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THE MISSING LINK
THE MISSING LINK
What is the Missing Link?
God never had a people that He recognized as His own without a Prophet to stand at the head and maintain liaison with His people. The priesthood of God is called the MELCHISEDEC PRIESTHOOD after a very honorable prophet in the days of Abraham (Heb. 7:1). It is an eternal priesthood--unless revoked by God because of wickedness. The office of PROPHET AND LAWGIVER is the highest office of this priesthood. Adam, Noah, Moses, and others held this office.
There are two orders to the MELCHISEDEC PRIESTHOOD: Apostles and Priests. Jesus and others were first degree Apostles: Prophets and Lawgivers. There can be only one on the earth at the same time. Thus, they must be called and be ordained by angelic administration. Elisha could not succeed Elijah in this office until Elijah stepped onto the fiery chariot (2 Kings 2:10) and was no longer in the flesh. Jesus had to be ordained by angelic administration as the Melchisedec Priesthood had been lost 400 years before Him.
Jesus was called and ordained a prophet like Moses under the hands of God. “Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.” (Acts 3:22) After being baptized and tempted of Satan. “Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.” (Matt. 4:11) What did they minister? “No man taketh this honour [of the priesthood] unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron [by revelation]. 5 So Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he [the Father] that said unto him, Thou art my son, to day have I begotten thee. 6 As he saith also in another place, thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” (Heb. 5) Holding the highest office, He also held all lower offices.
A second-degree Apostle is that of Counselor. He is an Apostle, Prophet, Seer, and King. They are assistants to the Lawgiver. In the absence of a Lawgiver, they stand as administrators of laws already given. Joshua seceded Moses in this office. The Twelve were third degree Apostles: Ambassadors to the nations. Twelve make a quorum. These “Apostles have the duty chiefly of preaching the gospel in all places, where it has not gone. When all the world is brought into the faith, they will be the chief representatives of the supreme authority, to be sent to all places to preside in Conferences, Councils and General Assemblies, and to conduct the affairs of government in all great matters. As the representatives of the Lawgiver, they will exercise royal prerogatives in the great divisions of the earth.” (James J. Strang)
Fourth degree Apostles are Evangelists. Their duties are about the same as the twelve except they are sent to one nation. Philip was a four-degree Apostle. “The next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.” (Acts 8:21) Seven make a quorum.
>>There are two degrees to the office of Priest. The first degree is High Priest. “All inferior Kings, Patriarchs, or heads of tribes, and nobles, or heads of clans, ought to be of this Priesthood. “They who are faithful in the calling, have the gift of prophecies. Hence High Priests are frequently spoken of under the name of prophets.” (James J. Strang) “Every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God.” (Heb. 5:1) The second degree is that of Elders. They are missionaries and heads of branches. “When they had ordained them elders in every church.” (Acts 14:23)When JESUS BEGAN HIS MINISTRY, He first called and ordained the Twelve Apostles so they would hold authority from God. “And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach.” (Mark 14:3) They could not be “sent” to preach the gospel until obeying the gospel and being properly ordained like Himself.
Then, Jesus called and ordained all other officers of this priesthood; as no one can obey the gospel without one of these officers. “11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors [high priests and elders] and teachers; [Why?] 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: [for how long?] 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” (Eph. 4) Have we all come in unity of the faith with hundreds of different churches all claiming to be of God? “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” (1 Cor. 14:33)
The LAW ON ORDINATION requires each to be called by REVELATION and be ORDAINED by one holding that authority. Jesus was no exception (Heb. 5:4). Paul reminded his son Timothy of this law. “Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery [those holding that priesthood].” (1 Tim. 4:14) "22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection." (Acts 1:22) Only officers of God hold “the keys of the kingdom [priesthood]; and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.” (Matt. 16:19)
When lost, the lack of the MELCHISEDEC PRIESTHOOD of God is the MISSING LINK between man and God; and liaison with God is lost. God only stops talking to man, when he turns to evil. “1 Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: 2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” (Isa. 59)
Necessity of the Melchisedec Priesthood.
This mortal life is like a flash of lightning compared with eternity. There is only one certainty in this life: we are going to die. We are faced with choices in this mortal life that have a complete bearing over eternal life. Every decision, every action, and every thought is being recorded by us and in heaven. We will have to answer for our works in this life when we stand before the judgment bar of God. “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” (Rev. 20:12)
Every one of us will receive an eternal physical body; but we do not all inherit the same mansion. “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2) Those who know God, obey the gospel, and live according to the laws of God will rise in the first resurrection when Jesus returns and inherit the earth. “6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” “5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.” (Rev. 20)
"7 He that overcometh [through obedience to the laws of God] shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and UNBELIEVING, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone." (Rev. 21) "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." (Matt. 10:22) Only obedience to the will and laws of God can save person. “14 BLESSED ARE THEY that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” (Rev. 22)
There is no hell. When the King James Bible was translated by the Church of England, a major error was made. Fire and brimstone would have no effect on spirits. The concept of hell was adopted from Greek mythology by the Church of England in the King James Version of the Bible. The term hell was removed from the Standard Revised Edition. The doctrine of a place of punishment was not found in the Bible before that. The original terms Sheol, Hades, and Gehenna were replaced with hell. “The English word, from a Teutonic root meaning "to hide" or "cover," had originally the significance of the world of the dead generally. (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Electronic Database Copyright © 1996, 2003 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.) Those who fail to enter the kingdom of God in the flesh must wait a thousand years with the spirits in prison to rise in the second resurrection.
There are three kingdoms/glories prepared for the resurrection. “I saw a new heaven and a new earth.” (Rev. 21:1) "40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars (telestial): for one star differeth from another star in glory. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption." (1 Cor. 15) Consider the difference in glory between the sun and the stars. They might be compared to a mansion on a hill top with a shanty.
One of the great blessings of the kingdom of God is the opportunity to be married for time and eternity and have their families with them. What a blessing to have our families with us in eternity! Abraham had one wife (Sarah for eternity) and two concubines (Hagar and Keturah, for life). Opportunity to obey the gospel continues after death but may take a long time. Those of the celestial glory will minister to those of the terrestrial glory and those of terrestrial will minister to those of the telestial. The only ones lost in the end are those that received the Spirit then wholly turned away and those who prefer to remain filthy.
The earth will become the Kingdom of God. Jesus said, “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matt. 6:33) And, “if thou wilt enter into life, KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS.” (Matt. 19:17) “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have RIGHT TO THE TREE OF LIFE right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” (Rev. 22:14)
One of those commandments is OBEDIENCE TO THE GOSPEL. It is the only gate into the kingdom of God. Jesus advised us to “13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and FEW there be that find it.” (Matt. 7)
The straight gate is the gospel of Christ. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Rom. 1:16) Jesus had to obey the gospel before He could preach the gospel. He went to John the Baptist for baptism of water and was baptized with the spirit by God. (Matt. 3:16) He was our example. “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” (1 John 2:6) Jesus advised us that “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)
NO ONE can be born of water and the Spirit WITHOUT the Melchisedec Priesthood. This is why John said to Jesus “I have need to be baptized of thee.” He knew Jesus would be ordained by God to this higher priesthood. “5 So Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he [the Father] that said unto him, THOU ART MY SON, TO DAY HAVE I BEGOTTEN THEE. 6 As he saith also in another place, thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” (John 1)
Jesus called and ordained all other officers of this priesthood because none can enter the kingdom of God without the administration of one of these. “11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors [high priests and elders] and teachers; [Why?] 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: [for how long?] 13 TILL WE ALL COME IN UNITY OF THE FAITH, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” (Eph. 4) “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17) Knowledge of God and Jesus was lost after the Apostles when Constantine made the pagan doctrines of Babylon those of his Catholic Church.
Where this priesthood does not exist, there is a MISSING LINK and the gate into the kingdom of God is gone. Those who claim to minister in the name of God without holding this priesthood violate a basic law of God. “Thou shalt not take the name [authority] of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” (Ex. 20:7) To act in the name of someone is to act by their authority. “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there MANY ANTICHRISTS; whereby we know that it is the last time.” (1 John 2:18) There are a lot more today.
The term “CHRIST” is not a proper name like Joseph. Translated it means “anointed” or ordained (Young’s Analytical Concordance to The Bible). Every minister of God in the Bible was called of God and properly ordained, “MUST ONE BE ORDAINED to be a witness with us.” (Acts 1:22) Jesus was ordained under the hands of God because the Melchisedec Priesthood was lost 400 years earlier with Malachi. (Heb. 5:4-6) He then ordained all other officers of this priesthood (Eph. 4:11-13).
The kingdom and priesthood of God originated in eternity before Adam walked on the earth. Satan violated the second of the Ten Commandments; which declares: “Thou shalt not take the NAME [authority] of the LORD THY GOD IN VAIN; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” (Ex. 20:7) During our spiritual estate, Satan rebelled against this law thinking to stand at the head of this creation in Jesus’ place. He was cast down with about a third of the host of heaven that followed him to spend eternity as ghosts distant from earth. “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning [one of the first organized spirits]! how art thou cut down to the ground.” (Isa.14:12)
Every minister who claims to be of God that does not hold the Melchizedec Priesthood is a usurper and ANTI-CHRIST. “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock." (Acts 20:29) "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way." (2 Thess. 2:7) Jesus warned us to “Beware of false prophets [preachers], which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Matt. 7:15) “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” (1 Thes. 5:21)
History of the priesthood.
Adam was the first PROPHET AND LAWGIVER. Israel was chosen by God to be His people with the sons of Adam. “8 When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel. 9 For the Lord’s portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.” (Deut. 32:8)
Only one holding this highest priesthood holds authority from God to give laws to the people. Cain was condemned for breaking the law “Thou shalt not kill” when he killed his brother Able. Even at this early period man was already rebelling against God. They split into the sons of God and sons of man. “The sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.” (Gen. 6.2) “As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” (Rom. 8:14) This division continued until only Noah and his family were led by the spirit of God.
Adam lived 930 years to know the father of Noah. NOAH was obviously a Prophet and Lawgiver. He preached the gospel for 120 years warning the sons of man of the flood; but he was only able to save his own family of eight. Abraham lived with Noah for thirty-nine years. It was easy for the PRIESTHOOD and true doctrines of God to PASS FROM ADAM TO ABRAHAM. “Preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.” (Gal. 3:8) He could only obey the gospel through one holding the Melchisedec Priesthood.
After the great flood, almost all of mankind returned to evil. Nimrod—a grandson of Noah—established the great kingdom of Babylon. Abraham was born in the city of Ur. Nimrod made every effort to kill him because he knew that the SEED OF ABRAHAM would be the people of God and would eventually destroy all nations of man. The night Abraham was born there was a great star in the heavens. (This same comet—Hale-Bopp--appeared in 1997.) The conjurers of Nimrod told him “This only betokens the child that has been born to Terah this night, who will grow up and be fruitful, and multiply, and possess all the earth, he and his children for ever, and he and his seed will slay great kings, and inherit the land.” (Book of Jasher 8:4)
Abraham lived with Noah and Shem for thirty-nine years. God covenanted with Abraham to be His people. “I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.” (Gen. 17:7) This covenant was continued through Jacob who wrestled with God and prevailed (Gen. 32). God changed his name to ISRAEL. The twelve sons of Abraham became the twelve tribes of Israel. Jacob gathered his sons and those of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) to bless them and “tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.” (Gen. 49:1)
The blessing on Joseph was special. “22 Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches [progeny] run over the wall [to another land] … 26 The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors [twelve tribes] unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills [Zion]: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.” (Gen. 49). The land of CANAAN was promised to the twelve tribes and the land of ZION (America) was promised to the seed of Joseph. It is evident they failed and turned to the evils of Egypt. AFTER JOSEPH’S DEATH, there was a new king that took them as slaves. The Melchisedec Priesthood was gone. This MISSING LINK continued 400 years.
