Great Are the Words of Isaiah Part 1

How well do you understand the words of Isaiah? If you are like me and what I've been most of my life you say to yourself..."I can't understand this stuff, it doesn't make any sense." How important is it that we do understand this stuff anyway? During the Savior's visit to the Nephites , He said: 

"And now, behold, I say unto you, that ye ought to search these things. Yea, a commandment I give unto you that ye search these things diligently; for great are the words of Isaiah (3 Nephi 23:1)."

The Lord goes on to explain why the words of Isaiah are so great. In verses 2 through 4 he says: 

"For surely he spake as touching all things concerning my people which are of the house of Israel; therefore it must needs be that he must speak also to the Gentiles. And all things that he spake have been and shall be, even according to the words which he spake. Therefore give heed to my words; write the things which I have told you; and according to the time and the will of the Father they shall go forth unto the Gentiles."

I find the Lord's explanation quite interesting. He first explains that Isaiah prophesied all things concerning the house of Israel but this isn't His focus. The Lord says the reason why that's important is because he is speaking TO the Gentiles. The Lord again reiterates in verse 4 that His words will go forth UNTO the Gentiles. Isaiah's prophetic ministry was so important because he spent a lot of his efforts prophesying of and TO the gentiles.

So who are the gentiles? The answer to this question is spelled out rather clearly in the Book of Mormon, D&C, and teachings of Joseph Smith. In part one of this post, I would like to define who the gentiles are according to these prophetic sources. In future parts, I would like to offer some tips on how we can better understand Isaiah and share some powerful resources that are available that can complement our study of this fascinating prophet. 

We don't need to look far to find some clarification. The first instance is actually in the first paragraph of the title page (just before the table of contents). Explaining what the Book of Mormon is it says: 

"Wherefore, it is an abridgment of the record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites—Written to the Lamanites, who are a remnant of the house of Israel; and also to Jew and Gentile—Written by way of commandment, and also by the spirit of prophecy and of revelation—Written and sealed up, and hid up unto the Lord, that they might not be destroyed—To come forth by the gift and power of God unto the interpretation thereof—Sealed by the hand of Moroni, and hid up unto the Lord, to come forth in due time by way of the Gentile—The interpretation thereof by the gift of God."

Notice this paragraph identifies 3 distinct groups of people...the Lamanites, the Jews, and the Gentiles. Isn't it interesting that it doesn't identify the whole house of Israel, just the Lamanites who are a remnant (a remainder or residual) of the house of Israel? Implicit in this statement, the Book of Mormon isn't for the entire house of Israel but just for the Lamanites (who are of the house of Israel), to the Jews and to the Gentiles. If you feel the Book of Mormon has been a significant influence in your life and that you are one of the groups of people it was meant for, which category do you think you fall into? Are you a Lamanite, Jew or Gentile?

A second clue in this paragraph as to who the gentiles are is that it specifically states that the Book of Mormon would come forth by the Gentiles. It would be the gentiles responsibility to bring this sacred text forth. Since the restoration in 1830, it has been the gentiles who have been bringing the Book of Mormon forth. So, according to this responsibility, who are included in as part of the gentiles? Just look to see who has been bringing forth the Book of Mormon. 1 Nephi 13:35 also backs up this assertion given in the title page:

"For, behold, saith the Lamb: I will manifest myself unto thy seed, that they shall write many things which I shall minister unto them, which shall be plain and precious; and after thy seed shall be destroyed, and dwindle in unbelief, and also the seed of thy brethren, behold, these things shall be hid up, to come forth unto the Gentiles, by the gift and power of the Lamb."

In 2nd Nephi chapter 10, Nephi's brother Jacob explains that the land he is living in (modern day America) would be a choice land to the gentiles:

"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. And I will fortify this land against all other nations. (verse 9-12)."

So, if you have been one who has been blessed to live in America and have been part of a group that has been charged to bring forth the Book of Mormon, chance are you are a gentile. The Lord states in D&C 14:10 that he will use the gentiles to bring the fullness of His gospel to the house of Israel. Some well meaning members of the LDS church assume that because they have been baptized and received a Patriarchal blessing, they are no longer a gentile. This simply is not the case. The Holy Ghost does however have the power to purge out one's gentile blood and make him or her literally a part of the house of Israel (see TPJS pg. 149-150) but this isn't automatic based on one's membership in the LDS Church.

