Unraveling the Prophecy of Malachi and the Mystery of Elijah - Part 6 : The Role of Patriarchal Father’s in Gathering Israel
Angels are often presumed to be only those beyond the veil. The term should be broadened to include anyone delivering a message from God. They may be immortal, just men made perfect, or mortals acting as “chosen vessels”[1] or “heirs of salvation”[2] delivering a message from the Lord.
The above categories include Patriarchal Father’s in the Holy Order of Priesthood who are translated beings. They maintain associations on earth and Heaven. Patriarchal Fathers are singled out because they continue their labors for the salvation of mankind by adopting repentant mortals into their spiritual families. By adoption the repentant claim covenant blessings the Father promised Patriarchal Father’s and their posterity.
For this reason the work of fulfilling Heavenly Father’s promises made to righteous Patriarchal Fathers falls upon those men. They bear responsibility to reclaim and gather the repentant willing to receive the Lord and His servants. Mormon addressed this subject in his writings in Moroni’s book:
“And because He’s [Christ] 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 [men functioning as angels do so under the Aaronic Priesthood][3] among people by declaring Christ’s word to the Lord’s chosen vessels, so they can bear testimony of Him. And by doing this, the Lord God prepares the way for the remainder of mankind to have faith in Christ, so the Holy Ghost can have a place in their hearts according to the power of the Holy Ghost. This is how the Father vindicates the covenants He’s made to mankind. Christ has said: If you have faith in Me, you’ll have power to do whatever I consider needed and proper. And He’s said to everyone on earth: Repent and come to Me and be baptized in My name and have faith in Me, so you can be saved” (CofC Moroni 7:6).
With the broaden understanding of “angels” we see how those who are on the mortal side of the veil are called by the Lord and instructed by Patriarchal Fathers to deliver messages to others. In these labors they act as angels.
“. . . Many people have received ministering angels. Men, women, and children have, can, and do receive angelic ministers. Angels minister to those with faith, then they are supposed to preach salvation to others. Appearances of angels, like the post-resurrection ministry of Christ, happen with the faithful. Christ appeared as a resurrected minister only to the faithful in Jerusalem. Likewise, He showed Himself to “the more righteous” who had been spared among the Nephites” (A Glossary of Gospel Terms, Angel, pp.9-10; emphasis added).
Anyone may be an instrument in God’s hands to deliver a message sent by Him. In doing so, knowingly or unwittingly they are angels. The angels referred to by Mormon are given specific assignments with precise instructions to deliver exactly what Christ directs.
The responsibility of these men is to call men to repentance and fulfill the Father’s covenant promises. They do not do the work themselves but direct “chosen vessels” [righteous mortals] chosen by God to deliver His message to those of their ministry. By following this pattern salvation is offered to people at all levels of spiritual progression.
From the top-down mercy is extended to those at all levels of ascension. When lower levels repent and begin ascending, they glorify those above them for their role in increasing their light and knowledge. In a manner of speaking, a rising tide of righteousness lifts all spiritual boats of the penitent.
Mormon’s explanation states “this is how the Father vindicates the covenants He’s made to mankind.” Covenant vindication is entrusted to faithful “Fathers” who have proven their faith and worth by setting a righteous example and ministering to those who receive the Lord’s message through His “chosen vessels.” The penitent becomes their posterity as they establish their lineage by embracing the righteous examples of those who obtained covenant promises from the Father. By so doing they glorify the Father in Heaven by fulfilling His promises to their spiritual heritage. In this process they glorify Him and sanctify themselves and their posterity through the Savior’s Atonement. The vindication is not in fulfilling covenant promises made by the Father. Vindication comes in proving the “ascension process” of doing exactly as the Father and Son have in their ascension and thereby become as they are and share blessings attendant with righteousness. Patriarchal Fathers vindicate the Father’s promises and “bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”[4]
Understanding the powers God grants to Patriarchal Fathers we may identify their involvement in past scriptural events. The Lord provided a list of those powers by revelation in RE T&C 82 and Joseph Smith’s translation of the Bible in Genesis. Like spiritual gifts, the list should not be considered comprehensive. Spiritual gifts are granted to all mankind and the number of gifts God may grant are limitless. So are powers He grants to those of the Holy Order when He deems it appropriate.
