Why is there a need for another Church?
In the Spring of 1820 the work of bringing forth the truths of the heavens began once again to be given to this world.
What was the state of those that were on the earth at that time concerning their ability to have faith in the true principles, to live up to the commandments of the Lord, and to serve and sacrifice in their lives?
For the previous centuries they have lived without the truths, having been subject to the great and abominable church, following the apostasy of the Savior's church that he had set up.
Could the children of this world progress under the great and abominable church and the groups that stemmed forth from it?
To comprehend such a thing would be as unwise to think the house of Israel could progress under the bondage of the Egyptians.
The House of Israel that were in bondage did not progress in their generations with the Egyptians, but instead digressed from what Jacob and Joseph had imparted to them.
Were the remnants of Jacob in Egypt prepared to receive and live the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ when Moses was raised up to them?
No, for in his attempts to guide them, the remnants of Israel showed they were unbelieving, disobedient, rebellious, and lacked in love for their fellow man.
Thus the fulness that Moses attempted to reveal unto them was withdrawn; and a lower level of truths, laws and sacrifices, was established to progress them to be able to live the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ when it would be offered to them again.
When the gospel was once again offered in the days of Jesus of Nazareth, then a portion of the remnants of the House of Jacob were prepared to receive more, but very few in comparison to the amount that were alive.
Did the Savior's Church triumph with the fulness to remain on the earth?
No, but was eventually overcome, and the teachings corrupted or completely taken away.
So the world remained wicked, digressing even more to a state in some ways worse, then the remnants of Jacob in the days of Moses.
Thus the Lord began to present the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the generation of Joseph Smith, to give them a portion of truth that hopefully they would be able to accept.
"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.'" (Joseph Smith History 1:19)
Therefore, the Lord began to provide teachings to the world, having Joseph to bring forth a portion of truth to try the world to see if they would believe.
"And these things have I written, which are a lesser part of the things which he taught the people; and I have written them to the intent that they may be brought again unto this people, from the Gentiles, according to the words which Jesus hath spoken.
"And when they shall have received this, which is expedient that they should have first, to try their faith, and if it shall so be that they shall believe these things then shall the greater things be made manifest unto them.
"And if it so be that they will not believe these things, then shall the greater things be withheld from them, unto their condemnation.
"Behold, I was about to write them, all which were engraven upon the plates of Nephi, but the Lord forbade it, saying: I will try the faith of my people." (3 Nephi 26:8-11)
Wherefore, the Book of Mormon was given to the dispensation of Joseph Smith and proceeding generations to try their faith, and prepare them for greater truths to come.
There was a warning given through Joseph Smith to his generation as to what would happen if they accepted the gospel, and what would happen if they did not.
"And thus, if the people of this generation harden not their hearts, I will work a reformation among them, and I will put down all lyings, and deceivings, and priestcrafts, and envyings, and strifes, and idolatries, and sorceries, and all manner of iniquities, and I will establish my church which was taught by my disciples in the days of old.
"And now if this generation do harden their hearts against my work, behold I will deliver them up unto satan, for he reigneth and have much power at this time, for he hath got great hold upon the hearts of the people of this generation: and not far from the iniquities of Sodom and Gomorrah, do they come at this time: and behold the sword of justice hangeth over their heads, and if they persist in the hardness of their hearts, the time cometh that it must fall upon them. Behold I tell you these things even as I also told the people of the destruction of this time as it hath hitherto been verified." (Book of Commandments 4:5,6)
Thus it was presented to the generation of Joseph Smith that if they accepted the fulness they would be blessed, if they did not, a great destruction was awaiting them.
How well did the generation of Joseph Smith receive the fulness of the gospel?
I could systematically show the constant inability of the membership to live the commandments and revelations as given through the prophet Joseph Smith, and their lack of love, sacrifice and service as a people.
How often were the membership excommunicated, disfellowshipped, or given warnings of their activities?
Not only that of the membership but as well as many of those that were in positions of High Esteem.
Look at the three witnesses , the eight witnesses, many of the apostles, and even many placed as the First Presidency!
