The Remnant Of Israel (entry one)

There is a particular latter day body of people referred to in the Book of Mormon as "the" remnant of Israel. Although there are numerous "remnants" (plural) (1Nephi 10:14 and 3Nephi 20: 13) who could claim descent from Israelite blood scattered around the earth, the remnant group referred to in the Book of Mormon is set out and identified separately from all other remnants of Israelite descent. Beginning with the title page of the Book of Mormon, a group referred to as "the Lamanites, who are a remnant of the house of Israel" are first identified. According to the title page, the "abridgment of the record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites—"(was) "written to" this remnant group called the Lamanites.

The modern day Gentile church which had primary responsibility for bringing forth the record of the Book of Mormon in the latter days (1Nephi 13: 34-35, 1Nephi 15: 13, 3Nephi 16: 4, 3Nephi 21: 2-6, D&C 109: 60, many others) has largely set aside and treated with unbelief the prophecies and understanding concerning the remnant of Israel, (Lamanites) contained in the Book of Mormon. Neglect and unbelief of the plain precepts of the Book of Mormon have led to the false idea within the modern day Gentile church that it's members are the remnant of Israel spoken of. The Gentile church has become confused as to the doctrine of adoption into the family of Abraham and the house of Israel and the separate doctrine of "the" remnant of Israel and their specific and prophetic destiny as diagrammed in the Book of Mormon narrative. The specific and very narrow identity of the prophetic "remnant of Israel" from the Book of Mormon is first spoken of in the Book of Mormon by Nephi who is taught by an angel: (1Nephi 13: 34)

"And it came to pass that the angel of the Lord spake unto me, saying: Behold, saith the Lamb of God, after I have visited the remnant of the house of Israel—and this remnant of whom I speak is the seed of thy father—"

The angel is addressing Nephi. Nephi's father is Lehi. The "remnant of the house of Israel" spoken of by the angel to Nephi is the offspring of Lehi, Nephi's father. This verse sets forth the meaning and definition of "the remnant of the house of Israel" for the entire remainder of the Book of Mormon narrative. 

The identity of the prophetic remnant of Israel does not change throughout the entirety of the Book of Mormon. Lehi's offspring comprise the remnant of Israel whether they are referred to by Nephi, (1Nephi 13: 38 and 2Nephi 28: 2) or the lord Jesus (3Nephi 15: 12 and 3Nephi 20: 10,16) or Mormon (4Nephi 1: 49 and Mormon 5: 9,12, 24) or Moroni (Ether 13: 6, 8, 10). The latter day seed of Lehi are as the angel explained to Nephi, "the remnant of the house of Israel." Understanding this principle, but most importantly, BELIEVING that Lehi's seed are "the remnant of Israel" spoken of in the prophecies of the Book of Mormon will open vistas of truth and knowledge regarding the very purpose of the Book of Mormon. 

Until I read the words of the Book of Mormon with the clear understanding that the oft-mentioned "remnant of Israel" was the latter day seed of Lehi, I did not, could not, understand the meaning of the book. A clear understanding and belief that "the remnant of Israel" is the latter day offspring of Lehi, together with the associated understanding and belief in the identity of the latter day Gentiles as Joseph Smith and the church he established, allows all of the prophecies of the Book of Mormon to fall into a perfect harmony and revelation of the meaning of the entire book.

The Lord explained the "very purpose" of the record of the Book of Mormon to Joseph Smith in the following words:

16 Nevertheless, my work shall go forth, for inasmuch as the knowledge of a Savior has come unto the world, through the testimony of the Jews, even so shall the knowledge of a Savior come unto my people—

17 And to the Nephites, and the Jacobites, and the Josephites, and the Zoramites, through the testimony of their fathers—

18 And this testimony shall come to the knowledge of the Lamanites, and the Lemuelites, and the Ishmaelites, who dwindled in unbelief because of the iniquity of their fathers, whom the Lord has suffered to destroy their brethren the Nephites, because of their iniquities and their abominations.

19 And for this very purpose are these plates preserved, which contain these records—that the promises of the Lord might be fulfilled, which he made to his people;

20 And that the Lamanites might come to the knowledge of their fathers, and that they might know the promises of the Lord, and that they may believe the gospel and rely upon the merits of Jesus Christ, and be glorified through faith in his name, and that through their repentance they might be saved. Amen. (D&C 3: 16-20)

The "very purpose" the plates containing the record of the Book of Mormon were preserved is to fulfill the promises of the Lord to "His people." The Nephites, the Jacobites, the Josephites, (all sons of Lehi) and the Zoramites who mixed their blood with the blood of Lehi's offspring, along with the Lamanites and Lemualites (sons of Lehi) and the Ishmaelites who also mixed their blood with the seed of Lehi, all comprise the seed of Lehi, "the remnant of Israel" that survives today as one amalgamated group we refer to as "Lamanites."

It is to this "remnant of Israel" the Book of Mormon was written. The next several entries to this blog will deal with "the remnant of Israel" and their prophetic and wonderful latter day destiny as set forth in the precious Book of Mormon. 

"Show Me That in the Scriptures"

When we receive something from God, when communication comes from the still small voice, (the whisperings of the Holy Ghost,) a deceiving spirit may immediately ask, "IS THAT FOUND IN THE SCRIPTURES?" The deceiving spirit encourages us to receive the things of God with doubt and unbelief. The question, "Is that found in the scriptures?" is designed as a deflection of the evil one to destroy our confidence in communication that comes from God to us. If the evil one can successfully encourage you to doubt and question new ideas, precepts, and truths given by the Holy Ghost, then he can sever the lines of communication God has established to teach us. The question, "can you show me that in the scriptures?" comes from a premise of doubt and unbelief.

