Research to Help Discover the Truth of Plural Marriage

 I have done church history research on plural marriage from church approved resources and the source material from which they gathered their data. I have verified source documents and discovered errors in what is passed on to the general public. As I’ve stated before, I believe Joseph Smith Jr. was an honest and faithful man and practiced what he taught, monogamy and complete fidelity to one wife. The history of the church has been changed to create a narrative that Joseph introduced plural marriage and practiced it himself.

In your quest to know the truth, this research below may help you. I came across this about a month ago and found the presenter discovered many of the same source documents I had been led to and many more. He was very thorough in his presentation. I appreciated how he was able to show Joseph’s writings and how they were changed to make it look like he endorsed plural marriage.

Hopefully this may be of benefit to you as you verify the sources of what are used and then go to where the Lord leads you and to the holy scriptures. In the end, by the power of the Holy Ghost we will know the truth of all things (Moroni 10:5). Jesus taught in regard to knowing the truth and avoiding deception, “whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived...” (JS—Matthew 1:37).

I share these things to aid you in your study and with the hope that you will share those things you’ve discovered, whether in agreement or disagreement with the presented materials. The Lord reasons with us and encourages faithful questions. Faithful questions are questions to the Lord that are from a sincere heart, with real intent, and having faith in Christ (see Moroni 10:3-4). It involves individual work. It’s easy to trust in another and let them do the work, but like anything in life worth receiving, it takes a great deal of effort to individually ask, seek and find. As the old adage goes, “no pain, no gain.” 

I appreciate Joseph Smith’s heart in seeking truth. He said, “my object in going to enquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join” (JSH 1:18). We can know we are in a humble, receptive state, if we are willing to act on the answer no matter what it is, even if it contradicts our previous understanding. That is a hard state to get to. Sometimes we read or listen with the intent to disprove. That never creates an open mind and heart. It is described in scripture as a hard heart and a mind that is blinded. 

I pray for all of us as we seek the truth and to act on it. 

Here is the link to this man’s research he is sharing:

https://youtu.be/F5heXE5xS5w

Prototype of the Saved Man

 From Lecture 7th of the Lectures on Faith we learn who the prototype of the saved man is. Again, I highly recommend the Lectures on Faith to all and combine that reading with the King Follet discourse that Joseph gave towards the end of his life. Here is the end of lecture 7th:

“

9 As all the visible creation is an effect of faith, so is salvation, also. (We mean salvation in its most extensive latitude of interpretation, whether it is temporal or spiritual) In order to have this subject clearly set before the mind, let us ask what situation must a person be in, in order to be saved? or what is the difference between a saved man and one who is not saved? We answer from what we have before seen of the heavenly worlds, they must be persons who can work by faith, and who are able, by faith to be ministering spirits to them who shall be heirs of salvation. And they must have faith to enable them to act in the presence of the Lord, otherwise they cannot be saved. And what constitutes the real difference between a saved person and one not saved, is the difference in the degree of their faith: one's faith has become perfect enough to lay hold upon eternal life, and the other's has not. But to be a little more particular, let us ask, where shall we find a prototype into whose likeness we may be assimilated, in order that we may be made partakers of life and salvation? or in other words, where shall we find a saved being? for if we can find a saved being, we may ascertain, without much difficulty, what all others must be, in order to be saved—they must be like that individual or they cannot be saved: we think, that it will not be a matter of dispute, that two beings, who are unlike each other, cannot both be saved; for whatever constitutes the salvation of one, will constitute the salvation of every creature which will be saved: and if we find one saved being in all existence, we may see what all others must be, or else not be saved. We ask, then, where is the prototype? or where is the saved being? We conclude as to the answer of this question there will be no dispute among those who believe the bible, that it is Christ: all will agree in this that he is the prototype or standard of salvation, or in other words, that he is a saved being. And if we should continue our interrogation, and ask how it is that he is saved, the answer would be, because he is a just and holy being; and if he were any thing different from what he is he would not be saved; for his salvation depends on his being precisely what he is and nothing else; for if it were possible for him to change in the least degree, so sure he would fail of salvation and lose all his dominion, power, authority and glory, which constitutes salvation; for salvation consists in the glory, authority, majesty, power and dominion which Jehovah possesses, and in nothing else; and no being can possess it but himself or one like him: Thus says John, in his first epistle, 3:2 and 3: Behold, now we are the sons of God, and it doth not appear what we shall be; but we know, that when he shall appear we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And any man that has this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure.—Why purify himself as he is pure? because, if they do not they cannot be like him.

