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The Most Important Spiritual Warning in the Book of Mormon

Spirituality, ,

Pride, the most important spiritual warning? What a value judgment. But there are reasons why it might be so. The spiritual warning in the Book of Mormon is as follows:

“They wear stiff necks and high heads; yea, and because of pride, and wickedness, and abominations, and whoredoms, they have all gone astray save it be a few, who are the humble followers of Christ; nevertheless, they are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men. Oh, the wise, and the learned, and the rich, that are puffed up in the pride of their hearts, and all those who preach false doctrines, and all those who commit whoredoms, and pervert the right way of the Lord, wo, wo, wo be unto them, saith the Lord God Almighty, for they shall be thrust down to hell.” (2 Nephi 28: 14-15.)”

“Behold, the pride of this nation, or the people of Nephi, hath proven their destruction except they should repent.” (Moroni 8:27)

Pride has Four Great faults

1. Pride does not acknowledge that the advantages one has (health, strength, intelligence, wealth) are all gifts from God. To acknowledge those gifts would be humility, the opposite of pride.
2. Pride keeps us from seeing ourselves as we truly are, in great need of being saved from ourselves.
3. Pride justifies us in trespassing against our neighbor, advancing ourselves at our neighbor’s expense.
4. Pride blocks us from receiving the Holy Spirit, that companionship that is essential to salvation.

Pride Does Not Acknowledge Gifts From God

1. Pride does not acknowledge that the advantages one has (health, strength, intelligence, wealth) are all gifts from God. To acknowledge those as gifts would be humility, the opposite of pride.

The “natural man,” a human being who has not been rescued from spiritual death through faith in Jesus Christ, usually thinks of himself or herself as a product of nature. Blind chance has brought him or her into this world and has given all that the person has, and therefore there is no gratitude due to anyone for any advantages one may have.

Pride Keeps Us From Seeing Ourselves

2. Pride keeps us from seeing ourselves as we truly are, in great need of being saved from ourselves. Our only real enemy is the character weaknesses that allow us to break the commandments of God. One part of Christ’s mission is to direct the Holy Spirit to labor with each of us to give up our weaknesses and gain the strength to become like Jesus Christ. Then we also will only do the will of the Father. Then the world will be at peace and we will have a heaven on earth. If we would each give up our pride in our sinning and become like little children, meek, submissive, and obedient to the Savior, then the millennium would come without the need to cleanse the earth of all pride and arrogance.

Pride Justifies Us Against Our Neighbor

Pride justifies us in trespassing against our neighbor, advancing ourselves at our neighbor’s expense. The proud person thinks to himself “I deserve what I want” and proceeds to take what he wants by any means. This proud person does not know God but does listen to the voice of Satan. Satan assures him that he does indeed deserve what he wants. And Satan always confirms him in his selfish desires, a most desirable companion to those who see themselves as the most important person on the scene.

Pride Blocks Us From Receiving the Holy Spirit

Pride blocks us from receiving the Holy Spirit, that companionship that is essential to salvation. The proud person cannot receive the ministrations of the Holy Spirit because he does not want to do so. He wants to see himself as more, not less, and the Holy Spirit always enjoins one to be humble, as a little child, and to sacrifice to bless others. But the proud person always wants to be more, not less, and to help someone else only if the deed will renown to his own glory.

Remember: The ultimate pride is to reject Jesus Christ and to pretend that we don’t need Him.

Chauncey C. Riddle
“Guest Post”

P.S. Chauncy C. Riddle’s understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ and his political awareness is unmatched.   Chauncey C Riddle is a Professor Emeritus of Philosophy from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He is a religious leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has written many articles for the Ensign, Sunstone Magazine, and BYU Studies. He has also written countless articles and has published the milestone book entitled, “Think Independently,” which can be purchased at Amazon

You may be interested in additional “Guest Posts” by Chauncey C. Riddle.

“Two Hearts and Two Minds”
“The Most Important Verse in the Book of Mormon”
“The Great And Abominable Church”
“The Most Important Temporal Warning In The Book of Mormon”

His website, “Learning To Think”, has several fascinating articles: chaunceyriddle.org

The Most Important Temporal Warning

Spirituality, , ,

What is the most important temporal warning in the Book of Mormon? The most important temporal warning? What a value judgment! But there are reasons why it might be so.

“And now I, Moroni, do not write the manner of their oaths and combinations, for it hath been made known unto me that they are had among all people, and they are had among the Lamanites.

And they have caused the destruction of this people of whom I am now speaking, and also the destruction of the people of Nephi. And whatsoever nation shall uphold such secret combinations, to get power and gain, until they shall spread over the nation, behold they will be destroyed; for the Lord will not suffer that the blood of the saints, which shall be shed by them, shall always cry unto him from the ground for vengeance upon them and yet avenge them not.

Wherefore, O ye Gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these things should be shown unto you, that thereby you may repent of your sins, and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you, which are built up to get power and gain—and the work of destruction come upon you, yea, even the sword of the justice of the Eternal God shall fall upon you, to your overthrow and destruction if ye shall suffer these things to be.

Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that you shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of the secret combinations which shall be among you; or wo be unto it because of the blood of those who have been slain; for they cry from the dust for vengeance upon it, and also upon those who built it up.

For it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries; and it bringeth the destruction of all people, for it is built up by the devil, who is the father of all lies; even that same liar who beguiled our first parents, yea, even that same liar who hath caused man to commit murder from the beginning; who hath hardened the hearts of men that they have murdered the prophets, and stoned them, and cast them out from the beginning.” (Ether 8:20-25)

One of the Main Tactics

One of its main ploys is to ridicule conspiracy theories.

The Theosophical Society of America offers this comment on a book about conspiracy theories: “Conspiracy Theories, then, are far from harmless. Such wrongheaded thinking can be pernicious, and ultimately downright destructive. Cassam runs down a list: antivaxxers; anticredentialism in general; “the death of expertise”; Brexit; anti-Semitism on both the left and the right.

“Therefore Conspiracy theories promote symbols and beliefs that have consequences unforeseen by moderates. Furthermore, they “diminish the credibility of legitimate criticisms” and are also a “distraction from big-picture social issues.” Review of Conspiracy Theories by Quassim Cassam, Cambridge, U.K.: Polity Press, 2019.

In other words, public, just believe what you are told.

This Movement is a Religion

This movement is actually a religion, with all the trappings of a religion.

This religion has its temples (universities), priestly vestments (cap and gown), ordinances (graduation ceremonies), a theology (there is no God, all things are natural, there is no right and wrong).

