Elephants in the Room - Part 1

          Some became Covenant Christians by seeing contradictions between revelations and teachings of Joseph Smith and narratives that survived him. Among the more prominent is how leadership misinterpreted the Lord’s revelations received by Joseph Smith. The revelation is used to reinforce their authority and compel obedience through fear which is contrary to the revelation.

          One example is the application of D&C 121:34-46 [now RE T&C 139:5-6]:

“Behold, there are many called [ordained], but few are chosen [commissioned and empowered by God], and why are they not chosen [commissioned and empowered]? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson — that [the lesson:] the rights of the Priesthood are inseparably connected with the Powers of Heaven and that the Powers of Heaven cannot be controlled nor handled, only upon the principles of righteousness. That they may be conferred upon us [called, ordination], it is true, but when we undertake to cover [hide] our sins or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control, or dominion, or compulsion, upon the souls of the children of men in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the Heavens withdraw themselves, the spirit of the Lord is grieved, and when it [the spirit of the Lord] is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man [ordination is terminated]. Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks [some believe this refers to kicking against a cactus with an open toed shoe, self-inflicted pain], to persecute the saints [by applying compulsion and expulsion by abuse of authority], and to fight against God [becomes an “accuser” like Satan]. We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men [and women, when authority is granted], as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose [unconfirmed, not chosen by God], they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. Hence many are called, but few are chosen.

No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue [authority] of the priesthood; only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned, by kindness and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul; without hypocrisy and without guile; reproving betimes with sharpness when moved upon by the holy ghost, and then showing forth afterward an increase of love toward him whom you have reproved (lest he esteem you to be his enemy), that he may know that your faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death; your bowels also being full of charity toward all men, and to the household of faith [those closest to us are often the most challenging]; and virtue garnish your thoughts unceasingly [attributes of Jesus Christ, obtaining the mind of the Father, attained through spiritual rebirth].

Then shall your confidence wax strong in the presence of God [1]; 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 [emblem of kingship] an unchanging scepter of righteousness [you learn the one lesson of Priesthood empowerment, individual righteousness] and truth, and your dominion [inheritance] shall be an everlasting [without beginning of days or end of years, sealing power] dominion, and without compulsory means [because “no power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the Priesthood compulsion] it shall flow unto you for ever and ever” (D&C 121:34-46, RE T&C 139:5-6; emphasis added).

Application of this passage will be discussed later in this paper. The passage is cited to illustrate how proof texting [2] is used to transfigure the intended meaning and its application. To understand how this passage is misapplied, one need only consider how leadership has interpreted a single phrase. The phrase:

“. . . Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints, and to fight against God” (D&C 121:38, RE T&C 139:5; emphasis added).

The “he” spoken of in this passage applies to those “called” by ordination. Ordination is defined as:

“An invitation; not the same thing as receiving the power of the Priesthood. “When you walk through the lives of all these priestly men, you see there is a two-fold event. First is an ordination [“called”]. Then later there is empowerment or ratification of the ordination by Heaven [“chosen,” after learning the one lesson of righteousness]. Ordination involves men. Empowerment involves the Heavens. In the case of Nephi’s brother Jacob, who was ordained by Nephi, we see the pattern set out. Jacob explains about his ordination by his brother [“called”], and then later confirms, he firstly obtained mine errand from the Lord [“chosen”] (CofC Jacob 1:4). There is a difference between the invite extended through ordination, and the blessing that comes when the power is conferred by Heaven” (A Glossary of Gospel Terms, Ordination, second edition, p.226; emphasis added).

The passage in D&C 121 begins with a declaration “. . . there are many called but few are chosen.” The verses following the declaration are specifically targeting people “called” [ordained] to leadership positions. Those ordained by men who display the following characteristics are those for whom the Priesthood is self-terminated upon the Holy Ghost’s withdrawal from them.

1.    cover [hide] their sins

2.    gratify our pride, our vain ambition

3.    exercise control, or dominion, or compulsion, upon the souls of the children of men in any degree of unrighteousness

“. . . the Heavens withdraw themselves, the spirit of the Lord is grieved, and when it [the spirit of the Lord] is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man [ordination is self-terminated by their unrighteous behavior].”

It is common for men and women to leave institutions, criticizing the institution after departing. So common the saying was adopted: “They leave the institution but can’t leave the institution alone.” When this happens the reference from D&C 121 is frequently applied. Use of this passage in this manner is a misappropriation of the original intent. This specifically refers to termination of “authority” of the Priesthood bearer. Only those bearing Priesthood hold “authority” that can be cancelled. The Lord’s intent for this revelation is to act as a guide for leadership. It is contorted to deflect responsibility away from leadership. It implies leadership has infallible authority to compel obedience from the collective body without accountability. This directly contradicts the Lord’s declaration:

“No power or authority can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the Priesthood.”

            Proof texting this passage led to a growing presumption there are no limits and no checks to leadership’s authority. Leadership is self-regulated and accountable only to God. It is implied by leadership and presumed by membership everything they implement is the manifestation of divine will. Not unlike the infallibility of the Pope in Catholicism.