T&C 82 provides a general overview of the “greater Priesthood” in the following revelation:
“And this greater Priesthood administers the gospel and holds the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God. Therefore, in the ordinances thereof the power of godliness is manifest, and without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the Priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto man in the flesh, for without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live” (RE T&C 82:12; emphasis added).
The “greater Priesthood” of the Holy Order holds keys to the mysteries of God’s kingdom and His knowledge. The ability to use those keys to prepare mankind for ascending to God’s presence is manifest in the ordinances leading to “the power of godliness.” Defining the meaning of “ordinances” and “power of godliness” is critical to comprehending the process whereby mankind is transformed from a state of nature to the attributes and likeness of God.
Ordinances
Ordinances, like angels, are too narrowly defined as outward performances like baptism, and temple work. While those rituals are correctly perceived as part of ordinances, they are only outward manifestations of what should be occurring between us and our spiritual awakening to a personal association with God and His angels.
Ordinances are explained in the Glossary as follows:
“It is through covenant-forming ordinances—including rituals—that the power of godliness has been manifested to mankind. “The ordinances are helps, symbols and requirements. Helps in that they establish milestones that memorialize passage from one stage of development to the next. Symbols in that they point to a deeper meaning or spiritual reality almost always grounded in the atonement of Jesus Christ. Requirements in that they mark the defined route taken by Christ as a mortal to fulfill all righteousness. The ordinances as symbols point to the real thing . The real thing is Jesus Christ and His Gospel.” Ordinances are the preliminary act, designed to bear testimony of the real event. They are not the real thing but are a “type” of the real thing. They must be seen through the eyes of faith (see Ether 5:3) to allow one to gain the faith necessary to obtain the real thing. Ordinances are instituted to bring one to the point where one inherits in body and spirit the great blessings of the Doctrine of Christ. “They prepare you. Their effect is to qualify you, instruct you, advance you toward this goal of receiving the blessings found in the Doctrine of Christ. Once ordinances have been adopted, it is then unlikely you can ignore them, and [then] receive what is promised by the Doctrine of Christ.” “Ordinances instituted in the heavens before the foundation of the world, in the priesthood, for the salvation of men, are not to be altered or changed.” When the higher priesthood [Holy Order] is present on the earth, everything done by it is an ordinance. God ordains by His power what is to happen. God ordains — and therefore, all He does is an ordinance,[5] whether building up or taking down. Latter-day Saints think “ordinances” are required for everyone, and they can receive them ad hoc to be saved. Heaven does not have unorganized crowds milling about, arriving fresh from receiving and accepting vicarious ordinances and claiming the right to be rewarded by entering Celestial glory. If anyone enters the kingdom of God, she will be there as part of God’s family, not as a freelance believer. Those faithful who received the assurance before death that they would one day enjoy a glorious resurrection were unable to leave the spirit world with Christ, but remained behind to minister to others there. Mankind knows almost nothing, at this point, of the full scope of the original body of teachings, revelations, ordinances, and rites. Even all that came through Joseph is but a glimpse. Man is not worthy of the full view. The question is whether any will become meek and humble enough to endure giving it a hearing before they corrupt it with a flood of errors based on unbelief” (A Glossary of Gospel Terms, Ordinance, pp.225-226; emphasis added).
Ordinances include labors ordained by God to be accomplished by righteous people at different levels of ascension. The Father provides the power that can only to be controlled or handled upon righteous principles.[6] The Son, at the precise direction of the Father satisfies the demands of justice to save His creation and present it to the Father when its sanctification is complete. The Savior, by accomplishing what the Father ordains on earth becomes “one” with the Father, receiving the Father’s mind or the Holy Ghost.[7] The Son of God takes His place with the Father as an heir to all the Father has.
The Son of God satisfying demands of divine justice offers salvation to mankind from death. He is the bridge between Adam’s fall and returning to the Father’s presence. Those of the Holy Order exercise faith in the Atonement of Jesus Christ beginning with repentance and growing from grace to grace from Christ.[8] Members of the Holy Order ascend by increasing in light and knowledge[9] by practicing the precise discipline the Savior followed at the Father’s direction. Each level of spiritual progression advances the cleansing process removing natural tendencies and replacing them with godly attributes. This transitional phase is accomplished through many cycles prior to mortality and continues after mortality.[10]
At some point of spiritual progression known to God, a person transitions from the process of self-sanctification to the process of offering grace to those less advanced than themselves. They advance by extending grace for grace. As they offer grace to others, the Lord gives greater light, knowledge and grace to them. The Father inducts those of the Holy Order by His own voice and commissions them through divine appointment by divine promise and covenant.
