There are two acts wherein man may offend God:
“And in nothing does man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments. Behold, this is according to the law and the prophets. Wherefore, trouble me no more concerning this matter, but learn that he who does the works of righteousness, shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come. I the Lord have spoken it, and the spirit bears record. Amen” (RE T&C 46:5, emphasis added).
After listening to “Family of God, Part 2” podcast multiple times I felt it was important to acknowledge what the Lord is doing in fulfillment of a prophecy given by Joseph of Egypt. The prophecy of Joseph of Egypt foretells a time when the records of Joseph and Judah unite to bring about an extraordinary outcome.
“Wherefore, the fruit of thy loins shall write, and the fruit of the loins of Judah shall write. And that which shall be written by the fruit of thy loins, and also that which shall be written by the fruit of the loins of Judah, shall grow together unto the confounding of false doctrines, and laying down of contentions, and establishing peace among the fruit of thy loins, and bringing them to the knowledge of their fathers in the latter days, and also to the knowledge of my covenants, saith the Lord. And out of weakness he [Joseph Smith] shall be made strong, in that day when my work shall commence among all my people [God’s family], unto the restoring thee, O house of Israel, saith the Lord” (RE 2 Nephi 2:4, emphasis added).
The records of Judah and Joseph of Egypt “grow together” [implying a process of time] and the outcome of the growing together will be “the confounding of false doctrines,” “laying down contentions,” “establishing peace among the fruit of the thy [Joseph of Egypt] loins,” “and bringing them to the knowledge of their fathers in the latter days, and also to the knowledge of my covenants, saith the Lord.” All of which is preparation for a Zion society.
Like most things prophetic, these events often unfold unnoticed and unrecognized as when the Savior was born into the world.
“The Savior crept into the world with heaven noticing, but precious few of us paying attention to what was afoot. It is so easy to overlook Him because of the cares of the world” (Christ: The Prototype of the Saved Man, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.1, emphasis added).
One should wonder if God takes offense when we fail to acknowledge His hand when it is actively engaged in such a monumental effort to save our world from destruction and more importantly, bring salvation.
Much may be deduced from Joseph of Egypt’s prophecy. In Joseph of Egypt’s statement that Joseph Smith will be made strong, when the Lord’s work of restoring Israel or God’s family commences in the last days. Two relevant points in the prophecy pertain to our current time. When the records “grow together,” descendants of Joseph of Egypt are brought to the knowledge of their fathers. Those fathers are Patriarchal Father’s comprising the Holy Order. This has been an ongoing topic of discussion since the second phase of the Restoration began.
The second subject is the restoration of God’s family, Israel. This has been a subject of interest since the beginning of the second phase of the Restoration as well. In reference to the second phase of the Restoration, dividing the latter-day Restoration into two parts, the first began with Joseph Smith. He was led by the Spirit of Elias and laid the foundation upon which the second phase of the Restoration is built.
In RE Isaiah 5:4, a tree metaphor describing three individuals associated with the “Stem of Jesse,” the “Rod,” and the “Root of Jesse” (see RE T&C 129). The “Rod” is a water sprout or “sucker” sprouting from the tree stump or “Stem,” who is Christ. The characteristics of a water sprout are it grows upward rapidly and cannot bear fruit unless it receives a graft. The “Rod” performs the preparatory or Aaronic foundation or the work of the Spirit of Elias. This is the first phase or Aaronic, preparatory part of the Restoration by Joseph Smith.
The graft into the “Rod” is provided by the “Root of Jesse” who receives his Priesthood by “right,” or the right of the Firstborn, Adam, head of the Patriarchal Order. The Root of Jesse’s work is linked to the Spirit of Elijah. Having received the blessings of the Patriarchal Fathers, the “Root of Jesse” opens a permanent conduit between Heaven and Earth connecting Israel to the Patriarchal Fathers or “Powers of Heaven.”[1] This, in preparation for returning to the Spirit of Messiah and the presence of Jesus Christ. The conduit opened by the “Root of Jesse” is described by Isaiah as an “Ensign.”
The King James Version of Isaiah 11:1 says, “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.” In contrast, the Gileadi Translation of Isaiah 11:1 says, “A shoot [Rod] will spring up from the stock of Jesse [Root of Jesse] and a branch from its graft bear fruit (emphasis added).”
Metaphorically, the Rod grows rapidly but cannot bear fruit. This is Joseph Smith and the first phase of the Restoration that terminated with the deaths of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. The second phase begins when the “Root of Jesse” introduces to the gentiles the Spirit of Elijah, the conduit between Heaven and Earth enabling the graft between Elias and Elijah; to finally bear fruit. It begins first among a remnant of gentiles and then through the remnant of Lehi.