The chain of logic supporting the assumption is Priesthood keys passed successively without interruption.  Included with those keys is power to seal the living and dead eternally. This premise has been perpetuated throughout modern history. The institutional narrative assumes their authority extends to termination of familial ties in eternity for non-compliance. [3] In effect, leaders teach God grants them divine authority to condemn the general body for disobedience to leaderships directives. This practice defies the Lord’s warning that Priesthood authority to compel others self-terminates their Priesthood. [4] According to the Lord, their ordination is revoked when the Holy Ghost withdraws from them and they become as Saul in the days of David. [5] Thereafter, leadership absent divine authority are left to their own judgment. They persecute rather than serve those they are called to serve. Ultimately fighting directly against God because they impose their will in God’s name. They are guilty of priestcraft, because they set themselves up as a light to persuade others to follow them; like the man in Lehi’s dream. [6]

Confusing Conundrum

          The following passage is a conundrum because of its less than stellar track record for success. The Lord observed His and the experience of others regarding mankind applying these principles:

“. . .We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion [seek to gratify their pride and vain ambition through compulsion of others]. Hence many are called, but few are chosen” (RE T&C 139:5; emphasis added).  

“Almost all men.” Let that sink in. It has been the e3xperience of the Lord and His servants [“We”] that “almost all men” after receiving authority immediately exercise “unrighteous dominion [ruling by compulsion, threats].” One would think an omniscient God would be wise enough to find an alternative way to achieve success. The process explained in D&C 121 [T&C 139] is God’s standardized test for godhood. Like passing a camel through the eye of a needle. [7] 

I’m reminded of the scene in the movie “Dumb and Dumber” when Jim Carrey says to Lauren Holly:

“What do you think the chances are of a guy like you and a girl like me ending up together? She responds: Well, Lloyd that’s difficult to say. Lloyd pleads with her to, “Hit me with it, give it to me straight! I came a long way just to see you Mary, the least you can do is level with me. What are my chances?” Mary replies, “Not good!” Lloyd asks, “You mean not good, like 1 out of a 100?” Mary answers, “More like 1 out of a million.” Lloyd smiles and says, “So you’re telling me there’s a chance!”     

After that sobering thought it’s helpful to revisit Nephi’s statement regarding the Lord employing no servant at the gate:

“My dear people, remember how awful it is to transgress against that holy God and how awful it is to yield to the temptations of that crafty one. Remember, to be carnally minded is death but to be spiritually minded [turn to Christ and His Atonement] is life eternal. My dear people, listen carefully to my words and remember the greatness of the Holy One of Israel. Don’t claim I’ve spoken harshly against you. Because if you do, you’ll reject the truth, since I’ve spoken your Maker’s words. I know the truth is blunt about all uncleanliness, but the righteous aren’t afraid of it, because they love the truth and aren’t shaken. Then, my dear people, come to the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that His paths are righteousness [the “one lesson” we must learn]. The way for man is narrow, but it lies in a straight course before him. And the gatekeeper is the Holy One of Israel, and He doesn’t use any servant there. There’s no other way except through the gate, and He can’t be deceived since His name is the Lord God. He’ll open to whoever knocks. And the worldly, the educated, and those who are rich, who are inflated with pride because of their knowledge, education, and wealth — they’re the ones He looks down upon. And unless they abandon these things and consider themselves fools before God, and come down in the depths of humility, He won’t allow them through the gate. Real wisdom and real understanding will be hidden from them forever, and shared only with the holy ones to give them joy” (CofC 2 Nephi 6:11; emphasis added).

Considering the magnitude of the task at hand and limited possibility for success, Nephi counsels us to “remember the greatness of the Holy One of Israel.” Greatness, because He has done what we could not, either for ourselves or others. He made it possible to save both. Nephi’s counsel is to set aside the realization of attempting salvation on our own and lay our fears on the altar before Savior. The Lord warned there would be few who find the way:

“Repent therefore and enter in at the strait gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many there are who go in thereat, because strait is the gate and narrow the way that leads unto life, and few there are that find it” (RE Matthew 3:45;emphasis added).

For us to remove the condemnation the Lord pronounced upon His people[8] we need to be aware of where we stand prophetically. We need context to understand where we are in relation to where the Lord intends us to advance.

Prophetic Context

          The prophecy from Nephi “after He has revealed Himself to the Jews [Israel] and to the Gentiles, He’ll then appear to the Gentiles and to the Jews [Israel].” [9] Joseph Smith explained this prophecy in a letter to the editor in some detail. [10] Initially Israel rejected the Savior’s offer of the greater covenant. Neither Israel nor the Jews accepted His offer. Following Israel’s rejection the covenant was taken to the Gentiles. They accepted the Lord’s offer but failed to continue with the covenant.

          The Lord foretold of a “day in David” (the name of this website), when Israel would have the Lord’s laws written in their hearts and they would become a willing people. They become the Lord’s covenant people in that day.

