Restoration Scriptures Announcement - A New Covenant

We have been given a gift this last general conference. God still speaks to men and women, and there is continuing revelation. The Restoration Scriptures are now available for our review. Over time, other revelations will be added to the Pearls of Great Price.  All these scriptures are to be accepted by common consent after we have had a chance to review the submitted material and have our voice heard.  Everyone can be part of this project.  We get five months to read, study, examine the revelations, and give feedback before we accept this New Covenant.  We get to have a real vote where our vote counts. We get to use gentleness, meekness, love, kindness, and pure knowledge to persuade and make sure we have the most correct and complete version of the scriptures possible.  I am so excited and only wish there were more hours in the day to study the Words of God!   

**************************************

RESTORATION SCRIPTURES ANNOUNCEMENT

March 18, 2017

Although what is to be announced may be viewed by most people as a modest achievement, I think history will eventually reflect this as one of the greatest steps forward after the deaths of Joseph and Hyrum.

What I’m about to announce will generate a considerable number of questions. To reasonably manage them, we’ve set up an email address where you can send your questions & suggestions. That address is:

RESTORATIONSCRIPTURES2017@GMAIL.COM.

Your questions will be reviewed this evening, and then tomorrow, a number of the major questions will be answered in front of this body. Any that aren’t answered immediately will be replied to after the conference ends.

One of the first ways a dispensation becomes corrupted is by compromising the scriptures used by believers in that dispensation. Therefore when a new dispensation begins, one of the first orders of business for believers is to adopt a new set of scriptures which restore, insofar as it is possible, a correct version of the material they regard as scripture.

Just like the saints of the New Testament adopted a new body of teachings, the Book of Mormon people preserved and added to sacred writings. And while Joseph Smith lived, there were both corrections to old scripture and new scripture was added. Likewise for us, there is a need to remove errors, correct texts, and add to the body of scripture to guide us. This assembly – that is, this worldwide body of believers – must also decide what we accept as scripture. It is our right and sacred responsibility to address this need.

To that end, a new edition of the scriptures is proposed. They are divided into three volumes that have been produced through a unified effort by two independent bodies of volunteers, separately driven to approach the scriptures anew.

Initially the members of these two groups felt individually inspired to revisit the scriptures in an effort to prune away some of the uninspired alterations of man so that they might have a more correct version of scripture for their study. Over time, these individuals were led to one another, combining and harmonizing their efforts. What began as two wholly separate groups, each forming at the same time, both unknown to one another, resulted in separate projects that were completed at the same time, and what was learned from their independent efforts identified issues that needed to be addressed.

On the last day of 2016, less than 2 weeks after discovering each other, these two groups held a meeting, facilitated by Denver Snuffer, and determined to unify their efforts, each bringing to the table differing components for a greater outcome than either project possessed alone. On the first day of the new year, the two became one as work began, preparing what would become this Restoration Edition of the scriptures.

Moving forward, the united team has worked closely with each other, with the Lord, and with His servant, to produce a more accurate record that is true to the Lord’s intent and to the Restoration. We are on His errand, not our own.

In September 1832, the Saints were condemned by the Lord and commanded to “repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written.”

We often see this as the Lord rebuking the Saints for failing to do according to that which He had written, yet assume that the Saints had been correctly saying what He had written. But the Saints did not say, and have failed to accurately preserve, what the revelations God provided to them said, because their texts became corrupted. This means that the first step towards emerging from condemnation is to try and do exactly what is being accomplished through this scriptural work now underway. While the full purpose of this project was initially unknown, it has begun a best effort to “repent and remember the new covenant.” If done right, we will at least accomplish the first step: recovering what the Lord provided so we can “say” what He has revealed. Then the challenges increase as we are called upon “to do according to that” which God has revealed.

A future conference must then be held with the intent of approving the final content of the Restoration Edition and sustaining that edition as canon for this assembly.

The following is a summary of what is contained in this Restoration Edition of the scriptures:

ALL THE SCRIPTURAL WORKS SHARE THE FOLLOWING CHANGES:

• Verse numbers have been eliminated and the text has been formatted into paragraphs. This provides greater context for individual passages and removes the isolation of a statement that is caused by restricting it to a verse. The only exception to individual numbering is in Proverbs where each proverb has been numbered.
• The chapters have been regrouped based on contextual themes rather than staying as they have existed historically. Our team recognized that since chapters were originally organized by man and not by God, we were free to reorganize them. Some paragraphs in some of the books have been combined or divided as well, based on their context. However, in the Book of Mormon, chapters were designated by Joseph Smith himself and those have been preserved.
• Very minor standardization and spelling correction has taken place. Care was taken to respect the text.
• Punctuation can clarify, but it can also restrict. Therefore punctuation has been significantly reduced in all of the volumes in order to free up the text for greater possible interpretation.

