Unraveling the Mystery of Godliness : Part 5 - The Symphony of Heaven and Earth

In the Lord’s prayer the Savior spoke of a time when:

“Your kingdom come; your will be done on earth, as it is done in Heaven” [1]

In the Lord’s economy, there is no wishful thinking, no pipe dreams. Only objectives He intends to fulfill. For us, they seem inconceivable and impossible. But for God, facilitating our transformation to His image over eons of time (to us) is something He is comfortable with and successful at. Unlike God, we live under constraints of time, laboring under the mistaken perception only in this life we prepare to meet God. [2] The plan of the Almighty to save mankind was never passive. He sits in Yonder Heaven, gazing passively upon earth. From the beginning God conversed with Adam and Eve in Eden. Originally in their presence and after their fall, His voice was heard in the distance from the Garden.

“And Adam called upon the name of the Lord, and Eve also, his wife; and they heard the voice of the Lord from the way toward the Garden of Eden speaking unto them, and they saw him not, for they were shut out from his presence. And he gave unto them commandment that they should worship the Lord their God and should offer the firstlings of their flocks for an offering unto the Lord. And Adam was obedient unto the commandments of the Lord” (RE Genesis 3:2, emphasis added).

Adam and Eve were driven from God’s presence because men and women in their fallen state are miserable in the presence of holy beings. God’s plan from the beginning was to redeem mankind and entice them to choose to follow the Father’s path leading them again to His presence and eternal joy.

“Now if Adam hadn’t transgressed, he wouldn’t have fallen, but he would have stayed in the Garden of Eden. And all things that were created must have remained in exactly the same state as when first created. They would have continued forever and had no end, and they wouldn’t have had children [no heritage from the Lord]. [3] Therefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, because they knew no misery, doing no good, because they weren’t exposed to sin. But all things have been done in the wisdom of Him who knows all things. Adam fell for people to exist, and we exist to experience joy. And the Messiah comes at the appointed time to rescue mankind from the Fall. Then because they’re rescued from the Fall, they’re free to act, knowing good from evil, to act for themselves and not to be acted on. However, mankind will be punished based on the law on the great and last day, according to the commandments God has given. So people act freely in this life, and this creation lets people choose freely. They’re free to choose liberty and eternal life by obeying mankind’s Mediator, or instead choose captivity and death by letting the accuser lead them. The accuser wants all mankind to become miserable like he is” (C of C 2 Nephi 1:10, emphasis added).

God gave us agency to choose to keep His commandments and be led to eternal life and joy with our heritage, children. The means and opportunity are provided through the sacrifice of His Beloved Son. We choose freely to preserve our agency or surrender it to the “accuser” by subjecting ourselves to his will. The choice is ours.

It was not sufficient to sit on His throne sending edicts from on High to His children. The path of the Father was designed to elevate us all by example and precept.

Our Father in Heaven directed His Only Begotten Son to walk His path, and His Son condescended to teach and exemplify how to walk the path exactly, with precision.

When the Son finished “His preparations:”

“It was important for the Lord to attain the resurrection, for it completed the process that frees mankind from death. But it was more important for the Lord to free us from sin. Because of what He accomplished in Gethsemane, we are able to be reconciled to God. It was “sore… exquisite… hard to bear…” and caused Him to “tremble because of pain,” and ask His Father that He might not drink the bitter cup. It caused the “greatest of all” to “shrink” away from the abyss of suffering. By partaking anyway, and despite His desire to be spared, He “finished [His] preparations unto the children of men.” It was only “preparation” of an atonement because we are required in turn to receive its benefit through baptism and repentance. If we are unwilling to do this then it is as if no atonement were made for our sins, and we then are called upon to likewise suffer. The Lord has explained that if we refuse to repent then “our sufferings shall be sore.” Almost incomprehensibly difficult for us to bear. The greatest response to the Easter celebration would be repentance and baptism” (Easter blogpost, Denver Snuffer Jr., March 24, 2016, emphasis added).

