I don’t profess to understand all that has been taught about the Holy Order. I have read Denver’s talks multiple times and continue to try and sort it out. This is a continuation of that effort. It should be of interest to all because:
“Generations have wanted to hear the words that are being taught today, and have not heard them. To hear them is to become accountable for receiving and then acting on what is taught” (The Holy Order Part 2, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.25, emphasis added).
We should all be more curious about understanding the Holy Order and its role in our Eternal lives.
The Temple endowment begins with the instruction Adam and Eve represent all men and women. By following the example of Adam and Eve, we are taught that we were with God before mortality and involved with the Father and Son prior to our birth.[1] We participated with Them in preparations for this Earth’s existence and became participants on Earth when we entered mortality in a state of innocence. As we witness the experiences shared by Adam and Eve, we should see their experiences as if they are our own experiences. They form a pattern by which mankind is recovered from the fall and ascend back to God’s presence.
In the endowment we are taught “by ordinance”[2] what to expect from our mortal experience and learn what must be done to return to God’s presence, becoming like Them. Life Eternal is to know God.
“Jesus spoke these words, and lifted up his eyes to Heaven and said, Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son also may glorify you, as you have given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as you have given him. And this is life eternal: that they might know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I have glorified you [the Father] on the earth. I have finished the work which you gave me to do. And now, O Father, glorify me with your own self with the glory which I had with you before the world was” (RE John 9:19, emphasis added).
Christ did not glorify Himself, but was glorified by the Father. Included in the glory given the Son, is the power to glorify others given to the Son by the Father. This power was held by the Father and shared with the Son. In essence, it is a form of adoption. The Son was given power over “all flesh” and those appointed by the Father and given to the Son enter the “Holy Order After the Son of God” becoming empowered to do the same to those whom the Son gives them.[3] By “giving them,” means they are adopted by anyone whom the Lord deems worthy to receive the Fathers children whom the Father had shared with the Son. Those received into the “Order After the Son of God,” are authorized to offer Eternal Life to those the Lord appoints, being adopted from the Savior’s family to an anointed Patriarch or “Father” in the Holy Order.[4]
This pattern was given to the Son, replicating the power and process existing in Heaven before the world began with our Heavenly Father. Adam received it from Christ, his physical father and successfully continued the pattern from father to son for ten generations that ended with the translation of Melchizedek or Shem, the son of Noah.[5] Until that time the “right of the Firstborn” passed genealogically by lineal descent from Father to Son. It was the right given to Adam who was the firstborn of the Son in mortality.[6] When Melchizedek and his city were prepared for translation to join Enoch and his city in Heaven, Abraham was adopted into the family of Melchizedek to continue the Holy Order on Earth. Abraham became the Father of the righteous by emerging from apostate conditions to become a Patriarch in the Holy Order and the conduit through which the Holy Order could continue through his posterity from time to time. When mankind is offered the opportunity to receive the Holy Order by God, it is done through Adam but they are gathered as Abraham’s seed.
“I [Christ] have explained your [the Father’s] title to the men you gave to me from out of the fallen creation. [They know the Father and Son, i.e., Eternal Life] They were yours at the beginning [pre-mortality], and you have given them to me as my offspring [adoption]. And they are devoted, prepared and always waiting to respond to your words [like the Savior]. Now [at the end of the Savior’s ministry] they understand and accept that every thing I have done and taught comes from you. For I have said to them the things you told to me. They are devoted to the truth and know I am your sent Messiah. I pray for them, and what I ask is for them and not the world, for they are yours [the Father’s]. And all who are devoted to me are yours, and you share with me, and I am their light [literal example to guide them into the blessings of the Holy Order].[7] I am soon to depart from this creation, but these followers will remain here as I return again to be with you. Holy Father, please watch over these like a sentinel. Protect and guard them using your power, so that they may be united as one, as we are united as one. While I accompanied them in the world [others condescended with the Lord to Earth], I shared light with them in your name [Jesus was the literal vicarious representative of the Father in mortality in word and deed. He did only as the Father directed in all things]. Every one you gave to me I have kept, and none of them will be lost to us, other than the son of perdition. Those who are kept and those who are lost are divided according to your covenant made from the beginning”[Patriarchal Order, Holy Order]. (RE T&C 171, Testimony of Saint John 10:30-31, emphasis added).
