I am a big picture kind of guy. As I embarked on my journey of searching the scriptures and historical narrative of mormon history I often wished I had a general road map, a working hypothesis, so to speak to help answer three major questions:

1. What really happened in church history
2. Where are we now and what should we be doing today.
3. What is about to happen prior to the coming of the Savior

Today I am going to attempt to provide just that in generalized terms and without a great deal of references because I don’t want this one post to balloon into a book. Many of the blogposts I have already written constitute a piece in the overall puzzle with supporting documentation and references. More is one its way. I am also indebted to others who have diligently searched and been willing to share their research.

The reason I believe understanding the big picture is important stems from the fact that many lose faith when they come across information that challenges what they have been taught regarding the “Lord’s church.” When confronted with information that is not congruent with their existing “map” that has been spoon-fed to them by the institutional church they have a tendency to “fly to pieces,” to use Joseph’s words. They are not sufficiently grounded in the scriptures to withstand the challenge to their faith. My purpose is not to destroy faith, but build it up upon a sure foundation. My contention and experience has been that when you understand the truth about our history and the prophecies in the scriptures that your faith will be strengthened and grow. The faith that results will not be in the church per se, but in the Lord and his purposes. You should not continue reading this blog unless you are committed to searching these things out for yourselves and receive a witness from the holy spirit that they are true!

I am not arrogant enough to think that every interpretation, opinion, or speculation I have provided in my posts is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. However, I believe the evidence of the scriptures coupled with the historical record stands on its own. You should rely on those two sources only as definitive in your searching and not rely on any arm of flesh, especially not mine. With that disclaimer here is my working hypothesis of the big picture.

PRELIMINARY EVENTS

Most Mormons are very familiar with the founding events of the faith. As there may those not familiar who read this blog I will quickly rehearse them.

1. Joseph Smith’s “first vision” of the Father and the Son around 1820.
2. Multiple visits from the Angel Moroni commencing in 1823, wherein Joseph is informed of the existence of an ancient record, and prepared over the space of 4+ years to receive the record and transmit to us as the Book of Mormon.
3. A visit from the resurrected John the Baptist to receive the Aaronic Priesthood.
4. A visit from Peter, James and John to receive the patriarchal priesthood (note that the church sees this visit as restoring the highest level of the Melchizedek Priesthood despite much evidence to the contrary).
5. The printing of the Book of Mormon and the preaching of the gospel.

THE CHURCH ESTABLISHED — 1830 to 1831

The church is established on April 6, 1830 with 6 initial members as per New York state law. The Lord calls his church the “Church of Christ.” The Lord promises that if the saints harden not their hearts he will work a reformation among them and establish his church “like unto the church which was taught by my disciples in the days of old.” He also warns that if they do harden their hearts he will deliver them up unto satan (Book of Commandments, chapter 4). The “law” is brought forth (D&C 42) which the saints must follow to establish Zion. It includes the law of consecration and the law of monogamy. Many revelations from the Lord are received during this time period and their are many spiritual experiences.

THE FULNESS RESTORED — JUNE 1831

Mormons are generally not familiar with the events of the special conference held at the Morley farm in Kirtland in June of 1831. It was there that the fulness of the Melchizedek priesthood was restored to the earth, High Priests were called by the voice of God out of heaven, and the man of sin was revealed in fulfillment of 2 Thessalonians 2. There are numerous contemporary journal entries from participants that attest to these facts. High Priests went forth to Zion from this conference preaching along the way. Following the conference The Lord starts referring to the “Church of God.” This is a time of many pentecostal outpourings and a prolific number of revelations from the Lord. The saints seek to establish Zion. Joseph and Sydney see a vision of the Savior and chronicle what is required to return to God’s presence. It is the everlasting covenant of baptism by water, baptism by fire and baptism of the holy ghost.

THE FULNESS REJECTED — DECEMBER 1834

By 1834 the saints had broken their covenant of consecration in the gathering place for Zion. Despite the Lord telling them that they would never cease to prevail against their enemies if they were obedient to his counsels, they are ultimately expelled from Missouri. Things really go south when they start relying on the strength of their own arms instead of relying on the Lord. Despite receiving a commandment to “gather up the strength of my house” to redeem Zion, and giving September 11, 1836 as the designated date Zion was to be redeemed, no attempt is made to do so. December 1834 was the date an unpublished revelation was received from the Lord stating that condemnation rested upon the leaders of the church. This was exactly three and a half years to the day from when the fulness was restored at the Morley farm in fulfillment of ancient prophecy. At a general conference of the church in 1834 the name of Christ is taken out of the Church. It is now the “Church of the Latter-day Saints” because they broke the covenant. This name can be seen on the Kirtland Temple even to this day.

KIRTLAND TEMPLE — ATONEMENT STATUTE — 1836

As commanded, the saints build the Kirtland Temple. Joseph tells the people that they will see the Lord in the solemn assembly if the are worthy. Although there are spiritual outpourings, no one sees the Lord except Joseph and Oliver. The sequence of events during the week of the temple dedication and subsequent visitations of Christ, Moses, Elias and Elijah is consistent with the atonement statute under the law of Moses found in Leviticus 16. Elias restores the keys of the dispensation of the Gospel of Abraham, a preparatory gospel of repentance and baptism. The saints have been effectively downgraded! They had been anticipating the commencement of the dispensation of the fulness of times, but instead received the preparatory gospel. Joseph hides this fact from the saints (probably because the Lord commanded him to) and never speaks of it during his lifetime that we know, neither does Oliver. It is recorded in a journal and comes to light after his death, canonized as D&C 110.

Joseph is one like unto Moses in many different ways, but particularly by becoming an offering and “atonement” for the people to lengthen out their days after they have rejected the higher law. He ultimately becomes the “sin” offering and is killed. Others participate in this drama including Sidney Rigdon who becomes the “scapegoat.”

Joseph says that something new has to be done for the salvation of the church. He calls the Twelve to go on foreign missions and take the gospel to the house of Israel. The Gentiles have rejected the fulness and now the Lord is grafting in the house of Israel to preserve the roots of the olive tree as prophesied in 3 Nephi 16.

Things start to fall apart in Kirtland. The Kirtland Safety Society is a financial debacle and many members apostatize from the church. Joseph’s personal behavior starts to deteriorate as he takes upon himself the sins of the people and starts to act them out.  The heavens begin to close and his eyes are covered because of the iniquity of the people.

NAUVOO — SECOND CHANCE FOR THE SAINTS

The Lord gives the saints three commandments in Nauvoo and promises that if they are obedient they “will not be moved out of their place.” The commandments are to build the Nauvoo Temple, build the Nauvoo House, and publish the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible. The Lord grants unto them a “sufficient time” to accomplish the building projects, after which they will be rejected as a church with their dead (D&C 124). The saints fail to complete the Temple in Joseph’s lifetime. They never publish the JST version of the Bible. Their second chance has been squandered and they are rejected.

Joseph secretly introduces polygamy and the doctrine of spiritual wives to leading men in the church. He himself is married to many women, including some as young as 14. He also becomes a mason and introduces the masonic-based temple endowment despite the Book of Mormon warning about “secret combinations” and secret societies. The ritual includes oaths of secrecy upon penalty of death. Joseph presents the concept of eternal marriage (with multiple wives) and the masonic temple endowment as a “higher law” even though the saints had previously received the law of the celestial kingdom and rejected it. The Lord was turning the saints over to satan for a “little season” of chastisement as he had earlier promised. Joseph introduces false doctrines regarding the nature of God.

Hyrum is made a prophet co-equal with Joseph. When this is announced to the saints in conference in 1843, some complain and reject him. The fact that Hyrum is appointed proves that Joseph did not abide in the Lord (D&C 43). Hyrum has the sealing keys. Sydney Rigdon is also ordained a prophet, seer and revelator and that fact is announced to the church via the Times and Seasons.

William Law, counselor to Joseph Smith, tries to persuade him to renounce polygamy publicly. Joseph refuses. William and others are also appalled by his personal behavior and recent teaching of false doctrines. They publish the Nauvoo Expositor to make public their grievances. The destruction of the printing press sets in motion the events that lead to Joseph and Hyrum’s murder at Carthage in June 1844.   

THE SUCCESSION CRISIS

Despite Sydney being the only survivor of the First Presidency, and the only person remaining on earth who had been properly ordained a “prophet,” Brigham Young organizes the effort to expel Sydney from the church.  Although unspoken at the trial, the real bone of contention was the fact that Sydney did not support the secret abominations of polygamy or the spiritual wife doctrine being practiced by the Twelve.

Brigham Young is voted to lead the church along with the Twelve under the law of common consent. He never claims to be a prophet and brings forth no revelation. Several years later he re-organizes the First Presidency with himself as the president. The saints who follow him to Utah are dominated by those immigrants who were baptized by the Twelve in Europe representing remnants of the House of Israel. Many of the “Gentile” members do not follow Brigham to Utah and are scattered amongst various groups. One year before his death, Brigham adds Section 132 to the Doctrine and Covenants as re-written by William Clayton, justifying and institutionalizing the spiritual wife doctrine of higher glories for those men with multiple wives.

Those who follow Brigham believe that they have the fulness, even though the church is bereft of the signs of the fulness. Members are taught to blindly follow the prophet instead of becoming spiritually independent through “treasuring up the words of life” and “taking the holy spirit as their guide.”

THE MARVELOUS WORK AND WONDER

The initial work done by Joseph is referred to as ‘laying the foundation of a great work.” The so called “marvelous work and a wonder” is a future event which will commence sometime after 4 generations of chastisement have passed. This will be set in motion when the “first servants in the last kingdom” return to gather out the elect and establish a consecrated people in the designated location prior to the return of the Savior. These servants include Joseph (who we are told holds the keys whether in life or death) and many of his cohorts.

Zion will be redeemed with POWER. The fulness of the priesthood will allow for the gathering and also for many to receive their calling and election. I believe that the time for this to occur is very close. As in the parable of the ten virgins, many LDS will not be prepared, or willing to live the law of consecration and gather when the call comes. Those who are not watching will not be allowed into the wedding. How the institutional church will respond to the return of the servants will be very interesting to observe.

