What Joseph Smith Said - Addendum #2 to: “Prophetic Significance of the Covenant of Christ” - The Gentile Crossroad

In C of C, 3 Nephi 9:12 we find the fulfillment of Moses prophecy foretelling the coming of Christ in the last days. In the Savior’s explanation of the prophecy's fulfillment, the Father empowers a servant to deliver words of Christ to the Gentiles and from them to descendants of Lehi. When the servant delivers Christ’s words, those Gentiles rejecting them are “cut-off” from the Lord’s people of the covenant [Israel].

“At that time, to advance My [the Saviors] cause, the Father will begin a work, which will be a great and awe-inspiring work among them. There will be many who won’t believe it, although a man will tell it to them. But the ministry of My servant will be led by My hand; therefore they won’t be able to harm his work, although he’ll be opposed and discredited by them. Yet I’ll support him; I’ll show them My wisdom is greater than the accuser’s deceitful scheming. Therefore those who won’t believe in My words, and I Am Jesus Christ, which the Father will give and empower that servant to set before the Gentiles, it will result exactly as Moses said: They will be cut off from My people who are part of the covenant. And then you [descendants of Lehi], a remnant of the house of Jacob, will rise up from them. And you’ll be mixed in with them who will outnumber you. You’ll [Lehi’s remnant of Jacob] 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 [Gentiles] strength from you, and I’ll destroy your security . . .” (C of C, 3 Nephi 9:12, emphasis added).

The fulfillment of Moses’ prophecy is not complete with Christ’s coming, but through a servant sent by the Father to “advance My [Savior’s] cause.” Prior to the servant’s coming the prophecy refers to “the accuser,” who is Satan using “deceitful scheming” in opposition to the Lord’s work of salvation. It would be well to consider how Satan’s “deceitful scheming” is manifest in the past.

Tracing a linear timeline, consider what occurred between the Lord’s withdrawal of Moses and the coming of John the Baptist. Moses and the Melchizedek covenant were withdrawn from Israel, and the law of Moses or Aaronic covenant remained. In the time between Moses and John the Baptist there were receding levels of divine guidance:

“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 [Melchizedek] Priesthood, the power of godliness [the ability to transform mankind into the image of God] 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 purpose of the Atonement of Jesus Christ is to repair what was broken by Adam and Eve in the Garden. Ultimately the purpose for the Atonement of Jesus Christ brings Adam and Eve back into the presence of God. How that is accomplished is “the mystery of godliness.” “For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live.”

When the Melchizedek Priesthood is removed from the people generally, God sends messengers [mortal and Heavenly] to correct and restore the mystery of godliness to mankind and reopen the path to communion between Heaven and earth.

In the absence of the greater Priesthood, “the accuser” is free to pursue his “deceitful scheming” employing tactics leading us into:

“mists of darkness.” [1]

“. . . Then the Angel said to me: See the filthy river your father saw and talked about; its depths are the depths of hell. And the dark mists are the temptations of the accuser, who blinds people’s eyes, hardens their hearts, and leads them away into wide roads, to perish and be lost. The large and spacious building your father saw represents false and foolish thinking and the pride of mankind. A great and terrible gulf divides them — which is the sword of the justice of the Eternal God and Messiah, who is the Lamb of God, whom the Holy Ghost testifies of, from the beginning of the world until now, and from this time forth and forever” (CofC 1 Nephi3:15, emphasis added).

“. . .the dark mists are the temptations of the accuser.” What are the effects of Satan’s “deceitful scheming?” It “blinds people’s eyes, harden their hearts, and leads them away into wide roads, to perish and be lost.” Just as God accomplishes His work through “ordinary means.” [2] The “means” of “the accusers” strategy are summarized in one verse:

“. . . And that wicked one [the accuser] comes and takes away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers. But I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth” [righteous traditions aligning with the Lord’s commandments] (RE T&C 93:11, emphasis added).

The prophet Alma explained the process by which “the accuser” subjects the souls of men through foolish abuse of their own agency.

