Restored Truths

The Book of Mormon teaches that many "plain and precious" truths that were once known and generally accepted among God's people (but which were lost or removed from scripture over the years) have been restored through the Book of Mormon (1 Nephi 13, 14:23). Some of these truths were lost through imperfect scriptural translations while others were purposefully removed from the scriptures by wicked men. Some of these restored truths are accepted by some Christian groups while some others are uniquely LDS. Here below are some of those restored truths. The scriptural passages are found below the list:

RESTORED TRUTHS:

• Atonement: Christ died for every single person

• Baptism existed in Old Testament times

• Baptism: By immersion

• Baptism: Infant baptism is a sin

• Baptism: Pre-requisites for

• Baptism: Reason for Christ's baptism

• Baptism: Required for salvation

• Bible: The Bible is not the end of scripture

• Children that die are saved through Christ

• Faith leads to a change of heart (not the other way around)

• Fall of Adam and Eve was ultimately good and part of God's plan

• Feelings: The Holy Spirit speaks to us through our feelings

• Free will: Men can choose good and/or evil

• Garden of Gethsemane has a central role in Christ's atonement for mankind

• Hell: "Fire" of hell is metaphorical for anguish, guilt etc.

• Holy Ghost: Gift of the Holy Ghost existed in OT times

• Holy Ghost: He has a human form

• Ignorant are saved

• "Image of God" means that we look like God

• Jehovah name is used in NT times (for Jesus)

• Law of Moses: Purpose of Law of Moses was known, for stiff-necked

• Man to become like God

• Marriage, Eternal / Marriage sealing

• Miracles: In all times according to our faith

• Obedience: God blesses/prospers those who obey him in faith

• Opposition: Opposition is necessary

• Plural Marriage is sometimes accepted and/or approved by God

• Pre-mortal existence

• Priesthood authority in God's church (OT & NT times)

• Prophet, new scripture & new revelations will come / exist in the latter days

• Purpose of life: To be tested / tried / proved

• Purpose of life: To gain knowledge & experience

• Race: All races are alike unto God

• Resurrection: Jesus brought about the resurrection of mankind

• Revelation & scripture continued after the first century

• Salvation is dependent, in part, upon our deeds & efforts (not solely upon our internal faith)

• "Son of God": Meaning of

• Spirits have spirit bodies

• Temple endowment ceremony (?)

• Words & format of ordinance prayers are given in detail

ATONEMENT: CHRIST DIED FOR EVERY SINGLE PERSON: The Book of Mormon corrects the Calvinist idea that Christ only died for the elect, teaching instead that Christ died and paid the price of sin for all people.

• • 2 Nephi 9:5 For it behooveth the great Creator that he suffereth himself to become subject unto man in the flesh, and die for all men, that all men might become subject unto him.

BAPTISM EXISTED IN OLD TESTAMENT TIMES: The Book of Mormon reveals that the ordinances of baptism by immersion for a remission a part of God's people and church in Old Testament times just as in New Testament times. Other LDS scripture even reveals the first man, Adam, was also baptized for the remission of sins.

• • Mosiah 18:10-17 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you? And now when the people had heard these words, they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed: This is the desire of our hearts. And now it came to pass that Alma took Helam, he being one of the first, and went and stood forth in the water, and cried, saying: O Lord, pour out thy Spirit upon thy servant, that he may do this work with holiness of heart. And when he had said these words, the Spirit of the Lord was upon him, and he said: Helam, I baptize thee, having authority from the Almighty God, as a testimony that ye have entered into a covenant to serve him until you are dead as to the mortal body; and may the Spirit of the Lord be poured out upon you; and may he grant unto you eternal life, through the redemption of Christ, whom he has prepared from the foundation of the world. And after Alma had said these words, both Alma and Helam were buried in the water; and they arose and came forth out of the water rejoicing, being filled with the Spirit... And they were called the church of God, or the church of Christ, from that time forward. And it came to pass that whosoever was baptized by the power and authority of God was added to his church. (145-147 BC)

  • Mosiah 25:18 Alma did go forth into the water and did baptize them; yea, he did baptize them after the manner he did his brethren in the waters of Mormon; yea, and as many as he did baptize did belong to the church of God; and this because of their belief on the words of Alma. (121 BC)

  • etc.

BAPTISM: BY IMMERSON:

• • 3 Nephi 11:23-26 Verily I say unto you, that whoso repenteth of his sins through your words, and desireth to be baptized in my name, on this wise shall ye baptize them—Behold, ye shall go down and stand in the water, and in my name shall ye baptize them. 24 And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying: 25 Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. 26 And then shall ye immerse them in the water, and come forth again out of the water.