MOSES FILLED THE MISSING LINK. When He was about 40 years old, he saw a Hebrew woman being beaten by an Egyptian and killed him. He was forced to flee Pharoah and settled in Median with a where he worked as a shepherd for Jethro. He married his daughter Zipporah and had two sons. When he was 80 years old the king of Egypt died. While attending his flocks on mount Horeb, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flaming bush. “And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the god of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake.” (Gen. 26:24) “And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the GOD OF ABRAHAM, the God of ISAAC, and the God of JACOB, hath sent me unto you: THIS IS MY NAME for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.” (Ex. 3:15) Jehovah is a name invented by a Catholic priest. Moses was ORDAINED a Prophet and Lawgiver by God.
God told him to return to Egypt and to free the Israelites from slavery. When the king would not let Israel go, Moses returned to God and was told “7 I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8 And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I am the LORD.” (Exod. 6)
When Pharoah refused to let Israel go, the Lord brought ten plagues on Egypt. The last was the worse. “All the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.” (Exod. 11:5) The children of Israel were spared. The angel of death passed them by. They were commanded “This day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.” (Exod. 12:14) The PASSOVER is till honored today. This is a great testimony of existence of God and the necessity of keeping His commandments.
After three months in the wilderness, they came to Mt. Sinai. Moses went up to God and was told “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine.” (Exod. 19:5) The third day GOD SPOKE TO ALL ISRAEL in a cloud and called Moses to return to the mount where he received the law. “3 Thou shalt have NO OTHER GODS before me… 6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS. 7 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. 8 Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.” (Exod. 20:3) The command to keep the laws of God is repeated many times in the Bible (Lev. 22:31; Deut. 5:10; and many more). “Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.” (Prov. 7:2)
“9 Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel: 10 And THEY SAW THE GOD OF ISRAEL.” (Exod. 24) What an impression this made! Moses was on the mount for 40 days. God prepared tables of stone on which He wrote the law. The people—except the tribe of Levi--grew restless and returned to wickedness and worshipping the gods of Egypt. When Moses came down from the mount “it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.” (Exod. 32:19)
“Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations.” (Deut. 7:9) That would be at least 40,000 years. The last chapter in the Bible tells us “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” (Rev. 22:14) The law is like a two-edged sword. Obedience brings many blessings; but disobedience brings curses (see Deut. 28-31). “9 Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel… 26 Take this BOOK OF THE LAW, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee.” (Deut. 31) This Book of the Law was lost to the Bible and restored by the latter-day prophet James J. Strang.
Moses made two more tables of stone and returned to the Lord “And the Lords spake unto Moses face to face.” (Exod. 33:11) Israel was given both the original spiritual law, a new temporal law, and new temporal priesthood (Levitical) to administer it. This ADDED LAW was to serve as a taskmaster to Israel until Jesus--who would be ordained a Prophet and Lawgiver of the Melchisedec Priesthood. This added temporal law given to Moses was to continue until Jesus.
MOSES prophesied of the coming of Jesus. “The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a PROPHET from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, LIKE UNTO ME; unto him ye shall hearken.” (Deut. 18:15) And so it was. “For MOSES TRULY SAID unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.” (Acts 3:22) Jesus clarified the difference between the original spiritual law and the added temporal law which ended when He was ordained under the hands of God as Prophet and Lawgiver. “17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy [the original law], but to fulfill [the added temporal law].” (Matt. 5)
Moses was a first-degree Apostle, Prophet, and Lawgiver. He put a portion of that priesthood on Joshua whom he ordained a second-degree Apostle, Prophet, and Administrator—one degree below Moses. “18 And the Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him; 19 And set him before Eleazar [priest of the Levitical Priesthood], and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight. 20 And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.” (Num. 27)
Because of Moses sin in Egypt (most likely killing) he was not allowed to enter the Promised Land. After 40 years in the wilderness at 120 years old: “1 Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho. And the LORD shewed him all the land of Gilead, unto Dan… And the LORD said unto him, This is the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither… 5 So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord… 10 And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.” (Deut. 34)
“1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the LORD SPAKE UNTO JOSHUA the son of Nun, Moses minister, saying… 3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses… 5 There shall not be any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” (Joshua 1) “7 And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD, that he did for Israel. 8 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died, being an hundred and ten years old.” (Judges 2) Joshua was a second-degree Apostle and Prophet.
From Joshua to Malachi--about 400 years before Jesus--God called Prophets to lead the people. Then, the word of the Lord came through Malachi: “The burden of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi.” (1:1) “If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart.” (2:2) And so it was.
The Melchisedec Priesthood was lost again and there was a MISSING LINK between God and His elect for 400 years until Jesus. Then “cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.” (Matt. 3:13) Like us, Jesus was born alien to the kingdom. This is why He had to obey the gospel like all men. Jesus advised us: “Except a man be BORN OF WATER AND THE SPIRIT, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)
John the Baptist—a Priest of the Levitical Priesthood—only held authority to baptize of water. In John 3:11, he notes this limitation and that Jesus would later baptize with the Spirit (“he comes after me is mightier than I”). John hesitated, so Jesus told him “Suffer it be so now; for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.” (Matt. 3:15) In other words, Jesus had to obey the law of God on the gospel to enter the kingdom.
When Jesus “went up straightway out of the water; and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending upon him: and lo a voice from heaven saying, This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matt. 3:16, 17) He was born of the spirit by God because the Melchisedec Priesthood was lost for 400 years after Malachi. This is clearly an account of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as separate identities.
The first verse of the New Testament noted that Jesus was “the son of David.” He had to be born in the flesh and tried like all other men to be the Messiah. “Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David.” (John 7:42; Acts 2:30; Rom. 1:3, 2 Tim. 2:2) Jesus is called the Son of David sixteen times and the son of man over seventy times in the New Testament.
JESUS made it clear that He was born like all men. “Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made LIKE UNTO HIS BRETHREN, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” (Heb. 2:17) Matthew gave us Jesus’ true lineage in the first chapter of the New Testament. “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas [Judah]… And Jesse begat David the king… And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary.” (Matt. 1) This is “according to the flesh.”
“I am the root [organized David’s spirit] and the offspring of David [according to the flesh], and the bright and morning star [fist spirit of this creation].” (Rev. 22:16) “Therefore being a prophet [DAVID], and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the FRUIT OF HIS LOINS, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne.” (Acts 2:30) “Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the SEED OF DAVID ACCORDING TO THE FLESH.” (Rom. 1:3)
Jesus DID NOT HOLD AUTHORITY from God to preach the gospel and administer its saving ordinances. After baptism, He went into the wilderness 40 days where He was tempted of Satan. “13 God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.” (James 1) “Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.” (Matt. 4:11)
What did they minister? Jesus was ordained UNDER THE HANDS OF GOD to the highest office in the Melchizedek Priesthood: a Prophet like Moses (Acts 3:22); which also holds the lower office of High Priest. “4 And no man taketh this honour [of the priesthood] unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron [by revelation from God]. 5 So Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he [the FATHER] that said unto him, Thou art my son, TO DAY HAVE I BEGOTTN THEE. 6 As he saith also in another place, thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” (John 1)
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He [God] hath anointed [ordained] me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised [in prison].” (Luke 4:18) Now, Jesus held authority to preach the gospel. “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand [among you].” (Matt. 4:17)
The MISSING LINK was filled by JESUS as Prophet and Lawgiver like Moses. “Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.” (Acts 3:22)
JESUS ORGANIZED ALL offices of the Melchisedec Priesthood as none can be saved. Holding the highest office, Jesus called and ordained all the lower offices in this priesthood because none can enter the Kingdom of God without the administration of one of these. “11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists [4th degree Apostles]; and some, pastors [high priests and elders] and teachers; [WHY?] 12 FOR the perfecting of the saints, FOR the work of the ministry, FOR the edifying of the body of Christ: [FOR HOW LONG?] 13 TILL we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” (Eph. 4)
All must be called of God by revelation and be ordained by those holding as high a priesthood. Jesus was called and ordained by God. “4 And no man taketh this honour [of the priesthood] unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron [by revelation].” (Heb. 5:4) Neither Jesus nor the Apostles changed this law. "22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, ONE MUST BE ORDAINED to be a witness with us of his resurrection." (Acts 1:22) The Apostle Paul reminded his son Timothy: “Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy.” (1 Tim. 4:14) Only officers of God hold “the keys of the kingdom [priesthood]; and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.” (Matt. 16:19)
Although Israel was the elect people of God, they failed at being the people of God. They cried “Crucify him, crucify him.” Only a man could bring redemption--resurrection. “15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one [man, Adam] many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by ONE MAN, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.” (Rom. 5) After Jesus’ resurrection, He visited the apostles and commissioned them to TAKE THE GOSPEL TO GENTILES for the first time. “18 All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” (Matt. 28)
Peter became the first Prophet and Lawgiver to gentiles followed by James and John. “He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17) Only a prophet holds authority to give instruction to the church. Peter’s first epistle was written to the church, those who “through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience.” His second was to “them that have obtained like precious faith” (to the church). Peter was crucified upside down in Rome in 69 A.D. James succeeded Peter. His epistle was “to the twelve tribes.” John wrote to the church in general. In comparison, the Twelve Apostles wrote to individual churches. Paul wrote: “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth.
It is believed that John was isolated on the Isle of Patmos in 97 A.D., wrote the Book of Revelation in 98 A.D. and died in Ephesus in 99 A.D. Jesus allowed him to tarry until He returns (John 21:22). He was translated like others and remains on the earth today. Gentiles continued to worship idols even during the days of the Apostles (2 Thes. 2:7). Jesus gave them one last chance to change and be rebaptized (Rev. 2, 3); but they would not. The office of Prophet and Lawgiver to gentiles ended with John.
The office of High Priest (first below that of Apostle) only lasted a couple generations; as acknowledged by the noted ecclesiastic historian Eusebius (Page 123). Elders were ordained in every branch of the church under the Apostles. “23 ordained them elders in every church.” (Acts 14) There is no record of how long the office of elder remained; but it was likely about the same. Gentiles simply voted the senior members to be their leaders and Bishops; although the office of Bishop is temporal, reserved for the sons of Levi, and holds no authority to baptize with the Spirit.
Another MISSING LINK—the Melchisedec Priesthood was lost.
After the Apostles, so called CHRISTIANS NO LONGER KNEW GOD. Confusion reigned. “First the son of an artisan, then the son of David, then the Son of God, after three centuries of impassioned debate Jesus became identified outright with God himself, in the first Ecumenical council recorded history—that of Nicaea, in 325.” (Life of Jesus, Craveri, p. 28) The TRINITY became the official creed of the Catholic Church and her daughters. "29 Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord… 32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is ONE GOD; and there is none other but he." (Mark 12) So much for that.
By the SECOND CENTURY gentiles lost all priesthood of God and simply ELECTED THEIR OFFICERS by the voice of man. “It may perhaps be deduced from the letters of Ignatius that at this period [middle of the second century] each of these was RULED BY A BISHOP, chosen from the elders (the presbyters) and assisted by other presbyters and deacons, who were ELECTED by the vote of the entire congregation. (Life of Jesus, Craveri, p. 234) Not so with officers of God. Every officer of the Melchisedec Priesthood must be called of God by one holding that priesthood. Paul reminded his son Timothy of this law. “Neglect not the gift [priesthood] that is in thee, which was given thee by PROPHECY, with the laying on of the hands of the PRESBYTERY [those holding that priesthood].” (1 Tim. 4:14)
The office of Bishop is a temporal office reserved for the Levitical Priesthood and holds no authority to baptize with the Spirit. GOD NO LONGER SPOKE TO THEM. “To this extent, ‘orthodoxy’ [TRUE DOCTRINES] in the sense of a unified group advocating an apostolic doctrine accepted by the majority of Christians everywhere, DID NOT EXIST in the second and third centuries.” (The Orthodox Corruption of Scripture, Bart D. Ehrman, p. 7)
The noted ecclesiastical historian Mosheim wrote of the FOURTH CENTURY, “The rites and institutions, by which the Greeks, Romans, and other nations, had formerly testified their religious veneration for fictitious deities, were now adopted, with some slight alterations by Christian bishops, and employed in the service of the true God.” (Mosheim, Ecclesiastical History, Century 4, Part 2, chap 4:1, 4)
The Apostle Paul advised us: “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day [return of Jesus] shall not come, except there come a falling away [apostacy] first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.” (2 Thess. 2:3) The Bible, Ecclesiastical Historians, and Church leaders all took note of this COMPLETE APOSTACY of the gentiles.
