How One Falls into Erroneous Beliefs

 Compare the secret combinations (conspiracies) in the Book of Mormon with what you see happening to these women in early LDS history. Lying, flattery and deceiving we’re all part of the program for Brigham and Heber. For a lack of knowledge their victims perished, as prophesied. 

https://youtu.be/fWD1XwVr6AA

Fear or faith. Fear doesn’t take the time or make the effort to find the truth. In fear, one won’t look at anything that will challenge their current perspective. The truth has nothing to fear. Faith has nothing to fear. The faithful want course correction. 

As I listened to this, I realized how Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball manipulated these women into thinking polygamy was from God is the same way the LDS church is still leading their people into captivity. Force, manipulation and coercion are the tactics of the evil one. 

Compare these verses of warning in the Book of Mormon (RE Ether 3:16-17; LDS Ether 8:11-19) with what you see reported by these women in church history. The prophetic Book of Mormon. A warning and promise for us in our day. 

By Their Fruits

 Another witness. The Lord taught, “by their fruits ye shall know them.” 

https://youtu.be/k3_Fhq7sEHo

Matthew 7:16-23 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

21 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.

22 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?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

The God of Truth Who Cannot Lie

 I’ve been stuck on this  phrase in Ether. Right after the brother of Jared sees the finger of the Lord the Lord says, “Believest thou the words which I shall speak? And he answered, Yea, Lord. I know that thou speakest the truth, for thou art a God of truth and canst not lie.”

That’s the phrase, “I know that thou speakest the truth, for thou art a God of truth and canst not lie.”

Ponder on that for a bit, I know that thou speakest the truth, for thou art a God of truth and canst not lie.

When God says you shall see his face and know that he lives, (D&C 93:1 and D&C 88:68 for starters) God is speaking truth. Do you believe him?

The record continues, “Because thou knowest these things, ye are redeemed from the Fall. Therefore, ye are brought back into my presence; therefore I shew myself unto you.” 

What things? Because thou knowers what things? That God is a god of truth and cannot lie, correct? 

If I’m understanding correctly, God is saying that once we really believe him and act in faith, then we will come back into his presence and be redeemed from the fall. If we really believe his words then our trust is completely in him and we will do all things according to his word. At that point we’ve learned the lessons of mortality and qualify to be redeemed. We qualify to rend the veil of unbelief and be brought back into his presence, face to face. That is beautiful! 

A few more thoughts here: https://youtu.be/Q2ubmtXIIYI

A Key to Revelation

Here is a key to revelation in the Lord’s interaction with the brother of Jared. Notice the request by the brother and then the Lord’s question back:

“Shew thyself unto me. And the Lord said unto him, Believest thou the words which I shall speak? And he answered, Yea, Lord. I know that thou speakest the truth, for thou art a God of truth and canst not lie” (RE Ether 1:12; LDS Ether 3:6-12). 

The Lord was willing to reveal himself to him IF, and only IF, the brother of Jared would believe what he would be taught. Remember Joseph Smith? He asked what church was the Lord’s that he might know which to join. If either servant wasn’t willing to believe and act, the Lord wouldn’t have given more light and truth. The revelation would have been to their condemnation. 

I testify that the Lord does and will answer the prayers of the sincere seeker. Someone who approaches him with a sincere heart, with real intent having faith in Christ alone, that person will receive light and truth if they are willing to believe and act on it.