Priestcraft, Idolatry, and Consequences

“The twin companion of kingship is priestcraft. Jacob denounced priestcraft:  "He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, 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."  (2 Nephi 26:29)

The purpose of priestcraft is "to set themselves up that they may get gain." It is not merely setting up "for a light unto the world", but to "set themselves up for a light unto the world that they may get gain." They want to make a profit from being a pseudo-prophet. There is no need for a king. There is no need for more priestcraft. There is nothing for a strong man to do. Changing the leader will not fix the problem. The problem is the people. The problem is that we need to rise up individually, and having risen up individually then we have the potential for a gathering. But changing the leader will not accomplish anything. It is just another delay, another perversion.

There is some irony about those who will survive the Lord's return and those who will not. The Telestial will be burned at his coming. The Terrestrial will survive. As discussed above, those who "follow the prophet" are Telestial and will be destroyed. (D&C 76:100-101)  But those who are mainstream Christians are Terrestrial and will survive: " (D&C 76:72-77)

Mainstream Christians, who are blinded by the preaching of faults ministers, may nevertheless live honorably. They will survive the Lord's coming living Terrestrial lives. But the Catholics and the various Mormon sects who reverence their leaders presumed to have the "keys"of Salvation will be accountable for their misunderstanding. They are idolaters, rejecting the Lord and the truth. Take away their idolatry and Christians are simply confused about the nature of God. Mormons of all sects should know better and will be accountable for having the Book of Mormon and Joseph's revelations and teachings. For them to fall into idolatry condemns them.” (Preserving the Restoration, Page 252)