The Prophecy Conundrum - What Role Prophecy Plays in Our Lives
- scottrode
- Apr 5
- 35 min read
In the Glossary of Gospel Terms the subject of prophecy is addressed.[1] The following is an excerpt from “Prophecy”:
“Prophecy is not given so you can anticipate the details beforehand. Prophecy is only given so that after the event takes place, you can then understand the scriptures’ meaning. Only after He has acted can you understand how the Lord intended to accomplish His will and fulfill His promise. Prophecy’s purpose is not to allow you beforehand to know the events with enough specificity so that God’s will could be anticipated, prevented, and frustrated. If you knew what He was up to, you could prevent it. But because you do not, when the prophecies are fulfilled, then you know the Lord has acted. God can use any means He chooses to accomplish His promises. Everything God is doing is not disclosed at the time it is underway . . .” (Glossary of Gospel Terms, Prophecy, second edition, pp.258-259, emphasis added).
Given this explanation of prophecy, one might conclude the study of prophecy is an exercise in futility because it is unknowable prior to fulfillment. If one stopped at this explanation in the Glossary paragraph, they may conclude it is better to wait for a prophets declaration of fulfillment, setting aside all efforts to gain understanding on this subject.
As clear as this pronouncement is, additional paragraphs leave open the possibility of gaining further enlightenment by engaging in a process. The process is not likely to provide “enough specificity” to reveal every detail but general information may be disclosed. A description of the process begins in the first paragraph on prophecy.
“The process of developing understanding begins with the scriptures . . .” (Glossary of Gospel Terms, Prophecy, second edition, p.258, emphasis added).
Reference to the “process” suggests there exists a way of gleaning from scripture additional meaning of prophecy. The process is rooted in the scriptures but involves an open mind willing to proceed without preconceived notions.
“It is better to let the words of prophecy speak for themselves and not impose our own beliefs or traditions on them. We tend to see in the words meanings that are harmonious with our own preconceptions [confirmation bias]. It is better to abandon those preconceptions and see if the words give us any better or different explanation of what is to happen.[2] That way we are not misinformed by the traditions of men, even if they come to us from very good men. We should not judge what others believe, explain, or teach. They are entitled to their beliefs. But each of us is entitled to believe and take at face value the words of prophecy in scripture even if they collide with some other notions. It is better to abandon the ideas which collide with scripture than it is to wrestle the scriptures to conform with the ideas” (Glossary of Gospel Terms, Prophecy, second edition, p.258, emphasis added).
It is not sufficient to only turn to scripture. It is necessary to begin with an intellectually “clean slate.” No preconceptions, free from bias. If you come from the Mormon tradition, this can be difficult because of the sheer volume of expositions in the two hundred year history of the church.[3] A scholar in church education has an inherent bias toward the “faithful account” because a contrary view could result in employment termination, restrictions on church service and possible excommunication.
Needless to say, the metaphorical well of academic research has been muddied by two hundred years of narrative bias.[4] The only hope to gain correct understanding of prophecy is to let the scriptures tell us the prophecies meaning.
We learn from New Testament accounts the meaning of Old Testament prophecy when the Savior or a New Testament servant explains the fulfillment. In each example, the newer text is the preferred source for understanding prophecy in the Old Testament.
“When you encounter in the New Testament an interpretation of a prophecy that came in the Old Testament, you don’t go to the Old Testament to decide whether or not that prophecy fit the events in the New Testament. You reverse that, and you say, ‘What does the New Testament tell us that the Old Testament means?’ And the Old Testament means whatever it is that the New Testament says it means. You arrive at your Biblical interpretation always by using the new to tell you what the old meant. Which is another way of saying that prophecy is so obscure that it requires it to be fulfilled, in order for you to understand what it was all about. When it is fulfilled, then the evidence of what was in the mind of God and the prophet, when it first composed, is apparent. But it is not apparent until the events happen, which is why all of the people trying to date and foretell all of the events are always surprised, because they missed something [not because it wasn’t there, only overlooked]” (Glossary of Gospel Terms, Prophecy, p.259, emphasis added).
The example of using the New Testament as a tool to interpret the Old Testament is a proven method, but must be broadened further as revelation is added to the scripture canon. One should anticipate with each addition more light and knowledge adds to our understanding of prophecy. It is not exclusive to the New Testament. The Book of Mormon was added as part of the New Covenant with the New Testament and contains expositions of prophecy through prophetic instruction and accounts acting as types for future fulfillment of prophetic events. It was Joseph Smith’s intent to publish the Book of Mormon with the New Testament as companion volumes, I suspect for this purpose.
Approaching the Book of Mormon as a companion volume to the New Covenant means the Book of Mormon is an additional tool for which we find prophetic explanations for Old and New Covenant prophecies. In fact, doing so is a key to obtaining more revelation and light. Failing to do so and neglecting what the Lord has given closes the door to greater truth and light.
“When we receive truth we are expected to live our lives in conformity with the truth we’ve received. We shouldn’t expect to receive more if we do not live what we’ve already been given. Living in conformity with such truth as you already have is also always required to avoid deception. It is simply not possible to harvest additional light while refusing to live the light already given. False spirits visit with those who invite them by their misconduct, rebellion or wickedness. Hence the need to constantly re-evaluate how you live and the choices you make” (“Truth” blogpost, Denver Snuffer Jr., February 11, 2010, emphasis added).
