Simple Means - Part 4 : “Due Time of the Lord” Prophecies

Joseph of Egypt’s Prophecy

          Joseph of Egypt shared a prophecy with his brothers prior to his death. Like Ezekiel’s prophecy of sticks of Judah and Joseph being united, [1] Joseph of Egypt said:

“Therefore your [Joseph of Egypt’s] offspring will write [the record of Joseph’s posterity], and Judah’s offspring will write [Bible, record of Judah]. The Lord says: The things your 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 and comprehending My covenants. The Lord said: His [Joseph Smith’s] weakness will be made strong. My work will then begin among all My people [after Joseph Smith is made strong]. I’ll restore you, O house of Israel” (CofC 2 Nephi 2:4; emphasis added). [2]

Thus far no combinations of the Book of Mormon and Bible fulfill Joseph of Egypt’s prophecy in the two hundred years since. However, the Covenant of Christ sheds more light on these events revealing how Joseph Smith’s efforts start in weakness, becoming strong. His strengthened ministry initiates Israel’s gathering in the Covenant of Christ.   

After Joseph Smith’s work becomes strong the Lord restores Israel, fulfilling His promises to the Patriarchal Father’s and their posterity. Supporting this thesis is the latter part of Joseph of Egypt’s prophecy where Joseph speaks of a spokesman for Joseph Smith:

“The Lord also told me: I’ll give your [Joseph of Egypt’s] descendants also a prophet [Joseph Smith] and make a spokesman for him [A spokesman is necessary because Joseph Smith is not alive when Israel’s gathering begins. The spokesman is the “root of Jesse” explained in RE T&C 129:3 [3] and the “one mighty” described at the end of this chapter [4]]. I’ll inspire the one to write the record of your descendants [Joseph Smith] to bless your offspring. And that spokesman [“root of Jesse” and “one powerful”] will declare that record [the record of Joseph of Egypt to Lehi’s descendants]. The words he’ll write [Joseph Smith] 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 [this has not been fulfilled]. Because of their faith, their words will go from Me [the Lord holds the sealed portion and Joseph Smith’s complete translation] to their brothers and sisters who are your offspring [Joseph of Egypt’s]. I’ll make the simplicity of their words [“simple means”] result in strong faith as they learn about the covenant I made with your [Patriarchal] fathers” [a by-product of what Joseph of Egypt foretold would happen after the records “grow together”] (CofC 2 Nephi 2:6; emphasis added).

Joseph Smith’s ministry began in weakness, [5] remaining incomplete at his death. [6] To accommodate the work yet to be accomplished, a “spokesman” is provided by the Lord to finish what Joseph Smith began. [7] The complete translation of the Covenant of Christ, (including the sealed portion) resonates with Lehi’s descendants and a few repentant Gentiles. The posterity of Lehi turns to the Lord and covenants He made with their Patriarchal Fathers. [8]

The “Due Time of the Lord”

          Moroni authored the title page of the Book of Mormon. In the introduction he said:

“. . .Written and sealed up, and hid up unto the Lord, that they might not be destroyed-To come forth by the gift and power of God unto the interpretation thereof-Sealed by the hand of Moroni, and hid up unto the Lord, to come forth in the due time by way of the Gentile-The interpretation thereof by the gift and power of God” (Title page of the Book of Mormon).

The Covenant of Christ contains Moroni’s introduction in modern English with slight variation from the Book of Mormon:

“. . .written by means of divine commandment and by the spirit of prophecy and revelation. The records were engraved, sealed, and hidden under the Lord’s care so they wouldn’t be destroyed, to come forth by God’s gift and power to be translated. They were sealed up by Moroni and hidden under the Lord’s care, to appear at the right time [due time] through the Gentiles, and their translation by the gift of God” (Covenant of Christ, Title page).

The “right time” in the Covenant of Christ is the “due time” in the Book of Mormon. References to the “due time of the Lord” are plentiful in scriptures of the Restoration. The phrase is a common thread to pull; exposing how modern scripture through the Spirits of prophecy and revelation [fulfill] [9] weave a tapestry of prophetic events together.

Joseph Smith and the “Due Time of the Lord”

          The “due time of the Lord” was a subject Joseph Smith addressed on several occasions. The following quotes support the notion the Lord’s “due time” referred to last days events preceding the establishment of Zion and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Regarding this subject Joseph Smith said:

“I know that Zion, in the due time of the Lord, will be redeemed; but how many will be the days of her purification, tribulation and affliction, the Lord has kept hidden from my eyes” (TPJS. p.34; emphasis added).

“All things concerning Zion will come to pass in the due time of the Lord” (Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, Dean C. Jesse, p.306; emphasis added).

“Let us take the Book of Mormon, which a man took and hid in his field, securing it by his faith, to spring up in the last days or in due times” (TPJS. p.98; emphasis added).

          Numerous references to the Lord’s “due time” make an exhaustive study impractical for this paper. A few references will be shared to demonstrate how the Lord explains His prophecies in the writings of the Patriarchal Fathers to increase faith in their children. [10]

