The Spirit of God Wrought Upon the Gentiles

1 Nephi 13:10 - 12, 14 - 20, NC 1 Nephi 3 par. 20 

And it came to pass that I looked and beheld many waters, and they divided the gentiles from the seed of my brethren. And it came to pass that the angel said unto me, Behold, the wrath of God is upon the seed of thy brethren. And I looked and beheld a man among the gentiles, who was separated from the seed of my brethren by the many waters; and I beheld the spirit of God, that it came down and wrought upon the man, and he went forth upon the many waters, even unto the seed of my brethren who were in the promised land. And it came to pass that I beheld the spirit of God, that it wrought upon other gentiles, and they went forth out of captivity upon the many waters. And it came to pass that I beheld many multitudes of the gentiles upon the land of promise; and I beheld the wrath of God, that it was upon the seed of my brethren; and they were scattered before the gentiles and were smitten. And I beheld the spirit of the Lord, that it was upon the gentiles, that they did prosper and obtain the land for their inheritance. And I beheld that they were white, and exceeding fair and beautiful, like unto my people before they were slain. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld that the gentiles who had gone forth out of captivity did humble themselves before the Lord, and the power of the Lord was with them. And I beheld that their mother gentiles were gathered together upon the waters, and upon the land also, to battle against them. And I beheld that the power of God was with them, and also that the wrath of God was upon all those that were gathered together against them to battle. And I, Nephi, beheld that the gentiles that had gone out of captivity were delivered by the power of God out of the hands of all other nations. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld that they did prosper in the land.

The Stick of Joseph in the Hand of Ephraim 1 Nefi 3 par. 20

And it came to pass that I looked and beheld many waters, and they divided the Goyim from the seed of my brothers. And it came to pass that the angel said unto me, Behold, the wrath of Elohim is upon the seed of your brothers. And I looked and beheld a man among the Goyim, who was separated from the seed of my brothers by the many waters; and I beheld the Ruach Elohim, that it came down and worked upon the man, and he went forth upon the many waters, even unto the seed of my brothers who were in the promised land. And it came to pass that I beheld the Ruach Elohim, that it worked upon other Goyim, and they went forth out of captivity upon the many waters. And it came to pass that I beheld many multitudes of the Goyim upon the land of promise; and I beheld the wrath of Elohim, that it was upon the seed of my brothers; and they were scattered before the Goyim and were smitten. And I beheld the spirit of yhwh, that it was upon the Goyim, that they did prosper and obtain the land for their inheritance. And I beheld that they were white, and exceedingly fair and beautiful, like unto my people before they were slain. And it came to pass that I, Nefi, beheld that the Goyim who had gone forth out of captivity did humble themselves before yhwh, and the power of yhwh was with them. And I beheld that their mother Goyim were gathered together upon the waters, and upon the land also, to battle against them. And I beheld that the power of Elohim was with them, and also that the wrath of Elohim was upon all those that were gathered together against them to battle. And I, Nefi, beheld that the Goyim that had gone out of captivity were delivered by the power of Elohim out of the hands of all other nations. And it came to pass that I, Nefi, beheld that they did prosper in the land. 

I, for the first time in my life, that I know of, can testify that I know that the Book of Mormon is scripture and that it comes from God.  I am now sure of this.  I know this because of what is contained in it.  I am no longer in need of any external, historical, or other type of proof to settle my heart on the matter.  The Book of Mormon is a gift of God.  It came forth by His power and it contains the fulness of the gospel of Christ.  As weak as it is, this is my witness.

One thing I hope to again reiterate is that anything that I share in this blog is something that resonates with me at this moment in time.  These things constitute my own present personal understanding of doctrine, teachings, principles, and tenets contained in the Book of Mormon and other sources I consider to be scripture.

I am mostly blind and so I consider that anything I share is most likely going to be something that may be right but is woefully incomplete at best or more likely something that is in error.  I hope that anyone who reads anything in this blog will have charity on me for my errors and will search and find out what is true and right because they have been egged on, so to speak, by reading my erroneous statements and have become uncomfortable with said statements.

I also invite anyone to share their insights and corrections via comments.  I am not afraid of being wrong and I am excited to hear the points of view of others.  I can only see good in exchanging dialogue and points of view concerning what is in the Book of Mormon. 

One thing folks will notice is that I have recently begun to use a plural pronoun when I refer to God that is because of the following.

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. (Genesis 1:27, OC Genesis 2 par.8)

The above scripture confirms that the image of God is a male and female, a husband and a wife.

God is clearly pointing this out to us at the very beginning of the account concerning the creation of the earth.

They two are one and man was created to reflect this.

I do not pray to a mother in heaven.  The scriptures command us to pray to the Father in the name of the Son.  However, I do feel that it is very appropriate to point out that the image of God is a husband and wife together working as one so I use plural pronouns when referring to God.

As we look at this verse is it possible again to see that the Nephites who survived the final wars with the Lamanites lost their Nephite status or in other words their covenant status?

And now there are many records kept of the proceedings of this people, by many of this people, which are particular and very large concerning them; but behold, a hundredth part of the proceedings of this people — yea, the account of the Lamanites and of the Nephites, and their wars, and contentions, and dissensions, and their preaching, and their prophecies, and their shipping, and their building of ships, and their building of temples and of synagogues, and their sanctuaries, and their righteousness, and their wickedness, and their murders, and their robbings, and their plunderings, and all manner of abominations and whoredoms — cannot be contained in this work. But behold, there are many books and many records of every kind, and they have been kept chiefly by the Nephites. And they have been handed down from one generation to another by the Nephites, even until they have fallen into transgression and have been murdered, plundered, and hunted, and driven forth, and slain, and scattered upon the face of the earth, and mixed with the Lamanites until they are no more called the Nephites, becoming wicked, and wild, and ferocious, yea, even becoming Lamanites. (Helaman 3:13 - 16, NC Helaman 2 par. 4)

Nephi confirms the above statement by Mormon as he was abridging the account of Helaman because he, Nephi, refers to those on the American content as now the seed of his brothers and not his own even though some of his descendants by blood mixed with the Lamanites at the end.

Seeing things as they really are, Nephi again confirms to us that it is possible for a group of people who have at one time received a covenant from God to lose their status as covenant holders because of their transgressions.

Shouldn't we be alarmed that such a reality exists?

Shouldn't this make us look inward?

If we view that we are a part of a people who received a covenant from God at one point, wouldn't it be good for us to look at the traditions and present actions of that people to see if those traditions and actions actually reflect what is contained in the covenant that was originally given?

Did God give anything to any group of gentiles that reflects a covenant?

And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received, which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation. And this condemnation rests upon the children of Zion, even all, and they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon, and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say but to do according to that which I have written, that they may bring forth fruit meet for their Father’s kingdom. Otherwise, there remains a scourge and a judgment to be poured out upon the children of Zion, for shall the children of the kingdom pollute my holy land? Verily, verily I say unto you, nay. (D&C 84:54 - 59, T&C 82 par. 20)

If we look into the Book of Mormon and see what God actually requires of a covenant people do we see the teachings of the Book of Mormon reflected in the actions of the people who received the Book of Mormon or can we detect that these teachings have been and are presently being discarded?

What did the Father command the Lord to declare to the Nephites concerning the gentile church that would receive this new covenant, even the Book of Mormon?

But woe, saith the Father, unto the unbelieving of the gentiles, for — notwithstanding that they have come forth upon the face of this land, and have scattered my people who are of the house of Israel, and my people who are of the house of Israel have been cast out from among them and have been trodden under feet by them; and because of the mercies of the Father unto the gentiles, and also the judgments of the Father upon my people who are of the house of Israel — verily, verily I say unto you that after all this — and I have caused my people who are of the house of Israel to be smitten, and to be afflicted, and to be slain, and to be cast out from among them, and to become hated by them, and to become a hiss and a byword among them — 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 fullness 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 these things, and shall reject the fullness of my gospel, Behold, saith the Father, I will bring the fullness of my gospel from among them. And then will I remember my covenant which I have made unto my people, O house of Israel, and I will bring my gospel unto them. And I will shew unto thee, O house of Israel, that the gentiles shall not have power over you, but I will remember my covenant unto you, O house of Israel, and ye shall come unto the knowledge of the fullness of my gospel. But if the gentiles will repent and return unto me, saith the Father, behold, they shall be numbered among my people, O house of Israel. And I will not suffer my people who are of the house of Israel to go through among them and tread them down, saith the Father. But if they will not turn unto me and hearken unto my voice, I will suffer them — yea, I will suffer my people, O house of Israel — that they shall go through among them and shall tread them down and they shall be as salt that hath lost its savor, which is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out and to be trodden underfoot of my people, O house of Israel. (3 Nephi 16:8 - 15, NC 3 Nephi 7 par. 5)

Does it appear from the Lord's declaration that the gentile body who would receive the new covenant even the Book of Mormon would fall into transgression like the Nephites?

If the gentile body is full of all manner of lyings and deceits, and mischiefs, and all manner of hypocrisy, and murders, and priestcrafts, and whoredoms, and all manner of abominations even as they are lifted up in the pride of their hearts above all the people of the whole earth declaring that they are "the true church" (which resembles the Zoramites by the way) does that qualify as falling into transgression?

The Lord used the word "when" not "if" when he referred to the gentile church falling into transgression what does that imply?

Would it be inappropriate to equate the Lord's statement that He would bring the fulness of His gospel from among the gentile church to the Lord removing a covenantal status from the gentile church?

What if there are some believing gentiles?

The Lord declared the following concerning some few believing gentiles.

But if they will repent, and hearken unto my words, and harden not their hearts, I will establish my church among them, and they shall come in unto the covenant and be numbered among this the remnant of Jacob, unto whom I have given this land for their inheritance. And they shall assist my people, the remnant of Jacob, and also as many of the house of Israel as shall come, that they may build a city which shall be called the New Jerusalem. And then shall they assist my people, that they may be gathered in, who are scattered upon all the face of the land, in unto the New Jerusalem. And then shall the Powers of Heaven come down among them, and I also will be in the midst. And then shall the work of the Father commence at that day, even when this gospel shall be preached among the remnant of this people. Verily I say unto you, at that day shall the work of the Father commence among all the dispersed of my people, yea, even the tribes which have been lost, which the Father hath led away out of Jerusalem. Yea, the work shall commence among all the dispersed of my people, with the Father to prepare the way whereby they may come unto me, that they may call on the Father in my name. Yea, and then shall the work commence with the Father among all nations, in preparing the way whereby his people may be gathered home to the land of their inheritance. And they shall go out from all nations, and they shall not go out in haste nor go by flight, for I will go before them, saith the Father, and I will be their rearward. (3 Nephi 21:22 - 29, NC 3 Nephi 10 par. 1)

Does the Lord here mention a new covenantal status for believing gentiles who repent?

How would I as a gentile be able to receive the covenant the Lord speaks of here?

If anyone desires to know more of this opportunity to repent and come into the new covenant they are welcome to go to www.bornofwater.org.

The Lord has extended a new covenant to the gentiles, all who will repent and believe in Him, and baptism is the first step.

Following baptism the Lord has established the means for every baptized individual to receive and accept His new covenant if they so desire.

This is a glorious time.  The Lord in His mercy to continue His work of vindicating His promises to the ancient Fathers has opened a way for anyone who so desires to overcome the gentile failure of the past.

He has set His hand again the second time to recover Israel and He has invited believing gentiles to become part of the House of Israel in this work that He is doing.