          The outcome for the latter-day Gentiles is not as promising. For them Joseph explained:

“. . . the Gentiles have not continued in the goodness of God, but have departed from the faith that was once delivered to the Saints, and have broken the covenant in which their fathers were established and have become high-minded, and have not feared; therefore, but few of them will be gathered with the chosen family [Israel].”

Israel rejected the Lord’s initial covenant offer but, will in the end, accept it. The greater covenant provides access to the knowledge and mysteries of God. It includes transforming mortal men into God’s image and standing in His presence. Joseph Smith explained there are significant consequences for rejecting an offer of this magnitude.

“. . .When God offers a blessing or knowledge to a man, and he refuses to receive it, he will be damned. The Israelites prayed that God would speak to Moses and not to them; in consequence of which he cursed them with a carnal law” (Smith Jr., Joseph. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (p. 369; emphasis added). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Moses led Israel to the base of Sinai to introduce them into God’s presence. Fearing thunder and lightning at the top of the mountain, Israel refused to follow Moses. They were not rejecting Moses but God.

          The Lord revealed to Joseph Smith His response to Israel upon their rebellion:

“And this greater Priesthood administers the gospel and holds the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God. Therefore, in the ordinances thereof the power of godliness is manifest [how mankind is transformed into the image of God], and without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the Priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto man in the flesh, for without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live.

Now, this, Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God, but they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence. Therefore, the Lord, in his wrath (for his anger was kindled against them) swore that they should not enter into his rest — which rest is the fullness of his glory — while in the wilderness.

Therefore, he took Moses out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also. And the lesser priesthood continued, which priesthood holds the key of the ministering of angels, and the preparatory gospel, which gospel is the gospel of repentance, and of baptism, and the remission of sins, and the law of carnal commandments, which the Lord in his wrath caused to continue with the house of Aaron, among the children of Israel, until John,[11] whom God raised up, being filled with the holy ghost from his mother’s womb. For he was baptized while he was yet in his childhood, and was ordained by the angel of God at the time he was eight days old unto this power: to overthrow the kingdom of the Jews, and to make straight the way of the Lord before the face of his people, to prepare them for the coming of the Lord, in whose hand is given all power” (RE T&C 82:12-14; emphasis added).

The consequences for Israel’s covenant rejection were damning. The covenant offer of the “greater Priesthood” was removed from Israel. Moses, the Lord’s messenger of the greater covenant was also taken. Without the ordinances the Lord sought to reveal at Sinai and the authority born by Moses, Israel forfeited their opportunity to see God and overcome spiritual death.

In place of Moses and the greater Priesthood the Lord gave Israel the law of carnal commandments. Twice it was noted the lesser law was given in the Lord’s wrath. The lesser, Aaronic law remained in place until John the Baptist was sent by the Lord. John’s role was to prepare the way for the Savior and “overthrow the kingdom of the Jews.”

To this day the Jews have no sense John the Baptist reclaimed the kingdom for the Lord. Still, the Lord knows and His acknowledgment is the only one that matters.

Why is this relevant to our day? Because the latter-day Gentiles suffer from the same fate as ancient Israel in the days of John. That is why Joseph Smith declared:

“. . . the Gentiles have not continued in the goodness of God, but have departed from the faith that was once delivered to the Saints, and have broken the covenant in which their fathers were established and have become high-minded, and have not feared; therefore, but few of them will be gathered with the chosen family.”

According to Joseph, the Gentiles provoke the Lord to anger because of unbelief, as did Israel anciently. What evidence supports the notion the Gentiles repeated the mistakes of Israel? The obvious answer is the Lord allowed Joseph and Hyrum Smith to be taken prior to the completion of the Nauvoo Temple. Were their lives in the Lord’s hand? Of course the Lord could deliver them but He chose not to. Was the greater Priesthood taken with them? According to the Lord it was but the Lord promised to restore the Priesthood fullness if they completed the Nauvoo Temple with His acceptance. [12]

“. . .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).

Like the Jews of modern Israel, the Gentiles of Joseph Smith’s day continue observing the Aaronic covenant or vicarious representation before the Lord [follow the prophet]. The Lord referred to the “fullness of the Priesthood” that was “taken away.” Modern Gentiles persist in claiming the greater Priesthood contrary to the fact the Temple in Nauvoo was not complete or accepted by the Lord after its dedication.

          What evidence confirms the Nauvoo Temple was not dedicated? The Lord’s pattern for accepting a temple dedication was not evident. The Saints knew how to discern when a temple was accepted by the Lord. They successfully completed the Kirtland Temple and received a resounding response.

“On the third day of April 1836, Joseph and Oliver were in the temple in Kirtland, Ohio. The veil was taken from their minds and the eyes of their understanding were opened. They saw the Lord in his glory standing above them and the breastwork of the pulpit; and under his feet appeared as it were a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber. His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:

I am the Alpha and the Omega; I am he who was slain, I am he who lives; I am your advocate with the Father.

