LDS Doctrine and Covenants Critique
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The Doctrine and Covenants
SECTION 88
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet at
Kirtland, Ohio, December 27 and 28, 1832, and January 3, 1833. The
Prophet designated it as the “‘olive leaf’ … plucked from the Tree of
Paradise, the Lord’s message of peace to us.” The revelation was given
after high priests at a conference prayed “separately and vocally to
the Lord to reveal his will unto us concerning the upbuilding of Zion.”
1–5, Faithful Saints receive that Comforter, which is the promise of
eternal life; 6–13, All things are controlled and governed by the Light
of Christ; 14–16, The Resurrection comes through the Redemption; 17–31,
Obedience to celestial, terrestrial, or telestial law prepares men for
those respective kingdoms and glories; 32–35, Those who will to abide
in sin remain filthy still; 36–41, All kingdoms are governed by law;
42–45, God has given a law unto all things; 46–50, Man will comprehend
even God; 51–61, The parable of the man sending his servants into the
field and visiting them in turn; 62–73, Draw near unto the Lord, and ye
will see His face; 74–80, Sanctify yourselves and teach one another the
doctrines of the kingdom; 81–85, Every man who has been warned should
warn his neighbor; 86–94, Signs, upheavals of the elements, and angels
prepare the way for the coming of the Lord; 95–102, Angelic trumps call
forth the dead in their order; 103–16, Angelic trumps proclaim the
restoration of the gospel, the fall of Babylon, and the battle of the
great God; 117–26, Seek learning, establish a house of God (a temple),
and clothe yourselves with the bond of charity; 127–41, The order of
the School of the Prophets is set forth, including the ordinance of
washing of feet.
1 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you who have assembled yourselves together to receive his will concerning you:
Note: The will of God is for everyone to sincerely believe in Jesus Christ.
And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son
and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up
at the last day.” John 6:40
2 Behold, this is pleasing unto your Lord, and the angels rejoice over
you; the alms of your prayers have come up into the ears of the Lord of
Sabaoth, and are recorded in the book of the names of the sanctified,
even them of the celestial world.
Note: Believers will pray for peace so that the gospel may be preached.
Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and
all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life
in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the
sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to
the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4
3 Wherefore, I now send upon you another Comforter, even upon you my
friends, that it may abide in your hearts, even the Holy Spirit of
promise; which other Comforter is the same that I promised unto my
disciples, as is recorded in the testimony of John.
Note: The Holy Spirit will testify of Jesus Christ.
“But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father,
the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of
Me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from
the beginning.” John 15:26-27
4 This Comforter is the promise which I give unto you of eternal life,
even the glory of the celestial kingdom; 5 Which glory is that of the
church of the Firstborn, even of God, the holiest of all, through Jesus
Christ his Son—
Note: Joseph Smith did not have the Holy Spirit.
“If you love Me, keep My commandments. And I will pray the Father, and
He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—
the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither
sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and
will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you." John
14:15-18
6 He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things,
in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through
all things, the light of truth;
Note: The death of Jesus Christ liberated believers of all ages from hades to heaven.
But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of
Christ’s gift. Therefore, He says: “When He ascended on high, He led
captivity captive and gave gifts to men.” (Now this, “He ascended”—what
does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of
the earth? He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all
the heavens, that He might fill all things.) Ephesians 4:7-10
7 Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ. As also he is in
the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it
was made. 8 As also he is in the moon, and is the light of the moon,
and the power thereof by which it was made; 9 As also the light of the
stars, and the power thereof by which they were made; 10 And the earth
also, and the power thereof, even the earth upon which you stand.
Note: Jesus Christ will illuminate your life with spiritual knowledge.
Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world.
He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of
life.” John 8:12
11 And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him
who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth
your understandings; 12 Which light proceedeth forth from the presence
of God to fill the immensity of space—13 The light which is in all
things, which giveth life to all things, which is the law by which all
things are governed, even the power of God who sitteth upon his throne,
who is in the bosom of eternity, who is in the midst of all things.
Note: Jesus Christ is the light of the world.
For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has
shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of
God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6
14 Now, verily I say unto you, that through the redemption which is
made for you is brought to pass the resurrection from the dead.
