Joseph Smith: a witness of Christ [O Come, O Come EmmanSMITHuel, anyone?]

LDS Church News ^ | Dec. 18, 2010 | R. Scott Lloyd

[Colofornian]

On Dec. 23, 1805, as much of the world was preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, another baby boy was born. Like Jesus, this 19th century baby came forth in humble circumstances and in an obscure village.

Though the world didn't know it at the time, the birth of Joseph Smith Jr. would initiate what is arguably the greatest and most far-reaching chain of events in the history of Christianity since the Savior's mortal ministry itself.

That infant would grow up to hold the apostolic office and thus be a special witness of Jesus Christ, the first mortal man on earth with such authority since the deaths of Peter, Paul and other New Testament figures. But Joseph's role would have further significance, he being the man who, under the direction of Jesus Christ, received the keys of the gospel's restoration in latter days and of the prophesied Dispensation of the Fulness of Times. It was a role with transcendent magnitude, fulfilling scriptural prophecy.

Joseph himself would only begin to become aware of its significance himself at age 14, when, in response to a fervent plea for religious guidance, he saw in their glory the Father and the Son.

In subsequent theophanies and other heavenly visitations, the young prophet would receive further divine tutoring.

Visiting Joseph on Sept. 21, 1823, the Book of Mormon prophet Moroni in angelic form quoted a number of biblical passages, among them this verse from Isaiah:

"And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots" (Isaiah 11:1).

Some 15 years later, the Prophet would provide a divinely revealed explanation of this verse in the form of questions and responses recorded today as Doctrine and Covenants 113:1-4: "Who is the Stem of Jesse spoken of in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th verses of the 11th chapter of Isaiah?

"Verily thus saith the Lord: It is the Christ.

"What is the rod spoken of in the first verse of the 11th chapter of Isaiah, that should come of the Stem of Jesse?

"Behold, thus saith the Lord: It is a servant in the hands of Christ, who is partly a descendant of Jesse as well as of Ephraim, or of the house of Joseph, on whom there is laid much power."

Commented Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the Quorum of the Twelve, "Are we amiss in saying that the prophet here mentioned is Joseph Smith, to whom the priesthood came, who received the keys of the kingdom, and who raised the ensign for the gathering of the Lord's people in our dispensation?"

Alexander W. Baugh, professor of Church history and doctrine at BYU commented, "On Dec. 9, 1834, Joseph Smith Sr. pronounced a patriarchal blessing on Joseph Smith Jr. wherein he declared that the Prophet was a lineal descendant and birthright heir to the patriarchal fathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, but more particularly Joseph of Egypt. Furthermore, Brigham Young declared that Joseph Smith was a descendant of Joseph through Ephraim (Journal of Discourses 2:269).

"Additionally, Doctrine and Covenants 113:6 states that the 'root of Jesse' as spoken of in Isaiah 11:10 is 'a descendant of Jesse, as well as of Joseph, unto whom rightly belongs the priesthood, and the keys of the kingdom for an ensign, and for the gathering of my people in the last days.' Such wording suggests the individual to be none other than Joseph Smith."

Jesse, in biblical history, is the father of David, making him the ancestor of the kings of Judah and of Christ (see Ruth 4:17,22; 1 Chronicles 2:5-12; Matthew 1:5-6; Bible Dictionary, "Jesse" entry).

Thus the Prophet Joseph Smith fits the scriptural designation of being descended from Jesse and Joseph, of having been endowed with much power, and of having been given the priesthood and the keys of the kingdom preparatory to the gathering of Israel in the last days preceding the Second Coming of the Savior.

Joseph was foreordained to be a witness of Christ at a pivotal time in world history (see History of the Church 6:364; 2 Nephi 3:7-11).

Small wonder that the scriptural volume containing the revelations given to him, the Doctrine and Covenants, would be replete with fervent and profound testimony of the Savior. Among the most striking, commented Steven C. Harper, professor of Church history and doctrine at BYU, are the teachings on the Atonement in Sections 18 and 19.