With regard to prophecy, for us to continue receiving increased understanding, it is required for us to honor and respect what was already given. Some have honored what was received from Joseph Smith by correcting and reorganizing the Joseph Smith Translation of the Old and New Covenants with the Book of Mormon. The addition of the Book of Mormon to the New Covenant honors the efforts of Joseph Smith and accomplishes what Joseph originally set out to do. This is partial fulfillment of Joseph of Egypt’s prophecy regarding Joseph Smith.
“Therefore your [Joseph of Egypt] offspring will write [Book of Mormon], and Judah’s offspring will write [Bible]. The Lord says: The things your offspring write, and the things Judah’s offspring write, will grow together in order to expose false doctrines, settle disputes, and establish peace among your offspring and bring them, in the last days, to understanding their ancestors and comprehending My covenants. The Lord said: His [Joseph Smith] weakness will be made strong. My work will then begin among all My people. I’ll restore you, O house of Israel. Joseph prophesied in this way: The Lord will bless that seer [Joseph Smith]. And those who attempt to destroy him will be defeated, because the Lord will fulfill this promise about my offspring given to me by the Lord. I’m sure of the fulfillment of this promise. He’ll be named after me, and it will be after the name of his father. And he’ll be like me, because the things the Lord will bring to light by his hand and by the Lord’s power will bring my people to salvation . . . The Lord also told me: I’ll give your [Joseph of Egypt’s] descendants also a prophet [Joseph Smith] and make a spokesman [latter-day servant] for him. I’ll inspire the one to write the record of your [Joseph of Egypt’s]descendants to bless your offspring. And that spokesman [latter-day servant] will declare that record. The words he’ll [the prophet Joseph Smith] write will be the words that, in My wisdom, I consider important for your offspring to read. It will be as if your descendants called out to them from the dust, because I know their faith. They’ll call out the need for repentance from the dust for their brothers and sisters many generations after they’ve died. Their words will go forth in a way that is a direct, clear message [spokesman for Joseph Smith]. Because of their faith, their words will go from Me to their brothers and sisters who are your offspring. I’ll make the simplicity of their words result in strong faith as they learn about the covenant I made with your fathers” (CofC 2 Nephi 2:4-6, emphasis added).
The beginning of Joseph Smith’s ministry is perceived weak, as confirmed by modern revelation.[5] Thereafter, the spokesman declares the words written by Joseph Smith and those words, “will grow together in order to expose false doctrines, settle disputes, and establish peace among your offspring and bring them, in the last days, to understanding their ancestors and comprehending My covenants . . . ,” Joseph Smith will be made strong when his spokesman declares his teachings. Joseph Smith came in the latter-days but the spokesman who declares the words of Joseph Smith and restores Israel in the last days initiates the day when other “weak” men declare these words to kings or “that it might be fulfilled which was written by the prophets: the weak things of the world should come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones . . .” (RE T&C:4, emphasis added).
The words of the “spokesman” for Joseph Smith are words given him by the Savior to declare to the Gentiles in the last days. It will be a last witness to the Gentiles but a restoration of knowledge of the Patriarchal Fathers and the covenants the Lord made with them.
“I tell you the truth. And I’ll give you a sign to identify the time when these things are about to happen, when I will gather My people, the house of Israel, from their long-scattered state, and will again establish My Zion among them. This is the sign for you: When the things that I’m declaring to you now and after this by the power of the Holy Ghost that are given to you [Nephite survivors] by the Father are then revealed to the Gentiles [by Gentiles acting in their weakness], and taken as a message through them to you [Lehi’s descendants], that is when the Father’s covenant is being fulfilled. You are descendants of Jacob [Israel] and will be scattered by the Gentiles. But the Father will reveal these things first to the Gentiles, then from them to you. It’s the Father’s plan for the Gentiles to be established in this land as a free people through His power, to allow the history and prophecies to come from them [Gentiles] to a remnant of your [Joseph’s] descendants. That vindicates the Father’s covenant with His people, O house of Israel. Therefore the record of these events, and the events that will take place among you after this, will come from the Gentiles to your descendants. But your descendants will first fall away in unbelief because of iniquity. That’s an essential part of the Father’s plan. The covenant requires this record to come from the Gentiles, so the Gentiles will understand His direct involvement. Then the Gentiles, provided they don’t harden their hearts, will be able to repent and come to Me and be baptized in My name and know the true points of My doctrine, so they can be included with My people, the house of Israel. When these things happen, and your descendants begin to know these things, it will be a sign to let them know the Father’s work is underway, to fulfill the covenant He made to everyone who’s part of the house of Israel. When that time comes, kings will be at a loss for words not knowing what to say, for they’ll see what they were never told [explained by the weak][6] about and be forced to consider what they never expected.