Behold, your sins are forgiven you; you are clean before me, therefore, lift up your heads and rejoice. Let the hearts of your brethren also rejoice, and let the hearts of all my people rejoice, who have, with their might, built this house to my name. For behold, I have accepted this house and my name shall be here, and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house. Yea, I will appear unto my servants, and speak unto them with mine own voice, if my people will keep my commandments, and do not pollute this holy house.

Behold and see: The hearts of thousands and tens of thousands shall greatly rejoice in consequence of the blessings that shall be poured out and the endowment with which my servants will be endowed in this house. Behold, the fame of this house shall spread to foreign lands; and this is the beginning of the blessings I shall pour out upon my people. Even so. Amen” (RE T&C 157:26-29; emphasis added).

The Nauvoo Temple was dedicated but the Lord never appeared. There were no Heavenly manifestations to suggest the building was accepted by the Lord. Instead of blessings, the saints were driven out of Nauvoo and suffered greatly thereafter. This was in fulfillment of the warning given to Joseph Smith by the Lord:

“And truly I say unto you, let this house be built unto my name that I may reveal my ordinances therein unto my people, for I deign to reveal unto my church things which have been kept hid from before the foundation of the world, things that pertain to the dispensation of the fullness of times. And I will show unto my servant Joseph all things pertaining to this house and the Priesthood [fullness] thereof, and the place whereon it shall be built. And you shall build it on the place where you have contemplated building it, for that is the spot which I have chosen for you to build it. If you labor with all your mights, I will consecrate that spot that it shall be made holy. And if my people will hearken unto my voice and unto the voice of my servants whom I have appointed to lead my people, behold, truly I say unto you, they shall not be moved out of their place.” (RE 141:13; emphasis added).

A brief historical review determines if the Priesthood fullness was restored. According to contemporary accounts it is possible to determine if the saints of Joseph Smith’s day were moved out of their place, if they experienced blessings or cursings, if they suffered God’s wrath, indignation, and judgments, and if they committed “follies” and “abominations” before the Lord by His observation?

1.    The Lord never appeared and accepted the Nauvoo Temple as in Kirtland.

2.    The Savior’s failure to appear suggests it is reasonable to conclude He never fulfilled His “oaths” and “promises”: “. . .that I may reveal my ordinances therein unto my people, for I deign to reveal unto my church things which have been kept hid from before the foundation of the world, things that pertain to the dispensation of the fullness of times.”

3.    Were they moved out of their place?

4.    Did they pollute “My holy ground?” If they were doing abominable acts and “follies” before Him, one can only conclude it was polluted and not accepted.

5.    Instead of blessings, by their own works did they “suffer cursings, wrath, indignation, and judgments on their heads?”

6.    Is it plausible to believe one can ignore historical facts and presume the blood of Christ and a bottomless checking account is sufficient justification. Is it reasonable to ignore the prophecies, injustices, abominations, hypocrisy and demeaning Joseph Smith’s legacy to defend contrived succession claims.

Assuming these events represent a bygone era and modern Gentiles are more enlightened is a dangerous course. Modern Gentiles are in a spiritual eclipse (as observed and foretold by Joseph Smith) while Israel grows in power and light, having the laws of God written in their hearts.

Under the Aaronic practices among modern Gentiles, preparations  for the Second Coming of Christ are inadequate. Living the Aaronic covenant when the Priesthood fullness is required places the Gentiles at risk of becoming kindling when Christ and His entourage return.

“There are two Priesthoods spoken of in the Scriptures, viz., the Melchizedek and the Aaronic or Levitical. Although there are two Priesthoods, yet the Melchizedek Priesthood comprehends the Aaronic or Levitical Priesthood, and is the grand head, and holds the highest authority which pertains to the priesthood, and the keys of the Kingdom of God in all ages of the world to the latest posterity on the earth; and is the channel through which all knowledge, doctrine, the plan of salvation and every important matter is revealed from heaven. Its institution was prior to "the foundation of this earth, or the morning stars sang together, or the Sons of God shouted for joy," and is the highest and holiest Priesthood, and is after the order of the Son of God, and all other Priesthoods are only parts, ramifications, powers and blessings belonging to the same, and are held, controlled, and directed by it. It is the channel through which the Almighty commenced revealing His glory at the beginning of the creation of this earth, and through which He has continued to reveal Himself to the children of men to the present time, and through which He will make known His purposes to the end of time” (Smith Jr., Joseph. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (p. 188, emphasis added). (Function). Kindle Edition.

The “fullness of the Priesthood” the Lord promised to restore was contingent on His acceptance of the Temple in Nauvoo. Prior to the Temples completion a lesser, Aaronic Priesthood prevailed. The presence of the Aaronic Priesthood independent of the Melchizedek Priesthood has no power to save.

“. . .Respecting the Melchizedek Priesthood, the sectarians never professed to have it; consequently they never could save any one, and would all be damned together. There was an Episcopal priest who said he had the priesthood of Aaron, but had not the priesthood of Melchizedek: and I bear testimony that I never have found the man who claimed the Priesthood of Melchizedek. The power of the Melchizedek Priesthood is to have the power of "endless lives"; for the everlasting covenant cannot be broken” (Smith Jr., Joseph. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (p. 368; emphasis added). (Function). Kindle Edition.