Nephi prophesied that the latter day people would adopt the idea and attitude that "We have received, and we need no more!" (2Nephi 28: 27) Nephi warned that we would be inclined to say,  "We have received the word of God, and we need no more of the word of God, for we have enough!" (2Nephi 28: 29) Nephi suggested there would be those "who tremble, and are angry because of the truth of God! For behold, he that is built upon the rock receiveth it with gladness; and he that is built upon a sandy foundation trembleth lest he shall fall." (2Nephi 28: 28) 

Joseph Smith said that if he made known all that he knew from God, many would be angry and would want to kill him. Much of what Joseph received from God, he never recorded because the people were not prepared to receive it. Much of what Joseph received cannot now be found in the scriptures. What he received, but was not allowed to record as scripture, was and is nevertheless from God. Many do indeed become "angry and tremble" when truths are revealed from God that don't seem to fit their little view of the world and eternity. When this happens, the deceiving spirit will encourage us to ask, "IS THAT FOUND IN THE SCRIPTURES?" Often, communication from God to you will not be "found in the scriptures." However, if you record what you receive from the Holy Ghost, even if it is not found in the scriptures, it may become scripture for you and your life. 

Our Father teaches us by the whisperings of the still small voice of the Holy Ghost. He promises, "I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, (if it is not found in the scriptures we will not accept it!,) from them shall be taken away even that which they have." (2Nephi 28: 30) He has said, "By the power of the Holy Ghost, ye may know the truth of ALL THINGS." (Moroni 10: 5) "All things" are not contained in the scriptures we have been given. 

The words of the Book of Mormon itself tell us the precious record is incomplete. The Lord's own words from the Book of Mormon teach us:

"And when they shall have received this, (the Book of Mormon,)  which is expedient that they should have first, to try their faith, and if it shall so be that they shall believe these things then shall the greater things be made manifest unto them. And if it so be that they will not believe these things, (the Book of Mormon) then shall the greater things be withheld from them, unto their condemnation. Behold, I was about to write them, all which were engraven upon the plates of Nephi, but the Lord forbade it, saying: I will try the faith of my people." (3Nephi 26: 9-11)

In other words, we have been given the Book of Mormon for the very reason it is incomplete. He will "try the faith of His people" with what has been given in the Book of Mormon. If we fail to believe and accept the words of the Book of Mormon, we will then be kept from "the greater things" He desires to make manifest to us. The "greater things" cannot be found in scripture presently because we are being "tried" with the words we have been given. How tragic it would be if, when the Lord attempted to give us "the greater things," we would not accept them because they could not be proven by our existing scriptures. 

The scriptures, even if they are incomplete, are treasures given us by God to lead us into all truth. We cannot get by without the instruction and truth contained in them. Especially indispensable to us is the precious Book of Mormon. But the scriptures do not of themselves contain "all truth." Only the Holy Ghost is the receptacle of "all truth." Joseph Smith understood this better than anyone, he said, "We believe all that God has revealed, all that he does now reveal, and we believe He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God." (9th Article of Faith) Those "great and important things" pertaining to the kingdom of God that are "yet to be revealed" are not found in the scriptures presently. Otherwise, to make a statement of the obvious, they would already have been revealed and recorded as scripture. The Lord said, "For I deign to reveal unto my church things which have been kept hid from before the foundation of the world, things that pertain to the dispensation of the fulness of times." (D&C 124: 41) Those things that have been "kept hid" from the foundation of the earth are not yet recorded anywhere in scripture. You will not find such treasures in the scriptures, but the Holy Ghost may teach you of them "in your heart and in your mind" (D&C 8: 2-3) if you ask to know.

Alma taught, "What natural man is there that knoweth these things? I say unto you, there is none that knoweth these things, save it be the penitent. Yea, he that repenteth and exerciseth faith, and bringeth forth good works, and prayeth continually without ceasing—unto such it is given to know the mysteries of God; yea, unto such it shall be given to reveal things which never have been revealed;" (Alma 26: 21-22) Things which "never have been revealed" cannot be found written anywhere in the scriptures.

We must believe and accept the whisperings of the Holy Ghost as the only sure guide. Even if the communication we receive from the Holy Ghost "cannot be found in the scriptures." It is the Holy Ghost that has the charge and the ability to "teach us all things what we should do." (2Nephi 32: 3-5) When Nephi was commanded to slay his cousin Laban while he laid inebriated and helpless on the ground before him, he received something from the Hoy Ghost that could not be found anywhere in scripture. To the contrary, if Nephi had imposed the requirement on the Holy Ghost to, "show me that in the scriptures," the Lord's purposes in obtaining the brass plates might have been frustrated. Nothing more contrary to that which is written in scripture could have been asked of Nephi by the Holy Ghost. It could be found nowhere in the scriptures. Nevertheless, the communication Nephi received from God was authentic and needful as God attempted to lead Nephi along as He desired.

The Lord needs us to be as little children. (3Nephi 11: 37-38) Little children are able to believe naturally. They do not begin with a new idea from a premise of doubt and unbelief. When a little child is told by their mother something they have never thought of before, they do not begin by saying, "prove that to me by something that is established and accepted of men." Instead, they believe and accept and act as though the new idea was real and right. Then, as they put the idea to the test, (faith) it is revealed to them that the thing is true or not. (Alma 32: 21-43) The faith of a child, the ability to believe as a little child, precludes statements like, "show me that in the scriptures." 

Believing the Words of Christ (Not Optional)

A young man who recently returned from a mission for the church asked me why the prophecies contained in the Book of Mormon are important for him. He asked, "If the objective of my life is to make my calling and election sure and to receive the Lord in this life, then why should I be concerned about the prophecies in the Book of Mormon? What do they mean to me? How do those prophecies about Gentiles and a remnant of Israel affect me personally finding and coming to Christ?" It's an interesting question. One perhaps we could all benefit by considering.

