Israel Awakes and Arises : Part 5 - Three Royal Generations in the Covenant of Christ

          Initial papers on this subject laid the foundation for Parts 5 and 6. Three Nephite kings, Mosiah, Benjamin and Mosiah [grandson] reflect personal attributes and events of the latter-day Davidic king. Their collective reign over the people of Zarahemla represent a pattern for Israel’s gathering in the last days. The account of three monarchs provides a foundation for a new covenant made with God when the reign of kings concludes. Thereafter, Alma the younger and sons of Mosiah become the type for latter-day Israel’s gathering from the Gentiles. All of Israel’s people are joined with all of Abraham’s descendants in and out of the covenant to fulfill both Father’s covenant promises from the Lord. Admission into latter-day Israel or the family of God is not according to lineage, only personal righteousness.

          A primary attribute among three Nephite kings is in the manner they reign over their people. All three labor for their own support without compensation from their people. They are not like Gentile kings exerting power and extracting support. Like the Savior, they and the Davidic king follow the Lord’s instruction that, “He that is greatest among you shall be your servant.”[1] When Pilate confronted Jesus by asking if he was king of the Jews, the Lord directed Pilate’s attention to a kingdom not of this world. [2] With examples of Mosiah and Benjamin, the title of king was not a result of personal aspirations being realized, but by common consent among the people with the Lord’s endorsement. [3]

Mosiah 1- Beginning of The Reign of Royal Seers, Spirit of Elias

          Mosiah led his people in an exodus from the land of Nephi. Their discovery of Zarahemla and uniting of people from Joseph and Judah occurred under Mosiah’s kingship. This is a seminal event with prophetic implications.

“Zarahemla’s people and Mosiah’s people united, and Mosiah was accepted as their king. During Mosiah’s rule, a large stone containing engravings was brought to him and he translated the engravings by God’s gift and power. They gave an account of a man named Coriantumr and his slaughtered people. This Coriantumr was discovered by Zarahemla’s people and he lived with them for nine months. The stone also mentioned Coriantumr’s ancestors — that the earliest ones had come from the tower when the Lord confused the people’s language. But the Lord’s justice resulted in severe judgments [destruction] on them, and their bones lay scattered in the land northward” (CofC Omni 1:8; emphasis added).

The stone delivered to Mosiah was written in a language unfamiliar to people of Zarahemla. Mosiah had in his possession an instrument given by God to His appointed servant. The covenant of Christ refers to this device as “interpreters,” also known as a “Urim and Thummim.”

          In a later account, Ammon and other contemporaries of Benjamin set out to find people of Zeniff who left Zarahemla, exploring the land and resettling in a distant part.

When Ammon encountered king Limhi and his people, he shared the teachings of king Benjamin. In effect, Ammon did for the people of Zeniff what Benjamin had done for Zarahemla. People in the land of Zeniff warred among themselves and killed a prophet of God. They were invaded by Lamanites and lived in bondage to them when Ammon arrived. After sharing the teachings of king Benjamin, Limhi brought 24 gold plates and breastplates made of brass and copper to Ammon.

          Limhi asked Ammon if he knew anyone who could translate the plates so they could learn the cause of the great destruction Limhi’s men found while searching for Zarahemla. Ammon explains Benjamin’s gift to Limhi and the role of a seer with “interpreters.”

“Ammon then replied: I can confidently inform you, king, about a man who’s able to translate the records. He possesses the means that allow him to see and translate ancient records, and this ability is a gift from God. These things are known as Interpreters, and no man can look into them unless God commands him to do so, in order to prevent him from seeing something he shouldn’t see and perishing. Whoever is commanded to look in them is called a seer. The king in Zarahemla is the one who’s been commanded to perform these tasks; he’s been given this special gift from God. The king [Limhi] declared that a seer is greater than a prophet [keep in mind this is Limhi’s first encounter with the subject of a seer]. Ammon explained that a seer is both a revelator and a prophet. No one can have a greater gift unless they possess God’s power, which is impossible, but a man can receive great power from God. A seer can know about the past and the future; the Interpreters can reveal everything — hidden secrets [including hidden secrets of wicked men] can be revealed, and unknown things can be uncovered. A seer can discover the unknown and reveal things that would otherwise remain unknown to us. This is how God has established a way for mankind to perform great miracles through faith; therefore seers are a benefit to their fellow men” (CofC Mosiah 5:13; emphasis added).

“Interpreters” are generally associated with seers and interpreting scripture. The purpose of seers and interpreters extends beyond the scope of translation and interpretation. Seers are revelators and prophets with vision reaching into the past, present, and future. [4] The composite of knowledge of the three categories is by definition “truth.” [5] 

          The role of seers and interpreters is relevant to Gentiles in the last days. Amid formidable wickedness among Gentiles are a small number who attain righteousness comparable to the brother of Jared. To those people the Lord endows at least one person and possibly more with the gift of seership. Their righteousness through obedience to God’s commandments qualifies them to receive these gifts.

“This is how God has established a way for mankind to perform great miracles through faith; therefore seers are a benefit to their fellow men.”

Righteous Gentiles who repent need the guidance of Heaven to navigate treacherously wicked circumstances in the last days. God has made provision to assist us when we earn His trust by our humility and willingness to receive what He offers.

“Now after they’ve [Nephites] all dwindled in unbelief and only Lamanites remain, who have rejected Christ’s gospel — I’ve been commanded to

hide them away again in the ground [record of the brother of Jared]. I’ve written on these plates the very things Jared’s brother saw. Greater things were never revealed than those things revealed to Jared’s brother. Therefore the Lord has commanded me to write them down and I’ve written them. He also commanded me to seal them up under His care. He has also commanded me to protect the ability to translate them, so I’ve sealed the Interpreters according to the Lord’s commandment. The Lord told me: They must not go to the Gentiles until they repent of their iniquity and become clean before the Lord. The Lord said: When they [Gentiles] exercise faith in Me, just as Jared’s brother did, so that they become sanctified in Me, then I’ll show them the things Jared’s brother saw, even providing all My revelations to them. This is what Jesus Christ said, who’s the Son of God the Father of the heavens and the earth, and everything in them” (CofC Ether 1:17; emphasis added).

