The Doctrine of Christ: Recent Episodes
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This podcast helps people build a rock-solid foundational knowledge of and faith in Jesus Christ and what Jesus himself calls “my doctrine” (the Doctrine of Christ): faith in Christ, repentance, the everlasting covenant, baptism by water, baptism by fire and the Holy Ghost, entering into the rest of the Lord, obtaining the promise of salvation through the grace of Christ, “enduring in faith” and better understanding and practicing all of Jesus Christ’s teachings, as found in the scriptures. Visit https://doctrineofchrist.com for show notes, study guides and transcripts.
What are the factors that lead to one being destroyed and overthrown? What warnings does the Lord issue before a people reach this state? How much time does someone have to change and take the warnings seriously?
What is a creed? What are examples of them throughout history and do they exist among us today? What does the Lord say about them? What did Joseph Smith teach about them? Join the discussion with us and seek the Spirit to know how we might recognize and address them in our day.
Searching the scriptures requires knowing how to study them. In this presentation, Dustin Grady walks through some of the biggest ways to get more from the scriptures that most people tend to miss.
D&C 76 gives us an outline of the ascension process that we must go through to enter into God’s Kingdom. The Lord tells us that he will give us “all things.” Later on, he tells us that we must overcome “all things.” What does this often used scriptural phrase really mean? Join us tonight as we take a deeper look at the phrase “all things.”
The book of Joel contains valuable insights to our world, our time and the latter-day gentile people. Joel describes in detail the works of God in the latter-days, and even shares echoed themes from Isaiah and Nephi's writings.
Many in the world claim to be called by or sent from God. As the old adage goes, "Actions speak louder than words." In connection with part one of this subject, "By Their Words", we'll explore the scriptures for the pattern of actions of those who are truly God's Servants. Please join us in this study that we might all better discern and not be deceived!
To a lost & fallen people, no message is more important to hear, discuss, understand and hearken: Repent & Return. "How oft have I gathered you," Christ asked the Nephites, referring to the past, and follows up with "how oft will I gather you?" Remember the past mercies offered by God, and pay attention to the same opportunity you have today to return to Christ and put 100% of your faith in Him.
God expects us to listen to his servants, and he also expects us to "live by every word that proceeds from [his] mouth." What can we learn from the scriptures regarding how to truly identify a true messenger, a true servant or a true prophet of the Lord Jesus Christ?
How do writings from thousands of years ago have meaning for us today? How can we effectively apply them to ourselves and still keep their original meaning? What can we do to gain a deeper perspective on "likening scriptures unto ourselves?"
The parable of the redemption of Zion found in D&C 101:43-66 holds some important keys to understanding the end times. The parable speaks of the mission of the servants who work to redeem fallen Zion and recover the Lord's vineyard from the enemy.
In the opening chapters of the book of Isaiah, the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine & Covenants, a bold principle is illustrated. The members of the then current church were called out to repent and come to Christ. Lehi was a faithful man to the Jewish faith of his time, yet he was sent prophets to wake him up, persuade him to faithfully seek Christ as his one and only leader, and to abandon the false traditions of his people.
How can someone get to know Jesus Christ? What are the ways that Jesus Christ can connect with people and give them knowledge, understanding, answers, wisdom and remission of sins. One of the most repeated promises from Jesus Christ in scripture is that of "ask and ye shall receive, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you."
"The Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you." How do we awaken to our awful situation? What is our awful situation spoken of in the Book of Mormon as a warning for the latter day saints?
When Jesus Christ visited the Nephites, he said "ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah. For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel; therefore it must needs be that he must speak also to the Gentiles" (3 Nephi 23:1). Why are the words of Isaiah great? Why should we search them?
Moroni explains that the latter-day gentiles may receive of the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon. To do so, they must exercise faith like unto the Brother of Jared and remember to serve the God of the land (Jesus Christ). If they do not repent and return to the Lord, they will not receive the greater portion. They will be swept off the land of promise.
What is the testimony of Jesus? Is it our declared belief in Him, or something much greater? We'll explore the phrase itself and a description of those individuals who have gone on to "receive the testimony of Jesus in the flesh" and what that may mean for the rest of us.