"I think Doctrine and Covenants 18:10 is the most modest understatement anywhere, since the worth of a soul, we discern in the subsequent verses, is equal to the Savior's infinite atonement," he said. "I like what Truman Madsen said on this point: 'If souls are of value in direct proportion to the concern and sacrifice of our Redeemer, then we know that in the eyes of the Father and the Son, your soul — even yours — and mine — even mine — is of infinite worth'" ("The Savior, the Sacrament and Self-Worth," address given at the 1999 BYU-Relief Society Women's Conference).

The Doctrine and Covenants also contains accounts of two other personal visitations by the Savior to Joseph, one with Oliver Cowdery at the Kirtland Temple on April 3, 1836. Of this occasion, they testified, "We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber.

"His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah saying:

"I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father" (Doctrine and Covenants 110:2-4).

The occasion prior to that was with Sidney Rigdon on Feb. 16, 1832, at Hiram, Ohio.

Of that experience, they testified: "After the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

"For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father —

"That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God" (Doctrine and Covenants 76:22-24).

"Over and over they say, we saw, we heard, we bear record," Brother Harper remarked. "It is an expansive Christ-centered text, and right there in verses 22-24, they give the 'last,' — which I take to mean ultimate — testimony that could be given of him, namely that two witnesses saw, heard, felt, and are on record that Jesus Christ is God's Only Begotten Son and the Savior of worlds (plural) and their inhabitants."

[Colofornian]

From the article: ...quoted a number of biblical passages, among them this verse from Isaiah: "And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots" (Isaiah 11:1). Some 15 years later, the Prophet would provide a divinely revealed explanation of this verse in the form of questions and responses recorded today as Doctrine and Covenants 113:1-4: ..."What is the rod spoken of in the first verse of the 11th chapter of Isaiah, that should come of the Stem of Jesse? "Behold, thus saith the Lord: It is a servant in the hands of Christ, who is partly a descendant of Jesse as well as of Ephraim, or of the house of Joseph, on whom there is laid much power." Commented Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the Quorum of the Twelve, "Are we amiss in saying that the prophet here mentioned is Joseph Smith, to whom the priesthood came, who received the keys of the kingdom, and who raised the ensign for the gathering of the Lord's people in our dispensation?"

(Thanks for askin' Brother Bruce. The answer to your question is, "Yes, Mormons are deeply --and widely -- amiss!)

From the article: "What is the rod spoken of in the first verse of the 11th chapter of Isaiah, that should come of the Stem of Jesse? "Behold, thus saith the Lord: It is a servant in the hands of Christ, who is partly a descendant of Jesse as well as of Ephraim, or of the house of Joseph, on whom there is laid much power."

Does everybody realize the import of what the Mormons have done here?

It's not enough that Lds often focus on Joseph Smith's Dec. 23 birthday as much if not more than Jesus Christ's celebrated birthday set-aside date. They now want to wrestle away some of the verses of Christmas carols/hymns so they will apply to Joseph Smith!

Merry Smithmas, indeed!

Example: The text for the much-beloved Christmas carol/hymn, O Come, O Come Emmanuel was written in the 12th century. Now Mormon apologists are wanting to wrestle the second verse from that carol as belonging to Joseph Smith instead of the Christ child!!!:

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's tyranny
From depths of Hell Thy people save
And give them victory o'er the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come EmmanSmithuel, anyone???

Btw: Last year when this article came out, I put the words "rod," "Joseph" and "Isaiah 11:1" -- the latter in quotations -- and Googled it. Did you know that three of the top 8 hits were from Mormon apologetics Web sites trying to maintain (in effect) that the second verse of the Christmas carol, O Come, O Come Emmanuel belongs NOT to Jesus Christ, but to Joseph Smith????!!!!!