In 325, the unbaptized, pagan Roman Emperor Constantine stood as the absolute head of the Christian church; although he was not even a Christian. "Immediately upon coming to power as the sole ruler of the empire, but only then, CONSTANTINE asserted the right to EXERCISE ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY over the entire church.” (Constantine’s Sword, James Carroll, p. 188)
Consolidating Rome required the establishment of a state religion. This was accomplished in 325 A.D. He assembled the bishops, stood at the head, and organized his new Catholic Church. He was a loyal FOLLOWER OF THE SUN GOD. “As seen in Constantine’s originating piety, that SUPREME DEITY would have been associated with the SUN, and pagans would have recognized, with reason, their own solar cult in such Christian practices as orienting churches to the east, worshipping on ‘sun day,’ and celebrating the birth of the deity at the winter solstice [Dec. 25].” (Ibid., p. 183)
Constantine organized his new Catholic (universal) church using doctrines of PAGANISM; which he honored by giving them Christian names. The foundation doctrine was formulated in 325 by the Council of Nicaea and called the Creed of St. Athanasius. “In response to the emperor’s mandate, the bishops did, in fact, agree to a formulaic statement of belief, defining especially, and in explicit terms, HOW JESUS WAS GOD. Those who dissented were exiled by Constantine.” (Ibid., p. 189) Constantine simply turned Christianity into paganism. “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Jesus, Matt. 15:8)
Bishop Ambrose, who lived near the days of Constantine, wrote, "...when God is thought of, our thoughts should dwell on no material reality whatsoever." (Ibid., p. 200). This is not the God of Abraham, Moses, and Israel. There is only one SABBATH of God and it was lost. “Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a PERPETUAL COVENANT.” (Ex. 31:16) Where the Sabbath is not, the kingdom of God is not.
PRIESTHOOD of God in the church CEASED WITH CONSTANTINE. He stood as absolute head of his new Catholic Church without any authority from God. "Immediately upon coming to power as the sole ruler of the empire, but only then, Constantine asserted the right to exercise absolute authority over the entire Church. He did this despite the fact that he was not baptized, and, as was not unusual, would not be until shortly before he died." (James Carroll, Constantine’s Sword, p. 188) “… about the year 320… Constantine fully understands himself by now as ‘the vice-regent of God.’” (Ibid., p. 187) That is, as god on earth.
USURPATION of the priesthood is one of the most grievous violations of the laws of God. The second of the Ten Commandments advised: “7 Thou shalt not take the name [authority] of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” (Ex. 20) Satan tried this during our spiritual estate and with his followers all were cast down never to have physical bodies. Those that usurp the authority of God are anti-Christ or not properly ordained. What would happen if a person attempted to act as a police officer without being properly called? God also has a prison (1 Cor. 15:29).
John Wesley, one of the founders of Methodism, wrote “Christians had no more of the spirit of Christ than the other heathens. The Son of Man, when He came to examine His Church, could hardly find faith upon earth. This was the real cause why the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost were no longer to be found in the Christian church— because the CHRISTIANS WERE TURNED HEATHEN AGAIN, and only had a dead form left." (John Wesley's Works, Vol. VII, 89:26-27)
“19 O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit. 20 Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they are no gods?” (Jer. 16)
The Melchisedec Priesthood was lost and again there was a MISSING LINK between God and man. The Bible tells of the priesthood and kingdom of God being LOST FOR 1,260 YEARS. “5. Power was given unto him [Satan] to continue forty and two months (40 x 30 + 60=1260). 7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” (Rev. 13)
WHEN DID THE 1,260 YEARS BEGIN? Paul gave us the answer. “Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” (2 Thes. 2:4) The Lombards invaded Rome in 568. In 570, the BISHOP OF ROME was able to assert himself as head of the church. "Our LORD GOD THE POPE… The power of the pope is greater than all created power, extending itself to things celestial, terrestrial and infernal, and that the pope doeth whatsoever he listeth even things unlawful, and is MORE THAN GOD.” (Dissertation on the Prophecies, Rev. G S. Faber, Vol. 1, pp. 203, 204) The 1,260 YEARS BEGAN IN 570.
For over 1,200 years the Catholic Church reigned supreme. Then, in the sixteenth century, Martin Luther, in his attempt to "reform" the Catholic Church was excommunicated. Without any claim to divine authority, a NEW GOSPEL WAS INVENTED: salvation by faith alone. If a person is saved by faith alone, it follows that none must obey the laws of God. The gospel is a law of God and the only gate to salvation. The Apostle Paul advised us “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation.” (Rom. 1:16) John Calvin went so far as to teach a person’s works are not important. “Calvin left no place for works in his definition of justification by faith.” (Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion, p. 74)
Jesus said: “Wherefore BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM.” (Matt. 7:20) “19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?' (James 2) “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." (Matt. 7:21)
The MISSING LINK RESTORED.
Both Israel and gentiles had to be given two opportunities to obey God and the gospel through His appointed officers before they could be destroyed. Jesus advised us “Many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.” (Matt. 19:30) The Jews were first in the Dispensation of the Meridian of Time under the Apostles. They failed and crucified Jesus. Gentiles were last. In the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times, gentiles would go first and Israel second.
The Melchisedec Priesthood would be restored in the latter days to gentiles for the second time. “I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, HAVING THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” (Rev. 14:6) “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matt. 24:14)
Now, we must look for a man that claimed this RESTORATION by angelic administration IN 1830. There was only one: JOSEPH SMITH. In 1820, when he was 15 years old, he had a keen interest in religion but was confused at to which of them was right. To resolve this ye took the matter to God in prayer. Two personages appeared to him and one of them said, “This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” He was told “they were all wrong and their creeds were an abomination in his sight… they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power [authority] thereof.”
In June, 1829, Joseph was ORDAINED A PROPHET AND LAWGIVEER of the Melchisedec Priesthood under the hands of angels who held that priesthood in life: Peter, James, and John. They were the last prophets to gentiles in the dispensation of the meridian of time. It was appropriate they would open the dispensation of the fulness of times. Since the priesthood had been lost for over 1,260 years, it could only be restored through angelic administration. The priesthood of God and the gospel were once again restored to the earth. The MISSING LINK WAS NO MORE. The CHURCH OF CHRIST WAS ORGANIZED ON APRIL 6, 1830 (570 + 1260 = 1830).
The false doctrines of man were exposed. The trinitarian god of Babylon was replaced with the true and living God of Israel. “And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.” (Ex. 3:15) The Trinity and Virgin Birth were exposed as the false doctrines they are.
The erroneous authority of popes was replaced with the Melchizedek Priesthood and the Prophetic Office. God spoke to man once again in fulfillment of prophecy. The false doctrine of Luther that belief alone was all that was required for salvation was replaced with a correct understanding of God, the priesthood, and the gospel. The false doctrine of Calvin--that the laws of God were obsolete with Jesus’ crucifixion--were exposed. Jesus said “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.” (John 15:10) The last verse in the Bible advised us: “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” (Rev. 22:14)
The church was originally organized in Kirtland, Ohio. Then, Independence, Missouri, was given by God for the gathering of the saints. The life style of the saints conflicted with the ruffians on the border of civilization and they were driven out. The governor of Missouri issued an EXTERMINATION ORDER, demanding they either forsake their religion, move out of the state, or be killed. Some were killed and other beaten. They migrated to Nauvoo, Illinois, where they built one of the largest and certainly the most law-abiding city in the west.
Joseph received four revelations from God that that he would die in office—the first only a year after the church was organized. In the event of his impending death, he was to appoint “another” in his place and that successor would have to be ordained under the hands of angels like himself. “4 But verily, verily, I say unto you, that none else shall be appointed unto this gift except it be through him; for if it be taken from him he shall not have power except to APPOINT ANOTHER in his stead. 5 And this shall be a law unto you, that ye receive not the teachings of any that shall come before you as revelations or commandments; 6 And this I give unto you that you may not be deceived, that you may know they are not of me. 7 For verily I say unto you, that he that is ordained of me shall come in at the gate and BE ORDAINED AS I HAVE TOLD YOU BEFORE, to teach those revelations which you have received and shall receive through him whom I have appointed.” (Doctrine and Covenants, Section 43, Feb. 1841, Utah Edition)
The Missouri mob followed the saints to Illinois. On June 13. 1844, a mob of 300 gathered at Nauvoo. The Missouri mob followed them. 1500 Missourians joined the mob on June 17. On June 18, 1844, nine days before his death, Joseph Smith wrote (in fulfillment of the law) a LETTER OF APPOINTMENT to James J. Strang in Burlington, Wisconsin. “And now behold my servant James J. Strang hath come to thee from far for truth when he knew it not, and hath not rejected it, but had faith in thee, the Shepherd and Stone of Israel, and to him shall the gathering of the people be, for he shall plant a stake of Zion in Wisconsin.”
Governor Ford pledged the faith of the State that they should be protected. Their hearing was continued until June 29th. On the morning of June 27th, the Governor disbanded the troops (so Joseph could be killed) and left Joseph Smith and associates to be guarded by eight men at the jail (with a company of a mob of 60 men in town). At about six o’clock in the afternoon the guard was surprised by an armed mob of from 150 to 250 men painted red, black, and yellow. They surrounded the jail and murdered Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were murdered in cold blood.
The SAME HOUR that Joseph was killed, James J. Strang claimed that at 5:30 in the afternoon that an angel of the Lord came to him and ordained him to the prophetic office to succeed Joseph Smith. He lived more than four hundred miles from Nauvoo. It was not possible (even if Strang had conspired with men in Nauvoo) to know of Joseph Smith’s murder. Much less to the hour. There was no such means of communication. He announced this ordination to several in Burlington that night. The revelation of Joseph’s death, the letter to the Apostles, the Letter of appointment, and the ordination of James were prophetic in their own right.
James wrote about his ordination: “And at the same moment in which Joseph was slain I was visited by an Angel of God, accompanied by a numerous heavenly train, and anointed and ordained to the Prophetic Office, as Moses and Joseph had been before me. So I was called by the voice of God, and sent by the hands of Angels, as were the chief Prophets before me.”
James taught the same as Joseph on all points of doctrine. He provided the best discourses on the existence of God, on the true God, on the priesthood, on the Ten Commandments, and other important gospel subjects. He translated (from the books recovered by Joseph) the most valuable book of scripture: the Book of the Law of the Lord that was given to Moses originally but lost to the Bible like many others. Here is the only place the original the Ten Commandments exists. It was first published in 1851, and then an enlarged edition in 1856. It was reprinted in 1949 and 1991; but these editions have been out of print for many years. A modern type set edition was printed by Samuel E. West in 2000. It is available through this web page.
James was instructed by God to make Voree (near Burlington, Wisconsin) the gathering place for the saints. Interpreted it means Garden of Peace. The saints were never persecuted there by gentiles. He then received a revelation for the saints to gather to Beaver Island and the islands of Northern Lake Michigan. The gathering was moved there.
Like the mobsters on the frontier in Missouri, the people on the mainland (Mackinac) made every attempt to kill and drive the saints from their homes. Indian [diluted] whiskey was a major source of income for those in Mackinac. James was a firm believer that whiskey should not be sold to the Indians; and would not allow it on Beaver Island. They became the enemies of the saints and the saints had to endure many persecutions.
James wrote in the last edition of the church journal, evidently addressing his coming demise: “We will neither purchase temporary peace and future calamities by dishonorable trafficking with political jugglers, nor will we yield our homes to enemies. If we live, here will we live. If we die, here will we die, and here shall our bones be buried, expecting in the resurrection of the just to possess the land forever, and dwell with the righteous during the lifetime of the Eternal. God judge between us and all men.”