“Alma began to elaborate, saying: Many people are given knowledge of God’s mysteries; however, they’re placed under a strict command to only discuss that part of His word He allows to be given to mankind [knowledge is accompanied by responsibility. When given wisely it can uplift, inspire, and lead us to God. When given to the uninitiated, it may condemn them to hell if they reject it. For this reason, God requires wisdom and discretion from those who are trusted with the “mysteries of godliness.”], corresponding to their obedience and diligence given to Him. Those who harden their hearts receive less of His word. Those who don’t harden their hearts are given a greater part of His word, until they understand God’s mysteries. They can be given God’s mysteries until everything is fully known. However those who harden their hearts are given less of His word, until they know nothing about His mysteries. Then the accuser captures them and leads them by his will down to destruction. This is what the chains of hell mean” (C of C Alma 9:3 emphasis added).

The “mists of darkness” are metaphorical representations of “the accusers” “deceitful scheming.” The Lord sends His servants with the greater Priesthood and the “mysteries of godliness” to teach and correct mankind to take hold of the word of God [iron rod] and allow it to lead them to partake of God’s love and redemption. [3]

When God withdrew Moses and the greater Priesthood a few righteous men and women were sent by God to correct and prepare mankind to receive the higher Priesthood. When they came, “the accuser” persuaded them to refuse what was offered with a brief declaration: “Believe it not!” [4]

Moses withdrawal from Israel led to the erosion of sacred truth’s Moses diligently taught Israel. Redactions and scholarly interpretations of his writings led to false traditions from mortal fathers and rejection of the Lord and His commandments. The religion of Moses became a shadow of what he instituted in his mortal ministry. By the time John the Baptist and Jesus appeared among the Jews, the contemporary rabbinical scholars not only rejected their second opportunity to receive the greater Priesthood, but the Jews (with their devotion to rabbinical interpretation) failed to recognize the Lord and rejected the Son of God. God incarnate whose death they sought.

In the two hundred years since Joseph Smith was taken by God, the institutions claiming to be his successors make similar assertions to their authority to those made by Jews to Moses and Abraham. Contemplate the question, “What was the standing of the Savior in the Jewish church of His day?” Did He sit in the chief seats in the temple and extol his authority by virtue of His rabbinical standing? If the Savior or His servant commissioned to deliver His words to the Gentiles a final time, would the servant likely be from rabbinical ranks or an itinerant preacher like John the Baptist and Jesus? Should modern followers of Joseph Smith be more judicious about following men in white saying “come follow me”[5] when the dedication of Nauvoo Temple was never received by the Savior in the manner the Temple in Kirtland was? Should we have faith in priesthood lines of authority where the second president was appointed and anointed by popular vote absent the Lord’s declaration in the manner Joseph Smith was appointed?

In this context we should contemplate what Joseph Smith said about a latter-day servant who comes prior to tribulations in the last days. Will his appearance be affirmed by virtue of institutional line of authority? Or will he come to correct institutions claiming to represent the God of Heaven in the same manner John the Baptist and Jesus did? What has been the pattern in the scriptures? Ultimately, how we answer these questions has a great effect on our ability to recognize servants of God in the last days. The margin between those who receive the servants sent by God and those who persecute and kill them in the last days is thin indeed. Both believe they serve God with the best of intentions.

Joseph Smith’s Prophecy of the Latter-day Servant

 Joseph Smith spoke of a servant whom God would send prior to tribulations besetting the Gentiles in the last days.

“The Savior said when these tribulations should take place, it should be committed to a man who should be a witness over the whole world: the keys of knowledge, power and revelations [mystery of godliness] should be revealed to a witness who should hold the testimony to the world. It has always been my [Joseph Smith] province to dig up hidden mysteries-new things-for my hearers . . . All the testimony is that the Lord in the last days would commit the keys of the Priesthood to a witness over all people. Has the Gospel of the kingdom commenced in the last days? [The Lord has taken Joseph Smith as He has taken Moses. When Moses was removed his Melchizedek keys went with him, [6] and the lesser priesthood remained] And will God take it from the man [Joseph Smith] until He [God] takes him Himself ? [7]I have read it precisely as the words flowed from the lips of Jesus Christ. John the Revelator saw an angel flying through the midst of heaven having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth.