A small number of Gentiles repent and become sanctified as the brother of Jared. When that qualification is met “I’ll show them the things Jared’s brother saw, even providing all my [the Lord’s] revelations” to the Gentiles in the last days.

          In addition to Moroni expressing the Lord’s intent to share the record of the brother of Jared and all of His revelations with the Gentiles, the Lord offers the following admonition to both the Gentiles and Israel:

“Those who refuse to believe My words won’t believe in Me, that I Am. And those who refuse to believe in Me won’t believe in the Father, who sent Me. For I Am the Father. I Am the light, the life, and the truth of the world. Come to Me, Gentiles, and I’ll show you the greater things, knowledge that’s hidden away because of unbelief. Come to Me, O house of Israel, and it will be revealed to you how the Father has great things in store for you from the foundation of creation that you haven’t received because of unbelief. When you move aside the veil of unbelief that causes you to remain in your awful state of wickedness and hardness of heart and blindness of mind, then the great and miraculous things that have been hidden away from you from the foundation of creation will come to you. When you call on the Father in My name with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then you’ll know, O house of Israel, that the Father remembers the covenant He made to your fathers. Then the revelations I had My servant John [the Beloved] write will be understood by everyone. [6] Remember, when you see these things, you’ll know that the time is near when they will be revealed. Therefore when you receive this record, you can know the Father’s work has begun throughout the land. So repent, everyone, throughout the world. Come to Me, believe in My gospel, and be baptized in My name. Because anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved, but anyone who doesn’t believe will be condemned. Signs will follow those who believe in My name. Those who are found faithful to My name on the last day will be blessed, for they’ll be lifted up to live in the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of creation. I Am the one who has spoken it. Amen” (CofC Ether 1:19; emphasis added).

The restoration of all things is a responsibility given to John the Beloved in the last days:

“Question: What are we to understand by the little book which was eaten by John, as mentioned in the 10th chapter of Revelation [Rev. 3:13]?

Answer: We are to understand that it was a mission and an ordinance for him [John the Beloved] to gather the tribes of Israel. Behold, this is Elias who, as it is written, must come and restore all things” (RE T&C 74:14; emphasis added).

John the Beloved is a translated being implying his membership in the Holy Order like Enoch. [7] Those familiar with priesthood functions will see what appears as a contradiction in priesthood order is an affirmation of the same order. If John the Beloved, a translated being is a member of the Holy Order, [Melchizedek Priesthood] how can he be an “Elias?”

The office of Elias is a function of the Aaronic Priesthood. [8] For John the Beloved to act in the capacity of Elias requires a condescension in priesthood. In a post resurrection conversation between the Lord and Peter, the latter asked the Lord what was to happen to John the Beloved. The Lord gave the following response:

“And the Lord said unto me, John, my beloved, what do you desire? For if you shall ask what you will, it shall be granted unto you. And I said unto him, Lord, give unto me power over death that I may live and bring souls unto you unto you. And the Lord said unto me, Truly, truly I say unto you, because you desired this, you shall tarry until I come in my glory, and shall prophesy before nations, kindreds, tongues, and people.

And for this cause the Lord said unto Peter, If I will that he [John the Beloved] tarry till I come, what is that to you? For he desired of me that he might bring souls unto me, but you desired that you might speedily come unto me in my kingdom. I say unto you, Peter, this was a good desire, but my beloved has desired that he might do more, or a greater work yet among men, than what he has before done; yea, he has undertaken a greater work. Therefore, I will make him as flaming fire and a ministering angel. He shall minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation who dwell on the earth, and I will make you to minister for him and for your brother James. And unto you three I will give this power and the keys of this ministry until I come. Truly I say unto you, you shall both have according to your desires, for you both joy in that which you have desired” (RE T&C 1, Joseph Smith History 13:18-19; emphasis added).

Expounding on this revelation to Joseph Smith about the role of John the Beloved, Denver Snuffer explains:

“Therefore, it [Holy Order] is withdrawn from mortal men from time to time. When not active among men, it only remains present [on earth] through John the Beloved. John was translated, acting thereafter only as an angelic minister. Because of this, he’s not free to openly preside. The Lord explained to Peter concerning John: I will make him as flaming fire and a ministering angel. He shall minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation [righteous mortals] who dwell on...earth… (Joseph Smith History 13:19 RE). John has ministered only “as a flaming fire and a ministering angel,” which circumscribes [limits] how and to whom his ministry is extended. He ministers “for those who shall be heirs of salvation who dwell on the earth,” or (as Moroni explained by quoting his father):

The office of their [ministering angels, Patriarchal Fathers] 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 [Aaronic] among the children of men by declaring the word of Christ unto the chosen vessels [righteous mortals] of the Lord, that they may bear testimony of him; and by so doing, the Lord...prepareth the way that the residue of men may have faith in Christ, that the holy ghost may have place in their hearts…. (Moroni 7:6 RE, emphasis added)

. . . Angels, including John [the Beloved], minister to chosen vessels. It’s the responsibility of mortal ministers to preach the message. The message must be accepted and acted on for faith in Christ. The Holy Order must be held again by mortals and must be returned voluntarily back to Christ in a second Adam-ondi-Ahman. That is the arrangement made before the foundation of the Earth. God gave dominion over the Earth to Adam, and Christ will receive back the right of dominion before His return in glory” (The Religion of the Fathers, Denver Snuffer Jr., pp.33-34; emphasis added).