BAPTISM: INFANT BAPTISM IS A SIN:

• • Moroni 8:10-21 Behold I say unto you that this thing shall ye teach—repentance and baptism unto those who are accountable and capable of committing sin; yea, teach parents that they must repent and be baptized, and humble themselves as their little children, and they shall all be saved with their little children. 11 And their little children need no repentance, neither baptism. Behold, baptism is unto repentance to the fulfilling the commandments unto the remission of sins. 12 But little children are alive in Christ, even from the foundation of the world; if not so, God is a partial God, and also a changeable God, and a respecter to persons; for how many little children have died without baptism! 13 Wherefore, if little children could not be saved without baptism, these must have gone to an endless hell. 14 Behold I say unto you, that he that supposeth that little children need baptism is in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity; for he hath neither faith, hope, nor charity; wherefore, should he be cut off while in the thought, he must go down to hell. 15 For awful is the wickedness to suppose that God saveth one child because of baptism, and the other must perish because he hath no baptism. 16 Wo be unto them that shall pervert the ways of the Lord after this manner, for they shall perish except they repent. Behold, I speak with boldness, having authority from God; and I fear not what man can do; for perfect love casteth out all fear. 17 And I am filled with charity, which is everlasting love; wherefore, all children are alike unto me; wherefore, I love little children with a perfect love; and they are all alike and partakers of salvation. 18 For I know that God is not a partial God, neither a changeable being; but he is unchangeable from all eternity to all eternity. 19 Little children cannot repent; wherefore, it is awful wickedness to deny the pure mercies of God unto them, for they are all alive in him because of his mercy. 20 And he that saith that little children need baptism denieth the mercies of Christ, and setteth at naught the atonement of him and the power of his redemption. 21 Wo unto such, for they are in danger of death, hell, and an endless torment. I speak it boldly; God hath commanded me. Listen unto them and give heed, or they stand against you at the judgment-seat of Christ.

BAPTISM: PRE-REQUISITIES FOR:

• • Moroni 6 And now I speak concerning baptism. Behold, elders, priests, and teachers were baptized; and they were not baptized save they brought forth fruit meet that they were worthy of it. Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins. And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end.

BAPTISM: REASON FOR CHRIST'S BAPTISM: Fallen men are commanded to be baptized "for a remission of sins". That is why there has been there a variety of opinions as to why Jesus, who was without sin, was baptized. In the passage below, the Book of Mormon directly and clearly states that Jesus was baptized for two reasons: 1. To keep God's commandment (baptism being a commandment for all), and 2. To set an example for us.

• 2 Nephi 31:5-12 And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water! And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water? Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments... And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them. And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father?... And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do.

BAPTISM: REQUIRED FOR SALVATION:

• • 2 Nephi 31:5-12 And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water! And now, I would ask of you, my beloved brethren, wherein the Lamb of God did fulfil all righteousness in being baptized by water? Know ye not that he was holy? But notwithstanding he being holy, he showeth unto the children of men that, according to the flesh he humbleth himself before the Father, and witnesseth unto the Father that he would be obedient unto him in keeping his commandments... And again, it showeth unto the children of men the straitness of the path, and the narrowness of the gate, by which they should enter, he having set the example before them. And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father?... And also, the voice of the Son came unto me, saying: He that is baptized in my name, to him will the Father give the Holy Ghost, like unto me; wherefore, follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do.

  • 3 Nephi 11:33 And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God.

  • 3 Nephi 27:20 Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.

BIBLE: THE BIBLE IS NOT THE END OF SCRIPTURE: The Book of Mormon corrects the widespread falsehood that the Bible is end of scripture and the end of revelation from God to mankind. It teaches that God will continue to speak to mankind from time to time until the end.

• • 2 Nephi 29:3-13 Many of the Gentiles shall say: A Bible! A Bible! We have got a Bible, and there cannot be any more Bible... Thou fool, that shall say: A Bible, we have got a Bible, and we need no more Bible. Have ye obtained a Bible save it were by the Jews? Know ye not that there are more nations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the isles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the earth beneath; and I bring forth my word unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth? Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not that the testimony of two nations is a witness unto you that I am God, that I remember one nation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two nations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also. And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my words according to mine own pleasure. And because that I have spoken one word ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my work is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man, neither from that time henceforth and forever. Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible ye need not suppose that it contains all my words; neither need ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written. For I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them; for out of the books which shall be written I will judge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written. For behold, I shall speak unto the Jews and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the Nephites and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of Israel, which I have led away, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto all nations of the earth and they shall write it. And it shall come to pass that the Jews shall have the words of the Nephites, and the Nephites shall have the words of the Jews; and the Nephites and the Jews shall have the words of the lost tribes of Israel; and the lost tribes of Israel shall have the words of the Nephites and the Jews.

  • The last book in the Book of Mormon (the Book of Moroni) was finished in 421 AD, over 300 years after the last book of the Bible was written (which was written around 90 AD).

CHILDREN THAT DIE ARE SAVED THROUGH CHRIST:

• • Moroni 8:12,19, 22 But little children are alive in Christ, even from the foundation of the world; if not so, God is a partial God, and also a changeable God, and a respecter to persons; for how many little children have died without baptism!... Little children cannot repent; wherefore, it is awful wickedness to deny the pure mercies of God unto them, for they are all alive in him because of his mercy... For behold that all little children are alive in Christ, and also all they that are without the law. For the power of redemption cometh on all them that have no law; wherefore, he that is not condemned, or he that is under no condemnation, cannot repent; and unto such baptism availeth nothing—

FAITH LEADS TO A CHANGE OF HEART (NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND): Many Christians (ex. Calvinists) believe that God changes our heart which causes faith. This passage, however, clarifies that faith comes first and leads to a change of heart.

• • Mosiah 5:7 Your hearts are changed through faith on his name; therefore, ye are born of him and have become his sons and his daughters.

FALL OF ADAM AND EVE WAS NECESSARY, GOOD & PART OF GOD'S PLAN:

• • 2 Nephi 2: 22-26 If Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end. And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin. But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things. Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy. And the Messiah cometh in the fullness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.