10 The Lord said unto Moses, Leviticus 19:2:—Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy. And Peter says, first epistle, 1:15 and 16: But as he who has called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. And the Savior says, Matthew 5:48: Be ye perfect, even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect. If any should ask why all these sayings? the answer is to be found from what is before quoted from John's epistle, that when he (the Lord) shall appear, the saints will be like him: and if they are not holy, as he is holy, and perfect as he is perfect, they cannot be like him; for no being can enjoy his glory without possessing his perfections and holiness, no more than they could reign in his kingdom without his power.

11 This clearly sets forth the propriety of the Savior's saying, recorded in John's testimony, 4:12: Verily, verily I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these, because I go unto the Father.—This taken in connection with some of the sayings in the Savior's prayer, recorded in the 17th chapter, gives great clearness to his expressions: He says, in the 20-23, and 24: Neither pray I for these alone; but for them also who shall believe on me through their words; that they all may be one, as thou, Father art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me, I have given them, that they may be one, even as we are one; I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them as thou hast loved me, Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am: that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me; for thou lovest me before the foundation of the world.

12 All these sayings put together, give as clear an account of the state of the glorified saints as language could give—The works that Jesus done they were to do, and greater works than those which he done among them should they do, and that because he went to the Father. He does not say that they should do these works in time; but they should do greater works because he went to the Father. He says, in the 24th verse: Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory. These sayings, taken in connection, make it very plain, that the greater works, which those that believed on his name, were to do, were to be done in eternity, where he was going, and where they should behold his glory. He had said, in another part of his prayer, that he desired of his Father, that those who believed on him should be one in him, as he, and the Father were one in each other: Neither pray I for these (the apostles) alone, but for them also who shall believe on me through their words; that they all may be one: that is, they who believe on him through the apostles' words, as well as the apostles themselves: that they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me and I in thee: that they also may be one in us.

13 What language can be plainer than this? The Savior surely intended to be understood by his disciples: and he so spake that they might understand him; for he declares to his Father, in language not to be easily mistaken, that he wanted his disciples, even all of them, to be as himself and the Father: for as he and the Father were one, so they might be one with them. And what is said in the 22nd verse is calculated to more firmly establish this belief, if it needs any thing to establish it. He says, And the glory which thou gavest me, I have given them, that they may be one, even as we are one. As much as to say, that unless they have the glory which the Father had given him, they could not be one with them: For he says he had given them the glory that the Father had given him, that they might be one; or in other words, to make them one.

14 This fills up the measure of information on this subject, and shows most clearly, that the Savior wished his disciples to understand, that they were to be partakers with him in all things: not even his glory excepted.

15 It is scarcely necessary here to observe what we have previously noticed: That the glory which the Father and the Son have, is because they are just and holy beings; and that if they were lacking in one attribute or perfection which they have, the glory which they have, never could be enjoyed by them; for it requires them to be precisely what they are in order to enjoy it: and if the Savior gives this glory to any others, he must do it in the very way set forth in his prayer to his Father: by making them one with him, as he and the Father are one.—In so doing he would give them the glory which the Father has given him; and when his disciples are made one with the Father and the Son, as the Father and the Son are one, who cannot see the propriety of the Savior's saying, The works which I do, shall they do; and greater works than these shall they do, be cause I go to the Father?

