tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10635096937883161882024-03-14T12:22:09.944-06:00Brunson20 - Your Site For LDS TheologyYour Site For LDS TheologyBrunson20http://www.blogger.com/profile/17312464214354872630noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063509693788316188.post-28097168147048798352023-04-15T10:01:00.000-06:002023-04-15T19:58:39.905-06:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Browse our Books & Articles below or,</i> <a href="http://www.brunson20.com/p/search-by-topic.html">search by topic</a>..<i>.</i></b></span><br />
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<b style="font-size: xx-large;">BOOKS: </b></div>
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<a href="https://www.beforethe2ndcoming.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Before the 2nd Coming</span></a><a href="https://www.beforethe2ndcoming.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.beforethe2ndcoming.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.brunson20.com/2016/05/before-second-coming.html" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0x-hqTkS4yuJL_ALrgSu-EMJwixgN68_gVbcazdhIsHaR_UIRDUEoAmZmk-fqHhHCSESYIsEvgkxdGJNDVbzxK05XBPtqNNAWfILdJTIXpe8zZmTJLKw2uAZaVYakq3dpGKwHVYQCxFBp/s200/Paperback+Standing.jpg" width="158" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">We know of many prophesied signs leading up to the Second Coming. But in what order will they occur?</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.ChristasBridegroom.com" target="_blank">Christ as Bridegroom</a></span><br />
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<ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.Christasbridegroom.com" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2129" data-original-width="1500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdqB0-hHnF39eR9qQj9_xqggnmk5NHv-tTx0x8p4BH2TK1MSG56RdLuFX8dbf6YzERVULIzOQCWoZVCPvYi6jgFBPDXXR5-3s2MfL6goxfHAJf24Eaur8ay8kbQP2hdsQTdKMJR7uttt-H1KRD12vrdEignEldNWRMgULVwA849bjZvMP4GYkzjNqEAw/w141-h200/Christ%20as%20Bridegroom%20-%20eBook%20Cover%20Image.png" width="141" /></a></div>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Examine the Second Coming through the lens of Types and Shadows from Old & New Testament stories, as well as from examples from the Book of Mormon.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2014/10/the-war-in-heaven.html">The War in Heaven</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2014/10/the-war-in-heaven.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHnaD5dyXEJqAVMjIaHOX4aQhUXE85VGyfKSvGnkREpbOVKQH2-cNrY0ZQ8ImSEkeOF3ucbFib4yAT7TnwfkSn1Ex4fwfp1ewpTF1sCxGIIXY9EFSFZzIVsVy5jf69MtEMDFj6iCODRDp/s1600/Council+in+Heaven.jpg" width="157" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">If God can banish them at a word, why did it take a war in heaven to cast out Satan and his followers? And how was this war in heaven fought? </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2014/03/understanding-creation.html">Understanding the Creation</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2014/03/understanding-creation.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQs7mzoKMxnjdRoImYYzjjyX0hsI7pEm0X3tQu6VX4OVRaK1ldVF16EesnLZzoNxm6W6NX7NzyNfK1c88TO_r59PhambiuMzwVBtjUqIi5GwORC_A-hMZ4oCDSiAzJOrmcjL-35oAnrNar/s1600/The+Earth.jpg" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Have you noticed? The creation accounts that are recorded in our scriptures (Moses & Abraham) are different from the creation account given in the endowment. Also in this article, find out how to explain the existence of dinosaurs.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/a-contridiction-in-eden_29.html">The Contradiction in Eden</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/a-contridiction-in-eden_29.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/a-contridiction-in-eden_29.html" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhI1BaQHzA6MS1x1UboIbbv-rPheAE1eMU4R_tgLxRswQFHK3XBsbm-FosnyPwJZUxyeO3sXPW7YXz6teV9kuO4e11P4iLoQVUsCdmmS3N0m8B1_brwM4PwhGC2hOphdrUDikgkut5iWxB/s200/tree+of+knowledge+painting.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Why did God give Adam and Eve a
commandment they could not keep (multiply and replenish the earth),
unless they first broke another one of God's own commandments (partaking
of the
forbidden fruit)? </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/the-serpents-roll-in-fall.html">The Serpents Role in the Fall</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/the-serpents-roll-in-fall.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvApQn6JDSkQIP_owUWCC4RucVBLSO0X5IedQivhwqo7t9iZH-kJUPXlJN-iecqmnjU-5E1oN8rlj0jWnPSk2kodOb37Tb72Ir8hFPHVidYMjbHU60OyhGZg8FByP1e0kXwIvA6_iJtSL/s200/adam-and-eve-fig-leaves.jpg.jpg" width="147" /></span></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">We know that Satan appeared to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, but did he appear as himself, in the form of a man, or did he speak to them through a serpent?</span></li>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/adams-coat-of-skins.html"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Adam's Coat of Skins</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/adams-coat-of-skins.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoxqMoe3aIg9zekz42zJT8zQmlhfSHTbpw1KhyphenhyphenK8OzChYum5CCKjxVmvyFWeVIT2jXE9f_byYR84w5i1c99hOPCIyUtfmkhAzfG1Z9Fi6dQS3wXMp5o1OknZ_HhEbxYJwrX3NXB4zBpcLA/s200/Coats-of-Skins.jpg" width="154" /></span></a> </div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Why did Satan want Adam and Eve to cover themselves with fig leaves after they transgressed? </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/the-temple-reversing-fall.html">The Temple - Reversing the Fall</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/the-temple-reversing-fall.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGk9eh3Y7jmC06Oh05ZI5ibf-CUJ9XIk9l_LWII0COP1ao72IVJtpdivGGUCRugODm9Gf7CYa2WUOTKQlxtybv217YM4VPxSp1WO37IEFxRBhkqFchF6wm5EuH_ByaaD8hv-UCzZeYwID4/s200/high+priest+at+the+veil.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Find out how the temple symbolically reverses the Fall of Adam.</span></li>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/08/noahs-ark.html"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Noah's Ark</span></a></div>
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<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/08/noahs-ark.html"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMrermNSCdf7iYGRlsk2MxMebWHbPd9tZ08d2MRoJS5YVvA3CXqInB64ssytcUufcor0cAW5Lxh3NDVuxgkDJvXenxNLKEAp94AydAPOcPLIMVielsZ7Zd5_sdcYXIQMkHQexEv79_0Mi/s200/Noah.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Would it surprise you to find out that technically
Noah was not told to take two of every animal into the ark? In
addition, find out how Noah's ark was built to represent a temple. </span></li>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/the-tower-of-babel.html"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Tower of Babel</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/the-tower-of-babel.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizjum-UMO7cYyir27r-BEKcuDFDisu8rJP3lZ09lnhYF3pjx2IJiu_rs6DIfRjNCQ2emRh8mztVGWV3Kc5OJNmzC8vz9a0hTxAuR7N11O4M1bUdDXZwoivIDLz6Gj5L2cHIOnrp8T9hzvW/s200/tower+of+babel.jpeg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Did the builders of the Tower of Babel really believe that they could literally get to heaven? Or is it possible that we may have misunderstood this famous Bible story?</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2014/01/abraham-and-isaac.html">Abraham, Isaac & Rebekah</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2014/01/abraham-and-isaac.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://www.brunson20.com/2014/01/abraham-and-isaac.html" border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2G_6Y1nUWdl9KQVGAyZ1eXpRBbaWTQIMS-6IsPkQ6gl2T25KHGbmP6j8NcaNgnyBFasaMWfA6VESi4_tOeDzXLWfTY07Q0_0fyPIm_e8LscAOVtoElhFbgGjJpKQyN1oNJS17rOCKxH0M/s1600/Rebekah+veils+face.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Why did Rebekah veil her face when she met Isaac for the first time and what did this represent?</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/types-of-christ-in-old-testament.html">Types of Christ in the Old Testament</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/types-of-christ-in-old-testament.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRtuU-rSV-c2GfSRTaM6Hhj0LFMJRL0qrxVM73pMYManY2J_0zqnT6kZEKnHNKkFpvxPhlIZryXn75X65VCRQHF4p3Zxfg7e_1eDSQjiMophooFMFWo0966LVQngHZakDZJa541_UAy3i/s200/Isaac+carries+wood+on+back.jpg" width="142" /></span></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Learn about many of the "types of Christ" in the Old Testament. </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2014/06/the-infinite-atonement.html">The Infinite Atonement</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2014/06/the-infinite-atonement.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5oa4nDu1h0Q6UQZEBqK3-hy6W_g5LDQIvOvviRL_kYh6zDM8zK_6ayduuvjXVupdUoJbF-sgdVBgfkaaeLdS4kEtb2Z-fkKSLwypqntSjM3lFo16WftbhU1YDtZlQCMWIK3wPEdkbq1r/s1600/Satan+Cast+Out.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Is Jesus the Savior for an infinite amount of earths? Or does each earth have its own Savior?</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2015/05/the-keeper-of-gate_22.html">The Keeper of the Gate</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2015/05/the-keeper-of-gate_22.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrEdBos7dswF8r18PpHGMCEK4N4EZ-oGN6VHzURIu2JcFll1DA68Ba0lcD-MpfNX-I0YWcWL66TwqRDUDh7ulONEQiOpDQFiaRTySgwd7_T7NHzUcLkUqWzgQ2y47ko-YsD2zHKrWbqJ2/s200/Christ+Knocks+on+Door.jpg" width="155" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Joseph Smith taught that there is an actual door or gate that will one day stand between us and the celestial kingdom. This article will discuss many of the scriptures that describe this future scene of us at the celestial veil.</span></li>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/07/one-eternal-round-locating-kolob.html"><span style="font-size: x-large;">One Eternal Round</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/07/one-eternal-round-locating-kolob.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UuQRPLys5RSrBRtWXzE7Tv8rseZfSH-QL_zsm5e3rJZMaGvhoGb9YPAXQhQBwyZjMcIAljdR8bn9kWU1Os6Hphn6XPs-wgsJC9PQ8m1jp6_FJtBTDXBBHj4kxzmJNWSR7R0FuDnl8dIX/s200/Andromedia+Galaxy.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Do we really know where Kolob is located? And is it possible that our Sun is actually a Telestial kingdom? </span></li>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/the-joseph-smith-photograph.html"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Joseph Smith Photograph</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/the-joseph-smith-photograph.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGjKOgwVop_YV-WE5KPq3-fYnfgsPoIwSleCW9u2dA71nClc1A1zRvZHwX-UR7992CRLApWp3bKyuoT5qjJ7PYPYw9OpLmjwRMr4xJRLKFN3Pra6FcZZOdwd4ortEt9XoAsBRSgwcL3hjs/s200/page+218.jpg" width="150" /></span></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Examine what many believe to be an actual photograph of Joseph Smith. </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2015/02/the-liahona.html">The Liahona</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/the-joseph-smith-photograph.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2015/02/the-liahona.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV23sZLNqhWLulNr0JlChImid6UbPPh_-maMwBySmhM9fVQR_3G5opCUN9A5zvXvCtmz3UWe2rz9VbCCA9yNKgKHz6lax2Wnw5Ts2m0uCBfV3OTGfeOLy2GPJR2yk3ZoywLimMKSyJXKUr/s1600/Liahona2-1.jpg" width="157" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Because of the design of the Liahona, its pointers or spindles would have to point in <i>some</i> direction at all times, even during those times of unrighteousness, so how did you know if it was working or not? Also in this article, learn how familiar a device such as the Liahona would have been to the ancient world.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/09/book-of-mormon-geography.html">Book of Mormon Geography</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/09/book-of-mormon-geography.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAtcyKJ_ck_TEn4nONUpQE0NufM5Qc-OHPZ4-t5fZ6BEaF_mJcv_UV-7nO0PXTGjwsosz-Q4bOzr3z6ldqsHDw7w_5tNxmwQljoS40ZbWPDCmWlCt4qhpJO1MXnlQ8DwchsXebzObOASkA/s200/Book+of+Mormon+Map.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Where did the events in Book of Mormon took place?</span></li>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2015/12/the-sword-of-ammon.html"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Sword of Ammon</span></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNSmZZj9bl54dW5RvKIz7PH6onF944NTb7DdzuQi6OqQY-P1IiK2IsqEVPT50l7IoePxH5FMJY6_Pykr9R8c-BZDjHU8nPqkC1jv1JbSF_tMZ2zXbmMBLNGL_ZmhAl2uH_qAdcPIdeO3z/s1600/Maya+Warriors+with+Machuahuitls.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNSmZZj9bl54dW5RvKIz7PH6onF944NTb7DdzuQi6OqQY-P1IiK2IsqEVPT50l7IoePxH5FMJY6_Pykr9R8c-BZDjHU8nPqkC1jv1JbSF_tMZ2zXbmMBLNGL_ZmhAl2uH_qAdcPIdeO3z/s1600/Maya+Warriors+with+Machuahuitls.jpg" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Would it surprise you to find out that the sword that Ammon used to cut off multiple Lamanite arms was made of wood?</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></li>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/12/captain-moronis-fortified-cities_19.html"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Captain Moroni's Fortified Cities</span></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/12/captain-moronis-fortified-cities_19.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/12/captain-moronis-fortified-cities_19.html" border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEpC9zsiREM0O_HQV3BaJ0M3YBNwig-lgnRYBcftRFLQZQNeJ1a1g0qE1lIdaYk80b1SNitfk7xTDvtbUOFS2N1AnrU4dG2JGiez5Z-Med581ivj8rjKlastXDr1pLPYM1BmnGkTwz-AW/s200/Moroni%2527s+fortified+City.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Has archaeology uncovered some of Captain Moroni's ancient fortified cities?</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2017/02/the-great-storm-3-nephi.html">The Great Storm in 3 Nephi</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2017/02/the-great-storm-3-nephi.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://www.brunson20.com/2017/02/the-great-storm-3-nephi.html" border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeODSippc-ZuqRqM4sRZ-Dx1eBo6mw3NV0zRufUy7dCObE704rtt8p_2MEBRLE3W9giRdFw0Z2Rn_d8H2AIsWHGTw9FgxV4PSRKc0z-td-uTtlB5HSXtuIhyphenhyphenAq09ZxHfVIwqoVz3r81JqF/s200/Chilie+Volcano+Lightning.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">What exactly was the great storm that nearly destroyed the Nephites at the time of the crucifixion? A hurricane? Earthquake? Something else? The answer might surprise you. </span></li>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/the-sealed-portion-of-book-of-mormon.html">The Sealed Portion of the Book of Mormon</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/the-sealed-portion-of-book-of-mormon.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip2sUtUY7IodU1DUzQAck41NavSc4y6j58CJKmcmR4D9dml1T7qS6IUNaDpCdYg5OvLCye4QpM_FFGuPYxXptmJ_ygUhczkwMpwhP8VEFrDVuqiz-HdFqcHDwFNbfDbuydM0zUQhLDVtIp/s200/sealed-portion.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">What is contained in the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon, and when will we get to read it? </span></li>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/the-gold-plates-as-type-for-christ.html"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Gold Plates as a Type of Christ</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/the-gold-plates-as-type-for-christ.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjGmkFqnO4_EPSHb2wIjw-w3ptf7QaDTFOor5zA6B2ouwcp0Na_RPnE4R1MfZkswZ25N6luLgaaTnM4tbS0Pw41mqLKwCXn3G7vSblgCtEfuR7xw7jPI1AYSliKgAe1F7zTNa60j9ew6lE/s200/Christ+Tomb.jpg" width="141" /></span></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Find out how the Gold Plates are a model or "type" of Christ.</span></li>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2015/01/roots-and-branches.html"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Roots and Branches</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2015/01/roots-and-branches.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://www.brunson20.com/2015/01/roots-and-branches.html" border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezLwN-3YBnzRe0UUgiig9JXDIRRk5ehs6bOVYHbSaYhPi2DaB6gJZOE8H3BaTxXgIyzDQASpz5VIiOwnMDTkswHQioKsT4dU_uA0pBqT0dbhB_v-mghgWI3gnW0gqTasQgtJ4K26K6ptw/s1600/Elijah+at+Kirtland+Temple.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Had Elijah not been sent, the whole earth would have been smitten with a curse. What was this curse exactly and what did it entail? Also in this article, find out what trees represent in the scriptures.</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2018/02/the-wheat-and-temple-connection.html">The Wheat and Temple Connection</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2018/02/the-wheat-and-temple-connection.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="447" data-original-width="298" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj36v-qvG-XscHeAHTIkCrnbc_sUF8Il9JcMxtS88ukNDFxRe22_P5u2Ot1B3TK_XaMEFHQx-RG6er71ZppYh6VEK0QLrG6gB8F1-BEcaBi-EE0luOvWE2xdl9j_FRkz5pk4cWm0QzC-PlQ/s200/Wheat+and+Temple.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">What does harvesting Wheat have to do with temple worship, both anciently and in modern times?</span></li>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/06/the-7-prophetic-feasts-of-israel.html"><span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">The 7 Prophetic Feasts of Israel</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/06/the-7-prophetic-feasts-of-israel.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNwJE5K4PPYu2OxZ_8vze0gsLjlUhBThRYylDRkPVEBWI68X-g2Dar-IVfCA2Zs8ADIIW3APIQ4pZs01QDqTBNf5hQ_06UQqJG79fDR8kow9IjO1u7whwa_vBuiGRzl9VJ-tYQ4hE9koU/s200/doorposts.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">In the Old Testament, the Lord instituted seven
feasts that He expected the children of Israel to celebrate every year.
The Lord went into great detail as to what exactly He wanted the
children of Israel to do on each of these seven feast days; and He was
very specific. What is incredible is that each of these seven feasts
were prophetic of future events. </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/07/lds-humor.html"><span style="font-size: x-large;">LDS Humor</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/07/lds-humor.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAhIBUqd2LfVKvRebRljjmn8zenaqeFH8Jv4XmfvbU2RgsqQQgV2V7ipMEA1y_7e2Y4CYpSsjHPUnsR4qRh9bBlXBGblRujvP5-CeBtGoxVsXeWXESYdvj6F6oLGEZQmuGwYKlTUR86L3/s200/How+to+save+a+seat+in+church.jpg" width="184" /></span></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">This page is dedicated to humorous stories, videos, and quotes relating to Latter-day Saints.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/a-scriptural-warning-to-america.html">A Scriptural Warning to America</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/a-scriptural-warning-to-america.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gr_7E0kzLhu0g-jZJEb1SPn41x3i8Sn8VXjfeOXnW881yBdgowCUkX4uvnd7Ty-Y_l-kcg6S2LG4ayWB2rEa56sQUem5glLTskH-LlUF1bsFz16TbU_zrp2a8ypIVFDB0O91me0g0ZWq/s200/George+Washington.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">History teaches us that God is serious
about having the inhabitants of this land keep his commandments. When
they were wicked, entire civilizations were removed from this land and
allowed to live in the spirit world. We have warning from the Lord that
the same could happen to us in our day if we are not careful.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/12/armageddon.html">Armageddon</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/12/armageddon.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwll54W9sG2VWNTD2JNlb4pSkqPQKH0Ar_m_Gybbk2ZljIvtsHa8NhncOhL74racvzW0izNfanAASMYlb8_PCXlAIIvhg9pWhbTUjj5Vgod1cUYJh62Iya19qjoABNj-O7sjciyqRnzW0s/s200/dome+of+the+rock.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">What exactly happens during the famous battle of Armageddon? Find out here.</span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/the-exodus-pattern.html"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Exodus Pattern</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/the-exodus-pattern.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim_iM54ZhpUO7xSZhz3dcDyGPsEdaN2_0LLX0jNka2QNv8ocSOZczkC93zSSLu9zy5aoQ3L6TkMLcEYTzJxfZttK19b1LZN6Rrr3KfVKdnZHTOZjOiPGVsQwWFCi_XAG1MygUu1PmTEOhV/s200/Moses+Red+Sea.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Find out how the Israelites exodus from Egypt has since been repeated by several other groups in history, and how we are symbolically acting it out now in our lifetime.</span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/08/the-10-plagues-of-exodus.html"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The 10 Plagues of the Exodus</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/08/the-10-plagues-of-exodus.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79pj3_Cl_C5JWZcEewXTQ0vckqQDe3EPDwG-zrJKFRBMbWic3Mna4MR5rXRab6geHG63Ie6nukT8n6PO-RwdsgqlDhNuyzpGdH7qDXK-_Hk5E3cxCgAjw_s6zhg6Z8MNoipc4pbhpHQr-/s1600/Nile+into+Blood.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Find out how each of the 10 plagues associated with the exodus was a direct attack against one of Egypt's Gods.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/the-70-weeks-of-daniel.html">The 70 Weeks of Daniel</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/the-70-weeks-of-daniel.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcR8HU5mFnd6O5D6CO2mkVaJoOKc2_nmKXJincSEtPZU5mgnQSj5x_rFdEtPr7etGslTvMUO9KVHCCtrmfe4TZZUgxu81L3ncXhscSFdqUV-E7TQJD7R_9ThD4vkvYll7zkVM7jm3qJ5SS/s200/Triumphal+Entry.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Book of Daniel contains a prophecy
that revealed the exact day the Messiah would come. Jesus fulfilled
this prophecy on the exact day predicted by Daniel, yet was still
rejected.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/09/mormons-masons.html">Mormons & Masons</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/09/mormons-masons.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbLHK61V4LlnSvaqjOPF0MSnGchML80VQPezDq2_KTchyphenhyphennzIxkvxTF3yaOW_bE7vb97hOeG4T_TpUTVHDelN-ZmIzUOFD1uwAcA6Xdo4Qf6XTdKPFZoBUVNCrjo2rqtVixsLul8tk7bWCy/s200/Mason.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Just how similar is the Freemason ceremony to the Endowment? This article will show a clip of an actual Masonic
ceremony.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/the-light-of-christ.html">The Light of Christ</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/the-light-of-christ.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uxI8Co7SIxY8v11rRTIARJQqRPzayiYLuWM-OcKPrSG63WhqHTTy0IpGPZuA3kdKEP66hXyNd8USWyhqn1nn2HLdUDkpKHkid8R-E0ofaKseXKIZyxJyE-vmNF2lhpi_sIMuXsKrDC9C/s200/electromagnetic+spectrum.gif" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-size: large;">What is the light of Christ? Find out how it relates to sons of perdition, the atonement, the 2nd coming and more.</span></li>
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Brunson20http://www.blogger.com/profile/17312464214354872630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063509693788316188.post-31976838463090151252023-04-14T20:06:00.000-06:002023-04-15T20:07:10.010-06:00The Great Storm in 3 Nephi<p> <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JPHBdKRngyU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></p><p>The Great Storm in Third Nephi,</p><p>Presented by Rick Brunson on 02/28/2023</p>Brunson20http://www.blogger.com/profile/17312464214354872630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063509693788316188.post-55930110654018504232023-04-12T19:57:00.000-06:002023-04-15T19:57:53.375-06:00An Introduction to Book of Mormon Geography<iframe frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://youtube.com/embed/q11g3udUPj4" width="480"></iframe><div>An Introduction to Book of Mormon Geography</div><div>Presented by Rick Brunson on 04/12/2023</div>Brunson20http://www.blogger.com/profile/17312464214354872630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063509693788316188.post-7262099479413943772020-04-21T16:42:00.004-06:002022-04-18T15:29:47.596-06:00Christ As Bridegroom<i><span style="font-size: large;">Understanding the Second Coming through Types and Shadows</span></i><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">By <a href="http://www.brunson20.com/p/about-author_30.html">Rick Brunson</a></span></b><br /><br /><b><br /></b>
<span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBKRN2o0Bt1L8n1yvbEcYYPsdsuvuXFxC5bhEOp8NkzI65i_roNYZsLVwBt3mzx6enYT1R4IBUSrYJUXoME_O-sD3u3nPjiA7cT9LHvvZphralWFfRyWHb_KnHKO0xrdta-rFucEj49PUTCFjXzPy5Z56vTCu97LlzMi5Ppwaw85rR09DNd4-07epTkA/s2129/Christ%20as%20Bridegroom%20-%20eBook%20Cover%20Image.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2129" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBKRN2o0Bt1L8n1yvbEcYYPsdsuvuXFxC5bhEOp8NkzI65i_roNYZsLVwBt3mzx6enYT1R4IBUSrYJUXoME_O-sD3u3nPjiA7cT9LHvvZphralWFfRyWHb_KnHKO0xrdta-rFucEj49PUTCFjXzPy5Z56vTCu97LlzMi5Ppwaw85rR09DNd4-07epTkA/s320/Christ%20as%20Bridegroom%20-%20eBook%20Cover%20Image.png" width="225" /></a></div>Several years ago, as a result of curiosity, I began to study the prophesied events of the last days. What initially began as a hobby, soon turned into a passion, and finally into a book. The book which I choose to entitle <i><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2016/05/before-second-coming.html" target="_blank">Before the Second Coming</a></i>, was published in 2016 and describes in as much detail as possible all of the known events leading up to the Second Coming of Christ. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The book you are about to read</span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #545454;">—</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Christ as Bridegroom</i></span></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #545454;">—</span><span style="font-size: large;">was also written on the topic of the Second Coming. However, unlike my first book, <i>Christ as Bridegroom</i> was not written with the purpose of describing the events of the last days. Rather, it was written with the sole purpose of examining the Second Coming through types and shadows. These types and shadows, which are often hidden throughout the scriptures, do not necessarily reference Christ's Second Coming directly; however, they neverthe</span><span style="font-size: large;">less have much to say concerning this great future event if we are but able to read between the lines.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It is my hope that the reader will enjoy learning about these Second Coming types as much as I did when I first came across them myself.</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Parable of the Ten Virgins</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Marriage Supper of the Lamb</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Marriage of Isaac to Rebekah</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Rebekah's Veiled Face</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Joseph in Egypt</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Exodus Pattern, including:</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Plagues of the Exodus</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Parting of the Red Sea</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Events at Mount Sinai</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The 40-year Journey in the Wilderness</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Entering into the Promised Land</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Seven Mosaic Feasts of Israel, including:</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Passover</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Feast of Unleavened Bread</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Feast of Firstfruits</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Feast of Weeks (Pentecost)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Feast of Trumpets</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Day of Atonement</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Feast of Tabernacles</span></li>
</ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Book of Mormon History</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Coming Forth of the Gold Plates</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The Tree of Life</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Wheat and Tares</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">And More!</span></li>
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Brunson20http://www.blogger.com/profile/17312464214354872630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063509693788316188.post-32601556638908383802018-02-01T15:50:00.001-07:002020-08-16T13:50:52.678-06:00The Wheat and Temple Connection<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">By </span><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/p/about-author_30.html" style="color: #4d469c; line-height: 25px; text-decoration-line: none;">Rick Brunson</a></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">“For behold the field is white
already to harvest” (D&C 4:4).<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>This famous scripture has been memorized
by tens of thousands of LDS missionaries over the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is common knowledge in the Church that
Section 4 of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Doctrine and Covenants</i>
is all about missionary work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
because the majority of this generation have never had the opportunity to harvest
wheat for themselves, some of the symbolism of Section 4 has unfortunately become
lost over time. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The purpose of this
paper is to bring back some of the gospel symbolism associated with harvesting
wheat, and also to examine how harvesting wheat is connected to temple worship,
both anciently and in modern times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">The
Field is White</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCeztlXZEllFCWNvwiPrTI_ojvXDbpeTbD0HCylwFZebMI3YSZffbiY3RGwDBFCvnG8pnOhJ_JLPtUUG3267OeWCz-1lBThNvc0buFQQ1U1jYi7WEzqGWYYEcQOIIh40Q3hzP68y07ClBb/s1600/Wheat.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="682" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCeztlXZEllFCWNvwiPrTI_ojvXDbpeTbD0HCylwFZebMI3YSZffbiY3RGwDBFCvnG8pnOhJ_JLPtUUG3267OeWCz-1lBThNvc0buFQQ1U1jYi7WEzqGWYYEcQOIIh40Q3hzP68y07ClBb/s320/Wheat.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">If you served in a bitterly cold
mission like I did, you might think that the phrase “the field is white”
(D&C 4:4) refers to missionaries tracting door to door in a snow storm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still have vivid memories (nightmares?) as
a missionary of trying to ride my bike home from the grocery store on one of my P-days,
through a foot of snow, with groceries on both of my handle bars, just praying
that by bike tires would not slip out from under me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thankfully, my groceries and I made it
home safely that day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">While this might be an accurate
interpretation for some, the phrase “the field is white” (D&C 4:4) actually
refers to a field of wheat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While wheat
is normally gold in color, it can often have the appearance of pure white
during those times when the light of the sun is reflecting upon it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">As we all know, the field spoken of
in Section 4 represents the world, and the wheat represents the people of the
earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More specifically, the wheat
represents those persons who are ready to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, it is important to remember that not
everyone in the wheat field is labeled as wheat by the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are some in the world who are not willing
to learn of the gospel of Jesus Christ. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord made this clear in the parable of the
wheat and tares:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">The kingdom
of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while
men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">then appeared the tares also</i> (Matthew 13:24-26; emphasis added).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">This means that the field of wheat that we as missionaries
are asked to harvest is most likely not a field of pure wheat, as portrayed in
the photograph above. Instead, it would probably look more like the field shown
here, which is a field mixed with wheat and tares.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Qpo-5WM96NOL-DlPAjMoVBll5HDIxLWOt0B60zLk5VX7dvHUgrCvqPzJJ7UCLkyIHrci33IBPTHZ1MiaVRSABLLjhrWEYzb-dC7EQAMmbH1LNSiFUgSYmIrVOmsy2yYfNd7Id7mqgEOH/s1600/Wheat+and+Tares.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="718" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Qpo-5WM96NOL-DlPAjMoVBll5HDIxLWOt0B60zLk5VX7dvHUgrCvqPzJJ7UCLkyIHrci33IBPTHZ1MiaVRSABLLjhrWEYzb-dC7EQAMmbH1LNSiFUgSYmIrVOmsy2yYfNd7Id7mqgEOH/s400/Wheat+and+Tares.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Field with Wheat and Tares</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">A field that contains
both wheat and tares is much more difficult to harvest than a field of only wheat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, surprisingly, the most difficult part
of harvesting a field mixed with wheat and tares is not separating the two
crops from one another. Rather, it is telling the two crops apart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">By
their fruits ye shall know them<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">If the wheat and tares are fully mature (as shown in our <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Wheat and Tares</i> photograph above) it is
much easier to tell the two crops apart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, early on, when the wheat and tares are still in their infancy,
it is nearly impossible to tell difference between the two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1R8bWPctPwGzcsF0Alfbmj_W2l2u8MhYmx5oK7SBmFNn8QX2eSOk9oC-n1xhqt5gaIgZfMSQPsFJiIyysVK4yeoPB6eCM-90bpE7ex5bWqLbmdf2lln63rO-8Pd60YKjM1wYcpR4_DGw/s1600/Tares+look+like+Wheat.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="751" data-original-width="1262" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-1R8bWPctPwGzcsF0Alfbmj_W2l2u8MhYmx5oK7SBmFNn8QX2eSOk9oC-n1xhqt5gaIgZfMSQPsFJiIyysVK4yeoPB6eCM-90bpE7ex5bWqLbmdf2lln63rO-8Pd60YKjM1wYcpR4_DGw/s640/Tares+look+like+Wheat.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="break-after: avoid; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">If we compare these two
crops to the people of the world, we learn that it is very difficult to judge a
person based on their looks alone wheather they are followers of Christ or
followers of Satan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact there is
only one true test that we can use to determine the wheat from the tares.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the Sermon on the Mount, the Lord taught:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a
corrupt tree bring forth good fruit…Wherefore by their fruits ye
shall know them (Matthew 7:18-20).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">In otherwords, the fruit produced by wheat is much different
than the fruit produced by tares.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According
to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Organic Facts</i>, wheat is one of the
healthist foods you can eat:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“Wheat is
rich in catalytic elements, mineral </span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;">salts</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">, calcium, magnesium, </span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;">potassium</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">, sulfur, chlorine, arsenic, </span><span style="line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;">silicon</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">, manganese, zinc, iodide, copper, vitamin B, and vitamin
E.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/The%20Wheat%20and%20Temple%20Connection.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/The%20Wheat%20and%20Temple%20Connection.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></span></a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">On the contrast, “tares, if eaten will cause severe nausia,
vomiting, severe headaches, and a host of other illnesses.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/The%20Wheat%20and%20Temple%20Connection.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Let Both Grow
Together<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Returning to the parable of the
wheat and tares, when the sower learned the devastating news of tares growing in
his wheat field, his servants said unto him, “Wilt thou then that we go and
gather them up?” (Matthew 13:27).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Although this seems like the natural
thing to do under these circumstances, the sower responded otherwise, saying:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIrmsxTWAka-TyeQwapmt96GvISoDflMD1bVfnaJH83j6cUsoACqniUIGBuWQ77-xNNxZAFU_ocywjE7SmULcOAFQ6VuX1J_a2DeYulOzqIbzmZh6-4j3bNEPeg3vcpLQy-XRKCm371jL/s1600/roots.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="700" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRIrmsxTWAka-TyeQwapmt96GvISoDflMD1bVfnaJH83j6cUsoACqniUIGBuWQ77-xNNxZAFU_ocywjE7SmULcOAFQ6VuX1J_a2DeYulOzqIbzmZh6-4j3bNEPeg3vcpLQy-XRKCm371jL/s320/roots.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Nay, lest
while ye gather up the tares ye root up also the wheat with them (Matthew 13:29).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">The reason why you cannot remove the tares from the wheat field too early
in the maturation process is because the roots of the tares have a tendency to
wrap themselves around the roots of the wheat, making it impossible to root out
the tares only.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">This means that there are people in our wheat field (the world) who are
acting as tares, trying to choke others from receiving the much needed
nutrients that they need in order to grow and flourish.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But thankfully there is a benefit that comes
from growing next to tares, which is the tares can actually strengthen the wheat.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words, when the roots of tares
wrap themselves around the roots of wheat, the wheat roots are forced to dig
down deeper in the earth in order to get to the water. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a result, the wheat will grow taller and stronger
than it otherwise would have had it not been surrounded by tares.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">But the wheat is not to grow among the tares forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Lord said that they are only to “</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">grow together <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">until the harvest</i>” (Matthew 13:30; emphasis added).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was younger, I always assumed that the
harvest in this parable was referring to the Second Coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if we read Section 4 carefully, we learn
that the harvest has already begun:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">For behold
the field is white <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">already to harvest</i>
(D&C 4:4; emphasis added).<span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTft01sJDgQmvEAoX8FW6KE-wLNbvCjArr5e2idkznyTxPK7stWOYLSESkjI_msXEBOe5t1JMbnkM7xfMyykwonNVc_Ql_y3XK035ADGHf3cX12E-1c2e1EH6CpJtJt_MiLFeFeZKw6O50/s1600/Sickle.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="228" data-original-width="469" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTft01sJDgQmvEAoX8FW6KE-wLNbvCjArr5e2idkznyTxPK7stWOYLSESkjI_msXEBOe5t1JMbnkM7xfMyykwonNVc_Ql_y3XK035ADGHf3cX12E-1c2e1EH6CpJtJt_MiLFeFeZKw6O50/s400/Sickle.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" class="MsoCaption">
Sickle used for Cutting Down Wheat<o:p></o:p></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">This means that the time is now for
the Lord to start separating the wheat from the tares.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">In other words, the wheat of the world has
come into maturity, and its roots are now sufficiently strong enough to allow
the sowers to pluck the wheat from the tares without actually harming the
wheat. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now is the time for missionary
work. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Section 4, this missionary work
is done by cutting the wheat at the base with a sickle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“And lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with
his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but
bringeth salvation to his soul” (D&C 4:4). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Threshing
of Wheat<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Once the wheat has been cut down,
the next step is to remove the wheat kernels from the stalk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But how? As you can imagine, removing each kernel
of wheat by hand for an entire wheat field would take a very long time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To solve this time problem anciently, the
Israelites took the wheat through a process called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">threshing</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">There were several different ways to
thresh wheat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One way was to pound the
wheat with a hammer, which caused the wheat kernels to separate themselves from
the husks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And since the wheat kernels
were strong, this could be done without smashing the wheat kernels themselves. Once
all of the wheat kernels had been separated from the stalks, the stalks were
discarded. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoK_wTVJ3yxc5fOLhR9afuhTlZgpDrQXbJKOqTbL1al_pRnYMOXngQQrXZiToCW27Igh5PmcnsTx_7aK4v63y-KGCtIzUoY_jxakWh8XlFxfKodTO2ZFh667L9bCSAH-bO3S3U8PO5AIVV/s1600/Hammer.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="618" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoK_wTVJ3yxc5fOLhR9afuhTlZgpDrQXbJKOqTbL1al_pRnYMOXngQQrXZiToCW27Igh5PmcnsTx_7aK4v63y-KGCtIzUoY_jxakWh8XlFxfKodTO2ZFh667L9bCSAH-bO3S3U8PO5AIVV/s400/Hammer.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Threshing Wheat with a Hammer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Another method of threshing wheat
anciently (especially when done in larger quantities) was to have an animal
such as an ox trample the grain (see Deut. 25:4). The ox would be yoked to a
sleigh, which was weighed down by rocks, and underneath the sleigh would be
teeth of stones which did the actual threshing of the wheat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the ox pulled the slay over the wheat,
the stone teeth would cut the wheat and separate its kernels from the stalks.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjJgCl7d-g3Xhyphenhyphen7QLXv6f8GwYbrZ6kZcQdLYIpCYa7VXgahSJkLa5ZychewbYOl6up9q1AdnOMUlUrAWlXBVupctCkbyvWnxNWkNznaIgGt9Lghei2XZ-Cnml1r-3ra1bUqTrZr0uCOO6/s1600/Sleigh.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="285" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIjJgCl7d-g3Xhyphenhyphen7QLXv6f8GwYbrZ6kZcQdLYIpCYa7VXgahSJkLa5ZychewbYOl6up9q1AdnOMUlUrAWlXBVupctCkbyvWnxNWkNznaIgGt9Lghei2XZ-Cnml1r-3ra1bUqTrZr0uCOO6/s640/Sleigh.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sleigh used for Threshing Wheat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fzGb_7BkacJoC_ow3AHf3dA9-N9MneXoWwHcqH-NFgwfoswFWHFmOW8fEx7slLICRMrxrTMuTWSja5OR7qtfspODpHnGugKpc1y97wtgKsuaax03zSZ8_Y9oawCG44jYw33bfE1H4SW3/s1600/Oxen.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="707" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fzGb_7BkacJoC_ow3AHf3dA9-N9MneXoWwHcqH-NFgwfoswFWHFmOW8fEx7slLICRMrxrTMuTWSja5OR7qtfspODpHnGugKpc1y97wtgKsuaax03zSZ8_Y9oawCG44jYw33bfE1H4SW3/s640/Oxen.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Threshing Wheat with Oxen</td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Tried even as Abraham<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">If we compare this threshing of
wheat with Section 4, we learn that being harvested is just the beginning for
those who are converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words, the wheat that is currently
being harvested by missionary work will still need to be threshed by the
Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And from what we can gather based
on the above methods of threshing, this does not sound like a very pleasant
process for anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, it implies
that we must be pounded with a hammer, and/or trampled by oxen. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why would the Lord put members of his Church through
this process? The answer is simple. That is the only way to get to the wheat: <span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Therefore,
[ye] must needs be chastened and tried, even as Abraham…. For all those who
will not endure chastening…cannot be sanctified (D&C 101:4-5).<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">According to this scripture, we are
thrashed by being “tried, even as Abraham.” However, as a result, we become “sanctified.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Joseph Smith said it this way:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">“God will
feel after you, he will take hold of you and wrench your very heartstrings, and
if you cannot stand it you will not be fit for an inheritance in the Kingdom of
God.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/The%20Wheat%20and%20Temple%20Connection.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/The%20Wheat%20and%20Temple%20Connection.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">The purpose of being threshed spiritually
is explained in the </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">History of the Church</i>,
which reads:<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">“The wheat
and tares must grow together till the harvest, at the harvest the wheat is
gathered together into the threshing floor; so with the Saints… Here they will
be threshed with all sorts of difficulties, trials, afflictions and everything
to mar their peace which they can imagine…but he that endures the threshing
till all the chaff, superstition, folly and unbelief are pounded out of him,
and does not suffer himself to be blown away as chaff but endures faithfully to
the end, shall be saved.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/The%20Wheat%20and%20Temple%20Connection.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/The%20Wheat%20and%20Temple%20Connection.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></span></a></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Winnowing</span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"></span></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrE3Nc6CKOM7xDViIj5AsFQ0ARSTmnSmB6B5y2nfV_vKw-xUqZcKCpgxdHAFzBFeDUDFG7Rp3J1WmsfkuOI8esO_Jbfi_LgjADulk8KN5tjm28hgKdN8SOaKaLL3woIUV3KDPZV6MjC__/s1600/Winnowing.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="467" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTrE3Nc6CKOM7xDViIj5AsFQ0ARSTmnSmB6B5y2nfV_vKw-xUqZcKCpgxdHAFzBFeDUDFG7Rp3J1WmsfkuOI8esO_Jbfi_LgjADulk8KN5tjm28hgKdN8SOaKaLL3woIUV3KDPZV6MjC__/s400/Winnowing.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winnowing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">After the wheat has been threshed,
there is still one last step that the sower needs to go through before they can
retrieve the wheat, which is a process called winnowing.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">While the hammer or oxen are able to remove
the wheat kernels from the stalk, threshing also has a tendency to leave behind
unwanted chaff alongside the wheat.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">To
solve this problem anciently, wheat farmers would toss the remaining pile high
up into the air using an instrument such as a pitch fork.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Because wheat kernels are heavier than chaff,
the wind was able to blow away the unwanted chaff, while the wheat fell safely
back to the ground.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Scripturally, the wheat belongs to
the Lord, and the chaff belongs to Satan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Lord warned us in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Doctrine
and Covenants</i> to “beware, for Satan desireth to sift [us] as chaff”
(D&C 52:12).<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/The%20Wheat%20and%20Temple%20Connection.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
Similarly, Mormon taught:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">For
behold, the Spirit of the Lord hath already ceased to strive with their
fathers; and they are without Christ and God in the world; and they are driven
about as chaff before the wind. (Mormon 5:16)<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">The
Threshing Floor<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Anciently,
wheat was often threshed on the top of a hill or mountain because that was
where the wind was the strongest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These
spots became to be known as threshing floors, and in the words of Old Testament
scholar Augsburg Fortress,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">“In ancient Israel threshing floors
were not only agricultural spaces but were regarded as sacred spaces.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/The%20Wheat%20and%20Temple%20Connection.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/The%20Wheat%20and%20Temple%20Connection.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></span></a></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIR2hILtzIiZc6En2cXXH1HQLKPsPLDhV4V7_np0OjLrffRJ7kYJUxy2XKXbTSV1G8n3ndSqP6Qoaf5koE2EM0DGFLXzea8-wapjHF3jOsTNLpXAckUKqFRhKAwb4qseaw7e-OJKpeuds/s1600/Threshing+floor.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="502" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIR2hILtzIiZc6En2cXXH1HQLKPsPLDhV4V7_np0OjLrffRJ7kYJUxy2XKXbTSV1G8n3ndSqP6Qoaf5koE2EM0DGFLXzea8-wapjHF3jOsTNLpXAckUKqFRhKAwb4qseaw7e-OJKpeuds/s400/Threshing+floor.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" class="MsoCaption">
The Threshing Floor<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">These threshing floors were
considered sacred to the Israelites because wheat was a main food source for
the Israelites, and since they recognized that all of their food came from the
hand of the Lord, they put these threshing floors under the Lord’s divine
control.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/The%20Wheat%20and%20Temple%20Connection.docx#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/The%20Wheat%20and%20Temple%20Connection.docx#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></span></a></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">For example, in 2 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Samuel</i>, the Lord commanded David to
build an altar and offer sacrifices unto him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However, the Lord did not want this altar built just anywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead he commanded David to purchase the
threshing floor of a man named Ornan (also referred to as Araunah) and then the
Lord commanded David to build his altar right in the middle of this threshing
floor (see 2 Samuel 24:18-24).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
location famously became know as the threshing floor of Ornan, and shows us
that the Lord considered these threshing floors to be sacred spaces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, this particular threshing floor was
so sacred that the Lord eventually commanded David’s son Solomon to build the
Temple of Solomon upon this very spot:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Then Solomon
began to build the house of the L</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">ORD</span><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">
at Jerusalem in mount Moriah…in the place that David had prepared in the
threshingfloor of Ornan (2 Chron. 3:1).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">This tells us that there is a strong
connection between the ancient threshing floors and the temple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was meant to teach us that if we want to
be harvested as wheat rather than as tares or chaff, then we need to go through
the temple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Wheat
and LDS Temples<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">This wheat and temple connection is
not just found among the ancient Israelites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In fact, this theme of wheat can also be found on the walls of many of
our modern-day temples as well.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/The%20Wheat%20and%20Temple%20Connection.docx#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, both the San Antonio Texas and
the Rexburg Idaho temples are decorated with stained glass windows that feature
images of wheat as their centerpiece. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Furthermore,
the Seattle Washington temple has tall stalks of wheat etched in stone, that
cover the entire front of the building.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKxrTQnmNpTfWgekyDD5IOQmI2TybUrL1QKJG_4YIF0nR229KCBIEz5-LPs5Bk5l9bTssM__xnjfcuEuLTD83iJT_Agpp7drITkD33tlYlLTq85cAflwNzFZ76_QOrFWjhW11mlNYVJYc/s1600/Rexburg+cropped.PNG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="304" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKxrTQnmNpTfWgekyDD5IOQmI2TybUrL1QKJG_4YIF0nR229KCBIEz5-LPs5Bk5l9bTssM__xnjfcuEuLTD83iJT_Agpp7drITkD33tlYlLTq85cAflwNzFZ76_QOrFWjhW11mlNYVJYc/s400/Rexburg+cropped.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" class="MsoCaption">
Wheat Motif on a
Stain Glass Window of the Rexburg, ID Temple<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0g4540v8SaW0dHdeiu7hzeF0IrnKfAFXxjdqgkgsFfvN_K8JTbOhBFWdY0xnX4pvumxsDhylIB4OQn8P30muFvpD4wdJIjD3tv0mrB5fqrd8BZzfS4Q9SMR_dyWm9g5Jux1Pg5uieCcUf/s1600/Seattle.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="739" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0g4540v8SaW0dHdeiu7hzeF0IrnKfAFXxjdqgkgsFfvN_K8JTbOhBFWdY0xnX4pvumxsDhylIB4OQn8P30muFvpD4wdJIjD3tv0mrB5fqrd8BZzfS4Q9SMR_dyWm9g5Jux1Pg5uieCcUf/s400/Seattle.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div align="center" class="MsoCaption">
Stalks of Wheat on
the exterior of the Seattle, WA Temple<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">This goes to show us the strong
connection between harvesting wheat and the harvesting of souls that is done at
the temple.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Gather
ye the wheat into my barn<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">According to the Lord, once the
wheat had been separated from the chaff, it is then to be stored safely in the
barn:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">In the time
of harvest I will say to the reapers, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Gather
ye together first the wheat into my barn</i> (JST Matthew 13:30; emphasis added).<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">This barn may very well represent
the city Zion which will be built by the Saints at Jackson County, Missouri
prior to the Second Coming. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the
purposes of building Zion is to have protection from the destructions that the
Lord will soon pour out upon the wicked:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">And the Lord will create
upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies,
a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a
flaming fire by night: for upon all the glory shall be a
defence. And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the daytime from
the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from
rain (Isaiah 4:5-6).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">With the Saints safely in the barn, we
are told that the Lord will proceed to burn the wicked (chaff) with fire at his
Second Coming: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<h2 style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">[The Lord] will thoroughly purge his [threshing]
floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">in the fullness of his own time</span> will burn up the chaff with
unquenchable fire (Matthew 3:39)</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 27.6px;">The Bread of Life</span></b><span style="line-height: 27.6px;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 27.6px;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 27.6px;">Of course, the main purpose of harvesting wheat anciently was to make bread.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is significant because it will be at the Second Coming when we will be reunited with Christ, who is “the bread of life” (John 6:35).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And, according to the New Testament, “when [Christ] shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words, it is only after this process of being harvested, threshed, winnowed, and stored in a barn that we too can be transformed into bread. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These are the steps we must take to become like Christ.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">How To Harvest Wheat</b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">To get a better idea of how wheat was harvested, threshed and winnowed, please reference the below video.</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxAaxajOHF_J1zPDQjC2GqMdmnoupk1cQ2f1s-ATg1M8Sv_fRLoQikR857chR7jmooaxD8HUpIfA4quAbZ8PQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><b style="font-family: inherit;">Notes:</b></b></span></span></span></div>
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<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<!--[if !supportFootnotes]--></div>
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<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<div id="ftn1">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/The%20Wheat%20and%20Temple%20Connection.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27.6px;">[1]</span></span></span></span></span></a> </span></span></span><a href="http://www.organicfacts.net/heatlh-benefits/cereal/wheat.html" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;">www.organicfacts.net/heatlh-benefits/cereal/wheat.html</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/The%20Wheat%20and%20Temple%20Connection.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> </span><a href="https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100404191249AATbqFx"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;">https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100404191249AATbqFx</span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/The%20Wheat%20and%20Temple%20Connection.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Journal of Discourses</i>, 24:197.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/The%20Wheat%20and%20Temple%20Connection.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">History of the Church</i>, 4:451-452.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/The%20Wheat%20and%20Temple%20Connection.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> See also Psalm 1:4.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="ftn6" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/The%20Wheat%20and%20Temple%20Connection.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> Fortress, “<a href="http://www.augsburgfortress.org/media/downloads/9781451485233_Introduction.pdf" target="_blank">Threshing Floors in Ancient Israel</a>.” </span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="ftn7" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/The%20Wheat%20and%20Temple%20Connection.docx#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: large;">Fortress, “</span><a href="http://www.augsburgfortress.org/media/downloads/9781451485233_Introduction.pdf" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Threshing Floors in Ancient Israel</a><span style="font-size: large;">.</span><span style="font-size: large;">” </span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div id="ftn8" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/The%20Wheat%20and%20Temple%20Connection.docx#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a>
The Trumpet Stone, <a href="http://thetrumpetstone.blogspot.com/2011/02/wheat-as-temple-symbol.html" target="_blank">“Wheat as a Temple Symbol.”</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Brunson20http://www.blogger.com/profile/17312464214354872630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063509693788316188.post-78862937584754158022017-10-01T21:00:00.001-06:002020-08-16T13:51:10.718-06:00Creation and Numerology<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">By </span><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/p/about-author_30.html" style="color: #4d469c; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;">Rick Brunson</a></span></b></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9i6pMQUQqUmr0kiBGBK3NYBew9uGHpOWdo2HU3xBeDiFv3Ah0TRtH1Us9Ir3YNLqKW_UCWx3TVxVz6ucI9moJzkaK9bOFOiorRNuQm9-SC16y4WOiROGLtJVCQpAh06OT21RPzWI1M_eR/s1600/numerology+and+creation.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="166" data-original-width="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9i6pMQUQqUmr0kiBGBK3NYBew9uGHpOWdo2HU3xBeDiFv3Ah0TRtH1Us9Ir3YNLqKW_UCWx3TVxVz6ucI9moJzkaK9bOFOiorRNuQm9-SC16y4WOiROGLtJVCQpAh06OT21RPzWI1M_eR/s1600/numerology+and+creation.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The story of the earth’s creation is not only the
story of the earth’s creation. It is
also the story of mankind and our progression through life. According to Orson
Pratt, “there is…a similarity in the process of creation between the earth and
its inhabitants.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span></span></a> In other words, the earth, which went from
being “without form, and void” (Moses 2:2) on day one, to being “sanctified” (Moses
3:3) on day seven, resembles very closely the journey that mankind must take
before our sanctification and exaltation.
