The Heart of the Covenant Part 3: Connecting Heaven and Earth

Zion and Sacred Space

Zion is the people and the place where Heaven and Earth meet. Establishing this connection gives meaning to everything.  It is the key to oneness of heart and mind.  It is the foundation upon which we may erect our temples and dwell in righteousness. It is the where and when the poor shall see God. 

As mortal beings our bodies are created from and connected to this fallen world. We exist in a mixed or "unclean" state of good and evil. For thousands of years the flesh connected to this world has warred against the spirit within us that is connected to another or higher world.  The result is that our hearts long to return to Eden and the Presence of God while our bodies keep us firmly rooted to this fallen world with all its opposites and vices. The goal then that exists before us is to raise the fallen conditions to the conditions that exist in Heaven.  To do this we must create a point of contact--a place within and without where Heaven and Earth can connect. 

But can a people truly achieve Heaven on Earth?  Is there such a place? Or is it just a story we tell ourselves of legendary heroes of ages past like Enoch who established the first recorded Zion? 

In every Age God has sought to restore his people and establish a place where Heaven and Earth Connect.  In some ways the idea of such a place and condition seems so foreign and distant.  In contrast to the world around us, the idea of establishing such a place and condition seems almost insurmountable.

Two Witness of the Reality of Zion!  Oh!  And Don't Forget a Third?!

All things are established in the mouths of two or more witnesses.  That the condition and place of Zion can be established in this fallen world is born out in the Testimony of Three Separate Groups of People of which we have record.  The first two you will readily recognize, but the third may actually come as very pleasant surprise to you.

1. ENOCH'S ZION - WITNESS NUMBER 1

"And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them.... And all the days of Zion, in the days of Enoch, were three hundred and sixty-five years. And Enoch and all his people walked with God, and he dwelt in the midst of Zion; and it came to pass that Zion was not, for God received it up into his own bosom; and from thence went forth the saying, Zion is Fled." (Moses 7:18, 68-69)

Our first witness of Zion is the City or People of Enoch.  This should really come as no surprise to anyone because it is to Enoch and his Zion that we look to as the source of all our Zion desires and theology.  

While Enoch and his Zion is the prime example all our aspirations of establishing a modern Zion, we usually tend to give his testimony the silent wink and nod as we say something to the effect, "Well of course he established Zion! If we lived for 365 years, I bet we could establish Zion too!  In fact I think Enoch had an unfair advantage because of his extreme longevity!"

There is only one problem with this course of thinking.  If we examine the Hebraic nature of the text we are presented in the Book of Moses it actually does not say that it took Enoch 365 year to establish Zion!  In fact if we read it carefully it states that All the Days of Zion (i.e. the length of time from when it was established to when it was taken) was 365 years.  During the time it/they existed on this sphere, God walked among his people and dwelt in their midst, and then it came to pass that God took it/them from this sphere. In truth we are not actually given the total length of time from when Enoch commenced his mission of declaring repentance to the establishment of the City of Zion, but we can say that the message that was declared was one of repentance and baptism, "And the Lord said unto me: Go to this people, and say unto them—Repent, lest I come out and smite them with a curse, and they die. And he gave unto me a commandment that I should baptize in the name of the Father, and of the Son, which is full of grace and truth, and of the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of the Father and the Son." (Moses 7:10-11)

Here are some points we need to clarify regarding Enoch's Zion:

A.  The establishment of Zion was precipitated by a message of Repentance and Baptism.

B.  There is no actual length of time given from when the people repented, Zion (people or place) was established, to when God dwelt among them, but HE ZION EXISTED ON THIS SPHERE FOR 365 YEARS AND DURING THAT TIME GOD DWELT AMONG THEM BEFORE CONDITIONS AROSE THAT CAUSED GOD TO TAKE THEM FROM THIS SPHERE!

C. The people DWELT IN RIGHTEOUSNESS.

2. MELCHIZEDEK AND THE PEOPLE OF SALEM - WITNESS NUMBER 2

The second witness that I would like to present for your consideration is Melchizedek and the people of the city of Salem (the same place where King David later established Jerusalem- the Foundation of Peace).

"Now this Melchizedek was a king over the land of Salem; and his people had waxed strong in iniquity and abomination; yea, they had all gone astray; they were full of all manner of wickedness; but Melchizedek having exercised mighty faith, and received the office of the high priesthood according to the holy order of God, did preach repentance unto his people. And behold, they did repent; and Melchizedek did establish peace in the land in his days; therefore he was called the prince of peace, for he was the king of Salem; and he did reign under his father." (Alma 13: 17-18)

"And now, Melchizedek was a priest of this order; therefore he obtained peace in Salem, and was called the Prince of peace. And his people wrought righteousness, and obtained heaven, and sought for the city of Enoch which God had before taken, separating it from the earth, having reserved it unto the latter days, or the end of the world..." (JST Genesis 14:3-34)

Here are some things that also need to be pointed out:

A. The establishment of Covenant Peace (Shalom) was precipitated by a message of Repentance (of which Baptism/ Ritual Immersion was an outward sign even in many Middle Eastern Cultures).

B. There is no actual length of time from when the people repented to when they obtained heaven ( a Hebraic expression that can mean God Dwelt Among them) to when they sought for the city of Enoch Which God had before separated it/them from this sphere.

C.  The people WROUGHT RIGHTEOUSNESS.

3.  THE PLEASANT SURPRISE

 - THE PEOPLE OF NEPHI - WITNESS NUMBER 3

A. PRECIPITATION BY A MESSAGE OF REPENTANCE AND BAPTISM:

I now would like to present to you a Third Witness to the reality and establishment of Zion.  Similar to the first two witnesses, God calls a prophet named Nephi, visits him, and authorizes him to declare a message of repentance and baptism to his people who had also turned from righteousness to wickedness and abominations:

 "And it came to pass that Nephi—having been visited by angels and also the voice of the Lord, therefore having seen angels, and being eye-witness, and having had power given unto him that he might know concerning the ministry of Christ, and also being eye-witness to their quick return from righteousness unto their wickedness and abominations; Therefore, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts and the blindness of their minds—went forth among them in that same year, and began to testify, boldly, repentance and remission of sins through faith on the Lord Jesus Christ." (3 Nephi 7:15-17)

"Thus passed away the thirty and second year also. And Nephi did cry unto the people in the commencement of the thirty and third year; and he did preach unto them repentance and remission of sins. Now I would have you to remember also, that there were none who were brought unto repentance who were not baptized with water." (3 Nephi 7:23-24)

During a time of political corruption and upheaval where Gadianton Robbers had gotten control of the government and even infiltrated the church, God called and sent a messenger after the Holy Order to declare repentance and baptism in the Lord Jesus Christ. While few hearkened to the message of salvation it was sent prior to a cataclysmic event or Day of the Lord (i.e. the day of visitation or judgment) upon the people of this continent exhibited in Chapter 8 of 3 Nephi.

B.  OBTAINING HEAVEN - CHRIST AT THE TEMPLE IN BOUNTIFUL.

The concept of "obtaining Heaven" and "Dwelling with God" from a Hebraic context really has nothing to do with having your local temple, family, and 2000 square foot MC Mansion beamed from this earth by the Starship Kolob to the new colony of Enoch on Planet X.  

The Book of 3 Nephi is more important than many Mormons know.  To understand it's importance and central role in our covenant relationship, we need to understand that from the context of establishing and maintaining a covenant relationship with God, the Book of 3 Nephi is quite possibly the most important Book in the Record that we call the Book of Mormon.  

