in Israel fell into gross error, and some of them into crime. Paul said he kept his body under subjection, lest he should become a castaway, after having preached to others. Many of the Latter Day Saints believe that it is impossible for Brother Joseph to have fallen. I will give you some evidence upon this matter which I suppose you will certainly accept, showing that Brother Joseph belonged to the class of men who could fall into error and blindness. From the following you will see that Brother Joseph belonged to the weakest class the class that were very liable to fall. I quote from a revelation which came through the stone, July, It is a revelation to Brother Joseph, chastising him for his errors after he had commenced to translate the Book of Mormon, telling him how often he had erred and transgressed the commandments and the laws of God; telling him that if he was not aware, he would fall, and have his gift to translate taken from him. Also telling him, that although a man may have many revelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet, if he boasts in his own strength, etc., he must fall. Remember, remember, that it is not the work of God that is frustrated, but the work of men: for although a man may have many revelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet, if he boasts in his own strength, and sets at naught the counsels of God, and follows after the dictates of his own will and carnal desires, HE MUST FALL and incur the vengeance of a just God upon him. Behold, you have been entrusted with these things, but how strict were your commandments; and remember, also, the promises which were made to you, if you did not transgress them, and behold, HOW OFT HAVE YOU TRANSGRESSED THE COMMANDMENTS AND THE LAWS OF GOD, and have GONE ON IN THE PERSUASIONS OF MEN. Behold thou art Joseph, and thou wast chosen to do the work of the Lord, (was given a gift to translate the Book) but because of transgression, IF THOU ARE NOT AWARE, THOU WILT FALL, but remember God is merciful: thou hast suffered the council of thy Director to be trampled upon from the beginning (p. 36). Polygamy Later he added, Brother Joseph must have set up his idol in his heart, or he would not have prayed to the Lord to know wherein David and Solomon were justified in polygamy, when God says in the Book of Mormon that they were not justified in it; that it was abominable before Him. David, Solomon, Saul, and many chosen men of God, afterwards drifted into error and lost the spirit of God, and why not Joseph Smith? Will you answer? Was not Joseph Smith a man subject to like passions? Had you been with him as much as I was, and knew him as I knew him, you would also know that he could fall into error and transgression: but with all his weaknesses, I always did love him. No man was ever perfect but Christ. Uzziah fell into the snare of Satan, through pride, after serving God in humility for fifty-two years, (2. Chron. 26). I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria (Jer. 23:13). I have seen in the prophets a horrible thing (Jer. 23:14). The prophets prophesy falsely (Jer. 5:31). For the sins of her prophets, and the iniquities of her priests (Lam. 4: 13). Thus saith the Lord, woe unto the foolish prophets (Ezek. 13:3). There were many prophets and chosen men of God, who afterwards fell into error, and who lost the Spirit of God, and produced false prophecies and revelations in the name of the Lord. Why should any one refuse to investigate as to the truth of the Book of Mormon, because Joseph Smith went into error after being called of God to translate it? Kind reader, think of this, and beware how you hastily condemn that book which I know to be the word of God; for his own voice and an angel from heaven declared the truth of it unto me, and to two other witnesses who testified on their death-bed that it was true (p. 41). See also endnote 7. A Single Leader with All Power Prophet, Seer & Revelator According to David Whitmer, Just before April 6, 1830, some of the brethren began to think that the church should have a [single] leader, just like the children of Israel wanting a king [instead of the equality of 12 Apostles, led by God]. Brother Joseph finally inquired of the Lord about it. He must have had a desire himself to be their leader, which desire in any form is not of God, for Christ said, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all. He that would be great, let him be your servant. For he that is least among you all, the same shall be great. A true and humble follower of Christ will never have any desire to lead or be first, or to seek the praise of men or brethren. Desiring any prominence whatever is not humility, but it is pride; it is seeking praise of mortals instead of the praise of God. Joseph received a revelation that he should be the leader; that he should be ordained by Oliver Cowdery as Prophet Seer and Revelator to the church, and that the church should receive his words as 51

52 if from God's own mouth. Satan surely rejoiced on that day, for he then saw that in time he could overthrow them. Remember, Some revelations are of God; some revelations are of man, and some revelations are of the devil. God allowed them to be answered according to their erring desires [the same with polygamy]. They were like the children of Israel wanting a king, and God gave them a king, but it was to their final destruction. He gave the church a leader, but it proved their destruction and final landing of the majority of them in the Salt Lake valley in polygamy, believing that their leader had received a revelation from God to practice this abomination. This was the first error that crept into the church. None of us detected it then. There is nothing in the New Testament part of either the Bible or Book of Mormon concerning a one-man leader or head to the church. Whoever claims that such an office should be in the church today, goes beyond the teachings which Christ has given us. As I have stated, we were strictly commanded in the beginning to rely upon that which was written; and he who goes beyond that which was then written, to the revelations of Joseph Smith to establish any order or doctrine in the church, must come under the head of those whom Christ spoke of when he said, Whosoever teaches more or less, etc., is not of me. This alone should satisfy anyone who is not trusting in an arm of flesh. Who was Prophet Seer and Revelator to the church at Jerusalem? They had none. Who was Prophet Seer and Revelator to the church upon this land? They had none. And we had no such an office in the church in these last days for the first eight months of its existence, until Brother Joseph went into this error on April 6, 1830, and, after unwittingly breaking a command of God by taking upon himself such an office, in a few years those revelations were changed to admit this high office, which otherwise would have condemned it. They were changed to mean something entirely different from the way they were first given and printed in the Book of Commandments; as if God had not thought of this great and important office when he gave those revelations. Yet in the face of the written word of God, and in the face of all this evidence, the majority of the Latter Day Saints will still cling to the revelations of Joseph Smith and measure the written word of God by them, instead of measuring Joseph Smith and his revelations by the written word. Speaking after the manner of Paul to the Galatians, so say I to you: O foolish Latter Day Saints... I marvel, that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ, unto another gospel; which is not another, but the same gospel which some have perverted; and though we, or an angel from heaven, or Joseph Smith, preach any other gospel unto you than that which Christ gave us in the beginning, receive it not (see Gal. 1:6-9). Whitmer, An Address to All Believers in Christ, pps Whitmer concluded, When Christ came into the world, the doctrine of a one-man leader to the church was not taught by Him, and we are positively under Christ and his teachings in the written word. The Book of Mormon tells us plainly that THE WORDS OF CHRIST ARE TO BE MADE KNOWN IN THE SEALED RECORDS OF THE NEPHITES, AND IN THE RECORD OF THE JEWS: (the Bible) and this excludes the [modified] Book of Doctrine and Covenants (1 Nephi 3:43). Imperfect mortal men and their churches can lead us astray. Scripture is full of statements to this effect. Follow the prophet can be a dangerous, false narrative. We are support and uphold those that serve, and always testing what they say against the Spirit. We are to repent and come unto Christ, rather than relying on leaders like Joseph, Brigham, or Paul for our salvation. We are to have faith and trust in the Lord, not men. God said that the inhabitants of Zion are to judge the apostles and prophets to see who are liars and hypocrites. For it shall come to pass that the inhabitants of Zion shall judge all things pertaining to Zion. And liars and hypocrites shall be proved by them, and they who are not apostles and prophets shall be known. And even the bishop, who is a judge, and his counselors, if they are not faithful in their stewardships shall be condemned, and others shall be planted in their stead (D&C 64:38-40). That this responsibility is borne by normal members is underscored by the instructions the Lord provided for trying the president of the church for transgression (D&C 107:82-84). The Lord put into the hands of normal members the ability to discipline the leadership of the church, a responsibility that necessarily requires the membership of the church to watch over the leaders and evaluate their conduct to ascertain whether it is in line with God s will. Why would God give instructions on how members could remove a sitting church president for transgression, if (1) the president of the church can t lead members astray, and (2) members are not meant to judge the execution of his office relative to the Holy Ghost? Brigham Young said, What a pity it would be if we were led by one man to utter destruction! Are you afraid of this? I am more afraid that this people have so much confidence in their leaders that they will not inquire for themselves of God whether they are led by Him. I am fearful they settle down in a state of blind self-security, trusting their eternal destiny in the hands of their leaders with a reckless confidence that in itself would thwart the purposes of God in their salvation, and weaken that influence they could give to their leaders, did they know for themselves, by the revelations of Jesus, that they are led in the right way. Let every man and woman know, by the whispering of the Spirit of God to themselves, whether their leaders are walking in the path the Lord dictates, or not. This has been my exhortation continually. For Whitmer s full, 80-page testimony, see David Whitmer, An Address to All Believers in Christ, See also endnotes 2, 7, and 11. Some of Whitmers s statements in this document must be viewed from his perspective. The author does not support Whitmer s statements about the higher 52