In the Savior’s prayer to the Father, He provides a critical summary of what it is He accomplished here in mortality. Everything Jesus did and taught was exactly as the Father would have done had the Father personally entered mortality. It was the perfect example of Patriarchy without any innovation by Jesus. The Savior was in the “express” image of the Father[8] in appearance. No doubt a constant source of comfort to His Mother, Mary, the Father’s wife.[9]
The life and mortal ministry of Jesus was coming to a close. His disciples were instructed openly and prepared to fulfill the work of the Father, following the Savior’s instruction. The disciples were not in the express image of the Savior, as the Savior was the Father. Their eventual outcome and all mankind is to be conformed into the image of the Father and Son and be one with them.
“And if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the holy ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have charity. For if he have not charity, he is nothing; wherefore, he must needs have charity. And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all. For all things must fail, but charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth for ever. And whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with them. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope; that we may be purified, even as he is pure. Amen” (RE Moroni 7:9, emphasis added).
The Test is Always the Same
“The test is always the same for each of us. We all are required to accept truth from unlikely sources. We all are required to see the Lord’s hand in our lives. It will be inconvenient, even homely, at times. Not at all what we would expect, coming from where we were not looking, and asking us to do things which are difficult. Either we respond and follow Him, or we do not, and find Him a “stumbling block” and “rock of offense.” He doesn’t change, nor does His test for us change. He will always be the inconvenient Messiah, requiring faith to follow Him” (Snuffer Jr., Denver C.. Nephi's Isaiah . Mill Creek Press. Kindle Edition, pp.215-216, emphasis added).
When Denver notes the test is always the same, we may not fully appreciate how long the test has been the same. That “always” really is always. The test for us is twofold. We are required to accept truth from unlikely sources and do difficult things. These tests began before we were born into mortality.
In the pre-mortal council in Heaven, a plan was proposed by Heavenly Father. When the plan was introduced, there were opposing responses to the Father’s proposal.
“And the Lord said, Who shall I send? And one answered like unto the Son of Man, Here am I, send me. And another answered and said, Here am I, send me. And the Lord said, I will send the first. And the second was angry and kept not his first estate, and at that day many followed after him” (RE T&C 145, Abraham 6:3, emphasis added).
The Lord [the Father] selected the one most like Him and the second person proposing an alternate plan. Lucifer desired to usurp the throne, aspiring to the position without adequate qualification. He became angry when his alternate proposal was rejected. His anger was an outward manifestation of his inward desire to ascend over the one prepared and chosen. To be included in the council, one had to be of significant standing, someone accomplished in their own right. However, Lucifer was not equal to one “like unto God.” But merit alone was not the sole measure of the man. It was necessary to have one who was “like unto God” to accomplish the extra-mortal task required. To represent the Father vicariously on Earth, someone who could emulate the Father, setting a perfect example was necessary. It was essential and required for the salvation of mankind that they be capable of offering the perfect sacrifice for all.
“And I, the Lord God, spoke unto Moses, saying, That Satan whom you have commanded in the name of my Only Begotten is the same who was from the beginning. And he came before me, saying, Behold, I, send me. I will be your Son and I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost [suspending the agency of man]. And surely I will do it. Wherefore, give me your honor. But behold, my Beloved Son, who was my beloved and chosen from the beginning, said unto me, Father, your will be done, and the glory be yours for ever. Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me [the Father], and sought to destroy the agency of man which I, the Lord God, had given him, and also that I should give unto him my own power, by the power of my Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down. And he became Satan [10], yea, even the Devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, even as many as would not listen unto my voice” (RE Genesis 2:15, emphasis added).
The Father’s plan gave agency to mankind, which is necessary for man’s existence.
“Man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be. All truth is independent in that sphere in which God has placed it to act for itself, as all intelligence also; otherwise, there is no existence. Behold, here is the agency of man, and here is the condemnation of man, because that which was from the beginning [pre-mortality] is plainly manifest unto them, and they receive not the light, and every man whose spirit receives not the light is under condemnation . . .” (RE T&C 93:10, emphasis added).
