“Swear Unto Me by Thy Throat,” A Counterfeit City of Enoch

We are given a key to not being deceived in the last days by the translation of the Bible by Joseph Smith. It reads, “whoso treasureth up my word shall not be deceived” (JS-Matthew 1:37, JST Matthew 24:39).

So what has His word taught us about establishing truth?

The Lord has made it clear we are to use the scriptures to establish the truth of what any man or woman tells us to do, think or believe. We can judge out of those things which are written and we are entitled to multiple witnesses. These things keep us in the light of truth, never to be deceived. 

We read, “call on the holy prophets to prove his words, as they shall be given him [Joseph Smith]” (Doctrine and Covenants 35:23). 

We are also promised by the Lord that we shall be judged according to those things which are written; “25 For behold, out of the books which have been written, and which shall be written, shall this people be judged, for by them shall their works be known unto men.

26 And behold, all things are written by the Father; therefore out of the books which shall be written shall the world be judged” (3 Nephi 27:25-26). 

He tells us that by the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established (see Deut. 19:15; Matt. 18:16; 2 Cor. 13:1; Doctrine and Covenants 6:8; 128:3).

And, “whoso treasureth up my word shall not be deceived” (JS-Matthew 1:37, JST Matthew 24:39).

So, no matter who the person is, even if they are considered to be a prophet of the Lord, we must prove their words by the writings of the prophets, as stated by the Lord Himself (Doctrine and Covenants 35:23). The Lord also said there will be more than one witness to any truth in the books that are written (Deut. 19:15; Matt. 18:16; 2 Cor. 13:1; Doctrine and Covenants 6:8; 128:3). Without these checks and balances it is possible to be persuaded to believe in the philosophies of the devil. Great deceptions can put us one degree off in our quest to find and become like our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He has told us to become even as He is (3 Nephi 27:27). That only happens as we know the truth of Him and His commandments and then be as He is.

When Jesus Christ ministered in Jerusalem He used the scriptures to combat evil. Even though He was the author of the scriptures as He revealed His word and will to prophets, He still felt the need to use them to emphasize truth. When Satan came tempting Him He said over and over again, “It is written…” (Matthew 4:4, 6-7, 10). 

In the America’s when Jesus ministered to the people he expounded the scriptures (3 Nephi 23:6,14). He emphasized the need to study the words of Isaiah for “all things that he [Isaiah] spake have been and shall be” (3 Nephi 23:3). He commanded them to “search the prophets” (3 Nephi 23:5). He shares with them what Father told to Malachi (3 Nephi 24:1). These are the Old Testament prophets that He is commanding them to study even though He is coming with the new covenant and higher law. The Lord is making it clear that the words which He spake unto His servants was relevant then and now and that we ought to use them to find greater understanding and stay in the right way. 

Jesus Christ labored diligently while upon the earth to destroy the false traditions and beliefs of His day. He spoke the truth in love. Joseph Smith stated, “13 Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven—

14 These should then be attended to with great earnestness.

15 Let no man count them as small things; for there is much which lieth in futurity, pertaining to the saints, which depends upon these things” (Doctrine & Covenants 123:13-15). Jesus Christ and Joseph Smith were both murdered because they stood for the truth and exposed the lies and deceptions. Anytime in history when men or women stand up for truth they are persecuted and many times end up as martyrs. 

John shares so clearly why the truth often requires the life of the one willing to find and expose it. He said, “19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God” (John 3:19-21). A humble person is willing to discover more light and truth because they want all the truth so they can think and believe correctly and then live the truth. The proud believe they know all truth and there isn’t anything more they can learn and live (see 2 Nephi 28:24-32). 

In the Pearl of Great Price we learn of a great deception. It is a classic way in which the evil one deceives men and women. He sets up a counterfeit truth in opposition to the truth. Many times it is a lie that closely resembles the truth, but is a partial truth or a lie mixed in with truth. In the days of Cain two cities were created. One city practices all manner of evil and the other lives the gospel of Jesus Christ, to the point that Jesus comes and dwells amongst them and takes their city into heaven. One is called the City of Enoch and the other is called the City of Zion, or the City of Enoch. One is founded by Cain and the other by Enoch who was translated into heaven (Moses 5:42; Moses 7:18-21). Cain had a son named Enoch and he called the city after the name of his son. In the footnote to verse 42 it reads, “There was a man named Enoch in Cain’s lineage, and a city by that name among his people. Do not confuse these with the Enoch of the righteous line of Seth and with his city, Zion, also called the “City of Enoch.”

We have the scriptures that tell us what things were taking place in the City of Enoch and the City of Zion. 

In the counterfeit City of Enoch we learn they practiced secret oaths between Satan and men. They swore their very lives in these oaths. They bound themselves to secrecy. They swore by the living God. They did these things to get gain. The Book of Moses states,

“...they loved Satan more than God. 

And Satan said unto Cain: Swear unto me by thy throat, and if thou tell it thou shalt die; and swear thy brethren by their heads, and by the living God, that they tell it not; for if they tell it, they shall surely die; and this that thy father may not know it; and this day I will deliver thy brother Abel into thine hands.
And Satan sware unto Cain that he would do according to his commands. And all these things were done in secret.
And Cain said: Truly I am Mahan, the master of this great secret, that I may murder and get gain. Wherefore Cain was called Master Mahan, and he gloried in his wickedness” (Moses 5:28-31).

I’ve always wondered why a person who loves Satan more than God would swear by the living God. We also see in these verses how Satan’s way is force, manipulation, intimidation, fear and coercion. If you break the oath, then you will die physically. 

We also read that in the wicked city of Enoch plural wives were being taken and homosexuality practiced. We read, 

“And Lamech took unto himself two wives; the name of one being Adah, and the name of the other, Zillah. 

And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah: Hear my voice, ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech; for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt.
If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech shall be seventy and seven fold;
For Lamech having entered into a covenant with Satan, after the manner of Cain, wherein he became Master Mahan, master of that great secret which was administered unto Cain by Satan; and Irad, the son of Enoch, having known their secret, began to reveal it unto the sons of Adam;
Wherefore Lamech, being angry, slew him, not like unto Cain, his brother Abel, for the sake of getting gain, but he slew him for the oath’s sake.
For, from the days of Cain, there was a secret combination, and their works were in the dark, and they knew every man his brother.
Wherefore the Lord cursed Lamech, and his house, and all them that had covenanted with Satan; for they kept not the commandments of God, and it displeased God, and he ministered not unto them, and their works were abominations, and began to spread among all the sons of men. And it was among the sons of men” (Moses 5:44, 47-52).

