Christ’s Doctrine

          Inigo Montoya, a character in the film “Princess Bride,” repeatedly says to his associate, Vizzini, “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.”

          The meaning of words and principles in the Book of Mormon are more understandable for latter-day Gentiles in the Covenant of Christ. For example, note the contrast between 1 Nephi 14:1 and its equivalent in the Covenant of Christ, 1 Nephi 3:25:

“And it shall come to pass, that if the Gentiles shall hearken unto the Lamb of God in that day that he shall manifest himself unto them in word, and also in power, in very deed, unto the taking away of their stumbling blocks” (1 Nephi 14:1, emphasis added).

          “If the Gentiles then obey the Lamb of God, He’ll reveal Himself to them in word and power and in person, in order to remove barriers to their belief . . .” (CofC 1 Nephi 3:25, emphasis added).

The material difference between the two verses is “in very deed” in the Book of Mormon is changed to “in person.” This appears to be in direct contradiction to the Book of Mormon’s teachings regarding the Gentiles seeing and hearing Jesus.

“And verily I say unto you, that ye are they [Nephite survivors] 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.

And they understood me not, for they supposed it had been the Gentiles; for they understood not that the Gentiles should be converted through their preaching.

And they understood me not that I said they shall hear my voice; and they understood me not that the Gentiles should not at any time hear my voice—that I should not manifest myself unto them save it were by the Holy Ghost” (3 Nephi 15:21-23, emphasis added).

Covenant of Christ:

“Now I tell you truthfully that you [Nephite survivors] are the ones I spoke of when I said: I have other sheep that aren’t part of this fold; I will visit them, and they will also hear My voice; then I will make all My sheep into one fold, following one Shepherd. And they didn’t understand Me, since they thought I was talking about the Gentiles. They didn’t understand that the Gentiles were to be converted through their preaching. And they didn’t understand Me when I said that they would hear My voice. And they didn’t understand Me that the Gentiles wouldn’t hear My voice at this time, and that I wouldn’t reveal Myself to them except by the Holy Ghost . . .” (CofC 3 Nephi 7:3, emphasis added).

Adding “at this time” limits the Savior’s statement to His appearance to the Nephites. It leaves open the possibility the Gentiles will see the Savior by the power of the Holy Ghost at a future time. This opens the opportunity and privilege of seeing the Savior to the Gentiles as well as Israel. He is available to all.

 “Verily thus says the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsakes their sins, and comes unto me, and calls on my name, and obeys my voice, and keeps all my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am . . .” (RE T&C 93:1, emphasis added).

A personal visitation from the Savior is open to all, but few comply with the Lord’s requirements. Not because of worthiness, which may be resolved in the bat of an eyelash through Christ. It is because of non-compliance with other terms listed in the prior reference. Isaiah illustrates how quickly one may be absolved from their sins and sanctified before the Lord.

“Then said I, Woe is me, for I am undone because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts. Then flew one of the seraphim [highest level of angel, Patriarchal Father] unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar [symbolic place of sacrifice][1]. And he laid it upon my mouth and said, Behold, this [Isaiah’s sacrifices in life] has touched your lips, and your iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged. Also, I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me” (RE Isaiah 2:2, emphasis added). 

Isaiah viewed himself unworthy to see the Lord. An angel of the highest order, a patriarchal Father known as a seraphim, went to the altar and removed a hot coal to place in his hand. The altar is where sacrifice is metaphorically made. Isaiah’s righteous acts are a testimony to the Father and Son of his discipleship.

Joseph Smith received his calling and election from the Lord with similar language to Isaiah’s description of events.

“Joseph’s calling and election was not until 1843. (See D&C 132: 49: “For I am the Lord thy God, and will be with thee even unto the end of the world, and through all eternity; for verily I seal upon you your exaltation, and prepare a throne for you in the kingdom of my Father, with Abraham your father. [Behold, I have seen your sacrifices, and will forgive all your sins; I have seen your sacrifices in obedience to that which I have told you. Go, therefore, and I make a way for your escape, as I accepted the offering of Abraham of his son Isaac.]” Emphasis added” (Snuffer Jr., Denver C.. Beloved Enos, p.141).