In the covenant sequence of the Torah (First Five Books of Moses- Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) the Book of Leviticus is the Heart of the Covenant because strangely enough it contained God's instructions to the Israelites on how to create and maintain the sacred space- the place where Heaven and Earth Connect.  It was considered THE BOOK OF LOVE and contained God's instructions for establishing and maintaining a Holy People. (Now stick with me here).

The Book of Mormon is the Covenant Treaty on this Land of Promise.  While it is inextricably connected with the The Covenant God Made with Israel, the Book itself serves much the same function. To make a long story short, in terms of establishing Zion - THE SACRED SPACE WE SEEK TO CREATE- THE RECORD OF 3 NEPHI IS YOUR BOOK OF LEVITICUS.  It is the Heart of the Book of Mormon and The Heart of our covenant relationship with God.  It is our manual of discipline, our book of love, and the instructions on how to create the sacred space of Zion.

So Let's Break this Down:

The Tabernacle of God Dwelling in the Midst of the People:

7 Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him.

 8 And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had appeared unto them.

 9 And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying:

 10 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.

 11 And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning...

Just as God had Moses originally establish the tabernacle in the wilderness in the midst (middle/center point) of all the tribes of Israel, Jesus Christ the tabernacle of God descended from Heaven stood in the midst of this Remnant of Jacob.  (3 Nephi: 11) 

Christ Reiterates His Doctrine of Repentance and Baptism - ONE HEART AND MIND

 32 And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me.

 33 And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God.

 34 And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned.

 35 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and I bear record of it from the Father; and whoso believeth in me believeth in the Father also; and unto him will the Father bear record of me, for he will visit him with fire and with the Holy Ghost.

 36 And thus will the Father bear record of me, and the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me; for the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost are one.

 37 And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things.

 38 And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God.

 39 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them.

 40 And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them.

 41 Therefore, go forth unto this people, and declare the words which I have spoken, unto the ends of the earth. (3 Nephi 11)

THE SERMON AT THE TEMPLE/MOUNT = DWELLING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS

3 NEPHI 12 - 17  is our Manual in the Discipline of Love.  I would commend you to go read, study, and commit to walking this Discipline of Love in your heart and daily life because by these instructions is the sacred space of Zion established and maintained.  Walking in these instructions is what is meant by the expressions "Dwelt/dwelling in Righteousness", and is what is meant by "the people wrought righteousness".  The instructions in this Sermon at the Temple is THE manual for living, working, and dwelling in righteousness.

"Prayer is not a discourse. It is a form of life, the life with God. That is why it is not confined to the moment of verbal statement." -Jaques Ellul


(Next: 3 Nephi 18 -21: God's Enabling Power and Promises for the Realization of Zion)

Where Are We at America?

Sometimes the words of the scriptures scream so loud that we just cannot deny their truthfulness:

3 Nephi 6

11 For there were many merchants in the land, and also many lawyers, and many officers.

 12 And the people began to be distinguished by ranks, according to their riches and their chances for learning; yea, some were ignorant because of their poverty, and others did receive great learning because of their riches.

 13 Some were lifted up in pride, and others were exceedingly humble; some did return railing for railing, while others would receive railing and persecution and all manner of afflictions, and would not turn and revile again, but were humble and penitent before God.

 14 And thus there became a great inequality in all the land, insomuch that the church began to be broken up; yea, insomuch that in the thirtieth year the church was broken up in all the land save it were among a few of the Lamanites who were converted unto the true faith; and they would not depart from it, for they were firm, and steadfast, and immovable, willing with all diligence to keep the commandments of the Lord.

 15 Now the cause of this iniquity of the people was this—Satan had great power, unto the stirring up of the people to do all manner of iniquity, and to the puffing them up with pride, tempting them to seek for power, and authority, and riches, and the vain things of the world.

 16 And thus Satan did lead away the hearts of the people to do all manner of iniquity; therefore they had enjoyed peace but a few years.

 17 And thus, in the commencement of the thirtieth year—the people having been delivered up for the space of a long time to be carried about by the temptations of the devil whithersoever he desired to carry them, and to do whatsoever iniquity he desired they should—and thus in the commencement of this, the thirtieth year, they were in a state of awful wickedness.

 18 Now they did not sin ignorantly, for they knew the will of God concerning them, for it had been taught unto them; therefore they did wilfully rebel against God.

 19 And now it was in the days of Lachoneus, the son of Lachoneus, for Lachoneus did fill the seat of his father and did govern the people that year.

 20 And there began to be men inspired from heaven and sent forth, standing among the people in all the land, preaching and testifying boldly of the sins and iniquities of the people, and testifying unto them concerning the redemption which the Lord would make for his people, or in other words, the resurrection of Christ; and they did testify boldly of his death and sufferings.

 21 Now there were many of the people who were exceedingly angry because of those who testified of these things; and those who were angry were chiefly the chief judges, and they who had been high priests and lawyers; yea, all those who were lawyers were angry with those who testified of these things.

 22 Now there was no lawyer nor judge nor high priest that could have power to condemn any one to death save their condemnation was signed by the governor of the land.

 23 Now there were many of those who testified of the things pertaining to Christ who testified boldly, who were taken and put to death secretly by the judges, that the knowledge of their death came not unto the governor of the land until after their death.

 24 Now behold, this was contrary to the laws of the land, that any man should be put to death except they had power from the governor of the land—

 25 Therefore a complaint came up unto the land of Zarahemla, to the governor of the land, against these judges who had condemned the prophets of the Lord unto death, not according to the law.

 26 Now it came to pass that they were taken and brought up before the judge, to be judged of the crime which they had done, according to the law which had been given by the people.

 27 Now it came to pass that those judges had many friends and kindreds; and the remainder, yea, even almost all the lawyers and the high priests, did gather themselves together, and unite with the kindreds of those judges who were to be tried according to the law.

 28 And they did enter into a covenant one with another, yea, even into that covenant which was given by them of old, which covenant was given and administered by the devil, to combine against all righteousness.

 29 Therefore they did combine against the people of the Lord, and enter into a covenant to destroy them, and to deliver those who were guilty of murder from the grasp of justice, which was about to be administered according to the law.

 30 And they did set at defiance the law and the rights of their country; and they did covenant one with another to destroy the governor, and to establish a king over the land, that the land should no more be at liberty but should be subject unto kings.

3 Nephi 7

1 Now behold, I will show unto you that they did not establish a king over the land; but in this same year, yea, the thirtieth year, they did destroy upon the judgment-seat, yea, did murder the chief judge of the land.

 2 And the people were divided one against another; and they did separate one from another into tribes, every man according to his family and his kindred and friends; and thus they did destroy the government of the land.

 3 And every tribe did appoint a chief or a leader over them; and thus they became tribes and leaders of tribes.

 4 Now behold, there was no man among them save he had much family and many kindreds and friends; therefore their tribes became exceedingly great.

 5 Now all this was done, and there were no wars as yet among them; and all this iniquity had come upon the people because they did yield themselves unto the power of Satan.

 6 And the regulations of the government were destroyed, because of the secret combination of the friends and kindreds of those who murdered the prophets.

 7 And they did cause a great contention in the land, insomuch that the more righteous part of the people had nearly all become wicked; yea, there were but few righteous men among them.


 8 And thus six years had not passed away since the more part of the people had turned from their righteousness, like the dog to his vomit, or like the sow to her wallowing in the mire.

-----------------

Then today I noticed the following today:

BREAKING: Supreme Court Justice Scalia dies during hunting trip in Marfa

We are at a critical juncture in the United States of America which may soon become the Divided States of America.  Let us not willfully rebel against the God of this Land but let us return and in repentance tear our garments in remembrance.  The Heavens are open and Jesus Christ is the God of this land.  Let us engage in the sorrowing of repentance and return to Him rather than finding destruction in the sorrowing of the damned.