Joseph Smith said, "The Book of Mormon [is] the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion. A man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book." For anyone desiring to get "near to God," abiding by the precepts found in the Book of Mormon is a key. One is never nearer to God in this life than when one's calling and election is made sure through the more sure word of prophecy, which is the Lord’s own voice and testimony to a person regarding their assured eternal life. (D&C 131: 5-6) Or, when one succeeds in receiving the second comforter, which is the personal, ministering presence of the Lord by which one is "redeemed from the fall." (John 14: 18-23 and Ether 3: 13) If Joseph Smith is right, (and he is) then abiding the precepts of the Book of Mormon will do more to advance us in the process of finding the Lord’s holy presence than by any other precepts from any other source.

Speaking to the Nephites, the Lord Jesus pointed out the absolute necessity for every person who desires to be a part of His covenant to "believe" His words found in the Book of Mormon. (3Nephi 21: 11)

"Therefore it shall come to pass that whosoever will not believe in my words, who am Jesus Christ, which the Father shall cause him to bring forth unto the Gentiles, and shall give unto him power that he shall bring them forth unto the Gentiles, (it shall be done even as Moses said) they shall be cut off from among my people who are of the covenant." 

"Belief" in the words of Jesus Christ that are to be delivered to the Gentiles, (the Book of Mormon,) is required in order to retain a status "among (His) people who are of the covenant." Whosoever will not believe His words in the Book of Mormon will be "cut off" from "among (his) people who are of the covenant." It turns out that "believing" the prophecies in the Book of Mormon that comprise "the words of Jesus Christ that the Father has caused to be brought forth unto the Gentiles," has very much in deed to do with any person receiving the Lord and His covenant.

"Having a testimony" of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon will do little to bring a person closer to God. Joseph said it would be by "abiding" the book's precepts that we would come closer to God. Precepts that are not known, not understood, not believed, can't possibly be abided by. Generally, the Book of Mormon is much too neglected and ignored (taken lightly according to the Lord (D&C 84: 54, 57)) by latter day saints to be properly abided by. How can words that are not first known, be either believed, or abided by? The words of the Book of Mormon must be intensely searched (2Nephi 9: 51, 2Nephi 31: 20) and carefully considered under the direction of the Holy Ghost. (Moroni 10: 4-5) Then those words must be believed. 

Failure to do what is necessary to become intimately familiar with the precepts of the Book of Mormon after it is received is itself failure to believe. The result of such slothfulness will not simply be the delivery of a few halfhearted stripes then a quick introduction into the kingdom of God where it is safe. (2Nephi 28: 8) If the Lord is good for His word, such "unbelief" will result in being "cut off" from among the people of the covenant just as Moses said it would be. (3Nephi 21: 11) The Lord's words are: "whosoever will not believe in my words, who am Jesus Christ...they shall be cut off from among my people who are of the covenant." These are perhaps the very first words we should believe from the Book of Mormon. After all as Nephi said, "the nations who shall possess them (words of the Book of Mormon) shall be judged of them according to the words which are written." (2Nephi 25: 22) Something in all of this behooves us to both "know" and "believe" intimately that which is written in the Book of Mormon.

For example, here are some of the words of Jesus Christ from just one verse of the Book of Mormon that must be "believed" in order to avoid being "cut off" from among the people of the covenant.

"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." (3Nephi 16: 10)

There is a tremendous amount contained in these words of the Lord Jesus Christ that must be "believed" in order to avoid being "cut off from among the people of the covenant." If we break down these words of Jesus to the Nephites, it requires us to believe:

1. The Gentiles will sin against His gospel.

2. The Gentiles will reject the fullness of His gospel.

3. The Gentiles will be lifted up in the pride of their hearts above all the people of the earth.

4. The Gentiles will be filled with all manner of lyings

5. The Gentiles will be filled with all manner of deceits

6. The Gentiles will be filled with all manner of mischiefs

7. The Gentiles will be filled with all manner of hypocrisy

8.  The Gentiles will be guilty of all manner of murders

9. The Gentiles will be filled with all manner of priestcrafts

10. The Gentiles will be filled with all manner of whoredoms

11. The Gentiles will be filled with all manner of secret abominations 

12. The Father will bring the fullness of His gospel from among the Gentiles.

It would be so much less threatening, it would be so much more comfortable and soothing, to approach this list of condemning prophecies about the Gentiles from the mouth of the Lord with the traditional view of the church that teaches none of these accusations of the Lord have anything to do with the church at all. But that would require "unbelief" of words from the Lord's own mouth.  And the resulting promise of being "cut off" from His covenant. Little wonder then, the Lord accused the church of "unbelief" and having taken the precious Book of Mormon "lightly" and placed the church under condemnation as a result. (D&C 84: 54-59)

The Book of Mormon is written in wonderful plain language. We could avoid all of the problems the latter day Gentiles are accused of by the prophets and the Lord in the Book of Mormon by simply believing what the words say. There is no point in, or need to, "transfigure" the holy word of God. (Mormon 8: 33) We should allow the words to mean what they say. The plain and precious words of the Lord in the Book of Mormon say our covenant status depends on us believing what is written. (3Nephi 21: 11) But we don't even believe that. Instead, we believe our baptism and membership in the church assures our covenant status with the Lord regardless of what we do or don't believe from the words of the Book of Mormon. 