When Isaiah lamented his unclean lips the angel or Patriarchal Father drew a hot coal or “live coal” from the altar of sacrifice. The live coal is symbolic of sacrifices made by Isaiah in obedience to the Lord’s commandments.[2] When the Lord declared Joseph Smith’s calling and election to him, He acknowledged it was due to Joseph’s sacrifices in obedience to the Lord’s commands. After repentance, sanctification occurs through personal sacrifice, not worthiness. Sacrifice following the example of Christ is the primary issue.[3] The required sacrifice are those offered in obedience to His commandments.

God doesn’t give us agency solely to pick and choose between commandments we consent to obey or disregard. Our agency is granted to allow us to choose to obey God.[4]

Human nature generally seeks the path of least resistance. That is in opposition to discipleship, requiring devotion to the discipline exemplified by our Savior. It oftentimes leads us directly into headwinds of resistance to refine us, even by fire.[5] Sincerely seeking to pursue the Father’s path to perfection, albeit imperfectly. This allows us to appeal to Christ for mercy and grace. Following the Savior’s example with alacrity witnesses to Him our sincerity and devotion. In turn, the Holy Ghost or “mind of the Father”[6] begins our spiritual transformation or rebirth. We become new creatures in Christ.

          In the Covenant of Christ account of the sermon on the mount, the Lord makes subtle reference to three levels of ascension to enter His presence.

“Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and it will be opened to you; indeed, everyone that asks, receives, and anyone that seeks, finds, and to the one [individual discipleship] that knocks, it will be opened” (CofC 3 Nephi 6:7, emphasis added).

The Book of Mormon equivalent is missing a subtle distinction found in the Covenant of Christ:

“Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened” (Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi 14:7, emphasis added).

Some may view the difference between these verses as inconsequential. I have witnessed the pattern of three steps present in many scriptural examples. My attention is drawn to the details. Particular attention is paid to Covenant of Christ references because it is the Gentiles final covenant opportunity. The Lord desires to reclaim as many Gentiles as will come. Our salvation depends on attention to detail. Like Isaiah and Joseph Smith, the Gentiles stand before their Savior and their sacrifices in obedience to His commandments cleanses them in the blood of the Lamb. But only if they sacrifice in obedience to His commandments.

“Your hands are full of blood. Wash yourself, make yourself clean; put away the evil of your doings from before my eyes [repent]. Cease to do evil, learn to do well. Seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow [sacrifice by doing good]. Come now and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If you are willing [alacrity] and obedient [not sinless], you shall eat the good of the land, but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it” (RE Isaiah 1:3, emphasis added).

The Atonement of Jesus Christ makes it possible for our sins of scarlet to be turned white as snow if we repent. Putting away evil desires and laboring to bless the lives of others is the example of our Savior. He gave His life for us. This is how we become “savior’s on mount Zion.”[7]

The Doctrine of Christ Revisited

          Because of the Covenant of Christ, Satan is referred to as the “accuser.” This title encompasses the words, “of his brethren.” His objectives are misdirection, distraction, obfuscation, and deceit. These categories form the substance of the “mists of darkness” described by an angel, in Lehi’s dream of the Tree of Life.[8] Any of these categories have the ability to lead us away from the Father’s path walked by the Savior.[9] The accuser’s objective is to avert our eyes away from the path.

          A friend speaks of an experience he had riding a motorcycle on a mountain trail. His experience addressed a time when he became fixated on a rock in the middle of a trail. His strategy was to remain focused on the rock so he could avoid colliding into it. He watched it so intently he drove into it and sustained injuries. He described the experience to a more seasoned motorcyclist and received the following advice. “You go where your eyes are looking. You need to remain focused on where you want to go rather than what you seek to avoid.”

          The “accuser” seeks our misdirection by whatever means he can to distract us from our desired path. Lehi was misled by a man dressed in white beckoning him to follow.[10] Whether a well-intentioned man or false traditions passed through generations, the Lord requires us to discern falsehoods and fix our course on His path that is straight and narrow.

          For example, temple ordinances instruct the participants in their pathway to ascend to the veil. We are introduced by angelic ministrant [Patriarchal Father] at the veil with three “knocks” [“to the one that knocks, it will be opened”]. Following preparations and introduction at the veil, the participant converses with the Lord through the veil. Thereafter, the Lord extends his hand [think brother of Jared][11] and draws the person into His presence to receive further instruction.

          Obtaining knowledge of this process was intended to be instructional for the participants, a guide in their pursuit of these blessings. Since the days of Joseph and Oliver, those endowed have come to believe obtaining the ordinances is the end, rather than a means to an end.