The Mystery of the Remnant

The Shemitah and the Jubilee in the Book of Mormon

As America is a land of promise or covenant land, the same covenant laws and cycles apply to it just as it did to ancient Israel and the land of Israel.  For a covenant people in a covenant land, there is a covenant cycle that applies.  This cycle is very ancient and can even be found in the first book of Genesis as given to Adam - God's appointed times.  Part of this cycle of appointed times comes the Shemitah and the Jubilee.

Every seventh year was a Shemitah.  Every seventh Shemitah (7 cycles of  7 ) was called the Jubilee.  The Jubilee was the year of Restoration.  If you  lost your property, your land of inheritance,  or your family's possessions, in the Jubilee it was returned to the legal heirs.

If ever there was a people who lost their property, their ancestral home, their fathers possessions, and their land of inheritance it is the Remnant of Jacob or First Nations/Native Americans.  Like Rome (i.e. Gentiles) who had occupied and driven out the Jews from their land of promise over two thousand years ago, A Modern Gentile Rome has driven out the Remnant of Jacob from their land of promise here in United States of America and Canada.

Just as the appointed time of the Jubilee belongs to all the House of Israel so does the Jubilee belong to the Remnant of Jacob on this continent for this covenant land grant.  Understanding this eternal appointed time is the key to understanding the fulfillment of the Book of Mormon and the establishment of Zion on this land.  The Jubilee of Jubilees is upon us!

AMERICA - COVENANT LAND GRANT - LAND OF PROMISE

America is a Land of Promise.  In covenant terminology what this means is that America is a covenant land of inheritance or a covenant land grant.  So what does this mean and why is it important?  It means that possession of the land is tied to a covenant relationship between God (The grantor of the Covenant) and the person(s) to whom the covenant was given. In other words, possession of the land of America is dependent on the same type of covenant relationship that ancient Israel had with the God of Israel.

"And now, we can behold the decrees of God concerning this land, that it is a land of promise; and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall serve God, or they shall be swept off when the fulness of his wrath shall come upon them. And the fulness of his wrath cometh upon them when they are ripened in iniquity.  For behold, this is a land which is choice above all other lands; wherefore he that doth possess it shall serve God or shall be swept off; for it is the everlasting decree of God. And it is not until the fulness of iniquity among the children of the land, that they are swept off." (Ether 2:9)

Those who possess the land must serve the God of this land- Even Jesus Christ.  Iniquity in Hebraic thought is lawlessness; specifically the state of being in rebellion against God's Covenant Instructions.  In covenant theology, faith or faithfulness (emunah) is a state of oneness with God because we uphold his commandments.  Possession of this Land of Inheritance (America) is made by covenant decree.

 A covenant decree is not alterable by the grantor except by covenant disloyalty/rebellion of the grantee (i.e. Jaredites, Lehites, and Gentiles).   For example - Lehi was faithful and by covenant obtained the land of America as a covenant land grant or inheritance for himself and his posterity.  Jared and the Brother of Jared recieved the same covenant grant by God and were also given the same promise as Lehi.  A further example of this is seen in God making covenant with Abraham (who was faithful) and giving the land of Israel to him  and his posterity. Because of the faithfulness of one man salvation and inheritance came to many.  By returning to the covenant relationship God made with the Fathers the land of promise (i.e. inheritance) upon which they live is secured or regained should they fall from fidelity to the God of the Land.

THE REMNANT OF JACOB ARE THE LEGAL COVENANT HEIRS

The descendants of Lehi (First Nations of the Americas) are the legal covenant heirs to this covenant land grant or land of promise: As the Prophet Lehi explained:

"But, said he, notwithstanding our afflictions, we have obtained a land of promise, a land which is choice above all other lands; a land which the Lord God hath covenanted with me should be a land for the inheritance of my seed. Yea, the Lord hath covenanted this land unto me, and to my children forever, and also all those who should be led out of other countries by the hand of the Lord.

Wherefore, I, Lehi, prophesy according to the workings of the Spirit which is in me, that there shall none come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord. (2 Nephi 1:5-6)

This land was given to the seed of Lehi by God.  The decree of the covenant land grant was reiterated by the KING OF ALL ISRAEL - JESUS CHRIST:

"And behold, this is the land of your inheritance; and the Father hath given it unto you." (3 Nephi 15:13)

" But if they (the Gentiles)  will repent and hearken unto my words, and harden not their hearts, I will establish my church among them, and they shall come in unto the covenant and be numbered among this the remnant of Jacob, unto whom I have given this land for their inheritance;" (3 Nephi 21:22)

"But behold, this land, said God, shall be a land of thine inheritance, and the Gentiles shall be blessed upon the land.  And this land shall be a land of liberty unto the Gentiles, and there shall be no kings upon the land, who shall raise up unto the Gentiles." ( 2 Nephi 10:9-10)


22 But if they will repent and hearken unto my words, and harden not their hearts, I will establish my church among them, and they shall come in unto the covenant and be numbered among this the remnant of Jacob, unto whom I have given this land for their inheritance (3 Nephi 21:22)

THE MYSTERY OF THE REMNANT

There is a lot of talk these days about "THE REMNANT".  In fact just about everywhere I go, I have heard people touting their "status" as being "THE REMNANT".  It really should come as no surprise though because everyone likes to think they are the special ones- you know- the "Good Guys". Whether we tout the common propaganda that "WE ARE A PART OF THE ONE TRUE CHURCH!" or "WE ARE THE TRUSTED FEW!" OR "WE ARE THE HEARTS CORE OF THE HEARTS CORE!" we are basically engaging in the same form of pride and elitism demonstrated by ancient Israel.

The number of "ONE TRUE CHURCHES" that I have encountered over the years would blow your minds and whether big or small each one points their finger at the other and screams, "APOSTATE!" or "Cult!"  The numerous "trusted few" are usually so enamored with their authority they act more like a person who discovers a mirror, beholds his own image, and then falls in love with himself. As for the Hearts Core of a Hearts Core- well let's just say that apple has either been micro-eviscerated so many times that their is nothing left or the core is so rotten even the worms won't live there anymore.

Besides Pride and Arrogance one of the reasons these conditions exist is because there is a basic identity crisis going on.  Yes, there I said it!  MORMONISM HAS AN IDENTITY CRISIS!

WHO ARE THE MORMONS?

To make a long story short, THE MORMONS ARE THE GENTILES!  There I said it!  Modern Mormons despite their patriarchal blessings and much "chosen people propaganda" are identified with GENTILES. In fact at the dedication of the Kirtland Temple, the Prophet Joseph Smith stated emphatically:

" 60 Now these words, O Lord, we have spoken before thee, concerning the revelations and commandments which thou hast given unto us, who are identified with the Gentiles.

 61 But thou knowest that thou hast a great love for the children of Jacob, who have been scattered upon the mountains for a long time, in a cloudy and dark day." (D&C 109)

Notice that the Prophet of this Dispensation who translated the Book of Mormon makes a clear distinction between the GENTILES and THE CHILDREN OF JACOB.  Especially the children of Jacob who have been scattered upon the mountains for a long time in a cloudy and dark day. In fact if we read on we see the distinction of who is who very well laid out:

1.  The LAND OF ISRAEL PROPER- THE SOUTHERN KINGDOM OF DAVID - IE THE JEWS

62 We therefore ask thee to have mercy upon the children of Jacob, that Jerusalem, from this hour, may begin to be redeemed;

 63 And the yoke of bondage may begin to be broken off from the house of David;

 64 And the children of Judah may begin to return to the lands which thou didst give to Abraham, their father.

*We have seen a fulfillment of this with the establishment of the Nation of Israel and Jerusalem being returned to the control of the children of the southern kingdom. 

