Jesus and Nephi Explain the Prophetic Future of the Gentiles in Modern English

          The Covenant of Christ is the Book of Mormon transcribed in modern English. Nephi, the son of Lehi, began the record of their family’s migration from Jerusalem to the America’s. Nephi was familiar with Israel’s religious traditions and style of writing.

          After extensively quoting Isaiah’s prophecies, Nephi explained the meaning of the prophet’s writings. The reason for Nephi turning to Isaiah’s prophecies is because he was shown the future of his descendants. He was allowed to view their fate to the end of the world with limitations on what he could share.

“And I saw that God’s wrath was poured out upon that wealthy and utterly wicked church, so that wars and reports of wars arose among the nations and tribes of the earth. As these wars and reports of wars arose among the nations that followed the mother of abominations, the Angel told me: God’s wrath is upon the mother of harlots. You’re a witness to all these things. When the time comes that God’s anger is poured out upon the mother of harlots — the wealthy and utterly wicked church of the whole earth, whose foundation is the accuser — then as that happens it will be part of the Father’s work to vindicate the covenants He has made with His people who belong to the house of Israel. Then the Angel told me: 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 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 [Nephi] heard and testify that according to the Angel’s word, the name of the Lamb’s witness was John [the Revelator/Beloved]. I’m forbidden to write the rest of the things I saw and heard. So, I’m satisfied with what I’ve written, and I’ve only written a small part of what I saw. I testify that I saw the things my father saw, and the Angel of the Lord revealed them to me. Now I finish writing about what I saw while I was in contact with the Spirit. And even though everything I saw isn’t written, the things I have written are true. So be it, Amen” (CofC 1 Nephi 3:29-31; emphasis added).

Nephi was shown the fate of his posterity to the end of the world. Like John the Beloved, Lehi, and Isaiah, Nephi witnessed the same events but was forbidden to share what John was ordained to write. The general reasons for the restriction placed upon Nephi was explained by Alma the younger to the people of Ammonihah:

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

Our ability to gain or lose light and truth is self-regulating. Exercising our agency, we choose to receive light when God offers opportunities. Embracing what God offers and applying it in our lives gives us greater knowledge. In effect He shares His glory, or intelligence with us. In doing so we gradually transform into His image. The degree of transformation is proportional to willingness to grow in light and truth. It comes down to our individual heed and diligence in accepting light and truth.

          The Savior elaborated on these principles in a revelation to Joseph Smith including John the Beloved’s account of how Jesus progressed from “grace for grace” to “grace to grace” until Jesus received a fullness of the Father’s glory:

“The Spirit of Truth is of God. I am the Spirit of Truth. And John bore record of me, saying, He [Jesus] received a fullness of truth, yea, even all truth. And no man receives a fullness unless he keeps his commandments. He that keeps his commandments receives truth and light until he is glorified in truth and knows all things” (RE T&C 93:9, emphasis added).

As a beneficiary of this process, Nephi knows from experience the benefits derived from receiving light and truth. He confirmed his faith in the process because he attained the promised result. Not only can he truthfully bear witness of the fruits of growing “grace for grace” and then “grace to grace,” he is a living example of it. In effect Nephi embodies the process as proof to those who receive what the Lord offers.

          As Nephi continues increasing in God’s glory, he receives greater assurance the course he pursues is pleasing to the Lord. His concern, like God’s, naturally turns to the salvation of others. The light Nephi received when the angel accompanied him in his vision and prophecy of the future reaffirms his priorities. Nephi witnessed the destruction of his people and the degradation of his brother’s posterity. He was shown this because he was chosen by God to begin the record. It is to be given for the purpose of restoring the truth to their descendants. Nephi and many righteousness men who follow him become the voice speaking to their posterity from the dust in the last days. Included in the account is a portion of Christ’s ministry.

          Receiving a commandment from God to only record the portion of the account allotted to him in his writing, Nephi turned to another witness of events who precedes him. The witness was the prophet Isaiah who was the last prophet to preside over Israel collectively. The Savior explained to the survivors of the post-apocalyptic events accompanying the Savior’s crucifixion in Jerusalem. When Jesus appeared to the survivors, He explained the importance of Isaiah’s last days prophecies.

“Now I [Jesus] tell you that you ought to carefully study these things. In fact, I give you a commandment to study these things diligently, because Isaiah’s prophecies are critical. He [Isaiah] clearly focused his prophecy on My people who are part of the house of Israel. Therefore he necessarily prophesied about the Gentiles. And everything he prophesied has happened [past], or will happen [future], precisely as he foretold. Therefore pay careful attention to My words. Write down the things I’ve told you. At the time decided by the Father, they will be provided to the Gentiles. And anyone who obeys My words, repents, and is baptized, will be saved. Carefully study the teachings of the prophets, because many of them explain these things” (CofC 3 Nephi 10:4; emphasis added).

Nephi saw John the Beloved hundreds of years prior to John’s birth. The closest contemporary account of what Nephi witnessed was Isaiah. Nephi was commanded to limit what he wrote to the earlier part of the vision. The only way Nephi could obey the Lord’s command and still inform his posterity was to turn to Isaiah’s prophecies. Nephi’s understanding of Jewish writing combined with prophetic knowledge he obtained by revelation informed him of Isaiah’s account to address the end of the vision. It was publicly manifest and appropriate for Nephi to draw upon Isaiah’s writings. In effect, Nephi drew upon Isaiah’s writings to testify of future events he witnessed.

          The Savior gave Lehi’s descendants a commandment to study Isaiah’s writings. By quoting Isaiah first, Nephi had plausible deniability. When Jesus commanded survivors to study Isaiah’s writings, He explained Isaiah’s writings would have a dual fulfillment. One that applied to both Isaiah’s contemporary times and repetition of the same events in the future. The contemporary account applied to ancient Israel. The future account is directed to latter-day Gentiles. That is why the Lord said of Isaiah “he necessarily prophesied about the Gentiles.”