SO WHAT NOW?

By now your head is probably swimming. If you have bought the institutional line your whole life, the very idea that we could be in an inherited state of apostasy is a shock to the system. If you are comfortable with the fact that we are in apostasy then perhaps the narrative thus far gives you a broader perspective and areas you want to search out in greater detail. You may be asking yourself what you should be doing with the knowledge you have obtained or are in the process of obtaining.

The good news is that the Lord is still working with his people, although he has hidden his face from us for 4 generations. His hand is stretched out still. All of this was known in advance and prophesied by ancient prophets. We still have the influence of the holy ghost to guide us. When we study the scriptures he has promised to visit us with the “manifestations of his spirit.” We also have the preparatory gospel of repentance and baptism, although the church represents that it has much more than that, even to claims of having the sealing power and the fulness of the gospel.

Up until now in this blog I have not said anything about myself personally. Perhaps now is the time to shift gears a bit. I grew up in the LDS church in Utah Valley as a 5th generation Mormon on both sides of my family. I served a full-time mission, married in the temple and have 3 adult children. My wife and I choose to stay in the church for now. We have come to this decision after prayerfully considering what the Lord wants us to do. I am fortunate in that she also has had “blindness” removed from her eyes and she has been able to see through the “hidden darkness” that encompasses most saints.

I am fully aware that should I be exposed to church authorities as the author of this blog I would be subject to a church disciplinary council and expelled. I am not fearful of that eventuality, rather I am resigned and prepared for it. For now the Lord wants us where we are and we will continue to seek that spirit and follow it wherever it takes us. For that reason I have chosen to remain anonymous.

Joseph said that every man (woman) must stand for themselves in the last days. The scriptures testify that those who “rely on the arm of flesh” are cursed. If there was any time in history that we need to take that advice it is NOW. The scriptures and historical record are more easily accessed than ever before. We must be found watching and waiting.

That, my friends, is a summary of my working hypothesis. Documentation exists for every point made and will be detailed in other blogposts if it hasn’t been done already. I am ready and willing to change my conclusions with additional solid evidence and multiple witnesses. I am not going to be relying on the arm of flesh and their interpretations of what happened. Hope this helps some of you get the big picture as you continue to search and learn.

For those of you who are ready to really dive in, I highly recommend the following YouTube videos by a blogger I consider a friend and brother. He has done so much research that has assisted me in my searching. I am eternally grateful for the work he has done to lay the groundwork and shorten my learning curve. Hope you enjoy these as much as I have.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NRWs38Ux7A

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0HnqHsXDoY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDC5AQgNajg

Keep Searching and Watching!

Searcher

…even though I have been “ordained” one in the LDS church. This is because the modern church fails to understand the high priesthood (or Melchizedek Priesthood as it is commonly called). This post examines exactly what it means to be a High Priest and whether we have any of those in our midst today.

The standard belief in the Mormon church is that the restoration of the priesthood took place in two separate events: 1) John the Baptist restored the Aaronic (or lesser) Priesthood when he appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery on the banks of the Susquehanna River on May 15th, 1829. 2) Peter, James and John restored the Melchizedek Priesthood sometime in the following month–exact date unknown. It was at about this time that the term “Elder” was introduced into the church with Joseph being designated the “First Elder” and Oliver designated the “Second Elder”.  We also witness that the Lord calls the church the “Church of Christ” as we can see from the original title page of the Book of Commandments which was an early pre-curser to our modern-day Doctrine and Covenants.

The seminal event leading to the restoration of the highest priesthood in the church happened at a conference held at the Morley Farm in Kirtland in June of 1831, two years after the visitations of John the Baptist, and Peter, James and John. This event is rarely, if ever, discussed in the LDS church. I had never heard about it until a year or so ago. The reason, I believe, is that when you understand what it means to have the highest priesthood, you realize that the church does not have it in their midst today.

There are numerous journal accounts of people who participated in the conference (I have not attempted to correct their grammar or spelling):

Levi Hancock

… About this time Solomon Came to see me and brought Zebedee Coltrin along he held some metings and wanted I should go to Kirtland with him we started the latter part of May got there by the Last of the month I lerned that on the fourth of June there was to be an indowment of some Elders.

Ezra Booth

As the 4th of June last was appointed for the sessions of the conference, it was ascertained, that that was the time specified, when the great and mighty work was to be commenced, and such was the confidence of some, that knowledge superceded their faith, and they did not hesitate to declare themselves perfectly assured that the work of miracles would commence at the ensuing conference.

With such strong assurances, and with the most elevated expectations, the conference assembled at the time appointed.

To give, if possible, energy to expectation, Smith, the day before the conference, professing to be filled with the spirit of prophecy, declared, that “not three days should pass away, before some should see their Savior, face to face.” 

Philo Dibble

I saw Joseph Smith the Prophet when he first came to Kirland, and was with him in the first conference held in that place, which was in a small school house. When he arose in our midst he said that before the conference closed there were those present who should see the heavens open and bear record of the coming of the Son of Man.

John Whitmer

Conference was opened by prayer and exortation by Joseph Smith Jr. the Revelator. After the business of the church was attended to according to the Covenants,

The Lord made manifest to Joseph that it was necessary that such of the elders as were considered worthy, should be ordained to the high priesthood.

The spirit of the Lord fell upon Joseph in an unusual manner. And [he] prophecied that John the Revelator was then among the ten tribes of Israel who had been lead away by Salmanaser, King of israel, to prepare them for their return, from their Long dispersion, to again possess the land of their fathers. He prophecied many more things that I have not written.

After he had prophecied, he laid his hands upon Lyman Wight to the High Priesthood after the holy order of God. And the Spirit fell upon Lyman and he prophecied concerning the coming of Christ. 

Zebedee Coltrin

Then Lyman Wight was ordained a High Priest. Joseph told him he should see the heavens opened, and after he was ordained he stood on his feet and testified that he could se the heavens open and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

As we can see there are many credible accounts of this event.

Lyman was then given the privilege to ordain a majority of the 23 that day to the highest priesthood. By the way, we never hear of Lyman within the church because he didn’t follow Brigham Young (who was never ordained a high priest) to Utah. After Nauvoo, he started a community in Texas. He is a fascinating figure in Mormondom, especially considering the fact that he was the first one ordained at the conference to this highest priesthood, and actually ordained Joseph Smith to that highest priesthood! Here is his recollection of the event:

On the 4th of June 1831, a conference was held at Kirtland, <Ohio> represented by all the above mamed [named] branches; Joseph Smith our modern Prophet presided; and here I again saw the visible manifestations of the power of God as plain as could have been on the day of pentecost and here for the first time I saw the Melchisedec priesthood introduced into the church of Jesus Christ as anciently; whereunto I was ordained under the hands of Joseph Smith, and I then ordainded Joseph and Sidney and sixteen others such as he chose unto the same priesthood. The spirit of God was made manifest to the heeling of the sick, cast<ing> out devils, speaking in unknown tongues, discerning of spirits, and prophesying [6] with mighty power, After the two days the conference broke up receiving the revelation which appointed 28 elders their Mission to Missouri

In addition to Lyman, Harvey Whitlock, also was privileged to have the heavens opened and he testified of the coming of the Son of Man. Interestingly, this came after Harvey was seized upon by Satan and that diabolical power was rebuked by Joseph.

The historical record strongly indicates that this priesthood is very distinct and different from the priesthood conferred on Joseph and Oliver by Peter, James and John.

Joseph Smith said the following regarding the events that day at the Morley Farm:

“…the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood was manifested and conferred for the first time upon several of the Elders. It was clearly evident that the Lord gave us power in proportion to the work to be done, and strength according to the race set before us, and grace and help as our needs required.” (HC 1:175-177)

“The Melchizedek priesthood was then for the first time introduced, and conferred on several of the elders. In this chiefly consisted the endowment—it being a new order—and bestowed authority. However, some doubting took place among the elders, and considerable conversation was held on the subject. The elders not fairly understanding the nature of the endowments, it took some time to reconcile all their feelings.” (John Corrill, A Brief History of the Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints)

Parley P. Pratt wrote of the event in his autobiography as follows:

“Several were then selected by revelation, through President Smith, and ordained to the High Priesthood after the order of the Son of God; which is after the order of Melchizedek. This was the first occasion in which this priesthood had been revealed and conferred upon the Elders in this dispensation, although the office of an Elder is the same in a certain degree, but not in the fulness.”

Clearly, we have multiple witnesses testifying that this is a new order of things, an endowment of priesthood power upon worthy Elders.  It is interesting to note that Martin Harris was ordained to this highest priesthood even though he wasn’t an elder at the time, he had only been previously ordained a priest. LDS scholars have had a hard time reconciling the fact that there truly is a priesthood higher than that which Peter, James and John restored. They have suggested that this was only the office of high priest instead of a new order.

From this event, the newly ordained high priests are called to go forth to Missouri to prepare to establish Zion, preaching the gospel along the way. Could it be that this priesthood is necessary for the establishment of Zion?

In Section 113 of the Doctrine and Covenants, Elias Higbee asks two questions of the Lord about Isaiah 52. Read these carefully as they are very instructive.

v7 Questions by Elias Higbee: What is meant by the command in Isaiah, 52d chapter, 1st verse, which saith: Put on thy strength, O Zion–and what people had Isaiah reference to?

v8 He had reference to those whom God should call in the last days, who should hold the power of priesthood to bring again Zion, and the redemption of Israel; and to put on her strength is to put on the authority of the priesthood, which she, Zion, has a right to by lineage; also to return to that power which she had lost.

v9 What are we to understand by Zion loosing herself from the bands of her neck; 2d verse?

v10 We are to understand that the scattered remnants are exhorted to return to the Lord from whence they have fallen; which if they do, the promise of the Lord is that he will speak to them, or give them revelation. See the 6th, 7th, and 8th verses. The bands of her neck are the curses of God upon her, or the remnants of Israel in their scattered condition among the Gentiles.