The saints were given directives through Joseph Smith from the Lord to bring to pass certain activities, and often times they murmured, ridiculed, delayed, or rejected what they were given.
Evenso the Lord withdrew His directives which were connected with blessings, and thus they were given cursings for their disobedience.
The Lord revealed of His disappointments, and how that for the saints' works of wickedness they would be severely chastised for it.
"VERILY I say unto you, my friends, behold, I will give unto you a revelation and commandment, that you may know how to act in the discharge of your duties concerning the salvation and redemption of your brethren, who have been scattered on the land of Zion;
"Being driven and smitten by the hands of mine enemies, on whom I will pour out my wrath without measure in mine own time.
"For I have suffered them thus far, that they might fill up the measure of their iniquities, that their cup might be full;
"And that those who call themselves after my name might be chastened for a little season with a sore and grievous chastisement, because they did not hearken altogether unto the precepts and commandments which I gave unto them.
"But inasmuch as they keep not my commandments, and hearken not to observe all my words, the kingdoms of the world shall prevail against them." (D&C 103:1-4,8)
"VERILY I say unto you, concerning your brethren who have been afflicted, and persecuted, and cast out from the land of their inheritance-
"I, the Lord, have suffered the affliction to come upon them, wherewith they have been afflicted, in consequence of their transgressions;
"Yet I will own them, and they shall be mine in that day when I shall come to make up my jewels.
"Therefore, they must needs be chastened and tried, even as Abraham, who was commanded to offer up his only son.
"For all those who will not endure chastening, but deny me, cannot be sanctified.
"Behold, I say unto you, there were jarrings, and contentions, and envyings, and strifes, and lustful and covetous desires among them; therefore by these things they polluted their inheritances.
"They were slow to hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; therefore, the Lord their God is slow to hearken unto their prayers, to answer them in the day of their trouble." (D&C 101:1-7)
"VERILY I say unto you who have assembled yourselves together that you may learn my will concerning the redemption of mine afflicted people?
"Behold, I say unto you, were it not for the transgressions of my people, speaking concerning the church and not individuals, they might have been redeemed even now.
"But behold, they have not learned to be obedient to the things which I required at their hands, but are full of all manner of evil, and do not impart of their substance, as becometh saints, to the poor and afflicted among them;
"And are not united according to the union required by the law of the celestial kingdom;
"And Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom; otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself.
"And my people must needs be chastened until they learn obedience, if it must needs be, by the things which they suffer." (D&C 105:1-6)
Thus did God reveal to the prophet Joseph Smith that the saints of his day were wicked, and for their works of wickedness they were to be scattered, driven to and fro, until they would be prepared to receive the truths again.
"Therefore, in consequence of the transgressions of my people, it is expedient in me that mine elders should wait for a little season for the redemption of Zion-
"That they themselves may be prepared, and that my people may be taught more perfectly, and have experience, and know more perfectly concerning their duty, and the things which I require at their hands.
"And this cannot be brought to pass until mine elders are endowed with power from on high.
"For behold, I have prepared a great endowment and blessing to be poured out upon them, inasmuch as they are faithful and continue in humility before me.
"Therefore it is expedient in me that mine elders should wait for a little season, for the redemption of Zion." (D&C 105:9-13)
"But verily I say unto you, I have decreed that your brethren which have been scattered shall return to the lands of their inheritances, and shall build up the waste places of Zion.
"For after much tribulation, as I have said unto you in a former commandment, cometh the blessing.
"Behold, this is the blessing which I have promised after your tribulations, and the tribulations of your brethren - your redemption, and the redemption of your brethren, even their restoration to the land of Zion, to be established, no more to be thrown down.
"Nevertheless, if they pollute their inheritances they shall be thrown down; for I will not spare them if they pollute their inheritances." (D&C 103:11-14)
Evenso Joseph Smith knew of the fate of the saints to be scattered, broken up as a people for their sins.