53 priesthood and High Priests generally, for example (see endnote 19, the events of the Morley Farm). Confirmation with God is always the best source of truth. For more sources revealing that prophets and other leaders can and do fail as part of the mortal experience, and thus our need to rely more upon the Spirit, see Millennial Star 14:38, pps ; Millennial Star 53, pps ; Millennial Star v. 54, p. 191; JD 1:312; JD 3:45, JD 4:368; JD 6:100, JD 9:150; JD 20:295; TPJS p. 238; Teaching and Learning by the Spirit, Ensign, Mar. 1997; For scriptures see 1 Ne. 15:24; 2 Ne. 4:34, 28:31; Hel. 13:29; D&C 45:56-57; D&C 64:38-40; D&C 76:98-106; D&C 107:82-84; Psalm 118:8; Jer. 17:5. 6 Secret Combinations Take Power Just before the destruction occurs in 3 Nephi 8-10, followed by the Lord s appearance, we read of the power of secret combinations among the once righteous Nephites. In only six years they descended into darkness after a period of light and success in Christ s Church. This Church began to be broken up because of pride, riches, and learning. Class distinctions became widespread with, have s and have not s. Only a few of the Lamanites, those who were fully converted unto the true faith stood firm and steadfast in it (3 Ne. 6:14). The cause of the breakup was Satan s great power to stir the people up into greater pride. They thus sought for more power, authority, and riches - the vain things of the world (v. 15). The powerful used the secrecy of ancient blood oaths to hold power, get more of it, and practice all manner of wickedness. They turned things upside-down (2 Ne. 27:27). They were motivated by the six things listed by our Lord in 1 Nephi 22:23, thus becoming the great and abominable church. It is the whore of all the Earth, led by Satan. Verse 20 of 3 Nephi 6 tells us that God sent men inspired from heaven to preach and testify boldly of Christ and the sins and iniquities of the people, especially to those leading the people. One of these prophets was the brother of Nephi who was stoned by those in power the chief judges, lawyers, and the high priests (v. 21). He was later raised from the dead by Nephi, and thought to be one of the three translated disciples (Timothy). The wicked leaders were angry with these prophets sent to call them to repentance. With their oaths they had the prophets and others murdered secretly (v. 23). Those in power also had many friends. This group made up almost all the lawyers and the high priests. They did gather together with the judges and made that covenant which was given of old... administered by the devil (Moses 5:18-57), to combine against all righteousness... against the people of the Lord, and did enter into a covenant to destroy them and deliver the wicked from justice (verses 27-29). The liberty of their land was thus destroyed. It was at this time that the survival of the righteous was at stake. God then intervened via the natural destructions upon the land. We are now in that same awful situation spoken of by the Book of Mormon prophets where secret combinations rule the land, threatening believing Christians. Our decline is further characterized by continuing moral perversions, evident in increasing abortions, and more gay, lesbian, and transgender laws forced upon us by those leading a corrupt government. The ten-step decline found on the next page may have connection with the ten plagues or wos Moses pronounced upon the Egyptians. In addition to the great evil of our judges, lawyers, and high priests, the general membership of the Saints remain under the condemnation of D&C 84. There we read that it is because of our vanity and unbelief, our taking lightly the Book of Mormon message - to repent and come unto Christ a rejection of the fulness the Lord s invitation to enter His rest the fulness of His glory (see D&C 84:24, 23-62). In 3 rd Nephi Christ said that what has been shall be in reference to the prophecies of Isaiah (3 Ne. 23:1-3; Eccl. 1:9-11). The events of Isaiah, Revelation, and Daniel will occur again in our day. The Bible reveals the humbling scourge upon the ancient covenant people for their sins - by the Assyrians, then the Babylonians, and finally the Egyptians. Moroni, holding the keys of the Book of Mormon (D&C 27:5), placed revealing patterns in it for our use today. There we see three sets of ten wo s pronounced upon the ungodly by those with the sealing power in the Book of Mormon (2 Ne. 9 & 28, and Helaman chapters 7-15). The number 10 symbolizes completeness in scripture. Moses pronounced ten plagues upon ancient Egypt using his sealing power (Ex. 7-14). We read in verses of the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood of a scourge and judgment to be poured out upon the children of Zion if they don t repent (verse 59) This pattern is found in the ten signs the Lord lists as a curse for rejecting Him (the fulness ) in the Bible story of Moses and people at the base of Sinai (D&C 84:19-27 & JST Ex. 34:1-2), along with those of the Book of Mormon in 3 Nephi 16:10. They, Isaiah, and other scriptures provide evidence of being fully ripe, with invasion, captivity, and destruction eminent in step #10 below. We are very near step The People Wax Strong in Pride Helaman 11:37 2. The Voice of the People Choose Evil (immorality) Mosiah 29:27 3. The People Corrupt the Laws of Jesus Christ Helaman 5:2 4. The People Cast Out the Righteous Helaman 13: Murder, Fornication & Wickedness are pervasive Helaman 8:26 6. Judges Murder the Inspired Men of Jesus Christ 3 Nephi 6:21,23 7. The Wicked Seek to Establish their King of Lies 3 Nephi 6:30 8. The Wicked Enter A Covenant with the Devil 3 Nephi 6:28 9. Secret Combinations Manage the Government Helaman 6:

54 10. The Government is Destroyed 3 Nephi 7:6 The first of the ten woe s pronounced upon those to whom the law and the commandments have been given in 2 Nephi 9, may be likened unto us. Wo unto them that (1) transgresseth them [the laws and commandmentss] and that wasteth the days of his probation, for awful is his state! (verse 27). The next verse addresses man s vainness, frailties and foolishness along with his pride and learning. The remaining nine wos are directed towards; (2) the rich, (3) the deaf, (4) the blind, (5) the uncircumcised of heart, (6) the liar, (7) the murderer (8) they who commit whoredoms, (9) those who worship idols (all things or people substituted for God), and (10) those who don t repent - all those who die in their sins, for they shall stand in Christ s presence at the resurrection and behold his face, and remain in their sins (verse 38). The only hope is found in verse 41. He is Christ, the keeper of the gate, the Holy One of Israel. He is the only way to salvation! See also Moral Superiority of the Invader in 11. A similar discussion of secret combinations is addressed in Alma 37:21-33, 3 Ne. 6:10-30, and Mormon 8: Of special note is God s promise that in the last-days when secret combinations return, when the wrath of God is poured out upon the mother of harlots, which is the great and abominable church... at that day, the work of the Father shall commence, in preparing the way for the fulfilling of his covenants, which he hath made to his people who are of the house of Israel (1 Ne. 14:17). Nephi then addresses John the Revelator, who wrote of our day. His words are sealed up to come forth in their purity... in the own due time of the Lord, unto the house of Israel (v. 26). 