Note: Believers have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins,
according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us
in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the mystery of His
will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that
in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather
together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and
which are on earth—in Him. Ephesians 1:7-10
15 And the spirit and the body are the soul of man.
Note: Mankind is made in the image of God or a minor trinity.
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your
whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of
our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do
it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
Note: The soul is not spirit or body.
16 And the resurrection from the dead is the redemption of the soul.
Note: Believers have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being
witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God,
through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there
is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of
God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is
in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood,
through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His
forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously
committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that
He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Romans 3:21-26
17 And the redemption of the soul is through him that quickeneth all
things, in whose bosom it is decreed that the poor and the meek of the
earth shall inherit it.
Note: Believers have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the
kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His
blood, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:13-14
18 Therefore, it must needs be sanctified from all unrighteousness,
that it may be prepared for the celestial glory; 19 For after it hath
filled the measure of its creation, it shall be crowned with glory,
even with the presence of God the Father;
Note: Believers are sanctified in Jesus Christ.
Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God,
and Sosthenes our brother, to the church of God which is at Corinth, to
those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all
who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both
theirs and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the
Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:1-3
20 That bodies who are of the celestial kingdom may possess it forever
and ever; for, for this intent was it made and created, and for this
intent are they sanctified. 21 And they who are not sanctified through
the law which I have given unto you, even the law of Christ, must
inherit another kingdom, even that of a terrestrial kingdom, or that of
a telestial kingdom.
Note: Believers will glory in Yahweh not in fictional LDS kingdoms.
But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from
God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— that, as it is
written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.” 1 Corinthians
1:30-31
22 For he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom
cannot abide a celestial glory. 23 And he who cannot abide the law of a
terrestrial kingdom cannot abide a terrestrial glory. 24 And he who
cannot abide the law of a telestial kingdom cannot abide a telestial
glory; therefore, he is not meet for a kingdom of glory. Therefore, he
must abide a kingdom which is not a kingdom of glory.
Note: The kingdom of God concerns Jesus Christ.
So, when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging,
to whom he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God,
persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the
Prophets, from morning till evening. Acts 28:23
25 And again, verily I say unto you, the earth abideth the law of a
celestial kingdom, for it filleth the measure of its creation, and
transgresseth not the law— 26 Wherefore, it shall be sanctified; yea,
notwithstanding it shall die, it shall be quickened again, and shall
abide the power by which it is quickened, and the righteous shall
inherit it.
Note: Believers will inherit the kingdom of God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Therefore, He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among
you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
— just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for
righteousness.” Therefore, know that only those who are of faith are
sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify
the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand,
saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” So then those who
are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. Galatians 3:5-9
27 For notwithstanding they die, they also shall rise again, a
spiritual body. 28 They who are of a celestial spirit shall receive the
same body which was a natural body; even ye shall receive your bodies,
and your glory shall be that glory by which your bodies are quickened.
Note: Believers will be in heaven with a glorious body.
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for
the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body
that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working
by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. Philippians
3:20-21
29 Ye who are quickened by a portion of the celestial glory shall then
receive of the same, even a fulness. 30 And they who are quickened by a
portion of the terrestrial glory shall then receive of the same, even a
fulness. 31 And also they who are quickened by a portion of the
telestial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fulness. 32 And
they who remain shall also be quickened; nevertheless, they shall
return again to their own place, to enjoy that which they are willing
to receive, because they were not willing to enjoy that which they
might have received.
Note: Believers will have a glorified body like Jesus Christ.
Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed
what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be
like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 1 John 3:2
33 For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he
receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given
unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift. 34 And
again, verily I say unto you, that which is governed by law is also
preserved by law and perfected and sanctified by the same.
Note: The law does not justify you before God.
Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under
the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become
guilty before God. Therefore, by the deeds of the law no flesh will be
justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Romans
3:19-20
35 That which breaketh a law, and abideth not by law, but seeketh to
become a law unto itself, and willeth to abide in sin, and altogether
abideth in sin, cannot be sanctified by law, neither by mercy, justice,
nor judgment. Therefore, they must remain filthy still.
Note: Joseph Smith have placed his followers under a curse.