The purpose of the Aaronic Priesthood [13] is the preparatory portion of the Melchizedek Priesthood. Only when the Aaronic Covenant leads to the Melchizedek fullness can mankind secure blessings of eternal life.

“. . .instructing [not conveying to] them in the principles and order of the Priesthood, attending to washings, anointings, endowments and the communication of keys [not conveying] pertaining to the Aaronic Priesthood, and so on to the highest order of the Melchizedek Priesthood, setting forth the order pertaining to the Ancient of Days [Adam], and all those plans and principles by which any one is enabled to secure the fullness of those blessings which have been prepared for the Church of the Firstborn [14] [separate from the Church of Jesus Christ], and come up and abide in the presence of the Eloheim in the eternal worlds. In this council was instituted the ancient order of things for the first time [will be more?] in these last days. And the communications I made to this council were of things spiritual, and to be received only by the spiritual minded: and there was nothing made known to these men but what will be made known to all the Saints of the last days, so soon as they are prepared to receive, and a proper place is prepared to communicate them, even to the weakest of the Saints; therefore let the Saints be diligent in building the Temple, and all houses which they have been, or shall hereafter be, commanded of God to build; and wait their time with patience in all meekness, faith, perseverance unto the end, knowing assuredly that all these things referred to in this council are always governed by the principle of revelation [direct communication with God]. (May 4, 1842.) —DHC 5:1-2” (Smith Jr., Joseph. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (pp. 269-270, emphasis added). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Revelation of the “highest order of the Melchizedek Priesthood” for all is contingent on the collective body diligently completing the Nauvoo Temple. Post martyrdom events suggest that was never realized.

Absent the Lord’s appearance and acceptance of the Temple in Nauvoo, and revelation of hidden knowledge by the Savior, it is a dangerous leap of logic to presume the Priesthood fullness was revealed. There is an absence of an expanding body of revelation since the deaths of Joseph and Hyrum Smith.

If the keys held by these brothers survived their deaths, the power of those keys should be manifest in the same pattern present when they were alive. The Doctrine and Covenants should have expanded dramatically as opposed to the Bishops handbook of instructions.

Hundreds of temples have been constructed throughout the world yet apostles and institutional presidents [15] lament how the Lord has never withdrawn His condemnation of the institution and their inability to distribute priesthood power. Apparently the one lesson has yet to be learned about the “rights of the Priesthood being inseparably connected to the powers of heaven.” They may be conferred [through ordination] but priesthood power is only manifest in righteousness. If power is absent, so is righteousness.

The question of Priesthood succession after Nauvoo is of great importance today. Two hundred years have passed, numerous buildings constructed, vast wealth accumulated, millions of ordinances performed. This is all for nought if God rejected the Temple in Nauvoo. This question is more important than names on membership roles, faithful tithing settlement, and abstaining from coffee and alcohol. The institutions claiming authority to preserve or condemn, asserting their authority to secure family relationships in eternity have no such authority from God. The price paid in blood, sacrifice and treasure make the question too difficult to consider. The consequences of not addressing the question are more terrible if we believe the Lord absolves us of responsibility. He expects us to act wisely when our salvation and the salvation of our loved ones hang in the balance.

Our time for clicking together the ruby red slippers has arrived. Are we living in Oz and is it time for God to draw back the wizard’s curtain and expose the truth. The Covenant of Christ has warned of this day all along. What price are we willing to pay to be liberated by the truth and embrace the prophetic destiny the Lord offers. Part 2 explores that destiny.

[1] “And again, truly I say unto you, and I say it that you may know the truth, that you may chase darkness from among you. For he that is ordained of God and sent forth [chosen], the same is appointed to be the greatest, notwithstanding he is least and the servant of all. Wherefore, he is possessor of all things, for all things are subject unto him both in Heaven and on the earth: the life and the light, the spirit and the power, sent forth by the will of the Father through Jesus Christ, his Son. But no man is possessor of all things except he be purified and cleansed from all sin [learn the “one lesson.” These powers can only be handled and controlled in righteousness]. And if you are purified and cleansed from all sin, you shall ask whatever you will in the name of Jesus, and it shall be done. But know this, it shall be given you what you shall ask” (RE T&C 36:5; emphasis added).

[2] “Proof texting is the practice of using isolated, out-of-context quotations from a document-most commonly the Bible-to justify a specific doctrine, belief, or argument. This method often disregards the original intent, literary genre, and historical setting of the passage, sometimes leading to misinterpretation” (AI Overview; emphasis added).

[3] “. . . Then, my dear people, come to the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that His paths are righteousness. The way for man is narrow, but it lies in a straight course before him. And the gatekeeper is the Holy One of Israel, and He doesn’t use any servant there. There’s no other way except through the gate, and He can’t be deceived since His name is the Lord God. He’ll open to whoever knocks. . .” (2 Nephi 6:11; emphasis added).