We have another witness in the Book of Mormon, testifying of the wickedness and abominations of these secret oaths. These were entered into the same way. Here is the account that Moroni gives us in the Book of Ether, “And it came to pass that they all sware unto him, by the God of heaven, and also by the heavens, and also by the earth, and by their heads, that whoso should vary from the assistance which Akish desired should lose his head; and whoso should divulge whatsoever thing Akish made known unto them, the same should lose his life” (Ether 8:14). 

Moroni gives us additional light upon why these secret oaths are entered into and how God feels about it and what we should do about it. “

In contrast to the City of Enoch, the Lord created Zion through Enoch, the son of Jared. In contrast to doing things in secret, Enoch spoke in plainness to the people. He shared he saw a vision, that the Lord spoke with him and commanded him to share these things (Moses 6:40-42). 

In contrast to secret oaths, swearing by their throats and by the living God, they entered covenants with God in the open sight of all people. The baptismal covenant was entered into in the light, not in secret (Moses 6:52).

Enoch taught them to use their agency to choose to repent and keep the commandments (Moses 6:50-52, 56). He taught repentance freely to all their children (Moses 6:57-62).

As you read about Enoch and those things practiced there that were passed down from the righteous fathers, note those things that are in contrast to the wicked city of Enoch and those things that are done the same. 

27 And he heard a voice from heaven, saying: Enoch, my son, prophesy unto this people, and say unto them—Repent, for thus saith the Lord: I am angry with this people, and my fierce anger is kindled against them; for their hearts have waxed hard, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes cannot see afar off;

28 And for these many generations, ever since the day that I created them, have they gone astray, and have denied me, and have sought their own counsels in the dark; and in their own abominations have they devised murder, and have not kept the commandments, which I gave unto their father, Adam.

29 Wherefore, they have foresworn themselves, and, by their oaths, they have brought upon themselves death; and a hell I have prepared for them, if they repent not;

30 And this is a decree, which I have sent forth in the beginning of the world, from my own mouth, from the foundation thereof, and by the mouths of my servants, thy fathers, have I decreed it, even as it shall be sent forth in the world, unto the ends thereof.

31 And when Enoch had heard these words, he bowed himself to the earth, before the Lord, and spake before the Lord, saying: Why is it that I have found favor in thy sight, and am but a lad, and all the people hate me; for I am slow of speech; wherefore am I thy servant?

32 And the Lord said unto Enoch: Go forth and do as I have commanded thee, and no man shall pierce thee. Open thy mouth, and it shall be filled, and I will give thee utterance, for all flesh is in my hands, and I will do as seemeth me good.

33 Say unto this people: Choose ye this day, to serve the Lord God who made you.

34 Behold my Spirit is upon you, wherefore all thy words will I justify; and the mountains shall flee before you, and the rivers shall turn from their course; and thou shalt abide in me, and I in you; therefore walk with me.

35 And the Lord spake unto Enoch, and said unto him: Anoint thine eyes with clay, and wash them, and thou shalt see. And he did so.

36 And he beheld the spirits that God had created; and he beheld also things which were not visible to the natural eye; and from thenceforth came the saying abroad in the land: A seer hath the Lord raised up unto his people.

37 And it came to pass that Enoch went forth in the land, among the people, standing upon the hills and the high places, and cried with a loud voice, testifying against their works; and all men were offended because of him.

38 And they came forth to hear him, upon the high places, saying unto the tent-keepers: Tarry ye here and keep the tents, while we go yonder to behold the seer, for he prophesieth, and there is a strange thing in the land; a wild man hath come among us.

39 And it came to pass when they heard him, no man laid hands on him; for fear came on all them that heard him; for he walked with God.

40 And there came a man unto him, whose name was Mahijah, and said unto him: Tell us plainly who thou art, and from whence thou comest?

41 And he said unto them: I came out from the land of Cainan, the land of my fathers, a land of righteousness unto this day. And my father taught me in all the ways of God.

42 And it came to pass, as I journeyed from the land of Cainan, by the sea east, I beheld a vision; and lo, the heavens I saw, and the Lord spake with me, and gave me commandment; wherefore, for this cause, to keep the commandment, I speak forth these words.

43 And Enoch continued his speech, saying: The Lord which spake with me, the same is the God of heaven, and he is my God, and your God, and ye are my brethren, and why counsel ye yourselves, and deny the God of heaven?

44 The heavens he made; the earth is his footstool; and the foundation thereof is his. Behold, he laid it, an host of men hath he brought in upon the face thereof.

45 And death hath come upon our fathers; nevertheless we know them, and cannot deny, and even the first of all we know, even Adam.

46 For a book of remembrance we have written among us, according to the pattern given by the finger of God; and it is given in our own language.

47 And as Enoch spake forth the words of God, the people trembled, and could not stand in his presence.

48 And he said unto them: Because that Adam fell, we are; and by his fall came death; and we are made partakers of misery and woe.

49 Behold Satan hath come among the children of men, and tempteth them to worship him; and men have become carnal, sensual, and devilish, and are shut out from the presence of God.

50 But God hath made known unto our fathers that all men must repent.

51 And he called upon our father Adam by his own voice, saying: I am God; I made the world, and men before they were in the flesh.

52 And he also said unto him: If thou wilt turn unto me, and hearken unto my voice, and believe, and repent of all thy transgressions, and be baptized, even in water, in the name of mine Only Begotten Son, who is full of grace and truth, which is Jesus Christ, the only name which shall be given under heaven, whereby salvation shall come unto the children of men, ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, asking all things in his name, and whatsoever ye shall ask, it shall be given you.

53 And our father Adam spake unto the Lord, and said: Why is it that men must repent and be baptized in water? And the Lord said unto Adam: Behold I have forgiven thee thy transgression in the Garden of Eden.

54 Hence came the saying abroad among the people, that the Son of God hath atoned for original guilt, wherein the sins of the parents cannot be answered upon the heads of the children, for they are whole from the foundation of the world.

55 And the Lord spake unto Adam, saying: Inasmuch as thy children are conceived in sin, even so when they begin to grow up, sin conceiveth in their hearts, and they taste the bitter, that they may know to prize the good.

56 And it is given unto them to know good from evil; wherefore they are agents unto themselves, and I have given unto you another law and commandment.

57 Wherefore teach it unto your children, that all men, everywhere, must repent, or they can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God, for no unclean thing can dwell there, or dwell in his presence; for, in the language of Adam, Man of Holiness is his name, and the name of his Only Begotten is the Son of Man, even Jesus Christ, a righteous Judge, who shall come in the meridian of time.

