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"APOSTASY" "An Abandonment of a previous loyalty" (Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary 1987 Edition ) " An abandondoning of what one believed in, as a faith...principles, etc. (Webster's New World Dictionary, 1945 Edition)

WHO AND WHAT IS ISRAEL?

Mankind's presence upon this world did not just happen nor is it an accident; there is a divine purpose for the existence of man. Man does dwell upon this earth in accordance with that divine plan, and he is here also by his own willing agreement -- this is true of each and every human who has ever been present, or who will ever be present upon this world. It has been a quandary and a concern for the human mind to investigate and to search for the answers to the Great Questions of Life: Who am I? What am I doing here? What does the unknown future hold for me? Are there preplanned purposes in the human life? How may I learn such important answers? Is there really an unseen God who directs overall? And of what worth am I?

There is a True and Living God who is, in very truth, the Father of both our bodies and of our eternal spirits. He is a loving, kind, generous, powerful, and exacting God with body, parts and passions, and who can, and who has, and who does come out of His hiding place, (when it becomes necessary), to chastise, punish, condemn, and display His Righteous Anger upon those of His children who are His errant sons and daughters here upon the earth. There is a Plan designed for the eternal welfare of each and every one of His offspring. This Plan was designed, tested and approved in the Heavens before the foundations of this earth were laid. We, who are His children, were taught the Plan, and we accepted, and we agreed to abide by it's precepts.

We had grown and developed in our Heavenly Home at the feet of our Heavenly Parents, but we had not all developed at the same rate nor had we attained the same level of the divine attributes. The ultimate goal of our training was to become the same as were our Heavenly Parents -- to become fully developed Gods and Goddesses, while now, as then, we were only as "to become such". Thus, we each entered mortality as a part of the Plan to develop us "to become such". Those of God's children who had proven themselves in their past experiences to be "near the top of their class" in this School Of The Gods were identified as "Soldiers of God" or, in Hebrew language, Israel. 1

Those who had qualified, or merited, the title of Israelite were born to earth into that sacred family or sacred lineage -- and have been identified as the "chosen seed" -- ISRAEL. It is this group of people who have been identified as those to whom God would directly reveal His Will; these are they who would carry the responsibility of the Holy Priesthood -- who would write and preserve the Scriptures -- who would be the "leaven" of the world -- who would be most likely to so live their lives that they may attain their "Calling and Election Made Sure". From this level they could then progress, by the Grace of God, onward and upward in their quest to receive Godhood in the Celestial Realms having so increased in the Gifts of the Spirit, and also having acquired the qualities of the Divine Nature while in their multiple mortal probation of earth life.

The Heavenly Father, therefore, is greatly interested and concerned with the behavior of those of His children known as ISRAEL, and so, He anxiously labors with each one, and also with them as a group. When they reject Him by way of not following the pattern of life which He has set forth for them to follow He is grieved. When Israel, as a people, or any individual Israelite, rejects God and the Plan of Salvation as proposed by the True and Living God, this constitutes APOSTASY . Their progression has become retrogression -- they are in danger of losing all which they have previously merited from God, their Father.

"There is an opposition in all things" 2 , and the opposition to the progress of mankind toward Godhood 3 is by he who is known as the master of evil, the greatest of all liars and deceivers, the one called Lucifer who at one time was known in the Heavens as "a son of the Morning" 4 , or "light bearer", and is now known as Satan, the "prince of darkness" 5 . His avowed plan is to bring to pass the destruction and the misery of all men and women. It is he who labors night and day to bring Israel into apostasy.

The Holy Scriptures record that each time when God has "set His Hand" to teach and to redeem Israel -- we solemnly testify that each time that He has sent Heavenly messengers to Israel to restore lost Priesthood and truth and knowledge to Israel -- that each time that He has raised up true prophets and revealed His Will to Israel -- that each time that He has established an organization to function as a teaching tool for Israel -- We testify that that each time He has done these things Satan has thrown his most powerful weapons and captains to war against Israel in an all-out attempt to bring about THE APOSTASY OF ISRAEL from the True and Living Principles of Righteousness. We also testify that history has recorded that in virtually every instance Satan has succeeded in bringing to pass the APOSTASY OF ISRAEL as a people. There are two notable exceptions. The first is the righteousness of the children of God who were the people of the "City of Enoch". The second exception is the people of Melchizedek. These people "were of one heart and one mind" and they established kingdoms upon the earth of the "pure in heart". They were the "elect" of God at that time. In every other time period Satan has so powerfully influenced God's Elect People that he has eventually brought about their apostasy and utter downfall.

The war continues between Righteousness and Evil -- Christ will have a people who will follow Him at all costs -- a people who will be willing to sacrifice everything they possess for God and His Ways. While there have been, from time to time, certain select groups of Israelites who have been a blessing to God in this respect, these successes have been few, but the prophets have declared it -- Christ will have such a people -- they are called a Zion People, of one mind and one heart , pure hearts. The prophets have also declared that these people will be gathered 6 and do this "great and marvelous work" in these, the LAST DAYS.

God's people became known as ISRAELITES upon the renaming of Jacob to Israel 1, and they are known by that name even yet today. The Latter Day Saints or the "Mormons" have been called to be the Latter Day Israel people -- however, they, too, have entered through the doors labeled "APOSTASY". In this paper you will be shown, in brief, what are the elements of apostasy; the documentation of some of the apostasies of Israel from history; (beginning with the very first apostate, Cain), and the astounding details of the present apostate condition of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints -- the "Mormons" -- modern Israel. Many "Mormons" still believe that it is impossible that their church could ever do exactly what Israel has done in times past, that is, to apostasize; however, we testify that the facts of history reveal the definite and disastrous pattern of a very real, and a very deep apostasy which has overtaken them. We testify that "God's Hand is stretched out still", and that there is still yet a little time left for individuals to repent before His promised judgments "begin upon My House", upon modern Israel. 7

THE ELEMENTS OF APOSTASY:

In the Book Of Mormon, 1 Nephi 22:23, are listed six basic elements which will cause a church, or an individual, to be "consumed as stubble; (or become apostate and be cast off) ... according to the words of the prophet".

Here is that list as written by Nephi, the son of Lehi:

"...all churches which are built up TO GET GAIN,

and all those who are built up TO GET POWER OVER THE FLESH,

and those who are built up TO BECOME POPULAR IN THE EYES OF THE WORLD,

and those who SEEK THE LUSTS OF THE FLESH, AND THE THINGS OF THE WORLD,

and TO DO ALL MANNER OF INIQUITY;

Yea, in fine, ALL THOSE WHO BELONG TO THE KINGDOM OF THE DEVIL ARE THEY WHO NEED TO FEAR, AND TREMBLE, AND QUAKE;

THEY ARE THOSE WHO MUST BE BROUGHT LOW IN THE DUST; THEY ARE THEY WHO MUST BE CONSUMED AS STUBBLE; and this is according to the words of the prophet".

For the purposes of this paper this is a six point summary which will be used as the reference focus to illustrate the APOSTASY OF ISRAEL in the various periods of time, in the past, as well as in the present.

`1. To get GAIN; meaning to get money, wealth, riches, stocks, bonds, bank accounts, gold, silver, etc.

2. To get POWER; meaning to control other individuals, groups, peoples, nations, principalities, kingdoms, governments, etc.

3. To be POPULAR; meaning acceptance, friendliness, very well liked by others, pride, etc.

4. To seek the LUSTS OF THE FLESH; meaning to seek for fine houses, expensive autos, luxury electronic devices, fashions, etc.; and excessive; sports, recreation, travel, "partys", "better jobs to get more money to get more things", mothers in the workplace, a preoccupation for the material wealth. etc.

5. ALL MANNER OF INIQUITY; meaning sex sins, lying, stealing, covetness, dishonor, taking advantage of ones neighbor, wasting time, foul language, murder, bearing false witness, etc.

6. ALL THOSE WHO BELONG TO THE KINGDOM OF THE DEVIL; meaning that whenever a person practices the ways of Satan in his life he has become one of Satan's followers. This is especially true of an ISRAELITE. Perhaps this quotation of Satan's is familiar? "I have a word to say concerning these people [the latter day saints in the endowment company]. If they do not walk up to every covenant they make at these altars in this temple this day, THEY WILL BE IN MY POWER 8 "

Those who follow after the "New Age" philosophies, and who seek after "familiar spirits" belong to the devil's kingdom as well as those who engage in or support wicked government, an those who exercise unrighteous dominion, who condemn the righteous, and who persecute the true Saints of God belong to the devil's kingdom. Also, those who commit whoredoms, as well as those who allow the influence of Satan in their decision making processes are supporters of that same kingdom. And those who are greedy and do not share with the needy and the widows are subjects in the devil's kingdom. etc.

Thus we see that Nephi has outlined very carefully and correctly the elements of apostasy, whether a group of people, or for an individual person.

We will now investigate eleven histories of the people of God, to determine if these six conditions existed in past apostasies of Israel:

THE FIRST APOSTATE - CAIN; Cain murdered his brother Able 9 . He became the first apostate. How, and why?

1. To get GAIN. He coveted his brother's possessions. He loved temporal wealth and pleasures. Cain desired not only to possess his own food and granaries, but he would now possess his brothers flocks and increase his wealth with meat, wool, and skins -- things valuable for clothing as well as for tents, etc.

2. To get POWER: Cain had accepted the influence of Satan. Therefore he has been tempted to lust for the power which he would possess because of the increased wealth of his brother's possessions.

3. Cain was PRIDEFUL AND JEALOUS; Cain offered an offering unto the Lord which was different from that which the Lord had specified and which was to be offered "in righteousness". Joseph Smith said that this "signifies, then, that the ordinances must be kept in the very way God has appointed; otherwise their priesthood will prove a cursing instead of a blessing" 10 . Pride begets anger -- prideful people demonstrate anger quite easily. Cain murdered in anger. Note the prideful answer which Cain retorted to the Lord when he said; "Am I my brothers keeper?" -- for he attempted to deceive the Lord.

