The Cliff Notes version

Happy Valentines Day!

Thirty-six references in the Book of Mormon were identified and analyzed. In those verses the Book of Mormon shares all it has to say about the subject of the Gentiles. I have met very few people genuinely interested in this type of research. Most people I am acquainted with have a mild curiosity but want the “Cliff Notes” version. They don’t want to take the time to read the book; they are waiting for the movie. I understand. I would never invest the time to read the “Twilight” series. The movie was enough for me.

So, for those who want the short version, here we go:

From the Book of Mormon perspective, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are viewed as Gentiles. This runs counter to conventional wisdom in the Church. We view ourselves as Israelites. We get a kick out of hearing people of Jewish descent visit Utah and joke it is the only place on earth where a Jew can be referred to as a Gentile. Realizing the Book of Mormon Prophets speak of us as Gentiles has huge implications for understanding what the Book of Mormon says about our future. The Gentiles (including members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) are headed for very difficult times.

An appropriate analogy would be floating down a river with an ipod and headset in a small boat. At first the river flows gently and there is little need to pay attention to navigation. As the boat follows its natural course calm and complacency set in. The music serenely plays and the scenery casually passes by. Relishing the ride is of the utmost importance. Gradually, (with little warning) the river begins to flow more swiftly. Focus turns from the gently passing scenery to increasing velocity of the river. Navigation becomes more difficult. It requires total attention so the headset is removed only to find the gentle music replaced by the roar of a fast approaching water fall. There is very little time to react and every decision has life or death implications.

Our headsets are firmly in place and the siren’s song we heed is the comforting assurance we have the truth and are the “Chosen” of God. As events continue to unfold with greater speed we quickly conclude this Church as currently constituted is not the dawning of a new millennial age but the remnant of a failed attempt at Zion. Only after passing through the “refiner’s fire” will a righteous remnant from Joseph emerge to lay the foundation of Zion and gather Israel’s tribes to it. Suffering will sanctify the Church and cleanse those who remain.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true Church of Christ. The Church’s leaders are Prophets, Seers and Revelators holding the keys of authority to administer God’s kingdom on earth. It is the body of the Church that has “treated lightly the things you have received” and brought the Church under condemnation. (D&C 84:54-55) Our hearts “are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men” that the lesson of the divine empowerment of men and women of God is almost entirely overlooked by those called to be the “light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14-16)

Repentance and forgiveness is not all that is required. Divine empowerment must follow. Forgiveness is granted through the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ. Once this portion of the process is implemented we must use our agency to press forward, becoming a force for good and witness for Christ and the Father in this life.

The script for our future lies before us in 36 verses. Explaining my perspective further will not save anyone. We all need to learn how to “feast on the words of Christ” for they “will tell you all things what ye shall do.” (2 Nephi 32:3) The mysteries of heaven are the reward for those willing to do so. Get busy asking, seeking, knocking and finding, for such was the Lord’s admonition and desire. (Matthew 7:7-8)