God’s covenant with the Holy Order promises powers on earth and blessings claimed in the next life. Some promises pertain to mortality and immortality like lands of inheritance and posterity as numberless as sands of the sea or stars in heaven.[11]
The vindication of those promises to the Holy Order are not limited to them. Their blessings extend to those who believe the words of the Savior the Holy Order share with “chosen vessels” and “heirs of salvation.” Through adoption by the Holy Order chosen vessels share the Savior’s words with the mortal generation of their day. Each level involves adoption into the covenant family. They are adopted into the Abrahamic covenant through the messenger or dispensation head. Connecting to the Patriarchal Fathers by repenting and doing their works they qualify as their posterity to obtain Heavenly Father’s covenant blessings.[12]
When disciples of those “heirs of salvation” who are ministered to by the Holy Order are received by the generation of their day, those who repent become heirs of covenant blessings through them. Thereafter they are commissioned by God to build temples and labor on behalf of those who have died without the benefit of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Faithful disciples connected to covenant blessings by a dispensation head [“chosen vessel”] to Patriarchal Father’s continue their ascension by adopting those who passed from mortality and repent in the afterlife. In effect, those in mortality become adoptive parents of their forefathers who have died.
This process is how God perpetually builds worlds without end providing eternal life to those willing to comply with the process leading to sanctification and returning to God’s presence.
Powers Granted by God to the Holy Order
The Joseph Smith Translation in the Restoration Edition of the Bible explains powers associated with this order of Priesthood. Righteous men proved by their faith, obtained God’s trust and confidence because He knows their hearts and minds align with His. This was done through reception of the Holy Ghost or mind of the Father. Having proven their faith by their works; He trusts them to limit their use of His power to those times He approves. Some powers are noted in the following passage:
“Now Melchizedek was a man of faith who wrought righteousness. And when a child, he feared God, and stopped the mouths of lions, and quenched the violence of fire. And thus, having been approved of God, he was ordained a high priest after the Order of the covenant which God made with Enoch, it being after the Order of the Son of God, which Order came not by man, nor the will of men, neither by father nor mother, neither by beginning of days nor end of years, but of God. And it was delivered unto men by the calling of his own voice, according to his own will, unto as many as believed on his name.
For God, having sworn unto Enoch and unto his seed with an oath by himself that everyone being ordained after this Order and calling should have power, by faith, to break mountains, to divide the seas, to dry up waters, to turn them out of their course, to put at defiance the armies of nations, to divide the earth, to break every band, to stand in the presence of God, to do all things according to his will, according to his command subdue principalities and powers; and this by the will of the Son of God which was from before the foundation of the world. And men having this faith, coming up unto this Order of God, were translated and taken up into Heaven” (RE Genesis 7:18-19; emphasis added).
When the list of powers is considered it can inform us when the powers of the Holy Order have been commissioned by the Savior in the past. Moses, Elijah and Elisha exercised the Father’s power to part the Red Sea and rivers. Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego and the three Nephites “quenched the violence of fire” and “stopped the mouths of lions.” These are a few examples when the Holy Order drew upon the “Powers of Heaven” to execute the Lord’s will.
Not listed among the powers in Genesis, other examples such as the appearance of pillars of fire surrounding people are examples of the Spirit of Elijah opening a portal between Heaven and earth through which members of the Holy Order return to earth to fulfill the Lord’s will. In a manner of speaking it may be said they “quench the violence of fire” because the everlasting burnings the faithful dwell in are the reason for their appearing in the fiery pillars.[13] The fiery pillars preserve the sanctity of their environment at all times.
When past miracles are reviewed in scripture we may rest assured the Holy Order was commissioned by God to assist in performing the miracles. Righteous mortal men are the public face at those events, but the power behind the miracles are Holy Order members ministering to righteous “heirs of salvation” who obtained promises from God by covenant.
Scriptural Echoes of the Fathers for the Future
When we are familiar with the powers God gives to the Holy Order we find many examples of their involvement. The same is true of their future involvement. In revelations to Joseph Smith and the Covenant of Christ there are examples of men in the Holy Order commissioned by God to perform works in preparation for the Second Coming.