Cain was jealous of his brother's acceptance by the Lord, for Able's offering was according to the prescription of the Ordinance of Sacrifice -- in similitude of the Sacrifice of Christ yet to come -- while Cain's offering was contrary to the prescription of the Lord as he presented an inferior offering NOT of the firstlings of the flock. Cain must have been further antagonized for to keep the Law he would have had to bargain with Able, his brother, in order to obtain an unblemished lamb, for Cain was a tiller of the soil and had no lambs while Able was a shepherd.

4. LUSTS OF THE FLESH: Satan's suggestion that Cain could "buy anything in this world for money" 11 appealed to Cain for he could then own the wealth of Able's flocks. Cain could now possess any of the luxuries of his day and time, for he now would have all the security and goods possible for him; food supplies, and these animal products would allow him to bargain for many other products of the world in which he lived such as tools, shelters, clothing, beasts of burden, and other goods. Some suppose that Cain and Able were the only children of Adam and Eve at this time, but this is not so. The Book of Moses (5: 2-3) records that "Adam knew his wife and she bare unto him son and daughters, and they began to multiply and to replenish the earth. And from that time forth, the sons and daughters of Adam began to divide two and two in the land ... and they also begat sons and daughters." Moses 5: 28 further explains that: "...Cain took one of his brothers' daughters to wife, and they loved Satan more than God."

5. ALL MANNER OF INIQUITY: Cain had previously been tempted into evil and iniquitous ways through associations with Satan. It goes without saying that when one "loves Satan more than God" that he becomes filled with ALL manner of iniquity. Cain was a Satan worshiper -- he practiced witchcraft as well.

6. CAIN BELONGED TO THE KINGDOM OF THE DEVIL: "Cain loved Satan more than God." 12 Satan had found a willing ear to lead astray from the teachings of Adam. As Cain now belonged to the devil's kingdom he embraced all of his evil program, and he swore unto Satan by his"throat" an oath as Satan agreed to "do according to (Cain's) commandments", and this all was kept in secret. Cain said, "Truly I am Mahan, the master of this great secret, that I may murder and get GAIN. Wherefore Cain was called Master Mahan, and he gloried in his wickedness" 13.

And so we see that in the very beginning Satan was continuing his evil work upon the children of God. He began to deceive when he attempted to induce Eve to believe in his evil ways, and he added upon his efforts by "making a deal" with Cain, the First Apostate. To this day Satan has not relented -- he is exercising great power upon men of Israel and of non-Israel, but especially upon the Israelites. Indeed, in our very day "we live in that time of which the Lord spoke when he said, 'Peace shall be taken from the earth, AND THE DEVIL SHALL HAVE POWER OVER HIS OWN DOMINION." (President Ezra Taft Benson, Phd. Ldrshp Mtg 4 April 1986 Quoting D&C 1:35).

THE APOSTASY FROM THE TRUTH IN THE DAYS FROM ADAM TO ENOCH:

Adam and Eve received commandments from the Lord, and as good parents do, they taught their children the Holy Principles: "And Adam and Eve blessed the name of God, and they made all things known unto their sons and daughters." ( Moses 5: 12) -- thus we see that the foundation of truth and righteousness was being to taught to the children of Adam and Eve commencing at the beginning of time. Any deviation from these principles constitutes a degree of apostasy. "And Satan came among them saying: I am a son of God; and he commanded them, saying: Believe it not; and they believed it not, and they loved Satan more than God. And men began from that time forth to be carnal, sensual, and devilish. And the Lord God called upon men by the Holy Ghost everywhere and commanded them that they should repent. And as many as believed in the Son, and repented of their sins should be saved; and as many as believed not and repented not, should be damned; and the words went forth out of the mouth of God in a firm decree..." ( Moses 5: 13-15).

The influence of evil in the world went forth from that time, and the eternal conflict between good and evil has continued in full force upon this earth, as it does in all probationary worlds, for such becomes the refining forces in the struggle to make men into either Gods or devils.

he scriptures continue to record the apostate condition of the Dispensation of Adam: "And in those days Satan had GREAT DOMINION among men, and RAGED IN THEIR HEARTS; and from thenceforth came wars and bloodshed; for a man's hand was against his own brother, in administering death, because of secret works, seeking for POWER." (Moses 6: 15). God spoke to Enoch and revealed the apostate condition which existed at that time: God said: "...prophecy unto this people and say unto them -- Repent, for thus saith the Lord: I am angry with this people, and my fierce anger is kindled against them; for their hearts have waxed hard, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes cannot see afar off; And for these many generations, ever since I created them, have they gone astray, and HAVE DENIED ME, AND HAVE SOUGHT THEIR OWN COUNSELS

IN THE DARK; AND IN THEIR OWN ABOMINATIONS HAVE THEY DEVISED MURDER, AND HAVE NOT KEPT THE COMMANDMENTS, WHICH I GAVE UNTO THEIR FATHER, ADAM.

Wherefore , they have forsworn themselves, and, by their oaths, have they brought upon themselves death; and a hell I have prepared for them, if they repent not, and this is a decree...". (Moses 6: 27-29).

It is plain to understand that, by the Lord's own words and chastisements, that apostasy had occurred among the people of that day. Let us examine the records to see if the pattern outlined by Nephi applies here.

1. Get GAIN: Murder by secret combination to get GAIN.

2. Get POWER: Murder and bloodshed by the raging of Satan in their hearts is lusting for POWER.

3. PRIDE: The desire to be "above" or better than another man is PRIDEFUL. Anger reveals PRIDE.

4. LUSTS OF THE FLESH: Sensual means lustful, licentious, lewd; a preoccupation with bodily sexual pleasure. Carnal refers to worldly things as opposed to spiritual things.

5. ALL MANNER OF INIQUITY: "And thus the WORKS OF DARKNESS BEGAN TO PREVAIL AMONG ALL THE SONS OF MEN."

6. ALL THOSE WHO BELONG TO THE KINGDOM OF THE DEVIL: "And Satan had GREAT DOMINION among men.." Save but a few righteous people, men had accepted the precepts of their adopted ruler, that evil one, Satan.

Apostasy from the revealed truth of the True and Living God became the chosen path in the days of Adam for almost all men. One, however, who sought after the Ways of God was Enoch, the son of Jared, who "taught Enoch in all the ways of God". (Moses 6: 21)

THE APOSTASY FROM THE TRUTH IN THE DAYS FROM ENOCH TO NOAH:

Enoch, according to the records which modern man has available, was the only Servant of God who succeeded in building a Zion Community which did not fall into apostasy. The people of Enoch, so called, were of such righteousness, of such oneness with each other and with God, were so "pure in heart" that their entire nation was removed en mass from the earth: "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" 14. Thus, we see the opposite of apostasy is when people so live the Principles and Ordinances of the Gospel that they become a Zion people. This has been the vision revealed to all the Holy Prophets since the world began; it was revealed to this man, Enoch. Read of his vision of the Last Days (the days in which we now live) in Moses 7: 58-67. That great Last Days Zion is even now on the threshold of being built by the decree of the Living God, and by the Remnant often spoken of in scripture.

A contemporary of Enoch was Noah. The Lord said to Enoch, in reference to the world of wickedness which existed outside of Zion -- the world in which Noah dwelt; " ...gave I unto man his agency; and unto thy brethren have I said, and also gave a commandment, that they should love one another, and that they should chose me, their Father; but behold, they are without affection, and they hate their own blood; and the fire of mine indignation is kindled against them; and in my hot displeasure will I send in the floods upon them, for my fierce anger is kindled against them. Behold, I am God..." 15

Noah, "perfect in his generation, and he walked and talked with God" 16, observed that "The earth was corrupt before God, and it was filled with violence". God looked and saw that "all flesh had corrupted its way upon the earth" 17 . Full and complete apostasy had filled the hearts of mankind at that time as they followed their substitute ruler, Satan -- that man of evil. They, too, were living the six elements of apostasy which Nephi had outlined. 18

THE APOSTASY FROM TRUTH IN THE DAYS FOLLOWING THE FLOOD:

Only eight souls survived the Great Flood as all wickedness was flushed away in the baptism of the earth, a cleansing, a type and shadow of the forgiveness of sins of which baptism represents. Noah and his three sons had each "walked and talked with God" before the flood 19. God had, once again, a few righteous men with which to attempt again to establish a Zion people. But Satan, once again, would renew his efforts to cause an apostasy from the right ways of the Lord. Once again wickedness was upon the earth as the temptations of evil appealed to the man Nimrod; "he was more wicked than all the men that were before him, from the days of the flood until those days". Nimrod "taught all his subjects and the people of the earth his wicked ways" 20 ; and so an apostasy of the children of God who were the descendants of Noah was again upon the earth. All six of the elements of apostasy which Nephi outlined are apparent. The works of darkness and evil had once again influenced man to "transgress the Laws, (and to) change the ordinance" 21 . "so the Lord scattered them abroad thence upon the face of all the earth...", part of their punishment was the confounding of their language, and the scattering of the people abroad in the earth. This was a profound and complete apostasy. But, as always, there was a "small remnant" of people who desired to keep the commandments of God. They are known to history as the Jaredites. They were led to the American Continent, but, alas, they too became apostates for the same six causes which Nephi itemizes, and the civilization which they established crumbled. 22

THE APOSTASY OF ISRAEL FOLLOWING THE DAYS OF MOSES:

The children of Israel settled in the land of Egypt following the reunion of Joseph with his father (whose name the Lord changed to Israel) and his eleven brothers, and there they dwelt for about 215 years 23 during which time they became a nation of slaves to the Pharaoh. Such was the condition when the Lord raised up a "Deliverer" named Moses. Miracle upon miracle was performed by the Lord in behalf of the Israelites as they were led out of bondage across the Red Sea and into the desert where, because of their rebellion, they wandered for forty years. Moses was taken from their midst and Joshua became their leader as they then went across the Jordan River into the "Promised Land".

When Joshua died so did the unified spirit of Israel and there followed a four hundred year period of apostasy. "... And there arose another generation after them ( "them" -- Joshua and the Elders), which knew not the Lord, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel."24 The books of the Judges recount the wicked apostasy of these people of Israel as they joined the kingdom of the devil, and " went a whoreing after other gods" 25 , and "served Baalim and the groves" 26, and "they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way , and the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel; and he said, ... this people hath transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers, and have not hearkened unto my voice". 27

Scripture recounts five rebellions against God and Moses by the congregation of Israel in the wilderness. 28 The forces of temptation of the flesh, pride, and the rejection of the commandments of God, combined with the appeal of the kingdom of the devil resulted in the collapse of these people of God into another apostate condition -- again.