7 Joseph Smith & Polygamy Joseph Smith & Polygamy Polygamy and the involvement in it by Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and others is a great stumbling block to those investigating the Book of Mormon and the fulness of the gospel of Christ contained within it. God often uses stumbling blocks as a test to see who and what we will choose to guide us. Those placing their faith and trust in mortal leaders (the arm of flesh who sometimes fail), rather than in the living God, will be disappointed. Such trust can lead to further failures because this idolatry. The first principle of the gospel, is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ - our Savior. He is sinless and will not fail us. The truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and of the Church of Christ does not rest or rely upon those in it (all of whom are imperfect), including its leaders. God told Joseph Smith that his name would be known for good and evil throughout the world. This has literally come true, the reason being he was mortal and sinned. Seven Fat & Lean Years Joseph of Egypt s vision of seven fat cattle and seven lean cattle may point to another distant Joseph, Joseph Smith. His first seven years were very productive. His second seven years were much less so. In the first seven years (182-36) Joseph was taught by angels, brought forth the Book of Mormon, and established the Church of Christ (the first of its four names). He received over one hundred revelations in those early years. Like Melchizedek and Enoch, he sought to prepare his people to establish Zion by having them live the higher celestial law we call, the Law of Consecration (the fulness of God s gospel law, D&C 42). It was at this same time that the fulness of the higher Melchizedek priesthood was also restored for the first time (according to Joseph s words) at the Morley Farm in Kirtland, Ohio in June The Saints experienced a great spiritual outpouring during the years leading up to the deadline for the redemption of Zion, declared by Joseph to be September 11, Six months earlier, on March 27 th of 1836, the Saints dedicated the Kirtland Temple, where many saw angels, spoke in tongues, etc. It was a Pentecost indeed, just like Acts chapter 2. In both situations, the missionaries were told to tarry that they might receive an endowment of power from on high - the receipt of the Holy Ghost and the gifts of the Spirit - all in preparation for their missionary labors. The creation of Zion, where (1) the fulness of the Christ s presence was to be (His rest and glory, D&C 84:24) did not occur. The Saints rejected Him and other forms of the fulness He desired them to have. They were unable to live (2) the higher law of real love in the Law of Consecration, and the high standards necessary to become empowered stewards in God s Holy Order, with (3) the fulness of its greater Melchizedek priesthood power, the power necessary to bring again Zion (D&C 113:8). After the rejection of His fulness, all hell seemed to break loose in the failure of the Kirtland Safety Society. A general apostasy followed. The Lord saw this coming. In D&C 64:21, He said, I, the Lord, will to retain a strong hold in the land of Kirtland, for the space of five years, in the which I will not overthrow the wicked, that thereby I may save some. This revelation was given on Sept. 11 of Seven Lean Years Following the rejection of the principles and laws that could have established Zion, Joseph Smith s production as a prophet declined dramatically. After 1836 and up through 1844, the year of his murder, he only recorded twelve revelations, and none during the last three years of his life. The reason appears to be #3 in the Lord s list of corrupting influences of His doctrine, gospel, and church; the lusts of the flesh (polygamy). Four primary scriptures appear to prophesy of this coming trouble with Joseph and polygamy, leading to the stumbling block test upon us today, which is whether we will base our testimonies on imperfect mortal leaders like Joseph Smith and Brigham Young (and their flawed ways), or on the Lord Jesus and the purity of His doctrine, gospel, and church. These four scriptures are, 2 Samuel 7:12-16, Isaiah 29:10, 2 Nephi 27:5, and Malachi 2. Isaiah 29:10 states, For the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered. Second Nephi 27:5 clarifies this Isaiah verse. For behold, the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep 54

55 sleep. For behold, ye have closed your eyes, and ye have rejected the prophets: and your rulers, and the seers hath he covered because of your [Joseph Smith s] iniquity. Joseph s eyes may have been covered, his prophetic gifts curtailed because of his iniquity and that of his people. As we examine his life after the Saint s rejection of the fulness (that might have created Zion), we see a very different Joseph in the remaining second set of seven years of his life ( ). It was about this time that Oliver Cowdery accused Joseph of a nasty, filthy affair with Fanny Alger. Joseph then began to introduce polygamy secretly to a few of the brethren. Joseph s productivity then dramatically declined after he succumbed to the temptations he read about in the the Old Testament, during his re-translation of the accounts of David and Solomon. The Lord then apparently covered his eyes and the heads of his people. In addition, Sidney Rigdon stopped validating Joseph s revelations via scripture, a job the Lord had given Sidney. The Lord told Joseph, Oliver Cowdery, and David Whitmer, to rely on the things which are written (see D&C 18:3). There in nothing in scripture to support God commanding or inspiring men to live polygamy. The opposite is true in Jacob 2 of the Book of Mormon. Lehi s people were brought to this land to escape it (Jacob 2:25, 30). A Prophet Can Never Lead Us Astray Joseph Smith was apparently in a state of blindness, brought on by his own carnal desires (see D&C 3:4) and that of the people. For many today, who have been taught falsely that prophets cannot fail, this seems impossible. Joseph and then Brigham Young introduced the Saints to false teachings among those willing to trust in them, rather than in God. Others, like David Whitmer saw these and other errors and left the church at this time (about 1838, see also endnote 5). How could God allow Joseph to fail, and lead others astray with him? The answer is that God gives us choice. He allows men and their teachings to become stumbling blocks before us, that we might grow and learn to choose wisely, like the five wise virgins in JST Matthew 7:33 and 25: They chose God over men and came to Know Him! Now look at 2 Samuel 7: The prophet Nathan is there prophesying to King David about a servant who would do great things in a future day. And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with they fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build an house for my name [the Kirtland Temple], and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever. I will be his father, and he shall be my son. If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men: But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee. And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established forever before thee; thy throne shall be established for ever. This servant of the line of David (a Davidic Servant) shall; (1) Build a temple; (2) Establish a Kingdom that will last forever; (3) Receive the promise of eternal life which is what happens when one becomes a Son or Daughter of God; (4) Commit iniquity; And (5) receive God s mercy. Joseph Smith seems to fit all five of these traits. Note also D&C 43:3, where the Lord says that, there is none other appointed unto you to receive commandments and revelations until he be taken, if he abide in me. This may suggest that the Lord knew Joseph would sin, and indeed Joseph told the church in 1843 that Hyrum held the office of prophet to the church by birth-right and that he [Hyrum] was going to have a reformation and the saints must regard Hyrum for he had authority. Joseph Smith appears to have committed iniquity by sinning, and then introducing the false doctrine of spiritual wifery and polygamy to the Saints in support of it. Brigham Young then made it an institution in Utah, one necessary for exaltation. His additions and changes were extensive. There is no need for the Saints today to defend polygamy in early church history. We don t need to rationalize it away. It was and is an abomination, as Jacob taught in the Book of Mormon, our founding document. Could Hosea 5:11 and 15 then apply to the Saints at Nauvoo and today? Ephraim is oppressed and broken in judgment, because he willingly walked after the commandment [false doctrine]. I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face. We now look to Joel 2, when the Lord s Spirit will again be poured out on us all. Moroni and Elijah both quoted Malachi when they appeared to Joseph Smith. Most people focus on the fourth chapter of that book. Chapter 2 may be addressing Joseph Smith, however. It reads: 5 My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name. 6 The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips; he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity. [Joseph indeed turned many from iniquity in his early work as a prophet.] 7 For the priest s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. 8 But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts. [And what a stumbling block he was and still is today.] 9 Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law. [Recalls the prophecy that his name should be had for good and evil, and rightly so.] 10 Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers? 55

56 11 Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the Lord which he loved and hath married the daughter of a strange god [idolatry, which continues today with worship of the church and its leaders, rather than God]. 12 The Lord will cut off the man that doeth this, the master [Joseph] and the scholar [Sidney], out of the tabernacles of Jacob, and him that offereth an offering unto the LORD of hosts. [And indeed both Joseph and Sidney were cut off Joseph as the lamb to the slaughter, and Sidney as the scapegoat led off into the wilderness.] 13 And this have ye done again covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand. 14 Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and wife of thy youth against whom thou hast dealt treacherously; yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. [Ahah! This points right at the spiritual wife doctrine and polygamy. Joseph indeed dealt treacherously with Emma and caused many to stumble.] 15 And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. [The Lord is not pleased.] 16 For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away; for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts; therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously. 