[4] “The outcome of this struggle was inevitable. Power has its limits that those in power seem to ignore. Throughout history, those in power lose their claim to legitimacy through their abuse. The theme is embedded in LDS scripture. D&C 121:34-42. Therefore it would seem much easier for LDS Mormonism to avoid making Catholic mistakes, but the allure of power is blinding. As one writer recently stated: “‘It has been said that most revolutions are not caused by revolutionaries in the first place, but by the stupidity and brutality of governments,’ Sean MacStiofain, the provisional IRA’s first chief of staff once said, looking back on those early years. ‘Well, you had that to start with in [Northern Ireland], all right.” (Malcom Gladwell, David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants, Little, Brown and Company, (New York, 2013), p. 204.) “And when the law is applied in the absence of legitimacy, it does not produce obedience. It produces the opposite. It leads to backlash.” (Id., at p. 222.) Often it is the most reluctant who are drawn into battle with the powers wrongly seeking to control what is not their right to even influence, much less dictate, like the conscience of a man. Religion in particular is ill fitted to do more than give advice, letting men and women govern themselves” (Snuffer, Denver. Preserving the Restoration (Function) pp. 427-428, footnote 1137; emphasis added). Kindle Edition.

“John Taylor, the third president of the Church, once overheard a member of the Illinois Legislature, who was visiting Nauvoo, speaking to the prophet Joseph Smith. The gentleman asked the Prophet Joseph how he was “enabled to govern so many people and to preserve such perfect order, remarking at the same time it was impossible for them to do it anywhere else.” “Mr. Smith remarked that it was very easy to do that. ‘How?’ responded the gentleman; ‘to us it is very difficult.’ Mr. Smith replied, ‘I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves.’” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, (2011), 281–91; emphasis added).

“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. When God offers a blessing or knowledge to a man, and he refuses to receive it, he will be damned. The Israelites prayed that God would speak to Moses and not to them; in consequence of which he cursed them with a carnal law” (Smith Jr., Joseph. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (p. 369, emphasis added). (Function). Kindle Edition.

[5] “Now he was ruddy, and of a beautiful countenance, and handsome to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him, for this is he. Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brethren, and the spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up and went to Ramah. But the spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit which was not of the Lord troubled him. And Saul’s servants said unto him, Behold, now an evil spirit which is not of God troubles you. Let our lord now command your servants who are before you to seek out a man who is a skilled player on a harp. And it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit which is not of God is upon you, that he shall play with his hand and you shall be well. And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well and bring him to me” (RE 1 Samuel 7:18-19; emphasis added).

[6] “He commands there to be no priestcrafts. Priestcrafts are when preachers set themselves up as a light to the world, so they can make money and receive praise from the world, but they have no desire for Zion to advance. The Lord has forbidden priestcrafts. So the Lord God has commanded everyone to have charity — that is, love — and unless they have charity, they’re nothing. As a result, if they had charity, they wouldn’t allow those who labor in Zion to waste away. But laborers in Zion must work for the good of Zion since they’ll perish if they work only for money. . .” (CofC 2 Nephi 11:17; emphasis added).

Priestcraft is not defined by all the behaviors described in this passage. Priestcraft is defined by the presence of one or all of these attributes. It was present in Joseph Smith’s day among the apostles called but not chosen in his day:

“Ever keep in exercise the principle of mercy, and be ready to forgive our brother on the first intimations of repentance, and asking forgiveness; and should we even forgive our brother, or even our enemy, before he repent or ask forgiveness, our heavenly Father would be equally as merciful unto us. Again, let the Twelve and all Saints be willing to confess all their sins, and not keep back a part [“cover their sins and vain ambitions”]; and let the Twelve be humble, and not be exalted, and beware of pride, and not seek to excel one above another, but act for each other's good, and pray for one another, and honor our brother or make honorable mention of his name, and not backbite and devour our brother. Why will not man learn wisdom by precept at this late age of the world, when we have such a cloud of witnesses and examples before us, and not be obliged to learn by sad experience everything we know. Must the new ones that are chosen to fill the places of those that are fallen, of the quorum of the Twelve, begin to exalt themselves, until they exalt themselves so high that they will soon tumble over and have a great fall, and go wallowing through the mud and mire and darkness, Judas-like, to the buffetings of Satan, as several of the quorum have done, or will they learn wisdom and be wise? O God! give them wisdom, and keep them humble, I pray. When the Twelve or any other witnesses stand before the congregations of the earth, and they preach in the power and demonstration of the Spirit of God, and the people are astonished and confounded at the doctrine, and say, "That man has preached a powerful discourse, a great sermon," then let that man or those men take care that they do not ascribe the glory unto themselves, but be careful that they are humble, and ascribe the praise and glory to God and the Lamb; for it is by the power of the Holy Priesthood and the Holy Ghost that they have power thus to speak [when that occurs]. What art thou, O man, but dust? And from whom receivest thou thy power and blessings, but from God? [chosen, empowered by Heaven]” (Smith Jr., Joseph. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (pp. 174-175; emphasis added). (Function). Kindle Edition.

