How, When & Why The LDS Churches Were Condemned

As warned of in many scriptures, LDS restoration churches fell into condemnation and curse. How did this happen? When did it happen? What does this mean to us, living 190+ years later? And most importantly, under what conditions have the scriptures stated that this condemnation would be lifted, and when?

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The scriptures speak about the redemption of Zion in the last days. To prepare us to understand that subject, we should probably first ask “why would Zion need redemption?” Can something be redeemed that never fell? Can God restore something that was never lost or tarnished? Are we able to establish Zion if we’re already living in it, or believe that “all is well in Zion” already?

Timeline of LDS Church Condemnation, Curse & Rejection

Early Warnings of Condemnation & Cursing

The following are some of the early warnings of the impending condemnation, from revelations. The Lord is clear that these are conditional statements, wherein if the people treat lightly the Word of the Lord, condemnation would follow.

A Promise of Zion’s Law Given In Ohio

If the people succeeded in being faithful to the commandments given, the Lord would establish Zion among them. If they didn’t they would inherit a curse instead of a blessing. In January 1831 the revelation came stating:

Then on February 4, 1831 (just a few weeks later), the Lord declared:

And within the next few years:

“Oracles” Given to Church Through Joseph Smith

In that last scripture (above), “oracles” are the written revelations, and nothing more. Many interpret that word to mean keys, authorities or spiritual gifts that passed along to the modern church leaders. However, this is false, according to Joseph Smith. Joseph clearly taught that oracles are the revelations from the Book of Commandments, Doctrine & Covenants, etc.

Joseph Smith was the only one through whom the Lord would give oracles to the church in “this generation”. Joseph never passed on those keys or abilities, although many would later “fain claim” the gifts from Joseph.

Broken Covenants = Covenant Curse

In the early days of the Church of Christ (1830-1831), revelations hinted at an impending curse upon those who would not receive the instructions and the law that would come from the Lord.

After the September 1832 condemnation and command to repent and return (D&C 84:57), others still provoked the Lord with willful disobedience to His laws and commandments regarding Zion. The Lord states sharply that these were “cursed… with a very sore and grievous curse” April 23, 1834:

This is the approximate time wherein Zion was decreed as compromised and standing in need of redemption. Not exclusively due to external factors (persecution), but largely from internal problems with hypocrisy, slothfulness and disobedience.

Christ’s Name Removed From the Church in 1834

On May 3, 1834 Christ’s name was removed from the “Church of Christ” during a conference of the Elders of the church. The LDS church name change was discussed, and “passed by unanimous voice.” Joseph Smith moderated the discussion and vote, and many people were present that also voted affirmative to the motion of changing the name of the church to “The Church of the Latter Day Saints.” Those in attendance included (but not limited to) Frederick G. Williams, Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, and Newel K. Whitney.

This name change is significant, given the statements by Jesus himself to the Nephites regarding the importance of Christ’s name in the naming of his church:

Modern gentiles were acting in parallel to the Israelites in Moses’s day, having provoked the Lord though disobedience and rejection of His law. The end results for the latter-day gentiles and Mosaic Israelites would also prove remarkably similar.

From “Church of Christ” to “Church of the Latter-Day Saints”

Remember, the Book of Mormon called the church the “Church of Christ” also, and they went on to complete the establishment of a Zion order.

Below are a few examples of evidences of the church’s renaming from the “Church of Christ” to the “Church of the Latter Day Saints.” The overwhelming majority of official notes, minutes, publications, scriptures from this point (May 1834) forward contained the new name of the church, even though in some rare cases, members continued to call the group the “Church of Christ.”

• Kirtland temple inscription
• 1835 Doctrine & Covenants title page
• Lectures on Faith title page
• Kirtland High Council minutes (see May 3, 1834 example cited above)

The 1836 Plea For “This Church, to Put Upon It Thy Name”

Later on (1836) Joseph Smith identified the LDS church as the latter-day gentiles (D&C 109:60), linking the LDS church with dozens of prophecies regarding the great condemnation and apostasy of the latter days. Joseph also plead with the Lord to put his name back on the Church and on his people in 1836 Kirtland dedicatory prayer:

We have no known record of the Lord officially changing the name of the church back to the “Church of Christ.”