Now, what constitutes the wrath of God?

This question comes because Nephi speaks of the wrath of God being upon the descendants of his brothers.

When the scriptural accounts speak of incurring God's wrath or of a person or people who are under God's wrath what does that entail; how is God's wrath manifest?

There are many instances in the scriptures that talk about the wrath of God.

If we look at one of these instances can we gain an understanding of what God's wrath is and how it is manifest?

The following is Alma speaking to Zeezrom.

Wherefore, he gave commandments unto men — they having first transgressed the first commandments as to things which were temporal and becoming as Gods, knowing good from evil, placing themselves in a state to act, or being placed in a state to act according to their wills and pleasures, whether to do evil or to do good — therefore, God gave unto them commandments, after having made known unto them the plan of redemption, that they should not do evil, the penalty thereof being a second death, which was an everlasting death as to things pertaining unto righteousness. For on such, the plan of redemption could have no power, for the works of justice could not be destroyed, according to the supreme goodness of God. But God did call on man in the name of his Son, this being the plan of redemption which was laid, saying, If ye will repent and harden not your hearts, then will I have mercy upon you, through mine only begotten Son. Therefore, whosoever repenteth and hardeneth not his heart, he shall have claim on mercy, through mine only begotten Son, unto a remission of his sins, and these shall enter into my rest. And whosoever will harden his heart and will do iniquity, behold, I swear in my wrath that he shall not enter into my rest. And now, my brethren, behold, I say unto you that if ye will harden your hearts, ye shall not enter into the rest of the Lord. Therefore, your iniquity provoketh him, that he sendeth down his wrath upon you as in the first provocation — yea, according to his word in the last provocation, as well as in the first, to the everlasting destruction of your souls; therefore, according to his word unto the last death, as well as the first. (Alma 12:31 - 36, NC Alma 9 par. 8)

Here we see Alma teaching Zeezrom concerning what occurred in the Garden of Eden.

In the Garden of Eden were Adam and Eve in the rest of God or in other words in Their presence?

Once Adam and Eve had partaken of the fruit and began to know good from evil what happened to them?

Would this be considered the "first provocation"?

Could we reasonably state that God withdrew from them in the "first provocation"; they, Adam and Eve, were shut out from Their presence?

Is this what Alma was talking about when he referenced people's iniquity provoking God to send down wrath upon the people as in the first provocation?

Doesn't Alma teach here that a plan of redemption was put in place to overcome the "wrath" incurred by the "first provocation"?

What does Alma say?

God did call on man in the name of his Son, this being the plan of redemption which was laid, saying, If ye will repent and harden not your hearts, then will I have mercy upon you, through mine only begotten Son. Therefore, whosoever repenteth and hardeneth not his heart, he shall have claim on mercy, through mine only begotten Son, unto a remission of his sins, and these shall enter into my rest.

If God's wrath is manifest by Their withdrawal then does the above teaching demonstrate how to remove God's wrath; to come back into Their rest or in other words Their presence or reverse Their withdrawal?

If God's wrath is manifest by Their withdrawal, are there differing levels of God's wrath?

Is Alma here speaking of a further withdrawal as he speaks of a "last death" a "second death" and an "everlasting death" as to things pertaining to righteousness?

Whenever we read in the Book of Mormon that God's spirit ceases to strive with a people or in other words God's spirit withdraws, what happens to that people?

When God's spirit withdraws from a people are they able to build or maintain a cohesive society or do they break apart?

What is the example from the Book of Mormon?

If God is withdrawing Their spirit who's spirit fills that space?

Is it possible for us to experience God's wrath and be totally unaware of it?

...nothing is a greater injury to the children of men than to be under the influence of a false spirit when they think they have the Spirit of God. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith pg. 205)

Who does the sweeping off of the people upon the Americas?

Isn't it the people themselves as they begin to get more and more angry at each other?

Does God's wrath upon a people then consist in the withdrawal of Their spirit?

If the descendants of Nephi's brothers were without the spirit of God among them wouldn't that explain their dark and loathsome and filthy state?

Would it be very important for us to consider God's wrath with respect to ourself?

As we look in this paragraph at the Lord bringing the gentiles to the Americas and scattering the descendants of Laman and Lemuel can we see the Lord's word to Lehi being fulfilled in very deed?

Wherefore, I, Lehi, have obtained a promise that inasmuch as those whom the Lord God shall bring out of the land of Jerusalem shall keep his commandments, they shall prosper upon the face of this land; and they shall be kept from all other nations, that they may possess this land unto themselves. And if it so be that they shall keep his commandments, they shall be blessed upon the face of this land, and there shall be none to molest them nor to take away the land of their inheritance, and they shall dwell safely for ever. But behold, when the time cometh that they shall dwindle in unbelief, after they have received so great blessings from the hand of the Lord, having a knowledge of the creation of the earth and all men, knowing the great and marvelous works of the Lord from the creation of the world, having power given them to do all things by faith, having all the commandments from the beginning, and having been brought by his infinite goodness into this precious land of promise, behold, I say, if the day shall come that they will reject the Holy One of Israel, the true Messiah, their Redeemer and their God, behold, the judgments of him that is just shall rest upon them. Yea, he will bring other nations unto them, and he will give unto them power, and he will take away from them the lands of their possessions, and he will cause them to be scattered and smitten. Yea, as one generation passeth to another, there shall be bloodsheds and great visitations among them. (2 Nephi 1:9 - 12, NC 2 Nephi 1 par. 2)

If we see God bringing other nations here to displace and take away the inheritance of the descendants of Lehi because of their iniquity and Nephi clearly states that God allowed the gentiles to obtain this land for their inheritance, do we think for one moment that the above words of Lehi would not apply to us?

If God does not fulfill Their promise to disinherit the gentiles based upon their iniquity and bring other nations and peoples in to destroy them wouldn't God have to issue an apology to the native tribes who have been scattered and destroyed by the gentiles?

This paragraph describing this part of Nephi's vision clearly and plainly outlines that the gentiles on this land prevailed against their mother gentiles and against all other nations only because the power of God was among them.

Do we think we can violate the laws and commandments of God as a nation and Their power will remain among us?

Shouldn't this part of Nephi's vision and an understanding of God's promises concerning this land and an understanding of Their wrath cause us to quake and tremble and come down to the dust in humility as a nation to repent and work to turn away the wrath of God upon us?

God is not kidding around and we face great peril.

Are we like unto the Nephites where our day of repentance is past; not because God would not accept repentance but because in our wild frenzied blindness we refuse to turn and face God?

Seriously, how could this message not cause us pain concerning our condition as a nation?

Another question that arises with Nephi's account of futurity here is how are the gentiles able to have the spirit of God among them?

Doesn't this part of Nephi's vision predate the restoration?

All my life I was raised hearing the accounts of the early gentiles receiving dreams and visions, and experiencing heavenly visitations, and receiving revelations, and speaking with the gift of prophecy.

I believe these accounts to be true.  

My understanding of Nephi's words here, And I beheld the spirit of the Lord, that it was upon the gentiles, that they did prosper and obtain the land for their inheritance. and his words I, Nephi, beheld that they did prosper in the land to mean that Nephi saw these above mentioned gifts of the spirit manifest among the first gentiles.

We have looked at before the meaning of what it means to "prosper in the land".

My understanding is that is has everything to do with heaven associating with a people and heaven pouring down it's gifts upon a people.

So what does this do to what anyone may think concerning what is required for the spirit of God to work upon and among a people?

How can all of this exist before the beginning of the gospel restoration through the Prophet Joseph?

The Holy Ghost can and does speak to everyone, Baptists, Lutherans, and Catholics included. C.S. Lewis could not have written and comprehended what he wrote and understood, unless the light of the Holy Ghost shown upon his mind. He declares the light of eternal truths in his writings. This is one of the manifestations of the Holy Ghost, or Comforter. 

Therefore it is given to abide in you; the record of heaven; the Comforter; the peaceable things of immortal glory; the truth of all things; that which quickeneth all things, which maketh alive all things; that which knoweth all things, and hath all power according to wisdom, mercy, truth, justice and judgment. (Moses 6:61) 

This is in contrast to the power given by Christ to lay on hands for the Holy Ghost. For power to do that, Christ touched (and must touch) the man given that power. When Christ actually gave power to give the Holy Ghost, the Book of Mormon account stresses repeatedly that He touched them: There is a difference between a visit by the Holy Ghost and having its presence always to be with you. “A man may receive the Holy Ghost, and it may descend upon him and not tarry with him.” (D&C 130:23.) This difference accounts for the Holy Ghost being available to all, on the one hand, and the power to lay on hands to confer the gift given by those upon whom Christ has laid His hands, on the other hand.

Many people believe they have the Holy Ghost with them when their emotions are stirred, or they are thrilled by some appealing talk, comment, praise or flattery. However these incidents do not increase light and truth, comprehension or intelligence and are not the Holy Ghost. They are only emotional experiences. Emotional experiences can be replicated in a number of ways. Music, movies, television commercials, general conference talks, books, testimonies, prayers and any number of physical experiences can create tears, goosebumps, or other things that we have incorrectly associated with the Holy Ghost.

Very often the truth conveyed by the Holy Ghost is hard to hear, difficult to follow, and breaks your heart. Sometimes the truth is bitter. But bitter truth is better than pleasing lies and flattery. It is a profound misunderstanding of the “Holy Ghost” when a person concludes it can never convey a message that condemns, convicts or challenges you. Much of what the Holy Ghost will convey – light and truth – causes pain, provokes change and repentance because you are convicted of errors. 

Alma was tutored by the Holy Ghost and it convicted him of his sins. He described it as “my God did rack my soul with inexpressible horror.” (Alma 36:14.) “For three days and for three nights was I racked, even with the pains of a damned soul.” (Id., v. 16.) He said “I was thus racked with torment, while I was harrowed up by the memory of my many sins.” (Id., v. 17.) He repented because he received accurate information by the power of the Holy Ghost showing him exactly where he stood before God. This enabled him to repent and return to God. 

It is a mistake to conclude that only good feelings, reassurance and praise comes through the Holy Ghost. It is likewise a profound error to assume a message that challenges you, tells you bad news about your present mistakes, and warns you to change course is dark, evil or cannot be from God.

There is no organization controlling the Holy Ghost.

Missionaries quote Moroni 10:4, and admonish everyone to pray and ask God if the Book of Mormon is true. Investigators are promised that God will manifest the truth of it unto them “by the power of the Holy Ghost.” These are unbaptized, unwashed, and uninitiated investigators who are told they can hear the Holy Ghost speak truth to them. The Holy Ghost does, can, and will speak to anyone.

The claim an organization has a franchise over the Holy Ghost is hollow. The idea the Holy Ghost can be controlled is false. The fact LDS Mormons are acquainted with the Holy Ghost means very little. That acquaintance does not distinguish Latter-day Saints, and it does not separate others from the Holy Ghost and its ministrations, no matter who they are.

("Thoughts on Holy Ghost, Denver Snuffer, Denvesnuffer.com, 21 January 2015)

This brings up a very important question.

If the Holy Ghost can minister light to anyone what should be considered an "authorized" source for truth?

Can any institution claim that they are the only authorized source of truth?

Should we be careful to not cut ourselves off from truth by excluding a great variety of input from many nations and peoples and affiliations?

Does God speak and has God spoken to more than one group of people at a time by the power of the Holy Ghost?