INDIVIDUALLY

VOLUME 1 IS THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Joseph Smith’s New Translation of the Bible (the JST) is the base text.
• The Song of Solomon had been removed since Joseph indicated that it is not an inspired text.
• Proverbs now includes Proverbs of Joseph Smith, Jr. and Proverbs of Denver Snuffer,

VOLUME 2 CONSISTS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT AND THE BOOK OF MORMON

• In a letter to the “brethren in Zion” on 21 April, 1833, Joseph Smith stated, “…it is not the will of the Lord to print any of the new translation in the Star, but when it is published it will all go to the world together in a volume by itself, and the New Testament and The Book of Mormon will be printed together.”
• Joseph Smith’s New Translation of the Bible is the base text for the New Testament.
• The 1840 edition of The Book of Mormon is used as the base text and was already formatted into paragraphs. This version was chosen because it contains corrections given by Joseph Smith to what was originally published in 1830 and 1837.

VOLUME 3 CONSISTS OF THE DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS & PEARLS OF GREAT PRICE

• The new D&C returns the Lectures on Faith to its original place, along with those sections and revelations identified as coming through Joseph Smith. These have been painstakingly compared to the manuscripts found in the Joseph Smith Papers Project:
  • The order of the sections has been restored to thematic groupings rather than simply being presented chronologically. These groupings are: Restoration, Organization and Worship, and Revelations to Individuals.
  • Several LDS sections have been removed for the following reasons:
    • Sections 2 & 13 are extracts from JS-History and are therefore redundant.
    • Section 20 was written by Oliver Cowdery and constitutes church articles and covenants used to begin to structure the early church organization. They no longer apply.
    • Section 101 on Marriage, from the original 1835 Kirtland Edition, is not being reintroduced because it is not a product of either Joseph or Hyrum. However, pertinent points are included in another area.
    • Section 110 is completely unverifiable as a true revelation/vision. The three individuals with some information about the section, Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery and Warren Cowdery, left no statement or explanation about Section 110. Further, in listing those who visited with them in their respective testimonies, neither Joseph Smith nor Oliver Cowdery mention Elijah as having come. Finally throughout the Nauvoo time frame, including a month before his death, Joseph Smith spoke of Elijah’s return as a future and not a past event.
    • Section 129 was a struggle. Initially it was revised by taking the shorthand notes from Joseph Smith’s journal and fleshing them out with bridge words and phrases to make them into comprehensible sentences. However, once attempted, that effort was abandoned and the section was completely removed for the following reasons:
      1. The shorthand is just sketchy enough that some of the bridge wording is clearly debatable.
      2. The instruction we have through the Book of Mormon is sufficient on its own to allow us to discern evil spirits.
      3. This section, if relied upon alone, is apparently not sufficient to defend against lying spirits.
    • Section 134 is a declaration on laws & government written by either Oliver Cowdery or Sidney Rigdon, not Joseph Smith.
    • Section 135 is simply the announcement of the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum.
    • Section 136 is from Brigham Young.
    • Section 138, Joseph F. Smith’s vision of the dead, is restricted by copyright and cannot be used.
    • Official Declarations 1 & 2 are declarations made by a different church.

• Several LDS sections have been revised for the following reasons:
  • Section 107 was an amalgamation of content, with only one portion traceable to a revelation before the 1835 publication of the D&C. That portion has been preserved. The 1835 published version bears hallmarks of revisions by the hand of man. Therefore only a portion has been extracted, and then added to by revelation, to explain the establishment of dispensations and reflect the direction of this current dispensation. It is placed as the last section in the new D&C.
  • Sections 121, 122 and123 came from a letter written from Liberty Jail and are presented within the context of the entire letter written by Joseph Smith.
  • Section 132 on celestial marriage is now represented as it is posted by Denver Snuffer on his blog, containing the redactions suggested there to make the document internally consistent and reflect the earliest descriptions of the original.

• More than 40 new sections have been added for the following reasons:
  • Nearly all of these new sections are verified revelations given through Joseph Smith that simply were never sustained as scripture.
  • Restoration Edition Section 98 is President Hyrum Smith’s epistle to the church.

• The new D&C also includes an insert in the Appendix called A PROPHET’S PREROGATIVE, an example of an extremely valuable method of comparative study that can significantly help your understanding. The example used is Isaiah 29, and includes an introductory explanation.