John the Beloved, is a member of the Holy Order of the Priesthood and a ministering angel to mortals qualifying as “heirs of salvation,” or “chosen vessels.” Members of the Holy Order, (translated, not mortal) have limitations on their ability to preside on earth. They cannot preside but act only as the Lord’s messengers to mortals who obtain the Holy Order in mortality. [9] King Benjamin is an example of a “chosen vessel” and “heir of salvation” by virtue of an angel’s ministration and commission to him.

          The angels [Patriarchal Fathers] deliver words of Christ to mortal counterparts presiding on earth. After receiving words of Christ from translated Patriarchs, mortal members of the Patriarchy deliver to their followers the Lord’s directions. This brings us to king Benjamin and the next step in Priesthood progression for the king and his subjects.

King Benjamin- The Spirit of Elijah

          Earlier it was noted that John the Beloved kept personal records of events leading to the worlds end. In addition to John’s personal record, Nephi observed that John reveals prophetic events to others as well. Those to whom John showed these events recorded them and gave their accounts to John for preservation. John the Beloved is a keeper of records.

          John’s mission in the last days as an Elias who “restores all things” is closely associated with scripture. In this capacity it stands to reason John has a hand in all things relating to this subject.

          Mosiah, Benjamin’s father was a seer and king. He was instrumental in providing the interpretation of the Jaredite record and expanding their body of scripture. This is always the case when God has “chosen vessels” in His service. If the canon is not growing, those claiming His authority do so falsely.

          Following Mosiah’s death, Benjamin was anointed king, receiving the records and sacred implements like the Liahona and “interpreters” used to translate the Jaredite record. A contemporary of Mosiah named Amaleki held additional records. Having no children, Amaleki delivered the records to Benjamin prior to his passing.

“Now I’ll [Mormon] go on to finish the record I’m taking from the plates of Nephi, making it according to the knowledge and understanding God has given me. After Amaleki handed these plates over to king Benjamin, the king took them and put them with the other plates, containing records handed down by the kings from generation to generation until the time of king Benjamin. They were then handed down from king Benjamin from one generation to the next until they came into my [Mormon’s] possession. I pray to God they can be preserved from now on. I know they’ll be kept safe, because there are great things written on them from which my people and their Lamanite relatives will be judged on the great and last day, according to God’s written word” (CofC Words of Mormon 1:4; emphasis added).

Scripture is more than historical accounts of their people. Scripture is a transcription of revelation for weighing what people knew or could have known in their respective days. Scripture becomes the record by which mankind is judged by God. To ignore them is to place our salvation in jeopardy.

          At the beginning of Mosiah’s record king Benjamin explains to his sons the important role of scripture in their preservation:

“Because there were no more conflicts among king Benjamin’s people in Zarahemla, he had continual peace during the rest of his rule. He had three sons, whom he named Mosiah, Helorum, and Helaman. He had taught them the written language of his forefathers so they could become men of understanding and comprehend the Lord’s prophecies spoken by their forefathers. He also taught them about the records engraved on the brass plates, saying: My sons, I want you to remember if it weren’t for these plates containing these records and commandments, we would have remained ignorant, even now, not knowing God’s mysteries. Without the help of these plates, it would have been impossible for our father Lehi to have remembered all these things and taught them to his children. Since he could read the written language of the Egyptians, he was able to read these engravings and teach them to his children so they could teach them to their children, and by this fulfill God’s commandments from then until now. I tell you, my sons, if it weren’t for these records that have been kept and preserved by God, so we could read and understand His mysteries and have His commandments always with us, even our forefathers would have fallen away in unbelief. Then we would have been like our Lamanite relatives, who, because of the incorrect traditions of their ancestors, know nothing about these things, and don’t believe them when they’re taught. My sons, I want you to remember these words are true and these records are true. The plates of Nephi, containing the records and teachings of our ancestors from the time they left Jerusalem until now, are also true. We have them and can study them to know their value. Now my sons, remember to study them carefully, and you’ll benefit from them. I want you to keep God’s commandments so that, according to the promises of the Lord to our fathers, you can prosper in the land. King Benjamin taught his sons many other things not written in this book” (CofC Mosiah 1:1; emphasis added).

Benjamin is the example of a righteous king and more importantly a righteous father. He attributes the success of their society to the influence of scripture and diligently studying God’s commandments and prophecies.

          After instructing his sons for the duration of their lives, Benjamin began to “wax old” and decided it was time for him to confer his kingship on his son, Mosiah. The transition of kings is a continuation of priesthood advancement from the Spirit of Elias to the Spirit of Elijah. A move from an Aaronic covenant to a Patriarchal, Melchizedek Priesthood covenant.

          Benjamin instructed Mosiah to declare a proclamation to their people to gather at the temple to listen to Benjamin a final time. One of the purposes for the gathering [like Israel in the last days] is to give the people a “new name” collectively.

“After he had finished teaching his sons, he grew old and knew that, like all men, he would soon die. Therefore he thought it advisable to confer the kingdom on one of his sons. He had Mosiah brought before him and told him: My son, I want you to make an announcement to all the people throughout this land — the people of Zarahemla and the people of Mosiah — all who live in this land, to gather as a group. Tomorrow I’ll announce to my people, by my own mouth, that you are a king and ruler over this people, which the Lord our God has given us. Furthermore, I’ll give the people a name to distinguish them from the other people the Lord God brought from the land of Jerusalem. I’m doing this because they’ve been diligent in keeping the Lord’s commandments. I’ll give them a name that can only be erased by transgression. In addition, I tell you that if this people, who are greatly blessed by the Lord, fall into transgression and become evil and adulterous [polygamy?], the Lord will hand them over, and they’ll become weak like their Lamanite relatives. He’ll no longer protect them like He preserved our ancestors until now, using His unmatched and almighty power. If He hadn’t intervened with His power to preserve our ancestors, they would have been conquered by the Lamanites and become victims of their hatred” (CofC Mosiah 1:2; emphasis added). 