And because that I have spoken one word, ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another, for my work is not yet finished, neither shall it be until the end of man, neither from that time henceforth and for ever. Wherefore, because that ye have a bible, ye need not suppose that it contains all my words, neither need ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written. For I command all men, both in the east, and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them. For out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written. For behold, I shall speak unto the Jews and they shall write it, and I shall also speak unto the Nephites and they shall write it. And I shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of Israel which I have led away and they shall write it, and I shall also speak unto all the nations of the earth and they shall write it. And it shall come to pass that the Jews shall have the words of the Nephites, and the Nephites shall have the words of the Jews, and the Nephites and the Jews shall have the words of the lost tribes of Israel, and the lost tribes of Israel shall have the words of the Nephites and the Jews. And it shall come to pass that my people which are of the house of Israel shall be gathered home unto the lands of their possessions, and my word also shall be gathered in one. And I will show unto them that fight against my word, and against my people who are of the house of Israel, that I am God, and that I covenanted with Abraham that I would remember his seed for ever. (2 Nephi  , NC 2 Nephi 12 par. 10)

The Prophet Joseph proclaimed, 

Truth is “Mormonism.” God is the author of it.(Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith pg. 139)

If this is true then wherever we can find truth is it not the evidence of God working upon or among a person or people by the power of the Holy Ghost?

The following is an excerpt from a paper "Other Sheep Indeed" that sheds great light on this question.

Mormonism announced in its founding book of scripture that it is an incomplete, markedly unfinished religion searching for more truth to achieve its destiny. The completion is to be accomplished primarily by two means: restoring lost scripture and continuing revelation. 

But even the concept of “continuing revelation” has been institutionally curtailed. The only institutionally authorized source for revelation is a single leader. When he is not gifted with that capacity, the concept of “continuing revelation” is given lip service without any substantive proof. For example, minimal organizational adjustments in missionary ages are extolled as “revelation” rather than merely a policy change.  

When using the word “Mormonism” I intend to include every denomination or individual who accepts the Book of Mormon as part of their faith, and not any particular group or institution.  In the Press Conference held during General Conference Elder Jeffrey Holland called the policy change “inspired” and “revelatory.” He explained, “God is hastening His work.” 

Of all faiths, Mormonism has the greatest canonical incentive to search for and embrace truth known to others. The “keystone” of Mormonism is the Book of Mormon. That book alerts its readers that there are many others from vastly different places with vastly different scriptures who are nonetheless Christ’s sheep. Book of Mormon readers are expected to search for, welcome and learn from them. In contrast, institutional Mormonism of all stripes confine trustworthy new religious ideas to their authorized leaders. 

Early in the text we learn that our faith, like our scriptures, is unfinished, and to anticipate a flood of additional sacred texts to help remove our ignorance. The portion of the Book of Mormon translated by Joseph Smith is carefully censored, with its greater content withheld.  

2 Nephi 29:11-12 states: For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; …

Obviously the Gods of Mormonism view Their role as all-inclusive. The entire world and all mankind belong to Them.  Their global audience has received and recorded sacred words directly from the Gods’ “one” mouth.  We have no way to define the extent to which that has happened. Nor do we have any concept of the number of sacred records that exist somewhere among unknown others, nor any idea what truths they were given that we lack. 

Mormonism cannot, or at least should not, consider itself the exclusive possessor of THE sacred canon or that there is only one canon containing the Gods’ teachings. There are words from heaven spread throughout our world by the deliberate planting of the Gods. 

Continuing, for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written. These “books” hold terrible importance for Mormons because we are going to be judged by the Gods based on a comparison between our “works” and “that which is written.” With such a warning we Mormons ought to be humble about our claims to know more than other faiths. We should be modest in thinking we are especially graced by the Gods’ words and should be anxious to scour the globe to discover the sacred texts of other cultures.  In humility, we should invite them to share the truths they value most with us because we have shown that we will respect what they regard as sacred. 

To clarify this further the record continues, For behold, I shall speak unto the Jews and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the Nephites and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of Israel, which I have led away, and they shall write it; … 

So far this describes a welcome Judeo-Christian boundary because the ancient Israelites are the backbone of the Gods’ dealings with mankind. The Lost Ten Tribes continued to compose scripture, and their records will in time be recovered.  It is the unity of purpose and understanding that makes the Gods “one”.  This passage continues by including yet others who are disconnected from any disclosed connection to Israel: and I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it. Who? When? What was said? 

“All nations of the earth” is broad enough to raise the troubling possibility that the Gods have spoken to others in India, Japan and China - to the peoples of Persia, Africa, and Native peoples of the Americas, Hawaii, Polynesia, and Australia. The Jaredite prophet, identified as “the brother of Jared,” had some of the greatest revelation in all history. He lived many centuries before Abraham, and therefore before there were Israelites. We know Egypt was founded “seeking earnestly to imitate that order established by the first fathers in the first generation, in the days of the first patriarchal reign, even in the reign of Adam[.]” 

If we take the Book of Mormon seriously, the ecumenicalism of the Gods may have no recognizable or comprehensible limits. The Gods of Mormonism are far more pantheistic than Trinitarian. What a cruel embarrassment that proves to be for any sect that proselytizes primarily among other Christian denominations. Imagining Gods who speak to everyone is troubling enough, but for the Gods to expect Mormons to give high regard, even canonical credibility to the records of these truly “others” begins to buckle the knees and mangle the mantras of today’s Mormons. ("Other Sheep Indeed", Denver Snuffer, Sunstone Symposium 2017, pages 1 - 4)

I would recommend any reader to download a free PDF copy of this address from Denversnuffer.com in the downloads section.

Isn't the Book of Mormon challenging?

Everything put forward by Nephi in this one paragraph concerning his vision raises questions that have very serious present day implications and require us look inside ourselves.

I know for me personally it is a painful thing to measure myself against the perfection that the Book of Mormon presents in the principles it teaches.  But I know it is necessary for me to experience this pain or I will never awake from my deep sleep.

A Church Which Is Most Abominable

 

1 Nephi 13:1 = 9, NC1 Nephi 3 par. 19

And it came to pass that the angel spake unto me, saying, Look. And I looked and beheld many nations and kingdoms. And the angel said unto me, What beholdest thou? And I said, I behold many nations and kingdoms. And he said unto me, These are the nations and kingdoms of the gentiles. And it came to pass that I saw among the nations of the gentiles the formation of a great church. And the angel said unto me, Behold the formation of a church which is most abominable above all other churches, which slayeth the saints of God, yea, and tortureth them, and bindeth them down, and yoketh them with a yoke of iron, and bringeth them down into captivity. And it came to pass that I beheld this great and abominable church, and I saw the Devil that he was the foundation of it. And I also saw gold, and silver, and silks, and scarlets, and fine twined linen, and all manner of precious clothing; and I saw many harlots. And the angel spake unto me, saying, Behold, the gold, and the silver, and the silks, and the scarlets, and the fine twined linen, and the precious clothing, and the harlots are the desires of this great and abominable church. And also for the praise of the world do they destroy the saints of God and bring them down into captivity.

The Stick of Joseph in the Hand of Ephraim 1 Nefi 3 par. 19

And it came to pass that the angel spoke unto me, saying, Look. And I looked and beheld many nations and kingdoms. And the angel said unto me, What do you behold? And I said, I behold many nations and kingdoms. And he said unto me, These are the nations and kingdoms of the Goyim. And it came to pass that I saw among the nations of the Goyim the formation of a great church. And the angel said unto me, Behold the formation of a church which is most abominable above all other churches, which slays the k’doshim of Elohim, yes, and tortures them, and binds them down, and yokes them with a yoke of iron, and brings them down into captivity. And it came to pass that I beheld this great and abominable church, and I saw HaSatan that he was the foundation of it. And I also saw gold, and silver, and silks, and scarlets, and fine twined linen, and all manner of precious clothing; and I saw many harlots. And the angel spoke unto me, saying, Behold, the gold, and the silver, and the silks, and the scarlets, and the fine twined linen, and the precious clothing, and the harlots are the desires of this great and abominable church. And also for the praise of the world do they destroy the k’doshim of Elohim and bring them down into captivity.

Why are the nations of the gentiles assessed so negatively in the Book of Mormon?

Is it important that we understand the obstacles we are fighting against as descendants from those gentile nations?

When we read the Book of Mormon and we read the term gentiles is it proper to look inward and apply the comment concerning the gentiles to ourselves?

Can we ever escape what binds us down and keeps us from approaching God if we are not shown and accept the reality of where we find ourselves?

Isn't God being merciful to us by allowing us to see what They see?

They see truth; things as they are and as they were and as they are to come.

Wouldn't we benefit greatly from believing what They are showing to us through Nephi?

Are They, God, able to see through all darkness and deception and view things as they really are?

If we work to adopt Their view of all things can we eventually come to know the truth of all things?

If we start by looking at the term "church" and get a proper definition of that term, and then we look at how the Lord sees the world in terms of a church or churches, would it be possible to get a more focused idea of what Nephi is seeing here and recording in his vision?

This is the definition the Lord Himself has set forth as His "church" here on the earth.

Behold, this is my doctrine: whosoever repents and comes unto me, the same is my church. Whosoever declares more or less than this, the same is not of me, but is against me. Therefore, he is not of my church.  And now behold, whosoever is of my church and endures of my church to the end, him will I establish upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. (D&C 10:19 - 20, Teachings and Commandments, Section 1, Joseph Smith History, Part 10, pars. 19 - 20) 

Christ declares that His doctrine defines what or rather who composes His church.

What does it mean to repent? 

Repentance is a subject that is impossible to even approach in this blog because of what ought to be communicated concerning this principle.  We as a gentile culture are so full of false ideas concerning repentance that we must be disabused of these ideas before we are capable of applying repentance.

I would invite anyone who wants to really look into the principle of repentance to read talk number 3 "Repentance" of the talk series titled "40 Years in Mormonism" found as a free pdf download on Denversnuffer.com in the downloads section.

The following is an excerpt from this talk.

Take a look at Doctrine and Covenants 93: 36: “The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth. Light and truth forsake that evil one.” What if, instead of repentance being related to your misdeeds, which are so plentiful and persistent, and will continue; instead it is related to the acquisition of light of truth - that is intelligence? What if repentance requires you to take whatever it is you have that is a foolish error, a vain tradition, or a false notion and replace it with truth?

My suspicion is, that whatever it is that is troubling you, will trouble you considerably less if you begin to fill yourself with light and truth. Until at last you arrive at a point you look back upon your sins and you say. “I have no more disposition for that. Now I know enough not to do that anymore because I prefer the light. I prefer God's intelligence and glory over that which I used to trade, or substitute for it.” You see repentance may have a whole lot more to do with your own feeble education in the things of God than it has to do with the time you spend wasted, looking at some vile picture or other. We have these Victorian sexual mores that everyone in Wall Street tacks against. Like when you're in a sailboat and there's a head wind you "tack" against it. By using this cultural background they get instant attention by showing something sexually suggestive to sell you beer, or fast food, shoes, ships, sealing wax and cabbages. Quite frankly, I find most of the marketing exploitation of sex to be boring, not titillating. Some of the more graphic use of sex is somewhat medical, but it's not enticing. From a certain perspective, if you will acquire enough light and truth, you're not going to be contaminated by exposure to the things that are degrading.  