          Nephi understood the difficulty in deciphering Isaiah’s writings. With his knowledge of ancient Jewish writing and light and truth given through revelations from God, Nephi becomes a bridge for his descendants and Gentiles to understand Isaiah’s prophecies.[1]

Now I’ll explain Isaiah’s words that I’ve included in my record. He said many things that are hard for many of my people to understand, since they don’t understand the method of Jewish prophesying. And I haven’t bothered to teach them much about Jewish ways since they [Jews/Israel] fell into dark paths and their practices became an abomination. I’ll explain the prophecy to my people [descendants of Joseph through Lehi specifically and Israel generally] who will receive my record in the future, so they can come to understand that God’s judgments involve all nations [including Gentile nations] according to the words that He’s [Isaiah] spoken. Therefore pay careful attention, my people who are from the house of Israel, think about my words, because Isaiah’s words are difficult for you — nevertheless, they deliver a message to those who are inspired with the spirit of prophecy. Let me [Nephi has the spirit of prophecy] give you a prophecy according to the Spirit that’s in me — I’ll prophesy using the clarity that’s been with me since my father and I left Jerusalem [when Nephi first obtained the spirit of prophecy]. For I take great joy in being straightforward and clear to my people, so they can learn. I tell you I take great joy in Isaiah’s words, since I came from Jerusalem and understand Jewish ways from my direct experience. I know the Jews understand the approach of the prophets. No other nation understands what was said to the Jews like they do, unless they get taught in the Jewish system. But I haven’t provided my children an education in Jewish customs; however, I lived at Jerusalem, so I know about the place. I’ve explained to my children about God’s judgments that have happened to the Jews that have fulfilled everything that Isaiah prophesied [Jesus Christ: “And everything he prophesied has happened, or will happen, precisely as he foretold”]; yet I haven’t written that down. But I continue with my prophecy, being direct and clear, and I know that no one [Israel or Gentile] can go wrong by it. Nevertheless, when Isaiah’s prophecies are fulfilled, people will understand them, once they’ve actually happened. Therefore they’re valuable for [all] mankind. And I’ll mainly speak to those who don’t value them [Gentile and Israel], and limit the discussion to my own people, because I know they’ll be very valuable to them in the last days, since they’ll understand them at that time [when Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled]. Therefore I’ve written it down to benefit them. And as one generation of the Jews [Israel] has been destroyed because of iniquity, so too have they been destroyed from generation to generation because of their iniquities. But no generation has ever been destroyed without warning them beforehand by the Lord’s prophets [the same is true for the latter-day Gentiles]. Therefore they were told about the destruction that would happen to them right after my father left Jerusalem. Despite that, they hardened their hearts; and according to my prophecy, they’ve been destroyed, except for those who’ve been taken as prisoners into Babylon. I say this because of the Spirit that’s in me. And although they’ve been taken away, they’ll return and live in the land of Jerusalem. Therefore they’ll be restored to the lands of their inheritance. But they’ll have wars and reports of wars. And when the time comes that the Only Begotten of the Father — the Father of heaven and of earth — lives with them in the flesh, they’ll reject Him because of their iniquities, hard hearts, and their stubbornness. It’s certain that they will crucify Him. After He’s been buried in a sepulcher for three days, He’ll rise from the dead with healing in His wings, and those who believe in His name will be saved in God’s kingdom. Therefore my soul takes great joy in prophesying about Him, since I’ve seen His day, and my heart praises His holy name. After Christ has risen from the dead and shown Himself to His people (meaning to all those who are willing to believe in His name), Jerusalem will again be destroyed because cursing befalls those who fight against God and His people who obey Him. As a result, the Jews [Israel] will be scattered among all nations and Babylon will be destroyed. Then other nations will likewise scatter the Jews. After they’ve [Israel] been scattered and the Lord God has afflicted them through other nations for many generations — from one generation to another until they’re persuaded to believe in Christ the Son of God, and the infinite atonement provided for all mankind — when the time comes that they believe in Christ and worship the Father in His name with pure hearts and clean hands and don’t expect there to be any other Messiah — then it will clearly benefit them to believe these things — the Lord will reach out His hand a second time to restore His people [RE Isaiah 5:4-5, Jacob 4:1] from their lost and fallen state. He’ll proceed to do an awe-inspiring and amazing work among mankind [CofC 1 Nephi 3:26, 3 Nephi 9:12]. He’ll bring to light and publish His words for them, words that will be used to judge them on the last day. The words will be provided to them in order to convince them of the true Messiah, who was rejected by them. Also, to convince them they don’t need to expect a different Messiah to come because any other is a false Messiah to deceive the people. Indeed, there’s only one Messiah the prophets have spoken about, and that Messiah is the one who will be rejected by the Jews. According to the words of the prophets, the Messiah comes 600 years after my father left Jerusalem. And according to the words of the prophets and the words of the angel of God, His name will be Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (CofC 2 Nephi 11:1-6; emphasis added).

Nephi’s synopsis of prophetic events is directed to those who do not believe [Gentiles] and his people [Israel]. His explanation points to Isaiah’s prophecies [record of the Jews] and to Nephi’s writings [record of Joseph, see CofC 2 Nephi 2:4]. Combining two records has the effect of convincing Gentiles and the scattered of Israel to accept Jesus Christ, repent of their sins and mistakes, entering the covenant of baptism as a witness to the Father of their devotion to God.[2]

The Times of the Gentiles

          The angel spoke to Nephi saying: “. . . if the Gentiles repent, it will turn out well for them.”[3] Nephi explains his vision by quoting Isaiah and stating plainly the vision seen by both. He was shown a favorable outcome for the Gentiles if they repent. When Nephi explains the prophetic fate of the Gentiles, the outcome is less optimistic generally.