High office in Joseph Smith’s day did not translate to infallibility among their quorums. Why and what is different from them and quorums today?

[7] “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Truly I say unto you that a rich man shall difficultly enter into the kingdom of Heaven. And again I say unto you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When his disciples heard this, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld their thoughts and said unto them, With men, this is impossible; but if they will forsake all things for my sake, with God, whatever things I speak are possible” (RE Matthew 9:23; emphasis added).

[8] “And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received, which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation. And this condemnation rests 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 remains a scourge and a judgment to be poured out upon the children of Zion, for shall the children of the kingdom pollute my holy land? Truly, truly I say unto you, Nay” (RE T&C 82:20; emphasis added).

[9] “. . . At a future time, He’ll reveal Himself to all nations, both to the Jews and to the Gentiles [first half]. And after He has revealed Himself to the Jews and to the Gentiles, He’ll then appear to the Gentiles and to the Jews. The last will be first and the first will be last” (CofC 1 Nephi 3:24; emphasis added).

[10] “The time has at last arrived when the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, has set his hand again the second time to recover the remnants of his people [Israel], which have been left from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea, and with them to bring in the fulness of the Gentiles, and establish that covenant with them, which was promised when their sins should be taken away. See Isaiah 11; 7, and also 8. This covenant has never been established with the house of Israel, nor with the house of Judah, for it requires two parties to make a covenant, and those two parties must be agreed, or no covenant can be made. Christ, in the days of His flesh, proposed to make a covenant with them, but they rejected Him and His proposals, and in consequence thereof, they were broken off, and no covenant was made with them at that time. But their unbelief has not rendered the promise of God of none effect: no, for there was another day limited in David, which was the day of His power; and then His people, Israel, should be a willing people;—and He would write His law in their [Israel’s] hearts, and print it in their thoughts; their sins and their iniquities He would remember no more. The Covenant to the Gentiles Thus after this chosen family had rejected Christ and His proposals, the heralds of salvation said to them, "Lo we turn unto the Gentiles"; and the Gentiles received the covenant, and were grafted in from whence the chosen family were broken off; but the Gentiles have not continued in the goodness of God, but have departed from the faith that was once delivered to the Saints, and have broken the covenant in which their fathers were established (see Isaiah 24:5); and have become high-minded, and have not feared; therefore, but few of them will be gathered with the chosen family. Have not the pride, high-mindedness, and unbelief of the Gentiles, provoked the Holy One of Israel to withdraw His Holy Spirit from them, and send forth His judgments to scourge them for their wickedness? This is certainly the case” (Smith Jr., Joseph. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (pp. 13-14, emphasis added). (Function). Kindle Edition.

[11] “. . . He sent his angel to declare unto Zacharias that his wife Elizabeth should bear him a son, whose name was to be called John. The keys of the Aaronic Priesthood were committed unto him, and he was as the voice of one crying in the wilderness saying: "Prepare ye the way of the Lord and make his paths straight." The Kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, etc. The kingdom of heaven continueth in authority until John. The authority taketh it by absolute power. John having the power took the Kingdom by authority” (Smith Jr., Joseph. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (p. 365). (Function). Kindle Edition.

[12] “But if they will not hearken to my voice, nor unto the voice of these men whom I have appointed, they shall not be blessed, because they pollute my holy grounds, and my holy ordinances and charters, and my holy words which I give unto them. And it shall come to pass that if you build a house unto my name and do not do the things that I say, I will not perform the oath which I make unto you, neither fulfill the promises which you expect at my hands, says the Lord. For instead of blessings, you, by your own works, bring cursings, wrath, indignation, and judgments upon your own heads, by your follies and by all your abominations which you practice before me, says the Lord” (D&C 124:46-48, RE T&C 141:14; emphasis added).

[13] “Largely the purpose of Aaronic priesthood is to curse people,

and the purpose of the Melchizedek priesthood is to bless people. Aaronic priesthood is a

fairly durable kind of priesthood. It was what was involved in all kinds of rites and

performances under the Law of Moses which were pretty easy to run afoul of and wind up

in a state of uncleanliness or ceremonial condemnation, and you had to renew – heavens,

the High Priest had to renew. He was the top of the pyramid. You had to go through the Day

of Atonement ceremonies, you had to purge from top to bottom, and then everyone was

expected to purge with some regularity. Even a woman’s regular monthly cycle resulted in

ceremonial uncleanliness requiring renewal. Childbirth was considered something that

required a sacrifice and a ceremonial cleansing. Every time you turned around under the

Law of Moses you became unclean, and every time you turned around under the Law of

Moses you had to fetch another animal, run up to the temple, offer sacrifice, and undo the

ceremonial uncleanliness. The purpose of the Aaronic priesthood ministry was to bring you

under condemnation regularly. Well, it’s pretty durable precisely because of its

functionality.