The Book of Mormon was abridged by a man who lived in an environment filled with sex and violence. He was untouched by it. He was a man of righteousness. Why is it that he could preserve himself in such an abhorrent environment? Because he was filled with light and truth. He educated himself, and had learned the things that are true. When you minister to someone who is suffering, their sins ought not to shock you. They should cause compassion to well up in you. People struggle with some very difficult, very challenging things. You need to try and overcome that by the light within you. The glory of God is intelligence. Be intelligent. ("Repentance", 40 Years in Mormonism Series, Denver Snuffer, 29 Sept. 2013, pgs. 9 - 10)

Is it possible as gentiles in a culturally gentile church that we have been taught and accepted a false principle dealing with repentance?

Is it possible as put forth above that repentance is to discard false and vain traditions and to replace these with truth?

How does one come unto Christ?

Is it possible that the following conversation between Nephi, the Lord, and the Father shows us how this is to be done?

And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water to fulfill all righteousness, Oh, then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water? And now I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfill all righteousness in being baptized by water? Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he sheweth unto the children of men that according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments. Wherefore, after he was baptized with water, the holy ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove. And again, it sheweth unto the children of men the straitness of the path and the narrowness of the gate by which they should enter, he having set the example before them. And he said unto the children of men, Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father? And the Father said, Repent ye, repent ye, and be baptized in the name of my Beloved Son. And also the voice of the Son came unto me, saying, He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the holy ghost like unto me. Wherefore, follow me and do the things which ye have seen me do. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ by baptism — yea, by following your Lord and Savior down into the water according to his word — behold, then shall ye receive the holy ghost. Yea, then cometh the baptism of fire and of the holy ghost, and then can ye speak with the tongue of angels and shout praises unto the Holy One of Israel.

But behold, my beloved brethren, thus came the voice of the Son unto me, saying, After ye have repented of your sins, and witnessed unto the Father that ye are willing to keep my commandments by the baptism of water, and have received the baptism of fire and of the holy ghost, and can speak with a new tongue — yea, even with the tongue of angels — and after this should deny me, it would have been better for you that ye had not known me. And I heard a voice from the Father saying, Yea, the words of my beloved are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved. And now my beloved brethren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved. Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shewn unto me: that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water, and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the holy ghost. And then are ye in this straight and narrow path which leads to eternal life. Yea, ye have entered in by the gate, ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son, and ye have received the holy ghost, which witness of the Father and the Son unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way, ye should receive.

And now my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this straight and narrow path, I would ask if all is done. Behold, I say unto you, nay, for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ, with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save. Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life. (2 Nephi 31:5 - 20, NC 2 Nephi 13 pars. 2 - 4)

Does the Lord's statement "...And now behold, whosoever is of my church and endures of my church to the end, him will I establish upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them..." match with the Father's statement to Nephi  "Yea, the words of my beloved are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved."?

Who is the rock to be established on?

... I am Messiah, the King of Zion, the Rock of Heaven, which is broad as eternity; and whoever comes in at the gate and climbs up by me shall never fall. ..." (Moses 7:48 - 53, OC Genesis 4 par. 20)

According to all of the above, does Christ's church exist in an earthly institutional form?

Is this something important to consider?

What are the views of God concerning "churches" on the earth?

And it came to pass that when the angel had spoken these words, he said unto me, Remember thou the covenants of the Father unto the house of Israel? I said unto him, Yea. And it came to pass that he said unto me, Look and behold that great and abominable church, which is the mother of abominations, whose foundation is the Devil. And he said unto me, Behold, there are save two churches only: the one is the church of the Lamb of God, and the other is the church of the Devil. Wherefore, whoso belongeth not to the church of the Lamb of God belongeth to that great church which is the mother of abominations, and she is the whore of all the earth. (1 Nephi 14:8 - 10, NC 1 Nephi 3 par. 27) 

According to the angel speaking with Nephi, they, God, see that there are only two churches that exist upon the earth.

Shouldn't that be sobering to us?

Both times we have mentioned this church which is most abominable, which rises from among the gentile nations, mention is clearly made that the foundation of this abominable church is the Devil.

Isn't that an exceedingly serious matter?

Christ declared that anyone who declares more or less than He declared in order to be a part of His church is not of His church but against His church.

Could that statement by the Lord be equivalent in meaning to saying that if one is not of the Lord's church they are of the only other church that exists on the earth who's foundation is the Devil?

Is this most abominable church made up of any single denomination, creed, institution, philosophy, or culture?

Would it be appropriate to say that any denomination, creed, institution, philosophy, or cultural idea that opposes or that is more or less than Christ's doctrine constitutes part of this church which is most abominable?

If we seriously look at the "fruits" Nephi sees that are produced by this most abominable church would we be able to recognize if our religious, cultural, philosophical, or institutional traditions are part of this most abominable church?

I also saw gold, and silver, and silks, and scarlets, and fine twined linen, and all manner of precious clothing; and I saw many harlots. And the angel spake unto me, saying, Behold, the gold, and the silver, and the silks, and the scarlets, and the fine twined linen, and the precious clothing, and the harlots are the desires of this great and abominable church. And also for the praise of the world do they destroy the saints of God and bring them down into captivity.

If what we participate in culturally, philosophically, institutionally, or religiously are focused on gold and silver or the acquisition of gold and silver (financial wealth and power) can we appropriately say that we are participating in something that is part of a most abominable church?

If what we participate in culturally, philosophically, institutionally, or religiously puts an emphasis on precious clothing, silks, scarlets, and fine twined linen (ie. Do they have a dress code that requires one to dress finely to participate?) can we appropriately say that we are participating in something that is part of a most abominable church?

Didn't Alma run into this problem among the Zoramites in the Book of Mormon?

And it came to pass that they did go forth, and began to preach the word of God unto the people, entering into their synagogues and into their houses; yea, and even they did preach the word in their streets. And it came to pass that after much labor among them, they began to have success among the poorer class of the people. For behold, they were cast out of the synagogues because of the coarseness of their apparel, therefore they were not permitted to enter into their synagogues to worship God, being esteemed as filthiness. Therefore, they were poor; yea, they were esteemed by their brethren as dross; therefore, they were poor as to things of the world; and also they were poor in heart. (Alma 32:1 - 3, NC Alma 16 par. 22) 

If we are involved in anything culturally, religiously, institutionally, or philosophically that looks down upon or casts out those who we would consider to be coarsely dressed don't we find ourselves a part of something that loves silks and scarlets and fine twined linen and precious clothing?

What about harlots?

The following is an excerpt from the Glossary of Terms found in the appendix to Teachings and Commandments for the title Great and Abominable Church.

The other, all-inclusive, great church is comprised of all philosophies, all belief systems, all unbelief systems, all rationalizations, all theories, and all vanities that distract people from repenting and following Christ. These vary from very good things that are uplifting (and possess even great portions of truth) to the degrading and perverse. This all-inclusive church is a “whore” because she is completely indiscriminate and open for all to have her acceptance and affection. She welcomes all, the only requirement being that one have false beliefs. “The great illusion of a whore is to imagine she likes you. To imagine she cares for you. To imagine she desires what you desire and is cooperating with you because she finds you attractive, appealing, and that you fulfill her longing. It is a lie, an illusion, and a fraud. Her bodily diseases are less virulent than her contamination of the soul. Empty, false, vain, and foolish thoughts occupy the imagination of those who have intercourse with the great whore. She prefers the lie, relies on it. You would not be her customer if not for the lies.”

Under this definition isn't anything that is a lie that entices you to be a part of Babylon or the world under the pretense that Babylon or the world likes you and desires what you desire appropriately referred to as a harlot?

If the principle of defiling oneself is associated with being with a harlot then couldn't we reasonably state that anything we associate with in the world that causes us to be defiled is in effect an association with a harlot?

Do we not contaminate our souls when we are a part of anything that seeks the acceptance of this world?

Doesn't Nephi refer to Babylon as the "whore of all the earth" or in other words the harlot of all the earth?

Now let's consider the other "fruit" of this most abominable church that Nephi mentions.

And also for the praise of the world do they destroy the saints of God and bring them down into captivity.

Is it possible that this statement above is very closely related to the following statement from Nephi?

Yea, they have all gone out of the way, they have become corrupted; because of pride, and because of false teachers, and false doctrine, their churches have become corrupted, and their churches are lifted up; because of pride, they are puffed up. They rob the poor because of their fine sanctuaries; they rob the poor because of their fine clothing, and they persecute the meek and the poor in heart because in their pride they are puffed up. They wear stiff necks and high heads, yea, and because of pride, and wickedness, and abominations, and whoredoms, they have all gone astray, save it be a few who are the humble followers of Christ. Nevertheless, they are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men. (2 Nephi 28:11 - 14, NC 2 Nephi 12 par. 2) 

Do churches change their teachings or are teachings of churches corrupted by the precepts of men to make them more appealing to the world at large?

Do churches allow their teachings to be changed or in other words corrupted by the precepts of men in order to get the praise of the world?

Could being a humble follower of Christ reasonably be equated to being a saint of God?

If a humble follower of Christ could reasonably be equated to be a saint of God then wouldn't teaching humble followers of Christ precepts of men in order to gain praise from the world or acceptance from the world be the same as destroying the saints of God because your teaching of the precepts of men cause them to err?

If you are a church teaching precepts of men to humble followers of Christ, which leads them in many instances to err, aren't you bringing saints of God into the captivity of the Devil because they are unable to follow Christ because they are in error?

What did the Lord say to the lawyers or teachers of the church in His day?

 Woe unto you lawyers, for you have taken away the key of knowledge, the fullness of the scriptures. You enter not in yourselves into the kingdom, and those who were entering in, you hindered. And as he said these things unto them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to be angry and to urge vehemently, endeavoring to provoke him to speak of many things, lying in wait for him and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, that they might accuse him. (Luke 11:45 - 54, NC Luke 8 par. 17) 

By changing the teachings of the scriptures the teachers of the church took away the key of knowledge which hindered those who were entering into the kingdom (ie. causing the humble followers of Christ to err.)

Have any of the teachings of the Prophet Joseph been changed or discarded since the beginning of the restoration the Lord began through him?

Were these teachings changed or discarded to gain the praise or acceptance of the world?

How about the ordinances established through the prophet Joseph?

Have they been changed to gain the acceptance or praise of the world?

What did Isaiah say about changing ordinances?

The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof, because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore has the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate; therefore, the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left. (Isaiah 24:1 - 15, OC Isaiah 7 par. 1) 

How about the Prophet Joseph?

What does he say about changing the ordinances?

And again, God purposed in Himself that there should not be an eternal fullness until every dispensation should be fulfilled and gathered together in one, and that all things whatsoever, that should be gathered together in one in those dispensations unto the same fullness and eternal glory, should be in Christ Jesus; therefore He set the ordinances to be the same forever and ever, and set Adam to watch over them, to reveal them from heaven to man, or to send angels to reveal them. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith pg.168)

The power, glory and blessings of the Priesthood could not continue with those who received ordination only as their righteousness continued; for Cain also being authorized to offer sacrifice, but not offering it in righteousness, was cursed. It signifies, then, that the ordinances must be kept in the very way God has appointed; otherwise their Priesthood will prove a cursing instead of a blessing. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith pg. 170)

Ordinances instituted in the heavens before the foundation of the world, in the priesthood, for the salvation of men, are not to be altered or changed. All must be saved on the same principles. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith pg. 308)

Where there is no change of priesthood, there is no change of ordinances, says Paul. If God has not changed the ordinances and the priesthood, howl, ye sectarians! If he has, when and where has He revealed it? Have ye turned revelators? Then why deny revelation? (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith pg. 308)

Christ said to His disciples (Mark 16:17 and 18), that these signs should follow them that believe:—“In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover;” and also, in connection with this, read 1st Corinthians, 12th chapter.  By the foregoing testimonies we may look at the Christian world and see the apostasy there has been from the apostolic platform; and who can look at this and not exclaim, in the language of Isaiah, “The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinances, and broken the everlasting covenant? (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 16)

If God reveals an ordinance in order to give power to the children of men to return to His presence and escape the captivity of the Devil, then isn't it bringing the saints of God into captivity to the Devil to change the revealed ordinance and therefore to break the power that the ordinance contains to allow the individual to come back into the presence of God?