16 These teachings of the Savior must clearly show unto us the nature of salvation; and what he proposed unto the human family when he proposed to save them—That he proposed to make them like unto himself; and he was like the Father, the great prototype of all saved beings: And for any portion of the human family to be assimilated into their likeness is to be saved; and to be unlike them is to be destroyed: and on this hinge turns the door of salvation.

17 Who cannot see, then, that salvation is the effect of faith? for as we have previously observed, all the heavenly beings work by this principle; and it is because they are able so to do that they are saved: for nothing but this could save them. And this is the lesson which the God of heaven, by the mouth of all his holy prophets, has been endeavoring to teach to the world. Hence we are told, that without faith it is impossible to please God; and that salvation is of faith, that it might be by grace to the end, the promise might be sure to all the seed. Romans 4:16:—And that Israel, who followed after the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law; for they stumbled at that stumbling stone. Romans 9:32: And Jesus said unto the man who brought his son to him, to get the devil who tormented him, cast out, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. Mark 9:23: These with a multitude of other scriptures, which might be quoted, plainly set forth the light, in which the Savior, as well as the Former Day Saints, viewed the plan of salvation: That it was a system of faith—it begins with faith, and continues by faith; and every blessing which is obtained, in relation to it, is the effect of faith, whether it pertains to this life or that which is to come.—To this all the revelations of God bear witness. If there were children of promise, they were the effects of faith: not even the Savior of the world excepted: Blessed is she that believed, said Elizabeth to Mary, when she went to visit her;—for there shall be a performance of the things which where told her of the Lord; Luke 1:45: Nor was the birth of John the baptist the less a matter of faith; for in order that his father Zacharias might believe he was struck dumb. And through the whole history of the scheme of life and salvation, it is a matter of faith: every man received according to his faith: according as his faith was, so were his blessings and privileges; and nothing was withheld from him when his faith was sufficient to receive it. He could stop the mouths of lions, quench the violence of fire, escape the edge of the sword, wax valiant in fight, and put to flight the armies of the aliens; women could, by their faith, receive the dead children to life again: in a word, there was nothing impossible with them who had faith. All things were in subjection to the Former Day Saints, according as their faith was—By their faith they could obtain heavenly visions, the ministering of angels, have knowledge of the spirits of just men made perfect, of the general assembly and church of the first born, whose names are written in heaven, of God the judge of all, of Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and become familiar with the third heavens, see and hear things which were not only unutterable, but were unlawful to utter. Peter, in view of the power of faith, 2nd epistle, 1:1,2 and 3 says, to the Former Day Saints: grace and peace be multiplied unto you, through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, according as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that has called us unto glory and virtue. In the first epistle, 1:3, 4 and 5 he says, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his abundant mercy, has begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time.

18 These sayings put together, show the Apostle's views, most clearly, so as to admit of no mistake on the mind of any individual. He says that all things that pertain to life and godliness were given unto them through the knowledge of God and our Savior Jesus Christ. And if the question is asked, how were they to obtain the knowledge of God? (for there is a great difference between believing in God and knowing him: knowledge implies more than faith. And notice, that all things that pertain to life and godliness, were given through the knowledge of God;) the answer is given, through faith they were to obtain this knowledge; and having power by faith to obtain the knowledge of God, they could with it obtain all other things which pertain to life and godliness.

19 By these sayings of the Apostle we learn, that it was by obtaining a knowledge of God, that men got all things which pertain to life and godliness; and this knowledge was the effect of faith. So that all things which pertain to life and godliness are the effects of faith.