The scriptures describe three degrees of glory for human beings, depending upon their level of faithfulness. How do we describe the levels of glory and what kingdom and law is given for each one? What must a person become (or not become) in order to abide in these kingdoms? What becomes of those who attain a kingdom of glory but reject it and rebel against its laws?
Christ taught the Nephites about the end-time deliverance and the destruction that would come in the last days. However, He also taught about the triumph of Zion and the building of the New Jerusalem. The latter-day gentiles may receive the sealed portion containing the end from the beginning in "the day that they shall repent of their iniquity, and become clean before the Lord."
What are the comforters, and what is that which is called in scripture "another comforter?" Jesus says "if ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever." Let's explore the idea of another comforter as found in the scriptures.
Nephi, Isaiah, Christ and other prophets foretold that in the last days, Israel would be gathered again. The gentiles may also be numbered with the house of Israel if they repent and come unto Christ. Jesus Christ says "a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah. For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel."
How can you identify and teach the doctrine of Christ in it's simplest form, perhaps in under 10 seconds? How did the prophets in the scriptures summarize it concisely and accurately? Can we do the same? We'll explore the many simple and precise "power verses," and show you a pattern to spot that helps the doctrine of Christ leap out of the pages and give you new eyes for Christ's doctrine in the scriptures.
What is the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost that is spoken of in scripture? How does someone obtain it? What blessings are associated with it? Is it an event or a process? Most importantly, how can one prepare to receive this central ordinance in the journey to follow Christ and become His sons & daughters?
Are we saved by grace or works? The interplay between these concepts is important to understand, and potentially devastating to get wrong. Nephi's phrase "saved by grace after all we can do" has confused latter-day gentiles for centuries. What does "after all we can do" even mean? What can someone do to "qualify" for grace? Who's the recipient of the grace of Jesus Christ?
Jesus Christ taught that "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." What is the Sabbath? Is the Sabbath the same as the Lord's Day? What day of the week does the Lord proscribe that we meet together to take the sacrament? How are we to administer and take the sacrament with each other?
One of Nephi's strongest desires was to make sure the latter-day people fully understood their dire situation. Seeing the world infested with the growing chains of bondage from the great and abominable church, Nephi's last message was a warning to awake, arise and enter in at the gate. Now.
What does "the tithing of my people" mean? What sacrifice does the Lord require? Who survives the "burning" and makes it to Zion, the New Jerusalem? Who is the "blood of Ephraim?" Who are the liars and hypocrites that are "not apostles and prophets?" Who is the voice crying in the wilderness in the latter days? How is the Gospel the Everlasting Covenant and how do we receive it?
The scriptures through many generations have spoken about a preparatory gospel and a fullness of the gospel. What is the preparatory gospel? What does it entail? What is this gospel preparing us for? These questions and more will be explored as we dive into the scriptures.
What did Jesus Christ teach about about eternal life? What is eternal life? How do we obtain it? What does eternal life mean? God says "if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God" (D&C 14:6-7).
Christ's doctrine is what He declares it is. His doctrine is so important to comprehend that Jesus warns people to keep it accurate. "Whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil." He declares that those who are on His rock profess no more or less than His doctrine. Living the doctrine of Christ is the only way to "come unto Him" and obtain the gift of salvation. What is the doctrine of Christ exactly?
The fullness of the gospel hangs upon our understanding & willingness to enter into the covenants that God has offered since the very beginning. What is this everlasting covenant? What makes it everlasting? Who is it for? What blessings are attached to it? How has it been changed and misunderstood over time?
Abraham found himself needing to leave the wicked society around him, who sought his life when he would not yield to the idolatrous ways of Babylon. He realized that “finding there was greater happiness and peace and rest for me, I sought for the blessings of the fathers.” What were these promises? How did Abraham find them? Abraham ultimately concluded “thy servant has sought thee earnestly; now I have found thee.”