The prophecy of Joseph of Egypt alludes to the fusion between the “Rod” and “Root” in Lehi’s account of Joseph of Egypt’s prophecy, or one might say the “growing together.”
“And the Lord said unto me also, I will raise up unto the fruit of thy loins [Joseph Smith], and I will make for him [Joseph Smith] a spokesman [Root of Jesse]. And I, behold, I will give unto him that he [Joseph Smith] shall write the writing of the fruit of thy loins [record of Joseph of Egypt] unto the fruit of thy loins; and the spokesman [Root of Jesse] of thy loins shall declare it . . .” (RE 2 Nephi 2:6, emphasis added).
According to Lehi’s account, a descendant from Joseph of Egypt writes the record of Joseph and the spokesman [Root of Jesse] of the Lord declares it. The time when Joseph Smith is made strong [transition from the Spirit of Elias to the Spirit of Elijah] is when Israel gathers in the end; concurrent when the spokesman [Root of Jesse] declares what Joseph Smith has written. This is when Joseph Smith is made strong and Israel or the family of God gathers[2] (see RE T&C 129:2-3, emphasis added).
Given the extensive conversation regarding the Patriarchal Fathers, the establishment of Zion and the gathering of Israel, are we like rabbinical scholars at the time of the Savior’s birth? A time when monumental prophetic events unfold before our eyes. “Our hearts are so set upon the things of this world and the honors of men” we are blind to seeing the Lord’s hand in our day.
Family of God-Part 2
Joseph of Egypt foretold the records of Judah and Joseph would grow together. Joseph Smith would write the record and a spokesman for Joseph Smith would declare it. These events are not mutually exclusive but a concerted effort by the Lord to bring to a conclusion His work of gathering the family of God and establishing Zion. The “growing together” involves integrating the records and incorporating the teachings of both into a great whole. The two records are both incomplete. The Bible suffered redactions at the hands of the great and abominable church.
“And I beheld a book, and it was carried forth among them. And the angel said unto me, Knowest thou the meaning of the book? And I said, I know not. And he said, Behold, it proceedeth out of the mouth of a Jew — and I, Nephi, beheld it. And he said unto me, The book that thou beholdest is a record of the Jews, which contains the covenants of the Lord which he hath made unto the house of Israel; and it also containeth many of the prophecies of the holy prophets. And it is a record like unto the engravings which are upon the plates of brass, save there are not so many. Nevertheless, they contain the covenants of the Lord which he hath made unto the house of Israel; wherefore, they are of great worth unto the gentiles. And the angel of the Lord said unto me, Thou hast beheld that the book proceeded forth from the mouth of a Jew. And when it proceeded forth from the mouth of a Jew, it contained the fullness of the gospel of the Lamb, of whom the twelve apostles bare record; and they bare record according to the truth which is in the Lamb of God. Wherefore, these things go forth from the Jews in purity unto the gentiles, according to the truth which is in God. And after they go forth by the hand of the twelve apostles of the Lamb from the Jews unto the gentiles, thou seest the formation of that great and abominable church, which is the most abominable of all other churches. For behold, they have taken away from the gospel of the Lamb many parts which are plain and most precious; and also many covenants of the Lord have they taken away. And all this have they done that they might pervert the right ways of the Lord, that they might blind the eyes and harden the hearts of the children of men. Wherefore, thou seest that after the book hath gone forth through the hands of the great and abominable church, that there are many plain and most precious things taken away from the book, which is the book of the Lamb of God. And after these plain and precious things were taken away, it goeth forth unto all the nations of the gentiles.
And after it goeth forth unto all the nations of the gentiles, yea, even across the many waters (which thou hast seen) with the gentiles which have gone forth out of captivity, thou seest, because of the many plain and precious things which have been taken out of the book — which were plain unto the understanding of the children of men, according to the plainness which is in the Lamb of God — that because of these things which are taken away out of the gospel of the Lamb, an exceeding great many do stumble, yea, insomuch that Satan hath great power over them. Nevertheless, thou beholdest that the gentiles who have gone forth out of captivity and have been lifted up by the power of God above all other nations upon the face of the land — which is choice above all other lands, which is the land the Lord God hath covenanted with thy father that his seed should have for the land of their inheritance — will not utterly destroy the mixture of thy seed who are among thy brethren. Neither will he suffer that the gentiles shall destroy the seed of thy brethren; neither will the Lord God suffer that the gentiles shall for ever remain in that awful state of blindness, which thou beholdest they are in because of the plain and most precious parts of the gospel of the Lamb which have been kept back by that abominable church, whose formation thou hast seen. Wherefore, saith the Lamb of God, I will be merciful unto the gentiles, unto the visiting of the remnant of the house of Israel in great judgment” (RE 1 Nephi 3:21-22, emphasis added).