• The Pearl of Great Price – has had its name changed to Pearls of Great Price, reflecting and implying further expansion, and the following portions have been removed, revised or added for the following reasons:
  • (A Proposed Set of) Governing Principles is a rewritten statement of principles and practices – similar to LDS Section 20 – that reflects this assembly’s efforts to preserve the Restoration. This statement is not yet completed. It requires additional inspired input from you.
  • The Articles of Faith have been replaced by The Wentworth Letter that they were copied from, in order to provide context to those articles.
  • Joseph Smith – History has been slightly expanded to the same extent as it was originally published in the Times and Seasons.
  • The Book of Moses and Joseph Smith – Matthew have been removed because they already exist in the New Translation of the Bible and are redundant.
  • The Book of Abraham remains as is.
  • The Revelation of the Testimony of St. John – as given through Denver Snuffer, Jr. – has been added. It will not replace the existing Testimony of St. John found in the New Testament, but will stand as it’s own book.
  • Continuing Revelation – is a section which consists of visions and revelations given through Denver Snuffer, Jr. to be made public. This portion of the Pearls of Great Price is expected to be the place where new revelation will be added as it is received, which, you will see, has already happened.
  • A Glossary of Fundamental Terms is at the end of the final volume. Currently it’s blank, except for a single sample definition. We encourage all of you to consider emailing us terms for the glossary using the following criteria:

1. The definition must be scriptural, not your opinion.
2. The terms need to be those that are critical to seeing things correctly. LDS and Christian culture have so skewed many religious terms as to render them not just wrong, but spiritually dangerous in that they point people in the wrong direction. This will not become a “bible dictionary,” but is an attempt to explain words as the Lord has intended, not “Gospel speak” or Mormonese.

Given that this body must declare to the Lord what records they intend to hold sacred, a Preview copy of these volumes of the Restoration Edition are available as of right now for download, in PDF, ebook and other requested formats, from www.scriptures.info, an online library that has been established for materials pertinent to the Restoration. There are a number of interesting tools and features that have been developed for this site, but now is not the time to go into them. However, I will say that scriptures.info is specifically built with tools to aid in comparative study. That’s why the Isaiah 29 example is at the back of the D&C – to kickstart you. So take a tour of that important site on your own. Those of you who may have content pertinent to the scriptures that you wish to contribute, those of you who are looking for research material or tools, and those of you who are just curious, be sure to visit the ABOUT page on that site for direction.

A hard copy of each volume is already available for purchase on Amazon.com and Amazon Europe. Search Restoration Scriptures Preview or the title of each work and you should find Vol. 1, 2 and 3. This copy is NOT formatted completely – it still has minor flaws in it. In fact, if you are happy to use the electronic copies that are available, you may want to wait until the scriptures have been sustained and scrubbed before buying a copy, as they may change. A final version will be produced that incorporates any changes sustained by this assembly and has been scrubbed of formatting errors.

Additionally, since Amazon won’t allow us to sell the copies at cost, the minimal royalties from the copies sold will be donated to the temple fund.

A quick side note: The reason the Creative Commons copyright for these scriptures is in my name is only because I am acting as the public face of this project. There are dozens of people that have contributed to it besides me.

A Research version of these scriptures is partially completed and available for download on www.scriptures.info as well. Unlike the printed scriptures, this Research version will remain in electronic form – at least for now – and will differ in the following ways from the print copies:

• Though retaining the new chapter groupings, all of the books have LDS chapter and verse numbers inserted to allow for easier research and for comparison with other versions of scripture.
• The JST and D&C include both strikethroughs and additions visible in their original manuscripts.
• The Book of Mormon footnotes all significant changes from the editions that were published during Joseph Smith’s lifetime. Any editions after his death were not approved by him and therefore have been ignored.
• Items removed from the printed copy can be preserved in this copy for research purposes, including, for example, section 129.
• Items of historical or educational significance deemed helpful may be added to this version. Recognize that the Research version is intended to expand details of the sustained scriptures, not supplant them.

We do have plans for a fancier set of scriptures being produced with bible stock paper, leather or faux leather covers, and so forth. That process is already underway, but anyone familiar with the process is invited to email us and lend a hand. I’m not sure of a time frame other than we’d like to have those available by the end of the year. But we won’t print any until after the sustaining conference.

For those who honestly can’t afford around $40 to purchase a set of these scriptures and can’t use electronic copies for now, if you have a local fellowship you meet with, ask them if they can provide you with a set. If they can’t meet your need, please use the email address given to request a set. We have several free sets available for the truly needy that are here at the conference. If there are those in need who could not attend, but would like a copy, please place a request at that same email address and a copy can be sent to you or your local fellowship.

THE NEXT CONFERENCE, which has been mentioned during this announcement, will be held in Boise, ID, Labor Day weekend, September 2-3, with the intent of approving the final content for the Restoration Edition of the scriptures and sustaining that edition as canon for this assembly. Today is the “open to public view” step of the process. Our team simply got the ball rolling. You will now have approximately 6 months to digest, critique and react to what the Lord has offered.

Please carefully consider what is being offered to us. Zion is the Lord’s work. So getting it will not depend on the goodness or desires of men and women, but on their submission to the Lord, who intends to accomplish it. WE can’t force it, cause it, bring it, or hope it into existence. What we can do is submit to the Lord in a way that encourages Him to continue to use us for His purposes. There is no need for an immediate, knee-jerk reaction to this announcement. You will have time to consider all of it before making a decision.

