2Peter 3:8

But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

As we sing during Pesach/Pascha,

Echad Mi Yodea" (Hebrew: אחד מי יודע?, lit. ‘One, Who Knows?”

There are things we know, and mysteries yet to be revealed. We can know preterism is a dead end.

Acts 1:6-7
When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

The First Book of Nephi

Chapter 8

Lehi sees a vision of the tree of life—He partakes of its fruit and desires his family to do likewise—He sees a rod of iron, a strait and narrow path, and the mists of darkness that enshroud men—Sariah, Nephi, and Sam partake of the fruit, but Laman and Lemuel refuse. About 600–592 B.C.

1 And it came to pass that we had gathered together all manner of ^aseeds of every kind, both of grain of every kind, and also of the seeds of fruit of every kind.

2 And it came to pass that while my father tarried in the wilderness he spake unto us, saying: Behold, I have ^adreamed a dream; or, in other words, I have ^bseen a ^cvision.

3 And behold, because of the thing which I have seen, I have reason to rejoice in the Lord because of ^aNephi and also of Sam; for I have reason to suppose that they, and also many of their seed, will be saved.

4 But behold, ^aLaman and Lemuel, I fear exceedingly because of you; for behold, methought I saw in my dream, a dark and dreary wilderness.

5 And it came to pass that I saw a ^aman, and he was dressed in a white ^brobe; and he came and stood before me.

6 And it came to pass that he spake unto me, and bade me follow him.

7 And it came to pass that as I followed him I beheld myself that I was in a dark and dreary waste.

8 And after I had traveled for the space of many hours in darkness, I began to pray unto the Lord that he would have ^amercy on me, according to the multitude of his tender mercies.

9 And it came to pass after I had prayed unto the Lord I beheld a large and spacious ^afield.

10 And it came to pass that I beheld a ^atree, whose ^bfruit was desirable to make one ^chappy.

11 And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the ^afruit thereof; and I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted. Yea, and I beheld that the fruit thereof was white, to exceed all the ^bwhiteness that I had ever seen.

12 And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great ^ajoy; wherefore, I began to be ^bdesirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was ^cdesirable above all other fruit.

13 And as I cast my eyes round about, that perhaps I might discover my family also, I beheld a ^ariver of water; and it ran along, and it was near the tree of which I was partaking the fruit.

14 And I looked to behold from whence it came; and I saw the head thereof a little way off; and at the head thereof I beheld your mother Sariah, and Sam, and ^aNephi; and they stood as if they knew not whither they should go.

15 And it came to pass that I beckoned unto them; and I also did say unto them with a loud voice that they should come unto me, and partake of the fruit, which was desirable above all other fruit.

16 And it came to pass that they did come unto me and partake of the fruit also.

17 And it came to pass that I was desirous that Laman and Lemuel should come and partake of the fruit also; wherefore, I cast mine eyes towards the head of the river, that perhaps I might see them.

18 And it came to pass that I saw them, but they would ^anot come unto me and partake of the fruit.

19 And I beheld a ^arod of iron, and it extended along the bank of the river, and led to the tree by which I stood.

20 And I also beheld a ^astrait and narrow path, which came along by the rod of iron, even to the tree by which I stood; and it also led by the head of the fountain, unto a large and spacious field, as if it had been a ^bworld.

21 And I saw numberless concourses of people, many of whom were ^apressing forward, that they might obtain the ^bpath which led unto the tree by which I stood.

22 And it came to pass that they did come forth, and commence in the path which led to the tree.

23 And it came to pass that there arose a ^amist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were ^blost.

24 And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, ^aclinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the ^bfruit of the tree.

25 And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ^aashamed.

26 And I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the ^aother side of the river of water, a great and ^bspacious building; and it stood as it were in the ^cair, high above the earth.

27 And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the ^aattitude of ^bmocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit.

28 And after they had ^atasted of the fruit they were ^bashamed, because of those that were ^cscoffing at them; and they ^dfell away into forbidden paths and were lost.

29 And now I, Nephi, do not speak ^aall the words of my father.

30 But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the ^arod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.

31 And he also saw other ^amultitudes feeling their way towards that great and spacious building.

32 And it came to pass that many were drowned in the ^adepths of the ^bfountain; and many were lost from his view, wandering in strange roads.