The first is John the Beloved. The Lord informed Peter that John would do a “greater work” by being translated so he could continue to labor for the salvation of mankind. The assigned role of John the Beloved is associated with two labors the Lord performs prior to the Second Coming. John was given a two-fold commission as explained in a revelation to Joseph Smith:
“Question: What are we to understand by the little book which was eaten by John, as mentioned in the 10th chapter of Revelation [Rev. 3:13]?
Answer: We are to understand that it was a mission and an ordinance for him [John the Beloved] to gather the tribes of Israel. Behold, this is Elias who, as it is written, must come and restore all things” (RE T&C 74:14; emphasis added).
The Lord gave John the errands of gathering Israel and restore “all things.” Based solely upon this scripture one is justified in concluding John performs this work personally. But that conclusion would have to be reconsidered given the Savior’s explanation of John the Beloved’s role in future events.
“And the Lord said unto me, John, my beloved, what do you desire? For if you shall ask what you will, it shall be granted unto you. And I said unto him, Lord, give unto me power over death, that I may live and bring souls unto you. And the Lord said unto me, Truly, truly I say unto you, because you desired this, you shall tarry until I come in my glory, and shall prophesy before nations, kindreds, tongues, and people.
And for this cause the Lord said unto Peter, If I will that he 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 [seraphim].[14] He shall minister for those who shall be heirs of salvation who dwell on the earth, and I will make you to minister for him and for your brother James. And unto you three I will give this power and the keys of this ministry until I come. Truly I say unto you, you shall both have according to your desires, for you both joy in that which you have desired” (RE T&C 1, Joseph Smith History 13:18-19; emphasis added).
John the Beloved becomes an example of those who enter the Holy Order; translated beings who minister to “heirs of salvation” who are mortals on earth. Members of the Holy Order acting in this capacity are the Lord’s conduit to His mortal servants called and commissioned by Him.
Not only does this explain John the Beloved’s role in the last days, but it also provides a clue to identifying the prophetic figure in mortality who is the “heir of salvation.” John directs a mortal man in the work of accomplishing these tasks. I’ve written extensively on this subject in prior papers and won’t address it in this paper. Suffice it to say, it is the “root of Jesse” described in RE T&C 129:3.
In addition to John the Beloved are three members of the Holy Order endowed with sealing power who cover four quadrants of the earth. They exercise power to seal up to eternal life or death.
“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, or to cast down to the regions of darkness” (RE T&C 74:8; emphasis added).
Among the four angels is John the Beloved who ascends from the East admonishing the other angels to withhold judgments upon the wicked until the four “angels” seal up the mortal servants of God in their foreheads.
“Question: What are we to understand by the angel ascending from the east, Revelation, 7th chapter and 2nd verse [Rev. 2:13]?
Answer: We are to understand that the angel [John the Beloved] ascended from the east is he to whom is given the seal of the living God over the twelve tribes of Israel. Wherefore, he cries unto the four angels having the everlasting gospel, saying: Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And if you will receive it, this is Elias, which was to come, to gather together the tribes of Israel and restore all things” (RE T&C 74:9; emphasis added).
We learn in verse 14 the “Elias” referred to in this passage is John the Beloved who is given a “mission and ordinance” to gather Israel and restore all things. Regarding the identity of the other three angels Denver Snuffer provides the following explanation in his talk on Priesthood:
“So, I wanna suggest to you that Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are known to us as those who have come—though they were part of the El (or, in the plural form, the “Elohim”)—they came, and they served here. They came, and they ministered here:
● Micha-el descended, and he came to the earth, and he was known as Adam in
mortality.
● Gabri-el came to the earth, and he was known in mortality as Noah.
● There is a big debate over the identity of Rapha-el. I’ll tell you what I think, and you
can take it or leave it. Raphael is the name that was given to the man who in
mortality we know as Enoch.
● Now there are four angels who preside over the four corners of the earth. And
Joseph surely knew that. And Joseph mentions the names of three of the four, but he
leaves the fourth one out. And I find the absence of the fourth one rather
extraordinary. The fourth one's name is Uri-el, also one of the Elohim. And although
there are those who will absolutely cry heresy, throw dirt on their hair, and tear
their clothes because they are scholars, and they are bona fide, and they know I'm
talking out of my hat—but I'd remind you Joseph talked out of his hat, too—that
fourth and missing, unmentioned angel is Uriel who, in mortality, was known to us
as John [the Beloved].