Remember knowledge is power and the knowledge given in an ordinance allows an individual to approach God for more knowledge and power until they can enter back into Their presence.

Changing an ordinance removes knowledge necessary to approach the God.  It begins the process of unbelief we discussed earlier.

Unbelief is believing in incorrect or incomplete knowledge.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always, lest ye be tempted by the devil, and ye be led away captive by him.”

 

The caution is always added to “watch and pray always.” It is not enough to fall into the correct way. You must prevent, at every turn, a misstep taking you off that path.

 

The devil always tempts to “do more or less” than we are instructed. To accomplish his desired results, the devil only needs to persuade you to do a little more, or do a little less, and he will have succeeded. He does not need to cut you off by a great big sin when a small one will work just as well.

 

Lately, we’ve been looking carefully at the details of the account of the sacrament among the Nephites. As with anything, varying this by “more or less” is a temptation. That temptation comes from the devil. He knows better than any of us that changing ordinances is intended to rob them of their efficacy.

 

When good intentions lead to the conclusion that you can or ought to change an ordinance in any particular, it does not matter how well intended the underlying reason is for the change. The purpose is to defile. As Isaiah put it: “The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.” (Isa. 24: 5.)  For what reason would you change the Lord’s ordinances:

-People are not interested in them?

-People are offended by them?

-They seem to include unimportant details?

-They seem to conflict with your understanding of another scripture?

-The performance is uninspiring to the skeptical mind?

-The performance can be improved by a change?

-They seem to hold no real meaning?

-They can have better acceptance if altered?

-People no longer know or understand them?

-People just don’t care enough to observe the details?

 

Perhaps there are ten-thousand reasons for making a change. Maybe you are not tempted by all, but just one of those reasons. But so long as there is one reason which persuades you, that is enough. The devil knows he must only persuade you on one point, one time to get you to change the ordinance. Once he has managed that, he has robbed the ordinance of power, defiled the earth because of its inhabitants, persuaded you to transgress the law, and destroyed the everlasting covenant.

 

This is a wonderful teaching from Christ. He would like us to be ever watchful precisely because the devil intends to interrupt the Gospel every time it appears on the earth. In general, it takes less than 200 years for an apostasy to set in among the people chosen by God to receive a dispensation of the Gospel. Only in a few isolated instances, among a few people, have there been occasions where the ordinances remained unchanged. Those people successfully resisted every argument presented in favor of changing the ordinances and breaking the covenant with God.

The goal of our adversary is to lead us into captivity. When we lose the key to knowledge because we forfeit the light given by ordinance to us, then we struggle about in the dark. Left to your own reasoning, it is possible to establish all kinds of aberrations, calling bad good, and the light darkness.  Then only isolated voices remain to challenge the overwhelming majority who believe they have improved things by their tampering.

 

This pattern is warned against by the Lord. He lays bare the source of such things. It is all of the devil. He is the architect of that ruin.

 

So it is with the entire sermon the Lord has delivered, along with the new ordinance He has just introduced. The whole is meant to be understood and followed. It is the path back to truth and light. It was meant to become our guide, our way of life. For the most part, we have very good reasons why we do not follow it. ("3 Nephi 18:15", Denversnuffer.com, 11 November 2010)

When Nephi records that this abominable church  slayeth the saints of God, yea, and tortureth them, and bindeth them down, and yoketh them with a yoke of iron, and bringeth them down into captivity, can we look at history and even at the present day and see that these things have happened and continue to happen to the saints of God?

Are these not terrible things?

Wouldn't it be important for us to seriously consider if we are a part of anything that contributes to slaying, torturing, binding down, yoking with a yoke of iron, or bringing into captivity the saints of God?

If we do not turn from everything that brings about these serious offenses against the saints of God or if we uphold anything that brings about these offenses then aren't we complicit with the very things that bring these offenses about?

Would it be reasonable to assume that we can escape the judgments of God for such serious offenses against His saints if we do not actively fight against anything that brings these offenses about by leaving this most abominable church and entering into the Church of the Lamb of God?

What did the Prophet Joseph declare?

It is an imperious duty that we owe to God, to angels with whom we shall be brought to stand, and also to ourselves, to our wives, and our children who have been made to bow down with grief, sorrow, and care under the most damning hand of murder, tyranny, and oppression, supported, and urged on, and upheld by the influence of that spirit which has so strongly riveted the creeds of the fathers, who have inherited lies upon the hearts of the children, and filled the world with confusion, and has been growing stronger and stronger, and is now the very mainspring of all corruption, and the whole earth groans under the weight of its iniquity. It is an iron yoke, it is a strong band; they are the very handcuffs, and chains, and shackles, and fetters of hell.  Therefore, it is an imperious duty that we owe, not only to our own wives and children, but to the widows and fatherless, whose husbands and fathers have been murdered under its iron hand, which dark and blackening deeds are enough to make hell itself shudder, and to stand aghast and pale, and the hands of the very Devil to tremble and palsy. And also it is an imperious duty that we owe to all the rising generation and to all the pure in heart (which there are many yet on the earth, among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it), therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness wherein we know them and they are truly manifest from Heaven. (D&C 123:7 - 13, Teachings and Commandments 139 pars. 14 - 15) 

How shall we fulfill our duty to expose to the humble followers of Christ who are only kept from the truth because they are blinded by the craftiness of men, the hidden works of darkness that exist in the church who's foundation is the Devil if we ourselves do not seriously look inward to see if we are blinded by the craftiness of men and a part of this most abominable church?

Shouldn't what Nephi is bringing to our attention here be a serious consideration for us?

Would it be foolish to pass by this and say, "Well this is referring to others not to us"?  

Satan “desires to have you.” You are wanted. Not because he has your best interest in mind, but because he wants control. He wants to gain power over others, limit their choices, and make them his slaves.

The manner wheat was sifted was to use a sieve to separate grain from husks, tares, stones and other chaff. The wheat would be kept, the refuse tossed into a pile to be discarded. Sifting was vigorous and tossed the grain about to separate it. This suggests being completely under Satan’s control, being tossed about, and being discarded. It is a horrifying image, because the result would be domination by the adversary of your soul.

Satan’s great desire has always been to separate men from their agency. He seeks to enslave those who fall under his power. Using wickedness, appetites of the flesh, drug dependence or other addictions, the end goal is always the same. He seeks control. He craves the god-like power to have dominion over others. Since he forfeited any right to gain power in a godly way, he seeks now ungodly power through coercion and compulsion.

Whenever you find compulsion, dominion, control, or force being employed, you have found Satan. (D&C 121: 37-41.) He wants to cut you off from heaven, and  uses control to limit access to the heavens. When people voluntarily surrender their responsibility to follow the Lord, Satan has acquired by persuasion what he craves to acquire through force.

The antidote for falling under Satan’s control is to “watch and pray always.”  Why watch? Why “pray always?”

To watch is to be observant and detect elements of control, dominion and compulsion. It is to become vigilant in separating the will of men from the will of God. It is to keep the Lord’s teachings in mind, and to measure any person’s teachings, actions and persuasions against the standard the Lord has explained.

To “pray always” is to retain a personal connection with heaven. Particularly, to retain that connection through the Holy Ghost, and through Christ’s Spirit, you seek to always have with you. If this is a lively connection, you are able to avoid being “sifted.” If it lapses into darkness, you are vulnerable to being taken captive.

These are simple expressions anyone can understand. It is not the difficulty of the teaching, but the difficulty of the implementation which keeps people bound in darkness. Traditions, widespread acceptance of false ideas, excuses for failure, and rationalizations for why things are as they are, all prevent us from reading these teachings with the eyes of a child. The Lord’s teachings are distorted even as they are being read by the blinders we wear. When the eye is filled with darkness, how great is the darkness within. Christ spoke about that in the previous sermon. ("3 Nephi 18:17 - 18", Denversnuffer.com, 12 November 2010)

We would be well served to take what Nephi is saying very seriously here.

 

Dark, Loathsome, Filthy, Full of Idleness and All Manner of Abominations

  1 Nephi 12:19 - 23, NC 1 Nephi 3 par. 18

And while the angel spake these words, I beheld and saw that the seed of my brethren did contend against my seed, according to the word of the angel. And because of the pride of my seed and the temptations of the Devil, I beheld that the seed of my brethren did overpower the people of my seed. And it came to pass that I beheld and saw the people of the seed of my brethren, that they had overcome my seed, and they went forth in multitudes upon the face of the land. And I saw them gathered together in multitudes; and I saw wars and rumors of wars among them, and in wars and rumors of wars I saw many generations pass away. And the angel said unto me, Behold, these shall dwindle in unbelief. And it came to pass that I beheld, after they had dwindled in unbelief, they became a dark, and loathsome, and a filthy people, full of idleness and all manner of abominations.

The Stick of Joseph in the Hand of Ephraim, 1 Nefi 3 par. 18

And while the angel spoke these words, I beheld and saw that the seed of my brothers did contend against my seed, according to the word of the angel. And because of the pride of my seed and the temptations of HaSatan, I beheld that the seed of my brothers did overpower the people of my seed. And it came to pass that I beheld and saw the people of the seed of my brothers, that they had overcome my seed, and they went forth in multitudes upon the face of the land. And I saw them gathered together in multitudes; and I saw wars and rumors of wars among them, and in wars and rumors of wars I saw many generations pass away. And the angel said unto me, Behold, these shall dwindle in unbelief. And it came to pass that I beheld, after they had dwindled in unbelief, they became a dark, and loathsome, and a filthy people, full of idleness and all manner of abominations.

There is a very somber warning that seems to repeat again and again in the Book of Mormon and there are descriptions given for groups of people who are set forth as examples of this warning.

This warning indicates that unbelief and dwindling creates a situation where the people who have dwindled become dark, loathsome, and filthy.  They become idle and are filled with all manner of abominations.

As a study group, we have determined that we would study closely warnings or promises or themes or other items that repeat in the Book of Mormon.

Is it possible that what Nephi recorded in the final parts of this paragraph concerning what the angel showed him is given as a warning to us?

If we look through the Book of Mormon and discover when these terms and descriptions were used, (i.e. abominations, idleness, filthiness, etc.), what they are applied to, would it be possible to discover how to recognize if they are present in us?

Would it be important to come to a realization of our own filthiness, idleness, abominations, etc. in order to awake and repent of our unbelief and be able to escape?

How exactly do we repent of our unbelief?

Nephi recorded the Lord's words to him concerning Laman and Lemuel if they rebelled against Nephi's words and if they rebelled against Him (God).

And inasmuch as thy brethren shall rebel against thee they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord.  And inasmuch as thou shalt keep my commandments thou shalt be made a ruler and a teacher over thy brethren.  For behold in that day that they shall rebel against me I will curse them with a sore curse and they shall have no power over thy seed except they shall rebel against me also.  And if it so be that they rebel against me they shall be a scourge unto thy seed to stir them up in the ways of remembrance. ( 1 Nephi 2:21 - 42, NC 1 Nephi 1 par. 9)

If we go to the account of their rebellion can we see what brought on the curse and what the curse entailed and the results of being cursed?