What is "the gate by which ye should enter" spoken of in scriptures? The doctrine of Christ is clear that His sheep hear his voice and are numbered among His flock. Those who enter in at the gate are legit, and those who enter in by any other way than the gate are called robbers. It’s critical to understand what this gate is, how one is to enter in, and what one should do after they enter into the gate.
The "work of the Father" is set to commence in a time "when this gospel shall be preached among the remnant of this people." Nephi and Isaiah wrote extensively about this work, with Jesus Christ himself explaining it to the Nephites during his visit, stating that Israel will be gathered and Zion redeemed with power as the Father prepares "the way whereby they may come unto me, that they may call on the Father in my name."
Would God ever allow a shepherd or prophet in Israel to lead his people astray? Has he ever in the past? Has God ever "removed them from their place" when they've attempted to? Where does this notion come from? Let's explore scriptural teachings, revelations and examples from ancient and recent times to better understand the answers.
As warned of in many scriptures, LDS restoration churches fell into condemnation and curse. How did this happen? When did it happen? What does this mean to us, living 190+ years later? And most importantly, under what conditions have the scriptures stated that this condemnation would be lifted and when?
Disciples of Christ carry heavy burden, but that weight can be made light in Christ. Through faith in Christ and reliance on His merits, we can become truly “willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death.” Losing your life for Christ's sake is the goal of all disciples.
Why does Nephi quote 12 chapters of Isaiah right before he gives his grand prophecy to the modern reader of the Book of Mormon? Is this prophesy clear and easy to understand or have the changes made to the BOM over time caused sacred truths to be lost? Let’s Decode the second book of Nephi and restore the truths that Nephi, Mormon and Joseph intended to give us.
Nephi "with unwearyingness declared the word" without fear of men and with diligence in keeping God's commandments. Having been tested to the core, the Lord saw fit to give Nephi the sealing power to bind on earth and heaven, knowing that he would not do things that are contrary to God’s will. What is this power Nephi received and how does one receive it? What is the holy order of God?
The Lord and His servants have a large work to undertake, preserving the fruit of the olive trees. They’re commissioned to help prune the vineyard for the last time, according to the prophecies of Zenock, and reemphasized by Jacob. The Lord promises, “I will bless all those who labor in my vineyard with a mighty blessing.” What are the opportunities and blessings for those who labor in the Lord’s vineyard?
The truth is that all mankind was fallen, sensual, and devilish by nature in their carnal state. Natural men & women are enemies to God and belong to the Devil. Satan has claim on them through the law of justice. The “good news” of the gospel is only a relief for those who humble themselves and understand the “bad news” of fallen mankind. Jesus Christ is willing and able to rescue and save us from our own carnal state.
The world will not and cannot offer peace. Peace is a gift from God, given to “the peacemakers” and the “peaceable followers of Christ” who exercise faith in Him, repent and come unto Him. True followers who are born again in Christ are they who are “filled with joy, having received a remission of their sins, and having peace of conscience, because of the exceeding faith which they had in Jesus Christ.”
When it comes to obtaining a remission of your sins, which attitudes and conditions of the heart are necessary? How does one prepare for the remission of sins? The natural man will assume righteousness and goodness before God, seeking blessings at His hand based on a confident assumption that he or she is worthy. A firm knowledge of our own unworthiness and need for a Savior is a catalyst for mighty faith to be cleansed from sin.
The foundation of the LDS restoration that Joseph Smith laid has become too difficult to see under the thick dust layer of history. From rewritten histories to forged revelations to faith-promoting rumors, Joseph's restored foundational teachings have been somewhat side-stepped by modern curriculum committees. These foundational teachings should be sought after, discovered and rediscovered in our search for the true revelations of modern times.
In 1834, dozens of leaders (including Joseph Smith) unanimously voted to remove Jesus Christ’s name from the church. Later, Joseph begged the Lord to restore His name upon the church, but to no avail. Why? We analyze all of the major historical documents behind the LDS church name changes and analyze and compare them. Who changed the name of the church? Why it was changed, and what does it mean today?