Christ came in the meridian of time to demonstrate the Father’s path could be walked by man precisely should they chose to do so. He was able to do so because he was “like unto God” [4] prior to His birth and had the benefit of learning wisdom from His Heavenly Mother who condescended to give birth and nurture Him in wisdom’s ways. [5]

“Then He told me: Look! And I looked in His direction but didn’t see Him, since He departed. Instead, I looked and I saw the great city of Jerusalem and other cities as well. And I saw the city of Nazareth. And in the city of Nazareth, I saw a virgin, and she was very beautiful and pure. Then I saw the heavens open, and an Angel came down and stood in front of me. He asked me: Nephi, what do you see? I replied: The most beautiful, pure virgin. He asked me: Do you understand God’s condescension? I replied: I know that He loves His children, but I don’t understand everything. Then He said to me: The virgin you see is the Mother of the Son of God when He becomes a mortal. I saw She was carried away in the spirit. After She had been carried away in the spirit for some time, the Angel told me: Look! Then I looked and saw the virgin again, now carrying a child in Her arms. The Angel told me: Behold the Lamb of God, even the Son of the Eternal Father. Do you know the meaning of the tree your father saw? I replied: Yes, it’s God’s love, which inspires the souls of mankind; so it’s the most valuable of all things. Then He told me: Yes, and the greatest joy for mankind’s soul.” (C of C 1 Nephi 3:8-9, emphasis added).

When considering “God’s condescension” the tendency is to acknowledge the condescension of Christ, but that is incomplete. God’s love embodies both His Wife and Son because both condescended. She came to provide the bridge for mankind through birth between fallen man and God. Christ is the bridge. Both were necessary for the salvation of mankind, at great sacrifice.

“Most who read this passage interpret the “condescension” reference solely as Christ’s. They view it as Christ alone who condescended by being borne of Mary here in mortality. However, when leading up to the angel’s question, “Knowest thou the condescension of God,” the text focuses exclusively on Mary. When the angel clarified the “condescension,” he again focused primarily on Mary and secondarily on Her Son. The angel explained, “Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh. And it came to pass that I beheld that she was carried away in the Spirit; and after she had been carried away in the Spirit for the space of a time the angel spake unto me, saying: Look! And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms. And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father!” Who would you reasonably expect to be the woman chosen before this world was organized to become the mortal Mother of the Lord? Who would you expect Heavenly Father would want to bear His child, if not His Spouse? Together God the Father and Mary can be acknowledged as the Parents of Christ. The scriptures shift the focus of the “condescension” from Christ, to His Mother, and then back to Her Son, “the seed of the woman.” (Our Divine Parents, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.18; emphasis added).

Mary first condescended giving birth to Their Son and thereafter endowed Him with Her wisdom. [6]

“And it came to pass after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, and they were hearing him and asking him questions. And all who heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when his parents saw him, they were amazed. And his mother said unto him, Son, why have you thus dealt with us? Behold, your father and I have sought you sorrowing. And he said unto them, Why is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be about my Father’s business? And they understood not the saying which he spoke unto them. And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them. And his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom [from Her] and stature, and in favor with God and man” (RE Luke 3:2, emphasis added).

It is extraordinary to consider the involvement of both Heavenly Parents in carrying out the salvation of man. Heavenly Father’s knowledge provides the creation and Heavenly Mother dispenses His knowledge to Their children. Both Parents are indispensable in the composition of God. Together They are united in purpose and intimately involved in creating a path leading to mankind's transition from fallen man [both male and female] into Their image.

With the direct intervention of our Heavenly Father and Mother, a perfect path was paved for mankind's salvation. The Son of God exemplified the process and precepts required to walk the path perfectly. Of necessity that path included marriage between a man and woman to complete the image of God. Jesus paid the price for mankind's redemption from sin, but it was necessary to prove those who are not perfect may be redeemed as well.

When Jesus completed His mortal mission, His work of redemption did not cease. He promised His disciples He would come to them following His resurrection.

“Do not allow your heart to be troubled. You are devoted to God and are also devoted to me. In the journey through my Father’s realms are many stages with temporary abodes. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare an abode for your upward journey. And when I arise [resurrection], I will prepare places for you, but I will be your companion again and visit each of you, so that where I travel, you may journey to also. And the path I follow upward you know, and the way of ascent you also know. Thomas said to him, Lord, we don’t know where you are going; how can we know the way? You have not told us. Jesus said to him, I am the way, the record of the truth, and the means for Eternal lives, worlds without end: no man comes to the Throne of the Father without me. If you follow me, you will come to the Father’s Throne through me and will thereafter be like him forever” (RE T&C 171, Testimony of Saint John 10:9, emphasis added).