Brigham Young incorporated his church on February 6, 1851 (many years after the murder of Joseph and Hyrum) with the name “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” This only happened well after the saints arrived in Utah after being driven out of Nauvoo. There’s no claimed revelation, conference, vote or explanation for the name choice.

Calling of the Original Twelve Apostles

To understand the lingering condemnation of the restoration churches today (which includes the LDS church), one must be familiar with the basics of LDS church history, and how the Lord intended his apostles to function. We’ll back up in the timeline to discover the origins of the Quorum of the Twelve and their intended functions.

Keep in mind that these twelve men were being called to fulfill a calling and position within the “Church of the Latter-day Saints” which was a condemned church demoted to the preparatory gospel. They too, despite their callings and ordinations would have to lift the condemnation and rise up to a level of an apostle in the Church of Christ.

In the Book of Mormon, Jesus Himself completed the Nephite twelve disciples’ ordination and endowed them with power to go out and do His work. Similarly, the disciples in Jerusalem are on record of having this encounter and endowment from the resurrected Jesus Christ. Should we expect modern disciples or apostles to be any different if they are to officiate in the same capacity?

Revelation & Instructions for Choosing the Twelve

In June, 1829 the Lord revealed how to call apostles in this generation:

The Lord was clear that these twelve men would see these things. They must also have a desire (intention) to fulfill this assignment to preach the doctrine of Christ to all the world with “full purpose of heart.” About 5 years later, it was time to choose and ordain these apostles:

Ordaining the 1835 Twelve & Their Charge

All of the Twelve accepted, and all in attendance received ordinations, blessings and charges. They listened to the revelation from the Lord (cited above, D&C 18). They received clear expectations that each apostle called and ordained would rise up to their calling, and finish their ordination by communing directly with God. This would allow them to bear “special witness” (different than a “regular witness”) to the world that they’ve seen God’s face.

Here’s one example of a blessing to William Smith, Joseph’s brother:

Apostolic Charge Given to The 1835 Twelve Apostles

After the witnesses called and ordained all the twelve men, a week later they received the apostolic charge (or charge to the apostles) by Oliver Cowdery. Joseph Smith was present and instructed Oliver to deliver the charge.

Twelve Accept the Apostolic Charge with Full Purpose of Heart

At the close of the charge, Oliver Cowdery made sure each of them willingly and voluntarily accepted the charge of their own choice. The last few sentences on the record state:

This is the commission to every man on that list of twelve, as well as the commission intended for all who call themselves the Lord’s apostles, even today. The Twelve fully understood this at one point in time. Shouldn’t we expect this of every apostle (D&C 64:38-40), even today, given that the charge contained the words “we require as much to qualify us as did those who have gone before us; God is the same.”

God’s Warning to the 1837 Quorum of Twelve

Despite the unpleasant story for some, we must tell the story to illustrate the point that there are natural consequences for living with wayward intent and half purpose of heart.

On July 23, 1837 (2.5 years after their ordination and charge), the Lord gave a revelation detailing the status of the Twelve. He also gave instructions to Thomas B. Marsh (president of the Quorum of the Twelve) on how to deal with the Twelve, who were falling short in their callings:

A few quick questions:

Admonish Them Sharply for Their Many Sins

In the years that followed, most of the Twelve became quite distracted from their calling. They rebelled against Joseph Smith, fell into temptations, hardened their hearts, had not fulfilled their missions yet, exalted themselves, and were guilty of what the Lord called “many sins” (D&C 112:12-15). They stood in need of being “admonished sharply for my name’s sake” so they would stop polluting the Lord’s good name by their ungodly conduct and involvements in secret combinations.