In Summer of 1839, Joseph Smith taught the doctrine of Christ with power, clarity and by the Spirit. This masterpiece sermon was arguably the most comprehensive overview of any discourse on the subject in the last 200 years. One should be familiar with Joseph’s Smith’s revelatory teachings as they seek to understand the promises made in the scriptures.
What have Jesus Christ and His true prophets taught about accusations, forgiveness, advocacy and the horrific demands of justice? When we act as "Devil's advocate" by holding grudges, witholding forgiveness and "reviling against revilers," we assist in the adversary's work as the accuser. When we forgive others and extend the hand of mercy, we become like Christ in a far more profound way than we may realize.
Followers of Christ must follow the path He established. The path to the tree of life includes the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost and second comforter experiences. The host shares some personal experiences about preparing for, seeking after and receiving these things in this life. Those who seek to “come unto Christ” may know for themselves of “our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance" (1 Thes 1:5).
The Lord gives to people gifts of the spirit for the benefit of all that believe. He gives them "that ye may not be deceived... always remembering for what they are given." And why are they given? "They are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do." The Lord commands us to "seek ye earnestly the best gifts" that we might be of service to His believers.
The LDS Word of Wisdom discussion continued, with a modern day application. Using the same principles of “avoid toxins that harm” and “eat things that strengthen” we must be wise in our times. Many hidden dangers and benefits in common foods and household products are explored. Informed decision-making and wisdom from the Spirit should be applied to improving our temporal and spiritual health.
The Book of Commandments begins with the charge: “Hearken, O ye people of my church… Hearken ye people from afar; and ye that are upon the islands of the sea, listen together. For verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men, and there is none to escape.” We must hearken (not merely listen) to the voice of the Lord, living by every word that proceeds forth from the mouth of God in order to become his people.
The Lord warned and forewarned the saints of evil & conspiring men in the last days who would seek to poison mankind and attack the general health of the population. The Word of Wisdom is designed to be adapted to the times in which we live. In modern times, we must all learn to identify and avoid harmful toxins and strive to consume a wise diet that allows for our bodies to heal and house the Holy Spirit.
Historically, many “plain and precious” biblical teachings have been systematically removed from the modern canon. However, one can still find the doctrine of Christ taught in Old Testament, New Testament and apocryphal books, if one knows what to look for. Truth seekers will recognize through the Spirit the things of God and be able to discern truth from error, if one is build upon the Rock and grounded in His doctrine.
An ambitious king enthrones himself over a divided, distracted and confused people via fraud, deceit and false flag operations. The people are led by Captain Moroni, a man capable of shaking the powers of hell forever, who inspires his people to rise up in their duties to resist the secret combinations and their criminal king. Inspired by a righteous cause, Moroni shows how true men of God battle for liberty, family, rights and God.
According to Jesus, the two great commandments of “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, mind, and strength” and “love thy neighbour as thyself” are the greatest of all commandments. But does this excuse one from obedience to all of the Lord’s commandments? Jesus also taught, “if ye love me, keep my commandments” and “man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.”
Secret combinations enforced tyranny and appointed wicked and murderous leaders into positions of power. The Nephites only sought to preserve their lands, houses, family, rights, privileges, liberty, and ability to worship God. The Nephites followed God’s command to “defend your families even unto bloodshed” and fought a defensive war with success, and extended a peaceful covenant to those who sought to destroy them.
What’s coming in the years ahead has been done before. The Lord uses patterns, types, symbols and parallels to teach us, warn us and give us ample opportunity to learn from history. The saints in the latter days have many similarities to the saints in former periods in history, but only the wise and humble will seek to learn from the mistakes of the past and remain faithful through the tribulations to come.
The “worth of souls is great” and a soul that repents brings joy to God. Prophets teach tirelessly to get the people to be wise about this critical fork in the road: repentance and joy, or bondage and death. Christ’s pleads for us to understand: “I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent. But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I.”
Hopelessness, anxiety, depression and despair are all the fruits of darkness. Jesus Christ provided detailed instructions to his prophets regarding how to heal the hopeless and rebirth His believers into new creatures of light, full of faith, hope and charity. Jesus can heal all sickness and affliction, including mental, emotional, spiritual and physical suffering. But we must put our trust in Him alone, and not the arm of flesh.