17 Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD and he delighteth in them; or Where is the God of judgment? [Brigham taught that unless you followed the commandment spiritual wifery you could not enter the highest level of the celestial kingdom. Is this not exactly what the Lord is warning us against calling the practice of an abomination righteousness?] Summary There may be a number of scriptures tied to Joseph Smith in our standard works. Too often we focus on those that are positive only. Joseph Smith did great things in bringing forth the Book of Mormon, the priesthood, the Church of Christ, and in trying to get the saints to establish Zion. When we failed to do so, as prophesied, things changed. Joseph sinned. His eyes were darkened and his prophetic gifts were restrained (though not eliminated). He introduced abominations that were a reflection of what the people were committing and desiring to commit. Like David Whitmer, we can still love Joseph and other leaders for the good they did. We have no need today to defend his and Brigham s introduction of false doctrine. Note what the Lord said in Section 4, verses 5 and 6 of the Book of Commandments: And thus, if the people of this generation harden not their hears, I will work a reformation among them, and I will put down all lyings, and deceivings, and priestcrafts, and envyings, and strifes, and idolatries, and sorceries, and all manner of iniquities, and I will establish my church, like unto the church which was taught by my disciples in the days of old. And now if this generation do harden their hearts against my word, behold I will deliver them up unto satan This statement is not found in the current version of the Doctrine and Covenants. And number of changes have been made to it and the Book of Mormon, some for the same reasons the Bible had changes; to satisfy men and their desires. We must instead love God with all our heart, might, mind and strength, and turn to Him completely. We must repent, come unto Christ and receive His gifts (Mor. 10:30). See also endnote 5. The author is grateful to Watcher for his important research quoted heavily in this endnote. See, onewhoissearchingn, We Don t Need to Defend Joseph s Polygamy, Feb. 8, 8 Christ is the Rejected High Tower in D&C 101 In Moroni s final testimony in the Book of Mormon, he once again invites us to come unto Christ. This statement is followed by and lay hold upon every good gift. Receiving the gifts of the Spirit is dependent upon seeking out our Lord first, and placing Him at the center of our lives, not man. The high tower at the center of our Lord s last-days vineyard in D&C 101 is mentioned 9 times (tied to judgment in number symbolism). There we read that the stewards placed over the vineyard became very slothful, and they hearkened not unto the commandments of their lord (D&C 101:50). They originally began to build the high tower as directed, but eventually quit, stating, what need hath my lord of this tower... seeing this is a time of peace (vs ). They believed all was well. In their mind, they had everything under control. What is the high tower they failed to build? It may have been the Nauvoo Temple, never completed (the focus of the temple is Christ). He was not built up at the center of the vineyard in Nauvoo. The Masonic Temple is Nauvoo was completed along with many fine homes (see Haggai chap. 1). Seven scriptures reveal that the Lord is the high tower. They are: Psalm 18:2, 61:3, 144:2; 2 Sam. 22:3, 51; Prov. 18:10, and D&C 97:20. We read in D&C 97:20, He hath sworn by the power of his might to be her salvation and her [Zion s] high tower. Psalm 18:2 states, The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Because Christ is often rejected by His own people, and not built up at the center of their worship, the Lord s vineyard is laid waste, the wicked trees burned. They do not bare sweet fruit (only bitter). This fruit is not meet for the Father s kingdom (D&C 84:58). There is cursing rather than blessing! In Isaiah 5, we read that the Lord then removes the 56

57 protective hedge surrounding His vineyard. The enemy then enters in. This appears to be our fate, expressed in five sets of scripture tied to the Lord s last-days vineyard. Replacements are also provided. They five vineyards parables are: 1. D&C 101: Servants Fail to Build the High Tower who is Christ - at the Center of the Vineyard In verses 44-65, the high tower (Christ) is rejected and not built up in the last-days (Christ is the high tower in Psalm 18:2, 61:3 & 144:2; 2 Sam. 22:3 & 51; Prov. 18:10, and D&C 97:20). They reject the invitation to enter to the Lord s rest, the fulness of His glory or presence (D&C 84:24). This is the fulness rejected by too many in our day as addressed in 3 Nephi 16:10. It is tied to the lack of fruit on the trees of the vineyard, fruit meet for the Father s kingdom (D&C 84:58). 2. Isaiah 5: The Lord Removes His Hedge of Protection & the Enemy Advances In verse 5 of Isaiah 5, the hedge protecting the Lord s grape vineyard is removed by Him, the vineyard then laid waste by the enemy. This is because the grape vines in this vineyard are baring wild grapes. 3. JST Matthew 21: Last-days Gentile Husbandmen are Destroyed and Replaced by the Righteous Remnant In verses 43-49, the kingdom of God is taken from wicked Jews and given to the Gentiles in Christ s day because of the wickedness of the leaders (priestcraft). They are salt that has lost is savor. In verses 26-56, the latter-day Gentile husbandmen of the vineyard are also destroyed and replaced by those who help the trees of the vineyard finally bare good fruit ( fruit meet for the Father s [Celestial] kingdom). We read in 2 Nephi 26:29 that those who practice priestcraft seek not the welfare of Zion. In verse 31 we read, But the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion: for if they labor for money they shall perish. The replacement husbandman in our day are the Lamanite Remnant, fully converted to Christ (see the Jacob 5 allegory). Their motivation is not business (getting gain). Thus the first is last and the last is first, as the natural branches of the house of Israel (those the Lord calls my people in the Book of Mormon) once again receive the fulness of the gospel, after the Gentiles reject it. 4. Jeremiah 12: Many Pastors have Destroyed the Lord s Vineyard In verse 10, we read that many pastors are responsible for destroying the Lord s vineyard (see also 1 Ne. 21:1; 2 Ne. 14:2; 15:24; 19:16; 27:1). They have not cared for their flocks as mortal shepherds should have (see Jer. 23). The Good Shepherd (Christ) has a plan for this (the Jacob 5 allegory and JST Mat. 21). 5. The Jacob 5 Allegory: Special Servants are Sent to Gather the Righteous Remnant in the Last-days In verses 52-75, the unfruitful olive trees are burned in the final pruning and gathering of the vineyard. The loftiness of the branches are the cause of many being cast into the fire. This is because of pride and dependence upon the arm of flesh, rather than God and the Holy Ghost (2 Ne. 28:26, 31), both of which are rejected in the last-days. Christ and His special last-days servants gather out the righteous Remnant before the great burning, the great day of the Lord. The Jacob 5 allegory reveals that God will replace the corrupt, polluted, lofty Gentile branches with the natural branches, the American Indians. This is because the Gentiles are bringing forth bitter fruit. They reject the fulness of His gospel (3 Ne. 16:10; D&C 113:8; 124:28). It is the Native American people, fully converted to Christ (with the help of Joseph, the Indian Prophet (2 Ne. 3) that will save the life still left in the root of the tree, and bring forth good fruit meet for the Father s kingdom (D&C 84:58). The Sabbatical Year of release (2015) and the Jubilee Year of restoration reveals that the timing is now. Summary The vineyard will soon be burned to cleanse it. Too many of its trees have sought the things of 1 Nephi 22:23 and become proud. They have not borne fruit meet for the Father s kingdom (D&C 84:58). Second Nephi, Chapter 28, verse 21, states that the devil has pacified them, lulling them away into carnal security. All is not well in Zion, yea too many in Zion thinketh that she prospereth, and thus the devil cheateth their souls and leadeth them carefully down to hell. Scripture reveals that we will be led to that brink by our shepherds, many of whom are wolves dressed in sheep s clothing. Those who make Christ their rock will judge well between good and evil using the Spirit of Christ given them (see Moroni 7:15-19). Established upon the Rock (Hel. 5:12; 3 Ne. 14:13; Mat. 7:25), they will withstand the coming storm when Babylon the great the great and spacious building falls. The Book of Mormon tells us that the Native American Remnant that embrace Christ and His fulness will help save the remaining life left in the root of the tree (the church). 9 Removing Falsehoods Searching for Truth There are many false teachings and traditions of men that must be removed as we come to Christ. Embracing truth rather than many of man s false teachings and traditions can be a painful process, but the truths will ultimately set us free. I recommend fervent prayer as our first line of aid, along with feasting on God s word. Consider also various books and blogs that can help eyes open. Like myself, they are created by imperfect people, so discernment must be exercised in reading them. Their listing hereafter should not be considered an endorsement of all that is found on them. Two very enlightening and highly recommended works include (1) David Whitmer s An Address to All Believers in Christ, and (2) Robert Smith s Teaching for Doctrines the Commandments of Men. Both are available on-line, the second in a free PDF download. I also recommend, The Remnant Awakens (one of my own works). (David Whitmer s powerful testimony) (free download, Robert Smith s book)