What is more, each numerical day of creation has much to teach us about
this journey.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrLVonncKgboG21rYDXFBHMwAfMEV8r1y4msXgTndUahFQ_i8v0euYZzCqWQ_6xuLqbyxDveHGNZda6LIy8YrZ3DF-h3yeUEFcwpm0u6ZhZLDqSiz9QbzEiY_jwp0W0muS-JMLkl598n_/s1600/1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="324" data-original-width="324" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrLVonncKgboG21rYDXFBHMwAfMEV8r1y4msXgTndUahFQ_i8v0euYZzCqWQ_6xuLqbyxDveHGNZda6LIy8YrZ3DF-h3yeUEFcwpm0u6ZhZLDqSiz9QbzEiY_jwp0W0muS-JMLkl598n_/s200/1.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Day
1 (Moses 2:1-5)</span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">For example, anciently, the number one represented
God.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span></span></a> Therefore, that which was created on day one teaches
us who our creator is. According to the
Moses account,<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[3]</span></span></span></a>
day one of the earth’s creation process begins as follows:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="2"></a><span style="line-height: 115%;">And
the earth was without form, and void; and I caused darkness to come up upon the
face of the deep; and my Spirit moved upon the face of the water (Moses 2:2).</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Of all the verses in the creation account, this one is
perhaps the most confusing of any. What
does it mean to be “without form, and void”? What is “the face of the deep”
exactly? And is this term synonymous
with “the face of the water”? </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Before we can understand what is going on in this
verse, we must first understand that this earth was created in a similar way to
man; that is, through a physical birth process.
Sound strange? Maybe. However, Elder Orson Pratt explained:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“There is…a similarity
in the process of creation between the earth and its inhabitants. The earth
when created, according to the accounts we have, was covered with a flood of
waters…by and by emerging from the waters.
<i>This was the birth of creation,
the same as we are born here into this world</i>, from one element into
another.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[4]</span></span></span></a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">When our physical bodies were created, our spirits
passed “from one element into another” through the birth process, and according
to Elder Pratt, our earth did the same.
But this concept is only strange until we remember that every living creature
has the ability to reproduce in some capacity.
Mankind begets mankind, animal begets animal, plants produce plants, and
now we know that a living resurrected earth can beget another living
earth. When Elder Heber C. Kimball was
asked where our earth came from, his response was that it came from its “parent
earths.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[5]</span></span></span></a> In other words, our earth had a mother planet,
and according to Elder Pratt it emerged from the womb of this mother planet
through a birth process of some sort. Many
believe that this planetary womb is none other than the “the face of the deep”
and “the face of the water” (Moses 2:2) where the earth was originally
created. In his book, <i>Earth in the Beginning, </i>LDS Scientist
Eric Skousen wrote:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“Moses recorded that it
was early in the “first day” [of creation] that a planetary glob<span style="color: black;">e…</span>was assembled within its
watery parental womb…. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“The gestation and
embryonic <span style="color: black;">development of [the
earth] occurred </span>within a vast body of water called “the deep.” God told
Moses that initially,</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">the earth was without
form, and void; and I caused darkness to come up upon the face of the deep; and
my Spirit moved upon the face of the water. (Moses 2:2).</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“Although this verse
does not disclose where “the deep” was located, it is reasonable to assume that
these nurturing waters resided on the resurrected parental planet of the
earth. Within this watery womb… the Lord
enveloped the embryonic waters with darkness while his Spirit “moved upon the
face of the water.” Note that the Lord
was required to create this unnatural darkness that temporarily encompassed the
earth’s water womb. This suggests that
the regions outside the embryonic environment were fully illuminated. </span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“After [the earth] was
delivered out of the waters of the deep and the master planetary intelligence
of the earth had assumed control of it, God commanded his power of
organization, or “light” to shine upon it:</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And I, God said: Let
there be light, and there was light. And
I, God, saw the light, and that light was good. (Moses 2:3-4)</span></span></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“This entire creation
process was similar to our own creation…. At this point…God permitted it to
emerge from its spiritual womb out into the light.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[6]</span></span></span></a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Previously we mentioned that the story of the
earth’s creation is the story of our creation, and on day one, we have our
first similarity with a birth process. And
we do not have to look far to find the second similarity either. Right after
the earth was born, we read:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And I, God said: Let
there be light, and there was light (Moses 2:3-4).</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Just as the earth received light at birth, so too
did we receive the light of Christ at our births:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And
the Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh
into the world (D&C 84:46).</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And again:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The [Light] of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil (Moroni 7:16). </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Day 2 (Moses
2:6-8)</b></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqzXtobSWF4fCopb0licTeQ5GQieOzrXa7gYQufL8MlxiEsFxhanK9krit-97XjofDxjLnVKOq5ISqEefPelJipoeWMzTRjvBD8GiEgAoFnoywgQYgBJRCglXeXQ3eFXK1UuuLqvMf60S/s1600/2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="355" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqzXtobSWF4fCopb0licTeQ5GQieOzrXa7gYQufL8MlxiEsFxhanK9krit-97XjofDxjLnVKOq5ISqEefPelJipoeWMzTRjvBD8GiEgAoFnoywgQYgBJRCglXeXQ3eFXK1UuuLqvMf60S/s200/2.jpg" width="200" /></a></b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">After the earth was born and received the light of
Christ, we read:</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And again, I, God, said: Let there
be a firmament in the midst of the water…and I said: Let it divide
the waters…yea, the great waters under the firmament from the waters which were
above the firmament, and it was so even as I spake (Moses 2:6-7).</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">According to Earth in the Beginning, on day two, the earth is completely removed from its mother’s “embryonic waters from which it had been born”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn7">[7]</a> via a firmament which the Lord had created for this very purpose. Scripturally, the number two represents opposition.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn8">[8]</a> For example, Nephi taught us that “there are two churches only; the one is the church of the Lamb of God, and the other is the church of the devil” (1 Nephi 14:10). Therefore, day two of the earth’s creation teaches us that from the moment we are born, we are going to face opposition in life. “For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. If not so…righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holiness nor misery, neither good nor bad” (2 Nephi 2:11).</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCc_q3lltj-2uvMQ-sA1HG1KG06voJOhZGahxNGNqGYzf-25QHb7g9y46RIpz0eEVqepNF0JQcIhFTzg590TkZQImL1QIdsuoIGNOdQ1vHnXGgQSBk7pQjxhtx3ItaGzTXhfojncXRJ8v/s1600/3.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGCc_q3lltj-2uvMQ-sA1HG1KG06voJOhZGahxNGNqGYzf-25QHb7g9y46RIpz0eEVqepNF0JQcIhFTzg590TkZQImL1QIdsuoIGNOdQ1vHnXGgQSBk7pQjxhtx3ItaGzTXhfojncXRJ8v/s200/3.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Day 3 (Moses 2:9-13)</span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">On day
three, dry land emerges from the earth’s waters:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And I, God, said: Let
the waters under the heaven be gathered together
unto one place, and it was so; and I, God, said: Let there be dry
land; and it was so (Moses 2:9).</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Dry land emerging from the waters is
symbolic of us emerging from the waters of baptism and thereafter being
“founded upon a rock” (Matthew 7:25). In
fact, this rock is so important, that “in the biblical tradition,” according to
LDS scholar John Lundquist, “the first ground to appear after the waters of
chaos had receded…became the mountain…of [Solomon’s] temple.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[9]</span></span></span></a>
Hugh Nibley agreed:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“<i>The
temple…was the beginning place of the world</i>, the rock where other things
are founded.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[10]</span></span></span></a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">In the words of LDS Scholar Alonzo
Gaskill:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“The first rock that emerged from
the waters became the temple because the tip of the mountain was the place upon
earth that was closest to God.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn11" name="_ftnref11" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[11]</span></span></span></a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The point of this is that day three
of the creation has a strong connection with the convents we make here on
earth. In fact, scripturally, the number
three represents the Godhead and their priesthood power,<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn12" name="_ftnref12" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[12]</span></span></span></a>
which they have delegated to man to perform ordinances such as baptism. After our baptism, we have the opportunity to
grow and develop in the gospel, and as we do, according to the Psalmist, we will
be “like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit
in his season” (Psalms 1:3).
Interestingly enough, this is exactly what happened to the earth at this
point of our story:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And I, God, said: Let the earth
bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, the fruit tree yielding fruit,
after his kind…and it was so even as I spake (Moses 2:11).</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Again, we find ourselves following
the pattern originally set by the earth during its creation.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCDk0h4F7owF6j730Bq7kYSKVJgeOMycQ-y7-x12_cQmgV-h3-Mu3i2XtlQD5cjq5OS8RSUIBTVdRCWKnGsNWXtUouILSPC7SQOctUf4ti8AT1GW8w_-Hz2qYDlVc2qTLx2eOMpqDY5jA/s1600/4.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLCDk0h4F7owF6j730Bq7kYSKVJgeOMycQ-y7-x12_cQmgV-h3-Mu3i2XtlQD5cjq5OS8RSUIBTVdRCWKnGsNWXtUouILSPC7SQOctUf4ti8AT1GW8w_-Hz2qYDlVc2qTLx2eOMpqDY5jA/s200/4.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Day 4 (Moses
2:14-19)</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">On day four:</span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And I, God, made two great lights;
the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the
night, and the greater light was the sun, and the lesser light was
the moon; and the stars also were made even according to my word (Moses 2:16).</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">After the earth’s symbolic baptism,
it was given “the greater light to rule the day,” which is representative of
the greater light that we receive after baptism, which is the gift of the Holy
Ghost. Scripturally, the number four
represents the earth in its entirety.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn13" name="_ftnref13" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[13]</span></span></span></a>
</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzSMCK2Y25hPzeNfxiGKzXZut3gtZNqh8YacmsGJ44RAY_wzbyI105Nxir_6PX_Qejr0j1Cdy3oYdiZXNquTZyGj4aCQBbajHTXh-6I3G3fYsiT4uqeLrDnO1d0TqfmqEs4we5VBO9RMK/s1600/5.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzSMCK2Y25hPzeNfxiGKzXZut3gtZNqh8YacmsGJ44RAY_wzbyI105Nxir_6PX_Qejr0j1Cdy3oYdiZXNquTZyGj4aCQBbajHTXh-6I3G3fYsiT4uqeLrDnO1d0TqfmqEs4we5VBO9RMK/s200/5.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Day
5 (Moses 2:20-23)</span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">On day five, God created fish and fowl:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And I, God, said: Let the waters
bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl which may
fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven (Moses 2:20).</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Before we
can understand how day five relates to us symbolically, we need to understand that
scripturally, the number five represents not one, but two concepts: God’s
grace, and fallen man.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn14" name="_ftnref14" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[14]</span></span></span></a>
When combined, these two concepts teach us that God’s grace is able save fallen
man. For example, Christ fed 5,000
(represented fallen man), with five loaves of bread, (represented the bread of
life, or God’s grace), teaching us that God’s grace saves fallen man. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">There are many additional examples of this concept
in the scriptures.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn15" name="_ftnref15" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[15]</span></span></span></a>
Consider the following:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 42.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Before David attempted to slay Goliath,
he picked up “five smooth stones” (1 Samuel 17:40), which may have been a plea
for the grace of God to assist him in his fallen state. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 42.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 42.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Another example is Samuel the Lamanite,
who “prophesied to the people that in five years the ultimate grace of God
would be manifest in the birth of the Messiah,” which would save them from
their fallen state (see Helaman 14:2).<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn16" name="_ftnref16" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[16]</span></span></span></a> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 42.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 42.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">In the parable of the ten virgins, five
were recipients of God’s grace, and five chose to remain in their fallen state.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 42.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 42.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Similarly, when the prophet Nephi
prophesied of the murder of the Chief Judge, he sent five men to verify his
prophesy. These five men represented an unbelieving fallen man. In fact Mormon even emphasized that they “fell
to the earth” (Helaman 9:4) once they learned of their sins. Eventually however, these five men were became
converted, which shows us that God’s grace is able to save fallen man.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 42.25pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 42.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Of the Ten Commandments, the first five
teach us about our relationship with God,<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn17" name="_ftnref17" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[17]</span></span></span></a>
and the second five teach us about our duty to our fellow (fallen) man. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 42.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">·<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">The number five was a main theme of the
Israelite Tabernacle/Temple. For
example, there were five types of offerings, five types of animals that could
be sacrificed, and the alter of sacrifice was 5 x 5 cubits. This emphasis on the number five was to teach
the Israelites that if they performed these sacrifices in similitude of the
Lord’s sacrifice, they could be the recipients of God’s grace.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 42.25pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">This theme, God’s grace saving fallen man, also
shows up on day five of the creation account.
The fowls in the heavens are a representation of God’s grace, and the
fish that are created in the waters of the earth are a representation of fallen
man. On day five, we are reminded of
both. We are reminded that after baptism
(day three) and after the reception of the gift of the Holy Ghost (day four),
we are put on the path that allows fallen man to be the recipient of God’s
grace. It is a reminder to endure to the end, “for we know that it is by grace
that we are saved, after all we can do” (2 Nephi 25:23). </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvygWvoFiYasSU40Mnd9a40hol1cTfomzeK19IneBdrPtvu7GMpNIjPZR-QKYjhoxqwlz8pvC6RKKqqFB1bAbsH9fYUWjfMF2D18GOfDokRLaXXKI-MGpDGP31gUi0eq8aWvojIcHLyMuL/s1600/6.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvygWvoFiYasSU40Mnd9a40hol1cTfomzeK19IneBdrPtvu7GMpNIjPZR-QKYjhoxqwlz8pvC6RKKqqFB1bAbsH9fYUWjfMF2D18GOfDokRLaXXKI-MGpDGP31gUi0eq8aWvojIcHLyMuL/s200/6.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Day 6 (Moses
2:24-31)</b></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Day six teaches us a similar concept:</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And
I, God, said: Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind,
cattle, and creeping things, and beasts of the earth after their kind, and it
was so (Moses 2:24).</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">On day six, the animal
kingdom is created which includes the “beasts of the earth.” Interestingly enough, six is the only number
between one and seven that carries with it negative connotations. LDS scholar Alonzo Gaskill said of the number
six:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“Its meaning is…imperfection, or failure
to attain completeness….One numerologist reasons that since six falls short of
the numerical perfection found in the number seven, it symbolizes
incompleteness.”</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn18" name="_ftnref18" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[18]</span></span></span></span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Interestingly enough,
the “beasts of the earth” may represent something similar. Reference the mark of the beast in Revelation
13:11-17, which is to be placed on all those who follow Satan in the last
days. Similarly, according to John the
Revelator:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The number of the beast… is the number
of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six [666] (Revelation
13:18).</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Thus, both the number
six and the “beasts of the earth” represent the sins of man which causes us to
fall short of perfection. It is for this reason that Elder Neal A. Maxwell
said:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“So it is that real, personal sacrifice
never was placing an animal on the altar. Instead, it is a willingness to put
the animal in us upon the altar and letting it be consumed!”</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn19" name="_ftnref19" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[19]</span></span></span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">In other words, all
which has been created so far on day six represents the “natural man” (Mosiah
3:19), who is otherwise incomplete on his own, even after baptism and the gift
of the Holy Ghost. And unless something
changes, man will remain incomplete and will not be able to receive an
inheritance in the highest degree of the Celestial kingdom. In order to receive this inheritance, man
must first into the new and everlasting covenant of marriage with his wife:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;">In the celestial glory there are three heavens or
degrees; And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into…the new
and everlasting covenant of marriage; And if he does not, he cannot obtain it
(D&C 131:1-3).</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Just like the number
six teaches, man will be incomplete and forever short of perfection until he
has been sealed for time and all eternity with his spouse. Thankfully, the Lord has provided a way for us
to do this very thing, which is evident by the next thing the Lord created:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And
I, God, created man in mine own image, in the image of mine Only Begotten
created I him; male and female created I them (Moses 2:27).</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Once
sealed, mankind is now prepared to enter into the rest of the Lord, which is
represented by day seven of the creation.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9y3u_d1JN1Fm3L3aqQfdYS556thPjnGH6nqwlyWA7RjxW1FqIpuGvfrVykr0kZDGkoYIqWbtCd1W-ukBLvsinBwNxfd7Q8lZy_bOuGMwdY40jrzehqatjnGlJAC-hA_7bIBU5UZ-NGB_/s1600/7.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="791" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9y3u_d1JN1Fm3L3aqQfdYS556thPjnGH6nqwlyWA7RjxW1FqIpuGvfrVykr0kZDGkoYIqWbtCd1W-ukBLvsinBwNxfd7Q8lZy_bOuGMwdY40jrzehqatjnGlJAC-hA_7bIBU5UZ-NGB_/s200/7.jpg" width="153" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Day
7 (Moses 3:1-3)</span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And
on the seventh day I, God, ended my work…and I rested on
the seventh day…and all things which I had made were finished, and I, God,
saw that they were good;<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="3"> </a>And I, God, blessed the
seventh day, and sanctified it (Moses 3:2-3). </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The
number seven represents perfection,<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn20" name="_ftnref20" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[20]</span></span></span></a>
and just as the earth was “sanctified” on day seven of the creation, so too can
we be sanctified on our day seven. And just
as the Lord rested from his labors on day seven of the creation, so too can we “enter
into the rest of the Lord” (Moroni 7:3) on our day seven. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Until They Were Obeyed</span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">It
is said that we learn and progress “line upon line, precept upon precept” (2
Nephi 28:30). What is interesting about this concept is that the earth’s
progression from day one two day seven was done in a similar manner. The Lord, according to the Book of Abraham,
gave commandments to the earth on each day of creation, and then waited for the
earth to obey:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="18"> </a><span style="line-height: 115%;">And the Gods watched those things which
they had ordered until they obeyed (Abraham 4:18).</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Once
the earth had shown obedience to the Lords commandments, it was able to
progress one day closer to perfection.
The Lord was then able to give the earth additional commandments, which again,
moved the earth one day closer to perfection.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">So
it is with us. When we keep the commandments the Lord has given us, we progress
towards perfection, which increases our desire to keep the higher commandments
the Lord has given. If we are able to keep these higher laws, we again move
closer to perfection. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">The Temple and Creation</span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Interestingly enough, the Lord invited ancient
Israel to follow the earth’s faithful example during the creation process. This
was done by modeling the Israelite tabernacle after the earth and its
creation. LDS scholar Jeffery Bradshaw
wrote:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“The tabernacle…is a
similitude based on Moses’ vision of the creation. According to this view, the results of each
day of Creation are symbolically reflected in temple furnishings.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn21" name="_ftnref21" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[21]</span></span></span></a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">For example, the basin of water placed outside the
tabernacle might represent the waters the earth emerged from on day one. The
light created for the earth could represent the seven-branched candlestick
called the menorah. The great divider that the Lord put in the heavens on day
two might represent the veil of the Tabernacle hung between the Holy Place and
the Holy of Holies. The birds created on day five may represent the two
cherubim with outstretched wings that were embroidered on this veil. The “beasts of the earth” might represent the
animals that were placed on the altar for sacrifice. And the High Priest who is
given dominion over the tabernacle was a type for Adam. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, this
High Priest, on Israel’s behalf, would pass through this tabernacle and into
Gods presence, the Holy of Holies, which represented day seven of the
creation. By so doing, the Israelites
were symbolically taking the same steps the earth took during creation, which
enabled them to enter into the Lords presence, and we can learn the same from
the endowment!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>
</b></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Notes:</b></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<div id="ftn1">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> Pratt, <i>Journal of Discourses</i>, 16:314.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn2">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span></span></span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> Gaskill, <i>The Lost Language of Symbolism</i>, p. 113.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn3">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[3]</span></span></span></span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> This article will reference the
Moses and Abraham creation account, as opposed to the creation account given in
the endowment. For an explanation why
these creation accounts differ so dramatically, see Brunson, “<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2014/03/understanding-creation.html">Understanding theCreation</a>.” </span><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn4">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[4]</span></span></span></span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> Pratt, <i>Journal of Discourses</i>, 16:314; emphasis added.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn5">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[5]</span></span></span></span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> Kimball, <i>Journal of Discourses</i>, 6:36</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn6">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[6]</span></span></span></span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> Skousen, <i>Earth in the Beginning,</i> p. 48-49.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn7">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[7]</span></span></span></span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> Skousen, <i>Earth in the Beginning,</i> p. 51.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn8">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[8]</span></span></span></span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> Gaskill, <i>The Lost Language of Symbolism</i>, p. 114.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn9">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[9]</span></span></span></span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> Lundquist, “<a href="http://publications.mi.byu.edu/fullscreen/?pub=1128&index=19" target="_blank">What is Reality</a>,” <i>By Study and Also By Faith</i>, 1:429-430</span><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;">.
See also Gaskill, <i>Sacred Symbols,</i>
p. 99-100.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn10">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[10]</span></span></span></span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> Nibley, <i>Temple and Cosmos</i>, p. 284; emphasis added.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn11">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[11]</span></span></span></span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> Gaskill, <i>Sacred Symbols,</i> p. 99-100.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn12">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref12" name="_ftn12" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[12]</span></span></span></span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> Gaskill, <i>The Lost Language of Symbolism</i>, p. 115-17.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn13">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref13" name="_ftn13" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[13]</span></span></span></span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> Gaskill, <i>The Lost Language of Symbolism</i>, p. 119. For example, there are said to be “four
quarters of the earth” (Revelation 20:8), four seasons, and four cardinal
directions.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn14">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref14" name="_ftn14" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[14]</span></span></span></span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> Gaskill, <i>The Lost Language of Symbolism</i>, p. 120.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn15">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref15" name="_ftn15" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[15]</span></span></span></span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> Many of the following examples
are cited in Gaskill, <i>The Lost Language
of Symbolism</i>, p. 120-122. </span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn16">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref16" name="_ftn16" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[16]</span></span></span></span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> Gaskill, <i>The Lost Language of Symbolism</i>, p. 121.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn17">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref17" name="_ftn17" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[17]</span></span></span></span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> While the fifth commandment is
to “honor thy father and thy mother” (Exodus 20:12), it could be argued that
this is referring to your Heaving Parents.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn18">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref18" name="_ftn18" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[18]</span></span></span></span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> Gaskill, <i>The Lost Language of Symbolism</i>, p. 122.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn19">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref19" name="_ftn19" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[19]</span></span></span></span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> <span class="descr">Maxwell, “Deny
Yourselves of All Ungodliness,” <i>Ensign</i>,
May 1995, p. 66.</span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn20">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref20" name="_ftn20" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[20]</span></span></span></span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> Gaskill, <i>The Lost Language of Symbolism</i>, p. 124.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn21">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref21" name="_ftn21" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[21]</span></span></span></span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"> Bradshaw, <i>Temple Themes in the Book of Moses</i>, p. 54. See also Bradshaw’s
source for this quote: Barker, <i>Revelation</i>,
pp. 24-25.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Brunson20http://www.blogger.com/profile/17312464214354872630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063509693788316188.post-66743772164222634372017-02-07T11:06:00.002-07:002023-04-15T20:09:40.227-06:00The Great Storm 3 Nephi<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">By </span><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/p/about-author_30.html" style="color: #4d469c; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;">Rick Brunson</a></span></b><br />
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<div style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="verse"><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JPHBdKRngyU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></span></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="verse"><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="verse"><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">3 Nephi chapters
8-10 contain a description of some of the most destructive natural disasters
ever recorded by man. But exactly what type of natural disaster hit the
Nephites at this time? Earthquake? Hurricane?
Something else?</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="verse"><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">Let us examine
the text to see what information it gives us on the subject:</span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">And it came to
pass in the thirty and fourth year, in the first month, on the fourth day of
the month, <i>there arose a great storm</i>,
such an one as never had been known in all the land (3 Nephi 8:5; emphasis
added).</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">So far, all we are told is that
there was a “great storm” that arose.
But what type of storm was it? The following verse gives us a good
description:</span></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">And there was also a great and terrible <i>tempest</i>; and there was terrible <i>thunder</i>…and there were exceedingly sharp <i>lightnings</i>, such as never had been known in all the land (3 Nephi 8:6-7; emphasis added).</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">So far it sounds like, on the surface at least, that this great storm was none other than a hurricane. After all, a hurricane brings with it each of these three characteristics described by Mormon. However, if this great storm was in fact a hurricane, it was a strange hurricane indeed:</span></span><br />
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">And there were exceedingly sharp lightnings, such as never had been known in all the land. <i>And the city of Zarahemla did take fire</i> (3 Nephi 8:7-8; emphasis added).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">For those of you who have been in a hurricane, you know that a hurricane brings rain, and a lot of it. In fact, hurricanes bring so much rain that it is hard to imagine that anything within a hundred miles of the hurricanes path, let alone an entire city, could ever catch on fire, even if it was struck by lightning as Zarahemla apparently was. </span></span><br />
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9gp-iGV9weKI3Q85hWs7UZK54i4oVCY6Mw6o6epBSpkn8gtJCi25RvITOuqyrIFP53v3Yjm3GRn0kx2pJfZAPqkucNkyeCNkzSF22b6XBYKFc48fq6aiCYGXLqmHryShXcZEi30-889q/s1600/Hurricane+Katrina.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9gp-iGV9weKI3Q85hWs7UZK54i4oVCY6Mw6o6epBSpkn8gtJCi25RvITOuqyrIFP53v3Yjm3GRn0kx2pJfZAPqkucNkyeCNkzSF22b6XBYKFc48fq6aiCYGXLqmHryShXcZEi30-889q/s400/Hurricane+Katrina.jpg" width="310" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Hirricane Katrina, New Orleans, August 2005</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Another strange characteristic of this hurricane-like storm is that it occurred in the springtime<span style="line-height: 115%;">.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span></span></a> </span>This should be another clue that this storm was not a hurricane at all, because hurricane season in the Americas is not in the spring, but rather, the fall. In fact, weather statistics will tell you that approximately 97% of all hurricanes that hit the Americas occur in the fall<span style="line-height: 115%;">.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span></span></a> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Case in point, think back to some of the more famous hurricanes to hit the United States over our lifetimes, and chances are they occurred in the fall. Furthermore, springtime hurricanes in the Americas are much less destructive in general then their fall counterparts.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">With that said, it is still certainly possible that this “great storm” could have been a hurricane. If the Lord wants to send a hurricane in April, he can certainly do so. And if the Lord wants to set fire to something in a hurricane’s path, he could certainly do that as well. However, according to President Joseph Fielding Smith, more often than not, “the Lord works in accordance with natural law,”<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[3]</span></span></span></a> which
should suggest to us that the Lord was not doing anything out of the ordinary
here. </span></span></span><br />
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">If we are correct in our assumptions that this great storm was not a hurricane, then is there another explanation for these hurricane-like symptoms? How do we explain the tempests, the thunder, and the sharp lightnings for example? As it turns out, LDS Geologists who have studied the description of this great storm in 3 Nephi generally agree that this storm was not a hurricane at all, but a rather a volcanic eruption.<span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[4]</span></span></span></a> </span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">What is interesting about this volcanic eruption theory is that it could still account for all of the hurricane-like descriptions quoted in the verses above. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Exceedingly Sharp Lightnings</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span color="windowtext">Lightning Caused by the 2011 Volcanic Eruption of
Chile’s Cordón Caulle Volcano</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">For
example, according to Mormon, the Nephites experienced “exceedingly sharp
lightnings” in connection with this great storm (3 Nephi 8:7). Can a volcano produce lightning? Certainly!
According to the journal <i>Science</i>,
“Lightning is often seen around volcanic eruptions…. One common type [of
lightning] results when individual particles of ash violently rub against each
other, generating huge amounts of static electricity.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[5]</span></span></span></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <span id="goog_73362897"></span><span id="goog_73362898"></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And while
it is hard for hurricane lightning to spark fires due to the rain that comes
with it, volcanic lightning do not face the same wet environment. With no rain
from above, it is much easier for volcanic lightning to spark fires when
compared to hurricane lightning. </span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Carried Away in the Whirlwind</span></b></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Another
characteristic of this great storm, according to Mormon, were “whilrwinds” (3
Nephi 8:12). And Mormon tells us that
these whirlwinds were so powerful that “there were some who were carried away
in the whirlwind; and whither they went no man knoweth” (3 Nephi 8:16).</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">If</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> volcanos
can cause lightning, can they also cause whirlwinds as well? According to LDS Geologist Jerry Grover, they
absolutely can.</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“The
best fit for the whirlwinds referred to in the Book of Mormon seems to be
whirlwinds associated with volcanic eruption. Destructive whirlwinds that
destroy buildings and take people and livestock are common in volcanic
eruptions and have been reported in [several eruptions over the last 200
years].”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[6]</span></span></span></a></span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE19NNgqA14ipscquKeFxnWeBtyUydqFiOGlNfmSuER-dZOZvyeBRbRqJFglFSPScaurlrYriRZOLDU4q69tmoqU009k0sL89Gx10SZzzm7Sos4AKh764qEM0Uhkwo6QfBpTsevlMnIZUp/s1600/Hawaii+Volcano+Twisters.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE19NNgqA14ipscquKeFxnWeBtyUydqFiOGlNfmSuER-dZOZvyeBRbRqJFglFSPScaurlrYriRZOLDU4q69tmoqU009k0sL89Gx10SZzzm7Sos4AKh764qEM0Uhkwo6QfBpTsevlMnIZUp/s400/Hawaii+Volcano+Twisters.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span color="windowtext">Whirlwinds formed from the eruption of Kilauea,
Hawaii, volcano in 2008</span><span color="windowtext" style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></b></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">While
Volcanic eruptions are known to cause both lightning strikes and whirlwinds,
this is not the primary reason why most LDS Geologists believe that the great
storm described in 3 Nephi was a volcanic eruption. The main reason for this wide spread belief
has to do with the three days of darkness that followed. As we shall soon see, the ash that is pumped
into the atmosphere from a volcanic eruption is the only natural disaster that
could have caused the three days of darkness described in the Book of
Mormon. However, before we discuss this
darkness, we first need to discuss yet another form of destruction to hit the
Nephites at this time.</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Insomuch That It Did Shake The Whole
Earth</span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">From here,
Mormon goes on to describe what appears to be a second natural disaster to occur
in connection with this great storm:</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">And there was terrible <i>thunder</i>, insomuch that <i>it did shake the whole earth</i> as if it was about to divide asunder (3 Nephi 8:6; emphasis added).</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The best
fit for a thunder powerful enough to “shake the whole earth” is an earthquake. And no other natural disaster has the ability
to “divide asunder” the very land we stand on quite like an earthquake. But can an earthquake cause the type of sound
that that would be described as thunder? While each earthquake may vary in
regards to the different sounds produced, a common sound that many earthquakes make
is called an “earthquake boom,” which can very closely resemble the sound of thunder.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[7]</span></span></span></a> </span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">If we are
correct in our assumption that Nephites experienced an earthquake at this time,
then the Nephites endured not one, but two natural disasters back to back. And
if not back to back, perhaps even simultaneously. Which begs the question, what
are the odds of having two natural disasters hit the same place at the same
time?</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">As it
turns out, this phenomenon is more common than one might think. Scientific
studies have shown that one natural disaster can often trigger another; earthquakes
can often trigger volcanoes, and vice versa.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[8]</span></span></span></a></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Which Came First?</span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And since
we apparently have these two natural disasters occurring back to back, many
have wondered, “Did the earthquake cause the volcano, or did the volcano cause
the earthquake?” While both scenarios are possible, one scenario appears to be
much more likely in the Nephites situation than the other. However, before we can positively state which
event occurred first, we first need to look at the description of the
earthquake as described by Mormon, as it will perhaps give us the clue we
need. The point we need to make is that
this was a massive earthquake, not a small one.
For example:</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: red;"></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">And the <i>earth was carried up upon the city of Moronihah</i>, that in the place of the city there became a great mountain (3 Nephi 8:10; emphasis added).</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="13"></a><span style="line-height: 115%;">And the <i>highways were broken up</i>…And many great
and notable <i>cities were sunk</i>…and many
were shaken till the buildings thereof had fallen to the earth, and the
inhabitants thereof were slain, and the places were left <i>desolate</i> (3 Nephi 8:13-14; emphasis added).</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="17"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;">…the face of the whole <i>earth became deformed</i> (3 Nephi 8:17; emphasis added).</span></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And the city of Moroni did <i>sink into the depths of the sea</i> (3 Nephi
8:9; emphasis added).</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Each of these statements show us just how much damage
this earthquake caused. It was an
earthquake so powerful that it actually caused </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">the city
of Moroni to sink into the ocean! </span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Interestingly
enough, a similar thing happened in modern times when a 7.5 magnitude
earthquake hit Jamaica in 1692. When
this earthquake struck, Jamaica’s coastal city of Port Royal sunk to the bottom
of the ocean, similar to the city of Moroni. </span></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQuUFHaQ1XW2p6LiTA_PPD0yP4aunJdbQScA66-mFVrqnIjV83ntA-Syx5isOs3vJ1FtwJ2JOK5LXyejRPCbyJaECjui_tACxBCWNOJntNiyw9ulENMIs2l6iqTKGPyI7XM3yBZOxQwzGb/s1600/Jamacia+City+of+Port+Royal+Earthquake.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQuUFHaQ1XW2p6LiTA_PPD0yP4aunJdbQScA66-mFVrqnIjV83ntA-Syx5isOs3vJ1FtwJ2JOK5LXyejRPCbyJaECjui_tACxBCWNOJntNiyw9ulENMIs2l6iqTKGPyI7XM3yBZOxQwzGb/s400/Jamacia+City+of+Port+Royal+Earthquake.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span color="windowtext">Jamaica’s City of Port Royal sunk to bottom of the
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span color="windowtext"> as a result of an Earthquake in 1692<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The point
is, knowing the magnitude of the Nephite earthquake helps us determine if the
earthquake triggered the volcano, or if the volcano triggered the
earthquake. According to LDS Geologist
Jerry Grover:</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“Volcanoes are known to generate earthquakes,
however, 3<sup>rd</sup> Nephi…requires an earthquake of sufficient size, and
most volcanic-related earthquakes are less than a magnitude 2 or 3.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[9]</span></span></span></a></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">In other words,
while volcanic eruptions can trigger earthquakes, the earthquakes to follow are
usually not very large. And since the Nephite earthquake was a large
earthquake, then it stands to reason that the earthquake came first, which in
turn caused the volcanic eruption, and not the other way around.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And in
case you are wondering, it does not take long for an earthquake of this size to
trigger an eruption. Studies have shown
that that this can occur within a matter of a few minutes,<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[10]</span></span></span></a> which
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Darkness Upon The Face of the Land</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And …when
the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the storm, and the tempest, and the
quakings of the earth did cease…behold, there was <i>darkness</i> upon the face of the land (3<sup> </sup>Nephi 8:19;
emphasis added).</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">As mentioned previously, the most
likely cause of this darkeness was the dust, ash, and gases released into the
atmosphere by the volcano. Notice how Mormon describes this darkness:</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">There was <i>thick darkness</i> upon all the face of the
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8:20; emphasis added).</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And there
could be no light, because of the darkness, neither candles, neither torches; <i>neither could there be fire</i> kindled (3<sup>
</sup>Nephi 8: 21; emphasis added). </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">When the
oxygen in the atmosphere is replaced by dust and gas, you lose visibility and
can actually feel the vapor of darkness, which is just how the Nephites
described it. This also makes lighting a
fire nearly impossible. What is more, Mormon stated that many were “o</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">verpowered by the vapor of smoke and
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Furthermore,
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volcanic ash put into the atmosphere after an eruption. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">Mount St. Helens<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCS4bD9Kwu-vii-1YYatt_lPab93gPn2fXyjcWEV8hGWtGM_Gbew_Ns7fnOPcsSyXhsXJ-6mGsMDUWduTNfiHA2vyEJeq4KnSJL3g8gCs_YJ23qT4pmh9PTi1clVlMJY7qB7AJMotuONv/s1600/Mount+St.+Helens.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCS4bD9Kwu-vii-1YYatt_lPab93gPn2fXyjcWEV8hGWtGM_Gbew_Ns7fnOPcsSyXhsXJ-6mGsMDUWduTNfiHA2vyEJeq4KnSJL3g8gCs_YJ23qT4pmh9PTi1clVlMJY7qB7AJMotuONv/s400/Mount+St.+Helens.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<b><span color="windowtext">Washington's Mount St. Helens Eruption of 1980</span></b><span color="windowtext" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Perhaps the most convincing argument that the
Nephites endured a volcanic eruption at this time is the similar description of
Mount St. Helens eruption of 1980. Below
is a description of this eruption from Alvin </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Benson. For
commentary, I have underlined all of the similarities between the Nephite
volcanic eruption and Mount St Helens eruption:</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><span style="line-height: 115%;">“Investigations suggest that an <u>earthquake
</u>measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale<u> may have triggered the Mount St.