“Then the Lord God will bring forward for you the words of a book, and the words will be from those who have died. The book will be sealed, and a revelation from God from the beginning to the end of the world will be in the book. And because of what’s sealed up, the sealed things won’t be made known while people remain wicked and practice abominations. So the book will be kept from them. But the book will be given to a man [Joseph Smith], and he’ll write down the words of the book, the words of those who have died, and he’ll dictate these words to another [after he writes the words of the book]. But he must not dictate the sealed words or give the book to anyone else since the book will be sealed by God’s power [How could Joseph Smith dictate the sealed portion unless he first translated the book in its entirety?]. And the sealed revelation — which discloses all things, from the foundation of the world to its end — are to be left in the book until the Lord determines it’s the proper time [“due time”] for them to be revealed. Eventually the words of the book that were sealed will be read upon the housetops, and they’ll be read by the power of Christ. Everything will be revealed to mankind, everything that’s ever happened among mankind and everything that will happen, all the way to the end of the earth. When the book is given to the man I’ve just mentioned [Joseph Smith], the book will be hidden from the eyes of the world, so that no one will see it — besides the one to whom the book will be entrusted — except for three witnesses who will see it by God’s power. They’ll testify to the truth of the book and the things in it. No one else will view it, except for a few according to God’s will, to testify of His word to mankind. The Lord God has said the words of the faithful would speak as if from the dead. Therefore the Lord God will proceed to bring the words of the book to public view. And He’ll confirm His word with as many witnesses as seems right to Him. And woe to those who reject God’s word. . . But I’m able to do My own work; so you must read the words that I’ll give you [after he has written them]. Don’t do anything with the sealed things; I’ll reveal them at the right time [“in my own due time”]. I’ll show mankind that I’m able to do My own work. When you’ve read the words I’ve assigned you [unsealed portion], and obtained the witnesses I’ve promised you, then you must seal up the book again and hide it away to Me, so I can keep the words you haven’t read [not dictated] safe until I see fit in My own wisdom to reveal all things to mankind. For I Am God, and I Am a God of miracles. I’ll show [world will see it] the world I Am the same yesterday, today, and forever; that I don’t do anything among mankind unless it’s according to their faith” (CofC 2 Nephi 11:19-20; emphasis added).

The unsealed portion is the content Joseph Smith dictated to Oliver Cowdery. To “dictate” the content to Oliver, Joseph would have to read a portion of the translation approved by the Lord. The sealed portion is reserved by the Lord to come to light at the “right time,” “proper time,” or in the Lord’s “due time,” the three being synonymous.

          In the “due time of the Lord,” He intends to “show” the world in

miraculous fashion the sealed portion of the record. This suggests a physical manifestation of the sealed portion. That may involve Joseph Smith’s translation, the actual sealed portion of the record, or possibly both. A miraculous manifestation in that manner would solidify Joseph Smith’s ministry in strength. Whatever form the miraculous manifestation takes, in the Lord’s economy it is accomplished by “simple means.”

          One certainty “in that day” will be those who claim to be guardians of Joseph Smith’s legacy, failing to defend him against claims of adultery, racism, lying, and pedophilia will hang their heads in shame. Joseph Smith emerges from weakness to strength because Israel’s God stands by His faithful servant when most besmirch and abandon his legacy.

The Lord’s Explanation of His “Due Time”

          The Covenant of Christ contains the Savior’s explanation of events in the “due time of the Lord.” He said to Nephite survivors:

“I’ll establish My people, O house of Israel. I’ll establish you in this land to vindicate the covenant I made with your father Jacob; that includes a New Jerusalem. And the Powers of heaven [Patriarchal Father’s as ministering angels] will help you, and I’ll [the Savior] also be helping you. I Am [a name and title] the one Moses described, saying: The Lord God will raise up a prophet to you from your brethren, like me; listen to whatever He’ll say to you. And it will follow that every soul who will not hear that prophet will be cut off from among the people [Israel]. Truthfully I say to you: All the prophets from Samuel and those following after, as many as have prophesied, have testified of Me. And now you are the children of the prophets [if you embrace their teachings], and part of the house of Israel [family of God], and you have part in the covenant the Father made with your fathers, when He promised to Abraham: Through your posterity all the families of the earth will be blessed. The Father has raised Me [the Savior] up before all men and sent Me to you covenant children first, to bless you and turn you from your sin. Now this blessing to you is to keep the Father’s covenant He made with Abraham, saying: Through your posterity all the families of the earth will be blessed. The Holy Ghost will be poured out on the Gentiles through Me, and this blessing given to the Gentiles will give them power to scatter My people, the house of Israel [how the Lord blesses both Gentiles and Israel through Abraham’s seed]. However after they [Gentiles] receive the fullness of My gospel, [11] then if they harden their hearts against Me, I’ll cause them [Gentiles] to experience the same fate of being scattered, says the Father. I’ll remember the covenant I made with My people [Israel]. I’ve covenanted with them that I would bring them back together at the right time [due time of the Lord]; I’ll give them back the land of their ancestors as their inheritance, which is the land of Jerusalem, which is the promised land for them forever, says the Father.

The time will come when the fullness of My gospel will be preached to them [by Gentiles]. And they [Lehi’s descendants] will believe in Me, that I Am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and they will pray to the Father in My name [at the due time of the Lord]. Then their lookouts [watchmen] will sing the same message together as a chorus, [12] agreeing eye to eye. [13] Then the Father will gather them together again and give Jerusalem to them as an inherited land. Then they’ll break out in joyful song, singing together [song of “redeeming love”] with all the scattered remnants from Jerusalem, for the Father has brought comfort to His people, [14] He has redeemed Jerusalem. The Father has vindicated His covenant for all to witness, and everyone to the ends of the earth will see He has saved His people. And the Father and I are united as one. Then this prophecy will be fulfilled: Wake up, wake up again and dress yourself with strength, O Zion. [15] Put on your clean garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city. From now on none of the faithless or uncircumcised [covenant people alone] will try to enter. Shake all the dust off yourself [repent], stand up [face God] and then rest [receive the Lord as “comforter”], O Jerusalem. Take the chains off your neck, [16] O imprisoned daughter of Zion [Jerusalem]. For the Lord declares: You’ve sold yourselves for nothing and you’ll be set free without charge” (CofC 3 Nephi 9:8-9; emphasis added).      