Similar to Peter and some disciples fishing a few weeks after Jesus died, these Twelve were basically told, “what are you still doing here? Go and feed my sheep! Get out there and do the work of an apostle!” The revelation also told them told them to cease from meddling in the affairs of the church, which were duties reserved for the Presidency, the Stake Presidents and the High Councils:

This compulsion of the Quorum of the Twelve to self-appoint themselves as a governing influence in the church seems to have started in the late 1830s. It was running rampant in the early 1840s when the Twelve returned to Nauvoo (they had been governing over 4,000 saints in England). The lack of repentance and heeding Joseph’s (and the Lord’s) counsel to cease and desist their “vain ambition” was further evidenced by Brigham Young eventually making the Twelve the sole governing body of the church after the murder of Joseph and Hyrum Smith.

Rebel Not Against My Servant Joseph

Additional examples of their “many sins,” distractions and rebellions of the Twelve against Joseph Smith would include…

• Entangling themselves in teaching false doctrines.
• Belonging to and actively building up Nauvoo’s “secret chamber” (a secret combination that God warned about in D&C 38:13,28 that’s responsible for the future murder of Joseph Smith)
• Neglecting their responsibilities to be full-time traveling ministers outside of the established stakes of the church. They finally attempted to fulfill their mission by going to England, but upon their return, few continued laboring in their callings.
• Participated secretly in polygamy (Joseph Smith taught against polygamy until his death, as you can see detailed here)
• Participated in secret priesthood orders that Joseph & Hyrum Smith were not aware of
• Performed unauthorized “sealings” and “second annointings” against D&C 132’s clear limitations.
• Embezzled ~$200/day from the Nauvoo temple fund (William Clayton, Temple History, Friday, May, 23, 1845 p. 157; compare D&C 101:47-49).
• Brigham Young had a revelation created that excused him from his apostolic duties of serving missions (D&C 126). This revelation appeared in church history early 1850s, was dated July 9, 1841 and not canonized until 1876.
• Eventually, young men shouldered the responsibility to preach the gospel abroad to the gentiles and Jews (instead of the Twelve). According to Joseph, it was an exclusive duty of the Twelve and Seventy. Elders were to serve “in the stakes of Zion” (not travel), holding callings “as high as” that of apostle (D&C 107:98). Apostles were only allowed to call upon Seventy for help with preaching (D&C 107:38), not Elders.

The Correct Role of the Quorum of the Twelve

Since the inception of their callings in 1835, apostles had only one calling. Their duty was (and still is) to preach the gospel and baptize among gentiles where no stake of Zion exists. This is why God warned them to stop meddling in the affairs of the church in Kirtland, Missouri and Nauvoo. Simply because that was the Stake President’s calling and keys, not theirs.

For more support to the idea that apostles only hold keys to preach the gospel outside of the established stakes of the church, see this outline of priesthood offices and their duties (PDF, 7 pages).

Lord Warns of “Fullness of The Priesthood” Removal

Although some of the leaders remained faithful, the general condition of the saints deteriorated, much like in Moses’s day. The early LDS church fell under condemnation and they collectively lost the rights and opportunities of the fullness of the priesthood. When the Lord warned the saints in September 1832 of their condemnation, he also warned that like the Israelites, he would remove the higher priesthood and allow them to wallow in a preparatory gospel:

Fullness of the Priesthood Removed From LDS Church

As we see below, the fullness of the priesthood had indeed been taken from the saints as of January 1841. This was not just a warning. It happened. However, the Lord stated clearly that those who would go on to wrongly accuse Joseph Smith of sins (including polygamy) would be “severed from the ordinances of mine house” (the endowment of power, or baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost) and left without claim to the rights of the fullness of the priesthood.

After the saints settled Nauvoo, a revelation in 1841 stated that if the saints did not repent and return, and follow the Lord’s instructions, God would cut them off. They received a warning about this several times prior to this (see D&C 63:61-63 and D&C 90:3-5). The Lord decreed that “ye shall be rejected as a church, with your dead, saith the Lord your God” (D&C 124:32) should they not faithfully execute his commands.