2. NEPHITES - LAMANITES - MULEKITES - AMERICAS

 65 And cause that the remnants of Jacob, who have been cursed and smitten because of their transgression, be converted from their wild and savage condition to the fulness of the everlasting gospel;

 66 That they may lay down their weapons of bloodshed, and cease their rebellions.

*Now this is an interesting one!

3. SCATTERED REMNANTS OF ISRAEL (10 TRIBES, ETC)

 67 And may all the scattered remnants of Israel, who have been driven to the ends of the earth, come to a knowledge of the truth, believe in the Messiah, and be redeemed from oppression, and rejoice before thee.

*We see scattered around the world pockets of Israelites such as the Pathans, Ethiopian Jews, and others are beginning to re-discover their covenant identity as Israel.

GENTILE MORMONS

So if Mormons are identified as the Gentiles where then do they fit in this covenant picture?  Does this make them a mongrel or 2/3 rds a person?  Are they a lower class of people or less deserving of God's love?  No!  BEING IDENTIFIED AS A GENTILE MEANS YOU HAVE A JOB TO DO!

THE WORK OF THE GENTILES

The body of the Gentiles who inherited the message of the Book of Mormon were designated as the messengers of the covenant to the Remnant of Jacob on this land to restore them to a knowledge of their Fathers and their status as covenant heirs to this land:

"1 And verily I say unto you, I give unto you a sign, that ye may know the time when these things shall be about to take place—that I shall gather in, from their long dispersion, my people, O house of Israel, and shall establish again among them my Zion;

 2 And behold, this is the thing which I will give unto you for a sign—for verily I say unto you that when these things which I declare unto you, and which I shall declare unto you hereafter of myself, and by the power of the Holy Ghost which shall be given unto you of the Father, shall be made known unto the Gentiles that they may know concerning this people who are a remnant of the house of Jacob, and concerning this my people who shall be scattered by them;

 3 Verily, verily, I say unto you, when these things shall be made known unto them of the Father, and shall come forth of the Father, from them unto you" (3 Nephi 21)

The Gentiles who received the Book of Mormon were to take the covenant message of the Book of Mormon that they received through a Gentile to the Remnant of Jacob.  The Covenant Message contained in the Book of Mormon is far more than, "We have the True Church!" or "We have a living Prophet!"  It is the Message (Gospel) that was to go forth to turn the hearts of the children (In this case the decendants of Lehi, Mulek, etc) back to the covenant God made with their Fathers - Lehi, Nephi, Jacob, Enos, Jarom, etc.  Just like the rest of the scattered remnants of Israel around the world who had lost their identity, the covenant inhabitants of this continent were not supposed to remain in a scattered condition, but were to be ONE PEOPLE - O HOUSE OF ISRAEL!  Those who were esteemed as less than the dust of the earth were to be restored and exalted.

As strange as it may sound to accomplish this it was necessary that The United States of America be set up as a Free Nation with a Free People.  By establishing the conditions of Freedom and Liberty the message could go forth and accomplish the great work it was meant to bring about.  While in the establishment of this land there were atrocities that occurred, out of the dust God will yet proceed to perform a Great and Marvelous Work:

 4 For it is wisdom in the Father that they should be established in this land, and be set up as a free people by the power of the Father, that these things might come forth from them unto a remnant of your seed, that the covenant of the Father may be fulfilled which he hath covenanted with his people, O house of Israel.

I do not say these things to demean the sufferings of any of the First Nations/ Native American Peoples as the Jews have gone through many of the same types of suffering and atrocities.  Actions - even inhuman actions- have been perpetrated in the past, but out darkness there is a light, "He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it." (Isaiah 25:8)

3 NEPHI 21 - GOD'S SIGN TO THE REMNANT OF JACOB AND WARNING TO THE GENTILES!

There is a warning and a promise to the Gentiles that was delivered as part of the Covenant Treaty for this Land - The Book of Mormon:

The Promise of God's Great and Marvelous Work -

"For in that day, for my sake shall the Father work a work, which shall be a great and a marvelous work among them; and there shall be among them those who will not believe it, although a man shall declare it unto them.... Therefore it shall come to pass that whosoever will not believe in my words, who am Jesus Christ, which the Father shall cause him to bring forth unto the Gentiles, and shall give unto him power that he shall bring them forth unto the Gentiles, (it shall be done even as Moses said) they shall be cut off from among my people who are of the covenant.( 3 Nephi 21:9,11)

Like Joshua and Israel in the Promised Land = The Remnant of Jacob = A Young lion

"And my people who are a remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles, yea, in the midst of them as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who, if he go through both treadeth down and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.Their hand shall be lifted up upon their adversaries, and all their enemies shall be cut off." ( 3 Nephi 21:12-13)

Warning to the Gentiles = You are being Disinherited from the Land of Promise!

"Yea, wo be unto the Gentiles except they repent; for it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Father, that I will cut off thy horses out of the midst of thee, and I will destroy thy chariots; And I will cut off the cities of thy land, and throw down all thy strongholds; And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thy land, and thou shalt have no more soothsayers; Thy graven images I will also cut off, and thy standing images out of the midst of thee, and thou shalt no more worship the works of thy hands; And I will pluck up thy groves out of the midst of thee; so will I destroy thy cities. And it shall come to pass that all lyings, and deceivings, and envyings, and strifes, and priestcrafts, and whoredoms, shall be done away." (3 Nephi 21:14-19)

THE REMNANT OF JACOB - THE HOPE OF AMERICA - THE BUILDERS OF THE COVENANT/CITY OF PEACE!

"For it shall come to pass, saith the Father, that at that day whosoever will not repent and come unto my Beloved Son, them will I cut off from among my people, O house of Israel; And I will execute vengeance and fury upon them, even as upon the heathen, such as they have not heard.

But if they will repent and hearken unto my words, and harden not their hearts, I will establish my church among them, and they shall come in unto the covenant and be numbered among this the remnant of Jacob, unto whom I have given this land for their inheritance; And they shall assist my people, the remnant of Jacob, and also as many of the house of Israel as shall come, that they may build a city, which shall be called the New Jerusalem.  And then shall they assist my people that they may be gathered in, who are scattered upon all the face of the land, in unto the New Jerusalem.  And then shall the power of heaven come down among them; and I also will be in the midst." (3 Nephi 21:20-24)


The Gentiles/Mormons in America are following an ancient path.  They are not the legal heirs of the covenant and while they can be blessed in the land their covenant relationship is inextricably interwoven with the legal heirs-- in this case The Remnant of Jacob, First Nations, or Native Americans.  This is not the first time this has happened.  We see the same pattern with ancient Israel in the Exodus and the "Mixed Multitude" or Gentiles of their day:

" And the children of Israel journeyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot that were men, beside children. And a mixed multitude went up also with them; and flocks, and herds, even very much cattle." (Exodus 12: 37-38)

This "mixed multitude" would be considered mixed blood Israelites, non-blood Israelites, and children of various nations who resided in Egypt.  The mixed multitude were numbered among Ancient Israel until they came to Mount Sinai where a covenant was extended.  From that point, we really don't hear anymore more about them.  Why?  Because at Mount Sinai and the acceptance of the covenant relationship they ceased to be "mixed multitude" or Gentiles and became ONE PEOPLE - O HOUSE OF ISRAEL.  In other words, in that day there will no longer be divisions into Jews, Gentiles, Lamanites, etc.  There will be One Covenant House- such as existed in the days of Moses when all Israel Heard the Voice of God!

