How can this be the Lords Church when it is not named after Jesus Christ?
Name of the Church
There has been an effort to say that the church that teaches the true gospel of Jesus Christ is called the Church of Jesus Christ, and has been called this throughout the history of the world.
They base this on the scripture in 3 Nephi 27:3-9.
With this in mind, we must decide if this was true throughout the history of the world.
First, prior to this scripture mentioned, was the church called the Church of Jesus Christ?
3 Nephi 27:3
This then reveals that the church prior to this time was not called the Church of Jesus Christ because there would not have been such a disputation if it had been.
What were churches called previously to this time?
To the Jews it was the Church of Moses or something of similarity.
What was the church called in the days of Enoch?
D&C 76:67- The Church of Enoch!
Did the membership even know that the Savior's name was to be Jesus?
2 Nephi 25:19
Nephi had not been told the mortal name of the Savior until much later in his life when an angel revealed it.
So how could they know that the name of the church was Jesus Christ if they didn't even know His name?
Now I'm not saying that no one knew the name of the Savior, but it was not used openly, only to the most faithful.
As well, it is seen that there is a progression from one level of belief and privileges, unto another.
That in areas where the higher authority and truths are that the process to advance in two different levels existed.
These two levels were given titles, wherein those of the true churches of God could understand what level they were at.
Mosiah 18:17- The Church of Christ and the Church of God.
As a man and woman advanced in truth, they took upon themselves the name of the level of whom they were associated with.
Mosiah 25:23- The eternal name of Christ and God.
This is why in the churches of the Americas and Israel there were the churches named of Christ and of God.
Romans 16:16
Acts 20:28
4 Nephi 1:1
Mormon 8:38
The idea that a man and woman takes upon themselves the name of Christ or God has existed upon the earth throughout the history of the world whenever the true levels have been on the earth to their fulness.
There are levels in receiving names, as there are in receiving truths, priesthoods, spiritual endowments and eternal keys.
For example, the first level of advancement for men and women where they take upon themselves the name of Christ.
D&C 1:38
Mosiah 5:8
D&C 20:37
That is why in the sacrament the faithful take upon them the name of the Savior.
D&C 20:77
As well, the Fathers' (Gods') name was given to those that have obtained the greater blessings.
John 5:43; 10:25; 17:11,26
Ephesians 3:15
D&C 77:10
Likewise, in other activities the faithful will take upon themselves the name of God.
D&C 77:10
Revelation 22:4
Therefore it is normal that throughout the history of the world that churches have been called various titles, and to which they have been after the names of the first prophet of that dispensation.
Even in the church that Joseph Smith was responsible in organizing there were given three names for the church.
The Church of Christ
The Church of Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
I have discussed in great detail with the Lord as to what He wants the name of the church to be called now.
Because of the many churches that have the name of Jesus Christ and God in them, it was given to me through revelation from the Savior that the name be different. For this reason I have been commanded to name the church "The Church of Elias".
I also reveal that the mortal names known of God and Jesus Christ are not the names for us to take upon ourselves but the eternal name of each of the Gods are the names we will be called.
Moses 7:35
Ephesians 3:14,15
1 Timothy 1:17
Philippians 2:9,10
D&C 19:10-12
I know these names, and have taken upon myself these names, and as the Lord reveals to me so do I seal blessings upon others, and reveal of the names to them.
Thus do I reveal unto those who are sincere in their search for truth.
Amen.
Name of the Church
There has been an effort to say that the church that teaches the true gospel of Jesus Christ is called the Church of Jesus Christ, and has been called this throughout the history of the world.
They base this on the scripture in 3 Nephi 27:3-9.
With this in mind, we must decide if this was true throughout the history of the world.
First, prior to this scripture mentioned, was the church called the Church of Jesus Christ?
3 Nephi 27:3
This then reveals that the church prior to this time was not called the Church of Jesus Christ because there would not have been such a disputation if it had been.
What were churches called previously to this time?
To the Jews it was the Church of Moses or something of similarity.
What was the church called in the days of Enoch?
D&C 76:67- The Church of Enoch!
Did the membership even know that the Savior's name was to be Jesus?
2 Nephi 25:19
Nephi had not been told the mortal name of the Savior until much later in his life when an angel revealed it.
So how could they know that the name of the church was Jesus Christ if they didn't even know His name?
Now I'm not saying that no one knew the name of the Savior, but it was not used openly, only to the most faithful.
As well, it is seen that there is a progression from one level of belief and privileges, unto another.
That in areas where the higher authority and truths are that the process to advance in two different levels existed.
These two levels were given titles, wherein those of the true churches of God could understand what level they were at.
Mosiah 18:17- The Church of Christ and the Church of God.
As a man and woman advanced in truth, they took upon themselves the name of the level of whom they were associated with.
Mosiah 25:23- The eternal name of Christ and God.
This is why in the churches of the Americas and Israel there were the churches named of Christ and of God.
Romans 16:16
Acts 20:28
4 Nephi 1:1
Mormon 8:38
The idea that a man and woman takes upon themselves the name of Christ or God has existed upon the earth throughout the history of the world whenever the true levels have been on the earth to their fulness.
There are levels in receiving names, as there are in receiving truths, priesthoods, spiritual endowments and eternal keys.
For example, the first level of advancement for men and women where they take upon themselves the name of Christ.
D&C 1:38
Mosiah 5:8
D&C 20:37
That is why in the sacrament the faithful take upon them the name of the Savior.
D&C 20:77
As well, the Fathers' (Gods') name was given to those that have obtained the greater blessings.
John 5:43; 10:25; 17:11,26
Ephesians 3:15
D&C 77:10
Likewise, in other activities the faithful will take upon themselves the name of God.
D&C 77:10
Revelation 22:4
Therefore it is normal that throughout the history of the world that churches have been called various titles, and to which they have been after the names of the first prophet of that dispensation.
Even in the church that Joseph Smith was responsible in organizing there were given three names for the church.
The Church of Christ
The Church of Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
I have discussed in great detail with the Lord as to what He wants the name of the church to be called now.
Because of the many churches that have the name of Jesus Christ and God in them, it was given to me through revelation from the Savior that the name be different. For this reason I have been commanded to name the church "The Church of Elias".
I also reveal that the mortal names known of God and Jesus Christ are not the names for us to take upon ourselves but the eternal name of each of the Gods are the names we will be called.
Moses 7:35
Ephesians 3:14,15
1 Timothy 1:17
Philippians 2:9,10
D&C 19:10-12
I know these names, and have taken upon myself these names, and as the Lord reveals to me so do I seal blessings upon others, and reveal of the names to them.
Thus do I reveal unto those who are sincere in their search for truth.
Amen.