The Savior instructed His disciples He was departing to prepare “temporary abodes” for them in “realms of the Father.” They were temporary because after their mortal experience they ascend to the Father’s throne through “stages” of progression. In the process of ascending through the stages, they are transformed. When they arrive at the Throne of the Father, they will be like Him. This journey may only be pursued with the Savior’s companionship and direction, as the Father directed Jesus on His journey on the path.

Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, many [7] have been transformed to the image of God because they are led by the Savior to the Father’s Throne. They, like the Savior are led by Him on the path and become members of the Holy Order after the Son of God, referred to as the Melchizedek Priesthood. Many completed this transformation prior to their birth into mortality and condescended to assist in bringing to pass “the immortality and eternal life of man.” They condescend to earth from an exalted state, not to be tried and tested, but to try and test others less advanced in their eternal progression.

“We must conclude that if our hope in God is based upon faith in Him, God’s hope in our fulfillment of prophecies, promises, and covenants must likewise be based on the same principle of faith. Our hope is predicated upon our confidence in God. It follows, therefore, that God’s hope is predicated upon His confidence in us. Before this creation, some of God’s sons (and their companions) were identified as “noble and great” and correspondingly also as “Gods” before the world was organized. These were chosen before they were born to accomplish work for the benefit of others. They were to be sent into the world, not to be proven or tested, but instead, to participate in proving or testing others. They were already known to be true and faithful to God and His plan of salvation. From this, we can know that God’s hope for the completion of the events needed to fulfill His oaths, covenants, prophecies, and promises rests upon God’s faith in other Gods (the noble and great) who covenanted with Him before the world was organized. He [God] had the confidence and hope that in proceeding with this creation, it would be possible to redeem it and save the souls of mankind sent to live in it. Just as God knew before the world was created that Jesus Christ would deliver it from ruin by His faithful fulfillment of His promises, God likewise knew before the world was created that His servants sent to accomplish other promises would also keep their obligations to Him. So, God’s hope is predicated upon promises made by Gods before creation and rests on the same principle as our hope in God. God has faith in the Gods He recognized as being His sons before this cycle of creation in this world. As Joseph Smith taught about these sons of God:

“Now,” says God, when He visited Moses in the bush, (Moses was a stammering sort of a boy like me) God said, “Thou shalt be a God unto the children of Israel.” God said, “Thou shalt be a God unto Aaron, and he shall be thy spokesman.” I believe those Gods that God reveals as Gods to be [the] sons of God, and all can cry, “Abba, Father!” Sons of God who exalt themselves to be Gods, even from before the foundation of the world, and are the only Gods I have a reverence for. (DHC, 6: 478; TPJS, p. 375.)

The reason for God’s hope is His confidence in the covenants made with the sons of God who exalted themselves before the foundation of the world. He trusts them to help with the work of redeeming mankind. Because of them, He is willing to make promises to mankind, trusting they will be kept. This hope underlies His ability to inspire prophecy. God’s hope in the completion of His plan of redemption is grounded in God’s faith in the noble and great ones He chose before the world “to fulfill and [to] do the work of the Father’s covenants” He made with mankind” (God’s Covenant People, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.19, emphasis added).

They form a fellowship of righteous beings organized by the Savior into a Heavenly Council directing their earthly counterparts [those who have condescended to mortality] in fulfilling promises the Father made with them by covenant. [8] They work to facilitate events on earth to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. They are not perfect beings in mortality because their memories are veiled. Until they learn of their history prior to mortality, when their record of Heaven is restored by the Powers of Heaven. Their brethren of the Holy Order on the other side of the veil guiding them. They learn perfection by charitably coordinating the affairs of mankind to bring about divine objectives.

We know of those who condescended because of ancient records restored through Joseph Smith. For example, the writings of Abraham when the Lord revealed to Abraham his pre-mortal identity:

“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” (RE T&C 145, Abraham 6:1, emphasis added).

In the history of this earth there have been many like Abraham who played a role in fulfilling God’s covenants with man. They are those sanctified in the blood of the Lamb of God, becoming “joint-heirs” with Him.

“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 [rights and privileges associated with becoming “sons of God” and joint-heirs with Christ]. For the earnest expectation of the creation waits for the manifestation of the sons [small s, not equal to Christ] 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).