58 Zeal without Knowledge Hugh Nibley spoke against zeal without knowledge in his book Approaching Zion. The knowledge he is addressing is the real saving knowledge of God - in a face-to-face encounter with Him, and knowledge of things as they really are. Paul the Apostle was originally zealous to protect Jewish law and tradition. He later did a total about face after being in the presence of the Lord on the road to Damascus. There the Lord corrected Him. In his prior persecution of Christians, Saul thought he was doing God a favor by zealously imprisoning and even stoning Christians for the sake of Jewish law and tradition. The deadness of the law in comparison to being alive in Christ is discussed clearly in 2 Nephi 25: We would do well today to support those who wish to be alive in Christ rather than the law and false traditions. Such do not fear man and what he can do (see Mor. 8:7 & 16; D&C 37, 30:11, 50:41, 60:2, and 67:3). Moroni said, Perfect love casteth out all fear (Moroni 8:16). Paul, now a converted Christian was then himself persecuted and harmed by those he once served with. The marks of persecution and torture on his body became a source of righteous pride for him. In 2 Cor. 11:24-25, he reveals that he was scourged 5 times with 39 stripes (195 total stripes) for the Lord. He was also stoned once, beaten with rods, and a part of 3 shipwrecks, all because of his newfound love of the living God and the higher truths he now embraced and shared. These replaced the deadness of the law and false beliefs and traditions. Christ was now his focus. Too many today have zeal for the wrong things, the Church, its leaders and programs. Christ, our Savior, God and King must be that focus. We must have saving knowledge of Him! 11 Watchmen Awake or Asleep Christ is a beacon of love and service in scripture. He is the light we should uphold as our model, not men who are the arm of flesh (3 Ne. 18:24). Christ is also the high tower that is to be set up at the center of His vineyard. This is evident in 7 scriptures (Psalm 18:2, 61:3, 144:2; 2 Sam. 22:3, 51; Prov. 18:10, and D&C 97:20). In D&C 101 the Lord s servants are to be vigilant, remaining awake atop or upon the watchtower (v. 12). Awake watchmen see the enemy coming to destroy the trees of the vineyard, to keep them from becoming fruitful. They must help awaken the people with the blast of their trumps, like Moroni atop LDS temples. They must be true shepherds of the flock, teaching the people correct doctrine, and do so out love, not for the six corrupting influences of 1 Nephi 22:23. The footnote to verse 12 of D&C 101 (one of five important parables on the Lord s last-days vineyard) points us to Ezek. 33:3, where the watchmen are to blow the trumpet, and warn the people. During the Middle-Ages warning words from watchmen were scarce. Many leaders purposely kept the people in the dark because of their desire to get gain, control the people, and seek the things of the world (priestcraft, 2 Ne. 26:29). Many feed themselves on the backs of the people, like the shepherds of Ezekiel 34, the pastors of Jeremiah 23, or the wicked husbandmen of D&C 101 and JST Mat. 21. Scripture tells us that without knowledge of God and the voice of alert watchmen on towers, there is no vision (revelation). Instead there is captivity and destruction (see Hosea 4:6; Isa. 5:13). The people perish (Prov. 29:18). Unwise or sleepy stewards are chastised by the Lord for their silence and greed. They ignore and use the poor, etc., whereas others were blessed for their charitable service. Silence When watchmen are asleep or have their heads covered (not receiving revelation), they typically care for themselves rather than the flock (especially the poor). The enemy then advances. In chapter 34 of Ezekiel we read; Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not the flock Therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will Judge between cattle and cattle. And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. And I the Lord will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the Lord have spoken it I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them. Scriptures addressing leaders negatively in Isaiah, Jeremiah (chapters 1-23), and other books include: Isaiah 1:5, 3:12, 9:16, 22:15-25, 28:1, 3, 7, 15; 19:14 29:10, 56:10, 62:6; Jeremiah 2:8, 13; 5:11-13, 26-31; 10:21; 13:13; 14:14-15; 23:1-32; Ezek. 34:1-3, 8, 22-24, 27; 37:22-28; Hosea 2:16-17, 3:4-5; JST Luke 12:54; JST Matthew 21:55; 2 Nephi 2 Ne. 26:29; 28:3-4, 2, 11-15, 21, 24-25, 31, and D&C 64:38-43; 85:7-9; 89-95; 101:44-61, 90; 124: :44-61, 90. Pres. Ezra Taft Benson taught that false prophets pacify and lull people into carnal security (2 Nephi 28:21). Some turn to them when they should be turning to God (see Ezek. chap. 14). Pres. Benson stated, As watchmen on the tower of Zion, it is our obligation and right as leaders to speak out against current evils evils that strike at the very foundation of all we hold dear In times as serious as these, we must not permit fear of criticism to keep us from doing our duty, even at the risk of our counsel being tabbed as political, as government becomes more and more entwined in our daily lives There are some of us who do not want to hear the message Many do not want to be disturbed as they continue to enjoy their comfortable complacency The Church is founded on eternal truth. We do not compromise principle. We do not surrender 58

59 our standards regardless of current trends or pressures. Our allegiance to truth as a church is unwavering. Speaking out against immoral or unjust actions has been the burden of prophets and disciples of God from time immemorial. It was for this very reason that many of them were persecuted. Nevertheless, it was their God-given task, as watchmen on the tower, to warn the people (Ezra Taft Benson, Conference Report, April 1973, Benson was a President of the LDS Church). Scriptures where watchmen are replaced include JST Matthew 21; D&C 85:7-9, 101:44-61, 89-95, 101:90; 124:24-26; Isa. 22: Inspired Prophets prophesy, Seers see visions, and Revelators reveal truths and are never silent, including coming events. False prophets do not receive God s word. Inspired watchmen for our day, like Isaiah, saw what is coming (21 of his chapters are quoted in the Book of Mormon). They receive revelation - the mind and will of the Lord. 12 Managing a Large Church Tithing is necessary to manage the Church. The LDS.org topics essay of Tithing reads, Tithing funds are always used for the Lord s purposes to build and maintain temples and meetinghouses, to sustain missionary work, to educate Church members, and to carry on the work of the Lord throughout the world. Caring for the poor is not found on this list, nor is payment to Church leaders. President Monson explained that money spent on the poor in the church comes from fast offerings. He stated, Our sacred fast offerings finance the operation of storehouses, supply cash needs of the poor, and provide medical care for the sick who are without funds (Thomas S. Monson, Basic Principles of Welfare and Self-Reliance, [2009], 11 13). Fast offerings are collected locally to help the poor locally within stakes. In most all cases it is not distributed to poor in other nations where the need is often the greatest. The church brings in an estimated seven billion dollars per year from tithing and its extensive business interests (see Members believe and expect that much of it goes to assist the poor and needy. The reality is that less than 1% of it goes for this purpose. The highest percentage of church income is that used for salaries and related compensation for its employees. These employees include leaders. Though local leaders (Stake Presidents and Bishops) are not paid for their work, General Authorities are paid with benefits. They include the First Presidency, The Twelve, the Seventy, and most Mission Presidents (five to six figure incomes). Research reveals that approximately 29% of tithing goes to CES [universities, seminaries, etc.], 21% in ecclesiastic and administrative salaries [leaders], 14% to temple construction and operation, 11% to chapel construction and maintenance, and 0.76% to humanitarian aid. These and other tithing numbers and business interests are no longer openly reported, but once were at General Conferences up and through the early 1960 s. Church owned for-profit businesses are extensive and profitable. They include Deseret Management Corporation, Beneficial Financial Group, Bonneville International, Bonneville Communications, Bonneville Interactive Services, Bonneville Satellite, 35 different radio stations, KSL Television Station, Deseret Book, Excel Entertainment, Deseret Morning News, Hawaii Reserves, Polynesian Cultural Center, La'ie Shopping Center, La'ie Water Company, La'ie Treatment Works, Temple Square Hospitality and Temple Square restaurants, Zions Securities Corporation, Ensign Peak Advisors, Farm Management Corporation, Deseret Land and Livestock, Sun Ranch, Deseret Ranches of Florida, Deseret Farms of California, West Hills Orchards, Cactus Lane Ranch, Deseret Trust Company, LDS Family Services, Property Reserves Inc., and Deseret Mutual Benefit Administrators (DMBA). Incorporated The LDS Church became a corporation in 1923, during the administration of Heber J. Grant ( ). It is now a large profitable corporation, pulling in an estimated seven billion dollars a year. In the earliest days of the church, the primary goal of its leaders was the establishment of Zion (endnote 20). Because of this, the Prophet Joseph Smith had revealed to him the Law of Consecration, the law of the Celestial Kingdom (a love of love). In it there was to be no poor among the Saints. All were to be united in love. All were to be pure in heart. There was no division, no competition, no rich or poor. Shortly thereafter (June, 1831), the higher priesthood was also revealed to the Kirtland Saints at the Morley Farm for the first time. It was the second step in establishing Zion. Problems then arose in both living the Law of Consecration, and meeting the obligations of the Holy Order. Zion was thus not created. There was, however, at least an attempt to create it. We are diverted today by other concerns. The Book of Mormon, our founding document provides important insights. We read in 2 Nephi 26:29, that the Lord commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion. Verse 31 states, But the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion; for if they labor for money they shall perish (see the later verses of JST Mat. 21). History reveals that Pres. Grant s administration spent a lot of time on the business interests of the church. It remains so today. Business is about getting gain, the first of the corrupting influences the Lord lists for us in 1 Nephi 22:23. Zion will only be created by God when we labor for one another in real love - with pure hearts and clean hands - for Zion. Tithing Settlement Once a year Latter-day Saints meet with their Bishop to discuss the tithing they pay to help the Church manage its affairs. The purpose of the meeting is to determine who is and is not a full-tithe payer. This further determines who can or cannot go to the temple. Without a full tithe being paid, most individuals are not allowed to go to the temple and there receive what some say are the saving ordinances of the gospel. The Book of Mormon teaches that salvation comes via Christ alone and His blood Atonement. There is no other way. Physical temple ordinances point 59