When the Aaronic priesthood was restored a promise was given or a timeframe for its

persistence was described, depending on whether you listen to the Oliver Cowdery account

or the Joseph Smith account. It’s supposed to endure that the sons of Levi may yet offer an

offering in righteousness unto the Lord, or until the sons of Levi do offer an offering unto

the Lord in righteousness. Well, that event has not occurred. It’s persistent.

Joseph Smith said all priesthood is Melchizedek but there are different portions or degrees

of it. When you carve it all the way down to the least of these, the Aaronic priesthood, it

holds the keys of the ministering of angels. Angels were the source from which priesthood

was restored. Angels in turn can lead people to the Son of God. The Son of God can take a

person to the throne of the Father. Every bit of what is to be accomplished through

priesthood is possible [but not guaranteed] to achieve so long as you get Aaronic priesthood into the hands of

someone. Looking at the lay of the land today there are not many who can say that they

have been in fellowship with angels or realized the blessings of Aaronic priesthood. There

are fewer still who can say that they have been in fellowship with Christ, and there are only

a small handful who have been in fellowship with the Father. That doesn’t matter because

everything that is necessary in order to start down the pathway comes as a consequence of

receiving some portion of priesthood.

In my own case I reckon four lines of priesthood. I reckon one from Aaronic ordination. I

reckon another from Melchizedek and ordination as an Elder, and I reckon another, as

happenstance with habit, priesthood was conferred again when I became a high priest, and

then the fourth is something that involved God himself. But I don’t think I would have

gotten the fourth without accepting all of the work that had been left behind by the prophet

Joseph Smith and respecting the patterns that had been put here. True enough, they’ve

been corrupted. True enough, they’ve been compromised, but God’s plan for His children is

capable of being accomplished and the work that God begins is resilient enough to overcome a lot of failure” (Cursed - Denied Priesthood, Denver Snuffer, Page 12; emphasis added).

[14] “Those who have been adopted into the Family of God and are part of the hosts of heaven. This requires a sealing ordinance and covenant” (A Glossary of Gospel Terms, Church of the Firstborn, second edition, p.61; emphasis added).

[15] “President Benson’s administration as President of the Church has been punctuated by his repeated and fervent pleas for all of us to study the Book of Mormon on a daily basis for the rest of our lives. For example, in his conference address to the members of the Church in the solemn assembly where he was sustained as President of the Church, he said:

The Lord inspired His servant Lorenzo Snow to reemphasize the principle of tithing to redeem the Church from financial bondage. . . .

Now, in our day, the Lord has revealed the need to reemphasize the Book of Mormon to get the Church and all the children of Zion out from under condemnation—the scourge and judgment. (See D&C 84:54-58.) This message must be carried to the members of the Church throughout the world. [ “A Sacred Responsibility,” Ensign, May 1986, p. 78] (Almost all of President Benson’s words quoted herein are also found in his book A Witness and a Warning [Deseret Book Company, 1988].)

President Benson has often referred to the condemnation that section 84 of the Doctrine and Covenants describes as being imposed on the Saints for neglect of the Book of Mormon. This revelation was given to the Church in September 1832, just two and one-half years after the Church was organized. In verses 43-44, the Lord declared:

And I now give unto you a commandment to beware concerning yourselves, to give diligent heed to the words of eternal life.

For you shall live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.

Verses 45 through 47 affirm the truth of the word of the Lord, the enlightenment given to all by the Spirit, and the fact that all who hearken to the Spirit come unto God the Father. Verse 48 then refers to the gospel covenant:

And the Father teacheth him of the covenant which he has renewed and confirmed upon you, which is confirmed upon you for your sakes, and not for your sakes only, but for the sake of the whole world.

Verses 49 through 53 describe the sin and darkness of those who do not come to God and hearken to his voice.

The succeeding verses, 54-58, describe the circumstances of some early members of the Church.

And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received—

Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church 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.

Along with other General Authorities, I have a clear recollection of the General Authority temple meeting on March 5, 1987. For a year President Benson had been stressing the reading of the Book of Mormon. Repeatedly he had quoted these verses from the Doctrine and Covenants, including the Lord’s statement that the Saints’ conduct had “brought the whole church under condemnation” (D&C 84:55). In that temple meeting, President Benson reread those statements and declared, “This condemnation has not been lifted, nor will it be until we repent” (remarks by President Ezra Taft Benson, General Authority Temple Meeting, Thursday, 5 March 1987). He also repeated his declaration of a year earlier that, in our day, the Lord has inspired his servant to reemphasize the Book of Mormon to get the Church out from under condemnation” (see Ensign, May 1986, p. 78).

“We have done very well at distributing the authority of the priesthood. We have priesthood authority planted nearly everywhere. We have quorums of elders and high priests worldwide. But distributing the authority of the priesthood has raced, I thing, ahead of distributing the power of the priesthood. The priesthood does not have the strength that it should have and will not have until the power of the priesthood is firmly fixed in the families as it should be” [as opposed to learning the one lesson in D&C 121:36]. (President Boyd K. Packer, The Power of the Priesthood, April 2010; emphasis added).

Scott Roderick

1/25/26

Elephants in the Room Part 1.pdf

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