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did cause my people to be industrious and to labor with their hands. And it came to pass that they would that I should be their king, but I, Nephi, was desirous that they should have no king; nevertheless, I did for them according to that which was in my power. And behold, the words of the Lord had been fulfilled unto my brethren, which he spake concerning them, that I should be their ruler and their teacher; wherefore, I had been their ruler and their teacher according to the commandments of the Lord until the time they sought to take away my life. Wherefore, the word of the Lord was fulfilled which he spake unto me, saying that inasmuch as they will not hearken unto thy words, they shall be cut off from the presence of the Lord. And behold, they were cut off from his presence. And he had caused the cursing to come upon them, yea, even a sore cursing because of their iniquity. For behold, they had hardened their hearts against him, that they had become like unto a flint. Wherefore, as they were white and exceeding fair and delightsome, that they might not be enticing unto my people, the Lord God did cause a skin of blackness to come upon them. And thus saith the Lord God: I will cause that they shall be loathsome unto thy people, save they shall repent of their iniquities. And cursed shall be the seed of him that mixeth with their seed, for they shall be cursed even with the same cursing. And the Lord spake it, and it was done. And because of their cursing which was upon them, they did become an idle people, full of mischief and subtlety, and did seek in the wilderness for beasts of prey. And the Lord God said unto me, They shall be a scourge unto thy seed to stir them up in remembrance of me; and inasmuch as they will not remember me and hearken unto my words, they shall scourge them even unto destruction. (2 Nephi5:17 - 25 , 2 Nephi 4 par. 4) 

We asked the question clear back in the post "A Ruler and A Teacher" and we will ask it again here.

Why was it that by rejecting Nephi's words that Laman and Lemuel were cut off from the presence of the Lord?

Does it have anything to do with the fact that Nephi was sent to Laman and Lemuel with an authorized message from God?

What is entailed in receiving an authorized message from God?

Can someone hear an authorized message but not receive it?

Even though Nephi had an authorized message from God to give to his brothers did he ever try to exercise power or authority over them?

If the rejection of an authorized message from God cuts us off from the possibility of coming into the presence of the Lord wouldn't it be important to look at any message that is claimed to be from God to find out if it really is an authorized message from God?

Is it worth the time to study out a message to determine if it comes from God?

Even Though Nephi had an authorized message from God for Laman and Lemuel how did that message make Laman and Lemuel feel?

Did what Nephi declared to them make them feel positive and at peace or did it make them feel ill at ease and cause them to be angry?

How about Abinadi's message to those in the court of king Noah or Samuel the Lamanites message to the Nephites on the walls of Zarahemla?

What about Lehi's message to the people of Jerusalem?

Were the above mentioned groups of people angry or ill at ease with an authorized message because they were wicked?

Would an authorized message to a righteous people make the righteous people feel ill at ease?

How did King Benjamin's sermon to a righteous people make that righteous people feel?

Is there a pattern here for how a true authorized message from of Father in Heaven will make us feel?

What will the Father's words compel us to look at inside ourselves?

If we view the contrast between what the Father invites us to become contained in a true authorized message from Him with where we presently find ourselves what kind of feelings will that engender within us?

What feelings were engendered in King Benjamin's people?

Are these questions important for us to consider?

This is from the Prophet Joseph.  We mentioned this in a previous post.

The moment we revolt at anything which comes from God, the devil takes power. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 181)

If God sends an authorized message through an authorized messenger and we revolt at the message who takes power over us?

Could we consider that this is a curse we bring upon ourselves?

If we revolt at what God has sent and the devil takes power over us is it then possible for us to enter into the presence of the Lord?

What is our response to the feelings created in us at the hearing of a true authorized message from our Father in Heaven if the devil takes power over us?

What was the response of the Jews at Jerusalem to the message Lehi was sent to deliver?

Except for Alma, what was the response of those in king Noah's court to Abinadi's words?

What about the response of the people of Amonihah to Alma and Amulek's words?

Is there a pattern here?

If we find ourselves to be angry at the words being delivered then who has control of us, of our hearts?

Do we find ourselves in the same situation as Laman and Lemuel?

How would we know if a message is an authorized message from God?

Would the message be different or opposed to the message of Nephi to Laman and Lemuel?

If God is the same yesterday, today, and forever and the terms of salvation are the same for the entire human family, will His authorized message change or in any way deviate from the message Nephi and all the other authorized messengers delivered?

Would we be able to verify if a message is from God by looking into the Book of Mormon to see if it vindicates the message?

Would we feel pride from an authorized message sent from God?

Would an authorized message sent from God make us feel the following?

Holy, holy God! We believe that thou art God, and we believe that thou art holy, ... Holy God, we believe that thou hast separated us from our brethren; and we do not believe in the tradition of our brethren which was handed down to them by the childishness of their fathers, but we believe that thou hast elected us to be thy holy children;...But thou art the same yesterday, today, and for ever; and thou hast elected us that we shall be saved, whilst all around us are elected to be cast, by thy wrath, down to hell, for the which holiness, O God, we thank thee. And we also thank thee that thou hast elected us, that we may not be led away after the foolish traditions of our brethren, which doth bind them down to a belief of Christ, which doth lead their hearts to wander far from thee, our God. And again we thank thee, O God, that we are a chosen and a holy people. Amen. (Alma31:12 - 18 , NC Alma 16 par. 18) 

Would an authorized message sent from God make us feel the following?

And now it came to pass that when king Benjamin had made an end of speaking the words which had been delivered unto him by the angel of the Lord, that he cast his eyes round about on the multitude, and behold, they had fallen to the earth, for the fear of the Lord had come upon them; and they had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth. And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying, O have mercy and apply the atoning blood of Christ, that we may receive forgiveness of our sins and our hearts may be purified! For we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God who created Heaven and earth and all things, who shall come down among the children of men. (Mosiah 4:1 - 2 , NC Mosiah 2 par. 1) 

Was King Benjamin's message an authorized message?

Who delivered the message to King Benjamin to give to his people?

Was King Benjamin speaking things he had a perfect knowledge of and things he was commanded to speak or was he declaring things that he felt an impression to share?

Did King Benjamin start his sermon with anything like a phrase "I want to talk to you about something that has been on my mind for a while or that I have been impressed to share?

And again my brethren, I would call your attention, for I have somewhat more to speak unto you. For behold, I have things to tell you concerning that which is to come. And the things which I shall tell you are made known unto me by an angel from God. And he said unto me, Awake. And I awoke. And behold, he stood before me. And he said unto me, Awake and hear the words which I shall tell thee; for behold, I am come to declare unto thee glad tidings of great joy. For the Lord hath heard thy prayers, and hath judged of thy righteousness, and hath sent me to declare unto thee that thou mayest rejoice, and that thou mayest declare unto thy people that they may also be filled with joy. (Mosiah3:1 - 4 , NC Mosiah 1 par. 13) 

Did King Benjamin clearly and boldly declare where he had gotten the message he was commanded to teach?

Are these important questions we all ought to ask so as not to reject God's words sent through an authorized servant and by so doing cut ourselves off from the presence of the Lord?

As an aside but very related, when the Book of Mormon speaks of prospering in the land what does that mean?

O remember, remember, my son Helaman, how strict are the commandments of God. And he said, If ye will keep my commandments, ye shall prosper in the land, but if ye keep not his commandments, ye shall be cut off from his presence. And now remember, my son, that God has entrusted you with these things which are sacred, which he has kept sacred, and also which he will keep and preserve for a wise purpose in him, that he may show forth his power unto future generations.(Alma37:13 - 14 , NC Alma 17 par. 9) 

According to Alma, what is necessary in order to "prosper in the land"?

If someone keeps the commandments of God who's presence will they enter into?

What is the opposite, in Alma's view, of  "prospering in the land"?

If a person or a nation is cut off from being able to enter into the presence of the Lord then are they "prospering in the land" according to Alma?

If I read into the phrase "prospering in the land" the meaning to be affluent or wealthy or prosperous materially is that correct to do?

If that is the correct Book of Mormon meaning for "prospering in the land" then doesn't that mean that all of the richest and most affluent people and businesses and movie stars and sports athletes etc. are strict to observe the commandments of God?

Does that mean that someone who is poor materially is a violator of the commandments of God?

Wouldn't that mean that the Prophet Joseph who died with a petition for bankruptcy pending in the courts was wicked and did not keep the commandments of God?

If, however, the real meaning of "prospering in the land" means to enter into the presence of the Lord then (1 Do I want to "prosper in the land" and if so how do I keep the commandments of God in order to so prosper? 2) If it is possible for a group of people or a nation to "prosper in the land" together then where do I go to find a group who teaches and is striving to enter into the presence of the Lord?  

As weak a witness as I am, I am still a witness that God has sent an authorized message through an authorized servant that can be vindicated by the message of the Book of Mormon and the teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith that invites all to enter into the Lord's presence (prosper in the land) in order to be willing to be gathered as chicks are gathered under the wings of their mother.

Now what would be a sore cursing?

If being cut off from the ability to enter into the Lord's presence isn't cursing enough what would be more "sore" a cursing than that?

Remember when Mormon was writing Moroni and he said the following to his son?

 ... And now behold, my son, I fear lest the Lamanites shall destroy this people, for they do not repent. And Satan stirreth them up continually to anger one with another. Behold, I am laboring with them continually. And when I speak the word of God with sharpness, they tremble and anger against me. And when I use no sharpness, they harden their hearts against it. Wherefore, I fear lest the spirit of the Lord hath ceased striving with them. For so exceedingly do they anger, that it seemeth me that they have no fear of death. And they have lost their love one towards another, and they thirst after blood and revenge continually. And now, my beloved son, notwithstanding their hardness, let us labor diligently; for if we should cease to labor, we should be brought under condemnation. For we have a labor to perform whilst in this tabernacle of clay, that we may conquer the enemy of all righteousness and rest our souls in the kingdom of God.(Moroni 9:1 - 6, NC Moroni 9 par. 1)

Is it possible that the Lord withdrawing His spirit among a people or in other words the spirit of the Lord ceases striving with a people that that is the sore cursing Nephi speaks of?

What does the spirit of the Lord do among a person or any people or nation?

What are Paul's words to the Galatians concerning this?

But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. Against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the spirit, let us also walk in the spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.(Galatians5:22 - 26 , NC Galatians 1 par. 22) 

How about Paul's words to the Ephesians?

For you were sometimes darkness, but now are you light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth), proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them, for it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light, for whatever does make manifest is light. Wherefore, he says, Awake, you that sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light. (Ephesians5:8 - 14 , NC Ephesians 1 par. 18) 

What about the most recent words from the Lord on the matter of the spirit of the Lord given in 2017?

You pray each time you partake of the sacrament to always have my spirit to be with you. And what is my spirit? It is to love one another as I have loved you. Do my works and you will know my doctrine, for you will uncover hidden mysteries by obedience to these things that can be uncovered in no other way. This is the way I will restore knowledge to my people. If you return good for evil, you will cleanse yourself and know the joy of your Master. You call me Lord, and do well to regard me so, but to know your Lord is to love one another. Flee from the cares and longings that belong to Babylon, obtain a new heart, for you have all been wounded. In me you will find peace, and through me will come Zion, a place of peace and safety. (Teachings and Commandments, Section 157 par. 51)

If a person or a group of people or a nation possess this spirit of the Lord what are the inclinations that naturally come to them as a consequence of their associating with this spirit?