The task was to sanctify themselves and build a temple to the Most High. The stated reason was to give back to the church the fullness of the priesthood again after they lost it (D&C 124:28, 3 Nephi 16:10).

“Rejected As A Church, With Your Dead”

As quoted above, Joseph Smith is said to have taught on at least 4 occasions that the church did not have the fullness of the priesthood (the “High Priesthood”) from 1841-1843. With the charge to finish the “house unto Him”, the church was given a promise that they would “learn more about this priesthood” which Joseph said was not “yet experienced in this church” and that the house could be a place “that he may come to and restore again that which was lost unto you, or which he hath taken away, even the fulness of the priesthood” (D&C 124:28).

This task and deadline (as well as the consequences) was common knowledge, even among the Twelve.

Baptisms were temporarily accepted in the river until the baptismal font could be completed. There came a time when Joseph Smith publicly declared at a church conference that there will be no more baptisms and no more conferences of the church until the completion of house:

Nauvoo Temple Never Finished

The million dollar question is: Did the saints successfully complete the house and/or the Nauvoo temple in the time frame God gave them? According to majority consensus on Wikipedia, “construction was only half complete at the death of Joseph Smith.”

Lyman Wight, was a speaker at the fall 1841 conference when Joseph Smith declared “the church shall not hold another general conference, until they can meet in said house. For thus saith the Lord!” He went on to say:

The official LDS narrative today is that after the Brighamite faction left Nauvoo in February 1846, “a small crew remained to finish the temple’s first floor, so that it could be formally dedicated. Once the first floor was finished with pulpits and benches, the building was finally dedicated in private services on April 30, 1846, and in public services on 1 May.”

Even BYU’s special collections library summary states that the temple was never completed:

The Nauvoo temple had at least 6 different “dedications” on various rooms and floors, but it was still incomplete even by the saints’ exodus in 1846, estimated at approximately 80% complete. The westbound saints had already been smitten, driven and scattered. It was too late.

Some argue that the temple was completed in Nauvoo. However, the purpose of the completion was more important than the completion itself. What good would it do to finish and dedicate “a place found on earth that he may come to and restore again that which was lost unto you, or which he hath taken away, even the fulness of the priesthood” when the saints would never be around to see it completed or to receive the promised blessings from its completion? According to the revelation, they were to receive the fullness of the priesthood “in that place.” They never did.

Nauvoo Temple Destroyed

Brigham Young tried desperately to sell the Nauvoo temple to the Catholics with no success. They rejected his offers several times, primarily due to the illegal attempt to sell property that Brigham Young had no legal ownership rights for. He was not on the title, making Brigham Young’s efforts to sell the temple fraudulent and criminal (attempted grand theft) in nature.

After a stalemate in Brigham Young’s attempts to illegally sell the temple, arsonists mysteriously burned the incomplete Nauvoo temple on October 9, 1848. James Strang “accused [Brigham] Young’s agents of setting fire to the temple. However, Strang’s charges were never proven.”

In 1850, a wind storm toppled the remains of the temple.

With Brigham Young and the majority of the Twelve conspiring to falsely accuse Joseph Smith as the cause of polygamy and other secret works of darkness (D&C 38:13,28), they unknowingly fulfilled the promised future curses dictated in Joseph’s March 20, 1839 revelation (D&C 121). Namely, that his false accusers would be cut off from the true ordinances of the Lord’s house (his church, not the temple) and would lose the rights to the fullness of the priesthood for themselves and their future generations.

And just like that, the latter-day saints secured for themselves a similar fate as the ancient Israelites after they too rejected the fulness of the gospel. The Lord allowed their prophet to be taken from them, along with the higher priesthood (see D&C 84:18-26, JST Exodus 34:1–2).

By Their Fruits, Shouldn’t They Know Themselves?

In the subsequent decades, the First Presidency and the Twelve apostles were hesitant to show or discuss their spiritual gifts in their public discourses, completely unlike Joseph. Why?