“I’m not sure that word [or phrase] means what you think it means.” 

          There are traditions we carry with us from earlier faith traditions, impairing our understanding of basic doctrines. The meaning of words and phrases evolve over time and they lead to false conclusions and interpretations.

          For example, take the meaning of the word “symbol.” A Glossary of Gospel Terms provides the following explanation of the word.

“ . . . The symbols are not the real thing, but they teach and point to the real thing that is required for salvation. Symbolism substitutes one thing to represent another. There is always this that stands in the place of that. The value of the symbol is in teaching about that by employing this as a teaching tool. In temple symbolism, the this used has no real value, but that holds eternal value. If an unbelieving person obtains access to this temple symbol but fails to understand its relationship to that which is eternal, they have nothing of value. Likewise, when the symbol of this has no meaning for those who believe in the temple, then it fails to have any value for the believer as well.

God’s highest truths frequently use symbols. Christ used parables to teach about that by using the familiar to substitute as a representation. He explained that this was to prevent those who were unworthy of the symbol from comprehending the truths. Seeing, they see not, and hearing, they hear not (see Matthew 7:2; Mark 2:13). Merely getting this without understanding that is worthless.

Temple rites are a gift from God that is filled with this for that. Ignorance leads to apostasy because the ignorant cannot see that this holds powerful value to teach about that. Even the greatest symbols can become nothing when they are not understood and are discarded by the ignorant. Then they shall return again to their own place, to enjoy that which they are willing to receive, because they were not willing to enjoy that which they might have received. For what does it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift (T&C 86:4)” (A Glossary of Gospel Terms, Symbols, emphasis added).

“The symbols are not the real thing, but they teach and point to the real thing.” Ordinances intertwined with the Doctrine of Christ are not the real thing. They are intended to teach and point to the real thing. In the culture with which many have been raised, participating in ordinances and the symbolism portrayed in them are often conflated to represent what they are intended to point to. Ordinances like baptism, endowments, and sealings intended to point to sacred truth’s have become an end instead of a means to an end. Instead of a tool for instruction and enlightenment, ordinances have become an initiation rite and the realization of a blessing it originally pointed toward.

          One egregious example is the belief mere participation in ordinances qualifies individuals for the blessing the ordinance portrays symbolically. Participants in the temple endowment ignore instructions in the original endowment. The symbols teach what one should expect to experience outside temple walls. They believe the acquisition of knowledge of how to ascend is all God requires. Failure to act on the instruction given symbolically is a failure to exercise faith in our approach to God. We are condemned because we know, but do not do. Modern Pharisee’s.

          Earlier in this paper the account of Isaiah seeing the Lord was briefly examined. Isaiah’s experience involved events transcending mortality beyond the veil, a temple text. His account involves  significant symbolism that instructs on multiple levels depending on the understanding of the reader.

The “This” and “That” of Isaiah

          To affirm Isaiah’s account qualifies as a temple text, the chapter begins with the following verse:

“In the year that king Uzziah died, I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphim [highest level of angel]. Each one had six wings [symbolic of the ability to move or act][12]: with two he covered his face [hid his identity], and with two he covered his feet, and with two he did fly. And one [seraphim] cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts! The whole earth is full of his glory! [13]And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke” [prayers of the righteous][14] (RE Isaiah 2:1, emphasis added).

Isaiah was introduced at the veil to the Lord with the aid of angels. When introduced to the Lord’s presence, Isaiah reacted the way all men and women do when they confront righteousness. They realize the vast distance between their lack of righteousness relative to the sanctity and righteousness of the Lord.[15]

“Then said I, Woe is me, for I am undone because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts . . .” (RE Isaiah 2:2, emphasis added).

Relative to the Lord, we all have unclean lips and stand in need of the Atonement. The unclean lips are the symbolic “This” in the beginning of his account. It points to the “That,” of the account which is, “How does a person with unclean lips cleanse them?” Nephi provides the answer:

“Now, my dear people, I believe you’re wondering a little in your hearts about what you should do after you’ve entered through the way. But why do you wonder over these things in your hearts? Don’t you remember I told you that after you had received the Holy Ghost, you could speak the words of angels? Now, how could you speak the message of the angels unless you did it by the Holy Ghost? Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; as a result, they speak Christ’s words. Therefore I told you: Feast on Christ’s words — because the words of Christ will tell you everything that you should do . . . ” (CofC 2 Nephi 14:1, emphasis added).