60 symbolically to Christ and our return to Him. Their symbolism points to the greater spiritual realities and gifts that He alone controls and gives to us. It is He who baptizes us with fire, for example, not any man (3 Ne. 9:20; 12:1; 2 Ne. 31:12; 3 Ne. 11:35; JST Mat. 3:38). Only those who are born again are on the path to eternal life (see 2 Ne. 31:13-21; 32:1-6). We must repent and come unto Christ to receive salvation at His hands. Salvation comes because of His love and sanctifying blood. Repentance and coming unto Christ is His doctrine, gospel, and church of Christ. This is according to His own words in the founding document of the Church - the Book of Mormon and other scripture (see D&C 10:67-68, 3 Ne. 11:28-40, 3 Nephi 27:5-21, see also 2 Ne. 31:2 & 21, 32:6, Mos. 18:16-22 & 1 Nephi 14:10). He has stated that His salvation is free and available to all who repent and come unto Him (see Morm. 8:32). Though payment of tithes to the church is the central reason for this yearly meeting with the Bishop, a focus on the spiritual welfare of those invited to meet with him would also be useful at the meeting. There, Ward-level shepherds could help the Saints focus on improving their relationship with Christ, as coming unto Christ is the first stated purpose of the LDS Church in The Handbook of Instructions. Such a meeting might also address whether one has been spiritually born of God (or born again the baptism of fire), if they are experiencing the Gifts of the Spirit, and so on. Members once paid the church 10% of their increase - after all family expenses were met. Many today pay much more, some 10% of their total salary (gross or net), rather than the lesser 10% of increase after all expenses are met. 13 Sacrament Changes Scripture does not state that the sacrament ordinance is a renewal of baptismal covenants or that we are cleansed in it each week. The Atonement in connection with our repentance, and coming to Christ with a broken heart and contrite spirit, cleanses us. The primary purpose of the Sacrament ordinance is to remember Christ and witness this to the Father (see 3 Ne. 18), and thus invite the Lord s Spirit upon those who have repented and been baptized into His church. The Lord Himself set the example before us in the Sacrament and all things (3 Ne. 18:6, 14-16). Joseph Smith attempted to institute the ancient order of things in the Restoration, including how the Sacrament was administered. Seven changes are apparent in the ordinance today, as addressed below. Scripture and words of the prophets reveal that ordinances are not to be changed (see D&C 1:15, Isa. 24:5, Mal.i 3:7 & TPJS, p. 308). 1. Wine versus Water The Savior instituted the Sacrament ordinance using wine not water among three different groups of people; (1) At the Last Supper in Jerusalem; (2) At the Temple at Bountiful in 3 rd Nephi; And (3) in the Restoration with Joseph Smith (see D&C sections 20, 27 and 89). Wine is a much better symbol for the Savior s blood, shed for us, a powerful symbol He introduced and taught us to use by His own example and statements. President Grant made the substitution from wine to water official during his administration (along with other changes). He did not say he did so via a revelation from God. An angel revealed to Joseph Smith that water could be substituted for wine, as that procured from enemies of the Church may have been poisoned (D&C 27:2). Hence the revelation that, it mattereth not what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink when ye partake of the sacrament, if it so be that ye do it with an eye single to my glory remembering unto the Father my body which was laid down for you, and my blood which was shed for the remission of your sins. We read in D&C 27, verses 5-6, That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him. And, behold, this should be wine, yea, pure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make. Notice that the word new is not used in describing this wine, thus allowing it to be fermented. Clearly red wine is a better symbol of His blood, helping us to better remember Him and His sacrifice. 2. Kneeling versus Sitting Scripture states that all are to kneel during the ordinance (D&C 20:76 & Moroni 4:2-3). Kneeling demonstrates greater humility, reverence and gratitude among all. It also expresses unity with those saying the Sacrament prayers. Sitting is less respectful than standing or kneeling. The June 13 th, 1901 entry in the diary of Rudger Clawson (housed at the Marriott Library, University of Utah) states that at meeting of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve on that day, it was decided to establish uniform procedure throughout the church [correlation] by mandating that only the party officiating should kneel. 3. Elders versus Priests In D&C 20:38-40, 49-50, we read that Elders are to administer the ordinance wherever possible. Priests are apparently to do so only when no Elder is present. It was Christ, as the Great High Priest, who administered this sacred ordinance at the Last Supper. In 3rd Nephi, it was one member of the Twelve, most likely Nephi, who was given the responsibility and power to administer (pray over) the sacred emblems of the Sacrament, that they might be infused with the purifying and renewing affects of the Lord s Atonement in the ordinance. 4. Members verses Non-Members Allowing non-members to partake of the Sacrament is forbidden in scripture, yet most anyone can consume these sacred emblems today. The Lord s direction was that only those who believed in Him, had repented, and been baptized into His Church were to consume them. Otherwise such individuals do so unworthily and bring upon themselves condemnation (3 Nephi 18:11, 28-30; D&C 20:68). In 4 Nephi 1:27 we read that Church members, professed to the know the Christ, and yet they did deny the more parts of the gospel and did administer that which was sacred [the Sacrament] unto him to which it had been forbidden because of unworthiness. 5. Raised Hands Prayers over the Sacrament once utilized raised hands in early church history, typically both arms and hands raised to the square. This gesture has relationship to humble surrendering of ourselves to the Lord and His will, 60

61 and exposing our hearts at the same time. It may also reveal the cleanliness of hands and purity of heart necessary to invoke God s blessing and power on the sacred emblems. Visually, it is a representation of reaching upward towards Him, like an innocent, needful child. 6. Sacred Meal According to Zebedee Coltrin, at the School of the Prophets in Kirtland (1833), the sacrament was administered after the ancient order; that is, warm bread to break easy was provided and broken into pieces as large as my fist and each person had a glass of wine and sat and ate the bread and drank the wine; and Joseph said that was the way that Jesus and his disciples partook of the bread and wine. And this was the order of the church anciently and until the church went into darkness. Every time we were called together to attend to any business, we came together in the morning about sunrise, fasting and partook of the sacrament each time, and before going to school we washed ourselves and put on clean linen (Zebedee Coltrin, meeting minutes, School of the Prophets, Salt Lake City, Oct. 3, 1883, part of the Kirtland Ohio, History of the Church). The Sacrament is a type of sacred meal, sometimes called the Lord s Supper. A tiny cup of water rather than a full-size cup of wine, and a single finger-size portion of cold bread is a scant meal. Smaller portions suggest cost savings, efficiency and speed, rather than the early pattern of being filled as presented in the Book of Mormon account (3 Ne. 18:9), or that of the School of the Prophets. Such were to be filled physically and spiritually (3 Ne. 18:3-5; 20:8). Being filled with the Spirit - that of Jesus Christ (the promise at the end of both prayers) is a primary purpose of the ordinance 7. Setting & Frequency Providing the Lord s Supper was not just at Sunday meetings in early Church history. It was offered in other settings and more frequently. It was done in conjunction with hosanna shouts at some early temple dedications (Kirtland), and along-side instruction at the School of the Prophets (Kirtland), etc. At the temple at Bountiful in 3rd Nephi, the Lord gave the Sacrament to a large gathering of some 2,500 believers. And according to 3 rd Nephi 26:13, during His three-day visit, He broke bread and blessed it often during that time. 