58 Therefore I give unto you a commandment, to teach these things freely unto your children, saying:

59 That by reason of transgression cometh the fall, which fall bringeth death, and inasmuch as ye were born into the world by water, and blood, and the spirit, which I have made, and so became of dust a living soul, even so ye must be born again into the kingdom of heaven, of water, and of the Spirit, and be cleansed by blood, even the blood of mine Only Begotten; that ye might be sanctified from all sin, and enjoy the words of eternal life in this world, and eternal life in the world to come, even immortal glory;

60 For by the water ye keep the commandment; by the Spirit ye are justified, and by the blood ye are sanctified;

61 Therefore it is given to abide in you; the record of heaven; the Comforter; the peaceable things of immortal glory; the truth of all things; that which quickeneth all things, which maketh alive all things; that which knoweth all things, and hath all power according to wisdom, mercy, truth, justice, and judgment.

62 And now, behold, I say unto you: This is the plan of salvation unto all men, through the blood of mine Only Begotten, who shall come in the meridian of time.

63 And behold, all things have their likeness, and all things are created and made to bear record of me, both things which are temporal, and things which are spiritual; things which are in the heavens above, and things which are on the earth, and things which are in the earth, and things which are under the earth, both above and beneath: all things bear record of me.

64 And it came to pass, when the Lord had spoken with Adam, our father, that Adam cried unto the Lord, and he was caught away by the Spirit of the Lord, and was carried down into the water, and was laid under the water, and was brought forth out of the water.

65 And thus he was baptized, and the Spirit of God descended upon him, and thus he was born of the Spirit, and became quickened in the inner man.

66 And he heard a voice out of heaven, saying: Thou art baptized with fire, and with the Holy Ghost. This is the record of the Father, and the Son, from henceforth and forever;

67 And thou art after the order of him who was without beginning of days or end of years, from all eternity to all eternity.

68 Behold, thou art one in me, a son of God; and thus may all become my sons. Amen” (Moses 6:27-68).

Moroni gives us additional light as to why these secret oaths arise, how God feels about them and what we are to do about them when we discover them amongst us in our day. 

“15 And it came to pass that thus they did agree with Akish. And Akish did administer unto them the oaths which were given by them of old who also sought power, which had been handed down even from Cain, who was a murderer from the beginning.

16 And they were kept up by the power of the devil to administer these oaths unto the people, to keep them in darkness, to help such as sought power to gain power, and to murder, and to plunder, and to lie, and to commit all manner of wickedness and whoredoms.

17 And it was the daughter of Jared who put it into his heart to search up these things of old; and Jared put it into the heart of Akish; wherefore, Akish administered it unto his kindred and friends, leading them away by fair promises to do whatsoever thing he desired.

18 And it came to pass that they formed a secret combination, even as they of old; which combination is most abominable and wicked above all, in the sight of God;

19 For the Lord worketh not in secret combinations, neither doth he will that man should shed blood, but in all things hath forbidden it, from the beginning of man.

20 And now I, Moroni, do not write the manner of their oaths and combinations, for it hath been made known unto me that they are had among all people, and they are had among the Lamanites.

21 And they have caused the destruction of this people of whom I am now speaking, and also the destruction of the people of Nephi.

22 And whatsoever nation shall uphold such secret combinations, to get power and gain, until they shall spread over the nation, behold, they shall be destroyed; for the Lord will not suffer that the blood of his saints, which shall be shed by them, shall always cry unto him from the ground for vengeance upon them and yet he avenge them not.

23 Wherefore, O ye Gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these things should be shown unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you, which are built up to get power and gain—and the work, yea, even the work of destruction come upon you, yea, even the sword of the justice of the Eternal God shall fall upon you, to your overthrow and destruction if ye shall suffer these things to be.

24 Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you; or wo be unto it, because of the blood of them who have been slain; for they cry from the dust for vengeance upon it, and also upon those who built it up.

25 For it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries; and it bringeth to pass the destruction of all people, for it is built up by the devil, who is the father of all lies; even that same liar who beguiled our first parents, yea, even that same liar who hath caused man to commit murder from the beginning; who hath hardened the hearts of men that they have murdered the prophets, and stoned them, and cast them out from the beginning.

26 Wherefore, I, Moroni, am commanded to write these things that evil may be done away, and that the time may come that Satan may have no power upon the hearts of the children of men, but that they may be persuaded to do good continually, that they may come unto the fountain of all righteousness and be saved” (Ether 8:15-26).

In our quest to come to know God and become like Him, we will have questions come to our minds and hearts. As we go to the source of truth we may come to know the truth of all things by the power of the Holy Ghost (Moroni 10:5). 

“Learn the Truth, Act in Faith in Christ Unto Repentance, and Share the Resulting Joy”

It’s interesting to me how crucial witnesses are. In Helaman 5 Nephi and Lehi are encircled by fire. As the Lamanites cried unto the voice, they received faith in Christ. They also are encircled by fire and angels came down from heaven and ministered unto them. They are bidden to go forth, marvel not and doubt not. They go forth ministering to the all the people, declaring throughout all the regions round about all the things which they had heard and seen insomuch that the more part of the Lamanites were convinced because of the evidences they had received. They received a testimony. Now, how did their testimony lead to conversion? We know that their testimonies grew because they acted in faith. After they were convinced of the truth they laid down their weapons of war and also their hatred and the traditions of their fathers. They even yielded up the lands of their possession (Helaman 5:50-52).  In Helaman 6:1-5 we learn that they were righteous, were converted and exhorted others to faith and repentance. They preached with power and authority.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has focused on a spiritual pattern lately, “Learn, Act and Share.” This seems to be the pattern here as well. The Lamanites learned the truth because of the many witnesses given them. Then they act in faith in Christ by repenting (changing their behavior) by laying down their weapons of war, their hatred and their false traditions of their fathers. Then they go forth and share the joy of their conversion and invite others to act in faith unto repentance and enjoy the same joys they have experienced.       

Because this is the path unto greater joy and becoming like Jesus Christ and our Father, we can be assured that unless we are perfect we will continually follow this pattern. I believe if we are truly humble then we will always be in these three phases of development. We will be sharing with others the joy we’ve received from the portions of light and truth we have obtained and our resultant repentance. We will also realize that since we have not arrived in God’s continued presence then He is using other witnesses to share with us the next level of learning that we might act in greater faith unto repentance and receive more joy in our lives. Each step requires us to do as these things the Lamanites did; lay down more weapons of war, let go of hatred and let go of false traditions that we are engaged in. This process takes work. Eventually we will see as we are seen and know as we are known as we receive the complete light of Jesus Christ into our lives. Each step takes faith to leave the plateau we are on and those that are on the same plateau will surely fight against us leaving their company. This creates the opposition that we learn is requisite in all levels of righteousness (2 Nephi 2:11).  Then as we are hated for loving light and truth and acting according to our additional light and knowledge we have the opportunity to let go of hate and anger that we may be tempted to have for those that persecute against us, speak all manner of evil about us and fight against us. We learn greater love, the perfect charity that Christ has as He went through the same tests with perfect love. He loved all those that sought to kill Him.