The Savior maintains His pattern of speaking to His people through the scriptures, as evident in the footnotes provided. This is never done in isolation. By following this pattern He provides ample evidence of His commitment to us through the testimonies of His servants, personal testimony and written.

          The pattern of reliance on scriptures is not limited to the Savior. His servants are strong proponents of the same methodology because they speak and write the words of Christ in devotion to Him. [17] By doing so, they witness to their contemporaries they are the Lord’s servants and with “small means” He brings “thousands of souls” [18] to Christ.

          A contemporary witness of Christ in our day is no exception. He expounds on prophecies in scripture as did those who have gone before:

“The promise of delivering the records to the Lamanites is tied to the “own due time of the Lord.” In this context the “time” refers to the arrival of a prepared people [repentant Gentiles] who will accept the records. As it turns out that event is still future. We are working toward it, but have not seen it and will not see it until the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon is published.

The Lord set in motion [Spirit of Elias] the fulfillment of the covenant with Joseph Smith. Getting the plates to Joseph, having the plates translated and printed, building an infrastructure to publish the book across the world in many languages, establishing the Church, gathering a people, and finally putting in motion a missionary army to flood the world were necessary preconditions to the covenant actually being completed. It will be completed when the Lamanites assume their responsibilities within the Church itself. [19] As the times of the Gentiles end, and they are swept away from the Americas, the Lamanites will replace the Gentiles and assume responsibility for governing at last. Christ Himself foretold how the corrupt Gentiles occupying this land will be swept away: “Then shall ye [Lehi’s descendants], who are a remnant of the house of Jacob, go forth among them; and ye shall be in the midst of them who shall be many; and ye shall be among them as a lion among the beasts of the forest, and as a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who, if he goeth through both treadeth down and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.” (3 Ne. 20: 16.) There are now forces currently in motion which could fulfill this treading down and tearing in pieces.

This passing of the Gentiles will not be limited to the remnant [Lehi’s descendants] taking vengeance. The Lord will also participate: “But, behold, I say unto you that before this great day shall come the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall be turned into blood, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and there shall be greater signs in heaven above and in the earth beneath; And there shall be weeping and wailing among the hosts of men; And there shall be a great hailstorm sent forth to destroy the crops of the earth. And it shall come to pass, because of the wickedness of the world, that I will take vengeance upon the wicked, for they will not repent; for the cup of mine indignation is full; for behold, my blood shall not cleanse them if they hear me not. Wherefore, I the Lord God will send forth flies upon the face of the earth, which shall take hold of the inhabitants thereof, and shall eat their flesh, and shall cause maggots to come in upon them; And their tongues shall be stayed that they shall not utter against me; and their flesh shall fall from off their bones, and their eyes from their sockets; And it shall come to pass that the beasts of the forest and the fowls of the air shall devour them up. And the great and abominable church, which is the whore of all the earth, shall be cast down by devouring fire, according as it is spoken by the mouth of Ezekiel the prophet, who spoke of these things, which have not come to pass but surely must, as I live, for abominations shall not reign.” (D&C 29: 14–21.) While not a pleasant picture, it produces a necessary result. The earth, and in particular the Americas, are intended to be sacred. It is the destiny of this land to be occupied by people who live worthily upon it. At present the earth is full of spiritual pollutions and uncleanness. The Lord guarantees us it will not continue uncorrected. Cleansing the Americas of gross wickedness will require the Gentiles to be swept away. Their time is now passing, as lowering birth rates and shifting demographic figures unmistakenly show. We read, too: “Behold, vengeance cometh speedily upon the inhabitants of the earth, a day of wrath, a day of burning, a day of desolation, of weeping, of mourning, and of lamentation; and as a whirlwind it shall come upon all the face of the earth, saith the Lord. And upon my house shall it begin, and from my house shall it go forth, saith the Lord; First among those among you, saith the Lord, who have professed to know my name and have not known me, and have blasphemed against me in the midst of my house, saith the Lord.” (D&C 112: 24–26.) Latter-day Saints will be corrected by the leading edge of the Lord’s wrath. From those who claim to have much, much is required. Since the Saints claim to know the Lord He will hold them to the standard of actually knowing Him.

The “due time of the Lord” will involve many events which will refine and prepare people to receive power through sacred Priestly rites [Spirit of Elijah] [20] so they may be preserved in the plagues to come. It would be best if those who now have the Gospel took it more seriously. But if not, we have the promise they will be swept away and replaced by others who will” (Snuffer Jr., Denver C., Beloved Enos, pp.90-93; emphasis added).

This somber pronouncement should stir Gentiles to humility and repentance. The majority will not come to this conclusion because of their unwillingness to hear Him:

“. . . for behold, my blood shall not cleanse them if they hear me not”

Unparalleled prosperity and submersion in false precepts lead latter-day Gentiles to an unimaginable, inconceivable fate. [21] Like Jaredites and Nephites before them, Gentiles ignore the Lord’s voice through His servant. [22] Instead of walking a straight and narrow path to God’s love the Gentiles stray into “forbidden paths.” [23] They rebel against God who beckons them to Him.[24] 

          The judgments of God begin with those who present themselves as His representatives claiming to “know Him.” Like Rabbi’s in the Savior’s day, they blaspheme the Lord’s name in His temple by claiming to “know Him” when they don’t. To the teachers of His day the Savior pronounced a harsh judgment because of their false claims.

“Jesus said, I am here in the world to prove who is righteous and who is not. Those who have been blinded by falsehoods I can teach them to see, and for those claiming they see clearly, I will leave them in their blindness. And some of the leaders who were nearby overheard him say this, and asked him, Are we blind also? Jesus said to them, If you were blind, you would not have sinned. But because you claim, We see, therefore your sins remain” [25] (RE T&C 171, Testimony of Saint John 7:8; emphasis added).