“But in the last days or in the time of the Gentiles, every nation of Gentiles and Jews [Israel]— both those who come upon this land and those who live on other lands, indeed, on every land throughout the earth — will be drunk with iniquity and all kinds of abominations. And when that day arrives, the Lord of Hosts will send thunder, and earthquakes, and loud noises, and storms, and tempests, and uncontrolled fires [similar to events preceding His appearance to Lehi’s survivors on this continent].[4] And all the nations that fight against Zion [last days] and interfere with her will be like a mere dream of the nighttime. It will be to them like a hungry man who dreams that he ate his fill, but when he wakes up he remains hungry. Or like a thirsty man who dreams he gets a drink, but when he wakes up he’s still thirsty and starving and he craves relief. Yes, this is how it will be for all the people who fight against Mount Zion. Those of you who commit iniquity, stop and marvel; you’ll cry out and wail. You’ll be drunk, but not with wine; you’ll stagger, but not with hard liquor. The Lord has poured out a spirit of deep sleep upon you. You’ve closed your eyes and rejected the prophets, and He’s [the Lord] taken away your teachers and seers because of your iniquity” (CofC 2 Nephi 11:18; emphasis added).

In one verse, Nephi covers a broad range of time and social conditions. He equates the “last days” with “the time of the Gentiles.” He begins addressing the “last days” [plural] and ends with a reference to “that day,” singular. In “A Glossary of Gospel Terms,” we find the following definition for “time of the Gentiles:”

“Joseph Smith was instructed by a heavenly messenger on Sept. 23, 1823 that the fullness of the Gentiles was soon to come in (see JSH 3:4). Modern revelation states that the times of the Gentiles is that time when the fullness of the gospel will come among the Gentiles (see T&C 31:6-7). The times of the Gentiles will be fulfilled in that generation when the Gentiles sin against My gospel and reject the fullness of My gospel (3 Nephi 7:5 CE), and they receive it not (T&C 31:6). The Lord will then take the fullness of My gospel away from them [Gentiles]. Then I’ll return to the covenant I made with My people of the house of Israel, and I’ll bring them My gospel (3 Nephi 7:5 CE).” (A Glossary of Gospel Terms, Times of the Gentiles, p.344, emphasis added).

The “heavenly messenger” tells Joseph Smith “the fullness of the Gentiles was soon to come in.” The events that followed began the Gentile dispensation through Joseph Smith. Thereafter the “fullness of the Gospel” is given to the Gentiles.[5] The Gentiles refuse the gospel fullness from Christ.[6] Footnote 6 may be misinterpreted because institutions claiming Joseph Smith as their founder and source of their authority have their claims of succession tied to Joseph completing the Restoration. To substantiate those claims a narrative is constructed to support them. For two hundred years the narrative ignored the prophecies in contradiction of their thesis. The prevailing narrative contradicts the prophecies in the Covenant of Christ. Consider Lehi’s account of Joseph of Egypt’s prophecy of the last days:

“Joseph [of Egypt] testified truthfully, saying: The Lord who is God will raise up a worthy and chosen seer for my offspring. Indeed, Joseph truthfully said: This is what the Lord told me: I’ll raise up a worthy, carefully chosen seer from your offspring who will be highly regarded among your offspring. I’ll give him a commandment to do a work for your offspring, his brothers and sisters, which will be very valuable to them, restoring them to knowledge of the covenants I made with your fathers. And I’ll give him a commandment to only do the work I’ll commission him to do and nothing else. And I’ll regard him as great in My eyes, since he’ll do My work. He’ll be great like Moses [begin a new dispensation], whom I’ve said I would raise up for you, O house of Israel, to set you free. I’ll raise up Moses to free your people from Egypt, but I’ll raise up a seer from your offspring. And I’ll give him power to bring to light My word for your descendants — not only to bring to light My word, but to convince them of My word previously given to them. Therefore your offspring [Joseph of Egypt] will write [Book of Mormon, Covenant of Christ], and Judah’s offspring will write [Bible]. The Lord says: The things your [Joseph of Egypt’s] offspring write, and the things Judah’s offspring write, will grow together in order to expose false doctrines, settle disputes, and establish peace among your offspring and bring them, in the last days, to understanding their ancestors [Patriarchal Fathers] and comprehending My covenants. The Lord said: His [seer from Joseph of Egypt] weakness [beginning of Joseph Smith’s ministry][7] will be made strong. My work will then begin among all My people. I’ll restore you, O house of Israel [Joseph Smith’s ministry begins in weakness, initiating the Gentile dispensation but becomes strong when Israel is gathered] (CofC 2 Nephi 2:3; emphasis added).

Nephi’s prophecy aligns with Joseph of Egypt’s prophecy by addressing the “fullness of the Gentiles.” Both begin when the Lord brings a “seer” from Joseph of Egypt’s descendants. The seer from Joseph writes the record of Joseph to be intertwined with the record of Judah or the Bible. Today institutions associating themselves with Joseph Smith and his Restoration claim these prophecies are fulfilled when the Book of Mormon and other scriptures from Joseph Smith were combined into one book with the Bible. This pronouncement is demonstrably false because of prophecies in both records foretelling additional records yet to be given to the Gentiles, then carried to Israel.

          In addition to the absence of the missing records, none of the outcomes described by Joseph of Egypt’s prophecies occurred. The records did not “grow together to expose false doctrine, settle disputes, and establish peace among your offspring and bring them, in the last days [after Joseph Smith died], to understanding their ancestors and comprehending My covenants.” Of necessity Joseph Smith requires a “spokesman”[8] [by divine decree] to declare his words in the last days following the Gentile fullness when Israel is gathered.

The second example is the Savior’s prophecy in His ministry to survivors following His post-resurrection visit the America’s.