God’s ways are perfect. His plan is perfect. Every step of the way He is involved. I’m grateful for the witnesses He has sent me to testify of more light and truth. I’m grateful for the grace of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as I wrestle to let go of anything that holds me back from His continual presence. I’m grateful for His mercy as I complete each phase of repentance. I have felt the justice appeased by His suffering and felt the redeeming power of His love. I have felt clasped in the arms of His love.

I’m grateful that I then have the opportunity to share this love with others. As I do, I notice that the Spirit testifies to the truthfulness of what I’m saying and then I also recognize that He sends more messengers to me to lift me to greater light, knowledge and repentance that I may be encircled about in His arms of love again and again. The pattern is real. I pray that I will never say, “A Bible, a Bible, I have a Bible,” or “A Book of Mormon, a Book of Mormon, I have a Book of Mormon,” but that I will always be desiring greater light and knowledge from the Lord. We know that if we truly receive the Book of Mormon He will give us more (3 Nephi 26:9). I testify of these truths in the holy name of Jesus Christ.                    

During the Test, the Teacher is Silent

My family and I heard a phrase on a movie recently and it rang true. It was something like this, “the teacher is silent during the test.” It was in the film, “God’s Not Dead 2.” The woman in the movie, a high school teacher, is standing up for truth in the face of great opposition. She is pleading with the Lord for some assurances and guidance. She feels abandoned. At the time her father is living with her and she tells him that she feels like God is silent with her right now and how she longs to feel close to Him again. He gives her this great counsel. He said something to the effect, “out of all people, you should know, during the test the teacher is silent.” He nailed it. I have witnessed the truth of this principle.

Jesus Christ is THE witness of this principle. He said, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?“ (Matthew 27:46). He really felt abandoned. He wasn’t faking it and hoping for self pity. He is a God of truth and when He said, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” It is because Father had left Him. He had to withdraw His spirit and influence and love that the Son might become perfectly good, independently good, independently full of all light and truth. He was good regardless of any other influence in His life. During the greatest test one could ever endure, He went through it alone. He had to go through it alone. It shouldn’t surprise us that during our greatest tests of faith and courage our Teacher is silent, that we might know who we really are.

The Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ - 3 Nephi 16:10

When Jesus Christ came to the American continent, He told the house of Israel many things that the Father commanded Him to say. A verse that is of particular importance to us, the Gentiles, is found in 3 Nephi 16:10. It reads,

“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.”

This verse is a prophecy given to the house of Israel from the Father through the Son. It is packed with information of the last days, our day. We need to break this verse down to understand its implications fully and be able to make sure we don’t fall into the pitfalls it mentions.

First, “thus commandeth the Father that I should say unto you…” Jesus Christ shares all things the Father commands Him to share. Do we do that? This is an important topic. One I’ve considered much and wondered if I fully understand and apply properly.

When the Father Commands, Do It!

There are examples in the scriptures over and over again of men and women sharing with the people the words given to them from Father, Jesus Christ or from heavenly messengers. Starting in the very beginning of the Book of Mormon, Lehi shared those things communicated unto Him from the Lord (1 Nephi 1:18, 2:1). Because of this the Jews sought to kill him (1 Nephi 1:20). Nephi repeatedly shares the words that the angel of the Lord spake unto him when he was caught away in the Spirit of the Lord (1 Nephi 11-14). King Benjamin shared the words given him from an angel (Mosiah 3:1-4). Abish urged her people to believe in the power of God because of a vision communicated to her father from the Lord (Alma 19:16-17). And the ultimate example was Jesus Christ. Because He lived like His Father (John 5:19) and spoke the truths the Father gave Him, the Jews killed Him (John 3:19-21).

I could share many more examples in scripture of people being given the words to share or actions to take directly from Father, Jesus Christ or heavenly messengers. There is no other authority needed then a direct command from the divine. Here, in 3 Nephi 16:10, Jesus shares with us that Father commanded Him to say these things unto the people, and so He did.

To package this principle of light into a simple phrase we might say, “when the Lord commands, do it.” We need no other authority than God telling us to do something. The scriptures are full of records of great men and women who acted according to the word of the Lord communicated to them, no matter the consequences.

Gentiles

The second phrase is, “At that day when the Gentiles shall sin against my gospel, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel,...” This is packed with important words and prophecies. We first need to look at who He is referring to as Gentiles before we can make sense of the rest of this phrase and verse.

In the Bible Dictionary we are given a lot of insight about who the Gentiles are. Reading through the index in the back of the Book of Mormon under “Gentile,” and going to the verses cited in the index brings a lot of light as to whom the Book of Mormon is referring to when it uses the word, “Gentile.”

The Bible Dictionary says this, “The word Gentiles means “the nations” and eventually came to be used to mean all those not of the house of Israel. It is first used in Genesis with reference to the descendants of Japheth (Gen. 10:2–5). As used throughout the scriptures it has a dual meaning, sometimes to designate peoples of non-Israelite lineage and other times to designate nations that are without the gospel, even though there may be some Israelite blood therein. This latter usage is especially characteristic of the word as used in the Book of Mormon.”

To add emphasis to the latter usage addressed in the Bible Dictionary, we can look at Joseph Smith. It was said that he was a pure Ephraimite and yet the Book of Mormon clearly states that the Book of Mormon will come forth through the Gentiles (“Of the House of Israel,” Ludlow, Ensign, January 1991).

The title page of the Book of Mormon, written by Moroni, helps us understand who the Gentiles are according to the Book of Mormon. It relates that the Book of Mormon was written as a record of the Lamanites and Nephites and that it was, “...Written to the Lamanites, who are a remnant of the house of Israel; and also to Jew and Gentile...hid up unto the Lord, to come forth in due time by way of the Gentile...And also to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations” (Title page to the Book of Mormon). This confirms that “Gentile” is referring to “non” Jew and that Joseph Smith Jr. would be of “Gentile” blood. Joseph was an Ephraimite, of the house of Israel, but also a “Gentile,” because he was not considered a Jew. This can be confusing but as one reads the Book of Mormon with this understanding, the prophecies and declarations become very valuable to us, the Gentiles.

America is full of the blood of “many nations.” This promised land was settled by “the nations” of the world. Ephraim was to receive the gospel and be charged with the duty to take the gospel to all the world. In the “Guide to the Scriptures,” it states, “Ephraim was given the birthright in Israel (1 Chr. 5:1–2; Jer. 31:9). In the last days their privilege and responsibility is to bear the priesthood, take the message of the restored gospel to the world, and raise an ensign to gather scattered Israel (Isa. 11:12–13; 2 Ne. 21:12–13). The children of Ephraim will crown with glory those from the north countries who return in the last days (D&C 133:26–34).” (See https://www.lds.org/scriptures/gs/ephraim/the-stick-of-ephraim-or-joseph).