Alma’s son Corianton received from his father one of the best discourses on the atonement ever given, after having found himself entangled in sin while a missionary. Alma detailed the delicate balance between mercy, justice and law, showing how everyone can come unto Christ and have their sins remitted. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as wool, if you allow Christ’s atonement to take root in you.
It’s nobody’s job but our own to discern between true servants who serve Christ and those who may “build up churches unto themselves.” Moroni and many others taught us clearly how to “judge righteous judgement” in knowing good from evil. Seeking and laboring to bring souls to Christ (and none else) is perhaps the ideal measuring stick. This serves as a sturdy framework to measuring fruits that are good, and fruits that are strange.
What does it mean to be “born of God?” We must fully understand this pivotal moment in one’s life, where a covenant of lifelong commitment and devotion to God above all else is received and rewarded by the heavens. God grants his children abilities to assist in healing, teaching and developing using His power, beginning with the gift of the Holy Ghost and the gifts of the spirits that accompany those born of God.
Jesus’s teachings contain a series of progressive steps (and corresponding blessings) detailing how to come unto Him and become perfected in Him. These are the twelve “beatitudes.” Nephi prophesied “plain and precious truths” would be systematically stripped from the record, causing a stumbling block. In the latter days, God restored the first missing beatitudes to unlock “the gate by which we should enter” to this path of discipleship.
Jesus told his disciples how to discern between true prophets sent from Him and false prophets who are impostors: “By their fruits ye shall know them.” It’s a commandment from Jesus himself to inspect the fruits of those claiming to be prophets among us. How do real prophets act? What do they testify of? Do they unify a people or divide them? Does your prophet produce fruits or do they only pretend to "prophecy, see and reveal" due to a calling?
Korihor's anti-Christ doctrines were gaining popularity among many. Having witnessed its damage tot he faith of many people, including the Zoramites, Alma resolved that "the preaching of the word... had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else... therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God."
In Part 2 we'll explore more of the prophecies and references to the the Davidic or end-time servant. We explore the righteous branch, the future lines of Ephraim and David and many of the lesser-known sources regarding the details of the end-time servant and his mission. We cover more source material that leans towards a great prophet to deliver the saints from bondage in the last days like Moses.
What are these “glad tidings of great joy” delivered by angels? Who received them, and why? What was the message or the news exactly? Who are the wise men and what was their role? What are their names and where are they from? Who were the “shepherds” abiding in the fields awaiting the "good news?" Were their “flocks” really just sheep, or were they congregations of faithful Christians converging in the area for the advent of Christ?
A servant will deliver the Lord's people from bondage in the last days. Where does it say that in the scriptures? What was said about it in church history, and by whom? How are we supposed to recognize the Davidic servant? When is he coming? What is his mission? We cover all of these questions and more in this episode, as we explore all the known source material on the subject.
The people of Ammon experienced the preaching of one who had the spirit of prophecy and revelation and who taught the doctrine of Christ by the power of God. Some experienced a mighty change and came unto Christ, Others rejected them, spat upon them, kicked them out of their churches and homes and sought to kill them. These joys and sorrows are the psalms of God’s true servants.
Our hearts break for our friends and loved ones who do not yet know the Lord. We try our best to share our witness, but sometimes that only drives people further away. The sons of Mosiah were able to convert thousands of their most ferocious enemies. How did they do it? There are many things we can learn from their experiences to help us bring those we know to the altar of God.
The end-time servant’s return culminates in the establishment of the New Jerusalem. After Joseph Smith comes back and finishes his commission, the Savior returns and receives His people. During the millennial period of peace, the faithful saints learn, develop and grow towards perfection in the celestial law. The earth prepares to become celestialized, and the people prepare for final Judgement.
What is truth? Jesus taught that the truth will “set us free.” The doctrine of Christ can show us how to effectively come unto Christ and receive Him. The symbolism found in Lehi’s dream illustrates the variety of souls participating in this earth life, and their variations in desires. For those who value the truth and coming unto Christ, the instructions from Him prove invaluable and worth the price.