SO THEN WHAT IS THE REPENTANCE OF THE GENTILES:

The warning to the Gentiles is that if they repent they will be numbered among the Remnant of Jacob to assist them to build a New Jersulem here in America- a place where the presence of God is Restored. If they do not repent, their civilization (Gentile America) will be brought to an end just as the people who resided in the Land of Israel were removed by judgment from God as Joshua and the Children of Israel moved to take back the land of their inheritance.

In taking back the land of promise from those nations who occupied it, Israel went through, "as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who, if he go through both treadeth down and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.Their hand shall be lifted up upon their adversaries, and all their enemies shall be cut off." (3 Nephi 21)  What has been shall be again.  It won't be pretty.

To escape such judgment one must repent.  The only problem is our definition of repentance may be incomplete.  From a modern Gentile Mormon perspective we would define repentance as coming to Christ, casting away our sins, and then being baptized.  There may be some various addendum depending on which sect of Mormonism you affiliate with, but I think we could probably boil it down at least to that definition.  This definition does hold some truth.

But there is a repentance that goes much deeper.  It is covenant repentance or the repentance of Israel. This type of repentance not only goes to returning in covenant loyalty to the King of Israel - Jesus Christ- and making the outward sign of covenant loyalty- i.e. baptism.  It also includes doing the work the gentiles were assigned to do - restoring the Remnant of Jacob as a covenant people through the Book of Mormon.

Have you ever wondered why the Book of Mormon goes to great lengths to document the missionary efforts of the Son's of Mosiah to the Lamanites?  Because it is a guidebook for the gentiles- who Nephi likened unto his people before they fell- to restore the Latter-Day Remnant of Jacob to their legal and rightful place as heir to God's covenant in this land.  In other words, those Gentiles who repent will follow the covenant decree of Christ in the Book of Mormon to bring this record to the covenant Remnant of Jacob on this Land and restore them as a covenant people/nation.  It has nothing to do with striping them of their identity to make them assimilate into a European Mormon Catholic Church.

Without the LEGAL HEIRS to the Covenant of the Book of Mormon the promises made to their Fathers will not be realized.  The House of Israel in America will not be established.  The New Jerusalem will not be built.  The presence of God will not be restored.  Those Gentiles who seek to be numbered among the House of Israel will be those who enter into covenant with the God of Israel. This covenant relationship can only be extended to the gentiles as they find themselves performing the duties of the gentiles to the house of Israel:

"Yea, the kings of the Gentiles shall be nursing fathers unto them, and their queens shall become nursing mothers; wherefore, the promises of the Lord are great unto the Gentiles, for he hath spoken it, and who can dispute?" (2 Nephi 10:9)

PUTTING OFF OUR MORMON PRIDE: ARE WE READY TO BECOME THE SERVANTS?

As Mormons we take some pride in being "the Chosen People". Don't feel bad, the Jews did too?  In parodying the words of the Great Prophet - Forrest Gump- "Chosen is as Chosen Does!"  Perhaps it is time that both peoples, put off their arrogance and envy and follow the example of true love and repentance in that the Greatest Among you should be the servant of all:

"And there are many things which have been spoken by Isaiah which may be likened unto you, because ye are of the house of Israel. And now, these are the words: Thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I will lift up mine hand to the Gentiles, and set up my standard to the people; and they shall bring thy sons in their arms, and thy daughters shall be carried upon their shoulders.

And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers; they shall bow down to thee with their faces towards the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the Lord; for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me." (2 Nephi 6:5-7)

The repentance of the Gentiles consists of being nursing mothers and fathers to the Remnant of Jacob- not their conquerors.  Our repentance besides establishing our loyalty to God will be as servants to bring the covenant treaty of the Book of Mormon to the Legal Heirs of that Treaty- The Children of Lehi - The First Nations of America- The Remnant of Jacob.

In writing this there is a scripture though that haunts us, "Wo be unto the Gentiles, saith the Lord God of Hosts! For notwithstanding I shall lengthen out mine arm unto them from day to day, they will deny me; nevertheless, I will be merciful unto them, saith the Lord God, if they will repent and come unto me; for mine arm is lengthened out all the day long, saith the Lord God of Hosts. (2 Nephi 28:32)

God is merciful if we should repent, but understand that his arm is poised to strike.  In so doing, Zion though she seems as if she is dead, yet shall she live.  Will the Gentiles repent and obtain mercy through their repentance of restoring the Remnant of Jacob? The parallels between the Gentile Mormons and the Jews of Christ's day are amazing-- but either way we have a choice of what path we will walk. Either way, the Jubilee of Jubilees is upon us.  It is a time of restoration.  The times of the Gentiles is complete and the days of restoration are here.  This covenant land of promise will now revert back to the legal heirs of the covenant-The Remnant of Jacob.  That which was taken will be given back.  Those who were scattered will be gathered.  When the time has come for the covenant decree to be fulfilled there is no corporate prophet or political president who will stand between the God of Israel and his Children.

Shalom!

The Heart of the Book of Mormon - The Heart of the Covenant (Part 2)

"For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of the just and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will find the right way to go.” (Proverbs 2:6-9)

Covenant Love - The Ember from the Altar of God

It might be strange for our American culture to understand, but the Book of Leviticus which is the Heart of God's covenant with Israel, is actually a Book Regarding the Love of God:

"Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord." (Leviticus 19:18)

When God called to Israel from Mt. Sinai, or the tabernacle in the Wilderness, or his abode in the Heavens to the People of Nephi gathered at the temple it was a call to embrace eternal love as only can be endowed by the Spirit of God. It was a call to transcend the mortal and to step onto the journey of ascension along the ladder seen in vision by Jacob/Israel the man.

After Jesus Christ reveals the image of the state of blessed-righteous and holiness, He begins to draw the minds of the body of Israel gathered at the temple back to the covenant he had made with the Fathers in Ancient Israel by explaining the principles/commandments upon which Zion - the sacred space is to be established.  In doing so he fulfills the Law given to Moses or in Hebraic understanding he teaches them the correct interpretation and performance of the commandments that were originally given to the Fathers.

Jesus A Prophet Like unto Moses


The scriptures reveal many similarities between Moses and Jesus.  This should come as no surprise as he is described in both the New Testament and the Book of Mormon as the prophet like unto Moses:

“And the Lord will surely prepare a way for his people, unto the fulfilling of the words of Moses, which he spake, saying: A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass that all those who will not hear that prophet shall be cut off from among the people.”  (1 Nephi 22:20)

Those like Lehi and Nephi  who were looking forward to the coming of the Messiah would therefore be looking for someone “like Moses” who would speak in the name of God (YHVH) and follow his commands.  Like Moses he would be the mediator of the Covenant between God and the House of Israel.

The covenant is a continuation of the covenant God made with the Fathers.   It was a marriage covenant between God and Israel.  Even as Israel (both Northern and Southern Kingdom) broke the covenant it was a necessity for the covenant to be renewed.   Jesus Christ did not come to do away with the former covenant and mediate a brand new covenant but to renew and restore the same covenant relationship he made with the Fathers.