[Colofornian]

Other examples of how the Mormon church co-opts Christ during this season, exploiting Smith's Dec. 23 birthday to usurp Christ and even worship him!
* 'Praise to the Man' honors Joseph Smith [Mormon Merry Smithmas!]
* Joseph Smith: Blessed Be His Name [Mormon Merry Smithmas]
* “Praise To The Man”: A Review Of The Annual Joseph Smith Memorial Sermons [Mormon Merry Smithmas]
* Tis the season for Smithmas; Whom do you worship? [Mormon Merry Smithmas]

[Colofornian]

The Mormon version of verse 2 of O Come, O Come Emmanuel (if a combination of Joe Smith and Isaiah 11:1 superimposing Mormon apologists had their way, that is):

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan's one-wife tyranny
From depths of temporary spirit prison Thy people save
And give them polygamy be-yond the grave
Rejoice! Rejoice! Thee man Joe-el
Smith shall come, ye see, to tell ye tall tales

[JST "translation" of traditional Christmas carol]

[aMorePerfectUnion]

mormonic verses placemarker

[patlin]

Considering that Messiah(Christ), during the time he walked the earth, had nothing to do with the pagan birth holiday of a false sun god that had been celebrated on Dec 25th for over 2000 yrs, I find it quite hypocritical to call out another religion for practicing the same pagan worship Christendom does, just with a different name. Does one really think YHVH would use days appointed by pagans or did He specifically tell us not to inquire about them and to steadfastly follow His ways?(Dt 12:30 pep talk just before crossing the Jordan)

The interesting thing is, when one really studies Scripture, one finds that hasatan, while allowed to work his mischief on earth, he is not allowed to usurp YHVH’s Holy days thus he had to come up with his own and then like his tricked Eve by using a hint of truth with the lie that she would not die, he has tricked Christendom into believing that following pagan feast days, is also of no consequence.

Well, my Elohyim says that he is a jealous Elohyim and that we are not to provoke Him. Thus the death of the 3000 at Mt Sinai for worshiping YHVH with a golden calf. It is not how we perceive our worship, it is how He perceives how we worship. Is it according to His instructions(Gen-Deut) or is it according to man's pagan practices(Judges 2; 1 Kings 1; Jer 10)?

[svcw]

Ooookay

[svcw]

After reading this lds church current article, there can be no question that lds worship Joseph Smith in a manor that is equal to or greater that their own lds jesus.

[patlin]

Jer 16:19...one can read all about it in the Catholic encyclopedias dating back to the origins of Roman Christendom, how man kicked Yah’s Holy days to the curb in order to promote and spread the religion of hasatan by using YHVH & the name of His only begotten Son.

[Vendome]

Joekum all yer faithful ....

[Vendome]

Have uhnuther drink on me.... /s

[Vendome]

Have uhnuther drink on me.... /s

[greyfoxx39]

[Elsie]

Though the world didn't know it at the time, the birth of Joseph Smith Jr. would initiate what is arguably the greatest and most far-reaching chain of events in the history of Christianity since the Savior's mortal ministry itself.

 

MORMON

ATTITUDES OF SUPERIORITY

 

  1. I’m Superior; I have a special gift of the holy Ghost -- you don’t!
  2. I’m Superior; I have God’s true priesthood power -- you don’t!
  3. I’m Superior; I can go in God’s secret Temple -- you can’t!
  4. I’m Superior; I’ve been Endowed with special Gifts and Knowledge -- you’re just normal!
  5. I’m Superior; I’ll have my family with me in heaven -- you’ll be with strangers!
  6. I’m Superior; I’m becoming a God -- you aren’t!
  7. I’m Superior; My women know their place as servants of man and yours don’t.
  8. I’m Superior; YOUR creeds are wrong because they come from man - mine comes from God (you can find each one printed in our Scriptures).
  9. I’m Superior; I don’t HAVE a creed - I’ve got 13 Articles of Faith.
10. I'm Superior; I have 4 "Bibles"-- the standard works (5 if you count the JST) -- you've only got one: in as far as it is translated correctly.
11. I’m Superior; I can lie with impunity about such things as church membership, church growth, church doctrine, church history, church influence, etc. —                           -- You can’t.
12. I’m Superior; I am right (everybody knows) when I say 'evangelical' Christians are lunatics -- 