At that time, to advance My cause, the Father will begin a work, which will be a great and awe-inspiring work among them. There will be many who won’t believe it, although a man will tell it to them. But the ministry of My servant [spokesman] will be led by My [right] hand; therefore they won’t be able to harm his work, although he’ll be opposed and discredited by them. Yet I’ll support him; I’ll show them My wisdom is greater than the accuser’s deceitful scheming. Therefore those who won’t believe in My words, and I Am Jesus Christ, which the Father will give and empower that servant to set before the Gentiles, it will result exactly as Moses said: They [Gentiles] will be cut off from My people who are part of the covenant [Israel]. And then you, a remnant of the house of Jacob [Israel], will rise up from them. And you’ll be mixed in with them who will outnumber you [Israel]. You’ll [remnant of Israel] be among them like a lion among his prey in the forest, and as a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who moves unopposed to take down and tear to pieces. Your hand will be against your opponents and all your enemies will be cut down. Yes, woe to the Gentiles unless they repent: For when that day comes, says the Father, I’ll take away your strength from you, and I’ll destroy your security. Your cities will fall and I’ll break open your guarded borders. Your sciences and learning will turn into foolishness, and your false beliefs will cause your failure. I’ll expose the fraud of those in authority, and your trusted institutions will lose everyone’s loyalty. False prophets and false ministers will be brought to shame and humiliation. All lying, deceiving, envying, strife, priestcraft, and whoredoms will come to an end. At that time, says the Father, I’ll cut down anyone who won’t repent and draw near to My Beloved Son to preserve My people, the house of Israel. I’ll take vengeance and unleash My fierce anger on all the unbelieving, beyond anything they expect” (CofC 3 Nephi 9:11-12, emphasis added).
It should be noted that the previous verse is not from the Book of Mormon but the Covenant of Christ. The Covenant of Christ was recently canonized and accepted as scripture devoted specifically to the Gentiles. Its purpose is explained in a proposed revelation to the Teachings and Commandments:
“During the final stage of the project, the Lord declared: The original Book of Mormon translation was to get that generation to be willing to accept it as scripture. They needed it to mimic the King James Version language. But this has a different purpose. This is to help a new generation understand the content to help with the Lord’s return. There is as much Divine attention and assistance in getting this new version completed as before” (Proposed section 181, emphasis added).
By referencing these verses from the 3 Nephi 9 in the Covenant of Christ we confirm the premise that modern revelation provides greater light and understanding of earlier prophecy. The Covenant of Christ uses modern English language to explain fulfillment of the prophecy given by Moses in RE Deuteronomy 6:4.
“ . . . I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren like unto you, and will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. And it shall come to pass that whoever will not listen unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him . . .”
The Book of Mormon in 3 Nephi 21 provides the original explanation of Moses’ prophecy quoted previously from the Covenant of Christ.
“For in that day, for my sake, shall the Father work a work which shall be a great and a marvelous work among them [Gentiles], and there shall be among them those who will not believe it, although a man shall declare it unto them. But behold, the life of my servant [spokesman for Joseph Smith and the Lord] shall be in my hand; therefore, they shall not hurt him, although he [his work] shall be marred because of them. Yet I will heal him, for I will shew unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the Devil. Therefore, it shall come to pass that whosoever will not believe in my words, who am Jesus Christ, which the Father shall cause him [spokesman, servant] to bring forth unto the gentiles, and shall give unto him power that he shall bring them forth unto the gentiles, it shall be done even as Moses said — They shall be cut off from among my people who are of the covenant. [7]And my people [Israel] who are a remnant of Jacob shall be among the gentiles, yea, in the midst of them as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who, if he go through, both treadeth down and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver. Their hand shall be lifted up upon their adversaries, and all their enemies shall be cut off. Yea, woe be unto the gentiles except they repent, for it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Father, that I will cut off thy horses out of the midst of thee, and I will destroy thy chariots, and I will cut off the cities of thy land and throw down all thy strong holds. And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thy land, and thou shalt have no more soothsayers. Thy graven images I will also cut off and thy standing images out of the midst of thee, and thou shalt no more worship the works of thy hands. And I will pluck up thy groves out of the midst of thee; so will I destroy thy cities. And it shall come to pass that all lyings, and deceivings, and envyings, and strifes, and priestcrafts, and whoredoms shall be done away. For it shall come to pass, saith the Father, that at that day, whosoever will not repent and come unto my Beloved Son, them will I cut off from among my people, O house of Israel, and I will execute vengeance and fury upon them, even as upon the heathen, such as they have not heard” (RE Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 9:12, emphasis added).
When the two versions of these verses are compared, the RE Book of Mormon version meaning remains shrouded to the minds of modern Gentiles by King James style English language. In contrast, the Covenant of Christ explains that the Lord calls a latter-day servant whom the Father empowers to bring forth more of the Savior’s words to the Gentiles. They are declared by the servant but there remain among Gentiles those who reject the Lord’s servant and seek to impair and discredit his labors. There are also those who receive the servants teachings and repent among Gentiles. Those who receive the words of the servant are not cut-off from the Lord’s covenant people, Israel. Those who reject the servant and work to discredit him are cut-off from Israel and trodden under the feet of the Lord’s covenant people.
We see in the contrast between the RE Book of Mormon and Covenant of Christ how the process described in the Glossary of Gospel Terms, Prophecy, where the most recent revelation written in modern English provides a far more fulsome description of prophetic fulfillment to contemporary Gentiles to whom it is directed. This is with divinely directed intent. As the events occur, it is true, the descendants of Joseph of Egypt and Lehi can know the work of fulfilling the Father’s covenants with Israel has commenced. It is a sign to them that seminal events directly relating to this prophecy applies to them.