"...if the whole Church should go to with all their might to save their dead, seal their posterity, and gather their living friends, and spend none of their time in behalf of the world, they would hardly get through before night would come, when no man can work; and my only trouble at the present time is concerning ourselves, that the Saints will be divided, broken up, and scattered, before we get our salvation secure; for there are so many fools in the world for the devil to operate upon, it gives him the advantage oftentimes." (History 6:183-184)
He knew the fate of those that rejected the truths in the past, and was meant for his generation.
"Joseph said The reason why the Jews were scattered and their House left unto them Desolate was
because they refused to be gathered that the fulness of the Priesthood might be revealed among them which never can be done but by the gathering of the People also also The Order & Ordinances of the Kingdom were instituted by the Priesthood in the council of Heaven before the World was." (Words 215)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints lost the fulness of the priesthood as given unto Joseph Smith, along with the spiritual endowments and keys that he possessed.
That they have struggled with what truths that they had been given, being tossed to and fro, just as the house of Jacob in the days of Moses.
Thus the time was to come likened unto the corrupted Israelites in the days of Moses, wherein they would learn to obey and serve to a greater degree.
Wherefore likened unto those that followed Moses, the remnants of the House of Jacob since the days of Joseph Smith have been given a schoolmaster church, struggling to learn faith, obedience, and service.
This would be until the time would come for the restoration of all things again.
"And also with Elias, to whom I have committed the keys of bringing to pass the restoration of all things spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets since the world began, concerning the last days;" (D&C 27:6)
"What is the rod spoken of in the first verse of the 11th chapter of Isaiah, that should come of the Stem of Jesse?
Behold, thus saith the Lord: It is a servant in the hands of Christ, who is partly a descendant of Jesse as well as of Ephraim, or of the house of Joseph, on whom there is laid much power." (D&C 113:3,4)
Thus do I reveal that the time has come for the House of Israel to receive more than the schoolmaster teachings that have remained on the earth since the days of Joseph Smith. Wherefore the warning voice is now coming forth, in all of its power, might, and glory. To those that have the courage, faith and ability to discern these truths, do I promise that the fulness of the gospel has come, if you have ears to hear, and eyes to see.
Amen.
In the Spring of 1820 the work of bringing forth the truths of the heavens began once again to be given to this world.
What was the state of those that were on the earth at that time concerning their ability to have faith in the true principles, to live up to the commandments of the Lord, and to serve and sacrifice in their lives?
For the previous centuries they have lived without the truths, having been subject to the great and abominable church, following the apostasy of the Savior's church that he had set up.
Could the children of this world progress under the great and abominable church and the groups that stemmed forth from it?
To comprehend such a thing would be as unwise to think the house of Israel could progress under the bondage of the Egyptians.
The House of Israel that were in bondage did not progress in their generations with the Egyptians, but instead digressed from what Jacob and Joseph had imparted to them.
Were the remnants of Jacob in Egypt prepared to receive and live the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ when Moses was raised up to them?
No, for in his attempts to guide them, the remnants of Israel showed they were unbelieving, disobedient, rebellious, and lacked in love for their fellow man.
Thus the fulness that Moses attempted to reveal unto them was withdrawn; and a lower level of truths, laws and sacrifices, was established to progress them to be able to live the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ when it would be offered to them again.
When the gospel was once again offered in the days of Jesus of Nazareth, then a portion of the remnants of the House of Jacob were prepared to receive more, but very few in comparison to the amount that were alive.
Did the Savior's Church triumph with the fulness to remain on the earth?
No, but was eventually overcome, and the teachings corrupted or completely taken away.
So the world remained wicked, digressing even more to a state in some ways worse, then the remnants of Jacob in the days of Moses.
Thus the Lord began to present the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the generation of Joseph Smith, to give them a portion of truth that hopefully they would be able to accept.
"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.'" (Joseph Smith History 1:19)
Therefore, the Lord began to provide teachings to the world, having Joseph to bring forth a portion of truth to try the world to see if they would believe.
"And these things have I written, which are a lesser part of the things which he taught the people; and I have written them to the intent that they may be brought again unto this people, from the Gentiles, according to the words which Jesus hath spoken.