33 And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building. And after they did enter into that building they did point the finger of ^ascorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also; but we heeded them not.

34 These are the words of my father: For as many as ^aheeded them, had fallen away.

35 And ^aLaman and Lemuel partook not of the fruit, said my father.

36 And it came to pass after my father had spoken all the words of his dream or vision, which were many, he said unto us, because of these things which he saw in a vision, he exceedingly feared for Laman and Lemuel; yea, he feared lest they should be cast off from the presence of the Lord.

37 And he did ^aexhort them then with all the feeling of a tender parent, that they would hearken to his words, that perhaps the Lord would be merciful to them, and not cast them off; yea, my father did preach unto them.

38 And after he had preached unto them, and also prophesied unto them of many things, he bade them to keep the commandments of the Lord; and he did cease speaking unto them.

rewrite tbe gettysburg address in the style of the book of mormon

Certainly! Here’s a whimsical rendition of the Gettysburg Address inspired by the style of the Book of Mormon:

The Gettysburg Epistle

87 years ago, yea verily, our noble Founding Fathers didst forge a brand-new land, a shining beacon of equality. Behold, they declared that all men and women were equal in the eyes of the Almighty, even as they penned the sacred parchment known as the Declaration of Independence.

But lo, now we find ourselves embroiled in a great and terrible conflict—a war of brother against brother, neighbor against neighbor. Yea, this very battlefield upon which we stand hath borne witness to the clash of arms, and the earth itself doth groan beneath the weight of our strife.

Verily, we are tested, my brethren. Can such a nation endure? Can it withstand the fiery darts of adversity and emerge unscathed? Nay, I say unto thee, it is a trial of our very souls.

And so, let us consecrate this hallowed ground. Let us dedicate it anew to the cause of liberty, even as the prophets of old dedicated their temples unto the Lord. Let us struggle, yea, even wrestle with the angel of destiny, that we might emerge victorious.

For behold, we are a people under God. Our forebears, like the ancient Israelites, wandered through the wilderness of oppression, seeking a Promised Land. And now, in this hour of trial, we too seek a new birth of freedom—a deliverance from the bondage of division and strife.

Let us not perish, my friends, but rise like the phoenix from the ashes of conflict. Let our words be as honey, our hearts as pure gold. And may the angels of heaven look down upon us with favor, saying, “Verily, these are a chosen people, striving for a more perfect union.”

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, amen.

May this fanciful adaptation bringeth thee mirth and reflection, even as the original Gettysburg Address hath stirred the hearts of generations. 📜🎭¹ ²

I’ve taken creative liberties in weaving together the language of the Book of Mormon with the essence of Lincoln’s address. If thou dost seek a more faithful translation, I recommend perusing the original Gettysburg Address, which stands as a testament to freedom and democracy.³

2Peter 3:8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

Which is a simile ("as"), in contrast to normal literal use* of multiple statements of "thousand" and a literal 1,000 year reign. Like:

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 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. And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea. (Revelation 20:4-8)

Which post 11 partly deals with, by the grace of God.

*Like as Exodus 38:25; Exodus 38:26; Numbers 1:21; Numbers 1:23; Numbers 1:25; Numbers 1:27; Numbers 1:29; Numbers 1:31; Numbers 1:33; Numbers 1:35; Numbers 1:37; Numbers 1:39; Numbers 1:41; Numbers 1:43; Numbers 1:46; Numbers 2:4; Numbers 2:6; Numbers 2:8; Numbers 2:9; Numbers 2:11; Numbers 2:13; Numbers 2:15; Numbers 2:16; Numbers 2:19; Numbers 2:21; Numbers 2:23; Numbers 2:24; Numbers 2:26; Numbers 2:28; Numbers 2:30; Numbers 2:31; Numbers 2:32; Numbers 3:22; Numbers 3:28 Numbers 3:34 Numbers 3:39 Numbers 3:43 Numbers 4:36 Numbers 4:40 Numbers 4:44 Numbers 4:48 Numbers 26:7 Numbers 26:18 Numbers 26:22 Numbers 26:25 Numbers 26:27 Numbers 26:34 Numbers 26:37 Numbers 26:41 Numbers 26:43 Numbers 26:47 Numbers 26:50 Numbers 26:51 Numbers 26:62 Numbers 31:36 Judges 20:15 Judges 20:17 1 Samuel 11:8 1 Samuel 15:4 2 Samuel 18:1 2 Samuel 24:9 1 Kings 20:15 1 Chronicles 7:2 1 Chronicles 7:40 1 Chronicles 21:5 1 Chronicles 23:3 1 Chronicles 27:1 2 Chronicles 2:17 2 Chronicles 12:3 2 Chronicles 17:14 2 Chronicles 25:5 2 Chronicles 26:12 2 Chronicles 30:24 2 Chronicles 35:7 Ezra 1:9 Ezra 2:2 Nehemiah 7:7 John 6:10 Acts 4:4 Revelation 5:11 Revelation 7:4 Revelation 7:8 Revelation 9:16