For the Gentiles, these events are a solemn warning not to reject the Lord’s words endorsed by the Father and delivered by His servant. As these events transpire, Israel can look forward to the Lord’s intervention and empowerment. This prophecy foretells how Israel imposes God’s judgments on the Gentiles in the manner the Gentiles were empowered by God to inflict His wrath upon Israel earlier.
The only opportunity to escape this fate for the Gentiles is to receive God’s servant and the words of Christ delivered through him and repent. The witness of their acceptance is for the Gentiles to receive the Lord’s servant, repent and return to God and His covenant. Only then will the Gentiles be numbered among Israel and find refuge from God’s judgments upon wicked Gentiles.
Additional Witnesses of the Covenant of Christ Regarding the Gentiles
"If the Gentiles then obey the Lamb of God [receive His servant][8], He’ll reveal Himself to them [Gentiles] in word and power and in person, in order to remove barriers to their belief, and if they don’t harden their hearts against the Lamb of God, they’ll be included with your father’s descendants — indeed, they’ll be included as part of the house of Israel. And they’ll become a blessed family in the promised land forever. They won’t be enslaved anymore [Babylon], and the house of Israel won’t be embarrassed anymore. And the great pit dug for them by that utterly wicked church, which the accuser and his followers founded so that he could take people’s souls down to hell — that great pit dug for people’s destruction will be filled with those who dug it [unrepentant Gentiles], to their complete destruction, says the Lamb of God — not the destruction of the soul, but throwing it into that endless hell. This is according to the accuser’s imprisonment [9], and according to God’s justice as well, upon all those who insist on doing wicked and corrupt things in God’s sight.
Then the Angel told me: You’ve seen that if the Gentiles repent, it will turn out well for them. You also know about the Lord’s covenants with the house of Israel. And you’ve also heard that whoever doesn’t repent must perish. As a result, if the Gentiles harden their hearts against the Lamb of God, I will afflict them. Because the time will come, says the Lamb of God, when I’ll bring about a great and awe-inspiring work among mankind, one that will be everlasting — one way or the other — either to convince them, resulting in peace and life eternal; or to give them up to their hard hearts and blind minds, bringing about their slavery and temporal and spiritual destruction, under the accuser’s enslavement which I’ve spoken about” (C of C 1 Nephi 3:25-26, emphasis added).
The Lord intends to reclaim as many Gentiles as will hearken to the words and work He engages in. It will be the time when the record of the seed of Joseph passes from the Gentiles to the seed of Joseph of Egypt and Lehi. The purpose of His “awe-inspiring work,” (Covenant of Christ) or “great and marvelous work” (Book of Mormon) is to “remove all barriers to their [Gentiles] belief.” This is another way of saying what Joseph of Egypt said in his prophecy of our day when Joseph Smith would be made strong.
“Therefore your [Joseph of Egypt’s], offspring will write, and Judah’s offspring will write. The Lord says: The things your [Joseph of Egypt’s] offspring write, and the things Judah’s offspring write, will grow together in order to expose false doctrines, settle disputes, and establish peace among your offspring and bring them, in the last days, to understanding their ancestors and comprehending My covenants. The Lord said: His [Joseph Smith] weakness will be made strong. My work will then begin among all My people. I’ll restore you, O house of Israel” (C of C 2 Nephi 2:4, emphasis added).
These prophecies are in the process of fulfillment in our real time. The “accuser” and those who remain captive to him have left a trail of lies codified by generations of people who accept falsehoods about Joseph Smith and his teachings. Over time, as the availability of information has increased, people have challenged narratives that have passed for history for two hundred years. According to these prophecies, the narratives forming the foundation of the “utterly wicked church” will be disproven as truth from the Lord washes away the false foundation it rests upon.
Types From the Covenant of Christ Addressing this Prophecy’s Fulfillment
The fulfillment of this prophecy brings about the removal of every protection the Gentiles have come to rely upon.[10] The only sure foundation upon which men may build is Christ.
The judgments poured out upon the Gentiles are as devastating as were God’s wrath on Israel. On this land, those judgments led to the complete destruction of two groups, the Jaredites and the Nephites. The prophetic events in this prophecy are in preparation for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Because of the proximity of the Savior’s Nephite ministry, events leading to the Savior’s Nephite arrival provide a template for this prophecy’s fulfillment. The description of the destruction of the Gentiles bears similarities to the Nephite destruction prior to Christ’s arrival.
In addition to the parallel’s between the destruction of the Nephites compared to the destruction of the Gentiles, there are positive examples offering hope to those who repent and turn to Christ. The twenty-fifth verse of Nephi’s prophecy describes the work the Lord performs for the Gentiles.
“If the Gentiles then obey the Lamb of God, He’ll reveal Himself to them in word and power and in person, in order to remove barriers to their belief, and if they don’t harden their hearts against the Lamb of God, they’ll be included with your father’s descendants — indeed, they’ll be included as part of the house of Israel. And they’ll become a blessed family in the promised land forever. They won’t be enslaved anymore, and the house of Israel won’t be embarrassed anymore . . .” (C of C 1 Nephi 3:25).
The angel reveals to Nephi if the Gentiles obey the Savior [by receiving His words from the servant], the Lord reveals Himself to the Gentiles “in word,” “power,” and “in person” for the express purpose of removing “all barriers to their belief.” That offer from the Lord will be accepted by some Gentiles so there is reason for optimism.