When God spoke with Israel he only spoke the ten commandments to them before the people pled with Moses to not let God speak with them, but that Moses should go up to hear and relate the words of God to the people. (Exodus 20:19)  Jesus is like Moses in that he delivered the words his Father gave him and instructed the people concerning Torah with authority, “For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.” (Mat 7:29)

Just like Moses, Jesus ascended a mountain and taught the commandmets of God  to the people.  Unfortunately it has been portrayed by modern Christianity that his word contradicted Moses or was given as a different law.  For example it is generally taught that Moses taught an "eye for an eye" and Jesus taught "turn the other cheek".  It is believed that Moses taught  "hate your enemy" and Jesus  taught to "love your enemy."  While at first glance it may seem that these are contradictions, from an Israelite point of view we find that they are actually NOT contradictions at all.  Jesus was the law giver who gave God’s instructions to Moses:

“And he said unto them: Marvel not that I said unto you that old things had passed away, and that all things had become new.  Behold, I say unto you that the law is fulfilled (correctly interpreted) that was given unto Moses. Behold, I am he that gave the law, and I am he who covenanted with my people Israel; therefore, the law in me is fulfilled, for I have come to fulfil the law; therefore it hath an end.” (3 Nephi 15:3-5)

Jesus himself was very clear that He was the prophet like unto Moses and that he and Moses were in agreement, “For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?” (John 5:46-47)

Just as we see modern LDS Pharisees exerting their authority to solely interpret scripture in favor of their re-written history and traditions, so too did the Pharisees of Jesus day.  Jesus directly  challenged their authority and their corporate interpretations.

Jesus said, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven." (Mat 5:18)

The instructions given by Christ to the Jews and the Nephites are in large part a commentary on the Books of Moses.  As the adversary has gone to great lengths to convince people that these books are old, out dated, archaic and “done away” the words of the Christ in his respective Sermon on the Mount and the Sermon at Bountiful are given as direct instructions on how to fulfill the terms of the Covenant given to Israel and renewed through him.

Loving God and Your Neighbor

There are those who believe that Jesus either changed or threw out the commandments thereby reducing them to just two- Love God and Love your neighbor:

“One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: ‘Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?

 Jesus replied, ‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:35-40)

This statement however is only a restatement of the Shema which is the pinnacle of God’s Instructions as given to Moses and is recited by known and recited by every Israelite to this day:
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.  And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-8)

The commandment to love your neighbor as yourself is found in Leviticus 19:17-18
“Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him. Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the Lord.”

The teachings of Jesus revealed the hypocrisy and priestcraft of the Pharisees.  By creating burdens of traditions and customs they transformed God’s instructions  as plainly taught by Moses into a weight too heavy to be born. They attempted to achieve righteousness through their check list of customs, performances, and ordinances.   In his Sermons, Jesus was bringing an end to the man made performances and ordinances by which people carried out the commandments he delivered to Moses at Sinai.  In doing so, he restored the Law to it’s proper interpretation and understanding—i.e. he fulfilled it and not one dotting of an I or crossing of a T had passed from the Law.

A Bond Servant of God - An Eye for An Eye—and other Laws

Isolated from the covenant Christ revealed to Moses at Mount Sinai, the teachings of the sermon at the temple in the land of Bountiful can easily be taken out of context and twisted into a body of law with no context to reference.  When taken in the context of the covenant given at Sinai, his words become clear as they explain the message he was trying to convey--As a Nation of Kings and Priests to God we are the bond servants of God. We see this relationship demonstrated by the greatest of all- Jesus Christ in humility washing the feet of his disciples- the work of a bond servant.  A bond servant in Israel was someone who was purchased at a price.  The servant was the property of the Master.  His will was not his own and retribution for injustice could only be through the desire and will of his Master.  With this image in mind, the teachings of "An eye for an eye" become plain as they are portrayed in their context:


“Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.  But I say unto you, 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 ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” ( Matthew 5:38-45)

There are those who cite the above passage to argue that in making the statements above Jesus was changing the law to a higher law.  To understand these passages one must know and appreciate the Torah of Moses to comprehend the teaching.  For example, in citing "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" he is referring to Exodus 21:20-27 that refers to the treatment of and behavior of bond servants.

Jesus is telling His disciples that if they belong to God (YHVH) then like a bond servant who is owned by God they must look to HIM for their justice and that they do not need to seek retribution or vengeance.   Like a bondservant we are to look to our Master for justice.  In declaring this teaching Jesus was not destroying the Torah of Moses but bringing them back to the heart of the covenant and restoring something that was always there in the commandments he gave to Moses.  By understanding that this teaching was given in reference to the words in Exodus he was explaining to them how he wanted them to see themselves in their relationship to him, that God was their Master , Judge, and protector.  He was teaching them how to fulfill (correctly interpret and perform) the laws that were already given so long ago.

Jesus Christ was blameless and innocent.  He did not deserve to be judged , hurt, and killed. Just as He came as a bond servant,  he did not seek his own will but the will of his Master. We as disciples must seek to do the will of our Master and walk in that relationship wherein he declares, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” (Romans 12:19)

With this in mind let us examine a very interesting statement made by Jesus, “ You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.”  Strangely this teaching to “hate your enemy” is not found in the written Books of Moses.  The statement would fall under the category of  performances (ma’asim) and ordinances (takanot) of the Law of Moses that developed over time.  It has been found among other writings (not the Torah) and the Essene Community as follows:

Loving and hating brethren; and duty to YAHWEH

“And these are the regulations of conduct for every man that would seek the inner vision in these times, touching what he is to love and what he is to hate.

He is to bear unremitting hatred towards all men of ill repute, and to be minded to keep in seclusion from them. He is to leave it to them to pursue wealth and mercenary gain, like servants at the mercy of their masters or wretches truckling to a despot.” (Manual of Discipline 9)

The Torah of Moses always taught that we should show kindness to an enemy when given the opportunity, “If you come upon your enemy’s ox or donkey that has strayed away, take it back to its owner. If you see that the donkey of someone who hates you has collapsed under its load, do not walk by. Instead, stop and help.” (Exodus 23:4-5)

As bond servants of Christ we are to follow the Torah of Moses and love our enemies and let God take care of the rest. In his sermons Jesus was pointing out that the different sects of Judaism were requiring things not specifically prescribed by the Torah of Moses.  They were neglecting  the “weightier” matters of the God's Commandments – justice, mercy, and faith. His words were meant to restore the understanding of the teachings and instructions originally delivered to Israel at Sinai.

Thou Shalt Not Kill

“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot (inferior), you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell (Matthew 5-21-22)

Here we see the depth of the Messiah’s instructions regarding the law of, “Thou shalt not commit murder.”  God cares about our heart and not just outward acts and appearances.   If we were to take the traditional Christian view that the Law of Moses was thrown out then a problem presents itself- As long as I don’t get angry with you, consider you an idiot, or curse you I am now totally allowed to commit pre-meditated murder.   God gave many instructions to Israel in the Torah of Moses to clarify the commandment of “thou shalt not commit murder”.  The commandment given at Sinai is the law and Jesus Christ’s instructions at Sinai teach us how to fufill that law by establishing the depth/intent  of that commandment.

When the Savior employed the phrase, “you have heard it said” in the New Testament or “You have heard it written” he is engaging a classical expression that introduces instructions from the Torah Beginning here and throughout the following section of the Sermon on the Mount, Yahusha uses a formulaic expression to introduce Torah instructions.  He is referring to the scriptures that both the Jews in Israel and the Nephites on this continents were familiar with as found in Exodus 20:13, "you shall not murder."  When Jesus pronounces, "but I say unto you...", he is properly interpreting the deeper meaning of these commandments found in the Torah of Moses.

Now, the sixth commandment, "do not murder," has a a different meaning than the translation often rendered “thou shalt not kill.”  The Hebrew word is ratsach, means premeditated murder."  It is talking about the planned and intentional taking of a man's life without sufficient cause.  It does not mean "put to death" as in reference to capital punishment.  There are situations when "putting someone to death" is the right thing to do such as in the case of certain "capital" crimes, such as premeditated murder, adultery, rape, kidnapping and the like.  In proper context the commandment is against premeditated homicide.