20 From this we may extend as far as any circumstances may require whether on earth or in heaven, and we will find it the testimony of all inspired men, or heavenly messengers, that all things that pertain to life and godliness are the effects of faith and nothing else: all learning, wisdom, and prudence fail, and every thing else as a means of salvation but faith. This is the reason that the fishermen of Galilee could teach the world—because they sought by faith and by faith obtained. And this is the reason that Paul counted all things but filth and dross—what he formerly called his gain he called his loss; yea, and he counted all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus the Lord. Philippians 3:7-10: Because, to obtain the faith by which he could enjoy the knowledge of Christ Jesus the Lord, he had to suffer the loss of all things: this is the reason that the Former Day Saints knew more, and understood more of heaven, and of heavenly things than all others beside, because this information is the effect of faith—to be obtained by no other means. And this is the reason, that men, as soon as they lose their faith, run into strifes, contentions, darkness and difficulties; for the knowledge which tends to life disappears with faith, but returns when faith returns; for when faith comes, it brings its train of attendants with it—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, gifts, wisdom, knowledge, miracles, healings, tongues, interpretation of tongues, etc. All these appear when faith appears on the earth, and disappear when it disappears from the earth. For these are the effects of faith and always have, and always will attend it. For where faith is, there will the knowledge of God be also, with all things which pertain thereto—revelations, visions, and dreams, as well as every other necessary thing in order that the possessors of faith may be perfected and obtain salvation; for God must change, otherwise faith will prevail with him. And he who possesses it will, through it, obtain all necessary knowledge and wisdom until he shall know God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, whom he has sent: whom to know is eternal life: Amen.“

http://lecturesonfaith.com/7/

What Sacrifice is Acceptable?

As we ponder the sacrifice spoken of in The Lectures on Faith and we apply it to our own lives, we eventually ask the question, “what offering from me would be acceptable to the Lord?” Of course, we first keep the commandments He has already given us, but as we grow in our discipleship, we realize He expects us to use our agency to do many things of our own free will and bring to pass much righteousness. So, what sacrifice would acceptable unto Him?

We have an abundance of examples in scripture of acceptable offerings. One thing that seems clear to me is that the Lord individually and uniquely invites us. Our sacrifice must be from our hearts. Many times in scripture those offerings that are acceptable represented the broken heart and contrite spirit the Lord has asked of us.

A couple examples that show the heart involved and why it appears the Lord received the offering. First, the example of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies. They had been a blood thirsty people but when they heard the word of God, they were so committed to the Lord that they would rather lay down their weapons of war and die by the sword of their enemies instead of fighting to protect themselves. The offering appears to be acceptable. One could rationalize that it’s more important to protect your families but they feared sinning more than death. They viewed this mortal existence with a proper perspective, a perspective that includes this mortal estate as a time to prepare to meet God with clean hands and a pure heart. An incredible fruit we saw from their sacrifice was the conversion of many other Lamanites who had shed their blood. In this case, God did not miraculously preserve their lives by fighting this physical battle for them, but rather, in His omniscience He allowed their deaths and their deaths were the impetus for the conversion of thousands more Lamanites as they realized the awful state to which they had fallen. They decided to repent and become one with the Anti-Nephi-Lehies in following God. They did not want to flirt with a murderous heart, a previous heart they had buried with their weapons of war.

Another example we find in scripture are the sons of these Anti-Nephi-Lehies. They offered the opposite sacrifice. They took up their weapons of war to defend their people from the armies of the Lamanites. It was the opposite outward, physical manifestation as their fathers, but the same manifestation in the heart and mind. God looks upon the heart and as the righteous judge rewarded them for their offering. One thing interesting is their fathers and themselves did not fear death. They feared offending God. 

There are many, many more examples of acceptable offerings in scripture. As we seek to give our hearts to God that we might come to know Him, my witness is that the sacrifice will be from our hearts. It will be heart wrenching and the hard crust of irony, as Elder Maxwell described it, will be present. 

One other quick thing to consider as we seek to offer up our whole souls to Him. My experience and what I see in scripture is the Lord loves to open doors and see what we will use our agency to do. As we get closer to Him, He becomes more of the observant parent, willing to help but less inclined to give a direct command of what that offering should be, otherwise it lessens the faith involved in the sacrifice. It kills growth. Those that arrive at this level of relationship with the Lord have more and more of the mind of God and it becomes a joy to Him and us as we use our agency to give Him our souls in bringing to pass much righteousness. 