The Book of Mormon has become largely irrelevant to members of the church. Most members have a favorite verse or two that they quote at the right moment. But mostly the Book is ignored, misunderstood, and not believed. It has been reduced in the minds of most members to a collection of stories, and a few discourses about the first principles and ordinances of the gospel. Nothing more. It would be interesting to know what percentage of members of the church even know there are prophecies concerning Gentiles and a chosen remnant of Israel in the Book of Mormon. The ones that are aware of the prophecies most likely believe the traditional view that "Gentiles" are all "non-members" of the church. In that tradition of their fathers, (D&C 93: 39) "belief" in the words of the Lord Jesus from the Book of Mormon is rendered "unbelief." It is as clear as it can possibly be, unless the holy words are "transfigured," (Mormon 8: 33) that the Gentiles spoken of in the Book of Mormon prophecies are the latter day church established by Joseph Smith. (D&C 109: 60)

It is a deception of the evil one to teach or believe that we can find or maintain a status among the "people of the covenant" while conducting ourselves in "unbelief" of the words of the Lord from the Book of Mormon. The prophecies concerning the Gentiles and the remnant of Israel together with every other word spoken by the Lord in the Book of Mormon must be learned, accepted, and believed. Otherwise we run the risk of being "cut off" from covenant status with the Lord. 

So, my young friend, the answer to your question, "what do the prophecies in the Book of Mormon have to do with you making your calling and election sure and finding the presence of the Lord?" Only one thing, EVERYTHING!

Why Do Ye Transfigure the Holy Word of God?

If it was not taken lightly, (D&C 84: 54-57) if it was clearly understood, (Mormon 8: 33) if its precepts were really believed, (D&C 84; 54-57 and 3Nephi 21: 9) the Book of Mormon would entirely destroy the false traditions of our fathers by which we as a people are bound.

Many of the most spiritually destructive and damaging "traditions of their fathers" of the latter day saints cannot stand up to the light of truth contained in the Book of Mormon. The truth contained in the Book of Mormon, should be allowed to destroy everything that is false and untrue about the traditions of our fathers when those traditions are not based in absolute truth. Because, as we have learned, it is by the tradition of their fathers that the evil one takes away light and truth and thereby arranges for the destruction of God's children. (D&C 93: 39)  Much of the truth that could lead to the destruction of all that is false and untrue in the tradition of our fathers is contained in the precious Book of Mormon. Unfortunately, from very early on in our history, the latter day saints seem unable to see in the words of the Book of Mormon the condemnation of our traditions, nor do we seem able to hear the truth when it is spoken in plainness to us from the words of the Book.

As early as September 1832 The Lord pointed out His displeasure at the latter day saint's inability to believe the truths contained in the Book of Mormon. According to the Lord, it was "unbelief" (specifically concerning the Book of Mormon) and "vanity" that led to His condemnation of the church and it's people. (D&C 84: 54-59) The condemnation of the Lord has never been lifted and remains intact and in effect still 180 years after it was first placed upon the church. This has been re-affirmed in our day by both Ezra Taft Benson and Dallin Oaks. 

The effects of "unbelief" and "vanity" make the eyes of the latter day saints unable to see and the ears unable to hear when truth is presented in plainness. The Lord called this a "darkened mind." (D&C 84: 54) According to Moroni, the latter day saints "transfigure" the holy word of God to mean something that would bring "damnation to your souls." (Mormon 8: 33) "Transfiguring" the holy word of God found in the Book of Mormon renders the latter day saints unable to recognize who and what they are in the prophecies of the Book. That which is written in "plainness" and in truth in the Book of Mormon, is "transfigured" in the minds of the saints by the false teachings of the traditions of their fathers. In this way, the false traditions are perpetuated, protected, and falsely supported. The perpetuation of those false traditions because they "transfigure the holy word of God," is what leads to "the damnation of your souls."

The Lord spoke to the Jews in parables with the intent to hide in the open, truths which if understood would save them. Like the latter day saints, the Jews suffered from unbelief and vanity. They too were rendered unable to "see" and "hear" truth. The Lord explained, (Matt 13:)

13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand.

14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:

15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

Latter day saints have "dumbed down" the entire meaning of the Book of Mormon to be nothing more than a collection of doctrinal discourses. When it is understood properly and believed, the doctrine of Christ contained in the Book of Mormon is indeed important beyond measure for the salvation of Gods children. The Book of Mormon contains the "fullness" of the gospel of Jesus Christ, meaning everything necessary to teach Gods children how to "receive" Him in this life is found in the Book. This is the fullness of the gospel of Christ. Even the proper understanding of the fullness of the gospel of Christ contained in the Book of Mormon, has been "transfigured" and largely replaced by precepts of men that teach it is not important to receive the person of Christ and His testimony to you in this life. We are taught instead, "smooth" words that falsely pacify, comfort, and ensure us that there will be plenty of time after this life is over to do what needs to be done. We are taught the false doctrine, "odds are, we will all be exalted" if we simply "follow the brethren" and keep dead center in the mainstream of the church.  When in fact, as Isaiah said, "this is a rebellious people, lying children, children that will not hear the law of the Lord: Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: Get you out of the way, turn aside out of the path, cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us." (Isaiah 30: 9-11) By the false tradition of their fathers and the way they have "transfigured the holy word of God," the Holy One of Israel has in very deed "ceased from before us."

Even apostles, who are to be "special witnesses" of Christ; in the early days of the restored church were required to seek a personal visit from the Lord before their calling to the office of apostle was considered complete, are no longer given that charge because so few, (perhaps none?) ever learned how that was to be done. (This reference goes to the apostolic charge given by Oliver Cowdery to all called apostles. The apostolic charge has now been discontinued.) The tradition of our fathers now teaches it is not necessary for salvation, perhaps not even possible, to receive a personal visit from Christ in this life. By this, the false tradition has rendered the fullness of the gospel meaningless for those who believe and follow that tradition. The Book of Mormon on the other hand tells us how Nephi, Jacob, Isaiah, Enos, Mormon, Moroni, the brother of Jared and others sought and found the personal presence of the Lord. (2Nephi 11: 2-3 and Enos 1: 4-8 and 3Nephi 7: 15 and Ether 4: 1 and others)