There is more to this event than succession in kingship. The new name for their people is the institution of a higher covenant relationship with the Lord. The people receive a new name because, “they’ve been diligent in keeping the Lord’s commandments.” The new name “can only be erased by transgression.”

          Before receiving the new name the people of Benjamin must experience purification and sanctification that only comes to the penitent who receive and embrace God’s word from his servant. The source of Benjamin’s message is an angel of God who visits the righteous king. The king is both a “chosen vessel” and “heir of salvation.” As such Benjamin is given a message from the Lord to his people with the Spirit of God bearing witness to their souls of the truth.

“My people, all who have gathered and can hear the words I speak to you today, I haven’t called you here to trifle with what I will say. Rather, I want you to listen carefully and not just with your ears, but also with your hearts. By doing so, you’ll be able to comprehend God’s mysteries, and I can help you see His grace. . . I’ve been chosen by this people [common consent], consecrated by my father [by birthright], and allowed [not by compulsion] by the Lord to be a ruler and king over this people. I’ve been watched over and helped by His unmatched power to serve you with all the power, mind, and strength the Lord has granted to me. I tell you that I’ve been permitted [privileged], up to now, to spend my days in your service. I haven’t wanted gold, silver, or anything of value from you. . . But, my people, I haven’t done these things to boast, nor do I tell you this to complain about you. I tell you this so you know I can answer before God today with a clear conscience. Now I told you I had spent my days in your service, but I don’t say that to brag, for I’ve only been in the service of God. . . God is the one who created you from the very beginning, and He’s the one who continues to preserve you day by day by giving you breath so that you can live, move, and act according to your own will [agency]. He’s even supporting you from one moment to the next. Therefore I urge you to serve Him with your entire soul. Even if you do this, you’ll still be unprofitable servants. All that He requires of you is to keep His commandments. He’s promised you that if you would keep His commandments, you would prosper in the land. He never deviates from what He has said, therefore if you keep His commandments, He blesses you and causes you to prosper. . . My people, continue living your lives as you’ve been doing until now. You’ve been successful thus far because you’ve followed my commandments and those of my father. If you continue to obey the commandments of my son or the commandments of God that will be communicated to you through him, you’ll continue to prosper in the land and your enemies won’t have any power over you. . . Now, my people, I tell you that after you’ve been taught and therefore know all this, if you’re disobedient to what I’ve taught you, you’ll withdraw yourselves from the Spirit of the Lord. By not allowing the Spirit of the Lord to guide you towards Wisdom, you’re hindering your own chances of being blessed, prospered, and preserved. This behavior is in open rebellion against God, as it shows that you choose to obey the evil spirit and become an enemy of all righteousness. Consequently, the Lord has no place in you, as He doesn’t dwell in unholy temples. Then if that person chooses not to repent and instead dies as God’s enemy, divine justice demands that their immortal soul feel the weight of their own guilt. This causes them to recoil from the Lord’s presence, leading to intense regret, pain, and anguish. This state is like an unquenchable fire whose flames rise from eternity to eternity. Sadly, mercy doesn’t provide any relief for such a person, and their final fate is to endure never-ending torment. . .” (CofC Mosiah 1:7-8, 10-11; emphasis added).

This is a general summary of Benjamin’s words to his people and suitable instruction for all. What is said next by Benjamin is an important key for understanding this account as a type for the latter-day gathering of Israel.

“My dear people, I have more news to share with you about coming events. These revelations were given to me by an angel sent from God. He commanded me to wake up, and as I did, he appeared before me. The angel said: Wake up. And then he proceeded to declare to me the good news of great joy, saying that the Lord has heard your prayers, judged you to be righteous, and sent me to make this announcement. You can rejoice and share this news with your loved ones.

In the near future, the Lord Omnipotent, who reigns from eternity to eternity, will come down from heaven and dwell among mankind in a tabernacle of clay. He’ll perform impressive miracles such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, restoring sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, and curing all kinds of diseases. He’ll also rebuke the evil spirits that influence the hearts of the people. Amazingly, He’ll suffer temptations, bodily pain, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, to a greater extent than any person could bear without dying. His anguish for His people’s wickedness and abominations will be so great that blood will come from every pore. Know that He’ll be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God the Father of heaven and earth, and the Creator of all things from the beginning. His Mother will be called Mary. It’s amazing that He’ll come into His own creation so that salvation can come to mankind through faith in His name. However, even after all this, people will consider Him a man, say He’s possessed by a devil, and ultimately whip and crucify Him. But He’ll rise from the dead on the third day.

And then He’ll judge the world. All these things will happen so that a righteous judgment can come upon mankind. His blood atones for the sins of those who have fallen due to Adam’s transgression, and for those who have died without knowing God’s will or have sinned ignorantly. However, woe, woe [condition of deep suffering] to anyone who knowingly rebels against God, as salvation can only be attained through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. God has sent His holy prophets to all people, every tribe, nation, and language. The prophets announce that everyone who believes in the coming of Christ can receive a remission of their sins, and rejoice with immense joy, as if Christ had already come among them” (CofC Mosiah 1:13-15; emphasis added).

The message given to Benjamin by an angel is supremely important to all mankind. Our purpose is to show a pattern followed by the Savior in fulfilling these objectives. The pattern begins when an angel of God [Patriarchal Father, Powers of Heaven] is sent to a “chosen vessel,” king Benjamin. He delivers the words of Christ to his people with miraculous results, remitting their sins bringing “immense joy”:

“Now when king Benjamin had finished speaking the words that had been delivered to him by the angel of the Lord, he looked around at the crowd. Because the fear of the Lord [Spirit of God withdrawing] overcame them, they had fallen to the ground. They looked at themselves [inspired self-awareness] in their carnal state [these are good people who gathered to the temple], feeling no better than dust on the ground. In unison [mind of the Father or Spirit of God], [10] they cried out: Have mercy on us and purify our hearts with Christ’s atoning blood, that we might receive a remission of our sins. They believed in Jesus, the Son of God who created all things, heaven, and earth, and who would come down to mankind.