No sustaining or debate of the scriptures will take place during this conference. But your input is necessary and required. An email address has been provided specifically for that purpose. Please use RESTORATIONSCRIPTURES2017@GMAIL.COM to send in questions you have about what has been announced and provided. There likely won’t be enough time tomorrow to answer all the questions that get sent in, but any that aren’t addressed during tomorrow’s Q&A session will be replied to. But there’s no rush. If you have an immediate, burning question, please send it in quickly so that we have time this evening to prepare responses for tomorrow. Also, this same email address will be used over the next 6 months for additional questions and ongoing feedback in preparation for a sustaining conference. So if you don’t have a question or suggestion until June, you can still submit it and it will be addressed. But please refrain from pointing out formatting issues unless it is alarming. We will be combing through the books again to find them all.

If there’s a particular issue in these scriptures that is critical, in your opinion, email your concern and your reasoning to support your argument. It will be posted for others to view and consider. If you think that there is something else that belongs in this edition, feel free to email that suggestion as well. For example you might feel inspired about a principle that needs to be added to the Governing Principles statement. However, realize that what this edition now contains has been under the Lord’s direction for the past year and a half and He has provided, at times, direct input. And there is a rigorous set of questions to assist you in determining whether you should submit new material.

The PRELIMINARY SUBMISSION & CRITIQUE PROCESS works like this:

1. Questions, suggestions, criticism and requests get submitted to restorationscriptures2017@gmail.com.
2. From the end of the St. George conference until the 4th of July, a SUBMISSIONS list will be maintained on scriptures.info.
   1. The items on the list will come from emails submitted.
   2. That document will list the specific items that have been pointed out as concerns to be removed, modified or added to the Restoration Edition. The points made by the submitter will also be given. Please be aware that your reasoning will be significantly refined if you submit a long explanation, so keep things brief. And make sure that what you submit is scriptural, not simply personal opinion.
   3. If you have very strong feelings about any of the items on the list, email us and let us know. If you’re fine with what has been proposed today or if you don’t care one way or the other about the items on the list, don’t email us. Only those who are strongly opposed to an existing item or strongly in favor of adding or amending an item should email us during those first few months.
   4. The SUBMISSIONS document will be updated as needed.
3. As of the 4th of July, a final SUBMISSIONS list will be posted which also includes the total number of emails for/against an item. We will then wipe the slate clean.
   1. From then on, no new items will be added to the list.
   2. People who are strongly advocating or opposing can again email their vote about the item(s).
4. That new voting period runs from the 4th of July to the end of August.
   1. A final tally will then be taken.
   2. If there is no significant number of emails in opposition of an existing item or advocating a missing item or amendment, that item will be dropped.
   3. And if you email us 6 times, it still only counts as one vote for any item.

Benefits of this process are:

1. We are using simple, easy to reach technology. Anyone can go online to do this – even if they have to go to a library or a friend to do so. And this can be done from anywhere in the world.
2. By providing the reason why an item is listed, opposing voices get the chance to be heard and perhaps to persuade.
3. Doing 2 rounds of voting gives everyone the chance to be persuaded over time and therefore find confidence of their final decision.
4. Everyone gets an opportunity to be involved if they feel so inclined.

2 CRITICAL POINTS:

1. Remember that what is important is the message, not the messenger, so focus on the content of this gift, not how it’s delivered.
2. The most important lesson for our group was expressed in the course of our emailing back and forth. Someone said this: I would rather submit to the decision of the group than insist that my view be followed. For me harmony between brethren is more important than getting what I think best to be followed. I believe harmony can lead to much greater things than can merely enforcement of even a correct view. I know how difficult it is to have a correct view, because of how often I have been corrected by the Lord. Sometimes I am humiliated by my foolishness when the Lord reproves me. Humiliation can lead to humility, but my experience is that the humiliation is accompanied by shame, whereas humility can proceed with a clear conscience. My experience with others leads me to conclude that if we can have one heart first, eventually we can likewise come to have one mind. But if we insist on having one mind at the outset, we may never obtain one heart together.

So I make a request to all of you – from all of us: Kaai sent the team an email 3 weeks ago, just after we had submitted the final volume to our formatter. We had begun to consider this next step. So he wrote: One of the ways to hopefully mitigate the sheer volume of emails will be to encourage fellowships to meet together and come up with a consolidated list of questions/suggestions/ concerns/etc… If there are individuals not associated with a fellowship, then they’ll follow the standard process [on their own]. If they make it a matter of prayer and forethought, first as individuals, then families, then fellowships, and submit in that manner, we may be able to keep the volume manageable. It will allow fellowships to meet together for a directed purpose and importune the Lord for revelation. It will draw them closer together in the bonds of love as indicated in the General Principles preamble and make them accountable to each other for the questions raised. I think it also reinforces the manner in which the Lord would want us to approach any challenge or issue presented.