If the holy word of God in the Book of Mormon was never "transfigured" by the traditions of their fathers to mean something that was never intended, the traditions of the latter day saints could all be corrected and eliminated by the plain truths in the Book. If not transfigured, the holy word of God in the Book of Mormon:

Would leave no doubt about the identity of the latter day saints as the "Gentiles" and the Gentile church. (1Nephi 13: 34-35, 1Nephi 15: 13, 3Nephi 16: 4, 3Nephi 21: 2-6, D&C 109: 60, many others)

There would be a correct understanding that the "remnant of Israel" spoken of in the Book of Mormon is the latter day offspring of Lehi, the Lamanites. (Title page of the Book of Mormon, 1Nephi 13: 30, 1Nephi 13: 34,1 Nephi 15: 13-14,  2Nephi 28: 2,  2Nephi 29: 2, 3Nephi 20: 10, 3Nephi 21: 4, Mormon 7 all,  many others)

There would be no question about the prophetic destinies of both the latter day Gentiles and the remnant of Israel that will replace the Gentiles as stewards of the gospel of Jesus Christ when the Gentiles fall into gross error and reject the fullness of the gospel. (1Nephi 10: 14, 1 Nephi 13: 32-36, 1Nephi 15: 13-16, 3Nephi 16: 9-11, 3Nephi 20: 15-17, 3Nephi 20: 27-28, 3 Nephi 21: 2-7, 3Nephi 21: 14-21, many others)

There would be no question that it is they, (the remnant of Israel,) in the latter days who will build the city New Jerusalem and establish Zion when the Lord brings it (Zion) again. (3Nephi 20: 21-22, 3Nephi 21: 23-25, Ether 13: 8)

It would be clear to the latter day saints that "men" and "flesh" are not ever to be "followed" or relied upon. (2Nephi 4: 34, 2Nephi 19: 13-16,  2Nephi 28:4-5, 2Nephi 28: 14, 2Nephi 28: 26-29, 2Nephi 28: 31, and others)

It would be clear to all that the history of the latter day saints when fully disclosed, truthfully told, and correctly recounted, fulfills every prophecy in the Book of Mormon concerning the Gentiles, their rise, their work, and their decline and failure. (3Nephi 16: 10, see also D&C 124: 28, 32, 44-48)

Perhaps most importantly, if the holy word of God was not "transfigured," latter day Saints would know the arm of the Lord is stretched out still to them. (2Nephi 28: 32, 2Nephi 19: 17, 2Nephi 20: 3-4, Jacob 5: 47, 3Nephi 16: 13-14, 3Nephi 21: 6, 3Nephi 30: 2, many others)

They would know what is most needed of them is repentance and return to the Lord and His redeeming presence. (3Nephi 16: 13-14, 3Nephi 20: 15-16, 3Nephi 20: 20, 3Nephi 21: 6, 3Nephi 21: 14-22, 3Nephi 30: 2, Mormon 5: 22, Ether 2: 11, many more)

They would know they may yet be "numbered among" the people of the house of Israel. (3Nephi 16: 13, 3Nephi 21: 6, 3Nephi 21: 22, Ether 13: 10)

They would know they might yet "assist" the remnant of Israel in the building of the city New Jerusalem when the Lord will bring again Zion to reign in righteousness. (3Nephi 21: 23-24)

The holy word of God in the Book of Mormon need not be transfigured (Mormon 8: 33) to meanings that will lead to the damnation of anyone. The false traditions of the latter day saints could all be destroyed by the plain and precious truths contained in the Book of Mormon. It could be so if those so blinded by the traditions of their fathers would repent, open their eyes and ears and allow Him to heal them. 

Tradition of Their Fathers "The Arm of Flesh" Continued

Truth ought to be allowed to destroy everything that is false or untrue. The evil one, according to the lord, uses traditions of their fathers to take away light and truth from the children of men in order to destroy the work of God. (D&C 93: 39) Traditions of the latter day Saints that have come down from their fathers are strongly held and deeply entrenched within the church even though the church was originally established by, and continues to belong to the Lord. The lord allows all people to err, make mistakes, turn away from His counsel, and even drive the entire bus into the ditch if that is what they choose to do.  The Lord will never remove any man's right to choose even if the evil one instills the idea that the Lord will kill the man rather than allow him to make a choice that may lead you astray. The bus, if driven into the ditch by foolish, misdirected drivers, continues to be His even while in the ditch.

He has provided everything needed to show and instruct individual members of His church how to please Him and do His will. He has given everything His children need to "come to Him." And they need not "follow" any man in order to come unto Him. In fact, they cannot "follow" the prophet or anyone else if they ever hope to find His presence. (2Nephi 9: 41 and D&C 76: 98-101)

Despite His work to restore through the prophet Joseph Smith, the truth, ordinances, and power needed for individuals to find and traverse the path back to His presence, few ever find it. (D&C 132: 22) When the lord refers to "few," He is not speaking about something relative. "Few," means not very many at all. Isaiah suggests those that remain after the fury of the Lord is dealt out in the last days, after the "standard bearer fainteth," there will be so few remaining, a child will be able to count them. (2Nephi 20: 18-19) There are so "few" because although He lengthens out His arm to them from day to day, they will (and do) deny Him. (2Nephi 28: 32) They prefer the traditions of their fathers which include reliance on the arm of flesh (2Nephi 28: 31) and following men that can only lead them to a telestial reward. (D&C 76: 98-101)

The tradition and belief that there are men who will not be allowed to lead the church or it's people astray, is designed to draw focus away from the only one who really will never lead astray, to those who cannot save. If it is true there are men that cannot be led astray, then, there are men that are better, and in a higher class than the prophet Joseph Smith. Joseph was very fallible and prone to mistakes and errors just like every man that has ever lived. Joseph, because of his foolishness, was responsible for the loss of 116 pages of precious, sacred writings. The Lord had labored in unimaginable ways for centuries to construct, preserve, and bring forth in a miraculous way the writings of Lehi. Joseph, because he was only a man, was capable of throwing that all away because he was a man like all other men. The Lord pointed out Joseph’s mistake and foolishness in D&C 3.