THE APOSTASY OF ISRAEL IN THE DAYS OF JEREMIAH:

Jeremiah was a Levite in Israel, born about 640 BC. He was personally called by the Voice of the Lord to be a prophet to the people; however, he never was one of the "General Authorities" of the church in those days, (as is very often the case), yet he is universally regarded as one of the great prophets of Israel. Thus we see that the Lord calls and uses men according to His Will and not upon the limited concepts of man. We see the same truth in the calling of many of His choicest prophets and leaders; Example: Lehi, Nephi, Alma, David, Enoch, Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Isaiah, Peter, James, John, Paul, Joseph Smith, none of whom were called from the ranks of the "ordained church leaders". Could the Lord duplicate such a call in the Last Days?

The evils practiced in the days of Jeremiah were so blatant and severe that the Lord said: "For my people (Israel) have committed two evils; they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water." 29 Israel had adopted the wicked religions of the fertility gods, had put the true prophets of God to the sword; had murdered many, and had shed innocent blood by offering up their children as human sacrifices (we ask, is abortion murder, is it not the "shedding of innocent blood"? According to the present LDS Handbook of Instructions, abortion is no longer to be considered to be murder, and no longer is one subject to excommunication from the church for killing an unborn child. Is not the sacrifice of human babies a violation of the command to "multiply and replenish the earth"?); gross immorality addicted the people -- committing adultery, and frequenting the houses of harlots -- "every one neighed after his neighbor's wife" 30

They began to depend upon the "arm of flesh" by instituting treaties with other nations instead of being dependent upon the Lord for protection. (Does this remind one of the 1890 Mormon "Manifesto" fiasco, or the rejection of the U.S. Constitution and of the first Ten Amendments thereto? 31); The Judges became so corrupt that they no longer depended upon the Lord and His Law, but rather that the people became dependent upon "prophets" who were not true prophets, but were servants and hirelings of Satan. 32 The people took pride in much learning and sophisticated intellectualism which greatly displeased the Lord; "THEY ARE WISE TO DO EVIL, BUT TO DO GOOD THEY HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE." 33 Apostasy, so distasteful to the Lord, had again overtaken Israel. As in all such cases the Lord extended His hand by way of an invitation to repentance -- even as did LDS President Ezra Taft Benson when he pleaded with Latter Day Israel to repent, and to shed the Lord's condemnation as charged in D&C 84: 54-58. (See Ensign May 1986 pg. 77 , "A Sacred Responsibility"&"Cleansing The Inner Vessel" pg 4).

As one reads of this time in Israel's history it is clear that Israel repeated Nephi's list completely, all six of them. (Read of Jeremiah's life as a prophet in Jeremiah Chapters 2 - 24). The people and their leaders had insulted God with every kind of crime and immorality for they truly became an apostate people, yet they would not acknowledge their gross sins before God, nor would they repent, for no amount of warning by the prophet Jeremiah would turn them from their course, and, as always eventually happens, a wicked people will reap the whirlwind of a just and angry God -- in their case it was the captivity by the Babylonians. God has told modern Israel what will be their just rewards. Read D&C 112: 23: - 26. The Lord is so serious about this coming vengeance upon his people, Israel, that he says "thus saith the Lord" three times in these three verses!

THE PROPHET LEHI AND APOSTATE ISRAEL AT JERUSALEM:

As the cloud of apostasy hung over Jerusalem during the ministry of Jeremiah the Lord called many others to be prophets to warn the children of Israel and call them to repentance; one of these prophets was Lehi. Lehi was a servant of God, but he was not one of the "General Authorities" of the church at that time. Jerusalem was about to be destroyed and the Lord had already sent Jeremiah, (who also was not one of the "General Authorities"), to warn Israel of the impending disaster; however, he, and the Lord's message, were both rejected; The Book of Mormon informs us that "there came many prophets prophesying unto the people"34 , as the Lord kept His promise to warn the people of the great destruction about to befall them. God is the same in all generations of time and changes not 35 -- He is even now sending His Servants, the prophets, to warn the people of modern Israel of the coming calamities 36 . Will Israel listen and repent ? Or will they be like Laman and Lemuel who said "We know that the people of Jerusalem [or Salt Lake City] were a righteous people" (1Ne17:22) and pay no heed to the warnings sent to them? The apostate condition in Lehi's "home town" was so very severe that his life was sought to be taken by "the faithful" of the church.(1 Nephi :20) Is a similar condition apparent in modern Israel? Do the "faithful" persecute those who are sent to warn them? Are many unrighteously excommunicated in the LDS community?

THE APOSTASY FROM THE TRUTH OF THE KINGDOM OF KING NOAH:

Alma, while yet a priest in the Court of King Noah, was converted to the Truth which was preached by the prophet Abinadi. Alma repented of his sins, and privately began to teach the doctrine taught by Abinadi. Soon a few people who believed his words gathered to hear Alma preach at a place in the wilderness called the Waters of Mormon. Here two hundred and four believers were baptized and "they were called the church of God, or the church of Christ from that time forward." (Mosiah 18:17). It is important for Latter Day Saints to recognize that Alma was a fugitive from the priesthood leadership authority in Noah's Kingdom. When the "General Authorities" "discovered a movement among the people (and they) sent ... servants to watch them ... therefore he (King Noah) sent his ARMY to destroy them. (Mosiah 18:32-33). Again, we see a situation where the priesthood leadership and the people had entered into apostasy (Mosiah 11) . Yet, a loving and merciful Lord, whose hand was "stretched out still", called upon a repentant priesthood holder to preach the truth to a few true believers that He might place His Spirit in them, teach them, forgive their sins by the covenant of baptism, protect them and guide them to safety even as the "General Authorities" of the established church sought to kill them. Four hundred and fifty souls escaped from King Noah's wicked and apostate kingdom.

Did that kingdom's apostasy match Nephi's list of six basic elements? Let's check them out: Mosiah 11:

(1). GET GAIN: High taxes, elegant and spacious buildings, the "General Authorities" had set their hearts upon RICHES and harlots, built an expensive temple, planted many large vineyards.

(2). POWER: Cast out the priests of King Zeniff and replaced them with those of Noah's own choosing, and thus "changed the affairs of the kingdom"; established strong armies to enforce their will, and ruled with power and control.

(3). POPULARITY: The leadership "deceived" the people by "vain and flattering words" and the people were "blinded, therefore they hardened their hearts". The Authorities were supported and 'popular' among the more part of the people. PRIDE was evident among the leadership, and also among the people.

(4). LUSTS OF THE FLESH: With many vineyards to make wine, Noah became a wine-bibber, and also his people"; ornamentations of gold; silver; fine woods; precious things; they built a high tower; and expensive homes, etc.

(5). ALL MANNER OF INIQUITY: "Wo unto this people, for I have seen their abominations, and their wickedness, and their whoredoms".

(6). BELONG TO THE KINGDOM OF THE DEVIL: The testimony and witness of Abinadi in

chapters 11 - 17 identifies this people as belonging to the devil's kingdom. They supported wicked government, and persecuted the true followers of Christ, etc.

Is there a lesson for modern Israel to be learned from this Book of Mormon account of apostasy? Are there any parallels with the 1990's? Are the ELECT being deceived? Are riches, power, control, pride, iniquity, lustfulness, and all manner of ungodliness evident in Israel today?

THE APOSTASY OF THE CHURCH ESTABLISHED BY ALMA:

Alma and the people of the church which he established in the wilderness subsequently joined with the people of king Mosiah 37. Mosiah, who was the Presiding Priesthood Authority, "granted unto Alma that he might establish churches throughout all the land of Zarahemla, and gave him power to ordain priests and teachers over every church." 38. The Lord accepted the church which Alma organized (with the Priesthood authority which Alma had received when in the Land of Zeniff) 39. This church continued to function among the people for about 130 years until "... there became a great inequality in all the land, into much that the church began to be broken up ... and the cause of this great 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. And thus SATAN DID LEAD AWAY THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE to do ALL MANNER OF INIQUITY, ... and they did not sin ignorantly, for they knew the will of God concerning them" 40 . Modern Israel does not sin ignorantly either.

Once again we see that the Israelites fell into apostasy for the same six causes of which Nephi warned: Riches; Power; Popularity; Lusts of the flesh; all manner of iniquity; and accepting the devil's dominion and influence into their lives. The pattern of apostasy is a very plain and clear thing to see for those who will "awake and arise", see, and understand.

THE APOSTASY OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST, THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH:

Once again Christ restored the True Gospel in it's purity when He established His Church in the Meridian of Time; He restored it to the people of Israel of His day, (in Judea; to the people of Judah, and a small remnant who remained with them after the people of the other Tribes [the Ten Tribes of the Nation of Israel] had been led away into the "North Countries"). The church of the Israelites which preceded Christ, had become apostate, and had broken up into several factions which included the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Scribes, the Essenes, and others.

It was in this setting that Christ attempted to restore the Everlasting Truth to a people who were already in apostasy . As is usually the case, only a few of the Elect of Israel accepted this Truth when it was offered to them. The leadership, (the "General Authorities"), of the established church are responsible for the crucifixion of Our Lord; but the people agreed to His death because they had been misled by their leaders -- for they "followed their leaders" [follow the brethren?] and not the Holy Spirit which teaches all truth 41 .

The changes from the Gospel which the Lord prescribed resulted in what is known in history as the "Great Apostasy". One of the most complete and concise books documenting "The Great Apostasy" was written by an accepted LDS scholar, and an apostle of the Mormon church, Dr. James E. Talmage, and carries those words as it's title 42 . The exact same elements destroyed the Church of Christ as prevailed in all the previous times -- Nephi, indeed, did list these elements correctly.

It is interesting to note some of the specific apostate changes which Dr. Talmage lists: The Bishops, instead of being of equal status, and being humble servants, made themselves "chief priests" and administered in spiritual things, which calling of a Bishop is limited to temporal things only.