Thanks for the effort!

Meanwhile ignoring what you went to the trouble of copying into FR in particular verse 38.

...and in that regard, it might be appropriate to bring up just how much is missing from the Bible.

Hints: The Bible Dictionary under “C” and “L” provides some information.

The reality is there is far far more written and recorded than man has in his hand. Rejecting the ability of the Lord to continually interact with man either spoken or revealed, is not consistent with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Meanwhile.....still awaiting answers to my two very simple questions.

...and in that regard, it might be appropriate to bring up just how much is missing from the Bible.

Be my guest.

You have the floor.

The reality is there is far far more written and recorded than man has in his hand.

So, are you implying that the KJV of the bible does NOT contain enough information to get a person saved and on his way to heaven?

It’s not nice to imply, when you know better. The Bible contains the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as does the Book of Mormon, meaning either one is sufficient for individual salvation.

Neither I nor the Church of Jesus Christ has stated otherwise. As to my taking the floor for the missing books of the Bible, that was meant mainly for your digestion should you want to look for the hints.

As to my taking the floor for the missing books of the Bible, that was meant mainly for your digestion should you want to look for the hints.

I will not look for 'hints' when your chosen religion tells the world that IT has the answers.

I have boldly asked you to produce such answers.

Will you do it, or just toss out more bread crumbs?

The Bible contains the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as does the Book of Mormon, meaning either one is sufficient for individual salvation.

I find that hard to believe when the LDS creed says that...

#8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

The Bible contains the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as does the Book of Mormon, meaning either one is sufficient for individual salvation.

Neither I nor the Church of Jesus Christ has stated otherwise.

HMmm...

The Fulness of the Gospel:

A series examining doctrines unique to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Fulness of the Gospel: The Purpose of Life (churchofjesuschrist.org)

President Ezra Taft Benson explains: "The Book of Mormon contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ (D&C 20:9). That does not mean it contains every teaching, every doctrine ever revealed. Rather, it means that in the Book of Mormon we will find the fulness of those doctrines required for our salvation. And they are taught plainly and simply so that even children can learn the ways of salvation and exaltation" (Benson, pp. 18-19).

Fulness is a term sometimes used in the scriptures to describe Christ himself, regarding both his stature as the Son of God and what he offered mankind. John, in bearing witness of the Savior, said, "And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace" (John 1:16). To receive the fulness the Savior offered is to accept him as the one who made salvation possible for all through the Atonement and to follow his teachings. Thus, to experience a fulness of joy requires one to keep God's commandments (D&C 93:27).

Fulness of the Gospel - The Encyclopedia of Mormonism (byu.edu)

Brigham Young stated the following

:

"When the light came to me I saw that all the so-called Christian world was grovelling in darkness" (Journal of Discourses Section 5 page 73);

"The Christian world, so-called, are heathens as to the knowledge of the salvation of God" (Journal of Discourses Section 8 page 171);

"With a regard to true theology, a more ignorant people never lived than the present so-called Christian world" (Journal of Discourses Section 8 page 199);

"Should you ask why we differ from other Christians, as they are called, it is simply because they are not Christians as the New Testament defines Christianity" (Journal of Discourses Section 10 page 230).