A summary of the work to be accomplished during Joseph Smith's return. He redeems the vineyard, overthrows the enemy and finishes the establishment of Zion. He leads the charge in gathering out the faithful saints who avoid deception, receive the truth and take the Holy Spirit as their guide. Enoch’s people return to the earth, and the Lord keeps His everlasting covenant.
God can’t be deceived, and we can’t fake our way into any spiritual status. The promises, commandments and conditions of the gospel are all tied to “real intent” and “full purpose of heart.” These are the indications of our true character and desires, and if done right, they are keys that unlock the power of the gospel and God’s promises. What is our true intent and purpose of heart?
Despite the scoffs of many, prophecies of Joseph Smith’s ongoing ministry until the New Jerusalem prevails are abundant. Joseph of Egypt, Lehi, Nephi, Zenos and Joseph Smith himself wrote many prophecies from the Lord detailing this return of “one mighty and strong.” This man is to be like unto Moses and receives a call back to the vineyard to set the Lord’s house in order. Joseph Smith is the man whom the Lord commanded to return and redeem Zion.
Do we know Jesus Christ or do we only believe in Him? Twelve Jerusalem disciples thought they knew Him, but they all abandoned Him when things got difficult. Thankfully, they exercised faith unto repentance and came to truly know Christ, just as all of us can. The Lord shows us how to be wise and prepared when He comes, so that we may avoid the regretful words “ye knew me not.”
Christ will appear to His people in the New Jerusalem, a stronghold for the faithful remnant who resist joining the Babylonian destiny of confusion, chaos, violence and plunder. The saints of God are commanded to prepare for the second coming. All men are commanded to flee from Babylon, come to Zion, and prepare for the great day of the Lord, which is nigh at hand.
Nephi’s famous “I will go and do” one-liner is not the hallmark example of blind obedience to a parent, a prophet, or a religion. Rather, it’s the fruits of one who has put in the time, effort and faith to understand God’s will for themselves, seeking to become a true servant. After the Lord endows a servant with His power, then no task, favor, commandment or mission is too large, too scary or too inconvenient.
Enoch received an everlasting covenant from God, with a promise that the Lord would return to the earth and dwell among the righteous of Noah’s seed. The city of Enoch would be allowed to return to the earth also to assist Joseph in the work of building the Holy City, called the New Jerusalem. A “city of Enoch” for our day is afoot, while truth and righteousness is now flooding the earth in preparation.
God taught clearly the everlasting covenant since Adam and Eve as the only means of salvation for the human race. The doctrine of Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever, as detailed in the dozens of examples throughout scriptural history. Faith in Christ, baptism by water, fire and by the Holy Ghost is and always was the plan of salvation. The new and everlasting covenant has always been the doctrine of Christ.
A terrifying tyrannical rampage of the King of Babylon will annihilate billions. He will target the notorious saints of God for extermination, who openly defy him and refuse to bow to him. The Lord endows with power and sends His end-time servant to inspire the faithful, lead them out of captivity and to demonstrate the Lord’s matchless power to frustrate the designs of any who dare to fight against Zion.
In coming unto Christ fully, it’s required to acknowledge, repent of and abandon the false traditions we carry. Moses’s Israelites “gave heed to the traditions of their fathers and believed not the gospel of Christ.” Book of Mormon missionaries worked diligently to bring people “to the knowledge of the baseness of the traditions of their fathers, which were not correct” so that they might be converted.
Isaiah prophesied in detail the war between good and evil in the last days. He paints a vivid picture of a great Assyrian king, who rises to power and coerces the nations of the earth into bondage and submission to the evil order. The Lord fulfills His promise to protect His covenant people by sending the end-time servant to deliver the faithful from impending doom and to reinstate Zion.
Knowledge without faith (seeking a sign) and salvation without redemption (saved in one's sinful state) are both equally damning. God, in His wisdom and mercy figuratively “guards the tree of knowledge with cherubim and a flaming sword.” Only after we exercise sufficient faith unto a broken heart and contrite spirit can we enjoy the knowledge of God and rightfully partake of the fruit of eternal life.