If we focus on the Lord’s objective of removing barriers to the belief of the Gentiles, consider what Helaman recorded in his record following great wars and conflicts.
“In this same year there was tremendous growth in the congregation, resulting in thousands joining with the congregation after being baptized as a sign of repentance. The congregation’s prosperity was so great and so many blessings were poured out upon the people that even the high priests and teachers were very surprised. The Lord’s work prospered, resulting in many souls, tens of thousands in fact, being baptized and joining God’s congregation. So we see the Lord is merciful to all those who call on His holy name in the sincerity of their hearts; we see heaven’s gate is open to all, that is to say, to those who believe in the name of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God, open to anyone who accepts God’s salvation, which gives life and has power. It will cut through all the accuser’s deceitfulness, traps, and tricks [“remove all barriers to belief”], and then it will lead Christ’s followers along a straight and narrow path to safely cross over that endless abyss of misery prepared to engulf the wicked, taking their immortal souls to stand at God’s right hand in the kingdom of heaven, to join Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all our holy fathers [Patriarchal Fathers, Spirit of Elijah], and never to leave. In this year, there was continual rejoicing in Zarahemla and in the surrounding areas, even in the entire land inhabited by the Nephites. There was peace and immense joy during the rest of the 49th year. Indeed, there was also continuous peace and great joy in the 50th year of the judges’ rule” (C of C Helaman 2:7, emphasis added).
The removal of all barriers to the Gentiles belief may also be said the power of Christ will “cut through all the accuser’s deceitfulness, traps, and tricks.” Those who “call on His holy name in the sincerity of their hearts” will see “heaven’s gate open to all, that is to say, to those who believe in the name of Jesus Christ.” This essentially the same as when Nephi records the Lord manifests Himself in “word,” “power,” and “in person.”
Another parallel is the opening of heaven’s gate. In Nephi’s prophecy of the Gentiles, there is also an account where heaven’s gate opens to two specific groups with an endowment of power from heaven.
“Then I looked and saw the whore of the whole earth. She was spread everywhere across the seas, ruling over the whole earth, among all people of every nation, tribe, and language. And I saw the congregation of the Lamb of God; its numbers were few because of the wickedness and abominations of the whore who was spread everywhere across the seas. Nevertheless, I saw that the congregation of the Lamb, who were God’s holy ones, were also there throughout the earth; but their presence was small because of the wickedness of the great whore whom I saw. And I saw the great mother of abominations assembled in large numbers all over the earth among all Gentile nations to fight against the Lamb of God. Then I saw the power of the Lamb of God descend upon the holy ones of the Lamb’s congregation [repentant Gentiles] and upon the Lord’s covenant people [Israel], who were scattered across the earth. They were armed with righteousness and God’s power in great glory”[11] (C of C, 1 Nephi 3:28, emphasis added).
Being armed with righteousness means the “holy ones” in the Lord’s congregation are equipped to handle the “powers of heaven”[12] which is a reference to Patriarchal Fathers. These powers can only be controlled or handled on the principles of righteousness.[13] The “power of God in great glory” is exactly what is needed to remove the barriers of belief that keep the Gentiles from the truth. It is in effect part of the “in word, in power” required to “cut through all the accuser’s deceitfulness, traps, and tricks.” God’s glory is intelligence or light and truth. Light and truth forsake the evil one. It makes sense Helaman would say the destination for those who repent and follow Christ is “to stand at God’s right hand in the kingdom of heaven, to join Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all the holy fathers” in the context of Nephi’s prophecy. When the power of the Lamb descends on the “holy one’s” it marks the introduction of the Spirit of Elijah in its return to earth.
Events paralleling Nephi’s prophecy of the power of God descending upon the Gentiles is Nephi and Lehi in bondage at the Lamanite prison.
“Then Nephi and Lehi went on from there to the land of Nephi. And there they were captured by a Lamanite army and thrown into prison, the same prison where Ammon and his brothers were put by Limhi’s servants. After they had been confined in prison many days without food, the captors went into the prison to take and kill them. But Nephi and Lehi were surrounded as if by fire, and so they didn’t dare touch them for fear of being burned. However, Nephi and Lehi weren’t burned although they were standing unharmed in the middle of fire. When they saw they were surrounded by a pillar of fire and it didn’t burn them, their hearts took courage; they saw the Lamanites didn’t dare touch them, or even dare to approach them; instead, they stood dumbstruck in amazement” (C of C Helaman 2:20, emphasis added).
Nephi and Lehi surrounded with a pillar of fire is the type for Nephi’s [Lehi’s son] prophecy when the power of God in great glory descends upon the “holy ones” among them. Prior to the capture of Nephi and Lehi, 8,000 Lamanites were converted and baptized. “This is the sign for you: When the things that I’m declaring to you now and after this by the power of the Holy Ghost that are given to you by the Father are then revealed to the Gentiles, and taken as a message through them to you, that is when the Father’s covenant is being fulfilled.” The 8,000 Lamanite converts were the first to witness the Savior’s sign of the gospel and records being delivered to them by Nephi and Lehi. These righteous servants represent latter-day Gentiles who carry the record of Joseph of Egypt’s descendants to Lehi’s descendants who turned from the faith.