The Holy Ghost enables us to “speak the words of angels.” Angels speak the words of Christ by the power of the Holy Ghost. When we receive the Holy Ghost or “mind of the Father” our spirits are sanctified and our minds enlightened to the extent we can speak with Angels.[16]

          Isaiah was advanced in this process because his conversations were with Angels of the highest degree, seraphim. A seraphim has risen to the highest rung on Jacob’s ladder and is instrumental in Isaiah’s introduction at the veil, prior to his seeing the Lord.

“ . . . There are those who rank the heavenly ascent from the bottom as: angels, archangels, principalities, powers, dominions, thrones, then Cherubim, and finally Seraphim. “Seraphim” dwell in everlasting burnings. They are the glorious ones in flames of glory. These stages are developed by degree and are not achieved in a single step. When achieved, it is by obedience to the laws upon which such blessings are predicated. Knowledge exalts. Light and truth are the glory of God” (Preserving the Restoration, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.176, emphasis added).

Because these stages are achieved in successive steps on Jacob’s ladder, Isaiah would have “passed by the angels” offering tokens and signs prior to advancing.[17] The tokens and signs are likely sacrifices offered in obedience to the Lord’s commandments during the course of their lives. The altar in the temple is the place where the record of those sacrifices are recorded as a witness to God of their faithful works.

          A second hand account of a conversation with a man of God who was asked the meaning of a particular passage of scripture relates to this subject. After a brief pause the man of God replied, “You know, each scripture has seven interpretations.” I suspect the interpretation we understand reflects the rung on Jacob’s ladder we are on.

          The winged seraphim in Isaiah’s account represent another “this” but the “that” of his account points to angelic ministrants, Patriarchal Father’s on respective rungs of Jacob’s ladder assisting mortals in their advancement. They are identified as “Powers of Heaven”[18] whose ministry to mankind may be both seen and unseen. The presence of seraphim in Isaiah’s account symbolizes their role in preparing the prophet to enter God’s presence.

          The altar in Isaiah’s prophecy symbolizes the place where sacrifice is made in the temple. It is the “this” for righteous sacrifices, or the “that” in Isaiah’s prophetic account.

          Everything in Isaiah’s account is tied to a fullness of the Priesthood, qualifying the events as ordinances.

“The ordinances are helps, symbols and requirements. Helps in that they establish milestones that memorialize passage from one stage of development to the next. Symbols in that they point to a deeper meaning or spiritual reality almost always grounded in the atonement of Jesus Christ. Requirements in that they mark the defined route taken by Christ as a mortal to fulfill all righteousness. The ordinances as symbols point to the real thing. The real thing is Jesus Christ and His Gospel. Ordinances are the preliminary act, designed to bear testimony of the real event. They are not the real thing but are a “type” of the real thing. They must be seen through the eyes of faith (see Ether 5:3) to allow one to gain the faith necessary to obtain the real thing . . .” (A Glossary of Gospel Terms, second edition, Ordinance, pp.225-226, emphasis added).

Like symbols, ordinances are not the “real thing.” They only point the initiate toward the realization of the real thing. The Powers of Heaven minister words of Christ to mankind by the power of the Holy Ghost.[19] The Holy Ghost or sanctified spirit of man[20] receives instruction into his or her heart. The more they receive, more is given. If mankind hardens their hearts, what has been given is taken away.[21]

          Like God, the Powers of Heaven never work by compulsion.[22] We receive when we ask, seek, and knock.[23] A lack of curiosity or outright rebellion against what is given leads to withdrawal of what has been received. There are no plateau’s with the word of God.

          False traditions have formed around ordinances and symbols given to enlighten and inspire mankind. Participation in ordinances has become the end goal rather than a means leading to an end.

          Given these explanations regarding symbolism and ordinances, one should display a great deal of humility and meekness regarding what they believe they know and how much they know. There should always be profound curiosity about our level of understanding. One may speculate on where they stand on Jacob’s ladder realizing we can never know the answer unless the Lord reveals it through the “Powers of Heaven” to us.[24]

          This brings us back to where we began with the words of Inigo Montoya to his associate, Vizzini. “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” We may have participated in the ordinances of the Doctrine of Christ, but we should never be cavalier about what that says about our knowledge, our standing as it relates to others, and our station before God.