Adam is the one in the East, the angel who was considered the one who presides over and has control of the air—which is apt because unto Adam was given the breath of life in the beginning.
Raphael is in the South, and he is associated with the power of fire—which is apt because of his fiery ascent with his people into heaven.
Gabriel is the angel in the West who has the power over water—which is apt because, in mortality, he managed through the Flood.
And Uriel, though not mentioned, is the one who, in the North, has the power over the earth—which is apt because he remains upon the earth, and he is the guardian at one gate [on earth], with Elijah at the other end [in Heaven].
But you can take and leave all that as you will. I find the mention here (in this letter by Joseph) of these individuals and these powers—and these four (three of whom are named; the fourth of whom, potentially, is unnamed)—to be interesting, though he does mention divers angels, from Michael or Adam down to the present time” (Priesthood, Denver Snuffer Jr., pp.32-33; emphasis added).
On rare occasions when God deems it necessary to unleash His wrath upon the wicked, their destruction is brought about by one or all these powers represented by each angel. The Lord always warns the wicked beforehand but when they ignore the warning His wrath is poured upon them by these means.[15] In this manner angels “vindicate” God’s covenants with both the wicked and righteous.
The Latter-day Role of the Three Nephites
When Jesus appeared to the Nephites after His resurrection, He called twelve disciples to teach exactly what He taught. During a private appearance to His twelve disciples Jesus granted the desires of nine disciples. After granting their desires, the Savior turned to three remaining disciples and asked what they desired:
“. . . When He had spoken to them, He turned around to the three and asked them: What would you like Me to do for you when I’ve gone to the Father? They were afraid and unwilling to ask Him what it was they wanted. And He said to them: I know your thoughts. You want the same thing John My beloved — who was with Me in My ministry before I was lifted up by the Jews — asked from Me. Therefore you’re more blessed. You’ll never experience death, but you’ll live to observe everything the Father does for mankind, until all things are fulfilled according to the Father’s will, and I return in My glory with the Powers of heaven [Patriarchal Fathers]. You’ll never experience the pains of death. But when I come in My glory, you’ll be changed in the blink of an eye from mortality to immortality [godliness]. Then you’ll be blessed in My Father’s kingdom. In addition, you won’t feel pain while you remain on earth as mortals, nor any sadness other than for the sins of the world. I’ll do all this because of what you’ve asked of Me since you’ve asked to bring souls to Me while the world lasts. You’ll have a full measure of joy because of this, and you’ll arrive in My Father’s kingdom. Your joy will be full, just like the Father has given Me fullness of joy. And you’ll be just like I am, and I am just like the Father, and the Father and I are united as one. And the Holy Ghost testifies of the Father and Me. And the Father gives the Holy Ghost to mankind because of Me. When Jesus had spoken these words, He touched each of them with His finger, all except for the three who were to remain; and then He left. The heavens opened, and the three were taken up to heaven and saw and heard unspeakable things. They were forbidden to reveal it, neither were they given power to explain the things they saw and heard. Whether they remained in their bodies or left their bodies, they couldn’t tell. But it seemed to them that Afterward, they ministered once more on the earth. Nevertheless they had been transfigured, and were changed from this body of flesh into an immortal state, so they could behold the things of God. Afterward, they ministered once more on the earth. Nevertheless, they didn’t teach about the things they had heard and seen because of the commandment given to them in heaven. Now whether they were mortal or immortal from the day of their transfiguration, I don’t know. But I do know this much based on the record that’s been given: they traveled throughout the land and ministered to all the people, bringing into the congregation those who believed their preaching, baptizing them; and those who were baptized received the Holy Ghost" (CofC 3 Nephi 13:3, 5-7).
Having granted the desires of the three disciples they were taken up to Heaven and “heard unspeakable things” with the command not to share what they learned. They continued their ministry until wickedness prevailed. The Lord withdrew the three disciples from their earthly ministry with the understanding they play a role in the salvation of mankind in the last days.