We have documented in previous posts how the Lord has told us directly that we have lost the fulness of the priesthood. Perhaps that explains why there is no attempt by the modern church to gather, or re-establish Zion. It takes the highest priesthood to administer the celestial law, and without it any attempts to establish Zion would be in vain. However, when the servants return with the POWER of Priesthood associated with being a high priest, then Zion can be redeemed and the Lord with speak to us, as prophesied in Isaiah. We can also conclude that Zion will not be redeemed without this Priesthood Power and efforts by individual or groups of individuals to establish Zion organically (although laudable) will not be the way in which Zion is ultimately established.   

Ultimately, we know that Zion was not established and that the fulness had been lost as early as December 1834. Doubting and disputations let to some of those who were “called” at the Morley Farm, to ultimately not being “chosen” by the Lord–a subject for another day.

So the big question is: What makes this priesthood different from the priesthood restored by Peter, James and John?

ORDAINED OF GOD

The ordination to the highest priesthood comes from God himself.

“…he that is ordained OF GOD and sent forth, the same is appointed to be the greatest, not withstanding he is the least and the servant of all. Wherefore, he is possessor of all things; for all things are subject unto him, both in heaven and on the earth, the life and the light, the Spirit and the power, sent forth by the will of the Father through Jesus Christ his Son. But no man is possessor of all things except he is purified and cleansed from all sin.” D&C 50:26-28

At the Morley Farm, God identified through Joseph Smith who should be ordained unto this highest priesthood. It would appear that the spiritual manifestations received by Lyman and Joseph qualified them to act in behalf of God in ordaining those men.

Here is another amazing witness found in the JST, Genesis 14:25-33

And Melchizedek lifted up his voice and blessed Abram.

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 an 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 man; 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 every one 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.

And now, Melchizedek was a priest of this order; therefore he obtained peace in Salem, and was called the Prince of peace.

Did you catch that? This priesthood is unbelievably powerful. It can put at defiance the armies of nations, divide the earth, and break every band.  It has the power to establish Zion and to be translated as was the City of Enoch.

This is why in the scriptures, the highest priesthood is said to be without father or mother– because it is not a patriarchal priesthood that the seed of Abraham have by right, rather this is being called and eventually chosen by God to become his sons and daughters.

“For this Melchizedek was ordained a priest after the order of the Son of God, which order was without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life.  And all those who are ordained unto this priesthood are made like unto the Son of God, abiding a priest continually.” JST Hebrews 7:3

By the way, if you haven’t already noticed, great clarity is brought by the JST versions of these scriptures.

In an address by the Prophet Joseph on August 27, 1843, he expounded on Hebrews chapter 7 and discussed the three levels of priesthood. Here are some excerpts (HC 5:555):

“The power of the Melchizedek priesthood is to have the power of “endless lives;” for the everlasting covenant cannot be broken.”

“The law was given under Aaron for the purpose of pouring out judgments and destructions.”

“There are three grand orders of priesthood referred to here. 1st. The King of Shiloam. (Salem) had power and authority over that of Abraham, holding the key and the power of endless life.”

“What was the power of Melchizedek? ‘Twas not the Priesthood of Aaron which administers in outward ordinances, and the offering of sacrifices. Those holding the fullness of the Melchizedek Priesthood are kings and priests of the Most High God, holding the keys of power and blessings. In fact, that priesthood is a perfect law of theocracy, and stands as God to give laws to the people, administering endless lives to the sons and daughters of Adam.”

“How shall God come to the rescue of this generation? He will send Elijah the prophet. [notice the future tense] The law revealed to Moses in Horeb never was revealed to the children of Israel as a nation. Elijah shall reveal the covenants to seal the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers.”

“The anointing and sealing is to be called, elected and made sure.” [Note how this sealing has nothing to do with a marriage covenant]

“The Melchizedek Priesthood holds the right from the eternal God, and not by descent from father and mother; and that priesthood is as eternal as God Himself, having neither beginning of days nor end of life.”

“The 2nd Priesthood is Patriarchal authority. Go to and finish the temple, and God will fill it with power, and you will then receive more knowledge concerning this priesthood.”

“The 3rd is what is called the Levitical Priesthood, consisting of priests to administer in outward ordinance, made without an oath; but the Priesthood of Melchizedek is by an oath and covenant.”

As you can see, Joseph is identifying 3 levels of Priesthood:

Melchizedek (Son of God)

Patriarchal (Son of Moses or Son of Abraham)

Aaronic (Son of Aaron)

After the Lord had called High Priests it is interesting to note that he makes reference in the Doctrine & Covenants to the “Church of God.”

With Patriarchal authority it appears that the “Church of Christ” can be established and administered prior to the living of the celestial law, or consecration.

Historically, when the higher law was rejected, the Lord saw fit to take even the Patriarchal authority out of the church.

And the Lord said unto Moses, Hew thee two other tables of stone, like unto the first, and I will write upon them also, the words of the law, according as they were written at the first on the tables which thou brakest; but it shall not be according to the first, for I will take away the priesthood out of their midst; therefore my holy order, and the ordinances thereof, shall not go before them; for my presence shall not go up in their midst, lest I destroy them.

But I will give unto them the law as at the first, but it shall be after the law of a carnal commandment; for I have sworn in my wrath, that they shall not enter into my presence, into my rest, in the days of their pilgrimage. (Exodus 34:1,2; see also D&C 84:18-27)

As I have written about before, there are many parallels between Joseph and Moses.

In summary, we would have tremendous power in the church today if we had the High Priests after the order of Melchizedek. We would have the fulness. We would be living, or striving to live the celestial law. As it stands, we have the preparatory gospel, and are awaiting for the servants to return, to restore the priesthood power which we have lost. With the preparatory gospel we retain the keys of the ministering of angels that will allow that restoration to take place.  Also, at that time the curses around our necks will be broken and the Lord will speak to us again. Praise the Lord for his marvelous work and wonder which is about to come forth.

No, I am not a High Priest…yet.

For now I am searching, watching and waiting.

As many of you know, Elder Oaks and Brother Turley (lawyer and Church Historian) recently held a meeting in Boise, presumably to combat the influence of Denver Snuffer, although his name was never mentioned in the meeting. I had the chance to listen to the complete audio of the meeting and decided to provide this synopsis / critique because I found many of the claims in contradiction to the scriptures and historical evidence. As you will see, even scriptures that were cited by these brethren to bolster the church’s position actually undermine it when taken in context.

First off, Brother Turley talked about Joseph, his lack of education, his dictating the Book of Mormon in a single draft over 90 days, and the experiences Turley has had seeing the original manuscript as historian for the church. I rather enjoyed this part of the meeting, although in my listening I felt it had a bit of a defensive tone. Anyone who knows me, knows that I have a strong and abiding testimony of the veracity of the Book of Mormon. I find it so very complex, yet consistent with other scripture. The internal evidence is very compelling, even without external evidence. My own feelings aside, Turley seemed to be saying that because the Book of Mormon is true, THEREFORE the church must be true. He concluded with his testimony.

Elder Oaks then got up and spoke under the heading “The Continuing Authority of the Church’s Prophetic Leadership” and then went on to talk about apostasy. He defined two causes of apostasy: 1) Disobedience and 2) False Prophets.  He then quoted a couple of scriptures:

Isaiah 24:5

“The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.”

Comment: If the church IS in a state of apostasy, then this scripture condemns the church for changing the Lord’s statutes.  For example, if the church is not striving to live the celestial law of consecration, or they have replaced the spiritual endowment with a masonic-based temple ritual, have they not changed the ordinance? If they don’t have the fullness of the priesthood, yet continue to claim that they do are they not blaspheming the name of the Lord? Have they not broken the everlasting covenant?

JS Mathew 1:22

For in those days there shall also arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch, that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant.

And whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived (v37)

Comment: Yes.  That is the entire point of my blog. We need to understand the scriptures ourselves so that we won’t be deceived by anyone’s claims, including the claims of the brethren.

Matthew 7:15

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

1 John 4:1

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Elder Oaks then went on to argue that ye shall know them by their fruits.  “Look to the fruits in the lives of those who follow a teaching.”

Comment: This is the same argument that Elder Holland made in a recent stake conference documented here. Just because there are positive fruits associated with the preparatory gospel, doesn’t mean that all the claims of the church are true. There are positive fruits in any true follower of Christ whether they are in this church or not.

Brother Turley returned and argued that apostasy is chaos, and that the Lord’s house is a house of order. He then proceeded to lay out 4 principles of order established by the Lord in the D&C.

Principle #1 – The Lord speaks to the church through His prophet.

D&C 21:4

Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me;

Comment: This scripture is clearly talking about Joseph Smith. Turley is implying that it applies to President Monson, or any other president of the church. Whether it does or not hinges on the succession crisis and whether the prophetic keys were passed to Brigham Young. Interestingly, BY never claimed to be a prophet and in fact told the people that they were without a prophet and now had to walk be faith after Joseph’s death.

Principle #2 – No one is appointed to an office in the church without a vote of church members  

D&C 20:65

No person is to be ordained to any office in this church, where there is a regularly organized branch of the same, without the vote of that church;

Comment: Pretty straightforward. I cringed mightily, however, when he compared Section 20, which was referred to as the Articles and Covenants when it was first published, to the current CHURCH HANDBOOK OF INSTRUCTIONS! He is comparing a revelation from the Lord which was accepted by the Saints as scripture to the current rulebook of the church. Unbelievable! 

Principle #3 – No one to receive revelation except the prophet

D&C 28:2

But, behold, verily, verily, I say unto thee, no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., for he receiveth them even as Moses.

Comment: This is really a re-iteration of his first principle, except that the scripture that Turley quoted was even more specific to Joseph Smith.

Principle #4 – No one to preach or build up the church unless they are regularly ordained and “come in at the gate” and not claim some secret ordination.

D&C 42:11

Again I say unto you, that it shall not be given to any one to go forth to preach my gospel, or to build up my church, except he be ordained by some one who hasauthority, and it is known to the church that he has authority and has been regularly ordained by the heads of the church.

D&C 43: 3-7

And this ye shall know assuredly—that there is none other appointed unto you to receive commandments and revelations until he be taken, if he abide in me.

But verily, verily, I say unto you, that none else shall be appointed unto this gift except it be through him; for if it be taken from him he shall not have power except to appoint another in his stead.