The form of public worship was changed; elaborate ceremonies, splendor, and impressive outward appearances replaced the simple worship of God. Ordinances were changed including Baptism and the Sacrament, both of which (and more) have been changed in our own day as well. Adoration and worship of men graduated into idol worship -- a type of adoration for the "arm of flesh", or of the "follow the Brethren Syndrome". The organizational structure was replaced with a man-made-plan.

Revelation was replaced by councils of men who legislated doctrine and religious practice -- they wrote their own "General Handbook of Instruction" which replaced the scriptures in their day. The doctrine of infallibility of the Pope became accepted -- "when the leaders speak the thinking has been done" 43.

The wicked practice of purchasing salvation, called "indulgences", or in other words a method of bribery, became common and accepted (not unlike the present Modern Church practice of "purchasing" a temple recommend by paying tithing, for if tithing is not paid then no "ticket" to their temple can be had. "Do you have any money?". "You can buy anything in this world for money! 44 )

The "priesthood" became priestcraft 45 as the priests became a paid clergy (not unlike the high incomes of some of the present LDS General Authorities). No longer were male members ordained to the priesthood, for, in fact, the true Priesthood of God, once delivered to the Apostles, was lost through the very process of apostasy. (The D&C warns today's Priesthood holders that "unrighteous dominion" is a sufficient cause for their Priesthood to be lost 46 which dominion is an apostate action.)

Iniquity became rampant in high places as pagan and satanic influences entered in to the hearts of the leadership and hence, into the hearts of the people, an element which is always present in the process of apostasy. The leaders exercised autocratic powers upon the lay membership who were were forbidden to possess or to read the scriptures, for only the leaders "who had been trained for the ministry" 47 were to interpret doctrines and scriptures. (Similar to the paid LDS Seminary and Institute Instructors, and the paid BYU Department of Religion Professors of today, as well as the General Authorities -- "follow the brethren"). Thus that church became arrogant and tyrannical assuming the power to torture and even to kill any one who disagreed with the leaders. (The Modern Church often attempts to spiritually "kill" a member for disagreeing with the leaders by excommunicating them -- but this same leadership also allows abortion , or infant murder , with no church penalty 48.) Truly Christ's Church had been replaced by an apostate church , or, in other words, "the enemy had taken over the fort, but he still flew the same flag". Could the same be happening today?

It is apparent that the six elements of apostasy apply to the "Great Apostasy", as they have to every apostasy in history: (1). Riches and Gain ; (2). Power, Authority , Envy, Malice, Persecution of the Poor; (3). Pride, Praise of the World, and Popularity; (4). Lusts of the flesh, Vanity, Substance, Fine Apparel, Elaborately Adorned Churches; (5). All Manner Of Iniquity; (6). Accepting The Influence Of The Evil and Dark Forces.

THE APOSTASY OF CHRIST'S CHURCH ON THE AMERICAN CONTINENT:

Following His resurrection in Jerusalem, Christ came to the remnant of Israel left on the American continent and there called men into authority; the church of Christ was established among these Israelites. This organization continued for a period of about 170 years when "the power of Satan ... did get a hold upon their hearts" 49.

"... there began to be among them those who were lifted up in PRIDE, such as the wearing of costly apparel, and all manner of fine pearls, and of the FINE THINGS OF THE WORLD . ... and they began to be divided into classes; and they began to build up churches 50 unto themselves to get GAIN, and began to deny the true church of Christ.... they did receive ALL MANNER OF WICKEDNESS ... and this church did multiply exceedingly because of INIQUITY". 51

It is an interesting parallel with modern times to read this quote from 4 Nephi 1:29: "And again, there was another church which denied Christ; and they did persecute the true church of Christ because of their humility and their belief in Christ; and they did despise them because of the many miracles which were wrought among them. Therefore they did exercise power and authority over the disciples of Jesus who did tarry with them ..." 52 . This sounds like The Great And Abominable Church of the Devil, which is the union of wicked government and a Satanic religion. 53 Is it possible that there exists such an organization of power-people in America, and in the world today?

The elements of apostasy were accepted by the people in America who, of which it was written, "... surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God." 54 Is it incredible that such a people could change so very much in so short a time? Could a similar thing occur in modern Israel? Probably it has not occurred to most Latter Day Saints that the church in this day could repeat the pattern of apostasy of which the Book of Mormon warns -- for not only did the Book of Mormon people leave the Lord in the three instances cited herein, but , in fact, it happened about thirty times! LDS President Ezra Taft Benson encouraged the study of the Book of Mormon again and again -- could it be that he was trying to warn the LDS people of that which was to come by referring to the "types and shadows" of past history?

Also, it is important to recognize that the Priesthood stands as a power separate from any "church" organization. The Priesthood of God exists in ALL times whether there exists a "church" or not; however, no church has any power to administer the ordinances of Salvation and Exaltation without the Priesthood of God being administered therein by righteous men in authority, they who possess the true Priesthood and it's power thereof.

Men may easily lose the power and authority of the Priesthood which has been granted unto them. Men may be unrighteously "cast out" from a church organization and still continue to retain Priesthood power and authority -- they will no longer be permitted to use their Priesthood power and authority to officiate in that church, of course, which fact has no bearing whatsoever upon their actually retaining authority. It is a man's personal apostasy from God that says "amen" to the Priesthood Authority of that man. "Priesthood is strictly an arrangement between the individual Priesthood holder and his brethren in the eternal worlds -- as personal and private as anything can be." Hugh Nibley

THE APOSTASY OF MODERN ISRAEL; THE "MORMONS" OR "LATTER DAY SAINTS":

In the beginning of this paper Israel was defined as that special group of people who, by their progression and obedience to their Heavenly Father, merited the further trust of God, and have been selected (or "called") by Heavenly Priesthood Authority to come to this earth, in a probationary state, and in particular family lineages, to possess and administer God's Holy Priesthood, to learn, to teach,and to be a servant to God and to man -- and ultimately to establish a community of godly people (or "saints"), which community is called a Zion community. The people of Enoch and the people of Salem, or Melchizedek, have been the only people of which we have record who succeeded in attaining and maintaining this goal.

To most Latter Day Saints that which follows will seem incredible in as much as many of the leadership have taught, for about one hundred years, a self-serving doctrine that the General Authorities "will never lead the people astray", when, in very truth, the LDS church has now been led into complete apostasy, having "transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant"(Isaiah 24:5) . There is not space in this paper to reveal the entire scope of these transgressions against the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost -- however, we will show sufficient enough for those who are the Elect of Israel to consider. Please note that the ELECT are the only ones who do understand the words of Christ: consider these words of Christ on this very subject: "...the scriptures shall be given, even as they are in mine own bosom, TO THE SALVATION OF MINE OWN ELECT; FOR THEY WILL HEAR MY VOICE, AND SHALL SEE ME, AND SHALL NOT BE ASLEEP, AND SHALL ABIDE THE DAY OF MY COMING; FOR THEY SHALL BE PURIFIED, EVEN AS I AM PURE."55 These ELECT people will approach Father in sincere and honest prayer in their quest to obtain a witness of the truth as to whether this paper is a true and faithful account of the condition of modern Israel.

In this dispensation God has sent Warriors of that sacred lineage of pre-mortal Israel to establish a Zion community which is to last for a thousand years.. He has sent the greatest prophet of all time, "save Jesus Christ only", to be the leader of this dispensation -- Joseph Smith Jr.56 Part of the plan was to establish an organization -- a "church" -- to help those people attain the goal of establishing Zion and of receiving their "Calling and Election". That church was first called The Church of Christ and later it was given the name of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints; it was organized by Joseph Smith Jr. and five others, on April 6, 1830.

The questions now to be asked -- and answered -- are these:

Have the leadership and the people of the LDS church (modern Israel) kept the faith delivered to the Father of this Dispensation, (and the only one who hold ALL the Keys of this dispensation), Joseph Smith? Have they kept the Gospel pure and undefiled? Are the Holy Ordinances still the same? Does the LDS church still possess the power and the authority of God to administer the saving ordinances, and is it still the "true church"? Have they built the community of Zion which these Israelites were sent to earth to build? -- or has the LDS church apostatized from the truth?

Let us here consider some of the facts which will answer these and other questions which bear upon the salvation and exaltation for the people of Israel today. This paper now speaks specifically to the "ELECT OF ISRAEL".

THE PROPHETS FORESAW THE APOSTASY OF THE LATTER DAY SAINTS CHURCH IN THE LAST DAYS:

DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 50:4:

Behold, I the Lord, have looked upon you, and have seen ABOMINATIONS in the church that profess my name. [What church? The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints]

From the Book of Mormon the words of the Prophet Mormon cut deeply into the passive and apathetic sleep of the LDS "mainstream Mormon" who is not aware of the apostate condition which exists today:

MORMON 8: 33-41:

O ye wicked and perverse and stiffnecked people, why have ye built up churches unto yourselves to get gain? Why have ye transfigured the holy word of God, that ye might bring damnation upon your souls?

Behold, look ye unto the revelations of God; for behold, the time cometh at that day when all these things must be fulfilled. Behold, the Lord hath shown unto me great and marvelous things concerning that which must shortly come, at that day when these things shall come forth among you.

Behold, I speak unto you as if ye were present, and yet ye are not. But behold, Jesus Christ hath shown you unto me, and I know your doing.

And I know that ye do walk in the pride of your hearts; and there are none save a few only who do not lift themselves up in the pride of their hearts, unto the wearing of very fine apparel, unto envying, and strifes, and malice, and persecutions, and all manner of iniquities; and your churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted because of the pride of your hearts.

For behold, ye do love money, and your substance, and your fine apparel, and the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted.

O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God? 57 Why are ye ashamed to take upon you the name of Christ? Why do ye not think that greater is the value of an endless happiness than that misery which never dies--because of the praise of the world?

Why do ye adorn yourselves with that which hath no life, and yet suffer the hungry, and the needy, and the naked, and the sick and the afflicted to pass by you, and notice them not?

Yea, why do ye build up your secret abominations to get gain, and cause that widows should mourn before the Lord, and also orphans to mourn before the Lord, and also the blood of their fathers and their husbands to cry unto the Lord from the ground, for vengeance upon your heads?