This religion is behind getting rid of public displays of the Ten Commandments. It is behind the LGBT+ movement. It encourages “living together” instead of marriage. It promotes abortion and euthanasia. This movement is the great and abominable church mentioned in the scriptures.

This threat is organized from the Spirit world, inspired and guided by Satan. It will be a major player on the world scene until the Savior comes in his Second Coming. Those who cooperate and participate in this programmed evil are the tares of the earth who will be burned at the Second Coming of Christ.

Control Over All Culture

The humanist movement is the dominant force and idealogy in the world today.

It is the philosophy behind communism and socialism. It has quietly taken control of our education systems, threatens scientific objectivism, controls our media, and is behind the “woke” movement.

Politics in the United States mostly concerns how much socialism we shall allow, with socialism gradually increasing and taking over our politics. Socialism, the governing of the masses by those “most intelligent” human beings, is the antithesis of what the true disciples of Christ seek, which is Zion, a people so pure in heart that they all do only the will of Christ.
They spend their time blessing others in his name and through his power.

Zion is a people who do not take their instructions from any human being unless those instructions are confirmed by the Holy Spirit, which is the will of Christ. The will of Christ is that they become fully honest, true, chaste, and benevolent, having all things in common out of a pure heart.

These latter days are a showdown between the cause of Christ (Zion) and humanism. Humanism seeks to govern all mankind by a socialist world order. Moroni would have us be fully aware of this confrontation and make sure we promote the cause of Christ and do not give power to the cause of Satan.

Chauncey C. Riddle
“Guest Post”

P.S. Chauncy C. Riddle and I have been very good friends for a long time.  His understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ and his political awareness is unmatched.   Chauncey C Riddle is a Professor Emeritus of Philosophy from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He is a religious leader in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has written many articles for the Ensign, Sunstone Magazine, and BYU Studies. He has also written countless articles and has published the milestone book entitled, “Think Independently,” which everyone should read.

You may be interested in additional “Guest Posts” by Chauncey C. Riddle.

“Two Hearts and Two Minds”
“The Most Important Verse in the Book of Mormon”
“The Great And Abominable Church”

His website has several fascinating articles: chaunceyriddle.org

 

 

Does a Scientist Need Faith?

Spirituality, , ,

Does a Scientist Need Faith?  In this connection, a very fascinating and remarkable stipulation is imposed upon mathematics by the famous theorem of Kurt Godel. The “…formal systems with which Godel worked are sufficiently rich in syntax for the derivation of all of classical mathematics (and presumably of much of mathematics yet to be developed).” (1) Godel’s theorem proves that for a system to be consistent it must contain “undecidable” propositions; i.e. the scientist has to have faith — even the atheist! Faith in what? Hopefully, most would say, “That which works well and brings about good in the world.” Einstein said, “…the deeper that I delve into the sciences of the universe, the more firmly do I believe that one God, or force, or influence, has organized it for our discovery.” Clearly, Einstein was a believer in his own right and had faith.

Sir Isaac Newton

Sir Isaac Newton—the greatest scientist in recorded history—studied religion more than science and came to know the Creator of it all. Unfortunately, his religious writings have never been published. Fortunately, my good friend, Steven Jones—Emeritus Professor of Physics at BYU—went to the Cambridge library where Newton’s writings have been archived and he, his wife Lezlee, and their daughter copied down significant portions of Newton’s religious writings. Steve prepared a power-point presentation and shared it in a fireside in our home. I took copious notes and Steve let me borrow his slides. I have used these significantly in preparing an Isaac Newton religion Principia in Chapter 3 of my new book, Time & Eternity: The End-Times & Beyond Revealed. Steve’s material has been most helpful in writing the Chapter in that book on, “Where We are in God’s Time.”

Louis Agassiz

Louis Agassiz (1807-1873), considered the greatest natural scientist in his day, declared, “It is the job of prophets and scientists alike to proclaim the glories of God.” He was greatly respected by his contemporary, Charles Darwin. In fact, Darwin shared his feelings with the poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “What a set of men you have at Harvard! Both universities put together cannot furnish the like. Why, there is Agassiz — he counts for three.” All of Agassiz’s peers knew he was a giant intellectually and spiritually, and he had proven Darwin’s concept of natural selection invalid at the time based on fossil data, showing that there was direct evidence of intelligent design behind the “explosion” of the several different species coming forth, which could not have evolved. Agassiz’s goal was to understand the mind of the Divine–to have faith.

W. H. Murray

W. H. Murray profoundly stated:

Until one is committed
There is hesitancy, the chance to draw back,
Always ineffectiveness.
Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation),
There is one elementary truth,
The ignorance of which kills countless ideas
And splendid plans:
That the moment one definitely commits oneself,
Then Providence moves too.
All sorts of things occur to help one
That would never otherwise have occurred.
A whole stream of events issues from the decision
Raising in one’s favor all manner
Of unforeseen incidents and meetings
And material assistance,
Which no man could have dreamt
Would have come his way.

God is in the details for those who have eyes to see and who have faith.

When powered by faith Goethe’s couplet can bring forth exciting results:

 “Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.”

I have seven major inventions the Lord has given me powered by faith that have been a blessing to many and have affected the world community for good.

Gustaf Stromberg

In 1961, Gustaf Stromberg of the Franklin Institute proposed a fifth dimension based on some experiential information. He suggests that this fifth dimension called the “eternity domain” gives to time elasticity while maintaining sequence. He further explains that this eternity domain can…

“...be described as an Almighty, Wise and Living Person, the Creator of all things, physical, mental, and spiritual. In our mind, we have an “image” of this Person and an idea of His existence and nature. We are created in His image,… We can also understand that this Person in His wisdom may select one or more souls to carry important messages and admonitions to other human souls,… Some of these messages we can also hear directly when we listen to the voice of the “Cosmic Conscience.” They tell us unequivocally that the essence of Divine law can be expressed in the simple admonition: “Love ye one another!”

In our Unified Field Theory research, we discovered a fifth dimension and we used Stromberg’s name for it–the Eternity Domain–and learned about diallel-field lines. This is how prayer works. We each have a diallel-field line connection to God. Not limited by time and space, the Eternity Domain is where God and His angels do their Divine orchestration where the Kingdom of Heaven is perfectly organized and each of us have been given angels to help us in our mortal journey. It is up to us to have faith and to pray; God loves you and is there for you (Matt. 7:7-8).