“Now I Mormon will conclude these things. I was about to write the names of those who were never to experience death, but the Lord forbids it. Therefore I won’t write them, because they’re hidden from the world. But I’ve seen them, and they’ve ministered to me. In the future, they’ll be among the Gentiles, and yet the Gentiles won’t know who they are. They’ll also be among the Jews, and yet the Jews won’t know who they are either. When the Lord in His wisdom determines it’s the right time, they’ll minister to the scattered tribes of Israel and to people of every nation, tribe, and language, and they’ll bring many souls to Jesus, as they requested, because of the persuading power of God that’s in them. They’re just like God’s angels. And if they pray to the Father in the name of Jesus, they can show themselves to anyone they think it advisable. Therefore they will do great and awe-inspiring things before the great day arrives when all people will certainly stand before Christ’s judgment seat. They will even do a great and awe-inspiring work among the Gentiles before that judgment day.[16] And if you had all the scriptures that give an account of every one of Christ’s awe-inspiring works, then you would realize every one of Christ’s words have and will certainly take place. Woe to anyone who refuses to listen to Jesus’ words and the words of those He has chosen and sent to them. Anyone who doesn’t receive Jesus’ words and the words of those He sends, doesn’t accept Him, and therefore He won’t accept them on the last day. It would be better for them if they hadn’t been born. Do you think you can gain salvation after trampling God underfoot as you ignore the God you offend? (CofC 3 Nephi 13:5-6; emphasis added).
In the last days the Lord sends the three Nephites to minister to the Gentiles, the Jews, the scattered tribes of Israel and all nations. Because of the power of God that is in them many souls will be brought to the Savior by their efforts.
In the Covenant of Christ, whenever the phrase “great and awe-inspiring” appears it is a sign the three Nephites are involved in carrying out the Lord’s work of salvation.
Others of the Holy Order Labor to Prepare Earth for the Second Coming
Anyone inducted into the Holy Order labors to prepare and deliver earth’s inhabitants to abide the day of burning at the Second Coming. Covenant of Christ prophets like Alma the younger and Nephi the son of Helaman are involved in saving as many as will repent. As “Powers of Heaven,” Holy Order members assist mortal servants called and appointed by God to carry out these labors. At the Savior’s direction there will be great manifestations of divine power through trusted members of the Holy Order on behalf of His mortal servants.
We don’t know everyone qualified for admission to the Holy Order. “Chosen vessels” and “heirs of salvation” inducted after passing through the veil take their place from among them as well.
Thanks to Alma the youngers teachings on the Holy Order we do gain some idea generally about the number available to be called upon to sanctify earth and its remaining inhabitants.
“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 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” (CofC Alma 10:1; emphasis added).
According to the words of Alma there were, “many, a very great many” available for the Lord to call upon to reclaim all who repent and heed His words through His servants.
We have great reason to be confident as when Elisha said to his servant, “They that be with us are more than they that be with them.”[17] The angels of God anxiously[18] await the Savior’s call to gather His people to the harvest to be sanctified and enter His rest. Our great test is to humble ourselves and heed the call of His servant to repent and come unto Christ.
[1] “And because He’s done this, my dear people, have miracles stopped? I tell you: No. And neither have angels stopped ministering to mankind. They are obedient to Him, to minister according to His commands, revealing themselves to those of strong faith and of a firm mind in every form of godliness. The responsibility of their ministry is to call people to repentance, and to fulfill and do the work of the Father’s covenants that He’s made to mankind, to prepare the way among people by declaring Christ’s word to the Lord’s chosen vessels, so they can bear testimony of Him. And by doing this, the Lord God prepares the way for the remainder of mankind to have faith in Christ, so the Holy Ghost can have a place in their hearts according to the power of the Holy Ghost. This is how the Father vindicates the covenants He’s made to mankind. Christ has said: If you have faith in Me, you’ll have power to do whatever I consider needed and proper. And He’s said to everyone on earth: Repent and come to Me and be baptized in My name and have faith in Me, so you can be saved” (CofC Moroni 7:6; emphasis added).
[2] “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. 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).
[3] “. . . While we were thus employed praying and calling upon the Lord, a messenger from Heaven descended in a cloud of light, and having laid his hands upon us, he ordained us, saying unto us, 69Upon you, my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins. And this shall never be taken again from the earth until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness. . .” (RE T&C 1, Joseph Smith History 14:1; emphasis added).
[4] “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 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, 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).