Behold, the sword of vengeance hangeth over you; and the time soon cometh that he avengeth the blood of the saints upon you, for he will not suffer their cries any longer.

This scathing denunciation of the church in the Latter Days by Mormon includes five of the six elements of apostasy listed by Nephi. The one which is not mentioned specifically is sex sin. However, it is not difficult to include this category of sins in "all manner of iniquity ". The LDS church publications frequently address the seriousness of sex sins among the Latter Day Saints. One such statement was made years ago in General Conference, 5 April 1986, by LDS President Ezra Taft Benson: "It takes a Zion people to make a Zion society, and we must prepare for that ... The plaguing sin of this generation is sexual immorality. This, the Prophet Joseph said, would be the source of more temptations, more buffeting, and more difficulties for the elders of Israel than any other" 58. Based solely upon Mormon's view of our day and time, the church of Latter Day Israel is anticipated by E.T. Benson to become apostate. Has that time arrived? We testify that Latter day Israel, like her older sisters of Israel, has become apostate, and is ripe for destruction.

DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 112: 23-26:

Verily, verily, I say unto you, darkness covereth the earth, and gross darkness the minds of the people, and all flesh has become corrupt before my face. 59

Behold, vengeance cometh speedily upon the inhabitants of the earth, a day of wrath, a day of burning, a day of desolation, of weeping, of mourning, and of lamentation; and as a whirlwind it shall come upon all the face of the earth, saith the Lord.

And upon my house shall it begin, and from my house shall it go forth, saith the Lord;

First among those among you, saith the Lord, who have professed to know my name and have not known me, and have blasphemed against me in the midst of my house, saith the Lord.

The Lord makes his position very plain and definite -- not only has the "whole earth" become corrupt so that His Vengeance will be poured out upon all mankind, but IT WILL COMMENCE UPON "HIS HOUSE" (modern Israel, the LDS church), and BEGIN FIRST upon the leadership of that church who have "blasphemed against me IN THE MIDST OF MY HOUSE. 60

DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 84: 52 - 59

And whoso receiveth not my voice is not acquainted with my voice, and is not of me.

And by this you may know the righteous from the wicked, and that the whole world groaneth under sin and darkness even now.

And your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received--

Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation.

And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all.

And they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written--

That they may bring forth fruit meet for their Father's kingdom; otherwise there remaineth a scourge and judgment to be poured out upon the children of Zion.

For shall the children of the kingdom pollute my holy land? Verily, I say unto you, Nay.

Mormon President Ezra Taft Benson said: "We have felt that scourge and judgment!" 61 In addition the condemnation remains because the Latter Day Saints still do not understand the Book of Mormon, which is "the Keystone of Our religion" 62 Can it be that since the condemnation of the Lord is still in effect that the anticipated apostasy of modern Israel is here? Is it possible that the Mormon church leadership is guilty of apostasy from the faith restored to Joseph Smith?

DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 86: 1-3:

Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you my servants, concerning the parable of the wheat and of the tares:

Behold, verily I say, the field was the world, and the apostles were the sowers of the seed;

And after they have fallen asleep the great persecutor of the church, the apostate, the whore, even Babylon, that maketh all nations to drink of her cup, in whose hearts the enemy, even Satan, sitteth to reign--behold he soweth the tares; wherefore, the tares choke the wheat and drive the church into the wilderness. 63

Now, lest you excuse this reference as relating to the Apostles in Christ's New Testament time, add this latter day revelation above to this one which tells us that the Lord anticipated that the apostles would be "asleep":

DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS 101: 44 - 62

(THE PARABLE OF THE VINEYARD AND THE TOWER)

A certain nobleman [Christ] had a spot of land, very choice [America]; and he said unto his servants [Apostles and those "who serve Him in righteousness and in truth unto the end"{D&C 76:5} ]: Go ye unto my vineyard [modern Israel], even upon this very choice piece of land, and plant twelve olive-trees [apostles who "bear fruit; or modern Israel];

And set watchmen round about them, and build a tower [Zion], that one may overlook the land round about, to be a watchman upon the tower [Zion], that mine olive-trees [apostles, or Israel] may not be broken down when the enemy [Satan and wicked government] shall come to spoil and take upon themselves the fruit of my vineyard [Saints who receive their Calling and Election]

Now, the servants of the nobleman went and did as their lord [Christ] commanded them, and planted the olive-trees, and built a hedge round about [LDS church], and set watchmen, [General Authorities] and began to build a tower [began to build Zion].

And while they were yet laying the foundation thereof [early church development times], they began to say among themselves: And what need hath my lord of this tower [Zion]?

And consulted for a long time, [about 85 years] saying among themselves: What need hath my lord of this tower, [Zion] seeing this is a time of peace? [that period of time after the church became "friends" with Babylon, beginning with Pres. Grant's term]

Might not this money be given to the exchangers [business for profit] For there is no need of these things. [then the church began to invest in the businesses of Babylon, the devil's kingdom on earth]

And while they were at variance one with another [disagreements among the Authorities] they became very slothful, and they hearkened not unto the commandments of their lord [Christ].

And the enemy [Satan ,and wicked government] came by night, and broke down the hedge [church]; and the servants of the nobleman [apostles, etc.] arose and were affrighted, and fled; and the enemy destroyed their works, and broke down the olive-trees [modern Israel -- sounds like apostasy has now set in].

Now, behold, the nobleman, the lord of the vineyard [Christ], called upon his servants [apostles, etc.], and said unto them, Why! what is the cause of this great evil?

Ought ye not to have done even as I commanded you, and -- after ye had planted the vineyard, [Latter Day Israel] and built the hedge [church] round about, and set watchmen [authorities] upon the walls thereof--built the tower [Zion] also, and set a watchman [a prophet, seer, and revelator] upon the tower [Zion], and watched for my vineyard, [Latter Day Israel] and not have fallen asleep, lest the enemy should come upon you?

And behold, the watchman [prophets, seers, and revelators] upon the tower [Zion] would have seen the enemy while he was yet afar off; and then ye could have made ready and kept the enemy from breaking down the hedge thereof, and saved my vineyard [Latter day Israel] from the hands of the destroyer.

And the lord [Christ] of the vineyard [modern Israel] said unto one of his servants [Joseph Smith Jr., see D&C103:21]. Go and gather together the residue of my servants, and take all the strength of mine house, which are my warriors, my young men, and they that are of middle age also among all my servants, who are the strength of mine house, save those only whom I have appointed to tarry;

And go ye straightway unto the land of my vineyard [ Latter Day Israel], and redeem my vineyard [Latter Day Israel]; for it is mine; I have bought it with money.

Therefore, get ye straightway unto my land [America]; break down the walls of mine enemies [Satan, evil men, and wicked government]; throw down their tower and scatter their watchmen. [the enemies of Christ who have taken possession of His vineyard.]

And inasmuch as they [leaders who offer a false hope in Christ] gather together against you, avenge me of mine enemies, that by and by I may come [Christ coming to earth to reign] with the residue of mine house [the twelve tribes of Israel] and possess the land.

And the servant [Joseph Smith, the prophet of this dispensation] said unto his lord: When shall these things be?

And he said unto his servant [Joseph] Smith, Jr.]; When I will; go ye straightway, and do all things whatsoever I have commanded you;

And this shall be my seal and blessing upon you--a faithful and wise steward in the midst of mine house [Israel], a ruler in my kingdom .[a God]

And his servant [Joseph Smith Jr] went straightway, and did all things whatsoever his lord commanded him [Joseph is the "one Mighty and Strong whose assignment it is to "set the Church of God in order": D&C 85: 7]; and after many days all things were fulfilled. [and the faithful Elect of Israel will be there with Joseph and Christ to receive their inheritances].

This very important scripture reveals plainly the circumstances of these present days and times: a merciful Savior, not withstanding the apostasy conditions which modern or Latter Day Israel has allowed to occur, has "His hand stretched out still" to the Ephraimites -- the Elect of Israel in these Last Days. This merciful God offers His Atonement to all who will repent and come unto Him. The judgments of a Just God are about to fa

ll, but "His Hand is stretched out still". Who of the Elect will extend their own hand to Christ now? -- today?

ISAIAH 9: 13-17:

For the people turneth not unto him that smiteth them, neither do they seek the LORD of hosts.

Therefore the LORD will cut off from Israel head and tail, branch and rush, in one day.

The ancient and honorable, he is the head; and the prophet that teacheth lies, he is the tail.

For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed. 64

Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men, neither shall have mercy on their fatherless and widows: for every one is an hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaketh folly. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still. 65

ISAIAH 3:16-26:

Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet: Therefore the LORD will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their secret parts. In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon, The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers, The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings, The rings, and nose jewels, The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins, The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the vails. And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty.Thy men shall fall by the sword, and thy mighty in the war. And her gates shall lament and mourn; and she being desolate shall sit upon the ground.

The women of Latter Day Israel are not overlooked by Isaiah, for their skirts are far from clean before the Lord. The Garment of the Holy Priesthood was severely altered in a great measure as the results of the apostate attitudes of the Mormon women in the early years of the 20th century; they wanted to wear the fashions of the Babylonian world -- short sleeves; lowered neck and backlines; shortened skirts. We testify that the LDS garment is not the "Garment of the Holy Priesthood", and carries NONE of the original promises of God. Please, Israel, repent and come unto the Lord, your God, and receive all of the blessings which he has awaiting you.

The women of Israel have no business having intercourse with Babylon, for the "Lord delights in the chastity of women". The LDS Authorities have led the sisters of Israel into deception, even self deception. They do not teach the truth to women about women and the Priesthood. Many LDS women embrace the feminist teachings of the devil -- and lesbianism is a satanic practice. The Lord desires a "pure and delightsome people."