The record of Judah or the Bible is sent to the gentiles in pristine form. It contained the Lord’s covenants with the Patriarchal Fathers, the Gospel of Jesus Christ in its purity, and many prophecies yet to be fulfilled.
By redacting precious content from the Bible, the great and abominable church begins perverting the “right ways of the Lord” to blind the eyes and harden the hearts of gentiles who receive this record.
In contrast, the Book of Mormon brought forth by the Lord through Joseph Smith comes to the gentiles in purity, free from redactions and edits by man. While the record of Joseph Smith is free from the influence of men among the gentiles, it is not a complete account of the teachings of Christ by Himself and His servants. The account written by Joseph Smith is a smaller account with the majority withheld by the Lord until some group of gentiles embrace and take seriously what is initially given them.
“And now there cannot be written in this book even an hundredth part of the things which Jesus did truly teach unto the people. But behold, the plates of Nephi do contain the more part of the things which he taught the people. And these things have I written, which are a lesser part of the things which he taught the people, and I have written them to the intent that they may be brought again unto this people [descendants of Lehi] from the gentiles, according to the words which Jesus hath spoken. And when they shall have received this, which is expedient that they should have first to try their faith, and if it should so be that they shall believe these things, then shall the greater things be made manifest unto them. And if it so be that they will not believe these things, then shall the greater things be withheld from them unto their condemnation. Behold, I were about to write them all, which were engraven upon the plates of Nephi, but the Lord forbid it, saying, I will try the faith of my people . . .” RE 3 Nephi 12:1, emphasis added).
The existing account of the Savior’s ministry to the Nephites is less than “an hundredth part” of the teachings of the resurrected Lord to the Nephites. Considering that point and the realization that other accounts and teachings by His Nephite servants are considered, it appears untenable for the gentiles to be certain they are in possession of a “fullness” of what God revealed.
By the Lord’s admission, what is given is “a lesser part” of the Nephite, record of Joseph’s account. The “spokesman” raised by the Lord to speak for Joseph Smith, expounds the Lord’s doctrines, gathers Israel and establishes Zion. The “spokesman” begins his mission by expounding doctrine and forming doctrinal connections between the records of Judah and Joseph, but that is only the beginning. The spokesman’s teachings create bridges between the two records and qualifies some gentiles before the Lord to receive the “greater things” thus far withheld to the condemnation of the majority of the gentiles. Rather than an open declaration of his divinely appointed role, the “spokesman” expounds the teachings of Jesus Christ that are revelatory, edifying and witnessed by the Spirit of God. Those teachings testify of his standing before God. To their condemnation, the gentiles continue to treat lightly what the Lord repeatedly offers.
Redefining the Name, Israel
As an example of this type of instruction, we will examine some content from “Family of God-Part 2.” There are in this podcast excerpts from previous talks and others compiled explaining the “Family of God.” In this context, Denver Snuffer redefines the name and title of Israel. Traditional interpretation of this name title is a lineal reference to descendants from Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, also known as Israel. Scriptural discussions of this subject support this line of logic. In addressing the gathering of Israel in the last days, the definition of Israel expands the lineal concept to include anyone accepted by God into His family, Israelite or gentile. This definition is more compatible with the concept that God is Father of all mankind and makes provisions for the salvation of all who repent and turn to face Him.
Redefining the Concept of Familial Sealings, The Spirit of Elijah and the Patriarchal Fathers
Many have taken part in traditional Mormon teachings, frequenting temples to receive endowments, provide baptisms, and initiate marriages or sealings. Contrary to these traditions evolving since the latter days of the Restoration, the explanation of this practice is redefined to bring greater clarity to these practices. They redirect efforts away from sealing ourselves to our dead ancestors as opposed to Patriarchal Fathers who actually received authority from God. They seal themselves and their posterity through time and eternity. Neither we nor our deceased ancestors, nor those claiming authority to perform these ordinances are acknowledged by God. These are all first phase and have yet to receive Elijah and the sealing power.