For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it
is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things
which are written in the book of the law, to do them.” But that no one
is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just
shall live by faith.” Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who
does them shall live by them.” Galatians 3:10-12
36 All kingdoms have a law given; 37 And there are many kingdoms; for
there is no space in the which there is no kingdom; and there is no
kingdom in which there is no space, either a greater or a lesser
kingdom. 38 And unto every kingdom is given a law; and unto every law
there are certain bounds also and conditions. 39 All beings who abide
not in those conditions are not justified.
Note: Believers have been redeemed through faith in Jesus Christ.
Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse
for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”),
that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ
Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Galatians 3:13-14
40 For intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence; wisdom receiveth
wisdom; truth embraceth truth; virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth
unto light; mercy hath compassion on mercy and claimeth her own;
justice continueth its course and claimeth its own; judgment goeth
before the face of him who sitteth upon the throne and governeth and
executeth all things.
Note: Jesus Christ is the wisdom of God for believers.
But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from
God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption— that, as it is
written, “He who glories, let him glory in the LORD.” 1 Corinthians
1:30-31
41 He comprehendeth all things, and all things are before him, and all
things are round about him; and he is above all things, and in all
things, and is through all things, and is round about all things; and
all things are by him, and of him, even God, forever and ever.
Note: Joseph Smith changed his mind about God and was dead within 3 months.
The King Follett Discourse: Joseph Smith introduced this concept
publicly during a sermon in April 1844, known as the King Follett
Discourse, stating that God the Father once lived on an earth similar
to the one humans inhabit.
42 And again, verily I say unto you, he hath given a law unto all
things, by which they move in their times and their seasons; 43 And
their courses are fixed, even the courses of the heavens and the earth,
which comprehend the earth and all the planets. 44 And they give light
to each other in their times and in their seasons, in their minutes, in
their hours, in their days, in their weeks, in their months, in their
years—all these are one year with God, but not with man. 45 The earth
rolls upon her wings, and the sun giveth his light by day, and the moon
giveth her light by night, and the stars also give their light, as they
roll upon their wings in their glory, in the midst of the power of God.
Note: God created the heavens and the earth.
Thus says God the LORD, Who created the heavens and stretched them out,
Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, Who gives
breath to the people on it, and spirit to those who walk on it: “I, the
LORD, have called You in righteousness, and will hold Your hand; I will
keep You and give You as a covenant to the people, as a light to the
Gentiles, to open blind eyes, to bring out prisoners from the prison,
those who sit in darkness from the prison house. I am the LORD, that is
My name; And My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to
carved images. Isaiah 42:5-8
46 Unto what shall I liken these kingdoms, that ye may understand? 47
Behold, all these are kingdoms, and any man who hath seen any or the
least of these hath seen God moving in his majesty and power.
Note: The kingdom of God concerns Jesus Christ.
Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received
all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the
things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one
forbidding him. Acts 28:30-31
48 I say unto you, he hath seen him; nevertheless, he who came unto his
own was not comprehended. 49 The light shineth in darkness, and the
darkness comprehendeth it not; nevertheless, the day shall come when
you shall comprehend even God, being quickened in him and by him.
Note: Have you received Jesus Christ into your life?
He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world
did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.
John 1:10-11
50 Then shall ye know that ye have seen me, that I am, and that I am
the true light that is in you, and that you are in me; otherwise ye
could not abound.
Note: Have you received Jesus Christ into your life?
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become
children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not
of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of
God. John 1:12-13
51 Behold, I will liken these kingdoms unto a man having a field, and
he sent forth his servants into the field to dig in the field. 52 And
he said unto the first: Go ye and labor in the field, and in the first
hour I will come unto you, and ye shall behold the joy of my
countenance. 53 And he said unto the second: Go ye also into the field,
and in the second hour I will visit you with the joy of my countenance.
54 And also unto the third, saying: I will visit you; 55 And unto the
fourth, and so on unto the twelfth. 56 And the lord of the field went
unto the first in the first hour, and tarried with him all that hour,
and he was made glad with the light of the countenance of his lord. 57
And then he withdrew from the first that he might visit the second
also, and the third, and the fourth, and so on unto the twelfth. 58 And
thus they all received the light of the countenance of their lord,
every man in his hour, and in his time, and in his season—59 Beginning
at the first, and so on unto the last, and from the last unto the
first, and from the first unto the last; 60 Every man in his own order,
until his hour was finished, even according as his lord had commanded
him, that his lord might be glorified in him, and he in his lord, that
they all might be glorified.