I do not suggest there was anything of malicious intent in what Joseph did. What he did respecting the manuscript was just foolish. The Lord tried, as He always does, to persuade Joseph and to reason with him to do something wiser. But Joseph chose to push his own agenda and the result was disastrous. The undisputed fact Joseph was fallible and capable of error and mistakes like other men, does not make him any less a prophet and true messenger of God. I suspect if we had enough detail in the record of every prophet from the beginning of time, we would find Joseph is much more the rule than the exception. They were all flawed and error prone men. Joseph did not need the false cloak of "mighty prophet and mouthpiece of God who will not be allowed to lead astray." Joseph simply allowed himself to be a man who knew what it meant to need to repent often, probably daily like all other men.

Joseph never claimed infallability for himself. He understood what was needed in the church was to teach correct principles then get out of the way and allow people to "govern themselves." "Governing themselves," implies little need for central control, compulsion, or dominion. "Correct principles" when taught by humble ministers and servants of the people, become the government of the people of the Lord, including those that claim to be "leaders." Correct principles preclude the need for false statements like, "I will never be allowed to lead you astray." Correct principles never lead astray.

There has not been a man since Joseph Smith that was, or is, his equal. There have been 15 men since Joseph who have been sustained by the vote of the church as president of the church. Every one of those men was sustained by the members of the church as "prophet, seer, and revelator." Sustaining by the membership does not make a man a prophet, as Joseph was a prophet of God. The sustaining by members does not give a man the gift and power of seer-ship. Revelation, and the addition of new and salvific principles from heaven for the benefit of Gods children like the kind that came through Joseph, does not derive from the sustaining vote of the membership of the church. Those spiritual gifts do not derive from any "keys" that men claim to have been given by other men. Power from heaven comes by a man's personal connection with heaven and in no other way. (D&C 121: 36) Joseph was a great example of that. Joseph received his power and the spiritual gifts of prophet, seer, and revelator, from heaven in the one and only way any man can receive them, (JST Gen 14: 29) from the mouth of God Himself. (D&C 132: 45-46)

Several of Joseph's successors that we know of, though sustained by the members as "prophets, seers, and revelators," never had any personal contact from God's own mouth as is required to receive that order of power. (JST Gen. 14: 29) Among those of Joseph's successors who claimed in their own records that they never saw an angel or God, were Brigham Young and Heber J. Grant. I have read substantial portions of Heber J. Grant's diaries. My personal conclusion after having read the man's own record is that there was very little of spirituality about him at all. I don't fault him for that. It is just what he was. He was a businessman first and foremost, and apparently a very astute and good one. Business and politics made up substantially all of His personal activities and record. I learned that he had very deep and strong negative feelings about many of his fellow quorum members in the quorum of twelve, but especially George Q. Cannon. In His entire personal diary, I found nothing that suggested he ever communed with heaven. To the contrary, he said himself he was averse to direct contact and communication from God or angels. He seemed to fear direct contact from heaven. His diary is available on the Internet, anyone can read it. He was not a "prophet, seer, or revelator," in any sense except in the sense that he was sustained by the vote of the people as such. There is no power in the vote given to him or any other man by the members to produce the necessary connection with heaven where the power resides. (D&C 121: 36-37) Nor did the "keys" he or any other man received from other men produce the necessary connection with heaven. "Power" from heaven comes from the mouth of God to an individual man. There is no other way it can, or does, or ever has come to any man. (JST Gen. 14: 29 and Helaman 10: 4-7 and D&C 132: 45-46) 

The volume of new revealed truth from heaven virtually stopped after Joseph died. Joseph spoke often about all that remained to be given. His successors have not only failed to produce the added truth, knowledge, and revelation at anywhere near the order that it was given by Joseph; but much of what Joseph himself taught and revealed has been reduced, ignored, hidden, and outright discarded by his successors. Joseph's successors are sustained presidents of the Lord's church who hold primarily administrative positions provided for in the revelations received by Joseph. (D&C 107) Nothing more. We should allow them to be just that in order that the evil one have no basis upon which to trap the Lords children into relying on the arm of flesh needlessly.

Heber J. Grant, Brigham Young, and every other one of Joseph's 15 successors were/are flawed, fallible, imperfect men. We should allow them to be just that. They do not deserve or qualify to be adored, deified, or followed. They can be sustained as president of the Lord's church by common consent of the members and fulfill the responsibilities devolving upon that office without us needing to "follow" them. "Flesh" is not to be relied on or followed. Period.

The bright illuminating light of truth should summarily destroy every false tradition of their fathers. The Lord may yet be found. Anyone may be among the very few that find Him. He is not to be found by following men regardless of false claims that you need them to find Him.

Tradition of Their Fathers "The Arm of Flesh"

Many who hold high positions in the church are good and honorable men. They are concerned for their families and want to do good. At conferences of the church there are some good talks that repeat meaningful and good principles. I try to meet my obligation to uphold the first presidency by my "confidence, faith, and prayers."(D&C 107: 22) When it comes time to sustain these men, I raise my hand, and I mean it. I want them to be what the Lord needs them to be as humble ministers of the people to bring souls to Him. Whether or not they actually do that has nothing to do with my obligation to "uphold" them. 