Patriarchal Fathers by righteous conduct and diligent pursuit of divine knowledge, display great faith. They achieve this status by covenant with God. Opposing the concept of literal descent, the Father’s, like Adam, Abraham and others received these blessings and the right to ordain others directly from God.[3] Those who live as the Patriarchal Father’s lived are adopted into God’s family, Israel, through the Fathers and extend those blessings to their faithful living family members and deceased faithful family as well.
This redefining of sealing, Spirit of Elijah and the Patriarchal Fathers brings greater clarity to the prophecy of Malachi and the Lord sending Elijah in the last days.
“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. And he shall seal the heart of the Fathers to the children and the heart of the children to their Fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse” (RE Malachi 1:12, emphasis added).
Our fathers who passed on have no ability to seal us to them, nor them to us. Only those Father’s who become part of the Holy Order seal their posterity and claim their kingdoms. For us to receive those blessings we have to be sealed to those authorized by God to seal us.[4] They become our doorway to salvation. They are dispensation heads whom the Lord appoints and grants this power. Once we receive those covenants and ordinances through them, we in turn offer them to our progenitors, not as Patriarchal Fathers, but by adoption of our righteous ancestors into our lineage. By adoption through us, they gain access to covenant blessings and promises from God, as we receive them by adoption to the Patriarchal Fathers.
All Nations
When does “all nations” not refer to all nations? When the prophecy in scripture refers to the house of Israel or the Family of God.
“The word that Isaiah, the son of Amoz, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem; and it shall come to pass in the last days, when the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations [Family of God, Israel] shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, and he will teach us of his ways and we [Israel, Family of God] will walk in his paths . . .” (Isaiah 1:5, emphasis added).
“In this context, in this prophecy, “all nations” is not Russia and China and Ethiopia and Uzbekistan and Turk-crap-istan and I’m-a-nut-istan [laughter]. “All nations,” in this context, means all the 12 tribes of Israel. The “nations” are the 12 tribes of Israel, period. That’s it. That's who’s gonna flow unto it” (Zion, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.32, emphasis added).
Where are the Paths of the Lord
In the Heavens.
“The paths of God lie in the heavens. So, if you’re going to learn to walk in His paths, you’re going to have to learn how to walk in the heavens” (Zion, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.32, emphasis added).
Definition of “Rightful Heir”
A rightful heir refers to someone who becomes a Patriarchal Father, the order headed by Adam, who is the firstborn Son of God in this creation.
“The last days’ Zion is connected with the rights of the Fathers . . . From Adam to Noah and then to Melchizedek there was an unbroken chain of both priesthood, on the one hand, and father-to-son descent, on the other hand. There was literally “a family of God” that began with Adam as the son of God, and it descended then, generation after generation, until Melchizedek in an unbroken chain. But then there was an apostasy from that Order. As a result of the apostasy from that Order, the chain got broken. And because the chain got broken (like we looked at in Centerville), it was the hope of Abraham to reconnect that chain. I sought for the blessings of the fathers, and the right whereunto I should be ordained to administer the same [that is, the rights of the fathers]; having been myself a follower of righteousness, desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge and [possess a greater knowledge, be a greater follower] and to be a [and this doesn't make much sense unless you comprehend what it was that he was looking at, and you are convinced that what he was looking at is exactly that Order that began with Adam; he was desiring to be a] father of many nations, a prince of peace, and desiring to receive instructions, and to keep the commandments of God, I became a rightful heir, a High Priest, holding the right belonging to the fathers. It was conferred upon me from the fathers; it came down from the fathers, from the beginning of time, even from the beginning, or before the foundation of the earth, down to the present time, even the right of the firstborn, or the first man, who is Adam, or the first father, through the fathers unto me. (Abraham 1:2-3; see also Abraham 1:1 RE) This is what Abraham sought. And the reason Abraham sought that was because he understood that once that connection had been broken that he needed to turn his heart to the fathers so that he, Abraham, would not be smitten with the curse of apostasy. Therefore, he sought for the “blessings of the fathers.” Now, in this late moment in time—in this late period of the generations of humanity—I don't think we can much aspire to being one of the Fathers because, well, they were established long ago. But we ought to be turning our hearts to the Fathers [because we are currently in a state of apostasy, without the “rights of the Fathers” SR]. And we ought to be seeking also for what it was Abraham was seeking for… Not to become, ourselves, but to become connected—not as a Father but as a descendant, as a son or daughter” (Zion, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.31, emphasis added).
The right of the firstborn [Adam] was given to Joseph and Hyrum Smith prior to their martyrdom but withdrawn from the Church.[5] Zion must be established to restore these rights of the Priesthood.