Note: The Holy Bible was plagiarized.
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in
the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. Now when he had agreed
with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in
the marketplace, and said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and
whatever is right I will give you.’ So, they went. Again, he went out
about the sixth and the ninth hour and did likewise. And about the
eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to
them, ‘Why have you been standing here idle all day?’ They said to him,
‘Because no one hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You also go into the
vineyard, and whatever is right you will receive.’ So, when evening
came, the owner of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers
and give them their wages, beginning with the last to the first.’ And
when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, they each
received a denarius. But when the first came, they supposed that they
would receive more; and they likewise received each a denarius. And
when they had received it, they complained against the landowner,
saying, ‘These last men have worked only one hour, and you made them
equal to us who have borne the burden and the heat of the day.’ But he
answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did
you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what is yours and go your
way. I wish to give to this last man the same as to you. Is it not
lawful for me to do what I wish with my own things? Or is your eye evil
because I am good?’ So, the last will be first, and the first last. For
many are called, but few chosen.” Matthew 20:1-16
61 Therefore, unto this parable I will liken all these kingdoms, and
the inhabitants thereof—every kingdom in its hour, and in its time, and
in its season, even according to the decree which God hath made.
Note: The kingdom of God concerns Jesus Christ.
But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the
kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were
baptized. Acts 8:12
62 And again, verily I say unto you, my friends, I leave these sayings
with you to ponder in your hearts, with this commandment which I give
unto you, that ye shall call upon me while I am near—
Note: The commandment of Jesus Christ is to love one another.
“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12
63 Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently
and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be
opened unto you.
Note: The Holy Bible was plagiarized.
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7
64 Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you;
Note: The Holy Bible was plagiarized.
“And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do,” John 14:13
65 And if ye ask anything that is not expedient for you, it shall turn unto your condemnation.
Note: Rejection of Jesus Christ is eternal condemnation.
“He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe
is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the
only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light
has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light,
because their deeds were evil.” John 3:18-19
66 Behold, that which you hear is as the voice of one crying in the
wilderness—in the wilderness, because you cannot see him—my voice,
because my voice is Spirit; my Spirit is truth; truth abideth and hath
no end; and if it be in you it shall abound.
Note: Joseph Smith should have repented.
In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of
Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” For
this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “The voice
of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the LORD; Make His
paths straight.’” Matthew 3:1-3
67 And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be
filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body
which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.
Note: The Holy Bible was plagiarized.
“The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your
whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole
body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is
darkness, how great is that darkness!” Matthew 6:22-23
68 Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God,
and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his
face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and
according to his own will.
Note: Believers are sanctified by the Holy Bible.
“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” John 17:17
69 Remember the great and last promise which I have made unto you; cast
away your idle thoughts and your excess of laughter far from you. 70
Tarry ye, tarry ye in this place, and call a solemn assembly, even of
those who are the first laborers in this last kingdom. 71 And let those
whom they have warned in their traveling call on the Lord, and ponder
the warning in their hearts which they have received, for a little
season.
Note: Jesus Christ commanded believers to go out into the world.
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given
to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all
the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I
have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of
the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:18-20
72 Behold, and lo, I will take care of your flocks, and will raise up
elders and send unto them. 73 Behold, I will hasten my work in its
time. 74 And I give unto you, who are the first laborers in this last
kingdom, a commandment that you assemble yourselves together, and
organize yourselves, and prepare yourselves, and sanctify yourselves;
yea, purify your hearts, and cleanse your hands and your feet before
me, that I may make you clean;
Note: Jesus Christ commanded believers to go out into the world.
Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary
for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and
that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to
all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Luke 24:46-47
75 That I may testify unto your Father, and your God, and my God, that
you are clean from the blood of this wicked generation; that I may
fulfil this promise, this great and last promise, which I have made
unto you, when I will.
Note: Believers will have the promise of eternal life in Jesus Christ.