FEELINGS: THE HOLY SPIRIT SPEAKS THROUGH OUR FEELINGS:

2 Nephi 17:45 Ye have seen an angels, and he spake unto you, yea, ye have heard his voice from time to time, and he hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were past feeling, that he could not feel his words

FREE WILL: MEN CAN CHOOSE GOOD AND/OR EVIL:

• • 2 Nephi 2:27 Men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.

GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE HAS A CENTRAL ROLE IN THE ATONEMENT: The revelation below reveals another of truths: First, it states that Jesus actually sweat drops of blood in the Garden of Gethsemane (compared to the Bible that read "his sweat was as drops of blood"). Secondly, it reveals that Jesus' suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane was not merely a dreading of his approaching death by crucifixion, but it was actually a part of his atonement of our sins. Thirdly, it teaches that Jesus' atonement on our behalf included not only the suffering for our sins, but that it also included suffering for other trials of mortality, a suffering that would have killed a normal mortal man.

• • Mosiah 3:7 And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people.

HELL: "FIRE" OF HELL IS METAPHORICAL FOR ANGUISH, GUILT ETC.: The scriptures speak of "fire" in hell which torments those there. Many Christians assume that this is actual, physical fire that literally burns the wicked. This passage below clarifies that the "fire" read of is a metaphor that represents the guilt and anguish of the wicked.

• • Mosiah 2:38 Therefore if that man repenteth not, and remaineth and dieth an enemy to God, the demands of divine justice do awaken his immortal soul to a lively sense of his own guilt, which doth cause him to shrink from the presence of the Lord, and doth fill his breast with guilt, and pain, and anguish, which is like an unquenchable fire, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever.

HOLY GHOST: GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST EXISTED IN OT TIMES:

• • 1 Nephi 10:19 He that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the course of the Lord is one eternal round.

  • 2 Nephi 32:2, 5 Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had received the Holy Ghost ye could speak with the tongue of angels? And now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost?... For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do. (559-554 BC)

  • 2 Nephi 33:1 And now I, Nephi, cannot write all the things which were taught among my people; neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men. (559-554 BC)

  • Jacob 6:8 Behold, will ye reject these words? Will ye reject the words of the prophets; and will ye reject all the words which have been spoken concerning Christ, after so many have spoken concerning him; and deny the good word of Christ, and the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and quench the Holy Spirit, and make a mock of the great plan of redemption, which hath been laid for you? (544-421 BC)

  • Alma 8:30 And Alma went forth, and also Amulek, among the people, to declare the words of God unto them; and they were filled with the Holy Ghost (82 BC)

  • Alma 32:!2 Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their garments made white, being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence; and there were many, exceedingly great many, who were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God.(82 BC)

  • Alma 36:24 Yea, and from that time even until now, I have labored without ceasing, that I might bring souls unto repentance; that I might bring them to taste of the exceeding joy of which I did taste; that they might also be born of God, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

HOLY GHOST HAS HUMAN FORM: In 1 Nephi 11, Nephi has a vision in which a heavenly being called "the Spirit" or "the Spirit of the Lord" appears to and speaks with him face to face. Apostle James E. Talmage (on pages 159 & 160 of his book The Articles of Faith) expressed his view that this was actually the appearance of the Holy Ghost. If this is the case, it would constitute the only appearance of the Holy Ghost to a man in all of scripture. It also seems to align with the titles and deeds of the Holy Spirit, for this "Spirit" (capital S) testifies of both the Father and of the Son (the other two members of the Godhead) to Nephi.

• 1 Nephi 11:1-11 As I sat pondering in mine heart I was caught away in the Spirit of the Lord... And the Spirit said unto me: Believest thou that thy father saw the tree of which he hath spoken? And I said: Yea, thou knowest that I believe all the words of my father. And when I had spoken these words, the Spirit cried with a loud voice, saying: Hosanna to the Lord, the most high God; for he is God over all the earth, yea, even above all. And blessed art thou, Nephi, because thou believest in the Son of the most high God... I spake unto him as a man speaketh; for I beheld that he was in the form of a man; yet nevertheless, I knew that it was the Spirit of the Lord; and he spake unto me as a man speaketh with another

IGNORANT ARE SAVED:

• • Mosiah 3:11 His blood atoneth for the sins of those who have fallen by the transgression of Adam, who have died not knowing the will of God concerning them, or who have ignorantly sinned.

"IMAGE OF GOD" MEANS THAT WE LOOK LIKE GOD: Most Christians in the world assume that the Genesis revelation that man was created in the "image" and "likeness" of God refers to some kind of non-physical, non-visual of God (ex. perhaps referring to our ability to love, think, worship, reflect God's goodness etc.) However, in the Book of Mormon, Jesus himself clarifies that this wording refers to the fact that we look like God, that we have the same form, shape etc. (that God has a spirit and/or physical body just as we do). Here below is an account of when the Lord Christ appeared to the brother of Jared (approximately 1500 BC).

• • Ether 3:14-16 Behold, I am Jesus Christ... Never have I showed myself unto man whom I have created, for never has man believed in me as thou hast. Seest thou that ye are created after mine own image? Yea, even all men were created in the beginning after mine own image. Behold, this body, which ye now behold, is the body of my spirit; and man have I created after the body of my spirit; and even as I appear unto thee to be in the spirit will I appear unto my people in the flesh.