Listen to James:

"Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulters and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship with the world is enmity with God? whosoever will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God" (James 4: 3 - 4)

A PARTIAL ACCOUNTING OF THE APOSTATE CHANGES IN THE LDS CHURCH:

The reader may wonder specifically what things have been changed from the Gospel which was delivered

to the Head of this Dispensation, Joseph Smith Jr., who said; "I speak with boldness, for I know verily my doctrine is true." 66: "...if any man preach any other Gospel than that which I have preached, he shall be cursed." 67; "Ordinances instituted in the heavens before the foundation of the world, in the Priesthood, for the salvation of men, are not to be altered or changed." 68; "He (Christ) set the ordinances to be the same forever and ever..." 69; "If there is no change of ordinances, there is no change of Priesthood." 70; "Where there is no change of Priesthood, there is no change of ordinances..."71

Isaiah accused Latter Day Israel of causing the earth to be defiled BECAUSE "they [Israel] have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant."(Isaiah 24: 5)

We testify that the LDS church has changed, altered, eliminated, substituted, or "broken" every doctrine, law, and ordinance which is essential to the building of a Zion society and a Zion people.

We here submit a partial list of those ordinances, doctrines, principles, and practices which have been altered , changed, or eliminated by the leadership of the Mormon church since the martyrdom of Joseph Smith in 1844, and which changes have been accepted by the people of Latter Day Israel. Space here does not permit the exploration of the facts and the details of these apostate changes; for such information please contact the First Presidency of The True And Living Church Of Jesus Christ Of Saints Of The Last Days -- also, see the publication "They Have Changed The Ordinances, Isaiah 24:5"

Baptism
Baptism For The Dead
Confirmation Into The church
Requirements For Church Membership
The Law Of Adoption
The Sealing Principle
The Blessing Of Children
Patriarchal Blessings
The Marriage Ordinance
Celestial Plural Marriage
True Order Of Prayer
Sacrament
The Duties Of A Bishop
The Office Of General Bishop
The Duties Of A Seventy
The Duties Of An Elder
The Duties Of An High Priest
The Office Of Patriarch To The Church
Missionaries Without Purse Or Script
The Doctrine Of Gathering
The Message Which Missionaries Are To Teach
The Law Of Tithing
The Law Of Consecration
The Law Of Sacrifice,
The Law Of Chastity
The Doctrine Of Calling And Election
Fullness Of Priesthood
The Church Of The Firstborn And The Holy Order
The Nature of God
The Personality of God
Who God Really is
Second Annointings
Women's Resurrection Claim
Washing Of Feet Ordinance
Women's Confinement Blessing
Women And The Priesthood
Ordinances For Childbirth For Women By Women
Translation
Resurrection
The Doctrine of Reprobation
The Mysteries of Godliness
Personal Revelation
Parents Responsibility To Teach Their Children
Women In The Workplace
The Husband's Role and Responsibility In Marriage
The Role Of The Wife In The Marriage Covenant
The Ordinances Of The Holy Temple
The Keys Of The Priesthood
The Control Of Satan
The Sacred Parts Of The Holy Endowment
The Holy Priesthood Garment
Abortion and Murder
Building Temples Which Are Not True Temples
The Calling And The Work Of An Apostle
The United Order
The Raising Up Of A Zion People
The Establishment Of A Zion Community
The Holy Priesthood Given To The Sons Of Cain
The Church Court System

We testify that each of the above have suffered changes or elimination without divine revelation and sanction; therefore these pollutions have occurred by the actions of "the arm of flesh".

While this list does not contain all of the alterations which the "Mormon" church leaders have made to the principles, ordinances, doctrines, and practices of the Gospel of Jesus Christ , of the Priesthood functions, and of the church as established by the Head of The Dispensation, Joseph Smith, it is sufficient to demonstrate to the sincere and pure in heart that the "Mormon" church has, indeed, become apostate -- operating with a false Priesthood and presenting a false hope in Christ for Salvation and Exaltation for they now offer to their membership a polluted and changed gospel and doctrine from that which was revealed by Christ to Joseph Smith.

We testify that many sincere and honest members of that church have been innocently deceived by some of the leaders who have "led them astray'. While it is a truth that a true leader of Christ will not lead the flock astray, there is no guarantee that a leader himself may not become misled and deceived and fall from Grace -- becoming a "ravening wolf" in the shepherd's flock. The history of the early church demonstrates the possibility of apostasy by leaders. Such favored leaders as Oliver Cowdry, David Whitmer, Martin Harris, Sidney Rigdon, William Law, Wilson Law, John C. Bennent, and others -- and consider how many of the very first Quorum of the Twelve Apostles became apostate! Even Joseph Smith was warned by the Lord that he could fall! 72. If Joseph, the prophet, could fall and be replaced by the voice of the Lord, it is very evident that lesser men called as leaders are also in jeopardy of the same -- and all men who have been called to lead since Joseph have been "lesser men". Those who rebell against the God of Heaven shall be cast down, for they "are not of the blood of Ephraim"..."and those who are not apostles and prophets shall be known." 73

SELECTED QUOTATIONS ON THE SUBJECT OF CHANGE AND AUTHORITY FROM THE BOOK "THE TEACHINGS OF THE PROPHET JOSEPH SMITH" :

"He (Christ) set the ordinances to be the same forever and ever, and set Adam to watch over them, to reveal them from heaven to man, or to send angels to reveal them." (page 168)

"The order of the house of God has been, and ever will be, the same, even after Christ comes; and after the termination of the thousand years it will be the same..." (page 91)

"Now taking it for granted that the scriptures say what they mean, and mean what they say, we have sufficient grounds to go on and prove from the Bible that the Gospel has always been the same; the ordinances to fulfill its requirement the same, and the officers to officiate, the same..." (page 264)

"There are a great many wise men, and women too, in our midst who are too wise to be taught; therefore they must die in their ignorance, and in the resurrection they will find their mistake... All men who become heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ will have to receive the fullness of the ordinances of His kingdom; and those who will not receive all the ordinances will come short of the fullness of that glory, if they do not lose the whole ." (page 309)

"I have tried for a number of years to get the minds of the saints prepared to receive the things of God; but we frequently see some of them, AFTER SUFFERING ALL THEY HAVE FOR THE WORK OF GOD, will fly to pieces like glass as soon as anything comes that is CONTRARY TO THEIR TRADITIONS: they cannot stand the fire at all. How many will be able to abide a celestial law, and go through and receive their exaltation, I am unable to say, as many are called, but few are chosen." (page 331)

"It mattereth not whether the principle is popular or unpopular. I will always maintain a true principle, even if I stand alone" (page 332; also D.H.C. 6:223)

THE PROPHET JOSEPH SMITH'S DREAM OF THE APOSTASY OF THE LDS CHURCH:

On pages 393-4 of TPJS is the dream which Joseph received just before his martyrdom. It is here revealed to Joseph what is now happened and is happening in our day, the 1990's. These symbols are here given for the interested reader to open to view the revealed meaning of this dream: "Old Farm", or "Barn" = LDS church; "Weeds and Brambles" = An Apostate Condition; "Desolation" = bad condition; "Furious Men" = apostate leaders; "Church" = Christ; "Rabble" = supporters of apostate leaders; "Mud" = the apostate condition of the LDS church; "General Fight" = men lusting for power and control at the very end before the fall of the LDS church, "for upon my house shall it begin."

Joseph related the following dream which he had last night: I was back in Kirtland, Ohio, and thought I would take a walk out by myself, and view my old farm, which I found grown up with weeds and brambles, and altogether bearing evidence of neglect and want of culture. I went into the barn, which I found without floor or doors, with the weather-boarding off, and was altogether in keeping with the farm.

"While I viewed the desolation around me, and was contemplating how it might be recovered from the curse upon it, there came rushing into the barn a company of furious men, who commenced to pick a quarrel with me.

"The leader of the party ordered me to leave the barn and farm, stating it was none of mine, and that I must give up all hope of ever possessing it.

"I told him the farm was given me by the Church, and although I had not had any use of it for some time back, still I had not sold it, and according to righteous principles it belonged to me or the Church.

"He then grew furious and began to rail upon me, and threaten me, and said it never did belong to me nor to the Church.

"I then told him that I did not think it worth contending about, that I had no desire to live upon it in its present state, and if he thought he had a better right I would not quarrel with him about it but leave; but my assurance that I would not trouble him at present did not seem to satisfy him, as he seemed determined to quarrel with me, and threatened me with the destruction of my body.

"While he was thus engaged, pouring out his bitter words upon me, a rabble rushed in and nearly filled the barn, drew out their knives, and began to quarrel among themselves for the premises, and for a moment forgot me, at which time I took the opportunity to walk out of the barn about up to my ankles in mud.

"When I was a little distance from the barn, I heard them screeching and screaming in a very distressed manner, as it appeared they had engaged in a general fight with their knives. While they were thus engaged, the dream of vision ended."

DID OTHER PROPHETS OF THE CHURCH FORESEE THE COMING APOSTASY?

"Hear it, ye elders of Israel, and mark it down in your logbooks; the fullness of the Gospel is the United Order, and the Order of Plural Marriage; without these two principles this gospel never can be full. And I much fear that when I am gone this people will give up these two principles which we prize so highly; and if they do this church cannot advance as God wishes it to Advance." (Brigham Young, St. George Temple Dedication)74

Both of these principles have been rejected by the LDS church; here is the Lord's statement: If they "reject the fullness of My Gospel, behold, saith the Father, I will bring the fullness of My Gospel from among them." 75 Has the LDS church entered into an apostate condition? Do they practice the fullness of the Gospel today? "When the spirit of persecution, and the spirit of hatred, of wrath and of malice cease in the world against this people, it will be a time that this people have apostatized and joined hands with the wicked, and not until then." 76 .