“And I [Jesus Christ] command you to write these words when I leave, so that if My people at Jerusalem — those who saw Me and were with Me during My ministry — if they don’t ask the Father in My name to learn about you by the Holy Ghost, and about the other lost tribes also, then what you will write will be protected until they will be given to the Gentiles. Then through the fullness of the Gentiles a remnant of their descendants can be recovered from those scattered across the earth because of their unbelief. They will learn to know Me, their Redeemer. Then I’ll gather them in from the four quarters of the earth; and I’ll keep the covenant the Father has made to all the people of the house of Israel. The Gentiles will be blessed because of their belief in Me, through and as a result of the Holy Ghost, which testifies to them of Me and of the Father. The Father says: Because of their belief in Me and because of your unbelief, O house of Israel, in the latter days the truth will come to the Gentiles, so that the fullness of these things will be revealed to them. But woe, says the Father, to the unbelieving Gentiles, because despite having come to this land and scattering My people who are part of the house of Israel: And My people of the house of Israel will have been banished from their society and been trampled underfoot by them. But because of the Father’s mercy to the Gentiles and also the Father’s judgments imposed on My people of the house of Israel, I promise you [Lehi’s descendants] that after all this, including that I will cause My people of the house of Israel to be driven, afflicted, killed, and banished from their society, and to be hated, mocked, and ridiculed by them. The Father commands Me to tell you: At the time when the Gentiles sin against My gospel and reject the fullness of My gospel and are filled with pride to their very center above all nations [Israel], more proud of themselves than anyone on earth, and are full of all kinds of lying, deceit, mischief, all kinds of hypocrisy, murder, priestcraft, whoredoms, and secret abominations — if they do all these things and reject the fullness of My gospel, says the Father, I’ll take the fullness of My gospel away from them. Then I’ll return to the covenant I made with My people of the house of Israel, and I’ll bring them My gospel. And I’ll show you, O house of Israel, that the Gentiles no longer have power over you, but I’ll keep My covenant with you, O house of Israel, and you’ll understand the fullness of My gospel. But if the Gentiles repent and return to Me, says the Father, they’ll be included with My people of the house of Israel. And I won’t let My people, who are part of the house of Israel, go among them and trample them down, says the Father. But if they [Gentiles] won’t return to Me and obey My voice, I’ll let My people, O house of Israel, go through them [unrepentant Gentiles] and trample them down. They’ll be like salt that’s become useless, which is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by My people, O house of Israel” (CofC 3 Nephi 7:4-5; emphasis added).

Central themes to the Savior’s prophecy are receiving the fullness of the gospel and the return of God’s covenant promise to His family, Israel. Israel was offered the fullness of the gospel and covenant promises in Moses’ day.[9] Israel rejected the Lord’s offer of covenant and the gospel fullness. Consequently, the Lord removed Moses, the dispensation head through whom the Lord’s offer of covenant was made with the Holy Priesthood. The absence of both left Israel with the lesser covenant and the inability to return to God’s presence. The lesser priesthood remained in place until the Lord brought John the Baptist. John was filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother’s womb and ordained by God’s angel. John’s ordination was Aaronic for the express purpose of “wresting” the lesser priesthood authority from the Jews. This was preparation for the Savior’s coming, introducing the final covenant opportunity to the remnant of Israel before the gospel fullness withdrew from them. After the Jews rejected the Savior by crucifying Him, the gospel fullness was carried to the Gentiles by His disciples.

          Many read this revelation to Joseph Smith in RE T&C 82, considering it solely a covenant historical account from Israel’s past. What is frequently overlooked is the repetitive pattern where Israel and the Gentiles reverse roles. The gospel fullness is given to the Gentiles beginning with Joseph Smith. Joseph held the “greater priesthood” like Moses. Both men introduced covenant dispensations to their respective people. Their names are associated with each other because of the similarity of their roles in offering God’s covenant to their people. They are mentioned jointly in revelation and prophecy for this reason:

“Behold, I say unto you, Oliver [Cowdery, associate president of the church], that it shall be given unto you that you shall be heard by the church in all things whatever you shall so teach them by the Comforter concerning the revelations and commandments which I have given. But behold, truly, truly I say unto you, no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph, for he receives them even as Moses. And you shall be obedient unto the things which I shall give unto him, even as Aaron, to declare faithfully the commandments and the revelations, with power and authority unto the church. And if you are led at any time by the Comforter to speak or teach, or at all times by the way of commandment unto the church, you may do it, but you shall not write by way of commandment, but by wisdom. And you shall not command him who is at your head and at the head of the church, for I have given him the keys of the mysteries of the revelations which are sealed, until I shall appoint unto him another in his stead” (RE T&C 10:1; emphasis added). 

The Lord explained Joseph Smith’s role by revelation to Oliver Cowdery. He said Joseph received revelations in the manner Moses did and held “the keys of the mysteries of the revelations which are sealed.” Keys held by Moses were described as “the key of the mysteries of the kingdom. . .”.

          When Israel rejected the Lord’s offer of covenant through Moses, Moses and the priesthood authority were removed and replaced by the lesser covenant. Through the Covenant of Christ we know Moses was translated[10] and taken to heaven with his priesthood authority.

          Joseph Smith was martyred with his brother, Hyrum in a Jail in Carthage, Illinois. The brothers were not removed in the same manner as Moses. Their lives were taken by a conspiracy of men. It was not necessary for the brothers to be taken like Moses. The testimony and ministry of the brothers required their blood to be shed, sealing their testimonies as witnesses.

          Reflecting on the similarities between Moses and Joseph Smith, the pattern established by Moses of the Lord removing him and the priesthood is paramount. Joseph Smith appointed his brother as his successor by revelation from God.[11] Hyrum replaced Oliver Cowdery as associate president with the additional titles of prophet and patriarch to the church. In the revelation to Oliver, the Lord stated Joseph Smith would remain in his role “like Moses” until the Lord appointed another “in his stead.” Hyrum was murdered before Joseph. Joseph was killed knowing the successor appointed by the Lord for Joseph would not succeed him.

          These circumstances leave a few questions to consider. If the Lord allowed the two men holding the priesthood keys to be taken, would not the keys or priesthood authority be removed by the Lord as well. The men who succeeded Joseph and Hyrum Smith were not appointed in the same manner Joseph Smith was appointed. A popular vote was held and the pattern of the president of the quorum of the twelve apostles ascending to prophet and president was instituted.

          Evidence priesthood keys passed to purported successors to Joseph Smith’s keys should have been present at the dedication of the Nauvoo Temple by Brigham Young. When Joseph Smith dedicated the Kirtland Temple, the Savior appeared and accepted the Kirtland Temple’s dedication.[12] Patriarchal Father’s like Adam and others appeared and shared with Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery their keys, rights, and privileges along with others.[13] Heavenly appearances occurred to confirm the Lord’s acceptance of the Kirtland Temple. None of those events occurred at the Nauvoo Temple dedication. The absence of Heavenly ministrants at the Nauvoo Temple dedication should be of concern to anyone who accepts the narrative Joseph Smith’s priesthood passed to others.