Like Joseph before him, James was destined to seal his testimony with his blood. On June 16, 1856, with the help of the captain of the U. S. Steamer Michigan, JAMES WAS MORTALLY SHOT. He was taken back to Voree where he died on July 9th. The government was involved in the murder of both prophets. The saints were driven from their homes and their property stolen. He did not appoint a successor. They understood the Twelve could not stand at the head. Only a Prophet has that authority. The saints were loaded on boats, taken to Milwaukee and Chicago, dumped on the docks, and scattered. GENTILES REJECTED THE GOSPEL and killed the prophets sent to them. They will face a desolation worse than the Jews who rejected Jesus. “16 For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall all the heathen [goi, also translated gentile] drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been. 17 (Obadiah 1)
Melchisedec Priesthood today.
The Melchisedec Priesthood has been all but lost to gentiles. L D. Hickey—ordained by James--was the last of the Twelve Apostles. He ordained Samuel Martin a High Priest, who ordained Lloyd Flanders a High Priest (who became the last). He ordained Samuel E. West an Elder on July 8, 1956. The OFFICE OF ELDER holds the Melchisedec Priesthood and authority to preach the gospel and administer its saving ordinances. Samuel and other elders continue; but no great work is to be realized until the final dispensation is opened to Israel, they are gathered, and become the people of God. Gentiles who are properly baptized by one holding the Melchisedec Priesthood are adopted as the seed of Abraham (Gal. 3:27-29).
The OFFICE OF ELDER of the Melchisedec Priesthood is all that remains; although it holds authority to administer all the saving ordinances of the gospel plus blessing the sacrament, marriage for eternity, and other blessings. The prophecy of Micah will be fulfilled. “7 And I will make her that halted a remnant and her that was cast far off [seed of Joseph] a strong nation: and the Lord shall reign over them in MOUNT ZION (America) from henceforth, even forever… 9 Now why dost thou cry out aloud? is there no king in thee [James J. Strang]? is thy counseller perished [apostles and high priests]? for pangs have taken thee as a woman in travail. 10 Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion [priesthood in America], like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go even to Babylon; THERE SHALT THOU BE DELIVERED; there the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies.” (Mic. 4:10)
Melchisedec Priesthood tomorrow.
There is only one promise in the Bible for GENTILES. “16 For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall all the heathen [goi, also translated gentile] drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be AS THOUGH THEY HAD NOT BEEN.” (Obadiah 1) “1 Come near, ye nations, to hear; and hearken, ye people: let the earth hear, and all that is therein; the world, and all things that come forth of it. 2 For the indignation of the LORD is upon ALL NATIONS, and his fury upon all their armies: he hath UTTERLY DESTROYED THEM, he hath delivered them to the slaughter.” (Isa. 34)
"1 Behold, the LORD MAKETH THE EARTH EMPTY, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof. 2 And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender, so with the borrower; as with the taker of usury, so with the giver of usury to him. 3 The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the LORD hath spoken this word. 6 Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and FEW MEN LEFT." (Isa. 24)
Saints of God are to be gathered and then gentiles burned up. “Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat [members of His kingdom] into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff [gentiles] with unquenchable fire.” (Matt. 3:12) Israel has been and will soon become His people again. Converted gentiles—who are counted with Israel--are to be gathered to Zion [America] and Israel to Jerusalem (Canaan).
“For I am with thee [Israel], saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a FULL END OF ALL NATIONS whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.” (Jer. 30:11)
The people of God are a GATHERED PEOPLE. Jesus wanted to gather the Jews and they would not. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!” (Luke 13:34) During the administration of Joseph Smith, the saints were first gathered to Kirtland, Ohio, then to Independence, Missouri, and finally to Nauvoo, Illinois where Joseph was murdered. The saints under James J. Strang were first gathered to Voree (near Burlington, Wisc.) and then to Beaver Island and the islands of northern Lake Michigan where James was mortality wounded. Gentiles rejected the gospel given to them and killed the prophets sent to them. What happened to the Jews after rejecting Jesus? About 90% were killed and the rest scattered and made slaves (The Complete Works of Josephus, Wars of the Jews, Chapter 9). Gentiles were given an opportunity to obey the gospel twice. What will happen to them?
Prophecy indicates the GATHERING will begin in Zion with James J. Strang. “6 In that day, saith the LORD, will I assemble her that halteth [kingdom in Zion], and I will gather her that is driven out [seed of Joseph], and her that I have afflicted [twelve tribes]… 8 And thou, O tower of the flock [James J. Strang], the strong hold of the daughter of Zion [kingdom in America], unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem [July 8, 1850], when James was ordained King in Zion]. 9 Now why dost thou cry out aloud? is there no king in thee? [James is gone] is thy counsellor perished [apostles and high priests] for pangs have taken thee as a woman in travail. 10 Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go even to [spiritual] Babylon; THERE SHALT THOU BE DELIVERED; there the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies.” (Micah 4)
JAMES J. STRANG of the tribe of Judah was advised in a revelation: “3. And if this people will turn unto him, and repent of all their evil deeds, and no more slay the prophets which he sendeth unto them, but will hearken unto them to do the things which they shall speak unto them, and keep the words of the Lord, and his commandments to do them, then will he exalt the nation and establish it, for he hath raised it up by the hands of wise men, whom he set up for that very purpose, to be the instrument of his purpose in the last days.“4. And upon this land where thou standest shall the gospel of the kingdom be established among the Lamanites, [seed of Joseph--Native Americans] and from thence shall it go forth to their tribes. And blessing and honor and great glory shall be on those that teach them, for he will make their arm strong, and their bow shall abide in strength, and they shall not bow to the oppressor; and the power of the Gentile shall not be on them, for the arm of God shall be with them to support.“5. And here shall the Lamanites come to learn the law of the Lord their God, who hath preserved them, that they be not utterly destroyed. And other barbarians shall come also, and shall learn ways of holiness; for the Lord their God shall teach them, and his people shall instruct them, and shall go forth as ministers of truth unto all people.“6. And I asked him, What meaneth all this? And he said unto me, Thou art carried away in the spirit, and brought to this land in the midst of waters, in the north country [Beaver Island], that the Lord might show thee what he will do hereafter. For here shall be a stake and a corner stone of Zion, for the strengthening of her curtains round about. Here shall the house of MANASSEH and the house of EPHRAIM [sons of Joseph, son of Jacob] and the Gentiles build a house unto me, and bow down to me therein. For the sons of Jacob shall lay the foundations thereof, and therein shall they worship their God. And to this house shall the thousands of the house of Israel come, when the ice melts at the north. And there shall they meet their brethren in peace, and God shall be in the midst of them.”
JOSEPH SMITH WAS A DESCENDANT OF JOSEPH, son of Jacob. The seed of Joseph is Manasseh and Ephraim. In the first church journal it is written: “For Joseph truly testified, saying: A seer shall the Lord my God raise up, which shall be a choice seer unto the fruit of my loins. Yea, Joseph truly said, thus saith the Lord unto me: A choice seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and he shall be esteemed highly among the fruit of thy loins. And unto him will I give commandment, that he shall do a work for the fruit of thy loins, his brethren, which shall be of great worth unto them, even to the bringing of them to the knowledge of the covenants which I have made with thy fathers. And I will give him a commandment, that he shall do none other work, save the work which I shall command him. And I will make him great in mine eyes: for he shall do my work. And he shall be great like unto Moses, whom I have said I would raise up unto you, to deliver my people, O house of Israel. And Moses will I raise up, to deliver thy people out of the land of Egypt. But a seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and unto him will I give power to bring forth my word unto the seed of thy loins; and not to the bringing forth my word only, saith the Lord, but to the CONVINCING THEM OF MY WORD, which shall have already gone forth among them.” This notable revelation is also found in the Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 3:7-11.
ISRAEL has been and will again become the ONLY PEOPLE OF GOD when the final phase of the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times is opened to Israel. The seed of Joseph (son of Jacob) will be gathered to Zion (America) and the Twelve Tribes will be gathered to Jerusalem (Canaan). “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:” (Eph. 1:10) “And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they SHALL BE MY PEOPLE, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.” (Jer. 24:7)
“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name [authority] of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount ZION and in JERUSALEM shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord [not man] shall call.” (Joel 2:32) David wrote: “2 Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion [kingdom in Zion], on the sides of the north [America], the city of the great King [Jesus]… 8 As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it for ever.” (Ps. 48) “For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.” (Isa. 62:1)
The land of Canaan was promised to the seed of Abraham through Jacob (Israel). “37 Behold, I will GATHER THEM [Israel] out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely: 38 And THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE [not gentiles], and I WILL BE THEIR GOD… 42 For thus saith the LORD; Like as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them.” (Jer. 32)
“21 And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the CHILDREN OF ISRAEL from among the heathen [gentile], whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land: 22 And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains [kingdoms] of Israel; and one king shall be king [Jesus] to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all: 23 Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwelling places, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall THEY BE MY PEOPLE, and I will be their God. 24 And David my servant shall be king over them.” (Ezek. 37)
Israel must be gathered before Jesus returns. The bride must be prepared before the groom arrives. “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” (Rev. 21:2) Jesus is not returning to Rome, London, or New York. God has prepared only two places for this gathering. The LAND OF ZION IS NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA; but especially America on the “sides of north.” David wrote: “Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount [kingdom of God in] Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King [Jesus].” (Ps. 48:2) After being cleansed, America is where the New Jerusalem will be located and why this land is so special. (See page Zion)
“4 I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids, 5 Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob. 6 Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah: we found it in the fields of the wood… 13 For the LORD HATH CHOSEN ZION; he hath desired it for his habitation.” (Ps.132)
“11 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. 12 And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.” (Isa. 11)
The covenant God made with Abraham will be realized. “For I AM WITH THEE [Israel], saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.” (Jer. 30:11) “Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the LORD: for I am with thee; for I will make a FULL END OF ALL NATIONS whither I have driven thee: but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished.” (Jer. 46:28)
“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in MOUNT ZION [America] and in JERUSALAM shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant WHOM THE LORD SHALL CALL.” (Joel 2:32) Kingdoms are often referred to as mountains in the Bible. “And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain [kingdom] of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob [Jesus]; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” (Isa. 2:3)
“12 Him that overcometh [through obedience to the laws of God] will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem [in Zion--America], which cometh down out of heaven from my God.” (Rev. 3) The faithful saints on earth will be joined with the former saints from Zion.
John saw the REDEMPTION OF ZION AND JERUSALEM in Rev. 21. “1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: 2 And I John saw the holy city, NEW JERUSALEM [in Zion], coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the HOLY JERUSALEM, descending out of heaven from God… 27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.” “14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” (Rev. 22)
GENTILES that worship the true and living God and obey the gospel are ADOPTED as the SEED OF ABRAHAM (Gal. 3:27-29) Few there be! Look about you today. Just over 20 years ago about 80% in Americans identified as believing in God. Today that has fallen to about 30%. The most grievous forms of evil are rampant. Many men no longer want to get married and many women do not want to have children. First chapter in the Bible notes: “28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth.” In the second chapter when Eve was presented to Adam, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one [through their children].” I have never heard of two men bearing a child. When Eve was presented to Adam, he received an instruction that applies to all: “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh [through their children].” (Gen. 2:24) Bareness was considered a terrible event in Israel. Jesus and many others were born of baren mother’s through the power of the Holy Ghost—not by the Holy Ghost.
The GATE INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS STILL OPEN. “13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and FEW THERE BE THAT FIND IT.” (Jesus, Matt. 7) “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (Jesus, John 17:3) “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Rom. 1:16)
There are two orders to the MELCHISEDEC PRIESTHOOD: Apostles and Priests. Jesus and others were first degree Apostles: Prophets and Lawgivers. There can be only one on the earth at the same time. Thus, they must be called and be ordained by angelic administration. Elisha could not succeed Elijah in this office until Elijah stepped onto the fiery chariot (2 Kings 2:10) and was no longer in the flesh. Jesus had to be ordained by angelic administration as the Melchisedec Priesthood had been lost 400 years before Him.