"And when they shall have received this, which is expedient that they should have first, to try their faith, and if it shall so be that they shall believe these things then shall the greater things be made manifest unto them.
"And if it so be that they will not believe these things, then shall the greater things be withheld from them, unto their condemnation.
"Behold, I was about to write them, all which were engraven upon the plates of Nephi, but the Lord forbade it, saying: I will try the faith of my people." (3 Nephi 26:8-11)
Wherefore, the Book of Mormon was given to the dispensation of Joseph Smith and proceeding generations to try their faith, and prepare them for greater truths to come.
There was a warning given through Joseph Smith to his generation as to what would happen if they accepted the gospel, and what would happen if they did not.
"And thus, if the people of this generation harden not their hearts, I will work a reformation among them, and I will put down all lyings, and deceivings, and priestcrafts, and envyings, and strifes, and idolatries, and sorceries, and all manner of iniquities, and I will establish my church which was taught by my disciples in the days of old.
"And now if this generation do harden their hearts against my work, behold I will deliver them up unto satan, for he reigneth and have much power at this time, for he hath got great hold upon the hearts of the people of this generation: and not far from the iniquities of Sodom and Gomorrah, do they come at this time: and behold the sword of justice hangeth over their heads, and if they persist in the hardness of their hearts, the time cometh that it must fall upon them. Behold I tell you these things even as I also told the people of the destruction of this time as it hath hitherto been verified." (Book of Commandments 4:5,6)
Thus it was presented to the generation of Joseph Smith that if they accepted the fulness they would be blessed, if they did not, a great destruction was awaiting them.
How well did the generation of Joseph Smith receive the fulness of the gospel?
I could systematically show the constant inability of the membership to live the commandments and revelations as given through the prophet Joseph Smith, and their lack of love, sacrifice and service as a people.
How often were the membership excommunicated, disfellowshipped, or given warnings of their activities?
Not only that of the membership but as well as many of those that were in positions of High Esteem.
Look at the three witnesses , the eight witnesses, many of the apostles, and even many placed as the First Presidency!
The saints were given directives through Joseph Smith from the Lord to bring to pass certain activities, and often times they murmured, ridiculed, delayed, or rejected what they were given.
Evenso the Lord withdrew His directives which were connected with blessings, and thus they were given cursings for their disobedience.
The Lord revealed of His disappointments, and how that for the saints' works of wickedness they would be severely chastised for it.
"VERILY I say unto you, my friends, behold, I will give unto you a revelation and commandment, that you may know how to act in the discharge of your duties concerning the salvation and redemption of your brethren, who have been scattered on the land of Zion;
"Being driven and smitten by the hands of mine enemies, on whom I will pour out my wrath without measure in mine own time.
"For I have suffered them thus far, that they might fill up the measure of their iniquities, that their cup might be full;
"And that those who call themselves after my name might be chastened for a little season with a sore and grievous chastisement, because they did not hearken altogether unto the precepts and commandments which I gave unto them.
"But inasmuch as they keep not my commandments, and hearken not to observe all my words, the kingdoms of the world shall prevail against them." (D&C 103:1-4,8)
"VERILY I say unto you, concerning your brethren who have been afflicted, and persecuted, and cast out from the land of their inheritance-
"I, the Lord, have suffered the affliction to come upon them, wherewith they have been afflicted, in consequence of their transgressions;
"Yet I will own them, and they shall be mine in that day when I shall come to make up my jewels.
"Therefore, they must needs be chastened and tried, even as Abraham, who was commanded to offer up his only son.
"For all those who will not endure chastening, but deny me, cannot be sanctified.
"Behold, I say unto you, there were jarrings, and contentions, and envyings, and strifes, and lustful and covetous desires among them; therefore by these things they polluted their inheritances.
"They were slow to hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; therefore, the Lord their God is slow to hearken unto their prayers, to answer them in the day of their trouble." (D&C 101:1-7)
"VERILY I say unto you who have assembled yourselves together that you may learn my will concerning the redemption of mine afflicted people?