The person designated by God to fulfill this work under His direction is the “root of Jesse.” In the Lord’s description of the “root of Jesse,” this is the meaning of the phrase, “whom rightly belongs the Priesthood and the keys of the Kingdom, for an ensign and for the gathering of my people in the last day.” (RE T&C 129:3, emphasis added).
The spokesman for Joseph Smith is concurrent with the gathering of Israel in the last days.[6] Due to the apostasy that began prior to the deaths of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, it is necessary for the Lord to send a servant to re-establish the covenant. The covenant must be reclaimed from an apostate condition as it was in the days of Abraham and Joseph Smith. The metaphor from Isaiah foretells of graft occurring between Joseph Smith’s work and the work of the “root of Jesse.” The second effort building upon the foundation set by Joseph Smith.
“...because every time there’s a covenant, there is always a land. And this is the land that God covenants He will give. And the people to whom He will give it are those that come back and receive the covenant, including the Gentiles in whose ears this first shall sound...if they will come. And coming unto the covenant—that is not yet possible. It requires more than has at present been given. It is possible to come in and become part of His church. It is possible, if you follow as you’ve been instructed today, to become part of the church He recognizes and will preserve. But coming fully into the covenant… That will require more than has at present be given. It will require a covenant. It will require adoption. It will require sealing. It was what Joseph looked forward to have happen at some point in the future during the days of his prophecy” (Preserving the Restoration, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.22, emphasis added).
“We don’t have time for that, and I don’t mean at this moment, this discussion. I’m talking about this point in history. If you cannot reconstruct the family through an adoption ordinance process the work cannot be accomplished. There just isn’t time. We’re in the process of walking back to how it was in the beginning. A lot of people think that by getting a New Testament church put on the ground that Joseph Smith accomplished the fulsome restoration. It was never intended to stop there, it’s supposed to go all the way back to the beginning. It’s a giant chiasm and it’s a giant mirror, and today we do not live 900 years. The way in which it will be rebuilt at the end is going to be by ordinance in the house of the Lord and a place that He has accepted. The only kinds of places that are legitimately the house of God are houses that God has come to, to dwell in, in order for those who seek His face to find Him. That happened at Kirtland. It never happened at Nauvoo or Salt Lake” (Cursed-Denied Priesthood, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.25, emphasis added).
“Joseph continued in this March 10th discussion teaching: ―in the days of Noah God destroyed the world by a flood & has promised to destroy it by fire in the last days but before it took place Elijah should first come & turn the hearts of the Fathers to the Children &c now comes the point what is this office & work of Elijah, it is one of the greatest & most important subjects that God has revealed, He should send Elijah to seal the children to the fathers & fathers to the Children. … I wish you to understand this subject for it is important & if you will receive it this is the spirit of Elijah that we redeam our dead & connect ourselves with our fathers which are in heaven & seal up our dead to come forth in the first resurrection & here we want the power of Elijah to seal those who dwell on earth to those which dwell in heaven. This quote divides mankind into three groups: First, us, the living, are required to do work using Elijah‘s guidance. Second, the ―fathers which are in heaven [Patriarchal Fathers] to whom we must have a bond to avoid being wasted at the Lord‘s return. Third, ―our dead who are intended to benefit from our connection and qualify to be resurrected into a saved line of priestly authorities stretching through us to the ―fathers which are in heaven. We must be sealed to ―the fathers which are in heaven in order to be saved. ―Our dead must be redeemed and sealed to us, that they may also inherit eternal life with us. Doing a sealing between our dead and ourselves, however, is not enough and only connects two of the three groups together. Until we are also connected to the third group, that is ―our fathers which are in heaven, we remain vulnerable to being ―utterly wasted at His coming. Joseph knew what he was talking about. He used the correct terms and outlined the correct path. We have just ignored it. Joseph continued: ―Again, the doctrin or sealing power of Elijah is as follows if you have power to seal on earth & in heaven then we should be Crafty, the first thing you do you go & seal on earth your sons and daughters unto yourself, & yourself unto your fathers in eternal glory, Notice that. You seal ―yourself unto your fathers in eternal glory! These are not your kindred dead, who have died without the Gospel are in the Spirit World, awaiting salvation from your efforts on their behalf. They do not live ―in eternal glory because their hopes are dependent upon you performing the required connections between them, you and ―the fathers who dwell in glory. This connection is to come, if it comes to us, from Elijah‘s return. Who are ―the fathers who dwell in glory? Well, go back to the revelation in which Joseph Smith received the sealing power, D&C 132:49. There you learn the sealing power was conferred upon Joseph by God‘s voice: ―I the Lord thy God will be with thee even unto the end of the world and through all eternity for verily I seal upon your exaltation. Prepare your throne for you in the kingdom of my Father, with Abraham your father. (Emphasis added.) This is Joseph‘s calling and election. Then, in verse 46 Joseph is given the power to seal: ―I say unto you whatsoever you seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven. Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth in my name by my word, saith the Lord, it shall be eternally bound in the heavens. Whosoever‘s sins are remitted on earth shall be eternally remitted eternally in heaven and so on. This reference to Christ‘s ―Father, and [Joseph‘s] father Abraham is important. The connection was made between Joseph and Abraham, one of the ―fathers who dwell in glory because as soon as Joseph received the sealing authority and was promised exaltation, the Lord immediately describes the effect of the Lord sealing Joseph to eternal life and exaltation. It connected Joseph with ―the fathers who dwell in glory. It made Joseph a living member of the family of the exalted. Just before this in verse 37, the revelation also clarifies the status of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Those three are among the ―fathers who dwell in glory in the heavens. As the revelation puts it: ―Because they did none other things in that which they were commanded they have entered into their exaltation according to the promises and sit upon thrones and are not angels but are Gods. (Emphasis added.) This is Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. These are the ones who are now Gods. The ―seals which Joseph tells us we should be ―crafty and use for our salvation, are what could connect us to the ―fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, who dwell in glory. They are part of the Family of God. They are among those who are exalted.” (The Mission of Elijah Reconsidered, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.29-30, emphasis added).
What is the Ensign the Root of Jesse Raises?
The “ensign” the “root of Jesse” has keys to raise[7] is a conduit between Heaven and Earth. John the Beloved stands at the bottom and Elijah at the top.
“There has to be an opening that occurs in order to prepare the way. The opening at this end is going to be handled by someone who has remained behind [John the Beloved], and the opening at the far end is going to be the one to whom the assignment was given to open the way for His return; Elijah, the one who was promised” (Zion Will Come, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.14, emphasis added).
Both John the Beloved and Elijah are translated beings having the right to traverse between Heaven and Earth as ministering angels performing the work of fulfilling the Father’s covenants.[8]
“The “ensign” that is prophesied to be established—in the context, in the meaning of that day—had reference to a zodiacal, a constellation, a depiction of the heavens themselves. So, when an ensign is going to be reared and it’s going to tell you about how to walk in the paths of God, this is talking about something very, very different than what most of us today would envision. Zion is going to be a connection between heaven and earth. And at that place, you will learn of the God of Jacob's ways, and you will walk in His paths—because Heaven and earth will be connected, and the stairway connecting the two will be open. And the heavens and the earth will be reunited again. And this is going to happen in the top of the mountains” (Zion, Denver Snuffer Jr., pp. 32-33, emphasis added).
For many who are familiar with the teachings of Joseph Smith, it should be noted that the reason piercing the veil between Heaven and Earth is difficult for those who followed after Joseph Smith is because Elijah has not opened the conduit. When the Lord’s words to Joseph Smith are fulfilled, all men willing to repent and turn to God will know Him[9] after Elijah returns.
“Here, then, we have finally arrived at Elijah‘s significance as the one who must first return. He was not the last one living who held the sealing power, though he did in fact possess it. Instead, he is vital as the last one to make the ascent from earth to heaven. He rose up through the fiery corridor, and went to God‘s presence. He joined the ―fathers in heaven who are to return. He last opened the way by his physical ascent. He will be the first to physically descend through the fiery corridor to return from heaven to dwell again on earth. His return will not be made in a temporary opening. We‘ve had plenty of those. His return will open a permanent, fixed stairway between the ―fathers in heaven and those who are prepared for the return of Zion. Zion will be overshadowed by the Lord‘s glory. The fiery corridor, or pillar of fire, or ladder to heaven, or conduit into heaven, or chariot of fire, will be opened by Elijah‘s descent. It will remain over Zion and will be visible there. It will not be temporary. It will be the place from which the first preparations for the Second Coming begin. At that location a small group will be prepared to endure this opening. They, and those called to join with them, will escape being ―utterly wasted at the unveiling of our Lord in glory at His return. It is Elijah who will restore the hearts of the fathers to the children or, in other words, he will reestablish the lost corridor between heaven and earth that connects those in heaven with those on earth. This fiery path needs to be opened beforehand. The path, once it opens, will allow men on the earth to be prepared for the coming again of those who are Zion above. Well, Elijah answers to this. Joseph continued in this March 10th discussion teaching: ―in the days of Noah God destroyed the world by a flood & has promised to destroy it by fire in the last days but before it took place Elijah should first come & turn the hearts of the Fathers to the Children &c now comes the point what is this office & work of Elijah, it is one of the greatest & most important subjects that God has revealed, He should send Elijah to seal the children to the fathers & fathers to the Children. … I wish you to understand this subject for it is important & if you will receive it this is the spirit of Elijah that we redeam our dead & connect ourselves with our fathers which are in heaven & seal up our dead to come forth in the first resurrection & here we want the power of Elijah to seal those who dwell on earth to those which dwell in heaven” (The Mission of Elijah Reconsidered, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.28, emphasis added).