Truth Against the World

With eight billion people on this planet, we have eight billion world views. Living the Law of Love means that we respect each view. Be humble and love and learn from others as the opportunity arrives. My goal is like the Druids, “TRUTH against the world”–exposing Satanic deceits and finding and enjoying the glories of God’s infinite goodness. Life gives us challenges and choices to follow our conscience, which is the Spirit of Christ to do good, or not.

Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 

I love the French translation from this verse: ‘les met en pratique’–be a wise person and put His sayings into practice. Be a doer of His Word. In our day, we have the extremely important prophecy: “they who would not hear his voice should be cut off from among the people.” (JS-H 40) The logical equivalent of that prophecy is: “If you want to be with Him at His coming, hearken to His voice.”

The Book of Mormon – Lehi

The Prophet Lehi said it most profoundly in Second Nephi Chapter 2:25 – 27 “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.

“And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.

“Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.”

Regarding faith in the Book of Mormon–Alma shares:

Alma gives us his fundamental definition of faith, “faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.” (Alma 31:21) Hence, you cannot have faith in something which is not true. All things that are true come from Christ. Christ is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). As we ask, seek, and knock, (Mt. 7:7-8) He is there for us to find the TRUTH. Then He gives us the great promise in John 8:12, 32, 36: If we follow Him we will not walk in darkness, and ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free; then when He sets you free, ye are free indeed. But, it is our choice.

Whether the world wants to believe it or not, all truth is found this way, and religious truths cannot contradict scientific truths. We move to a grand harmony between true science and true religion as we come to Christ, who is the author of and knows all truth. This is my experience. God is the grand Creator; He created us to be creators also. In so doing, as we look to Him who is the Way, (John 14:6) we find joy in fulfilling our missions in mortality.

Wisdom Society

Much of this article is extracted from one I wrote years ago for the Wisdom Society in San Diego. That article can be viewed at this link. The references are available there as well.

David W. Allan

Reference:

(1) Frank DeSua, “Consistency and Completeness – a Resume'” American Mathematical Monthly, 63 (1956); 305

Photo: CC Faith & Science – Pixabay

The Most Important Verse In the Book of Mormon

Spirituality, , ,

Guest Post: Chauncy C. Riddle

This is the most important verse in the Book of Mormon. That is a strong value judgment. But there are some reasons why it might be so.

The verse is 2 Nephi 26:24:

“He (God) doeth not anything save it be for the benefit of the world; for he loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. Wherefore he commandeth none that they shall not partake of his salvation.”

“Benefit” means doing good, blessing, and ministering to others. God does this because of his heartfelt love for each human. The totality of all human beings is “the world” in the scriptures. Christ has suffered for the sins and pains of each and every human being in order to be able to bless each one with forgiveness of sins, resurrection, and glory.

He hopes to bless each human will all, with exaltation in eternity. But he respects each person and will put upon each only that which each has shown he or she wants to receive and does follow the covenant path to become able to receive. Not everyone can stand to receive all that God tries to give them. The reasons why this verse is the most important verse come under three headings:

1. This verse gives us a most important feature of our knowledge about our God.

2. This verse solves the problem of evil in the world.

3. This verse sheds great light on the commandments God has given us

Knowledge About Our God

1. This verse gives us a most important feature of our knowledge about our God.
Usual discussions of the nature of God sometimes focus on how much he knows, what he can do, and where he is.

Our God is said to be omniscient, that he knows everything that can be known, past, present, and future. In the Book of Mormon, Jacob exclaims: “Oh how great the goodness of our God. For he knoweth all things and there is not anything, save he knows it.” (2 Nephi 9:20). This means God is never puzzled or in the dark about anything. He knows and understands all things. Therefore he knows how to bless each of his children.

Usual discussions also emphasize the power of God, that he has all power. This means that he can do anything that can be done. The Savior said: “All power is given unto me in heaven and in the earth.” (Matthew 28:18). Thus he is never frustrated by the inability to bless each human being.

Our God is also present everywhere in the universe. “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” (Psalms 139:7-10) This is to say that wherever any of his children are in the universe, God finds and blesses them.

And our God is also good, which is to say that he blesses or helps each of his children to enjoy as much blessing as each can stand to receive. And this is where our special verse from the Book of Mormon quoted above applies. It is well understood by mankind that God blesses his children. What is not as well known is what this verse explains: God only blesses his children. Some persons are wont to attribute curses to God, and the scriptures actually use that word.

But this verse in the Book of Mormon tells us that any so-called curse from God is actually a blessing and will result in some great benefit and opportunity for the recipient. Thus, God only blesses. Everything he does is to advance the happiness, power, and well-being of his children. But again, he will not put upon any child of his any blessing in eternity that a person cannot profit from. Thus some are damned to spare them blessings which would cause them to regress. And this damnation itself is a blessing.

The Problem of Evil in the World

2. This verse solves the problem of evil in the world. Anything is evil if it is not as good as it could or should be. Every human sin is evil, something which need not and should not be.

For every human sin shortens the blessings and welfare of the sinner’s fellow beings. God’s commandments are given so that we will have guidance and power not to do evil, but to bless only, even as God does. God holds each human being accountable for all evil each has done, and our Savior counts any evil we do to any person as if we had done it unto him. If we repent of doing evil, our Savior forgives us. But if we will not and do not repent, he must hold us accountable on the day of judgment.

But there is a lot of evil in this world that is not the doing of any human being. There are diseases, natural disasters such as storms and volcanic activity, opposition from wild animals, heat and cold that devastate, etc. The point of this special scripture from the Book of Mormon is that all so-called evil in this world is the hand of God delivering something to his human children which will eventuate blessings that they will eventually recognize and be grateful for.

For God’s hand is in all things. Nothing happens in this universe except with his permission. He lets what we call evil treatment by humans and by natural disasters in nature function as avenues for blessings greater than the evils humans suffer. Thus each human should be grateful for any suffering he or she undergoes, understanding that if he or she will turn to God as a little child and humbly submits to the so-called evils that come upon them, that paves the way for greater blessings from God.

“For the natural man (a man without Christ in this mortal world) is an enemy (does not love) to God, and has been since the fall of Adam (because of the influence and temptations of Satan) and will be forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit (accepts Jesus Christ as his father and guide), and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint (having the companionship of the Holy Spirit) through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love (for Christ and for all of God’s creation), willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him (to bless him), even as a child doth submit to his father (for that person who comes unto Christ counts Christ as his father)” (Mosiah 3:19)

This discussion of evil makes no sense to those who do not believe in the immortality of the human soul: no pre-mortal and no post-mortal human existence. For only in the post-mortal life do all the evils of mortality become known as blessings.