JEHOVAH NAME IS USED IN NT TIMES (FOR JESUS): The Book of Mormon uses the name Jehovah for the Lord, which is the name that the Lord himself gives to Moses in the Old Testament. This usage is significant for a few reasons. First, it is unique since the name Jehovah is not found in the New Testament. Secondly, there has been debate about whether the name "Jehovah" or "Yahweh" is a more accurate form of the original Hebrew name that was given to man, so the use of "Jehovah" in the Book of Mormon shows that it is as acceptable form of the name. Thirdly, this Book of Mormon reference to Jehovah as "the Eternal Judge" confirms Jehovah is Jesus since Jesus is specifically indicated as the judge of mankind amongst the three Godhead members ("The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son", John 5:22).

• Moroni 10:34 And now I bid unto all, farewell. I soon go to rest in the paradise of God, until my spirit and body shall again reunite, and I am brought forth triumphant through the air, to meet you before the pleasing bar of the great Jehovah, the Eternal Judge of both quick and dead. Amen.

LAW OF MOSES: PURPOSE OF LAW OF MOSES WAS KNOWN, FOR STIFF-NECKED: These passages below state that God's people specifically knew that the Law of Moses was a temporary law that symbolized the future coming of a Savior, and that the Law of Moses itself could not save but that it merely symbolized Christ's saving atonement. It also reveals that the Lord gave the Hebrews this strict Law because of the hardness of their hearts, because they were quick to do iniquity.

• 2 Nephi 11:2,4 And now I, Nephi, write more of the words of Isaiah, for my soul delighteth in his words. For I will liken his words unto my people, and I will send them forth unto all my children, for he verily saw my Redeemer, even as I have seen him... Behold, my soul delighteth in proving unto my people the truth of the coming of Christ; for, for this end hath the law of Moses been given; and all things which have been given of God from the beginning of the world, unto man, are the typifying of him.

  • 2 Nephi 25:24-25 Notwithstanding we believe in Christ, we keep the law of Moses, and look forward with steadfastness unto Christ, until the law shall be fulfilled. For, for this end was the law given; wherefore the law hath become dead unto us, and we are made alive in Christ because of our faith; yet we keep the law because of the commandments.

  • Jacob 4:4-5 For, for this intent have we written these things, that they may know that we knew of Christ, and we had a hope of his glory many hundred years before his coming; and not only we ourselves had a hope of his glory, but also all the holy prophets which were before us. Behold, they believed in Christ and worshiped the Father in his name, and also we worship the Father in his name. And for this intent we keep the law of Moses, it pointing our souls to him; and for this cause it is sanctified unto us for righteousness, even as it was accounted unto Abraham in the wilderness to be obedient unto the commands of God in offering up his son Isaac, which is a similitude of God and his Only Begotten Son.

  • Mosiah 3:13-15 And the Lord God hath sent his holy prophets among all the children of men, to declare these things to every kindred, nation, and tongue, that thereby whosoever should believe that Christ should come, the same might receive remission of their sins, and rejoice with exceedingly great joy, even as though he had already come among them. Yet the Lord God saw that his people were a stiffnecked people, and he appointed unto them a law, even the law of Moses. And many signs, and wonders, and types, and shadows showed he unto them, concerning his coming; and also holy prophets spake unto them concerning his coming; and yet they hardened their hearts, and understood not that the law of Moses availeth nothing except it were through the atonement of his blood.

  • Mosiah 13:27-33 And now ye have said that salvation cometh by the law of Moses. I say unto you that it is expedient that ye should keep the law of Moses as yet; but I say unto you, that the time shall come when it shall no more be expedient to keep the law of Moses. And moreover, I say unto you, that salvation doth not come by the law alone; and were it not for the atonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people, that they must unavoidably perish, notwithstanding the law of Moses. And now I say unto you that it was expedient that there should be a law given to the children of Israel, yea, even a very strict law; for they were a stiffnecked people, quick to do iniquity, and slow to remember the Lord their God; Therefore there was a law given them, yea, a law of performances and of ordinances, a law which they were to observe strictly from day to day, to keep them in remembrance of God and their duty towards him. But behold, I say unto you, that all these things were types of things to come. And now, did they understand the law? I say unto you, Nay, they did not all understand the law; and this because of the hardness of their hearts; for they understood not that there could not any man be saved except it were through the redemption of God. For behold, did not Moses prophesy unto them concerning the coming of the Messiah, and that God should redeem his people? Yea, and even all the prophets who have prophesied ever since the world began—have they not spoken more or less concerning these things?

MAN TO BECOME LIKE GOD

• • 3 Nephi 9:17 And as many as have received me, to them have I given to become the sons of God

  • 3 Nephi 12:48 Therefore, I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.

  • 3 Nephi 27:27 What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am.