God is good, very good. He is a rewarder of those that love Him and offer up their whole souls as a sacrifice to Him. It is a heart wrenching path but at the same time it is a path of complete freedom and a deep peace that passeth all understanding. Receiving a new heart is wrenching because we are rooting out our old heart in order for Him to give us a new one, over and over again. I pray for you and me to stay on this path of discipleship, for it is the path to salvation.

Jesus Christ lives. Joseph Smith is a prophet, seer and revelator. The Book of Mormon is the word of God. The Lectures on Faith are milk and meat to the soul. I love my Redeemer and Father. How I pray for strength to always be true to Them, for Their path is the path of peace and love. 

This is from the Lectures on Faith. Joseph Smith Jr. had this in the Doctrine and Covenants. Later, years after Joseph’s death, it was taken out. 

These lectures are the doctrine of the Church Joseph established to bring about Zion. The ancient saints laid everything on the altar. I testify that as we lay everything on the altar in defense of God and His truth, we will come to know Him. As we develop the character, perfections and attributes of Christ, we will come to know Him. As these lectures state, Jesus is the prototype of the saved man (see Joseph Smith, Lectures on Faith, Lecture 7, paragraph 9). As we live and share the truth we will be persecuted as the Savior was and as the saints of God always have been. We will receive a new heart and mind. We will be able to sit at the table with God and His true disciples, really knowing who They are because we have become like Them. We will go on unto perfection through Jesus Christ. 

Here is the Sixth Lecture on Faith:

The Law of Sacrifice

LECTURE SIXTH

1 Having treated, in the preceding lectures, of the ideas of the character, perfections and attributes of God, we next proceed to treat of the knowledge which persons must have, that the course of life which they pursue is according to the will of God, in order that they may be enabled to exercise faith in him unto life and salvation.

2 This knowledge supplies an important place in revealed religion; for it was by reason of it that the ancients were enabled to endure as seeing him who is invisible. An actual knowledge to any person that the course of life which he pursues is according to the will of God, is essentially necessary to enable him to have that confidence in God, without which no person can obtain eternal life. It was this that enabled the ancient saints to endure all their afflictions and persecutions, and to take joyfully the spoiling of their goods, knowing, (not believing merely,) that they had a more enduring substance (Hebrews 10:34).

3 Having the assurance that they were pursuing a course which was agreeable to the will of God, they were enabled to take, not only the spoiling of their goods, and the wasting of their substance, joyfully, but also to suffer death in its most horrid forms; knowing, (not merely believing,) that when this earthly house of their tabernacle was dissolved, they had a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens (2 Corinthians 5:1).

4 Such was and always will be the situation of the saints of God, that unless they have an actual knowledge that the course that they are pursuing is according to the will of God, they will grow weary in their minds and faint; for such has been and always will be the opposition in the hearts of unbelievers and those that know not God, against the pure and unadulterated religion of heaven, (the only thing which ensures eternal life,) that they will persecute, to the uttermost, all that worship God according to his revelations, receive the truth in the love of it, and submit themselves to be guided and directed by his will, and drive them to such extremities that nothing short of an actual knowledge of their being the favorites of heaven, and of their having embraced that order of things which God has established for the redemption of man, will enable them to exercise that confidence in him necessary for them to overcome the world, and obtain that crown of glory which is laid up for them that fear God.

5 For a man to lay down his all, his character and reputation, his honor and applause, his good name among men, his houses, his lands, his brothers and sisters, his wife and children, and even his own life also, counting all things but filth and dross for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ, requires more than mere belief, or supposition that he is doing the will of God, but actual knowledge: realizing, that when these sufferings are ended he will enter into eternal rest; and be a partaker of the glory of God.

6 For unless a person does know that he is walking according to the will of God, it would be offering an insult to the dignity of the Creator, were he to say that he would be a partaker of his glory when he should be done with the things of this life. But when he has this knowledge, and most assuredly knows that he is doing the will of God, his confidence can be equally strong that he will be a partaker of the glory of God.