Thus everything God brings to pass happens because God is using it to bless his children, to help each enjoy all the blessings and powers of God himself if they can stand to receive such magnificence.

Shedding Great Light on God’s Commandments

3. This verse sheds great light on the commandments God has given to us, his mortal children. Salvation in Christ is to change our personal character from the way we were, as the natural man in this mortality, into the character and nature of Christ himself. This is done by the individual exercising faith in Christ unto repentance from everything we are and do that is not like him, to “come unto the measure of the fullness of the stature of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:13)

This explains why our Savior commands us to: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that you may be the children of your Father which is in heaven, for he maketh his sun to shine upon the evil and the good, and sendeth rain on the just and the unjust … Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father in Heaven is perfect.” (Mathew 5: 44-48) This is what Christ himself does, and he bids us to follow his example.

This verse in the Book of Mormon is the most important verse because it clarifies for us the most important characteristic of our God: that his heart is filled only with unmixed, pure love for all of his children and for all creation. Knowing the most important thing about God our Father is the most important thing any human could know. And gaining and using that pure love from him in order to purely minister to others is the most important thing any human will ever do.

Guest Post: Chauncy C. Riddle  

Author of  “Think Independently”.

Did Abraham Lincoln Read The Book of Mormon?

Science and Spirituality, ,

There is a hypothesis that Abraham Lincoln read the Book of Mormon, which influenced him to end slavery.

Timothy Ballard records in his book, The Lincoln Hypothesis, (unproven supposition) that this may well be the case. However, Tim’s research shows that after reading the Book of Mormon, Lincoln’s life was changed in a significant way. Chapter 8 tells the core of his hypothesis (pp 106-124). I highly suggest you read his entire book.

I add more to the validity of his theory in this blog article and tie it to our day and time in an essential way. We will see that Lincoln’s message to Americans back then is much more important to Americans now.

One can think of a Hebrew Midrash, in simple terms, is ancient commentary or added details on Hebrew Scriptures. I learned from my two Jewish convert friends, Rob Kay and David Doane, about the prevalence and importance of Hebrew Midrash in the Book of Mormon. We will see that this amplification was very important as Lincoln read the Book of Mormon; it shows up in his language and insights.

Nephi’s Midrash in the Book of Mormon added details on Isaiah chapters 2-14 and beautifully explains that the USA is the promised land and a covenant land spoken of in the Book of Mormon—Lincoln’s land, his war, and his people, who he was called to preside over in this most war-torn and tumultuous time. The Book of Mormon message touched Lincoln’s heart to the core, as we will see because of the amplification of these Isaiah scriptures in the Book of Mormon.

Lincoln Received Inspiration

We think about how the Lord helped Lincoln with inspiration in all he accomplished, and we see the impact the Book of Mormon had on him in his language and in his accomplishments. His second inaugural address was totally inspired. Forty-two days later he would die, as a monumental martyr to the cause of freedom as our first assassinated President—and only six days after General Lee had surrendered to General Grant at the Appomattox Court House in Virginia. Earlier, he told his wife, Mary, he was under orders from the Lord. We will see the amazing story of why he would say that to her.

After taking the oath of office, he reached down where his hand was on a special scripture in the Bible that he had chosen and kissed it as recorded by Chief Justice Salmon Chase, who administered the oath. We will see the great significance of that scripture and the events leading up to why this was significant. The scripture he had kissed was Isaiah 5:24-26. Using Hebrew Midrash, Nephi profoundly explains many events that would resonate with Lincoln’s heart, as he wrestled with the great burden he carried as President of this war-torn country, but knowing of the glorious future of the United States of America.

After taking the oath of office, he gave his inspired second inaugural address. The Lord let everyone know how pleased He was with what Lincoln would be sharing, as a “sunburst” broke through the clouds, as Lincoln began to deliver his message. It had been a stormy day until that monumental moment. Lincoln solemnly and reverently declared in the bright sunshine,

The Almighty has his own purposes… Fondly do we hope—fervently do we pray—that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away… Yet, if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondman’s two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said, ‘The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.’

We have pictures of General George Washington praying at Valley Forge. It seems we need a new view of Lincoln praying with the Book of Mormon in front of him. The Midrash explanation of these Isaiah scriptures would have given him inspiration and clarity, as these scriptures both describe the Civil War—his war—and the hopeful future, as America is unitedly brought back to the “the law of the Lord”—the USA Constitution and Declaration of Independence, which needed his “Emancipation Proclamation” to get rid of the hypocrisy that slavery encroached against the statement, “We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness—-That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed…”

Lincoln was an avid reader. Tim Ballard was able to go to the Library of Congress and in the rare book section, study the Book of Mormon that Lincoln had checked out, which had such an enormous impact on Lincoln’s life. Tim learned that Lincoln was prone to turn down (dog-ear) the corner of a page in a book he was reading. Tim noted that 24 pages had been turned down in this copy and the one tied to Isaiah 5:24-26 had noticeably been turned down three times, which is the one in the Bible Lincoln put his hand on.
Continue reading Did Abraham Lincoln Read The Book of Mormon? →

Who Is Moroni?

End Times, ,

Who is Moroni? Many millions have been blessed as recipients of the enormous spiritual blessings from the Book of Mormon, which Moroni delivered to Joseph Smith to translate. Yet, few understand the depth of Moroni’s mission and the impact it will have in the future.

The great prophet, Moroni, has seen more clearly our day and time than any other. Yet, his unique and far-reaching insights are not known to most. As his commission by the Lord, there is so much more to who he is and what will be because of him and his mission than is commonly understood.  For instance, Moroni is the foreordained angel spoken of by John the Beloved in Revelations to take the “everlasting gospel” to all nations (Rev. 14:6-7; D&C 27:5; 133:35-39).

Moroni’s Commission

While the Book of Mormon contains “the fulness of my everlasting gospel,” we will see that there is much more to his mission than what he delivered to Joseph. Because of his great mission, the Prophet Joseph Smith was promised by the Lord, “wherefore, marvel not, for the hour cometh that I will drink of the fruit of the vine with you on the earth, and with Moroni” (D&C27:5; the bolding is mine).

Before, “the great and tremendous battle at Cumorah” Moroni had been commanded by his father, Mormon, who died in the battle, to “write a few things” (Mormon 8:1-2). In addition to that request, the Lord had “a great work” for Moroni to do over the next 36 years after his nation was destroyed.