Please consider these points as you consider what you choose to advocate in the scriptures.

Given the experiences many have had with organized religion, it’s only natural for some people to have an aversion to “official” scriptures. But these volumes are not set in stone; rather, they are presented to you in the appropriate manner, and with sufficient time for the group’s collective review, critique, support, and, possible sustaining. The Lord deals with His people by covenant; accepting these scriptures as comprising the history, teachings, doctrine, and covenants of our faith represents another step in our collective journey towards having our hearts bound together. And this should remain a labor of love and devotion to God. Those involved in this work do not present these volumes with any other expectation than that we are to be called to answer to every principle advanced, and we hope and pray that this continued effort to preserve and honor the word of the Lord will be accepted by Him, and by you.

In closing, I’d like to read a journal entry from one of our team members from Feb 18th:

I checked the scripture email and saw that volume 2 had been formatted and is now ready to print. Upon opening the file and viewing the document I was filled with joy and with the Spirit and was given a prophecy by the spirit saying,

“These scriptures will go to all the world and teach every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, to bring in the children of Israel from the four corners of the earth.”

Some Things Said Just Ain’t So, Part 5 Conclusion

Who are God’s Prophets?

Who claims to be God’s prophets? Has God given them power? Have they come from the presence of God with a message? Have they been ordained priests after the holy order of the Son of God? JST, Hebrews 7:3 If so, by whom were they ordained? Alma 13:1 Have they received the sealing power from God, been given authority by Him to speak in His name, and publicly proclaim a binding message from heaven to His people? Helaman 10:6-11 

Or do they teach the philosophies of men mingled with scripture Colossians 2:8

and change His ordinances? Isaiah 24:5 Do they modify the doctrine of Christ to conform to public opinion so they can fit in with the world? Do they pretend to know Christ, proclaim to speak for Him, and take his name in vain because, in reality, they don’t know Him at all? D&C 112:25-26 Do they really proclaim the mind and will of God? Or do they declare their own mind and broadcast the will of the world? Is there any difference between a son of God speaking with simplicity, precision, and power and an imposter with a continuous flow of useless drivel coming from the mouth?

Before proclaiming the things of God in His name, would it be wise to get His point of view, approval, and endorsement? Is it important for a prophet of God to obtain the keys whereby he may ask God, who is the source of all understanding, and receive clear answers? Joseph Smith acquired it D&C 132:45-50, and Hyrum obtained it too D&C 124:95. Joseph received from God the higher priesthood after the holy order of the Son of God, obtained the voice of Jehovah, and talked with Him. He could ask questions and get direct answers from God.

Joseph connected with heaven, communed with Deity, and was given authority by God to do His work. He spoke in the name of Christ with power and authority, and he knew it, nothing doubting. He presided over the true and living church, dispelled darkness, and pointed others to Christ. Joseph taught others how to rend the veil, be redeemed from the fall, and come unto Christ, who is the only One who has the power to save.

Here is the present claim of modern Mormonism regarding priesthood authority found on the Web:  

“Prior to the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joseph Smith received priesthood authority at the hands of John the Baptist, Peter, James, and John who received that same “power and authority” from Jesus Christ Himself (Luke 9:1). These men appeared as angels and bestowed the priesthood upon Joseph Smith. The prophet today, Thomas S. Monson, is the authorized successor to Joseph Smith. He and the Church’s other Apostles trace their priesthood authority back to Jesus Christ in an unbroken chain of ordinations.”

If I understand correctly, the current claim of the Church is that the greater priesthood was conferred in an unbroken chain from prophet to prophet as follows: Jesus Christ, (Peter, James, and John), Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, Joseph F. Smith, Heber J. Grant, George Albert Smith, David O. McKay, Joseph Fielding Smith, Harold B. Lee, Spencer W. Kimball, Ezra Taft Benson, Howard W. Hunter, Gordon B. Hinckley, and finally to Thomas S. Monson, the current and 16^th President of the Church.

Joseph Smith obtained the fullness and possessed the greater priesthood. If it were possible for President Brigham Young to receive, by succession, the fullness of the priesthood, then this greater priesthood should have allowed him access to God D&C 84:19-22, but he admitted his access to God was denied. He even lamented sometimes throughout his life that he was unable to obtain audience with the Lord and know His will:

“I have flattered myself, if I am as faithful as I know how to be to my God, and my brethren, and to all my covenants, and faithful in the discharge of my duty, when I have lived to be as old as was Moses when the Lord appeared to him, that perhaps I then may hold communion with the Lord, as did Moses. I am not now in that position, though I know much more than I did twenty, ten, or five years ago. But have I yet lived to the state of perfection that I can commune in person with the Father and the Son at my will and pleasure? No—though I hold myself in readiness that he can wield me at his will and pleasure. If I am faithful until I am eighty years of age, perhaps the Lord will appear to me and personally dictate me in the management of his Church and people. A little over twenty years, and if I am faithful, perhaps I will obtain that favour with my Father and God.” JD 7:243