  • 3 Nephi 28:10 And for this cause ye shall have fulness of joy; and ye shall sit down in the kingdom of my Father; yea, your joy shall be full, even as the Father hath given me fulness of joy; and ye shall be even as I am, and I am even as the Father; and the Father and I are one

MARRIAGE, ETERNAL / MARRIAGE SEALING: This below is the only passage that refers to the principle of a marriage that is sealed on earth but which lasts in heaven as well. While the context of this passage does not reveal that it is speaking of eternal marriage, there are a couple important points to add: First, this passage is clearly a restating of the teaching in Matt. 16:19 which reads, "I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven". The context of that passage similarly does not specifically whether the subject is or isn't marriage, however, Paul uses this exact same language (ex. “loosed“, “bound“) in a letter to the Corinthians specifically in the context of marriage (“Art thou bound unto a wife? Seek not to be loosed?”, 1 Cor. 7). A second point is this this: It is interesting that the Book of Mormon passage below uses the word "seal" instead of "bind", since I know of no other Bible translation that does this. This suggests a purposeful change, and it should be noted that the eternal marriage ceremony is called a marriage "sealing" in which spouses are "sealed" to each other.

• • Hel. 10:7 Behold, I give unto you power, that whatsoever ye shall seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven

MIRACLES: IN ALL TIMES ACCORDING TO OUR FAITH:

• • 2 Nephi 27:23 For behold, I am God; and I am a God of miracles; and I will show unto the world that I am the same yesterday, today, and forever; and I work not among the children of men save it be according to their faith.

  • 2 Nephi 28:23 For it shall come to pass in that day that the churches which are built up, and not unto the Lord, when the one shall say unto the other: Behold, I, I am the Lord’s; and the others shall say: I, I am the Lord’s; and thus shall every one say that hath built up churches, and not unto the Lord.. .And they deny the power of God, the Holy One of Israel; and they say unto the people: Hearken unto us, and hear ye our precept; for behold there is no God today, for the Lord and the Redeemer hath done his work, and he hath given his power unto men; Behold, hearken ye unto my precept; if they shall say there is a miracle wrought by the hand of the Lord, believe it not; for this day he is not a God of miracles; he hath done his work.

  • Mormon 1:13 But wickedness did prevail upon the face of the whole land, insomuch that the Lord did take away his beloved disciples, and the work of miracles and of healing did cease because of the iniquity of the people. (321-326 AD)

  • Mormon 8:26-28 aAd it shall come in a day when it shall be said that miracles are done away... Yea, it shall come in a day when the power of God shall be denied

  • Mormon 9:10-20And now, if ye have imagined up unto yourselves a god who doth vary, and in whom there is shadow of changing, then have ye imagined up unto yourselves a god who is not a God of miracles. But behold, I will show unto you a God of miracles, even the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob; and it is that same God who created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are... And now, O all ye that have imagined up unto yourselves a god who can do no miracles, I would ask of you, have all these things passed, of which I have spoken? Has the end come yet? Behold I say unto you, Nay; and God has not ceased to be a God of miracles. Behold, are not the things that God hath wrought marvelous in our eyes? Yea, and who can comprehend the marvelous works of God? Who shall say that it was not a miracle that by his word the heaven and the earth should be; and by the power of his word man was created of the dust of the earth; and by the power of his word have miracles been wrought? And who shall say that Jesus Christ did not do many mighty miracles? And there were many mighty miracles wrought by the hands of the apostles. And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God; and he ceaseth not to be God, and is a God of miracles. And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust. (401-421 AD)

OBEDIENCE: GOD BLESSES/PROSPERS THOSE WHO OBEY HIM IN FAITH:

• • XXX

OPPOSITION: OPPOSITION IS NECESSARY:

• • 2 Nephi 2:11-16 For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so, my firstborn in the wilderness, righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; wherefore, if it should be one body it must needs remain as dead, having no life neither death, nor corruption nor incorruption, happiness nor misery, neither sense nor insensibility. Wherefore, it must needs have been created for a thing of naught; wherefore there would have been no purpose in the end of its creation. Wherefore, this thing must needs destroy the wisdom of God and his eternal purposes, and also the power, and the mercy, and the justice of God. And if ye shall say there is no law, ye shall also say there is no sin. If ye shall say there is no sin, ye shall also say there is no righteousness. And if there be no righteousness there be no happiness. And if there be no righteousness nor happiness there be no punishment nor misery. And if these things are not there is no God. And if there is no God we are not, neither the earth; for there could have been no creation of things, neither to act nor to be acted upon; wherefore, all things must have vanished away. And now, my sons, I speak unto you these things for your profit and learning; for there is a God, and he hath created all things, both the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are, both things to act and things to be acted upon. And to bring about his eternal purposes in the end of man, after he had created our first parents, and the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air, and in fine, all things which are created, it must needs be that there was an opposition; even the forbidden fruit in opposition to the tree of life; the one being sweet and the other bitter. Wherefore, the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself. Wherefore, man could not act for himself save it should be that he was enticed by the one or the other.

PLURAL MARRIAGE IS AN ACCEPTABLE PRACTICE WHEN IT IS COMMANDED / APPROVED OF GOD: This principle that plural marriage (the practice of having multiple wives) is acceptable when God commands or allows likely explains why so many of God's chosen servants, even his holy prophets (ex. Abraham, Israel, possibly Moses, David, Solomon etc.) had multiple wives.

• Jacob 2:27-30 For there shall not any man among you have save it be one wife; and concubines he shall have none... For if I will, saith the Lord of Hosts, raise up seed unto me, I will command my people; otherwise they shall hearken unto these things.

PREMORTAL EXISTENCE:

• Hel. 14:17 The resurrection of Christ redeemeth mankind, yea, even all mankind, and bringeth them back into the presence of the Lord.