Nephi was shown our day and pronounced three “wo’s” upon those who “preach false doctrine” and “pervert the right way of the Lord.” To suffer a “wo,” is to experience a condition of deep suffering. Declaring multiple “woes” suggests an exponential increase in their suffering. Nephi said:

“The Lord God Almighty has said: Woe, woe, woe to the wise, the well educated, and the rich who are prideful to their very center, and to all those who preach false doctrines, practice whoredoms, worship idols, and corrupt and pervert the Lord’s right way! They will be thrown down to hell” (CofC 2 Nephi 12:3; emphasis added).

The Lord’s claim against these individuals is their willingness to set themselves up as a light, claiming to lead others to Christ. [26] They neither come to Christ personally or “know Him,” while pretending to lead others to Him. Of these false teachers the Savior said:

“But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for you shut up the kingdom of Heaven against men; for you neither go in yourselves, neither suffer them that are entering to go in.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, for you are hypocrites. You devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore, you shall receive the greater punishment.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for you traverse sea and land to make one convert, and when he is made, you make him twofold more the child of hell than he was before — like unto yourselves.

Woe unto you blind guides, who say, Whoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing, but whoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he has committed sin and is a debtor. You are fools, and blind. For which is the greatest — the gold, or the temple that sanctifies the gold? And you say, Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing, but whoever swears by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty. O fools, and blind. For which is the greatest — the gift, or the altar that sanctifies the gift? Truly I say unto you, whoever therefore shall swear by it, swears by the altar and by all things thereon. And whoever shall swear by the temple, swears by it and by him who dwells therein. And he that shall swear by Heaven, swears by the throne of God and by him who sits thereon.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for you pay tithe of mint, and anise, and cumin, and have omitted the weightier things of the law: judgment, mercy, and faith. These ought you to have done, and not to leave the others undone. You blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel, who make yourselves appear unto men that you would not commit the least sin, and yet you yourselves transgress the whole law.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for you make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess. You blind Pharisees, cleanse first the cup and platter within, that the outside of them may be clean also.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for you are like unto whitewashed sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but are within full of the bones of the dead and of all uncleanness. Even so, you also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchers of the righteous, and say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets. Wherefore, you are witnesses unto yourselves of your own wickedness. And you are the children of them who killed the prophets, and will fill up the measure then of your fathers, for you yourselves kill the prophets like unto your fathers. You serpents, a generation of vipers, how can you escape the damnation of hell?

Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes. And of them you shall kill and crucify, and of them you shall scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth; from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, son of Barachias, whom you slew between the temple and the altar. Truly I say unto you, all these things shall come upon this generation. You bear testimony against your fathers, when you yourselves are partakers of the same wickedness. Behold, your fathers did it through ignorance, but you do not. Wherefore, their sin shall be upon your heads” (RE Matthew 10:27-35; emphasis added).

When God’s wrath is poured on the Gentiles, it is not reserved solely for those entering His temple unworthily. His anger is kindled against those claiming to “know Him, yet know Him not.” They are hypocrites and blind guides for whom exponentially greater wrath is reserved. Those who “exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the children of men in any degree of unrighteousness.” Their conduct pronounces a self-inflicted “amen” to any ordination they receive, to their condemnation. [27]

          To be clear, God’s wrath is not limited to those claiming to know God but do not. That is where His wrath begins to be poured out upon the Gentiles. If the Gentiles repent it will be well with them. [28] Those resisting the Lord’s call to repentance cannot be cleansed by the Savior’s blood and will continually be scourged by His judgments until they heed His call or are mercifully taken to stop their descent toward hell. Everything the Lord does is for the benefit of man out of love.

“My dear people, I tell you the Lord God doesn’t act in darkness or do evil. He doesn’t do anything unless it’s for the world’s benefit, since He loves the world, even laying down His own life so He can draw all mankind to Him. As a result, He doesn’t command anyone to reject His salvation. Does He cry out to anyone: Go away! I tell you: No. On the contrary, He says: Come to Me, everyone on earth; buy milk and honey for free. Has He commanded anyone to get out of synagogues or houses of worship? I tell you: No. Has He commanded anyone not to share in His salvation? I tell you: No. On the contrary, He’s given it freely to all mankind. And He’s commanded His people to lead everyone to repentance. Has the Lord commanded anyone not to share in His goodness? I tell you: No. On the contrary, all people are equally invited, one like the other, and no one is forbidden” (CofC 2 Nephi 11:16; emphasis added).

Knowing God loves everyone in this world and everything He does is for our benefit, it is important to know He is just. We will never be separated from His love or justice. If we fail to hear His words spoken by Him or His servants and repent, we drink from the cup of His wrath and indignation. Our unwillingness to diligently seek His word and hear Him keeps us from being cleansed for Christ’s return.

“. . . And it shall come to pass, because of the wickedness of the world, that I will take vengeance upon the wicked, for they will not repent; for the cup of mine indignation is full; for behold, my blood shall not cleanse them if they hear me not. . .” (RE T&C 9:5; emphasis added).

We are in the Lord’s “due time” now. Are we listening for His word and if so, do we diligently heed what He says? He desires to bless us, but we decide if His curses fall on us in “the due time of the Lord.”

[1] “The word of the Lord came again unto me, saying, Moreover, you son of man, take one stick [book] and write upon it: For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions. Then take another stick and write upon it: For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions. And join them one to another, into one stick, and they shall become one in your hand. And when the children of your people shall speak unto you, saying, Will you not show us what you mean by these? Say unto them, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick; and they shall be one in my hand. And the sticks on which you write shall be in your hand before their eyes” (RE Ezekiel 19:4; emphasis added).