We know this is the case by looking at the Prophet Joseph Smith's 1836 dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland temple in D&C 109. He was very clear about which group the Latter-Day Saints belonged to. Joseph prays in verse 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."

In the verses that follow, the prophet goes on to pray for the remnants of the house of Israel (who the saints aren't identified with). 

Just as a side note, the first Patriarch, Joseph Smith Sr. was ordained in December of 1833 and had been giving Patriarchal Blessings for around two years before the temple dedication. In fact, Joseph Smith Jr. received his patriarchal blessing from his father on December 9, 1834 (http://josephsmithpapers.org/paperSummary/blessing-from-joseph-smith-sr-9-december-1834). 

 If by virtue of becoming a member of the LDS church through baptism, conformation or receiving a patriarchal blessing, the Prophet Joseph Smith would not have identified the members of the church at the time of the dedication of the Kirtland temple as Gentiles. 

Odds are that if you are reading this blog, you are a gentile. I'm a gentile. Isaiah is important to us gentiles because, as the Savior said, Isaiah spoke to us, the gentiles. In the next post, I will discuss some tools and resources that we the gentiles have been given to help us better understand Isaiah's prophecies.

Authority of the Leaders of the Church

Doctrine & Covenants section 107 is a revelation on priesthood that was given to the Prophet Joseph Smith around April 1835. The Lord outlines in verses 22-26 the authority of the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve, and the Seventy:

22 Of the Melchizedek Priesthood, three Presiding High Priests, chosen by the body, appointed and ordained to that office, and upheld by the confidence, faith, and prayer of the church, form a quorum of the Presidency of the Church.
 23 The twelve traveling councilors are called to be the Twelve Apostles, or special witnesses of the name of Christ in all the world—thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling.
 24 And they form a quorum, equal in authority and power to the three presidents previously mentioned.
 25 The Seventy are also called to preach the gospel, and to be especial witnesses unto the Gentiles and in all the world—thus differing from other officers in the church in the duties of their calling.
 26 And they form a quorum, equal in authority to that of the Twelve special witnesses or Apostles just named.

 Notice that the Lord's instructions are very clear. The First Presidency, Quorum of the 12 and Quorum of the Seventy are EQUAL IN AUTHORITY. But that's not it. Skipping down to verses 36-37 the Lord outlines the authority of the standing high councils at the stakes of Zion (referred to stake high councilors today):

36 The standing high councils, at the stakes of Zion, form a quorum equal in authority in the affairs of the church, in all their decisions, to the quorum of the presidency, or to the traveling high council.
 37 The high council in Zion form a quorum equal in authority in the affairs of the church, in all their decisions, to the councils of the Twelve at the stakes of Zion.  

 Looking at the church hierarchy in our day, the Brethren have departed from what the Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith. This was in large part due to the actions Brigham Young took as the Presiding member of the quorum of the twelve for the three years between the time Joseph Smith was martyred until three years later when a new first presidency was organized and he was sustained as president of the church. Today we have a top down hierarchy, not a church with several quorums equal in authority.

I believe the Lord established this pattern in his wisdom because he knows that it is the "nature and disposition of all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion (D&C 121:39)" The Lord, in his wisdom, counseled  Joseph to put safeguards into place to help prevent this flaw from manifestation itself. I believe by taking a sober look at church history and the affairs of the church today, we can see the damage that ignoring this prophetic advise has caused.

This is My Doctrine

I think it’s worth noting that Christ very narrowly described to the Nephites during his post-resurrection ministry what his doctrine exactly is in 3 Nephi chapter 11 verses 32-36:

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.

He then repeats himself by plainly restating two more times what His doctrine is in verses 37-39:

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.

That’s it! That is His doctrine, nothing else! Reading on to verse 40, Christ issues a very stern warning in regards to His doctrine:

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.

Notice he states that if anybody adds or takes away from that pure doctrine of His, He says it’s evil! It’s interesting to note that out of all the teachings, tenants, practices, theologies and ideas that ever were espoused and are currently taught within Mormonism, this new policy banning a child whose primary resident is with an LGBT  parent, directly contradicts the narrowly prescribed and pure doctrine Of Christ according to His words to the Nephites. Is this new policy not therefore “evil” according to the Book of Mormon?