Helen volcanic eruption</u> on 18 May 1980, and as the side of the mountain
slid down and the top was blown away, the resulting shockwave blew down all the
timber and vegetation within 15 miles. Some survivors referred to the <u>noise
and shaking as like being next to ground zero in an atomic bomb blast</u>. <u>Visibility
dropped to zero</u>; and as the thick volcanic dust hid the sun, day became
night as far away as 500 miles. Spokane, Washington, located just 250 miles
east of the blast site, was in <u>complete darkness</u> at 3:00 pm. <u>Bolts of
lightning</u> flashed from Mount St. Helens, <u>sparking numerous forest fires</u>,
and the air was so full of smoke and pumice that <u>people could not survive outside</u>.
Volcanic ash and gases irritated skin, eyes, and lungs, making breathing
extremely difficult and <u>fires impossible to ignite</u>. Many earthquakes
and/or aftershocks accompanied the eruption, and mud and debris flows <u>changed
the surrounding landscape for miles around</u>.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn11" name="_ftnref11" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[11]</span></span></span></a></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Needless to say, the similarities
are striking. And just as Mount St. Helens changed the way of life in
Washington for many people for years to come, a similar thing happened to the
Nephites. In fact, the Nephites did not
begin to really prosper again until 26 years after the destruction:</span></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Fifty and nine years had passed away
[i.e., 26 years after the destruction]. And the Lord did prosper them
exceedingly in the land; yea, insomuch that they did build cities again where
there had been cities burned (4 Nephi
1:6-7).</span></span></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">LDS
Scholar Matthew Roper saw this 26 year timeframe as a striking similarity with
another volcanic eruption that occurred in 1902. He wrote:</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 19.5pt 0.5in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“The year 1902 saw the eruption of
the West Indies volcano St. Vincent. A geologist who studied the site in 1933 [31
years later!] found that the soil from the volcano, which had been ash at the
time of the eruption, had finally returned to a level comparable to that before
the eruption.”</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn12" name="_ftnref12" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[12]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;">
</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">The effects of the West Indies volcanic eruption lingered for over 30
years, which is very similar to the 26 year timeline that it took the Nephites
to recover from their destruction.</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;">While we cannot say for certain, suffice it to say that there is mounting
evidence the that the Nephites experience an massive earthquake, which in turn
triggered a volcanic eruption.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Notes:</b></span></span>
<br />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<div id="ftn1">
<br />
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span></span></a> Christ was crucified on Passover, which correlates to spring in the
Americas.</span></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div id="ftn2">
<br />
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span></span></a> <a href="http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/G1.html" target="_blank">“When is Hurricane Season?”</a> <i>Hurricane Research Division</i>.</span></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div id="ftn3">
<br />
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[3]</span></span></span></a> <span style="background: none 0% 0% repeat scroll white; color: black;">Smith, <i>Doctrines of Salvation</i>,
2:27</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div id="ftn4">
<br />
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[4]</span></span></span></a> Grover, <a href="http://nebula.wsimg.com/a6fb837ca12d8a9ba394bca1dcfe24e9?AccessKeyId=A0EA741743254B9C037B&disposition=0&alloworigin=1" target="_blank"><i>Geology in the Book of Mormon</i></a>, p. 119; Kowallis, <a href="https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/node/111" target="_blank">“In the Thirty andFourth Year,”</a> 136–190.
See also Lund, <i>Joseph Smith and the Geography of Book of Mormon</i>, 173–178;
Gardner, <i>Second Witness</i>,
5:300–312.</span></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div id="ftn5">
<br />
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[5]</span></span></span></a> <span style="background: none 0% 0% repeat scroll white; color: black;">Perkins, Sid,</span><span style="color: black;"> </span><a href="http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2015/03/flash-glass-lightning-inside-volcanic-ash-plumes-create-glassy-spherules" target="_blank"><span style="background: none 0% 0% repeat scroll white; color: black; text-decoration: none;">“Flashglass: Lightning inside volcanic ash plumes create glassy spherules,”</span></a><span style="background: none 0% 0% repeat scroll white; color: black;"> <i>American Association for the Advancement of
Science</i>.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div id="ftn6">
<br />
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[6]</span></span></span></a> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Grover, <a href="http://nebula.wsimg.com/a6fb837ca12d8a9ba394bca1dcfe24e9?AccessKeyId=A0EA741743254B9C037B&disposition=0&alloworigin=1" target="_blank"><i>Geology in the Book of Mormon</i></a>,</span> p. 157</span></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div id="ftn7">
<br />
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[7]</span></span></span></a> <a href="https://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/topics/booms.php" target="_blank">“Earthquake Booms, Seneca Guns,and other Sounds,”</a> <i>USGS</i>.</span></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div id="ftn8">
<br />
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[8]</span></span></span></a> See for example, <a href="http://www.hawaii247.com/2011/09/08/volcano-watch-can-earthquakes-trigger-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank">“Canearthquakes trigger volcanic eruptions?” VolcanoWatch,</a> See also, <a href="https://www.pnsn.org/outreach/earthquakesources/volcanic" target="_blank">“Volcanic Earthquakes”</a> <i>PNSN</i>.</span></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div id="ftn9">
<br />
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[9]</span></span></span></a> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">Grover, <a href="http://nebula.wsimg.com/a6fb837ca12d8a9ba394bca1dcfe24e9?AccessKeyId=A0EA741743254B9C037B&disposition=0&alloworigin=1" target="_blank"><i>Geology in the Book of Mormon</i></a>,</span> p. 119</span></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div id="ftn10">
<br />
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[10]</span></span></span></a> Seach, <a href="http://www.volcanolive.com/earthquakes.html" target="_blank">“Earthquakes and VolcanicEruptions,”</a> <i>Volcanoes Live.</i><i> </i></span></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div id="ftn11">
<br />
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[11]</span></span></span></a> Benson, <a href="https://rsc.byu.edu/archived/book-mormon-3-nephi-9-30-my-gospel/4-geological-upheaval-and-darkness-3-nephi-8-10" target="_blank">“</a><a href="https://rsc.byu.edu/archived/book-mormon-3-nephi-9-30-my-gospel/4-geological-upheaval-and-darkness-3-nephi-8-10" target="_blank">GeologicalUpheaval and Darkness in 3 Nephi 8–10”</a> <i>Religious
Studies</i>, Chapter 4.</span></span></div>
</div>
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<div id="ftn12">
<br />
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref12" name="_ftn12" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[12]</span></span></span></a> Roper, <a href="http://publications.mi.byu.edu/fullscreen/?pub=1364&index=5" target="_blank">“ANote on Volcanism and the Book of Mormon,”</a> <i>Insights,</i>
2009.</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<br />Brunson20http://www.blogger.com/profile/17312464214354872630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063509693788316188.post-51354265225740379812016-05-13T16:53:00.000-06:002020-05-02T15:00:46.249-06:00Before the Second Coming<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_dhzZzYruiYTkfH8P_t_nyoLJ36Pl2IebeSNcK5HYdmYwiBwDlwleqsn35veko_08oKStOl0tOfDMAw5CPLAoLs6mXGchIgMEkhLgUPwvTI0IktAAlaDQ0X9Hn7wy5f9cc3ygTaLHF4u/s1600/Paperback+Standing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8_dhzZzYruiYTkfH8P_t_nyoLJ36Pl2IebeSNcK5HYdmYwiBwDlwleqsn35veko_08oKStOl0tOfDMAw5CPLAoLs6mXGchIgMEkhLgUPwvTI0IktAAlaDQ0X9Hn7wy5f9cc3ygTaLHF4u/s320/Paperback+Standing.jpg" width="254" /></a><b><span style="font-size: large;">By <a href="http://www.brunson20.com/p/about-author_30.html">Rick Brunson</a></span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;">To learn more about this book, or to purchase a copy, please visit <a href="http://www.beforethe2ndcoming.com/">www.Beforethe2ndComing.com</a>.</span>Brunson20http://www.blogger.com/profile/17312464214354872630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063509693788316188.post-5969913908722808442016-04-20T11:18:00.000-06:002016-04-26T11:21:17.667-06:00Book of Mormon Lesson 13<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 33.6px;">Allegory of the Olive Tree / Sherem</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 33.6px;"> (Jacob 5-7</span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 33.6px;">)</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 33.6px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 33.6px;">Note: This lesson is broken up in two videos (Allegory & Sherem).</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 33.6px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 33.6px;"><b>Allegory:</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 33.6px;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dsndu22rhX4?rel=0" width="420"></iframe></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 33.6px;"><br /></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 33.6px;"><b>Sherem:</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 33.6px;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dsndu22rhX4?rel=0" width="420"></iframe></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 33.6px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 33.6px;">For mor</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 33.6px;">e information<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"> on <span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">the content <span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">contained in this second video (Sherem), <span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">reference the following:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 33.6px;">John Welch, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0842527125/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0842527125&linkCode=as2&tag=brunson20com-20&linkId=WD2TG3QDMGONM5GF" target="_blank">The Legal Cases in the Book of Mormon</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=brunson20com-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0842527125" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">John Welch, <a href="http://publications.mi.byu.edu/fullscreen/?pub=2238&index=6" target="_blank">The Case of Sherem</a></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">Book of Mormon Central, <a href="https://knowhy.bookofmormoncentral.org/content/why-did-sherem-die" target="_blank">Why Did Sherem Die?</a></span></span></span></span></span>Brunson20http://www.blogger.com/profile/17312464214354872630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063509693788316188.post-47405227490728376422016-03-07T21:44:00.000-07:002017-03-31T20:47:32.170-06:00Book of Mormon Lesson 5<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">Journey to the Promised Land</span> (<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">1</span> Nephi <span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">16-20</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">)</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CfadLcY3QAQ" width="560"></iframe> </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 33.6px;">For mor<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">e information<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"> on <span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">the content <span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">contained in this video, <span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">reference the following:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"> Brunson, "The Liahon<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">a<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">": <a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2015/02/the-liahona.html">http://www.brunson20.com/2015/02/the-liahona.html</a></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">Brunson, "The Exodus Pattern": <a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/the-exodus-pattern.html">http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/the-exodus-pattern.html</a> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">Journ<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">ey of Faith Video: </span></span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_M_Faw_s3s" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_M_Faw_s3s</a> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">Potter, "Does t<span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">he Book of Mormon <span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;">Solve a Christmas Miracle?" <a href="http://www.ancientamerica.org/library/media/HTML/5i18c29q/04%20Does%20The%20B%20of%20M%20Solve%20A%20Christmas%20Mystery.htm?n=0" target="_blank">http://www.ancientamerica.org/library/media/HTML/5i18c29q/04%20Does%20The%20B%20of%20M%20Solve%20A%20Christmas%20Mystery.htm?n=0</a></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 33.6px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span> </span>Brunson20http://www.blogger.com/profile/17312464214354872630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063509693788316188.post-16755962737940800712016-03-05T11:57:00.002-07:002023-04-15T19:55:23.000-06:00The Sealed Portion of the Book of Mormon<span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: large; line-height: 33.6px;">The Sealed Portion of the Book of Mormon (2 Nephi 26-30)</span><br />
<span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: large; line-height: 33.6px;"><br /></span><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fjj8XxABIng" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: large; line-height: 33.6px;"><br /></span>
<span face=""arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: large; line-height: 33.6px;">In addition to the above video, you can also check out our article on <a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/05/the-sealed-portion-of-book-of-mormon.html">The Sealed Portion of the Book of Mormon</a>.</span><br />
<br />Brunson20http://www.blogger.com/profile/17312464214354872630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063509693788316188.post-36472186047014404332016-03-01T15:59:00.000-07:002016-03-04T16:08:41.571-07:00Book of Mormon Lesson 2<span style="font-size: x-large;">Lehi Leaves Jerusalem (1 Nephi 1-7)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/by01VK8dOrU?rel=0" width="420"></iframe></span>Brunson20http://www.blogger.com/profile/17312464214354872630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063509693788316188.post-42201220884792693902015-12-03T14:28:00.001-07:002020-08-16T13:52:09.236-06:00The Sword of Ammon<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">By </span><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/p/about-author_30.html" style="color: #4d469c; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;">Rick Brunson</a></span></b></span><br />
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Truth be told, I have always been fascinated by
swords. My sword collection began at the
age of three when my parents bought me my first toy He-Man sword. It went everywhere with me; always tucked in
my belt just in case. As I grew older, I
began collecting real swords. Although
my current sword collection may be impressive to some, I am afraid it will not
be complete until I have a real lightsaber in my possession. Maybe one day.</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">With this background, is it any wonder that some of my
favorite Book of Mormon stories revolve around swords and warfare? From the opening pages of the Book of Mormon,
to the final Nephite battle, swords are everywhere and play a major role in
Nephite civilization. This article will
take a closer look one of the more famous Nephite swords, namely, the sword of
Ammon. </span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzzZS624Md9sMZ0a-B96v-JUk2eE1gvRIitHQ9GIEWD3sLOs8UWLXpRgT_YgyGhZ967LC_o5k_E9q9GVZnId2KOgts23yjOv72nSCp2faYWoLEpkNtoOiZPDXCrLXMFJzT4ZPqKC-dFya/s1600/The+sword+of+laban.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgzzZS624Md9sMZ0a-B96v-JUk2eE1gvRIitHQ9GIEWD3sLOs8UWLXpRgT_YgyGhZ967LC_o5k_E9q9GVZnId2KOgts23yjOv72nSCp2faYWoLEpkNtoOiZPDXCrLXMFJzT4ZPqKC-dFya/s320/The+sword+of+laban.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>The Sword of Laban</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">The
Sword of Laban</span></b></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">What struck me when I first learned about Ammon’s
sword was how different it was from the sword of Laban. “Laban’s sword fits nicely into the pattern
of a high-quality Middle Eastern weapon – a sheath, gold hilt, fine
workmanship, and a “blade…of the most precious steel” (1 Nephi 4:9).”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span></span></a>
However, the sword of Ammon, as we shall see, was designed much
differently. Originally, after the
family of Lehi arrived in the new world, the Nephites manufactured their swords
after the sword of Laban. In other
words, they likely manufactured steel swords.
Nephi recorded:</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And I,
Nephi, did take the sword of Laban, and after the manner of it did make many
swords…. And I did teach my people…to work in all manner of wood, and of iron,
and of copper, and of brass, and of steel (2 Nephi 5:14-15).</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">However, in the words of LDS
scholars Hamblin and Merrill:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“In view
of the evidence of archaeology, it seems possible that after the Nephites moved
inland away from the land of first inheritance, they may have been unable to
discover adequate sources of ore.
Without access to the ore necessary to train the new generation in
extensive metal making skills, their metallurgical technology in some fields
could have been lost after a single generation had passed.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span></span></a> </span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Or, in the words of BYU’s Matthew Roper:</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">"<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Chronologically speaking, steel is never mentioned after Jarom's day (Jarom 1:8). And iron, although known to some of the Zeniffites in the land of Nephi, is never mentioned after Noah's day (Mosiah 11:3, 8). This tends to support the idea that some metallurgical technologies possessed by Nephi and others may have been lost over time."</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[3]</span></span></span></a> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">If this were true, if steel or iron
was no longer available to their society in the quantities they needed for
manufacturing weapons, how did the Nephites make their swords? What material did they use? As one would expect, they adapted to their
surroundings by using the resources that were available to them, which
consisted mainly of wood and rock.</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Map of Mesoamerica</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">A
Mesoamerican Setting</span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">As</span></span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"> I discussed in a previous article, “Book of Mormon Geography,”</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="line-height: 115%;" title="">[4]</a></span></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">most LDS scholars believe that the Book of Mormon took place in Mesoamerica. The reasons that I gave in “Book of Mormon Geography” as to why I currently favor a Mesoamerican setting are as follows:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Th</span><span style="font-size: large;">e only known civilization to occupy the New World between 1500 B.C. and 250 B.C., and whose population numbered in the millions (both Book of Mormon requirements for the Jaredites) were the Olmec’s of Mesoamerica. Thus, the Olmec’s are currently the best known candidate for the Jaredites. Since the Jaredites and Nephites occupied much of the same land, finding the Nephites and Lamanites becomes much easier once we determine who the Jaredites were. The Maya civilization preceded the Olmec’s in Mesoamerica, making them a great candidate for the Nephites and Lamanites. </span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<ul>
<li><div class="MsoListParagraph">
<span face="" style="font-family: symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">Mesoamerica is the only known area in all of North and South America which had civilizations that could read and write between 600 B.C. and 400 A.D., also a requirement of the Book of Mormon text.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-indent: -24px;">
<span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<ul>
<li><div class="MsoListParagraph">
<span style="font-size: large;">Mesoamerica geography fits very nicely with the geography described in the Book of Mormon. Every river, mountain, sea, hill, lake, and city mentioned in the Book of Mormon is in a great relationship to one another in Mesoamerica. For example, Mesoamerica is the only region in all of North and South America that has a mountain range that runs from east to west and touches two oceans, which is a Book of Mormon requirement (Alma 22:27).</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">There are many more reasons in addition
to the above, but they will not be discussed here. (For the complete list of
arguments/references for a Mesoamerican setting, see the end of my article
</span></span></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/09/book-of-mormon-geography.html">“Book of MormonGeography.”</a></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span></a>)
How does this information relate to Book
of Mormon sword making? Simple. Knowing where the events in the Book of
Mormon took place can help us determine what types of swords they made. </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">The
Macuahuitl</span></b></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">
</span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">According to historians and
archeologists, the people who occupied this region of Mesoamerica between 600 </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">B.C. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">and 400 </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">A.D.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">, used
swords called <i>macuahuitls</i>. These were wooden swords, but they were not
used as clubs. Instead, they were a
slashing weapon, similar to traditional swords. The macuahuitl “consisted of a long, flat piece of hardwood
with grooves along the side into which were set and glued sharp fragments of
flint or obsidian (volcanic glass).”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[5]</span></span></span></a> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCPxCqU6699Jtb4bbGLPeIZ0BNyXLMFNQP-8qolfFCar7Je3LldTJVDe5GoGGf1ZowrPHkAzrJ4dXX2gSfL6w3OofKvBYQRSqv7GM2QhcqBSiA5PqVnLSVjVk-N7lIpkMitrJXL2I0bhh/s1600/Gary+Lyman%2527s+Macuahuitl.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPCPxCqU6699Jtb4bbGLPeIZ0BNyXLMFNQP-8qolfFCar7Je3LldTJVDe5GoGGf1ZowrPHkAzrJ4dXX2gSfL6w3OofKvBYQRSqv7GM2QhcqBSiA5PqVnLSVjVk-N7lIpkMitrJXL2I0bhh/s640/Gary+Lyman%2527s+Macuahuitl.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b>A Replica of the Maya Macuahuitl</b></span></b></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">At first glance, one might think
that these wooden swords were less effective than steel swords. However, the
volcanic glass in these wooden swords had the potential to be much sharper and
cut much deeper than even steel swords.
In fact, one of Cortez’s companions in his conquest of central Mexico
said that the macuahuitl, “cut worse than a knife.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[6]</span></span></span></a> So sharp in fact, that “in one famous incident,
a Maya warrior cut off the head of a Spaniard’s horse with one blow of a
macuahuitl.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[7]</span></span></span></a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">The
Sword of Ammon</span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">As it turns out, this wooden sword
fits very nicely into the text of the Book of Mormon. After all, if a Maya warrior could cut off
the head of a horse with one swing, then Ammon would certainly be able to cut
off a Lamanite arm with one blow. Here
is what Habmlin and Merrill had to say about this famous Book of Mormon story:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“Actually
severing an enemy’s forearm or hand with a sword is a difficult task. What will generally occur is that the sword
will cut into the flesh until it reaches the bone, partially severing or
cracking it. However, since the victim’s
arm is free to rotate at the shoulder, the sword will simply push the limb in
the direction of the blow rather than cut deeper into the limb. Thus, in most situations one would expect a
sword to make a deep gash but not actually to sever the arm. In order to sever an arm with a sword, the
sword must be extremely sharp, must be swung swiftly, and must strike against a
limb that is either somehow fixed, or that is moving toward the sword blade.</span></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHK-Hi_D58L9yWMeykK1Oogmc3Q96EF0EQqNs-xZFGWUsIcXQi_ctrkWcIpWLpxJfEMzrTO5JyjXLxShyphenhyphen2yNsCYycLANzG73jrwXgFN8i6LXF4rEJpQvZOZfTjA2xYzBoMohVn5J_dJspv/s1600/Macuahuitl+2.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHK-Hi_D58L9yWMeykK1Oogmc3Q96EF0EQqNs-xZFGWUsIcXQi_ctrkWcIpWLpxJfEMzrTO5JyjXLxShyphenhyphen2yNsCYycLANzG73jrwXgFN8i6LXF4rEJpQvZOZfTjA2xYzBoMohVn5J_dJspv/s320/Macuahuitl+2.jpg" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Ammon's Sword (Macuahuitl)</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“Thus
Ammon’s sword technique makes perfect military </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">sense. He waits for the enemy to attack him with his
club. As the club is raised and brought
down swiftly toward Ammon, Ammon swings his sword in a fast powerful blow aimed
at the forearm. The combination of the
attacker’s swing <i>toward</i> Ammon and the
force of Ammon’s own swing is sufficient to sever the forearm. Thus, according to the Book of Mormon, Ammon
waited for precisely the right moment to initiate his arm-severing sword
technique with maximum efficacy against his enemy.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[8]</span></span></span></a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">The
Anti-Nephi-Lehies</span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Additionally, if the Nephites really
did use macuahuitls rather than steel swords, the story of the
anti-Nephi-Lehies begins to make a little more sense to the reader. After this group of Lamanites was converted
to the gospel, they made a covenant with God that they would shed the blood of their
brethren no more. As a sign of their
covenant, “they did bury [their swords] deep in the earth” (Alma 24:17). The interesting part of this story however, were
the words spoken by this group of Lamanites right before they buried their
swords:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Now, my best beloved brethren, since God hath
taken away our stains… <i>let us stain our
swords no more with the blood of our brethren</i> (Alma 24:12; emphasis added).</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Can a steel sword be stained? Hardly!
But a wooden sword can be! Perhaps
this scripture in Alma is was meant to be read much more literally than what we
originally thought. According to Roper:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“The
king’s metaphor for redemption that involved stained weapons and their
cleansing might actually be more powerful if it referred to blood-soaked wood
than to a metal or even an obsidian blade.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[9]</span></span></span></a></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">How so? Hamblin and Merril noted:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNSmZZj9bl54dW5RvKIz7PH6onF944NTb7DdzuQi6OqQY-P1IiK2IsqEVPT50l7IoePxH5FMJY6_Pykr9R8c-BZDjHU8nPqkC1jv1JbSF_tMZ2zXbmMBLNGL_ZmhAl2uH_qAdcPIdeO3z/s1600/Maya+Warriors+with+Machuahuitls.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNSmZZj9bl54dW5RvKIz7PH6onF944NTb7DdzuQi6OqQY-P1IiK2IsqEVPT50l7IoePxH5FMJY6_Pykr9R8c-BZDjHU8nPqkC1jv1JbSF_tMZ2zXbmMBLNGL_ZmhAl2uH_qAdcPIdeO3z/s400/Maya+Warriors+with+Machuahuitls.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Maya (Nephite) warriors with their swords (macuahuitl's).</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“Removing
a bloodstain from wood is virtually impossible since the blood soaks into the
fibers of the wood. Thus the metaphor of
the great mercy of God in removing bloodstains from the swords becomes much
more powerful and understandable if it refers to wood stained with blood, which
only a miracle would remove, rather than if it refers to metal stained with
blood, which a piece of cloth could clean.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn11" name="_ftnref11" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[10]</span></span></span></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0.5in;"><br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Notes:</span></span>
<br />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<div id="ftn1">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span></span></a> Hamblin and Merrill, “Swords in
the Book of Mormon,” <i>Warefare in the Book
of Mormon</i>, p. 334-335.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn2">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span></span></a> Hamblin and Merrill, “Swords in
the Book of Mormon,” <i>Warefare in the Book
of Mormon</i>, p. 345.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn3">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[3]</span></span></span></a> Roper, <i>FARMS Review of Books</i>, 9/1 (1997): 150.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn4">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[4]</span></span></span></a> Brunson, <a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/09/book-of-mormon-geography.html">“Book of MormonGeography.” </a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn5">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/09/book-of-mormon-geography.html"></a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn6">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[5]</span></span></span></a> Roper, “Swords and Cimeters in
the Book of Mormon,” <i>Journal of Book of
Mormon Studies</i> 8/1 (1999), p. 36.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn7">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[6]</span></span></span></a> Bernal Diaz del Castillo, <i>The Conquest of New Spain</i>, p. 142-43, as
quoted by Roper, “Swords and Cimeters in the Book of Mormon,” <i>Journal of Book of Mormon Studies</i> 8/1
(1999), p. 36.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn8">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[7]</span></span></span></a> Hamblin and Merrill, “Swords in
the Book of Mormon,” <i>Warefare in the Book
of Mormon</i>, p. 341.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn9">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[8]</span></span></span></a> Hamblin and Merrill, “Swords in
the Book of Mormon,” <i>Warefare in the Book
of Mormon</i>, p. 335-337.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn10">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[9]</span></span></span></a> Roper, “Swords and Cimeters in
the Book of Mormon,” <i>Journal of Book of
Mormon Studies</i> 8/1 (1999), p. 39.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn11">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[10]</span></span></span></a> Hamblin and Merrill, “Swords in
the Book of Mormon,” <i>Warefare in the Book
of Mormon</i>, p. 342-43.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>Brunson20http://www.blogger.com/profile/17312464214354872630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063509693788316188.post-21628459199949939372015-05-20T15:35:00.001-06:002020-08-16T13:52:22.036-06:00The Keeper of the Gate<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrEdBos7dswF8r18PpHGMCEK4N4EZ-oGN6VHzURIu2JcFll1DA68Ba0lcD-MpfNX-I0YWcWL66TwqRDUDh7ulONEQiOpDQFiaRTySgwd7_T7NHzUcLkUqWzgQ2y47ko-YsD2zHKrWbqJ2/s1600/Christ+Knocks+on+Door.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilrEdBos7dswF8r18PpHGMCEK4N4EZ-oGN6VHzURIu2JcFll1DA68Ba0lcD-MpfNX-I0YWcWL66TwqRDUDh7ulONEQiOpDQFiaRTySgwd7_T7NHzUcLkUqWzgQ2y47ko-YsD2zHKrWbqJ2/s320/Christ+Knocks+on+Door.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Christ Stands at the Door and Knocks</span></b></td></tr>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">By </span><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/p/about-author_30.html" style="color: #4d469c; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;">Rick Brunson</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This portrait of Christ knocking at our door has always been one of my favorite paintings. Long has it been said that the author deliberately choose to not paint a doorknob on the outside of the door to suggest to us that the only way Christ can enter into our lives is if we let him in from our end. <br /><br />No doubt, the scene portrayed in this painting comes to us from the following verse in the Book of Revelation:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me (Rev. 3:20).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The door scene portrayed in this particular painting however, is only one interpretation of this famous verse. This article will suggest a second interpretation.<br /><br /><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Gate of the Celestial Kingdom</span></b><br /><br />Joseph Smith taught us that there is an actual door or gate that will one day stand between us and the celestial kingdom. On one occasion, Joseph Smith was shown this celestial gate in vision. He records:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The heavens were opened upon us, and I beheld the celestial kingdom of God, and the glory thereof, whether in the body or out I cannot tell. I saw the transcendent beauty of the gate through which the heirs of that kingdom will enter, which was like unto circling flames of fire (D&C 137:1-2).</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjzMDAQsgPpe6h7XeoRArqjWOjvc4XwTJoJK6mzBf6PFZBgiLzOc3lVvtLuSmI3y8L8EhIBLq0KBLii5WLp6EwFZhvefRq5xe9HgkPP1zcOmYYHSHBu5T3i-HNYOm0drxTwdhW2X3FiPc/s1600/High+Priest+2.gif" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCjzMDAQsgPpe6h7XeoRArqjWOjvc4XwTJoJK6mzBf6PFZBgiLzOc3lVvtLuSmI3y8L8EhIBLq0KBLii5WLp6EwFZhvefRq5xe9HgkPP1zcOmYYHSHBu5T3i-HNYOm0drxTwdhW2X3FiPc/s320/High+Priest+2.gif" width="258" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">The Veil of the Tabernacle</span></b></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the ancient tabernacle, this door or gate was depicted as a veil. This tabernacle veil separated the Holy Place (or terrestrial area of the tabernacle) from the Holy of Holies (or celestial area of the tabernacle).</span><br />
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">I Stand at the Door</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">With this in mind, let us return to our verse in Revelation Chapter 3 and re-read it as a temple text, beginning a few verses earlier. <br /><br />In verse 14, the Lord begins by having John write a letter to the Saints living in Laodicea. Unfortunately, this particular group of Saints had already begun to apostatize from the Church. In this letter, the Lord chastised them for relying on their riches more than relying on God: </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I Know thy works…[and] thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked (Rev. 3:15-17).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When read as a temple text, the first thing we notice is a warning from the Lord to rely on him rather than on our money. The Saints in Laodicea failed to do this and are therefore described as “naked” by the Lord (Rev. 3:17). The term nakedness in the scriptures is often associated with guilt and uncleanliness. For example, the prophet Jacob, speaking of the wicked at the judgement bar, said:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wherefore, we shall have a perfect knowledge of all our guilt, and our uncleanness, and our nakedness (2 Ne. 9:14).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In contrast, Jacob says that the righteous “shall have a perfect knowledge of their enjoyment, and their righteousness, being clothed with purity, yea, even with the robe of righteousness (2 Ne. 9:14).<br /><br />It is only through the atonement of Christ that one may progress from their state of spiritual nakedness to being clothed with “the robe of righteousness” (2 Ne. 9:14). In fact, the Hebrew word for atonement literally means “to cover.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/Rick/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/The%20Keeper%20of%20the%20Gate.docx#_ftn1">[1]</a> Phrased another way, the atonement literally covers us from our sins by clothing us from our nakedness. It is for this reason that the Lord said to the Saints living in Laodicea: </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I counsel thee to buy of me…white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see (Rev. 3:18).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">In other words, those who are found naked (unclean), must be anointed and clothed (covered by the atonement) before they can approach the door (veil) of the celestial kingdom. In fact, Christ references this door or veil in the upcoming verse:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me (Rev. 3:20).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As we mentioned previously, one interpretation of this verse is that Christ knocks at our door and we let him in. However, when read in a temple context, the righteous, after being anointed and clothed, will join with Christ at the veil of the celestial kingdom, and it will be the Father on the celestial side of the veil who hears Christ’s knock. Furthermore, as we learn from the next verse, it will not just be Christ who will receive permission from the Father to enter. Rather, the Father will permit Christ to bring with him the righteous who were anointed and clothed in the previous verses:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne (Rev. 3:21).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The symbolism portrayed here further comes to life when we realize that in the ancient Israelite tabernacle, the only piece of furniture in the Holy of Holies (or celestial area of the tabernacle)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-CoTrDnAppcERUG8xkA3jyIxqEho_Ru2DtPdYiFAXlDig2gnu3QF7c2LtcgFOjucgnXasBm65HB65xvGshSl-obGWV2z6L388zuOM1hYDSl2QWlKbPdMVWlzayk1xJwvb2iwDBVJO-Ry/s1600/Ark+of+the+Coveant+inside+of+veil.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw-CoTrDnAppcERUG8xkA3jyIxqEho_Ru2DtPdYiFAXlDig2gnu3QF7c2LtcgFOjucgnXasBm65HB65xvGshSl-obGWV2z6L388zuOM1hYDSl2QWlKbPdMVWlzayk1xJwvb2iwDBVJO-Ry/s320/Ark+of+the+Coveant+inside+of+veil.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">The Ark of the Covenant (God's throne) is shown <br />here behind the Tabernacle's parted veil.</span></b></td></tr>
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was the Ark of the Covenant. This Ark of the Covenant represented God’s throne, so it is not surprising to hear that those who enter this sacred area of the celestial realm will sit down “with [the] Father in his throne” (Rev. 3:21).</span></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">The Door of the Sheepfold</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A similar interpretation can be also made in the famous “door of the sheepfold” verses (see John 10:1-7). In these verses, the Lord speaks of a good shepherd who leads his sheep through the door of a sheepfold for safety. Similar to Revelation chapter 3, we can also interpret the door of the sheepfold as the celestial veil, and the sheepfold itself as the celestial kingdom. These verses begin as follows:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber (John 10:1).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here we learn that not everyone is authorized to enter into the sheepfold (celestial kingdom). Those who try to enter by any way other than through Christ are labeled as thieves and robbers. In fact, in the next verse, we learn that there is only one person who is authorized to approach this door or veil:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br />He that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep (John 10:2).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The shepherd in this verse, an obvious reference to Christ, is the only one authorized to approach this door or veil and request permission to enter. At this point, we read:</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="3"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></a><span style="font-size: large;">To him the porter openeth (John 10:3).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Similar to Revelation 3, the porter in this context would be the<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Fr7U7ZJq0QfgbJ7OToRiUALYtR8Nl_w9b7lFstJBI_7s9aSVw-_Itrbw7acD30j7X7bIAiTnfgwwZtBHG8BFtGNGGw1FoGx5s0YEqxbM2NHxMfYdBcBzYN4k4js1HroShILqZz4Qc0uN/s1600/Sheepfold+Door.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Fr7U7ZJq0QfgbJ7OToRiUALYtR8Nl_w9b7lFstJBI_7s9aSVw-_Itrbw7acD30j7X7bIAiTnfgwwZtBHG8BFtGNGGw1FoGx5s0YEqxbM2NHxMfYdBcBzYN4k4js1HroShILqZz4Qc0uN/s320/Sheepfold+Door.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">The Door of the Sheepfold</span></b></td></tr>
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Father who is on the celestial side of the door or veil. Once the Father opens this veil to Christ, our Good Shepherd will then call out his sheep, who will proceed to follow him out of the world and into the safety of the sheepfold:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out [of the world and into the sheepfold] (John 10:4).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">That this sheepfold is a reference to the celestial kingdom is made clear by one of Jesus’ next statements:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">If any man enter in, he shall be saved (John 10:9).</span></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">I Know You Not</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As we learned earlier, those who try to enter the celestial kingdom by any means other than through the door or veil will be denied entrance. It is for this reason the Lord said in Luke:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are (Luke 13:24-25).</span></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">The Keeper of the Gate</b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We also find this scene portrayed in the Book of Mormon. The prophet Jacob stated:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name. And whoso knocketh, to him will he open (2 Ne. 9:41-42).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As stated by Jacob, it is only through the atonement of Christ that we gain access to this celestial door.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Notes:</b></span></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/Rick/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/The%20Keeper%20of%20the%20Gate.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Brown, Driver, and Briggs, <i>The
Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew and English Lexicon</i>, p. 497-98.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Brunson20http://www.blogger.com/profile/17312464214354872630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063509693788316188.post-77957056647077827872015-02-07T16:05:00.001-07:002020-08-16T14:02:04.720-06:00The Liahona<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">By </span><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/p/about-author_30.html" style="color: #4d469c; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;">Rick Brunson</a></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></span>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><b><u>A note from the author:</u></b> I wrote the below article on the Liahona several years ago, and at the time, the information contained inside reflected my current thoughts about what the Liahona might have been. However, since posting this article, I came across a study done by Timothy Gervais and John Joyce, entitled "By Small Means: Rethinking the Liahona," published by <i>Interpreter</i>, and located at: </span></span><a href="https://journal.interpreterfoundation.org/by-small-means-rethinking-the-liahona/">https://journal.interpreterfoundation.org/by-small-means-rethinking-the-liahona/</a> <span style="font-size: large;">This article by Gervais and Joyce has shifted my opinion on what the Liahona actually was, and I would advise the reader to check out their fascinating study in addition to mine. When time permits, I will include parts of their study in my article below, but until then I believe their study contains more accurate information on the Liahona then the theories I listed below. Thank you. - Rick Brunson</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 20.7px;">The Liahona</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">We all know that the Liahona worked “according to
the faith and diligence” of Lehi’s party (1 Ne. 16:28). But how did Lehi’s
party know if they were being faithful enough to rely upon the direction given
by the Liahona? In other words, because
of the nature of the Liahona, its pointers or spindles would have had to point
in <i>some<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV23sZLNqhWLulNr0JlChImid6UbPPh_-maMwBySmhM9fVQR_3G5opCUN9A5zvXvCtmz3UWe2rz9VbCCA9yNKgKHz6lax2Wnw5Ts2m0uCBfV3OTGfeOLy2GPJR2yk3ZoywLimMKSyJXKUr/s1600/Liahona2-1.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV23sZLNqhWLulNr0JlChImid6UbPPh_-maMwBySmhM9fVQR_3G5opCUN9A5zvXvCtmz3UWe2rz9VbCCA9yNKgKHz6lax2Wnw5Ts2m0uCBfV3OTGfeOLy2GPJR2yk3ZoywLimMKSyJXKUr/s1600/Liahona2-1.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>The Liahona</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</i> direction at all times, even
during those times of unrighteousness, so how did you know if it was working or
not? How did Nephi, for example, know
that the compass “did cease to work” (1 Ne. 18:12) when they were in the middle
of the ocean? In this setting, it would
have been impossible for Nephi to know whether or not the Liahona was pointing
in the right or wrong direction.
Furthermore, after Nephi was untied by his brothers, how did he know
that the spindles were pointing in the right direction again? </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And it came to pass
after they had loosed me, behold, I took the compass, and it did work whither I
desired it <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="21">(</a></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">1Nephi 18:</span><span class="verse"><span style="line-height: 115%;">21)</span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">In short, how did Lehi’s party know when to trust
the direction given by the Liahona, and when not to? </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">While we may not have all the answers to this
particular question, perhaps we have been given enough information to help us
make a good assumption. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">Two
Spindles</span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">The first thing we need to remember is that the
Liahona had not one, but two spindles.