Conclusion
It has been my experience that there are many men who tell me various conclusions that are wrong regarding the last days. There are few who boldly declare what is true. I have used a thimble to illustrate the depth of a singular cup of water from the ocean. If we fail to drink deeply from the cup, how can we expect God to carry us into the “great deep.”
“But at the horizon of the morning star, Jesus stood at the sacred entry; however the disciples could not recognize it was Jesus for the glory about Him. Then Jesus asked them, Children, have you celebrated the ritual meal? They answered Him, No. And He directed them and said, Approach the veil to the east and you will find what you seek. They approached the veil as instructed, and now they were overcome by the multitude of what was received. Therefore the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he quickly clothed himself (for he did not wear the apparel), and cast himself into the great deep. And the other disciples came into the ark and parted also the veil (for they were not bound by the limits of this world)” (RE Testimony of Saint John 12:15, emphasis added).
“I stand beside a great ocean and I cannot convey it to you. I am but a man and all I have is a cup with which to show you. If I labor all my life using my cup I can never convey the ocean to you. Using the limited talent and means I have, and with only a cup at a time, I can never convey enough to allow you to comprehend the ocean’s sheer size. My effort mocks the great ocean because my measure is too modest, comparatively microscopic. Using a cup, how can I ever portray the depth and pressure of the ocean? How can you ever discover its vast range of temperature in my small cup? How will you understand the relation between temperature and current, or the great power of the ocean’s current? How shall I explain the effect of the moon on the ocean’s tides when I have only a cup to declare it to you? How will the great diversity of both plant and animal life living in the ocean ever be understood when I have only a cup to show you? In the top 600 feet of the ocean lives 90% of known oceanic animal life, but the ocean is over 36,000 feet deep. Mount Everest rises 29,000 feet, and the ocean plunges down more than 7,000 feet beyond Everest’s height. If 90% of the animal life we know lives in less than the top 2% of the ocean, how much life is there in the oceans we know nothing about. Life we have not even a hint exists may thrive in abundance in depths completely hidden from our knowledge. The grandeur of Christ’s gospel makes my capacity to declare it pitiful. I confess my inability, and I fear I can never do enough to help this generation to awaken and arise. If I can help you grasp even a little of it, then let me point you to God who can do the rest. Men cannot utter what you need to learn. I am not capable, and it is not lawful” (Keep the Covenant-Do the Work, Denver Snuffer Jr.,, pp.6-7, emphasis added).
[1] “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, p.755, emphasis added).
[2] “Question: What is the Root of Jesse spoken of in the 10th verse of the 11th chapter [Isa. 5:4]?Answer: Behold, thus says the Lord: It is a descendant of Jesse as well as of Joseph, unto whom rightly [Patriarchal Fathers] belongs the Priesthood and the keys of the Kingdom, for an ensign and for the gathering of my people [family of God] in the last day” (RE T&C 129:3, emphasis added).
[3] “Now Melchizedek was a man of faith who wrought righteousness. And when a child, he feared God, and stopped the mouths of lions, and quenched the violence of fire. And thus, having been approved of God, he was ordained a high priest after the Order of the covenant which God made with Enoch, it being after the Order of the Son of God, which Order came not by man, nor the will of men, neither by father nor mother, neither by beginning of days nor end of years, but of God. And it was delivered unto men by the calling of his own voice, according to his own will, unto as many as believed on his name” (RE Genesis 7:18, emphasis added).
[4] “They’re hearing the Lord’s voice from what Alma is teaching to them because Alma is the one being sent by the Lord with the message. Therefore, when they hear the message from Alma, they are hearing the Lord. Like Enoch, Moses, and others who are “gods, even the sons of God,” Alma is now a living doorway for salvation. The Lord trusts him with His (God’s) message. Therefore, the words taught by Alma are delivered as the messenger of God. Whoever receives Alma likewise receives Christ. Jesus taught: He who receives you, receives me. …he who receives me, receives him who sent me. He that receives a prophet, in the name of a prophet, shall receive a prophet’s reward. …he that receives a righteous man, in the name of a righteous man, shall receive a righteous man’s reward (Matthew 5:8)” (The Holy Order, Part 2, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.43, emphasis added).