Nephi teaches that many "plain and precious truths" were removed from the scriptures. What was removed, and why? Understanding the doctrine of Christ requires us to be familiar with the terms the prophets used to describe the same thing. We also need to pay close attention to patterns in scripture that denote sequential steps through ascension as we draw near to God and return to Him.
The mysterious allegory of the olive trees in Jacob 5 can be tough to understand. If one is familiar with the end-time prophecies of Nephi, Isaiah, Jesus and Joseph Smith it begins to make more sense. The servant counsels with the Lord about how to produce good fruit: saved souls who partake of the tree of life. Their plans include the reestablishment of the everlasting covenant, and the fulfillment of God’s promises to the fathers. Zion will come again by power.
Aaron taught Lamoni’s father (the Lamanite king) how to come unto Christ and be born of God. The steps were simple, precise and accurate. The king followed these instructions with faith, believing he too could enjoy the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost. Ammon witnessed first hand the mighty conversion of the king and the remarkable fruits in the lives of his believing people.
A “marvelous work and a wonder” is the Lord’s description of His efforts to gather and save his elect from the most severe bondage and destruction plot in history. Joseph Smith successfully laid the foundation of Zion 190 years ago. But he’s returning again with vengeance to scatter watchmen, tear down hedges, destroy their towers and redeem the Lord’s vineyard. Zion will return triumphant.
The story of Ammon and King Lamoni demonstrates what happens when someone believes the doctrine of Christ when taught with power. King Lamoni, his wife and his servants experienced a “mighty change in heart” when baptized by fire and the Holy Ghost. Their experiences give us valuable insights into how anyone with their faith can shed their “dispositions to do evil” and become fully converted.
In the last days, only a portion of those who have entered into the Everlasting Covenant will endure to the end and avoid destruction, the rest having become “salt that has lost its savor.” Isaiah’s metaphors speak of a terebinth tree being cut down, only to regrow again from its tenacious root stock. Those that prove true and faithful (the 10% of the 10%) will dwell in the New Jerusalem and receive their reward.
The angel sent Alma back to Ammonihah one last time to finish the job. Alma and Amulek taught highly divisive higher doctrines, separating the wheat from the chaff, then sealed their testimony with a prophecy of destruction to the evil and conspiring Nehorites and their asleep citizen slaves. We live in a modern-day Ammonihah. Will we ignore the warnings, or be destroyed like the city of Ammonihah?
Isaiah saw the symbols of the house of Israel in the metaphor of the “vineyard in a very fruitful hill.” When the vineyard produced wild fruit, he declares “I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard” explaining the apostasy that occurs when the Lord of the vineyard starves the vineyard of nurture, care, weeding and rain. The parallels to the last days are compared in the parable of the redemption of Zion.
Like all prophets since the beginning, Alma received his baptism by fire and the Holy Ghost and immediately turned to preaching the pure doctrine of Christ in hopes of sanctifying his people. Alma’s calling was identical to that of Joseph Smith, Moses and every other true prophet. The story of Alma holds a key to understanding the crucial invitation to sanctify ourselves that’s still on the table, but the clock is ticking.
Ecclesiastical and political leadership is rotten to the core with secret combinations who deliver the sleepy gentiles into bondage in the last days. Humble followers of Christ who “take the Holy Spirit as their guide” will be delivered and led on the greatest exodus ever known, as the Lord's true servants and High Priests will gather out faithful Israel back to their promised land, where the Lord will fight their battles.
Understanding what happened during Joseph Smith’s day requires investigation and connecting the dots. The fullness of the priesthood was taken from the Saints. However, the Lord still refers to the church as “his house” and he has prepared a way for the saints to repent and return, take the Holy Spirit as their guide (forsaking their deception), enter into the new and everlasting covenant and be saved.
Bondage and destruction or repentance and deliverance? This is the question of our day. The account of King Limhi’s people details the results of ignoring a prophetic message delivered with power by the Holy Ghost, compared to those who were wise enough to listen to the voice of the Lord through Abinadi and Alma.