Nephi stated:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">And within the ball
were two spindles; and the one pointed the way whither we should go into the
wilderness (1 Ne. 16:10).</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">If one spindle pointed the way, what was the purpose
of the second spindle? Robert L. Bunker
gave us this insight:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">“Since a single pointer always “points” in some direction,
the additional pointer was necessary to indicate whether or not the first
pointer could be relied upon.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span></span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">In other
words, if there was just one spindle, it would have been impossible to
determine if the Liahona was pointing in the right direction. But if there are two spindles, you would know
that the Liahona was pointing in the right direction only when both spindles were
lined up together and pointing in the same direction. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Bunker explained it this
way:</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">“This is how it would have worked: if an observer viewed the
pointers and saw only a single pointer, as seen in figure 1, then they were
both aligned in the same direction, one on top of the other, and the director
was providing correct information. Lehi’s party could then follow the indicated
direction with confidence that it was the Lord’s instruction. If, on the other hand, the two pointers were
cross-ways to each other</span><span class="st"><span style="line-height: 115%;">—</span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">forming an “x” as shown in figure 2</span><span class="st"><span style="line-height: 115%;">—</span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;">then the device was not functioning,
and the pointing information was not reliable.”<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title="">[2]</a></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYRKTJdR_nn1fM0gU17ZepXtzvI-fL_zTI-KsTOfZG6qCcGcPIw1Vff1pgU5LIRcmAhu-KD983OEdLhNHPtVPeafhr6_hta4HfPJmxku7PDi8XsxJke3RKeuQvshm0X-hJXtsKLsKhPzb/s1600/Liahona+2+Spindles.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYRKTJdR_nn1fM0gU17ZepXtzvI-fL_zTI-KsTOfZG6qCcGcPIw1Vff1pgU5LIRcmAhu-KD983OEdLhNHPtVPeafhr6_hta4HfPJmxku7PDi8XsxJke3RKeuQvshm0X-hJXtsKLsKhPzb/s1600/Liahona+2+Spindles.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">In fact, the Lord has said on
several occasions that “i</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">n the mouth of two or three witnesses
shall every word be established” (D&C 6:28), and it appears that the
Liahona was no exception. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>The Arrow-Prayers</b></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">One last insight into the Liahona comes to us from Dr. Hugh Nibley. He writes:</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 27.6px;">“</span><span style="font-size: large;">We have in the Book of Mormon a most interesting apparatus called the Liahona. Now the chances of finding a genuine Liahona are, to say the least, remote; but what if something just like it showed up in the hands of Lehi’s relatives? That should certainly come as a surprise, and even provoke some thought. The Liahona has given rise to endless merriment and mockery among critics of the Book of Mormon; only the [sixteen] shining stones of the Jaredites can equal it as a laugh-getter. Even the present writer, for all his curiosity about Book of Mormon oddities, has always passed it by in an abashed silence—it was like nothing he ever heard or read of—until the year 1959. For it was in that year that an Arabic scholar by the name of T. Fahd published the evidence that makes it possible for the first time to say something significant about the Liahona.”</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn3"><span style="font-size: large;">[3]</span></a></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-iqefqMLHvOl_ER004HYGPRzKGHw0BRjRS_1BY6vFl2jcZvEqV0BFTkdgm89-EPe3nbLyfE7e-YrIorkyCxMwtV9z1e-Cr8lt-EIlSJPIAs2lg7GExS0IqINRhAgWqg3dbQ2_Ev5or_W/s1600/Lehi+with+Liahona.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-iqefqMLHvOl_ER004HYGPRzKGHw0BRjRS_1BY6vFl2jcZvEqV0BFTkdgm89-EPe3nbLyfE7e-YrIorkyCxMwtV9z1e-Cr8lt-EIlSJPIAs2lg7GExS0IqINRhAgWqg3dbQ2_Ev5or_W/s1600/Lehi+with+Liahona.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Nibley introduces this evidence by first giving us a description of an ancient practice of receiving revelation known as Belomancy. As we shall see, Belomancy is very similar to the more commonly known form of receiving revelation anciently, casting lots.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn4">[4]</a> Here is how Nibley describes this ancient practice: </span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span style="font-size: large;">Belomancy is the practice of [receiving revelation] by shooting, tossing, shaking, or otherwise manipulating rods, darts, pointers, or other sticks, all originally derived from arrows. Over ten years ago the present writer made a fairly exhaustive study of ancient arrow-divination…[including] the ritual use of sticks and rods, especially in ancient Israel. Yet it was not until he saw Fahd’s study, the first full-length treatment of old Semitic arrow-divination, that it dawned upon him that these old practices might have some connection with the Liahona. For the most common use of divination arrows, and probably their original purpose, was, according to the forgotten evidence unearthed by the diligent Fahd, the direction of travelers in the desert.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn5">[5]</a></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">More about this connection with the Liahona in a moment, but first, a short description of these religious arrows according to Nibley: </span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span style="font-size: large;">Fahd begins by pointing out that the “arrows” used in divination, were devoid of heads and feathers, being mere shafts or pointers…. But why arrows? Because, as we have shown elsewhere, the shooting of arrows is a universal form of [receiving revelation]…for instance, the arrow-prayers of the Indian and Beduin…[were used] to entrust their lives and their fate to a power beyond their control. The consultation of the arrows by one about to marry was also an old Jewish custom; the parties concerned would throw rods into the air, [and would interpret] their message by the manner of their fall….<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn6">[6]</a> Other substitutes for shooting [arrows] were shaking or drawing [them] from a bag or quiver.</span><span style="font-size: large;">”</span><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn7">[7]</a></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span></span>
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The interesting aspect about the Liahona however, was that it not only used arrows for receiving revelation, but there were messages from the Lord written upon these very pointers from time to time. The Book of Mormon states:</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">And it
came to pass that I, Nephi, beheld the pointers which were in the ball…And
there was also written upon them [i.e., the pointers] a new writing, which was
plain to be read, which did give us understanding concerning the ways of the
Lord; and it was written and changed from time to time, according to the faith
and diligence which we gave unto it (1 Ne. 16:28-29).</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As it turns out, several of these ancient people would also write religious messages on the very arrows that they were using to receive revelation with. According to Nibley:</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">“W</span><span style="font-size: large;">henever divination arrows are described [anciently], they are invariably found to have writing on them… It is certain that men from the earliest times have sought guidance by consulting the pointings and the inscriptions [on the] headless and tailless arrows.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn8">[8]</a></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Nibley then proceeds to give a few examples of this
practice:</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span style="font-size: large;">[There] were arrows upon which the Arabs…wrote ‘Command’ and ‘Prohibition’; or upon some of which was written ‘my Lord hath commanded me’; and upon some, ‘My Lord hath forbidden me’…. The zalam [were arrows that] belonged to Kureysh…upon which were written ‘He hath commanded,’ and ‘He hath forbidden,’ and ‘Do thou’ and ‘Do thou not’…[and these arrows were] placed in [the holy shrine of Meccah]…and when a man desired to go on a journey, or to marry, he came to the minister, and said, ‘Take thou forth for me a [arrow]; and thereupon he would take it forth and look at it [in order to receive the message from God].’”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn9">[9]</a></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhbG9mKLPnSOI5d6_VeLHsKHV4RZu3X4IkTzXxhkd94RcxvJv5ulGP9vge3sFKvhAm08KM512VG9YPEduKNUO8gHx471ihO-JlwfD3Js0vv7-nHfN6W550oykxg_6Bg2nwfkoNzavwcLk/s1600/Liahona+Replica.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhbG9mKLPnSOI5d6_VeLHsKHV4RZu3X4IkTzXxhkd94RcxvJv5ulGP9vge3sFKvhAm08KM512VG9YPEduKNUO8gHx471ihO-JlwfD3Js0vv7-nHfN6W550oykxg_6Bg2nwfkoNzavwcLk/s1600/Liahona+Replica.jpg" width="254" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In addition, the Liahona, as we all know, was used mainly by Lehi’s party to receive revelation specifically for travel purposes, and as Nibley has already suggested, these ancient people often used these arrows in receiving inspiration and direction regarding their travels as well. Nibley writes:</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span style="font-size: large;">The inscriptions on the arrows themselves give top priority to travel: typical examples from the various systems are “Go slow!” “Speed Up!” “Water!” “Stay where you are!” “Get moving!” “You are in the clear,” etc.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn10">[10]</a></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Nibley then concludes as follows:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">“</span><span style="font-size: large;">It would be an obtuse reader indeed who needed one to spell out for him the resemblance between ancient arrow-divination and the Liahona: two “spindles or pointers” bearing written instructions provide superhuman guidance for travelers in the desert. What more could you want? But what is the relationship between them? On this the Book of Mormon is remarkably specific. Both Nephi and Alma go out of their way to insist that the Liahona did not work itself, i.e., was not a magic thing, but worked only by the power of God and only for appointed persons who had faith in that power.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn11">[11]</a></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Nibley asks again:</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">“W</span><span style="font-size: large;">as the Liahona, then, just old magic? No, it is precisely here that Nephi and Alma are most emphatic—unlike magic things, these pointers worked solely by the power of God, and then, too, for only those designated to use them.…</span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 27.6px;">“W</span><span style="font-size: large;">here, then, does one draw the line between the sacred and the profane? Religion becomes magic when the power by which things operate is transferred from God to the things themselves. As Fahd notes, the Arabs were extremely vague about the powers with which they dealt, as “primitive” people are everywhere. When men lack revelation they commonly come to think of power as residing in things. Did the staff of Moses make water come from the rock or cause the Red Sea to part? Of course not; yet in time the miraculous powers which were displayed through its agency came to be attributed by men to the staff itself.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn12">[12]</a></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In the words of LDS scholar Michael Ash, Hugh Nibley and T. Fahd “deserve our thanks for having called attention to this interesting and forgotten gadget in 1958; but how could Joseph Smith know about it in 1829?”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn13">[13]</a></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></div><div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Notes:</b></span><br />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<div id="ftn1">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;">
Bunker, <a href="https://ojs.lib.byu.edu/spc/index.php/JBMRS/article/viewFile/19720/18287" target="_blank">“The Design of the Liahona and the Purpose of the Second Spindle,”</a> <i>Journal of Book of Mormon Studies</i>, 3/2
(1994):1. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn2">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 27.6px;">Bunker, </span><a href="https://ojs.lib.byu.edu/spc/index.php/JBMRS/article/viewFile/19720/18287" style="line-height: 27.6px;" target="_blank">“The Design of the Liahona and the Purpose of the Second Spindle,”</a><span style="line-height: 27.6px;"> </span><i style="line-height: 27.6px;">Journal of Book of Mormon Studies</i><span style="line-height: 27.6px;">, 3/2 (1994):</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">6-7.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn3">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[3]</span></span></span></a> Nibley, <i>Since Cumorah</i>, p. 251.For more information regarding Fahd’s work,
including the references sited in Nibley’s <i>Since
</i>Cumorah, see, T. Fahd, “Une pratique cléromantique î la Ka'ba
préislamique,” <i>Semitica</i> 8 (1958): 61-73.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn4">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[4]</span></span></span></a> See for example Luke 1:9; Acts
1:26; Jonah 1:7; 1 Sam 14:22; 1 Ne. 3:11.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn5">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[5]</span></span></span></a> Nibley, <i>Since Cumorah</i>, p. 255-56.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn6">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[6]</span></span></span></a> Hugh W. Nibley, "The Arrow,
the Hunter, and the State,'' <i>WPQ</i> 2 (1949):329-30, 334, citing M. Gaster,
<i>Hasting's Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics</i> 4:810.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn7">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[7]</span></span></span></a> Nibley, <i>Since Cumorah</i>, p. 256- 257.
See also Hugh W. Nibley, “The Arrow, the Hunter, and the State,”’ <i>WPQ</i>
2 (1949):329-30, 334, citing M. Gaster, <i>Hasting's Encyclopedia of Religion
and Ethics</i> 4:810.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn8">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[8]</span></span></span></a> Nibley, <i>Since Cumorah</i>, p. 257-58.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn9">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[9]</span></span></span></a> Edward W. Lane, <i>Arabic-English
Lexicon</i> 2 vols. (London: Williams, 1867) 1:1247, s.v. <i>zalam</i>, as
quoted in Nibley, <i>Since Cumorah</i>, p.
256.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn10">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[10]</span></span></span></a> Nibley, <i>Since Cumorah</i>, p. 258-59.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn11">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[11]</span></span></span></a> Nibley, <i>Since Cumorah</i>, p. 259.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn12">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref12" name="_ftn12" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[12]</span></span></span></a> Nibley, <i>Since Cumorah</i>, p. 260-61.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn13">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref13" name="_ftn13" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[13]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;">
Ash, <a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705385265/Michael-R-Ash-What-was-the-Liahona.html?pg=all" target="_blank">“What was the Liahona?”</a> <i>Deseret News</i>,
July 26, 2010.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Brunson20http://www.blogger.com/profile/17312464214354872630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063509693788316188.post-52083983570806296882015-01-20T00:30:00.002-07:002020-10-14T14:23:33.970-06:00Roots and Branches<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">By </span><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/p/about-author_30.html" style="color: #4d469c; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;">Rick Brunson</a></span></b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 18.2px;"><br /></b></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 115%;">Around 400 </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 115%;">B.C</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 115%;">.,
the Lord told the prophet Malachi that Elijah would be sent in the latter-days
to “turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the
children to their fathers” (Mal. 4:6). We
Latter-day Saints are extremely familiar with this particular prophecy. We know all about the coming of Elijah to the
Prophet Joseph Smith in the Kirtland temple.
But there is a second part to this prophecy that we are less familiar
with. The scripture states that had the
Lord not sent Elijah, “the whole earth [would have been] smitten with a curse”
(D&C 110:15; Mal. 4:6). What curse was the Lord referring to? What exactly would have happened to the world
had Elijah not been sent?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Neither
Root Nor Branch<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">This curse is actually introduced a few verses earlier. In Malachi 4:1, we read: <o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">For, behold, the day
cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do
wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith
the </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">LORD</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">
of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch (Mal. 4:1).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Roots and Branches" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="192" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6L_k9cDsb-_K07Nvat8R-XuI7jLwBWdL6ppfYq61TcqxFMPKsfaCEcWwD2sQAouxIB6b0GEY327MDXzpSsxshPmhx7YXr2uPQryaEfIkcwxKuC3_rHEVbyrsnGTNruQZy3fJ44mpEcE5c/w235-h320/image.png" title="Roots and Branches" width="235" /></div><span style="font-size: large;">Here, the Lord states that not only will the wicked be burned at the second coming, but they will also be left with “neither root nor branch” (Mal. 4:1). While this punishment might sound strange at first, it is extremely descriptive once we learn that trees are often used throughout the scriptures to represent God’s children. And this particular prophecy is no exception. Elder Theodore M. Burton explained:<br /></span><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What is meant by the word root? Why, my roots are where I came from. My roots are my parents, my progenitors or ancestors in a direct bloodline…. What then is meant by the word branch? If I consider myself as the trunk of the tree, nourished and supported by my roots, then the branches constitute that which comes from me. My branches are my children and my grandchildren, etc</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">.</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span></span></a></p></blockquote>
<span style="font-size: large;">The full explanation of this curse will be discussed momentarily, but first, here are a few other occasions where the Lord has used a tree to represent man.</span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="205" data-original-width="246" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklUg9MfzPF23AiJYy8qWB5AXof1-WgaW-LCrdhWIBwZ34_PavOAO0gOTjJe-voABIOw5j99w2jshUKC1GBvTOmoq1jO-SQStJNyZ7Kawjww5k3aituCSZDhrQQDbblpE6B0x7AgTH2Oxm/" width="288" /></div><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Allegory of the Olive Tree<br /><o:p></o:p></span></span></b><p></p>
<span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps the first example that comes to mind is the allegory of the olive tree, as recorded in Jacob 5. In this example, “the house of Israel,” according to the text, was “liken[ed]…unto a tame olive tree” (Jacob 5:3). The branches of this tree, just like the Israelites, were constantly being scattered and gathered. Similarly, when the Israelites were wicked, the tree produced bitter fruit; and when righteous, the fruit was good and desirable.</span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Fruitless Fig Tree<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<span style="font-size: large;">A second example is found in the New Testament. During the last week of Christ’s mortal ministry, Jesus and his disciples had an encounter with a fig tree that bore no figs. In Days of the Living Christ, we get the following commentary on this fruitless fig tree:</span> <div><br /></div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-size: large;">Monday morning, Jesus gathered up his disciples and began the two-mile walk from Bethany to the temple. It was an early start. None of them had eaten breakfast. Apparently Jesus had intended to gather some of the early figs from a tree he had noticed the evening before. It was covered with rich foliage and should have provided and early-morning snack for all of them. But when they reached the tree, there was no fruit on it. Unlike most other trees, the fruit of the fig tree begins to develop before the foliage, so this tree was in full foliage, and should have been laden with figs. In many respects it was like the scribes and Pharisees, all foliage, no fruit. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">“Jesus was angry with this abnormal and dissolute tree, and said: “No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever” (Mark 11:14). It would not be until the following day that the apostles would realize what the words of the Savior had done to this tree…. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">“Early the next morning Jesus and his apostles commenced their two-mile journey back toward Jerusalem and the temple. This time they apparently partook of their breakfast before leaving. At least they did not depend on the fruitless fig tree. However, the apostles were astonished when they came to the tree. It had withered to the roots as though it had been struck by a blight. Peter spoke up and said: “Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away”’ (Mark 11:21)</span><span style="font-size: medium;">.</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;" title="">[2]</a></div></blockquote><p> </p><div>
<span style="font-size: large;">At first glance, one might assume that Jesus was upset with a mere fig tree for not providing breakfast one morning. But once we come to understand that the fig tree represented the nation of Israel as a whole, we soon realize that Jesus was upset with the Jews for not bearing good fruit. Here, again, we find a tree representing a people.</span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Tree of Life<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps the most powerful example of a tree representing one of <br />God’s children comes from Lehi’s vision of the Tree of Life. Here is what the angel, who acted as Nephi’s guide, had to say about the meaning of the tree:</span> <div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"> Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw? And I [Nephi] answered him, saying: Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things. And he spake unto me, saying: Yea, and the most joyous to the soul. (1 Ne. 11:21-23).</span></div></blockquote></blockquote><p> </p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxccS7sISRMYCUgNV7ailtpyJULo1I-aIuQ0U2h5TbjQUjDDuVfO682hzJ64JM-2JYr9k5IVsungiDKZSv5hR5lQFLMNHWlshCPdESLl9wAF6dryA0Jqc7HQF8F5zZ9LUG8To16KJDM9Ww/" width="320" /></div><span style="font-size: large;">Here we learn that the tree of life is the “love of God.” But what is the love of God exactly? The apostle John tells us:</span> </div><div><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).</span></div></blockquote><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">In other words, the love of God is Jesus. By deduction, we can say that the tree of life in Lehi’s vision represents the Savior. And as it turns out, there are many more hints in the Book of Mormon that clue us into this insight. For example, Lehi tells us that the fruit of this particular tree filled his soul with “exceedingly great joy” (1 Ne 8:12). Lehi’s description of this fruit is very similar to how Alma the younger described the atonement of Christ. After finding forgiveness for his sins, Alma said, “there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy” (Alma 36:21). Furthermore, Nephi tells us that this very fruit is “the greatest of all the gifts of God” (1 Ne. 15:36) and what greater gift has the Father given us than his Son? Another clue comes from the opening verses of 1 Nephi 11. Here the Spirit asked Nephi if he believed that his father saw a tree. After Nephi responded that he did, the angel said, “blessed art thou, Nephi, because thou believest in the Son” (1 Nephi 11:6), which implies that the tree and the Son are one and the same. In fact, Elder Jeffery R. Holland confirmed this association when he said:</span> </div><div><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">“The Tree of Life and its precious fruit are symbols of Christ and his redemption…. The life, mission, and atonement of Christ are the ultimate manifestations of the Tree of Life, the fruit of the gospel, the love of God.”</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftn3" title="">[3]</a></span></span></span></span></div></div></blockquote><div><div><br /><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">From all that we have discussed above, we can safely conclude that
Lehi’s tree of life represents Jesus, and the fruit of the tree represents Christ’s
atonement.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Trees
of Righteousness<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">In the first
chapter of the book of Psalms we read the following:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%; padding: 0in;">Blessed</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"> <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">is</span></i> the man that walketh not in the counsel of
the ungodly…his delight <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">is</span></i> in the law
[Torah] of the <span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; padding: 0in;">Lord</span>; and in his law
doth he meditate day and night.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><b><i>And
he shall be like a tree</i></b> planted by the rivers of water, that
bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither (Psalms
1:1-3; emphasis added).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<span style="font-size: large;">In other words, those who study the scriptures, according to the Psalmist, will become like a tree. With Lehi’s tree of life interpretation, we might say that those who study the scriptures will become like Christ. Similarly, Isaiah tells us that those who turn their lives over to Christ will be called “trees of righteousness” (Isa. 61:3). This idea also falls right in line with Alma’s recommended experiment as recorded in Alma 32. In this sermon, those who are willing to plant the word of God in their souls are promised by Alma that if they nourish it, this seed will eventually grow to “be a tree springing up unto everlasting life” (Alma 32:41). Those who reach this stage may “pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white” (Alma 32:41-42). In other words, those who follow the Savior may become like the Savior, the ultimate tree of life.</span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
Axe is Laid at the Root of the Tree<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="266" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizORGvAkezyucZWHeb-p7Fto8OIuC8-UJMRKMdc2bKXij42qcgDzgp4eNKlqeTa9RQQkD6O-1gyz3NWHPQxAvvbBPcqpMGj-I-_tEtLAsY6mbv4tfONHpaS8yc42jxEOiIuccz5hQOGXMX/w280-h320/image.png" width="280" /></div><br />As we have just learned, we are all trees in the sight of God, <br /><br />producing either good or bitter fruit, and “by their fruits ye shall know them” (Matt. 7:20). For the time being, the Lord is allowing those who are producing bitter fruit to continue their course. However, the Lord has said on several occasions that “the ax is laid at the root of the trees,” and the time will come when “every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit shall be hewn down and cast into the fire” (D&C 97:7; Matt. 3:10; Alma 5:52). <br /><br />This brings us back full circle to the curse found in Malachi. Here, the Lord says that at the second coming, the axe will fall upon the wicked, and when this occurs, the wicked will be left with “neither root nor branch” (Mal. 4:1). In other words, they will be severed from their ancestors (roots), their spouse, and their descendants (branches).</span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fig Leaves<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="224" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpjuaP2ykKHdPxbRDdJEvq6vACTyiaCXLZ2qDJ7QLev0j46xWusxhrDhKFY_DBjamDzn4lMyJVyM6UtRNAMQRRNPIpnTCuPwVtNXCs_k8kTuuhvQS1ZIQTkHbjG0XiVcE-c8yjoPs73Pv/w227-h320/image.png" width="227" /></div>It is interesting that when Adam and Eve partook of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, they immediately made aprons of fig leaves and adorned them. What is more interesting however, is the fact that Adam and Eve adorned these aprons right after they received the power to multiply and replenish the earth. This is significant because in many ancient cultures, as well as in the scriptures, the color green, figs, aprons, and loins, all represent fertility and reproduction.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftn4">[4]</a> It is a coincidence that Adam and Eve<br /> adorned these aprons as soon as they fell and became capable of having children? Hardly! These aprons represented their new power of procreation and thus, a step towards Godhood. In fact, you could say that by putting on these aprons, Adam and Eve were becoming trees themselves.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftn5">[5]</a> And as trees, they were taking the first step towards becoming like Christ, who is the tree of life. They were taking their place at the head of the human family and would soon have roots and branches of their own with their new found ability to reproduce and have children.</span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">But at the second coming, as we learn from Malachi, only those who
follow Christ get to keep these roots and branches in the next life. And to
take it one step farther, the Lord said a few verses later that had he not sent
Elijah to restore the sealing power</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">, “the whole earth [would
have been] smitten with a curse” (D&C 110:15; Mal. 4:6). In other words, had
Elijah not been sent, the sealing powers of the priesthood would not have been
restored to the earth, and no one, <i>not
even the righteous</i>, would have been exempt from this curse of being severed
from their roots and branches. No sealing power means no temple ordinances,
which also means no eternal families, for the righteous or wicked. Moroni phrased
it this way: had Elijah not come, <a name="39">“the whole earth [including the
righteous] would be utterly wasted at his coming” (Joseph Smith–History 1:39</a>).
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">N</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">ow that we better
understand the reasons behind Elijah’s appearance, we are able to retrace our
steps a bit and discuss the previous three appearances that also occurred at
the Kirtland temple in connection with Elijah’s appearance. We therefore start at the beginning. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Joseph
Smith and Oliver Cowdery Have a Vision<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="304" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguf3hj1dFRECZa_E4V_hu-QgJIzRZ8cR2ai2lqr5FXKOBPLCkZxd7C32IoLL5JCtOQy6RiTPmG8Ld4j6IzPBLcDuPt6WzzdiulhNHU5Sjk5-walJJ-KjQX_OVkCdhDwUcEnETpzLIjTXFZ/" width="320" /></div><br />On April 03, 1836, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery are praying in the Kirtland Temple, when suddenly, in their own words, “the veil was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our understanding were opened” (D&C 110:1). During this vision, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were visited by four resurrected beings, which concluded with Elijah’s appearance. <br /><br /><br />The first to appear to Joseph and Oliver, however, was the Lord, who came to accept the very house that was just dedicated to him days prior.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftn6">[6]</a> After the Lord, it would be Moses who would make an appearance. The record states:</span> </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">The heavens were again opened unto us; and Moses appeared before us, and committed unto us the keys of the gathering of Israel from the four parts of the earth, and the leading of the ten tribes from the land of the north (D&C 110:11).</span> </div><div>
<br /><span style="font-size: large;">It is easy to see why Moses was the one chosen to restore the keys of Israel’s gathering to Joseph and Oliver, for Moses held these keys during his mortal ministry when he gathered the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage. However, this is where things get a little more difficult to make sense of. We continue:</span>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">After this, Elias appeared, and committed the dispensation
of the gospel of Abraham, saying that in us and our seed all generations after
us should be blessed (D&C 110:12).</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<span style="font-size: large;">Two obstacles stand in our way of understating the purpose behind this third appearance of Elias:</span>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">The
identity of this Elias is somewhat unclear.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">There
is no mention of any keys being restored to Joseph and Oliver by this
individual. Instead, we are told that Elias
“committed the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham.” What exactly is the dispensation of the
gospel of Abraham, and why was it committed to Joseph Smith?<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Let us address each of these obstacles in order.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Who
was Elias?<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">There are several possibilities of who this Elias may
have been: <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: left;"></p><ol><li><span style="font-size: large;">Elias was the Greek form of the name Elijah. In other words, when Elias is referenced in the New Testament, it usually refers to Elijah because our New Testament was translated from the Greek. Could it have been Elijah who appeared to Joseph and Oliver here? While it is certainly possible, this seems unlikely because as we have already discussed, Elijah was the fourth and final prophet to appear to Joseph and Oliver in the Kirtland Temple.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">There is an individual whom the Lord referred to as Elias in D&C 27:6, whom Joseph Smith later identified as Noah.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftn7">[7]</a> Could it have been Noah who appeared to Joseph and Oliver here? This is certainly a possibility and believed by some.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Interestingly enough, there was also an ancient Israelite prophet named Elias. In the words of Elder Boyd K. Packer, “we know very little about him, but he existed.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftn8">[8]</a> In fact, Elder Packer also went on record stating that he believed this ancient prophet to be the very Elias who appeared to Joseph and Oliver at the Kirtland temple.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftn9">[9]</a> Certainly this is a real possibility as well. </span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Elias is also a title, meaning forerunner or restorer,<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftn10">[10]</a> which is why Jesus during his mortal ministry would sometimes refer to John the Baptist as Elias.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftn11">[11]</a> Could it have been John the Baptist who appeared at the Kirtland temple? After all, one cannot dismiss John the Baptist’s role in the restoration, and it certainly would not have been the first time John the Baptist appeared to Joseph and Oliver.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftn12">[12]</a> Furthermore, John the Baptist has already once filled this roll of Elias once by preparing the way for Christ’s mortal ministry.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftn13">[13]</a></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Or, since Elias is a title and could be applied to any number of prophets, perhaps this Elias was a prophet whom we have yet to consider?</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">In fact, since Elias could be applied to any number of individuals, there have been many (including Elder Bruce R. McConkie<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftn14">[14]</a>), who have wondered if perhaps this Elias was none other than Abraham himself, since, after all, it was the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham which was committed to Joseph and Oliver. </span></li></ol></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div>
<span style="font-size: large;">While we do not know for certain which prophet filled this role of Elias,<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftn15">[15]</a> these are the leading candidates. But more important than who appeared as Elias, is what this Elias restored, which was “the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham” (D&C 110:12). But what exactly is the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham?</span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
Dispensation of the Gospel of Abraham<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">"</span>[Elias did not restore] the gospel of Christ, for that had already been received, but [he restored] the gospel of Abraham, meaning the great commission which God gave Abraham in his day. That commission dealt with families, those of Abraham and his seed, who were and are promised continuance “in the world and out of the world…as innumerable as the stars.”</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftn16" title="">[16]</a></span></span></span></span></p></div></div></blockquote><div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<span style="font-size: large;"><div>In other words, the phrase the gospel of Abraham, could be rephrased as the gospel given to Abraham, or the Abrahamic covenant. And what is the Abrahamic covenant? – It is the promise that if we are righteous, we, along with our eternal companions, will have eternal posterity in the world to come. It is the promises associated with celestial marriage. Indeed, in the words of Elder McConkie, it was through Elias that “the marriage discipline of Abraham was restored.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftn17" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;" title="">[17]</a></div></span><span style="font-size: large;"><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>And since no keys were given to Joseph and Oliver by this Elias, it is likely that Elias was sent mainly to teach Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery about this Abraham covenant, including all the promises and covenants associated with it, in order that they might fully understand them. If this is true, the timing of this event is very interesting because Joseph Smith had just begun translating the Book of Abraham (which contain many of the promises associated with the Abrahamic covenant), just a few months before this event at Kirtland occurred. Was Joseph Smith given the Book of Abraham to prepare him for this experience at the hand of Elias?</span> </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: large;">In any event, after Elias it would be the prophet Elijah who would appear, whom we have already discussed.</span>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">The
Three-Fold Mission of the Church<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></p>
<span style="font-size: large;">When we take a step back, we can see that this whole vision at Kirtland was laid out in a very natural process:</span>
<br /><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: large;">With Moses we are gathered in through missionary work.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Once gathered, Elias is able to teach us about the promises given to Abraham, or the Abrahamic Covenant.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;">Finally, through Elijah we actually receive these ordinances, first for ourselves and then for our dead. </span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Interestingly enough, these three visits also coincide
with the threefold mission of the Church.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftn18" name="_ftnref18" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[18]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> For example:<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 41.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">1.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">Proclaim
the gospel (through the keys of the gathering restored by Moses).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 41.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">2.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">Perfect
the Saints (by teaching them about the promises made to Abraham and restored
through Elias).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 41.25pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">3.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">Redeem
the dead (through the sealing keys restored by Elijah).<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<div><span style="font-size: x-large;">Truly, these events at Kirtland played an extremely important role in the restoration.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Notes:</b><br clear="all" />
</span><hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<div id="ftn1">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Burton, <i>God’s Greatest Gift</i>, pp. 194-95.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn2">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Skousen, <i>Days of the Living Christ</i>,
2:595, 603.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn3">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Holland,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>Christ
and the New Covenant</i>, pp. 160-62.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn4">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
See for example, Gaskill, <i>The Lost
Language of Symbolism</i>, pp. 51-52, 62-64, 93-96, 342.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn5">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Gaskill, <i>The Lost Language of Symbolism</i>,
p. 342.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn6">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
D&C 110:7; D&C 109.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn7">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
D&C 27:7 identifies Elias as the angel who appeared to Zacharias. Luke 1:26 identifies this same angel as
Gabriel, whom Joseph Smith identified as Noah (see Smith, <i>Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith</i>, p. 147). We can therefore conclude that the Elias in
D&C 27:6-7 is the prophet Noah.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn8">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Packer, <i>The Things of the Soul</i>, p.
208.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn9">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Packer, <i>The Things of the Soul</i>, p.
211.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn10">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
<span class="reference-text"><span style="background: white;">McConkie,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="reference-text"><i><span style="background: white;">Millennial
Messiah: The Second Coming of the Son of Man</span></i><span style="background: white;">, p. 102–104</span></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn11">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">[11]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
JST Matt 17:10-14; See also Luke 1:17.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn12">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftnref12" name="_ftn12" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">[12]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
D&C 13.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
<div id="ftn13">
<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftnref13" name="_ftn13" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">[13]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Luke 1:17; JST Matt 17:10-14.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftnref14" name="_ftn14" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">[14]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><span class="reference-text"><span style="background: white;"> McConkie,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span><span class="reference-text"><i><span style="background: white;">Millennial
Messiah: The Second Coming of the Son of Man</span></i><span style="background: white;">, p. 102–104; McConkie, “This Final Glorious Gospel
Dispensation,” <i>Ensign</i>, April 1980,
located at: </span></span><a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/1980/04/this-final-glorious-gospel-dispensation?lang=eng"><span style="background: white;">https://www.lds.org/ensign/1980/04/this-final-glorious-gospel-dispensation?lang=eng</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
</div>
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<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftnref15" name="_ftn15" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">[15]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
President Joseph Fielding Smith acknowledged, “What prophet this Elias is that
was sent to restore these keys is not definitely known” (Church History and
Modern Revelation, 2:49).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftnref16" name="_ftn16" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">[16]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
<span class="reference-text"><span style="background: white;">McConkie,
“This Final Glorious Gospel Dispensation,” <i>Ensign</i>,
April 1980, located at: </span></span><a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/1980/04/this-final-glorious-gospel-dispensation?lang=eng"><span style="background: white;">https://www.lds.org/ensign/1980/04/this-final-glorious-gospel-dispensation?lang=eng</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoFootnoteText"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftnref17" name="_ftn17" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">[17]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
<span class="reference-text"><span style="background: white;">McConkie,
“This Final Glorious Gospel Dispensation,” <i>Ensign</i>,
April 1980, located at: </span></span><a href="https://www.lds.org/ensign/1980/04/this-final-glorious-gospel-dispensation?lang=eng"><span style="background: white;">https://www.lds.org/ensign/1980/04/this-final-glorious-gospel-dispensation?lang=eng</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox%20(Book%20Ease)/Rick%20(Dropbox)/LDS/Brunson20/Word%20Articles/Roots%20and%20Branches.docx#_ftnref18" name="_ftn18" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">[18]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;">Chase,
<i>New Testament Study Guide, pt. 1: The
Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ</i>, p. 230; Bair, <i>The Religious Educator</i>, 3:2:98.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
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</span></span></div></div>Brunson20http://www.blogger.com/profile/17312464214354872630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063509693788316188.post-70224781105710986512014-10-10T08:41:00.001-06:002020-08-16T14:02:55.089-06:00The War in Heaven<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">By </span><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/p/about-author_30.html" style="color: #4d469c; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;">Rick Brunson</a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">H<o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">ow was the war in heaven fought? This was a question that I had asked myself ever since I was a child and first learned about a war in heaven. Did we actually fight against Satan and his followers somehow? If so, wouldn’t this contradict logic? For example, Hugh Nibley once stated:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">God
does not fight Satan: a word from him and Satan is silenced and banished. There is no contest there.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/The%20War%20in%20Heaven.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br />If Satan and his followers could be banished at a word, why call it a war? A war seems to indicate that Satan was actually able to put up a fight. In the traditional sense, a war fought on earth is done by two armies colliding, with each side taking their share of lives until finally, one side emerges victorious. However, things were different in the pre-existence. Spirits could not be killed; we were not trying to kill them, and they were not trying to kill us. Furthermore, we had God on our side, which was not a fair fight, not even for Satan, who was eventually banished at God’s word. How then, if this battle was so one sided, was it even considered a war? And if it was a war in the traditional sense, how was it fought?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">In<o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> order to get answers to these questions, we must first determine how the war in heaven started. As we know, there were two who volunteered to be the Savior of mankind. According to the Book of Abraham, our Father in Heaven asked during the council of heaven:</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>The Council in Heaven</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">W<o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">hom shall I send? And one answered like unto the Son of Man: Here am I, send me. And another answered and said: Here am I, send me. And the Lord said: I will send the first. And the second was angry, and kept not his first estate; and, at that day, many followed after him (Abr. 3:27-28).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Once Christ was chosen by our Heavenly Father to be the Savior over Satan, Satan became angry. Furthermore, this scripture seems to indicate that Satan thereafter began recruiting others to join his side, convincing them that his way was better, for “at that day” according to Abraham’s record, “many followed after him.” <br /><br />What strategy did Satan use to convince the children of God that his plan was better and to join his rebellion? John the Revelator tells us:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">A<o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">nd there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels…. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven…the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night (Rev. 12:7-10).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">It<o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> is clear from this last statement that Satan’s strategy in his rebellion was to accuse the righteous followers of God of committing certain offenses. President Brigham Young stated:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As it has always been…when the sons of God assemble together, Satan will be on hand as an accuser of the brethren, to find fault with those who are trying to do good.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/The%20War%20in%20Heaven.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title="">[2]</a></span></span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/The%20War%20in%20Heaven.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><!--[endif]--></a></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">In fact, the very word Devil means “accuser.”</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/The%20War%20in%20Heaven.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title="">[3]</a></span></span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/The%20War%20in%20Heaven.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><!--[endif]--></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">What offenses was Satan accusing the righteous of committing? What offenses was Satan accusing our Heavenly Father of committing? Your guess is as good as mine, but it stands to reason that Satan’s strategy was to find fault with the plan that was accepted over his. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In other words, Satan would approach anyone who would listen, and talk to them. During their conversation, Satan would begin finding fault with our Heavenly Father and his plan of salvation, while also finding faulting with anyone who would even consider aligning themselves with such a foolish plan. “Don’t you understand the high risk invoiced with Father’s plan? Don’t you know that the vast majority of God’s children will not become exalted under Father’s plan? Perhaps God does not love you enough to ensure your exaltation.” These are just some of the many different accusations that could have been used by Satan to pull God’s children away from the Father’s plan of salvation. In fact, the scriptures even tell us what one of these accusations that came from Satan’s very mouth was: “I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it” (Moses 4:1), thus indicating that a better plan was to be had, as well as a better Redeemer than the one chosen by our Father in Heaven.<br /><br />And before long, Satan had gained quite the following, for according to Abraham, "many followed after him" (Abr. 3:28). However, no doubt “the noble and great ones” <span style="font-family: inherit;">also</span> referenced by Abraham, refused to see their brothers and sisters throw away their eternal salvation so easily. John the Revelator reveals what we did to counter Satan’s accusations:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">A<o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">nd they overcame him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony (Rev. 12:11).</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br />Thus, while Satan was making accusations about our Heavenly Father and his plan of salvation to anyone who would listen, we were right behind, bearing our testimonies about the truthfulness of this same plan, trying to pull them back over to the Lord’s side. <br /><br />In other words, Satan and his followers would accuse, and we would bear testimony in an attempt to save our brothers and sisters from perdition.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">With this setting in mind, we are finally able to understand how this war in heaven was fought. Speaking of the verses penned by John the Revelator (quoted above), President Gordon B. Hinckley stated:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Th<o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">e book of Revelation speaks briefly of what must have been a terrible conflict for the minds and loyalties of God’s children.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/The%20War%20in%20Heaven.docx#_ftn4">[4]</a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Thus, the war in heaven, according to President Hinckley, was simply a war over “the minds and loyalties of God’s children.” <br /><br />The weapon?<br /><br />That would depend on which side you were fighting for. The weapon used by us in this war was our testimony, while and Satan and his followers fought with accusations (see Rev. 12:10-11).<br /><br />The reason why the concept of a war in heaven could not be grasped in my youth, was simply because I assumed that once each of our brothers and sisters had a chance to choose a side, the war in heaven commenced. <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Satan in Cast out of Heaven</b></td></tr>
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<br /><br />Not so. <br /><br />The reality is that once each of our brothers and sisters had finally decided who to follow, the war in heaven was already over! The war was not us trying to get Satan and his followers cast out of heaven, but rather, as President Hinckley stated, was to determine who would ultimately win “the minds and loyalties of God’s children.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/The%20War%20in%20Heaven.docx#_ftn5">[5]</a> Under Michael’s leadership,<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/The%20War%20in%20Heaven.docx#_ftn6">[6]</a> we fought diligently to get as many people as possible on our side. Conversely, Satan<span style="font-family: inherit;"> a</span>nd those who<span style="font-family: inherit;"> were committed to his cause</span> fought hard to pull them to their side. <br /><br />Finally, after all of God’s children had a chance to choose a side, our Father in Heaven, according to the Book of Moses, “caused that [Satan] should be cast down” (Moses 4:3). Thus, with a word, Satan and his followers were banished without an ensuing fight.</span><br />
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<div><b style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Notes:</b></div><div><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/The%20War%20in%20Heaven.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Brother Nibley goes onto say: “in fact we are expressly told that all the power
which Satan enjoys here on earth is granted to him by God. ‘We will allow
Satan, our common enemy, to try man and to tempt him’” (Nibley, <i>Nibley on the Timely and Timeless</i>, p.
288).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/The%20War%20in%20Heaven.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;">
<i>Journal of Discourses</i>, 11:141. On a second occasion, Brigham Young also stated:
“Don’t imagine that I am in the least finding fault with the devil. I would not
bring a railing accusation against him for he is fulfilling his office and
calling manfully. He is more faithful in
his calling than are many of the people” (<i>Journal
of Discourses</i>, 9<span style="background: white;">:108).<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/The%20War%20in%20Heaven.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[3]</span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="line-height: 115%;">Welch,
<i>Legal cases in the Book of </i>Mormon, p.
134. </span></span>See the Dictionary.com definition of <i>Devil</i>,
under “Word Origin and History for Devil”, located at: <a href="http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/devil">http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/devil</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/The%20War%20in%20Heaven.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Hinckley, “War and Peace.”<i> Ensign</i>,
May 2003, p. 78.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/The%20War%20in%20Heaven.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Hinckley, “War and Peace.”<i> Ensign</i>, May
2003, p. 78.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/The%20War%20in%20Heaven.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
Revelation 12:7</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Brunson20http://www.blogger.com/profile/17312464214354872630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063509693788316188.post-61470579388842994102014-06-01T14:17:00.001-06:002020-08-16T14:03:05.007-06:00The Infinite Atonement<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 25px;">By </span><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/p/about-author_30.html" style="color: #4d469c; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;">Rick Brunson</a></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUtSsinVyUwEsGCyP2tA6RC-a4UNCevA0PPWkPPiLmmykdQ2OX4kLxnmMsdEOsC2jSKE30bdQu60Gl9iUDqcRIg4fz9q-XmVFJU6EAoEzyxVtPJaSKwIsigV5NfFpt2m5HTgT6heX6fXp/s1600/stars.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUtSsinVyUwEsGCyP2tA6RC-a4UNCevA0PPWkPPiLmmykdQ2OX4kLxnmMsdEOsC2jSKE30bdQu60Gl9iUDqcRIg4fz9q-XmVFJU6EAoEzyxVtPJaSKwIsigV5NfFpt2m5HTgT6heX6fXp/s1600/stars.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">We
know that our Heavenly Father has created an innumerable amount of worlds, for
as the Prophet Enoch said, “were it possible that man could number the
particles of the earth yea, millions of earths like this, it would not be a
beginning to the number of thy creations; and thy curtains are stretched out
still” (Moses 7:30). We also know that the inhabitants of each of these worlds
are “begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:24). The question that
this article addresses is this: Is Jesus Christ the Savior for each of these
worlds? Or did Christ’s atonement cover our world only (i.e., is there a
different Savior for each of our Heavenly Fathers earths)? </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Because
both sides of this argument are somewhat speculative, this article will simply
present the arguments for both sides and let the reader form his or her own hypothesis
if he or she feels so inclined.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRgnnWL6OJ9Kue-YbVfs6s9aG_LwuV-rhKsQ-A0N6Z_FlnNIxAhW9MNjb0Y-YlbH36YidLUtAF5YxCZAOp5uZUUbSxMxKYRUFFlLYgGK4DeDxets1f6obldHEQtjDb8lVE_0OvPaBNRXc/s1600/Gethsemane.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJRgnnWL6OJ9Kue-YbVfs6s9aG_LwuV-rhKsQ-A0N6Z_FlnNIxAhW9MNjb0Y-YlbH36YidLUtAF5YxCZAOp5uZUUbSxMxKYRUFFlLYgGK4DeDxets1f6obldHEQtjDb8lVE_0OvPaBNRXc/s1600/Gethsemane.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Nothing
Short of an Infinite Atonement</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">In
the Book of Mormon, the Prophet Amulek said that “there can be nothing which is
short of an infinite atonement which will suffice for the sins of the world”
(Alma 34:12). Commenting on this
scripture, Elder Bruce R. McConkie said:</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">When the prophets speak of an <i>infinite</i> atonement, they mean just that…the atonement of Christ,
being literally and truly infinite, applies to an infinite number of earths.</span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/Brunson20/The%20Infinite%20Atonement.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title="">[1]</a></span></span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/Brunson20/The%20Infinite%20Atonement.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><!--[endif]--></a></span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Before
we go any further, we must point out that this statement made by Elder McConkie
(that Christ atonement applies to an infinite number of earths) is in all
likelihood, his expressed opinion. We come to this conclusion because Elder
McConkie is not the only General Authority to have spoken out on this
subject. As we shall soon see, there
have been others who believed just the opposite</span><span style="background: white; color: #545454;">—</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">namely, that Christ’s atonement was
meant for our earth only. Ultimately, since the answer to this question has yet
been revealed by the Lord, we must assume that comments such as this (on both
sides of the issue) are somewhat speculative in nature, and should therefore be
considered opinions. With that said, let
us examine Elder McConkie's statement of Christ’s atonement applying to “an
infinite number of earths.” </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">There
are two schools of thought when it comes to this term <i>infinite</i>. The first definition would include all the earths that
have ever been, and ever will be created by <i>any</i>
celestial being. The second definition of the term <i>infinite</i>,<i> </i>would include only
the earths that our Heavenly Father has (and will) create. Because our Heavenly Father will continue to
be a creator of earths for all eternity, this second definition also falls
under the category of <i>infinite</i>
because it too includes worlds without end.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Having said this, I would suggest
that Elder McConkie was, in all likelihood, referencing this second
category. That is, I believe that Elder
McConkie was telling us that he believed that Christ’s atonement applies to the
endless earths that our Father in Heaven has, and will yet, create. Had Elder McConkie been referring to the
first category (i.e. had he meant that Christ’s atonement applies to all the
earths that have ever been created by <i>any</i>
celestial being), then this would mean that Christ would be the Savior of every
person who has ever reached Godhood before him, <i>which would include his very own Father</i>! This is highly unlikely considering that
Christ</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #545454;">—</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">the literal Son of our Heavenly Father</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #545454;">—</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> is a creation of our Heavenly
Father, and as LDS scholar Rodney Turner stated:</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[If Jesus were] his </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">own Father’s savior, as well as the savior of those fathers
who preceded him [he] would be superior to all of them, even as he is superior
to all of those he saves from this earth. Yet Jesus repeatedly declared himself
the instrument of his Father’s will and said: “my Father is greater than I”
(John 14:28).<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/Brunson20/The%20Infinite%20Atonement.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">For
this reason, we can only assume that Elder McConkie, when he said that the
atonement of Christ “applies to an infinite number of earths,” simply meant
that Christ’s atonement applies to the endless earths that our Father in Heaven
has and will create.</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">With
that said, let us hear from the other side of this debate. Rodney Turner argued
the opposite position:</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 7.5pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The
Atonement of Jesus Christ is described in the Book of Mormon as being “infinite
for all mankind” (2 Nephi 25:16; Alma 34:10, 12, 14). However, “all mankind”
probably refers only to the inhabitants of this earth.</span><a href="http://rsc.byu.edu/archived/pearl-great-price-revelations-god/6-doctrine-firstborn-and-only-begotten#_edn24"></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">The doctrine of
a plurality of other earths or worlds being inhabited by the human race is not
found in the Book of Mormon.)</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Nephi
quoted his brother Jacob as teaching, “our God . . . suffereth the pains of all
men . . . <i>who belong to the family of Adam</i>”<i> </i>(2 Nephi 9:20–21; emphasis added).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">That
which is infinite <i>by nature </i>need not be unlimited in scope.