To fulfill (properly interpret and demonstrate) this commandment, the Savior gives his authoritative explanation of the commandment, “But I say unto you...."   Notice that Jesus does not nullify this commandment.  He does not tell his disciples that this commandment is no longer applicable. He does not "do away with" the commandment prohibiting premeditated murder.  Instead, he reveals the depth and intent of the command and how we should fulfill it by not even be angry with your brother without a cause.  Just as it would be sin to kill your brother without a just cause, likewise it is sin to be angry with your brother without a just cause.  And this is the correct interpretation of the sixth commandment.

Revealing the intimacy or depth of his interpretation he also states it is wrong to say "raca" or "you fool/idiot" to your brother.  His words clarify the Hebrew concept of lashon hara or “the evil tongue”. It  reveals the slippery slope of  name calling and character assassination when we are angry with someone.  His teaching explains that the sixth commandment forbids this kind of speech, because in many ways the evil tongue like premeditated murder cannot be undone once the act is committed.
 In Hebraic thought He is drawing our hearts to the second  great commandment to “love your brother like unto yourself, “You must not walk about as a slanderer among your people. You must not stand idly by when your neighbor's life is at stake. I am Yahuwah.  You must not hate your brother in your heart. You must surely reprove your fellow citizen so that you do not incur sin on account of him.  You must not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the children of your people, but you must love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:16-18).

Slander, hatred, vengeance and bearing a grudge are all precursors that lead to violence and murder. In putting the Saviors words back into their correct Torah context, these behaviors are implicitly forbidden to lead us to, “you must love your neighbor as yourself."

This is why it is so important to immediately take care of a situation in which you are angry with your brother or your brother is angry with you.  Drop everything you are doing, including offering up prayers and gifts to God, and do what you can to resolve the conflict.  The seed of anger allowed to take root in the heart leads to premeditated murder whether physical, spiritual, or reputation.

Free Yourself From Your Anger and Your Enemy

“So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. When you are on the way to court with your adversary, settle your differences quickly. Otherwise, your accuser may hand you over to the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, and you will be thrown into prison. And if that happens, you surely won’t be free again until you have paid the last penny.  (Matthew:  5:23-26)

Related to both murder and anger is the problem of an unresolved conflict with a brother or sister.  It is  quite typical that an unresolved issue between you and your brother that leads one to anger, and even murder.  Two principles are being addressed here,  the first is of an existing issue or disagreement  a brother still has with you.  The second is a brother who becomes an adversary who is looking to exact punishment on you for your offense against him.

The sacrifice being brought to the alter is a reference to the fellowship offering one brings to God as a gesture of thanks and request for divine favor.  As Jesus points out, one cannot stand in proper fellowship with God when there is an unresolved problem with a brother therefore one should first reconcile his problem with his brother and then can come before God with a pure heart to fellowship with Him.

The Book of Proverbs speaks to the issue of an adversary having something against you is one of the teachings Jesus is reiterating to his disciples. In dealing with a situation where you have not kept your word with your brother, the teachings of wisdom states:

 “My child, if you have put up security for a friend’s debt or agreed to guarantee the debt of a stranger—if you have trapped yourself by your agreement and are caught by what you said—follow my advice and save yourself, for you have placed yourself at your friend’s mercy. Now swallow your pride; go and beg to have your name erased. Don’t put it off; do it now! Don’t rest until you do. Save yourself like a gazelle escaping from a hunter, like a bird fleeing from a net.”  (Proverbs 6:1-5)

Just as the individual in this scripture finds them self in a position of indebtedness to his brother because he has made a vow or promise which he either has not or cannot perform, Jesus teaches us to do all we can to make right the wrong we have done to our brother before it leads to judgment, guilt, and prison.

Jesus is teaching in the Sermon on the Mount/ Temple that we need to correctly discern.  He draws our attention to the "letter of the Law" or “that which is written”.  He then goes on to explain the "spirit of the Law" or what is termed Halacha which is His authoritative instruction and interpretation of the Law.  The Halacha or "spirit of the Law" reveals the Lord’s interpretation and explanation of the meaning of the Law, but it does NOT nullify “that which is written”.  His words teach us how to interpret and carryout the commandments given by God in a manner that fills and writes his words in our  heart while upholding the words he engraved on the tablets of stone upon which his throne (The Ark of the Covenant) sits.

It seems strange to many that the Lord would go to such great lengths to illustrate what at first glance would seem "sundry" laws.  If we really step back and think about his instructions as a handbook for defining and creating covenant love with God and with our brother, then in reality what we have received is God's instructions on receiving grace (hesed) - or Covenant Love.  It is these instructions that give us the sayings that we may know how to worship and what we worship thereby growing from grace (hesed) to grace (hesed) receiving grace (hesed) for grace (hesed).

Grace = Hesed = Covenant Love

We worship the image we conform to. As a disciple, if we love God we practice and conform to the image (commandments) of covenant love given at the Sermon at the Temple. As we practice the instructions of covenant love, we create covenant love, and covenant love grows exponentially.  As we worship God in covenant love by keeping his commandments and love our neighbor according to the instructions of covenant love given by Christ, we create the sacred space of Zion.  In our weakness and desire to personify covenant love we reach up to heaven.  In response to this divine spark, the portals of Heaven open and the life giving fire that proceeds forth from the Altar of God in Heaven descend upon us in strength to become one with the spark that we offer upon the altar here on earth-like attracting like even, the earthly pattern reflecting the heavenly.

Part 3: The Coal that lights the Fire, The Altar of Mighty Prayer, and The Sacred Promises of the Messiah

The Heart of the Book of Mormon - The Heart of the Covenant (Part 1)

"There is in every true woman's heart, a spark of heavenly fire, which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity, but which kindles up and beams and blazes in the dark hour of adversity." (Washington Irving)

Within the writings of the prophet Nephi who was called by the voice of Christ from among the masses that had gathered at the Temple in the Land of Bountiful is a sacred heart.  This sacred and secret vault contains hidden within it a spark of heavenly fire taken directly from the altar that burns both night and day before the throne of our God.  Over time this spark of heavenly fire has been forgotten, but it has not grown cold-for that which comes from the realms of the eternal God can never be dimmed by time or the frail attendance of man. In the days of our prosperity we have lived in convenient forgetfulness seeking comfort from strange fire only to find that upon awakening to our awful situation we are cold and dark.  It is for this time of awakening that this spark of Heaven has been preserved. May we lay hold upon this sacred spark, counting all other counterfeits as dross and no worth, to approach the throne of Heaven and once again make an offering in righteousness-and from the fire of this offering in the Zion of our God may all Israel re-kindle their torches to stand again as lights to all the world.

3 Nephi - Opening the Sacred Vault - The Sacred Heart of God

Just as the Book of Leviticus (Vayikra - And He called) is the Heart of the Torah (Five Books of Moses) the Book of Third Nephi is the Heart of the Covenant of the Book of Mormon.  Contained within this Heart is the Express Image of God. Unlike Leviticus which contains the carnal or ritualistic pattern of God's Image, the Heart of Third Nephi is a first hand witness and testimony of a righteous branch of Israel who experienced a Day of Atonement and the presence of God restored among them- even Zion. Not recorded since the days of Sinai, had a group of people experienced the rushing of the Ruach Ha Kodesh (The Holy Spirit) filling them with life and the mind of God. It was a day when the presence of angelic holy ones was restored and the true tabernacle of God stood in the midst of a camp of Israelites being declared and marked as holy to the God of Israel.