[2] “And out of weakness he shall be made strong; in that day when my work shall commence among all my people, unto the restoring thee, O house of Israel, saith the Lord” (RE 2 Nephi 2:4; emphasis added).

Differences between the Covenant of Christ, the RE Book of Mormon, and original Book of Mormon is subtle but relevant. The original account and Restoration Edition suggest the gathering of Israel has the effect of making Joseph Smith’s ministry strong. The Covenant of Christ version implies strengthening Joseph Smith’s ministry is the trigger for Israel’s gathering. In effect Joseph Smith being made strong is the springboard to launch the gathering of Israel. The latter conclusion is supported by the notion Joseph Smith introduced the “Spirit of Elias” to the world through his ministry. That Spirit prepares the way for a greater work as John the Baptist prepared the way for the Savior. Israel’s gathering is preparatory to the Second Coming. It stands to reason the Covenant of Christ states plainly and precisely a more detailed account for the Gentiles.

[3] “Question: What is the Root of Jesse spoken of in the 10th verse of the 11th chapter [Isa. 5:4]?

Answer: Behold, thus says the Lord: It is a descendant of Jesse as well as of Joseph, unto whom rightly belongs the Priesthood and the keys of the Kingdom, for an ensign and for the gathering of my people in the last day” (RE T&C 129:3; emphasis added).

[4][4] “Now, my son Joseph, this is how my forefather prophesied. Therefore you are blessed because of this covenant, since your descendants won’t be destroyed, because they’ll listen to the words of the book. And one powerful among them will rise up and do much good in what he says and does, acting as an instrument in God’s hands with great faith to accomplish wonderful results in God’s sight, to bring a significant restoration for the house of Israel including your brothers’ descendants. You are blessed [see A Glossary of Gospel Topics, Blessed, Joseph. And because you are young, listen to the words of your brother Nephi, and your life will unfold according to what I’ve spoken. Never forget the words of your dying father. Amen” (CofC 2 Nephi 2:7; emphasis added).

[5] “These commandments are of me, and were given unto my servants in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding. And inasmuch as they 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 might have power to translate through the mercy of God, by the power of God, the Book of Mormon. . .” (RE T&C 54:5; emphasis added).

[6] “But I beg leave to say unto you, brethren, that ignorance, superstition and bigotry placing itself where it ought not, is oftentimes in the way of the prosperity of this Church; like the torrent of rain from the mountains, that floods the most pure and crystal stream with mire, and dirt, and filthiness, and obscures everything that was clear before, and all rushes along in one general deluge; but time weathers tide; and notwithstanding we are rolled in the mire of the flood for the time being, the next surge peradventure, as time rolls on, may bring to us the fountain as clear as crystal, and as pure as snow; while the filthiness, flood-wood and rubbish is left and purged out by the way” (Smith Jr., Joseph. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (p. 155, emphasis added). (Function). Kindle Edition.

[7] “Joseph restored a faith demanding we awake and arise. We must ask God to remove the scales that blind us. The blinding “scales,” are a darkness, and an incorrect weight and measure. We have no reason to err, because we can ask God for the answer. If our judgment is not just, our dark scales will condemn us. Care is required to correctly distinguish between what is God’s and what is the devil’s” (Snuffer, Denver. Preserving the Restoration, pp.12-13, emphasis added).

[8] “At that time, to advance My cause, the Father will begin a work, which will be a great and awe-inspiring work among them [Gentiles]. There will be many who won’t believe it, although a man will tell it to them. But the ministry of My servant will be led by My hand; therefore they won’t be able to harm his work, although he’ll be opposed and discredited by them. Yet I’ll support him; I’ll show them My wisdom is greater than the accuser’s deceitful scheming. Therefore those who won’t believe in My words, and I Am Jesus Christ, which the Father will give and empower that servant to set before the Gentiles, it will result exactly as Moses said: They will be cut off from My people who are part of the covenant. And then you, a remnant of the house of Jacob, will rise up from them. And you’ll be mixed in with them who will outnumber you. You’ll be among them like a lion among his prey in the forest, and as a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who moves unopposed to take down and tear to pieces. Your hand will be against your opponents and all your enemies will be cut down. Yes, woe to the Gentiles unless they repent: For when that day comes, says the Father, I’ll take away your strength from you, and I’ll destroy your security. Your cities will fall and I’ll break open your guarded borders. Your sciences and learning will turn into foolishness, and your false beliefs will cause your failure. I’ll expose the fraud of those in authority, and your trusted institutions will lose everyone’s loyalty. False prophets and false ministers will be brought to shame and humiliation [fall of the Great and Abominable Church]. All lying, deceiving, envying, strife, priestcraft, and whoredoms will come to an end. At that time, says the Father, I’ll cut down anyone who won’t repent and draw near to My Beloved Son to preserve My people, the house of Israel. I’ll take vengeance and unleash My fierce anger on all the unbelieving, beyond anything they expect. . . But if the Gentiles repent and hearken to My words and don’t harden their hearts, I’ll establish My congregation among them. And they [Gentiles] will enter the covenant and be included with the remnant of Jacob, to whom I’ve given this land as their inheritance. They will join with My people, the remnant of Jacob, and all those of the house of Israel who come, so they can build a city that will be called the New Jerusalem. Then they will join with My people who are scattered throughout the land so they can be brought in together to the New Jerusalem. Then the Powers of heaven [Patriarchal Father’s] will come down among them, and I [Christ] will be with them as well. Then the Father’s work will be underway, when this gospel is preached among the remnant of this people. Truly I say to you: At that time, the Father’s work will be taught among the scattered portion of My people, even the tribes that have been lost, whom the Father led away out of Jerusalem. 27The Father will work with My scattered people, to enable them to come to Me, so they can call on the Father in My name. 28Truly the work of the Father will be underway in all nations, clearing the way to let His people be gathered home to the land of their inheritance. 29They will go out from all nations. And they won’t go hastily or at a run, because I will go in front of them, says the Father, and I will guard them from behind. “(CofC 3 Nephi 9:12-10:1; emphasis added).

[9] “Now Alma was very discouraged seeing the pains and troubles of God’s humble followers, the abuse piled on them by others, and the growing inequality. Despite his discouragement, the Spirit of the Lord inspired him. He appointed a wise man from the congregation’s elders and the people voted to authorize him to adopt new laws, consistent with their existing law, to limit sinful, criminal behavior. The man’s name was Nephihah, and he was elected chief judge; he accepted the judgment seat to judge and govern the people. Alma didn’t authorize him to be the high priest over the congregation — he kept that office himself. Only the judgment seat was handed over to Nephihah. He did this to free himself to go preach God’s word to the Nephites, and urge them to remember their duty. He wanted to use God’s word to confront all the pride, clever lies, and resulting conflicts among his people. He could see no way he could bring them back to the right way except by directly confronting them with pure testimony of the truth. So at the start of the ninth year of the judges’ rule over the Nephites, Alma handed over the judgment seat to Nephihah and devoted himself completely to the High Priesthood of the Holy Order of God, to teaching God’s word according to the spirit of revelation and prophecy” (CofC Alma 2:5; emphasis added).

[10] “Wherefore, I, the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph and spoke unto him from Heaven, and gave him commandment, and also gave commandments to others that they should proclaim these things unto the world. And all this that it might be fulfilled which was written by the prophets: the weak things of the world should come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh, but that every man might speak in the name of God, the Lord, even the Savior of the world, that faith also might increase in the earth, that my everlasting covenant might be established, that the fullness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world and before kings and rulers. Behold, I am God and have spoken it” (RE T&C 54:4; emphasis added).

[11] “And when that day shall come shall a remnant [of Israel] be scattered among all nations; but they shall be gathered again, but they [Israel] shall remain until the times of the gentiles be fulfilled. And in that day [last days] 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 receive it not, for they perceive not the light and they turn their hearts from me because of the precepts of men.

And in that generation shall the times of the gentiles be fulfilled. And there shall be men standing in that generation that shall not pass until they shall see an overflowing scourge, for a desolating sickness shall cover the land. But my disciples shall stand in holy places [“When Moses came into God’s presence, was redeemed from the fall, and obtained His promise of eternal life, he became the Lord’s temple. When we read the Lord’s admonition to Moses to “[put] the shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground, we tend to put the emphasis on “the place.” We should instead put the emphasis on “thou.” That is, no matter where Moses stood, having been redeemed from the fall, he always stood on holy ground” (Passing the Heavenly Gift, Denver Snuffer Jr., pp.280-281; emphasis added).] and shall not be moved; but among the wicked, men shall lift up their voices, and curse God, and die. And there shall be earthquakes also in diverse places and many desolations. Yet men will harden their hearts against me, and they will take up the sword one against another and they will kill one another” (RE T&C 31:6-7; emphasis added).

[12] “When Ammon had said these words, his brother Aaron reprimanded him, saying: Ammon, I’m afraid your joy is making you brag. But Ammon said to him: I’m not bragging about my own strength or wisdom; but my joy is full. My heart overflows with joy, and I’ll rejoice in God. I know that I’m nothing; as to my strength, I’m weak. So I won’t brag about myself, but I’ll brag about God; because I can do all things using His strength. Indeed, we’ve performed many powerful miracles in this land, for which we’ll praise His name forever. Consider how many thousands of our brothers and sisters He has delivered from the pains of hell! They’re brought to sing redeeming love — and this is because of the power of His word given to us. Therefore don’t we have great reason to rejoice? Yes, we have reason to praise Him forever, because He is the Most High God and has released these fellow brothers and sisters of ours from the chains of hell. They were surrounded by everlasting darkness and destruction; but He has brought them into His everlasting light, indeed, into everlasting salvation. And they’re surrounded by the unmatched goodness and gift of His love. Indeed, we’ve been His instruments in bringing about this great and awe-inspiring work. Therefore we should rejoice! We’ll rejoice in the Lord; we’ll truly rejoice, since our joy is full; we’ll praise God forever” (CofC Alma 14:17; emphasis added).

“After Abinadi had spoken these words, he reached out his arms and said: The time will come when everyone will see the Lord’s salvation, when all people of every nation, tribe, and language will see with their own eyes and acknowledge before God that His judgments are correct. Then the wicked will be thrown out, and they’ll have a reason to howl, weep, wail, and grind their teeth — because they wouldn’t hearken to the Lord’s voice. Therefore the Lord won’t redeem them. Because they’re carnal and devilish; and the accuser has power over them. Indeed, that old snake who deceived our first parents, which was the cause of their fall, resulting in mankind becoming carnal, sensual, devilish, knowing evil from good, and subjecting themselves to the accuser. All mankind was then lost and they would have been permanently lost if God hadn’t redeemed His people from their lost and fallen state. But remember that those who persist in their own carnal nature and follow sin and rebellion against God will remain in their fallen state, and the accuser has influence over them. So they’re as if no redemption had been made — effectively enemies of God; and the accuser is clearly an enemy of God” (CofC Mosiah 8:13; emphasis added).

[13] “Truly thus says the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsakes their sins, and comes unto me, and calls on my name, and obeys my voice, and keeps all my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am...”  (RE T&C 93:1; emphasis added).

[14] “If you love me, stand ready, watching for every communication I will send to you. Remember that I will ask the Father, and he will provide to you another Comforter, that he may be by your side endlessly. You will obtain the record of Heaven, the truth of all things which is denied to the world because the world refuses my Father, and therefore they do not know him. But you know him, for he is with you, and shall provide answers to guide you. I will not leave you comfortless. I will stand at your side also” (RE T&C 171, Testimony of Saint John 10:11; emphasis added).

[15] “Question: What is meant by the command in Isaiah, 52nd chapter, 1st verse [Isa. 18:7], which says: Put on your strength, O Zion — and what people had Isaiah reference to?

Answer: He had reference to those whom God should call in the last days, who should hold the power of Priesthood to bring again Zion, and the redemption of Israel. And to put on her strength is to put on the authority of the Priesthood, which she, Zion, has a right to by lineage; also to return to that Power which she had lost.

Question: What are we to understand by Zion’s loosing herself from the bands of her neck, 2nd verse [Isa. 18:7]?

Answer: We are to understand that the scattered remnants are exhorted to return to the Lord from where they have fallen, which if they do, the promise of the Lord is that he will speak to them or give them revelation. See 6th, 7th, and 8th verses [Isa. 18: 7–8]. The bands of her neck are the curses of God upon her, or the remnants of Israel, in their scattered condition among the gentiles” (RE T&C 129:4-5, emphasis added).

[16] “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. 10Those 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)

[17] “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).

“For he that receives my servants receives me (T&C 82:17). The word servants in this context means “angels.” Angel is derived from the Greek word ággelos (ἄγγελος) which means “messenger.” The messenger must bring a message from the Lord. It does not matter if the messenger is mortal.¹ The word describes a category of messenger that includes not only pre-mortal and post-mortal spirits, but also living men (see Alma 7:6 CE). When anyone, man or angel, is entrusted with a message from God, the message is God’s. God makes no distinction between the messenger and Himself. I’ve now taught the words the Lord God has commanded me to say (Mosiah 1:18 CE). The angel added nothing. He hid nothing. He delivered what the Lord told him to deliver. These are not merely the words of an angel. Because the angel certifies they originated from God, they are the words of God. . .” (A Glossary of Gospel Terms, pp.9-10; emphasis added).

[18] “. . .And now, my friends, what person in their natural state knows these things? I tell you: No one knows these things except for the repentant. Those who repent, exercise faith, do good works, and pray continually, these are the ones who are able to know God’s mysteries. These are the ones who will be able to reveal things that have never been revealed. And these are the ones who will be granted the ability to bring thousands of souls to repentance, just as it has been granted to us to bring these brothers and sisters of ours to repentance” Alma 14:18; emphasis added).

[19] When these words were written the church was under condemnation [see T&C 82:20] but the Lord had not revoked the limited priesthood they held after the deaths of Joseph and Hyrum Smith. In 2014 the Lord made the following pronouncement about the standing of the institution founded by Joseph:

“On the evening of May 1, 2014, the Lord gave me further light and knowledge about His work in His vineyard. The Lord is in control over the church, men, and all things. When he undertakes to accomplish something, there is nothing that the Lord God shall take in His heart to do, but what he will do it. (Abr. 5:4) Often the means used by the Lord to accomplish His strange act, and to perform His strange work (T&C 101:20), are very small indeed. Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold, I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise. And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls. (Alma 17:8) The LDS Church has Doctrine and Covenants 121, verses 36 to 40 (T&C 139:5) to warn it about abusing His authority. There is an “amen” or end to authority when control, compulsion, and dominion are exercised in any degree of unrighteousness. Therefore, when using authority, great care must be taken. In any case, the Church was careless. Therefore, those involved are now left to kick against the pricks, to persecute the Saints, and to fight against God.

D&C Section 121 (T&C 139) is a warning to church leaders. It is addressing the powerful, not the powerless. It is addressing those who occupy the seats of authority over others. Only those who claim the right to control, compel, and exercise dominion, are warned against persecuting the saints who believe the religion and practice it as I did from the time of my conversion. My excommunication was an abuse of authority. Therefore, as soon as the decision was made, the Lord terminated the priesthood authority of the Stake Presidency and every member of the High Council who sustained this decision, which was unanimous. Thereafter, I appealed to the First Presidency, outlining the involvement of the Twelve and the Seventy. The appeal gave notice to them all. The appeal was summarily denied.

Last general conference [April 5, 2014] the entire First Presidency, the Twelve, the Seventy, and all other general authorities and auxiliaries voted to sustain those who abused their authority in casting me out of the Church. At that moment, the Lord ended all claims of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to claim it is led by the priesthood. They have not practiced what he requires. The Lord has brought about His purposes. This has been in His heart all along. He has chosen to use small means to accomplish it, but he always uses the smallest of means to fulfill His purposes.

None of this was my doing. The Lord’s strange act was not, could not, be planned by me; was not, could not, have been controlled by me. It was not anticipated by me, or even understood by me, until after the Lord had accomplished His will, and made it apparent to me on the evening of May 1, 2014. He alone has done this. He is the author of all of this” (RE T&C 166; emphasis added).

[20] “The Spirit of Elias declaring the gospel has to come again into the world, and it did in the person of Joseph Smith, and in the message that he brought, and in the scriptures that he restored, and in the

message and the practices that he was able to bring about, however short-lived that success

may have been. Elias and the Spirit of Elias came through Joseph Smith into the world.