In addition to those who have passed through the veil to their eternal reward, there are those walking this earth who may or may not be aware of their commitments to God. They are or will become “chosen vessels” and “heirs of salvation” laboring in the Lord’s vineyard to bring equality to His congregations.

The Lord’s work is not reliant solely on mortals on this earth. There is a collaborative effort directed by God from both sides of the veil. God the Father, the Son of God or Father of the faithful by adoption, and Patriarchal Fathers like Abraham and all dispensation heads watch over and labor continually to see their posterity receive God’s covenant blessings.

Elisha, heir to a double portion of the power of Elijah revealed to his servant the reality of the involvement of the Powers of Heaven when surrounded by the Syrian Army. When Elisha’s servant awoke and found the army around them, he warned Elisha:

“And when the servant of the man of God was risen early and gone forth, behold, a host encompassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master, what shall we do? And he answered, Fear not, for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed and said, Lord, I pray you, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed unto the Lord and said, Smite this people, I pray you, with blindness. And he smote them with blindness according to the word of Elisha. And Elisha said unto them, This is not the way, neither is this the city. Follow me and I will bring you to the man whom you seek. But he led them to Samaria” (RE 2 Kings 2:22, emphasis added).

At the request of Elisha, the Lord opened the eyes of Elisha’s servant to see fiery chariots surrounding the Syrian Army. The fiery chariots were the same as Elisha witnessed Elijah ascend to Heaven in. In reverse of Elijah’s ascension, many chariots of fire descended at the request of the Lord’s servant baring the mantle of Elijah.

When the power of the many chariots of fire was manifested to the Syrian army, it was not in the manner witnessed by Elisha’s servant. No fiery chariots appeared to Elisha’s adversaries. The enemies of the Lord’s servants were neutralized by blinding them. [9] The Lord is not given to obscene displays of extraordinary power. Small means is all that was required to repel God’s enemies when Elijah’s power is manifest. “In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.”

The power of Military might is disannulled when robbed of their vision. Modern Babylon becomes like the Syrian army when two small groups become “armed with righteousness” when the Lord opens the conduit between Heaven and earth and Heavens hosts descend to aid the Lord’s servants.

“Then I looked and saw the whore of the whole earth. She was spread everywhere across the seas, ruling over the whole earth, among all people of every nation, tribe, and language [like Elisha and the Syrian army]. And I saw the congregation of the Lamb of God; its numbers were few [small] because of the wickedness and abominations of the whore who was spread everywhere across the seas. Nevertheless, I saw that the congregation of the Lamb, who were God’s holy ones [Holy Order, “chosen vessels,” “heirs of salvation”], were also there throughout the earth; but their presence was small because of the wickedness of the great whore whom I saw. And I saw the great mother of abominations assembled in large numbers all over the earth among all Gentile nations to fight against the Lamb of God. Then I saw the power of the Lamb of God descend upon the holy ones of the Lamb’s congregation and upon the Lord’s covenant people, who were scattered across the earth. They [Holy Ones] were armed with righteousness and God’s power in great glory” (C of C 1 Nephi 3:28, emphasis added).

“The Power of the Lamb of God descend upon the holy ones of the Lamb.” Where did the Lamb of God’s power descend from, if not Heaven? The power of the Lamb descended upon the holy ones in two small groups scattered throughout the earth. [10] The ”holy ones“ among the Lamb’s congregation are mortal messengers directed by Patriarchal Fathers among repentant Gentiles. [11]The messengers receive the Lord by covenant and obey covenant terms faithfully. The faith and obedience of the holy ones enable them to become [12] ”armed with righteousness,” receiving “God‘s power in great glory ”from the Father‘s in Heaven.

            The second group armed with righteousness and the power of God in great glory” are the Lord’s covenant people. Descendants of Israel the Lord promised to bless because of Israel’s righteousness. They, like righteous holy ones among the Gentiles, are armed with righteousness and endowed with power from on High.

“Therefore, in consequence of the transgression of my people, it is expedient in me that my elders should wait for a little season for the redemption of Zion that they themselves may be prepared, and that my people may be taught more perfectly, and have experience, and know more perfectly concerning their duty and the things which I require at their hands. And this cannot be brought to pass until my elders are endowed with power from on high, for behold, I have prepared a great endowment and blessing to be poured out upon them, inasmuch as they are faithful and continue in humility before me. Therefore, it is expedient in me that my elders should wait a little season for the redemption of Zion.