After they had said these words, the Spirit of the Lord embraced them and they were filled with joy, having received a remission of their sins. And according to what king Benjamin had taught them, and because of the great faith they had in Jesus Christ, they gained peace of conscience” (CofC Mosiah 2:1-2; emphasis added).

The miraculous outcome was how people were given divinely inspired introspection, viewing themselves in their state of carnality. This was the effect when the Spirit of God withdraws from them. In unison, suggesting their minds were cleansed, purified in preparation for uniting their minds and spirits with the Father’s. That union brought the return of the Spirit of God or “mind of the Father.”  This experience is how the Father’s Spirit testified to their spirit of the remission of their sins, filling their hearts with Joy. They become “one” with the Father and Son.

          Benjamin sought confirmation of their transformation by asking if they believed the words from the angel. Their witness to Benjamin confirmed their transformation of heart.

“After king Benjamin had said all these things to his people, he sent out a message, asking his people if they believed what he taught them. And they all cried out with one voice [mind of the Father], saying: Yes, we believe everything you’ve taught us. And we know these things are true because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has caused a big change in our hear

ts. We’re not inclined to do evil anymore, but rather want to continually do good. We, through God’s infinite goodness and the manifestations of His Spirit, can clearly envision what’s to come. And if necessary, we could even prophesy about all of it. And it’s our faith in the things our king has taught us [from the angel] that’s given us this valuable knowledge, which makes us rejoice! We’re willing to enter into a covenant with God, promising to obey His commandments and do His will for the rest of our lives. We don’t want to cause ourselves the never-ending torment described by the angel, nor do we want to incur God’s anger” (CofC Mosiah 3:1; emphasis added).

The response from Benjamin’s people reveals a transformational experience, a transition from beings in their natural state to a more godly. This change embodies the “mystery of godliness,” where mankind through humility, obedience and repentance becomes sanctified through Christ’s Atonement. Their sanctification enables them to receive the “mind of the Father” and explains why their outward responses are in unison. [11]

          Following the favorable response from Benjamin’s people, the king acknowledged their transformation was the beginning of a new covenant from God with the people. The new covenant led to a new name and adoption into the family of Christ.

“Now these are the words king Benjamin hoped to hear from them. Therefore he told them: You’ve said the words I wanted to hear, and the covenant you’ve made is a righteous covenant. Now because of the covenant you’ve made, you’ll be called the sons and daughters of Jesus Christ [by adoption]. Today, He has spiritually begotten you. You’ve said your hearts have changed through faith in His name. As a result, you’re born of Him and have become His sons and daughters. You’re now free under His wings, and there’s no other Savior under whose wings you can be sheltered. There’s no other name given through which salvation comes. Therefore all of you who have made the covenant with God to be obedient for the remainder of your lives, take upon yourselves the name of Christ. Those who do this will be found at the right hand of God and will answer to the name of Christ” (CofC Mosiah 3:2; emphasis added).

In the days of Adam, the government among mankind established by God was a family. The gathering of Israel in the last days is the return of God’s government as it was in the beginning. Latter-day Israel is not limited to gathering Jacob’s literal family. It is the reconstitution of Christ’s family through the “Holy Order.” The Holy Order under its proper title is a fellowship of righteous men who “do the works of their Father,” [12] even Jesus Christ. They were “called” [invited] to this order through ordination by men. They become “chosen” when the voice of God ratifies their ordination with His own voice. [13] The Priesthood to which these men are called is formally titled “The Priesthood After the Order of the Son of God” because they do the works of their spiritual Father, Jesus Christ.

          The work of these men is to act as surrogates for Christ in word and deed. [14] This is why the Lord declared to Joseph Smith:

“Search these commandments for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled. What I, the Lord, have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself. And though the heaven and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by my own voice or by the voice of my servants it is the same. For behold and lo, the Lord is God and the spirit bears record, and the record is true, and the truth abides for ever and ever. Amen” (RE T&C 54:7; emphasis added).

The Patriarchal Father’s are “translated beings,” meaning they have the ability to move between Heaven and Earth. Every man ordained to Enoch’s order is given this ability. They do the work of fulfilling the Father’s covenants He has made with mortal men. [15]

          This brings us back to John the Beloved and the responsibility the Lord placed upon him in the last days. On page 6 of this paper it was noted that John the Beloved is given two major responsibilities in the last days. John is an Elias in the Aaronic Priesthood acting as a ministering angel to those who are both “chosen vessels” and “heirs of salvation.” Acting in this capacity John is responsible for restoring all things and gathering Israel. As a ministering angel, John has limitations on what he may do. He is restricted to delivering the words of Christ to righteous mortals who teach Christ’s words to their people. This is how the Lord prepares mankind to “enter into His rest.”

          As in the days of Benjamin, we should expect to see a servant of Christ ministered to by John the Beloved who delivers the words of Christ and declares to his people a “new name” by which all may be called. A new name that can only be removed by transgression.

          If we look for metaphorical “mile markers” on the road to prophetic fulfillment, we should watch for evidence of John the Beloved’s hand in a latter-day work.

          The Lord revealed to Joseph Smith that more of the record of the Beloved would come in time.

“And it shall come to pass that if you are faithful, you shall receive the fullness of the record of John. I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fullness, for if you keep my commandments, you shall receive of his fullness and be glorified in me as I am glorified in the Father. Therefore, I say unto you, you shall receive grace for grace” (RE T&C 93:7; emphasis added).

In the context of the above quote, note footnote 10 of this paper. The quotation is a reference from The Testimony of Saint John, twelve chapters from John the Beloved’s writings. In the context of the angel’s remarks to Nephi, this can only be a sign more is to come.

