Laying the foundation for understanding Prophecy

On occasion I have spoken with others about how to study the scriptures topically. These individuals were interested in developing the skill set themselves. In an effort to transfer what I have learned, I thought it may be helpful to do an actual study on this blog to demonstrate how I have learned to apply topical study of scripture.

As stated before, topical study of doctrine is more straightforward than topical study of prophecy because of the sheer volume written on doctrine. The study of doctrine can be accomplished by merely choosing a word like "faith" and examining every reference relating to that word (this includes derivations and synonyms.)

The study of prophecy is more complex and requires greater thought and reflection. Key words and phrases, templates, types, shadows and symbols are all part of the process. It sounds more complex than it is, particularly when done under the guidance of the Holy Ghost.

In hindsight I believe topical study of prophecy is immeasurably helped if you have a template, pattern or overview to follow. Perhaps the most relevant pattern is one oft repeated in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The pattern is: "The first shall be last, and the last shall be first." How does it apply to prophecy? This template tells us what the Lord has done in the past and what He intends to do in the future. The pattern is a template of how God has cultivated a covenant relationship first with Israel and then with the Gentiles following the crucifixion of Jesus. Following Peter's revelation to take the Gospel of Christ (including covenants) to the Gentiles is a period of apostasy when all covenant relationships with God are removed from all collective bodies of people, Israel or Gentile. Evidence of this is the fact additional books of revelation were not continually added to the scripture library. Instead a line was drawn on what would comprise the standard and the Bible was declared complete.

Religious reformation and expansion of both access to the Bible and individual interpretation laid the groundwork for Joseph Smith's grove experience and the beginning of the Gentile opportunity to lead in entering a covenant relationship with God. Just as the first half of the template involved a covenant transition from Israel to the Gentiles, the second half of the template involves a transition from the Gentiles back to Israel. We are currently closing into the end of the Gentile covenant opportunity and witnessing increasing velocity in moving toward the gathering of Israel.

Modern scholars tend to blur the line between the Gentile covenant opportunity and Israel last, concluding covenant opportunity. The historical reasons support the notion that the Lord moves the covenant relationship from one group to another because of covenant disobedience/rejection. The implication being the Gentiles, including some members of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints have not kept their Melchizedek covenant which involves actively and diligently pursuing the face of God as Moses plainly taught:

"And without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh; For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live. Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God; But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his anger was kindled against them, swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory." (D&C 84:22-23)

When Israel ceased to diligently follow the instructions of Moses to be sanctified and return to the presence of God, instead they "hardened their hearts" and their invitation to stand in the presence of God was rescinded. This sets the pattern for covenant rejection that likely leads to a transition from the Gentiles to Israel.

This does not imply the entire Church will forfeit their covenant relationship but only a remnant will remain to administer the Melchizedek Covenant to the tribes of Israel that are scattered.

Understanding we stand at the threshold of the transition from the Gentiles to Israel means the topic we are about to study has enormous relevance to our time. There are many words we can study that will get us to the heart of the manner but I suspect none will bear more fruit than "gather." The topical study of the word gather I will, (I suspect) yield much fruit for those willing to put in the time. We will begin our study of "gather" on the next post.

Incidentally, if you want to read Joseph Smith's explanation of "the first shall be last and the last shall be first" you can read it in "Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith", pgs. 13-18.