Jesus was called and ordained a prophet like Moses under the hands of God. “Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.” (Acts 3:22) After being baptized and tempted of Satan. “Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.” (Matt. 4:11) What did they minister? “No man taketh this honour [of the priesthood] unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron [by revelation]. 5 So Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he [the Father] that said unto him, Thou art my son, to day have I begotten thee. 6 As he saith also in another place, thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” (Heb. 5) Holding the highest office, He also held all lower offices.
A second-degree Apostle is that of Counselor. He is an Apostle, Prophet, Seer, and King. They are assistants to the Lawgiver. In the absence of a Lawgiver, they stand as administrators of laws already given. Joshua seceded Moses in this office. The Twelve were third degree Apostles: Ambassadors to the nations. Twelve make a quorum. These “Apostles have the duty chiefly of preaching the gospel in all places, where it has not gone. When all the world is brought into the faith, they will be the chief representatives of the supreme authority, to be sent to all places to preside in Conferences, Councils and General Assemblies, and to conduct the affairs of government in all great matters. As the representatives of the Lawgiver, they will exercise royal prerogatives in the great divisions of the earth.” (James J. Strang)
Fourth degree Apostles are Evangelists. Their duties are about the same as the twelve except they are sent to one nation. Philip was a four-degree Apostle. “The next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.” (Acts 8:21) Seven make a quorum.
>>There are two degrees to the office of Priest. The first degree is High Priest. “All inferior Kings, Patriarchs, or heads of tribes, and nobles, or heads of clans, ought to be of this Priesthood. “They who are faithful in the calling, have the gift of prophecies. Hence High Priests are frequently spoken of under the name of prophets.” (James J. Strang) “Every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God.” (Heb. 5:1) The second degree is that of Elders. They are missionaries and heads of branches. “When they had ordained them elders in every church.” (Acts 14:23)When JESUS BEGAN HIS MINISTRY, He first called and ordained the Twelve Apostles so they would hold authority from God. “And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach.” (Mark 14:3) They could not be “sent” to preach the gospel until obeying the gospel and being properly ordained like Himself.
Then, Jesus called and ordained all other officers of this priesthood; as no one can obey the gospel without one of these officers. “11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors [high priests and elders] and teachers; [Why?] 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: [for how long?] 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” (Eph. 4) Have we all come in unity of the faith with hundreds of different churches all claiming to be of God? “God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.” (1 Cor. 14:33)
The LAW ON ORDINATION requires each to be called by REVELATION and be ORDAINED by one holding that authority. Jesus was no exception (Heb. 5:4). Paul reminded his son Timothy of this law. “Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery [those holding that priesthood].” (1 Tim. 4:14) "22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection." (Acts 1:22) Only officers of God hold “the keys of the kingdom [priesthood]; and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.” (Matt. 16:19)
When lost, the lack of the MELCHISEDEC PRIESTHOOD of God is the MISSING LINK between man and God; and liaison with God is lost. God only stops talking to man, when he turns to evil. “1 Behold, the LORD's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: 2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” (Isa. 59)
Necessity of the Melchisedec Priesthood.
This mortal life is like a flash of lightning compared with eternity. There is only one certainty in this life: we are going to die. We are faced with choices in this mortal life that have a complete bearing over eternal life. Every decision, every action, and every thought is being recorded by us and in heaven. We will have to answer for our works in this life when we stand before the judgment bar of God. “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” (Rev. 20:12)
Every one of us will receive an eternal physical body; but we do not all inherit the same mansion. “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2) Those who know God, obey the gospel, and live according to the laws of God will rise in the first resurrection when Jesus returns and inherit the earth. “6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.” “5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.” (Rev. 20)
"7 He that overcometh [through obedience to the laws of God] shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and UNBELIEVING, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone." (Rev. 21) "And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved." (Matt. 10:22) Only obedience to the will and laws of God can save person. “14 BLESSED ARE THEY that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” (Rev. 22)
There is no hell. When the King James Bible was translated by the Church of England, a major error was made. Fire and brimstone would have no effect on spirits. The concept of hell was adopted from Greek mythology by the Church of England in the King James Version of the Bible. The term hell was removed from the Standard Revised Edition. The doctrine of a place of punishment was not found in the Bible before that. The original terms Sheol, Hades, and Gehenna were replaced with hell. “The English word, from a Teutonic root meaning "to hide" or "cover," had originally the significance of the world of the dead generally. (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Electronic Database Copyright © 1996, 2003 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.) Those who fail to enter the kingdom of God in the flesh must wait a thousand years with the spirits in prison to rise in the second resurrection.
There are three kingdoms/glories prepared for the resurrection. “I saw a new heaven and a new earth.” (Rev. 21:1) "40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars (telestial): for one star differeth from another star in glory. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption." (1 Cor. 15) Consider the difference in glory between the sun and the stars. They might be compared to a mansion on a hill top with a shanty.
One of the great blessings of the kingdom of God is the opportunity to be married for time and eternity and have their families with them. What a blessing to have our families with us in eternity! Abraham had one wife (Sarah for eternity) and two concubines (Hagar and Keturah, for life). Opportunity to obey the gospel continues after death but may take a long time. Those of the celestial glory will minister to those of the terrestrial glory and those of terrestrial will minister to those of the telestial. The only ones lost in the end are those that received the Spirit then wholly turned away and those who prefer to remain filthy.
The earth will become the Kingdom of God. Jesus said, “seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matt. 6:33) And, “if thou wilt enter into life, KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS.” (Matt. 19:17) “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have RIGHT TO THE TREE OF LIFE right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” (Rev. 22:14)
One of those commandments is OBEDIENCE TO THE GOSPEL. It is the only gate into the kingdom of God. Jesus advised us to “13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and FEW there be that find it.” (Matt. 7)
The straight gate is the gospel of Christ. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Rom. 1:16) Jesus had to obey the gospel before He could preach the gospel. He went to John the Baptist for baptism of water and was baptized with the spirit by God. (Matt. 3:16) He was our example. “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” (1 John 2:6) Jesus advised us that “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)
NO ONE can be born of water and the Spirit WITHOUT the Melchisedec Priesthood. This is why John said to Jesus “I have need to be baptized of thee.” He knew Jesus would be ordained by God to this higher priesthood. “5 So Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he [the Father] that said unto him, THOU ART MY SON, TO DAY HAVE I BEGOTTEN THEE. 6 As he saith also in another place, thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” (John 1)
Jesus called and ordained all other officers of this priesthood because none can enter the kingdom of God without the administration of one of these. “11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors [high priests and elders] and teachers; [Why?] 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: [for how long?] 13 TILL WE ALL COME IN UNITY OF THE FAITH, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” (Eph. 4) “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17) Knowledge of God and Jesus was lost after the Apostles when Constantine made the pagan doctrines of Babylon those of his Catholic Church.
Where this priesthood does not exist, there is a MISSING LINK and the gate into the kingdom of God is gone. Those who claim to minister in the name of God without holding this priesthood violate a basic law of God. “Thou shalt not take the name [authority] of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” (Ex. 20:7) To act in the name of someone is to act by their authority. “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there MANY ANTICHRISTS; whereby we know that it is the last time.” (1 John 2:18) There are a lot more today.
The term “CHRIST” is not a proper name like Joseph. Translated it means “anointed” or ordained (Young’s Analytical Concordance to The Bible). Every minister of God in the Bible was called of God and properly ordained, “MUST ONE BE ORDAINED to be a witness with us.” (Acts 1:22) Jesus was ordained under the hands of God because the Melchisedec Priesthood was lost 400 years earlier with Malachi. (Heb. 5:4-6) He then ordained all other officers of this priesthood (Eph. 4:11-13).
The kingdom and priesthood of God originated in eternity before Adam walked on the earth. Satan violated the second of the Ten Commandments; which declares: “Thou shalt not take the NAME [authority] of the LORD THY GOD IN VAIN; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” (Ex. 20:7) During our spiritual estate, Satan rebelled against this law thinking to stand at the head of this creation in Jesus’ place. He was cast down with about a third of the host of heaven that followed him to spend eternity as ghosts distant from earth. “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning [one of the first organized spirits]! how art thou cut down to the ground.” (Isa.14:12)
Every minister who claims to be of God that does not hold the Melchizedec Priesthood is a usurper and ANTI-CHRIST. “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock." (Acts 20:29) "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way." (2 Thess. 2:7) Jesus warned us to “Beware of false prophets [preachers], which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” (Matt. 7:15) “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” (1 Thes. 5:21)
History of the priesthood.
Adam was the first PROPHET AND LAWGIVER. Israel was chosen by God to be His people with the sons of Adam. “8 When the most High divided to the nations their inheritance, when he separated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds of the people according to the number of the children of Israel. 9 For the Lord’s portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.” (Deut. 32:8)
Only one holding this highest priesthood holds authority from God to give laws to the people. Cain was condemned for breaking the law “Thou shalt not kill” when he killed his brother Able. Even at this early period man was already rebelling against God. They split into the sons of God and sons of man. “The sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose.” (Gen. 6.2) “As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” (Rom. 8:14) This division continued until only Noah and his family were led by the spirit of God.
Adam lived 930 years to know the father of Noah. NOAH was obviously a Prophet and Lawgiver. He preached the gospel for 120 years warning the sons of man of the flood; but he was only able to save his own family of eight. Abraham lived with Noah for thirty-nine years. It was easy for the PRIESTHOOD and true doctrines of God to PASS FROM ADAM TO ABRAHAM. “Preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.” (Gal. 3:8) He could only obey the gospel through one holding the Melchisedec Priesthood.
After the great flood, almost all of mankind returned to evil. Nimrod—a grandson of Noah—established the great kingdom of Babylon. Abraham was born in the city of Ur. Nimrod made every effort to kill him because he knew that the SEED OF ABRAHAM would be the people of God and would eventually destroy all nations of man. The night Abraham was born there was a great star in the heavens. (This same comet—Hale-Bopp--appeared in 1997.) The conjurers of Nimrod told him “This only betokens the child that has been born to Terah this night, who will grow up and be fruitful, and multiply, and possess all the earth, he and his children for ever, and he and his seed will slay great kings, and inherit the land.” (Book of Jasher 8:4)
Abraham lived with Noah and Shem for thirty-nine years. God covenanted with Abraham to be His people. “I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.” (Gen. 17:7) This covenant was continued through Jacob who wrestled with God and prevailed (Gen. 32). God changed his name to ISRAEL. The twelve sons of Abraham became the twelve tribes of Israel. Jacob gathered his sons and those of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) to bless them and “tell you that which shall befall you in the last days.” (Gen. 49:1)
The blessing on Joseph was special. “22 Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well; whose branches [progeny] run over the wall [to another land] … 26 The blessings of thy father have prevailed above the blessings of my progenitors [twelve tribes] unto the utmost bound of the everlasting hills [Zion]: they shall be on the head of Joseph, and on the crown of the head of him that was separate from his brethren.” (Gen. 49). The land of CANAAN was promised to the twelve tribes and the land of ZION (America) was promised to the seed of Joseph. It is evident they failed and turned to the evils of Egypt. AFTER JOSEPH’S DEATH, there was a new king that took them as slaves. The Melchisedec Priesthood was gone. This MISSING LINK continued 400 years.
MOSES FILLED THE MISSING LINK. When He was about 40 years old, he saw a Hebrew woman being beaten by an Egyptian and killed him. He was forced to flee Pharoah and settled in Median with a where he worked as a shepherd for Jethro. He married his daughter Zipporah and had two sons. When he was 80 years old the king of Egypt died. While attending his flocks on mount Horeb, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flaming bush. “And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the god of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake.” (Gen. 26:24) “And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the GOD OF ABRAHAM, the God of ISAAC, and the God of JACOB, hath sent me unto you: THIS IS MY NAME for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.” (Ex. 3:15) Jehovah is a name invented by a Catholic priest. Moses was ORDAINED a Prophet and Lawgiver by God.
God told him to return to Egypt and to free the Israelites from slavery. When the king would not let Israel go, Moses returned to God and was told “7 I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8 And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I am the LORD.” (Exod. 6)
When Pharoah refused to let Israel go, the Lord brought ten plagues on Egypt. The last was the worse. “All the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.” (Exod. 11:5) The children of Israel were spared. The angel of death passed them by. They were commanded “This day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.” (Exod. 12:14) The PASSOVER is till honored today. This is a great testimony of existence of God and the necessity of keeping His commandments.