When I see mistakes, errors, and foolishness among leaders of the church, I have an obligation to forgive and pray for them. They are just men. I am taught by the giver of law, to love, forgive, and not judge all men, including them. There was a time in my life when I believed these men were more than what they actually are. There was a time when I believed they actually conversed regularly with God. There was a time when I believed the "keys" they purportedly held gave them power over my eternal success and salvation. There was a time for me, as Nephi said there would be, when I erringly believed God had "given his power to men."(2Nephi 28: 5)

As a continuation of the discussion about "traditions of their fathers" and how those traditions are a leading vehicle by which the evil one "taketh away light and truth" (D&C 93: 39) from the children of men, we ought to consider what has become the foremost "tradition" of the LDS people. Somehow, the enemy has successfully instilled the mantra "Follow the prophet" among those the Lord has commanded to "Come follow Me." (Matt. 10: 38, 16: 24, John 10: 27 many others) In order to appease the minds of those that might recognize the commandment to "Come follow me," there has developed the twin false idea and tradition that "following the prophet" is the same thing as following the Lord. The evil one has baited the hook so adeptly as to have the entire tradition wrapped in a foil that falsely convinces there are men that "will never be allowed to lead them astray." The tradition has it that as a sign of His displeasure, God would kill the man before he would be allowed to lead you astray. Therefore anything the man does or says, unless he dies in a way that is known to be God killing him, is to be taken as the word of the Lord. 

Interestingly, this is the very same tactic the evil one used to get the Catholic people to take the very same hook regarding their "infallible" leaders. This tactic of false tradition is tried and true. It seems to hook men every time it is cast into the stream of humanity. There seems to be recognition by the evil one that men have a natural penchant for relying on the arm of flesh. Works every time. 

A part of the reason this false tradition is so potent against men, and has been repeatedly throughout history, is that there never seems to be a lack of "leaders" ready to step up to the post of "infallibility." Rare is the "leader" of God's people who completely and correctly understands who and what they really are. This is why the Lord would say,

"We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion." (D&C 121: 39)

Almost all men when given a position and a title will immediately begin to think incorrectly they have "power." They, and their followers, begin to think incorrectly, there is something about them that has led to God's favor. Why else would anyone be called to "lead" people? In fact, the Lord's children need far fewer "leaders" and more of the kind of godly ministers the Lord always intended to have among His children.

The entire package of this false tradition is a slick way for the enemy to completely cover the hook of "relying on the arm of flesh" with bait designed to trick Gods children into thinking they are really following Him. And the bait has been swallowed along with the line and sinker. Despite repeated warnings in the Book of Mormon, "the arm of flesh" (2Nephi 4: 34 and 2Nephi 28: 31) leads the people in a way that even the humble followers of Christ are "led that that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men." (2Nephi 28: 14)

In the restoration, the Lord provided a mechanism for offices and positions in the church to be filled so that the church would be able to function. That mechanism of common consent provides all that is needed to staff the organization of the church including the first presidency. If things were done as the Lord has revealed, even the first presidency of the church would be "chosen by the body" of the church. (D&C 107: 22) Even though that revealed procedure is ignored today, we still have an obligation to "uphold by our confidence, faith, and prayer... the Presidency of the Church."

"Upholding" these men does not mean we are under an obligation to ignore foolish or unrighteous behavior when we see it in them. When we see error or foolishness we ought to recognize it and see it for what it is. For example, it was difficult for me to take seriously or meaningfully the tears and emotion displayed at the pulpit during general conference by the very same man that three weeks earlier cut a ribbon with a big pair of scissors then shouted out, "LET'S GO SHOPPING!!!" at the grand opening of a major retail shopping complex in downtown Salt Lake City. In complete opposition to such a "prophetic" call, the beloved apostle John said, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1John 2: 15) Materialism is destroying people and families and our nation. Materialism has been preached against over and over at the pulpit of general conference itself. The Lord Jesus taught it is not possible for a servant to serve two masters. He said a servant would either "hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." (Luke 16: 13) I was left unclear given the true teachings of the Lord Jesus, exactly which master this man and those with him actually serve? If it is not even a possibility to serve them both, then which one was being served with a loud and hearty call to God's children, "LET'S GO SHOPPING!!!”? Is this now the clarion call of the "living prophets" of God? If the Lord Jesus or any of His true messengers ever taught such a thing, I completely missed it.

So, "leaders" are just fallible, erring men like all men. It is a spiritually fatal mistake to rely on the arm of flesh even, (or perhaps especially) when that flesh holds a title or position that should imply holiness. (2Nephi 28: 31) As has been pointed out before, "following" men and not the Lord Jesus Christ will earn a person nothing more than a telestial reward. (D&C 76: 98-101) 


We ought to pray for these men. We ought to "uphold them" with our faith and prayers. But above all our obligations, we ought never to think they are more than what they are. There is one and only one that deserves and should receive our love, devotion, and loyalty. He is the Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind. He alone has power to save and redeem men. He has not, nor will he ever "give(n) his power unto men." (2Nephi 28: 5) The church is His. He invites men to be humble, godlike servants and ministers to His children. If they receive that invitation from Him, they are to be "even as (He) is," (3Nephi 27: 27) the least and the servant of all. (Mark 10: 43-44) Given the tradition of their fathers, this is increasingly rare.

"Traditions of Their Fathers" and the Light of Truth

That which can be destroyed by truth ought to be drug out into the shining light of it, (truth) and annihilated. Truth is all that matters. Defending and holding tenaciously to long held beliefs and traditions should never be a consideration if truth is discovered or revealed that challenges the validity of that belief or tradition. Truth ought to take absolute precedence over every belief and tradition in every case. If a tradition or belief can stand up through a thorough examination of all evidence for and against; If, after that examination the tradition can yet be affirmed by the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, then it ought to be retained and lived by.