Left alone, but far from idle during that time, the blessings yet to come from his efforts over those 36 years are enormous. Those efforts will eventually bless the world at large, perhaps more than they have been blessed through the restoration brought about by the Prophet Joseph.

Moroni’s Thirty-Six Year Contribution

Let’s look at what is coming from Moroni’s 36-year mission and onward efforts, which were commissioned by the Lord for the whole world community.

In the future, the sealed portion of those plates—compiled and sealed by Moroni—will be read from the “housetops” to the world. They will reveal all things from the foundation of the world unto the end thereof.

“And the day cometh that the words of the book which were sealed shall be read upon the housetops; and they shall be read by the power of Christ; and all things shall be revealed unto the children of men which ever have been among the children of men, and which ever will be even unto the end of the earth” (2 Nephi 27:10-11).

That transcendent event alone will be more impactful for the world population than anything the world inhabitants have witnessed since the infinite atonement of our Lord and Savior. Isaiah prophesied about it, but most miss his message: “And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed,…” (Isaiah 29:11).

Notice, the Lord says, “…the vision of all is [come]… unto you as… a book that is sealed…” I believe when the Lord says, “All” He means it. Continue reading Who Is Moroni? →

Ancient Hebrews in Ancient America

Science, ,

I know of three occurrences in North America of ancient Hebrew renditions of the Ten Commandments in what is called “block Hebrew”.  I have a replica of one of those we saw in a museum in Ohio with the inscription of Moses in block Hebrew at the top. Glottology is the science of linguistics.  As Brian D. Stubbs shares, “Written records unearthed in the Americas have often labeled hoaxes … but… languages… show specific ties from ancient to modern time, and thousands of speakers of the related languages are beyond fabrication.”  Many label artifacts as hoaxes because they don’t conform to their paradigm for their being Hebrew and Egyptian relics in North America. David Hocking in the video link below shares a fascinating Hebrew language link to North America with the numerous Hebrew names ending in “ah.”  Many of these are also found in the Book of Mormon – a religious record of the Native American Indians.  These Native American Indians are Hebrews.

In The Tops of the Mountains

Utah is a Ute Indian word meaning “In the tops of the Mountains,” and obviously ending in “ah.”  So, using the Ute Indian word in Isaiah 2:2-3, “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established in [Utah] the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths:”

Great Lakes Artifacts

I have made friends with Brian Nettles, who is becoming an expert in reading from several of the artifacts in the Great Lakes area of North America where the Hebrew descendants used ancient Egyptian, as this was their language when they left Jerusalem in 600 B.C. to come to America.  I’ll share more about Brian’s exciting work below.

Book of Mormon – Ancient Hebrew History

The Prophet Mormon was born in 311 A.D.  He and his son, Moroni, abridged from their ancient writings what we now have in the Book of Mormon from Mosiah to Moroni along with their own personal writings, which is the last part of the book.  The language they wrote in was called “Reformed Egyptian.”  The gifted linguist, the late Professor Felix Mijnhardt of Pretoria University, deduced that when he was asked to translate the Book of Mormon into Afrikaans in the 1970s.  He deduced that it was written in “ancient Egyptian with Hebrew nouns added.”  Which is exactly what happened.  Professor Mijnhardt testified that the Book of Mormon was authentic scripture and that Joseph Smith had to be a Prophet of God to bring forth such a record, even though he was a member of the Dutch Reformed Church.

Egyptian Translation Confirmed

After Joseph received the gold plates from the Angel Moroni, Joseph copied off some of the characters and their translation, and Martin Harris took them to Charles Anthon; Martin records: “I went to the city of New York and presented the characters which had been translated, with the translation thereof, to Professor Charles Anthon, a gentleman celebrated for his literary attainments. Professor Anthon stated that the translation was correct, more so than any he had before seen translated from the Egyptian…”  Professor Anthon gave him a certificate so indicating this, but when he learned Joseph had received the record from an angel, the Professor tore up the certificate.

Changes In The Egyptian Writing System

As explained in the following link: https://itsabouttimebook.com/new-book-of-mormon-miracles/, the first part of the Book of Mormon was translated last in Fayette, NY.  They had translated the last part of the Book of Mormon about 100 miles to the south in Harmony, PA.  In Fayette, Joseph was given a new set of plates – called the “these plates” or the small plates, and this was not an abridgment like the rest of the Book of Mormon, but directly written by those responsible before the Lord to keep the records.  After they left Jerusalem in 600 B.C., it was 40 years later the Lord told Nephi to make the small plates, which include 1 Nephi through Omni and the Words of Mormon as a bridge between the first part and the last part.

Interestingly, in 600 B.C. the Egyptians were transitioning their writing system from hieratic to demotic Egyptian.  My amazing friend, Brian Nettles, who is learning how to read these ancient languages; has his website: https://bookofmormonheartland.com describing some of his work. The following characters were copied from the small plates in Fayette, NY, and are not “Reformed Egyptian.”  These characters were copied by John Whitmer, who also helped as a scribe while Joseph Smith was translating from the small plates in Fayette, NY, (1 Nephi through Omni). Unlike the Anthon transcript, the “Caractor” document does not include a translation of the characters. Brian Nettles, a good friend, has studied Demotic Egyptian and a “translation” of those “Characters” is now being made. Brian focused on 1 Nephi 2-3 as John Whitmer’s handwriting is found in the Original Manuscript throughout those chapters.  This image is from Brian’s website, and I quote from him.

“This document is now mostly translated. It is a mix of early demotic with hieratic Egyptian.”

Witness of the Book of Mormon Accuracy

Over nearly a thousand years the language evolved into what we now call “Reformed Egyptian,” which is what Mormon and Moroni wrote in.  We see that glottology leads us to some fascinating truths.  The main truth is that the Book of Mormon is another witness that Jesus is the Christ along with the Bible and that the resurrected Lord visited these ancient Americans and totally changed their lives, and they became a Zion people with all things in common. We have the marvelous gospel message that He can and does change ours as we come unto Him.

The following is the fascinating video of David Hocking’s on the glottology of Hebrew in the Book of Mormon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzePol7YM4s&t=2s  The following two are two of my blog articles sharing some other exciting results about the Native Americans amazing earthworks near Newark, Ohio, which tie to Egypt as well: https://itsabouttimebook.com/newark-ohio-earthworks/ and https://itsabouttimebook.com/hebrew-midrash-and-the-book-of-mormon/ .