Quoting President Brigham Young; "When "Mormonism" finds favor with the wicked in this land, it will have gone into the shade; but until the power of the Priesthood is gone, "Mormonism" will never become popular with the wicked..." 77

Quoting President Heber J. Grant; "The prejudice against the Mormons has ALL disappeared. I am grateful for it" 78

Quoting President Brigham Young: "...and here declare that it is right to mingle our seed with the black race of Cain, that they shall come in with us and be partakers with us of all the blessings God has given us to us; on that very day and hour we should do so, the Priesthood is taken from this church and kingdom , and God leaves us to our fate. The moment we consent to mingle with the seed of Cain the Church must go to destruction -- we should receive the curse which has placed upon the seed of Cain, never more be numbered with the children of Adam who are heirs to the Priesthood until that curse be removed..." 79

Quoting President Spencer W. Kimball, June 8, 1978: "...all of our brethren who are worthy may receive the priesthood, and witnessing the faithfulness of those from whom the priesthood has been withheld, (a reference to the sons of Cain, the Black race) we have pleaded long and earnestly...that the long-promised day has come when (they)...may receive the holy priesthood, with power...and enjoy with his loved ones every blessing...without regard to race or color." 80

We comment here that these statements are each made by LDS church presidents -- one who knew the Prophet Joseph personally, and the other who did not; they are in direct apposition to the other. We testify that Brigham Young was correct, and that, as he stated, "the church must go to destruction", for it now gave away the last claim which it had to the Holy Priesthood -- it appears that apostasy had found a permanent home in Salt Lake

City. Under what priesthood authority did the LDS church operate after June 8, 1978? If they no longer held the Holy Priesthood of God, then it follows that it had to operate with an APOSTATE PRIESTHOOD -- or more properly stated, when they gave away the Holy Priesthood (as an institution -- for some righteous individuals still maintained their Priesthood Authority) then what they have left is PRIESTCRAFT.81

NOW FOR ANOTHER LOOK AT NEPHI'S LIST OF THE ELEMENTS OF APOSTASY:

(1). "...all churches which are built up TO GET GAIN,

(2). and all those who are built up TO GET POWER OVER THE FLESH,

(3). and those who are built up TO BECOME POPULAR IN THE EYES OF THE WORLD,

(4). and those who SEEK THE LUSTS OF THE FLESH, AND THE THINGS OF THE WORLD,

(5). and TO DO ALL MANNER OF INIQUITY;

(6). Yea, in fine, ALL THOSE WHO BELONG TO THE KINGDOM OF THE DEVIL ARE THEY WHO NEED TO FEAR, AND TREMBLE, AND QUAKE;

We testify that the Church of Jesus Christ has entered into apostasy; which is defined as "an abandonment of a previous loyalty", or "what one has believed in as a faith, or principles." With the brief report which has been presented herein, the reader is now in a better position to investigate further this serious witness. All of the available evidence is not included here, of course, for it would require volumes to document the whole of it. However, the Holy Ghost has the responsibility of bearing divine witness of the truth to the sincere seeker. Those of the Elect of Israel who are "awake" or who "seek so to do" are entitled to the witness of the Spirit on this serious matter -- we encourage all to do exactly that.

We now ask you to compare the present condition of the LDS church against Nephi"s list:

(1). "TO GET GAIN" -- Has the church leadership taken the church, as an institution, into a posture of seeking for GAIN? Have they taken the church "to bed" with the financial interests of Babylon? Is their office in Is it an indication of the degree that the Mormon church has accepted the world and the economy of Babylon by there being an office of the New York Stock Exchange in the Church Office Building in SLC? Is the multi-billion dollar income from the business involvements of the Mormon church the proper use of the Lord's money? Can the Lord's church serve "God and Mammon"? -- or will those who do attempt to serve both "hold to the one and despise the other?" 82

(2). "TO GET POWER OVER THE FLESH" -- Have the authorities endeavored to "exercise unrighteous dominion" and control (D&C 121: 37) upon the personal lives of individual members? Has the church entered into agreements with wicked government, agreements such as the IRS tax exempt status, with its various ramifications and the reporting of tithing receipts direct to the IRS? Do you suppose that these and other Babylonian contracts pleases the Lord Jesus Christ?

Has the apostate doctrine of "follow the brethren, even if they are wrong, and you will be blessed" resulted in spiritual bondage for the mainstream Mormon member? -- is he is then placed under the dominion of

"the arm of flesh? 83 Have you listened to the words of the Lord when He speaks unto such leaders, "Wo unto you, scribes and Pharisees..." 84

(3). "TO BECOME POPULAR IN THE EYES OF THE WORLD" -- Has the leadership succeeded in getting rid of persecution? (78) and has the church now become accepted and favored with the world -- Babylon? 85 Did Our Master, Jesus Christ, and our file leader, Joseph Smith, seek for the favor of the world? Are they not our leaders and our examples? -- "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake..." so said Jesus Christ . (Matthew 5: 10)

(4). "TO SEEK THE LUST OF THE FLESH AND THE THINGS OF THE WORLD" -- Have the mainstream of the LDS church "gone a whoreing" after the riches of the world?-- fine houses, expensive furnishings, cars, travel, R.V. equipment galore, "climbing the corporate ladder", mothers working who do not need the extra income, money making schemes, etc? Is this the pattern of a Zion society? 86

(5). "TO DO ALL MANNER OF INIQUITY" -- Are sex sins prevalent within the church in increasingly large numbers? Is child abuse a big LDS problem? Is it acceptable for the LDS women to abort their babies in contradiction to the command to "multiply and replenish the earth? Are major crimes as much of a problem in the LDS community as in the gentile communities? Are Satanic activities active in the Mormon western communities? -- Are the Latter Day Saints, as a community, living the pure religion delivered by Jesus Christ to Joseph Smith?

(6). "ALL THOSE WHO BELONG TO THE KINGDOM OF THE DEVIL" -- And have many of the Mormons accepted some of the doctrines of the devil's kingdom? Are the New World Order and the New Age philosopies often preached by Mormon leaders and practiced by many? Do many Mormons now practice persecution against those who do not agree with them, and do they then desire that they be excommunicated from their midst? Are the Mormons guilty of ignoring the widows and the needy, as Mormon saw in vision? Has "the enemy taken over the fort, but is he (the enemy) still flying the same flag? Have the Mainstream Mormons become apostate from the teachings of Jesus Christ?

This paper has presented only a small fraction of the available evidence documentating the complete apostate condition of the LDS church. The LDS leadership has been excommunicating many good and faithful servants of God in recent years, when, in fact, it has often been those same LDS leaders who were the apostates. The same pattern has been repeating itself. 87 We can expect the same results. The Lord's formulae is always the same!

The Lord has a word to say to this people: "At that day when the Gentiles (this is the identification of the LDS church, for the non- LDS gentiles have never had the Gospel to reject ) shall sin against my gospel, and shall reject the fullness of my gospel, and shall be lifted up in the pride of their hearts 88 ...and shall be filled with all manner of lyings, and of deceits, and of mischiefs, and all manner of hypocrisy, and murders (physical and spiritual) and priestcrafts, and whoredoms (which includes all sex sins -- homosexuality and child abuse as well) ,

and if they shall do those things, I will bring the fullness of my gospel from among them." (3 Nephi 16: 10)

We here testify that the LDS church has rejected the fullness of the gospel and is now the Great Apostate. We testify further, that Jesus Christ has now rejected the Mormons -- except those individuals who will repent and return to Christ. 89

Despair not, O Israel! The Elect of Israel are your hope -- for the Elect of Israel shall rise with might and they shall cause that this prophecy by the Lord Jesus Christ shall be fulfilled: "The redemption of Zion must needs come by power; therefore, I will raise up a man (Joseph Smith shall return, for he is the one mighty and strong 90)" who shall lead them like as Moses led the children of Israel. For ye are the children of Israel...therefore, let not your hearts faint...let my servant Joseph Smith Jun. say unto the strength of my house, my young men and the middle aged 91 -- Gather yourselves together unto the land of Zion..." (D&C 103: 15 -- 22)

The Lord, even now, awaits for the Elect of Israel to "awake and arise" and redeem Zion. As so often in the past he has said, he once again says; "For behold, I will gather them (the people of Israel) as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if they will not harden their hearts; yea, if they will come, they may, and freely partake of the waters of life freely." 92 And again He says; "Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ...who will gather His people as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, even as many as will harken to my voice and humble themselves before me, and call upon me in mighty prayer." 93

THE LORD IS EVEN NOW "SETTING HIS HAND AGAIN THE SECOND TIME" TO RECOVER ISRAEL.THE LORD HAS BEGUN THE "STRANGE WORK OF THE FATHER"; -- THAT "GREAT AND MARVELOUS WORK YET TO COME FORTH." 94

The Elect Of Israel who are presently within the structure of the Mormon church are invited to join in the Gathering 95 of the Lord's Elect people.

The Lord is setting His House in order exactly as He promised that He would do. 96 The Gifts of the Spirit are present in the Gathering; The true and correct Endowment is being administered in a dedicated Endowment House; Priesthood Authority is being conferred and recognized; The work of preparing for the prophesied anger of the Lord is going forth. The Fullness of the Gospel is being taught. The Law of Consecration has begun to be practiced. The Law of Celestial Plural Marriage, as has been prophesied to be restored to the Saints, is being once again practiced among His People. Revelation is once again pouring forth. Angels are again visiting the earth, and the Great Work of the Lord rolls forth. The political kingdom of God is now in it's formative stages as we prepare for the Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ, Our King.

All of this, and more, is happening in this "setting in order of the Lord's church" in the Sanpete Valley of Utah, headquartered in a town named "Manti", in the shadow of the Everlasting Hills, is a church organization with Priesthood Power and Authority, such having been delivered by Holy Angels who bestowed the Holy Apostleship. These are, indeed, sobering thoughts.

We invite the Elect Of Israel to get out from Babylon and to keep the Lord's Commandment to Gather together in one place; to give up the pleasures of the world, if need be, and do the work which God requires at this time. You who receive this message by the power of the Holy Ghost will now have received a witness that what has been presented to you herein is the Word of the Lord unto you. "And Israel will be saved in mine own due time." 97

What you personally will do with that witness is now completely upon your own shoulders. We testify of it's truth. We testify that the Holy Ghost will give to you the necessary Witness of the Holy Ghost if you will ask in faith, truly desiring to know.

God will bless the honest and the true in heart of Israel who will petition Him for that knowledge.

By the Power and Authority of the Holy Melchizedek Priesthood, even with our Apostolic Witness 98 we bestow the Blessings of a Just and Merciful God upon all who read this document. Amen.

Prepared, Published, and Approved by The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The True And Living Church Of Jesus Christ of Saints of The Last Days

P.O. Box 177 Manti, Utah 84642

Email - tlcmanti@tlcmanti.org

1 . ISRAEL is defined in several ways: (1) . Gesenius - "soldier of God" (2). Gen 32:28 -" the prince that prevails with God" (3). The patriarch Jacob's name was changed by an angel to "Israel". Thus Jacob, as Israel, became the father of 12 sons; their tribes became identified as "the 12 tribes of Israel". These tribes became the "Chosen of God", "a peculiar people", "the chosen seed".