And this shall be a law unto you, that ye receive not the teachings of any that shall come before you as revelations or commandments;

And this I give unto you that you may not be deceived, that you may know they are not of me.

For verily I say unto you, that he that is ordained of me shall come in at the gate and be ordained as I have told you before, to teach those revelations which you have received and shall receive through him whom I have appointed.

Members are to teach from the scriptures.

Comment: Amen to members teaching from the scriptures. This blog is all about searching the scriptures and teaching from them. 

This is where things get interesting. Turley is using these scriptures to argue that church members ought not to accept the teachings of anyone who is not properly ordained, and it is known to the church. He used James Strang as an example of one who was fraudulently trying to claim authority from Joseph.

The irony of the fact that Brigham Young was never properly ordained as a prophet, seer and revelator is completely lost on him. Turley later asserts that because the saints voted for Brigham over Sidney, that that was a sign the Spirit of the Lord had told the saints collectively who the person was who held the keys. This logic is astounding. The saints have every right under the law of common consent to choose their leader, but that doesn’t make that person a prophet, only a proper ordination can convey those keys, not a popular vote of the people. It is clear from history that the only person who had been properly ordained and was still alive after Joseph and Hyrum were killed was Sidney Rigdon. Go here to read more about the succession crisis.

Elder Oaks then addressed current applications of the principles outlined by Turley.  After re-iterating that apostasy happens today, he pointed to the temple as a fruit of the restored gospel and evidence of the church’s prophetic leadership. He asked if we view the gospel in it’s entirety with the fruits thereof, or to we focus on it’s defects. There will be defects in any organization as there are defects in every life. By their fruits ye shall know them, not by the occasional fruit fly.

Comment: Asserting prophetic leadership because the church builds temples, and they have positive “fruits” is a non sequitur. It ignores the possibility that what is practiced in the temples today is a departure from the true endowment which is a spiritual endowment with all the blessings of the fulness which we do not experience today. See this link for a further exploration of the fulness of the priesthood. There will be positive fruits under the preparatory gospel, even when the fulness is not on the earth. The Lord is still looking after his people despite their state of apostasy.

Oaks and Turley then address specific questions.  The first was the claim that the church fell into apostasy and was no longer the restored church, and that Brigham Young was not passed the priesthood keys.

Oak’s Answer: Then who has them? If there are no priesthood keys then the authority of the priesthood cannot be used upon the earth.

Comment: This answer astounded me. Joseph still has the keys. We are told so several times in the D&C, whether in life or death. Oaks is arguing that the keys have to be somewhere on earth and since we have the best thing going, we must have them. He ignores the possibility that we only have the Aaronic Priesthood, being downgraded after rejecting Zion just like the children of Israel were downgraded when Moses was taken out of their midst. He is also ignoring the scriptural basis, explored here that the marvelous work is a future event.

Turley then went on to explain that Joseph had prepared the Twelve to take over by giving them increasing responsibilities and the ordinances of the Temple.

Comment: The implication he is trying to make is that these “secret” ordinances conveyed the keys. Is not this in direct violation of the Rules of Order Turley set forth above? The Lord doesn’t work in secret.

Oaks goes on to say that the idea that the current prophet has strayed and needs to be replaced is an idea that Satan has planted in the hearts of apostates from the beginning. He uses the example that Christ was challenged by those who were in authority in his day.

Comment: Didn’t follow his logic there. Is he equating the leaders of the mormon church to Christ? The more appropriate comparison may be to compare them to the scribes and pharisees of Christ’s day with their rules and regulations. If Joseph’s dream of returning to the Farm and the Barn are any indication, the current leadership is not going to be happy when he returns.

Next question/claim: That the church is not teaching what is necessary for salvation. Some are saying that you need to see the face of the Lord in mortality.

Comment: This is clearly directed at Denver Snuffer and his books / teachings. When the fullness is restored in the future then we can expect to witness the attendant signs, miracles, visitations and power that will again be manifest on earth.

Next question/claim: That the church will not answer our doubts. Oaks makes the distinction between doubts which lead to disobedience and questions which lead to faithfulness and light. Sincere questions are welcomed, he said.

Comment: If sincere questions are not answered by the leadership then that leads many to doubt. The problem arises when the brethren avoid answering sincere questions. The answer is always to stay steadfast in the church and someday your questions will be answered if you are obedient. This is very unsatisfying to many people with questions, especially when what is taught does not comport with the scriptural and historical record. 

Next question/claim: That current apostles don’t meet the New Testament standard because they haven’t seen Christ.

Oaks answers this by quoting D&C 107:23 where is says:

“The twelve traveling councilors are called to be the Twelve Apostles, or special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world”

He then explained that this means to witness of the plan, work or mission of Christ, not necessarily be a personal witness of his resurrection. He then implies that those special experiences are too sacred to discuss, especially in the era of technology.

Comment: Oliver exhorted the Twelve when they were called by saying that their calling would not be complete until they too could testify of having seen Christ as the apostles of old. This seems to be legal hair-splitting by a well-trained lawyer. On one hand Oaks is denying that they should see Christ, while on the other hand he is implying that they have, but the experiences are too sacred to be shared. During the marvelous work to come I believe that the returning servants will testify boldly of their experiences with Christ as did the apostles of old. 

Next question/claim: The Church is focused on following the Brethren instead of Christ. This was dismissed out of hand by Oaks as a “preposterous claim”.

Comment: I wish they would actually take this criticism seriously. Perhaps they don’t see it, but the sheeple almost worship these guys, and nothing is done to dispel that notion. They have become “rock stars” who quote themselves in circular fashion. 2 Nephi 26:29 comes to mind.

…priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.

When you see how unaccountable these men are in the running of the corporation, their perks, the closed books, not teaching us about the law of the celestial kingdom including consecration, and reveling in the adulation of the saints I wonder how this definition of priestcraft does not apply? Since discarding the notion that this church is currently led by a true prophet, I have focused so much more on Christ and his pure teachings. It has been so very liberating. 

Finally, Oaks concluded with an appeal to authority.

“When you follow false prophets, you are on the wrong side”

The pattern of apostasy continues. We have researched these issues.

There are seducing spirits, don’t follow them.

Stand fast with the leadership of the church

There is no error in the teachings

Follow current leadership and we will stay on the path to eternal life.

Comment: With these statements the Brethren point us straight at…(wait for it) the Brethren. “Trust us” is the message.  Where is the injunction to search these things out yourselves? Where is the trust in the holy spirit to reveal these things to the saints who sincerely seek? Where is the direction towards Christ and His light to understand what is going on in his church, defined in D&C 10:67 as those who repent and come unto Him.

Perhaps we should just conclude with these two scriptures from the Book of Mormon which basically sum up my critique:

2 Nephi 28:31

Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost.

2 Nephi 9:41

… the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there…

I understand that the church felt the need to combat the influence of people like Denver. However, this event revealed that the modern Mormon church really has no firm argument to combat the problems with their claims of authority, and it is the first time that I know of where an apostle was actually willing to put himself out there instead of letting the apologists carry water for the church. It will be interesting to see where things go from here.

Keep Searching.

In swelling words this member of the Quorum of Twelve declared “you can’t argue with the evidence.”  A special stake conference had been called some weeks back because he was in town. The stake center was overflowing with those who wanted to see in person a real apostle and I have a sneaking suspicion that there were many members from other stakes crashing our party.

In oratory eloquence unmatched by many speakers he told the story of the lame man who begged alms at the gate of the temple in Jerusalem following Christ’s resurrection and ascension. As we know from Acts chapter 3, Peter and John appear and the lame man is healed when Peter declares these inspiring words:

“Silver and gold have I none: but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”

The way the story was told you could have been there yourself in the temple as witness to this very miracle. Following the healing the man goes his way, leaping and rejoicing because his body has just been freed from 40 years of infirmity. He is now whole again. It was truly an inspiring story which became the backdrop for a forceful sermon about the fruits of the gospel, and how you cannot argue with the evidence when it comes to the fruits.

As I sat pondering, listening and taking notes I had to agree with the basic premise of the talk. The fruits of the gospel are real. Lives can be transformed and changed for the better through Jesus Christ. At one point he stated:

“I don’t care about the imperfections in the Book of Mormon or how it was translated. I only care that it changed my life.”

Bravo!

Things started going south, however, when referring to the modern Mormon church he stated:

“You can’t kill this. You can’t stop this. This is the stone cut out of the mountain without hands.”

“We are 15 million now. Someday we will be 25 million, then 50 million, and at some point the Savior will return.”

The problem with this line of reasoning is that he, and most other members, conflate the church with the gospel. We think that the church equals the gospel–that they are one and the same. We think that the church is as true as the gospel, and if you are not a member of the church in good standing then you are not living the gospel, and by extension you are not experiencing the fruits of the gospel.

I don’t know about you, but I know many people who are much better Christians than I am who are not members of my father’s tribe, the Mormon church.

If you have read any of my other posts you will see that there is more than ample evidence to document the apostasy of modern Israel following the rejection of Zion by the early saints.

Despite having the fulness of the Priesthood revealed at the Morley Farm in June 1831, it was withdrawn by the Lord as documented in D&C 124:28:

“For there is not a place found on earth that he may come to and restore again that which was lost unto you, or which he hath taken away, even the fulness of the priesthood.”

And from 3 Nephi 16:10:

And thus commandeth the Father that I should say unto you: At that day when the Gentiles shall sin against my gospel, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel, and shall be lifted up in the pride of their hearts above all nations, and above all the people of the whole earth, and shall be filled with all manner of lyings, and of deceits, and of mischiefs, and all manner of hypocrisy, and murders, and priestcrafts, and whoredoms, and of secret abominations; and if they shall do all those things, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel, behold, saith the Father, I will bring the fulness of my gospel from among them.

I wanted to point out to the good Elder that if we had the fulness of the gospel, as claimed by the Mormon hierarchy, then we would experience the fruits of that fulness.

We would have apostles who are true witnesses to the resurrected Lord and would boldly testify as such;

We would have apostles and high priests who have been endowed with power such that they could perform miracles like Peter and John did in healing the lame man;

We would have priesthood power to actually confer the gift of the holy ghost as opposed to provide an injunction to receive the holy ghost; and

We would have pentecostal experiences similar to what the New Testament saints and early modern saints experienced.