Christ’s atonement was infinite in that it was an act of God, rather than an
act of finite man (2 Nephi 9:7; Alma 34:10; 42:15; D&C 20:17–18). While the
Atonement was unquestionably “infinite” or all-encompassing pertaining to
everything that fell in consequence of Adam’s transgression, it is doubtful if
its efficacy was literally boundless. Scripture indicates that the Fall and the
Atonement, like the two sides of a coin, are inextricably linked together and
co-extensive in their effects (1 Cor. 15:22; 2 Nephi 2:22–26). If so, Jesus’
atonement was not infinite in an absolute sense anymore than Adam’s fall was
infinite in an absolute sense…. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">The Atonement is always
defined in terms of Adam’s fall on this earth.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/Brunson20/The%20Infinite%20Atonement.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8QuZIjZYgIM3DUIv9MuAnJJxExt1ZsJx-tKaxWsngt3-HIWrPupR4fh330aKQ3IwfO1HyUyC2OEtXZx6yAZVgOOI6SE7qVbi0Yue2JmJ-8b9dQFvVINtkHglwvvUGGZ8ROMoZ-E8DCS2e/s1600/Earth.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8QuZIjZYgIM3DUIv9MuAnJJxExt1ZsJx-tKaxWsngt3-HIWrPupR4fh330aKQ3IwfO1HyUyC2OEtXZx6yAZVgOOI6SE7qVbi0Yue2JmJ-8b9dQFvVINtkHglwvvUGGZ8ROMoZ-E8DCS2e/s1600/Earth.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Why
our Earth?</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">There
are other aspects of this topic we need to consider as well. For example, if it
is true that Christ’s atonement covers each of our Heavenly Fathers earths, why
was our particular earth chosen to house the Redeemer, rather than any one of
the countless millions of earths that have already been, and will yet be,
created by our Father in Heaven? There
is one school of thought on this. The prophet Jacob said,</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Wherefore, as I said unto you, it must needs be expedient
that Christ…should come</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">among the Jews,</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> among those who are the more wicked part of the
world; and they shall crucify</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> him—for thus it behooveth our God, and there is none
other nation on earth that would crucify their God (2 Ne. 10:3).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">If
Jerusalem was the only place on earth wicked enough to crucify their God, could
it be possible that this earth was the only <i>earth</i>
wicked enough to crucify our God? After
all, Brigham Young said,</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I <o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">suppose that God never organized an earth and peopled it that was ever reduced to a lower state of darkness, sin and ignorance than this. I suppose this is one of the lowest kingdoms that ever the Lord Almighty created, and on that account is capable of becoming exalted to be one of the highest kingdoms that has ever had an exaltation in all the eternities.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/Brunson20/The%20Infinite%20Atonement.docx#_ftn4">[4]</a></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">This
idea seems to have originated from the book of Moses, where God said to Enoch:</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Wherefore, I can stretch forth mine hands and hold all
the creations</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> which I have made; and mine eye
can pierce them also, and <i>among all the
workmanship of mine hands</i> there has not been so great wickedness</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> as among thy brethren (Moses 7:36;
emphasis added).</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">What
exactly was God referring to when he said “all the workmanship of mine
hands”? Was he referring to all of his
creations in the entire universe? Along
with Brigham Young, President Joseph Fielding Smith also believed this to be
the case, for he said of this scripture:</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">This is a terrible arraignment against the inhabitants
of the earth. Perhaps this is the reason
Jesus Christ was sent here instead of to some other world, for in some other
world they would not have crucified Him, and His presence was needed here because
of the extreme wickedness of the inhabitants of this earth.</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/Brunson20/The%20Infinite%20Atonement.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">While
much of this is speculation, it does answer the question as to why this earth
would have been chosen to house the Redeemer (as opposed to another earth in
God’s universe), if Jesus is in fact the Savior for more than just our earth. However,
this scripture in Moses is not enough evidence alone to come to any sort of
conclusion either way on the infinite boundaries of Christ’s atonement. We
therefore turn to a few of the more popular scriptures that have been used in
this debate. We begin with the Apostle Paul, who said:</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">G</span></span><span style="font-size: large;">od, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds (Heb. 1:1-2)</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And
again, the Lord said to Moses:</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And worlds </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">without number have I created</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">; and I also created them for mine own purpose; and by
the Son I created</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> them, which is mine Only Begotten</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (Moses 1:33).</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Each of these two scriptures plainly state that “worlds” (plural) were created by the Son of God. Furthermore, that these worlds are referring to actual earths populated by God’s spirit children (and not simply referring to the uninhabited worlds in our solar system for example), is made clear in the Doctrine and Covenants, in which Joseph Smith stated:</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A<o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">nd now, 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. (D&C 76:22-24).</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">The argument here is that if Christ was the creator of more than one world, wouldn’t he be the redeemer of these worlds as well? While this logic makes sense, the counter argument is this: These scriptures do not name Jesus as the creator. Rather, these scriptures name “the Son,” and the “Only Begotten” as the creator of worlds. We must remember that these phrases (and similar phrases such as “The Firstborn”) are titles, and as titles, they may be applied to more than one individual at any given time. Although Christ fits each of these titles pertaining to our earth, who is to say that there are not others who are deserving of these same titles pertaining to other earths? For example, God said to Moses:</span><br />
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A<o:p></o:p></span></span><span style="font-size: large;">nd as one earth shall pass away, and the heavens thereof even so shall another come; and there is no end to my works, neither to my worlds (Moses 1:38).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;">What if, after each
created earth had come and gone, God started this process all over again? In other words, before each earth is created,
our Heavenly Father creates a host of spirit children to populate a particular
earth, and among these spirit children there is a Firstborn spirit who is given
the birthright and responsibility of redeeming that particular earth. Once this earth has been redeemed, our
Heavenly Father begins anew, with another round of spirit children and a new
Firstborn. If the Firstborn in each instance was also given the responsibility
of creating the earth for that particular round of creation, then we could
truly state that “</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">the worlds [plural]<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #2f393a;"> </span></span>are
and were created” by “the Only Begotten<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="color: #2f393a;"> </span></span>of the Father” (D&C 76:23-24).<span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Every Earth Has Its Redeemer</b><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps the best argument in this debate comes from a statement made by President Brigham Young, where he said:</span><br />
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Consequently every earth has its redeemer, and every earth has its
tempter.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: black; line-height: 115%;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/Brunson20/The%20Infinite%20Atonement.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" title="">[6]</a></span></span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/Brunson20/The%20Infinite%20Atonement.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" title=""><!--[endif]--></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">According to Brigham Young, every earth has “its redeemer.” But does this mean that every earth has a different redeemer? Or could Jesus be the redeemer of each of these earths through the atonement that he performed here on our earth? Turner answered this question best when he said:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5oa4nDu1h0Q6UQZEBqK3-hy6W_g5LDQIvOvviRL_kYh6zDM8zK_6ayduuvjXVupdUoJbF-sgdVBgfkaaeLdS4kEtb2Z-fkKSLwypqntSjM3lFo16WftbhU1YDtZlQCMWIK3wPEdkbq1r/s1600/Satan+Cast+Out.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ5oa4nDu1h0Q6UQZEBqK3-hy6W_g5LDQIvOvviRL_kYh6zDM8zK_6ayduuvjXVupdUoJbF-sgdVBgfkaaeLdS4kEtb2Z-fkKSLwypqntSjM3lFo16WftbhU1YDtZlQCMWIK3wPEdkbq1r/s1600/Satan+Cast+Out.jpg" /></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">It
might be argued that [Brigham Young’s] remarks only mean that every earth has
to be redeemed by <i>the </i>Savior. However, “its redeemer” is in
juxtaposition with “its tempter.” If there is but one Savior for all worlds, is
there but one devil for all worlds as well? A single, cosmic Satan is highly
unlikely…. [Satan]</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> is doomed to suffer the fulness of the
second death (D&C 29:28–30; 76:33, 44–48). Consequently, he will be unable
to fill the role of adversary in future worlds.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/Brunson20/The%20Infinite%20Atonement.docx#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" title="">[7]</a></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Because we know that there is a different tempter for each earth, can we assume that each earth has a different redeemer?<br /><br />It is admitted that much of this is speculation. However, regardless of which side one falls on in this debate, one thing is certain: Jesus Christ performed an infinite atonement which has the power to exalt all of us if we rely upon him.</span><br />
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<!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Notes:</b><br clear="all" />
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<!--[endif]-->
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<div id="ftn1">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/Brunson20/The%20Infinite%20Atonement.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> McConkie, <i>Mormon Doctrine, </i>p. 64-65.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div id="ftn2">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/Brunson20/The%20Infinite%20Atonement.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Turner,
<a href="http://rsc.byu.edu/archived/pearl-great-price-revelations-god/6-doctrine-firstborn-and-only-begotten" target="_blank">“The Doctrine of the Firstborn and Only Begotten,”</a> <i>The Pearl of Great Price: Revelations from God.</i>” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn3">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/Brunson20/The%20Infinite%20Atonement.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: large;">Turner, </span><a href="http://rsc.byu.edu/archived/pearl-great-price-revelations-god/6-doctrine-firstborn-and-only-begotten" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">“The Doctrine of the Firstborn and Only Begotten,”</a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">The Pearl of Great Price: Revelations from God.</i><span style="font-size: large;">” </span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn4">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/Brunson20/The%20Infinite%20Atonement.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <i>Journal of Discourses</i>, 10:175.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/Brunson20/The%20Infinite%20Atonement.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Smith, <i>The Signs of the Times</i>, p. 10.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div id="ftn6">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/Brunson20/The%20Infinite%20Atonement.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <i>Journal of Discourses. 14:71.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<div id="ftn7">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Dropbox/Brunson20/The%20Infinite%20Atonement.docx#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> </span><o:p></o:p><span style="font-size: large;">Turner, </span><a href="http://rsc.byu.edu/archived/pearl-great-price-revelations-god/6-doctrine-firstborn-and-only-begotten" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">“The Doctrine of the Firstborn and Only Begotten,”</a><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><i style="font-size: x-large;">The Pearl of Great Price: Revelations from God.</i><span style="font-size: large;">” </span></div>
</div>
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</div>
Brunson20http://www.blogger.com/profile/17312464214354872630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063509693788316188.post-8399064428006132902014-03-16T15:00:00.001-06:002020-08-16T14:03:13.175-06:00Understanding the Creation<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">By </span></strong><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/p/about-author_30.html" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #3778cd; font-size: large;"><strong>Rick Brunson</strong></span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">How do we as Latter-day Saints explain the existence of dinosaurs?</span><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">When we break it down, we are left scratching our heads.</span><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">For example, our scriptures teach that there was no death on the earth prior to the fall of Adam.</span><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">For example, Father Lehi stated:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span>
</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">And now, behold, 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 (2 Ne. 2:22).</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MooXFU36H2XhoC299-dt2KG0vsRxIW2anA-vCFBKaRJASGyCnTJnqZ4kIAWI8bpwz1kEOLv0IQnOyeuiI6wEUfEqY3JsZnXm_mc-OfRqzVcmo89YTfxNdVlouofqaXNPwzDG9QjuaFHt/s1600/dinosaur+fossil.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MooXFU36H2XhoC299-dt2KG0vsRxIW2anA-vCFBKaRJASGyCnTJnqZ4kIAWI8bpwz1kEOLv0IQnOyeuiI6wEUfEqY3JsZnXm_mc-OfRqzVcmo89YTfxNdVlouofqaXNPwzDG9QjuaFHt/s1600/dinosaur+fossil.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Yet science has demonstrated through the fossil record and carbon dating that millions of dinosaurs and other extinct species lived and died on this earth for well over one hundred million years before the fall of Adam ever occurred (approximately 6,000 years ago). Does that mean that these scientific methods of dating are unreliable or inaccurate?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Probably not. According to LDS Geologist Bart Kowalis:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-size: large;">In my profession I teach and study geology. I have specialized in the study of Earth’s architecture (structural geology) and in understanding the ages of rocks and minerals…. During the past few years, my research has focused on determining the ages of rocks and minerals. In 1983 I established a laboratory at Brigham Young University dedicated to [understanding the ages of rocks and minerals], and during the past decade I have used isotopic dating techniques numerous times, such as to obtain more precise ages for dinosaur bones found in Utah and Colorado…. In all of my studies, I have found no reason to doubt the reliability of the methods used. I believe that the ages obtained by these methods—often registering in millions or hundreds of millions of years—reflect events that happened on this world since its creation. The principles that govern isotopic decay and the use of this decay for determining ages are as well established, accepted, and understood as are the laws of motion and the law of gravity. These ideas cannot be dismissed as mere scientific nonsense, unless we are willing to throw out the whole of science itself.[1]</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">If these scientific methods of dating are in fact reliable, then the dinosaur remains we have uncovered today are indeed much older than just 6,000 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if there was no death before the fall of Adam, how did they get here?</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">A favorite response to this question by Latter-day Saints is that the Lord created our earth out of other worlds that were already in existence. Or in other words, according to Joseph Smith,</span></span></div>
<div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-left: 40.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This earth was organized or formed out of other planets which were broke up and remodeled and made into the one on which we live.[2]</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Because of this statement made by Joseph Smith, many Latter-day Saints have wondered if our dinosaur fossils actually originated from older earths, and were simply placed here during the creation process. However, a careful reading of Joseph Smith’s statement shows that older worlds were “broke[n] up and remodeled” before their materials ever made their way to our earth. If these older earth’s were indeed “broke[n] up and remodeled” as Joseph Smith taught, wouldn’t their dinosaur fossils be broken up and remodeled in the process? In addition to this problem, there is even further evidence that suggests our dinosaur fossils did not arrive on our earth via this process. In the words of LDS scientist Eric Skousen,</span></span><br />
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<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">From [Joseph Smith’s]
statement, some have suggested that the earth’s fossilized life forms are
remnants from these older planets and have nothing to do with anything that
ever lived on this earth, anciently or now.
However, this idea presents us with several problems. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">First of all, the crust
of the earth is ultra-thin. It is,
relative to the bulk of the earth itself, extremely fragile and carefully
constructed. If fossils from broken-up
planets are part of the crust, why are they on and within this thin surface
rather than somewhere deep within the body of the earth? Were these other-planet fossils <i>deliberately</i> placed on the surface [by
God]? For what purpose? How would this help us understand the work of
the Gods in preparing our earth for modern life? </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">In fact, this idea is
immediately rejected by anyone who has any significant first-hand acquaintance
with the rock record itself. Why? Because the rock record is so carefully
ordered. We might accept a jumble of
fossils scattered at random throughout the crust as coming from older
planets. But the facts of fossil placement
are just the opposite. There is a very carefully established sequence in the
earth’s strata. Would the family of the Gods <i>deliberately</i> put fossils from older planets in and on the earth in
a carefully ordered pattern just to baffle and mislead us concerning their
origin?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">That simply doesn’t
make any sense. As the Lord declared to
Job, among the many witnesses of his handiwork were “the foundations of the
earth” (Job 38:4). The prophet Alma, speaking to the anti-Christ, Korihor,
proclaimed, “All things denote there is a God; yea, <i>even the earth</i>, and all things that are upon the face of it” (Alma
30:44). And to Enoch the Lord declared
that “<i>all </i>things bear record of me,”
including things “on” and “in” and “under” the earth (Moses 6:63).</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Obviously, then, the
earth’s crust is not a deliberate or haphazard reassembly of planetary
remnants, but bears a clearly legible record of the handiwork of the Gods as
they prepared the newly-born earth so that it could ultimately sustain modern life.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">We ask again, if our scientific methods of dating
are accurate, and if there was no death before the fall, and if it is unlikely
that our dinosaur fossils came from older worlds, how do we explain the
existence of dinosaurs? </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">In a previous article entitled, <a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/08/the-three-creation-accounts.html">“The Three CreationAccounts,”</a> I presented the reader with another difficult question that I had
been asking myself for years, which was: Why are each of our three creation
accounts (Moses/Genesis, Abraham, and the endowment) so different from one
another? How different are they? For starters, </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">in the books of Moses and Abraham, light appears on day-1 of
the creation;<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Desktop/20/Creation%20&amp;%20Dinosaurs.docx" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">[3]</span></span></span></a>
however, in the endowment, light appears on day-3. And this is just one of the many differences
we find when we compare each account.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tTUaQfm4fWRh-3L651vIWNaDyRsONsj8IFTWV8JMYpfHS1UXI53ZPBPnW7gMmJ7jwsG2Cih9V0JjxSM7c8DQwIp5UUJu_DQzDDwgnv8K7jBGCr79stzoq_1wnIwquLLZ2sQyGNjul5w1/s1600/The+Earth.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tTUaQfm4fWRh-3L651vIWNaDyRsONsj8IFTWV8JMYpfHS1UXI53ZPBPnW7gMmJ7jwsG2Cih9V0JjxSM7c8DQwIp5UUJu_DQzDDwgnv8K7jBGCr79stzoq_1wnIwquLLZ2sQyGNjul5w1/s1600/The+Earth.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">I first noticed this discrepancy while on my mission in
Washington D.C. Trying to reconcile the differences in my mind, I came to
the following conclusion: the endowment was given to Joseph Smith by
revelation,<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Desktop/20/Creation%20&amp;%20Dinosaurs.docx" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">[4]</span></span></span></a> so
that must be the most correct, and most reliable account we have.
</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">This reasoning satisfied my thinking for about 15 minutes,
until I remembered that the Book of Moses and the Book of Abraham were also
given to Joseph Smith from the Lord by revelation. </span><br />
<div style="margin: 12pt 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">It
goes without saying that if all three accounts were given by revelation, then
each account is true accurate and true. But how? Did light appear on day-1 (Moses), or on day-3
(endowment)? Was plant life placed on
the earth on day-3 (Moses) or on day-4 (endowment)? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">These were the questions I began asking myself. Determined to find answers, I starting asking
the smartest people I knew. I first asked my bishop<span style="color: #444444;">—</span>a man who had previously been able to
successfully answer all of my other gospel questions (many of which were also
extremely difficult)<span style="color: #444444;">—</span>but unfortunately, he
did not know. I then asked my mission president<span style="color: #444444;">,
</span>a man well versed in all aspects of gospel doctrine, but he did not
know. I then asked a General Authority<span style="color: #444444;">—</span>one
of the Seventy who spoke to our mission during my stay in Washington D.C.<span style="color: #444444;">—</span>and he did not know. I even made an
appointment with the temple president of the Washington D.C. temple, but
unfortunately he did not know the answer either. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">I then realized that if I was ever going to find answers to
this difficult question, I would have to find them myself. The day I got
home from my mission I started studying. I bought many books and studied
many articles written by the most learned LDS scholars and General Authorities
we have had in the church<span style="color: #444444;">—</span>all in an attempt
to find an answer to my difficult question. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 6pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Finally it happened. Not only did I find a book that
touched upon this very topic, but I found that the explanation given was more
than just satisfactory. In fact, it was extremely convincing and made
perfect sense. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span>
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">As I read
further into this book, I was pleased to find that it also answered many
additional questions that I had had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One
of which, was how to explain the existence of dinosaurs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as I found, these two questions were very
closely related. To answer one is to answer the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">The book
that I am referring to<span style="font-family: inherit;"> is, </span></span><i style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Earth in the
Beginning</span></i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">, by</span> Dr. Eric Skousen.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">In
this book, Dr. Skousen, an LDS scientist, demonstrates through the scriptures
(and backs it up with science), that the earth’s creation process was divided
into three separate phases.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"> </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGamW117ipwTndNmgEoyDiyiaYgzm4AXdhpjs_rH3toeYLWf6KAipairog_RaWgMWkOnTiBSN_tdGxL02LBhWrHs4rqcZh3V49wEo-tBi94IAm_ema64pZHu_SgDd9po_MX6uHON2OonYn/s1600/Earth+in+the+Beginning.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGamW117ipwTndNmgEoyDiyiaYgzm4AXdhpjs_rH3toeYLWf6KAipairog_RaWgMWkOnTiBSN_tdGxL02LBhWrHs4rqcZh3V49wEo-tBi94IAm_ema64pZHu_SgDd9po_MX6uHON2OonYn/s1600/Earth+in+the+Beginning.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Earth in the Beginning<br />By Dr. Eric Skousen</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">For the
most part, according to <i>Earth in the </i>Beginning,
our three creation accounts </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">(Moses/Genesis, Abraham, and the
endowment) each </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">fall
into one of these three creation phases. In short, Moses chapter 2 describes
the first phase of creation, which was the earth’s spirit creation. The book of
Abraham picks up where this spirit creation left off and describes the second
phase of creation, which was the earth’s physical creation. Finally, the
endowment, as well as Moses chapter 3, describe the third and final phase of
creation, including the finishing touches of the earth’s physical creation and
the placing of life on the earth. In other words, the three creation accounts
we have are different because they are describing different phases of the
earth’s creation.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Desktop/20/Creation%20&amp;%20Dinosaurs.docx" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">[5]</span></span></a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">For those
who are interested in the full explanation and references for these three
creation phases, I will refer you to the book itself. However, here is a brief overview of Dr. Skousen’s
findings:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">That Moses
chapter 2 is describing the earth’s spirit creation was made clear by the Lord,
who said:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">I, the Lord God created all things, of which I have spoken [see
Moses chapter 2], spiritually, before they were naturally [or physically
created] upon the face of the earth (Moses 3:5).</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">What about the physical creation? Where is that
recorded? The physical phase of the creation is recorded in the book of
Abraham. What is interesting about the Abraham account is that it never mentions
plants or animal life as actually being placed on the earth. As we shall see,
these forms of life will be placed on the earth in the third phase of creation.
Instead, the Abraham account states that the earth was simply <i>prepared to receive</i> the various life
forms we find today.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Desktop/20/Creation%20&amp;%20Dinosaurs.docx" name="_ftnref6" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">[6]</span></span></span></a> For example, on day three of the Abraham
account, it states:</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">And
the Gods said: Let us <b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">prepare the earth</i></b> <b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">to
bring forth</i></b> grass…. And the Gods organized the earth <b><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">to
bring forth</i></b> grass (Abr. 4:11-12; emphasis added).</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Notice that the earth does not receive grass during day
three of the Abraham account. Rather, the earth is prepared to bring forth
grass at a later date. This later date will occur in the third phase of
creation, which is given to us in the endowment and in Moses chapter 3. And
this trend is the same for all forms of animal life as well:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">And the Gods said: Let
us <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">prepare
the waters</i></b> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">to bring forth</i></b> abundantly the moving creatures that have life….
And the Gods prepared the waters that they might bring forth great whales, and
every living creature that moveth (Abr. 4:20; emphasis added).</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">And the Gods <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">organized the earth to bring forth</i></b>
the beasts after their kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that
creepeth upon the earth after its kind (Abr. 4:25</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">; emphasis
added).</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">And so it goes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>During this second phase of creation, the earth never actually receives
the plant and animal life forms currently found on this earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather, it is prepared to bring them forth at
a later date. The Abraham account is always future tense.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">In the third phase of creation, however, the earth
actually receives these various life forms. The matter unorganized, or in other
words, the physical earth that is still unprepared to sustain life, is finally organized
to sustain all life forms that we see on the earth today. Once this
organization has occurred, plants, animals, and mankind (Adam and Eve) are
placed upon the earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is where Moses
chapter 3 picks up and where we learn about Adam and Eve.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">So
how does all of this relate to dinosaurs?</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLyfNl7Aki6U0LoomDCZE77FWVXeMv4U8VSRxC6ss_strFvx5QLL2dfC4KbRYeFMlD71Kipqg2ohOvi2MpP3kRTuXdaF0rcc9LNC2-IOO0ODKApif5UJv-wS50IlknuUfFBoSkoyCu784/s1600/Jurrassic+Park.png" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLyfNl7Aki6U0LoomDCZE77FWVXeMv4U8VSRxC6ss_strFvx5QLL2dfC4KbRYeFMlD71Kipqg2ohOvi2MpP3kRTuXdaF0rcc9LNC2-IOO0ODKApif5UJv-wS50IlknuUfFBoSkoyCu784/s1600/Jurrassic+Park.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>T-Rex as portrayed in Jurassic Park (1993)</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">The questions regarding dinosaurs are all answered
by understanding the scientific details of phase two of the creation process
(or the book of Abraham account). According to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Earth in the Beginning</i>, dinosaurs and other extinct life forms
lived and died for millions and millions of years during phase two of the
creation process. Remember, we do not know how long each “day” of creation
lasted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>President Brigham Young stated
that the term day, as it appears in the context of the creation accounts, “is a
mere term, [and] it matters not whether it took six days, six months, six
years, or six thousand years. The creation occupied certain periods of time. We
are not authorized to say what the duration of these days was.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Desktop/20/Creation%20&amp;%20Dinosaurs.docx" name="_ftnref7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">[7]</span></span></span></a> Furthermore,
Dr. Skousen asks,</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">[Doesn’t] a lengthy
preparation of the physical earth for modern life [i.e. millions and millions
of years] seem truly unnecessary? Why not have the earth born ready-made to
support modern life? The answer to this question is probably the same as the
question: Why not have each human being come into the world fully formed as an
adult? To answer one is to answer the other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are purposes, not all revealed nor understood, for the gradual
development and maturation of a planet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These explanations are undoubtedly as complex as the incompletely
understood purposes for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">our</i> gradual
development, learning and experiences as offspring of God.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Desktop/20/Creation%20&amp;%20Dinosaurs.docx" name="_ftnref8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">[8]</span></span></span></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Therefore, it is quite possible that dinosaurs did
in fact live and die for millions and millions of years during this second
phase of creation. And their remains were instrumental in preparing the earth to,
one day, sustain the many life forms that we find today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of this process, Dr. Skousen stated,</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">The dinosaurs, along with
many other extinct life forms, were members of the earth’s preparatory
ecological system…. These organisms chemically enhanced the atmosphere and
oceans, laid down the fuel and mineral deposits, and did much more to develop
the crust of the earth into what it is today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">During this [second]
creation [phase], the first parents of different preparatory life forms
[including dinosaurs], were transplanted to the earth as needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At times they were removed or allowed to die
out, sometimes in great numbers and in a very short time interval.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Desktop/20/Creation%20&amp;%20Dinosaurs.docx" name="_ftnref9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">[9]</span></span></span></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">These life forms
were instrumental in preparing the newly-born physical earth to sustain the
life forms we find today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to
the popular LDS website FAIR,</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">There is overwhelming archaeological evidence of death having occurred on
the earth for many millions of years. For example, oil deposits are formed from
the decomposed remains of ancient plants and animals.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Desktop/20/Creation%20&amp;%20Dinosaurs.docx" name="_ftnref10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span lang="EN" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">[10]</span></span></span></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">These oil deposits, for example, are a direct result
of this second creation phase. This means that the earth, during the second
creation phase, was able to sustain <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">some
forms</i> of life, such as dinosaurs and other extinct species that we have
discovered, just none of the life forms that currently live on the earth today.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">So does this mean that there was in fact death on
the earth prior to the fall?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us
return to Lehi’s statement and see if the above explanation from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Earth in the </i>Beginning contradicts this
particular scripture:</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">And now, behold, 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 (2 Ne. 2:22).</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Notice that Lehi does not say that there was no
death on the earth prior to the Garden of Eden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What he said was that by the time Adam and Eve arrived in the Garden of
Eden, there was no death on the earth; and unless Adam transgressed, “all
things which were created [or brought to the earth during the third and final phase
of creation] must have remained in the same state in which they were after they
were created” (2 Ne. 2:22).</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8t8GDLfJVj1Xh-YwJaJbSmSGUWsbHsbsstUVqKFK171ZelhAGTlYNXf3i4DcQf4gAbK0eQdRbCvhjnmQxHZdUTcOlvOATEyLlzehN_o8yD_OAT_G34H3AXBZsW0ZPICsoSx3siDyiqhx/s1600/Adam+and+Eve.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8t8GDLfJVj1Xh-YwJaJbSmSGUWsbHsbsstUVqKFK171ZelhAGTlYNXf3i4DcQf4gAbK0eQdRbCvhjnmQxHZdUTcOlvOATEyLlzehN_o8yD_OAT_G34H3AXBZsW0ZPICsoSx3siDyiqhx/s1600/Adam+and+Eve.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">So is it really possible that death existed on our
earth sometime before the Garden of Eden was created for Adam and Eve?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elder James E. Talmage believed so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to him, our earth was home to many
“plants and animals…[that] lived and died, age after age, while the earth was
yet unfit for human habitation.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Desktop/20/Creation%20&amp;%20Dinosaurs.docx" name="_ftnref11" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn11;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">[11]</span></span></span></a> After
all, the concept of no death before the fall is not an official doctrine of the
Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, Elder James E.
Talmage stated,</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">That there was no death
upon the earth prior to Adam’s fall is likewise declared to be no doctrine of
the Church.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Desktop/20/Creation%20&amp;%20Dinosaurs.docx" name="_ftnref12" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn12;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">[12]</span></span></span></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The key to
reconciling this death found on the earth with our understanding of the Garden
of Eden is Abraham chapter 5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After the
Lord finished the second phase of creation (after the dinosaurs and other
extinct creatures had lived and died for millions and millions of years), Abraham
tells us that the Lord “sanctified” the earth (Abr. 5:3). Once this occurred
and the earth was sanctified, it was then elevated to a state where there was
no more death. </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">Dr. Skousen stated,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">During the seventh [day
in the Abraham account], and before the earth was sanctified, the last living
remnants of these preparatory organisms [including dinosaurs] were removed from
the earth. However, the dead, processed and fossilized remains were not removed
since this would have robbed the earth of her crustal wealth and defeated the
very purpose for which the preparatory life had lived and died.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Desktop/20/Creation%20&amp;%20Dinosaurs.docx" name="_ftnref13" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn13;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">[13]</span></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Once the earth
was sanctified on day seven of the Abraham account, the third and final phase the
creation process began (reference endowment), and all the various forms of
plant and animal life that we find here on earth today were placed upon the
sanctified earth. This was the state Adam found them when he arrived in the
Garden of Eden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And had Adam not
partaken of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, each of these
various life forms would have “</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">remained in the same state</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">” that they were in when they were
originally placed in the Garden of Eden by the Lord (</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">2
Ne. 2:22).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">To purchase a copy of Dr. Eric Skousen's <i>Earth in the Beginning </i>from Amazon.com, click on the following link:</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0934364966/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0934364966&linkCode=as2&tag=brunson20com-20"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0934364966&Format=_SL110_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=brunson20com-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=brunson20com-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0934364966" style="border: none; margin: 0px;" width="1" />
</span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="mso-element: footnote-list;"><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><i style="line-height: 25px;"><br /></i></span></b>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Notes:</b></span></span><br />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Desktop/20/Creation%20&amp;%20Dinosaurs.docx" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">[1]</span></span></span></a> Kowalis, <a href="http://magazine.byu.edu/?a=5&act=view" target="_blank">“Things of the Earth,”</a> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Brigham Young Magazine</i>, (Winter
2000-2001),<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>p. 38.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Desktop/20/Creation%20&amp;%20Dinosaurs.docx" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">[2]</span></span></span></a> Words of Joseph Smith, p. 60</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Desktop/20/Creation%20&amp;%20Dinosaurs.docx" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">[3]</span></span></span></a> Moses
2:3-5; Abr. 4:3-5.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Desktop/20/Creation%20&amp;%20Dinosaurs.docx" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">[4]</span></span></span></a> Elder Franklin D. Richards of
the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said, “A Masonic Lodge...was established in
Nauvoo and Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, Willard Richards, John Taylor, Lorenzo
Snow, Orson Hyde, F.D. Richards, and about 1000 others in all became
Masons. Joseph, the Prophet, was aware that there were some things about
Masonry which had come down from the beginning and he desired to know what they
were, hence the lodge. The Masons admitted some keys of knowledge
appertaining to Masonry were lost. Joseph enquired of the Lord concerning
the matter and He revealed to the Prophet true Masonry, as we have it in our
temples” (Larson, <i>A Ministry of Meetings: The Apostolic Diaries of Rudger
Clawson, </i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">p. 42).</span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Desktop/20/Creation%20&amp;%20Dinosaurs.docx" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">[5]</span></span></span></a> Note that these
three phases are each divided into seven days, or more accurately, seven
unknown periods of time. (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Journal of Discourses</i>, p. 231).</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn6" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Desktop/20/Creation%20&amp;%20Dinosaurs.docx" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">[6]</span></span></span></a> “[Abraham] reports that the
physical earth was <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">prepared</i> to
receive and sustain modern life forms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But he doesn’t tell us specifically <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">how
</i>it was done” (Skousen, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Earth in the
Beginning</i>, p. 92).</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn7" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Desktop/20/Creation%20&amp;%20Dinosaurs.docx" name="_ftn7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">[7]</span></span></span></a> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Journal
of Discourses</i>,
p. 231.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn8" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Desktop/20/Creation%20&amp;%20Dinosaurs.docx" name="_ftn8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">[8]</span></span></span></a> Skousen, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Earth in the Beginning, </i>p. 92.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn9" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Desktop/20/Creation%20&amp;%20Dinosaurs.docx" name="_ftn9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">[9]</span></span></span></a> Skousen, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Earth in the Beginning, </i>p. 313.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn10" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Desktop/20/Creation%20&amp;%20Dinosaurs.docx" name="_ftn10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">[10]</span></span></span></a> <a href="http://en.fairmormon.org/Mormonism_and_science/Death_before_the_Fall" target="_blank">“Mormonism and science/Deathbefore the Fall,”</a> Fair Mormon Answers, (03/18/2014).</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn11" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Desktop/20/Creation%20&amp;%20Dinosaurs.docx" name="_ftn11" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn11;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">[11]</span></span></span></a> Talmage, “The Earth and Man,”
address delivered in the Salt Lake Tabernacle Sunday, Aug. 9, 1931, and printed
in the <i>Deseret News</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">,<i> </i></span>Nov.
21, 1931.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn12" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Desktop/20/Creation%20&amp;%20Dinosaurs.docx" name="_ftn12" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn12;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">[12]</span></span></span></a> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">James E. Talmage Journals</i>, Vol. 29, p. 42 (April 7, 1931).</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn13" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Rick%20Brunson/Desktop/20/Creation%20&amp;%20Dinosaurs.docx" name="_ftn13" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn13;" title=""><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">[13]</span></span></span></a> Skousen, <i>Earth in the Beginning, </i>p. 313.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Brunson20http://www.blogger.com/profile/17312464214354872630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063509693788316188.post-7822409547667672022014-01-15T10:46:00.000-07:002020-04-22T16:03:56.607-06:00Abraham, Isaac & Rebekah<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>By <a href="http://www.brunson20.com/p/about-author_30.html">Rick Brunson</a> </b></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This article is no longer available. However, its contents can be found in my new book entitled, <i>Christ as Bridegroom. </i>To read more about this book, or to purchase a copy, please click on the image below.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2020/04/christ-as-bridegroom.html"><img alt=" Christ as Bridegroom" border="0" data-original-height="1126" data-original-width="848" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8gD14Rl4ccxfS5hiGUXnyA5767WTsOkKgpw6Ubh20Jfo7gVHmziHEJRq7lng510pc06pVFypa-73MuhZOn2rQZLItpI2zVjxqVu00rdBj_uDsUojW-FyffXJ9qEn61oAyE_pyS_vqtFNv/s320/paperbackbookstanding_848x1126.png" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2020/04/christ-as-bridegroom.html">Christ as Bridegroom</a></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">By Rick Brunson</span></div>
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Brunson20http://www.blogger.com/profile/17312464214354872630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063509693788316188.post-4636841538822284842013-12-17T17:01:00.001-07:002020-08-16T14:03:33.014-06:00Captain Moroni's Fortified Cities<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">By <a href="http://www.brunson20.com/p/about-author_30.html">Rick
Brunson</a></span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The prophet Mormon stated:</span><br />
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxaVYrWqXJRirZ7JxW-rju2JBOvuZZZyijQYibrhwgfPYhvI12teaP7NNpDQhR33LqZksEy5JsS1fpLbVDL2lrNMmRdl8ghjKojTivfy1GU87nhByaK-LGba3l-9OIlWntKHV32j4NII_/s1600/Title-of-Liberty1.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Captain Moroni Title of Liberty" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxaVYrWqXJRirZ7JxW-rju2JBOvuZZZyijQYibrhwgfPYhvI12teaP7NNpDQhR33LqZksEy5JsS1fpLbVDL2lrNMmRdl8ghjKojTivfy1GU87nhByaK-LGba3l-9OIlWntKHV32j4NII_/s1600/Title-of-Liberty1.jpg" title="Captain-Moroni" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Captain Moroni</span></b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 115%; margin-left: 0.5in;">
If all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men (Alma 48:17).<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The purpose
of this article is to take a closer look at this Captain Moroni<span class="st1"><span face="" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">—</span></span>particularly his
fortified cities<span class="st1"><span face="" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">—</span></span>in
hopes that we may better understand this impressive individual. Before we
examine Moroni’s fortified cities, however, it may first be helpful to give
some context as to exactly where in Mesoamerica Captain Moroni’s battles with
the Lamanites were fought.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">(Note: For a complete list of references as to why the events in the Book of Mormon took place in Mesoamerica, read our article on <a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2013/09/book-of-mormon-geography.html">Book of Mormon geography</a>.) </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The Narrow Strip of Wilderness</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Book of
Mormon teaches us that there was a “narrow strip of wilderness” that ran from
coast to coast and acted as a natural dividing line between the land of the
Nephites (Zarahemla), and the Lamanites (land of Nephi). For example, Mormon
stated in the book of Alma:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">[The land of the Lamanites] was divided
from the land of Zarahemla by a narrow strip of wilderness, which ran from the
sea east even to the sea west, and round about on the borders of the
seashore…running from the east towards the west<span class="MsoSubtleEmphasis">—</span>and
thus were the Lamanites and the Nephites divided (Alma 22:27).<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">But what
exactly was a “narrow strip of wilderness”? LDS scholar Joseph Allen gives us
this insight:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We solve a problem in Book of
Mormon geography in the New World when we designate the term “wilderness” as
“mountainous region” instead of “desert.” Therefore, when Mormon refers to a
narrow strip of wilderness, he is talking about a narrow mountain range. We
know this because the land of Nephi was literally <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">up </i>in elevation from the land of Zarahemla and because the
headwaters of the river Sidon were <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">on </i>the
borders of Nephi and Zarahemla. In other words, all references regarding the
dividing line of Nephi and Zarahemla have to do with rugged mountains and not
with sandy deserts.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span></span></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Why is this
important? Allen continues,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Without question, the most reliable
and significant geological statement regarding Book of Mormon geography is a
narrow mountain range that runs from the east to the west and touches two
oceans.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Book of Mormon says that the
Lamanites were divided on their north from the Nephite land of Zarahemla “by a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">narrow<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>strip of wilderness, which ran from the sea east even to the sea west</i>”
(Alma 22:27; emphasis added)…. The only place in the New World
where a narrow mountain range runs in an east-west direction and touches two
oceans<span class="st1">—both Book of Mormon requirements—is the Cuchumatanes
Mountains.</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[3]</span></span></span></span></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""></a><br /></span>
<br />
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<span color="" style="color: windowtext; font-size: x-small;">Figure </span><span color="" style="color: windowtext; font-size: x-small;"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">1</span></span><span color="" style="color: windowtext; font-size: x-small;">- The Cuchumatanes Mountains, or "narrow strip of
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="st1" style="font-size: large;">We can therefore say with relative certainty
that the Cuchumatanes Mountains in Mesoamerica was the “narrow strip of
wilderness” spoken of in the Book of Mormon. The Cuchumatanes Mountains, or
“narrow strip of wilderness,” is colored brown in figure 1.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[4]</span></span></span></span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="st1" style="font-size: large;">This means that the Lamanites inhabited the
lands just south of this mountain range, and the Nephites inhabited the lands
just north of it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="st1" style="font-size: large;">As we can see in the below photograph, this
mountain range is quit impressive:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzJh-A6_Tfh1URoafWxTYMsq3JYxDrftSjz88CcSCgJ4pY0aIclulJnqqdpm96SblNMb8FBTxT-KMMs7pzhUOoN28Gm03VteaaEPkSANy0F_gtjqfVpSZ4S2M9ESOiOZKuPabnKFKU9Xh/s1600/Cuchumatanes+Mtns.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzJh-A6_Tfh1URoafWxTYMsq3JYxDrftSjz88CcSCgJ4pY0aIclulJnqqdpm96SblNMb8FBTxT-KMMs7pzhUOoN28Gm03VteaaEPkSANy0F_gtjqfVpSZ4S2M9ESOiOZKuPabnKFKU9Xh/s400/Cuchumatanes+Mtns.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>The Cuchumatanes Mountains, or "narrow strip of wilderness"</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">No doubt this heavy terrain was the very reason why the
Limhi expedition of Nephites got lost when traveling across this “narrow strip
of wilderness,” from the Lamanite land of Nephi to the Nephite land of
Zarahemla in 121 <span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">B.C</span>:<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[5]</span></span></span></span></a> We read:</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""></a></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="MsoFootnoteReference" style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And the king [Limhi] said…I caused
that forty<span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="" style="color: #2f393a; font-family: georgia, serif;"> </span></span>and three of my people should take a journey
into the wilderness, that thereby they might find the land of Zarahemla, that
we might appeal unto our brethren to deliver us out of bondage. And they were
lost in the wilderness for the space of many days…and found not the land of
Zarahemla (Mosiah 8:7-9).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Because of the rough terrain of these mountains, this group
of Nephites got lost along their way to Zarahemla and instead ended up in ancient
Jaredite lands.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[6]</span></span></span></span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Barrier from the
Lamanites</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">As it turns out, this mountain range, or “narrow strip of
wilderness,” was extremely important to the Nephites because it kept the
Lamanites from overrunning and inhabiting Nephite territory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Furthermore, it was nearly impossible for the
Lamanites to bring an entire army over these mountains to attack the Nephites.
Therefore, if the Lamanites wanted to come up to war against the Nephites, they
had to go around these mountains. That is, they had to march to either coast, and
curve around this “narrow strip of wilderness” before they made any attacks.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">As a matter of fact, this is the very reason why the wicked Nephite
city of Ammonihah was able to be destroyed so easily by the Lamanites in 81 <span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">B.C. </span>(see Alma 16:1-3)<span class="MsoSubtleEmphasis">. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once we learn
that this city was </span>located along the west coast line, just around the
corner from this “narrow strip of wilderness,”<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[7]</span></span></span></span></a> we
are able to understand why this city was such an easy target for the Lamanites.