                           -- You’re a hideous narrow-minded bigot, who is persecuting me by practicing discrimination by saying I'm not a Christian.
13. I'm Superior; I have a testimony about a prophet -- you don't.
14. I'm Superior; I have a Scripture-producing Amos 3:7 prophet -- you don't
15. I’m Superior; I have a Living Prophet who talks to god every day -- you have a dim-witted hireling of Satan who only talks to himself.
16. I'm Superior; I have my calling & election made sure -- you don't.
17. I’m Superior; I have magic underwear to protect me from the bogey man -- you don’t.
18. I’m Superior; I have secret clasps and grips to give the angel so I get admitted to the celestial kingdom -- you don’t ;so you can’t.
19. I'm Superior; I know secret handshake codes for afterlife entrances-- you don't.
20. I’m Superior; I will see Joseph Smith setting on the right hand of GOD, when I get to Mormon heaven, and he will recognize me and judge me favorably                              -- You’re on your own; when you get to wherever you’re going!
21. I’m Superior; I’m going to hie to Kolob -- you’re going to who knows where.
22. I’m Superior; I get to have a harem and act like a celestial stud for time and all eternity -- you don’t.
23. I’m Superior; I have sun stones, moon stones, sky stones, cloud stones, Saturn stones, and the evil eye of Osirus guarding my temple

                            -- You have nothing but a stupid cross.
24. I’m Superior; My church has billions in assets stashed away -- yours has taken a stupid vow of poverty.
25. I'm Superior; Last - we have the power to keep a whole race out of our priesthood if we wanted to reinsert our 148-year legacy  (we ARE still keeping an entire GENDER at bay!)

26.  I'm superior; I have the "higher law" -- everyone else "lives under the "lesser law' because I say so...(over and over).

 

 

Revision 46.5

Semi-Official creed of the EXclusive club of Freeper Flying Inmans.

All rights liable to be abused.

[Elsie]

...how man kicked Yah’s Holy days to the curb...

 

 

Golly!

 

Just like MORMONism tossed THEIR god's Eternal Covenant under the bus; too!

 

 

 

 

Inasmuch as laws have been enacted by Congress forbidding plural marriage...

I hereby declare my intention to submit to those laws..."

~ Wilford Woodruff, 4th LDS President

 

 

"Now if any of you will deny the plurality of wives, and continue to do so, I promise that you will be damned; and I will go still further and say, take this revelation, or any other revelation that the Lord has given, and deny it in your feelings, and I promise that you will be damned.

Brigham Young, in JoD 3:266 (July 14, 1855)

[svcw]

This statement from an official lds site:

Though the world didn't know it at the time, the birth of Joseph Smith Jr. would initiate what is arguably the greatest and most far-reaching chain of events in the history of Christianity since the Savior's mortal ministry itself.

Is vile.

[Colofornian]

Considering that Messiah(Christ), during the time he walked the earth, had nothing to do with the pagan birth holiday of a false sun god that had been celebrated on Dec 25th for over 2000 yrs, I find it quite hypocritical to call out another religion for practicing the same pagan worship Christendom does, just with a different name

I take it, then, that you're consistent on your approaches to days devoted to false gods, right?

So...
...you tear out most January --> June months of your calendars ['cause their names are derived from false gods]...
...and you never reference those names in your everyday talk -- unless of course, you're bringing up their pagan references...
...and, of course, you must have developed alternative names for everyday but Sunday...'cause Monday thru Saturday also are derived from pagan gods...
...as we know some poster accusing others of "hypocrisy" wouldn't dare be a hypocrite himself on these matters...