          When Moroni abridged the Jaredite record he shared a prophecy from the Lord about the prospects for all of John’s records being manifest in the last days.

“Come to Me, O house of Israel, and it will be revealed to you how the Father has great things in store for you from the foundation of creation that you haven’t received because of unbelief. When you move aside the veil of unbelief that causes you to remain in your awful state of wickedness and hardness of heart and blindness of mind, then the great and miraculous things that have been hidden away from you from the foundation of creation will come to you. When you call on the Father in My name with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then you’ll know, O house of Israel, that the Father remembers the covenant He made to your fathers. Then the revelations I had My servant John write will be understood by everyone. Remember, when you see these things, you’ll know that the time is near when they will be revealed. Therefore when you receive this record, you can know the Father’s work has begun throughout the land. . .” (CofC Ether 1:19; emphasis added).

Joseph Smith received a few verses from the record of John in T&C 93. Denver Snuffer was given the means to reveal 12 additional chapters comprising the Testimony of Saint John. The Savior foretold that when Israel returns to Him and removes their veil of unbelief, all things will be revealed including the writings of John. Not only revealed, but commonly understood. When Israel receives the Covenant of Christ it is a sign to them the Father’s work has commenced. The Gentiles now have the Covenant of Christ. Another sign from the Lord is when His servant delivers words similar to those of king Benjamin including a new name for Gentiles and all covenant Christians who repent and come to Christ.

“After learning that the Lord intends to accomplish His work through our group (or at least a remnant that includes some from our group), I was then told that the Lord has given us a name. When the Lord names His people, He then commits to work with them, for there is no reason for Him to name what He intends to abandon. Even if the people reject Him, for at least three and four generations the Lord will reach out to recover them. Only when they have altogether gone too far astray will He then end work with the people He has named, to choose and work with another people. Therefore, the fact He has now named us holds great significance. This is what the Lord has declared:

This is what you shall say to the people: “I give to you a name to distinguish you from others, and you shall call one another by this name: ‘Covenant Christians’ because you have and hold a covenant with me that make[s] you my followers deserving of my protection. But my protection does not only defend, but also corrects, reproves, disciplines and guides you along that you may be mine indeed.”

It’s noteworthy that the name given to us by the Lord associates us with the larger Christian world rather than the much smaller “Mormon” world. Disassociating us from the Mormon world needs to happen because the two largest denominations are no longer true to the foundation. Between the abominable creeds adopted by the LDS Church (and, in turn, its many daughters) and the Community of Christ’s declining regard for the Book of Mormon, they have both abandoned the original restoration. That suggests to my mind that the people who will ultimately be gathered unto [Zion] out of every nation under heaven, and…shall be the only people that shall not be at war [with one] another (T&C 31:15) will include other faithful people recognized by the Lord: people who can live in peace with one another, without rancor or jealousy, fear and defensiveness, and undoubtedly exclude some of us and include some outside this present body of believers. Currently, we are plagued by fear, anxiety, defensiveness, judgment, discord, anger, intolerance, a lack of desire and capacity for doing the work the Lord has asked us to do. Many have openly stated their unwillingness to engage in the work and lack the desire to understand one another. There is little to commend us as a people of Zion. We can learn by precept. That requires us to not only listen but also to heed the things the Lord says to us. Giving heed does not mean we argue with one another about some particular statement, phrase, or verse, using a teaching to justify our opinions, precepts, or errors. Giving heed requires us to submit, obey, and respect the Lord’s words as if they are meant to condemn and correct us personally. They are not intended to equip us to criticize our neighbor or justify our ignorant opinion. Seeing the flaws in others is easy. It requires nothing of us. Seeing our own flaws seems to be impossible. The words of the Lord are precepts or teachings intended to bring you down in humility so you can meekly submit to His guidance in all things, not just the things you care about. Alternatively, we can choose to fail by not heeding the Lord’s precepts, instead enduring sad experiences that remind us of our own lowliness [view ourselves “in our own carnal state”]. None of us should be proud, thinking ourselves better than our fellow man. We aren’t. We are not even as much as the dust of the earth [“less than the dust of the earth”], because the dust we occupy belongs to God. Therefore, we should be grateful for every sad experience and recognize that it is for our good. It is necessary because, for whatever reason, we did not learn by precept. God’s plan expects we will learn from both. Learning by precept is not better than learning by sad experience. They are both essential teachers. The important part is how we learn by sad experience: Do we blame, judge, avoid, react, offend, ignore, resist, refuse? Or do we take accountability, reason, observe, engage, submit, ask, share, listen, pray, and fast? After being corrected by the Lord, my pessimism about our condition has been replaced. The Lord does intend to make use of some of us to fulfill His will. However, that will not only include blessing and encouraging us but also disciplining and correcting us. I have no idea how joyful or painful the coming journey will be for any of us. I also do not know how many (or how few) will be there when the journey is completed and the promises are fulfilled. I do have an idea that there has been and will continue to be watchful care taken by the Lord to help a few of us along the remaining journey” (God’s Covenant People, Denver Snuffer Jr., pp.21-23

By examining the experiences of these righteous kings we receive guidance and understanding in the way the Lord gathered His people in past generations and again in our day.

          Much more can be said about the three kings and those following him. For the time being this will have to suffice for Mosiah and Benjamin. Part 6 addresses the last Mosiah, Alma the younger and sons of Mosiah.

[1] “But be not called Rabbi, for one is your Master, who is Christ, and all you are brethren. And call no one your creator upon the earth, or your Heavenly Father, for one is your creator and Heavenly Father, even he who is in Heaven. Neither be called masters, for one is your Master, even he whom your Heavenly Father sent, who is Christ; for he has sent him among you that you might have life. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant, and whoever shall exalt himself shall be abased of him, and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted of him” (RE Matthew 10:26; emphasis added).