7 Let us here observe, that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things, never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things: it was through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men should enjoy eternal life; and it is through the medium of the sacrifice of all earthly things, that men do actually know that they are doing the things that are well pleasing in the sight of God. When a man has offered in sacrifice all that he has, for the truth's sake, not even withholding his life, and believing before God that he has been called to make this sacrifice, because he seeks to do his will, he does know most assuredly, that God does and will accept his sacrifice and offering, and that he has not nor will not seek his face in vain. Under these circumstances, then, he can obtain the faith necessary for him to lay hold on eternal life.

8 It is in vain for persons to fancy to themselves that they are heirs with those, or can be heirs with them, who have offered their all in sacrifice, and by this means obtained faith in God and favor with him so as to obtain eternal life, unless they in like manner offer unto him the same sacrifice, and through that offering obtain the knowledge that they are accepted of him.

9 It was in offering sacrifices that Abel, the first martyr, obtained knowledge that he was accepted of God. And from the days of righteous Abel to the present time, the knowledge that men have that they are accepted in the sight of God, is obtained by offering sacrifice: and in the last days, before the Lord comes, he is to gather together his saints who have made a covenant with him by sacrifice. Psalms 50:3-5: Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people. Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant unto me by sacrifice.

10 Those, then, who make the sacrifice will have the testimony that their course is pleasing in the sight of God, and those who have this testimony will have faith to lay hold on eternal life, and will be enabled, through faith, to endure unto the end, and receive the crown that is laid up for them that love the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. But those who do not make the sacrifice cannot enjoy this faith, because men are dependent upon this sacrifice in order to obtain this faith; therefore, they cannot lay hold upon eternal life, because the revelations of God do not guarantee unto them the authority so to do; and without this guarantee faith could not exist.

11 All the saints of whom we have account in all the revelations of God which are extant, obtained the knowledge which they had of their acceptance in his sight, through the sacrifice which they offered unto him: and through the knowledge thus obtained, their faith became sufficiently strong to lay hold upon the promise of eternal life, and to endure us seeing him who is invisible; and were enabled, through faith, to combat the powers of darkness, contend against the wiles of the adversary, overcome the world, and obtain the end of their faith, even the salvation of their souls.

12 But those who have not made this sacrifice to God, do not know that the course which they pursue is well pleasing in his sight; for whatever may be their belief or their opinion, it is a matter of doubt and uncertainty in their mind; and where doubt and uncertainty is, there faith is not, nor can it be. For doubt and faith do not exist in the same person at the same time. So that persons whose minds are under doubts and fears cannot have unshaken confidence, and where unshaken confidence is not, there faith is weak, and where faith is weak, the persons will not be able to contend against all the opposition, tribulations and afflictions which they will have to encounter in order to be heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ Jesus; and they will grow weary in their minds, and the adversary will have power over them and destroy them.” 

Here is a link to the whole of Lectures on Faith http://lecturesonfaith.com/

Peter and John’s Experiences with the Pharisees

I love these videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1ULxa5JhpQ&feature=share

https://youtu.be/CrOmq3otiBo

Words of Jesus

Yesterday I was pondering a situation I am in and the Lord brought these words to my mind:

“They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.

3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me” (John 16:2-3). 

This day these words are fulfilled again. 

It’s not a new thing for those preaching the word of God to be accused of unrighteousness and pride. Paul, Abinadi and our Lord, Jesus Christ, were all accused of being mad, blasphemous and possessed of devils. Search the record and you will see that those in the chief seats of organizations have always struggled with those not in authority sharing the word of God with them.

In today’s language they call those sharing the word of God from the scriptures as being deceived and mentally unstable. Because one chooses to honor God’s word they call them prideful. They insist that all men should bow to their words instead of God’s word. They praise those who bow to their words as humble and call those that hold up the word of God as prideful. 

The day of the Lord’s wrath and vengeance is descending upon us. I pray for those that are so wrapped up in false traditions and false beliefs that they are unwilling to receive the word of God and His servant, Joseph Smith Jr. directly to them as pure intelligence. If they can humble themselves before the Lord, He will give them eyes to see and ears to hear and they will have the power to repent and be healed. He will give them a new heart and mind and they will be able to penetrate the veil of unbelief. 