...Right???

Here's a history pagan god lesson for you, Patlin:

Thursday evolved from the Germanic pagan god, Thor? So, tell us, Patlin unless you studiously avoid using the term Thursday -- or Thor's day -- why do you devote such a day to such a god?

I mean, don't you worship a jealous God? Is he not provoked by the way you honor and acknowledge and recognize the false god, Thor? (Or does He look the other way and doesn't care?)

I mean, it can't possibly be that you would hypocritically apply your argument to Christmas yet recognize Thor's day, eh?

Yes? No? You recognize Thor's day, then? If so, my, my, my: How inconsistent, how two-faced, how Pharisaical, how 'teacher-of-the-law' of you, how hypocritical of you, then, Patlin!

As for the rest of the days & months:
* Monday came from Germanic mythology where the "moon god" = Mani.
* Tuesday comes from Norse mythology re: its one-handed god, Tiw.
* Wednesday comes from the Germanic god Wodan.
* Friday comes from the Anglo-Saxon goddess Frige.
* Saturday comes from the Roman god Saturn (Anglo-Saxon rendering was Sæturnesdæg)
* January - Janus, Roman god of the beginning/doorway
* March - Mars, Roman god of war
* April - unknown, potentially Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love
* May - Maia, Greek goddess of fertility
* June - juno, Roman goddess of protection

So...tell us, Patlin...how you've managed to avoid offending or provoking our Jealous God by avoiding days and months and their names that honor and acknowledge these various pagan gods.

We're all interested in knowing what system you came up with steadfastly (and legalistically, if I might add) avoid such a thing.

And if you can't, may I suggest in the future that you put away such accusations of hypocrisy...because you're as inconsistent, then, as all get-out!

[patlin]

I never called anyone out so why are you attacking me personally?

I merely called out the hypocrisy of a religious doctrine that claims to be biblical when it is anything but so if you want to respond, then show me using Scripture where Messiah(Christ) was born in the dead of winter and that anyone who claims to be of Messiah has the right to call anyone elses religious doctrine out for their beliefs? If one truly wants to uphold Scripture, then at least be honest about the religious doctrine that has nothing to do with the birth of Messiah however, it is fully engulfed in the births of “Sol Invictus” name given to the pagan sun gods by Roman religious leaders.

YHVH didn't put His only begotten Son in x-massacre, man did. The only begotten Son didn't start a new religion or church, man did. So while I no longer personally celebrate the pagan appointed days, I have no opinion as to those that do. That's reserved for YHVH, not man. But what I do have a problem with is religious doctrine that claims these pagan days represent our One and Only true Elohyim and His only begotten Son knowing full well that it is a lie.

Until Messiah's return we will continue to live in exile however, according to YHVH (Scripture) we are to keep ourselves set apart from the ways of the world by not bringing them into our worship and our daily lives. And while Scripture does prophesy that His children will learn and adopt the ways of gentiles(pagans)... our Elohyim is a most gracious and merciful Elohyim...

2 Chron 7: 14 if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

After having spent 50 yrs in the false teaching of the doctrine of Roman Christendom, the humility that YHVH speaks of in 2 Chronicles has become quite liberating. Spiritually, physically & mentally

[ejonesie22]

Research relgiious cults...

So fun..

[patlin]

When YHVH says that He only has “ONE people and their name is “Israel” and that His ways are FOREVER and His ONLY begotten Son our Messiah only taught & preached what His Father has always spoken ... what part of “ONE” people and “ONE” way “FOREVER” does the doctrine of Christendom not understand? Did not YHVH send His only begotten Son to unite His people under the roof of “ONE” house, “His House” to serve Him in unity?

We should be more concerned about cleaning up our own house rather than attacking others whose houses are just as dirty as ours.

Mt 7:3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye?

[patlin]

Acts 5: 35

And he said to them: “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. 36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. 38 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; 39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”