PRIESTHOOD AUTHORITY IN GOD'S CHURCH (OT & NT TIMES): These passages help define what the priesthood is (the divine power and authority given to men from God to act and preach in God's name and to officiate in ordinances of the gospel). They also show that this same priesthood order has existed in all times of man (ex. in the time of Abraham, Moses, after Christ's life etc.), even that it has no beginning or end.

• • Mosiah 21:33 And it came to pass that king Limhi and many of his people were desirous to be baptized; but there was none in the land that had authority from God.

  • Alma 13:1-16 I would that ye should remember that the Lord God ordained priests, after his holy order, which was after the order of his Son, to teach these things unto the people. And those priests were ordained after the order of his Son, in a manner that thereby the people might know in what manner to look forward to his Son for redemption. And this is the manner after which they were ordained—being called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith and good works; in the first place being left to choose good or evil; therefore they having chosen good, and exercising exceedingly great faith, are called with a holy calling, yea, with that holy calling which was prepared with, and according to, a preparatory redemption for such... thus this holy calling being prepared from the foundation of the world for such as would not harden their hearts, being in and through the atonement of the Only Begotten Son, who was prepared— And thus being called by this holy calling, and ordained unto the high priesthood of the holy order of God, to teach his commandments unto the children of men, that they also might enter into his rest— This high priesthood being after the order of his Son, which order was from the foundation of the world; or in other words, being without beginning of days or end of years, being prepared from eternity to all eternity, according to his foreknowledge of all things— Now they were ordained after this manner—being called with a holy calling, and ordained with a holy ordinance, and taking upon them the high priesthood of the holy order, which calling, and ordinance, and high priesthood, is without beginning or end— Thus they become high priests forever, after the order of the Son, the Only Begotten of the Father, who is without beginning of days or end of years, who is full of grace, equity, and truth. And thus it is. Amen. Now, as I said concerning the holy order, or this high priesthood, there were many who were ordained and became high priests of God; and it was on account of their exceeding faith and repentance, and their righteousness before God, they choosing to repent and work righteousness rather than to perish; Therefore they were called after this holy order, and were sanctified, and their garments were washed white through the blood of the Lamb. Now they, after being sanctified by the Holy Ghost, having their garments made white, being pure and spotless before God, could not look upon sin save it were with abhorrence; and there were many, exceedingly great many, who were made pure and entered into the rest of the Lord their God. And now, my brethren, I would that ye should humble yourselves before God, and bring forth fruit meet for repentance, that ye may also enter into that rest. Yea, humble yourselves even as the people in the days of Melchizedek, who was also a high priest after this same order which I have spoken, who also took upon him the high priesthood forever. And it was this same Melchizedek to whom Abraham paid tithes; yea, even our father Abraham paid tithes of one-tenth part of all he possessed. Now these ordinances were given after this manner, that thereby the people might look forward on the Son of God, it being a type of his order, or it being his order, and this that they might look forward to him for a remission of their sins, that they might enter into the rest of the Lord. (82 BC)

  • Hel. 8:18 Yea, and behold I say unto you, that Abraham not only knew of these things, but there were many before the days of Abraham who were called by the order of God; yea, even after the order of his Son; and this that it should be shown unto the people, a great many thousand years before his coming, that even redemption should come unto them. (23-21 BC)

  • Alma 4:20 And thus in the commencement of the ninth year of the reign of the judges over the people of Nephi, Alma delivered up the judgment-seat to Nephihah, and confined himself wholly to the high priesthood of the holy order of God, to the testimony of the word, according to the spirit of revelation and prophecy. (86-83 BC)

  • 3 Nephi 18:5 And when the multitude had eaten and were filled, he said unto the disciples: Behold there shall one be ordained among you, and to him will I give power that he shall break bread and bless it and give it unto the people of my church, unto all those who shall believe and be baptized in my name.

  • 4 Nephi 1:14 And it came to pass that the seventy and first year passed away, and also the seventy and second year, yea, and in fine, till the seventy and ninth year had passed away; yea, even an hundred years had passed away, and the disciples of Jesus, whom he had chosen, had all gone to the paradise of God, save it were the three who should tarry; and there were other disciples ordained in their stead; and also many of that generation had passed away. (35-321 AD)

  • Moroni 3:1-4 The manner which the disciples, who were called the elders of the church, ordained priests and teachers— After they had prayed unto the Father in the name of Christ, they laid their hands upon them, and said:In the name of Jesus Christ I ordain you to be a priest (or if he be a teacher, I ordain you to be a teacher) to preach repentance and remission of sins through Jesus Christ, by the endurance of faith on his name to the end. Amen. And after this manner did they ordain priests and teachers, according to the gifts and callings of God unto men; and they ordained them by the power of the Holy Ghost, which was in them. (401-421 AD

PROPHETS, NEW SCRIPTURE & NEW REVEALIONS WILL COME IN THE LATTER DAYS:

• • 2 Nephi 3:11:15 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. 12 Wherefore, the fruit of thy loins shall write; and the fruit of the loins of Judah shall write; and that which shall be written by the fruit of thy loins, and also that which shall be written by the fruit of the loins of Judah, shall grow together, unto the confounding of false doctrines and laying down of contentions, and establishing peace among the fruit of thy loins, and bringing them to the knowledge of their fathers in the latter days, and also to the knowledge of my covenants, saith the Lord. 13 And out of weakness he shall be made strong, in that day when my work shall commence among all my people, unto the restoring thee, O house of Israel, saith the Lord. 14 And thus prophesied Joseph, saying: Behold, that seer will the Lord bless; and they that seek to destroy him shall be confounded; for this promise, which I have obtained of the Lord, of the fruit of my loins, shall be fulfilled. Behold, I am sure of the fulfilling of this promise; 15 And his name shall be called after me; and it shall be after the name of his father. And he shall be like unto me; for the thing, which the Lord shall bring forth by his hand, by the power of the Lord shall bring my people unto salvation.