Under, “Gentile,” in the Index to the Triple Combination, it becomes very clear that the gospel was to be brought forth through the Gentiles to the Gentiles and that we are the Gentiles (see https://www.lds.org/scriptures/triple-index/gentile?lang=eng&letter=G).

One more evidence from the dedication of the Kirtland temple in Doctrine and Covenants 109, the dedication prayer given by revelation to Joseph Smith Jr. He said, “Now these words, O Lord, we have spoken before thee, concerning the revelations and commandments which thou hast given unto us, who are identified with the Gentiles“ (Doctrine and Covenants 109:60).

At That Day

Now that we’ve established who the Gentiles are, let’s look at the phrase, “at that day.” This phrase is used so often in scripture that I won’t take the time to spell out every instance it is used, but rather I will mention that it is used often to point to an end-time scenario in the history of the earth leading up to the second coming of the Lord. In my understanding, the Lord uses this phrase in this verse to add emphasis to the timing of when the Gentiles will reject the fulness of the gospel. He says, “At that day when the Gentiles shall sin against my gospel, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel” (3 Nephi 16:10). We, the the gentiles, in the last days have taken the gospel to many nations, yet the gospel has been rejected in large measure. Not only have the nations of the world rejected the gospel but we, the Gentiles-the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have also rejected much of His gospel. This will develop later through the Book of Mormon and latter-day revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants.

In 3 Nephi 16:4-15, the pattern is the gospel will come forth through the believing Gentiles to the unbelieving house of Israel. Then the gospel will be rejected by the Gentiles and be given back to the house of Israel, the Nephites and Lamanites in this covenant land. There is a caveat for any of the remnant of the Gentiles that do repent and return unto Him. If they do, they can be numbered among His people of the house of Israel (3 Nephi 16:13).

This same pattern happened in the old world but in reverse. The gospel was given to the Jews and then to the Gentiles (Romans 1:16). Jesus took His gospel to the Jews but then He was rejected by them and then caused the gospel to be taken to the Gentiles. Remember Peter being commanded to now take the gospel to Cornelius (Acts 10). The door was opened to any that received the Holy Ghost, to covenant with God and be baptized and come into the fold of God.

All through history this pattern is fixed. There is a believing group. They are given the gospel. They become hardened and fall into unbelief. The gospel is then taken from among them and given to another. This happened with the Jews before the time of Christ too. Lehi lived in 600 BC. The Jews had had the gospel and left Egypt with Moses. They came to the promised land in Israel and were blessed with the covenant blessings of the Fathers; land, posterity, prosperity, and the priesthood (an Aaronic Priesthood level) but by the time Lehi came on the scene, they had apostatized from the true gospel. Thus, there were many prophets in the land prophesying and telling the people to repent or Jerusalem would be destroyed (1 Nephi 1:4). Lehi’s remnant believed and were brought out from among the unbelieving Jews and sent to America. They were of the house of Israel. This same house of Israel that is the audience Jesus is speaking to in 3 Nephi 16. Jesus is telling them they will be unbelieving and in a state of apostasy and then the believing Gentiles will bring the gospel to them. But, they will repent and the Gentiles will fall away and depart from the truth.

It’s really remarkable. It’s the pride cycle spoken of over and over again in the Book of Mormon. It happens at a macro level for nations or groups of people and at a micro level for families and individuals. The bottom line is to be believing, repent and come unto Christ and be perfected in Him.

So, are we in “that day.” Are we, the Gentiles, falling into a state of unbelief and apostasy, rejecting the fulness of His gospel? This brings us to the phrase, “...when the Gentiles shall sin against my gospel, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel…” To know if we have, we must dissect the gospel. What is His gospel?

The Gospel

When Jesus visited the house of Israel in America, this is what He said His gospel was,

“Behold I have given unto you my gospel, and this is the gospel which I have given unto you--that I came into the world to do the will of my Father, because my Father sent me. And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me...that whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name shall be filled; and if he endureth to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless before my Father at that day when I shall stand to judge the world...And no unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his rest save it be those who have washed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end...Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day. Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do; for that which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do; Therefore, if ye do these things blessed are ye, for ye shall be lifted up at the last day” (3 Nephi 27:13-22).

“And this is the gospel, the glad tidings, which the voice out of the heavens bore record unto us--
That he came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness;
That through him all might be saved whom the Father had put into his power and made by him;
Who glorifies the Father, and saves all the works of his hands, except those sons of perdition who deny the Son after the Father has revealed him” (Doctrine and Covenants 76:40-43).

So, the gospel is this process of sanctification that cometh through the atonement of Jesus Christ and the reception of the Holy Ghost. As we exercise faith in Jesus Christ and His power to cleanse us, we repent, we change. We are baptized and lay down our old life in the grave and arise a new creature unto Christ. Then we receive the Holy Ghost. As we receive the Holy Ghost we are sanctified and purged from darkness. Jesus pays the debt and releases us from the demands of justice and then the reception of the Holy Ghost purges the darkness out of us. As we enter into this process over and over again of coming unto him, we have our weakness revealed to us (Ether 12:27). We exercise faith in Christ again and repent and recommit to live the new life again in Christ that we just discovered by coming unto Him again. This formally happens at the sacrament when we are cleansed as we’ve given up more sins to know Him (Alma 22:18). We see more and more darkness as we continually come unto Him. At that point we choose if we will deny Him or come unto Him and enter the work of changing or repenting. We either hate the light and turn away from Christ, or we love the light, come to the light and change and become one with the Light and Truth of the world (John 3:19-21).

This is the gospel! It is simple to understand but difficult to truly love light and truth to the point that we give up everything of this world for it. In other words, we love Jesus and His goodness more than we love all the worldly lusts of the flesh and the pride of this telestial world. We give all our sins to know Him and give up every relationship necessary to do His will (see Alma 22:15, 18; Luke 14:26-27).

The Doctrine of Christ

Eventually this path is literally what He says it is, a path of coming unto Him. In a great discourse by Nephi he discloses beautifully what the doctrine of Christ truly is. I believe the doctrine of Christ and His gospel are basically synonymous or at least the end of each has the same purpose, to enter into the rest of the Lord. He gives more details about this process we just discussed.

He talks about entering the gate of baptism and the way, receiving the Holy Ghost, hearing the voice of the Son and then the voice of the Father. These words are a feast unto us and tell us all things we should do and as we receive all His words then we receive the Holy Ghost and the Holy Ghost shows us all things we should do (2 Nephi 32:3-5; 2 Nephi 31-32). Then we come to this concluding statement before Nephi says the Spirit stoppeth his utterance (2 Nephi 32:7). He says, “Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and there will be no more doctrine given until after he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh. And when he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh, the things which he shall say unto you shall ye observe to do” (2 Nephi 32:6). For most of my life I read through that verse without giving it much thought. It has now become a pearl to me. That is powerful and that is the true doctrine of Christ!