"And who is there that acknowledges [God's] hand? ...You may wander east, west, north, and south, and you cannot find it in any church or government on the earth, except the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" (Journal of Discourses Section 6 page 24)

Mormon apostle Bruce R. McConkie wrote:

“The Joseph Smith Translation, or Inspired Version, is a thousand times over the best Bible now existing on earth. It contains all that the King James Version does, plus pages of additions and corrections and an occasional deletion. It was made by the spirit of revelation, and the changes and additions are the equivalent of the revealed word in the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants. For historical and other reasons, there has been among some members of the Church in times past some prejudice and misunderstanding of the place of the Joseph Smith Translation. I hope this has now all vanished away. Our new Church Bible footnotes many of the major changes made in the Inspired Version and has a seventeen-page section which sets forth excerpts that are too lengthy for inclusion in the footnotes. Reference to this section and to the footnotes themselves will give anyone who has spiritual insight a deep appreciation of this revelatory work of the Prophet Joseph Smith. It is one of the great evidences of his prophetic call”

(Sermons and Writings of Bruce R. McConkie, p. 289). http://www.mrm.org/smith-inspired-version

You have access to all, but aren’t really interested in truth, so why should I do your work for you?

I have boldly asked you to produce such answers.

I don’t know about that boldly part, but you have all the same answers I have right at your finger tips. You have managed to print a good deal of them over the years right here on FR.

I’m not sure why I have anything to do with it.

I find that hard to believe when the LDS creed says that...

#8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

I find it extremely difficult to believe you find the truth so difficult to deal with. Especially with the answers in books we both are able to access.

Not to mention the Bible contains the fullness of the Gospel sufficient for salvation “despite” #8.

Hair splitting and intransigence come to mind.

Faith, Repentance, Baptism, Gift of the Holy Ghost, endure to the end.

All principles enumerated in the Bible and Book of Mormon and necessary for salvation.

So why so many denominations causing many to be dissolutioned with organized religion? They all have the Bible as their guide.

You have access to all, but aren’t really interested in truth, so why should I do your work for you?

Ah, but I AM interested in TRUTH!

You have a chance to show the lurkers who are reading authentic LDS writings right here in this thread.

If; you refuse to confound me when you have the chance; what a lurker to think: that if Mormonism has the answers, why doesn't this Mormon wish to express them?

The

DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS

OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

SECTION 71

Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Sidney Rigdon, at Hiram, Ohio, December 1, 1831. HC 1: 238–239. The Prophet had continued to translate the Bible with Sidney Rigdon as his scribe until this revelation was received, at which time it was temporarily laid aside so as to enable them to fulfill the instruction given herein. The brethren were to go forth to preach in order to allay the unfriendly feelings that had developed against the Church as a result of the publication of some newspaper articles by Ezra Booth, who had apostatized.

1–4, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon are sent forth to proclaim the gospel; 5–11, Enemies of the saints shall be confounded.

1 Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon, that the time has verily come that it is necessary and expedient in me that you should open your mouths in proclaiming my gospel, the things of the kingdom, expounding the mysteries thereof out of the scriptures, according to that portion of Spirit and power which shall be given unto you, even as I will.

2 Verily I say unto you, proclaim unto the world in the regions round about, and in the church also, for the space of a season, even until it shall be made known unto you.

3 Verily this is a mission for a season, which I give unto you.

4 Wherefore, labor ye in my vineyard. Call upon the inhabitants of the earth, and bear record, and prepare the way for the commandments and revelations which are to come.

5 Now, behold this is wisdom; whoso readeth, let him understand and receive also;

6 For unto him that receiveth it shall be given more abundantly, even power.

7 Wherefore, confound your enemies; call upon them to meet you both in public and in private; and inasmuch as ye are faithful their shame shall be made manifest.

8 Wherefore, let them bring forth their strong reasons against the Lord.

9 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you—there is no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper;

10 And if any man lift his voice against you he shall be confounded in mine own due time.

11 Wherefore, keep my commandments; they are true and faithful. Even so. Amen.

I’m not sure why I have anything to do with it.

Were you ever a doorstep missionary?

This FR thing has GOT to be a lot easier to do.

Come on; tell us why traditional Christianity is so bad that Mormonism has to restore it.