2. 2 Nephi 2: 11 -15

3. TPJS 216; We are the literal children of God. "Like begets like" - Gods beget Gods. The principle of Eternal Progression moves men along a progressive upward path, if they will so travel, into the presence of their Father, the Eternal God.

4. 2 Nephi 24: 12; Isaiah 14: 12

5. JST John 14: 30 (JST = Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible)

6. See the TLC pamphlet "THE GATHERING OF THE ELECT" for an extensive explanation of this very important subject.

7. D&C 112: 24 - 26

8. This is a direct quote from the temple endowment story section.

9. Gen 4:8

10. TPJS 169

11. This quotation was in the original LDS temple endowment story section; it was removed from the LDS endowment in 1990.

12. Moses 5:18

13. Moses 5: 28 - 31; Also see The Book of Jasher: Ch 1;

14. Moses 7: 69

15. Moses 7: 32 - 35

16. Moses 8: 27

17. Moses 8: 28 - 29

18. Jasher 4: 16 -21

19. Jasher 4: 16 -21

20. Jasher 4: 46 - 47

21. Isaiah 24: 5

22. Read their account in the Book of Mormon, Ether 1 - 15

23. "The Third Thousand Years" Cleon Skousen; Bookcraft Publishers; pages 186 - 188.

24. Judges 2: 10

25. Judges 2: 17

26. Judges 3: 7

27. Judges 2:19 - 20

28. Read these accounts in Exodus 32, Numbers 11, 12, 14, 16. The pressure to apostatize seemed to be ever present.

29. Jeremiah 2: 14

30. Jeremiah 5: 7 - 8

31. D&C 98: 4 - 11. This is a very important reference to the understanding the relationship of the Lord's people with government.

32. Jeremiah 23 :14, 16, 30, 32

33. Jeremiah 4: 22

34. 1 Nephi 1: 4 "And in that same year there came many prophets, prophesying unto the people..

35. Malachi 3: 6; Hebrews 13: 8; Mormon 9: 9; TPJS page 264

36. This very paper is one of those "warning voices" to Latter Day Israel. The Apostles of the Lord's True and Living Church are even now prophesying to Israel of the coming "Destruction of Abominations" soon to fall upon the apostates who claim to know the Lord but who do not, for they are deceived by a leadership who have completely departed from the faith of their pioneer fathers and the Gospel as revealed to Joseph Smith, the prophet. Repent, O Israel, for it is not to late to save yourselves and your families.

37. Mosiah 25

38. Mosiah 25:18-24

39. Mosiah 26:17-18

40. 3 Nephi 6:14-18

41. Moroni 10: 5

42. TLC pamphlet; "A COMPARISON OF THE GREAT APOSTASY , (AS WRITTEN BY DR. TALMAGE), AND THE PRESENT LDS APOSTASY"

43. LDS church; Ward Teaching Message; June1945

44. This is a direct quote from the pre-1990 story section of the LDS temple endowment.

45. 2 Nephi 26: 29 ; D&C 33: 4

46. D&C 121: 34 - 46

47. This is a direct quote from the pre-1990 story section of the LDS temple endowment.

48. LDS General Handbook of Instruction

49. 4 Nephi 1:28

50. "churches" is not a reference to denominationally different organizations, but rather "Wards" or sub-groups within the main church.

51. 4 Nephi 1:24-27

52. 4 Nephi 1:29-30

53. Recommended reading: THE GREAT AND ABOMINABLE CHURCH OF THE DEVIL by H. Verlan Andersen. Especially read chapter 18; "The Apostasy Of The Latter Days" -- "History Warns That apostasy Must Be Expected"

54. 4 Nephi 1:16

55. D&C 35: 20 - 21.

56. D&C 135: 3 " Joseph Smith, the prophet and seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it."

57. Note that Mormon specifically identifies the church as "the Holy Church of God". This can refer only to the church in Israel, which, in this Dispensation, can only refer to the "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints". It has become apostate.

58. JD 8:55

59. The word "ALL" includes the Latter Day Saints as well, and it is their disobedience that precipites the "vengeance" and "destruction" upon "the inhabitants of the earth". The wicked are the wicked still, but when Israel joins the wicked then the "anger of the Lord" is felt by the inhabitants of the earth, including Israel.

60. "House"; (1). Israel is referred as "His House". (2). The Holy Temple is referred as "His House". Both apply in this statement.

61. Ensign April 1986, page 5

62. Ezra Taft Benson; LDS General Conference 4 October 1986 ; Joseph Smith: Introduction to the Book of Mormon.

63. "Drive the church into the wilderness" ; Orson Pratt, 9MAR1873; "...they have strayed so far that to get a people who would conform to heavenly laws it may be needful to lead some from the midst of this people and commence ANEW some where in the regions round about in these mountains..." (Wilderness); Also: Orson Pratt -- The Seer page 307; Deseret News -- 6Nov1875; Daniel H. Wells 9Dec1882 -- Millennial Star 42: 584 -- Deseret News Weekly 11Aug1889 -- Apostle Orson F. Whitney;

64. Isaiah here condemns the LDS church leadership. He saw and knew of the apostasy of Latter Day Israel, and he knew the men who would lead Israel astray -- "the head...and the tail, that teacheth lies." This is a direct identification to todays LDS General Authorities.

65. The hand of a loving and merciful God always extends His Saving Hand to those who will repent.

66. TPJS page 337

67. TPJS page 366

68. TPJS page 308

69. TPJS page 168

70. TPJS page 158

71. TPJS page 308

72. D&C 5:21,22; D&C D&C D&C 35:18

73. Read this complete quote: D&C 64: 34 - 42

74. Brigham Young, St. George Temple Dedication

75. Jesus Christ, 3 Nephi 16:10

76. Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol 4: 327

77. Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol 4:38

78. President Heber J. Grant, Improvement Era, September 1936. This is one of many such statements by LDS Authorities beginning at this time and which is still currently being preached.

79. President Brigham Young, 5Feb1852, Brigham Young Addresses Ms d 1234, Box 48, folder 3, LDS Church Historical Dept.

80. D&C Official Declaration - 2, page 294, LDS Triple Combination, 8June1978. Note that this Declaration has never been supported by a "revelation" from the Lord Jesus Christ -- the LDS church has never produced such a document.

81. 2 Nephi 26: 29; D&C 33: 4

82. 3 Nephi 13: 24; Mammon is defined as " an Aramaic word meaning riches". Mormon 8: 37 "ye do love money."

83. 2 Nephi 4: 34; 2 Nephi 28: 31; The dependence upon a man, or upon a group of men is condemned by the Lord, and He makes it very clear that such reliance results in a curse being received upon those who chose to follow men. Mormon 8: 40. "why do ye build up your secret combinations to get gain and cause that widows should mourn before the Lord..."

84. Matthew 23: 1 --39; Here the Lord specifically reveals the sins of the apostate church leaders in His day. However, a great many of the LDS Authorities, from the highest to the least, are guilty of the same offenses. In verse 2, Jesus counsels "the multitude" to "observe" what they, the leaders, do, "but do not after their works, for they say and do not." Jesus does not counsel the multitude to blindly follow the ways of the leaders in those days -- and since Jesus is the same "yesterday, today, and always", this counsel is still good counsel today; the Latter Day Saints need to follow their leader, Jesus Christ, and not the "arm of flesh".

85. Journal of Discourses: Vol 22: 373 - 374, 15 June 1881, George Q. Cannon. " There is nothing short of complete apostasy, a complete denial of every principle we have received, a throwing away of the Holy Priesthood, that can save us from persecution."

86. Mormon 8: 36 - 37, "...there are none save a few only who do not lift themselves up in the pride of their hearts, unto the wearing of very fine apparel...and the adorning of your churches..."

87. Alma 10: 23; Helaman 13: 14; -- Cast out the wicked and reap the "fierce anger" of the Lord. Beware,LDS Mormons, lest the same fall upon you! "Wo be to this great city, because of the wickedness and abominations which are in her." Modern city-- S.L.C.!

88. Ezra Taft Benson; Ensign, May 1986, page 4: "Cleansing The Inner Vessel" "All is not well in Zion". "We need changed people". "I now discuss a subject of grave concern ... it is the subject of pride". "... the proud do not change to improve, but defend their position by rationalizing..."

89. See Mosiah 29: 27

90. D&C 85: 7

91. D&C 101: 55 - 56

92. D&C 10: 65 The Lord offers His Priesthood as a shelter and a protection to those who will gather to Him. See footnote #93.

93. D & C 29: 2 Note that the Lord recommends "mighty prayer" -- this means, for those who have received the correct keys of the Priesthood from a correct Temple Endowment, to commune with Him in "THE TRUE ORDER OF PRAYER", for that is what the Lord calls "mighty prayer". The Elect here are being asked to gather together under the Lord's wing and to serve Him in the Last Days.

94. "Second time" -- 2 Nephi 29:1, 2 Nephi 25: 17, Isaiah 11: 11; "Strange Work of the Father" -- D&C 101: 95, 95: 4; "Great and Marvelous Work yet to come forth" - 1 Nephi 14: 7, 22: 8, 2 Nephi 25: 17, 27: 26, 3 Nephi 21: 9.

95. See the TLC pamphlet "The Gathering of the Elect"

96. D&C 85: 7 Given by the Lord to Joseph Smith in 1832. It had such an impact upon Joseph at that time that he wrote "it maketh my bones to quake"; Verse 6. It is Joseph Smith , as a real live person who will complete the work given him to do. Joseph is directing the "setting in order", and such a work does seems "strange" to many, especially if they do not understand the scriptures, the Doctrines, and especially the Doctrine of Multiple Mortal Probations. Also see D&C 90: 3 "Verily I say unto you [Joseph Smith] , the keys of the kingdom shall never be taken from you, while thou art in the world, neither in the world to come;"

97. D&C 35: 25

98. See the TLC Pamphlet "The Apostolic Witness of The Last Days"

Prepared, Published, and Approved by The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The True And Living Church Of Jesus Christ of Saints of The Last Days

P.O. Box 177 Manti, Utah 84642

Email - tlcmanti@tlcmanti.org

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