“Abraham was faithful to and showed respect for the head of the Holy Order before he could be initiated. Alma confirms “these ordinances were given” to induct a couple into the Order. It‘s not just laying on hands. More was and is required, and even Father Abraham, with all he had experienced, still needed these ordinances. Alma understood this subject and wrote truthfully about that. But Melchizedek, having exercised mighty faith and received the office of the High Priesthood according to the Holy Order of God, did preach repentance unto his people. And behold, they did repent. (Alma 10:1-2) Preaching repentance was and is the distinguishing role for the Holy Order in this world. In this description, we should ask: Who was identified as “his people?”—meaning Melchizedek’s people. I do not think it was just a random audience who heard him teach. I think “his people” were those few who heard him teach and responded by repenting. There were likely far more who heard him than who repented. As with any age in history, few will be gathered because only a few will ever respond and repent” (The Holy Order, Part 2, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.39, emphasis added).
[5] “. . . and with all your precious things of the earth, and build a house unto my name for the Most High to dwell therein. For there is not place found on the earth that he may come and restore again that which was lost unto you, or which he has taken away, even the fullness of the Priesthood” (RE T&C 141:10, emphasis added). The designated place was the Nauvoo Temple. When it was not completed and accepted by the Lord in similar fashion to the Kirtland Temple the fullness of the Priesthood was not restored. It will not be restored until Zion is established and a Temple constructed to fulfill this purpose.
[6] “Wherefore, the fruit of thy loins shall write, and the fruit of the loins of Judah shall write. And that which shall be written by the fruit of thy loins, and also that which shall be written by the fruit of the loins of Judah, shall grow together unto the confounding of false doctrines, and laying down of contentions, and establishing peace among the fruit of thy loins, and bringing them to the knowledge of their fathers in the latter days, and also to the knowledge of my covenants, saith the Lord. And out of weakness he [Joseph Smith] shall be made strong, in that day when my work shall commence among all my people, unto the restoring thee, O house of Israel, saith the Lord” (RE 2 Nephi 2:4, emphasis added).
[7] “Question: What is the Root of Jesse spoken of in the 10th verse of the 11th chapter [Isa. 5:4]?Answer: Behold, thus says the Lord: It is a descendant of Jesse as well as of Joseph, unto whom rightly belongs the Priesthood and the keys of the Kingdom, for an ensign and for the gathering of my people in the last day” (RE T&C 129:3, emphasis added).
[8] “And because he hath done this, my beloved brethren, hath miracles ceased? Behold, I say unto you, nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men. For behold, they [angels] are subject unto him, to minister according to the word of his command, shewing themselves unto them of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness. And the office of their ministry is to call men unto repentance, and to fulfill and to do the work of the covenants of the Father which he hath made unto the children of men, to prepare the way among the children of men by declaring the word of Christ unto the chosen vessels of the Lord, that they may bear testimony of him; and by so doing, the Lord God prepareth the way that the residue of men may have faith in Christ, that the holy ghost may have place in their hearts, according to the power thereof; and after this manner bringeth to pass the Father the covenants which he hath made unto the children of men. And Christ hath said, If ye will have faith in me, ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me. And he hath said, Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me, and be baptized in my name, and have faith in me, that ye may be saved” (RE Moroni 7:6, emphasis added).
[9] “Wherefore, I, the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph and spoke unto him from Heaven, and gave him commandment, and also gave commandments to others that they should proclaim these things unto the world. And all this that it might be fulfilled which was written by the prophets: the weak things of the world should come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh, but that every man might speak in the name of God, the Lord, even the Savior of the world, that faith also might increase in the earth, that my everlasting covenant might be established, that the fullness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world and before kings and rulers. Behold, I am God and have spoken it . . . And again, verily I say unto you, O inhabitants of the earth, for I, the Lord, am willing to make these things known unto all flesh, for I am no respecter to persons and will that all men shall know that the day speedily comes; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand, when peace shall be taken from the earth and the Devil shall have power over his own dominion; and also, the Lord shall have power over his saints, and shall reign in their midst, and shall come down in judgment upon Idumea, or the world” (RE T&C 54:4, 6, emphasis added).
Scott Roderick
6/4/24
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