Sometimes leaders thought of (and advertised as) “prophets, seers and revelators” outright denied having these spiritual gifts, even decades later in general conference. Why wouldn’t these men know for sure if they were or weren’t prophets? You’d think one would know with certainty had they seen God or received a prophetic gift. But the records show otherwise.

Some examples:

Aftermath- Questioning Prophetic Gifts

Why are so many of these apostles and church presidents seemingly uncertain about their callings and abilities? If you saw God, received His word and had prophetic gifts of seership wouldn’t you know? If you’d received a revelatory “oracle” (like Joseph did), wouldn’t you make the effort to publish it and canonize it as soon as possible? Otherwise, you’re not serving the flock who is told to “live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” as commanded.

According to all twelve 1835 apostles, Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery and many others, the duty of an apostle is to bear that special witness that they’ve seen God to all the world (including the unrighteous). From the 1835 “apostolic charge”:

If one hasn’t lived up to their apostolic calling by doing this, they will likely be indirect or hint about it over the pulpit. This leaves the audience wondering whether this common sense apostleship duty is some sort of mystery of the kingdom, or an expected duty.

Modern church leaders today might feel pressure to excuse their lack of experience with deity, by stating that personal encounters with Christ (seeing God’s face) are “too sacred to discuss.” Well, if that’s the case then Adam, Noah, Enoch, Mahonri, Elijah, Isaiah, Nephi, Jacob, Joseph Smith and other prophets are outright blasphemers. Because they all unabashedly and openly taught extensively about their theophanies. True prophets always do and always will, because they have.

The reality is that it’s an apostle and prophet’s duty to tell the world of this “special witness.” As I’ve shown you above, this is and always was the responsibility of apostles, and if your apostles are not sharing this experience, they are derelict in their duties. Revelations state that holding these apostles and prophets responsible and removing them from office if they are impostors is his will (see D&C 64:38-40, JST Mark 9:42-46).

Where’s the Apostolic Charge Today?

Since 1835, the expectations and duties of the Twelve have morphed and evolved into mainly administering the church’s affairs and acting as a board of directors for the non-profit organization. This is not meant to be an insult, it’s just how it’s legally defined and structured today in the “corporation sole” articles.

Granted, it’s been over 185 years since Joseph revealed and taught with power the true purpose and calling of an apostle. However, there are still some semblance of an “apostolic charge” in modern years, although you may not recognize it, in comparison to the 1835 charge.

Ask yourself: has the focus of the calling of an apostle has changed over the years? Which of the three apostolic charges above do you think would produce the caliber of men to resemble the ancient apostles in Jerusalem and Bountiful?

An Era of Unprecedented Revelation?

As seen in the quotes above, there’s uncertainty about the presence of prophetic and revelatory gifts being exercised today among church leaders of some LDS restoration branches. Even among those who are called “prophets, seers and revelators” and sustained as such.

Perhaps this is why the LDS church hasn’t even tried to publish a canonized revelation for over 103 years. D&C 138 was the last effort (Joseph F. Smith, October 19, 1918). Prior to that, it had been close to 70 years since the last dated revelation was canonized.

In defense, one might say “well, it’s different now.” And you’d be correct. It’s very different now. However, President John Taylor wished the canonization of scripture to continue, as he

The 70-year span of no revelation was somewhat challenged by Joseph F. Smith, who claimed the 1890 manifesto was a revelation in the Reed Smooth hearings.

Can one honestly and objectively believe that today’s “prophets, seers and revelators” are carrying the same spiritual gifts as Joseph Smith, Isaiah? Malachi? Lehi? The Bountiful or Jerusalem apostles? Didn’t Jesus tell us to beware of false-prophets in the last days, with a specific warning to inspect the fruits?