These are some of the fruits of the fulness testified of in the scriptures. Where are they today?

In all my years as a Mormon I have rarely heard a leader, high or low, talk about the condemnations that the saints are under. Ezra Taft Benson came the closest when he called the saints to repentance for taking the Book of Mormon lightly. Nowhere have I ever heard someone refer to the following scripture which talks about how the Lord will send one mighty and strong to clean up our act:

And it shall come to pass that I, the Lord God, will send one mighty and strong, holding the scepter of power in his hand, clothed with light for a covering, whose mouth shall utter words, eternal words; while his bowels shall be a fountain of truth, to set in order the house of God…  D&C 85:7

What need have we of someone to set in order the house of God if all is well in Zion?

At times I wonder if the leaders of the LDS church actually understand their own scriptures. If they did, they would understand that we haven’t had a prophet in the land since Joseph and Hyrum were murdered, and Sydney was run out of the church because he wouldn’t brook the abominations practiced by some of the Twelve at the time. They would understand that we only have the preparatory gospel to take to the world and that we live in the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham. They would understand that Zion will be redeemed with power and that the first laborers in the last kingdom will return to complete their prophetic missions. They would understand that the marvelous work and wonder is a future event, yet to occur.

Behold, the scriptures are before you; if ye will wrest them it shall be to your own destruction.  Alma 13:20

I am convinced that the Lord is working with his scattered people wherever they are, but that he has hidden his face from us for a little season as testified in the scriptures. He is merciful, kind, patient and forgiving. But can you not imagine how he feels when he looks down upon this people in their prophet worship and pride–believing we are the “one true church,” imparting only parsimoniously of our tithes to relieve suffering in the world while building spacious buildings and investing in shopping malls? Can you not imagine how he feels when his people believe that they will attain celestial glory by knowing passwords and handshakes instead of focusing on receiving the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost necessary to return to the presence of the Father (See D&C 76).

Yes, the fruits of receiving the gospel and living it are real. The preparatory gospel is a necessary first step, like the work John the Baptist performed as a forerunner to Christ. But let’s not conflate the church with the gospel. Doing so points people toward leaders who demand obeisance as prophets, seers and revelators, when it is clear from history and the scriptures that they possess no such authority. Christ is our king and leader. To the extent we are pointed in that direction, I applaud you and your compatriots in the Twelve. But when it comes to the current status of the church as being in a state of hidden darkeness and apostasy, bereft of the fruits of the fulness — Elder Holland, you can’t argue with the evidence. 

The more that I study church history, the more I realize how skewed our perspective has become because everything we are currently taught has been filtered through the lens of Brigham Young and the Twelve of his day.

Take, for example, the story we have all heard about Brigham taking upon the voice and appearance of Joseph when addressing the Nauvoo saints following the martyrdom. This was surely a sign that God had chosen Brigham to lead the people as successor to Joseph, right? How could we doubt such a modern miracle?

Unfortunately, it just isn’t true. I recently stumbled onto an article published 20 years ago in Dialogue by Richard Van Wagoner that completely debunks the myth. You can read it here. The 12 pages are definitely worth the 15 minutes it will take to read.

He chronicles how journal entries for the very day of the supposed miraculous transfiguration by apostles Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Willard Richards, and Wilford Woodruff make no reference to any such happening. Later, Orson Hyde left two elaborate descriptions of the transfiguration that he could not possibly have witnessed because he wasn’t even in Nauvoo on 8 August 1844! John D. Lee of Mountain Meadows Massacre infamy similarly wrote in is autobiography about the event, even though his own diary proves that he didn’t return to Nauvoo until two weeks after the fact.

Additionally, Van Wagoner provides us with evidence of how systematically Brigham Young re-wrote church history. Here are a few excerpts:

“The Twelve’s nineteenth-century propaganda mill was so adroit that few outside Brigham Young’s inner circle were aware of the behind-the-scenes alterations that were seamlessly stitched into church history. Charles Wesley Wandell, an assistant church historian who later left the church, was aghast at these emendations. Commenting on the many changes made in the historical work as it was being serialized, Wandell noted in his diary: …I know that after Joseph’s death his memoir was “doctored” to suit the new order of things, and this, too, by the direct order of Brigham Young to Doctor Richards and systematically by Richards.”

“That this revision, or censorship, of the official history came from Brigham Young is evidenced by an 11 July 1856 reference in Wilford Woodruff’s diary. Apostle Woodruff, working in the church historian’s office, questioned Young respecting a “piece of History on Book E-1 page 1681-2 concerning Hyrum leading this Church & tracing the Aaronic Priesthood.” Young advised, “it was not essential to be inserted in the History & had better be omitted.” Woodruff then queried him about “Josephs words on South Carolina (see D&C 87; 130:12-13) which had recently been published in the Deseret News. Young said he “wished it not published.” Years later Elder Charles W. Penrose, a member of the First Presidency, admitted that after Joseph Smith’s death some changes were made in the official record “for prudential reasons.”

Van Wagoner also notes that “not only does this history place polygamy and Brigham Young’s ecclesiastical significance in the rosy glow of political acceptability, it does a monumental disservice to Sidney Rigdon and others who challenged the Twelve’s ascent to power.”

“Censorship has severely tarnished Sidney Rigdon’s historical image. Contrary to the official Mormon view, for example, Rigdon did not travel to Pennsylvania prior to Joseph Smith’s death in the summer of 1844 to escape the turmoil of Nauvoo or desert the church as was retrospectively charged. He had not “apostatized and left Brother Joseph,” as Brigham Young declared on 24 Jun 1868. Rather, Rigdon was dispatched to his home state by the prophet Joseph…”

That should whet your appetite to read the article.

My point in bringing this up is that whether we have a prophet, seer and revelator (or 15 of them) on the earth today relates directly to the succession “dogfight” that took place between Brigham and Sidney.

Interestingly, after Joseph’s murder, Brigham never claims to be Joseph’s successor, or even a prophet for that matter. Now, it is clear from the law of common consent that the body of the church can choose whom they will to lead them, but that doesn’t make that person a prophet, seer and revelator. It takes an ordination from someone who actually has that very gift themselves.

Here are a few quotes from Brigham’s own mouth:

The brethren testify that brother Brigham Young is brother Joseph’s legal successor. You never heard me say so. I say that I am a good hand to keep the dogs and wolves out of the flock (JD 8:69)

You are now without a prophet present with you in the flesh to guide you…Let no man presume for a moment that [Joseph Smith’s] place will be filled by another, for remember he stands in his own place, and always will.  (Times and Seasons 15 August 1844)

“For the first time in the kingdom of God in the 19th Century,” Brigham Young remarked, we are “without a Prophet at our head.” Henceforth, he added, we are “called to walk by faith, not by sight.” (HC 7:232)

“I am not going to interpret dreams; for I don’t profess to be such a Prophet as were Joseph Smith and Daniel; but I am a Yankee guesser” (JD 5:77)

“I have never particularly desired any man to testify publicly that I am a Prophet; nevertheless, if any man feels joy, in doing this, he shall be blest in it. I have never said that I am not a Prophet; but, if I am not, one thing is certain, I have been very profitable to this people.” (JD 10:339)

There is no doubt in my mind that Brigham Young was profitable to a people who were looking for strong leadership at a very difficult time. But does that make him a prophet? It is clear from the quotes around the time of the martyrdom that he did not consider himself a prophet. If he had actually been ordained by Joseph to that calling — to receive the oracles of God — then wouldn’t he say so immediately? Why wait for 3 years to reorganize the first presidency if he was the one who was prophet, seer and revelator?

Thirty seconds before Joseph and Hyrum were murdered there were only 3 persons who had the keys and were ordained as prophets, seers and revelators–Joseph, Hyrum and Sidney. A minute later there was only Sidney.

“I give unto him for counselors my servant Sidney Rigdon and my servant William Law, that these may constitute a quorum and First Presidency, to receive the oracles for the whole church.” (D&C 124:126)

William Law was appointed a counselor to Joseph when Hyrum took the office of Priesthood and Patriarch, “which was appointed unto him by his father, by blessing and also by right”. Later, William was excommunicated for apostasy and published the single edition of the Nauvoo Expositor. William had developed serious issues with Joseph regarding his personal behavior, especially towards William’s wife, Jane. This is a fascinating subject for another day.

That Sidney was recognized as a prophet, seer, and revelator by the church was clear from an announcement that appeared in the June 1, 1841 edition of Times and Seasons:

“We have to announce that Sidney Rigdon has been ordained a prophet, seer and revelator.”

It is important here to understand that the First Presidency as originally established according to scripture could function with only one member. It didn’t take a majority or a quorum.

“The president of the church, who is also the president of the council, is appointed by revelation, and acknowledged in his administration by the voice of the church. And it is according to the dignity of his office that he should preside over the council of the church; and it is his privilege to be assisted by two other presidents, appointed after the same manner that he himself was appointed. And in case of the absence of one or both of those who are appointed to assist him, he has power to preside over the council without an assistant; and in case he himself is absent, the other presidents have power to preside in his stead, both or either of them.” (D&C 102:9-11)

Thus, my reading of the scriptural evidence is that Sidney had the right to reconstitute the First Presidency, independent of anyone else, as he was the only person on earth who had been ordained a prophet, seer and revelator and was a member of the First Presidency at the time of Joseph’s death. Brigham Young and the Twelve probably felt like they had to excommunicate the only person who had the “oracles” because he posed a threat to their power and their secret abominations, namely polygamy and spiritual wifery to which Sidney was strongly opposed.

During the trial of Sidney Rigdon, William Marks, the Stake President in Nauvoo, came to Sidney’s defense.

Referring to the First Presidency he said the following:

“I always felt that there was a power and responsibility in that quorum which did not exist anywhere else.”

“I had always been taught that the First Presidency would remain and always be with the Church. I have always understood that the Church would be imperfect without a quorum of three to stand as the First Presidency, and I cannot find any law to say that this quorum should ever be dropped.”

“This is what I ever supposed would be the case that through him the oracles should be given to another who should be a prophet, and a seer and a revelator, and through him to the church. I have always felt since last special conference that the order was not according to this pattern.”