The Fulness of His Gospel

In Doctrine and Covenants we learn more about the fulness of His gospel and where to find it. It reads, “And there are none that doeth good except those who are ready to receive the fulness of my gospel, which I have sent forth unto this generation...And I have sent forth the fulness of my gospel by the hand of my servant Joseph; and in weakness have I blessed him;” (Doctrine and Covenants 35:12, 17). “And again, the elders, priests and teachers of this church shall teach the principles of my gospel, which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, in the which is the fulness of the gospel” (Doctrine and Covenants 42:12). So, the Bible and the Book of Mormon contain the fulness of the gospel. A few verses later reveals, “And all this ye shall observe to do as I have commanded concerning your teaching, until the fulness of my scriptures is given” (Doctrine and Covenants 42:15).

This is interesting. We are told the fulness of His gospel is found in the Bible and the Book of Mormon but then we are told that in the future the fulness of His scriptures will be given. This can cause some confusion. We keep reading, “Thou shalt ask, and my scriptures shall be given as I have appointed, and they shall be preserved in safety; And it is expedient that thou shouldst hold thy peace concerning them, and not teach them until ye have received them in full [again, a future event]. And I give unto you a commandment that then ye shall teach them unto all men; for they shall be taught unto all nations, kindreds, tongues and people. Thou shalt take the things which thou hast received, which have been given unto thee in my scriptures for a law, to be my law to govern my church; And he that doeth according to these things shall be saved, and he that doeth them not shall be damned if he so continue. If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things--that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal” (Doctrine and Covenants 42:56-61). So, in a future date these saints would have the fulness of the scriptures. Then in verse 61 we learn that we should keep seeking revelation upon revelation and we would receive that which bringeth joy and life eternal.

This section 42 was given in February 9 and 23 of 1831. Later on March 7, 1831, in section 45 of the Doctrine and Covenants, we learn more of what the Lord is saying when He says the fulness of scripture will come in a future time. In Doctrine and Covenants 45:60-61, the Lord has just referred to the parable of the 10 virgins and then He says, “And now, behold, I say unto you, it shall not be given unto you to know any further concerning this chapter, until the New Testament be translated, and in it all these things shall be made known; Wherefore I give unto you that ye may now translate it, that ye may be prepared for the things to come.” This whole section has been about the signs and wonders preceding His second coming. So, in order to help us prepare further, He tells us that Joseph is to translate the New Testament. This translation is called the Joseph Smith Translation. To learn more about this translation you can hear about it here in this article by Bruce R. McConkie, https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/bruce-r-mcconkie_joseph-smith-translation-doctrinal-restoration/. Some in the church today don’t even know there is a Joseph Smith Translation. This is not by accident. The adversary doesn’t want us to have a fulness of scripture.

Times of the Gentiles

Let’s look at the prophecy of the Lord again, “At that day when the Gentiles shall sin against my gospel, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel…”. Now compare that to a few words later in the verse, “...and if they shall do all those things, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel…” (3 Nephi 16:10).

“When” implies the Gentiles shall sin against His gospel and shall reject the fulness of His gospel. In other words, we shall not desire to come unto Christ and do the will of Father and we shall not know or live according the fulness of the gospel found in the Joseph Smith translation of the Bible nor in the Book of Mormon. And since many reject these things then they definitely would not ask to, “receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things--that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal” (Doctrine and Covenants 42:56-61).

Now look at “if”. “If” implies that the Gentiles might reject the gospel and might reject the fulness. So, which is it? Is the prophecy that the Gentiles “will” or “if”. The pattern that we discussed gives us some clues. We discussed above that a group is given the gospel, they live it for a time and then reject it and it is given to another group. There is a remnant of the original group that continues to believe and live the gospel. As we discussed, the Jews were given the gospel and then as a whole group rejected it. Remnants were led away from the whole. Lehi was led out from among the Jews in Jerusalem and so were the Mulekites. Mulek was the son of King Zedekiah of Judah. The gospel was taken from them and given to the Gentiles. The time of the Jews having a fulness came to an end but a remnant retained the gospel.

It appears that our Lord is saying the same thing of the Gentiles, that they will receive the fulness of the gospel and then a majority will reject it. In Doctrine and Covenants and the Book of Mormon Jesus reveals, “And when the times of the Gentiles is come in, a light shall break forth among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the fulness of my gospel; But they receive it not; for they perceive not the light, and they turn their hearts from me because of the precepts of men. And in that generation shall the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled” (Doctrine and Covenants 45:28-30). “Behold, because of their belief in me, saith the Father, and because of the unbelief of you, O house of Israel, in the latter day shall the truth come unto the Gentiles, that the fulness of these things shall be made known unto them. But wo, saith the Father, unto the unbelieving of the Gentiles...At that day when the Gentiles shall sin against my gospel, and shall reject the fulness of my gospel” (3 Nephi 16:7-8,10). Two witnesses from the Lord that the Gentiles will receive and then reject His gospel.

The JST of Luke 21 gives us more understanding about the times of Gentiles. Jesus is speaking and He mentions this pattern of the gospel going to the house of Israel, in this case to the Jews, and then upon their rejection of the gospel, the gospel going to the Gentiles until they reject it. Here is what is said,

“And they [the Jews] shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. Now these things he spake unto them, concerning the destruction of Jerusalem. And then his disciples asked him, saying, Master, tell us concerning thy coming? And he answered them, and said, In the generation in which the times of the Gentiles shall be fulfilled, there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars…[many of the signs of the second coming are listed] So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. Verily I say unto you, this generation, the generation when the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled, shall not pass away till all be fulfilled...Let my disciples therefore take heed to themselves, lest at any time their hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day come upon them unawares” (JST Luke 21:23-34).

We have seen the great solar eclipse of the summer of 2017. Another eclipse will occur in 2024. The paths of both of these eclipses will make an “X” over the center place of Zion in Jackson County Missouri, over the center of the Gentile nation of the United States of America. The blood moons have recently made their great tetrad on the 4 great feast days of Passover, feast of tabernacles, Passover and feast of tabernacles, two years in a row, 2014-2015, on those days of significance to the Jews (see https://images.app.goo.gl/EMqqhyhvnwarjwEYA). The times of the Gentiles is coming to pass at the same time the Lord said it would. The Lord is warning the Jews and the Gentiles that now is the time to repent and come unto Him.