When Russell M. Nelson declares that we live in an “era of unprecedented revelation” (September 1, 2018) what does he mean? According to the data, Joseph Smith set a very high “precedent” for how much revelation can be received in any given era – and that was from one man (let alone 15) and covered only 15 years. If President Nelson’s statement were true, wouldn’t this “unprecedented” stream of revelation from God be reflected in our books of revelation today?

If 15 “prophets, seers and revelators” are indeed receiving massive amounts of revelation like never seen before (that’s what “unprecedented” means), where are these revelations? Why are they not voted into the canon or printed verbatim into the official church publications?

Utah LDS Church Condemnation Confirmed By Its Leaders

Lest you think this “modern LDS church condemnation” thing is all just theory, allow me to remind you that many church leaders have commented on this, including First Presidency counselor Heber C. Kimball in 1866 (19 years after the saints entered Utah):

As late as 1987, the official President of the LDS church (sustained as “prophet, seer and revelator”) confirmed that the condemnation spoken of in D&C 84 still remained in effect.

Even as late as 1993, apostle Dallin H. Oaks made public statements regarding the LDS church being under condemnation.

President Russell M. Nelson remarked that he became well aware of the current condemnation of the LDS church in 1975 by his priesthood leader, the President of the Twelve (Ezra Taft Benson), and stated that he would “never forget that lesson.”

Has he forgotten it yet?

What’s This “New Covenant” Taken Lightly – Do We Even Know?

Perhaps this is why President Benson worked tirelessly to get the LDS church to awake to their awful situation and take the message of the Book of Mormon seriously. This “new covenant” is in the Book of Mormon (3 Nephi 9:17-20) and it’s all about coming unto Christ with a broken heart and contrite spirit.

However, difficulty lies today in understanding what D&C 84:57 is actually saying. Russell M. Nelson and others have taught that the new covenant is the Book of Mormon itself, as if owning a copy makes you part of the covenant blessings.

How can a book be a covenant? What covenant did you enter into when your parents handed you your first Book of Mormon? The “new covenant” was something Jesus taught when He came to His people. He didn’t hand the 2,500 people at Bountiful a Book of Mormon. How could He? It wasn’t even published until 1,800 years later, and had He done that, the Book wouldn’t have contained His own words, because He hadn’t declared them yet.

President Benson wanted us to read and study the Book of Mormon seriously so that we could discover and live the “new covenant” that is contained in it’s pages, namely in 3 Nephi 9:17-20 in its simplest terms.

Repenting of a False Everlasting Covenant

We cannot afford to remain focused on a falsely changed everlasting covenant (see April 1876 entry on this timeline) that now emphasizes marriage, polygamy, having kids and “being sealed” to carnal or faithless ancestors as a means of salvation. These are all teachings that Jesus never once taught to His people, let alone mentioned in the Book of Mormon through his prophets. Getting married? Having children? Are those really the fruits of godly living? Don’t “wicked” people also live those laws?

This was the exact excuse that the apostate, condemned “members of the church” used against Noah (Moses 8:19-24) for the reasons why they shouldn’t repent and receive the doctrine of Christ, which was all Noah was trying to teach (see verse 24). These people (who once had the fullness of the gospel among them, but rejected it) essentially said: “We’re all the children of God already. We’re getting married, having kids and having ward parties. Our parents are from renowned pioneer stock of Donald W. Noname of the Quorum of whatever, don’t you know? Leave us alone, you apostate!”

But none of those “good things” they were doing led to their salvation, neither temporally or spiritually. Dead works.

Ask ourselves right now: What do I believe the everlasting covenant is?

Hope- Returning to the True Everlasting Covenant

Here’s the good news (gospel means “good news” by the way): despite the collective condemnation upon the church or the world at large, you personally and individually can choose to awake, arise, come unto Christ and lift that condemnation from yourself. His hand of mercy is still available.