          Joseph Smith said:

“Why be so certain that you comprehend the things of God, when all things with you are so uncertain . . .” (Smith Jr., Joseph. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (p. 366). Deseret Book Company. Kindle Edition.

Reciting and participating in the ordinances of the Doctrine of Christ is only the “this.” We must press forward to realize the fulfillment of “that.”

[1] “A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation.” (Lectures on Faith, 1985, 69)

[2] “ . . . But who may endure the day of his coming? And who shall stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap. And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he shall purify the sons of Levi and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness . . . “ RE Malachi 1:6, emphasis added). 

[3] “The sacrifice required of Abraham in the offering up of Isaac, shows that if a man would attain to the keys of the kingdom of an endless life; he must sacrifice all things . . .” (Smith Jr., Joseph. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (p. 369, emphasis added). Deseret Book Company. Kindle Edition.

[4] “The Lord said unto Enoch, Behold these, your brethren, they are the workmanship of my own hands; and I gave unto them their intelligence, and in the Garden of Eden man had agency. And unto your brethren have I said, and also gave commandment, that they should love one another, and that they should serve me, their God. But behold, they are without affection and they hate their own blood . . . ” (RE Genesis 4:17, emphasis added).

[5] Compare this excerpt from RE 1 Nephi 20:9-10 to its equivalent in the Covenant of Christ:

“ . . . Nevertheless, for my name’s sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain from thee, that I cut thee not off. For behold, I have refined thee; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. For mine own sake — yea, for mine own sake — will I do this; for how should I suffer my name to be polluted? And I will not give my glory unto another” (RE 1 Nephi 6:2, emphasis added).

“Nevertheless, for My reputation I’ll delay punishing you, and to show I’m merciful I won’t cut you off. But remember, I’ll reform you through hardships you will suffer. For My reputation — yes, to prove I’m trustworthy — I do these things. Should I be willing to let My name be dishonored? I won’t let people worship another” (CofC 1 Nephi 6:2, emphasis added).

[6] “And he being the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, and having overcome, received a fullness of the glory of the Father — possessing the same mind with the Father, which mind is the holy spirit that bears record of the Father and the Son, and these three are one, or in other words, these three constitute the great matchless, governing, and supreme power over all things, by whom all things were created and made that were created and made . . . And all those who keep his commandments shall grow up from grace to grace and become heirs of the Heavenly kingdom and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ, possessing the same mind, being transformed into the same image or likeness, even the express image of him who fills all in all: being filled with the fullness of his glory, and become one in him, even as the Father, Son, and holy spirit are one” (RE T&C 110:2, emphasis added).

[7] “But upon Mount Zion shall be deliverance, and there shall be holiness. And the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions. And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall kindle in them and devour them. And there shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau, for the Lord has spoken it. And they of the south shall possess the mount of Esau, and they of the plain, the Philistines. And they shall possess the fields of Ephraim and the fields of Samaria. And Benjamin shall possess Gilead, and the captives of this host of the children of Israel that of the Canaanites, even unto Zarephath. And the captives of Jerusalem which are in Sepharad shall possess the cities of the south. And saviors shall come up on Mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau, and the kingdom shall be the Lord’s” (Obadiah 1:3, emphasis added).

[8] “Then the Angel said: Look! And I looked and saw that three generations of people lived and died in righteousness; their clothes were clean, just like the Lamb of God. The Angel told me: These are made clean through the Lamb’s blood because of their faith in Him. I also saw many of the fourth generation who died in righteousness. And I saw great numbers of people gathered together. Then the Angel said to me: Now notice your descendants and your brothers’ descendants. I looked and saw great numbers of my descendants gathered against my brothers’ descendants — they prepared for war. Then the Angel said to me: See the filthy river your father saw and talked about; its depths are the depths of hell. And the dark mists are the temptations of the accuser, who blinds people’s eyes, hardens their hearts, and leads them away into wide roads, to perish and be lost. The large and spacious building your father saw represents false and foolish thinking and the pride of mankind. A great and terrible gulf divides them — which is the sword of the justice of the Eternal God and Messiah, who is the Lamb of God, whom the Holy Ghost testifies of, from the beginning of the world until now, and from this time forth and forever” (CofC 1 Nephi 3:17, emphasis added).