Satan was ill prepared to become the literal embodiment of the “Word of God,” doing only that which conformed to the will of the Father in mortality. Lucifer sought for the appointment without the required faith and preparation. He proposed an alternate plan because he unwilling to perform the Atonement for mankind the Father’s plan required. Nor be the “light” leading mankind by example. To cover his shortcomings, Satan proposed an alternate plan, ultimately conferring the Father’s glory to him. Vain glory. The plan could not succeed because the children of God would forfeit their agency the Father gave them and their existence would cease.
Satan’s plan was the opposite of the Father’s plan of Patriarchy. Father’s, in the truest sense sacrifice for the success of their offspring, even willingly surrendering their lives. Satan’s plan was the opposite. Rather than declaring His work and glory is to bring about the immortality and eternal life of man[11], Satan’s plan sacrificed all God’s children to glorify himself.
Satan’s plan was contrary to the Father’s, subjecting mankind to his will rather than freeing them to ascend and be conformed in the image of the Father and Son endlessly. The Father rejected Satan and his plan and Satan and his followers were cast out to Earth to tempt and torment mankind.
These events are essentially repeated here on Earth as Satan proposes alternatives to the Father’s “plan of happiness”[12] with the intent of subjecting others to his will. He tempts us with rewards of power, wealth, personal gratification and prestige. In exchange for his rewards we surrender the agency God gave us and control of our eventual outcome.
In the scriptures we see this drama played out in the various battles over birthright. Nephi was divinely appointed by God to receive Lehi’s birthright[13] because he followed the pattern of the Savior. Nephi willingly received his father’s counsel and by following the teachings of his “goodly parents,”[14] he connected with God and returned to Their presence.
In contrast to his elder brother’s, Laman and Lemuel, Nephi was submissive to his father, consistent with the Patriarchal Order and obtained great knowledge and the presence of God.
“And it came to pass that as I, Nephi, went forth to slay food, behold, I did break my bow which was made of fine steel; and after I did break my bow, behold, my brethren were angry with me because of the loss of my bow, for we did obtain no food. And it came to pass that we did return without food to our families. And being much fatigued because of their journeying, they did suffer much for the want of food. And it came to pass that Laman, and Lemuel, and the sons of Ishmael did begin to murmur exceedingly because of their sufferings and afflictions in the wilderness; and also my father began to murmur against the Lord his God; yea, and they were all exceeding sorrowful, even that they did murmur against the Lord. Now it came to pass that I, Nephi, having been afflicted with my brethren because of the loss of my bow, and their bows having lost their springs, it began to be exceeding difficult, yea, insomuch that we could obtain no food. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did speak much unto my brethren because they had hardened their hearts again, even unto complaining against the Lord their God. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did make out of wood a bow, and out of a straight stick an arrow; wherefore, I did arm myself with a bow and an arrow, with a sling and with stones. And I said unto my father, Whither shall I go to obtain food? And it came to pass that he did inquire of the Lord, for they had humbled themselves because of my words; for I did say many things unto them in the energy of my soul. And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came unto my father, and he was truly chastened because of his murmurings against the Lord, insomuch that he was brought down into the depths of sorrow.
And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord said unto him, Look upon the ball and behold the things which are written. And it came to pass that when my father beheld the things which were written upon the ball, he did fear and tremble exceedingly, and also my brethren, and the sons of Ishmael, and our wives. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the pointers which were in the ball, that they did work according to the faith, and diligence, and heed, which we did give unto them. And there was also written upon them a new writing which was plain to be read, which did give us understanding concerning the ways of the Lord; and it was written and changed from time to time according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it. And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did go forth up into the top of the mountain, according to the directions which were given upon the ball. And it came to pass that I did slay wild beasts, insomuch that I did obtain food for our families. And it came to pass that I did return to our tents bearing the beasts which I had slain; and now when they beheld that I had obtained food, how great was their joy! And it came to pass that they did humble themselves before the Lord and did give thanks unto him” (RE 1 Nephi 5:7-8, emphasis added).