There is a crystal clear lesson here: We need to repent and remember the correct everlasting covenant from the Book of Mormon. Jesus Christ himself delivered this and explained it in 3 Nephi 9:17-20. Notice there’s nothing in this passage (or the entire Book of Mormon) about marriage, child rearing, sealings to dead ancestors, proxy work, etc. There’s a very good reason for that: Those are not the everlasting covenant, and never were. It’s only about offering up a broken heart and contrite spirit (what Jesus asked for), so that God can redeem you and make you a member of his family.

Joseph Smith insisted that the Book of Mormon was “the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (BoM Title page). Therefore, the new covenant (that of “a broken heart and contrite spirit”) contained in the book (it’s not the book itself) must be our focus.

Why? Because it’s precisely what Jesus asked us to do.

But What About My Sealing Ordinances?

The Book of Mormon only teaches that we are to be “sealed” up to Christ as His children, or to the devil. Nothing is taught regarding “eternal families” or being linked to other carnal and fallen people as a means for salvation. Jesus Christ or the Devil. Those are your two options in regards to “sealings.” There are “save two churches only.”

Do you want to be sealed up to a human family pedigree fan chart of lost and fallen ancestors, or God’s family? Here are your options:

1. Sealed to Christ – Repentance and returning to the true God and the true gospel is the way to be “sealed up to eternal life” as a son or daughter of Christ.
2. Sealed to the Devil – Do nothing. Don’t repent. Don’t change. Believe the teachings of men that all is well in Zion and that you’re elect, chosen, a royal generation, etc.
3. Sealed to Ancestors – not an option (according to the scriptures), so who cares?

The only explanation in the scriptures in regards to the “sealing power” given to Hyrum states:

Being sealed up to eternal life or the day of redemption is the goal of any “sealing blessings” in the church. You can only obtain that through coming unto Jesus Christ by repenting. Jesus Christ is the Holy Spirit of promise.”

Lifting the LDS Church Condemnation

The condemnation of the LDS church and the restoration branches will continue until we repent and return to the true everlasting covenant, which is about the condition of the heart and our intentions being pure. We must repent of and abandon any false traditions we may have inadvertently believed or supported.

Like the Jews, before Christ’s first coming, many saddle themselves with “dead works” born of councils, committees, votes and policy debates- many of which are packaged and sold as “revelation” in church conferences. These are the the fruits of the adversary who inspires us to “teach for doctrines the commandments of men.”

Regardless, there are still many among us teaching the pure and simple doctrine of Christ as revealed to all the prophets since Adam. It’s still here for those honestly seeking it. The only question is: Do you want it badly enough to be willing to let go of any false beliefs you might still possess?

We invite all to come unto Christ and learn of Him. His burden is light.

Despite the admittedly hard-to-swallow “red pill” regarding the general condemnation of the latter-day gentiles, the Lord has still given the gentiles (LDS Church and restoration branches) a chance to repent and return to Him. God is preparing the faithful saints (“wise virgins” and the “wheat”) to receive Him when he comes again. These are they who are wise and discerning enough to avoid the great deceptions, receive the truth and take the Holy Spirit as their only guide (D&C 45:56-57).

The fulness of the gospel is being made ready among the people in preparation for His coming. The spirit of Elias and those servants who are “sent to prepare the way before Him” are among us. Please, listen to your heart and the voice of the Spirit, and seek God’s guidance bravely and resolutely.

“Good People” Receive the Fullness of the Gospel

It’s not enough to believe that you or your leaders are “good people.” God determines who is good and who is not, and He has given us the measuring stick. We were never told to “not judge” people. Instead, we’re commanded to “judge righteous judgement” (JST Matt 7:1-2). That applies to ourselves also. This has to do with

1. not assuming people are good, when they’re not (by God’s definition)
2. not assuming people are evil, when they are not.

The hard truth is that according to God’s revelations, nobody is “good” unless they are prepared in their hearts and minds to faithfully receive the fullness of the gospel and to boldly endure in faith (regardless of consequences) until the end. All must be willing to sacrifice all things, including our own pride, reputations with family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and ward members, social status, employment, callings, etc. for the truth’s sake. Then “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).

There’s only one way to avoid the impending judgements of God: