Unraveling the Mystery of Godliness - Part 3 : The Path of the Father

The Testimony of Saint John provides the following description of the Savior:

“Now, therefore, know that Jesus is the Messiah, the Walker in the Path who has proven for evermore that Father Ahman sent Him into the world to prove His Father’s path” (RE T&C 171, The Testimony of Saint John 12:21, emphasis added).

Our Heavenly Father sent His “Only Begotten” Son to earth. His objective was to prove to us the viability of the path the Father followed to Godliness. How it works for all mankind if followed precisely. He sought to convince us to follow the ascension path of our Heavenly Father; and His objective is the immortality and eternal life of man.

The Father pursued this process personally and this work for eternities, worlds without end. Devoting Himself to lead us to our eventual perfection.

“And it came to pass that Moses spoke unto the Lord, saying, Be merciful unto your servant, O God, and tell me concerning this earth and the inhabitants thereof, and also the heavens; and then your servant will be content. And the Lord God spoke unto Moses of the heavens, saying, These [earths] are many and they cannot be numbered unto man, but they are numbered unto me for they are mine. And as one earth shall pass away, and the heavens thereof, even so shall another come. And there is no end to my works, neither my words. For behold, this is my work and my glory: to bring to pass the immortality and the eternal life of man. And now Moses, my son, I will speak unto you concerning this earth upon which you stand, and you shall write the things which I shall speak. And in a day when the children of men shall esteem my words as naught and take many of them from the book which you shall write, behold, I will raise up another like unto you [last days event], and they shall be had again among the children of men, among even as many as shall believe. These words were spoken unto Moses in the mount, the name of which shall not be known among the children of men” (RE Genesis 1:7, emphasis added).

Worlds like this earth are so numerous in God’s economy they cannot be numbered by mortal man but God. Literally millions (or more) earths like ours have come and gone, having gone through the ascension process. Ascension is not limited to man but includes the sanctification of worlds that God’s children have occupied, at the completion of their ascension. [1]

The Fathers' pah to ascension over eternities led Him to the acquisition of all knowledge, all power, and perfection. While acquiring these attributes, He concludes the most beneficial use of His efforts is: “To bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”

In establishing a path for His children to ascend and become like Him, the Father (through His Son) exemplifies a process by which we advance toward perfection. By sacrificing for the benefit of the least advanced and enlightened they learn godly attributes. A process by which the “rising tide lifts all boats.” Only limitations imposed by our ignorance is choosing to act contrary to the Father’s path. To deviate from His path is to slow or halt our progress toward perfection.

“Here, then, is eternal life-to know the only wise and true God; and you have got to learn how to be Gods yourselves, and to be kings and priests to God, the same as all Gods have done before you, namely, by going from one small degree to another, and from a small capacity to a great one; from grace to grace, from exaltation to exaltation, until you attain to the resurrection of the dead, and are able to dwell in everlasting burnings, and to sit in glory, as do those who sit enthroned in everlasting power. And I want you to know that God, in the last days, while certain individuals are proclaiming his name, is not trifling with you or me . . . they shall rise again to dwell in everlasting burnings in immortal glory, not to sorrow, suffer, or die any more; but they shall be heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. What is it? To inherit the same power, the same glory and the same exaltation, until you arrive at the station of a God, and ascend the throne of eternal power, the same as those who have gone before. What did Jesus do? Why; I do the things I saw my Father do when worlds came rolling into existence. My Father worked out his kingdom with fear and trembling, and I must do the same; and when I get my kingdom, I shall present it to my Father, so that he may obtain kingdom upon kingdom, and it will exalt him in glory. He will then take a higher exaltation, and I will take his place, and thereby become exalted myself. So that Jesus treads in the tracks [path] of his Father, and inherits what God did before; and God is thus glorified and exalted in the salvation and exaltation of all his children. It is plain beyond disputation, and you thus learn some of the first principles of the Gospel, about which so much hath been said” (TPJS., 347-348, emphasis added).

The above quotation appears in part 2 of unraveling the mystery of godliness. It is quoted again in part 3 because Joseph Smith provides a clear explanation of the Fathers' path followed precisely by the Savior. By this He reclaimed the Godhood He previously attained before condescending to mortality. [2] Although Jesus came into this life with His pre-mortal  recollection veiled, He regained His knowledge when the Father declared His divine Sonship following His baptism. He received the Holy Ghost, and His “record of Heaven” was unveiled to Him.

“And I, John, saw that he received not of the fullness at the first, but received grace for grace. And he received not of the fullness at first, but continued from grace to grace until he received a fullness, and thus he was called, the Son of God, because he received not of the fullness at the first. [3]

And I, John, bear record and lo, the Heavens were opened, and the holy ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove and set upon him. And there came a voice out of Heaven saying, This is my Beloved Son.

And I, John, bear record that he received a fullness of the glory of the Father. And he received all power, both in Heaven and on earth, and the glory of the Father was with him, for he dwelt in him” (RE T&C 93:5-6, emphasis added).

This doctrine proclaimed by Joseph Smith appears in the New Covenant[4] and is and was considered blasphemous by those professing Christianity and belief in the Bible. It is not considered a capital offense today; it remains a blasphemous doctrine and an affront to God in the minds of many.

If one takes a moment to contemplate the doctrine declared by Joseph Smith, common sense and traditional parenthood concludes the doctrine is not a presumptuous assertion by man. It witnesses man was indeed created in the image of God with His inherent values. It witnesses there is no limitations to the power of the Atonement of Christ not only saving mankind from sin but empowering them to ascend to the highest of heights; completing their transformation into God’s image. The perfect fulfillment of the heritage of a perfect Man, God. To say the Atonement does less than this is to place limitations on God’s power, which is the real affront to our Heavenly Father. It is a testament to the power of God to save His creation by providing them the opportunity to become what He has become. This is the desire of any true Patriarch, mortal, or immortal. They love their children and desire what is best for them.

The reason for quoting Joseph Smith’s teachings on this subject is not to open a debate on the merits, though it is a worthy endeavor. It offers a springboard for understanding the Fatherly nature of God and how it became inherent in mankind when they were created in His image. Our tendency is to elevate God so high we lose focus on how He embodies the best of human attributes, perfection in man. [5] God is glorified when His posterity becomes as He is. Like all mortal fathers, our greatest accomplishment is when our children succeed in acquiring godly attributes. We forget that He is our Father, a perfect loving being who is not distant and unfeeling. His heart is intent on bringing about the “immortality and eternal life of man” and He and a willing Son gave everything for our salvation and exaltation. This should say something about Their love and commitment. The fall of Adam and Eve brought entropy into this world, including our loss of understanding and remembrance of our Father and Mother in Heaven. The Atonement of Jesus Christ repairs what Adam and Eve broke for our benefit.

In addition to losing our recollection of our Heavenly Parents, we lack appreciation for the collaborative effort they instituted to uplift mankind. We lack understanding in the profundity and wisdom of doing so within the family structure. There is a reason God’s preferred title is “Father.”

Layers upon layers are designed as support in event our current family structures are less than ideal. The wisdom of God [Heavenly Mother] [6] is ever vigilant in balancing adverse experiences with the right amount of knowledge and support at the ideal time. Our ignorance of their devotion and vigilance leads us to feel isolation and vulnerability when nothing is further from the truth. [7]    Our perceived solitude is a deceitful lie rooted in our ignorance and lack of faith. [8]

The Spiritual Safety Net Supporting Us

Nicodemus approached the Lord in search of an answer to a question he posed to Jesus.

“There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin, who was in darkness and came to visit with Jesus. He sought wisdom from Jesus and said, Enlightened heavenly guide, some of us know you have descended from the High Council of Heaven because signs confirm you have authority from God. Jesus answered and said to him, In the name of Father Ahman I testify there is a new dispensation begun. You must accept the ordinances of this new Light or you cannot hope to progress to know God.

Nicodemus said to him, If I believe this, can I ascend in this life, or will it be accomplished only in the afterlife? Jesus answered, In the name of Father Ahman I say to you, Except you receive the ordinance of baptism to join the new dispensation [Jesus was not soliciting converts for the Jewish religion. He sought members for a “new dispensation,” independent of the established religion of His day. Nicodemus was a prominent member of the Jewish hierarchy, yet Jesus is saying his standing in Judaism wouldn’t help him in his ascension desires. It would in fact disqualify him. That point should not be lost on us.] and thereby forsake your sins and receive forgiveness and an outpouring of the Spirit, you will not ascend to God’s presence in this life or the life to come. All who are devoted to the ambitions of the flesh [religious standing] remain imprisoned by the flesh, and Do not question if what I say is true because the Spirit of Truth confers light, knowledge, and understanding of the mysteries of Heaven within every soul who receives it [what should be our primary pursuit?].

Nicodemus replied to him, Why is this not widely known? Jesus answered, Why does a member of the Sanhedrin not recognize that a new dispensation has begun? [Why are leaders of the prevailing religion blind to the rise of a new dispensation and is that the case in every example when God introduces a new dispensation? Should we be looking to them to recognize when God and His servant are sent by the Heavenly Council, introducing the new dispensation to those of the prevailing religion? How did that work for the Jews?] In the name of Father Ahman I confirm what was told by John the Baptist [the servant sent by the Heavenly Council to “overthrow the kingdom of the Jews” (RE T&C 82:14] and I have begun a work that comes from Heaven. But you who lead Israel fight against it those who are born anew through the ordinances, receive the Spirit of Truth, and are able to know the record of Heaven by the Spirit of Truth and you refuse to humble yourselves. If I offered you a position of respect and authority, as you now hold, you would believe [important question to anyone holding a prominent position in the established religion]. But because I testify only of heavenly things that require faith and sacrifice, you refuse to believe? I tell you, if you want to ascend to the Heavenly Council, you must first acknowledge and give heed to the messengers sent by them . . . [something few willingly do.]” (RE T&C 171, Testimony of Saint John 2:1-3, emphasis added).

Nicodemus, a member of the ruling class of Jews meets privately with Jesus because he and others acknowledge the Savior’s authority. They recognize, (but don’t act upon) signs confirming the Savior’s authority from the “High Council of Heaven.”

The Savior responds to Nicodemus’ question about ascending to Heaven in mortality or must it be “only in the afterlife?” Jesus doesn’t dismiss the premise of Nicodemus ascending to the Council in Heaven, rather, He points to the primary obstacles preventing Nicodemus ascent to the Heavenly Council. What stands between Nicodemus and the Heavenly Council is his ambivalence toward acknowledging a “new dispensation” has begun and Jesus as its Head.

For our purposes, we focus our attention on the Savior’s response by contrasting what holds back Nicodemus and all mankind from ascending to the Heavenly Council in mortality. Jesus points to the general preference of mankind to feed their mortal ambitions rather than pursue a Heavenly ascension.

“All who are devoted to the ambitions of the flesh remain imprisoned by the flesh, and those who are born anew through the ordinances, receive the Spirit of Truth, and are able to know the record of Heaven by the Spirit of Truth. Do not question if what I say is true because the Spirit of Truth confers light, knowledge, and understanding of the mysteries of Heaven within every soul who receives it” (emphasis added).

Earthly ambitions are a great obstacle to pursuing our ascent to the Heavenly Councils. [9] It’s important to note the Savior didn’t discourage Nicodemus from seeking his ascent to the Councils of Heaven. In fact, Jesus provided instruction about what is required to open our connection to Heaven from Earth. Discard earthly ambitions, become spiritually reborn anew through the ordinances and receive the “Spirit of Truth.” Those who comply with the required provisions gain access to the “record of Heaven” by the Spirit of Truth.

We can “unpack” the Savior’s meaning by examining a scriptural account of how the “record of Heaven” was unveiled to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery at the Kirtland Temple.

“As this [Savior accepting the Kirtland Temple] vision closed, the Heavens were again opened to their view, and they [Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery] 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 [10] [the work of the Patriarchal Fathers, “Powers of Heaven”]— to pour out judgment upon the world, and to reward the righteous. [11]

And they [Joseph and Oliver] 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).

The appearance of the Patriarchal Fathers occurred immediately following the Savior appearing and accepting the Kirtland Temple [a point not to be overlooked]. The Savior withdrew and another vision opened revealing to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery everything from the creation of the earth to the end. Three Patriarchs are mentioned by name and then “divers angels” declaring “their dispensations, their rights, their keys, their honors, their majesty, and glory, and the Powers of their Priesthood.” Each of these are dispensation heads declaring the role they play in the history of this earth from beginning to end.

In addition to declaring their keys, and privileges, the Patriarchal Fathers, acting as “Powers of Heaven,” [12] have the privilege and power, at the Lord’s direction, of revealing personal records of Heaven “abiding in them” to those qualifying for this blessing. The reason the “record of Heaven” abides within them is because it contains their personal history of all prior cycles and rights, privileges, and promises they obtained from God. For this reason, anyone receiving these blessings is limited in their ability to share what is learned when their personal record of Heaven is unveiled to their consciousness.

“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”

In effect, those who receive their “record of Heaven” are brought into the council of Heaven and restored to their proper place attained prior to condescending to earth. Like the declarations of the Patriarchal Fathers ministering to them, they learn of rights and privileges granted by God,  reclaiming them. In this capacity they rejoin the Fathers but as mortal men acting in concert with the Patriarchal Fathers in fulfilling the work of the Father’s covenants to mankind. In mortality they become “chosen vessels” and “heirs of salvation” acting as conduits for accomplishing the Lord’s work of fulfilling God’s covenants and promises to the Patriarchal Fathers. God originally made the covenants with the Fathers, and it is through the Fathers those promises are fulfilled at the Lord’s direction. A collaboration between the Father’s in Heaven and their counterparts in mortality directed by God through the Fathers for the salvation of mankind.

“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 [angels, Patriarchal Fathers, Powers of Heaven] 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. [13] 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” (C of C Moroni 7:6, emphasis added).

It is logical and appropriate God would entrust the fulfillment of His covenants with those who are most invested emotionally and intellectually. God directs the effort through the Fathers; the Fathers receive God’s direction and instruct “chosen vessels” and “heirs of salvation” residing on earth, declaring repentance and fulfilling Heavenly Father’s covenant promises. [14]

On each level, mankind on both sides of the veil gain experience in what it means to act as a God in different capacities. Like God, they direct the faithful in preparation for their ascension to God’s presence at each level. As mortal man repents, exercises faith and creates a family, the parental responsibility is for them to teach their children the Lord’s ways by precept and example [15] so “they will not depart from it.” [16] Parents receive direction from “chosen vessels” and “heirs of salvation” [mortal messengers] as the mortal messengers are guided by Patriarchal Fathers who learned principles of fatherhood in mortality. The directions given by the Fathers are passed exactly as given by the Lord without deviation. Following this process with exactness cleanses the participants, provides practical experience in developing the character and attributes of God. Engaging in the process over numerous cycles transforms all into the image of God and when God appears to them, they are like Him.

“If a person is meek and humble in heart and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, they must have charity. Because if they don’t have charity, they’re nothing; so they must have charity. Charity is long-suffering and kind; it doesn’t envy or brag; it doesn’t insist on its own way; it isn’t easily angered; it doesn’t keep track of wrongs; it takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth; it patiently bears all things, always believes, always hopes, and always endures [we learn through levels of ascension, the attributes of godliness]. So, my dear people, if you don’t have charity, you’re nothing, since charity never fails. Therefore hold firmly to charity, which is the greatest of all. Because everything will pass away; but charity is Christ’s pure love, and it endures forever. Those who are found to possess it on the last day, it will go well with them. So, my dear people, pray earnestly to the Father so you can be filled with this love that He’s freely given to all who are true followers of His Son Jesus Christ, so you can become the sons and daughters of God, so when He appears, we’ll be like Him and we’ll see and comprehend Him, so we can have this hope, so we can be purified, just as He is pure. Amen” (C of C Moroni 7:9, emphasis added).

In addition to transitioning from natural men and women to the attributes of godliness, Patriarchal Father’s embody the use of the sealing power, relating to Elijah. This is the power from Heaven holding the key to preserving this earth in the face of imminent destruction.

“Then those who respected the Lord prayed about it, and the Lord listened and was persuaded. An account was written up and presented to Him on behalf of those who worshiped the Lord and respected His name. I’ll protect them in the day of judgment as My treasured fruit, says the Lord of Hosts. And I’ll have compassion for them like a father has compassion for his own faithful son. Then you’ll see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not. There’s a day coming that will burn like an oven, and all the proud, and all that are wicked, will burn like straw; entirely burned up, roots, branches, and all.

But for everyone who reveres My name, the Son of Righteousness will rise with healing in His wings. And you’ll go out like calves leaping joyfully when let out of the stall; and you’ll trample over the wicked, as if they were ashes under the soles of your feet [they will be ashes if they fail to repent and acknowledge the dispensation head sent by the Heavenly Council]  in the day I accomplish this, says the Lord of Hosts. Remember the Law of my servant Moses, the statutes and ordinances I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel to follow. Know this, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord, and he’ll turn the heart of the fathers to the children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, otherwise I will return and utterly curse the earth” (C of C 3 Nephi 11:4-5, emphasis added).

Salvation from burning comes when the Lord sends Elijah, a Patriarchal Father bearing the sealing power of the Spirit bearing his name. It is a grave misunderstanding, thinking Elijah has already come, and the power to seal resides on earth currently. Long after the dedication of the Kirtland Temple, Joseph Smith referred to Elijah’s appearance as a future event.

Denver Snuffer Jr., addressed this subject in his paper, “The Mission of Elijah Reconsidered” concluding the appearance of Elijah remains a future event as Joseph Smith asserted.

“D&C 128 is a letter Joseph Smith wrote in Nauvoo. It is late in his ministry. He wrote it while in hiding in Nauvoo. He was trying to stay in contact with the Saints. I make no reference to this in Passing the Heavenly Gift, but it is another example, just as it is a glaring omission from the last testimony of Oliver Cowdery that Joseph also makes no mention of Elijah‘s appearance in his letter (now Section 128). In the list of the angelic ministrants who came to Joseph Smith in his letter composed in 1842, six years after the appearance of Elijah in the Kirtland Temple, Elijah is not mentioned. Likewise, throughout the Nauvoo time period up to 1844, Joseph refers to Elijah‘s coming as a future, not a past event. If the return of Elijah is a still future event in 1842, 1843, and 1844, then the appearance of Elijah in the Kirtland Temple cannot fulfill the promised mission of Elijah” (The Mission of Elijah Reconsidered, transcript Denver Snuffer Jr., p.15, emphasis added).

Regarding the proposal Elijah’s return is a future event, consider the following discussion:

“In January of 1844, this is some eight years post Kirtland temple, Joseph is talking about Elijah and he said:

This is taken from [a talk] in front of Robert E. Foster’s hotel nearby the Nauvoo temple, then under construction, from Wilford Woodruff’s journal. (He put quotes in it too. Good for Wilford. He’s better than my transcription machine in that respect.) ―

“The Bible says, ‗I will send you Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord Come that he shall turn the hearts of the fathers to the children & the hearts of the Children to their fathers lest I Come & smite the whole earth with a Curse,‘ Now the word turn here should be translated (bd or seal) But what is the object of this important mission or how is it to be fulfilled, The keys are to be delivered the spirit of Elijah is to Come, 118 [As a general policy I don’t leave footnotes in papers but this footnote is germane to the discussion and therefore included at the bottom] The gospel to be established the Saints of God gathered, Zion built up [none of which was complete at this point], & and the Saints to Come up as saviors on Mount Zion but how are they to become Saviors on mount Zion[?] by building temples erecting Baptismal fonts & going forth & receiving all the ordinances, Baptisms, Confirmations, washings, annointings ordinations & sealing powers upon our heads in behalf of all our Progenitors who are dead & redeem them that they may Come forth in the first resurrection & be exalted to thrones of glory with us” 

Then Joseph laments: This is the only guy. This is an important talk, and this is the only guy who records this, Wilford Woodruff. Woodruff records Joseph saying:

“I would to God that this temple was now done that we might go into it & go to work & improve our time & make use of the seals while they are on the earth & the Saints have none to much time to save & redeem their dead, & gather together their living relatives that they may be saved also, before the earth will be smitten.”

This is the place where Joseph says – he is talking about Elijah. He is talking about the seals being on the earth, and he’s talking about preparing for Zion. In this context, in January of 1844, this is where Joseph says:

“Their has been a great difficulty in getting anything into the heads of this generation it has been like splitting hemlock knots with a Corn doger [cornbread] for a wedge & a pumpkin for a beetle [hammer], Even the Saints are slow to understand I have tried for a number of years to get the minds of the Saints prepared to receive the things of God, but we frequently see some of them after suffering all they have for the work of God will fly to pieces like glass as soon as any thing Comes that is Contrary to their traditions, they Cannot stand the fire at all, How many will be able to abide a Celestial law & go through to receive their exhaltation I am unable to say but many are Called & few are Chosen.”

In March of 1844 he picks up the subject again; on March 10, 1844. This time, when he is talking about Elijah, he says, “The spirit & calling of Elijah is ye have power to hold the keys of the revelations ordinances, oricles powers & endowments of the fulness of the Melchezedek Priesthood & of the Kingdom of God on the Earth & to receive, obtain and perform all the ordinances belonging to the Kingdom of God even unto the sealing of the hearts of the fathers unto the children & the hearts of the children unto the fathers even those who are in heaven.”

The hearts of the fathers who are in heaven; that’s the mission of Elijah. If you will receive it, this is the spirit of Elijah – that we redeem our dead and connect ourselves with our “fathers which are in heaven.” Our dead through us, us to our “fathers in heaven.” Who are our “fathers in heaven” to whom we are to be connected? We want the power of Elijah to seal those who dwell on earth to those which dwell in heaven [mandatory first step, prior to sealing ourselves to our ancestors]. Those who are in the spirit world, our dead, the ones that need redemption from us, are not redeemed. They cannot be in heaven because they need us to be redeemed [first, by sealing to the Patriarchal Fathers in Heaven holding the sealing power]. We need to be redeemed by our connecting to the “fathers who are in heaven”. The dead [in the world of spirits] have to be redeemed. The [Patriarchal] fathers are in heaven. Joseph understood this doctrine.

It is my view [Denver Snuffer] that the notion that you go to the temple and do genealogical work to answer the coming of Elijah does not conform to the description we are reading here from Joseph Smith. Our ancestors, our kindred dead, they need to be redeemed. They all have an interest in you and your life. The work that is being done needs to be done. But the gulf that needs to be bridged through the work of Elijah, in the words of Joseph Smith, is “to form a bond or connection.” Who was the last one who lived on the earth, not to hold the sealing power but to ascend to heaven and to draw together heaven and earth by his ascent, representing the opening of that way through which Zion above and Zion below will be connected with one another? Who was the last guide, as a mortal man, to have walked this path? When the Lord comes He is coming with an entourage, and the path needs to be opened beforehand. The path, once it’s open, allows men on the earth to be prepared for the coming again of those who are Zion above [for us to associate with those Patriarchal Fathers in Heaven requires our preparation by them. If Elijah’s appearance is a future event, our preparation is also in waiting.] Elijah answers, because Elijah is the one who made that connection. The doctrine of sealing power of Elijah is as follows: “If you have power to seal on earth & in heaven then we should be Crafty, the first thing you do is you go & seal on earth your sons and daughters unto yourself, & yourself unto your fathers in eternal glory [required first]. “Unto your fathers in eternal glory.” That is not your kindred dead, they are relying upon you to be redeemed. The connection that needs to be formed is between you and the fathers who dwell in glory.

Who are the “fathers who dwell in glory?” If we go back to the revelation in which Joseph Smith [not the church] received the sealing power, he received the sealing power some time before 1831. In that portion of the revelation known as D&C 132:49: “I the Lord thy God will be with thee even unto the end of the world and through all eternity for verily I seal upon your exaltation. Prepare your throne for you in the kingdom of my Father, with Abraham your father.” (Emphasis added.) “I say unto you whatsoever you seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven. Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth in my name by my word, saith the Lord, it shall be eternally bound in the heavens. Whosoever‘s sins are remitted on earth shall be eternally remitted eternally in heaven” and so on. Just before that portion of the revelation, in verse 37 he talks about Abraham, he talks about Isaac, and he talks about Jacob. Concerning those three, the Lord says to Joseph: “Because they did none other things in that which they were commanded [walked the Father’s path, like the Savior] they have entered into their exaltation according to the promises and sit upon thrones and are not angels but are Gods.” (Emphasis added.) This is Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. These are the ones who are Gods” (The Mission of Elijah-Reconsidered, Denver Snuffer Jr., pp. 17-19, emphasis added).

The implications of this discussion are both profound and unsettling for those raised in the Mormon tradition. For many years we knelt at altars in the temple and participated in various iterations of ordinances over two centuries. This was done in the sincere but incorrect belief salvation was extended to our ancestors through our efforts. We presumed they are sealed to us though we lack the sealing power and connection to the Patriarchal Fathers in Heaven.

Over many years I attended and performed numerous ordinances in the temple with profound spiritual experiences and inspiration from the Spirit of God. Those experiences are not nullified by prior facts. My heart and desires were right and continue to be so. That is why I had those experiences in the temple then and now, outside the temple. It is not the temple that makes a man or woman holy. Our bodies are the temple of God and He visits those temples when we prepare them to receive Him.

“. . . Having knowledge of God, we begin to know how to approach him, and how to ask so as to receive an answer. When we understand the character of God, and know how to come to Him, He begins to unfold the heavens to us, and to tell us all about it. When we are ready to come to Him, He is ready to come to us” (TPJS., p.350, emphasis added)

One of the great misunderstandings about the temple is that the message taught in the temple is only intended for the temple. Temple ordinances taught within its walls is what the Lord requires of us beyond the confines of the building. The temple is a metaphor for our bodies, and it is that temple the Lord raised up after three days.[17] The righteousness of the attendees is what sanctifies the temple, not its dedicatory prayer.[18]

            Some believe the “magic wand” hypothesis for the grace of Christ will make the ordinances valid without the sealing power of Patriarchal Fathers. Consider how that worked out for Uzzah[19] when he steadied the ark of God without authority.

Part 4 of the “Unraveling the Mystery of Godliness” series addresses the why and how of our preparation for uniting with the Fathers in Heaven.

[1] “And again, truly I say unto you, the earth abides the law of a celestial kingdom, for it fills the measure of its creation and transgresses not the law. Wherefore, it shall be sanctified. Yea, notwithstanding it shall die, it shall be quickened again and shall abide the power by which it is quickened. And the righteous shall inherit it, for notwithstanding they die, they also shall rise again, a spiritual body . . .” (RE T&C 86:4, emphasis added).

“Lights and perfections. It appears from early Church history the term Urim and Thummim was not used until 1835; prior to that, the term applied to the instrument was “interpreters.” The place where God resides is a great Urim and Thummim. This earth, in its sanctified and immortal state, will be made like unto crystal and will be a Urim and Thummim to the inhabitants who dwell thereon, whereby all things pertaining to an inferior kingdom, or all kingdoms of a lower order, will be manifest to those who dwell on it; and this earth will be Christ’s. Then the white stone mentioned in [Revelation 1:12], will become a Urim and Thummim to each individual who receives one, whereby things pertaining to a higher order of kingdoms will be made known; and a white stone is given to each of those who come into the celestial kingdom, whereon is a new name written, which no man knoweth save he that receiveth it. The new name is the key word” (A Glossary of Gospel Terms, Urim and Thummim, pp. 353-354, emphasis added).

[2] “Now the Lord had shown unto me, Abraham, the intelligences that were organized before the world was, and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones. And God saw these souls, that they were good, and he stood in the midst of them and he said, These I will make my rulers. For he stood among those that were spirits, and he saw that they were good. And he said unto me, Abraham, you are one of them; you were chosen before you were born.

And there stood one among them that was like unto God, and he said unto those who were with him, We will go down, for there is space there, and we will take of these materials and we will make an earth whereon these may dwell. And we will prove them herewith to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them. And they who keep their first estate shall be added upon, and they who keep not their first estate shall not have glory in the same kingdom with those who keep their first estate; and they who keep their second estate shall have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever.

And the Lord said, Who shall I send? And one answered like unto the Son of Man, Here am I, send me . . .” (RE T&C 145, Abraham 6:1-3, emphasis added).

[3] “. . . The alms of your prayers have come up into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, and are recorded in the Book of the Names of the Sanctified [they are themselves sanctified], even they of the Celestial world. Wherefore, I now send upon you another Comforter, even upon you my friends, that it may abide in your hearts, even the Holy Spirit of Promise, which other Comforter is the same that I promised unto my disciples, as is recorded in the Testimony of John. This Comforter is the promise which I give unto you of eternal life, even the glory of the Celestial Kingdom, which glory is that of the church of the Firstborn, even of God, the holiest of all, through Jesus Christ his Son, he that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth, which truth shines . . .” (RE T&C 86:1, emphasis added).

[4] “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors not to the flesh, to live after the flesh, for if you live after the flesh, you shall die unto sin. But if you through the spirit do put to death the deeds of the body, you shall live unto Christ. For as many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you have received the spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God. And if children, then heirs — heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ, if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be named with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation waits for the manifestation of the sons of God, for the creation was made subject to tribulation, not willingly, but by reason of him who has subjected it, in hope because the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, who have the firstfruits of the spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, that is, the redemption of our body” (RE Romans 1:34, emphasis added).

“Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill and said, You men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are too superstitious; for as I passed by and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription: To the Unknown God. Whom therefore you ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. God, who made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwells not in temples made with hands, neither is worshipped with men’s hands as though he needed anything, seeing he gives to all life, and breath, and all things; and has made of one blood all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth; and has determined the times before appointed and the bounds of their habitation, that they should seek the Lord if they are willing to find him. For he is not far from every one of us, for in him we live, and move, and have our being. As certain also of your own poets have said: For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold or silver or stone, engraved by art and man’s device. And the times of this ignorance, God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because he has appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by him whom he has ordained; and he has given assurance of this unto all men, in that he has raised him from the dead” (RE Acts 10:14, emphasis added).

[5] “Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill and said, You men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are too superstitious; for as I passed by and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription: To the Unknown God. Whom therefore you ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. God, who made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwells not in temples made with hands, neither is worshipped with men’s hands as though he needed anything, seeing he gives to all life, and breath, and all things; and has made of one blood all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth; and has determined the times before appointed and the bounds of their habitation, that they should seek the Lord if they are willing to find him. For he is not far from every one of us, for in him we live, and move, and have our being. As certain also of your own poets have said: For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold or silver or stone, engraved by art and man’s device. And the times of this ignorance, God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because he has appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by him whom he has ordained; and he has given assurance of this unto all men, in that he has raised him from the dead” (RE Acts 10:14, emphasis added).

[6] “Knowledge (masculine) initiates, Wisdom (feminine) receives, guides and tempers.

Knowledge can be dangerous unless it is informed by wisdom. Wisdom provides guidance

and counsel to channel what comes from knowledge. These are eternal attributes, part of

what it means to be a male or a female. Creation begins with the active initiative of

knowledge, but order and harmony for the creation requires wisdom. Balance between them

is required for an orderly creation to exist.

A great deal can be learned about Heavenly Mother by searching for the word

“wisdom” in scripture. Very often the reference to “wisdom” is to Her distinctly, and not

merely an abstract attribute. If we are blind to Her existence, we cannot see the reference

to Her in those passages. Although many scriptures have the Divine Mother’s words, Her

presence is veiled by our ignorance and refusal to acknowledge Her. There is one extensive

passage in scripture in Her voice that we look at today. It teaches us a great deal about Her.

This was once a temple text and has become somewhat corrupted. I will not make any

corrections or clarifications. This is from Proverbs 8 . . .” (Our Divine Parents, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.5, emphasis added).

[7] “. . . The statement Christ is “in all things” appears seven times. It

appears throughout. Christ is in all things. Everything in this creation is sustained by the Light of

Christ. He occupies it all by His light. He brings the light into it that powers all of this creation.

He is more intelligent than all of it. He keeps it organized by the Light emanating from Him.

This is why redemption is possible through Him. When He descended below it all, including

death, He had the power to bring it all back to life with Him. He is the fulcrum. He is the one

who must permeate all things, in order for Him to be able to lay hold upon all things, and in

order therefore to bring back you back from the grave. This means at this very moment, you are

in contact with Him through His Spirit. He is giving you the life you are presently living. 

He is not a distant God. He is an immediate and an intimate God. You say He knows your

thoughts, and that is true enough! That is because He is giving you the ability and the freedom to

think. Therefore He knows how to judge you, because everything you have done, has used His

power. He lends you life and light. We have only the illusion of privacy. We have the freedom to act and choose, our “agency,” but our agency operates inside a creation powered by and

dependent upon Him” (Christ: The Prototype of the Saved Man, Denver Snuffer Jr., pp.62-63, emphasis added).

“Man was also in the beginning with God. Intelligence, or the light of truth, was not created or made, neither indeed can be. All truth is independent in that sphere in which God has placed it to act for itself, as all intelligence also; otherwise, there is no existence. Behold, here is the agency of man, and here is the condemnation of man, because that which was from the beginning [pre-mortality]  is plainly manifest unto them, and they receive not the light, and every man whose spirit receives not the light is under condemnation. For man is spirit, the elements are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparably connected, receive a fullness of joy; and when separated, man cannot receive a fullness of joy. The elements are the tabernacle of God, yea, man is the tabernacle of God, even temples, and whatever temple is defiled, God shall destroy that temple” (RE T&C 93:10, emphasis added).