In difficult circumstances Nephi remained faithful to the Lord and his father whom the Lord appointed. He taught, encouraged and nurtured his father and brethren to exercise greater trust and faith in the Lord. Nephi’s recognition of his father’s patriarchal position remained steadfast, even when Lehi murmured against the Lord.
From Cain and Abel,[15] to Jacob and Esau[16] and Nephi and Laman and Lemuel,[17] the issue of birthright was an ongoing point of contention because of their lack of understanding the Lord’s economy. Birthright was never an issue of birth order but an issue of who was spiritually prepared and faithful to the Lord and his servants to qualify for the right to the Holy Order.
The debate over who is rightful heir clouds the real issue. The real issue is who is most prepared and willing to follow the Father’s direction and sacrifice with exactness for the well-being of Their [God’s] posterity. In the Savior’s prayer to the Father, He made it clear that “every thing I have done and taught comes from you” [the Father]. Not only was the Savior compliant with the Father’s will, the Savior said of His disciples who carry on the Father's work after the Lord’s departure, they were prepared and willing to do the same.
“And they are devoted, prepared and always waiting to respond to your words [like the Savior]. Now [at the end of the Savior’s ministry to them] they understand and accept that every thing I have done and taught comes from you. For I have said to them the things you told to me. They are devoted to the truth and know I am your sent Messiah . . .” (RE T&C 171, Testimony of Saint John 10:30-31, emphasis added).
The disciples knew everything the Lord had done and taught came from the Father. In the Lord’s prayer to the Father, the Lord bore testimony to the Father His disciples were devoted to the truth and know with certainty He is the Messiah sent by the Father.
The Lord witnesses to the Father His disciples are prepared to continue the Father’s work and pursue it after the Lord’s ascension. That is not to say they do it perfectly, but the degree they do so determines whether or not they become “one” with the Father and Son.
“Holy Father, please watch over these like a sentinel. Protect and guard them using your power, so that they may be united as one, as we are united as one” (Ibid).
The disciples were not perfect in following the Father’s will, as the Savior was. Still, with divine guidance, diligence and willing submission they underwent an evolution in thought and spiritual growth eventually, like Christ, gaining the mind of the Father.
“. . . the Son being filled with the fullness of the mind, glory, and power, or in other words, the spirit, glory, and power of the Father — possessing all knowledge and glory, and the same kingdom: sitting at the right hand of power, in the express image and likeness of the Father — a mediator for man — being filled with the fullness of the mind of the Father, or in other words, the spirit of the Father, which spirit is shed forth upon all who believe on his name and keep his commandments. And all those who keep his commandments shall grow up from grace to grace and become heirs of the Heavenly kingdom and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ, possessing the same mind, being transformed into the same image or likeness, even the express image of him who fills all in all: being filled with the fullness of his glory, and become one in him, even as the Father, Son, and holy spirit are one” (RE T&C 110, Lectures on Faith, Lecture fifth, verse 2, emphasis added).
Christ provides the pattern for us to follow. What is the pattern? It is to do the will of the Father in all things. The question is, “How literally are we expected to follow the Savior’s example.” The Lord is not vague on this question.
“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 proceeds forth from the mouth of God. For the word of the Lord is truth, and whatever is truth is light, and whatever is light is spirit, even the spirit of Jesus Christ. And the spirit gives light to every man that comes into the world, and the spirit enlightens every man through the world that hearkens to the voice of the spirit, and everyone that hearkens to the voice of the spirit comes unto God, even the Father. And the Father teaches him of the covenant which the Father has renewed and confirmed upon you, which is confirmed upon you for your sakes, and not for yours only, but for the sake of the whole world.
And the whole world lies in sin and groans under darkness and under the bondage of sin, and by this you may know they are under the bondage of sin, because they come not unto me, for whoever comes not unto me is under the bondage of sin. And whoever receives not my voice is not acquainted with my voice and is not of me. And by this you may know the righteous from the wicked, and that the whole world groans under sin and darkness, even now” (RE T&C 82:18-19, emphasis added).