As you will recall, this was the city Alma and Amulek preached repentance to
and prophesied of their destruction if they did not repent (see Alma 8-14).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When these inhabitants choose wickedness over
repentance, the Lamanites marched up the coast line and destroyed the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their route likely looked something like this:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-HV8CEeeSfBmmUlf45clrugqZqGFNTZ1HEU6Qa4mXzwPAs4Ihov29ibdMByr3pnzqHXfGBjJ13tGsMLyazlP57zxOlMl4gWvnCBzf3Mll2Jju7ibkLMDCaWKcOHcrPxImAz9-w6jDznd/s1600/Lamanites+March+to+Ammonihah.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9-HV8CEeeSfBmmUlf45clrugqZqGFNTZ1HEU6Qa4mXzwPAs4Ihov29ibdMByr3pnzqHXfGBjJ13tGsMLyazlP57zxOlMl4gWvnCBzf3Mll2Jju7ibkLMDCaWKcOHcrPxImAz9-w6jDznd/s400/Lamanites+March+to+Ammonihah.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Fortification Line</b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">All throughout the Book of Mormon, the Nephites used this
mountain range, or “narrow strip of wilderness” to their advantage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because this mountain range ran from sea to
sea, there was no need to fortify the entire border.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rather, only the coast lines on both sides needed
fortification.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We read in Alma that the
Nephites, after the city of Ammonihah was destroyed by the Lamanites,
apparently learned their lesson, because they did in fact fortify their western
borders<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[8]</span></span></span></span></a> in
order to prevent the Lamanites from again overrunning their lands: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And it came to pass that the
Nephites had inhabited the land…[along] the west sea, and thus the Nephites in
their wisdom, with their guards and their armies, had hemmed in the Lamanites
on the south, <span class="MsoSubtleEmphasis">that thereby they should have no
more possession on the north, that they might not overrun the land northward. Therefore
the Lamanites could have no more possessions only in the land of Nephi, and the
wilderness round about. Now this was wisdom in the Nephites—as the Lamanites
were an enemy to them, they would not suffer their afflictions on every hand,
and also that they might have a country whither they might flee, according to
their desires (Alma 22:33-34, emphasis added).</span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[9]</span></span></span></span></span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Captain Moroni would soon after fortify these very cities to
an even greater degree. These fortifications along the west sea proved to be
very important; for, after the wicked Nephite dissenter Amalickiah became king
of the Lamanites by fraud,<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[10]</span></span></span></span></a> his
first item of business was to have his troops march right up along the western
coast, to the newly rebuilt city of Ammonihah, and attack that city again
because he believed it to be the easiest target:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And now it came to pass in the
eleventh month…the armies of the Lamanites were seen approaching towards the
land of Ammonihah. And behold, the city had been rebuilt, and Moroni had
stationed an army by the borders of the city, and they had cast<span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="" style="color: #2f393a; font-family: georgia, serif;"> </span></span>dirt round about to shield them from the
arrows and the stones<span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="" style="color: #2f393a; font-family: georgia, serif;"> </span></span>of the Lamanites; for
behold, they fought with stones and with arrows. Behold, I said that the city
of Ammonihah<span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="" style="color: #2f393a; font-family: georgia, serif;"> </span></span>had been rebuilt. I say unto you, yea, that
it was in part rebuilt; and because the Lamanites had destroyed it once because
of the iniquity of the people, they supposed that it would again become an easy
prey for them.<span class="verse"><span face="" style="border: 1pt none; color: #2f393a; font-family: georgia, serif; padding: 0in;"> </span></span>But behold, how great was their
disappointment; for behold, the Nephites had dug up a ridge<span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="" style="color: #2f393a; font-family: georgia, serif;"> </span></span>of earth round about them, which was so high
that the Lamanites could not cast their stones and their arrows at them that
they might take effect, neither could they come upon them save it was by their
place of entrance (Alma 49:1-4).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Unable to make an attack, the Lamanites decided to go over
to the nearby city Noah. “But behold, to their astonishment, the city of Noah,
which had hitherto been a weak place, had now, by the means of Moroni, become
strong (Alma 49.14).” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">In addition to these two cities, we also read that “Moroni
had fortified, or had built forts of security, for every city in all the land
round about (Alma 49:13).” With no alternative, the determined Lamanites
decided to risk it and attack anyway:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And it came to pass that the
captains of the Lamanites brought up their armies before the place of entrance,
and began to contend with the Nephites, to get into their place of security;
but behold, they were driven back from time to time, insomuch that they were
slain with an immense slaughter. Now when they found that they could not obtain
power over the Nephites by the pass, they began to dig down their banks of
earth that they might obtain a pass to their armies, that they might have an
equal chance to fight; but behold, in these attempts they were swept off by the
stones and arrows which were thrown at them; and instead of filling up their
ditches by pulling down the banks of earth, they were filled up in a measure
with their dead and wounded bodies.<span class="verse"><span face="" style="border: 1pt none; color: #2f393a; font-family: georgia, serif; padding: 0in;"> </span></span>Thus the Nephites had all
power over their enemies; and thus the Lamanites did attempt to destroy the
Nephites until their chief<span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="" style="color: #2f393a; font-family: georgia, serif;"> </span></span>captains
were all slain…. And it came to pass, that when the Lamanites saw that their
chief captains were all slain they fled into the wilderness. And it came to
pass that they returned to the land of Nephi, to inform their king, Amalickiah,
who was a Nephite<span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="" style="color: #2f393a; font-family: georgia, serif;"> </span></span>by birth, concerning their
great loss (Alma 49:21-25).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">As we can see, this Nephite fortification line along the west
coast was extremely important in keeping the Lamanites from overrunning their
lands. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The East Coast</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">With one side of the coast in check, Captain Moroni turned
his attention to the east coast. By this time, many Lamanites had made their
way around the eastern edge of the “narrow strip of wilderness,” and began to
inhabit those lands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Moroni caused that his armies
should go forth into the east wilderness; yea, and they went forth and drove
all the Lamanites who were in the east wilderness into their own lands, which
were south<span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="" style="color: #2f393a; font-family: georgia, serif;"> </span></span>of the land of Zarahemla…. And it came to
pass that when Moroni had driven all the Lamanites out of the east
wilderness…he caused that the inhabitants who were in the land of Zarahemla and
in the land round about should go forth into the east wilderness, even to the
borders by the seashore, and possess the land (Alma 50:7-9).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">By sending Nephite colonies to this eastern sea, Moroni prevented
the Lamanites from coming up around the eastern edge of the “narrow strip of
wilderness,” and overrunning his people. Because these eastern cities could potentially
be an easy target for the Lamanites as well, the next step was to fortify them
to discourage an attack.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Therefore,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">[Moroni] caused them to erect
fortifications<span class="apple-converted-space"><span face="" style="color: #2f393a; font-family: georgia, serif;"> </span></span>that they might secure their armies and
their people from the hands of their enemies. And thus he cut off all the
strongholds of the Lamanites in the east wilderness, yea, and also on the west,
fortifying the line between the Nephites and the Lamanites, between the land of
Zarahemla and the land of Nephi (Alma 50:10-11).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">As it turns out, Amalickiah’s next attack would be on these
eastern cities. Unfortunately, for the Nephites, this attack would come at a
time when they lost their reverence for God,<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn11" name="_ftnref11" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn11;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[11]</span></span></span></span></a>
and as a result,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6up8bTjzUGZWkaVTLmhouHXNM-alWglnYKOLM5QXPHuTI-_1s0KiBp5RHH8l9FfTZv1t_603ER9wB0L9OR9Pjo9zwk8AFZsga-kygBDxqA5pZ64BjwedC2ep1H_rS68Z8pBCPerFP5To/s1600/Lamanites+March+to+Eastern+Wilderness.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6up8bTjzUGZWkaVTLmhouHXNM-alWglnYKOLM5QXPHuTI-_1s0KiBp5RHH8l9FfTZv1t_603ER9wB0L9OR9Pjo9zwk8AFZsga-kygBDxqA5pZ64BjwedC2ep1H_rS68Z8pBCPerFP5To/s320/Lamanites+March+to+Eastern+Wilderness.jpg" width="315" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">Amalickiah attacks the Nephites' eastern cities</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">behold, the Lamanites had come into
the land of Moroni which was in the borders by the [eastern] seashore…. And it
came to pass that Amalickiah took possession of the city, yea possession of all
their fortifications…. And thus he went on, taking possession of many cities,
the city of Nephihah, and the city of Lehi, and the city of Morianton, and the
city of Omner, and the city of Gid, and the city of Mulek, all of which were on
the east borders by the seashore (Alma 51:22-26).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">After Amalickiah had captured these eastern cities, he did
what any smart military commander would do in order to maintain them. He simply
sent a part of his army to harass the Nephite cities along the west coast. This
forced the Nephites to draw away part of their army from the east, and as a
result, the Nephites had less manpower available to recapture the eastern cities
which had fallen into the hands of the Lamanites<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="11">:<span style="border: 1pt none; color: #486fae; padding: 0in;"> </span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Now, the king (Ammoron)…had
gathered together a large number of men, and had marched forth against the
Nephites on the borders by the west sea. And thus he was endeavoring to harass
the Nephites, and to draw away a part of their forces to that part of the land,
while he had commanded those whom he had left to possess the cities which he
had taken, that they should also harass the Nephites on the borders by the east
sea, and should take possession of their lands as much as it was in their
power, according to the power of their armies (Alma 52:12-13).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">It would be Heleman’s 2000 stripling warriors who assist in
fighting the Lamanites along this western border,<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn12" name="_ftnref12" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn12;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[12]</span></span></span></span></a>
while Captain Moroni was mainly found defending and recapturing the cities
along the eastern coast. Eventually, with stratagem and with the help of the
Lord, the Nephites were able to recapture all the cities which had been previously
lost along both coast lines and subsequently drive the Lamanites back into
their own lands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lines of Defense</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">As mentioned previously, these Nephite cities<span class="st1"><span face="" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">—</span></span>on both
the east and west coasts<span class="st1"><span face="" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">—</span></span>contained
several lines of defense, all built under the direction of Captain Moroni. It
is to these lines of defense that we turn our attention.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large; mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">By far, the first and
most effective line of defense is stated as follows:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Moroni…had been preparing the minds
of the people to be faithful unto the Lord their God (Alma 48:7).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">As the Book of Mormon testifies, as long as the Nephites
were faithful, they were able to keep their cities. When they became wicked,
they lost their cities. When they repented, they regained their cities. No
doubt, this particular line of defense was the most important to the Nephites
success in battle.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The next line of defense was a huge stone wall that wrapped
around the entire city:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Yea, [Moroni] had been
strengthening the armies of the Nephites…building walls of stone to encircle them
about, round about their cities and borders of their lands; yea all round about
the land (Alma 48:8).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Inside these stone walls, the text says that Moroni threw up
“banks of earth round about to enclose his armies” (Alma 48:8). Naturally, next
to these “banks of earth,” we would find ditches from whence the dirt came.
Hence, the Book of Mormon states:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Now behold, the Lamanites could not
get into their forts of security…because of the highness of the bank which had
been thrown up, and the depth of the ditch which had been dug round about (Alma
49:18).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">In addition, Moroni also caused that that picket fences should be built, with towers overlooking them from whence they could cast stones and arrows:</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6eYC_5ZCEA8aHhJtMDMI8GRaAwhe9qVq5s6ECqiLi18sjTWm_dHVUPcDjIT-Zp8n_PH_zB5m82lAnFuVDFEDJPLEjlytf249rjJO0zKeqwHPzezuiFIj2p6cGR2cZlP0YcxIV-oF466p/s1600/Moroni's+fortified+City.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha6eYC_5ZCEA8aHhJtMDMI8GRaAwhe9qVq5s6ECqiLi18sjTWm_dHVUPcDjIT-Zp8n_PH_zB5m82lAnFuVDFEDJPLEjlytf249rjJO0zKeqwHPzezuiFIj2p6cGR2cZlP0YcxIV-oF466p/s400/Moroni's+fortified+City.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Captain Moroni's Works of Timbers</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span class="MsoSubtleEmphasis" style="font-size: large;">And now
it came to pass that Moroni…caused that his armies…should commence in digging
up heaps</span><span class="MsoSubtleEmphasis" style="font-size: large;"> of earth round about all the cities, throughout
all the land which was possessed by the Nephites And upon the top of these
ridges of earth he caused that there should be timbers</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="MsoSubtleEmphasis">, yea, works of timbers built up to the height of a
man, round about the cities. And he caused that upon those works of
timbers there should be a frame of pickets built upon the timbers round about;
and they were strong and high. And he caused towers to be erected that
overlooked those works of pickets, and he caused places of security to be built
upon those towers</span><span class="MsoSubtleEmphasis">, that the stones and the arrows of the Lamanites could
not hurt them. And they were prepared that they could cast stones from the
top thereof, according to their pleasure and their strength, and slay him who
should attempt to approach near the walls of the city. Thus Moroni did
prepare strongholds against the coming of their enemies, round about every city
in all the land (Alma 50:1-6).</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="MsoSubtleEmphasis" style="font-size: large;">The Book of Mormon also tells
us that each of these above lines of defense surrounded “forts” which were used</span><span class="MsoSubtleEmphasis" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> “to enclose [Moroni’s] armies” (Alma 48:8). Thanks to these lines of defense,
</span>“the Lamanites could not get into </span><span class="MsoSubtleEmphasis" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">[the Nephites]</span>
forts of security by any other way save by the entrance</span><span class="MsoSubtleEmphasis" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">” (Alma 49:18). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because there was
only one entrance into these forts of security, the Nephites were able to place
all their manpower in guarding this single passage way. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">And thus were the Nephites prepared
to destroy all such as should attempt to climb up to enter the fort by any
other way, by casting over stones and arrows at them.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" name="20"><span style="border: 1pt none; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span></a>Thus they were prepared, yea, a body of their
strongest men, with their swords and their slings, to smite down all who should
attempt to come into their place of security by the place of entrance; and thus
were they prepared to defend themselves against the Lamanites (Alma 49:19-20).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="MsoSubtleEmphasis" style="font-size: large;">Finally, in addition to these
fortifications we learn that “Moroni had prepared his people with breastplates
and with arm-shields, yea, and also shields to defend their heads, and also
they were dressed with thick clothing.”</span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn13" name="_ftnref13" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn13;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[13]</span></span></span></span></span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSl6kv_sZwsSca4snqfPF5JiuCKclDoBtc_VpWhjhDMf0yFecLSmDsYuwEIHHzbJaV59VJK7ckIlZK7n1_GHoNARmE_6LT58GBh8-ec2MYR4LCx25Mqf_-F2bhvqILHZUsKH0mpcpv8E6R/s1600/Captian+Moroni%27s+Towers.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSl6kv_sZwsSca4snqfPF5JiuCKclDoBtc_VpWhjhDMf0yFecLSmDsYuwEIHHzbJaV59VJK7ckIlZK7n1_GHoNARmE_6LT58GBh8-ec2MYR4LCx25Mqf_-F2bhvqILHZUsKH0mpcpv8E6R/s1600/Captian+Moroni's+Towers.JPG" width="229" /></a>In short, these are the lines of defense used by Captain
Moroni as discussed above:</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">1. Faithful minds. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2. Walls of stone. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">3. Deep ditches. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">4. Banks of dirt. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5. Sharp picket fences built upon banks of dirt. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">6. Towers from which to shot arrows and throw stones. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">7. Forts of security, which had but one entrance and which was heavily guarded. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">8. Armor.</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">If we are correct in our assumption that these fortified
cities were built up along both the east and west coast lines in Mesoamerica,
next to the <span class="st1">Cuchumatanes Mountains or “narrow strip of
wilderness,” then we can expect archeologists to discover ancient cities in
these very locations, which date to this very time period, and which were fortified
in similar manners. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">As it turns out, archeologists have indeed found several fortified
cities in these regions which date to this very time period. These include the ancient
sites of “Tikal…Becan, Coba, Lamanai, and El Mirador, to name a few.”<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn14" name="_ftnref14" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn14;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[14]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Below are a few photographs of these very
ruins.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Tikal</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">The below photograph<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn15" name="_ftnref15" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn15;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[15]</span></span></span></span></a>
is an example of a man made hill, or “bank of dirt,” found at the ancient city
Tikal, which is located in the eastern borders of Mesoamerica:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_CzGGljFsXcAAvhyphenhyphenPt92mZR7gbyO1qhNgtdqD1fXK0Q8zFxXC0DPQ8cgnuyh-rusoa_0Ku75FqqtIep6cgWf5pb_tzIJjwlmvBxymkFyjb_cXoEZ2rHL1UNSeZXY3zT8erPFjpqv5MCk/s1600/Hill+on+page+625.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_CzGGljFsXcAAvhyphenhyphenPt92mZR7gbyO1qhNgtdqD1fXK0Q8zFxXC0DPQ8cgnuyh-rusoa_0Ku75FqqtIep6cgWf5pb_tzIJjwlmvBxymkFyjb_cXoEZ2rHL1UNSeZXY3zT8erPFjpqv5MCk/s640/Hill+on+page+625.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">And here is a photograph<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn16" name="_ftnref16" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn16;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[16]</span></span></span></span></a>
of a man made ditch, also found at Tikal:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFblsDfwnzu5ikyrNrINkgIGvNHrC_3zisdnjCh1EdvX9BAso3qtBaYy4GPuj5IsjiLzB2C1ffhqi0SCFsG73EpgXTc0LofdIe4qhLnQfJNAYIdSl_wmhuGeROtXxDHBEfaUv016BkXNFR/s1600/ditch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFblsDfwnzu5ikyrNrINkgIGvNHrC_3zisdnjCh1EdvX9BAso3qtBaYy4GPuj5IsjiLzB2C1ffhqi0SCFsG73EpgXTc0LofdIe4qhLnQfJNAYIdSl_wmhuGeROtXxDHBEfaUv016BkXNFR/s640/ditch.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">These fortifications were first uncovered by archeologists
in 1967.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During this excavation,
archeologists published a blueprint<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn17" name="_ftnref17" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn17;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[17]</span></span></span></span></a>
of the ditch and hill which ran along this ancient city of Tikal:</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0DI-Gjww1zITfus0xfvLlI4JAUprkV5HMBcGs8dL7pzSfzTXOQCGP2VhTQCEmnK4lzQ4YGNwr8QfSGIbDgu4lbkW85yleUjzK7-DpiyJ0zMKgjyEi64iFNkgxwQcE4sWQ32HvqIG0w-L/s1600/hill+and+ditch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0DI-Gjww1zITfus0xfvLlI4JAUprkV5HMBcGs8dL7pzSfzTXOQCGP2VhTQCEmnK4lzQ4YGNwr8QfSGIbDgu4lbkW85yleUjzK7-DpiyJ0zMKgjyEi64iFNkgxwQcE4sWQ32HvqIG0w-L/s640/hill+and+ditch.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">In many places, this ditch was measured at 10 feet deep, and
13 feet wide,<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn18" name="_ftnref18" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn18;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[18]</span></span></span></span></a>
making it nearly impossible for the enemy to jump across.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for the large hill next to the ditch,
according to the archeologists who excavated these ruins, “this embankment must
have been considerably steeper and higher a thousand [plus] years ago than it
is today.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ixhNOO6j4JtA72qnA5QP454D50gKZ5WjZC3fA8ceQRUBpWbe3hMmL_SXdG_4rvw1dvjtpQY98OQ8jeaUGZg2oZGCSXsyXsIkiMt4NcP69FZctp8GnXG9O2nHoKQjVZh1xUfw1cdzMHXz/s1600/Becan_1+Mote+is+16+meters+wide.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ixhNOO6j4JtA72qnA5QP454D50gKZ5WjZC3fA8ceQRUBpWbe3hMmL_SXdG_4rvw1dvjtpQY98OQ8jeaUGZg2oZGCSXsyXsIkiMt4NcP69FZctp8GnXG9O2nHoKQjVZh1xUfw1cdzMHXz/s320/Becan_1+Mote+is+16+meters+wide.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The ancient city of Becan</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The City of Becan</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This next image<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn19" name="_ftnref19" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn19;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[19]</span></span></span></span></a>
is a recreation of the ancient ruins of Becan, a city also located along the
eastern borders of the land, near Tikal. Notice the ditch that surrounded the
city. In many places, this ditch was measured at 16 meters wide.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn20" name="_ftnref20" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn20;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[20]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only way across these ditches was by a
narrow pass, or bridge, which closely resembles Captain Moroni’s places of
entrance (see Alma 49:21-25). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are a few photographs of this ancient ditch found at Becan:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rnfRRT5a-7fx47P4u2yH9vf6v9cRx2XFYDd68Pt4IO4RQ-7bwhbLtLU6ZYfZKekfu6WAOXnUtjl-ZvGUdV5vdvxdFwTVaMiG1KXIOgLhq-B5DyCq_zFZIk_KLZEhjO_7-nuuyH3Q6Mge/s1600/Becan_3+Earthworks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3rnfRRT5a-7fx47P4u2yH9vf6v9cRx2XFYDd68Pt4IO4RQ-7bwhbLtLU6ZYfZKekfu6WAOXnUtjl-ZvGUdV5vdvxdFwTVaMiG1KXIOgLhq-B5DyCq_zFZIk_KLZEhjO_7-nuuyH3Q6Mge/s640/Becan_3+Earthworks.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnrY-3nSfedDJe0rgUyAvOOAIOleb5DT992m703BrMIinej0iSZpETRxOjcuiCIkhoQXkmMe3GV7MyA_qNAaY4eNxWLcCcBrfvSjrFpDnhce3wWJG8qvIfdWgOAjy2UZLT22cqL5-0pVw/s1600/Becan_4+Earthworks.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnrY-3nSfedDJe0rgUyAvOOAIOleb5DT992m703BrMIinej0iSZpETRxOjcuiCIkhoQXkmMe3GV7MyA_qNAaY4eNxWLcCcBrfvSjrFpDnhce3wWJG8qvIfdWgOAjy2UZLT22cqL5-0pVw/s640/Becan_4+Earthworks.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To get an idea how large these ditches were, note the modern
highway in the upper left hand corner of the above photograph.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These fortifications were truly impressive to
say the least!</span></div>
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</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="font-size: large;">Notes:</b></div><div style="mso-element: footnote-list;">
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<div id="ftn1" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a> See also Alma 27:14</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn2" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span></span></span></a> Allen, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Exploring the Lands of the Book of Mormon
(Revised Edition),</i> p 556.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn3" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[3]</span></span></span></span></a> Allen, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Exploring the Lands of the Book of Mormon
(Revised Edition),</i> p 556-57.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn4" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[4]</span></span></span></span></a> Image retrieved from Allen, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Exploring the Lands of the Book of Mormon
(Revised Edition),</i> p 557.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn5" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[5]</span></span></span></span></a> Mosiah 8:7-9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to this terrain, most scholars
agree that the Limhi expedition got lost because they simply followed the wrong
river. On top of the Cuchumatanes Mountains, there are two large river heads
(Grijalva and Usumachinta) located just a few miles apart from each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of these rivers (Grijalva, or the river
Sidon as it is known in the Book of Mormon), lead to Zarahemla (Alma 2:15). The
Limhi expedition likely followed the Usumachinta, which lead them further
northward into Jaredite lands.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn6" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[6]</span></span></span></span></a> Mosiah 8:8-11</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn7" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[7]</span></span></span></span></a> We learn from Alma 8:3
that the land of Melek was on the western borders of the land, and we learn
from Alma 8:6 that the city of Ammonihah was directly North of Melek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn8" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[8]</span></span></span></span></a> For justification as to
why Alma 22:33 is referring to the west coast of the Nephite lands, see Allen,
<a href="http://www.bmaf.org/node/180" target="_blank">“The Waters of Sidon: The Grijalva River or the Usumacinta River?” </a></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn9" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[9]</span></span></span></span></a> For justification as to
why Alma 22:33 is referring to the west coast of the Nephite lands, see <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ibid.</i></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn10" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[10]</span></span></span></span></a> Alma 47.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn11" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn11;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[11]</span></span></span></span></a> Alma 51:1-22.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn12" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref12" name="_ftn12" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn12;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[12]</span></span></span></span></a> Alma 53:22.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn13" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref13" name="_ftn13" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn13;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[13]</span></span></span></span></a> Alma 43:19.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn14" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref14" name="_ftn14" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn14;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[14]</span></span></span></span></a> Allen, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Exploring the Lands of the Book of Mormon
(Revised Edition),</i> p 601.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn15" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref15" name="_ftn15" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn15;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[15]</span></span></span></span></a> Image retrieved from
Allen, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Exploring the Lands of the Book of
Mormon (Revised Edition),</i> p 625.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn16" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref16" name="_ftn16" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn16;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[16]</span></span></span></span></a> Puleston and Callender,
<a href="http://www.penn.museum/documents/publications/expedition/PDFs/9-3/Defensive.pdf" target="_blank">“Defensive Earthworks at Tikal.”</a> </span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn17" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref17" name="_ftn17" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn17;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[17]</span></span></span></span></a> Puleston and Callender,
<a href="http://www.penn.museum/documents/publications/expedition/PDFs/9-3/Defensive.pdf" target="_blank">“Defensive Earthworks at Tikal.”</a> </span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn18" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref18" name="_ftn18" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn18;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[18]</span></span></span></span></a> Puleston and Callender,
<a href="http://www.penn.museum/documents/publications/expedition/PDFs/9-3/Defensive.pdf" target="_blank">“Defensive Earthworks at Tikal.”</a> </span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn19" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref19" name="_ftn19" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn19;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[19]</span></span></span></span></a>Image retrieved from: <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://es.fairmormon.org/Libro_de_Morm%C3%B3n:Arte_de_guerra" target="_blank">http://es.fairmormon.org/Libro_de_Morm%C3%B3n:Arte_de_guerra</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn20" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref20" name="_ftn20" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn20;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span face="" style="font-family: "times new roman", serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">[20]</span></span></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <a href="http://es.fairmormon.org/Libro_de_Morm%C3%B3n:Arte_de_guerra" target="_blank">http://es.fairmormon.org/Libro_de_Morm%C3%B3n:Arte_de_guerra</a></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
Brunson20http://www.blogger.com/profile/17312464214354872630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063509693788316188.post-90567479563735530812013-12-01T10:21:00.000-07:002016-05-14T21:32:51.583-06:00The Battle of Armageddon<span style="font-size: large;">Note: The below article is taken from Rick Brunson's book entitled,<i> <a href="http://www.brunson20.com/2016/05/before-second-coming.html" target="_blank">Before the Second Coming</a>.</i> To read this book in its entirety, follow the instructions at the end of the chapter.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Before the Second Coming - Chapter 11</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Battle of Armageddon</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>By <a href="http://www.brunson20.com/p/about-author_30.html">Rick Brunson</a></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As we have just seen, after the fifth angel sounds his trump, Satan and all his hosts of evil spirits will be loosed from the bottomless pit. When this occurs, they will be allowed to use more of their power and influence to tempt and afflict mankind. Currently, God has set limits on what Satan and his one third are able to do; however, at this point in our story, God will have sufficiently warned the wicked inhabitants of the earth by way of the first four angels, and those who have still chosen not to repent by this time will be delivered into Satan’s power.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[1]</span></span></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">We are told that once the sixth angel sounds his trump, Satan and his hosts will use this added power to assemble together a “mighty army,”<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[2]</span></span></span></a> which, according to John the Revelator, will consist of 200 million soldiers.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[3]</span></span></span></a> The prophet Zechariah even tells us that this army will be made up of “all nations”<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[4]</span></span></span></a> of the earth, which helps to explain its large numbers. In fact, only those living in Zion will be out of its reach.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[5]</span></span></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Gog and Magog<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The prophet Ezekiel tells us that this army will be led by a man who will be known as “Gog.”<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[6]</span></span></span></a> Ezekiel, in addition to revealing this man’s identity, even tells us that this “Gog” will come from “the land of Magog,”<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[7]</span></span></span></a> which is located somewhere in or around modern-day Russia.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" title="">[8]</a></span></span><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" title=""></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><v:stroke joinstyle="miter"><v:formulas><v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0"><v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0"><v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1"><v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2"><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth"><v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight"><v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1"><v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2"><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth"><v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0"><v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight"><v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0"></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas><v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f"><o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit"></o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></span></v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_55" o:spid="_x0000_s1034" style="height: 131.4pt; margin-left: 241.75pt; margin-top: 38.35pt; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 219pt; z-index: -251513856;" type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\rbrunson\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image001.jpg"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><w:wrap type="tight"></w:wrap></span></v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Because Gog is said to be from the land of Magog, his army has often been referred to as Magog as well.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[9]</span></span></span></a> Therefore, the common phrase, “Gog and Magog,” simply refers to a military leader (Gog) and his army (Magog).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolJrzeQfmJXt5kt9qOespjl-A7lSoI9zyX6sIdCXbMRnutll0dO6WxJ0ziwmSkH-MdABvu9jH1-xYUbsvMtiHNhlvnmbB4QHqiPAIRSg2QV0pVpMDXy6ra8cP_USbu_hQgeIyNRx-iA0/s1600/war.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgolJrzeQfmJXt5kt9qOespjl-A7lSoI9zyX6sIdCXbMRnutll0dO6WxJ0ziwmSkH-MdABvu9jH1-xYUbsvMtiHNhlvnmbB4QHqiPAIRSg2QV0pVpMDXy6ra8cP_USbu_hQgeIyNRx-iA0/s1600/war.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">We learn from the prophet Joel that this army will be the strongest army that the world has ever seen up to<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">this point in time:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it (Joel 2:2).<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" title="">[10]</a></span></span><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" title=""></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Joel also tells us that after this army has been assembled, they will go forth conquering every nation in their path:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them (Joel 2:3).<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In the midst of this rampage, we are told by the prophet Zechariah that Gog and Magog will attempt to come up “against Jerusalem to battle.”<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[11]</span></span></span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The Setting at Jerusalem<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">By this time, the Jews who were previously scattered throughout the world will have gathered together at Jerusalem. We are told that some of these Jews will have been converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ by this time;<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn12" name="_ftnref12" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[12]</span></span></span></a> however, the majority of the Jews will have not. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Elder Orson Pratt explained,</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Jews dispersed among the Gentiles…will go to Jerusalem. Some of them will believe in the true Messiah, and thousands of the more righteous, whose fathers did not consent to the shedding of the blood of the Son of God, will receive the Gospel before they gather from among the nations. Many of them, however, will not receive the Gospel, but seeing that others are going to Jerusalem they will go also; and when they get back to Palestine, to the place where their ancient Jerusalem stood, and see a certain portion of the believing Jews endeavoring to fulfill and carry out the prophecies, they also will take hold and assist in the same work. At the same time they will have their synagogues, in which they will preach against Jesus of Nazareth, “that impostor,” as they call him, who was crucified by their fathers. [13]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Once</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"> the Jews have gathered at Jerusalem, the Lord will raise up a righteous leader among them whom the scriptures call “David,”[14] or “The Branch.”[15] Whether this David will be converted to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ we do not know. However, we do know that he will be a very righteous man,[16] and that he will be a literal descendant of the original King David, father of Solomon.[17]</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Under the direction of this great Jewish leader, we are told that the Temple of Solomon will be rebuilt. Zechariah prophesied,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Behold the man whose name is The Branch [also referred to as David[18]]…he shall build the temple of the LORD (Zech. 6:12).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Of this temple, Joseph Smith said,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Judah must return, Jerusalem must be rebuilt, and the temple,…and all this must be done before the Son of Man will make His appearance.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn19" name="_ftnref19" title="">[19]</a></span></span><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn19" name="_ftnref19" title=""></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are told that this temple will be nearly identical in size and shape to the original Temple of Solomon[20] and that it will be built in the same place where the original Temple of Solomon once stood.[21]</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is important to point out that this temple cannot be rebuilt at the present time. As a result of the Arab-Israeli war of 1967, the Jews gained control of Jerusalem, and subsequently, the mount where the original Temple of Solomon once stood. This means that the Jews could technically begin construction on this temple any time they wish. However, the Jews have made it very clear that they will not begin construction at any time in the immediate future. Why not?</span><br />
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<v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_s1033" style="height: 171.75pt; line-height: 18px; margin-left: 237.75pt; margin-top: 27.6pt; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 228pt; z-index: 251756544;" type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\rbrunson\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image002.jpg"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><w:wrap type="square"></w:wrap></span></v:imagedata></v:shape><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_1" o:spid="_x0000_s1033" style="height: 171.75pt; line-height: 18px; margin-left: 237.75pt; margin-top: 27.6pt; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 228pt; z-index: 251756544;" type="#_x0000_t75"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></v:shape><span style="font-size: large;">Currently, this temple mount is being occupied by a beautiful Muslim shrine known as the Dome of the Rock (see figure 11-1).[22] </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 27px;"> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; line-height: 18px; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuujAyZfLQxrh3gFATA1yuow0QiSZeA3Pw9XwxKKgolY_jt1VwXC6ComfyVwqCMTo-YHjs92yV0C-mUuewtJYeXJkaXMDjmIKQ68jdIynSba5UEqWrw0RtC12qcdfwz1T9r3ZzAqgPMXU/s1600/dome+of+the+rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img alt="The Dome of the Rock LDS Temple Mount" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuujAyZfLQxrh3gFATA1yuow0QiSZeA3Pw9XwxKKgolY_jt1VwXC6ComfyVwqCMTo-YHjs92yV0C-mUuewtJYeXJkaXMDjmIKQ68jdIynSba5UEqWrw0RtC12qcdfwz1T9r3ZzAqgPMXU/s1600/dome+of+the+rock.jpg" title="Dome-of-the-rock" /></span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b style="line-height: 18px;">Figure 11-1</b><span style="line-height: 18px;">. <b>The Dome of the Rock</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>The Dome of the Rock</b><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Dome of the Rock, built by the Muslims in the seventh century, was constructed over a sacred rock, </span>which according to the Islamic religion was the same rock from which their prophet Mohammed ascended into heaven during a night vision.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn23" name="_ftnref23" style="font-family: inherit;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[23]</span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Furthermore, this rock is also the traditional spot where Abraham, the great ancestor of both Arabs and Jews, offered up his son Isaac as a sacrifice.</span><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn24" name="_ftnref24" style="font-family: inherit;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[24]</span></span></span></a></span><br />
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<v:shape id="_x0000_s1027" stroked="f" style="height: 21pt; margin-left: 11.25pt; margin-top: 168.9pt; position: absolute; width: 235.5pt; z-index: 251806720;" type="#_x0000_t202" wrapcoords="-73 0 -73 20800 21600 20800 21600 0 -73 0"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"></span></v:shape><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><v:shape id="_x0000_s1027" stroked="f" style="height: 21pt; margin-left: 11.25pt; margin-top: 168.9pt; position: absolute; width: 235.5pt; z-index: 251806720;" type="#_x0000_t202" wrapcoords="-73 0 -73 20800 21600 20800 21600 0 -73 0"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><v:textbox inset="0,0,0,0"></v:textbox><w:wrap type="tight"></w:wrap></span></v:shape><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_s1032" style="height: 156.75pt; margin-left: 12pt; margin-top: 2.4pt; position: absolute; visibility: visible; width: 236.25pt; z-index: -251511808;" type="#_x0000_t75"><v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:\DOCUME~1\rbrunson\LOCALS~1\Temp\msohtmlclip1\01\clip_image003.jpg"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><w:wrap type="tight"></w:wrap></span></v:imagedata></v:shape></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Interestingly, beneath the Dome of the Rock (see figure 11-2)<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"> </span><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn25" name="_ftnref25" title=""><span style="line-height: 27px;">[25]</span></a> also “lies the white outcropping of rock which is supposed to have been the spot occupied by the Holy of Holies belonging to Solomon's temple.”<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn26" name="_ftnref26" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[26]</span></span></span></a> </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgma6UrgopzK9VdsCcbz2TZxWLnf5AyMAt2mnu_31R30hgbLUgg9ykIqi1mNJ07tl2F4nIYRVHtHes8m2HlgWiAfPZG_D00qCmFJS20ZCKf6lX_yfOv1incMG-yZhn5Xqq-SX7uOcJX0sM/s1600/inside+dome+of+the+rock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgma6UrgopzK9VdsCcbz2TZxWLnf5AyMAt2mnu_31R30hgbLUgg9ykIqi1mNJ07tl2F4nIYRVHtHes8m2HlgWiAfPZG_D00qCmFJS20ZCKf6lX_yfOv1incMG-yZhn5Xqq-SX7uOcJX0sM/s1600/inside+dome+of+the+rock.jpg" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Figure 11-2.</b> <b>Inside the Dome of the Rock</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Therefore, in order for this Jewish temple to be rebuilt in its original location, the Dome of the Rock must first be demolished. However, the Arabs have made it clear that if the Jews were to remove this </span>sacred shrine, “there would be Jehad<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="st1">—</span>Holy War!”<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn27" name="_ftnref27" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[27]</span></span></span></a> Therefore, out of respect for the Islamic religion, and to avoid a conflict, the Jews have stated that they would not be the ones to tear down the Dome of the Rock in order to rebuild their Jewish temple.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We are nevertheless told that eventually, somehow, this Muslim shrine will be taken down and the Jewish temple will be rebuilt in its place. Elder Charles W. Penrose said,</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The work is moving on for the gathering of the Jews to their own land that they may build it up as it was in former times; that the temple may be rebuilt and the mosque of the Moslem which now stands in its place may be moved out of the way; that Jerusalem may be rebuilt upon its original site.[28]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">However this occurs will no doubt require a miracle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Naturally, once this temple has been rebuilt the Jews will once again have a place for performing the animal sacrifices that were originally required under the Law of Moses. As we shall see, this is exactly what the Jews will proceed to do once this temple is rebuilt.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Gog Sets His Sights on Jerusalem<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Once Jerusalem and its temple is rebuilt, its wealth and beauty will attract the attention of Gog and his army. Ezekiel prophesied,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Thus saith the Lord G<span style="line-height: 27px;">OD</span>…thou [Gog] shalt think an evil thought; And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages [of Jerusalem]; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely…To take a spoil, and to take a prey…to carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and good, to take a great spoil (Ezek. 38:10-13). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Referring to this scripture, Elder Charles W. Penrose said,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The bankrupt nations, envying the wealth of the sons of Judah, will seek a pretext to make war upon them, and will invade the ‘holy land’ to ‘take a prey and a spoil.’<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn29" name="_ftnref29" title="">[29]</a></span></span><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn29" name="_ftnref29" title=""></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Wilford Woodruff stated that “these fleeing Jews [will] take back their gold and silver to Jerusalem and rebuild their city and temple, and they will do this as the Lord lives. Then the Gentiles will say, ‘Come let us go up to Jerusalem; let us go up and spoil her. The Jews have taken our gold and silver from the nations of the earth—come let us go up and fight against Jerusalem.’”<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn30" name="_ftnref30" title="">[30]</a></span></span><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn30" name="_ftnref30" title=""></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">With that, Gog and his army Magog will prepare to go “against Jerusalem to battle.”<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn31" name="_ftnref31" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[31]</span></span></span></a> Ezekiel describes the scene that follows:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Thou [Gog] shalt ascend and come like a storm, thou shalt be like a cloud to cover the land, thou, and all thy bands, and many people with thee….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And thou shalt come up against my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land; it shall be in the latter days, and I will bring thee against my land…O Gog (Ezek. 38: 9, 16).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">On their way to Jerusalem, we are told that Gog and his army will assemble in the valley of Megiddo,<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn32" name="_ftnref32" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[32]</span></span></span></a> a valley located just north of Jerusalem. This valley of Megiddo is the valley from which the term <i>Armageddon</i> derives its name.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn33" name="_ftnref33" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[33]</span></span></span></a> According to Brandt,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Historically, Megiddo represented the key fortification that any invader must capture and hold, if they wished to make their way south to lay siege to or capture Jerusalem and the surrounding area.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn34" name="_ftnref34" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[34]</span></span></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And thus the famous battle of Armageddon begins, as Gog and Magog make their way to Jerusalem and attack the city.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn35" name="_ftnref35" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[35]</span></span></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Peace Treaty with Israel Violated<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It should be noted that the prophet Daniel predicted that some 3 ½ years before this attack occurs, Gog will have established a peace treaty with the Jews at Jerusalem.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn36" name="_ftnref36" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[36]</span></span></span></a> However, Daniel says that “in the midst” of this peace treaty, Gog will change his mind, break his oath, and command his army to attack Jerusalem.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn37" name="_ftnref37" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[37]</span></span></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9K2BkH13c47wezYi3LIq0O93-c5hAovE3Kc2SqsDSuHVdr3KXBp23BmrkFTWeCXTrT0qslCc_uIal9dDMpkz8SsYUkGyJYrWEO4ve2wkf-vepDLrMtbbDA7WwiU3jrmrgM1UamHH9oOQ/s1600/fall-of-jerusalem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img alt="" border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9K2BkH13c47wezYi3LIq0O93-c5hAovE3Kc2SqsDSuHVdr3KXBp23BmrkFTWeCXTrT0qslCc_uIal9dDMpkz8SsYUkGyJYrWEO4ve2wkf-vepDLrMtbbDA7WwiU3jrmrgM1UamHH9oOQ/s320/fall-of-jerusalem.jpg" title="Gog and Magog invade Jerusalem" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Gog and Magog Invade Jerusalem</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">When this occurs, Zechariah tells us that Gog and his army will invade and take half of Jerusalem. We read,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go forth into captivity (Zech. 14:2). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">We also learn from Zechariah that two-thirds of the Jews living in Jerusalem will be slain. He said that “in all the land, saith the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.”<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn38" name="_ftnref38" title="">[38]</a></span></span><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn38" name="_ftnref38" title=""></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As terrible as this may seem for the Jews, the Lord revealed to the prophet Zechariah that this tragedy will “refine them as silver.”<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn39" name="_ftnref39" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[39]</span></span></span></a> The Lord said that as a result the Jews “shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God.”<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn40" name="_ftnref40" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[40]</span></span></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As Gog and his army make their way through the city, they will be determined to take possession of the temple. According to Smith,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The battle will progressively move towards Jerusalem and the “mountain of the Lord’s house,” or in other words...to the temple of the Lord…. The battle must come to the house of the Lord, for if [Satan and his followers] are to have dominion over the earth, they must destroy the seat, or resting place, of their foe, the Lord.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn41" name="_ftnref41" title="">[41]</a></span></span><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn41" name="_ftnref41" title=""></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">John the Revelator was told that at this time, Gog and his army will not be successful in taking possession of the newly rebuilt temple.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn42" name="_ftnref42" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[42]</span></span></span></a> However, John was also told that Gog and his army will in fact gain control of the temple’s outer courtyard. In vision, John was told to<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the alter, and them that worship therein. <i>But the court which is without the temple leave out</i>, and measure it not; <i>for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty <span class="clarityword">and</span> two months </i>[or 3½ years] (Rev. 11:1-2 emphasis added).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">For the next 3 ½ years, Gog will use this newly gained territory to prevent the Jews from performing any daily sacrifices in their temple. We learn this from the prophet Daniel, who said that “he [Gog] shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease,”<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn43" name="_ftnref43" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[43]</span></span></span></a> and that “the daily sacrifice shall be taken away.”<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn44" name="_ftnref44" title="">[44]</a></span></span><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn44" name="_ftnref44" title=""></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The Lord Defends Israel<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">With such a powerful army, one might ask what is preventing Gog from capturing the entire city, or from taking possession of the entire temple for these next 3 ½ years. The answer comes from the prophet Zechariah, who said,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">In that day shall the Lord defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem (Zech. 13:8).<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn45" name="_ftnref45" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[45]</span></span></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">For the next 3 ½ years, we are told that the Lord will protect his people by sending them “two prophets [who] are to be raised up to the Jewish nation in the last days.”<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn46" name="_ftnref46" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[46]</span></span></span></a> Isaiah tells us that these two prophets will be “full of the fury of the Lord.”<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn47" name="_ftnref47" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[47]</span></span></span></a> They will singlehandedly, for the next 3 ½ years, prevent Gog and Magog from taking the entire city of Jerusalem, and we are told that they will do this by the power of God. The Lord said to the Apostle John,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days [or 3 ½ years]…. And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will (Rev. 11:3-6).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Of these two prophets, Elder Bruce R. McConkie has said,<span style="color: #2a2a2a;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">They shall have power like Elijah who called down fire from heaven to consume his enemies, and who sealed the heavens that it rained not in all Israel for the space of three and a half years, and like Moses by whose word blood and plagues lay heavily upon the Egyptians.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn48" name="_ftnref48" title="">[48]</a></span></span><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn48" name="_ftnref48" title=""></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Elder McConkie also added,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And these two shall be followers of that humble man Joseph Smith, through whom the Lord of Heaven restored the fulness of his everlasting gospel in this final dispensation of grace. No doubt they will be members of the Council of the Twelve or of the First Presidency of the Church.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn49" name="_ftnref49" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[49]</span></span></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This statement helps to explain why these two prophets will have such power, for if these two prophets are indeed members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, then we can safely assume that they will have also been sealed in their foreheads prior to this time. As a result of this seal, these two prophets will have the same protection from God that many of the Saints living in Zion will have. As discussed in chapter 9, this sealing protection is how the righteous are protected from the seven plagues poured out by the seven angels, and the very reason why Zion will be so terrible for her enemies to fight against.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">At the end of this 3 ½ years period, the Lord will allow these two prophets to be killed. John the Revelator said, <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city…where also our Lord was crucified (Rev. 11:7-8).<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn50" name="_ftnref50" title="">[50]</a></span></span><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn50" name="_ftnref50" title=""></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">When this occurs, Gog and his army will celebrate their hard-fought victory. John describes their reaction to the death of these two prophets as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth (Rev 11:10). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">After these two prophets have been killed, Gog and his army will prevent anyone from giving them a proper burial. Instead, they will let their dead bodies lie in the streets for 3 ½ days. John records,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves (Rev 11:9). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">During this 3 ½ day period, it appears that the army of Gog will take complete possession of the Jewish temple. In an attempt to “destroy the seat, or resting place, of their foe, the Lord,”<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn51" name="_ftnref51" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[51]</span></span></span></a> they will begin to set up an idol in the Holy Place of the temple. The scriptures call this event “the abomination of desolation,”<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn52" name="_ftnref52" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[52]</span></span></span></a> or “the abomination that maketh desolate.”<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn53" name="_ftnref53" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[53]</span></span></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">To understand this “abomination of desolation,” we need to understand that an event very similar to this has already occurred once in the temple at Jerusalem. It occurred in <span style="line-height: 27px;">A.D. </span>70 when the Romans destroyed and desecrated the Jewish temple.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn54" name="_ftnref54" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[54]</span></span></span></a> Jesus tells us that it will happen again: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And again shall the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, be fulfilled (JS-M 1:32).<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn55" name="_ftnref55" title="">[55]</a></span></span><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn55" name="_ftnref55" title=""></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Daniel describes this event as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">and they [Magog] shall pollute the sanctuary of strength…and they shall place [in the temple] the abomination that maketh desolate (Dan. 11:31).<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn56" name="_ftnref56" title="">[56]</a></span></span><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn56" name="_ftnref56" title=""></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Daniel, echoing John the Revelator’s timeline,<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn57" name="_ftnref57" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[57]</span></span></span></a> also tells us that this event will take place 3 ½ years after Gog and Magog first take possession of the temple’s outer courtyard and cause the daily sacrifices to cease. He says that “from the time <span class="clarityword">that</span> the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, [to the time when] the abomination that maketh desolate [is] set up, <span class="clarityword">there shall be</span> a thousand two hundred and ninety days” or 3 ½ years.