Now, you might be thinking, but this is just a policy change so it doesn’t matter. Of all the policies the church has, continues to, and will implement, do you think it is wise to set up a policy that directly conflicts with His doctrine?

Where to Start?

The best resources available to us to study the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ are as follows:

• The Scriptures
• Lectures on Faith by Joseph Smithhttp://lecturesonfaith.com/(considered scripture)
• The Teachings of Joseph Smith (from The Words of Joseph Smith or Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith)

If you are ready to learn the knowledge that God awaits to shower you with, you need to study the above resources prayerfully. If you do, I promise that you will be taught by the Holy Ghost as I have. 

You will also begin to see just how much we have strayed from the Gospel of Jesus Christ that was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith.

The following are false traditions that have hijacked the restoration and are commonly taught in our day as to what we must do to in order to be saved:

• Follow the Living Prophet
• Read the Ensign
• Watch General Conference Every 6 Months
• Pour Over the Words Spoken at General Conference afterwards until the next General Conference
• Attend Weekly Church Meetings
• Frequently Participate in Family History and Temple Work
• And Much More...

These things are distractions, these things eat up the precious little time we have. Not all of the things in the above list are bad per se, but focusing on these things interferes with our growth and progression. If you're still reading this, you probably think I'm some kind of heretic! Allow me to present you with a challenge...

Alma 32 describes a process that each of must go through if we want to obtain knowledge in the following verses:

27 But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.
 28 Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.

Notice what we must do in order for the seed to begin to work within us. We can not cast it out by our unbelief. We can't be doubtful, we can't reject it by adhering to current beliefs that may be wrong. The scriptures use the word unbelief to mean more than just a lack of belief...it also means a belief in something that is not correct. 

Also notice the fruits (or how we tell) whether or not the Word is good? It's more than just a good feeling (however that can be part of it). Notice we will feel our souls enlarge, we will feel edified in our learning by our understanding being enlightened. Both our heart and mind will tell us that the seed is good. 

 29 Now behold, would not this increase your faith? I say unto you, Yea; nevertheless it hath not grown up to a perfect knowledge.
 30 But behold, as the seed swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, then you must needs say that the seed is good; for behold it swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow. And now, behold, will not this strengthen your faith? Yea, it will strengthen your faith: for ye will say I know that this is a good seed; for behold it sprouteth and beginneth to grow.
 31 And now, behold, are ye sure that this is a good seed? I say unto you, Yea; for every seed bringeth forth unto its own likeness.
 32 Therefore, if a seed groweth it is good, but if it groweth not, behold it is not good, therefore it is cast away.
 33 And now, behold, because ye have tried the experiment, and planted the seed, and it swelleth and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, ye must needs know that the seed is good.
 34 And now, behold, is your knowledge perfect? Yea, your knowledge is perfect in that thing, and your faith is dormant; and this because you know, for ye know that the word hath swelled your souls, and ye also know that it hath sprouted up, that your understanding doth begin to be enlightened, and your mind doth begin to expand.

Again, notice that it is more than just a good feeling, but it's an "enlightening." It's as if you were in a dark room and you shined a flashlight straight ahead. The flashlight would illuminate the way before you and you would see. The Holy Ghost operates in a very similar way. Once you "see" something by the Holy Ghost illuminating you with a piece of knowledge (that already existed, you just haven't seen it yet) you know it is real, you know it exists because you have seen it. 

 35 O then, is not this real? I say unto you, Yea, because it is light; and whatsoever is light, is good, because it is discernible, therefore ye must know that it is good..."

Here you go...it is light, that flash light. The Holy Ghost illuminates us with light and intelligence. 

 I urge each of you to "experiment on His word" and test this process for yourselves to see if what I'm saying is true. For the next year, use the three resources I outlined above (and others as the Spirit leads you to them) as the focus of your gospel study. Make sure to do so prayerfully, asking God to teach you. After all, what do you have to lose? If you have a testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith as I do, why not begin a more in depth study of what he actually taught? What do you have to lose?