PURPOSE OF LIFE: TO BE TESTED / TRIED:

• • 1 Nephi 10:21 Wherefore, if ye have sought to do wickedly in the days of your probation, then ye are found unclean before the judgment-seat of God; and no unclean thing can dwell with God; wherefore, ye must be cast off forever.

  • 2 Nephi 2:19-21 And after Adam and Eve had partaken of the forbidden fruit they were driven out of the garden of Eden, to till the earth. And they have brought forth children; yea, even the family of all the earth. And the days of the children of men were prolonged, according to the will of God, that they might repent while in the flesh; wherefore, their state became a state of probation, and their time was lengthened, according to the commandments which the Lord God gave unto the children of men. For he gave commandment that all men must repent

  • 2 Nephi 9:21 But wo unto him that has the law given, yea, that has all the commandments of God, like unto us, and that transgresseth them, and that wasteth the days of his probation, for awful is his state!

  • 2 Nephi 33:9 I also have charity for the Gentiles. But behold, for none of these can I hope except they shall be reconciled unto Christ, and enter into the narrow gate, and walk in the strait path which leads to life, and continue in the path until the end of the day of probation.

  • Hel. 13:38 But behold, your days of probation are past; ye have procrastinated the day of your salvation until it is everlastingly too late, and your destruction is made sure; yea, for ye have sought all the days of your lives for that which ye could not obtain; and ye have sought for happiness in doing iniquity, which thing is contrary to the nature of that righteousness which is in our great and Eternal Head.

  • Mormon 9:28 Be wise in the days of your probation; strip yourselves of all uncleanness; ask not, that ye may consume it on your lusts, but ask with a firmness unshaken, that ye will yield to no temptation, but that ye will serve the true and living God.

PURPOSE OF LIFE: TO GAIN KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

• • 2 Nephi 2: 22-26 If Adam had not transgressed he would not have fallen, but he would have remained in the garden of Eden. And all things which were created must have remained in the same state in which they were after they were created; and they must have remained forever, and had no end. And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin. But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things. Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy. And the Messiah cometh in the fullness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given.

RACE: ALL RACES ARE ALIKE UNTO GOD:

• • 2 Nephi 26:33 The Lord... inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile.

RESURRECTION: JESUS BROUGHT ABOUT THE RESURRECTION OF MANKIND: Some Christians believe that only Christians are affected Jesus' atonement, therefore since the resurrection of our physical bodies is something that happens to all people (including the wicked), that their resurrection is not caused by Christ but instead that God merely resurrects all of mankind independent of Christ's atonement. The Book of Mormon, however, clearly teaches that the resurrection of all mankind is a direct consequence of Jesus' death and resurrection. This makes sense, for because physical death is a direct consequence of sin/transgression (Adam and Eve's), only the atonement of Christ would satisfy the demands of justice and eternally restore the body to the spirit and thereby save all of mankind from physical death and immortality, which salvation is a free gift that is given regardless of one's choices in life.

• • 2 Nephi 2:8 Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead

  • Jacob 4:11 Wherefore, beloved brethren, be reconciled unto him through the atonement of Christ, his Only Begotten Son, and ye may obtain a resurrection, according to the power of the resurrection which is in Christ

  • Mosiah 16:7-8 And if Christ had not risen from the dead, or have broken the bands of death that the grave should have no victory, and that death should have no sting, there could have been no resurrection. But there is a resurrection, therefore the grave hath no victory, and the sting of death is swallowed up in Christ.

  • Alma 11:41-44 Therefore the wicked remain as though there had been no redemption made, except it be the loosing of the bands of death; for behold, the day cometh that all shall rise from the dead and stand before God, and be judged according to their works. Now, there is a death which is called a temporal death; and the death of Christ shall loose the bands of this temporal death, that all shall be raised from this temporal death. The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we now are at this time; and we shall be brought to stand before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt. Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame, as it is now, or in the body, and shall be brought and be arraigned before the bar of Christ the Son, and God the Father, and the Holy Spirit, which is one Eternal God, to be judged according to their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil.

  • Mormon 9:13 And because of the redemption of man, which came by Jesus Christ, they are brought back into the presence of the Lord; yea, this is wherein all men are redeemed, because the death of Christ bringeth to pass the resurrection, which bringeth to pass a redemption from an endless sleep, from which sleep all men shall be awakened by the power of God when the trump shall sound; and they shall come forth, both small and great, and all shall stand before his bar, being redeemed and loosed from this eternal band of death, which death is a temporal death

REVELATION & SCRIPTURE CONTINUED AFTER FIRST CENTURY

• Book of Nephi, 4th Nephi (35 - 321 AD)

• Words of Mormon (321 - 326 AD)

• Book of Mormon (321 - 326 AD)

• Book of Ether (included by Mormon around 321 - 326 AD)

• Book of Moroni (401-421 AD)

• The complete revelation of the Book of Mormon as a whole (translated and revealed in 1830 AD)

SALVATION IS DEPENDENT, IN PART, UPON OUR EFFORTS / DEEDS / WORKS / OBEDIENCE (NOT SOLELY UPON FAITH):

• Book of Mormon Introduction: The record is now published in many languages as a new and additional witness that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and that all who will come unto Him and obey the laws and ordinances of His gospel may be saved.