There are those who believe the Book of Mormon geography was in Mesoamerica.  We find no Hebrew writings there, while our good friend, Wayne May, has thousands of plates found in the Hopewell Heartland of America and Great Lakes region that have both Hebrew and Egyptian ancient writings. Furthermore, the following article — logically and scientifically — proves the validity of the Heartland Model for the Book of Mormon: https://itsabouttimebook.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/does-it-matter-where-the-book-of-mormon-took-place.pdf, which removes confusion and contention.

David Hocking and Rod Meldrum’s “Annotated Edition of the Book of Mormon,” for me is the best book on the planet to bring people to Christ and to know where the Book of Mormon took place and as a second witness along with the Bible of our resurrected Lord and His perfect and infinite atonement for us all.  This “Annotated Edition” is available at https://BeaconLightBooks.com/, https://BookofMormonEvidence.org/. https://www.digitalegend.com/catalog/ and at COSTCO.

The Truth Shall Make You Free

The Savior said, “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)  I find the above truths very exciting and validating of our Savior’s mission of salvation and exaltation.

Faithfully yours,
David W. Allan (14 Feb. 2022) HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

PS. Brian shared with me his research on the language of the Michigan Artifacts.  Here is his presentation.  He states, “I think I prove that the artifacts are using a form of Reformed Egyptian.  And I love the last artifact where the uncovered language has an artifact of the army of “N” (Nephites) facing up against the army of “L” (Lamanites).

Here is a link that supports the Hebrews being here in early America.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjvcTceswEc

Book of Mormon Conference – The Three Gospels

Spirituality, , , ,

The Firm Foundation sponsored the 28th International semi-annual Book of Mormon Evidence Conference on September 23 – 25th, 2021.  I have been privileged to address an audience for this semi-annual event and share my testimony for twelve of those fourteen years.

A Special Day

My presentation was given on September 25th,  which also happened to be my 85th birthday and the audience sang “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” to me.  In addition, several members of my family were in attendance, which made the day extra special, which is the best birthday present they could give me — to appreciate my exciting research.

My discourse was well attended and I received a wonderful response from the audience.  After the lecture, an individual from the audience asked if I would be willing to share my slides because of the abundance of material that was presented and I agreed.  (See Link at the Bottom of Post)

The Three Gospels

The title of my presentation was: “The Three Gospels and Preparation for the Lord’s Coming. “

1. The Gospel of the Good Earth –  Preparing our body, mind, and spirit.  Get out of the harmful modern foods and know what to eat to be the healthiest so that the “destroying angel will pass by.”

2) The Gospel of the Bible –  Preparing a people for the millennium. All who have faith in Jesus Christ and keep His commandments will make it into the millennium regardless of denomination.

3. The Gospel of the End-times – Preparing a Zion people. The fullness of the gospel will help bring about ZION to prepare us to meet the Bridegroom at His Coming.

  • These three “Gospels” are the most important blessings God has given and is giving in these last days in preparation for the return of His Beloved Son, and for His Kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven (Matt. 6:10).
  • Those who integrate and internalize these three gospels will be the best prepared for His Glorious millennial reign.

It is my prayer for you that you may internalize and share these three gospels and be prepared for His glorious coming.  To this end have I done the research and prepared this important information to help you in your preparation for His Coming!  IT IS EXCITING TO KNOW HE IS COMING SOON.

Enjoy – The Three Gospels Slide Presentation

David Allan

P.S.  After my slide presentation, my publisher, Boyd Tuttle of Digital Legend,  sold all the copies of my book “It’s About Time” that he had in his booth.  You can buy it on the book’s website: and it is available as Kindle or in audio formats.

 

 

 

Why are Mormons Leaving Their Church?

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This is close to my heart because someone near and dear was one of them.  She is a very devoted Christian and very bright.  She and her husband have raised a beautiful family.  She served a mission for our church and married in the temple, but has chosen to reject Mormonism.

What Are Some Of The Causes of Discontent?

She recently shared with me the details of why she left the Church.  I felt the sincerity of her heart as she shared how hard that decision came.  I am deeply grateful she was willing to openly share these feelings with me.

She sent me the link to the book, CES Letter, by Jeremy T. Runnells which she suggested I read giving some of the reasons why she had left the Church.  CES stands for the Church Education System, and he had reached out to them for answers.  I downloaded the book and went through it in quite a bit of detail, as he explains why he left the Church because  they couldn’t, “answer my concerns and questions.”

As I went through the book, I found many miss leading quotes and misinformation.  Unfortunately, many of them were from BYU professors and Church intellectuals that I knew were wrong from my personal research.  A lot of people are leaving the Church because of these confusing and contradictory statements.  For example, Jeremy says there are 100,000 changes in the Book of Mormon since it was first published.  This is incredibly misleading.  I have a copy of the original and have read it, and was thrilled with the consistency with the current edition.

Are There Problems Within Mormonism?

Every church has it problems and Mormonism is not alone.  Several years ago, I was attending a General Conference of the Church in the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, when I heard President Benson, the President of our church at the time, say that the condemnation the Lord had placed on the Church had not been lifted, as he quoted from Doctrine & Covenants Section 84:

49 And the whole world lieth in sin, and groaneth under darkness and under the bondage of sin.
50 And by this you may know they are under the bondage of sin because they come not unto me.
51 For whoso cometh not unto me is under the bondage of sin.
52 And whoso receiveth not my voice is not acquainted with my voice, and is not of me.
53 And by this you may know the righteous from the wicked, and that the whole world groaneth under sin and darkness even now.
54 And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received—
55 Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation.
56 And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all.
57 And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say but to do according to that which I have written—
58 That they may bring forth fruit meet for their Father’s kingdom; otherwise there remaineth a scourge and judgment to be poured out upon the children of Zion.

(Bold is mine)

Today we are seeing the effects of that condemnation as people fall into the clutches of unbelief, vanity, and sin, and do not know the voice of the Savior.  Also, many leave the Church because of so much conflicting information, which dashes their trust in a consistent theology.  Let us look deeper.
 
The Book of Mormon is basic to our religion.  The fundamental purpose of the Book of Mormon is to bring people to Christ and help prepare for His glorious return so that we are not “under the bondage of sin…” and “know the  voice of the Savior.” 51 “For whoso cometh not unto me is under the bondage of sin.”   The Book of Mormon, as a second witness with the Bible, is designed to help us get out from under that bondage and receive His mercy and grace.  This is fundamental to Mormon theology.

Two Credible Defenders of the Faith and Book of Mormon

There are many credible researchers and defenders of the Book of Mormon, both members and non-members.  I share two examples that come from outside independent sources.