Brigham reaffirmed he never had any being, angelic or otherwise, from a higher sphere speak with him. “I think it likely that after a while I may be able to so humble myself and become like a little child, as to be taught more fully by the Heavens. Perhaps, when I am eighty years of age, I may be able to talk with some Being of a higher sphere than this. Moses saw the glory of God at that age, and held converse with better beings than he had formerly conversed with. I hope and trust that by the time I am that age I shall also be counted worthy to enjoy the same privilege.” JD 10:23 (As a side note: Brigham Young died at the age of 76. Born June 1, 1801. Died August 29, 1877)

The greatest purpose of the fullness of the priesthood is to have the ability to ask a question and receive an answer from God. From the statements of Brigham Young, we learn that He was never able to commune with heaven or see God. At times, he would ask God a question, but he was unable to receive revelation and could not get an answer.

As recorded, Brigham explained what he did when he was left without revelation and lacked a clear answer from God: “If I do not know the will of my Father, and what He requires of me in a certain transaction, if I ask Him to give me wisdom concerning any requirement in life, or in regard to my own course, or that of my friends, my family, my children, or those that I preside over, and get no answer from Him, and then do my very best that my judgment will teach me, He is bound to own and honor that transaction, and He will do so to all intents and purposes.” JD3:205 

When his access to God was not allowed, he was left without heaven’s direct answer. He did not know the will of the Father, therefore, Brigham used his own judgment and moved ahead. He figured if God did not give an answer of approval or disapproval, then his own way would suffice and must surely be the will of the Lord. He even claimed God was then “bound to own and honor” his (Brigham’s) best judgment and will.

Since the leadership of Brigham Young, most church leaders have used this same method of administration and often have called it inspiration. It has evolved into a style of one’s own and continues to circulate today.

I have personally been caught in this particular false tradition of men. I remember when I was called as the president of a church auxiliary; I had no idea who to choose for my counselors. My mind was blank. I walked through the neighborhood asking for divine guidance.  When no recognized answer came, I just chose two counselors.  I really didn’t know what I was doing, but did the best I could. This idea causes individuals to be less reliant and dependent on Christ, which leads to confusion, uncertainty, and disappointment. Well meaning people many times feel pressured to act like they have an answer from God, when God has not spoken.

By trusting in and declaring one’s own agenda, thoughts, ideas, attitudes, values, beliefs, and traditions, while claiming them to be of God, a man takes the name of the Lord in vain and leads himself and others astray. Without being led or supported by God, people tend to be disoriented, disconnected, and lost. They are inclined to seek approval from the world, be persuaded by peers, “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness.” Ephesians 4:14

Nephi saw our day, warned of false prophets who pervert the right way of the Lord, and gave them three wo’s. “O the wise, and the learned, and the rich, that are puffed up in the pride of their hearts, and all those who preach false doctrines, and all those who commit whoredoms, and pervert the right way of the Lord, wo, wo, wo be unto them, saith the Lord God Almighty, for they shall be thrust down to hell!” 2 Nephi 28:15

After all, the Lord did say, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”Matthew 7:21-23  

What is the difference between false prophets who pervert the right way of the Lord and His true messengers authorized by Him? How do we distinguish and tell the difference between the two? Why did Jeremiah rebuke latter day prophets?

Are disciples of Christ humble men of sound understanding who are waxing strong in the knowledge of the truth? Does it have something to do with searching the scriptures diligently that they might know the word of God? How about afflictions and suffering much, both in body and in mind, such as hunger, thirst and fatigue? What about performing much labor in the spirit? Is giving themselves to much prayer and fasting, having the spirit of prophecy, and possessing the spirit of revelation characteristics of a true and living prophet, who communes with Jehovah? By the power of their words, are there people brought before the altar of God to call on his name and confess their sins before him? When they teach, do they teach with authority of God or do the spoken words fall to the ground without power or effect? Alma 17:2-5 

Do true messengers point others to Christ, the Redeemer? Or do they seek to draw attention to themselves and receive the honors of men?  Do they clearly set Christ up as the light of the world and the only possible source of salvation for mankind? Do they teach and practice the doctrine of Christ and seek the welfare of Zion? Or do they engage in priestcrafts, preach the precepts of men, 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

Why does doctrine seem to change so often, today? Why do teachings of churches ebb and flow? Why does the variance of doctrines depend heavily upon public opinion, traditions, popularity, who you listen to, and when you happen to hear it? What source can be relied upon to declare true, constant, unpolluted, and sure doctrine of salvation that actually works? Institutions? Organizations? Clubs or associations? Men? Women? Churches? All churches? Any church? Church leaders? Some leaders? Others? Are all “modern day prophets” a reliable source of truth? If so, why do they teach doctrines that contradict each other? What gives? If not, which prophets can you count on? Any? How can you be sure? True Messengers? Angels? God? 