The body of 300 Lamanite soldiers who came to the prison to kill Nephi and Lehi consisted of both Lamanites and apostate Nephites. As the army of 300 soldiers marveled at the sight of Nephi and Lehi encircled in a pillar of fire unharmed, thick darkness surrounded them. The Lamanite soldiers watched as the Nephite prophets conversed with “God’s angels,” or what we now know are the “Powers of Heaven.”
Three times [knocks] the Lord spoke to the Lamanites in a mild voice admonishing them not to kill His servants. Wondering how to dispel the darkness surrounding them, Aminadab, a former Nephite explained how they could be delivered from thick darkness surrounding them.
“They all began to pray to the voice of the One who had shaken the earth. Indeed, they prayed until the thick darkness dispersed. When they looked around and saw the thick darkness was removed from surrounding them, they realized they all were surrounded by a pillar of fire. Nephi and Lehi were in the center of the crowd. Yet even though they were surrounded and in the middle of a flaming fire it didn’t hurt them, and it didn’t harm the prison walls, either. They felt joy that’s unspeakable and glorious. The Holy Spirit of God descended from heaven and entered their hearts. They were filled as if with fire, enabling them to speak of breathtaking, glorious things [Record of Heaven is revealed to them].
The voice spoke to them again, cheerfully and softly, saying: Peace, peace be with you because of your faith in My Well Beloved, who existed from the foundation of creation. When they heard this, they looked up trying to see who was speaking. The heavens opened as angels [Patriarchal Fathers] descended from heaven and ministered to them. There were about 300 souls who witnessed these things. They were told to not question or doubt their experience. They went out and testified to the people, declaring throughout the surrounding area everything they had heard and seen, and the majority of the Lamanites were convinced by their testimony. All those who were convinced gave up their weapons, their hatred, and ancestors’ traditions as well. And they returned the lands they had taken back to the Nephites” (C of C Helaman 2:25-26, emphasis added).
All the elements of Nephi’s [Lehi’s son] prophecy are found in the account of Nephi and Lehi, the sons of Helaman. While there may be some variation in how these events unfold, following the evolution of events among the Nephites and Lamanites provide some level of expectation on how Nephi, the son of Lehi’s prophecy is fulfilled prior to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
The Role of Secret Abominations
The account of Nephi and Lehi, Helaman’s sons, provide a latter-day type for our day. In the 48th year of the reign of judges, we are introduced to Nephi and Lehi. Of them the record says, “They grew up obeying the Lord.” Thereafter it provides the following description of their day:
“ . . . The wars and conflicts lessened among the Nephites in the last part of the 48th year of the judges’ rule over the Nephites. In the 49th year of the judges’ rule, peace prevailed in the land, except for the secret societies Gaddianton the bandit had organized in the more populated areas, which were concealed from those in charge of the government; therefore they weren’t captured and executed” (C of C Helaman 2:6, emphasis added).
This development is significant for the Nephites and Lamanites because it represents the beginning of the end for the Nephites. In the first chapter of Helaman we are told the effect of this secret society had on the Nephites and will presumably have on the Gentiles.
“Helaman sent out forces to arrest this gang of robbers and secret assassins, so they could be executed according to the law. But when Gaddianton saw Kishcumen didn’t return, he was afraid he might be killed. So he led his gang and they quickly fled the land in secret, entering the wilderness. As a result, when Helaman sent out forces to arrest them, they were nowhere to be found. You’ll learn more about this Gaddianton later. And so the 42nd year of the judges’ rule ended. At the end of this book, you’ll learn Gaddianton ultimately caused the overthrow, and almost caused the entire annihilation of the Nephites. Now I don’t mean the end of the Book of Helaman, but I mean the end of the record of Nephi, from which I’ve taken the entire account written here” (C of C Helaman 1:11, emphasis added).
Ironically, at the rise of this secret society, we find the following conditions among the Lord’s congregation.
“In this same year there was tremendous growth in the congregation, resulting in thousands joining with the congregation after being baptized as a sign of repentance. The congregation’s prosperity was so great and so many blessings were poured out upon the people that even the high priests and teachers were very surprised. The Lord’s work prospered, resulting in many souls, tens of thousands in fact, being baptized and joining God’s congregation . . .” (C of C Helaman 2:7, emphasis added).
At the same time the Lord’s congregation experiences extraordinary growth and prosperity, the accuser establishes his earthly kingdom. The plan to expand the accuser’s kingdom involved committing serious crimes against humanity and keeping it secret.
“ . . . But Kishcumen, who had murdered Parhoron, set a trap to kill Helaman as well. He was supported by his gang, who had made a covenant to keep their murderous conspiracy secret. A man named Gaddianton led Kishcumen’s gang, and he was persuasive, careful in planning killings and robbery, and very cunning in protecting the gang. He promised them if they would place him in the judgment seat, Kishcumen and other gang members would be appointed to positions of power and authority. Therefore Kishcumen planned to kill Helaman” (C of C Helaman 1:9, emphasis added).
The plan of this secret society is to rise to power by murder. When they obtained the office of chief judge, they fill lower positions with their accomplices and protect their co-conspirators from prosecution.
The toxic effects of these conspiracies are explained by Moroni in the book of Ether.