[5] Ordinances are those things ordained by God to occur. Those engaged in accomplishing what God ordains do so by ordinance. Many may be called to the Holy Priesthood but only those who qualify by their faithfulness are “chosen” by God and given ordinances through covenant to accomplish specific missions. For example, John the Beloved was commissioned by God to “gather Israel” and “restore all things.” John’s mission is described as a mission and ordinance commissioned by God for John to perform. Our ascension is directly influenced by how we individually labor to fulfill what God has ordained. What we do is an outward manifestation to Him of our faith. Those actively engaged in “bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” turn keys to the mysteries of His kingdom and His knowledge. Not solely rote obedience to rituals performed. Misunderstanding what ordinances are leads to mistaking His intention for us to follow the example of His Son precisely.
[6] “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).
[7] “. . . And these three constitute the Godhead and are one: the Father and the Son possessing the same mind, the same wisdom, glory, power, and fullness, filling all in all — the Son being filled with the fullness of the mind, glory, and power, or in other words, the spirit, glory, and power of the Father — possessing all knowledge and glory, and the same kingdom: sitting at the right hand of power, in the express image and likeness of the Father — a mediator for man — being filled with the fullness of the mind of the Father, or in other words, the spirit of the Father, which spirit is shed forth upon all who believe on his name and keep his commandments. And all those who keep his commandments shall grow up from grace to grace and become heirs of the Heavenly kingdom and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ, possessing the same mind, being transformed into the same image or likeness, even the express image of him who fills all in all: being filled with the fullness of his glory, and become one in him, even as the Father, Son, and holy spirit are one” (RE T&C 110, Lectures on Faith, Lecture 5:2; emphasis added).
[8] “And it shall come to pass that if you are faithful, you shall receive the fullness of the record of John. I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fullness, for if you keep my commandments, you shall receive of his fullness and be glorified in me as I am glorified in the Father. Therefore, I say unto you, you shall receive grace for grace” (RE T&C 93:7; emphasis added).
[9] “. . . That which is of God is light, and he that receives light and continues in God receives more light, and that light grows brighter and brighter until the perfect day” (RE T&C 93:4; emphasis added).
[10] “When you climb up a ladder, you must begin at the bottom, and ascend step by step, until you arrive at the top; and so it is with the principles of the Gospel-you must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the principles of exaltation. But it will be a great while after you have passed through the veil before you will have learned them. . .” (TPJS., p.398, Kindle edition; emphasis added).
[11] “And it came to pass that after these things, the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram. I will be your shield. I will be your exceedingly great reward. And according to the blessings of my servant, I will give unto you. And Abram said, Lord God, what will you give me, seeing I go childless and Eliezer of Damascus was made the steward of my house? And Abram said, Behold, to me you have given no seed and one born in my house is my heir. And behold, the word of the Lord came unto him again, saying, This shall not be your heir, but he that shall come forth out of your own body shall be your heir. And he brought him forth abroad, and he said, Look now toward heaven and tally the stars, if you are able to number them. And he said unto him, So shall your seed be. And Abram said, Lord God, how will you give me this land for an everlasting inheritance? And the Lord said, Though you were dead, yet am I not able to give it to you? And if you shall die, yet you shall possess it. For the day comes that the Son of Man shall live. But how can he live if he be not dead? He must first be quickened” (RE Genesis 7:22; emphasis added).
[12] “If the Son sets you free from sin, you are free indeed. I know that you are Abraham’s descendants, but you conspire to kill me because my teachings have no place within you. I teach you what the Father has shown to me while I was in his presence, and you follow the teaching of your father. They answered and said to him, Abraham is our father. Jesus replied to them, If you were really Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. But instead you plan to kill me. And why do you plan to kill me: I am a man that has only told you the truth that I have heard from the Most High God; Abraham would never do such a thing. You follow the example of your real father. Then they said to him, You are the product of extramarital fornication involving an unknown number of men, and we are not. We have one Father, even God. Jesus said to them, If God were your Father, you would love me, for I am sent by and represent God. I am not speaking my own words or pursuing my own agenda, but the Father’s words and agenda. Why do you fail to comprehend my words? Your refusal to hearken and submit to my teachings makes you deaf indeed. Your father is the accuser, and you share the envy and rebellion of your father. He was a rebellious destroyer from the beginning, and fought against the truth, because he prefers lies. When he spreads a lie, he advances his agenda. He is the source of deceit in this fallen world. And because I am the Source of truth, you are unable to believe me. . .” (RE T&C 171, Testimony of Saint John 6:19; emphasis added).
[13] “These are the first principles of consolation. How consoling to the mourners when they are called to part with a husband, wife, father, mother, child, or dear relative, to know that, although the earthly tabernacle is laid down and dissolved, they shall rise again to dwell in everlasting burnings in immortal glory, not to sorrow, suffer, or die anymore; 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 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. pp. 397-398; emphasis added).