We have yet to take the Spirit of Elias [Joseph Smith’s mortal ministry] seriously enough to move on to receive something further. But we are now facing a crossroads in which it may be possible to restore again and continue the work and move forward. Moving forward successfully however, will require

the Spirit of Elijah. This time the Spirit of Elijah is not to prepare a people so that they might

ascend into heaven but instead to prepare a people so that those who come will not utterly

destroy them. There must be a people prepared to endure the burning that is to come. Just

as Enoch’s people were prepared, shielded and brought worthy to ascend so as not to be

destroyed by the flood, the Spirit of Elijah must prepare people in order for them to endure

the day that is coming that shall burn the wicked as stubble. That will be people living in a

place of peace and they will be the only people who are not at war one with another. They

will be people who accept a body of teachings and allow them to govern their daily walk;

both with each other and with God, so that they receive “commandments, not a few” and

“revelations in their day” because that is what the people of Zion must necessarily be

willing to do” (Things to Keep Us Awake at Night, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.14; emphasis added).

[21] “Language of scripture gives a description of the events now underway and calls it

the end of the times of the gentiles. This process, with the spirit withdrawing, will

end on this continent as it did with two prior civilizations in fratricidal and

genocidal warfare. For the rest of the world, it will be as in the days of Noah in

which, as that light becomes eclipsed, the coldness of men’s hearts is going to result

in a constant scene of violence and bloodshed. The wicked will destroy the wicked” (Covenant Pattern, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.26; emphasis added).

[22] “At that time, to advance My cause, the Father will begin a work, which will be a great and awe-inspiring work among them [Gentiles]. There will be many who won’t believe it, although a man will tell it to them. But the ministry of My servant will be led by My hand; therefore they won’t be able to harm his work, although he’ll be opposed and discredited by them. Yet I’ll support him; I’ll show them My wisdom is greater than the accuser’s deceitful scheming. Therefore those who won’t believe in My words, and I Am Jesus Christ, which the Father will give and empower that servant to set before the Gentiles, it will result exactly as Moses said: They will be cut off from My people who are part of the covenant. And then you [descendants of Lehi], a remnant of the house of Jacob, will rise up from them. And you’ll be mixed in with them who will outnumber you. You’ll be among them like a lion among his prey in the forest, and as a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who moves unopposed to take down and tear to pieces. Your hand will be against your opponents and all your enemies will be cut down. Yes, woe to the Gentiles unless they repent: For when that day comes, says the Father, I’ll take away your strength from you, and I’ll destroy your security. Your cities will fall and I’ll break open your guarded borders. Your sciences and learning will turn into foolishness, and your false beliefs [precepts of men] will cause your failure. I’ll expose the fraud of those in authority [religious and secular], and your trusted institutions will lose everyone’s loyalty [see Mormon 1:4]. False prophets and false ministers will be brought to shame and humiliation. All lying, deceiving, envying, strife, priestcraft, and whoredoms will come to an end. At that time, says the Father, I’ll cut down anyone who won’t repent and draw near to My Beloved Son to preserve My people, the house of Israel. I’ll take vengeance and unleash My fierce anger on all the unbelieving, beyond anything they expect” (CofC 3 Nephi 9:12; emphasis added).

[23] “I also looked around and saw on the other side of the river an impressive and large building. It stood like it was in the air, high above the earth [no foundation], and it was filled with people — old and young, male and female — and they wore expensive clothing. They appeared to mock and point their fingers at those who had come up and were eating the fruit. Those who had tasted the fruit were ashamed because of people scoffing at them, and they left, following forbidden paths and were lost” (CofC 1 Nephi 2:11; emphasis added).

[24] “Do you think the prior inhabitants of the promised land who were driven out by our ancestors were righteous? No, they were not. Do you think that if those prior inhabitants had been righteous, our ancestors could have driven them out? No, our ancestors couldn’t have. The Lord values all mankind equally; however, those who are righteous are blessed by God. But that nation rejected all of God’s words; they were ripe in iniquity and God’s full wrath was imposed upon them. So the Lord cursed the land against them and blessed it for our ancestors. He cursed it, resulting in their destruction, and He blessed it for our ancestors, to give them possession of it” (CofC 1 Nephi 5:19; emphasis added).

[25] “And when we saw that it was the Lord we rejoiced and were filled with joy. I turned to my wife and said, Look, it is Christ!, and she said, Yes, it is! And we were filled with joy and peace of mind, for the long awaited day of the Lord had come.

But others were filled with dread. They feared and lamented and wanted the mountains to cover them and hide them from His presence, for he was clothed in red and came in judgment. And Christian ministers knew they had taught falsely and that their faith could not save — and they begged for relief from the Saints.

This caused me to marvel at how this could be. It was given unto me to understand that without the ordinances of salvation through the authorized ministers of the gospel it was not possible for men to shed their sins. And they could not look upon a just and holy Being without being racked with torment and guilt for their sins. And they pled with the Saints to minister to them, but we could not, for we were constrained by the spirit and were forbidden to do so. For this was the day of judgment which the Lord had in His heart, and he was now come to preach His own sermon, clothed in red, and to deliver those who waited on Him and to convict and condemn those who had not” (RE T&C 160:2-4; emphasis added).

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

[27] “Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen, and why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson — that the rights of the Priesthood are inseparably connected with the Powers of Heaven and that the Powers of Heaven cannot be controlled nor handled, only upon the principles of righteousness. That they may be conferred [ordained] upon us, it is true, but when we undertake to cover our sins or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control, or dominion, or compulsion, upon the souls of the children of men in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the Heavens withdraw themselves, the spirit of the Lord is grieved, and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man. Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints, and to fight against God. We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. Hence many are called, but few are chosen” (RE T&C 139:5; emphasis added).

[28] “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. As a result, if the Gentiles harden their hearts against the Lamb of God, I will afflict them. Because 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” (CofC 1 Nephi 3:26; emphasis added).

Scott Roderick

6/15/26

Simple Means Part 4.pdf

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