1. Rob Kay, is a good friend of our daughter, McKaylee, and her husband, Scott.  Rob is a Jewish convert, with a strong Hebrew background who at age fifteen, by chance, picked up a copy of the Book of Mormon and immediately recognized it as a Hebrew document.  “This book is written in the manner of the Jews.” Three years later he joined the Church.  He let me put his remarkable conversion story on our website; the link is below.  His profound understanding can be supported by his website posts, and the link is below as well.

He took the 1840 edition of the Book of Mormon, which was the last one Joseph Smith was able to edit before he was martyred, and created a three-volume set, called, Voices from the Dust —  showing the Hebrew structure, but in English.  I have read his adaptation three times, and have greatly rejoiced in his insights and the content from this new, but old Hebrew perspective.

One of the things I learned from Rob and from another Jewish convert friend, David Doane, is that the Book of Mormon is full of Hebrew Midrash occurrences. The concept of Jewish Midrash was totally unknown to Joseph at the time he translated the Book of Mormon, yet the Book of Mormon has several profound examples, as Rob Kay has explained.

In Hebrew, there is no punctuation, and Rob has no chapters and verses in his three-volume set, “Voices from the Dust“.  So, I was totally fascinated as I read his adaptation to observe that the sectioning he uses often begins with one of the 1,800 Adamic phrases that I have found in my research.  I was pleased that LDS Living Magazine picked up on this work from an article I wrote.  It is a unique perspective.

2. Jonathan Neville, who, in my opinion, is the best church historian because he is not attached to any church research system subject to correlation. He is “freelance” and a very brilliant researcher, and a retired lawyer, and has found many mistakes in the Church history books – mainly using the Joseph Smith Papers and many other dependable research resources.  I recently reached out to him as a friend.  He was familiar with the Runnells CES Letters book and has written a blog article addressing the question of the accusation that the Book of Mormon was plagiarized, which was one of the concerns of the person mentioned above.

Jonathan shared with me:
“I started a blog responding a while back”  This is a blog written in response to Jeremy Runnells’s letter to the CES director.

Jonathan said: “Recently I responded to FairLDS’ attempt at a response to the CES letter.”

In his usual fair and insightful way, he deals with plagiarization, misinformation, and relevant questions that have caused members to question their membership in the Church and the Book of Mormon.

Science Vs. Faith

For me, the bigger world problem is all who are turning away from God and assuming science will save them.  In a recent survey, 93% of the leading American scientists believe the Bible is a myth.  In the Book of Mormon, both Nephi (1 Nephi 13:38-41) and Joseph in Egypt (2 Nephi 3:11) prophesied this would happen, and that the Book of Mormon would come forth and validate the Bible.  It is doing that in a major way in  fulfillment of those prophecies, which also validates the Book of Mormon because these prophecies are coming about as we speak, and Jesus said, “By their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matt. 7:15-20)

We know religion is a matter of faith, but I believe the following article gives undeniably validation of the scriptures including the Bible, and showing the fingerprint of God and evidence of the Adamic language.  I used the scientific method to validate these findings.

I pray for all our Christian Missionaries who are using the Bible to bring people to Christ and His great gospel plan of happiness and peace in the midst of the storms.  All who believe that gospel will make it into the millennium.  I also pray for our missionaries who are bringing the fullness of the gospel as contained in the Book of Mormon to as many as will.  We know the gospel will go to all before He comes.  Let us join arm-in-arm to get the good news out there – live it and share it. (John 15:8)

My Own Research, Findings, and Testimony

As to Joseph Smith, it is as Jeremy Runnells says, he is either a modern-day prophet or he is the greatest fraud ever.  This reminds me of C. S. Lewis’s comment about the Savior: he said, “There can be only one of two conclusions: 1) He is the greatest deceiver of all time, or 2) He is exactly what and who He said He is: the Son of God and the Redeemer of mankind.” 

Again, Jesus gives us how to know, “By their fruits, ye shall know them.” (Matt. 7:20)  The information in the following link is adapted from a book about 100 people who knew Joseph intimately.  I would much rather rely on their testimonies than on the many others who did not know him and chose to denigrate him not knowing the facts.  Both the translation of the Book of Mormon as well as the printing were major miracles for anyone who is willing to look at the history with a desire to know the truth.

Another fascinating fingerprint from the Lord  came to me.  At 4:28 (MST) on 20 March 2017) was the moment of the Vernal Equinox. Spring sprung upon us!  The early morning hours are my best time for meditating.  I had the impression that morning that the ratio of the height to width of the first printing of the Book of Mormon was in the divine ratio or the Golden mean.  The divine ratio is ever-present in nature.  Dr. Hugh Nibley, Brigham Young University said, “Measurement is the very essence of creation.”  The Lord has said, “Behold, all things are created and made to bear record of me.” (Moses 6:63) When I got up – having a replica of one of the 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon first printed – I measured it, and found it to be exactly as the Spirit had taught me.  (190 mm high x 117 mm wide; 190/117 = 1.62.  The golden mean is 1.618033989…, an irrational number)  We have more than two thousand books in our library, and I have not found another with the divine ratio.  I thank the Lord for this insight.

I believe we should let each person follow their hearts in terms of their religious beliefs and be happy therein.  As I see it, the confusing teachings that are causing many to leave the Mormon religion are based on misinformation that Satan has put out there. Unfortunately, many have “thrown the baby out with the bathwater” and no longer believe in Christ.  Interestingly, the Lord gave Joseph Smith the name of His Church: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Indeed, we who follow the teachings of the restoration of the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ coming through the Prophet Joseph Smith count ourselves among true Christians, as we come unto Him with full purpose of heart, and hearken to His voice.

My life has grown in light and truth spiritually and temporally mainly because of internalizing the beautiful truths of the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It is not only the “good news;” it is for me the BEST NEWS!  I believe the success the Lord has given me scientifically is because He knew how I love to share this most important message, and I am so pleased that we have over 70 thousand visits a year to my book’s website www.ItsAboutTimeBook.com from across the globe and increasing.

David W. Allan

links:

Rob Kay’s website:  The Mormon Yeshiva

Rob Kay’s conversion story: “Voices from the Dust.”

Photo:  CC Pixabay

The Good News of Three Gospels

Spirituality, ,

1. The Good News of the Earth’s Gospel

The gospel of the good earth contributes in a major way toward the most healthy and happy path during our mortal journey.  The recent pollution of the earth has removed most of the potential purity of this gospel.  In Weston A. Price’s grand-breaking book (original copyright 1939 with several follow-up printings with the last one in 2008), Nutrition and Physical Degeneration, he shares that the primitives had it right and we have it wrong because of the pollution – hence, the degeneration condition now.