“ . . . Because the Lord doesn’t operate by secret conspiracies, neither does He want people to kill; on the contrary, He has always forbidden it since mankind’s beginning.
I Moroni am not writing the details of their oaths and conspiracies, since it has been revealed to me that they exist among all people; and they exist among the Lamanites. And they’ve brought about the people’s destruction, whom I’m now writing about, as well as the Nephites’ destruction. Any nation that upholds such secret conspiracies, to get power and wealth, until they spread throughout the nation, will be destroyed. Because the Lord won’t permit the blood of His holy ones, which will be shed by them, to always cry out to Him from the ground for vengeance without avenging them. Therefore, you Gentiles, it’s God’s wisdom for you to be shown these things, so you’ll repent of your sins and not allow these murderous conspiracies, that are always set up for power and money, to control you, so that you won’t provoke your own destruction. Indeed, the sword of the justice of the Eternal God will fall upon you, to your ruin and destruction, if you allow these things to continue. Therefore the Lord commands you, when you see these things come among you, to wake up to a sense of your awful situation because of this secret society that’s come into existence among you. Woe to this conspiracy on account of the blood of those who have been killed; they cry out from the dust for vengeance upon it, and upon those who make and support it.
Indeed, whoever builds it up hopes to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries. These conspiracies bring about everyone’s destruction since they’re built up by the accuser, who’s the father of all lies . . .” (C of C Ether 3:17-19, emphasis added).
Secret abominations are among all societies and are “set up for power and money, to control you . . . whoever builds it up hopes to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries.” The Lord shows us Moroni’s account for the express purpose of persuading us not to embrace these conspiracies and destroy our people.
The manner in which these secret societies work is revealed in Helaman’s record.
“At the start of the 67th year, the people began to grow very wicked again. The Lord had blessed them with material possessions for so long that they were never angry, started a war, or caused any bloodshed. Therefore they began to make their material possessions their only priority. Indeed, they began acquiring wealth and status so they could think of themselves as better than the next person. Then secret murders started, and people started robbing and stealing to make money. Now the murderers and thieves were from that gang started by Kishcumen and Gaddianton. There were many, even among the Nephites, who joined Gaddianton’s gang. But there were far more among the more wicked part of the Lamanites. They were called Gaddianton’s robbers and murderers. They were the ones who murdered the chief judge Cezoram and his son while responsible for the judgment seat. But they went unidentified.
When the Lamanites discovered there were robbers among them, they were dismayed. They used every means within their ability to find and execute them. But Satan inspired most of the Nephites to join with those gangs of robbers and commit themselves through covenants and oaths, promising to protect and defend one another no matter the circumstances they were caught in, so they could escape punishment for their murders, robberies, and thefts.
They used their secret signs and words to identify any fellow gang member who had made the covenant. It didn’t matter what crime his fellow gang member committed, he would be protected by the other gang members. They were able to murder, rob, steal, and commit whoredoms and all kinds of evil, violating the laws of the land and laws of God also. Anyone who belonged to their gang and revealed their wickedness and corruption to the world was to be tried, not according to their country’s laws, but according to the rules of their gang society, which had been established by Gaddianton and Kishcumen. Now these were the secret oaths and covenants Alma commanded his son not to make public, to prevent the resulting destruction.
But Gaddianton didn’t get his secret oaths and covenants from the records delivered to Helaman; he got them from that same being who tempted our first parents to eat the forbidden fruit — the same one who plotted with Cain to murder his brother Abel, promising others wouldn’t find out about it. He plotted with Cain and his followers from then on . . . It was him, the same one, who put it in Gaddianton’s heart to do the same evil and continue with secret murders. And he’s promoted it since the beginning of mankind, all the way up to now. He’s the original advocate for every sin. He renews his dark works and secret murders by passing down the plots, oaths, covenants, and their wicked, destructive plans to generation after generation, whenever he can take hold of mankind’s hearts . . .” (C of C Helaman 2:30-33, emphasis added).
The secret plans have been among all people and caused the destruction of all who embraced their covenants and oaths. Having completed his ministry to the people north of Zarahemla, Nephi arrived home. He was saddened to find the secret society had gained control of their government and conditions were “awful and corrupt.”
“ . . .There were Gaddianton robbers filling the judgment seats. They had seized control of the land. They disregarded God’s commandments. They defied Him and acted abusively to people. They condemned the righteous because of their righteousness. They let the guilty and wicked go unpunished because of their money. They were given control over the government to do anything they wanted, and they wanted money and adoration from the public, which allowed them to commit adultery, steal, kill, and indulge themselves. It had only taken a few years for this widespread iniquity to be welcomed by the Nephites” (C of C Helaman 3:1, emphasis added).
Now that we are seeing these symptoms in our day, we would do well to give heed to Moroni’s warning.
As we apply the “process” described in the Glossary of Gospel Terms under the heading of Prophecy, we see there is not enough given to thwart the Lord’s purposes but there is enough in the scriptures to give us an “expected end.”
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord — thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall you call upon me, and you shall go and pray unto me, and I will listen unto you. And you shall seek me and find me when you shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, says the Lord” (RE Jeremiah 1:1, emphasis added).
[1] Glossary of Gospel Terms, Prophecy, Second Edition, pp.258-260.