"Behold, I say unto you, were it not for the transgressions of my people, speaking concerning the church and not individuals, they might have been redeemed even now.
"But behold, they have not learned to be obedient to the things which I required at their hands, but are full of all manner of evil, and do not impart of their substance, as becometh saints, to the poor and afflicted among them;
"And are not united according to the union required by the law of the celestial kingdom;
"And Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom; otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself.
"And my people must needs be chastened until they learn obedience, if it must needs be, by the things which they suffer." (D&C 105:1-6)
Thus did God reveal to the prophet Joseph Smith that the saints of his day were wicked, and for their works of wickedness they were to be scattered, driven to and fro, until they would be prepared to receive the truths again.
"Therefore, in consequence of the transgressions of my people, it is expedient in me that mine elders should wait for a little season for the redemption of Zion-
"That they themselves may be prepared, and that my people may be taught more perfectly, and have experience, and know more perfectly concerning their duty, and the things which I require at their hands.
"And this cannot be brought to pass until mine elders are endowed with power from on high.
"For behold, I have prepared a great endowment and blessing to be poured out upon them, inasmuch as they are faithful and continue in humility before me.
"Therefore it is expedient in me that mine elders should wait for a little season, for the redemption of Zion." (D&C 105:9-13)
"But verily I say unto you, I have decreed that your brethren which have been scattered shall return to the lands of their inheritances, and shall build up the waste places of Zion.
"For after much tribulation, as I have said unto you in a former commandment, cometh the blessing.
"Behold, this is the blessing which I have promised after your tribulations, and the tribulations of your brethren - your redemption, and the redemption of your brethren, even their restoration to the land of Zion, to be established, no more to be thrown down.
"Nevertheless, if they pollute their inheritances they shall be thrown down; for I will not spare them if they pollute their inheritances." (D&C 103:11-14)
Evenso Joseph Smith knew of the fate of the saints to be scattered, broken up as a people for their sins.
"...if the whole Church should go to with all their might to save their dead, seal their posterity, and gather their living friends, and spend none of their time in behalf of the world, they would hardly get through before night would come, when no man can work; and my only trouble at the present time is concerning ourselves, that the Saints will be divided, broken up, and scattered, before we get our salvation secure; for there are so many fools in the world for the devil to operate upon, it gives him the advantage oftentimes." (History 6:183-184)
He knew the fate of those that rejected the truths in the past, and was meant for his generation.
"Joseph said The reason why the Jews were scattered and their House left unto them Desolate was
because they refused to be gathered that the fulness of the Priesthood might be revealed among them which never can be done but by the gathering of the People also also The Order & Ordinances of the Kingdom were instituted by the Priesthood in the council of Heaven before the World was." (Words 215)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints lost the fulness of the priesthood as given unto Joseph Smith, along with the spiritual endowments and keys that he possessed.
That they have struggled with what truths that they had been given, being tossed to and fro, just as the house of Jacob in the days of Moses.
Thus the time was to come likened unto the corrupted Israelites in the days of Moses, wherein they would learn to obey and serve to a greater degree.
Wherefore likened unto those that followed Moses, the remnants of the House of Jacob since the days of Joseph Smith have been given a schoolmaster church, struggling to learn faith, obedience, and service.
This would be until the time would come for the restoration of all things again.
"And also with Elias, to whom I have committed the keys of bringing to pass the restoration of all things spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets since the world began, concerning the last days;" (D&C 27:6)
"What is the rod spoken of in the first verse of the 11th chapter of Isaiah, that should come of the Stem of Jesse?
Behold, thus saith the Lord: It is a servant in the hands of Christ, who is partly a descendant of Jesse as well as of Ephraim, or of the house of Joseph, on whom there is laid much power." (D&C 113:3,4)
Thus do I reveal that the time has come for the House of Israel to receive more than the schoolmaster teachings that have remained on the earth since the days of Joseph Smith. Wherefore the warning voice is now coming forth, in all of its power, might, and glory. To those that have the courage, faith and ability to discern these truths, do I promise that the fulness of the gospel has come, if you have ears to hear, and eyes to see.
Amen.