The Lord admonishes us to “give diligent heed” to His words and to “live by every word” that proceeds from the mouth of God. His words are truth, spirit and light. If we heed them they lead us to God the Father and to a covenant with Him. Those who diligently heed this light, spirit and truth are drawn to the Father organically, intuitively. We discern if a person is under the bondage of sin and darkness by whether or not they heed His voice and come to Him. If they don’t, they are under the bondage of sin.
For many, the grace of Christ is like a magic wand waved over us when we sin. It cleans the slate and off we go to our next mistake. What should be understood about the grace of Christ is it is not like a mulligan in golf. It doesn’t allow you to pick up your ball and place it in a better “lie.” Perhaps the more accurate perspective is to think of it in the context of the Heavenly Council when the Father proposed His plan for the salvation of men. The Savior didn’t quibble over details. He was straightforward in His commitment to do the will of the Father in all things. Anytime we vary from the Father’s plan, or the plan of happiness, we in essence become like Satan, proposing an alternate plan.
The grace of Christ provides us a net under the trapeze of life. The more diligent heed we give to the words of life, the less we have need of the net. Once we follow the words of light and truth they lead us to the Father and He teaches us the covenant, we receive His Spirit and become one with the Father and Son.
“Verily I say unto you, he that is ordained of me and sent forth to preach the word of truth by the Comforter, in the spirit of truth, does he preach it by the spirit of truth or some other way? And if by some other way, it is not of God. And again, he that receives the word of truth, does he receive it by the spirit of truth or some other way? If it be some other way, it is not of God. Therefore, why is it that you cannot understand and know that he that receives the word by the spirit of truth, receives it as it is preached by the spirit of truth? Wherefore, he that preaches and he that receives, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together. And that which does not edify is not of God, and is darkness. That which is of God is light, and he that receives light and continues in God receives more light, and that light grows brighter and brighter until the perfect day” (RE T&C 36:4, emphasis added).
We increase in light, truth and spirit if we learn to discern between what is sent by God from what is not sent by Him. Lehi’s dream of the Tree of Life uses the metaphor of an “iron rod.” One may take hold of God’s word and navigate through the mists of darkness [Satan’s lies and deceptions] that cloud our vision, deceiving and blocking the path. Ultimately it leads us to the fruit of the Tree of Life and God’s love.[18]
[1] “[The Holy Order] was first given to Adam;6 he obtained the [first presiding position on the Earth], and held the keys of it from generation to generation. He obtained it in the Creation, before the world was formed, as in Genesis 1:26, 27, 28. He had dominion given him over every living creature. He is Michael the Archangel, spoken of in the Scriptures. Then to Noah, who is Gabriel; he stands next in authority to Adam in the [Holy Order]; he was called of God to this office, and was the Father of all living in his day, and to him was given the dominion. These men held keys first on earth, and then in heaven. The [Holy Order] is an everlasting principle, and existed with God from eternity, and will to eternity, without beginning of days or end of years. The keys have to be brought from heaven, whenever the Gospel is sent. When they are revealed from Heaven, it is by Adam’s authority.7 (The Holy Order Part 2, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.3, emphasis added).
[2] “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, 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” (RE T&C 82:12, emphasis added).
[3] “Melchizedek, was a ‘king and priest’ and “stood as God to give laws to the people, administering endless lives to the sons and daughters of Adam” and from him Abraham received the required initiation into the Holy Order” (The Holy Order Part 2, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.5, emphasis added).
“In the land of the Chaldeans, at the residence of my father, I, Abraham, saw that it was needful for me to obtain another place of residence. And finding there was greater happiness, and peace, and rest for me, I sought for the blessings of the Fathers and the right whereunto I should be ordained to administer the same. Having been myself a follower of righteousness, desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge, and 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, yea, even from the beginning (or before the foundations of the earth) to the present time, even the right of the firstborn (or the first man — who is Adam — or first Father) through the Fathers unto me. I sought for my appointment unto the Priesthood according to the appointment of God unto the Fathers concerning the seed” (RE T&C 145, 1:1, emphasis added).