          Prior to the deaths of Joseph and Hyrum Smith the Lord gave a cautionary revelation to the saints of Nauvoo. The warning began with an explanation of why the completion of the Temple in Nauvoo was essential to the prophetic future of the saints.

“And again, truly I say unto you, let all my saints come from afar, and send swift messengers, yea, chosen messengers, and say unto them, Come all of you, with all your gold, and your silver, and your precious stones, and with all your antiquities, and with all who have knowledge of antiquities that will come, may come. And bring the box tree, and the fir tree, and the pine tree, together with all the precious trees of the earth, and with iron, with copper, and with brass, and with zinc, and with all your precious things of the earth, and build a house unto my name for the Most High to dwell therein. For there is not place found on the earth that he [the Lord] may come and restore again that which was lost unto you, or which he has taken away, even the fullness of the Priesthood” (RE T&C 141:10; emphasis added).

The priesthood was not lost to Joseph and Hyrum Smith, as evidenced later in the same revelation and revelations that followed. That “which he [the Lord] has taken away” could only be restored to the church with the completion and divine acceptance of the Nauvoo Temple by the Lord. An incomplete structure was dedicated by Brigham Young and the saints were driven from Nauvoo in the dead of winter. The exodus from Nauvoo was foretold in the same revelation when the Lord cautioned the saints to heed Joseph and Hyrum’s admonitions to complete the Temple:

“And truly I say unto you, let this house be built unto my name that I may reveal my ordinances [so the mystery of godliness can be manifest, essential to returning to God’s presence] therein unto my people, for I deign to reveal unto my church things which have been kept hid from before the foundation of the world, things that pertain to the dispensation of the fullness of times. And I will show unto my servant Joseph all things pertaining to this house and the Priesthood thereof, and the place whereon it shall be built. And you shall build it on the place where you have contemplated building it, for that is the spot which I have chosen for you to build it. If you labor with all your mights, I will consecrate that spot that it shall be made holy. And if my people will hearken unto my voice and unto the voice of my servants whom I have appointed to lead my people, behold, truly I say unto you, they shall not be moved out of their place. But if they will not hearken to my voice, nor unto the voice of these men whom I have appointed, they shall not be blessed, because they pollute my holy grounds, and my holy ordinances and charters, and my holy words which I give unto them. And it shall come to pass that if you build a house unto my name and do not do the things that I say, I will not perform the oath which I make unto you, neither fulfill the promises which you expect at my hands, says the Lord. For instead of blessings, you, by your own works, bring cursings, wrath, indignation, and judgments upon your own heads, by your follies and by all your abominations which you practice before me, says the Lord” (RE T&C 141:13-14; emphasis added).

The Lord provides a list of outcomes in response to unacceptable behaviors among the saints. The Lord stated His intention to reveal to Joseph Smith “things which have been kept hid from before the foundation of the world, things that pertain to the dispensation of the fullness of times.” If keys held by Joseph and Hyrum were successfully transferred to those claiming Joseph Smith’s authority and priesthood there should be additional revelation from the Lord relating to these subjects. In two hundred years we have yet to see emergent records referred to in the Covenant of Christ in the last days. Not only has the Lord’s intention gone unfulfilled, but no one since Joseph Smith can be described as someone who receives revelation “even as Moses.” Joseph Smith was the last to continuously add revelation to the canon of scripture. Rather than a perpetually growing canon of revelation and scripture, redactions, edits and alterations have been the contemporary pattern.

          One may debate the faithfulness of the saints in Nauvoo in contemporary times of Joseph Smith, but one thing is undeniable. Judgment of the historical outcome hinged on one point raised by the Savior.

“. . . And if my people will hearken unto my voice and unto the voice of my servants whom I have appointed to lead my people, behold, truly I say unto you, they shall not be moved out of their place” (RE T&C 141:13; emphasis added).

In effect, the Lord provides a litmus test to determine if “my people” gave heed to the Lord’s voice and the voice of His servants. The test designated by revelation from the Lord through Joseph Smith is the question: “Were the Lord’s people removed from their place?” The indisputable answer is yes! If the answer to that question is affirmative, it must mean the Lord’s, (not mine) accusations against the saints must be true.

“. . . For instead of blessings, you, by your own works, bring cursings, wrath, indignation, and judgments upon your own heads, by your follies and by all your abominations which you practice before me, says the Lord” (RE T&C 141:14; emphasis added).       

Tremendous adversity suffered by many faithful saints left a proud legacy of perseverance and suffering for the descendants who migrated West. Those people deserve to be honored and revered. Unfortunately, by the Lord’s own observation there were those presiding over the many faithful who abused authority they claimed to bear. After the deaths of Joseph and Hyrum Smith abominations like adultery, racial discrimination, and blood atonement found their way into church doctrine. Many of these things have been disavowed, still, one must question the authority and structure built on the foundation laid by Joseph Smith.

          Another important comparison is noting similarities between ancient Israel post-Moses’ ministry and the Gentiles post-Joseph Smith. In the time between Moses’ departure and the rise of the rabbinical class, emphasis turned away from revelation to academic research by scholars. Inconvenient accounts contradicting modern narratives of scholars were simply removed or altered to comply with contemporary opinions.

          Post-Joseph Smith with see the same with church history and doctrine. The rabbinical equivalent for the Gentiles is found in the Journal of Discourses as well as modern publications of contemporary “General Authorities.”

          Another important comparison between ancient Israel and modern Gentiles is the question of priesthood outcomes. The “greater priesthood” originally offered by the Lord through Moses was plainly taught to Israel. The intention was to give Israel access to the knowledge of God and introduce them into the God’s presence. Without this priesthood and accompanying ordinances no man could enter God’s presence. It was an opportunity for all men and women to personally represent themselves before the Lord. Following Moses’ translation the lesser law required the Aaronic high priest to enter the holy of holies to offer sacrifice for his sins and the sins of the people. In essence the lesser covenant introduced vicarious representation for mankind. Rejection of the Lord’s offer to speak directly with everyone was the trigger for God’s wrath when the lesser covenant was regretfully introduced.