After three months in the wilderness, they came to Mt. Sinai. Moses went up to God and was told “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine.” (Exod. 19:5) The third day GOD SPOKE TO ALL ISRAEL in a cloud and called Moses to return to the mount where he received the law. “3 Thou shalt have NO OTHER GODS before me… 6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS. 7 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. 8 Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.” (Exod. 20:3) The command to keep the laws of God is repeated many times in the Bible (Lev. 22:31; Deut. 5:10; and many more). “Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.” (Prov. 7:2)
“9 Then went up Moses, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel: 10 And THEY SAW THE GOD OF ISRAEL.” (Exod. 24) What an impression this made! Moses was on the mount for 40 days. God prepared tables of stone on which He wrote the law. The people—except the tribe of Levi--grew restless and returned to wickedness and worshipping the gods of Egypt. When Moses came down from the mount “it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf, and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount.” (Exod. 32:19)
“Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations.” (Deut. 7:9) That would be at least 40,000 years. The last chapter in the Bible tells us “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” (Rev. 22:14) The law is like a two-edged sword. Obedience brings many blessings; but disobedience brings curses (see Deut. 28-31). “9 Moses wrote this law, and delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi, which bare the ark of the covenant of the LORD, and unto all the elders of Israel… 26 Take this BOOK OF THE LAW, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee.” (Deut. 31) This Book of the Law was lost to the Bible and restored by the latter-day prophet James J. Strang.
Moses made two more tables of stone and returned to the Lord “And the Lords spake unto Moses face to face.” (Exod. 33:11) Israel was given both the original spiritual law, a new temporal law, and new temporal priesthood (Levitical) to administer it. This ADDED LAW was to serve as a taskmaster to Israel until Jesus--who would be ordained a Prophet and Lawgiver of the Melchisedec Priesthood. This added temporal law given to Moses was to continue until Jesus.
MOSES prophesied of the coming of Jesus. “The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a PROPHET from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, LIKE UNTO ME; unto him ye shall hearken.” (Deut. 18:15) And so it was. “For MOSES TRULY SAID unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.” (Acts 3:22) Jesus clarified the difference between the original spiritual law and the added temporal law which ended when He was ordained under the hands of God as Prophet and Lawgiver. “17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy [the original law], but to fulfill [the added temporal law].” (Matt. 5)
Moses was a first-degree Apostle, Prophet, and Lawgiver. He put a portion of that priesthood on Joshua whom he ordained a second-degree Apostle, Prophet, and Administrator—one degree below Moses. “18 And the Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him; 19 And set him before Eleazar [priest of the Levitical Priesthood], and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight. 20 And thou shalt put some of thine honour upon him that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient.” (Num. 27)
Because of Moses sin in Egypt (most likely killing) he was not allowed to enter the Promised Land. After 40 years in the wilderness at 120 years old: “1 Moses went up from the plains of Moab unto the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho. And the LORD shewed him all the land of Gilead, unto Dan… And the LORD said unto him, This is the land which I sware unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, saying, I will give it unto thy seed: I have caused thee to see it with thine eyes, but thou shalt not go over thither… 5 So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord… 10 And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face.” (Deut. 34)
“1 Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord it came to pass, that the LORD SPAKE UNTO JOSHUA the son of Nun, Moses minister, saying… 3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you, as I said unto Moses… 5 There shall not be any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” (Joshua 1) “7 And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD, that he did for Israel. 8 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died, being an hundred and ten years old.” (Judges 2) Joshua was a second-degree Apostle and Prophet.
From Joshua to Malachi--about 400 years before Jesus--God called Prophets to lead the people. Then, the word of the Lord came through Malachi: “The burden of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi.” (1:1) “If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart.” (2:2) And so it was.
The Melchisedec Priesthood was lost again and there was a MISSING LINK between God and His elect for 400 years until Jesus. Then “cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.” (Matt. 3:13) Like us, Jesus was born alien to the kingdom. This is why He had to obey the gospel like all men. Jesus advised us: “Except a man be BORN OF WATER AND THE SPIRIT, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” (John 3:5)
John the Baptist—a Priest of the Levitical Priesthood—only held authority to baptize of water. In John 3:11, he notes this limitation and that Jesus would later baptize with the Spirit (“he comes after me is mightier than I”). John hesitated, so Jesus told him “Suffer it be so now; for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.” (Matt. 3:15) In other words, Jesus had to obey the law of God on the gospel to enter the kingdom.
When Jesus “went up straightway out of the water; and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending upon him: and lo a voice from heaven saying, This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Matt. 3:16, 17) He was born of the spirit by God because the Melchisedec Priesthood was lost for 400 years after Malachi. This is clearly an account of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as separate identities.
The first verse of the New Testament noted that Jesus was “the son of David.” He had to be born in the flesh and tried like all other men to be the Messiah. “Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David.” (John 7:42; Acts 2:30; Rom. 1:3, 2 Tim. 2:2) Jesus is called the Son of David sixteen times and the son of man over seventy times in the New Testament.
JESUS made it clear that He was born like all men. “Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made LIKE UNTO HIS BRETHREN, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” (Heb. 2:17) Matthew gave us Jesus’ true lineage in the first chapter of the New Testament. “The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat Judas [Judah]… And Jesse begat David the king… And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary.” (Matt. 1) This is “according to the flesh.”
“I am the root [organized David’s spirit] and the offspring of David [according to the flesh], and the bright and morning star [fist spirit of this creation].” (Rev. 22:16) “Therefore being a prophet [DAVID], and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the FRUIT OF HIS LOINS, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne.” (Acts 2:30) “Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the SEED OF DAVID ACCORDING TO THE FLESH.” (Rom. 1:3)
Jesus DID NOT HOLD AUTHORITY from God to preach the gospel and administer its saving ordinances. After baptism, He went into the wilderness 40 days where He was tempted of Satan. “13 God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.” (James 1) “Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.” (Matt. 4:11)
What did they minister? Jesus was ordained UNDER THE HANDS OF GOD to the highest office in the Melchizedek Priesthood: a Prophet like Moses (Acts 3:22); which also holds the lower office of High Priest. “4 And no man taketh this honour [of the priesthood] unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron [by revelation from God]. 5 So Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he [the FATHER] that said unto him, Thou art my son, TO DAY HAVE I BEGOTTN THEE. 6 As he saith also in another place, thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” (John 1)
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He [God] hath anointed [ordained] me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised [in prison].” (Luke 4:18) Now, Jesus held authority to preach the gospel. “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand [among you].” (Matt. 4:17)
The MISSING LINK was filled by JESUS as Prophet and Lawgiver like Moses. “Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.” (Acts 3:22)
JESUS ORGANIZED ALL offices of the Melchisedec Priesthood as none can be saved. Holding the highest office, Jesus called and ordained all the lower offices in this priesthood because none can enter the Kingdom of God without the administration of one of these. “11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists [4th degree Apostles]; and some, pastors [high priests and elders] and teachers; [WHY?] 12 FOR the perfecting of the saints, FOR the work of the ministry, FOR the edifying of the body of Christ: [FOR HOW LONG?] 13 TILL we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” (Eph. 4)
All must be called of God by revelation and be ordained by those holding as high a priesthood. Jesus was called and ordained by God. “4 And no man taketh this honour [of the priesthood] unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron [by revelation].” (Heb. 5:4) Neither Jesus nor the Apostles changed this law. "22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, ONE MUST BE ORDAINED to be a witness with us of his resurrection." (Acts 1:22) The Apostle Paul reminded his son Timothy: “Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy.” (1 Tim. 4:14) Only officers of God hold “the keys of the kingdom [priesthood]; and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.” (Matt. 16:19)
Although Israel was the elect people of God, they failed at being the people of God. They cried “Crucify him, crucify him.” Only a man could bring redemption--resurrection. “15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one [man, Adam] many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by ONE MAN, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.” (Rom. 5) After Jesus’ resurrection, He visited the apostles and commissioned them to TAKE THE GOSPEL TO GENTILES for the first time. “18 All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” (Matt. 28)
Peter became the first Prophet and Lawgiver to gentiles followed by James and John. “He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17) Only a prophet holds authority to give instruction to the church. Peter’s first epistle was written to the church, those who “through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience.” His second was to “them that have obtained like precious faith” (to the church). Peter was crucified upside down in Rome in 69 A.D. James succeeded Peter. His epistle was “to the twelve tribes.” John wrote to the church in general. In comparison, the Twelve Apostles wrote to individual churches. Paul wrote: “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth.
It is believed that John was isolated on the Isle of Patmos in 97 A.D., wrote the Book of Revelation in 98 A.D. and died in Ephesus in 99 A.D. Jesus allowed him to tarry until He returns (John 21:22). He was translated like others and remains on the earth today. Gentiles continued to worship idols even during the days of the Apostles (2 Thes. 2:7). Jesus gave them one last chance to change and be rebaptized (Rev. 2, 3); but they would not. The office of Prophet and Lawgiver to gentiles ended with John.
The office of High Priest (first below that of Apostle) only lasted a couple generations; as acknowledged by the noted ecclesiastic historian Eusebius (Page 123). Elders were ordained in every branch of the church under the Apostles. “23 ordained them elders in every church.” (Acts 14) There is no record of how long the office of elder remained; but it was likely about the same. Gentiles simply voted the senior members to be their leaders and Bishops; although the office of Bishop is temporal, reserved for the sons of Levi, and holds no authority to baptize with the Spirit.
Another MISSING LINK—the Melchisedec Priesthood was lost.
After the Apostles, so called CHRISTIANS NO LONGER KNEW GOD. Confusion reigned. “First the son of an artisan, then the son of David, then the Son of God, after three centuries of impassioned debate Jesus became identified outright with God himself, in the first Ecumenical council recorded history—that of Nicaea, in 325.” (Life of Jesus, Craveri, p. 28) The TRINITY became the official creed of the Catholic Church and her daughters. "29 Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord… 32 And the scribe said unto him, Well, Master, thou hast said the truth: for there is ONE GOD; and there is none other but he." (Mark 12) So much for that.
By the SECOND CENTURY gentiles lost all priesthood of God and simply ELECTED THEIR OFFICERS by the voice of man. “It may perhaps be deduced from the letters of Ignatius that at this period [middle of the second century] each of these was RULED BY A BISHOP, chosen from the elders (the presbyters) and assisted by other presbyters and deacons, who were ELECTED by the vote of the entire congregation. (Life of Jesus, Craveri, p. 234) Not so with officers of God. Every officer of the Melchisedec Priesthood must be called of God by one holding that priesthood. Paul reminded his son Timothy of this law. “Neglect not the gift [priesthood] that is in thee, which was given thee by PROPHECY, with the laying on of the hands of the PRESBYTERY [those holding that priesthood].” (1 Tim. 4:14)
The office of Bishop is a temporal office reserved for the Levitical Priesthood and holds no authority to baptize with the Spirit. GOD NO LONGER SPOKE TO THEM. “To this extent, ‘orthodoxy’ [TRUE DOCTRINES] in the sense of a unified group advocating an apostolic doctrine accepted by the majority of Christians everywhere, DID NOT EXIST in the second and third centuries.” (The Orthodox Corruption of Scripture, Bart D. Ehrman, p. 7)
The noted ecclesiastical historian Mosheim wrote of the FOURTH CENTURY, “The rites and institutions, by which the Greeks, Romans, and other nations, had formerly testified their religious veneration for fictitious deities, were now adopted, with some slight alterations by Christian bishops, and employed in the service of the true God.” (Mosheim, Ecclesiastical History, Century 4, Part 2, chap 4:1, 4)
The Apostle Paul advised us: “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day [return of Jesus] shall not come, except there come a falling away [apostacy] first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition.” (2 Thess. 2:3) The Bible, Ecclesiastical Historians, and Church leaders all took note of this COMPLETE APOSTACY of the gentiles.