[4] “Abraham was adopted as son to Melchizedek, which made Melchizedek father to Abraham. Subsequently, all those who were added to the line holding the fullness of the Priesthood became adopted descendants to Abraham. That is why it is written they “shall rise up and bless you, as unto their Father” (The Holy Order Part 2, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.7, emphasis added).
[5] “[290] See D&C 138: 41, where Melchizedek’s name is omitted and it states, “Shem, the great high priest.” Since Melchizedek was a new name, and belonged to the great high priest for whom priesthood was renamed, referring to Shem as “the great high priest” while leaving Melchizedek unmentioned supports the identity. Likewise, Elijah is mentioned (138:47) although he, like Shem/Melchizedek were translated or taken into heaven. Interestingly, Enoch is not mentioned” (Snuffer, Denver. Preserving the Restoration, p.121, emphasis added, Mill Creek Press. .
[6] “And this is the genealogy of the sons of Adam, who was the son of God, with whom God himself conversed. And they were preachers of righteousness, and spoke, and prophesied, and called upon all men everywhere to repent. And faith was taught unto the children of men” (RE Genesis 3:23, emphasis added).
[7] “The fullness of the Gospel was intended openly for everyone. In contrast, the “fullness of the Priesthood” (which is the Holy Order after the Order of the Son of God) is not something that was restored to the church Joseph Smith organized, nor is it publicly available, nor is it intended for everyone. It may serve everyone, but will never be held by everyone” (The Holy Order Part 2, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.2, emphasis added).
[8] “God, who at sundry times and in diverse manners spoke in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he has appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds, who — being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power — when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high, being made so much better than the angels, as he has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they” (RE Hebrews 1:1, emphasis added).
[9] “Most who read this passage interpret the condescension reference solely as Christ’s. They view it as Christ alone who descended by being borne of Mary here in mortality. However, when leading up to the angel’s question, Knowest thou the condescension of God? the text focuses exclusively on Mary. When the angel clarified the condescension, he again focused primarily on Mary and secondarily on Her Son. The angel explained: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh. And it came to pass that I beheld that she was carried away in the Spirit; and after she had been carried away in the Spirit for the space of time the angel spake unto me, saying: Look! And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms. And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God.(1 Nephi 11:18-21; see also 1 Nephi 3:8-9 RE, emphasis added) Who would you reasonably expect to be the woman chosen before the world was organized to become the mortal Mother of the Lord? Who would you expect Heavenly Father would want to bear His child if not His Spouse? Together, God the Father and Mary can be acknowledged as the Parents of Christ. The scriptures shift the focus of the condescension from Christ to His Mother and then back to Her Son, the seed of the woman” (Our Divine Parents, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.17, emphasis added)
[10] “Accusing someone is Satanic. One of the titles for Satan is “the accuser of the brethren.” Jr. Snuffer, Denver C.. The Second Comforter: Conversing With the Lord Through the Veil (p. 274). Mill Creek Press. Kindle Edition.
[11] “And the Lord God spoke unto Moses of the heavens, saying, These are many and they cannot be numbered unto man, but they are numbered unto me for they are mine. And as one earth shall pass away, and the heavens thereof, even so shall another come. And there is no end to my works, neither my words. For behold, this is my work and my glory: to bring to pass the immortality and the eternal life of man . . .” (RE Genesis 1:7, emphasis added).
[12] “O all ye old men, and also ye young men, and you little children who can understand my words — for I have spoken plain unto you that ye might understand — I pray that ye should awake to a remembrance of the awful situation of those that have fallen into transgression. And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God; for behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual. And if they hold out faithful to the end, they are received into Heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true, for the Lord God hath spoken it” (RE Mosiah 1:12, emphasis added).