Paul was once Saul. His words bring hope to me and others that have once persecuted the righteous among us. He said,

“And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;

13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief” (1 Timothy 1:12-15).

Remember, Saul was dedicated to the law that had developed over time from the law of Moses. It had been safeguarded and correlated by the Pharisees and expanded into the Mishnah. The oral tradition had perverted the law and the whole meaning of the law. Saul was zealous in defending this perversion of the law, even to the point of killing those that followed Jesus Christ. But, for his heart, Jesus had mercy upon him. He was willing to change when the Lord showed him he was kicking against the pricks. He was fighting against the Messiah, the One he thought he was fighting for. 

I pray for those persecuting the saints of God. I am forgiving those that have judged me wrongfully. I hope that they are as Saul, ignorantly sinning but believing they are on the Lord’s side. Time will tell. Truth will prevail. 

Jesus gave us some keys to knowing who is deceived in the last days. The Joseph Smith Translation of Matthew 24 has these keys. I invite you to ponder and pray over His words. He will guide you as you go directly to Him, the God of light and truth.

The Portrait of a Prophet

As I’ve pondered the warning by John in the Book of the Revelation of a false prophet who will deceive the people with miracles, I’ve pondered the portrait or pattern of what a true prophet looks like. I want to make sure I’m recognizing true messengers from the Lord to help me as these days we live in continue through the tribulations and into the plagues and destruction prophesied of in scripture. 

Here’s a list of questions I think are helpful to consider:

How is the prophet called? 

Who calls him to be a prophet?

Is he called a prophet by his peers? 

Does he prophesy?

What is his message?

Why does he share the message?

Is his message well received or rejected?

Is his message from the Lord or from himself?

Does he testify he has seen the Lord, Jesus Christ or God, the Father?

Does he testify he has heard the voice of the Lord, Jesus Christ or of God, the Father?

Is he popular with the church of his day?

Is he killed for his witness or how does his life end?

Does he testify openly of angels ministering to him?

Here is a list of some of the prophets and holy men in scripture we can study:

Lehi

Many prophets in Jerusalem with Lehi

Nephi

Jacob

Enos

King Benjamin

Abinadi

Alma

Alma the younger

Nephi

Mormon

Moroni

Enoch

Noah

Melchizedek 

Abraham

Isaac

Jacob

Moses

Isaiah

Jeremiah

Ezekiel

John the Baptist

Jesus Christ is our Redeemer and King but His call and the way the people receive Him is profitable to us as well. 

Peter

Paul

Joseph Smith

I started this exercise with Lehi:

How is the prophet called? 

I don’t see a formal call as a prophet. He is shown things and then shares them. 

He has a series of visions. He thinks he saw God sitting on His throne. He sees One descending out of the midst of heaven who is brighter than the sun. Jesus gives him a book and asks him to read it. 

Who calls him to be a prophet?

I don’t see a formal calling, more a series of events and then he shares what the Lord reveals to him. 

Is he called a prophet by his peers? 

The Jews mock him and seek to take away his life. 

Does he prophesy?

Yes, he saw many things in visions and dreams which he prophesied unto his children and the people. He told them of their wickedness, abominations, that Jerusalem would be destroyed, that many would perish by the sword or be carried away captive into Babylon. He prophesies of the coming of a Messiah. 

What is his message?

He goes forth among the people and prophesies and declares unto them concerning the things he had seen and heard concerning the destruction of Jerusalem. 

Why does he share the message?

Is his message well received or rejected?

Is his message from the Lord or from himself?

Does he testify he has seen the Lord, Jesus Christ or God, the Father?

Does he testify he has heard the voice of the Lord, Jesus Christ or of God, the Father?

Is he popular with the church of his day? The Jews try to kill him. They cast him out.

Is he killed for his witness or how does his life end? He leaves before they can kill him.