The prophet Jeremiah stands with Isaiah and Book of Mormon Prophets warning God’s people in the last days about ravening wolves in white robes, who lead the people of the Lord’s house through darkness, confusion, apostasy and eventually destruction. The Lord offers mercy and opportunities to repent and come unto Him and be numbered among his true flock, and be led by the true Shepherd.
The horrific sins of the latter-day gentiles (defined as those who had a chance at the fulness of the gospel but rejected it) have led them into bondage in the last days. Ever willing to rescue His lost sheep, the Lord’s tender mercies include a promise to all who will repent and return to Him: He will heal them, convert them, deliver them from bondage, raise up Zion among them and save them.
Alma asks “have you received His image in your countenance?” The journey of Alma’s people from wickedness to bondage to repentance to righteousness prepared them to receive Jesus Christ. Those who accept his promises, take upon themselves his name and endure to the end in taking up their cross and following him with a broken heart and contrite spirit are they who can answer yes.
Alma led a group of 200 “apostates” (according to King Noah’s corrupted quorum of Twelve) into the wilderness to teach them of Christ and baptize them by water into the preparatory gospel. Alma later received his calling as a true High Priest and led a new dispensation of the Church of Christ (a terrestrial order), which included the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost.
Despite the stumbling blocks of the gentiles and their rejection of the fullness of the gospel, the Lord extends his arm of mercy to them in the last days. God promised that he will deliver the faithful from bondage, gather them to safety and fight their battles. But first they must repent and return to the Lord, and forsake the woes pronounced upon them as detailed in the writings of Nephi and Isaiah.
Nephi’s last writings hit hard on the doctrine of Christ, leaving simple, plain and unmistakeable instructions on how to come unto Christ. Jacob was commanded by Nephi to continue teaching this core doctrine to the Nephites with power and clarity. This isn’t just one of many doctrines. Rather, this is “the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” We must get it right.
In the last days, there are prophecies about the true conversion of the Jews, the Lamanites and some of the gentiles. Nephi and Isaiah outlined the serious state of the gentiles (the LDS church and the restoration branches) in the latter days, and identified the stumbling blocks that would lead to all but the humble followers of Christ being led astray, they being “taught by precepts of men.”
Lehi obtained a great vision of the Tree of Life and taught it to his entire family. Nephi believed, but wanted something more: Knowledge for himself. God is able and willing to teach us the way that we can "ourselves, also, through the infinite goodness of God, and the manifestations of his Spirit, have great views of that which is to come; and were it expedient, we could prophesy of all things."
A desolating scourge and judgment will be poured out upon the earth, but the promise of the Lord is that the righteous may be saved “inasmuch as they are willing to be guided in a right and proper way for their salvation.” The wheat will be gathered out from the tares, and the wise virgins will be spared only if they receive the truth, take the holy spirit as their guide and avoid deception.
King Benjamin’s angelic tutoring showed him how his people could be completely reborn as children of Christ and receive their true endowment of the Holy Ghost. Moroni also taught the doctrine of Christ with purity and power, that our generation might escape the apostate and corrupted teachings of our day and become the sons and daughters of Christ through a true spiritual rebirth.
The “abomination of desolation” was shown to the prophet Daniel, emphasized by Jesus Christ during his ministry and spoken of again in latter days through revelations through Joseph Smith. The destruction and captivity of Jerusalem came to pass as prophesied, but the parallels to the tribulations of the last days are clearly set forth, as is the warning call to repent and return to the Lord.
Moroni boldly declares "I have seen Jesus, and that he hath talked with me face to face." Men of God in every generation have tried to teach the people to come unto Jesus Christ and let Him heal you, convert you, minister to you and even show Himself to you. The possibility is real, but we’re taught that like the prophets of old, we too will “receive no witness until after the trial of [our] faith.”
True Christians denounce war and proclaim peace. God despises tyranny, oppression and every violation of universal human rights. When one’s fundamental rights are breached, is violence or murder ever justified under God’s law? Under what conditions does the Lord declare warfare to be just, authorize its use, and expect godly men to use deadly force in the protection of human life?