What naturally happens when a person or a group of people or a nation loves one another even as the Lord loves them, and they are filled with love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance,  and they work works of goodness, righteousness and truth?

What happens among such a people as they interact with each other without envying one another, or seeking vainglory, or provoking one another?

What does the Lord say that these folks will receive?

Do my works and you will know my doctrine, for you will uncover hidden mysteries by obedience to these things that can be uncovered in no other way. This is the way I will restore knowledge to my people. If you return good for evil, you will cleanse yourself and know the joy of your Master.

Do we have an example right at the very first of the separation of the Nephites and Lamanites of a group or nation of people who possess the spirit of the Lord?

What are their works or how do they operate in daily living?

And it came to pass that the Lord did warn me that I, Nephi, should depart from them and flee into the wilderness, and all those who would go with me. Wherefore, it came to pass that I, Nephi, did take my family, and also Zoram and his family, and Sam, mine elder brother, and his family, and Jacob and Joseph, my younger brethren, and also my sisters, and all those who would go with me. And all those who would go with me were those who believed in the warnings and the revelations of God; wherefore, they did hearken unto my words. And we did take our tents and whatsoever things were possible for us, and did journey in the wilderness for the space of many days. And after we had journeyed for the space of many days, we did pitch our tents. And my people would that we should call the name of the place Nephi; wherefore, we did call it Nephi. And all those who were with me did take upon them to call themselves the people of Nephi. And we did observe to keep the judgments, and the statutes, and the commandments of the Lord in all things according to the law of Moses. And the Lord was with us and we did prosper exceedingly, for we did sow seed and we did reap again in abundance. And we began to raise flocks, and herds, and animals of every kind. And I, Nephi, had also brought the records which were engraven upon the plates of brass, and also the ball, or the compass, which was prepared for my father by the hand of the Lord according to that which is written.  And it came to pass that we began to prosper exceedingly and to multiply in the land. And I, Nephi, did take the sword of Laban, and after the manner of it did make many swords, lest by any means the people who were now called Lamanites should come upon us and destroy us. For I knew their hatred towards me, and my children, and those who were called my people. And I did teach my people to build buildings and to work in all manner of wood, and of iron, and of copper, and of brass, and of steel, and of gold, and of silver, and of precious ores, which were in great abundance. And I, Nephi, did build a temple; and I did construct it after the manner of the temple of Solomon, save it were not built of so many precious things, for they were not to be found upon the land. Wherefore, it could not be built like unto Solomon’s temple. But the manner of the construction was like unto the temple of Solomon, and the workmanship thereof was exceeding fine. (2 Nephi5:5 - 16 , NC 2 Nephi 4 pars. 2 - 3) 

Do we see this occurrence again and again throughout the Book of Mormon among peoples and nations who gained and retained the spirit of the Lord among them?

Do we see the natural consequences of living without the spirit of the Lord put on display again and again in the Book of Mormon?

We started above by presenting Mormon's words to his son Moroni.

How about among the Lamanites even from the very first part of their separation from the Nephites?

And because of their cursing which was upon them, they did become an idle people, full of mischief and subtlety, and did seek in the wilderness for beasts of prey.

Do we have further descriptions of the inevitable results of their sore curse of abiding without the spirit of the Lord?

And now it came to pass that I, Enos, went about among the people of Nephi, prophesying of things to come and testifying of the things which I had heard and seen. And I bear record that the people of Nephi did seek diligently to restore the Lamanites unto the true faith in God, but our labors were vain. Their hatred was fixed, and they were led by their evil nature, that they became wild and ferocious, and a bloodthirsty people, full of idolatry and filthiness, feeding upon beasts of prey, dwelling in tents, and wandering about in the wilderness with a short skin girted about their loins and their heads shaven. And their skill was in the bow, and the cimeter, and the ax; and many of them did eat nothing save it was raw meat. And they were continually seeking to destroy us. (Enos 1:19 - 20, NC Enos 1 par.5) 

Now the Lamanites knew nothing concerning the Lord nor the strength of the Lord, therefore they depended upon their own strength; yet they were a strong people as to the strength of men. They were a wild, and ferocious, and a bloodthirsty people, believing in the tradition of their fathers, which is this: Believing that they were driven out of the land of Jerusalem because of the iniquities of their fathers, and that they were wronged in the wilderness by their brethren, and they were also wronged while crossing the sea, and again, that they were wronged while in the land of their first inheritance after they had crossed the sea — and all this because that Nephi was more faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord. Therefore he was favored of the Lord, for the Lord heard his prayers and answered them, and he took the lead of their journey in the wilderness. And his brethren were wroth with him because they understood not the dealings of the Lord. They were also wroth with him upon the waters because they hardened their hearts against the Lord. And again they were wroth with him when they had arrived to the promised land, because they said that he had taken the ruling of the people out of their hands; and they sought to kill him. And again they were wroth with him because he departed into the wilderness as the Lord had commanded him and took the records which were engraven upon the plates of brass, for they said that he robbed them. And thus they have taught their children that they should hate them, and that they should murder them, and that they should rob and plunder them, and do all they could to destroy them. Therefore they have an eternal hatred towards the children of Nephi. For this very cause has king Laman — by his cunning, and lying craftiness, and his fair promises — deceived me, that I have brought this my people up into this land that they may destroy them. Yea, and we have suffered this many years in the land.(Mosiah 10:11 - 18, NC Mosiah 6 par. 12) 

...Now it was the practice of these Lamanites to stand by the waters of Sebus to scatter the flocks of the people, that thereby they might drive away many that were scattered unto their own land, it being a practice of plunder among them.(Alma 18:1 - 7, NC Alma 12 par. 11) 

These are just a few of the passages that give a description of the filthiness, the darkness, the loathsomeness, and the idleness of a people who are under a sore curse of not possessing the spirit of the Lord because of their rebellions against God.

Isn't it interesting that among a sorely cursed people they practiced plunder even among themselves?

As we read the descriptions of conspirators and Gaddiantons in the Book of Mormon do they not also exhibit the same characteristics of darkness, loathsomeness, filthiness, idleness, etc.?

Could it be said of the conspirators and Gaddiantons that they fell under the sore cursing as well?

At the end of the Book of Mormon record we see just how low entire nations of people descend to when they are cursed with a sore cursing.

 ... And it is impossible for the tongue to describe or for man to write a perfect description of the horrible scene of the blood and carnage which was among the people, both of the Nephites and of the Lamanites. And every heart was hardened so that they delighted in the shedding of blood continually. And there never had been so great wickedness among all the children of Lehi, nor even among all the house of Israel (according to the words of the Lord), as were among this people. (Mormon 4:7 - 12, NC Mormon 2 par. 2)

Can education fix the problem of this sore cursing?

Isn't it just a matter of having an uneducated people that brings about the problems described above of darkness and idleness and loathsomeness, abominations, etc.?

 And it came to pass that Amulon did gain favor in the eyes of the king of the Lamanites; therefore, the king of the Lamanites granted unto him and his brethren that they should be appointed teachers over his people, yea, even over the people who were in the land of Shemlon, and the land of Shilom, and in the land of Amulon. For the Lamanites had taken possession of all these lands; therefore, the king of the Lamanites had appointed kings over all these lands. And now the name of the king of the Lamanites was Laman, being called after the name of his father; and therefore, he was called king Laman. And he was king over a numerous people. And he appointed teachers of the brethren of Amulon in every land which was possessed by his people. And thus the language of Nephi began to be taught among all the people of the Lamanites. And they were a people friendly one with another. Nevertheless, they knew not God; neither did the brethren of Amulon teach them anything concerning the Lord their God, neither the law of Moses, nor did they teach them the words of Abinadi. But they taught them that they should keep their record, and that they might write one to another. And thus the Lamanites began to increase in riches, and began to trade one with another and wax great, and began to be a cunning and a wise people as to the wisdom of the world — yea, a very cunning people, delighting in all manner of wickedness and plunder, except it were among their own brethren.(Mosiah 24:1 - 7, NC Mosiah 11 par. 7) 

Did Amulon's education of the Lamanites remove the sore cursing?

Again, we see that it is possible, indeed likely, to grow in riches and to become cunning and wise as to the wisdom of the world through the means of education and still be cursed with a sore cursing so that one still delights in all manner of wickedness and plunder.

How about abominations?

What is an abomination?

The following is a definition of abominations found in the glossary of terms in the appendix of the Teachings and Commandments.

The use of religion to suppress truth or impose a false form of truth. It involves the religious justification of wrongdoing. That is, something becomes abominable when it is motivated out of a false form of religious observance or is justified because of religious error.

From the very first part of the Book of Mormon we see that the Lord always sends His authorized servants to call people to repent from their abominations.

Therefore, I would that ye should know that after the Lord had shewn so many marvelous things unto my father Lehi, yea, concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, behold, he went forth among the people and began to prophesy and to declare unto them concerning the things which he had both seen and heard. And it came to pass that the Jews did mock him because of the things which he testified of them, for he truly testified of their wickedness and their abominations. ...(1 Nephi 1:18 - 20, NC 1 Nephi 1 par. 5) 

The Jews reveled in their religious errors.  They had changed the ordinances and had corrupted the law of Moses.  They were exceedingly religious but their religiosity had no power to change or save anyone.

Because of their abominations they sought to kill Lehi when he testified that Christ would come.

Jacob declares something concerning the religious Jews.

...Wherefore, as I said unto you, it must needs be expedient that Christ (for, in the last night, the angel spake unto me that this should be his name), that he should come among the Jews, among those who are the more wicked part of the world. And they shall crucify him — for it behooveth our God — and there is none other nation on earth that would crucify their God. For should the mighty miracles be wrought among other nations, they would repent and know that he be their God. But because of priestcrafts and iniquities, they at Jerusalem will stiffen their necks against him, that he be crucified. Wherefore, because of their iniquities, destructions, famines, pestilences, and bloodsheds shall come upon them; and they who shall not be destroyed shall be scattered among all nations.(2 Nephi 10:1 - 6, NC 2 Nephi 7 par. 1) 

Jacob mentions priestcraft among the Jews.

The Book of Mormon defines priestcraft as setting oneself up to preach in order to get gain and praise of the world.

Is it reasonable to consider priestcraft is a form of idleness?

Isn't one who practices priestcraft one who is unwilling to labor for their own maintenance?

If we are part of any religion that entertains or supports a certain group of people as special or a better or more holy class because they are upheld and paid by the people they preach to are we not upholding priestcraft?

What was the example that King Benjamin, a true authorized servant set?

If priestcraft is a form of idleness then do we not find ourselves in the same dark predicament as those who were part of the Lamanites and Lemuelites?

In the first vision what did the Lord declare to Joseph concerning the religious sects of the day?

My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner therefore did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the personages who stood above me in the light which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong) and which I should join. I was answered that 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. He again forbade me to join with any of them, and many other things did he say unto me which I cannot write at this time. (Joseph Smith History 1:18 - 20 , T&C Section 1, Joseph Smith History, Part 2 par. 5) 

At that point the Lord declared that all creeds were motivated out of a false form of religious observance in his sight; they were abominations.

The Lord declared to Joseph that all creeds denied the power of godliness.

The glossary of terms in the Teachings and Commandments talks about the power of godliness.