William Marks was a brave soul to stand up to the politically adroit and powerful Brigham Young. The reports of the trial of Sidney Rigdon are a fascinating read.

There is no doubt in my mind that Sidney was not in great physical or mental shape when this power struggle occurred. Recall that Sidney had received a severe concussion when tarred and feathered years earlier and dragged by his feet behind a horse over frozen ground. His health for many years had been tenuous and his mental state questionable. Perhaps this was because as a prophet, he also had his eyes covered by the iniquity of the people as we have discussed in previous posts. Regardless, he was the only one with the prophetic keys after Joseph went “as a lamb to the slaughter.”

Ultimately, in my opinion, the most damning evidence against Brigham’s re-write of history and subsequent modern claims to prophetic keys is hiding in plain sight in Section 43 of the Doctrine & Covenants.  

1 O hearken, ye elders of my church, and give ear to the words which I shall speak unto you.

2 For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that ye have received a commandment for a law unto my church, through him whom I have appointed unto you to receive commandments and revelations from my hand.

3 And this ye shall know assuredly—that there is none other appointed unto you to receive commandments and revelations until he be taken, if he abide in me. [Joseph is the only one to receive revelation for the church as long as he abides in the Lord — interesting wording considering prophecies in the Old Testament of a prophet who would sin after bringing forth the word of the Lord, see my last two posts]

4 But verily, verily, I say unto you, that none else shall be appointed unto this gift except it be through him; for if it be taken from him he shall not have power except to appoint another in his stead. 

5 And this shall be a law unto you, that ye receive not the teachings of any that shall come before you as revelations or commandments;

6 And this I give unto you that you may not be deceived, that you may know they are not of me. [The Lord is giving us this information specifically so that we won’t be deceived! Wow. He then tells us how we will know if someone is a true prophet…they will come in at the gate]

7 For verily I say unto you, that he that is ordained of me shall come in at the gate and be ordained as I have told you before, to teach those revelations which you have received and shall receive through him whom I have appointed.

Did you catch that? There has to be an ordination to become a prophet, seer and revelator, and it has to be at the hand of a prophet, seer and revelator, in this case, Joseph. Entrance must be through the gate of ordination. The implications are that it will be public and known to the church.

The Lord is telling us this so that we won’t be deceived into thinking that someone can take that authority upon themselves because of a secret temple ceremony or some final charge given to the Council of Fifty. If Brigham Young had claimed right off the bat that he had been ordained by Joseph as prophet, seer and revelator, then the analysis would get a bit tougher to decipher.  But by his own admission he never does. “We are without a prophet…”

The day will come when as a people we will understand in greater measure the works of Sidney Rigdon and the amazing person he was in helping Joseph to bring forth the foundational work of the gospel in the latter-days. That his reputation has been tarnished by Brigham’s systematic re-write of history is a tragedy. That he was excommunicated from the church and led off into the wilderness like a scapegoat “at the hands of a fit man” is a fulfillment of ancient prophecy. That we don’t understand this as a people is truly unfortunate, and it speaks to the state of “hidden darkness” that engulfs us. That a great awakening is beginning to occur and blindness slowly removed from Israel is encouraging.

I praise God for people like Sidney. May we all come to the truth about our history and be edified in our searching, both of the scriptures and of the Spirit.

Searcher

In my last post we explored the scriptural prophecies that point to a prophet who would do a great work, but then introduce false doctrine and cause many to stumble. I believe Joseph Smith fits this profile, especially with respect to his introduction of polygamy and spiritual wifery.

The reason why is explained by the fact that his eyes had been covered, again as prophesied, because of the iniquity of the saints who had rejected the higher law of the celestial kingdom. In his darkened state he was susceptible to the deceptions of Satan. The story of Joseph being threatened with death by an angel if he didn’t implement these doctrines always struck me as odd. God doesn’t work that way.

This storyline is NOT something unique to Joseph Smith and Mormonism. Anciently, Moses tried to prepare a people to live the higher law and see the face of The Lord. He failed, they sinned, and then Moses also sinned and was prevented by Jehovah from entering the promised land.

The parallels between Moses and Joseph are striking and worth careful consideration, especially because we are told in several scripture references that Joseph is one “like unto Moses”.

When the children of Israel sinned by building and worshiping the golden calf they had effectively rejected the higher law of the Celestial Kingdom and given themselves over to idolatry. The Lord was very angry with the people for essentially rejecting Him. We are told in the scriptures that Moses became an intercessor between the Lord and the people.

“And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses said unto the people, Ye have sinned a great sin: and now I will go up unto the Lord; peradventure I shall make an atonement for your sin.” Exodus 32:30

“Therefore he (the Lord) said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy them.”  Psalms 106:23

Now I will be the first to admit that I wish we had much greater knowledge about the details of how Moses was able to intercede on behalf of the people. It seems reasonable to me to conclude that once a people have rejected the higher law they are doomed for destruction unless there is some kind of atonement made under the auspices of the lesser law. Because they have rejected the blessings of the higher priesthood they are subject to the cursings of the lesser priesthood.  That curse can then only be turned away by complying with the atonement statute of the Law of Moses which is detailed in Leviticus chapter 16.

As indicated in the scriptures cited above, Moses somehow personally stood in the breach and became that offering necessary to save the people from the consequences of rejecting the higher law.

Because the intricacies of the Law of Moses are foreign to most of us let’s review the major points of the atonement statute in Leviticus 16. I would highly recommend studying that chapter in depth.

1) To the Jewish people this is known as Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement and it occurs in September or October of each year (based on the lunar calendar).  It is regarded as the Sabbath of Sabbaths. People fast, pray, and generally seek forgiveness from the Lord for their sins.

2) Anciently, Aaron was commanded to first purify himself and his household prior to entering the holy place by placing upon himself the holy garments and then offering a young bullock as a sin offering and a ram as a burnt offering.

3) Once purified, Aaron brought two goats before the Lord and casts lots over them, “one lot for the Lord, and the other lot for the scapegoat.”

4) The goat upon which fell the “lot for the Lord” is sacrificed as a sin offering.

5) The scapegoat then has the sins of the people symbolically placed upon his head by the laying on of the hands of Aaron, following which the scapegoat is led into the wilderness “by the hand of a fit man.” 

The concept of an intercessory offering by a prophet on behalf of the people is something that we don’t talk at all about today in the church, but it is clearly hinted at in the scriptures with respect to Moses.

Part of becoming an offering for the people involved Moses taking upon himself the sins of the people, and in fact acting them out. He did this when he took personal credit for providing water to the people in the wilderness, instead of pointing the people to the Lord who provided them with the living water. This was the exact sin of idolatry that the people were committing, and which Moses enacted as part of an intercessory offering.

“And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?

And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.

And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into this land which I have given them.”  Numbers 20:10-12

This Christ centered symbolism of the water and the rock is something worth pondering for a few moments, at least.

In the case of Joseph, I believe a strong case can be made that he performed an intercessory atonement on behalf of modern Israel who had rejected their God and started to practice abominations before Him.

The intercession starts with the dedication of the Kirtland Temple which took place on March 27, 1836, followed by the solemn assembly which was held one week later on Easter Sunday, April 3, 1836, when Joseph and Oliver see the vision documented in D&C 110.

Interestingly, the people were told by Joseph that if they were sufficiently prepared and purified, that the Lord would appear personally and accept the Temple, and that many people would see Him.

“All who are prepared…will see Him in the solemn assembly” HC 2:310

This didn’t happen. Only Joseph and Oliver saw the Lord and they didn’t even tell the people that it happened! What? The Lord appears and no one knows about it! Everyone is waiting for it to happen! One would think that Joseph would have shouted it from the rooftops. He was the prophet who told the people Christ would appear. If anyone had a reason to vindicate his own words, Joseph certainly did.

The vision we now canonize as Section 110 was written down in a journal and only published in the November 6, 1852 issue of the Deseret News. Later it was added to the 1876 version of the D&C. There is no record that he spoke about it publicly or even in private during his lifetime.

Prior to this events of April 3, 1836, Joseph wrote in his journal every day for the six months leading up to this date. For the next 2 years he doesn’t utter a peep. His journal is silent. He has just seen the Lord and been visited by 3 angelic ministers known as Moses, Elias (Abraham), and Elijah!  What gives?

What happened in the Kirtland Temple with a one week purification period between the dedication and the solemn assembly is in accordance with an ancient pattern established under the Law of Moses for enacting the Day of Atonement ritual. Could it possibly be that Joseph was enacting that ritual, acting himself as an intercessory offering on behalf of the saints?

Following the visitation of Christ, all hell seems to break loose, with the apostacy in Kirtland and Joseph coming off the rails with respect to his personal behavior. He sinned against the wife of his youth and introduced polygamy, spiritual wifery, masonic temple worship and other sins that were a reflection of what the people were committing. Ultimately, Joseph became the sin offering for the people, having taken upon himself their sins, acting them out, and ultimately dying for them.

The effect of this intercession was to delay the curses and anger of the Lord for a little season. In the D&C the Lord talks about cursings that continue to the third and fourth generation. Joseph’s intercession, I believe, had the effect of delaying the cursings so that the dispensation of the Gospel of Abraham could be re-introduced as happened in D&C 110 with the visitation of Elias (Abraham) after the visit of Christ. The church was effectively downgraded to a preparatory gospel because the gentiles had rejected the fulness. This allowed for the gospel to be preached to remnants of the house of Israel and those branches could then be re-grafted into the roots of the gospel. 

And thus commandeth the Father that I should say unto you: At that day when the Gentiles shall sin against my gospel, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel…I will bring the fulness of my gospel from among them.

And then will I remember my covenant which I have made unto my people, O house of Israel, and I will bring my gospel unto them.  3 Nephi 16: 10-11.

Why don’t we believe our own scriptures? The FATHER is telling the SON specifically to give us this information and yet we go on believing that we have the fulness and that all is well. I would also suggest reading carefully Jacob 5 regarding the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees.

As we know, Joseph sent the apostles to preach the gospel overseas in 1838 to bring new converts into the church, I believe to commence the fulfilment of the Lord’s prophecy we just read in 3rd Nephi.