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn58" name="_ftnref58" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[58]</span></span></span></a> <span class="verse"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Just as it seems Gog and Magog have declared themselves victorious, Daniel says, “then shall the sanctuary be cleansed” by the Lord.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn59" name="_ftnref59" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[59]</span></span></span></a> As Gog and Magog proceed to take the remainder of the city, we are told that these two prophets will be resurrected and will ascend into heaven. John described this event as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them (Rev 11:11-12).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Elder Parley P. Pratt summarized,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">After the city and temple are rebuilt by the Jews, the Gentiles will tread it under foot forty and two months [or 3 ½ years], during which time there will be two prophets continually prophesying and working mighty miracles. And it seems that the Gentile army shall be hindered from utterly destroying and overthrowing the city, while these two prophets continue. But, after a struggle of three years and a half, they will at length succeed in destroying these two prophets and then overrunning much of the city; they will send gifts to each other because of the death of the two prophets, and in the meantime will not allow their dead bodies to be put in graves, but suffer them to lie in the streets of Jerusalem three days and a half, during which time the armies of the Gentiles, consisting of many kindreds, tongues and nations, passing through the city, plundering the Jews, will see their dead bodies lying in the street. But after three days and a half, on a sudden, the spirit of life from God will enter them; they will arise and stand upon their feet, and great fear will fall upon them that see them. And then they shall hear a voice from heaven saying, ‘Come up hither,’ and they will ascend up to heaven in a cloud, with enemies beholding them…then comes the shaking spoken of by Ezekiel, and the rending of the Mount of Olives spoken of by Zechariah.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn60" name="_ftnref60" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[60]</span></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As Elder Pratt here references, once the two prophets have been raised up and have ascended into heaven, Christ will descend and set his foot upon the Mount of Olives. Zechariah prophesied,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east (Zech. 14: 3-4).<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn61" name="_ftnref61" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[61]</span></span></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">We are told that this event will cause a great earthquake, which will cause the Mount of Olives to split in two. Zechariah goes on to say that “the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.”<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn62" name="_ftnref62" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[62]</span></span></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">When this occurs, Zechariah informs us that the Jews will flee from the army of Gog into this newly formed valley: “And ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains.”<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn63" name="_ftnref63" title="">[63]</a></span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Christ sets foot upon the Mount of Olives</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As the Jews flee to safety around this Messiah who has come to save them, the Lord says,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And then shall the Jews look upon me and say: What are these wounds in thine hands and in thy feet? Then shall they know that I am the Lord; for I will say unto them: These wounds are the wounds with which I was wounded in the house of my friends. I am he who was lifted up. I am Jesus that was crucified. I am the Son of God. And then shall they weep because of their iniquities; then shall they lament because they persecuted their king<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6689571959634438314" name="49"> </a>(D&C 45:<span class="verse">51-53).</span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn64" name="_ftnref64" title="">[64]</a></span></span><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn64" name="_ftnref64" title=""></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">This sacred event will convert the entire Jewish nation to the gospel of Jesus Christ. We read in Ezekiel,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">So the house of Israel shall know that I am the Lord their God from that day and forward (Ezek. 39:22). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Magog Destroyed by Fire<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Meanwhile, once the Jews have gathered around the Savior in safety, the Lord says, “And I will send a fire on Magog,”<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn65" name="_ftnref65" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[65]</span></span></span></a> and “I will rain upon [Gog], and upon his bands, and upon the many people that are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone.”<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn66" name="_ftnref66" title="">[66]</a></span></span><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn66" name="_ftnref66" title=""></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Ezekiel tells us that this fire and brimstone will destroy 5/6<sup>th</sup> of Gog’s entire army.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn67" name="_ftnref67" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[67]</span></span></span></a> And as for Gog, the Lord says, “I will give unto Gog a place there of [in the] graves in Israel.”<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn68" name="_ftnref68" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[68]</span></span></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The prophet Zechariah also spoke of the fate of those who fought against Jerusalem. He said,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And this shall be the plague wherewith the Lord will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth (Zech. 14:12). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Furthermore, the Lord said in Ezekiel,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I will give thee [Gog and Magog] unto the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the beasts of the field to be devoured. Thou shalt fall upon the open field: for I have spoken it, saith the Lord God (Ezek. 39:4-5).<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn69" name="_ftnref69" title="">[69]</a></span></span><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn69" name="_ftnref69" title=""></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The Lord has said that this destruction will be so great that it will take Israel seven months just to bury Gog and his army. We read in Ezekiel,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will give unto Gog a place there of graves in Israel… and there shall they bury Gog and all his multitude…And seven months shall the house of Israel be burying of them, that they may cleanse the land (Ezek. 39:11-12).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">After the army of Gog has been destroyed, the Jews will then lead Jesus back to the temple to honor him as their Savior.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn70" name="_ftnref70" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[70]</span></span></span></a> Furthermore, after the Jews have been purified and are converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Doctrine and Covenants tells us that the “sons of Levi” will “offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.”<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn71" name="_ftnref71" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[71]</span></span></span></a> Of this scripture, the Prophet Joseph Smith said,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It is generally supposed that sacrifice was entirely done away when the Great Sacrifice [i.e.,] the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus was offered up, and that there will be no necessity for the ordinance of sacrifice in the future; but those who assert this are certainly not acquainted with the duties, privileges and authority of the Priesthood, or with the Prophets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The offering of sacrifice has ever been connected and forms a part of the duties of the Priesthood. It began with the Priesthood, and will be continued until after the coming of Christ, from generation to generation. We frequently have mention made of the offering of sacrifice by the servants of the Most High in ancient days, prior to the Law of Moses; which ordinances will be continued when the Priesthood is restored with all its authority, power and blessings….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">These sacrifices, as well as every ordinance belonging to the Priesthood, will, when the Temple of the Lord shall be built, and the sons of Levi be purified, be fully restored and attended to in all their powers, ramifications, and blessings. This ever did and ever will exist when the powers of the Melchizedek Priesthood are sufficiently manifest; else how can the restitution of all things spoken of by the Holy Prophets be brought to pass? It is not to be understood that the law of Moses will be established again with all its rites and variety of ceremonies; this has never been spoken of by the prophets; but those things which existed prior to Moses’ day, namely, sacrifice, will be continued.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn72" name="_ftnref72" title="">[72]</a></span></span><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn72" name="_ftnref72" title=""></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">President Joseph Fielding Smith added,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The law of sacrifice will have to be restored, or all things which were decreed by the Lord would not be restored. It will be necessary, therefore, for the sons of Levi, who offered the blood sacrifices anciently in Israel, to offer such a sacrifice again to round out and complete this ordinance in this dispensation. Sacrifice by the shedding of blood was instituted in the days of Adam and of necessity will have to be restored.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn73" name="_ftnref73" title="">[73]</a></span></span><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn73" name="_ftnref73" title=""></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Hence, after the Lord has “purified the sons of Levi”<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn74" name="_ftnref74" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[74]</span></span></span></a> He will instruct them to again offer animal sacrifices upon the altar of the temple, and they will do so “in righteousness.”<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn75" name="_ftnref75" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[75]</span></span></span></a> This means that they will do so worthily, and according to the Prophet Joseph Smith, under direction of the priesthood.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn76" name="_ftnref76" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[76]</span></span></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">However, we are told that soon after the Levites have offered up their sacrifices “unto the Lord in righteousness,”<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn77" name="_ftnref77" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[77]</span></span></span></a> the Lord will no longer require blood sacrifices from their hands. President Joseph Fielding Smith explained,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The sacrifice of animals will be done to complete the restoration when the temple spoken of is built; at the beginning of the millennium, or in the restoration, blood sacrifices will be performed long enough to complete the fulness of the restoration in this dispensation. Afterwards sacrifice will be of some other character.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn78" name="_ftnref78" title="">[78]</a></span></span><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn78" name="_ftnref78" title=""></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Once the Lord accepts this offering, the temple at Jerusalem will be converted into a modern LDS temple and used for the performance of the endowment and other higher ordinances of the priesthood. President Joseph Fielding Smith explained,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Ezekiel predicted the building of a temple in Jerusalem <i>which will be used for ordinance work</i> after the gathering of Israel from their long dispersion and when they are cleansed from their transgressions.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn79" name="_ftnref79" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[79]</span></span></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As a result of this temple being cleansed,<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn80" name="_ftnref80" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[80]</span></span></span></a> Ezekiel saw that it would be filled with the “glory of the L<span style="line-height: 27px;">ORD,</span>”<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn81" name="_ftnref81" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[81]</span></span></span></a> which tells us that the Lord will accept this temple as his house once more. Furthermore, perhaps as a result of the earthquake, we are told that a river of water shall also proceed forth from underneath the temple, which is likely another sign that this temple has been purified and accepted by the Lord once more.<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn82" name="_ftnref82" title="">[82]</a></span></span><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn82" name="_ftnref82" title=""></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Once Jerusalem has been converted, word will spread to the surrounding nations that the Lord again dwells with his people<span class="verse">. As a result, we are told that many nations surrounding Jerusalem will also become converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ. </span>Zechariah prophesied, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the <span class="deitysmallcaps">Lord</span> of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the <span class="deitysmallcaps">Lord</span>. Thus saith the <span class="deitysmallcaps">Lord</span> of hosts; In those days <span class="clarityword">it shall come to pass,</span> that ten men…shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard <span class="clarityword">that</span> God <span class="clarityword">is</span> with you (Zech. 8:<span class="verse">22-23)</span><span class="verse">.</span><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn83" name="_ftnref83" title="">[83]</a></span></span><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn83" name="_ftnref83" title=""></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">After Armageddon<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Sometime after the battle of Armageddon has ended, the lost ten tribes, who had previously gathered to Zion, will return to the lands surrounding Jerusalem in order to receive their permanent inheritance in Israel.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn84" name="_ftnref84" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[84]</span></span></span></a> This will be done in fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn85" name="_ftnref85" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[85]</span></span></span></a> The majority of Ephraim and Manasseh will remain behind to permanently inhabit North and South America because Joseph was promised by the Lord that his descendants would have these western lands as an inheritance.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftn86" name="_ftnref86" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 27px;">[86]</span></span></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">It should also be noted that around this time, for one year prior to the Saviors return, there will be no rainbows found in the skies. Joseph Smith said,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I have asked of the Lord concerning His coming; and while asking the Lord, He gave a sign and said, “In the days of Noah I set a bow in the heavens as a sign and token that in any year that the bow should be seen the Lord would not come; but there should be seed time and harvest during that year: but whenever you see the bow withdrawn, it shall be a token that there shall be famine, pestilence, and great distress among the nations, and that the coming of the Messiah is not far distant.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But I will take the responsibility upon myself to prophesy in the name of the Lord, that Christ will not come this year, as Father Miller has prophesied, for we have seen the bow.[87]</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">No doubt this information has been given to us by the Lord so that we may know when his Second Coming is nigh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As we thus approach the Second Coming, the seventh and final angel will sound his trump. John records,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become <span class="clarityword">the kingdoms</span> of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever (Rev. 11:15).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">As we shall see in the proceeding chapter, sometime after this seventh angel has sounded his trump, the Lord will make his final appearance in the clouds of heaven.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Notes From Chapter 11:</b></span></div>
<div>
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<div id="ftn1">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[1]</span></span></span></a> D&C 1:35; <i>Journal of Discourses,</i> 7:189.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn2">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[2]</span></span></span></a> Ezekiel 38:15.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn3">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[3]</span></span></span></a> Revelation 9:16; Revelation 16:14-16.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn4">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[4]</span></span></span></a> Zechariah 14:2. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn5">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[5]</span></span></span></a> D&C 45:66-70<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn6">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[6]</span></span></span></a> Ezekiel 38:2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn7">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[7]</span></span></span></a> Ezekiel 38:2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn8">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[8]</span></span></span></a> Brandt, <i>The Book of Revelation</i><span class="st1">—</span><i>Things Which Must Shortly Come To Pass</i>, p. 205. See also, <i>Old Testament Student Manuel</i>, 2:292.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn9">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[9]</span></span></span></a> <i>Old Testament Student Manuel</i>, 2:284.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn10">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[10]</span></span></span></a> See also <i>Old Testament Student Manuel</i>, 2:293.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn11">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[11]</span></span></span></a> Zechariah 14:2. See also Joel 3:1; Zechariah 12:1-2.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn12">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref12" name="_ftn12" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[12]</span></span></span></a> 2 Nephi 30:7; 2 Nephi 30:5-7; 2 Nephi 6:11; 2 Nephi 25:15-18; Mormon 5:14.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn13">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref13" name="_ftn13" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[13]</span></span></span></a> <i>Journal of Discourses,</i> 18: 64-65.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn14">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref14" name="_ftn14" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[14]</span></span></span></a> Jeremiah 30:9; Ezekiel 34:23-24; <i>History of the Church </i>6:253.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn15">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref15" name="_ftn15" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[15]</span></span></span></a> Zechariah 6:12.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn16">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref16" name="_ftn16" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[16]</span></span></span></a> Jeremiah 23:5-6.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div id="ftn17">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref17" name="_ftn17" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[17]</span></span></span></a> Jeremiah 23:5-6.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div id="ftn18">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref18" name="_ftn18" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[18]</span></span></span></a> See for example, Jeremiah 23:5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn19">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref19" name="_ftn19" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[19]</span></span></span></a> Smith, <i>Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith</i>, p. 286.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div id="ftn20">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref20" name="_ftn20" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[20]</span></span></span></a> Ezekiel 40-43; see also Talmage, <i>The House of the Lord</i>, pp. 37-38.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div id="ftn21">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref21" name="_ftn21" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[21]</span></span></span></a> See, for example, <i>Journal of Discourses,</i> 24:217; <i>Journal of Discourses,</i> 20:148.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn22">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref22" name="_ftn22" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[22]</span></span></span></a> Image retrieved from: <a href="http://www.hdwallpapersarena.com/dome-of-the-rock-wallpapers.html">http://www.hdwallpapersarena.com/dome-of-the-rock-wallpapers.html</a> Used with permission.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn23">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref23" name="_ftn23" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[23]</span></span></span></a> Skousen, <i>Fantastic Victory</i><span class="st1">—</span><i>Israel's Rendezvous With Destiny</i>, p. 160.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn24">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref24" name="_ftn24" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[24]</span></span></span></a> Skousen, <i>Fantastic Victory</i><span class="st1">—</span><i>Israel's Rendezvous With Destiny</i>, p. 160.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn25">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref25" name="_ftn25" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[25]</span></span></span></a> Image retrieved from: <a href="http://www.hdwallpapersarena.com/dome-of-the-rock-wallpapers.html">http://www.hdwallpapersarena.com/dome-of-the-rock-wallpapers.html</a> Used with permission.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn26">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref26" name="_ftn26" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[26]</span></span></span></a> Skousen, <i>Fantastic Victory</i><span class="st1">—</span><i>Israel's Rendezvous With Destiny</i>, p. 160.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn27">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref27" name="_ftn27" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[27]</span></span></span></a> Skousen, <i>Fantastic Victory</i><span class="st1">—</span><i>Israel's Rendezvous With Destiny</i>, p. 15; see also p. 268.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn28">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref28" name="_ftn28" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[28]</span></span></span></a> <i>Journal of Discourses, </i>24:215.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn29">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref29" name="_ftn29" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[29]</span></span></span></a> “The Second Advent,” <i>Millennial Star</i>, 10 Sept. 1859, 21:582-83.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn30">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref30" name="_ftn30" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[30]</span></span></span></a> <i>Journal of Discourses,</i> 22:173.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn31">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref31" name="_ftn31" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[31]</span></span></span></a> Zechariah 14:2. See also Joel 3:1; Zechariah 12:1-2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn32">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref32" name="_ftn32" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[32]</span></span></span></a> <i>Journal of Discourses,</i> 7:189.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn33">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref33" name="_ftn33" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[33]</span></span></span></a> <i>Old Testament Student Manual</i>, 2:291.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn34">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref34" name="_ftn34" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[34]</span></span></span></a> Brandt, <i>The Book of Revelation</i><span class="st1">—</span><i>Things Which Must Shortly Come to Pass</i>, p. 203.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn35">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref35" name="_ftn35" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[35]</span></span></span></a> Zechariah 12:2.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn36">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref36" name="_ftn36" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[36]</span></span></span></a> Daniel 9:27. The time period in which Daniel here refers (seven days) should be interpreted as seven years. (The Hebrew word for <i>weeks</i> (<i>shavuiem</i>) can be translated as “sevens.”) Therefore the phrase “in the midst of the week” used by Daniel should be interpreted as 3 ½ years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn37">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref37" name="_ftn37" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[37]</span></span></span></a> Daniel 9:27.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn38">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref38" name="_ftn38" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[38]</span></span></span></a> Zechariah 13:8<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn39">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref39" name="_ftn39" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[39]</span></span></span></a> Zechariah 13:9<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn40">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref40" name="_ftn40" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[40]</span></span></span></a> Zechariah 13:9<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn41">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref41" name="_ftn41" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[41]</span></span></span></a> Smith, <i>The Book of Revelation - Plain, Pure, and Simple,</i> p. 182<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn42">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref42" name="_ftn42" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[42]</span></span></span></a> Revelation 11:1-2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn43">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref43" name="_ftn43" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[43]</span></span></span></a> Daniel 9:27.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn44">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref44" name="_ftn44" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[44]</span></span></span></a> Daniel 12:11.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn45">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref45" name="_ftn45" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[45]</span></span></span></a> Ezekiel also prophesied that the Jews at Jerusalem “shall dwell safely all of them” (Ezek. 38:8; see also Ezek. 38:14).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn46">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref46" name="_ftn46" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[46]</span></span></span></a> D&C 77:15.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn47">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref47" name="_ftn47" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[47]</span></span></span></a> Isaiah 51:20; see also Ezekiel 38:18.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn48">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref48" name="_ftn48" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[48]</span></span></span></a> McConkie, <i>Doctrinal New Testament Commentary</i>, 3:510.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn49">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref49" name="_ftn49" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[49]</span></span></span></a> McConkie, <i>Doctrinal New Testament Commentary</i>, 3:509.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn50">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref50" name="_ftn50" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[50]</span></span></span></a> See also Isaiah 51:19-20.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn51">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref51" name="_ftn51" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[51]</span></span></span></a> Smith, <i>The Book of Revelation - Plain, Pure, and Simple,</i> p. 182.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn52">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref52" name="_ftn52" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[52]</span></span></span></a> Mark 13:14.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn53">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref53" name="_ftn53" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[53]</span></span></span></a> Daniel 12:11. It should be noted that in addition to this interpretation, the LDS <i>Bible Dictionary</i> states, “In a general sense, abomination of desolation also describes the latter-day judgments to be poured out upon the wicked wherever they may be” (<i>Bible Dictionary, </i>p. 601, under “Abomination of Desolation”). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn54">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref54" name="_ftn54" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[54]</span></span></span></a> Mark 13:14; Matthew 24:15; JS<span class="st1">—</span>M 1:12.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn55">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref55" name="_ftn55" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[55]</span></span></span></a> See also Daniel 9:27; Daniel 11:31; Daniel 12:11.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn56">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref56" name="_ftn56" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[56]</span></span></span></a> For more information regarding the desecration of this Jewish temple, see Parry and Parry, <i>Understanding the Signs of the Times</i>, p. 268; McConkie, <i>The Millennial Messiah</i>, p. 474; Skousen, <i>His Return</i>, p. 225.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn57">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref57" name="_ftn57" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[57]</span></span></span></a> Revelation 11:2.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn58">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref58" name="_ftn58" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[58]</span></span></span></a> Daniel 12:11.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn59">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref59" name="_ftn59" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[59]</span></span></span></a> Daniel 8:14.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn60">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref60" name="_ftn60" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[60]</span></span></span></a> Pratt, <i>Voice of Warning, </i>p. 33.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn61">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref61" name="_ftn61" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[61]</span></span></span></a> See also D&C 45:48.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn62">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref62" name="_ftn62" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[62]</span></span></span></a> Zechariah 14:4; see also D&C 45:48; Ezekiel 38:19. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn63">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref63" name="_ftn63" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[63]</span></span></span></a> Zechariah 14:5.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn64">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref64" name="_ftn64" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[64]</span></span></span></a> See also Zechariah 13:6; Zechariah 12:10-11.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn65">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref65" name="_ftn65" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[65]</span></span></span></a> Ezekiel 39:6.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn66">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref66" name="_ftn66" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[66]</span></span></span></a> Ezekiel 38:22.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn67">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref67" name="_ftn67" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[67]</span></span></span></a> Ezekiel 39:2.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn68">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref68" name="_ftn68" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[68]</span></span></span></a> Ezekiel 39:11.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn69">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref69" name="_ftn69" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[69]</span></span></span></a> See also Joel 2:20.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn70">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref70" name="_ftn70" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[70]</span></span></span></a> Ezekiel 44:1-2.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn71">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref71" name="_ftn71" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[71]</span></span></span></a> D&C 13:1. See also Malachi 3:3.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn72">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref72" name="_ftn72" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[72]</span></span></span></a> <i>History of the Church</i>, pp. 211-12.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn73">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref73" name="_ftn73" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[73]</span></span></span></a> Smith, <i>Doctrines of Salvation</i>, 3:94.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn74">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref74" name="_ftn74" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[74]</span></span></span></a> See for example, Malachi 3:3.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn75">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref75" name="_ftn75" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[75]</span></span></span></a> D&C 13:1; Malachi 3:3.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn76">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref76" name="_ftn76" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[76]</span></span></span></a> Smith, <i>Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, </i>p. 172.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn77">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref77" name="_ftn77" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[77]</span></span></span></a> D&C 13:1. See also Malachi 3:3.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn78">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref78" name="_ftn78" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[78]</span></span></span></a> Smith, <i>Doctrines of Salvation</i>, 3:94.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn79">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref79" name="_ftn79" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[79]</span></span></span></a> Smith, <i>Doctrines of Salvation</i>, 2:244 (emphasis added).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn80">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref80" name="_ftn80" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[80]</span></span></span></a> Daniel 8:14.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn81">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref81" name="_ftn81" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[81]</span></span></span></a> Ezekiel 44:4.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn82">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref82" name="_ftn82" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[82]</span></span></span></a> See Joel 3:8; Ezekiel 47:1-2; Zechariah 13:1; Ezekiel 47:1-12; Smith, <i>Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith</i>, p. 286.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn83">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref83" name="_ftn83" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[83]</span></span></span></a> See also <span class="verse">D&C45:54; </span>Zechariah 14:16; Ezekiel 38:23; Ezekiel 39:7, 21; Isaiah 19:20-23.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn84">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref84" name="_ftn84" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[84]</span></span></span></a> <i>The Essential Orson Pratt, </i>p. 145.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn85">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref85" name="_ftn85" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[85]</span></span></span></a> Genesis 17:8.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn86">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref86" name="_ftn86" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[86]</span></span></span></a> Genesis 49:22.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn87">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming/Before%20the%202nd%20Coming%20-%20eBook.docx#_ftnref87" name="_ftn87" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 18px;">[87]</span></span></span></a> Smith, <i>Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith</i>, pp. 340-41. See also Smith, <i>Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith</i>, p. 305; Genesis 9:9-17.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Brunson20http://www.blogger.com/profile/17312464214354872630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063509693788316188.post-80925538319529540592013-10-14T11:30:00.001-06:002020-08-16T14:04:05.356-06:00The Prophetic Dreams of Joseph in Egypt<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b><span face="" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 25px;">By </span><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/p/about-author_30.html" style="background-color: white; color: #4d469c; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;">Rick Brunson</a></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Many are familiar with the series of
dreams associated with the story of Joseph in Egypt. These are the dreams that Joseph either had
himself, or dreams he interpreted for others.
However, what many of us may not have realized is that these dreams were
prophetic of future events.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> In short, these dreams tell a story: the
story of God’s dealings with his covenant people Israel. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">In order to fully understand this story, we must first understand that
Joseph acted as a “type” of Christ. In
other words his life was a model, meant to teach us of Christ<b>. </b></span><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">For example</span></strong><strong><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">:</span></strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Joseph was a shepherd.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftn2">[2]</a> Christ is the Good Shepherd.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftn3">[3]</a><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftn3"></a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Both Joseph and Jesus were sold for silver, the price of a slave.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftn4">[4]</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Both were falsely accused.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftn5">[5]</a><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftn5"></a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Both were thirty at the start of their ministry.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftn6">[6]</a><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftn6"></a> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Both were Saviors for their people, one temporally and one spiritually.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Joseph sat second in command to Pharaoh,<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftn7">[7]</a> while Jesus sits on the right hand of God and is the second member of the Godhead.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">All bowed before Joseph,<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftn8">[8]</a> just like all will bow the knee to Christ.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftn9">[9]</a><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftn9"></a> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSETqo8-pP6M1NflhEO4hFJIHKNvyWW9vri0k2jSRqG0YFkvoZ6DXJM3LvQUwHVJz0kv6ZaHFCzWRi-erjKFuCSnQbIHOdkvj7iTDfCGH2XaOxJvAKmOLMrZoCQlWWcHsgOQCD_Mmv5dOI/s1600/bow+the+knee.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Joseph's brothers bow before him in Egypt" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSETqo8-pP6M1NflhEO4hFJIHKNvyWW9vri0k2jSRqG0YFkvoZ6DXJM3LvQUwHVJz0kv6ZaHFCzWRi-erjKFuCSnQbIHOdkvj7iTDfCGH2XaOxJvAKmOLMrZoCQlWWcHsgOQCD_Mmv5dOI/s1600/bow+the+knee.jpg" title="Joseph's-brothers-bow-before-him-in-Egypt" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joseph's brothers bow before him in Egypt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Just like Christ, who was not recognized as the Messiah by
his own people at his first coming, Joseph was similarly not recognized by his
own brothers at their first meeting.</span><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[10]</span></span></span></a><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">
It was not until they meet the second time that Joseph was recognized by them.</span><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftn11" name="_ftnref11" style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[11]</span></span></span></a><span style="line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">
Similarly, it will not be until the second coming when the Jews will
recognize Jesus as their Messiah. The scriptures teach us that during the
battle of Armageddon, Jesus will set foot upon the Mount of Olives, at which
time,</span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">shall the Jews look upon me and
say: What are these wounds in thine hands and in thy feet? Then shall
they know that I am the Lord; for I will say unto them: These wounds are the
wounds with which I was wounded in the house of my friends. I am he who was
lifted up. I am Jesus that was crucified. I am the Son of God. And then
shall they weep because of their iniquities; then shall they lament because
they persecuted their king</span><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. (D&C 45:48-53)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With this background, we turn to
Joseph’s first two dreams. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dreams
One & Two<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dsXp_rnl7SmP0_mw8321OP-FsTxgDeTUV58O_7kgeNZjDgz5LEwmL3Q_yYK6dBpZ3NWD1uDbTYltwOF2M4ukHy5yF_v-udIQXYxQz0UjO0CmsuujkR7D9UxR7UDJRitPvPFSjFJkkVD4/s1600/Joseph+Sheaves.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Joseph's First Dream-Sheaves-bow" border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dsXp_rnl7SmP0_mw8321OP-FsTxgDeTUV58O_7kgeNZjDgz5LEwmL3Q_yYK6dBpZ3NWD1uDbTYltwOF2M4ukHy5yF_v-udIQXYxQz0UjO0CmsuujkR7D9UxR7UDJRitPvPFSjFJkkVD4/s320/Joseph+Sheaves.jpg" title="Joseph's-First-Dream" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joseph's First Dream</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In Genesis, Joseph describes his first dream
as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">For, behold, we [Joseph and his brothers] were binding
sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold,
your sheaves stood round about, and made </span><a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/gen/37?lang=eng"><span color="" style="color: windowtext; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">obeisance</span></a><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> to my sheaf. (Genesis
37:7) </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">As we continue in Genesis, we read of a second dream Joseph had: </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his
brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun
and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me. (Genesis 37:9)</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRYtMb-rS0eYU7EsSPsnzjMkYUkpHjZ662DoR1aEMeWk1BFG_Rjo09c_WjDw5pphT00mgw3OH6pH79S3hoXynR6M_PuBgU-IKqr74MB1jA1rRM41SxFIWUuq7zirwRMhPubA2j2PlBFrJ/s1600/Joseph+Stars.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Joseph's Second Dream sun moon stars bow" border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRYtMb-rS0eYU7EsSPsnzjMkYUkpHjZ662DoR1aEMeWk1BFG_Rjo09c_WjDw5pphT00mgw3OH6pH79S3hoXynR6M_PuBgU-IKqr74MB1jA1rRM41SxFIWUuq7zirwRMhPubA2j2PlBFrJ/s320/Joseph+Stars.jpg" title="Joseph's-second-dream" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joseph's Second Dream</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">These dreams were fulfilled when Joseph’s brothers bowed to him in Egypt.</span><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftn12" name="_ftnref12" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[12]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> However, these dreams were also given to
teach of something deeper. In the
scriptures, stars are often used to represent God’s children: “the morning
stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy.”</span><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftn13" name="_ftnref13" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[13]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Similarly, wheat is also used to represent
God’s children: “the field is white already to harvest.”</span><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftn14" name="_ftnref14" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[14]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Therefore, these two dreams had but one and
the same meaning. In each dream, both the wheat and the stars (God’s children),
bowed before Joseph (who was a type of Christ).
While these dreams taught Joseph’s brothers of their temporal savior</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">, they are also meant to</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> teach us of ours. It was at the council in the pre-existence,
where we surrounded Christ and gratefully acknowledged him as our Savior. </span><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dreams Three & Four<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">After this council, the earth was created </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">by the</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Savior</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">, who </span><span style="line-height: 115%;">was</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> then</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> able to come to</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> this</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> earth and provided the atonement. The next two dreams that Joseph interprets were
meant to teach of this very event. As
you may recall, these two dreams</span><span class="st1">—</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">given to the butler and the
baker</span><span class="st1">—</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">were interpreted by Joseph
during their stay in prison. We read in
Genesis,</span><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And the chief butler told his dream
to Joseph, and said to him, In my dream, behold, a vine <i><span style="border: 1pt none; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">was</span></i> before me; And in the vine <i><span style="border: 1pt none; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">were</span></i> three branches: and it <i><span style="border: 1pt none; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">was</span></i> as though it budded, <i><span style="border: 1pt none; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">and</span></i> her blossoms shot forth; and the clusters
thereof brought forth ripe grapes: And Pharaoh’s cup <i><span style="border: 1pt none; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">was</span></i> in my hand: and I took the grapes, and pressed
them into Pharaoh’s cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And Joseph said unto him,
This <i><span style="border: 1pt none; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">is</span></i> the interpretation of it: The three branches <i><span style="border: 1pt none; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">are</span></i> three days: Yet within three days shall
Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore thee unto thy place: and thou shalt
deliver Pharaoh’s cup into his hand, after the former manner when thou wast his
butler. (Genesis 40:9-13)<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1qOZ9VFAZ8QGdJXdIiRleUzzpzOiSY7UwW2lTq6jELjna2Kgd6ICldMfHSAFX1lQhZ6WXUYhoUgZTsUX0Qfk1wCw7dr4Qzj6-dKOGBr9-mwfA0qV0ZYc_1vmUi5XCsNm7BFwbdpt1kRT/s1600/vine+2.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Butlers-dream-grape-vine-joseph-in-Egypt" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1qOZ9VFAZ8QGdJXdIiRleUzzpzOiSY7UwW2lTq6jELjna2Kgd6ICldMfHSAFX1lQhZ6WXUYhoUgZTsUX0Qfk1wCw7dr4Qzj6-dKOGBr9-mwfA0qV0ZYc_1vmUi5XCsNm7BFwbdpt1kRT/s1600/vine+2.jpg" title="Butlers-dream-grape-vine-joseph-in-Egypt" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dream Three</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Many of the images in this dream remind us of Gethsemane. Christ said “I am the vine.”</span><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftn15" name="_ftnref15" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[15]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> In the butlers dream, this vine brought forth
grapes, which were pressed and put in a cup.
Luke 22 comes to mind:</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Father, if thou
be willing,<span class="apple-converted-space"> remove </span>this cup from
me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. <span class="verse"><span style="border: 1pt none; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span></span>And being in an agony<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>he prayed more earnestly: and<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>his sweat was as it were great drops
of blood<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>falling down to the
ground. (Luke 22:42-44)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Interestingly enough, the butler was
ultimately redeemed by this wine just three days after this dream. Similarly, it was just three days after
Christ shed his blood that he broke the bands of death for all by being
resurrected.<strong><span style="font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">We continue in Genesis:</span><strong><span style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strong><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></strong></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HwTzX8XQQU4Lva3gEHLNR1DqrgjA-RX3ehxLjifQ8x0TybjL1wGoE9twPGXhJCOGgYGVKCTaqJCbJSQw_DuZMxZPErdgyUwu9oAS9SOGGeud_YYNZH_vfRFcmfm5j70SsvJNwreLyAH-/s1600/basket+2.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HwTzX8XQQU4Lva3gEHLNR1DqrgjA-RX3ehxLjifQ8x0TybjL1wGoE9twPGXhJCOGgYGVKCTaqJCbJSQw_DuZMxZPErdgyUwu9oAS9SOGGeud_YYNZH_vfRFcmfm5j70SsvJNwreLyAH-/s200/basket+2.jpg" title="Joseph-in-egypt-interprets-bakers-dream-baskets" width="153" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dream Four</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When the chief baker saw that the
interpretation was good, he said unto Joseph, I also [<span style="border: 1pt none; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">had a]</span> dream, and, behold, <i><span style="border: 1pt none; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">I had</span></i> three white baskets on my head: And in the
uppermost basket <i><span style="border: 1pt none; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">there was</span></i> of all manner of
bakemeats for Pharaoh; and the birds did eat them out of the basket upon my
head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And Joseph answered and said,
This <i><span style="border: 1pt none; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">is</span></i> the interpretation thereof: The three
baskets <i><span style="border: 1pt none; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">are</span></i> three days: Yet within three days shall
Pharaoh lift up thy head from off thee, and shall hang thee on a tree; and the
birds shall eat thy flesh from off thee. (Genesis 40:16-19)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmoAVLG3DqwZkNtb11R-GdQfuYUw36c9pArrHPYuaw5sPqMI-lyODT357jk-cV_JvK_KwytaF7NbWq4qbXyDBGeccE36mE9BbzA3Cg9NrC_jRBbCIFtkLk8xqiHf3soFkWRAm9QfVH_M9/s1600/golgotha.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmoAVLG3DqwZkNtb11R-GdQfuYUw36c9pArrHPYuaw5sPqMI-lyODT357jk-cV_JvK_KwytaF7NbWq4qbXyDBGeccE36mE9BbzA3Cg9NrC_jRBbCIFtkLk8xqiHf3soFkWRAm9QfVH_M9/s1600/golgotha.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Golgotha</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Just as the butler’s dream pointed to the atonement of
Christ, so too does the baker’s dream. Here the baker beheld three baskets. The upper basket of the three contained
bread. The symbolism of these baskets is
easy to see when viewed through the eyes of Golgotha, for it was at Golgotha where
Christ<span class="st1">—</span>the bread of
life<span class="st1">—</span>was crucified. Christ was the “uppermost basket” and the
only basket of the three which contained bread.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftn16" name="_ftnref16" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[16]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Furthermore, according to the Apostle Peter,
Christ “hanged on a treee,” as did the baker.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftn17" name="_ftnref17" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[17]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dreams Five
& Six<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To recap, so far our dreams
have told Israel’s story. In the
pre-exsistance, we all bowed to Christ and accepted him as our Savior, as
represented in dreams one and two. This
Savior then came to earth and provided an atonement so that Israel could be
saved, as represented in dreams three and four.
The next two dreams tell of the great <span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;">apostasy that occurred after Christ provided this atonement. We read in Genesis:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-no-proof: yes;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pharaoh
dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river.
And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and
fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow.
And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river, ill
favoured and leanfleshed; and stood by the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="clarityword"><i><span style="border: 1pt none; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">other</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>kine upon the brink of the river. And
the ill favoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and
fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJaaRS2iqbSuczBORCbZCn5bLD25M3Pt8Kk7VKMfKle1tob1weaj8ezcntH5Y9bosDsBAdwPGSgDcT4wwZIHJ_qL4mub_Q5cifw5PKSK6yT0WdYgw59N3k0La3bDb7c3FrbfvnfDH9Ch1/s1600/famine.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Joseph-interprets-pharoah's-dream-kine-corn-famine" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHJaaRS2iqbSuczBORCbZCn5bLD25M3Pt8Kk7VKMfKle1tob1weaj8ezcntH5Y9bosDsBAdwPGSgDcT4wwZIHJ_qL4mub_Q5cifw5PKSK6yT0WdYgw59N3k0La3bDb7c3FrbfvnfDH9Ch1/s1600/famine.jpg" title="Joseph-interprets-pharoah's-dream-kine-corn-famine" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dreams Five & Six</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And he slept
and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one
stalk, rank and good. And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east
wind sprung up after them. And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and
full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="clarityword"><i><span style="border: 1pt none; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">it was</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>a dream. (Gen 41:1-7)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We are all familiar with Joseph’s
interpretation of these dreams. There
was to be seven years of famine following seven years of plenty. As we have just mentioned, in our story, this
famine represented the great apostasy:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="border: 1pt none; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span>Behold, the days
come, saith the Lord<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="smallcaps"><span style="border: 1pt none; font-variant: small-caps; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">God</span></span>,
that I will send a famine in the land, not a<span class="apple-converted-space"> famine </span>of
bread, nor a thirst<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>for water, but of hearing the words<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>of
the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><span class="smallcaps"><span style="border: 1pt none; font-variant: small-caps; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Lord</span></span> (Amos 8:11)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Seventh Event<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">These six dreams all lead up to the
crowning event in our story. Joseph is
made second in command in all of Egypt. During the famine, it was his responsibility
to bring food to the Gentiles in and around Egypt, as well as to the House of
Israel. This crowning event was
fulfilled in our day when the Gospel of Jesus Christ was restored to the earth. Because of this event, both the Gentiles and
the House of Israel could be spiritually feed, despite the famine of the Great
Apostasy. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOx6HTuW62zlz2CECWCuShZpsSegg1AViyna9iueys9xeTkMZ5IB67HOP5wA6w7BY0F4BsNIF4N4UO6qtmQp1my591zFuAaYfbrnEbC4ayN5ommQl8GF1z_MN4aXcbT6wUnVvatWU3jJs/s1600/bom.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTOx6HTuW62zlz2CECWCuShZpsSegg1AViyna9iueys9xeTkMZ5IB67HOP5wA6w7BY0F4BsNIF4N4UO6qtmQp1my591zFuAaYfbrnEbC4ayN5ommQl8GF1z_MN4aXcbT6wUnVvatWU3jJs/s1600/bom.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Interestingly enough, during his stay
in Egypt, Joseph had two sons: Ephraim and Manasseh. This is significant because the Book of
Mormon was written mainly by the descendants of these two tribes: Lehi was from
Manasseh,<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftn18" name="_ftnref18" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[18]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>
and many of Lehi’s children married into Ishmael’s family, who was from the
tribe of Ephraim.<a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftn19" name="_ftnref19" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[19]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Therefore, in the story of Joseph in Egypt,
the birth of his two sons represents the coming forth of the Book of Mormon,
which aided in the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Because of these events, both the Gentiles
and the House of Israel are fed spiritually.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>
<div>
<!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Notes:</b><br clear="all" />
</span><br />
<hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" />
<!--[endif]-->
<br />
<div id="ftn1">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> This author is indebted to
Bro. Patrick Deign for many of these insights.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn2">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Gen 37:2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn3">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> John 10:14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn4">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Gen 37:26-28;
Matt 26:15<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn5">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Gen 39:16-19; Matt
26:59-60<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn6">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Gen 41:46; Luke 3:23<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn7">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Gen 41:39-43<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Gen 41:39; Gen
43:26-28<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> D&C 76:110<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Gen 42: 6-8<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[11]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Gen 45:1-3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftnref12" name="_ftn12" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[12]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Gen. 42:6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftnref13" name="_ftn13" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[13]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Job 38:7. See also Rev. 9:1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftnref14" name="_ftn14" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[14]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> D&C 4:4. See also Alma 26:5; John 4:35<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftnref15" name="_ftn15" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[15]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> John 15:5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftnref16" name="_ftn16" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[16]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> John 6:35<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftnref17" name="_ftn17" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[17]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Acts 5:30<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftnref18" name="_ftn18" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[18]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> 1 Ne. 5:14; Alma 10:3.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/rbrunson/Desktop/20/J.%20in%20Egypt/The%20Prophetic%20Dreams%20of%20Joseph%20in%20Egypt.docx#_ftnref19" name="_ftn19" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="line-height: 115%;">[19]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <i>Journal of Discourses,</i> 23:184</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Brunson20http://www.blogger.com/profile/17312464214354872630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063509693788316188.post-71101821776661694902013-09-16T16:16:00.001-06:002023-04-14T17:27:51.192-06:00Book of Mormon Geography<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 22px;">By </span><a href="http://www.brunson20.com/p/about-author_30.html" style="background-color: white; color: #4d469c; line-height: 22px; text-decoration: none;">Rick Brunson</a> </span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q11g3udUPj4" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">An introduction to Book of Mormon Geography</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Presented by Rick Brunson on 04/12/2023</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><span style="color: black;">Where did the Book of Mormon take
place? Believe it or not, this question has actually caused some pretty intense
debates in many LDS circles over the years, even to the point of contention in
some cases.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a>
But does that mean that there isn’t anything to gain from studying this topic?