“I have manifested Your name to the men whom You have given Me out of
the world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and they have kept
Your word. Now they have known that all things which You have given Me
are from You. For I have given to them the words which You have given
Me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came
forth from You; and they have believed that You sent Me.” John 17:6-8
76 Also, I give unto you a commandment that ye shall continue in prayer
and fasting from this time forth. 77 And I give unto you a commandment
that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom.
Note: You cannot have a kingdom without the King.
Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and
election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for
so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everylasting
kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
78 Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be
instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the
law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God,
that are expedient for you to understand;
Note: Paul warned about LDS fables and genealogies.
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior
and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope, to Timothy, a true son in the
faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our
Lord. As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that
you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, nor give heed to
fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly
edification which is in faith. 1 Timothy 1:1-4
79 Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth;
things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly
come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the
wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are
on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms—
Note: Believers will preach Jesus Christ.
Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to
Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. Then Paul, as
his custom was, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with
them from the Scriptures, explaining and demonstrating that the Christ
had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus
whom I preach to you is the Christ.” And some of them were persuaded;
and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the
leading women, joined Paul and Silas. Acts 17:1-4
80 That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to
magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with
which I have commissioned you. 81 Behold, I sent you out to testify and
warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn
his neighbor. 82 Therefore, they are left without excuse, and their
sins are upon their own heads.
Note: Believers will preach Jesus Christ.
When Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by
the Spirit and testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. But when
they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his garments and said to
them, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean. From now on I
will go to the Gentiles.” Acts 18:5-6
83 He that seeketh me early shall find me, and shall not be forsaken.
84 Therefore, tarry ye, and labor diligently, that you may be perfected
in your ministry to go forth among the Gentiles for the last time, as
many as the mouth of the Lord shall name, to bind up the law and seal
up the testimony, and to prepare the saints for the hour of judgment
which is to come; 85 That their souls may escape the wrath of God, the
desolation of abomination which awaits the wicked, both in this world
and in the world to come. Verily, I say unto you, let those who are not
the first elders continue in the vineyard until the mouth of the Lord
shall call them, for their time is not yet come; their garments are not
clean from the blood of this generation.
Note: Believers will preach Jesus Christ.
For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know
God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to
save those who believe. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after
wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block
and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews
and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 1
Corinthians 1:21-24
86 Abide ye in the liberty wherewith ye are made free; entangle not
yourselves in sin, but let your hands be clean, until the Lord comes.
87 For not many days hence and the earth shall tremble and reel to and
fro as a drunken man; and the sun shall hide his face, and shall refuse
to give light; and the moon shall be bathed in blood; and the stars
shall become exceedingly angry, and shall cast themselves down as a fig
that falleth from off a fig tree.
Note: The end of the world did not happen in the 19th century.
“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be
darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall
from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.” Matthew
24:29
88 And after your testimony cometh wrath and indignation upon the
people. 89 For after your testimony cometh the testimony of
earthquakes, that shall cause groanings in the midst of her, and men
shall fall upon the ground and shall not be able to stand. 90 And also
cometh the testimony of the voice of thunderings, and the voice of
lightnings, and the voice of tempests, and the voice of the waves of
the sea heaving themselves beyond their bounds. 91 And all things shall
be in commotion; and surely, men’s hearts shall fail them; for fear
shall come upon all people.
Note: The end of the world did not happen in the 19th century.
“And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and
on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the
waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation
of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the
heavens will be shaken.” Luke 21:25-26
92 And angels shall fly through the midst of heaven, crying with a loud
voice, sounding the trump of God, saying: Prepare ye, prepare ye, O
inhabitants of the earth; for the judgment of our God is come. Behold,
and lo, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.
Note: The end of the world did not happen in the 19th century.
And I looked, and I heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven,
saying with a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the
earth, because of the remaining blasts of the trumpet of the three
angels who are about to sound!” Revelation 8:13
93 And immediately there shall appear a great sign in heaven, and all people shall see it together.
Note: The end of the world did not happen in the 19th century.
Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with
the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars.
Revelation 12:1
94 And another angel shall sound his trump, saying: That great church,
the mother of abominations, that made all nations drink of the wine of
the wrath of her fornication, that persecuteth the saints of God, that
shed their blood—she who sitteth upon many waters, and upon the islands
of the sea—behold, she is the tares of the earth; she is bound in
bundles; her bands are made strong, no man can loose them; therefore,
she is ready to be burned. And he shall sound his trump both long and
loud, and all nations shall hear it.