          Although the contemporary temple endowment and ordinances imply the introduction to the “greater priesthood” associated with Moses, the practical application when a patron leaves the temple is a return to the lesser covenant. “Follow the Prophet” becomes the mantra for the faithful. In effect, the lesser covenant prevails and seeking the Lord’s face in mortality is not only discouraged, but condemned.

          In light of these issues it is important to revisit the Lord’s prophecy of the latter-day Gentiles.

“The Father commands Me to tell you: At the time when the Gentiles sin against My gospel and reject the fullness of My gospel and are filled with pride to their very center above all nations, more proud of themselves than anyone on earth, and are full of all kinds of lying, deceit, mischief, all kinds of hypocrisy, murder, priestcraft, whoredoms, and secret abominations — if they do all these things and reject the fullness of My gospel, says the Father, I’ll take the fullness of My gospel away from them. Then I’ll return to the covenant I made with My people of the house of Israel, and I’ll bring them My gospel. And I’ll show you, O house of Israel, that the Gentiles no longer have power over you, but I’ll keep My covenant with you, O house of Israel, and you’ll understand the fullness of My gospel. But if the Gentiles repent and return to Me, says the Father, they’ll be included with My people of the house of Israel. And I won’t let My people, who are part of the house of Israel, go among them and trample them down, says the Father. But if they [Gentiles] won’t return to Me and obey My voice, I’ll let My people, O house of Israel, go through them [unrepentant Gentiles] and trample them down. They’ll be like salt that’s become useless, which is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by My people, O house of Israel” (CofC 3 Nephi 7:4-5; emphasis added).

If you wonder what precepts of men cause latter-day Gentiles to reject the Lord and His servant in the last days, consider the Savior’s description of those who receive the “fullness of My gospel.” Only those to whom it is offered are in position to reject it.

It may be time for serious introspection and examination of where our devotions lie. Are we “more proud of ourselves than anyone one on earth? Are we complicit in deceiving ourselves by keeping our proverbial fingers in our ears as we shuffle the deck chairs on the Titanic? Is it more important to listen to others or take hold of the “rod of Iron” and be led to safety.

The fate of the latter-day Gentiles has been a primary focus in most papers written for this website. More is written for and about the Gentiles because they are in the greatest jeopardy as these events unfold. What precepts of men are you following that place your salvation in jeopardy? Answers to this question are of the greatest importance.

[1] The Covenant of Christ in modern English is another significant step toward explaining Isaiah’s writings to latter-day Gentiles. In addition to these developments Denver Snuffer Jr. has written “Nephi’s Isaiah” to enlighten Gentiles in the last days as well.

[2]“Then I saw my brothers’ descendants and the book of the Lamb of God [Bible], which had come from the Jews, and that it came from the Gentiles to my brothers’ descendants. After it had come to them, I saw other books that came by the Lamb’s power from the Gentiles to them — these [“other books”] convinced the Gentiles and my brothers’ descendants, and also the Jews who were scattered throughout the earth [Israel], that the records of the prophets and the Lamb’s Twelve witnesses are true. Then the Angel told me: The last records [“other books”] that you’ve seen among the Gentiles will confirm the truth of the first ones — which come from the Lamb’s Twelve witnesses — and will reveal the clear and valuable things which have been removed from them and reveal to all people of every tribe and language that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father and Savior of the world and that all people must come to Him or they cannot be saved. And according to the words of the Lamb they must come to Him. And the Lamb’s words will be revealed in the records of your descendants [record of Joseph] as well as in the records of the Lamb’s Twelve witnesses [Bible]. So they’ll both be witnesses together, because there’s one God and one Shepherd over the whole earth. At a future time, He’ll reveal Himself to all nations, both to the Jews and to the Gentiles. And after He has revealed Himself to the Jews and to the Gentiles, He’ll then appear to the Gentiles and to the Jews. The last will be first and the first will be last. If the Gentiles then obey the Lamb of God, He’ll reveal Himself to them in word and power and in person, in order to remove barriers to their belief, and if they don’t harden their hearts against the Lamb of God, they’ll be included with your father’s descendants — indeed, they’ll be included as part of the house of Israel. And they’ll become a blessed family [Israel] in the promised land forever. They won’t be enslaved anymore, and the house of Israel won’t be embarrassed anymore. And the great pit dug for them by that utterly wicked church, which the accuser and his followers founded so that he could take people’s souls down to hell — that great pit dug for people’s destruction will be filled with those who dug it, to their complete destruction, says the Lamb of God — not the destruction of the soul, but throwing it into that endless hell. This is according to the accuser’s imprisonment, and according to God’s justice as well, upon all those who insist on doing wicked and corrupt things in God’s sight. Then the Angel told me: You’ve seen that if the Gentiles repent, it will turn out well for them. You also know about the Lord’s covenants with the house of Israel. And you’ve also heard that whoever doesn’t repent must perish [Israel or Gentile]. As a result, if the Gentiles harden their hearts against the Lamb of God, I will afflict them. ₇Because the time will come, says the Lamb of God, when I’ll bring about a great and awe-inspiring work among mankind, one that will be everlasting — one way or the other — either to convince them, resulting in peace and life eternal; or to give them up to their hard hearts and blind minds, bringing about their slavery and temporal and spiritual destruction, under the accuser’s enslavement which I’ve spoken about. When the Angel had said this, He asked me: Do you remember the Father’s covenants to the house of Israel? I replied: Yes. Then He told me: Look and observe that utterly wicked church, which is the mother of abominations, whose foundation is the accuser. Then He told me: There are only two churches: one is the congregation of the Lamb of God and the other is the church of the accuser. Therefore anyone who doesn’t belong to the congregation of the Lamb of God belongs to the other wealthy and corrupt church that is the mother of abominations, and she is the whore of the whole earth. Then I looked and saw the whore of the whole earth. She was spread everywhere across the seas, ruling over the whole earth, among all people of every nation, tribe, and language. And I saw the congregation of the Lamb of God; its numbers were few because of the wickedness and abominations of the whore who was spread everywhere across the seas. Nevertheless, I saw that the congregation of the Lamb, who were God’s holy ones, were also there throughout the earth; but their presence was small because of the wickedness of the great whore whom I saw. And I saw the great mother of abominations assembled in large numbers all over the earth among all Gentile nations to fight against the Lamb of God. Then I saw the power of the Lamb of God descend upon the holy ones of the Lamb’s congregation and upon the Lord’s covenant people, who were scattered across the earth. They were armed with righteousness and God’s power in great glory. And I saw that God’s wrath was poured out upon that wealthy and utterly wicked church, so that wars and reports of wars arose among the nations and tribes of the earth. As these wars and reports of wars arose among the nations that followed the mother of abominations, the Angel told me: God’s wrath is upon the mother of harlots. You’re a witness to all these things. When the time comes that God’s anger is poured out upon the mother of harlots — the wealthy and utterly wicked church of the whole earth, whose foundation is the accuser — then as that happens it will be part of the Father’s work to vindicate the covenants He has made with His people who belong to the house of Israel” (CofC 1 Nephi 3:24-29; emphasis added).