Who teaches and shows us the way to live the doctrine of Christ and personally demonstrates the blessings that flow there from? Who is the perfect prototype of salvation? Who is the only One who has the power to save another? D&C 76:41-44 Why is there a famine in the land of hearing the words of the Lord? Amos 8:11 Why do many wander from sea to sea, from the north even to the east, run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord, and not find it? Amos 8:12

Is it really necessary to connect with heaven to be able to receive unwavering, steadfast, and correct doctrine with surety? Is every individual required to know God and commune with the heavens to know His doctrine, receive the fullness of His gospel, and to obtain authority to declare the mind and will of God to His people?

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to know the truth, the whole truth, and the Lord, God, Omnipotent? Wouldn’t it be useful to have the ability to discern between truth and error, differentiate doctrines, and know the source from whence they come?

Elder Christofferson quoted J. Reuben Clark Jr., and I think he is right: “… The Church will know by the testimony of the Holy Ghost in the body of the members, whether the brethren in voicing their views are ‘moved upon by the Holy Ghost’; and in due time that knowledge will be made manifest.” (J. Reuben Clark Jr., “Church Leaders’ Words,” 10)

Who is declaring the word of the Lord? “What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.” D&C 1:38

Some Things Said Just Ain’t So, Part 3

Made in the absence of direct revelation

In the official statement of the church it reads: “The Church unequivocally condemns racism, including any and all past racism by individuals both inside and outside the Church. In 2006, then Church president Gordon B. Hinckley declared that “no man who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ. Nor can he consider himself to be in harmony with the teachings of the Church.”

Does President Hinckley really mean that any individual who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race is NOT considered a true disciple of Christ? If this is the case, are the racist Church presidents and apostles condemned and not considered true disciples of Christ? Gordon B. Hinckley, Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Joseph Fielding Smith, Bruce R. McConkie, others, and the Church have all made some strong statements either for or against the black race. Are all of their statements authorized? Why do some directly oppose each other? 

Is the current Church denouncing doctrines that were preached by previous church leaders? Is it reasonable to conclude that the current official position of the church condemns precisely the official doctrine that had been approved by the church for decades? If so, would it seem logical that the church today should be considered out of harmony with the Church in times past?

If this, in fact, is the case, could some teachings previously encouraged and upheld by the church be wrong and be called abominations? Are there any abominations existing among the saints today? Are false doctrines being taught? Is it possible that some church leaders have led us astray in the past? If it happened before, could it be happening today? Are we ever led astray by the President of the Church, who is sustained by the members as prophet, seer, and revelator? How about the Apostles who are also sustained as prophets, seers, and revelators? General Authorities? Other leaders? If Church leaders have ever led us astray, how often does it happen? Seldom? Frequently? Every day? Always? How can we tell?

Are leaders and members held to the same standard of discipleship? According to President Hinckley’s statement, are some past church leaders disqualified as true disciples of Christ? Does this standard of discipleship apply to Church Presidents? Can doctrines taught by men, who fall short of true discipleship, be trusted to be accurate and official? Do the teachings of these religious leaders come from God and reflect His will? Are their messages valid and binding? Or are their words merely false traditions and the philosophies of men, which reflect the current trends of society?

Does God bestow power upon men who are NOT true disciples of Christ? Can they exercise power in the priesthood? Is their priestly power valid in heaven? Can anyone who is NOT a true disciple of Christ, possess sealing power? Is it possible for church leaders, who lack true discipleship, to hold the keys of the kingdom? Are the words of a non-disciple of Christ held up by God that whatsoever they shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever they shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven? Or do the words of an imposter fall to the ground and have no binding effect?

Can they pass priesthood power on from generation to generation, leader to leader, father to son? If the current leaders received priesthood from these former leaders who made racist remarks, and therefore are not true disciples of Christ, how valid is the priesthood the current leaders hold? How does all this workout? If the origins of priesthood availability are not entirely clear, and there is an absence of direct revelation, as declared in the Church’s official statement, does this raise any apprehension? Alarm? Anxiety? Concern? Uneasiness? Or worry? Does it bring up any questions?

Contradictory doctrinal claims and conflicting official statements seem to be obvious and have been circulating, changing, and adjusting to accommodate the views of men for a long time. Where do we turn for truth? How can Church hierarchy, who claim to speak in the name of God, make official doctrinal statements in an absence of direct revelation?  How can church leaders sustained as prophets, seers, and revelators contradict others sustained in the same manner? How can both be speaking and acting under direct revelation from God? Or have one or the other or both been in absence of direct revelation, and therefore, not speaking the mind and will of God? Are they truly prophets, seers, and revelators chosen by God himself? Or do they merely hold the title or leadership position to which they have been sustained? In an absence of direct revelation how can they be revelators?