For behold, I do not require at their hands to fight the battles of Zion, for as I have said in a former commandment, even so I will fulfill: I will fight your battles. Behold, the Destroyer I have already sent forth to destroy and lay waste my enemies, and not many years from now they shall not be left to pollute my heritage, and to blaspheme my name upon the land which I have consecrated for the gathering together of my saints” (RE T&C 107: 3-4, emphasis added).

The “endowment from on high” spoken by the Lord to Joseph Smith was not realized in his day but reserved for a later time. The leadership were in need of greater preparation and experience before receiving the “endowment from on high.” The Lord required greater faith and humility from those called to serve. Zion could not be redeemed prior to receiving the "endowment.” Until a “little season” passes, the endowment from on high is withheld.

The likelihood is Nephi witnessed in his prophetic vision the endowment of power because he emphasizes their primary means of strength and power is directly linked to their righteousness. Those who Nephi referred to learned one lesson the Lord required of them before being entrusted with the “Powers of Heaven” reserved for the Patriarchal Fathers.

“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 [Patriarchal] Priesthood are inseparably connected with the Powers of Heaven [Patriarchal Fathers] 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 [Patriarchal Fathers] withdraw themselves [they are righteous individuals], the spirit of the Lord is grieved, and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man [their unrighteous conduct nullifies their claim to any Priesthood and power associated with it]. Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints [because they are led and governed unrighteously, the leaders neither enter into God’s kingdom themselves and they become an obstacle to those who follow them], and to fight against God [because they ignorantly or consciously pursue their own agenda in opposition to God’s work and glory]. 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).

Encompassed within this passage is the Lord’s handbook for becoming endowed with power. His endowment is contingent upon their ability to learn to exercise it in righteousness. Establishing Zion in the last days is contingent upon the holy ones among the Lamb’s congregation and Israel’s scattered remnant learning “this one lesson.” They are “armed with righteousness” because they learn this lesson. But gaining sufficient power from on high and establishing Zion requires the assistance of the Patriarchal Fathers to avoid burning the earth.

The events discussed here are concurrent with Enoch’s vision of the last days when the Lord revealed to Enoch our day. Note how many times the word “righteousness” is mentioned:

“. . . And the Lord said unto Enoch, As I live, even so will I come in the last days, in the days of wickedness and vengeance, to fulfill the oath which I have made unto you concerning the children of Noah. And the day shall come that the earth shall rest. But before that day, the heavens shall be darkened, and a veil of darkness shall cover the earth; and the heavens shall shake, and also the earth. And great tribulations shall be among the children of men, but my people will I preserve. And righteousness will I send down out of Heaven. Truth will I send forth out of the earth to bear testimony of my Only Begotten, his resurrection from the dead, yea, and also the resurrection of all men. And righteousness and truth will I cause to sweep the earth as with a flood, to gather out my own elect from the four quarters of the earth unto a place which I shall prepare, a holy city, that my people may gird up their loins and be looking forth for the time of my coming. For there shall be my tabernacle, and it shall be called Zion, a New Jerusalem. And the Lord said unto Enoch, Then shall you and all your city meet them there, and we will receive them into our bosom. And they shall see us, and we will fall upon their necks, and they shall fall upon our necks, and we will kiss each other; and there shall be my abode. And it shall be Zion which shall come forth out of all the creations which I have made, and for the space of a thousand years shall the earth rest.

And it came to pass that Enoch saw the day of the coming of the Son of Man in the last days to dwell on the earth in righteousness for the space of a thousand years. But before that day, he saw great tribulation among the wicked. And he also saw the sea, that it was troubled, and men’s hearts failing them, looking forth with fear for the judgments of the Almighty God which should come upon the wicked. And the Lord showed Enoch all things, even unto the end of the world. And he saw the day of the righteous, the hour of their redemption, and received a fullness of joy . . .” (RE Genesis 4:22-23, emphasis added).

Before these events transpire, Elijah must come and open a portal or conduit between Heaven and earth. The opening of the portal begins the flood of truth that covers earth, drawing righteous men and women out from among the wicked in preparation for earth’s cleansing by fire.