The enemy of God uses two potent weapons in His arsenal for the destruction of men. In a revelation through the prophet Joseph Smith the Lord teaches: 

"that wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers." (D&C 93: 39)

"Disobedience," implies knowledge or an understanding of a law or commandment that is then "dis" obeyed or disregarded. Violation of commandments or laws that are understood as principles of truth, is serious business. The martyr prophet Abinidi made this principle clear to King Noah and his wicked court of priests. He said:

"But behold, and fear, and tremble before God, for ye ought to tremble; for the Lord redeemeth none such that rebel against him and die in their sins; yea, even all those that have perished in their sins ever since the world began, that have willfully rebelled against God, that have known the commandments of God, and would not keep them; these are they that have no part in the first resurrection.

Therefore ought ye not to tremble? For salvation cometh to none such; for the Lord hath redeemed none such; yea, neither can the Lord redeem such; for he cannot deny himself; for he cannot deny justice when it has its claim." (Mosiah 15: 26-27)

"Dis" obedience results in the enemy "taking away light and truth" from the children of men. In other words, men are led away from God and His redemptive powers by knowing a true principle then ignoring or "dis" obeying that principle of truth. 

The "traditions of their fathers" is the second way men are led away from God and His redemptive powers. "Traditions of their fathers" used as a weapon by the enemy to destroy men is different from disobedience. Disobedience begins from a premise of truth. Understanding a truth, men choose in a willful way to fall into non-compliance. When the enemy "taketh away light and truth" because of the "tradition of their fathers," the result is the same as disobedience, but the tactics used in the destruction are far different. The tactics of "traditions of their fathers" are specifically designed by the enemy to hide or cover truth so that it (truth) may never be discovered or understood and lived properly in the first instance.

"Traditions of their fathers" ought to be the very first area of inquiry when trying to discover what beliefs or practices of a people might be damaged or destroyed by the light of truth. If it is true that the evil one uses "traditions of their fathers" to take away light and truth from the children of men, then every tradition ought to be put on the examination table and dissected carefully from top to bottom, inside and out. This should be a welcomed process. There should be nothing to fear about the close scrutiny of every tradition under the bright illuminating light of truth. There ought not be any tradition, belief, or practice that should ever be held above the need for scrutiny and detailed, careful, examination. Otherwise, according to the Lord's words, we run the risk of having light and truth removed from us by the evil one. The result, if we are unwilling to identify and discard "traditions of our fathers" that may be in error, is just as bad, perhaps worse than disobedience. 

We tend to "get" the seriousness of disobedience. On the other hand, the seriousness of false traditions that lead astray is less of a pressing concern. Generally, we don't believe we have any false traditions that we should be worried about. Our convictions about our beliefs preclude the possibility in our minds of anything false being a part of our stable of guiding principles. If something has been believed for a long time, if that thing was believed by our father, and his father, and his father, if that thing continues to be believed by everyone around us, it must be right. The question of authenticity or adherence to truth of a long held tradition is never raised. It even becomes taboo under the enemies' plan to suggest a tradition ought to be examined. The evil one protects and perpetuates "traditions of their fathers" by instilling the idea that the mere suggestion of checking into a tradition is a sign of apostasy and a lack of faith.  The work of the evil one begins to unravel when the accepted and applied premise is, "that which  truth can destroy, should be destroyed."  Joseph Smith is the foremost violator of the false idea that traditions or beliefs should never be challenged or investigated. Joseph was neither an apostate nor was he without faith. He followed true principles and allowed the truth he discovered to destroy every false "tradition of their fathers." Joseph said, "to all those who are disposed to set up stakes to the almighty - will come short of the glory of God. To become a joint heir of the heirship of the son, he must put away all his traditions." (Words of Joseph Smith location 4989 of 7184 Kindle version) Joseph understood and taught the destructive nature of "traditions of their fathers."

Joseph was told by God concerning the sects of his day, "I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: “they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.” (JSH 1: 19)

All that Joseph did in the restoration of truth was to destroy false traditions and establish truth in its place instead. He did not hesitate ever to shine the light of truth on every idea or belief in order to establish the truth or error of it. Joseph never taught there was any subject we should not be willing to dismantle or investigate in order to prove its truth. Thomas Bullock recorded Joseph saying, "I advise all to go on to perfection and search deeper and deeper into the mysteries of godliness..." (Words of Joseph Smith location 6646 of 7184 Kindle version)

Neither did the Lord Jesus ever teach such false doctrine. He is truth. He is the way. His doctrine is "ask and it shall  be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened." (Matt. 7: -8)

I reject the idea and attitude that it is a sign of apostasy or a lack of faith or loyalty to explore and question every belief and tradition of the latter day saints. I have found by "searching deeper and deeper," as Joseph suggested we should do, that "the tradition of their fathers" is indeed a problem for latter day saints. I am not afraid to examine every scrap of evidence pro and con relating to every belief and tradition of the church. The hardest, most difficult thing I have ever done in my life is to face the destruction by truth of traditions that I believed for most of my life were salvific for me. But, I have come to understand by the whisperings of the Holy Ghost that the destruction of those traditions and beliefs were necessary in order for me to find and follow the only path that leads back to the presence of God. 

I have learned that exposure to truth, and the destruction of the "traditions of their fathers" and the false beliefs of the latter day saints does not destroy the truthfulness of the church itself. The church is not our enemy. The church is the Lord's, it belongs to Him. That is an absolute truth. He established it through the prophet Joseph Smith. That verity is unchangeable by the belief, or disbelief, or conduct of men. The church's disposition as belonging to the Lord does not change despite errant beliefs, practices, or false traditions of the membership or leaders. False traditions and beliefs of members and leaders only have the effect of precluding them from blessings,  and spiritual progress that would otherwise be available to them. 

The Lord's people Israel have a long and proven history of leaving Him to go whoring after other Gods and precepts of men. (Deut. 31: 16, Psalms 106: 39) Usually always in that sordid and complicated history, Israel continued to believe it was Gods chosen people and that they had and were entitled to the blessings of the Lord. Just like the latter day saints.