Isn’t there a general belief among members of the church that words coming from the prophet, presently President Monson, are to be esteemed with high regard, not debated or questioned, and regarded as the final word of God upon which our salvation hangs? Does this same standard of belief extend, and at least partially apply, to the words of the quorum of the twelve apostles and other general authorities? What does the Lord think of this deep-rooted idea promoted among the saints? 2 Nephi 4:34 How does He feel about our unbelief? Hebrews 3:19

The church officially declared that some explanations were made in the absence of direct revelation and some statements are personal and do not represent Church doctrine. If this is true, does it seem reasonable to conclude that some leaders were in error? Have they taught for doctrine the commandments of men? Matthew 15:9

 Is it sensible to believe that some men within the church hierarchy have practiced priestcraft and taught contrary to the will of God?  Have some authentic bona fide church leaders 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 Or have they just made foolish human mistakes and contradict each other by following the crowd of the day?

When inconsistency and discrepancies of doctrinal views rise within a single church over a relatively short time, red flags are sent up all over the place. Sincere people seeking truth, together with critics, start asking some pretty tough and searching questions. D&C 123:12 Sensible, logical, and acceptable answers are very difficult, if not impossible, to obtain without admitting apostasy, priestcraft, and corruption within the church itself.

Lucifer employs fabrications, trickery, deceit, and cover-ups. One of his tactics is to imitate God and supplant true prophets with counterfeit powerless substitutes. The father of lies uses priestly leaders, formal procedures, and ceremonial observances to manipulate people and endorse collective apostasy. All the while, sincere folk think they are following God, obeying his commandments, making sufficient sacrifice, walking the path to heaven, and believing all is well in Zion. “And thus the devil cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell” 2 Nephi 28:21.

Lyings, deceivings, whoredoms, secret abominations, idolatries, murders, priestcrafts, envyings, strifes, evil doings, much wickedness, and abominations are used in the grand scheme of deception by the evil one. If the adversary succeeds by keeping us from receiving a remission of our sins and being filled with the Holy Ghost, we will fail to be numbered among the people of God, who are of the house of Israel. 3 Nephi 30:2

Is a true messenger sent from the presence of God? Would he be clothed with power? Does he have a message for mankind? Is the message clear, binding, and unalterable? Are God’s messengers different than mere men who promote their own agendas? Are true prophets chosen of God or simply called by men? Do they really know God or just say so and claim His authority? Have they yielded to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, been born again, sanctified, redeemed from the fall, and become a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord? Or do they remain a natural man and enemy to God? Mosiah 3:19

Have they heard the voice of their Redeemer and personally received the testimony of Jesus? Or do they simply bear testimony of Him like many Christians do in churches throughout the world? Do prophets receive the sealing authority from God, possess heavenly power, and proclaim a binding message from God to society? Or do they use modern social sciences to determine public opinion and go with the flow?

Do they waver, change their minds, vacillate, back track, submit to and build up Babylon, and attempt to please the general public? Do they forget God, search for political correctness, succumb to peer pressure, and yield to society? Do they remain unclear, uncertain, unprepared, unqualified, unredeemed, unsaved and lost, being disconnected from heaven like most men find themselves? “Yea, how long will ye suffer yourselves to be led by foolish and blind guides?” Helaman 13:29 What is the description of a true prophet who you want to receive?

Joseph Smith had something to say about true prophets: “The world always mistook false prophets for true ones, and those that were sent of God, they considered to be false prophets and hence they killed, stoned, punished and imprisoned the true prophets, and these had to hide themselves "in deserts and dens, and caves of the earth," and though the most honorable men of the earth, they banished them from their society as vagabonds, whilst they cherished, honored and supported knaves, vagabonds, hypocrites, impostors, and the basest of men.” TPJS p. 206 

Are true messengers, sent from heaven, ever accepted, praised, or placed on coveted pedestals for public display? Do they ever receive special awards, earn high honors, have their names attached to buildings and engraved on granite, or accept recognition and praise from men? Or are they mocked, persecuted, reviled, and cast out by the non-repentant souls who attempt, against odds, to vilify their names, ignore the message of repentance, and deny the power of the Holy Ghost?

How can Church leaders in an absence of direct revelation possibly call repentance to Babylon, prophesy, declare warnings, curses, and blessings without Godly authority, teach the doctrine of Christ with power, and point souls to Christ, who is the One authorized to redeem mankind? Does the word of God spoken by prophets bend to worldly power, conform to popular opinion, and succumb to society? Or must the people humble themselves, repent of their sins, and surrender their will to God? What must we do to be saved and avoid damnation?

To be continued . . .