[13] “And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceeding young, nevertheless, being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore I cried unto the Lord. And behold, he did visit me and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers. And I spake unto Sam, making known unto him the things which the Lord had manifested unto me by his holy spirit. And it came to pass that he believed in my words. But behold, Laman and Lemuel would not hearken unto my words. And being grieved because of the hardness of their hearts, I cried unto the Lord for them. And it came to pass that the Lord spake unto me, saying, Blessed art thou, Nephi, because of thy faith, for thou hast sought me diligently with lowliness of heart. And inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments, ye shall prosper and shall be led to a land of promise, yea, even a land which I have prepared for you, a land which is choice above all other lands. And inasmuch as thy brethren shall rebel against thee, they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord. And inasmuch as thou shalt keep my commandments, thou shalt be made a ruler and a teacher over thy brethren. For behold, in that day that they shall rebel against me, I will curse them even with a sore curse, and they shall have no power over thy seed except they shall rebel against me also. And if it so be that they rebel against me, they shall be a scourge unto thy seed to stir them up in the ways of remembrance” (RE 1 Nephi 1:9, emphasis added).
[14] “I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father” (RE 1 Nephi 1:1, emphasis added).
[15] “This was a conflict that involved who would inherit the Holy Order. Satan wanted to destroy the plan of God. If he could gain control over the right of dominion, and make the coming Messiah subject to a patriarch who would support Satan’s ambition, he hoped to still prevail in the conflict over this creation. Cain could have repented and retained his right to inherit from Adam. God offered him that. Adam and Eve also urged Cain to repent. Abel pled with Cain to repent.39 Cain rejected them all, took a wife and left the company of his parents and brother Abel” (The Holy Order, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.9, emphasis added).
[16] “While Rebekah was pregnant with twins, her unborn sons struggled within her. She prayed to know the cause of her difficulties and learned that the younger would rule over the elder.33 This answer stayed with her, and when the time came she acted consistent with God’s voice to her.34 Even though it required her to supplant Isaac’s intention to set Esau ahead of Jacob, it was Rebekah’s right as the mother. Rebekah preferred Jacob because of revelation. Her preference for him is mentioned before Esau sold his birthright. We do not know if Esau sold his birthright because Rebekah put that idea in Jacob’s mind beforehand, or if Jacob wanted the birthright separate from his mother’s influence. But Rebekah’s decision is mentioned before Jacob obtained it. Her involvement directly resulted in her unwary husband conferring the blessing on Jacob” (Our Divine Parents, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.8, emphasis added).
[17] “And it came to pass that Ishmael died and was buried in the place which was called Nahom. And it came to pass that the daughters of Ishmael did mourn exceedingly because of the loss of their father and because of their afflictions in the wilderness. And they did murmur against my father because he had brought them out of the land of Jerusalem, saying, Our father is dead. Yea, and we have wandered much in the wilderness, and we have suffered much afflictions, hunger, thirst, and fatigue; and after all these sufferings we must perish in the wilderness with hunger. And thus they did murmur against my father and also against me; and they were desirous to return again to Jerusalem. And Laman said unto Lemuel, and also unto the sons of Ishmael, Behold, let us slay our father, and also our brother Nephi who has taken it upon him to be our ruler and our teacher, who are his elder brethren. Now he says that the Lord has talked with him, and also that angels have ministered unto him. But behold, we know that he lies unto us; and he tells us these things, and he worketh many things by his cunning arts, that he may deceive our eyes, thinking perhaps that he may lead us away into some strange wilderness. And after he has led us away, he has thought to make himself a king and a ruler over us, that he may do with us according to his will and pleasure. And after this manner did my brother Laman stir up their hearts to anger. And it came to pass that the Lord was with us, yea, even the voice of the Lord came and did speak many words unto them and did chasten them exceedingly. And after they were chastened by the voice of the Lord, they did turn away their anger and did repent of their sins, insomuch that the Lord did bless us again with food, that we did not perish” (RE 1 Nephi 5:10, emphasis added).
[18] “And after he had said these words, he said unto me, Look. And I looked, and I beheld the Son of God a going forth among the children of men; and I saw many fall down at his feet and worship him. And it came to pass that I beheld that the rod of iron which my father had seen was the word of God, which led to the fountain of living waters, or to the tree of life, which waters are a representation of the love of God. And I also beheld that the tree of life was a representation of the love of God” (RE 1 Nephi 3:10, emphasis added.
Scott Roderick
6/25/2024
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