“. . . Rather, I want you to listen carefully and not just with your ears, but also with your hearts. By doing so, you’ll be able to comprehend God’s mysteries, and I can help you see His grace. I haven’t commanded you to come up here to threaten you, or to have you think that I’m more than a mortal man. I’m like you, dealing with all kinds of infirmities in body and mind. Nevertheless, I’ve been chosen by this people, consecrated by my father, and allowed by the Lord to be a ruler and king over this people. I’ve been watched over and helped by His unmatched power to serve you with all the power, mind, and strength the Lord has granted to me. I tell you that I’ve been permitted, up to now, to spend my days in your service. I haven’t wanted gold, silver, or anything of value from you. I haven’t allowed you to be imprisoned in dungeons or to enslave each other or to murder, plunder, steal, or commit adultery. I haven’t allowed you to commit any kind of wickedness. I’ve taught you to keep the Lord’s commandments in everything He’s commanded you. I’ve even worked with my own hands to serve you so you wouldn’t be burdened with taxes, and so nothing difficult or distressing to bear would be imposed upon you — and today you know everything I’ve said to be true. But, my people, I haven’t done these things to boast, nor do I tell you this to complain about you. I tell you this so you know I can answer before God today with a clear conscience. Now I told you I had spent my days in your service, but I don’t say that to brag, for I’ve only been in the service of God.

I tell you this so you can learn wisdom, and so you can learn that when you’re in the service of your fellow man, you’re only in the service of God. You’ve called me your king [not a personal aspiration], and if I, whom you call your king, work to serve you, then shouldn’t you also work to serve each other? As your king, I’ve served both you and God. If you feel grateful towards me, direct your gratitude towards our heavenly King instead. My dear people, I want to remind you that if you used all your energy to thank God and praise Him to the fullest, acknowledging He has created you, watched over and preserved you, filled you with joy, and given you the ability to live in peace with one another, you would still not be able to repay Him for all He’s done for you. God is the one who created you from the very beginning, and He’s the one who continues to preserve you day by day by giving you breath so that you can live, move, and act according to your own will. He’s even supporting you from one moment to the next. Therefore I urge you to serve Him with your entire soul. . .” (CofC Mosiah 1:7-8; emphasis added).

[2] “Then Pilate stepped back into the judgment hall and addressed Jesus and said to him, You are the King of the Jews? Jesus answered him, Did you say this to me on your own, or did others tell you to say it to me? Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Your own people and the chief priests have turned you over to me. How do you justify yourself? Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, then my followers would fight to prevent the Jews from taking me as their captive. But my kingdom is not comprised of the Jews. Pilate responded, So you admit you claim to be a King? Jesus replied, It was you that just said I was a king. The reason I was sent into this world was to be a witness of the truth. Every person who is loyal to the truth listens to my teachings” (RE T&C 171, Testimony of Saint John 11:10; emphasis added).

[3] “Zarahemla’s people and Mosiah’s people united, and Mosiah was accepted as their king. . .” (CofC Omni 1:8; emphasis added).

“. . . Nevertheless, I’ve been chosen by this people, consecrated by my father, and allowed by the Lord to be a ruler and king over this people. . .” (CofC Mosiah 1:7; emphasis added).

[4] The presence of seers among Nephite kings provides greater understanding of their purpose in the America’s. Since Nephite kings provide a composite type for the latter-day David, it is helpful to see if they were present in ancient David’s day. Orson Pratt addressed the subject of seers, including how David used a Urim and Thummim to evade capture by Saul. “We have other accounts given in the Bible concerning the exercise of this same gift. David was blessed with this gift, and when Saul was pursuing him from place to place, seeking his life, he would inquire of the Lord, by means of a similar instrument, and receive revelations. The nature of his inquiries was- Would Saul go to such a city seeking him? Would the people of such a city deliver him into his hands? And the Lord would answer him, and he of course would govern himself accordingly. This gift seems to have been of frequent occurrence among the Israelites in their several generations, down to a few centuries before the coming of Christ. . .” (Journal of Discourses, Orson Pratt, volume 19, p.206; emphasis added).

When Hezekiah was first anointed king, he sought to restore true worship among Israel by following the pattern established by David, Nathan, and Gad the seer. “And he [Hezekiah] set the Levites in the house of the Lord with cymbals, with psalteries, and with harps, according to the commandment of David, and of Gad the king’s seer, and Nathan the prophet; for so was the commandment of the Lord by his prophets. 26And the Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets” (RE 2 Chronicles 16; 8; emphasis added). Apparently, David had the benefit of a Urim and Thummim prior to ascending to Israel’s throne and received the benefit of Gad’s services following his ascent.

[5] “And now truly I say unto you, I was in the beginning with the Father, and am the Firstborn, and all those who are begotten through me are partakers of the glory of the same, and are the church of the Firstborn. You were also in the beginning with the Father, that which is spirit, even the spirit of truth, and truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come; and whatever is more or less than these is the spirit of that wicked one who was a liar from the beginning” (RE T&C 93:8; emphasis added).

[6] “Then the Angel told me [Nephi]: Look! And I looked and saw a man, and he was dressed in a white robe. The Angel said to me: This is one of the Lamb’s Twelve witnesses. He’s been appointed to see and write about the remainder of these things, and also about many other things that have happened. He’ll also write about the end of the world. Therefore the things he will write are proper and true, and they’re written in the book you saw coming from the Jews. When they came from the Jews, or when the book came from the Jews, what was written was clear and pure and extremely valuable and easy for all to understand. The things this witness of the Lamb is to write are many of the things that you’ve seen, and you’ll see the rest. However, you must not write the things you’ll see after this, since the Lord God has ordered the witness of the Lamb of God to write them. He [John] has shown all things to others who have lived, and they’ve written them as well. They’re sealed up to come forward in their correct form to the house of Israel, when the Lord deems it to be the proper time, according to the truth that’s in the Lamb.