The dispensation of the Gospel of Abraham is a topic for another day. Let’s get back to Joseph who leaves us a few clues regarding his intercessory offering.

“I prophesy and bear record this morning that all the combined powers of earth and hell shall not and cannot ever overthrow or overcome this boy, for I have a promise from the eternal God. If I have sinned, I have sinned outwardly; but surely I have contemplated the things of God.” HC 5:554

In instructions given to the Twelve he says: “His (the Lord’s) personal presence we have not, therefore we have need of greater faith, on account of our peculiar circumstances; and I am determined to do all that I can to uphold you, although I may do many things inadvertently that are not right in the sight of God.” HC 2:308

Finally, from the Lord himself:

“Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Joseph Smith, I am well pleased with your offering and acknowledgements, which you have made; for unto this end have I raised you up, that I might show forth my wisdom through the weak things of the earth.” D&C 124:1

I freely admit that I am continue to search for greater light and knowledge on the details of Joseph’s intercession, along with the roles of others who participated as well. But I can tell you that my experiences studying this particular topic have left a profound impression upon my soul. I have gained a greater appreciation for Joseph in his foundational role, and look forward with eager anticipation to the work he will yet accomplish in bringing again Zion. May you also be so edified in your searching.

Searcher

Last week I was intending to write a posting about the 3 separate churches of what Mormons call the restoration (I prefer to call it the foundation, as the scriptures testify that the “restoration” is yet to come). This is because without starting to chip away at the traditions of our fathers which keep us tethered to the view that all is well in Zion, one cannot fully grasp the need for the servants to return with the fulness and prune the vineyard one last time prior to the Savior’s return.

However, I feel compelled to jump ahead for now and talk about Joseph. Truly his name has been, and will be known for good and evil throughout the world. In fact, the more information comes out about him the greater the stumbling-block he has become for many. Take, for example, the recent admission by the church in the essays on polygamy that he took upwards of 40 wives and that one of them was as young as 14. Apologists tie themselves up in knots trying to explain or justify these actions as being congruent with God’s commands.

Obviously, the church feels the need to defend Joseph at all costs. He was the prophet of the restoration and if he proves to be a false prophet then the truth claims of the church melt away like butter in the afternoon sun. However, I would suggest that there is a different way to view Joseph, one that doesn’t set up a “sudden death” scenario of right or wrong–one that takes a 2-part view of his life and that is supported by scripture.

The first part of Joseph’s ministry was brilliant. He conversed with heavenly messengers, brought forth the Book of Mormon, established the Church of Christ, received over 100 recorded revelations and sought to prepare a people to establish Zion and live the celestial law of consecration. During this time the fulness of the priesthood was restored at the Morley Farm in June 1831. The saints enjoyed and experienced many spiritual outpourings and blessings during the years leading up to the deadline for the redemption of Zion which was declared by Joseph to be September 11, 1836.

However, once the saints failed to live consecration and effectively rejected the fulness, all hell seemed to break loose with the failure of the Kirtland Safety Society, the defilement of the Kirtland Temple and the general apostasy that occurred among the membership. In fact, the Lord had foreseen this when he said in D&C 64:21:

I, the Lord, will to retain a strong hold in the land of Kirtland, for the space of five years, in the which I will not overthrow the wicked, that thereby I may save some.

It is no co-incidence that the date of this revelation is September 11, 1831.

Following the rejection of Zion, Joseph’s prophetic production declined precipitously.  In fact after 1836 Joseph only records 12 revelations, none of which occurs in the last 3 years of his life.

The question is why? Isaiah has one answer and 2 Nephi clarifies the reason why.

For the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.  Isaiah 29:10

For behold, the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep. For behold, ye have closed your eyes, and ye have rejected the prophets: and your rulers, and the seers hath he covered because of your iniquity.  2 Nephi 27:5

Is it possible, as suggested by scripture, that Joseph’s eyes were covered? That his prophetic gifts were curtailed because of the iniquity of the people? When one carefully examines his life post rejection of Zion, one sees a very different Joseph. Although the date is somewhat unclear to scholars, it is around this time period that Joseph has what Oliver refers to as: “a nasty, filthy affair” with Fanny Alger and then starts to introduce polygamy to a few of the brethren.

To me it is telling that Joseph’s doctrinal innovations that cannot be fully justified by scripture started happening after Zion had been rejected, therefore leading to his eyes being covered. It is also telling to observe that Sidney Rigdon, whose job it expressly was to validate Joseph’s revelation via scripture, stopped doing so later in his life. Remember that The Lord had already revealed the Law of the Celestial Kingdom by early 1831, including the law of monogamy (D&C 42), and had promised Joseph and a few select others the other Comforter, even the promise of eternal life, two years later (D&C 88). What more does one need after having the law that leads to the establishment of Zion and results in the promise of celestial glory?

The idea that Joseph, in a state of blindness brought on by the iniquity of the people, could somehow introduce a false teaching or a false doctrine is anathema to most faithful Mormons. Having been taught from the pulpit that a prophet will never lead us astray it is inconceivable that anything he did would not have had the royal stamp of approval from on high.

Bear with me as we search the scriptures together and find out that not only was this possible, it was foreseen and prophesied.

Let’s start with 2 Samuel 7. The prophet Nathan is prophesying to King David about a servant who would do great things in a future day.

12 And when thy days be fulfilled, and thou shalt sleep with they fathers, I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall proceed out of thy bowels, and I will establish his kingdom.

13 He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.

14 I will be his father, and he shall be my son.  If he commit iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men, and with the stripes of the children of men:

15 But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before thee.

16 And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established forever before thee; thy throne shall be established for ever.

So in this prophecy, a servant of the line of David (Davidic Servant) shall:

1  Build a temple.

2  Establish a Kingdom that will last forever.

3  Receive the promise of eternal life which is what happens when one becomes a Son or Daughter of God.

4  Commit iniquity. The scripture uses the word “if he commit iniquity” but “when he commit iniquity” is probably how we should read it. God knew beforehand what would happen, but to preserve the agency of the Davidic Servant, it is phrased in prophecy as an “if” instead of “when”.  This also calls to mind the scripture in D&C 43:3 where the Lord says there is none other appointed unto you to receive commandments and revelations until he be taken, if he abide in me.  This suggests that the Lord knew Joseph would sin, and indeed Joseph told the church in 1843 that Hyrum held the office of prophet to the church by birth-right & he was going to have a reformation and the saints must regard Hyrum for he had authority. You can read the journals regarding that sermon here.

5 Retain the mercy of God, despite committing iniquity.  It is amazing to contemplate how the servant could retain the mercy of God. I suppose I am teasing you a bit about my next post which will address the “why” a prophet could retain God’s mercy after committing iniquity. Stay tuned.

Some have argued that this servant is David’s son, Solomon, because he built a temple. We know that Solomon sinned having taken many wives who turned him away from the Lord. However, there is no record that Solomon received a promise of eternal life from God, or that he was promised that he would ever establish a kingdom that would last forever.

Some have also postulated that the prophecy points to Christ. However, we can discard this notion out of hand. Christ was the sinless one and he never built a temple.

In examining the evidence, however, Joseph Smith fits the profile perfectly if you allow for the possibility that he would commit iniquity by introducing a false doctrine! This scripture brings amazing insight into Joseph’s life and how we got off on the wrong track as a church with the spiritual wifery and polygamy. We don’t have to defend it anymore. It was an abomination, pure and simple. Could the following scripture actually apply to modern Mormonism?

Ephraim is oppressed and broken in judgment, because he willingly walked after the commandment [false doctrine].

I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face:

Hosea 5:11,15

As with all scripture there are multiple witnesses that testify of any particular truth. Moroni and Elijah both quoted Malachi when they appeared to Joseph. We tend to focus on the 4th chapter of that book, but chapter 2 would appear to be about Joseph. Note that I don’t pretend to know everything that is referenced in this chapter. Most prophecies have dual fulfillments. My comments here should be considered speculative. Use your own powers of discernment to determine the truth.

5 My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name.

6 The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips; he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity. [Joseph indeed turned many from iniquity in his early work as a prophet.]

7 For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

8 But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the LORD of hosts. [And what a stumbling block he was and still is today!]

9 Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law. [Recalls the prophecy that his name should be had for good and evil, and rightly so.]

10 Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?

11 Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the Lord which he loved and hath married the daughter of a strange god.

12 The Lord will cut off the man that doeth this, the master [Joseph] and the scholar [Sidney], out of the tabernacles of Jacob, and him that offereth an offering unto the LORD of hosts. [And indeed both Joseph and Sidney were cut off–Joseph as the lamb to the slaughter, and Sidney as the scapegoat led off into the wilderness.]

13 And this have ye done again covering the altar of the LORD with tears, with weeping, and with crying out insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand.

14 Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the LORD hath been witness between thee and wife of thy youth against whom thou hast dealt treacherously; yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant. [Ahah! This points right at the spiritual wife doctrine and polygamy. Joseph indeed dealt treacherously with Emma and caused many to stumble.]

15 And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth. [The Lord is not pleased.]

16 For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away; for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the LORD of hosts; therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously. [Not pleased again for emphasis.]

17 Ye have wearied the LORD with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the LORD and he delighteth in them; or Where is the God of judgment? [Brigham taught that unless you followed the commandment–spiritual wifery–you could not enter the highest level of the celestial kingdom. Is this not exactly what the Lord is warning us against–calling the practice of an abomination righteousness?]

There are many other scriptures about Joseph sprinkled within the standard works. As a church we tend to focus on those with a positive spin, as opposed to those which could challenge our correlated view of him. He was a great man in bringing forth the Book of Mormon, the priesthood, the Church of Christ, and in trying to get the saints to establish Zion. When they failed to do so, as prophesied, things fundamentally changed. Joseph’s eyes were darkened, his prophetic gifts were restrained (but not necessarily eliminated), he introduced abominations that were a reflection of what the people were committing or desiring to commit.