The ability to open the heavens in order to be given assignments, confirm revelation, and receive blessings from God. All power is tied to heaven. When the powers of heaven are withdrawn from someone, then their authority comes to an end, and they have no power. The power of godliness must be gained through Jesus Christ, access to Whom is available to all men and women on equal terms. Godliness is different from virtue; it is even different from righteousness. Godliness requires one to become godlike in one’s sentiments and in one’s meekness before Him. “Whether men understand you or attribute motives to you, the relationship is between you and the Lord. Godliness is when your walk here is along the path He has chosen for you.” The power of godliness (T&C 82:12) is inseparably connected with the ordinances (see T&C 139:5). Without the power of godliness, the current rites are much like the apostate world Christ condemned in His initial visit with Joseph Smith (see JSH 2:5). The power of godliness and the authority of the priesthood are connected with see[ing] the face of God, even the Father (T&C 82:12)

Didn't Joseph encounter the denial of the power of godliness when he first shared his account of the first vision with one of the religious leaders of the day?

If we are part of a religion that denies the power of godliness can it be said of that religion that it teaches a false form of religious observance in the sight of God; that it is an abomination in the sight of God?

The Lord began with Joseph to try and restore the only proper form of religious observance that would harken back to the original religion had among Adam and Eve.

Didn't that religion include the ministration of angels and the power of the Holy Ghost until they again in the flesh entered back into the presence of the Lord and then the Lord brought them back into the presence of the Father?

Now what does any of this or maybe all of this have to do with today?

What was the Lord commanded of the Father to declare to the Nephites concerning the modern day gentile church?

But woe, saith the Father, unto the unbelieving of the gentiles, for — notwithstanding that they have come forth upon the face of this land, and have scattered my people who are of the house of Israel, and my people who are of the house of Israel have been cast out from among them and have been trodden under feet by them; and because of the mercies of the Father unto the gentiles, and also the judgments of the Father upon my people who are of the house of Israel — verily, verily I say unto you that after all this — and I have caused my people who are of the house of Israel to be smitten, and to be afflicted, and to be slain, and to be cast out from among them, and to become hated by them, and to become a hiss and a byword among them — 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 fullness 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 these things, and shall reject the fullness of my gospel, Behold, saith the Father, I will bring the fullness of my gospel from among them. And then will I remember my covenant which I have made unto my people, O house of Israel, and I will bring my gospel unto them. And I will shew unto thee, O house of Israel, that the gentiles shall not have power over you, but I will remember my covenant unto you, O house of Israel, and ye shall come unto the knowledge of the fullness of my gospel. But if the gentiles will repent and return unto me, saith the Father, behold, they shall be numbered among my people, O house of Israel. And I will not suffer my people who are of the house of Israel to go through among them and tread them down, saith the Father. But if they will not turn unto me and hearken unto my voice, I will suffer them — yea, I will suffer my people, O house of Israel — that they shall go through among them and shall tread them down and they shall be as salt that hath lost its savor, which is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out and to be trodden underfoot of my people, O house of Israel.(3 Nephi 16:8 - 15, NC 3 Nephi 7 par. 5) 

As we look at the above declaration from the Lord can we see that the gentiles are given a very low appraisal by the Father?

My present understanding is that the gentile nation as a whole was complicit in the scattering of the Lord's people upon this land because of the Lord's judgements upon His people.

Further into the declaration I ask this question.

Who was in a position to sin against the Lord's gospel and to reject His fullness?

If the nation of gentiles as a whole for the most part simply rejected the Lord's gospel as it was beginning to be restored through Joseph were they in any position to sin against it?

What group of gentiles was and is in a position to sin against the Lord's gospel?

What does it mean to reject the fullness of the Lord's gospel and what group of gentiles would find themselves in a position to reject the fullness of the Lord's gospel?

The following is contained in the Glossary of Terms in the Teachings and Commandments and sheds light on the Fullness of the Gospel.

This is used a number of ways in scripture: First, it is an explanation of what the Book of Mormon contains (see, e.g., JSH 3:3; T&C 26:7). In that sense, the term refers to a collection of prophetic testimonies about Jesus Christ as their Redeemer and guide to salvation and, in turn, Christ’s role as universal Savior and Redeemer of mankind. Second, it is a way to identify Christ revealing Himself to mankind, thereby redeeming mortals from the fall. It is in this sense that the term is used in T&C 69:3: The ascent to God is the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It shows up very early in the first chapter by Lehi. Then it is repeated by Nephi, Jacob, Enos, Mosiah, and Alma, describing their ascent experiences. It continues throughout. Third, the Lord has used it to describe an everlasting covenant: “…the fullness of my gospel which I have sent forth in these last days, the covenant which I have sent forth to recover my people which are of the house of Israel (T&C 23:3; 31:3; 52:1; 1 Nephi 3:4). Joseph Smith used the term in his writings and teachings at different times with different meanings. “Learning these ‘mysteries [of God]’ is the fullness of Christ’s Gospel.” The fullness of the Gospel consists of asking God, receiving answers, revelations, knowledge, and finally, in the Second Comforter.

Did the Prophet Joseph preach the fullness of the gospel?

The other Comforter spoken of is a subject of great interest, and perhaps understood by few of this generation. After a person has faith in Christ, repents of his sins, and is baptized for the remission of his sins and receives the Holy Ghost, (by the laying on of hands), which is the first Comforter, then let him continue to humble himself before God, hungering and thirsting after righteousness, and living by every word of God, and the Lord will soon say unto him, Son, thou shalt be exalted. When the Lord has thoroughly proved him, and finds that the man is determined to serve Him at all hazards, then the man will find his calling and his election made sure, then it will be his privilege to receive the other Comforter, which the Lord hath promised the Saints, as is recorded in the testimony of St. John, in the 14th chapter, from the 12th to the 27th verses. Note the 16, 17, 18, 21, 23 verses:

“16. And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; “17. Even the Spirit of Truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. “18. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. * * “21. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. “23. If a man love me, he will keep my word: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.”

Now what is this other Comforter? It is no more nor less than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself; and this is the sum and substance of the whole matter; that when any man obtains this last Comforter, he will have the personage of Jesus Christ to attend him, or appear unto him from time to time, and even He will manifest the Father unto him, and they will take up their abode with him, and the visions of the heavens will be opened unto him, and the Lord will teach him face to face, and he may have a perfect nowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God; and this is the state and place the ancient Saints arrived at when they had such glorious visions—Isaiah, Ezekiel, John upon the Isle of Patmos, St. Paul in the three heavens, and all the Saints who held communion with the general assembly and Church of the Firstborn. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pages 150 - 151)

What about the following?

But great and marvelous are the works of the Lord, and the mysteries of his kingdom which he shewed unto us, which surpasseth all understanding, in glory, and in might, and in dominion, which he commanded us we should not write while we were yet in the spirit, and are not lawful for men to utter, neither is man capable to make them known, for they are only to be seen and understood by the power of the holy ghost, which God bestows on those who love him and purifieth themselves before him, to whom he grants the privilege of seeing and knowing for themselves, that through the power and manifestation of the spirit, while in the flesh, they may be able to bear his presence in the world of glory. (D&C 76:114 - 118 , T&C 69 par. 29) 

And how about the following?

All men know that they must die. And it is important that we should understand the reasons and causes of our exposure to the vicissitudes of life and of death, and the designs and purposes of God in our coming into the world, our sufferings here, and our departure hence. What is the object of our coming into existence, then dying and falling away, to be here no more? It is but reasonable to suppose that God would reveal something in reference to the matter, and it is a subject we ought to study more than any other. We ought to study it day and night, for the world is ignorant in reference to their true condition and relation. If we have any claim on our Heavenly Father for anything, it is for knowledge on this important subject. Could we read and comprehend all that has been written from the days of Adam, on the relation of man to God and angels in a future state, we should know very little about it. Reading the experience of others, or the revelation given to them, can never give us a comprehensive view of our condition and true relation to God. Knowledge of these things can only be obtained by experience through the ordinances of God set forth for that purpose. Could you gaze into heaven five minutes, you would know more than you would by reading all that ever was written on the subject.(Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 324)

And the following as well?

When God offers a blessing or knowledge to a man, and he refuses to receive it, he will be damned. The Israelites prayed that God would speak to Moses and not to them; in consequence of which he cursed them with a carnal law.(Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pg. 322)

I would ask, do any of the institutionalized factions of the splintered church begun by the Prophet Joseph preach presently that the fullness of the Gospel is something that ought to be attained to?

Here are the words of one of the top leaders of the most successful division of Mormonism, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (TM).

Dallin H. Oaks: Of course, all of the righteous desire to see the face of our Savior, but the suggestions that this must happen in mortality is a familiar tactic of the adversary. ("Of False Prophets and Apostacy", The Boise Rescue, June 13 2015)

Are these words a rejection of the fullness of the Gospel, taught and demonstrated throughout the Book of Mormon and preached by the Prophet Joseph?

What did the Lord declare concerning this group of Gentiles that would reject the fullness of His gospel?

When they...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 these things, and shall reject the fullness of my gospel, Behold, saith the Father, I will bring the fullness of my gospel from among them.

Is not the description of this group of people similar if not almost exactly the same as the description of the sorely cursed Lamanites that were left after the fall of the Nephites?

Aren't lyings and deceits, hypocrisy and murders,and whoredoms dark and loathsome and filthy actions?

Aren't mischiefs and priestcrafts two of the many results of idleness? 

Isn't the mention of secret abominations at the very least very similar to being filled with all manner of abominations?

What does the Lord have to say about the restoration gentiles following the deaths of Joseph and Hyrum?

The wickedness of the gentile saints dismayed the people of Illinois who had welcomed them, and provoked the anger of their indignant neighbors, who then implemented your judgments against the rebellious saints. The former gentile saints were driven into the wilderness, and relocated into a desolate land, where they suffered hunger, cold, and sickness. In that isolation the gentile leaders were emboldened to openly practice abominations and wrongly teach the people to call them sacraments, as they reigned with blood and horror over the people. Secret murders, open defiance, and the slaughter of over 200 men, women, and children fixed the anger and opposition of the entire United States, who were moved by your will to curtail the barbarism of the gentile saints.(Teachings and Commandments, Section 156 par. 6)

If these things are among us then aren't we under a sore cursing testified to by our collective actions?

Would it be good to read the Book of Mormon and let it inform us of our own personal unbelief and the way to repent of it rather than to read our sorely cursed culture into the Book of Mormon in an effort to justify ourselves?

Is it important to work to overcome our dwindling before the spirit of the Lord ceases to strive with us?

Would considering an authorized message sent from God that an authorized servant has boldly declared has been received from God face to face be a step in overcoming unbelief?

I’m not here on my own volition. I’ve not done anything that I’ve done throughout the last number of years on my own volition. I do what I do, I preach what I preach, I testify to what I testify to, because, like Paul, I’ve been sent.
 
I would rather understate than overstate the case but let me end by telling you Christ lives. He died and He was resurrected. I know this to be true because, like Paul, I have seen Him. I don’t tell you that to make this seem sensational. I tell you that to give you cause to believe in Him. He is real. ("1st Address to Christians" Denver Snuffer, Los Angeles, California, Sept. 21, 2017)

The Book of Mormon has so much to teach us concerning this matter.

I invite everyone to carefully and solemnly consider the warning we are given as we read Nephi's words concerning the terrible fate of an entire nation that became dark and loathsome and filthy; full of idleness and all manner of abominations.