So, have we as Gentiles accepted the fulness of the gospel and the doctrine of Christ? Do we really believe the doctrine of Christ? Do I exercise faith unto repentance and unto Christ?

There is much we could discuss. Let’s consider a few verses and words of the prophets.

In Doctrine and Covenants 84 we read,

“And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received—
Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation.
And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all.
And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written—
That they may bring forth fruit meet for their Father’s kingdom; otherwise there remaineth a scourge and judgment to be poured out upon the children of Zion” (Doctrine and Covenants 84:54-58).

President Ezra Taft Benson said this,

“In 1829, the Lord warned the Saints that they are not to trifle with sacred things (see D&C 6:12). Surely the Book of Mormon is a sacred thing, and yet many trifle with it, or in other words, take it lightly, treat it as though it is of little importance.
In 1832, as some early missionaries returned from their fields of labor, the Lord reproved them for treating the Book of Mormon lightly. As a result of that attitude, he said, their minds had been darkened. Not only had treating this sacred book lightly brought a loss of light to themselves, it had also brought the whole Church under condemnation, even all the children of Zion. And then the Lord said, “And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon” (D&C 84:54–57).
Has the fact that we have had the Book of Mormon with us for over a century and a half made it seem less significant to us today? Do we remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon? In the Bible we have the Old Testament and the New Testament. The word testament is the English rendering of a Greek word that can also be translated as covenant. Is this what the Lord meant when He called the Book of Mormon the “new covenant”? It is indeed another testament or witness of Jesus. This is one of the reasons why we have recently added the words “Another Testament of Jesus Christ” to the title of the Book of Mormon.
If the early Saints were rebuked for treating the Book of Mormon lightly, are we under any less condemnation if we do the same? The Lord Himself bears testimony that it is of eternal significance. Can a small number of us bring the whole Church under condemnation because we trifle with sacred things? What will we say at the Judgment when we stand before Him and meet His probing gaze if we are among those described as forgetting the new covenant?” (The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion, General Conference October 1986).

Now consider all the invitations the Presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have made to read the Book of Mormon. I can remember invitations from Presidents Benson, Hinckley, Monson, and Nelson to read the Book of Mormon. Surely the Lord isn’t satisfied that we have received this great witness of the Lord, Jesus Christ, and the pearls of truth that it teaches and the prophecies that are contained therein. Our minds are darkened until we embrace this witness.

Pondering upon this condemnation, let us consider a few more verses in 2 Nephi 28 of the Book of Mormon:

I went to cut and paste the most meaningful verses of that great chapter and I couldn’t do it. We have to read that full chapter and read it prayerfully and the Lord sheds tremendous light upon the humble soul as they do so.

Now consider Moroni’s warning and exhortation in Mormon chapters 8-9. So powerful! Mormon 8:23 is where Moroni invites us to search the words of Isaiah, just as the Savior did (3 Nephi 23:1-5). All these verses shared above and then studied and pondered diligently with 2 Nephi 28, Mormon 8-9 and Isaiah and all the prophets, create a beautiful tapestry to understand the Lord’s warning and invitation in 3 Nephi 16:10.

The Spirit will lead us along as we prayerfully consider these powerful verses preserved for us through the ages. By the power of the Holy Ghost we may know the truth of all things (Moroni 10:5).

Here are some additional scriptures that may be helpful to consider:

Doctrine and Covenants 18:3-5

Doctrine and Covenants 35:12, 17, 23

Doctrine and Covenants 45:57
***Doctrine and Covenants 109:60

JST Matthew 24:39; JS Matthew 1:37

JST Luke 11:53
1 Nephi 15;13-18

3 Nephi 26:8-11

2 Nephi 26-28

3 Nephi 20-23

In 3 Nephi 21, notice the shift of the gospel coming forth from the Gentiles unto the House of Israel and then from the House of Israel unto the Gentiles. The servant is involved as the gospel goes from the House of Israel unto the Gentiles.  
Mormon 8-9

Declare Your Witness

It’s wonderful how faith is shared and creates belief in others. When we declare the wonders of God, it helps encourage others to believe in God and His power. Jesus often taught that He could do no miracle because of unbelief or that they had so much faith that He could perform miracles for them. Our belief is a key element in receiving the miracles desired. As we share our witness of Him and His wonderful gifts, it helps others believe.

In Helaman 5 the wicked Lamanites had put Lehi and Nephi in prison. They were told by Aminadab, one who was once a believer, that if they cried unto the voice until they believed, the darkness would then be removed. They do and the darkness leaves and the Spirit comes and fills their souls with unspeakable joy and glory. They hear the voice of God, angels come down from heaven and minister unto them. Then after this glorious experience they are told to marvel not and not doubt. I’m assuming that means to not doubt that they had this wonderful experience. This is a common pattern. As soon as the Spirit leaves, the devil and his angels come to try and convince us that the marvelous experience we or someone just had didn’t happen. Moses 1 is a good example of this.

Then the record shares that they went forth, ministering to the people, declaring throughout all the regions round about the things which they had heard and seen. This convinced the majority of the Lamanites, because of the greatness of the evidences which they received. Those that believed laid down their weapons of war, their hatred, and the traditions of their fathers (Helaman 5:41-50). In other words, they repented.

When we declare our witness of the beautiful spiritual experiences we have, we help others exercise faith in Christ and repent and be filled with the love of God.

There is an evil tradition being passed down, that we ought not to share spiritual experiences. What would the scriptures or our journals look like if no one shared spiritual experiences? There would be no reason to read them for they would not increase faith in Christ and God’s plan for us. What would happen if Joseph Smith never shared seeing God, the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ? What would have happened to the Lamanites in the time of Helaman 5?

We have another witness of the power of sharing sacred, spiritual experiences with King Lamoni and his declaration after awakening from his slumber in Christ. When he awoke he declared, “I have seen my Redeemer…” (Alma 19:13). He bore this witness to those that had the same dark veil of unbelief as he had had a few moments before. After awakening and declaring his witness of the Lord, he and his wife and eventually their servants all sink down, being overpowered by the Spirit. When they awake they minister unto the people and declare that they had seen angels and conversed with them (Alma 19:12-14, 34). After hearing their witnesses the record states that many did believe in their words; and as many as did believe were baptized; and they did establish a church among them (Alma 19:35). They shared sacred, spiritual experiences to the unbelieving and that helped others increase their faith in Christ and believe.

I believe this evil tradition has developed because of misunderstanding the scriptures. In Alma 12:9 we are told, “It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall impart only according to the portion of his words which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him.”

The portion of His words that He has granted unto the children of men includes receiving the Spirit of the Lord, seeing angels, receiving the ministering of angels, healings, the gifts of the Spirit, hearing the voice of the Lord, hearing the voice of God, the Father, seeing Jesus and seeing Father. If we are allowed to share any spiritual experience that is in the scriptures, the way I believe Alma taught us in Alma 12:9, then let us open our mouths and see the same results that the lamanites experience in Helaman 5.