The scripture is ready to be fulfilled when great wars, famines, pestilence, great distress, judgments, etc., are ready to be poured out on the inhabitants of the earth. John saw the angel having the holy Priesthood, who should preach the everlasting Gospel to all nations. God had an angel-a special messenger [8]-ordained and prepared for that purpose in the last days. Woe, woe [two woes is worse than one] be to that man [the one preceding the “one mighty and strong”] or set of men who lift up their hands against God and His witness in these last days: for they [the man or set of men] shall deceive almost the very chosen ones!” (TPJS., pp.364-365, emphasis added).

Traditionally some interpret Joseph Smith’s prophecy as a reference to himself. One isolated question in his statement is a reference to Joseph Smith [“And will God take it from the man until He takes him Himself”]. Two centuries passed since Joseph Smith walked this earth. In that time there have been many tribulations that may be viewed as introductory to the day when God introduces a witness to the world for Christ. The remarks made in this quotation were spoken at the April conference of 1844. June 27 of 1844 marked the day when Joseph Smith was taken by God. One could only argue the “witness” sent by God prior to tribulation was Joseph Smith; assuming his mission of witnessing was complete in three months preceding his death, an unlikely conclusion. That makes the case the witness spoken of by Joseph Smith must be someone other than himself as the more likely outcome.

In addendum 1 the “one mighty and strong” has a description aligning with Joseph Smith’s explanation of the latter-day witness. Another consideration is what Joseph Smith said of those who oppose the Lord and His servant in the last days. Relating to the prophecy of the “one mighty and strong” Joseph Smith mentions “that man, or set of men who lift their hands against God and His witness in these last days: for they shall deceive almost the very chosen ones!” 

Joseph Smith addressed this subject with surprising specificity in saying, “that man or set of men.”

The prophecy of the “one mighty and strong” refers to a man “called and appointed” but who “putteth forth his hand to steady the ark of God.” This means a man legitimately called and appointed by God carries out his original role; but with the best of intentions does as Uzzah did. When the oxen pulling the cart with the Ark of the Covenant stumble, Uzzah put forth his hand to steady the Ark and God[9] smote him because he was not a Levitical priest [lacked authority]. There was no malicious intent behind Uzzah’s overreach, but the Lord was unwavering in His expectation of strict obedience. Like Uzzah, the man who precedes the “one mighty and strong” may be “that man” referred to by the Lord to Joseph Smith who, finds himself in cross-purposes with God and His witness with the best of intentions.

“And all they who are not found written in the Book of Remembrance shall find none inheritance in that day, but they shall be cut asunder, and their portion shall be appointed them among unbelievers, where is wailing and gnashing of teeth. These things I say not of myself [Joseph Smith] ; therefore, as the Lord speaks, he will also fulfill . . .” (RE T&C 83:5, emphasis added). [10]

In addition to the one man preceding the “one mighty and strong” there are others who find themselves in opposition to the Lord and His witness; who do so believing they are on the Lord’s errand. [11]

For two hundred years the established narrative includes claims those in authority cannot lead His people astray. The belief is the Lord will take them rather than allow them to mislead His people. Contrary to that view, the prophecy given to Joseph Smith of the “one mighty and strong” points to the person called and appointed to the position forfeiting it in the manner Saul was removed as king and replaced by David. [12]

Joseph Smith was not under any illusion he was the witness spoken of in this prophecy. The Lord already revealed the future arrival of the witness in previous revelations besides the servant in C of C, 3 Nephi 9:12.

“And when that day shall come [when the prophecy of Jerusalem is fulfilled] shall a remnant be scattered among all nations; but they shall be gathered again, but they shall remain until the times of the gentiles be fulfilled. And in that day [denotes the last days in Isaiah] shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion. And men’s hearts shall fail them and shall say that Christ delays his coming until the end of the world, and the love of men shall wax cold and iniquity shall abound. And when the times of the gentiles is come in, a light shall break forth among them that sit in darkness [This last sentence should be cause for serious contemplation. Joseph Smith began the dispensation of the Gentiles. Why would the Gentiles sit in darkness after Joseph Smith’s passing when the Gentile dispensation reaches its fullness? Why is it necessary for additional light to “break forth” if all that was needed was given in the days of Joseph Smith and his successors claiming Joseph’s keys and authority? When the fullness of the Gospel comes in, it is typically by a witness from God fulfilling an assignment from Him.] , and it shall be the fullness of my gospel, but they receive it not, for they perceive not the light and they turn their hearts from me because of the precepts of men [What are the precepts of men? Do the precepts of men appear when men substitute their counsel with their interpretations of what the Lord has said? [13] Those precepts arise when a servant of God is taken and a rabbinical class rises to fill the void left by the absence of divine revelation. This is what gives rise to the “precepts of men” as a misdirection away from the gospel fullness].

And in that generation [The end of Joseph Smith’s dispensation] shall the times of the gentiles be fulfilled. And there shall be men standing in that generation that shall not pass until they shall see an overflowing scourge, for a desolating sickness shall cover the land. But my disciples shall stand in holy places and shall not be moved; but among the wicked, men shall lift up their voices, and curse God, and die. And there shall be earthquakes also in diverse places and many desolations. Yet men will harden their hearts against me, and they will take up the sword one against another and they will kill one another” (RE T&C 31:6-7, emphasis added).

The prophetic macro view of latter-day events preceding the Second Coming of Jesus Christ is found in the prophecy, “The first shall be last and the last shall be first.” This prophecy should be our prophetic “true north” because it provides the framework for understanding God’s prophecies.

The first half of the prophecy was complete when John the Baptist was sent by God to “wrest the kingdom from the Jews.” [14] The dispensation of Moses concluded with John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. Following the Savior’s crucifixion His disciples carried the covenant to the Gentiles, as He withdrew it from the Jews.

In the second half of the prophecy the Lord extends the offer of covenant to the Gentiles first. It began with Joseph Smith and for that reason Joseph Smith and Moses are parallel to one another in modern scripture. The previous prophecy points to a beginning and end to Joseph Smith’s dispensation. The dispensation of Joseph Smith reaches culmination when a light breaks forth among those who sit in darkness. What are the means by which the light breaks forth among those sitting in darkness? Is it not the Lord’s pattern to send someone to close the dispensation by wresting authority away from contemporary leaders and delivering it to a man independent of established institutions?

In another prophecy of the last days the Lord foretold tribulations and darkness prevailing over the earth.

“Truly, truly I say unto you, darkness covers the earth, and gross darkness the minds of the people, and all flesh has become corrupt before my face. Behold, vengeance comes speedily upon the inhabitants of the earth [“Vengeance is punishment inflicted or retribution exacted for an injury or wrong”]: a day of wrath, a day of burning, a day of desolation, of weeping, of mourning, and of lamentation. And as a whirlwind[15] it shall come upon all the face of the earth, says the Lord. And upon my house [16] shall it begin, and from my house shall it go forth , says the Lord — first, among those among you, says the Lord, who have professed to know my name and have not known me, and have blasphemed against me in the midst of my house, says the Lord” (RE T&C 124:6, emphasis added).

The “day of wrath, a day of burning, a day of desolation, of weeping, of mourning, and of lamentation” is the time of tribulation Joseph Smith said the Lord would send His messenger into the world. The tribulation coming to the earth is vengeful in that earth’s inhabitants are repaid for their misdeeds for offending a just God. Extraordinary darkness covers the face of the earth which includes those of the Lord’s house. This darkness was prevalent when Joseph Smith was alive because the Lord said:

“And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received, which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation. And this condemnation rests upon the children of Zion, even all, and they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon, and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say but to do according to that which I have written, that they may bring forth fruit meet for their Father’s kingdom. Otherwise, there remains a scourge and a judgment to be poured out upon the children of Zion, for shall the children of the kingdom pollute my holy land? Truly, truly I say unto you, Nay” (RE T&C 82:20, emphasis added).

Tribulation poured upon the earth begins with the Lord’s people, but what is the grievous offense His people commit to trigger the wrath of a just God? In the past, God’s wrath is triggered when He offers the covenant of the greater Priesthood to people and they persist in living a lesser law.

God’s objective is to repair the effects of Adam and Eve’s fall, returning mankind to the God’s presence. Receiving the greater Priesthood covenant is the only way people can return to God’s presence. Entering His presence is by definition “bringing forth fruit meet for the Father’s kingdom.”

When Israel was fearful and refused to sanctify themselves and ascend to the top of Sinai with Moses, God was offended.

“Now, this, Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God, but they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence. Therefore, the Lord, in his wrath (for his anger was kindled against them) swore that they should not enter into his rest — which rest is the fullness of his glory — while in the wilderness” (RE T&C 82:13, emphasis added).

Why would the God of Heaven be offended when Israel hardened their hearts against Moses’ efforts to sanctify them and introduce them at the veil on Sinai? Why would God be angry with Israel when they refused access to the “power of godliness” and “the mysteries of the kingdom?”

There are several reasons God takes offense to the extraordinary complacency toward maintaining a lesser standard when so great a blessing is offered. The practicality of eternal laws is one reason God is provoked, because eternal life is predicated on obedience to eternal law.

“And again, truly I say unto you, the earth abides the law of a celestial kingdom, for it fills the measure of its creation and transgresses not the law. Wherefore, it shall be sanctified. Yea, notwithstanding it shall die, it shall be quickened again and shall abide the power by which it is quickened [What is true for the earth is true for mankind]. And the righteous shall inherit it, for notwithstanding they die, they also shall rise again, a spiritual body. They who are of a celestial spirit shall receive the same body which was a natural body, even you shall receive your bodies. And your glory shall be that glory by which your bodies are quickened. You who are quickened by a portion of the Celestial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fullness. And they who are quickened by a portion of the terrestrial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fullness. And also, they who are quickened by a portion of the telestial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fullness. And they who remain, shall also be quickened. Nevertheless, they shall return again to their own place, to enjoy that which they are willing to receive, because they were not willing to enjoy that which they might have received. For what does it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift.

And again, truly I say unto you, that which is governed by law is also preserved by law, and perfected and sanctified by the same. That which breaks a law and abides not by law, but seeks to become a law unto itself, and wills to abide in sin, and altogether abides in sin, cannot be sanctified by law, neither of mercy, justice, or judgment. Therefore, they must remain filthy still” (RE T&C 86:4-5, emphasis added).

God does not require complete compliance to law to be sanctified and receive a fullness of the blessings. In His mercy, what is required is “a portion” of any law to receive a fullness of the portion you choose to be compliant with. When a gift of this magnitude is offered and a person rejects it in preference to lesser blessings, it is provocative to God.

It is especially offensive when one has some sense of the price paid to make the offer of salvation and life eternal in God’s presence. To gain appreciation for why personal rejection of the Lord’s offer of covenant is so offensive to Christ and the Father, it is beneficial to try and grasp the sacrifice made by Jesus to deliver us from the bonds of death and hell. Because of the length of the account, it is prohibitive to give the full content of Denver Snuffer’s vision of the Lord’s suffering in this paper. I suggest reading his account in RE T&C 161. It is the most powerful and informative explanation of what the Savior suffered to deliver us from sin and affliction.

Once you gain familiarity with the Lord’s suffering for our sins one more fully understands why a loving Father is offended when those for whom the sacrifice is made are cavalier in treating it lightly. A feeling of wrath is completely justified when tribulation afflicts those whose minds are darkened.

[1] “Then I saw an iron railing extending along the riverbank, leading to the tree next to me. I also saw a straight and narrow path that ran along the iron railing all the way to the tree beside me. It also led by the source of the river to a large and spacious field, as big as the earth itself. And I saw innumerable throngs of people, many of them pressing forward so they could reach the path that led to the tree I was standing next to. They moved forward and started on the path leading to the tree. Then a great dark cloud came up and those who had started on the path lost their way, wandering off and becoming lost. And I saw others pressing forward. They came and caught hold of the end of the iron railing and moved forward through the dark clouds, clinging to the iron railing until they arrived and ate some of the fruit from the tree. After they had eaten fruit from the tree, they looked around as if ashamed” (C of C 1 Nephi 2:10, emphasis added).

[2] “ . . . We see from this that the Lord can accomplish great things by ordinary means. . .” (1 Nephi 5:8).

[3] “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 3:9, emphasis added).

[4] “And Satan came among them, saying, I am also a Son of God [partial, deceptive truth]. And he commanded them, saying, Believe not. And they believed not [a rejection of God’s commandments and perpetuation of false traditions from their siblings], and loved Satan more than God. And men began from that time forth to be carnal, sensual, and devilish [opposite of the “mystery of godliness.” And the Lord God called upon men by the holy ghost everywhere and commanded them that they should repent. And as many as believed in the Son and repented of their sins should be saved. And as many as believed not and repented not should be damned. And the words went forth out of the mouth of God in a firm decree, wherefore they must be fulfilled. And Adam ceased not to call upon God, and Eve also his wife” (RE Genesis 3:5, emphasis added).

[5] “And I saw a man dressed in a white robe who stood before me. He talked to me and said I should follow him. As I followed him, I saw I was in a dark and dreary wasteland. After I had traveled for many hours in darkness, I began to pray to the Lord to help me, because of His many tender mercies [Lehi did not find the Tree of Life and partake of the most precious fruit until he went to God in prayer. The man in white wander with Lehi in darkness.” (C of C 1 Nephi 2:7, emphasis added).

[6] “Now, this, Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God, but they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence. Therefore, the Lord, in his wrath (for his anger was kindled against them) swore that they should not enter into his rest — which rest is the fullness of his glory — while in the wilderness.

Therefore, he took Moses out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also. And the lesser priesthood continued, which priesthood holdeth the key of the ministering of angels, and the preparatory gospel, which gospel is the gospel of repentance, and of baptism, and the remission of sins, and the law of carnal commandments, which the Lord in his wrath caused to continue with the house of Aaron, among the children of Israel, until John, whom God raised up, being filled with the holy ghost from his mother’s womb. For he was baptized while he was yet in his childhood, and was ordained by the angel of God at the time he was eight days old unto this power: to overthrow the kingdom of the Jews, and to make straight the way of the Lord before the face of his people, to prepare them for the coming of the Lord, in whose hand is given all power” (RE T&C 82:13-14, emphasis added).]

[7] “I prophesy in the name of the Lord God anguish & wrath & [indecipherable] & tribulation and the withdrawing of the spirit of God await this generation until they are visited with utter destruction, this generation is as corrupt as the generation of the Jews that crucified Christ and if he were here today & preached the same doctrine he did then why they would crucify him. I defy all the world & prophesy they never will overthrow me till I get ready” (Words of Joseph Smith, Ehat and Cook, pp.256-257, emphasis added, spelling corrected).

Joseph Smith used an interesting choice of words in the last few sentences. Was he using hyperbole when he compared his contemporary generation “as corrupt as the generation of the Jews that crucified Christ and if he were here today and preached the same doctrine he did then why they would crucify him.”

Joseph Smith’s condemnation of his generation is in stark contrast to the narrative perpetuated by the institutions claiming to preserve his legacy. Troubling as Joseph Smith’s claim about the corruption of his generation is, almost as troubling is his statement, “they would crucify him. I defy all the world & prophesy they never will overthrow me till I get ready.”  In contrast to the orderly transition of authority institutional narratives perpetuate, Joseph Smith’s statement: “they never will overthrow me till I get ready” doesn’t refer to a possible outcome but an eventuality. “Overthrow” suggests a coup d’e’ tat occurs by whoever claims rights of succession to Joseph Smith’s authority. Joseph Smith’s declaration at the beginning, “I prophesy in the name of the Lord” gives additional gravity to how literally and seriously his words should be taken if Joseph Smith is a prophet.

Another prophecy of Joseph Smith spoke appears to align with the one quoted previously: “And I prophesy that the day will come when you will say Oh that we had given heed [implying they will not] but look now upon our public works the store schoolhouse for instance the Simoon [“a hot, dry, dust-laden wind blowing in the desert, especially in Arabia” Oxford Languages ] of the Desert has passed over it the people will not hearken nor hear [desolating scourge, “ . . . And there shall be men standing in that generation that shall not pass until they shall see an overflowing scourge, for a desolating sickness shall cover the land. But my disciples shall stand in holy places and shall not be moved; but among the wicked, men shall lift up their voices, and curse God, and die. And there shall be earthquakes also in diverse places and many desolations. Yet men will harden their hearts against me, and they will take up the sword one against another and they will kill one another . . .” RE T&C 31:7] And bondage Death and destruction are close at our heels [“. . . 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 . . .,” C of C 3 Nephi 9:12] The Kingdom will not be broken up but we shall be scattered and drive gathered again & then dispersed reestablished & drive abroad and so on until the Ancient of Days shall sit and the kingdom and power thereof shall the be given to the Saints and they shall possess it forever and ever which may God hasten for Christ’s sake Amen” (Words of Joseph Smith, Ehat and Cook, p.67, emphasis added and spelling corrected).

Joseph Smith’s prophecy that he is eventually “overthrown” not only raises questions about priesthood succession but also about the narrative surrounding accounts of his and Hyrum’s murders.

“History is written by the survivors, a narrative they compose to explain events to themselves. So the historicity of journals like this one—their accuracy and authenticity—is a function of the reliability of the narrator” (Charles Stross, The Labyrinth Index, emphasis added).

In the context of Joseph Smith’s prophecies, we have comments by Denver Snuffer Jr., at the conclusion of the Covenant Conference in Boise, Idaho in 2017:

“God’s spirit is withdrawing from the world. In the Covenant of Christ Conference in

September 3rd, 2017, we were told:

“Those who have entered faithfully into [this] covenant this day are going to notice

some things. The spirit of God is withdrawing from the world. Men are increasingly

more angry without good cause. The hearts of men are waxing cold. There is

increasing anger and resentment of gentiles. In political terms, it’s rejection of white

privilege.

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

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

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

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

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

in a constant scene of violence and bloodshed. The wicked will destroy the wicked.

The covenant, if it is kept, will prevent you from losing ` and warmth of heart as the

spirit now steadily recedes from the world. The time will come when you will be

astonished at the gulf between the light and truth you will comprehend and the

darkness of mind of the world. (“Closing Remarks,” Covenant of Christ Conference,

September 3, 2017, p. 1, emphasis added)

We have seen astonishing increases since September 3rd, 2017 of darkness, lies, deceit,

and conflict. Lies imprison people. The chain Enoch saw that Satan had over the world was

constructed of lies. The “chains of darkness” that hold men in prison after death are also

lies. Today those chains of darkness hold fast many people, and their numbers are growing.

Woe unto them that call evil good and good evil, that put darkness for light and light for

darkness, that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter (Isaiah 1:17 RE). Confusion over what

is light and what is dark and the difference between sweet and bitter comes from

widespread lies being accepted as truth.

(The Religion of the Fathers Page 41 of 61)

As the light of Heaven withdraws, it is all the more important for us to keep it within us. But

we also have many “thinking errors.” Recent revelations from God make it clear we are

being challenged to be fit to live in peace with one another. The Scriptures tell us we

should see God in our fellow man” (The Religion of Our Fathers, Denver Snuffer Jr., pp.40-41, emphasis added).

[8] “For he that receives my servants receives me (T&C 82:17). The word “servants” in this context means “angels.” Angel is derived from the Greek word ággelos [ἄγγελος] which means “messenger.” The messenger must bring a message from the Lord. It does not matter if the messenger is mortal.  The word describes a category of messenger that includes not only pre-mortal and post-mortal spirits, but also living men. When anyone, man or angel, is entrusted with a message from God, the message is God’s. God makes no distinction between the messenger and Himself . . .” (A Glossary of Gospel Terms, Angel, pp.9-10, emphasis added).

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

[10] The full text of the prophecy includes the following: “And all they who are not found written in the Book of Remembrance shall find none inheritance in that day, but they shall be cut asunder, and their portion shall be appointed them among unbelievers, where is wailing and gnashing of teeth. These things I say not of myself; therefore, as the Lord speaks, he will also fulfill. And they who are of the high priesthood, whose names are not found written in the Book of the Law, or that are found to have apostatized, or to have been cut off out of the church, as well as the lesser priesthood, or the members, in that day shall not find an inheritance among the saints of the Most High. Therefore, it shall be done unto them as unto the children of the priest as you will find recorded in the second chapter and sixty-first and second verses of Ezra [Ezra 1:12]” (RE T&C 83:5, emphasis added).

One may conclude comments regarding those who hold the high priesthood but whose names are not written in the Book of the Law, or that are found to have apostatized, or to have been cut off out of the church as a reference to apostasy or excommunication from any of the institutions claiming authoritative succession rights from Joseph Smith. In referencing the church, the Lord provided His definition of the church in His vocabulary, warning any variation from His definition means their claims are false.

“Behold, this is my doctrine: whosoever repents and comes unto me, the same is my church. Whosoever declares more or less than this, the same is not of me, but is against me. Therefore, he is not of my church.

And now behold, whosoever is of my church and endures of my church to the end, him will I establish upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them” (RE T&C 1, Joseph Smith History Part 10:19-20, emphasis added).

Any variation from the Lord’s standard may in effect be putting forth the hand to steady the ark.

[11] “Now I tell you beforehand what to expect to come upon you so you are not surprised, nor will you stumble and fall. They will excommunicate you. The time will even come that the self-righteous who kill you will think that they speak for God. And they will do these things because they cannot do what the Father and I have done. I warn you beforehand that you will face this opposition so that when it happens you will remember and be strengthened. When I first taught, the anger and opposition was directed at me, and because of that, you were not their focus. But now I will return to the one who sent me and they will turn their anger at you” (RE Testimony of Saint John 10:23, emphasis added).

[12] “And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. Now therefore, I pray you, pardon my sin and return with me, that I may worship the Lord. And Samuel said unto Saul, I will not return with you, for you have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you from being king over Israel” (1 Samuel 7:10, emphasis added).

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

[14] “Therefore, he took Moses out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also. And the lesser priesthood continued, which priesthood holds the key of the ministering of angels, and the preparatory gospel, which gospel is the gospel of repentance, and of baptism, and the remission of sins, and the law of carnal commandments, which the Lord in his wrath caused to continue with the house of Aaron, among the children of Israel, until John, whom God raised up, being filled with the holy ghost from his mother’s womb. For he was baptized while he was yet in his childhood, and was ordained by the angel of God at the time he was eight days old unto this power: to overthrow the kingdom of the Jews, and to make straight the way of the Lord before the face of his people, to prepare them for the coming of the Lord, in whose hand is given all power” (RE T&C 82:14, emphasis added).

[15] ” Woe unto them that call evil good and good evil, that put darkness for light and light for darkness, that put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.

Woe unto the wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight.

Woe unto the mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink, who justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him. Therefore, as the fire devours the stubble and the flame consumes the chaff, their root shall be as rottenness and their blossom shall go up as dust, because they have cast away the law of the Lord of Hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. Therefore is the anger of the Lord kindled against his people, and he has stretched forth his hand against them and has smitten them. And the hills did tremble, and their carcasses were torn in the middle of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand stretched out still.

And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth. And behold, they shall come with speed, swiftly; none shall be weary nor stumble among them; none shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosened, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken; whose arrows shall be sharp, and all their bows bent, and their horses’ hooves shall be counted like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind, their roaring like a lion. They shall roar like young lions; yea, they shall roar, and lay hold of the prey, and shall carry away safe, and none shall deliver. And in that day, they shall roar against them like the roaring of the sea; and if they look unto the land, behold, darkness and sorrow, and the light is darkened in the heavens thereof” (RE Isaiah 1:17-20, emphasis added).

Should there be any question about this prophecy relating to the last days, recall the ensign being lifted up is mentioned in RE Isaiah 5:4 and quoted by Nephi to Joseph Smith referring to the last days.

[16] ” There is a need to set in order the House of God (T&C 83:4), which can only be accomplished through a temple where that work can be performed. The temple is not the “House of God” needing to be set in order. But a temple is required to accomplish the work for God’s House, or family, to be set in order. As once described by God, Organize yourselves, prepare every needful thing, and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a House of God, that your incomings may be in the name of the Lord, that your outgoings may be in the name of the Lord, that all your salutations may be in the name of the Lord with uplifted hands unto the Most High (T&C 86:29)” (A Glossary of Gospel Terms, House of God, p.160, emphasis added).

Scott Roderick

October 11, 2025

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