Note: The end of the world did not happen in the 19th century.
Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and talked
with me, saying to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment of the great
harlot who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth
committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth were made drunk
with the wine of her fornication.” So, he carried me away in the Spirit
into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which
was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. The
woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and
precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of
abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. Revelation 17:1-4
95 And there shall be silence in heaven for the space of half an hour;
and immediately after shall the curtain of heaven be unfolded, as a
scroll is unfolded after it is rolled up, and the face of the Lord
shall be unveiled;
Note: The end of the world did not happen in the 19th century.
When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. Revelation 8:1
96 And the saints that are upon the earth, who are alive, shall be quickened and be caught up to meet him.
Note: Jesus Christ did not return in the 19th century.
For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the
voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in
Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be
caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.
And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore, comfort one
another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
97 And they who have slept in their graves shall come forth, for their
graves shall be opened; and they also shall be caught up to meet him in
the midst of the pillar of heaven—98 They are Christ’s, the first
fruits, they who shall descend with him first, and they who are on the
earth and in their graves, who are first caught up to meet him; and all
this by the voice of the sounding of the trump of the angel of God.
Note: Jesus Christ did not return in the 19th century.
Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all
be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last
trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised
incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put
on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this
corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on
immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.” 1 Corinthians 15:51-54
99 And after this another angel shall sound, which is the second trump;
and then cometh the redemption of those who are Christ’s at his coming;
who have received their part in that prison which is prepared for them,
that they might receive the gospel, and be judged according to men in
the flesh.
Note: The end of the world did not happen in the 19th century.
Then the second angel sounded: And something like a great mountain
burning with fire was thrown into the sea, and a third of the sea
became blood. And a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and
a third of the ships were destroyed. Revelation 8:8-9
100 And again, another trump shall sound, which is the third trump; and
then come the spirits of men who are to be judged, and are found under
condemnation; 101 And these are the rest of the dead; and they live not
again until the thousand years are ended, neither again, until the end
of the earth.
Note: The end of the world did not happen in the 19th century.
Then the third angel sounded: And a great star fell from heaven,
burning like a torch, and it fell on a third of the rivers and on the
springs of water. The name of the star is Wormwood. A third of the
waters became wormwood, and many men died from the water, because it
was made bitter. Revelation 8:10-11
102 And another trump shall sound, which is the fourth trump, saying:
There are found among those who are to remain until that great and last
day, even the end, who shall remain filthy still.
Note: The end of the world did not happen in the 19th century.
Then the fourth angel sounded: And a third of the sun was struck, a
third of the moon, and a third of the stars, so that a third of them
were darkened. A third of the day did not shine, and likewise the
night. Revelation 8:12
103 And another trump shall sound, which is the fifth trump, which is
the fifth angel who committeth the everlasting gospel—flying through
the midst of heaven, unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people;
104 And this shall be the sound of his trump, saying to all people,
both in heaven and in earth, and that are under the earth—for every ear
shall hear it, and every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall
confess, while they hear the sound of the trump, saying: Fear God, and
give glory to him who sitteth upon the throne, forever and ever; for
the hour of his judgment is come.
Note: The end of the world did not happen in the 19th century.
Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to
the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit. And he
opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the
smoke of a great furnace. So, the sun and the air were darkened because
of the smoke of the pit. Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the
earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have
power. They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any
green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal
of God on their foreheads. And they were not given authority to kill
them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the
torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man. In those days men will
seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death
will flee from them. Revelation 9:1-6
105 And again, another angel shall sound his trump, which is the sixth
angel, saying: She is fallen who made all nations drink of the wine of
the wrath of her fornication; she is fallen, is fallen!
Note: The end of the world did not happen in the 19th century.
Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns
of the golden altar which is before God, saying to the sixth angel who
had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great
river Euphrates.” So, the four angels, who had been prepared for the
hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of
mankind. Revelation 9:13-15
106 And again, another angel shall sound his trump, which is the
seventh angel, saying: It is finished; it is finished! The Lamb of God
hath overcome and trodden the wine-press alone, even the wine-press of
the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God.