[2] Those immersed in the LDS perspective are familiar with what is referred to as a “faithful account,” implying conclusions are shaped to support opinions consistent with church narratives. Such restrictions are just as unproductive as fostering a bias against the narrative with the intent of disproving it. The Glossary entry on prophecy admonishes shedding all bias, pro or con and allow the verses to speak for themselves and not traditional opinions to inform us. Only then may we hope to arrive at objective conclusions.
[3] Over thirty years ago our family moved to Pleasant Grove. That event became a chronological touchstone for a research project I began at that time. The subject was the Davidic king. Avraham Gileadi introduced the subject in his writings about Isaiah. Joseph Smith taught the following regarding a latter-day Davidic servant: “Although David was a king, he never did obtain the spirit and power of Elijah and the fullness of the Priesthood; and the Priesthood that he received, and the throne and kingdom of David is to be taken from him and given to another by the name of David in the last days, raised up out of his lineage” (Smith Jr., Joseph. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (p. 389, emphasis added). Deseret Book Company. Kindle Edition). In 1985 Deseret Book published a book by Bruce R. McConkie, an apostle in the LDS Church who wrote the following under the heading, “The Davidic Myth.” “This wresting of the written word assumes that someone of prophetic stature will arise in the Church in the last days, to preside as a Second David, and to prepare the way before the Second Coming of the Son of Man. That there may be one or many brethren called David who preside over the Church in this dispensation is of no moment. The scriptures that speak of King David reigning in the last days are Messianic; they have reference to the Millennial reign of the Lord Jesus Christ” (A New Witness For The Articles of Faith, Bruce R. McConkie, p.518, emphasis added). The two quotes are direct contradictions of one another. Either you accept Joseph Smith’s statement or Bruce R. McConkie’s. Both cannot be true, but each could influence opinion in either direction.
[4] “. . . And that wicked one comes and takes away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers . . .” (RE T&C 93:11, emphasis added).
[5] “Wherefore, I, the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph and spoke unto him from Heaven, and gave him commandment, and also gave commandments to others that they should proclaim these things unto the world. And all this that it might be fulfilled which was written by the prophets: the weak things of the world should come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh, but that every man might speak in the name of God, the Lord, even the Savior of the world, that faith also might increase in the earth, that my everlasting covenant might be established, that the fullness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world and before kings and rulers. Behold, I am God and have spoken it” (RE T&C 54:4, emphasis added).“
[6] “ . . . And all this that it might be fulfilled which was written by the prophets: the weak things of the world should come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh, but that every man might speak in the name of God, the Lord, even the Savior of the world, that faith also might increase in the earth, that my everlasting covenant might be established, that the fullness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world and before kings and rulers. Behold, I am God and have spoken it” (RE T&C 54:4, emphasis added).
[7] What follows are quotations from KJV Old Testament prophecies from Isaiah 5:29, Micah 5:8 98-15, Malachi 4:3. Rather than keep the prophecy of Moses shrouded in the verbiage of old English language from the King James Bible, the Covenant of Christ explains this prophecy in modern English to provide a more expansive version of Moses’ prophecy from Deuteronomy.
[8] “Search these commandments for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled. What I, the Lord, have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself. And though the heaven and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by my own voice or by the voice of my servants it is the same. For behold and lo, the Lord is God and the spirit bears record, and the record is true, and the truth abides for ever and ever. Amen” (RE T&C 54:7, emphasis added).
[9] “Alma began to elaborate, saying: Many people are given knowledge of God’s mysteries; however, they’re placed under a strict command to only discuss that part of His word He allows to be given to mankind, corresponding to their obedience and diligence given to Him. Those who harden their hearts receive less of His word. Those who don’t harden their hearts are given a greater part of His word, until they understand God’s mysteries. They can be given God’s mysteries until everything is fully known. However those who harden their hearts are given less of His word, until they know nothing about His mysteries. Then the accuser captures them and leads them by his will down to destruction. This is what the chains of hell mean” (C of C Alma 9:3, emphasis added).
[10] “ . . . that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh . . .” (RE T&C 54:4).
[11] “The glory of God is intelligence, or in other words, light and truth. Light and truth forsake that evil one . . .” (RE T&C 93:11, emphasis added).
[12] “A title referring to a specific group with status on the other side of the veil; a proper noun, not just an abstraction. In the afterlife there are different rungs on Jacob’s ladder where different Powers are fixed: Angel, Archangel, Principality, Power, Dominion, Throne, Cherubim, and Seraphim — they may all be called Powers of Heaven. These Powers have no desire to control or compel others to rise on Jacob’s ladder. Each rung is a developmental stage of growth through which all must pass if they want to ascend nearer to God. Each individual on Jacob’s ladder should be moving toward perfection” (A Glossary of Gospel Terms, Powers of Heaven, p.248, emphasis added).
[13] “Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen, and why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson — that the rights of the Priesthood are inseparably connected with the Powers of Heaven and that the Powers of Heaven cannot be controlled nor handled, only upon the principles of righteousness. That they may be conferred upon us, it is true, but when we undertake to cover our sins or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control, or dominion, or compulsion, upon the souls of the children of men in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the Heavens withdraw themselves, the spirit of the Lord is grieved, and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man. Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints, and to fight against God. We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. Hence many are called, but few are chosen” (RE T&C 139:5, emphasis added).
Scott Roderick
3/29/25
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