Please don’t believe the false tradition that we aren’t to share spiritual experiences. Unbelief and wickedness are the results; whereas, sharing spiritual experiences results in faith in Christ and God and repentance (Helaman 5:51).

In all things we should act under the influence of the Holy Ghost but I’d say our current culture has swung the pendulum way too far in the direction of NOT sharing spiritual experiences and look at the fruits. Many youth, children and adults are slipping away into forbidden paths.

May God bless us to proclaim His holy name and bear witness to the marvelous light and life that He offers as we come unto Him. This is my prayer.

”And Whoso Treasureth Up My Words, Shall Not Be Deceived,” (JST Matthew 24:39; JS Matthew 1:37)

“And whoso treasureth up my words, shall not be deceived” (JST Matthew 24:39; JS Matthew 1:37).

We learn that a republic is rule by law. A democracy is not really what our Constitutional government is based upon. Yes, leaders are voted on to take seats of governmental power by a majority vote, but they are chosen to enforce the law, interpret the law and create new law. The process to create new laws is tedious and difficult. There is a reason for this struggle. Righteous men must be sought after to fill these positions of power or the people will mourn for their wickedness. “Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil” (Doctrine and Covenants 98:10).

Law is what governs us. A majority cannot change truth. Law should equate to truth and if righteous men and women are in tune with truth, then they will use the law to the benefit of all. If they are not familiar with truth then they will twist the laws to reflect their own beliefs or they will change the laws to fit their belief systems. “When the wicked rule the people mourn” (Doctrine and Covenants 98:9).

Now look at what happened to the Nephites in the Book of Helaman. “Yea, they began to remember the prophecies of Alma, and also the words of Mosiah; and they saw that they had been a stiffnecked people, and that they had set at naught the commandments of God;
And that they had altered and trampled under their feet the laws of Mosiah, or that which the Lord commanded him to give unto the people; and they saw that their laws had become corrupted, and that they had become a wicked people, insomuch that they were wicked even like unto the Lamanites.
And because of their iniquity the church had begun to dwindle; and they began to disbelieve in the spirit of prophecy and in the spirit of revelation; and the judgments of God did stare them in the face.

And they saw that they had become weak, like unto their brethren, the Lamanites, and that the Spirit of the Lord did no more preserve them; yea, it had withdrawn from them because the Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples—
Therefore the Lord did cease to preserve them by his miraculous and matchless power, for they had fallen into a state of unbelief and awful wickedness; and they saw that the Lamanites were exceedingly more numerous than they, and except they should cleave unto the Lord their God they must unavoidably perish.
For behold, they saw that the strength of the Lamanites was as great as their strength, even man for man. And thus had they fallen into this great transgression; yea, thus had they become weak, because of their transgression, in the space of not many years” (Helaman 4:21-26).

This scripture speaks of the laws and prophecies given to Mosiah and Alma. The Lord set up the government for them to help them stay in the right way but they veered from the truth. Because of this, the church began to dwindle in unbelief. Now compare this to the Constitutional law that God gave us. “According to the laws and constitution of the people, which I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles;
That every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment.
Therefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another.
And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood” (Doctrine and Covenants 101:77-80).

God has given us the laws and prophecies to help us be a successful people. This is only done when we have the freedom to choose the course we will go. Notice the emphasis on using our moral agency to be accountable for our own sins, “That every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment” (Doctrine and Covenants 101:78).

Our laws have become corrupted and we are no longer permitted in many instances to act according to just and holy principles. As a whole we are becoming weak and we no longer believe in the spirit of revelation and prophecy. Just look at our tax law. When you are void of the spirit of the Lord you have to make a law for every circumstance you can possibly think of. The Lord’s law of finance is easy, 10%. The people are left to their own conscience to decide what that means and the Lord doesn’t have to spell out every possible exception. We are governed by the Spirit of the Lord.

This is no longer the case in our laws both as a nation and as a church. We keep wanting and needing more and more laws because we keep rejecting the laws established by God in the Constitution and those restored to us by the prophet Joseph Smith. We don’t need more programs. All we need is the word of the Lord.

Remember Lehi’s dream. Those that come to taste and feel the love of God are those that are governed by the word of God, “they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree” (1 Nephi 8:30). “And it came to pass that I beheld that the rod of iron, which my father had seen, was the word of God, which led to the fountain of living waters, or to the tree of life; which waters are a representation of the love of God; and I also beheld that the tree of life was a representation of the love of God” (1 Nephi 11:25). The word of God leads us to the love of God.

Look at the opposite approach. It is trusting in man or in the word of man. With every new man appointed to office comes new laws from his own preferred way of doing things. This leads to darkness. At the very beginning of the vision Lehi saw we read, “And it came to pass that I saw a man, and he was dressed in a white robe; and he came and stood before me.
And it came to pass that he spake unto me, and bade me follow him.
And it came to pass that as I followed him I beheld myself that I was in a dark and dreary waste” (1 Nephi 8:5-7). As he followed a man he found himself in a dark and dreary place. Notice the enticings of this man. He appears to be clean as he is dressed in a white robe. The man speaks unto him and bades him follow him. Notice he doesn’t bade him to follow the Savior but to follow him, a man.

Men and women of God will always invite us to come unto Christ, never to follow themselves. God our Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ will lead us to truth and joy. Nephi said, “O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. 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” (1 Nephi 4:34). “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 28:31).

We are promised by the Lord that we will be preserved, perfected and sanctified by holy laws of the celestial order. In the great section of 88 in the Doctrine and Covenants the Lord reveals to us, “that which is governed by law is also preserved by law and perfected and sanctified by the same” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:34).

If we are not governed by the laws of God, then we will be deceived. If we allow every man or woman that sits in a seat of power and authority, as they suppose, to dictate to us every new wind of doctrine that is of men or devils, we will be deceived. The Lord has warned, “Woe unto you, lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge, the fulness of the scriptures; ye enter not in yourselves into the kingdom; and those who were entering in, ye hindered” (JST Luke 11:53). And this great warning and blessing, “And whoso treasureth up my words, shall not be deceived” (JST Matthew 24:39; JS Matthew 1:37).

The nation and the church must learn the word of the Lord and then follow the word of the Lord, the laws of God. If we do not, then we will be cursed and be deceived. If we do, then we will come unto the love of God and be filled eternally by His love. Truth tastes good. The words of eternal life taste good. They fill our souls with joy. There is no fake substitute for it is clearly discerned by the Spirit of the Lord. By the power of the Holy Ghost we may know the truth of all things (Moroni 10:3-5).