I heard and testify that according to the Angel’s word, the name of the Lamb’s witness was John. . .” (CofC 1 Nephi 3:30-31; emphasis added).

[7] “For God, having sworn unto Enoch and unto his seed with an oath by himself that everyone being ordained after this Order and calling should have power, by faith, to break mountains, to divide the seas, to dry up waters, to turn them out of their course, to put at defiance the armies of nations, to divide the earth, to break every band, to stand in the presence of God, to do all things according to his will, according to his command subdue principalities and powers; and this by the will of the Son of God which was from before the foundation of the world. And men having this faith, coming up unto this Order of God, were translated and taken up into Heaven” (RE Genesis 7:19; emphasis added).

[8] “The spirit of Elias is to prepare the way for a greater revelation of God, which is the Priesthood of Elias, or the Priesthood that Aaron was ordained unto. And when God sends a man into the world to prepare for a greater work, holding the keys of the power of Elias, it was called the doctrine of Elias, even from the early ages of the world” (Smith Jr., Joseph. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (p. 385; emphasis added). (Function). Kindle Edition).

[9] “As this vision closed, the Heavens were again opened to their view, and they saw and beheld, and were endowed with knowledge from the beginning of this creation to the ends thereof. And they were shown unspeakable things from the sealed record of Heaven [pre-mortal knowledge], which man is not capable of making known, but must be revealed by the Powers of Heaven [Patriarchal Fathers].

They beheld Michael, the archangel, Gabriel [Noah], and Raphael [Enoch], and divers angels, from Michael or Adam down to the end of time, showing in turns their dispensations, their rights, their keys, their honors, their majesty and glory, and the Powers of their Priesthood; giving line upon line, precept upon precept; endowing them with knowledge, even here a little and there a little; holding forth hope for the work God was yet to perform, even the revelation of all things which are to come upon the earth until the return of the Lord in glory with His holy angels — to pour out judgment upon the world, and to reward the righteous” (RE T&C 157: 30-31; emphasis added).

[10] “. . . And these three constitute the Godhead and are one: the Father and the Son possessing the same mind, the same wisdom, glory, power, and fullness, filling all in all — 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 5:2; emphasis added).

[11] “A prophecy of Malachi is recorded in every volume of scripture: the Old Covenants, New

Covenants, Book of Mormon, and Teachings and Commandments. The prophecy promises that

before the great and dreadful day of the Lord the “hearts of the children [will] turn to the fathers”

or, as stated in the JST Old Covenants, “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.”

Nephi quoted it to Joseph Smith a little differently, “And he shall plant in the hearts of the

children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers; if

it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming.”8

Two versions of Malachi’s prophecy have the same interesting wording. Both the Old

Covenants and the Book of Mormon twice use the word “heart” in the singular. But “fathers” and

“children” are plural. It is a small change, but an important and revealing one. The fathers are of one

Heart. [mind of the Father, Spirit of God] And, to the extent there are to be children sealed to them, the children will also be of one, and the same, heart” (Religion of Our Fathers, Denver Snuffer Jr., pp.1-2; emphasis added).

[12] “If the Son sets you free from sin, you are free indeed. I know that you are Abraham’s descendants, but you conspire to kill me because my teachings have no place within you. I teach you what the Father has shown to me while I was in his presence, and you follow the teaching of your father. They answered and said to him, Abraham is our father. Jesus replied to them, If you were really Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham” (RE T&C 171, Testimony of Saint John 6:19; emphasis added).

[13] “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).

[14] “. . . So they’re called by this holy calling and ordained to the High Priesthood of the Holy Order of God to teach His commandments to mankind, so they [the people] also could enter His rest. This High Priesthood is according to the Order of His Son, which Order existed from the foundation of creation. In other words, it is without beginning of days or end of years, having been prepared from eternity to all eternity according to His foreknowledge of all things. Now this is how they were ordained: having qualified to receive a holy calling, they were ordained with a holy ordinance which confers upon them the High Priesthood of the Holy Order — which calling, ordinance, and High Priesthood has no beginning or end [eternal]. So they become high priests forever conforming to the Order of the Son, the Father’s Only Begotten, who has no beginning of days or end of years, and who’s full of grace, fairness, and truth. And so it is. Amen. . . As I said about the Holy Order, or this High Priesthood: many were ordained and became high priests of God. It was because of their great faith, repentance, and righteousness before God, choosing to repent and bring about righteousness rather than perish. Therefore they were called according to this Holy Order and were sanctified, and their clothes were washed white through the Lamb’s blood. Now they — after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their clothes made white, being pure and spotless before God — could only look upon sin with abhorrence. And there were many, a very great many, who were enabled to become pure and entered the rest of the Lord their God.” (CofC Alma 9:10, 10:1; emphasis added).

[15] “And because He’s done this, my dear people, have miracles stopped? I tell you: No. And neither have angels stopped ministering to mankind. They are obedient to Him, to minister according to His commands, revealing themselves to those of strong faith and of a firm mind in every form of godliness. The responsibility of their ministry is to call people to repentance, and to fulfill and do the work of the Father’s covenants that He’s made to mankind, to prepare the way among people by declaring Christ’s word to the Lord’s chosen vessels, so they can bear testimony of Him. And by doing this, the Lord God prepares the way for the remainder of mankind to have faith in Christ, so the Holy Ghost can have a place in their hearts according to the power of the Holy Ghost. This is how the Father vindicates the covenants He’s made to mankind. Christ has said: If you have faith in Me, you’ll have power to do whatever I consider needed and proper. And He’s said to everyone on earth: Repent and come to Me and be baptized in My name and have faith in Me, so you can be saved” (CofC Moroni 7:6; emphasis added).

Scott Roderick

May 5, 2026

Israel Awakes and Arises- Part 5.pdf

Download PDF • 851KB