14 Nauvoo Rejection Many believe the history of the Saints at Nauvoo reveals a rejection of Christ and His fulness, much like that of the Israelites at Sinai (see D&C 124:28 and endnote 19). The Saints were cursed instead of blessed, run out of town for focusing on the things of the world, rather than Christ. Joseph Smith was also taken from their midst (see D&C 84:23-27; JST Ex. 34:1-2). Some suggest the introduction of Masonry and polygamy at Nauvoo was a significant part of the rejection of Christ and the fulness of His gospel. In the book of Jacob we read that the many wives and concubines of David and Solomon was an abomination before the Lord a whoredom, and a reason the Lord had Lehi and his family depart from Jerusalem to preserve a righteous branch of the house of Israel on this land special Promised Land, via the loins of Joseph and Lehi (Jacob 2:25-26). The Prophet Jacob (and the Lord) spoke out against whoredoms in Jacob 2: Whoredoms are also mentioned in connection with the rejection of the fulness in 3 Nephi 16:10. The Lord and His prophets use the word whoredom in connection with abomination and many wives and concubines (Jacob 2:27-28; Mos. 11:2). In 2 Timothy 4:3, we read, For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears (see also Hosea 4:12 and Sections 42 and 49 of the D&C). In addition, the Nauvoo Temple was never completed, nor in the Lord s timeframe. The Saints built their own businesses and homes first, including the Masonic Temple (see D&C 124). The Israelites in Haggai chapter 1 made a similar mistake. The Lord s temple or high tower became a lower priority for both groups, a rejection of Christ. Both were thus cursed, the modern Saints forced out of Nauvoo. If they had been more valiant, the Lord promised that they would not be moved out of their place (see D&C 124:45). The Nauvoo Temple was the place where the promise of the fulness was to be returned to the Saints, after it had been taken - following the events of the Morley Farm - if they were righteous (see D&C 124:28; 113:8). It was at the Morley Farm that the first High Priests in the Holy Order were put in place, while the Saints were first implementing the Law of Consecration, an early effort to bring again Zion (D&C 113). The Saints at Kirtland experienced the gifts of the Spirit in profound ways because of a greater focus on Christ, not the things of the world. They received an endowment of power for their greater sacrifice at the temple s dedication. It featured a great outpouring of the Lord s Spirit. It was a day of Pentecost for the impoverished Kirtland Saints. For more on the Morley Farm, see Searching for the Holy Order and 23 High Priests Parts 1-10, by One Who is Watching at: For a more complete discussion of polygamy, see the same blog, and the paper One Wife, by the author, 15 The Early Apostolic Charge According to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ must have the special and sure witness of being in Christ s presence, or that He is (3 Nephi 12:1). This was the important Apostolic Charge they spoke of in early Church history. It was given to all of the early Twelve. Oliver Cowdery stated, It is necessary that you receive a testimony from heaven to yourselves; so that you can bear testimony to the truth of the Book of Mormon, and that you have seen the face of God. That is more than the testimony of an angel. When the proper time arrives, you shall be able to bear this testimony to the world. When you bear testimony that you have seen God, this testimony God will never suffer to fall, but will bear you out; although many will not give heed, yet others 61

62 will. You will therefore see the necessity of getting this testimony from heaven. Never cease striving until you have seen God face to face. Strengthen your faith; cast off your doubts, your sins, and all your unbelief; and nothing can prevent you from coming to God. Your ordination is not full and complete till God has laid his hand upon you. We require as much to qualify us as did those who have gone before us; God is the same. If the Savior in former days laid his hands upon his disciples, why not in latter days?... The time is coming when you will be perfectly familiar with the things of God.... You have our best wishes, you have our most fervent prayers, that you may be able to bear this testimony, that you have seen the face of God. Therefore call upon him in faith in mighty prayer till you prevail, for it is your duty and your privilege to bear such a testimony for yourselves (History of the Church, 2:192-98). Has this charge disappeared? Lecture of Faith 1:34 nearly demands that we, and certainly our leaders, become acquainted with him [God]; and not only commune with him and behold his glory, but be partakers of his power, and stand in his presence. The Lectures on Faith were once a part of the Doctrine and Covenants, a move voted on by the whole Church. They were later removed by a small Church committee, without the vote of people (the Church). In the Be-attitudes in the Book of Mormon we read, more blessed are they who shall believe in your words [those of the Twelve just called, see D&C 46:14] because that ye shall testify that ye have seen me, and that ye know that I am (3 Ne. 12:2). I AM should be capitalized, as it is the sacred name-title of our Creator God, Jesus Christ (Ex. 3:14). It means, He Who Causes To Be, He Who Creates (see Margaret Barker, Atonement: The Rite of Healing, p. 10). There are too many assumptions among us today. We are to judge those who serve over us. In D&C 64 the Lord said, the inhabitants of Zion shall judge all things pertaining to Zion. And liars and hypocrites shall be proved by them, and they who are not apostles and prophets shall be known. And even the bishop, who is a judge, and his counselors, if they are not faithful in their stewardships shall be condemned, and others shall be planted in their stead (see D&C 64:37-42). Many Saints assume leaders, our apostles and prophets have the earlier witness addressed by Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, and that the reason they don t share such a testimony is that it is too sacred. Those in the Bible and Book of Mormon openly shared their eyewitness accounts of Christ to build faith and hope in Him. It was and is the requirement for special witnesses to do so! Open testimonies of Him also build confidence in the authority of their leaders as the Lord s servants. Historian D. Michael Quinn has suggested that the Twelve today have abandoned the earlier charge to come to know the Lord, and now only require an inward prompting by the Holy Ghost to merit their calling as special witnesses of the Lord, rather than an actual audience with Christ (Michael D. Quinn, Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power, Signature Books, pps. 4-5). Some suggest it was too difficult for early Apostles like Senator Reed Smoot or Heber J. Grant to obtain the witness. The change to a Holy Ghost witness rather than an eye-witness testimony, is supported by three statements made by Joseph Fielding Smith (see The First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve, Improvement Era, Nov. 1966, p 979; Doctrines of Salvation 3:153; and The Life of Joseph Fielding Smith, by Joseph Fielding Smith Jr. and John J. Stewart, pps ). Elder Dallin Oaks, confronted by one individual with the claim that, current apostles have no right to run the affairs of the church since they do not meet the New Testament standard of Apostles because they do not testify of having seen Christ, Elder Oaks responded by saying, The first answer to this claim is that modern apostles are called to be witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world, Doctrine and Covenants 107:23. This is not to witness of a personal manifestation. To witness of the name is to witness of the plan, the work, or mission such as the atonement and the authority or priesthood of the Lord Jesus Christ, which an apostle who holds the keys is uniquely responsible to do (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Boise, Idaho, June 17, 2105). Elder Oaks revealed that, in his view, what is special about his witness is his assignment in the church, not his experience with God. In a more direct statement, Pres. Boyd K. Packer stated, President McKay explained that one of the responsibilities of an Assistant to the Twelve was to stand with the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as a special witness and to bear testimony that Jesus is the Christ. What he said next overwhelmed me: Before we proceed to set you apart, I ask you to bear your testimony to us. We want to know if you have that witness. I did the best I could. I bore my testimony the same as I might have in a fast and testimony meeting in my ward. To my surprise, the Brethren of the Presidency seemed pleased and proceeded to confer the office upon me. That puzzled me greatly, for I had supposed that someone called to such an office would have an unusual, different, and greatly enlarged testimony and spiritual power. It puzzled me for a long time until finally I could see that I already had what was required: an abiding testimony in my heart of the Restoration of the fulness of the gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith, that we have a Heavenly Father, and that Jesus Christ is our Redeemer...Some years ago, I was with President Marion G. Romney...He told them that 50 years before, as a missionary boy in Australia, late one afternoon he had gone to a library to study. When he walked out, it was night. He looked up into the starry sky, and it happened. The Spirit touched him, and a certain witness was born in his soul. He told those mission presidents that he did not know any more surely then as a member of the First Presidency that God the Father lives; that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, the Only Begotten of the Father; and that the fulness of the gospel had been restored than he did as a missionary boy 50 years before in Australia. He said that his testimony had changed in that it was much easier to get an answer from the Lord. The Lord s presence was nearer, and he knew the Lord much better than he had 50 years before. There is the natural tendency to look at those who are sustained to presiding positions, to consider them to be 62