[3] “Then the Angel told me: You’ve seen that if the Gentiles repent, it will turn out well for them. . .” (CofC 1 Nephi 3:26; emphasis added).

[4] “In the 34th year, on the 14th day of the first month, a great storm arose, the kind of storm that had never been experienced before in that land. There were great and terrible winds; and terrible thunder, so much so that it shook the whole earth as if it were about to split apart. There was very sharp lightning, the kind of lightning never before experienced in that land. The city of Zarahemla caught fire. The city of Moroni sank into the depths of the sea and its inhabitants drowned. And earth overwhelmed the city of Moronihah, so that a great mountain rose up in its place. There was great and terrible destruction in the land to the south. But the destruction was greater and more terrible in the land to the north since the whole surface of the land was changed because of the storms, tornadoes, thunder, lightning, and very strong earthquakes. Highways were broken up, level roads were damaged, and many flat areas became uneven. Many prominent cities were sunk, many were burned, and many were shaken until their buildings had fallen to the ground and their inhabitants were killed and they were left empty. Some cities remained, but they were heavily damaged, and many of the occupants were killed. Some were taken away by tornadoes; and no one knows where they went, except they know they were removed. So the surface of the whole land was deformed because of the storms, thunder, lightning, and earthquakes. The solid ground was split apart — indeed, the land was broken up all over, being left in broken fragments, grooves, and cracks everywhere. When the thunder, lightning, storms, violent wind, and earthquakes stopped after approximately three hours, although some said it lasted much longer, nevertheless all these great and terrible things happened over the course of about three hours and then darkness covered the land” (CofC 3 Nephi 4:2-3).

[5] “Listen carefully to what I tell you: I will declare to you My doctrine. This is My doctrine, and it is the doctrine that the Father has given to Me: I testify of the Father, and the Father testifies of Me, and the Holy Ghost testifies of the Father and Me. I also testify the Father commands all people everywhere to repent and believe in Me. And anyone who believes in Me and is baptized will be saved, and they are who will inherit God’s kingdom. But anyone who doesn’t believe in Me and isn’t baptized will be damned. In truth I tell you this is My doctrine, and I testify of it from the Father. Anyone who believes in Me also believes in the Father, and the Father will testify to them of Me, since He will visit them with fire and with the Holy Ghost. ₃₆In this way the Father will testify of Me, and the Holy Ghost will testify to them of the Father and Me, because the Father and I and the Holy Ghost are united as one. In addition, I say to you: You must repent and become as a little child and be baptized in My name, or under no circumstance can you receive these things. ₃₈And again, I say to you: You must repent and be baptized in My name and become as a little child, or under no circumstances can you inherit God’s kingdom. In truth I tell you this is My doctrine. Whoever builds on this builds on My rock, and the gates of hell will not prevail against them. And those who declare more or less than this and establish it as My doctrine advocate evil and are not built upon My rock, but are built on a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive them when the floods come and the wind pounds them. Therefore go to this people and declare to the farthest reaches of the earth the words that I’ve spoken” (CofC 3 Nephi 5:9; emphasis added).

[6] “And when that day shall come shall a remnant [of Israel] be scattered among all nations; but they [Israel] shall be gathered again, but they shall remain until the times of the gentiles be fulfilled. And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion. And men’s hearts shall fail them and shall say that Christ delays his coming until the end of the world, and the love of men shall wax cold and iniquity shall abound. And when the times of the gentiles is come in, a light shall break forth among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the fullness of my gospel, but they [Gentiles] receive it not, for they perceive not the light and they turn their hearts from me because of the precepts of men” (RE T&C 31:6; emphasis added).

[7] “Wherefore, I, the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph and spoke unto him from Heaven, and gave him commandment, and also gave commandments to others that they should proclaim these things unto the world. And all this that it might be fulfilled which was written by the prophets: the weak things of the world should come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man [precepts of men are the cause for the Gentile rejection of the gospel fullness], neither trust in the arm of flesh, but that every man might speak in the name of God, the Lord, even the Savior of the world, that faith also might increase in the earth, that my everlasting covenant might be established, that the fullness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world and before kings and rulers. Behold, I am God and have spoken it. These commandments are of me, and were given unto my servants in their weakness, after the manner of their language [in Joseph Smith’s day the scriptural language was King James English], that they might come to understanding [when the Covenant of Christ, a Book of Mormon translation in modern English is acknowledged by the Lord]. And inasmuch as they [weak servants] erred, it might be made known; and inasmuch as they sought wisdom, it might be instructed; and inasmuch as they sinned, they might be chastened that they might repent; and inasmuch as they were humble, they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time, after they having received the record of the Nephites. Yea, even my servant Joseph [Smith] might have power to translate through the mercy of God, by the power of God, the Book of Mormon. And also, those to whom these commandments were given might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth with which I, the Lord, am well pleased — speaking unto the church collectively and not individually. For I, the Lord, cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance; nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven, and he that repents not, from him shall be taken even the light which he has received. For my spirit shall not always strive with man, says the Lord of Hosts” (RE T&C 54:4-5; emphasis added).