[9] “Now, therefore, know that Jesus is the Messiah, the Walker in the Path who has proven for evermore that Father Ahman sent Him into the world to prove His Father’s path” (RE T&C 171:21, emphasis added).

[10] “This is Lehi in the 8th chapter of First Nephi talking about a spiritual experience that Lehi had. Lehi encounters this man dressed in a white robe (1 Nephi 8:5). There’s a man in a white robe, and he follows him, he follows this man. He bid him to follow him and he followed him. So Lehi follows him. And then he travels for the space of many hours in darkness, and while he is in darkness he begins to pray. It’s not until he’s followed a man in a white robe, he’s gone into a dark place, and he’s been there for hours that he begins to pray, and he’s lead out of that and he has this great theophany”  (Mormon Stories Podcast Part 2 with John Dehlin, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.5, emphasis added).

[11] “When Jared’s brother had said these words, the Lord stretched out His hand and touched the stones one by one with His finger. And the veil was taken from the eyes of Jared’s brother, and he saw the Lord’s finger. It was like a man’s finger, like flesh and blood; and Jared’s brother fell down before the Lord because he was afraid. The Lord saw the brother of Jared had fallen to the ground and He said to him: Get up. Why have you fallen down? He answered the Lord: I saw the Lord’s finger and I was afraid He would strike me, because I didn’t know the Lord had flesh and blood. The Lord said to him: Because of your faith you’ve seen that I’ll take upon Myself flesh and blood. None of those now living have approached Me with such great faith as you have; otherwise, you couldn’t have seen My finger. Did you see more than this? He answered: No, Lord. Show Yourself to me. And the Lord asked him: Do you believe the words I will speak? He replied: Yes, Lord, I know that You speak the truth, since You’re a God of truth and can’t lie” CofC Ether 1:12, emphasis added).

[12] “Question: What are we to understand by the eyes and wings which the beasts had?Answer: Their eyes are a representation of light and knowledge. That is, they are full of knowledge, and their wings are a representation of power to move, to act, etc.” (RE T&C 74:4, emphasis added).

[13] “The glory of God is intelligence, or in other words, light and truth. Light and truth forsake that evil one . . . ” (RE T&C 93:11, emphasis added).

[14] “And I saw the seven angels who stood before God, and to them were given seven trumpets. And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer, and there was given unto him much incense that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand. And the angel took the censer, and filled it with fire of the altar, and cast it into the earth. And there were voices, and thundering’s, and lightnings, and an earthquake. And the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound” (RE Revelation 3:1, emphasis added).

[15] “Now I’ll also speak to those who don’t believe in Christ. Will you believe when He returns again? When the Lord comes — indeed, on that great day when the earth is rolled together as a scroll and the material elements melt with intense heat — on that great day when you’re brought to stand before the Lamb of God, will you then claim there’s no God? Will you then continue to deny Christ, even when you behold the Lamb of God? Do you think you’ll live with Him under a consciousness of your guilt? Do you think you could be happy living with that holy Being when your souls are tormented with a consciousness of your guilt, that you’ve continually abused His laws? I tell you that you would be more miserable living with a holy and righteous God under a consciousness of your filthiness before Him than you would be living with the damned souls in hell. Indeed, when you’re brought to see your nakedness before God, as well as the glory of God and the holiness of Jesus Christ, it will light a flame of unquenchable fire in you. O then, you who don’t believe, turn to the Lord! Cry powerfully to the Father in Jesus’ name, so perhaps you can be found spotless, pure, beautiful, and white on that great and last day, having been cleansed by the Lamb’s blood” (CofC Mormon 4:6, emphasis added).

[16] “ . . . The  beginning step following repentance is baptism. And baptism comes through faith in order to fulfill the commandments; and fulfilling the commandments brings remission of sins; and the remission of sins brings meekness and a humble heart. And because of meekness and a humble heart comes the presence and gift of the Holy Ghost, and this Comforter fills with hope and perfect love, and this love endures by being diligent in prayer until the end comes, when all the holy ones will live with God . . .” (CofC Moroni 8:5, emphasis added).

[17] “The plan Joseph hoped to bring back in a fullness required angels to constantly attend to the development of the anticipated kingdom. Heaven could not abandon it. Joseph said seeking the presence of the Lord as a presiding King was always the object of the Gospel in every age where it is present. If angels are no longer working with mankind, then we may have seen the passing of the heavenly gift from the earth at the death of Joseph Smith. If that is so, angels will need to return for us to regain what was rejected by the gentiles” (Snuffer, Denver. Passing the Heavenly Gift (pp. 398-399). Mill Creek Press. Kindle Edition).