His work was so profound that the WESTON A. PRICE FOUNDATION was set up in 1999, and now Sally Fallon Morell, MA, is the President and is best known as the author of the best-selling cookbook, Nourishing Traditions®: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats.  In my opinion, it is the best cookbook on the planet.  The primitives knew how to let their food be their medicine and bring them happiness and harmony in life.  Several of my blog articles have a basis in their work and research.  Fortunately, several others are working to overcome this serious pollution problem of the earth.  The New World Order’s green-earth movement and carbon tax are in the opposite direction, as motivated by Satan.

Quoting from pages 382-3 of Dr. Price’s book regarding the primitives, “Their success demonstrates that their program is superior to ours.”  He goes on to share, “The faith of the primitive in the all-pervading power of which he is a part includes a belief in immortality.  He lives in communion with the great unseen Spirit of which he is a part, always in humility and reverence.”  The beautiful harmony of the earth’s gospel is captured to a degree in Paul Gautschi’s inspiring work, as he asks how God does it:  Back to Eden Gardening Official Website.  You will be greatly inspired as you watch the video — available on line — describing his insights and nutritious, happy, healthy way of living — over more than four decades.

2. The Good News of the Bible’s Gospel

Imagine a measure of goodness and happiness across time and for Jew and Gentile, then using that measure,  You would find that those who live God’s laws in the Bible would measure the highest.  In contrast, that measure would show those who reject God’s laws are the most miserable and often do many harmful things to others.  The Christian crusades are an example of non-Christian activities bringing about great hurt and harm to many.  They were done in the name of Christianity, but contrary to God’s laws; the first of which is to “love the Lord thy God with all thy our heart, with all thy soul, with all thy mind, and with all thy strength… And the second is like… Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Mark 12:30-31)

In a similar sense, if you ask the question, what book has done more good than any other, I believe it can be shown to be the King James Version of the Bible.  Though it is imperfect, it is the best of our English translations.  The work, influence, and gifts of William Tyndale are remarkable miracles in that regard.

The Bible Vs. Science

Now, most scientists believe the Bible is a myth, and the world tends to believe more in science than in the Bible.  The moral decay of society is a direct correlation with scientists turning from God, and atheism on the rise.  The decline of faith in the world, among our millennials, is a sad indicator of Satan knowing it is his last hour.

The world has a great big “wake-up” call coming when the Bible’s prophesied end of worldliness comes, as the Savior of the world ushers in his glorious millennial reign not many years hence.

The exciting insight is that those whose lives are in harmony with the Bible gospel — regardless of their religious beliefs — will join with all those in the “first resurrection” during His  thousand year reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.  The purging times ahead will be a refiners fire sorting out the wicked from the righteous, as we witness the end of worldliness (wickedness).

3. The Good News of the “End Time Gospel”

Christ gave the fullness of the gospel to the ancients, but like the pollution that has degenerated the earth, the imperfections of translations over the years have polluted the purity of the Bible texts.

Knowing this, the Lord in His infinite love sent a solution, as the Apostle John saw in a vision, “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.  Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of water.” (Rev. 14:7)

For all the Bible thumpers, we have the hard question, “Why would God need to send an angel with the everlasting gospel if it were already in the Bible?”  In 1830, the world was miraculously given the fullness of the everlasting gospel delivered by an angel to the Prophet Joseph Smith to translate by the gift and power of God – another witness and a companion to the Bible that Jesus is the Christ, the promised Messiah.

The Book of Mormon, translated one time by the power of God into English, documents the visit of the resurrected Lord to America, as He shares the fullness of the everlasting gospel here in America.  Not only was its translation a miracle, but how it was printed was as well.

Interestingly, both Joseph in Egypt (2 Nephi 3:11) and the Prophet Nephi (1 Nephi 13:38-41) prophesies that the Book of Mormon would come forth in a day when the Bible would be disbelieved, and the Book of Mormon would prove the Bible to be true.

I have found 1,800 phrases in our scriptures tying back to the language of Adam, and their consistency of use across all of the scriptures validates the Bible, as well as all of God’s scriptures.  This I have done using the scientific method, as God has inspired me to do.  The data are undeniable and show God’s fingerprint, in spite of man’s mistranslation errors.

The Lord tells us the End time gospel will include “other books,” as referenced in the above prophecy by Nephi.  Many of these have already come forth augmenting the Bible and the Book of Mormon, and many more exciting ones are expected — revealing the end from the beginning of the journey of our space-ship called earth.  “Nothing shall be withheld”(D&C 12:28)  “In that day when the Lord shall come, he shall reveal all things…”

The Enormous Blessings of the Three Gospels:

  1. For those who internalize the blessings of the gospel of the good earth, the Lord promises, that those  “walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;  And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;  And shall and run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.  And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. (D&C 89:18-21)  This we do by overcoming the pollution of the earth and by eating organically grown foods, avoiding processed foods, sugar, and where we can, grow our own in mineral-rich soil.  Then we will enjoy the richness of the good earth’s gospel.
  2. The Lord is reaching out in marvelous and countless ways to bring His Bible gospel to as many as will.  Now, there are 250,000 Messianic Jews and the number is growing rapidly.  The remarkable Muslim to Christian convert, Afshin Javid, who was visited by Christ, estimates fifteen hundred Iranians are coming to Christ every week.  The Lord is gathering millions whose lives conform with the Bible gospel to be with Him during His thousand-year glorious millennial reign.  In Him they will greatly rejoice.
  3. The end-time gospel, which includes fullness, has the power to take the recipient to the celestial realms of glory.  We can think of the end time as a two-step process.  The end of all worldliness comes, as the first “new heaven and new earth” role into place at the beginning of the millennium.  At the end of worldliness, and during the beginning of the millennium, because of God’s fairness, the fullness of the gospel will be made available to everyone (D&C 90:11). Step two, at the end of the millennium, there will again be a “new heaven and a new earth,” as the Savior presents to the Father the celestialized earth and all those who have accepted the fullness of the gospel.  In Heavenly Father’s perfect plan of happiness, everyone gets exactly what they chose and desire.  A wicked man would be more miserable in heaven than with the damned souls in hell.  We cannot imagine a more perfect plan– perfected by the infinite atonement of our Lord and Savior.  Everything has a purpose, and every challenge is a learning experience.  And our Great God can and will, as appropriate, turn ever evil into good.  “Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they might have joy.” (2 Nephi 2:25)

David W. Allan

Photo: CC Flickr Good News