  • 1 Nephi 13:37 And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost; and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb

  • 2 Nephi 25:23 For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.

  • 2 Nephi 32:5-end of chapter: And now, if the Lamb of God, he being holy, should have need to be baptized by water, to fulfil all righteousness, O then, how much more need have we, being unholy, to be baptized, yea, even by water!..And I heard a voice from the Father, saying: Yea, the words of my Beloved are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved. And now, my beloved brethren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved. Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost. And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to the commandments of the Father and the Son; and ye have received the Holy Ghost, which witnesses of the Father and the Son, unto the fulfilling of the promise which he hath made, that if ye entered in by the way ye should receive. And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save. Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life. And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and the only and true doctrine of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, which is one God, without end. Amen.

  • 3 Nephi 12:20 Therefore come unto me and be ye saved; for verily I say unto you, that except ye shall keep my commandments, which I have commanded you at this time, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

  • Mosiah 2:41 I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.

  • Mosiah 5:8 And under this head ye are made free, and there is no other head whereby ye can be made free. There is no other name given whereby salvation cometh; therefore, I would that ye should take upon you the name of Christ, all you that have entered into the covenant with God that ye should be obedient unto the end of your lives.

  • Mosiah 12:33 Abinadi said unto them: I know if ye keep the commandments of God ye shall be saved

  • Mosiah 13:28 Salvation doth not come by the law alone; and were it not for the atonement, which God himself shall make for the sins and iniquities of his people, that they must unavoidably perish, notwithstanding the law of Moses.

  • Alma 11:40-41 And he shall come into the world to redeem his people; and he shall take upon him the transgressions of those who believe on his name; and these are they that shall have eternal life, and salvation cometh to none else.41 Therefore the wicked remain as though there had been no redemption made, except it be the loosing of the bands of death; for behold, the day cometh that all shall rise from the dead and stand before God, and be judged according to their works.

  • Alma 42:13 Therefore, according to justice, the plan of redemption could not be brought about, only on conditions of repentance of men in this probationary state, yea, this preparatory state; for except it were for these conditions, mercy could not take effect except it should destroy the work of justice. Now the work of justice could not be destroyed; if so, God would cease to be God.

  • Ether 4:18 Therefore, repent all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me, and believe in my gospel, and be baptized in my name; for he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned

  • Moroni 8:10-11 Behold I say unto you that this thing shall ye teach—repentance and baptism unto those who are accountable and capable of committing sin; yea, teach parents that they must repent and be baptized, and humble themselves as their little children, and they shall all be saved with their little children. 11 And their little children need no repentance, neither baptism. Behold, baptism is unto repentance to the fulfilling the commandments unto the remission of sins.

"SON OF GOD": MEANING OF:

• Mosiah 15:2 And because he dwelleth in flesh he shall be called the Son of God... Son, because of the flesh

SPIRITS HAVE SPIRIT BODIES: This revelation not only reveals/confirms that spirits have form and gender (even human form), but also that a spirit "body", a spirit body, not a body of flesh and bone, but a body of spirit.

• Ether 3:14-16 Behold, I am Jesus Christ... Never have I showed myself unto man whom I have created, for never has man believed in me as thou hast. Seest thou that ye are created after mine own image? Yea, even all men were created in the beginning after mine own image. Behold, this body, which ye now behold, is the body of my spirit; and man have I created after the body of my spirit; and even as I appear unto thee to be in the spirit will I appear unto my people in the flesh.

TEMPLE ENDOWMENT CEREMONY (?) The temple endowment ceremony is an ordinance that is performed in holy temples in which participants received instruction from the Lord and make covenants. Some elements in this ordinance are sacred and secret and therefore are not to be revealed outside of the temple. However, some LDS scholars have proposed that most for elements of the ceremony that are not specifically commanded to be kept in the temple are revealed in the visit of Jesus to the Americas as recorded in 3 Nephi 11-247 in the Book of Mormon, a revelation that is giving at a temple. For more details of this theory, see the study "Temple Endowment in Book of Mormon?", the link for which is on the left.

WORDS & FORMAT OF ORDINANCES (OF BAPTISM & THE LORD'S SUPPER) ARE REVEALED IN DETAIL

• • 3 Nephi 11:24-25 And now behold, these are the words which ye shall say, calling them by name, saying: 25 Having authority given me of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

  • Moroni 4:1-3 The manner of their elders and priests administering the flesh and blood of Christ unto the church; and they administered it according to the commandments of Christ; wherefore we know the manner to be true; and the elder or priest did minister it— 2 And they did kneel down with the church, and pray to the Father in the name of Christ, saying: 3 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it; that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.

  • Moroni 5:1-2 The manner of administering the wine—Behold, they took the cup, and said: 2 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee, in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.