Note: The end of the world did not happen in the 19th century.
Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven,
saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our
Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”
Revelation 11:15
107 And then shall the angels be crowned with the glory of his might,
and the saints shall be filled with his glory, and receive their
inheritance and be made equal with him.
Note: True saints will worship God.
And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on
their faces and worshiped God, saying: “We give You thanks, O Lord God
Almighty, the One who is and who was and who is to come, because You
have taken Your great power and reigned. The nations were angry, and
Your wrath has come, and the time of the dead, that they should be
judged, and that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the
saints, and those who fear Your name, small and great, and should
destroy those who destroy the earth.” Revelation 11:16-18
108 And then shall the first angel again sound his trump in the ears of
all living, and reveal the secret acts of men, and the mighty works of
God in the first thousand years. 109 And then shall the second angel
sound his trump, and reveal the secret acts of men, and the thoughts
and intents of their hearts, and the mighty works of God in the second
thousand years—
Note: The Holy Bible will reveal the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall
according to the same example of disobedience. For the word of God is
living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing
even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and
is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is
no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to
the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:11-13
110 And so on, until the seventh angel shall sound his trump; and he
shall stand forth upon the land and upon the sea, and swear in the name
of him who sitteth upon the throne, that there shall be time no longer;
and Satan shall be bound, that old serpent, who is called the devil,
and shall not be loosed for the space of a thousand years.
Note: Satan was not bound in the 19th century.
Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the
bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the
dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him
for a thousand years; and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut
him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no
more till the thousand years were finished. Revelation 20:1-3
111 And then he shall be loosed for a little season, that he may gather together his armies.
Note: The Holy Bible was plagiarized.
But after these things he must be released for a little while. Revelation 20:3
112 And Michael, the seventh angel, even the archangel, shall gather
together his armies, even the hosts of heaven.113 And the devil shall
gather together his armies; even the hosts of hell, and shall come up
to battle against Michael and his armies. 114 And then cometh the
battle of the great God; and the devil and his armies shall be cast
away into their own place, that they shall not have power over the
saints any more at all. 115 For Michael shall fight their battles, and
shall overcome him who seeketh the throne of him who sitteth upon the
throne, even the Lamb.
Note: The end of the world did not happen in the 19th century.
“At that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands watch
over the sons of your people; And there shall be a time of trouble,
such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time. And at
that time your people shall be delivered, every one who is found
written in the book. And many of those who sleep in the dust of the
earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and
everlasting contempt. Those who are wise shall shine like the
brightness of the firmament, and those who turn many to righteousness
like the stars forever and ever.” Daniel 12:1-3
116 This is the glory of God, and the sanctified; and they shall not anymore see death.
Note: Believers will have eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no
more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for
the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4
117 Therefore, verily I say unto you, my friends, call your solemn
assembly, as I have commanded you. 118 And as all have not faith, seek
ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out
of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and
also by faith.
Note: Believers will pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace from a pure heart.
But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but
also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor. Therefore,
if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for
honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good
work. Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love,
peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy
2:20-22
119 Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a
house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a
house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;
Note: Believers are the temple of God and the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.
Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of
God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will
destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. 1
Corinthians 3:16-17
120 That your incomings may be in the name of the Lord; that your
outgoings may be in the name of the Lord; that all your salutations may
be in the name of the Lord, with uplifted hands unto the Most High. 121
Therefore, cease from all your light speeches, from all laughter, from
all your lustful desires, from all your pride and light-mindedness, and
from all your wicked doings.
Note: Believers are the temple of God and the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.
Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body,
but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. Or do
you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in
you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were
bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your
spirit, which are God’s. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20
122 Appoint among yourselves a teacher and let not all be spokesmen at
once; but let one speak at a time and let all listen unto his sayings,
that when all have spoken that all may be edified of all, and that
every man may have an equal privilege.
Note: Believers will not operate in chaos.
Let all things be done for edification. If anyone speaks in a tongue,
let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one
interpret. 1 Corinthians 14:26-27
123 See that ye love one another; cease to be covetous; learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires.
Note: Believers will bear with one another in love.
I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of
the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and
gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,
endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1-3
124 Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with
another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed
early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your
minds may be invigorated.
Note: Believers will work so they can give.
Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working
with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who
has need. Ephesians 4:28
125 And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity,
as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace.
Note: Believers will put on love.
But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. Colossians 3:14
126 Pray always, that ye may not faint, until I come. Behold, and lo, I will come quickly, and receive you unto myself. Amen.
Note: Believers will do the work of faith in the name of Jesus Christ according to the grace of God.
Therefore, we also pray always for you that our God would count you
worthy of this calling and fulfill all the good pleasure of His
goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the
grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
127 And again, the order of the house prepared for the presidency of
the school of the prophets, established for their instruction in all
things that are expedient for them, even for all the officers of the
church, or in other words, those who are called to the ministry in the
church, beginning at the high priests, even down to the deacons—128 And
this shall be the order of the house of the presidency of the school:
He that is appointed to be president, or teacher, shall be found
standing in his place, in the house which shall be prepared for him.
Note: Joseph Smith wanted a house from his LDS religious fanatics.
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing
into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having
food and clothing, with these we shall be content. But those who desire
to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and
harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 1 Timothy
6:6-9
Note: Joseph Smith went into perdition in June 1844.
129 Therefore, he shall be first in the house of God, in a place that
the congregation in the house may hear his words carefully and
distinctly, not with loud speech. 130 And when he cometh into the house
of God, for he should be first in the house—behold, this is beautiful,
that he may be an example— 131 Let him offer himself in prayer upon his
knees before God, in token or remembrance of the everlasting covenant.
Note: The blood of Jesus Christ is the everlasting covenant.
Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead,
that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting
covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working
in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to
whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21
132 And when any shall come in after him, let the teacher arise, and,
with uplifted hands to heaven, yea, even directly, salute his brother
or brethren with these words: 133 Art thou a brother or brethren? I
salute you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, in token or
remembrance of the everlasting covenant, in which covenant I receive
you to fellowship, in a determination that is fixed, immovable, and
unchangeable, to be your friend and brother through the grace of God in
the bonds of love, to walk in all the commandments of God blameless, in
thanksgiving, forever and ever. Amen.
Note: A holy kiss or hug will suffice.
Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you. Romans 16:16
134 And he that is found unworthy of this salutation shall not have
place among you; for ye shall not suffer that mine house shall be
polluted by him.
Note: A holy kiss or hug will suffice.
All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 1 Corinthians 16:20
135 And he that cometh in and is faithful before me, and is a brother,
or if they be brethren, they shall salute the president or teacher with
uplifted hands to heaven, with this same prayer and covenant, or by
saying Amen, in token of the same.
Note: A holy kiss or hug will suffice.
Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. 2 Corinthians 13:12-13
136 Behold, verily, I say unto you, this is an ensample unto you for a
salutation to one another in the house of God, in the school of the
prophets.
Note: A holy kiss or hug will suffice.
Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss. 1 Thessalonians 5:26
137 And ye are called to do this by prayer and thanksgiving, as the
Spirit shall give utterance in all your doings in the house of the
Lord, in the school of the prophets, that it may become a sanctuary, a
tabernacle of the Holy Spirit to your edification.
Note: The New Covenant eliminated the office of prophet.
God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the
fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His
Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He
made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express
image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power,
when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of
the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as
He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. Hebrews
1:1-4
138 And ye shall not receive any among you into this school save he is
clean from the blood of this generation; 139 And he shall be received
by the ordinance of the washing of feet, for unto this end was the
ordinance of the washing of feet instituted. 140 And again, the
ordinance of washing feet is to be administered by the president, or
presiding elder of the church.
Note: Joseph Smith was a false prophet.
The formal LDS ordinance of the washing of feet—restored by Joseph
Smith in December 1832 for participants in the School of the Prophets
(Doctrine and Covenants 88:139)—faded from regular public and
institutional practice by the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
141 It is to be commenced with prayer; and after partaking of bread and
wine, he is to gird himself according to the pattern given in the
thirteenth chapter of John’s testimony concerning me. Amen.
Note: Believers are to love another.
So, when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified,
and God is glorified in Him. If God is glorified in Him, God will also
glorify Him in Himself and glorify Him immediately. Little children, I
shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I
said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come,’ so now I say to
you. A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I
have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know
that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John
13:31-35