In 325, the unbaptized, pagan Roman Emperor Constantine stood as the absolute head of the Christian church; although he was not even a Christian. "Immediately upon coming to power as the sole ruler of the empire, but only then, CONSTANTINE asserted the right to EXERCISE ABSOLUTE AUTHORITY over the entire church.” (Constantine’s Sword, James Carroll, p. 188)
Consolidating Rome required the establishment of a state religion. This was accomplished in 325 A.D. He assembled the bishops, stood at the head, and organized his new Catholic Church. He was a loyal FOLLOWER OF THE SUN GOD. “As seen in Constantine’s originating piety, that SUPREME DEITY would have been associated with the SUN, and pagans would have recognized, with reason, their own solar cult in such Christian practices as orienting churches to the east, worshipping on ‘sun day,’ and celebrating the birth of the deity at the winter solstice [Dec. 25].” (Ibid., p. 183)
Constantine organized his new Catholic (universal) church using doctrines of PAGANISM; which he honored by giving them Christian names. The foundation doctrine was formulated in 325 by the Council of Nicaea and called the Creed of St. Athanasius. “In response to the emperor’s mandate, the bishops did, in fact, agree to a formulaic statement of belief, defining especially, and in explicit terms, HOW JESUS WAS GOD. Those who dissented were exiled by Constantine.” (Ibid., p. 189) Constantine simply turned Christianity into paganism. “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Jesus, Matt. 15:8)
Bishop Ambrose, who lived near the days of Constantine, wrote, "...when God is thought of, our thoughts should dwell on no material reality whatsoever." (Ibid., p. 200). This is not the God of Abraham, Moses, and Israel. There is only one SABBATH of God and it was lost. “Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a PERPETUAL COVENANT.” (Ex. 31:16) Where the Sabbath is not, the kingdom of God is not.
PRIESTHOOD of God in the church CEASED WITH CONSTANTINE. He stood as absolute head of his new Catholic Church without any authority from God. "Immediately upon coming to power as the sole ruler of the empire, but only then, Constantine asserted the right to exercise absolute authority over the entire Church. He did this despite the fact that he was not baptized, and, as was not unusual, would not be until shortly before he died." (James Carroll, Constantine’s Sword, p. 188) “… about the year 320… Constantine fully understands himself by now as ‘the vice-regent of God.’” (Ibid., p. 187) That is, as god on earth.
USURPATION of the priesthood is one of the most grievous violations of the laws of God. The second of the Ten Commandments advised: “7 Thou shalt not take the name [authority] of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” (Ex. 20) Satan tried this during our spiritual estate and with his followers all were cast down never to have physical bodies. Those that usurp the authority of God are anti-Christ or not properly ordained. What would happen if a person attempted to act as a police officer without being properly called? God also has a prison (1 Cor. 15:29).
John Wesley, one of the founders of Methodism, wrote “Christians had no more of the spirit of Christ than the other heathens. The Son of Man, when He came to examine His Church, could hardly find faith upon earth. This was the real cause why the extraordinary gifts of the Holy Ghost were no longer to be found in the Christian church— because the CHRISTIANS WERE TURNED HEATHEN AGAIN, and only had a dead form left." (John Wesley's Works, Vol. VII, 89:26-27)
“19 O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit. 20 Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they are no gods?” (Jer. 16)
The Melchisedec Priesthood was lost and again there was a MISSING LINK between God and man. The Bible tells of the priesthood and kingdom of God being LOST FOR 1,260 YEARS. “5. Power was given unto him [Satan] to continue forty and two months (40 x 30 + 60=1260). 7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” (Rev. 13)
WHEN DID THE 1,260 YEARS BEGIN? Paul gave us the answer. “Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” (2 Thes. 2:4) The Lombards invaded Rome in 568. In 570, the BISHOP OF ROME was able to assert himself as head of the church. "Our LORD GOD THE POPE… The power of the pope is greater than all created power, extending itself to things celestial, terrestrial and infernal, and that the pope doeth whatsoever he listeth even things unlawful, and is MORE THAN GOD.” (Dissertation on the Prophecies, Rev. G S. Faber, Vol. 1, pp. 203, 204) The 1,260 YEARS BEGAN IN 570.
For over 1,200 years the Catholic Church reigned supreme. Then, in the sixteenth century, Martin Luther, in his attempt to "reform" the Catholic Church was excommunicated. Without any claim to divine authority, a NEW GOSPEL WAS INVENTED: salvation by faith alone. If a person is saved by faith alone, it follows that none must obey the laws of God. The gospel is a law of God and the only gate to salvation. The Apostle Paul advised us “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation.” (Rom. 1:16) John Calvin went so far as to teach a person’s works are not important. “Calvin left no place for works in his definition of justification by faith.” (Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion, p. 74)
Jesus said: “Wherefore BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM.” (Matt. 7:20) “19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. 20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?' (James 2) “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." (Matt. 7:21)
The MISSING LINK RESTORED.
Both Israel and gentiles had to be given two opportunities to obey God and the gospel through His appointed officers before they could be destroyed. Jesus advised us “Many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.” (Matt. 19:30) The Jews were first in the Dispensation of the Meridian of Time under the Apostles. They failed and crucified Jesus. Gentiles were last. In the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times, gentiles would go first and Israel second.
The Melchisedec Priesthood would be restored in the latter days to gentiles for the second time. “I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, HAVING THE EVERLASTING GOSPEL to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.” (Rev. 14:6) “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matt. 24:14)
Now, we must look for a man that claimed this RESTORATION by angelic administration IN 1830. There was only one: JOSEPH SMITH. In 1820, when he was 15 years old, he had a keen interest in religion but was confused at to which of them was right. To resolve this ye took the matter to God in prayer. Two personages appeared to him and one of them said, “This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” He was told “they were all wrong and their creeds were an abomination in his sight… they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power [authority] thereof.”
In June, 1829, Joseph was ORDAINED A PROPHET AND LAWGIVEER of the Melchisedec Priesthood under the hands of angels who held that priesthood in life: Peter, James, and John. They were the last prophets to gentiles in the dispensation of the meridian of time. It was appropriate they would open the dispensation of the fulness of times. Since the priesthood had been lost for over 1,260 years, it could only be restored through angelic administration. The priesthood of God and the gospel were once again restored to the earth. The MISSING LINK WAS NO MORE. The CHURCH OF CHRIST WAS ORGANIZED ON APRIL 6, 1830 (570 + 1260 = 1830).
The false doctrines of man were exposed. The trinitarian god of Babylon was replaced with the true and living God of Israel. “And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.” (Ex. 3:15) The Trinity and Virgin Birth were exposed as the false doctrines they are.
The erroneous authority of popes was replaced with the Melchizedek Priesthood and the Prophetic Office. God spoke to man once again in fulfillment of prophecy. The false doctrine of Luther that belief alone was all that was required for salvation was replaced with a correct understanding of God, the priesthood, and the gospel. The false doctrine of Calvin--that the laws of God were obsolete with Jesus’ crucifixion--were exposed. Jesus said “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.” (John 15:10) The last verse in the Bible advised us: “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” (Rev. 22:14)
The church was originally organized in Kirtland, Ohio. Then, Independence, Missouri, was given by God for the gathering of the saints. The life style of the saints conflicted with the ruffians on the border of civilization and they were driven out. The governor of Missouri issued an EXTERMINATION ORDER, demanding they either forsake their religion, move out of the state, or be killed. Some were killed and other beaten. They migrated to Nauvoo, Illinois, where they built one of the largest and certainly the most law-abiding city in the west.
Joseph received four revelations from God that that he would die in office—the first only a year after the church was organized. In the event of his impending death, he was to appoint “another” in his place and that successor would have to be ordained under the hands of angels like himself. “4 But verily, verily, I say unto you, that none else shall be appointed unto this gift except it be through him; for if it be taken from him he shall not have power except to APPOINT ANOTHER in his stead. 5 And this shall be a law unto you, that ye receive not the teachings of any that shall come before you as revelations or commandments; 6 And this I give unto you that you may not be deceived, that you may know they are not of me. 7 For verily I say unto you, that he that is ordained of me shall come in at the gate and BE ORDAINED AS I HAVE TOLD YOU BEFORE, to teach those revelations which you have received and shall receive through him whom I have appointed.” (Doctrine and Covenants, Section 43, Feb. 1841, Utah Edition)
The Missouri mob followed the saints to Illinois. On June 13. 1844, a mob of 300 gathered at Nauvoo. The Missouri mob followed them. 1500 Missourians joined the mob on June 17. On June 18, 1844, nine days before his death, Joseph Smith wrote (in fulfillment of the law) a LETTER OF APPOINTMENT to James J. Strang in Burlington, Wisconsin. “And now behold my servant James J. Strang hath come to thee from far for truth when he knew it not, and hath not rejected it, but had faith in thee, the Shepherd and Stone of Israel, and to him shall the gathering of the people be, for he shall plant a stake of Zion in Wisconsin.”
Governor Ford pledged the faith of the State that they should be protected. Their hearing was continued until June 29th. On the morning of June 27th, the Governor disbanded the troops (so Joseph could be killed) and left Joseph Smith and associates to be guarded by eight men at the jail (with a company of a mob of 60 men in town). At about six o’clock in the afternoon the guard was surprised by an armed mob of from 150 to 250 men painted red, black, and yellow. They surrounded the jail and murdered Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were murdered in cold blood.
The SAME HOUR that Joseph was killed, James J. Strang claimed that at 5:30 in the afternoon that an angel of the Lord came to him and ordained him to the prophetic office to succeed Joseph Smith. He lived more than four hundred miles from Nauvoo. It was not possible (even if Strang had conspired with men in Nauvoo) to know of Joseph Smith’s murder. Much less to the hour. There was no such means of communication. He announced this ordination to several in Burlington that night. The revelation of Joseph’s death, the letter to the Apostles, the Letter of appointment, and the ordination of James were prophetic in their own right.
James wrote about his ordination: “And at the same moment in which Joseph was slain I was visited by an Angel of God, accompanied by a numerous heavenly train, and anointed and ordained to the Prophetic Office, as Moses and Joseph had been before me. So I was called by the voice of God, and sent by the hands of Angels, as were the chief Prophets before me.”
James taught the same as Joseph on all points of doctrine. He provided the best discourses on the existence of God, on the true God, on the priesthood, on the Ten Commandments, and other important gospel subjects. He translated (from the books recovered by Joseph) the most valuable book of scripture: the Book of the Law of the Lord that was given to Moses originally but lost to the Bible like many others. Here is the only place the original the Ten Commandments exists. It was first published in 1851, and then an enlarged edition in 1856. It was reprinted in 1949 and 1991; but these editions have been out of print for many years. A modern type set edition was printed by Samuel E. West in 2000. It is available through this web page.
James was instructed by God to make Voree (near Burlington, Wisconsin) the gathering place for the saints. Interpreted it means Garden of Peace. The saints were never persecuted there by gentiles. He then received a revelation for the saints to gather to Beaver Island and the islands of Northern Lake Michigan. The gathering was moved there.
Like the mobsters on the frontier in Missouri, the people on the mainland (Mackinac) made every attempt to kill and drive the saints from their homes. Indian [diluted] whiskey was a major source of income for those in Mackinac. James was a firm believer that whiskey should not be sold to the Indians; and would not allow it on Beaver Island. They became the enemies of the saints and the saints had to endure many persecutions.
James wrote in the last edition of the church journal, evidently addressing his coming demise: “We will neither purchase temporary peace and future calamities by dishonorable trafficking with political jugglers, nor will we yield our homes to enemies. If we live, here will we live. If we die, here will we die, and here shall our bones be buried, expecting in the resurrection of the just to possess the land forever, and dwell with the righteous during the lifetime of the Eternal. God judge between us and all men.”