[14] “Then said I, Woe is me, for I am undone because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts. Then flew one of the seraphim [highest level of ascension on Jacob’s ladder] unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar. And he laid it upon my mouth and said, Behold, this has touched your lips, and your iniquity is taken away, and your sin purged. Also, I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send? And who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. . .” (RE Isaiah 2:2; emphasis added).
[15] “. . .They lived unworthy, selfish lives, never repenting and asking forgiveness from the Lord, although He was always ready to forgive; they refused His mercy. They ignored warnings about their iniquities, and they wouldn’t abandon them. And though they were commanded to repent, they refused to repent” (CofC Mosiah 8:14; emphasis added).
[16] “Then the Angel told me: You’ve seen that if the Gentiles repent, it will turn out well for them. You also know about the Lord’s covenants with the house of Israel. And you’ve also heard that whoever doesn’t repent must perish. As a result, if the Gentiles harden their hearts against the Lamb of God, I will afflict them. Because the time will come, says the Lamb of God, when I’ll bring about a great and awe-inspiring work among mankind, one that will be everlasting — one way or the other — either to convince them, resulting in peace and life eternal; or to give them up to their hard hearts and blind minds, bringing about their slavery and temporal and spiritual destruction, under the accuser’s enslavement which I’ve spoken about” (CofC 1 Nephi 3:26; emphasis added).
“At that time, to advance My cause, the Father will begin a work, which will be a great and awe-inspiring work among them [Gentiles]. There will be many who won’t believe it, although a man will tell it to them. But the ministry of My servant will be led by My hand; therefore they won’t be able to harm his work, although he’ll be opposed and discredited by them. Yet I’ll support him; I’ll show them My wisdom is greater than the accuser’s deceitful scheming. Therefore those who won’t believe in My words, and I Am Jesus Christ, which the Father will give and empower that servant to set before the Gentiles, it will result exactly as Moses said: They will be cut off from My people who are part of the covenant. And then you, a remnant of the house of Jacob, will rise up from them. And you’ll be mixed in with them who will outnumber you. You’ll be among them like a lion among his prey in the forest, and as a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who moves unopposed to take down and tear to pieces. Your hand will be against your opponents and all your enemies will be cut down. Yes, woe to the Gentiles unless they repent: For when that day comes, says the Father, I’ll take away your strength from you, and I’ll destroy your security. Your cities will fall and I’ll break open your guarded borders. Your sciences and learning will turn into foolishness, and your false beliefs will cause your failure. I’ll expose the fraud of those in authority, and your trusted institutions will lose everyone’s loyalty. False prophets and false ministers will be brought to shame and humiliation. All lying, deceiving, envying, strife, priestcraft, and whoredoms will come to an end. At that time, says the Father, I’ll cut down anyone who won’t repent and draw near to My Beloved Son to preserve My people, the house of Israel. I’ll take vengeance and unleash My fierce anger on all the unbelieving, beyond anything they expect” (CofC 3 Nephi 9:12; emphasis added).
[17] “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).
[18] “And now brethren, after your tribulations, if you do these things and exercise fervent prayer and faith in the sight of God always, he shall give unto you knowledge by his holy spirit, yea, by the unspeakable gift of the holy ghost, that has not been revealed since the world was until now, which our [Patriarchal] fathers have waited, with anxious expectation, to be revealed in the last times, which their minds were pointed to by the angels, as held in reserve for the fullness of their glory, a time to come in the which nothing shall be withheld, whether there be one God or many Gods, they shall be manifest. All Thrones and Dominions, Principalities and Powers shall be revealed and set forth upon all who have endured valiantly for the gospel of Jesus Christ. And also, if there be bounds set to the heavens, or to the seas, or to the dry land, or to the sun, moon, or stars; all the times of their revolutions, all their appointed days, months, and years, and all the days of their days, months, and years, and all their glories, laws, and set times shall be revealed in the days of the dispensation of the fullness of times, according to that which was ordained [ordinances] in the midst of the council of the Eternal God of all other Gods, before this world was, that should be reserved unto the finishing and the end thereof, when every man shall enter into his Eternal presence and into his immortal rest” (RE 138:21; emphasis added).
Scott Roderick
10/11/2026
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