“. . .The way in which it [Zion] will be rebuilt at the end is going to be by ordinance in the house of the Lord and a place that He has accepted. The only kinds of places that are legitimately the house of God are houses that God has come to, to dwell in, in order for those who seek His face to find Him. That happened at Kirtland. It never happened at Nauvoo or Salt Lake. I know that... well... the fact is that a pillar of fire by night and a pillar of smoke by day is an allusion, an attempt to refer to things we are familiar with to describe things that we are not familiar with. A conduit that reaches up into heaven as the temporary appearance of the Lord to Joseph in the First Vision is intended to be a permanent connection at some place. It will be one of the reasons why people say, let’s not go up against the people of Zion because Zion is too terrible. The presence of God is dreadful to the wicked, it’s frightening to them. They get near it and it convicts them of their unworthiness. They dare not go up. But the pure and the humble and the noble are drawn to it. They will want to be there. And so that conduit, that fiery pillar, that stairway to heaven, Jacob’s ladder, the chariot of fire, all of those things are an attempt to describe that heavenly connection, that heavenly presence. To the unworthy and the ungodly looking at it, they may or may not be able to see anything about it but they will sense extraordinary dread. It will frighten them. To the worthy there will be something enlightened about the very presence of the place. It will not seem to them to just be another place. It will seem as though the God of heaven has some base established there. That’s when you know that an ensign has been established in the tops of the mountains to which nations will flow saying, come, let us go up and learn from the god of Jacob, because that ensign is actually something godly, holy, edifying, instructive, revelatory, filled with light, and redemptive, and the god who dwells there is going to be the Lord” (Cursed-Denied the Priesthood, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.25, emphasis added).

The common denominators to becoming righteous are faith and humility.

“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. And also, those to whom these commandments were given might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth with which I, the Lord, am well pleased — speaking unto the church collectively and not individually. For I, the Lord, cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance; nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven, and he that repents not, from him shall be taken even the light which he has received. For my spirit shall not always strive with man, says the Lord of Hosts” (RE T&C 54:5, emphasis added).

Unraveling the mystery of godliness begins with seeking wisdom, being humble and honest with God. Those who achieve this are made strong, and blessed from on high, receiving knowledge from God according to God’s wisdom at the appropriate time.

[1] “Our Father who is in Heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come; your will be done on earth, as it is done in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them who trespass against us. And suffer us not to be led into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen” (RE Matthew 3:29, emphasis added).

[2] “Now there’s necessarily a period of time between the time of death and the time of the resurrection. Now I wanted to know about what becomes of the spirits of mankind from this time of death to the time appointed for the resurrection. Now whether there’s more than one time appointed for people to rise, it doesn’t matter, because everyone doesn’t die at once, and that doesn’t matter. Everything is as one day with God, and time is only measured to mankind. Therefore there’s a time appointed to people when they will rise from the dead; and there’s a period of time between the time of death and the resurrection” (C of C Alma 19:5, emphasis added).

[3] “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman wakes but in vain. It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows, for so he gives his beloved sleep. Behold, children are a heritage of the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man, so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that has his quiver full of them. They shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate” (RE Psalms 127, emphasis added).

[4] “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 . . .” (RE T&C 145, Abraham 6:2, emphasis added).

[5] “The context of the words “created he (God) him (man)” is immediately clarified to

refer to both the male and female and not just the male: “created he him; male and female

created he them.” The English translation follows the masculine pronoun implied in

Hebrew. Therefore, looking at it in the Hebrew language, there were two persons described

and only one of them was male. It could be translated: “created they (Gods) them (man and

woman); male and female.” In the King James Version the Gods are described using a

masculine pronoun taken from the Hebrew. Moving from Hebrew into English, the

translation stayed true to the Hebrew and the human couple is likewise described using a

masculine pronoun. They are called “him” in English because of this.

The words “So God created man in his (God’s) own image,” affirm two points:

First, the plurality of God.

Second, that plurality is a couple that includes both a male and a female. Man is

created in God’s image, and that image is a couple: a man and a woman. This is not

figurative language. It is literally describing mankind having two sexes and that is godlike, or

what God’s own “image” is” (Our Divine Parents, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.2, emphasis added).

[6] “Our scriptures speak carefully about the existence and importance of a Heavenly

Mother: a Divine Female whose greatest attribute is to bestow wisdom upon the whole of

this creation . . .” (Our Divine Parents, Denver Snuffer Jr., p.1, emphasis added).

[7] “As I said about the Holy Order, or this High Priesthood: many were ordained and became high priests of God. It was because of their great faith, repentance, and righteousness before God, choosing to repent and bring about righteousness rather than perish. Therefore they were called according to this Holy Order and were sanctified, and their clothes were washed white through the Lamb’s blood. Now they — after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their clothes made white, being pure and spotless before God — could only look upon sin with abhorrence. And there were many, a very great many, who were enabled to become pure and entered the rest of the Lord their God. Now, my friends, I advise you to humble yourselves before God and show by your conduct that you’ve really repented, so you can also enter that rest. Humble yourselves like the people in the time of Melchizedek, who was a high priest of this same Order I discussed, who also took upon himself the High Priesthood eternally. And it was this Melchizedek to whom Abraham paid tithes — yes, even our father Abraham paid one-tenth of all he owned. Now these ordinances [that cannot be changed or altered] were given as a pattern to show the people how to anticipate and recognize the Son of God, since it demonstrated His Order, and in fact was His Order. These ordinances pointed forward to His coming and provided a remission of their sins, so they could enter the Lord’s rest” (C of C Alma 10:1, emphasis added).

[8] “Then the lord of the vineyard sent his servant, and the servant went and did as the lord had commanded him and brought a few other servants. And the lord of the vineyard told them: Get started and work hard in the vineyard. This is the last time I’ll tend my vineyard — the end is near and the harvest is coming quickly. If you work hard with me, you’ll have joy in the fruit that I’ll harvest for myself at the end of the growing season.

Then the servants went ahead and worked hard, and the lord of the vineyard also worked with them. And they obeyed the lord of the vineyard’s direction in all things. And original fruit again grew in the vineyard, and the original branches began to grow and produce abundantly, and the wild branches began to be cut off and thrown away. And they kept the root and the top equal based on their strength. This is how they worked with all diligence according to the lord of the vineyard’s commandments, until the bad had been thrown out of the vineyard and the lord had saved the good for himself, so the trees had again produced the original fruit. And they became like one body [Israel] and the fruit was equally good; and the lord of the vineyard had saved the original fruit for himself, which was most valuable to him from the beginning [pre-mortality].

When the lord of the vineyard saw his fruit was good and his vineyard was no longer corrupt, he called up his servants and told them: We’ve tended my vineyard for the last time. You see I’ve followed my plans and have saved the original fruit, so it’s good just like it was in the beginning. And you are blessed since you’ve been diligent in working with me in my vineyard and have followed my instructions — and it has produced the original fruit for me again, so that my vineyard is no longer corrupt and the bad is thrown away — and you’ll celebrate with me over my vineyard’s fruit. I’ll store my vineyard’s fruit for myself for a long time as we prepare for the end of the growing season, which is coming quickly. I’ve tended my vineyard for the last time and pruned, tilled, and fertilized it. Therefore I’ll store the fruit for myself for a long time, as I had planned. And when the time comes that evil fruit again grows in my vineyard, then I’ll have the good and bad gathered, and I’ll store the good for myself and throw the bad away into its own place. And then the final season ends, and it will be time for my vineyard to be burned with fire” (C of C Jacob 3:26-28, emphasis added).

[9] “The Lord’s voice told him: Look on the ball and observe what is written. When my father saw the things written on the ball, he became afraid and trembled a great deal, and so did my brothers and Ishmael’s sons and our wives. I realized the pointers in the ball worked according to the faith, diligence, and attention we gave them. And a new writing, plain to be read, was written on them, letting me understand the Lord’s ways. It was written and changed from time to time according to the faith and diligence we gave to it. We see from this that the Lord can accomplish great things by ordinary means. I then climbed the mountain according to the directions given on the ball. And I harvested game animals, and I obtained food for our families. Then I returned to our tents, carrying the animals I harvested. When they saw that I brought food, they were overjoyed. And they humbled themselves before the Lord and gave thanks to Him” (C of C 1 Nephi 5:8, emphasis added)

[10] ”Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. He answered and said unto them, He that sows the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world. The good seed are the children of the kingdom, but the tares are the children of the wicked. The enemy that sowed them is the Devil. The harvest is the end of the world, or the destruction of the wicked, and the reapers are the angels [Powers of Heaven, Patriarchal Fathers in Heaven] or the messengers [“chosen vessels,“ “heirs of salvation,“ mortal servants called by God who condescended] sent of Heaven. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, so shall it be in the end of this world, or the destruction of the wicked. For in that day, before the Son of Man shall come, he shall send forth his angels and messengers of Heaven, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend and them who do iniquity, and shall cast them out among the wicked. And there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth, for the world shall be burned with fire. Then shall the righteous shine [power of the Lamb descends from Heaven on the holy ones because they are ”armed with righteousness” and ”the power of God in great glory”] forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who has ears to hear, let him hear” (RE Matthew 7:9, emphasis added).

[11] ” And again, the Lord shall utter his voice out of Heaven saying, Hearken, O you nations of the earth, and hear the words of that God who made you: O you nations of the earth, how often would I have gathered you as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, but you would not? How oft have I called upon you by the mouth of my servants, and by the ministering of angels, and by my own voice, and by the voice of thunderings, and by the voice of lightnings, and by the voice of tempests, and by the voice of earthquakes and great hailstorms, and by the voice of famines and pestilences of every kind, and by the great sound of a trump, and by the voice of judgments, and by the voice of mercy all the day long, and by the voice of glory and honor and the riches of eternal life, and would have saved you with an everlasting salvation, but you would not? Behold, the day has come when the cup of the wrath of my indignation is full.

Behold, truly I say unto you that these are the words of the Lord your God; wherefore, labor all of you. Labor in my vineyard for the last time, for the last time call upon the inhabitants of the earth, for in my own due time will I come upon the earth in judgment. And my people shall be redeemed and shall reign with me on earth, for the great Millennial, which I have spoken by the mouth of my servants, shall come, for Satan shall be bound. And when he is loosed again, he shall only reign for a little season, and then comes the end of the world, and he that lives in righteousness shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye, and the earth shall pass away so as by fire. And the wicked shall go away into unquenchable fire, and their end no man knows on earth, nor ever shall know, until they come before me in judgment” (RE T&C 29:8-9, emphasis added).

[12]“And that you might escape the power of the enemy and be gathered unto me, a righteous people without spot and blameless, wherefore, for this cause I gave unto you the commandment that you should go to the Ohio. And there I will give unto you my law, and there you shall be endowed with power from on high, and from there, whomever I will shall go forth among all nations, and it shall be told them what they shall do, for I have a great work laid up in store, for Israel shall be saved, and I will lead them wherever I will, and no power shall stay my hand” (RE T&C 22:9, emphasis added).

“And now behold, I give unto you a commandment that when you are assembled yourselves together, you shall note with a pen how to act, and for my church to act, upon the points of my law and commandments which I have given. And thus it shall become a law unto you, being sanctified by that which you have received, that you shall bind yourselves to act in all holiness before me, that inasmuch as you do this, glory shall be added to the kingdom which you have received. Inasmuch as you do it not, it shall be taken, even that which you have received [I leave to your judgment which outcome occurred in 1831]. Purge out the iniquity which is among you, sanctify yourselves before me, and if you desire the glories of the Kingdom, appoint my servant Joseph, and uphold him before me by the prayer of faith.

And again, I say unto you that if you desire the mysteries of the Kingdom, provide for him food, and raiment, and whatever thing he needs to accomplish the work wherewith I have commanded him. And if you do it not, he shall remain unto them that have received him, that I may reserve unto myself a pure people before me.

Again I say, hearken you elders of my church whom I have appointed; you are not sent forth to be taught, but to teach the children of men the things which I have put in your hands by the power of my spirit, and you are to be taught from on high. Sanctify yourselves and you shall be endowed with power that you may give even as I have spoken.

Hearken all of you, for behold, the great day of the Lord is nearly at hand, for the day comes that the Lord shall utter his voice out of Heaven. The heavens shall shake, and the earth shall tremble, and the trump of God shall sound both long and loud, and shall say to the sleeping nations, You saints arise and live; you sinners stay and sleep until I shall call again” (RE T&C 29: 3-6, emphasis added).

Scott Roderick

11/7/25

Unraveling the Mystery of Godliness Part 5.pdf

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