63 higher and of more value in the Church or to their families than an ordinary member. Somehow we feel they are worth more to the Lord than are we. It just does not work that way! ( The Weak and the Simple of the Church, Oct General Conference.) Knowing God The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that we must each come to know Christ to receive salvation, and to enter Zion when the Lord finally creates it. The five wise virgins had this reward, those who were allowed to enter into the Bridal Chamber with Christ - in JST Matthew 25: To the unwise virgins that had no oil in their lamps, the Lord declared that they had not come to know Him, thus they did not enter in (see also JST Mat. 7:33). These five virgins were not wise. JST 25:11 is not found on lds.org or in our current set of scriptures (it and JST Mat. 7:33 were quoted by Elder David Bednar in his Oct General Conference address). Verses read, Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us. But he [the Lord] answered and said, Verily I say unto you, Ye know me not (JST Matthew 25:10-11). This is the great gift of entering our Lord s rest. Such are empowered to bear witness of Him and do His work as He directs. It also has ties to our salvation at His hands the promise of eternal life (see 3 Nephi 12:2). With the promise of eternal life we become the sons and daughters of God, heirs of God, not just friends or slaves. To receive this salvation we are brought to heaven in this life via vision and sealed His (Mos. 5:15). It is to be sanctified through our Lord s redeeming blood. Do you know the Lord? Such are the blessed in 3 Ne. 12:8, who shall see God. According to the Prophet Joseph Smith, if you have not this third, last testimony the testimony of Jesus [that you have seen Him and felt the wounds in His body] then you have little assurance of salvation or eternal life in this world (see TPJS, pps. 298 & 306; Rev. 12:17, 19:10; D&C 46:13-14; 76:51, 101 and 88:4, 74-75). Apostolic Duties In addition to knowing the Lord and bearing witness of His reality to others, D&C 20 - verses 38 to 45 provide their additional duties. They are administer bread and wine (v. 40), to confirm those who are baptized by the laying on of hands for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, according to the scriptures (v. 41), to teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the church (v. 42), and to confirm the church by the laying on of the hands and the giving of the Holy Ghost (v. 43), and take the lead of all meetings, and these elders are to conduct the meetings as they are led by the Holy Ghost, according to the commandments and revelations of God (v. 45). To give the Holy Ghost, they must first have access to it by their own baptism of fire experience. 16 Secret Oaths The danger of secret oaths is apparent at the very beginning of man s experience on earth. We see in Moses chapter 5, how the secrecy of blood oaths gave Cain and Lamech power over others to get gain, murder, and practice immoral behavior. In the same book, God tells us that the inspiration behind this corrupting pattern was and is Satan. The goals of Cain and Lamech in Moses 5 closely parallel the six corrupting influences God spoke of in 1 Nephi 22:23, influences that corrupt God s doctrine, gospel, and church. They are rooted in a desire to get gain, assert control over all flesh, satisfy the lusts of the flesh (in the whoredoms of polygamy and homosexuality), accumulate the things of the world, and murder, all via control in secret oaths. These are enforced when participants sware by the throat or blood (a death penalty for revealing them). We read in verses 44 and 51 of Moses 5 that there was also polygamy and homosexuality in the secret combinations embraced by Cain and Lamech they knew every man his brother (v. 51). These collective vices include # s 1, 2, 4, and 5 of the 6 total corruptions listed by the Lord in 1 Ne. 22:23. Most were evident at Nauvoo. Fortunately our merciful God has provided the repentance pathway. 17 Christianity Today Many believe the fulness [wickedness] of the Gentiles has come in. The fulness of Christ s gospel and priesthood were offered the Saints early on. Like the Israelites at Mt. Sinai, it was rejected. Now a fulness of wickedness has surrounded us in the secret combinations and darkness of our day. Satan has great power once again. This is apparent in the decline of organized or institutionalized Christianity in our day (see chart above). Because we have not been centered enough on Christ and His doctrine, gospel, and church, there is decline and increasing darkness among us. Decline According to the 2015 Pew Research Center report, the United States remains home to more Christians than any other country in the world, and a large majority of Americans roughly seven-in-ten continue to identify with some branch of the Christian faith (70% of the U.S. population). But the numbers are falling in many churches... the percentage of adults (ages 18 and older) who describe themselves as Christians has dropped by nearly eight percentage points in just seven years, from 78.4% in an equally massive Pew Research survey in 2007 to 70.6% in Over the same period, the percentage of Americans who are religiously unaffiliated describing themselves as atheist, agnostic or nothing in particular has jumped more than six points, from 16.1% to 22.8%. (See ) 63

64 Flat-Line Once a fast growing church, Mormonism s growth has essentially flat-lined, with only 1.6 % growth in Though there continue to be many convert baptisms, many are also leaving the faith; (1) The 1.6% growth in 2015 was the lowest growth in the last 40 years. This number was 1.7 in 2007, revealing a flat-line for some time; (2) 257,402 convert baptisms were down 13.28% from 2014, the lowest since 2005; (3) There were 74,079 missionaries serving in 2015, down 11,000 since 2014 (85,000); (4) There were 3.47 convert baptisms per missionary in 2015, down from 8 converts per missionary in 1989 (the time of Pres. Benson and the push to read and value the Book of Mormon, and his speaking out against pride); And (5) There were 232,993 members lost (death, names removed from records, etc.) in 2014 & 15 / 230,959 member of record baptisms in (neg. 2, ,402 converts = Net Gain 255,368 members, 1.7% growth). Real Growth The real news is that Pentecostal or charismatic Christian churches are seeing phenomenal growth (Assemblies of God & independent churches). In the same period of 1970 to 2014, an increase from 63 million Pentecostals worldwide in 1970 to 631 million Pentecostals in 2014, or 1/4 of all Christians is seen. It is expected that this number will reach 800 million by Classic Note however, that Pentecostalism only accounts for 4% of North American Christians and only 2% in Europe. Why the increase? According to Allan Anderson, Pentecostalism emphasizes personal experience of the Spirit, recognition of the human need for divine involvement in the everyday world, and a refusal to separate spiritual/physical or sacred/secular. There is also pentecostalism s ability to tap into ancient religious beliefs about the reality and power of the supernatural, its tendency to subvert convention by empowering lay leaders, its willingness to translate Christianity into the language/idioms/customs of various cultures, and its history of engaging issues of gender, race and class. (See ) Gay Marriage Support Doubles from This same Pew research report reveals that Latter-day Saints have been the fastest changing religious group relative to gay rights. In the 7-year period between 2007 and 2014, the percentage of Mormons believing that society should accept gay marriage doubled. Only 7 years separate Proposition 8 (2008), where California Saints were encouraged by the LDS Church to spend time and money lobbying against homosexual marriage as an immoral threat to families, to Elder Christofferson s March 2015 statement that supporting homosexual marriage was merely an issue, not a doctrine, and that the church would not discipline those who advocated for it. He stated, We have individual members in the church with a variety of different opinions, beliefs and positions on these issues...in our view, it doesn t really become a problem unless someone is out attacking the church and its leaders...trying to pull people, if you will, out of the church or away from its teachings and doctrines. In a KUTV interview, Elder Christofferson acknowledged that Mormon leaders have evolved in their thinking about homosexuality. This is not a doctrinal evolution or change, as far as the church is concerned. It s how things are approached (see marriage_n_ html). Invasion In the last 17 years, Christianity in Russia as doubled, going from 31% of the population to 72% of the population. Putin has begun persecuting Christians as of late, however, making evangelism crime. In America, organized religion is failing. China s population of Christians is also rapidly growing, whereas that in America is diminishing. With the legalization of sexual depravity officially, by societal acceptance, and overturning the Lord s form of legal and lawful marriage, it appears that God, as a matter of covenant and Eternal Law, must withdraw from us and leave us powerless to defend ourselves. The hedge of protection that once protected the Lord s vineyard will no longer stand (see Isa 5:5; D&C 101:51). Jerusalem's walls were breached by the King of Babylon and his army on Tammuz 8 (our June 26th in 2015). One 64