Opening the Heart - It Begins with a Call

Holiness and Righteousness begins with a call.  As God called to Moses out of the tabernacle in the wilderness to establish a holy and upright people, Third Nephi begins with a sacred call of the voice of God out of Heaven to his people-a call that did cause their hearts to burn (sacred fire):

“And it came to pass that while they were thus conversing one with another, they heard a voice as if it came out of heaven; and they cast their eyes round about, for they understood not the voice which they heard; and it was not a harsh voice, neither was it a loud voice; nevertheless, and notwithstanding it being a small voice it did pierce them that did hear to the center, insomuch that there was no part of their frame that it did not cause to quake; yea, it did pierce them to the very soul, and did cause their hearts to burn.” (3 Nephi 11:3)

What was the Call? An Invitation to Covenant

"Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him." (3 Nephi 11:7)

The tabernacle of God descended from Heaven and stood in the midst of a camp of Israel.  The command given by Heaven that did pierce their soul-HEAR HIM.

Every Israelite who heard that voice understood the command that was being given to them.  It was the same command given to their Fathers, " Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates." (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)

SHEMA ISRAEL!  (Hear Israel).  Shema Is the command from God. IT MEANS LISTEN AND OBEY THE INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT TO BE GIVEN TO YOU. (*1)

"And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had appeared unto them.

And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying: Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning."(3 Nephi 11:8-11)

The name of God was revealed.  The tabernacle of God once again walked and dwelt among man. The womb of righteousness and holiness was being established.  Eden had been remembered even as Heaven and Earth became one among them. Where ancient Israel had had fallen short at Sinai  a righteous branch of Israel had risen to partake of the blessings God had promised to the Fathers (Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph).


The Name of God Revealed-Establishing the Order of the King-

Every Kingdom has a King and the people who are called by the name of the King and who are protected under his rule must take upon the name (commandments, character, and attributes) of their King.  The Order of the King commences as he issues his royal decrees.  Those who would be called by the name of the King demonstrate their change of heart or believing loyalty to him by immersion into living waters, the living grace of the God.

"And again the Lord called others, and said unto them likewise; and he gave unto them power to baptize. And he said unto them: On this wise shall ye baptize; and there shall be no disputations among you. Verily I say unto you, that whoso repenteth of his sins through your words, and desireth to be baptized in my name, on this wise shall ye baptize them—Behold, ye shall go down and stand in the water, and in my name shall ye baptize them.

And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying: Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come forth again out of the water. And after this manner shall ye baptize in my name; for behold, verily I say unto you, that the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost are one; and I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one. And according as I have commanded you thus shall ye baptize. And there shall be no disputations among you, as there have hitherto been; neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there have hitherto been." (3 Nephi 11:22-28)

Once the decree of the King of Israel had been given, now the confirmation of the decree is affirmed:

 "And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me. And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God. And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned.

 Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and I bear record of it from the Father; and whoso believeth in me believeth in the Father also; and unto him will the Father bear record of me, for he will visit him with fire and with the Holy Ghost. And thus will the Father bear record of me, and the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me; for the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost are one.

And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things. And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them." (3 Nephi 11:32-36)

The Foundation of Holiness had been established- all thing converging in the Son of God. It is the Key to unlocking the vault that contains the fire.  The Messiah of Israel is the covenant link between Heaven and Earth. He is the express image and tabernacle of God.  Believing loyalty (faith) to HIM, His Commandments, character, and attributes is they key to unlock the heart of the covenant that contains the spark of heavenly fire.

The King of Israel Declares the Conditions of Holiness- Our Divine Picture


What is Holiness? Holiness (kadosh) can mean not only “set apart” from something but also “set apart” to something. It is a positive concept, an inspiration and a goal associated with God’s nature and his desire for man. “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”  Holiness is the pattern God established for us to create and exemplify.  In regard to being a kingdom of priests is describes the condition of being blessed. In one sense holiness is what a life of Godliness is like.  Leviticus like 3 Nephi gives us a picture of the life of Godliness and the creation of sacred space.

The use of Hebraic poetic parallelism can be seen in the Sermon on the Mount and the Sermon at the Temple. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10) describe the condition of Holiness or the state of “Blessed”.

Blessed [are] the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.	Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.	Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Blessed [are] the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.	Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.	Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake/pursue righteousness: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Poor in Spirit = Meek

The word poor as used in Luke 4:18 is a quote from Isaiah 61:1.  The Hebrew word used is 'ânâv and means meek. In Hebraic thought "poor in spirit" means having nothing to offer God, and thus meek and humble, the opposite of  self-righteousness.  Numbers 12:3 uses the first of these to describe Moses as the meekest man on earth- there is no insinuation as to Moses' financial status or state of poverty.  Humility is action or discipline. It is not an outward act or performance of self-deprecation- “I am not worthy” cry, cry, cry. Humility was an active state of mind and being where the will of the servant has been yielded to the will of the Master.

To mourn = to hunger and thirst for righteousness

"Blessed are those that mourn", but how can mourning for the dead be a blessed state?  Mourning in the Psalms ( Psalms 119:136; 42:9; 43:2; 38:6) was often associated with grieving over personal sin, national sin, oppression from an enemy, over injustice, or over lack of respect for God's commandments. In this context the corresponding parallel in the Sermon at the Temple explains it perfectly, the mourners are "those who hunger and thirst for righteousness" for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost- the presence and mind of God.

We see an example of this type of mourning with Captain Moroni as he engages in the ritual of K’riah or the rending of his garments.  The ritual of the k'riah is often performed at a funeral in traditional Judaism.  It is an outward form of mourning that is reminiscent of a deeper stirring of the heart.

Captain Moroni's rending of his garments and is an act of mourning or hungering and thirsting after righteousness.

“11 And now it came to pass that when Moroni, who was the chief commander of the armies of the Nephites, had heard of these dissensions, he was angry with Amalickiah.
 12 And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole…
19 And when Moroni had said these words, he went forth among the people, waving the rent part of his garment in the air, that all might see the writing which he had written upon the rent part, and crying with a loud voice, saying:
 20 Behold, whosoever will maintain this title upon the land, let them come forth in the strength of the Lord, and enter into a covenant that they will maintain their rights, and their religion, that the Lord God may bless them.

 21 And it came to pass that when Moroni had proclaimed these words, behold, the people came running together with their armor girded about their loins, rending their garments in token, or as a covenant, that they would not forsake the Lord their God; or, in other words, if they should transgress the commandments of God, or fall into transgression, and be ashamed to take upon them the name of Christ, the Lord should rend them even as they had rent their garments.” (Moroni 46)


Comforted = filled/satisfied

These mourners and 'hungerers' will be 'filled'. One meaning of filled', would be 'satisfied' as when justice is seen to be done, when the wicked no longer prosper and the righteous are not oppressed. 3 Nephi 12 makes an interesting addition, “for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost- Ruach ha Kodesh.  Righteous Judgment (the balance between justice and mercy) is done when the Holy Ghost or mind of God is in the person and among the people.

Merciful = pure in heart

"Pure in heart" and "peacemakers" are both phrases that occur only here in the NT. The pure in heart according to Psalm 24:4 and Proverbs 20:9 are those without sin/rebellion or who engage in righteous or upright actions. The actual phrase "pure in heart" occurs also in Psalm 73:1, cf. Psalm 34:19, but comes primarily from Psalm 24:3-4

**In these two be-attitudes we are given to understand the condition between Justice and Mercy. See Alma 42: 19-27 for a re-statement of this eternal balance.

Peacemakers = persecuted/pursue righteousness

The “peacemakers” shall be called the “sons of God”.  Peace (Shalom) is a being at one with someone or in a covenant relationship with someone. The Hebrew underlying "son of” may also mean someone who acts according to the commandments, character, and attributes of person of which he is a son. Thus, a "son of peace" exhibits the commandments, character, and attributes of the author of the covenant.   He is a "son of God"with the image of God engraven in his countenance. Here God's character is that of a 'peacemaker' and the true disciple acts similarly and is called both a son of God and pursues peace-a condition of oneness with God/Christ.