We don’t need to defend Joseph’s spiritual wifery and polygamy. We don’t need to set up an either/or binary decision regarding Joseph’s prophetic calling. He was a prophet, he committed iniquity, he retained the mercy of God and he yet has work to do prior to the return of the Savior [see the Marvelous Work is a Future Event]. The Church has perpetuated the stumbling block of Joseph by trying to justify everything he did as coming from God. A more mature view comes from an understanding of scripture. We can defend and love him for what he did and what he will yet do. There is no need to defend his introduction of false doctrines, which also fulfills what the Lord promised in Section 4 verses 5 & 6 of the Book of Commandments where he said:

And thus, if the people of this generation harden not their hears, I will work a reformation among them, and I will put down all lyings, and deceivings, and priestcrafts, and envyings, and strifes, and idolatries, and sorceries, and all manner of iniquities, and I will establish my church, like unto the church which was taught by my disciples in the days of old.

And now if this generation do harden their hearts against my word, behold I will deliver them up unto satan…

A topic for another day.

Again, I want to emphasize that only through searching the scriptures and paying heed to the Spirit can you come to a knowledge of the truth. This is the only way to not be deceived. I concede there may be errors in my interpretations, and you should not rely upon them in your searching.

Happy Searching!

This month’s First Presidency message continues the incessant chant and chorus that perpetually emanates from the brethren:

Follow the prophet
Follow the prophet
Follow the prophet
Don’t go Astraaaaay eh

Follow the prophet
Follow the prophet
Follow the prophet
He knows the way!

We read of a vignette in President Monson’s life of some good advice and counsel he received from his then stake president and future president of the church, Harold B. Lee. This leader told him not to pursue a commission in the navy, something Monson supposedly had his heart set on. He took this advice and was glad that he got out. It was a close shave, because if he hadn’t gotten out when he did he just might have ended up in Korea during the Korean War. Whew!

What is interesting to me is this: what is being advocated here is the exact opposite of what we should be doing when we have questions about life.

We shouldn’t be running to the prophet, or church leaders for answers. On the contrary we should be running to the Lord, and seeking for the Holy Spirit to find answers to our questions. We should be counseled to become spiritually self-reliant and self-sufficient, instead of becoming spiritually dependent upon others. We don’t need spiritual food stamps or spiritual welfare.

Joseph Smith taught his people that their eyes were being darkened because they were relying too much on the prophet. He wanted them to look to the Lord first. My question is: Why don’t we hear similar messages today? Are we so insecure at the top that we can’t promote true doctrine and preach spiritually what we teach temporally — self reliance?

The final paragraph of the message points us right at the idol:

“If you want to see the light of heaven, if you want to feel the inspiration of Almighty God, if you want to have that feeling within your bosom that your Heavenly Father is guiding you, then follow the prophets of God. When you follow the prophets, you will be in safe territory.”

In other words, look to us. If you don’t you:

1- Won’t see the light of heaven or feel the inspiration of God
2- Won’t have a feeling that you are being guided
3- Won’t be in safe territory

Really? The Keeper of the Gate is the Holy One of Israel, and he employeth no servant there. Our salvation is not dependent upon our relationship with a human, it is dependent upon our relationship with the LORD!

How about delivering us a message straight out of the scriptures like this one:

I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh.  Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.  2 Nephi 4:34

The fact is that prophets can lead us astray. There is no safety in blindly following the president of the church or anyone who is sustained by common consent as a prophet, seer and revelator. We must become spiritually self-sufficient to survive. It has always been the case.

For examples and further discussion read this post on how not to be deceived.

How many times have you heard someone in testimony meeting say that they “know” we have the fulness of the Gospel with all the priesthood keys that have ever been on the earth?  Every time I hear a similar testimony I want to stand up and shout: “You don’t know your scriptures or what the fulness is!” But then again, that would be an overt act of rebellion in direct contradiction to what is taught by the hierarchy. In defense of the ones bearing testimony they are only parroting what they have been taught to believe from a very early age.

The Lord tells us very clearly in the Book of Mormon that the Gentiles would reject the fulness of the Gospel.

And thus commandeth the Father that I should say unto you: At that day when the Gentiles shall sin against my gospel, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel, [note that one has to have the fulness offered for it to be rejected] and shall be lifted up in the pride of their hearts above all nations, and above all the people of the whole earth, and shall be filled with all manner of lyings, and of deceits, and of mischiefs, and all manner of hypocrisy, and murders, and priestcrafts, and whoredomes, and of secret abominations; and if they shall do all those things, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel, behold, saith the Father, I will bring the fulness of my gospel from among them.

And then will I remember my covenant which I have made unto my people, O house of Israel, and I will bring my gospel unto them.

And I will show unto thee, O house of Israel, that the Gentiles shall not have power over you; but I will remember my covenant unto you, O house of Israel, and ye shall come unto the knowledge of the fulness of my gospel [having the knowledge of the fulness is not necessarily the same as having the fulness]. 3 Nephi 16:10-12

When the saints rejected the law of the celestial kingdom and failed to establish Zion they had effectively rejected the fulness of the gospel. We will leave the details for another post, but the saints had the fulness when the highest order of priesthood was revealed at a special conference that was held at the Morley Farm in Kirtland in June 1831.  The contemporary journals of those involved verify that Joseph clearly identified this as the first time that the highest priesthood had been manifest, and that it constituted the fulness. At that conference 23 men were called by the voice of God out of heaven to be ordained high priests. Lyman Wight had a vision of the Savior on the right hand of God and prophesied of the second coming. He ordained many of the Elders, as also did Joseph. Additionally, at the conference, the Man of Sin was revealed and rebuked. This fascinating event shall become the subject of a future post.

By the time the Saints have reached Nauvoo, the Lord tells them that they no longer have the fulness.

For there is not a place found on earth that he may come to and restore again that which was lost unto you, or which he hath taken away, even the fulness of the priesthood.  D&C 124:28

This section was given in January of 1841.  The saints had been given a commandment to build the Nauvoo Temple and to therein perform their baptisms for the dead.  Up until that point the saints had been performing baptisms for the dead in the river.

For a baptismal font there is not upon the earth, that they, my saints, may be baptized for those who are dead–

For this ordinance belongeth to my house, and cannot be acceptable to me, only in the days of your poverty, wherein ye are not able to build a house unto me.

But I command you, all ye my saints, to build a house unto me; and I grant unto you a sufficient time to build a house unto me; and during this time your baptisms shall be acceptable unto me.

But behold, at the end of this appointment your baptisms for your dead shall not be acceptable unto me; and if you do not these things at the end of the appointment ye shall be rejected as a church, with your dead, saith the Lord your God.

For verily I say unto you, that after you have had sufficient time to build a house to me, wherein the ordinance of baptizing for the dead belongeth, and for which the same was instituted from before the foundation of the world, your baptisms for your dead cannot be acceptable unto me;

Unfortunately, the saints were not diligent in keeping the Lord’s commandment to build the Nauvoo Temple.

Joseph declared in general conference October 1841:

“There shall be no more baptisms for the dead, until the ordinance can be attended to in the Lord’s House; and the Church shall not hold another General Conference, until they can meet in said house. For thus saith the Lord!” (HC 4:426)

The saints knew what this meant–that the sufficient time had lapsed and they had failed to fulfill the commandment of the Lord.

In November 1851 Lyman Wight stated in a letter that the church had been rejected.

“The church mostly went from there Kirtland Ohio to Missouri where they commenced another house from which they were driven to the State of Illinois where we were commanded to build a house or temple to the Most High God. We were to have a sufficient time to build that house during which time our baptisms for our dead should be acceptable in the river. If we did not build within this time we were to be rejected as a church we and our dead together. Both the temple and baptizing went very leisurely till the temple was somewhere in building the second story when Bro Joseph from the Stand announced the alarming declaration that baptism for our dead was no longer acceptable in the river, As much to say the time for building the temple had passed by and both we and our dead were rejected together. The church now stands rejected together with their dead. The church being rejected now stands alienated from her God in every sense of the word” (Church History Vol 2 p 790)

As we know, the temple was never completed in Joseph’s lifetime. The Lord had promised that the saints would not be moved out of their place if they would hearken and be diligent.

And if my people will hearken unto my voice, and unto the voice of my servants whom I have appointed to lead my people, behold, verily I say unto you, they shall not be moved out of their place.

But if they will not hearken to my voice, nor unto the voice of these men whom I have appointed, they shall not be blest, because they pollute mine holy grounds, and mine holy ordinances, and charters, and my holy words which I give unto them. D&C 124:45-46

The rest is history. We know what happened to the Saints.

THE FRUITS OF THE FULNESS

So the big question is: If we had the fulness, what would it look like?

And these signs shall follow them that believe–

In my name they shall do many wonderful works;

In my name they shall cast out devils;

In my name they shall heal the sick;

In my name they shall open the eyes of the blind, and unstop the ears of the deaf;

And the tongue of the dumb shall speak;

And if any man shall administer poison unto them it shall not hurt them;

And the poison of a serpent shall not have power to harm them. (D&C 84:65-72)

In other words we would have POWER associated with the highest level of the priesthood.

We would have Pentecostal outpourings of the spirit similar to what happened in Kirtland after the fulness had been restored and before the saints failed to redeem Zion. We would have Apostles who have seen the risen Lord and bear bold testimony of the fact. We would have prophets who give us revelations in the name of the Lord. We would have power to give the gift of the Holy Ghost as opposed to just advising someone to receive the Holy Ghost.

Every Latter-day Saint should ask themselves how we avoided the same fate as the children of Israel under Moses.  (See D&C 84)

23 Now this Moses [Joseph] 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;

24 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 while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory.

25 Therefore, he took Moses [Joseph] out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also;

26 And the lesser priesthood continued, which priesthood holdeth the key of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel;

It is very interesting to me that the Lord even puts this in the D&C.  Is he trying to tell us something?

As a people we rejected the law of the celestial kingdom.

As a people we rejected the second chance the Lord gave us to build the temple in Nauvoo and publish the JST.

As a people we were led off into the wilderness with only the preparatory gospel.

This is not a pretty picture, especially when we steadfastly maintain that we have the fulness. Thus the need for a Marvelous Work and Wonder. It is coming. When the servants return we will again experience the fruits of the fulness. In the meantime, I am watching and waiting and searching.  Are you?