“The “hope” spoken of here has arisen from a multitude of miraculous events pointing to the reason for hope. He mentions the prior miraculous visits from 1) Moroni, 2) The voice of Christ to the three witnesses to the Book of Mormon, 3) Michael, the archangel, 4) Peter, James and John, who restored Melchizedek Priesthood, 5) God the Father’s voice, 6) Gabriel, another archangel, and finally 7) an unnamed host of angels who were prophets during their mortality and possessed keys during their mortal existence. From among all these were passed to Joseph the keys of the prior dispensations, including all their rights, their honors, their majesty and glory, and the power of their priesthood. These various angelic and Divine visitors had caused Joseph to be “consoled” by “holding forth that which is to come.” Meaning they had given him reason to believe in the promises which have been given. These experiences had the effect of “confirming [his] hope” (Snuffer, Denver C. Jr.. Eighteen Verses (p. 66). Mill Creek Press. Kindle Edition, emphasis added).

“The temple ceremony confirmed angels were intended as God’s authorized means to minister to men, women and children, just as the Book of Mormon teaches. The temple tells us to look for true messengers sent by Him, bearing signs and tokens, having hidden knowledge, who will inform us in the way of truth and light. As originally portrayed, these angelic ministers would become the exclusive conduit through which the Lord would give us guidance and instruction. The Book of Mormon is, as my prior books have shown, the premiere text of scripture for illustrating the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is a veritable manual for returning to God’s presence. Almost all of its major contributors were redeemed from the fall, entered Christ’s presence, and wrote their records to help others to find the way to salvation” (Snuffer, Denver. Passing the Heavenly Gift (p. 277, emphasis added). Mill Creek Press. Kindle Edition).

[18] “A title referring to a specific group with status on the other side of the veil; a proper noun, not just an abstraction. In the afterlife there are different rungs on Jacob’s ladder where different Powers are fixed: Angel, Archangel, Principality, Power, Dominion, Throne, Cherubim, and Seraphim — they may all be called Powers of Heaven. These Powers have no desire to control or compel others to rise on Jacob’s ladder. Each rung is a developmental stage of growth through which all must pass if they want to ascend nearer to God. Each individual on Jacob’s ladder should be moving toward perfection” (A Glossary of Gospel Terms, Powers of Heaven, second edition, p.248, emphasis added).

[19] “Now I can’t write everything that was taught to my people, and I’m also not as effective a writer as I am a  a speaker. Because when anyone speaks by the power of the Holy Ghost, the power of the Holy Ghost impresses people’s hearts . . .” (CofC 2 Nephi 15:1, emphasis added).

[20] “The holy ghost is most correctly understood as the individual spirit within each man or woman — it is the heavenly record from each one’s prior experiences, although now veiled . . . The holy ghost is a personage. It is an individual. It is a spirit that will dwell inside man. The holy ghost, which resides inside of each person, receives intelligence from Christ. The holy ghost is the record of heaven that man has lost contact with because of the veil. It is a personage of spirit who resides inside each man or woman, and one must “receive” it after baptism by finally listening to that inner truth of all things or record of the Father and the Son (Genesis 4:9–10). The holy ghost bears record of the Father and the Son (see Genesis 3:4). When the Son speaks to individuals through the holy ghost, they hear the words in the first person — hence, the holy ghost speaking that it is the Son in Genesis 3:4.2 “Your spirit or your ghost is within you, connected to heaven to such a degree through this process that you are in possession of a ‘holy spirit’ or a holy ghost within you.”3 From Adam until Christ, the holy ghost was the primary voice by which revelation was delivered from God to mankind. It is active and has been active in delivering the words of prophecy to “holy men” throughout history.4 The scriptures have explained that the holy ghost which dwells in man — this personage of spirit — has the following other descriptions or attributes: the Record of Heaven, the Comforter, the keys of the kingdom of Heaven, the truth of all things, that which quickens all things — which makes alive all things, that which knows all things, and has all power according to Wisdom, mercy, truth, justice and judgment (Genesis 4:9). This is a description of the personage of spirit that dwells inside each person. This is the Holy Ghost. This is something that can be in contact with the holy spirit, or the mind of the Father and Son . . . The holy ghost, which is the mind of the Father and the Son, can be communicated by pure intelligence, light poured into the mind of a man, a ministering angel sent with a message, a ministering spirit sent with a message, an open vision, a voice from heaven, or any other means designed to convey into the mind of the man receiving it the truth of things from God.8 “This first comforter, or holy ghost, has no other effect than pure intelligence . . . ” (A Glossary of Gospel Terms, Holy Ghost,  second edition, pp.151-152, emphasis added).