[8] “The Lord also told me [Joseph of Egypt]: I’ll give your descendants also a prophet and make a spokesman for him. I’ll inspire the one to write the record of your descendants to bless your offspring. And that spokesman will declare that record. The words he’ll write [seer] will be the words that, in My wisdom, I consider important for your offspring to read. It will be as if your descendants called out to them from the dust, because I know their faith. They’ll call out the need for repentance from the dust for their brothers and sisters many generations after they’ve died. Their words will go forth in a way that is a direct, clear message [Covenant of Christ, modern English]. Because of their faith, their words will go from Me to their brothers and sisters who are your offspring. I’ll make the simplicity of their words result in strong faith as they learn about the covenant I made with your fathers” (CofC 2 Nephi 2:6; emphasis added).

[9] “And this greater Priesthood administers the [fullness of] gospel and holds the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge [glory] of God. Therefore, in the ordinances thereof the power of godliness [transformative power of man becoming like God] 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 [no transformative power], for without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live [overcome Adam’s fall and return to God’s presence]. Now, this, Moses plainly taught [like Nephi] to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God, but they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence. Therefore, the Lord, in his wrath (for his anger was kindled against them) swore that they should not enter into his rest — which rest is the fullness of his glory [knowledge of God, light and truth] — while in the wilderness. Therefore, he took Moses [dispensation head] out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also. And the lesser priesthood continued, which priesthood holds the key of the ministering of angels, and the preparatory gospel, which gospel is the gospel of repentance, and of baptism, and the remission of sins, and the law of carnal commandments, which the Lord in his wrath caused to continue with the house of Aaron, among the children of Israel, until John [the Baptist], whom God raised up, being filled with the holy ghost from his mother’s womb. For he [John the Baptist] was baptized while he was yet in his childhood, and was ordained by the angel of God at the time he was eight days old unto this power: to overthrow the kingdom of the Jews, and to make straight the way of the Lord before the face of his people, to prepare them for the coming of the Lord, in whose hand is given all power” (RE T&C 82:12-14; emphasis added).

[10] “Then, after Alma had said these things to Helaman, he blessed him, and his other sons as well. He also blessed the earth for the benefit of the righteous. He said: This is what the Lord God has said: The land will be cursed to destroy any people on this land who do evil, whether they belong to any nation, tribe, or language, when they’re fully ripe. And just as I’ve said, so will it happen. Indeed, this is God’s cursing and blessing on the land, because the Lord can’t tolerate sin to any degree. Now when Alma had said these words, he blessed the congregation, indeed, all those who would stand firmly in the faith from that time forward. When Alma had done this, he left Zarahemla as if to go to Melek. And he was never heard of again. As to his death or burial, we don’t have any knowledge. But this we do know, that he was a righteous man. And the saying went abroad in the congregation that he was taken up by the Spirit or buried by the Lord, just like Moses was. But the scripture says the Lord took Moses to Himself. And we believe He has also received Alma in the spirit to Himself. Therefore, for this reason, we don’t know anything about his death and burial” (CofC Alma 21:3; emphasis added).

[11] “And again, truly I say unto you that my servant William be appointed, ordained, and anointed as a counselor unto my servant Joseph, in the room of my servant Hyrum, that my servant Hyrum may take the office of Priesthood and Patriarch, which was appointed unto him by his father by blessing, and also by right, that from here on out he shall hold the keys of the Patriarchal blessings upon the heads of all my people, that whoever he blesses shall be blessed and whoever he curses shall be cursed, that whatever he shall bind on the earth shall be bound in Heaven, and that whatever he shall loose on earth shall be loosed in Heaven. And from this time forth I appoint unto him that he may be a prophet, and a seer, and a revelator unto my church, as well as my servant Joseph, that he may act in concert also with my servant Joseph, and that he shall receive counsel from my servant Joseph, who shall show unto him the keys whereby he may ask and receive, and be crowned with the same blessings. I crown upon his head the bishopric, and blessing, and glory, and honor, and Priesthood, and gifts of the Priesthood, that once were put upon him that was my servant Oliver Cowdery, that my servant Hyrum may bear record of the things which I shall show unto him, that his name may be had in honorable remembrance from generation to generation for ever and ever” (RE T&C 141:32; emphasis added).

[12] “On the third day of April 1836, Joseph and Oliver were in the temple in Kirtland, Ohio. The veil was taken from their minds and the eyes of their understanding were opened. They saw the Lord in his glory standing above them and the breastwork of the pulpit; and under his feet appeared as it were a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber. His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying: I am the Alpha and the Omega; I am he who was slain, I am he who lives; I am your advocate with the Father. Behold, your sins are forgiven you; you are clean before me, therefore, lift up your heads and rejoice. Let the hearts of your brethren also rejoice, and let the hearts of all my people rejoice, who have, with their might, built this house to my name. ₇For behold, I have accepted this house and my name shall be here, and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house. Yea, I will appear unto my servants, and speak unto them with mine own voice, if my people will keep my commandments, and do not pollute this holy house. Behold and see: The hearts of thousands and tens of thousands shall greatly rejoice in consequence of the blessings that shall be poured out and the endowment with which my servants will be endowed in this house. Behold, the fame of this house shall spread to foreign lands; and this is the beginning of the blessings I shall pour out upon my people. Even so. Amen” (RE T&C 157:26-29; emphasis added).

[13] “As this vision closed, the Heavens were again opened to their view, and they saw and beheld, and were endowed with knowledge from the beginning of this creation to the ends thereof. And they were shown unspeakable things from the sealed record of Heaven, which man is not capable of making known, but must be revealed by the Powers of Heaven [Patriarchal Fathers]. They beheld Michael, the archangel, Gabriel, and Raphael, 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. And they were unable to take it in; therefore, they were commanded to pray and ask to comprehend by the power of the spirit, to bring all things to their remembrance, even the Record of Heaven which would abide in them. Amen and Amen” (RE T&C 157:30-32; emphasis added).

Scott Roderick

8/20/26

Nephi Explains.pdf

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