Like Joseph before him, James was destined to seal his testimony with his blood. On June 16, 1856, with the help of the captain of the U. S. Steamer Michigan, JAMES WAS MORTALLY SHOT. He was taken back to Voree where he died on July 9th. The government was involved in the murder of both prophets. The saints were driven from their homes and their property stolen. He did not appoint a successor. They understood the Twelve could not stand at the head. Only a Prophet has that authority. The saints were loaded on boats, taken to Milwaukee and Chicago, dumped on the docks, and scattered. GENTILES REJECTED THE GOSPEL and killed the prophets sent to them. They will face a desolation worse than the Jews who rejected Jesus. “16 For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall all the heathen [goi, also translated gentile] drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been. 17 (Obadiah 1)
Melchisedec Priesthood today.
The Melchisedec Priesthood has been all but lost to gentiles. L D. Hickey—ordained by James--was the last of the Twelve Apostles. He ordained Samuel Martin a High Priest, who ordained Lloyd Flanders a High Priest (who became the last). He ordained Samuel E. West an Elder on July 8, 1956. The OFFICE OF ELDER holds the Melchisedec Priesthood and authority to preach the gospel and administer its saving ordinances. Samuel and other elders continue; but no great work is to be realized until the final dispensation is opened to Israel, they are gathered, and become the people of God. Gentiles who are properly baptized by one holding the Melchisedec Priesthood are adopted as the seed of Abraham (Gal. 3:27-29).
The OFFICE OF ELDER of the Melchisedec Priesthood is all that remains; although it holds authority to administer all the saving ordinances of the gospel plus blessing the sacrament, marriage for eternity, and other blessings. The prophecy of Micah will be fulfilled. “7 And I will make her that halted a remnant and her that was cast far off [seed of Joseph] a strong nation: and the Lord shall reign over them in MOUNT ZION (America) from henceforth, even forever… 9 Now why dost thou cry out aloud? is there no king in thee [James J. Strang]? is thy counseller perished [apostles and high priests]? for pangs have taken thee as a woman in travail. 10 Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion [priesthood in America], like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go even to Babylon; THERE SHALT THOU BE DELIVERED; there the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies.” (Mic. 4:10)
Melchisedec Priesthood tomorrow.
There is only one promise in the Bible for GENTILES. “16 For as ye have drunk upon my holy mountain, so shall all the heathen [goi, also translated gentile] drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be AS THOUGH THEY HAD NOT BEEN.” (Obadiah 1) “1 Come near, ye nations, to hear; and hearken, ye people: let the earth hear, and all that is therein; the world, and all things that come forth of it. 2 For the indignation of the LORD is upon ALL NATIONS, and his fury upon all their armies: he hath UTTERLY DESTROYED THEM, he hath delivered them to the slaughter.” (Isa. 34)
"1 Behold, the LORD MAKETH THE EARTH EMPTY, and maketh it waste, and turneth it upside down, and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof. 2 And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender, so with the borrower; as with the taker of usury, so with the giver of usury to him. 3 The land shall be utterly emptied, and utterly spoiled: for the LORD hath spoken this word. 6 Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and FEW MEN LEFT." (Isa. 24)
Saints of God are to be gathered and then gentiles burned up. “Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat [members of His kingdom] into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff [gentiles] with unquenchable fire.” (Matt. 3:12) Israel has been and will soon become His people again. Converted gentiles—who are counted with Israel--are to be gathered to Zion [America] and Israel to Jerusalem (Canaan).
“For I am with thee [Israel], saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a FULL END OF ALL NATIONS whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.” (Jer. 30:11)
The people of God are a GATHERED PEOPLE. Jesus wanted to gather the Jews and they would not. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!” (Luke 13:34) During the administration of Joseph Smith, the saints were first gathered to Kirtland, Ohio, then to Independence, Missouri, and finally to Nauvoo, Illinois where Joseph was murdered. The saints under James J. Strang were first gathered to Voree (near Burlington, Wisc.) and then to Beaver Island and the islands of northern Lake Michigan where James was mortality wounded. Gentiles rejected the gospel given to them and killed the prophets sent to them. What happened to the Jews after rejecting Jesus? About 90% were killed and the rest scattered and made slaves (The Complete Works of Josephus, Wars of the Jews, Chapter 9). Gentiles were given an opportunity to obey the gospel twice. What will happen to them?
Prophecy indicates the GATHERING will begin in Zion with James J. Strang. “6 In that day, saith the LORD, will I assemble her that halteth [kingdom in Zion], and I will gather her that is driven out [seed of Joseph], and her that I have afflicted [twelve tribes]… 8 And thou, O tower of the flock [James J. Strang], the strong hold of the daughter of Zion [kingdom in America], unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem [July 8, 1850], when James was ordained King in Zion]. 9 Now why dost thou cry out aloud? is there no king in thee? [James is gone] is thy counsellor perished [apostles and high priests] for pangs have taken thee as a woman in travail. 10 Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go even to [spiritual] Babylon; THERE SHALT THOU BE DELIVERED; there the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies.” (Micah 4)
JAMES J. STRANG of the tribe of Judah was advised in a revelation: “3. And if this people will turn unto him, and repent of all their evil deeds, and no more slay the prophets which he sendeth unto them, but will hearken unto them to do the things which they shall speak unto them, and keep the words of the Lord, and his commandments to do them, then will he exalt the nation and establish it, for he hath raised it up by the hands of wise men, whom he set up for that very purpose, to be the instrument of his purpose in the last days.“4. And upon this land where thou standest shall the gospel of the kingdom be established among the Lamanites, [seed of Joseph--Native Americans] and from thence shall it go forth to their tribes. And blessing and honor and great glory shall be on those that teach them, for he will make their arm strong, and their bow shall abide in strength, and they shall not bow to the oppressor; and the power of the Gentile shall not be on them, for the arm of God shall be with them to support.“5. And here shall the Lamanites come to learn the law of the Lord their God, who hath preserved them, that they be not utterly destroyed. And other barbarians shall come also, and shall learn ways of holiness; for the Lord their God shall teach them, and his people shall instruct them, and shall go forth as ministers of truth unto all people.“6. And I asked him, What meaneth all this? And he said unto me, Thou art carried away in the spirit, and brought to this land in the midst of waters, in the north country [Beaver Island], that the Lord might show thee what he will do hereafter. For here shall be a stake and a corner stone of Zion, for the strengthening of her curtains round about. Here shall the house of MANASSEH and the house of EPHRAIM [sons of Joseph, son of Jacob] and the Gentiles build a house unto me, and bow down to me therein. For the sons of Jacob shall lay the foundations thereof, and therein shall they worship their God. And to this house shall the thousands of the house of Israel come, when the ice melts at the north. And there shall they meet their brethren in peace, and God shall be in the midst of them.”
JOSEPH SMITH WAS A DESCENDANT OF JOSEPH, son of Jacob. The seed of Joseph is Manasseh and Ephraim. In the first church journal it is written: “For Joseph truly testified, saying: A seer shall the Lord my God raise up, which shall be a choice seer unto the fruit of my loins. Yea, Joseph truly said, thus saith the Lord unto me: A choice seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and he shall be esteemed highly among the fruit of thy loins. And unto him will I give commandment, that he shall do a work for the fruit of thy loins, his brethren, which shall be of great worth unto them, even to the bringing of them to the knowledge of the covenants which I have made with thy fathers. And I will give him a commandment, that he shall do none other work, save the work which I shall command him. And I will make him great in mine eyes: for he shall do my work. And he shall be great like unto Moses, whom I have said I would raise up unto you, to deliver my people, O house of Israel. And Moses will I raise up, to deliver thy people out of the land of Egypt. But a seer will I raise up out of the fruit of thy loins; and unto him will I give power to bring forth my word unto the seed of thy loins; and not to the bringing forth my word only, saith the Lord, but to the CONVINCING THEM OF MY WORD, which shall have already gone forth among them.” This notable revelation is also found in the Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 3:7-11.
ISRAEL has been and will again become the ONLY PEOPLE OF GOD when the final phase of the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times is opened to Israel. The seed of Joseph (son of Jacob) will be gathered to Zion (America) and the Twelve Tribes will be gathered to Jerusalem (Canaan). “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:” (Eph. 1:10) “And I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the LORD: and they SHALL BE MY PEOPLE, and I will be their God: for they shall return unto me with their whole heart.” (Jer. 24:7)
“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name [authority] of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount ZION and in JERUSALEM shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord [not man] shall call.” (Joel 2:32) David wrote: “2 Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion [kingdom in Zion], on the sides of the north [America], the city of the great King [Jesus]… 8 As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God: God will establish it for ever.” (Ps. 48) “For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.” (Isa. 62:1)
The land of Canaan was promised to the seed of Abraham through Jacob (Israel). “37 Behold, I will GATHER THEM [Israel] out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely: 38 And THEY SHALL BE MY PEOPLE [not gentiles], and I WILL BE THEIR GOD… 42 For thus saith the LORD; Like as I have brought all this great evil upon this people, so will I bring upon them all the good that I have promised them.” (Jer. 32)
“21 And say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will take the CHILDREN OF ISRAEL from among the heathen [gentile], whither they be gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land: 22 And I will make them one nation in the land upon the mountains [kingdoms] of Israel; and one king shall be king [Jesus] to them all: and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all: 23 Neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions: but I will save them out of all their dwelling places, wherein they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall THEY BE MY PEOPLE, and I will be their God. 24 And David my servant shall be king over them.” (Ezek. 37)
Israel must be gathered before Jesus returns. The bride must be prepared before the groom arrives. “And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” (Rev. 21:2) Jesus is not returning to Rome, London, or New York. God has prepared only two places for this gathering. The LAND OF ZION IS NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA; but especially America on the “sides of north.” David wrote: “Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount [kingdom of God in] Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King [Jesus].” (Ps. 48:2) After being cleansed, America is where the New Jerusalem will be located and why this land is so special. (See page Zion)
“4 I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids, 5 Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob. 6 Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah: we found it in the fields of the wood… 13 For the LORD HATH CHOSEN ZION; he hath desired it for his habitation.” (Ps.132)
“11 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. 12 And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.” (Isa. 11)
The covenant God made with Abraham will be realized. “For I AM WITH THEE [Israel], saith the LORD, to save thee: though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet will I not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.” (Jer. 30:11) “Fear thou not, O Jacob my servant, saith the LORD: for I am with thee; for I will make a FULL END OF ALL NATIONS whither I have driven thee: but I will not make a full end of thee, but correct thee in measure; yet will I not leave thee wholly unpunished.” (Jer. 46:28)
“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in MOUNT ZION [America] and in JERUSALAM shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant WHOM THE LORD SHALL CALL.” (Joel 2:32) Kingdoms are often referred to as mountains in the Bible. “And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain [kingdom] of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob [Jesus]; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” (Isa. 2:3)
“12 Him that overcometh [through obedience to the laws of God] will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem [in Zion--America], which cometh down out of heaven from my God.” (Rev. 3) The faithful saints on earth will be joined with the former saints from Zion.
John saw the REDEMPTION OF ZION AND JERUSALEM in Rev. 21. “1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: 2 And I John saw the holy city, NEW JERUSALEM [in Zion], coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the HOLY JERUSALEM, descending out of heaven from God… 27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.” “14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” (Rev. 22)
GENTILES that worship the true and living God and obey the gospel are ADOPTED as the SEED OF ABRAHAM (Gal. 3:27-29) Few there be! Look about you today. Just over 20 years ago about 80% in Americans identified as believing in God. Today that has fallen to about 30%. The most grievous forms of evil are rampant. Many men no longer want to get married and many women do not want to have children. First chapter in the Bible notes: “28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth.” In the second chapter when Eve was presented to Adam, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall cleave unto his wife; and they shall be one [through their children].” I have never heard of two men bearing a child. When Eve was presented to Adam, he received an instruction that applies to all: “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh [through their children].” (Gen. 2:24) Bareness was considered a terrible event in Israel. Jesus and many others were born of baren mother’s through the power of the Holy Ghost—not by the Holy Ghost.
The GATE INTO THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS STILL OPEN. “13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and FEW THERE BE THAT FIND IT.” (Jesus, Matt. 7) “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (Jesus, John 17:3) “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” (Rom. 1:16)
YOU COULD BE ONE OF THAT FEW.
Samuel E. WestSenior elder in the Kingdom of GodSamuel270@aol.com