[21] “Alma began to elaborate, saying: Many people are given knowledge of God’s mysteries; however, they’re placed under a strict command to only discuss that part of His word He allows to be given to mankind, corresponding to their obedience and diligence given to Him. Those who harden their hearts receive less of His word. Those who don’t harden their hearts are given a greater part of His word, until they understand God’s mysteries. They can be given God’s mysteries until everything is fully known. However those who harden their hearts are given less of His word, until they know nothing about His mysteries. Then the accuser captures them and leads them by his will down to destruction. This is what the chains of hell mean” (CofC Alma 9:3, emphasis added).

[22] “ . . . Then shall your confidence wax strong in the presence of God, and the doctrines of the Priesthood shall distill upon your soul as the dews from heaven. The holy ghost shall be your constant companion, and your scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth, and your dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto you for ever and ever” RE T&C 139:6, emphasis added).

[23] “Just after the caution to not give holy things to the unworthy, Christ reminds all of their obligation to ask, seek, and knock. If you will ask, it will be given to you. If you seek, you will find it. If you knock, things will be opened to you. But be careful not to give what is holy to the unworthy. These ideas are related in two ways: First, if you want what is holy, then stop being a dog or a swine. Ask, seek, and knock. Second, if you are one who is qualified and will receive holy things by your willingness to be repentant, then press forward by asking, seeking, and knocking. If you do, the things which are most holy will be given. For everyone that asketh, receiveth. Really? Everyone? Even you? That is what Christ is saying. However, the manner in which you will receive is illustrated by ‘The Missing Virtue’ in Ten Parables.1 Meaning that the effort to receive what you have asked the Lord could take nearly two decades, and a great deal of internal changing before you acquire what you lack. Receiving may include not only what you’ve asked to receive, but also everything you do not have in order to finally qualify to receive what you seek. What do you associate with findeth? Does it suggest to you active effort, or passive receipt? To find something you are missing (even a small thing) what must you do? If searching is required to locate, then what do you suppose the Lord is implying by the word findeth? What does it mean that it shall be opened? Does opening imply merely a view? Does it suggest also entering in? If it opens to view, and you then fail to enter in, has opening been worthwhile? Has anything been accomplished? Does it suggest that there is activity required of someone who has something opened unto them? It is my view that the words chosen all imply a burden upon the one who asks, seeks, and knocks. They are not entitled to anything just by speaking the words. They must make the effort to search into and contemplate the things they seek. Then they must change and repent of everything amiss in their lives that is revealed to them. This is to be done before they can see what is to be shown to them. If, for example, a person wants to see the other side of the mountain, they can ask daily for a view to be opened to them without ever seeing the other side. But if the Lord prompts them to take the path to the top, the Lord has given them the means to find and have opened to them the very thing they seek. Provided, of course, they are willing to walk in the path to the top of the mountain. When they remain on the valley floor, asking or demanding more, they are not really asking, seeking, and knocking. They are irritating and ungrateful. The Lord’s small means are capable of taking the one who seeks to the very thing they desire (Alma 17:8). But without cooperation with Him they can receive nothing. The Lord’s small means are how great things are brought to pass (1 Nephi 5:8). But for some people the Lord’s answers are never enough. However, when the humble who ask, seek, and knock follow Him in these small means, they will eventually stand in His presence and partake of eternal life. But not until they have done as all others have done before them . . . ” (A Glossary of Gospel Terms, Ask, Seek, Knock, second edition, pp. 22-25).

[24] “As this vision closed, the Heavens were again opened to their view, and they saw and beheld, and were endowed with knowledge from the beginning of this creation to the ends thereof. And they were shown unspeakable things from the sealed record of Heaven, which man is not capable of making known, but must be revealed by the Powers of Heaven” (RE T&C 157:30, emphasis added).

Scott Roderick

6/10/2025

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