[8] “He is not a distant God. He is an immediate and an intimate God. You say He knows your thoughts, and that is true enough! That is because He is giving you the ability and the freedom to think. Therefore He knows how to judge you, because everything you have done, has used His power. He lends you life and light. We have only the illusion of privacy. We have the freedom to act and choose, our “agency,” but our agency operates inside a creation powered by and dependent upon Him” (Christ-Prototype of the Saved Man, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.63, emphasis added).

“Now, I got an encounter with the Lord in which that opportunity presented itself, “Ask of me what you will, and it shall be granted to you.” And whether this was the best answer or the right answer, it was truly, at that moment, authentically, genuinely MY answer. I said, “I have not come thus far by doing my own will. I ask nothing of you.” And I meant it; I felt it. In my heart, that was the most genuine, heartfelt response I'd ever given to any question posed to me at any time. That was a moment when something very, very startling occurred—because I am standing in the presence of the Lord, the Lord is addressing me, and the two of us are in this conversation. And I've just told Him, “I want nothing. I haven't come thus far by doing my own will. I'm content.” And I meant it. I was genuinely content. At that moment, it was as if a veil lifted, and now there were numerous others who were there who apparently had been there all along… SP: Okay. DS: …and who had been listening, watching, eavesdropping, participating. And at that moment, it was as if a veil that had been there disappeared. And now there are a number of others who are present. And the reaction… Again, these are communications that come that I have to convert into English. So I'm gonna use English words, that… SP: I'm just really curious, was Joseph Smith there? DS: There were a host of others there” (Mormon Book Reviews Transcript, Steve Pynaker and Denver Snuffer Jr., interview, p.17, emphasis added).

[9] “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 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).

[10] “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. 34And 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” (C of C Moroni 7:6, emphasis added).

[11] “Question: What are we to understand by the four angels spoken of by John, 7th chapter and 1st verse of Revelation [Rev. 2:13]?

Answer: We are to understand that they are four angels sent forth from God, to whom is given power over the four parts of the earth, to save life and to destroy. These are they who have the everlasting gospel to commit to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, having power to shut up the heavens, to seal up unto life [Patriarchs holding Elijah’s sealing power, Powers of Heaven] , or to cast down to the regions of darkness” (RE T&C 74:8, emphasis added).

[12] “A title referring to a specific group with status on the other side of the veil; a proper noun, not just an abstraction. In the afterlife there are different rungs on Jacob’s ladder where different Powers are fixed: Angel, Archangel, Principality, Power, Dominion, Throne, Cherubim, and Seraphim — they may all be called Powers of Heaven. These Powers [men, angelic beings] have no desire to control or compel others to rise on Jacob’s ladder [like God]. Each rung is a developmental stage of growth through which all must pass if they want to ascend nearer to God. Each individual on Jacob’s ladder should be moving toward perfection” (A Glossary of Gospel Terms, Powers of Heaven, second edition, p.248, emphasis added).

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

[14] As an aside, I remain continually amazed that in addition to a significant number of readers from the United States, there are readers from Singapore, Myanmar, United Kingdom, Russia, China, Netherlands, and New Zealand. Is the diversity of this audience by chance? Draw your own conclusion, but I believe the Lord’s hand is in it. When I began this blog, there was no expectation of drawing an international audience. Now, here you are and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share that the Lord has again began a new dispensation with a new head. It is to him, I point as I witness the Lord’s works unfold. I have learned from him, and the Lord’s light and revelation revealed through him that’s the source of my understanding. For that I feel immense gratitude to God.

[15] ” The glory of God is intelligence, or in other words, light and truth. Light and truth forsake that evil one. Every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning, and God having redeemed man from the Fall, man became again, in their infant state, innocent before God. And that wicked one comes and takes away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers. But I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth: (RE T&C 93:11, emphasis added).

[16] ” Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (RE Proverbs 2:364, emphasis added).

[17] ” The temple authorities, who had authorized the profiteering, confronted Jesus asking, If you think you have a right to exercise authority over the temple, while identifying yourself as God’s son, show us a sign to prove you have this right, so we can believe you. Jesus answered and said, I will replace the holy of holies in three days with a new holy House of God. The Jews declared, It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will you replace it in three days? But he was talking of the temple of his resurrected body. Later after he was resurrected from the dead, his disciples remembered he had said this to the temple authorities, and they remembered the scripture, and what Jesus had said to the disciples” (RE T&C 171, Testimony of Saint John 1:19, emphasis added).

[18] ” 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, pp. 280-281, emphasis added).

[19] ”And when they came unto the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah put forth his hand to hold the ark, for the oxen stumbled. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and he smote him because he put his hand to the ark. And there he died before God. And David was displeased because the Lord had made a breach upon Uzzah; wherefore, that place is called Perez-Uzzah to this day. And David was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me? So David brought not the ark home to himself, to the city of David, but carried it aside into the house of Obededom the Gittite. And the ark of God remained with the family of Obededom in his house three months. And the Lord blessed the house of Obededom, and all that he had” (RE 1 Chronicles 8:3, emphasis added).

Scott Roderick

10/29/25

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