If you ask me, nothing could be farther from the truth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>L</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">DS author Joseph Allen agrees:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Of what value is Book of Mormon research?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The answer is simple…the more we understand
about the culture, language, history, and geography of the Book of Mormon, the
better we understand the Book of Mormon.…</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From personal experiences, we know that our understanding
and motivation for studying the Bible increases as we walk on the Mount of Olives
and as we sail on the Sea of Galilee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Likewise, our hearts are touched and our thoughts are enlightened
regarding the history of the restored gospel as we stand in the Sacred Grove
and as we ponder at Carthage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These same
kinds of experiences await us concerning the Book of Mormon.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn2;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span></span></span></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Before
we examine some of the possible locations for Book of Mormon geography however,
I would like to stress the fact that as of today, the Lord has not revealed
where the Nephites or Lamanites lived, and as such, the LDS Church has taken no
official stance on anything related to Book of Mormon Geography;<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn3;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[3]</span></span></span></span></a>
and until this changes, this subject will remain in the fallible hands of
academic scholarship at best. Therefore, if you happen to be on the other side
of this particular debate, and disagree with any of the conclusions I make in
this article, all the better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All it
means is that we are both students trying to piece this puzzle together to the best
of our ability, and hopefully, we are each coming to appreciate the Book of
Mormon more in the process. </span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With
that said, I now enter the controversial arena of Book of Mormon geography.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wish me luck.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lehi’s Route in the
Wilderness</span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thankfully
most scholars at least agree on the general locations that Lehi traveled after
he left Jerusalem. <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The Book of Mormon states
that when Lehi left Jerusalem, he traveled with his family to the “borders near
the shore of the Red Sea” (1 Nephi 2:5).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From there, Lehi and his family “traveled three days in the wilderness”
and made their camp “in a valley by the side of a river of water” (1 Nephi
2:6). Lehi named this valley Lemuel (1 Nephi 2:10) and the river Laman (1 Nephi
2:8).</span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As one might suppose, there are not very many places
in this region that have a running body of water within a three day journey
from the boarders of the Red Sea. In fact, we can very quickly narrow it down
to about three. LDS scholar Brant Gardner summarizes the three best candidates
for the valley of Lemuel:</span></div>
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“[Authors] Hilton and Hilton
propose wadi al-Bad.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn4;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[4]</span></span></span></span></a>
George Potter and Richard Wellington argue for wadi Tayyib al Ism.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn5;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[5]</span></span></span></span></a> Chadwick
prefers Bir Marsha<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn6;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[6]</span></span></span></span></a>…
Each has the important virtue of having accessible water, but only wadi Tayyi<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">b
al-Ism appears to meet the most difficult requirement, a continually running
river (1 Ne. 2:9).”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn7;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[7]</span></span></span></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In other words, Wadi Tayyib al Ism is the only one
of these three locations that has a river that runs “continuously” [i.e., year
round] into the Red Sea, which is a Book of Mormon requirement (1 Nephi 2:9).
It was likely <span style="font-family: inherit;">at this location</span> that Lehi and Nephi beheld the vision of the tree of life,
and also where Lehi found the Liahona.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58_mb4Rf_3Pih7H3U5Cj8w2fbrrf3HwPnD38fZy8k4YG3LZfmjiDEEWjXVmb-9aZ4NM1Cyzeu1KQTSbpCnEFUCfo0a67Vm8nQUJ8PRrrmTB9e06Mpu-GhW7GxP6rqhcjhcpoyseCfXCyI/s1600/Wadi+Tayyib+Al+Ism+Map.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58_mb4Rf_3Pih7H3U5Cj8w2fbrrf3HwPnD38fZy8k4YG3LZfmjiDEEWjXVmb-9aZ4NM1Cyzeu1KQTSbpCnEFUCfo0a67Vm8nQUJ8PRrrmTB9e06Mpu-GhW7GxP6rqhcjhcpoyseCfXCyI/s400/Wadi+Tayyib+Al+Ism+Map.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span color="windowtext"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Wadi Tayyib al-Ism (Valley of Lemuel)</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
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<b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shazer</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After returning to Jerusalem a few times from this
location, the Book of Mormon tells us that Lehi and his family left the valley
of Lemuel and traveled in a “south-southeast direction” to a place they called “Shazer”
(1 Nephi 16:13).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Shazer is a little more
difficult to pinpoint on the map because there is not as much information about
the area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the Book of Mormon
does give us a few clues.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, the closest
known Arabic word to Shazer means, “A valley or area abounding with trees and
shrubs.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn8;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[8]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Second, Nephi tells us that there is good
hunting to be had near this location:</span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And
it came to pass that we did take our bows and our arrows, and go forth into the
wilderness to slay food for our families; and after we had slain food for our
families we did return again to our families in the wilderness, to the place of
Shazer (1 Nephi 16:14).</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Therefore, when looking for a possible candidate for
Shazer, we need to look in a “south-southeast direction” from Wadi Tayyib al
Ism (the valley of Lemuel), we need to find a place with wild animals nearby,
and hopefully this place will be “abounding with trees and shrubs” as its name
likely suggests.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>George Potter and
Richard Wellington are credited for finding a location that fits each of these
requirements, which is a region called Wadi Agharr.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn9;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[9]</span></span></span></span></a> To
this date, it is the best candidate for Shazer.</span><br />
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<span color="windowtext"> Wadi Agharr
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWK5jgfoJH1p4o3iUexVbq42Z39wso5Lb1kv7U4LyaQoaIbFG-hED1-rCj9Owkv4Rw50gLdhPFpBfUcNioJPiLC0uKRkVsw3BXJmRwhA7JO9Wy9e9NR9KdcWEPK4QnrC9G6I86l6l0Z-6/s1600/Shazer+Map.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWK5jgfoJH1p4o3iUexVbq42Z39wso5Lb1kv7U4LyaQoaIbFG-hED1-rCj9Owkv4Rw50gLdhPFpBfUcNioJPiLC0uKRkVsw3BXJmRwhA7JO9Wy9e9NR9KdcWEPK4QnrC9G6I86l6l0Z-6/s400/Shazer+Map.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
Camp of the Broken Bow</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From Shazer, we are told that Lehi’s party “traveled
for the space of many days” and pitched their tents “for the space of a time”
(1 Nephi 16:17).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was at this new location
where Nephi broke his bow (see 1 Nephi 16:17-18). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As it turns out, this broken bow gives us our
only clue as to where this camp might have been located; for after Nephi’s bow
was broken we read:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And it came to pass that I, Nephi,
did make out of wood a bow, and out of a straight stick, and arrow (1 Nephi 16:23).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This small detail is helpful because, in the words
of Hugh Nibley:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
“According to the ancient Arab
writers, the only bow-wood obtainable in all Arabia was the nab' wood that grew
only “amid the inaccessible and overhanging crags” of Mount Jasum and Mount
Azd, which are situated in the very region where, if we follow the Book of
Mormon, the broken bow incident occurred.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn10;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[10]</span></span></span></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nahom</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From the camp of the broken bow, it was onto a place
“which was called Nahom” (1 Nephi 16:34).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is interesting to note that Lehi and his party did not name this
location like they did previous locations along their journey (such as the
valley of Lemuel<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn11" name="_ftnref11" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn11;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[11]</span></span></span></span></a>
and Shazer<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn12" name="_ftnref12" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn12;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[12]</span></span></span></span></a>).
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, the record states that Lehi’s
party came to a place “which was called Nahom” (1 Nephi 16:34). This suggests
that this place was already in existence at the time of Lehi. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If this is true, is there any evidence of an ancient
place in this region with the name Nahom?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As it turns out there is. In 1994 archeologists began excavating this
area and discovered several ancient temple ruins that date back to this very
time period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one of these temples was
an altar with the word <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Nahom</i>
inscribed on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0GUs1Iyc97oib6KKnU8dXghy2bv0T6XcCXL1SB7is-5kzuXOJ-End_24Nao0zXxjm93GTMEmkds-_apBYfpkj_6HzY8dl-MTO3JfTS6MUWNC4OCy_HZd0wBVnu_76ynK8dRLLdNU8PgJ/s1600/Altar+at+Nahom.png" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx0GUs1Iyc97oib6KKnU8dXghy2bv0T6XcCXL1SB7is-5kzuXOJ-End_24Nao0zXxjm93GTMEmkds-_apBYfpkj_6HzY8dl-MTO3JfTS6MUWNC4OCy_HZd0wBVnu_76ynK8dRLLdNU8PgJ/s400/Altar+at+Nahom.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Altar at Nahom</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What is more, we have since learned that this area
was an ancient burial ground for the locals in this region.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn13" name="_ftnref13" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn13;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[13]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is significant because this is where
Lehi’s party carried Ismael to be buried when he died:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And it came to pass that Ishmael
died, and was buried in the place which was called Nahom (1 Nephi 16:34). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As far as we can tell, this ancient place of Nahom
is the best (and</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZIZ86vVGgxCIoP9_0g8n1rEGWtB-4WUDqm6WnOz7gd4mpVz0oGMBbzWYvxzYzMvB5QuxcV7dd-Pw60I6fBLia9O760Zv8c936jdXcUiltQqixVvOoj4er4tOJPuolP-I2ivnGzdLqPdM/s1600/Nahom+Map.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZIZ86vVGgxCIoP9_0g8n1rEGWtB-4WUDqm6WnOz7gd4mpVz0oGMBbzWYvxzYzMvB5QuxcV7dd-Pw60I6fBLia9O760Zv8c936jdXcUiltQqixVvOoj4er4tOJPuolP-I2ivnGzdLqPdM/s400/Nahom+Map.png" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> possibly only) candidate for the Book of Mormon’s Nahom.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bountiful</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When Lehi’s party left Nahom, the record states that
they “did travel nearly eastward from that time forth” (1 Nephi 17:1) until
they arrived at the sea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This route
would have taken them across Arabia’s Empty Quarter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQOIXlUIZkb03VK1TgDGmCrAubkP5Nv2QL8Xnbyx20ajQ1Cd-iaiLfnSnZRuNkhMoTqyTYCSARFKPu4YIwIhMXsWLgd5ELmdHK6TRfeSlQsP2-xSIJ_XVOr2cZ5c0WoAMsxMvUQJs4h_x/s1600/Empty+Quarter+Map.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIQOIXlUIZkb03VK1TgDGmCrAubkP5Nv2QL8Xnbyx20ajQ1Cd-iaiLfnSnZRuNkhMoTqyTYCSARFKPu4YIwIhMXsWLgd5ELmdHK6TRfeSlQsP2-xSIJ_XVOr2cZ5c0WoAMsxMvUQJs4h_x/s400/Empty+Quarter+Map.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The text then states:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And we did come to the land which
we called Bountiful (1 Nephi 17:5). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here is what we know about this land Bountiful, as
taken from, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Lehi in the Wilderness</i>:</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn14" name="_ftnref14" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn14;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[14]</span></span></span></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .75in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">(1)<span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">It was “nearly eastward” from Nahom. (1 Nephi 17:1)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">
(2) It had abundant and a wide variety of fruits. (17:5; 18:6)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">
(3) It had wild honey. (1 Nephi 17:5)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">
(4) It had an accessible seashore. (1 Nephi 17:6)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">
(5) It was adjacent to “many waters.” (1 Nephi 17:6)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">
(6) There was a mountain nearby. (1 Nephi 17:7)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">
(7) There was ore available. (1 Nephi 17:7)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">
(8) There were stones available to make fire. (1 Nephi 17:11)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">
(9) There were beasts (“skins”) available for Nephi to make bellows. <span style="font-size: small;">(1
Nephi 17:11)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> (10)
There was “meat from the wilderness” available. (1 Nephi 18:6)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">
(11) Such things as were required to build & sail Nephi’s ship. (1
Nephi 17:8)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 69.75pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 69.75pt;">
<span style="color: black; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> (a) A harbor to build
it and launch it from.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">
(b) A protected port to outfit the ship.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">
(c) Materials to construct the ship…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">
(12) Cliffs directly above deep water. (1 Nephi 17:48)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As it turns out, there is only one area in this
entire region that fits all of these descriptions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This satellite photograph below shows a small green area known as Dhofar, which
is completely surrounded by desert.</span><br />
<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Because this small oasis is the only area in the
entire Arabian Peninsula that matches the description found in the Book of Mormon,
it is the best on virtually only candidate for the land Bountiful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was at Dhofar where Nephi built the ship
that carried him and his family to the Promised Land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But after the ship was launched, where did it
go from there?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What route did they
take?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Unfortunately, the Book of Mormon gives us virtually
no information that helps us answer this question.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All we can do is make our best educated
guess. While there are many possible routes Lehi’s party could have taken,
there is one route that seems more logical than others, which is that Lehi and
his family followed the coastline for as long as possible, before making the
long voyage across the Pacific Ocean. Why? According to Joseph Allen, “they
stopped for provisions along the way.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn15" name="_ftnref15" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn15;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[15]</span></span></span></span></a> Similarly,
LDS historian Kelly DeVries stated:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Nephi, no doubt, kept close to
shore when he could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was not
something that was just tradition among shippers, this was used for safety, and
also used for re-supply purposes.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn16" name="_ftnref16" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn16;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[16]</span></span></span></span></a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LDS anthropologist John L. Sorenson agreed:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Did they stop on the way?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surely!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why go without water when you can go ashore and get it?”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn17" name="_ftnref17" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn17;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[17]</span></span></span></span></a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black;">On a second occasion, Sorenson
also added:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black;">“Since
boats routinely had to be beached for repairs after storms, or to have their
bottoms scraped, or to await favorable winds, it is reasonable to assume that
Lehi’s party would have stopped from time to time on their journey [along the
coast line and] through [the Pacific] islands.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn18" name="_ftnref18" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn18;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[18]</span></span></span></span></a></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thus, Nephi’s route to the Promised Land may have
looked something like this:<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn19" name="_ftnref19" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn19;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[19]</span></span></span></span></a></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span></span></span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQK9zUvDFNuXrWnp6u1sG24TVJIQSMjcWZRE62ZXaIKCgCv_TQ99bnDOQy9al7eQJ_5ce0V4TPygujb-HxvTZ8kCgvpgPycAfZtszUY1CwZSXqaevm535UrXJfCgIHSwse23wq_axVer7Q/s1600/Nephi%2527s+Ocean+Route.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQK9zUvDFNuXrWnp6u1sG24TVJIQSMjcWZRE62ZXaIKCgCv_TQ99bnDOQy9al7eQJ_5ce0V4TPygujb-HxvTZ8kCgvpgPycAfZtszUY1CwZSXqaevm535UrXJfCgIHSwse23wq_axVer7Q/s640/Nephi%2527s+Ocean+Route.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Once
Nephi’s ship left the last island in the Pacific Ocean, it becomes much more
difficult to predict where they would have landed in the New World, and as such,
there are countless theories that range from North to South America and
everywhere in between. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Different Geography Models in
the New World</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Because
there are so many different models pertaining to Book of Mormon geography in
the New World, it can often become overwhelming for most people to try and sort
through each of them. However, for me personally, this is where the fun begins.
Why? Because it forces me to really know my Book of Mormon. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words, each new proposed model of
Book of Mormon geography brings with it a new set of ideas, and new challenges
to sort through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whether it is Orson
Pratt’s Hemispheric model,<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn20" name="_ftnref20" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn20;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[20]</span></span></span></span></a>
George Potter’s Peru Model,<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn21" name="_ftnref21" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn21;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[21]</span></span></span></span></a>
Rod Meldrum or Wayne May’s Heartland/America model,<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn22" name="_ftnref22" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn22;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[22]</span></span></span></span></a>
John Sorenson and BYU’s Mesoamerica model,<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn23" name="_ftnref23" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn23;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[23]</span></span></span></span></a>
or any of the many others countless models out there, one thing is certain: if
you do not know your Book of Mormon, you will not get much of anything out of
any of these proposed models. That is where the fun lies for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have studied <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkPbujZMxCyOAYeaEHFdU4fidB0SxTV-qnKdydKOHCVx-fbwCMw9k68R-Lvrxo0JmLxYXBgZgqCwmmlV-ajOYKKm5-sHiCOQ_UPnqmFK-MDRjzb195QP5_DUZl8s-WM4-0HiKc-NomuVg/s1600/Mesoamerica+map%25281%2529.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKkPbujZMxCyOAYeaEHFdU4fidB0SxTV-qnKdydKOHCVx-fbwCMw9k68R-Lvrxo0JmLxYXBgZgqCwmmlV-ajOYKKm5-sHiCOQ_UPnqmFK-MDRjzb195QP5_DUZl8s-WM4-0HiKc-NomuVg/s400/Mesoamerica+map%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mesoamerica Map</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
each of these models over the
years and have had an enjoyable time coming to my own conclusions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My conclusions at the current time, favor a
Mesoamerica model. This does not necessarily mean that the conclusions I have
come to over the years are correct; after all, I am still in the process of
learning my Book of Mormon. All it means is that I currently favor a
Mesoamerica model, and here is why.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Jaredites</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
main reason for my belief has to do with the Jaredites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, it is much easier to locate where
the Jaredites lived in the New World, than it is the Nephites or Lamanites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, the Jaredites were a massive
civilization numbering in the millions (see Ether 15:2) and occupied the
Promised Land from approximately 1500 </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">B.C.</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> to approximately 250 </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">B.C.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">How many civilizations could there be in the Americas that
fit both of these criteria? As it turns out, there has only been one civilization
that archeologists have been able to locate: the Olmec’s of Mesoamerica.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn24" name="_ftnref24" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn24;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[24]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For example, LDS anthropologist John Sorensen
stated that “Southern Veracruz [Olmec territory] is perhaps the only area that
ecologically would have likely have supported so large a population in the
centuries shortly after 1000 </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">B.C</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.”<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn25" name="_ftnref25" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn25;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[25]</span></span></span></span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As
it turns out, there are some other striking similarities between the Olmec’s
and the Jaredites as well. For example, both are said to come from a great
tower in the Old World. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1568, the
famous Catholic priest and Mexican historian Fernando de Alva Ixtlilxochitl,
wrote that after the great flood, the ancestors of the Olmec’s</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> “built a Zaucalli very high and strong, which means the very high tower to protect themselves against a second destruction of the world…. As time elapsed, their language became confounded, such that they did not understand one another; and they were scattered to all parts of the world.”</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times roman" , "serif";"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn26" name="_ftnref26" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn26;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="color: black; font-family: "times roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[26]</span></span></span></span></a>
</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Furthermore, it
is interesting to note that both civilizations ended suddenly, around 250 </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">B.C</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">., by a violent internal
civil war that destroyed millions on both sides.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn27" name="_ftnref27" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn27;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[27]</span></span></span></span></a>
Needless to say, each of these examples show striking similarities between the
Olmec’s and Jaredites, and until a better candidate for the Jaredites is
discovered, the Olmec’s remain the best fit in my opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Find the Jaredites, Find the
Nephites</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOaXcZ7dhHzFwXMLjbUBpOTca0T-yrRaaqrbPM7-t9Zk7eZTtWfoVHEym1CBQ8rATeHvIVkBg0WNgH3GnM1RGiit56NtfzGCDVKLV-vmSBhYWPkHN90jp5Qs-YMDINVdVWt-KUD32ZsSx/s1600/Olmec.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTOaXcZ7dhHzFwXMLjbUBpOTca0T-yrRaaqrbPM7-t9Zk7eZTtWfoVHEym1CBQ8rATeHvIVkBg0WNgH3GnM1RGiit56NtfzGCDVKLV-vmSBhYWPkHN90jp5Qs-YMDINVdVWt-KUD32ZsSx/s400/Olmec.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The reason
why this is relevant is because once we locate the Jaredites, locating the
Nephites becomes much easier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Book
of Mormon states</span><br />
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">that the Jaredites lived in the land Northward in proximity to
the Nephites.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn28" name="_ftnref28" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn28;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[28]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later on in Nephite history, the Nephites
were driven by the Lamanites into this land northward,<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn29" name="_ftnref29" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn29;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[29]</span></span></span></span></a>
into Jaredite territory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, the
Book of Mormon tells us that the Jaredite hill Ramah “was that same hill
where…Mormon did hide up the records unto the Lord” (Ether 15:11).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because the Jaredites and Nephites occupied
much of the same area, locating Jaredite lands means that we also locate
Nephite lands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So
was there a civilization that proceeded the Olmec civilization in the land
southward from approximately 600</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> B.C.</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> to 400 </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A.D.</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">?</span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
</span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As it turns out,
the Maya civilization satisfies each of these requirements, making them a great
candidate for the Mulekite/Nephite, and Lamanite civilizations.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A Written Language</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">A
second reason why I currently prefer the Maya civilization as the Nephite
civilization is because archaeology has been able to determine which large ancient
civilizations located throughout North and South America had a written language
between the years of 600 </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">B.C</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">., and 420 </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">A.D</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB;">.,
and which civilizations did not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As far
as I know, the Maya civilization is the only known civilization to date that
can pass this test.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span class="st1">LDS scholar Joseph Allen stated:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span class="st1">“The Book of Mormon
was made possible as a result of a written language… Scholars have determined
that the only place on the American continent where a written language was in
use during the time period in which the Book of Mormon history, coupled in the
context of a high civilization, was in Mesoamerica….This fact alone virtually
eliminates any other geographical area from being considered as lands of the
Book of Mormon.”</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn30" name="_ftnref30" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn30;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[30]</span></span></span></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="st1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Geography</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="st1">One last reason I currently favor a Mesoamerican setting for the Book
of Mormon is that the geography in this area fits very nicely with what is
described in the Book of Mormon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">While
I do not have the time or space to go into much detail on this subject here,
suffice it to say that every known city, lake, river, hill, sea, wilderness
etc. mentioned in the Book of Mormon is in great relation to one another on our
present Mesoamerican map.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact,
Mesoamerica is the only place in North and South America that has a “narrow
strip of wilderness” [i.e. narrow mountain range<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn31" name="_ftnref31" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn31;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[31]</span></span></span></span></a>]
that fits the requirement in Alma:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">
<span class="st1">[The land of the
Lamanites] was divided from the land of Zarahemla by <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">a narrow strip of wilderness, which ran from the sea east even to the
sea west</i>…and thus were the Lamanites and the Nephites divided (Alma 22:27;
emphasis added).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span class="st1">Joseph Allen explains:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">
<span class="st1">“Without question, the
most reliable and significant geological statement regarding Book of Mormon
geography is a narrow mountain range that runs from the east to the west and
touches two oceans. The Book of Mormon says that the Lamanites were divided on
their north from the Nephite land of Zarahemla “by a narrow<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>strip of wilderness, which ran from </span><span class="st1">the sea
east even to the sea west” (Alma 22:27; emphasis added)…. The only place in the
New World where a narrow mountain range runs in an east-west direction and
touches two oceans—both Book of Mormon requirements—is the Cuchumatanes
Mountains.</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn32" name="_ftnref32" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn32;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[32]</span></span></span></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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<span class="st1"><span color="windowtext">The
Cuchumatanes Mountains, or </span></span></div>
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<span class="st1">If we are correct in our interpretation that a “narrow strip of
wilderness” is a narrow mountain range,</span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn33" name="_ftnref33" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn33;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[33]</span></span></span></span></a><span class="st1"> then we can say with relative certainty that the Cuchumatanes
Mountains in Mesoamerica was the “narrow strip of wilderness” spoken of in the
Book of Mormon. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If true, the Nephites
would have occupied the land north of this mountain range, and the Lamanites
the land south.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Proposed Book of Mormon Sites</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Based
on the reasons I listed above (as well as others), I currently favor a
Mesoamerica setting for Book of Mormon geography, similar to the map presented
below:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kVTWZbicg-0l3FW3tKAQrNB1zgW7XyyRZ89O8LzlZtMBZN6_99vSqB2Bd3Xkbktgo_PoysLOpNvdb1wobDdgKdtn6tJ0mCGmAbBwoWt9q1hLXaGG8J9HCXFP7hajnShC7Y2XoMCZxrPa/s1600/Book+of+Mormon+Map.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-kVTWZbicg-0l3FW3tKAQrNB1zgW7XyyRZ89O8LzlZtMBZN6_99vSqB2Bd3Xkbktgo_PoysLOpNvdb1wobDdgKdtn6tJ0mCGmAbBwoWt9q1hLXaGG8J9HCXFP7hajnShC7Y2XoMCZxrPa/s640/Book+of+Mormon+Map.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I would recommend that the reader keep a Book of Mormon map
close by<span class="st">—</span>such as the one shown above<span class="st">— </span>the
next time you read through the Book of Mormon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Doing so may help its contents come to life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">A Note on the
Heartland Model</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently, a new model of Book of Mormon geography has been
gaining some traction among some Latter-day Saint circles, which has come to be
known as the heartland model.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Heartland</i>, refers to the heartland of
the United States of America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other
words, those who advance this model believe that the majority of Book of Mormon
sites are located in the “heart” or middle of America.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After I had finished writing my book <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Before the Second Coming</i>, I was approached by Digital Legend, a
publisher interested in publishing my book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What made this publisher interesting to me was the fact that Digital
Legend also publishes the books of Rod Meldrum, the main proponent of the
heartland model.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While in discussion
with Digital Legend Press, I was asked to become more familiar with Rod Meldrum
work and the Heartland theory before publication, which I gladly accepted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over the next few months I very much enjoyed
my time studying this model, and although I ended up using a different
publisher for my book, it was nevertheless a worthwhile investment of my time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After researching this particular model however, while
interesting, I was unable to be convinced that the Book of Mormon could take
place in North America, mainly for the same reasons that Sorenson outlined on
the Book of Mormon Archology Forum a few years ago. Here are a few of the
reasons <span style="font-family: inherit;">Sorens<span style="font-family: inherit;">o</span>n</span> cited that I am in agreement with:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">
1. The “promised land”
occupied by the Nephites was characterized for many centuries as an area of
“civilization.” As indicated by archaeology and related studies, no place in
North America in the period of Book of Mormon history contained any
cultures at the level of “civilization.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
2. The population of Book of Mormon lands
over much of the period of its history totaled from hundreds of thousands up to
millions. The areas of North America touted as occupied by Nephites, Lamanites
and Jaredites cannot be shown from objective evidence to have been anywhere
near that level.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
3. Many “cities” and even “great cities”
are reported by the Nephite record between 1500 BC and AD 400. Not a single
such city has been documented in North America in that period.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">14. People of Book of Mormon areas were
frequently literate, in fact several scripts are reported. No North American
cultures have been shown to have had any system of writing whatsoever.</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">15. At least the Nephites are said to have
possessed “many” books covering many subjects. No ancient North American books
at all are evidenced.</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">19. There is no mention nor even hint of
cold, snow or ice in the Book of Mormon account of its peoples. In the Great
Lakes or Prairie regions winter storms are and were so common that it is
unthinkable that they would not be a prominent mentioned feature of the
climate.</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">20. It is obvious from the description of
the great catastrophe at the crucifixion of the Savior that volcanism must be
involved as a natural cause (of at least the “darkness”). In eastern North
America that is out of the question; there are no volcanoes there.</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">24. The land of Zarahemla is said to be
“nearly surrounded by water” (i.e., seas). No North American geography
qualifies.</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">25. The land northward supported a population
of millions (Ether 15: 2) in late Jaredite times. Not only is it manifestly
absurd that any “land northward” around the Great Lakes, given the climatic
conditions there, could have supported even one-hundredth as many people, but
also the archaeology of that region shows only a tiny fraction of the history’s
stated number ever to have dwelt there, let alone in Jaredite times when no one
lived there but a few hunting tribes.</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">30. The hill Cumorah in New York could not
plausibly have been a refuge for the 23 survivors of the final battle who were
found atop it on the day after the great battle. Had they so much as sneezed
their presence would have been detected by the Lamanites.</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">31. Had New York’s hill been the site of
the final battle, the 230,000 Nephite dead (not to mention a large number of
Lamanite dead—up to half a million total corpses) would have left behind over
half a million weapons. Remains on any such scale would have become obvious
long since to archaeologists. In fact no weapons of the right period have been
found near the place.</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
37. Any attempt to put a land northward
in, say, Ontario, must face the fact that there is no trace of anything
approaching what the Book of Mormon represents as Jaredite society in that
area.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<a href="http://www.bmaf.org/articles/bunch_reasons_not_include_north_america__sorensen">http://www.bmaf.org/articles/bunch_reasons_not_include_north_america__sorensen</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">An Overlap Between
Models?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, with that said, I do believe that there can be some
overlap between the Mesoamerica and the heartland models, and that there is
truth to be found in each model.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
short, I am in agreement with Dr. Mark Wright who spoke on this subject at a
FAIR conference in 2013.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is an
excerpt from his talk:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
“My basic thesis is this: The core
locations and events detailed in the text of the Book of Mormon took place in
Mesoamerica, but many Nephites and Lamanites migrated and established
settlements far northward of the core area and are thus simply outside the
scope of the text.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
[After siting several examples of
Nephite and Lamanite migrations to the lands northward, Wright continued:]</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">“To be clear, I am not arguing for a return
to a “hemispheric” model of Book of Mormon geography. Hemispheric models take
specific, named cities in the Book of Mormon and disperse them far and wide
across the whole of North and South America. I am very much a proponent of a
more limited geography, and I believe the best available evidence places the
core narrative of the Book of Mormon squarely in Mesoamerica….</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">“What I am suggesting is there were likely
countless Nephite and Lamanite settlements spread across the continent,
including within the so-called “Heartland,” whose history is not contained in
the Book of Mormon; they are simply external to the text. It doesn’t make them
any less Nephite or Lamanite, it just means their history is not recorded in
that book.” </span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<a href="http://www.ldsmag.com/article/1/13128"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">http://www.ldsmag.com/article/1/13128</span></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For those who are interested in learning more about Dr.
Wright’s thesis, I recommend you reading the entire excerpt as there is some
common ground to be found between these two models of Book of Mormon geography.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Moroni & The Hill
Cumorah</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
In my opinion, one of the more confusing aspects of the
Mesoamerica model is that of Moroni and Hill Cumorah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is often asked, “If the Nephites lived in
Mesoamerica, how could Moroni have buried them in upstate New York?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought it would be helpful for
clarification purposes if I stated my current opinion on this subject, which is
that I believe there were two Hill Cumorah’s. One in Mesoamerica, and one in
Palmyra, New York.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe that before
Mormon died, he buried all of the plates that he had in his possession in the
Mesoamerica Hill Cumorah, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">except for the
gold plates, </i>which he would give to his son Moroni: </div>
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<br /></div>
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Behold I, Mormon...made this record
[the Gold Plates] out of the plates of Nephi, and hid up in the hill Cumorah
all the records which had been entrusted to me by the hand of the Lord, <i><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">save it were these few plates which I gave
unto my son Moroni</span></i> (Mormon 6:6; emphasis added).</div>
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<br /></div>
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This took place in 385 <span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">A.D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>However,
Moroni did not bury the gold plates until 421 <span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">A.D.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>During this
36-year period, Moroni stated, “I wander whithersoever I can for the safety of
mine own life” (Moroni 1:3).</div>
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<br /></div>
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I believe that Moroni spent these 36 years “wandering” from Mesoamerica
to New York.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We know from Brigham Young
that Moroni did travel through the State of Utah, and dedicated the sites of
the Manti and St. George temple grounds along his journey.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn34" name="_ftnref34" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn34;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[34]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Sometime after this event, I believe Moroni
continued his journey to upstate New York’s Hill Cumorah to bury the plates.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn35" name="_ftnref35" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn35;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[35]</span></span></span></span></a></div>
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<span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></span></span> </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Conclusion</b></div>
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<br /></div>
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In conclusion, I would like to repeat many of the same
statements I made in the opening paragraphs of this article. <span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As of today, the Lord has not
revealed where the Nephites or Lamanites lived, and as such, the LDS Church has
taken no official stance on anything related to Book of Mormon Geography.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftn36" name="_ftnref36" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn36;" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[36]</span></span></span></span></a>
Therefore, the conclusions I have made in this article does not mean that we
have located the ancient Nephite and Lamanite <span style="font-family: inherit;">lands</span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It only means that this is what I currently
believe based on the information I have been given.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are on the other side of this particular
debate, and have disagreed with any of the conclusions I made in this article,<span style="font-family: inherit;"> all </span>the better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All it means is that we
are both students trying to piece this puzzle together to the best of our
ability, and hopefully, we are each coming to appreciate the Book of Mormon
more in the process.</span></div>
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><i>For more information on this “limited Mesoamerica model” of Book of Mormon geography, see:</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div>
<div id="ftn21">
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u>Books:</u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Allen, Joseph and Blake,<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Exploring the Lands of the Book of Mormon</i>
(revised edition).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Allen, Joseph L., <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sacred Sites: Searching for Book of Mormon Lands.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Hauck, Richard F., <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Deciphering the Geography of the Book of Mormon.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Hunter, Milton
R., and Ferguson, Thomas S., <i>Ancient America and the Book of Mormon.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Lund, John L., <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mesoamerica and the Book of Mormon: Is This the Place?</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Miner, Alan C., <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Step-by-Step in the Book of Mormon.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Norman, Garth, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Book of Mormon Criteria for the Hill Cumorah.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Palmer, David A., <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In Search of Cumorah: <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">New
Evidences for the Book of Mormon from </span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 1in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Ancient Mexico.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: large;">Sorenson, John L. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>An Ancient American Setting for the Book of
Mormon.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: small; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Sorenson,
John, L., <i>The Geography of the Book of Mormon Events: A Source Book.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Sorenson, John L. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Mormon’s Codex – An Ancient American Book. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Sorenson,
John, L. <i>Mormon’s Map.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Sorenson,
John L., <i>Images of Ancient America: Visualizing Book of Mormon Life.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Warren, Bruce
W., and Ferguson, Thomas S., <i>The Messiah in Ancient America.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Washburn,
J. Nile, <i>Book of Mormon Lands and Times.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Welch,
John W., and J. Gregory, <i>Charting the Book of Mormon.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Articles:</span></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Clark, John E., <a href="http://publications.maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/fullscreen/?pub=1424&index=7" target="_blank">“A Key forEvaluating Nephite Geographies,”</a> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">FARMS
Review</i>, 1989.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Clark, John E., <a href="http://publications.maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/fullscreen/?pub=1412&index=15" target="_blank">“Archaeology andCumorah Questions,”</a> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Journal of Book of
Mormon Studies, </i>Vol. 13, No. 1-2, (FARMS).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Clark, John E., <a href="http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/review/14/1/S00003-51ba0262198723Clark.pdf" target="_blank">“Evaluating theCase for a Limited Great Lakes Setting,”</a> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">FARMS
Review</i>, Vol. 14, Issue 1, pp. 9-78.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Clark, John E., <a href="http://farms.byu.edu/publications/review/16/2/S00002-5176ac7ce92052Clark.pdf" target="_blank">“Searching for Bookof Mormon Lands in Middle America,”</a> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">FARMS
Review, </i>Vol. 16, Issue 2, pp. 1-54.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Clark, John E., <a href="http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/review/8/2/S00002-51b752b5323252Clark.pdf" target="_blank">“Two points of Bookof Mormon Geography: A Review,”</a> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">FARMS
Review, </i>Vol. 8, Issue 2, pp. 1-24.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Gardner, Brant, <a href="http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/review/15/2/S00004-5176b0ef86fd54Gardner.pdf" target="_blank">“Confusion ofTongues and a Map,”</a> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">FARMS Review</i>,
Vol. 15, Issue 2, pp. 15-24. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Pratt, John P., <a href="http://www.johnpratt.com/items/docs/lds/meridian/2006/mormon_map.html" target="_blank">“Mormon’s MapPuzzle Solved,”</a> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Meridian Magazine</i>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Ritchie, William A., <a href="http://www.ancientamerica.org/library/media/HTML/u5y94o9y/39.The%20archaeological%20histaory%20of%20New%20York.htm?n=0" target="_blank">“TheArchaeological History of New York State During the Time of the Book ofMormon,”</a> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">University Archaeology Society
Newsletter </i>#15.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Roper,
Matthew, <a href="http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/review/?vol=22&num=2&id=805" target="_blank">“Joseph Smith, Revelation, and Book of Mormon Geography,”</a> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">FARMS Review</i>, Vol. 22, Issue 2, pp.
15-85.</span></div>
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Roper,
Matthew, <a href="http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/review/?vol=16&num=2&id=555" target="_blank">“Limited Geography and the Book of Mormon: Historical Antecedents andEarly Interpretations,”</a> <i>FARMS Review </i>Vol. 16, Issue 2, pp. 225-76.</span></div>
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Roper,
Matthew, <a href="http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/insights/20/5/S00111-Travel_across_the_Narrow_Neck_of_Land.html." target="_blank">“Travel Across the Narrow Neck of Land,”</a> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Insights, </i>May 2000, (FARMS).</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Smith,
Joseph (Taylor, John), <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Times and Seasons,
</i>Vol.III, No. 22, p. 914, Sept. 1, 1842.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span style="color: blue; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"> </span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">Smith,
Joseph (Taylor, John), <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Times and Seasons,
</i>Vol.III, No. 23, p. 927, Oct. 1, 1842.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><u><span style="color: blue; mso-themecolor: hyperlink;"> </span></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Sorenson,
John, L., “The Book of Mormon Mapped,” <i>An Ancient American Setting for the
Book of Mormon</i>, pp. 1-48 (FARMS).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: x-small; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Sorenson,
John, L., <a href="http://www.bmaf.org/articles/bunch_reasons_not_include_north_america__sorensen" target="_blank">"</a></span><a href="http://www.bmaf.org/articles/bunch_reasons_not_include_north_america__sorensen" target="_blank">A Whole Bunch of Reasons Why Book of Mormon Geography Could Not Have Included North America"</a> </span></div>
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Spackman,
Randall P., <a href="http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/review/15/1/S00004-5176b211277805Spackman.pdf" target="_blank">“Interpreting Book of Mormon Geography,”</a> <i>FARMS Review, </i>Vol
15, Issue 1, pp. 19-46.</span></div>
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Sperry,
Sidney B., <a href="http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/jbms/4/1/S00030-Were_There_Two_Cumorahs.html" target="_blank">“Were There Two Cumorahs?,”</a> <i>Book of Mormon Compendium.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0in 0.5in;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Stoddard,
Ted D., <a href="http://www.bmaf.org/node/238" target="_blank">“Joseph Smith and John Lloyd Stephens,”</a> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Book of Mormon Archaeological Forum</i>.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> </span>
</div>
<div class="MsoFootnoteText" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: large; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Tvedtnes,
John A., <a href="http://www.ancientamerica.org/library/media/HTML/d7ig5zqj/A%20Brief%20History%20of%20the%20Limited%20Geographic%20View%20of%20the%20Book%20of%20Mormon3%20.htm?n=0" target="_blank">“A Brief History of the Limited Geographic View of the Book ofMormon,”</a> <i>Meridian Magazine.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Wright, Mark A., <a href="http://www.ldsmag.com/article/1/13128" target="_blank">“Heartland asHinterland: A Look at Book of Mormon Geography,”</a> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Mer</i></span><span style="font-size: large;">idian Magazine, Aug, 15, 2013.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Smith, Gregory, “Summary of Problems with Rod Meldrum's ‘Heartland’ Theory,” Book of Mormon Archeological Forum, located at <a href="http://www.bmaf.org/node/359">http://www.bmaf.org/node/359</a></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> <u>Websites: </u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.bmaf.org/" target="_blank"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bookof Mormon Archaeological Forum</i></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><u>Videos</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span><span style="font-size: large;">
The below video is entitled <i>Journey of Faith - Book of Mormon Documentary. </i>It is an excellent presentation of Lehi and Nephi's probable route from Jerusalem:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/i_M_Faw_s3s?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Here is part-2 of this documentary, entitled <i>Journey of Faith - The New World. </i>It discusses more of the geography associated with the Book of Mormon:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/4pIBTr-x2gs?rel=0" width="420"></iframe></span></div>
<u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Notes:</span></u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div id="ftn1">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> Groote, “The fight over Book of
Mormon geography,” <i>Deseret News</i>, May
27,2010, located at: </span><a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700035437/The-fight-over-Book-of-Mormon-geography.html"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700035437/The-fight-over-Book-of-Mormon-geography.html</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div id="ftn2">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> Allen & Allen, <i>Exploring the Lands of the Book of Mormon</i>,
Revised Edition, p. 15</span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span>
<br />
<div id="ftn3">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[3]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> See <i>The Encyclopedia of Mormonism</i>, under Book of Mormon Geography,
located at: </span><a href="http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Book_of_Mormon_Geography"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Book_of_Mormon_Geography</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> . </span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
</span>
<div id="ftn4">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[4]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> Hilton and Hilon, <i>Discovering Lehi</i>, p. 50-53</span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
<div id="ftn5">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[5]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> Potter and Wellington, <i>Lehi in the Wilderness, </i>p. 33.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn6">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[6]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> Chadwick, “The Wrong Place for
Lehi’s Trail and the Valley of Lemuel,” p. 214.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn7">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[7]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> Gardner, <i>Traditions of the Fathers, The Book of Mormon as History</i>, p. 77.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn8">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[8]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> Groom, <i>Dictionary of Arabic Topography and Placenames </i>(cited by Potter and
Wellington in<i> Lehi in the Wilderness</i>,
p. 73.) See also Lindsay, “Book of Mormon Nuggets #17,” located at: </span><a href="http://www.jefflindsay.com/bme17.shtml"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">http://www.jefflindsay.com/bme17.shtml</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> </span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn9">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[9]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> See Potter and Wellington in<i> Lehi in the Wilderness</i>.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn10">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[10]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> Nibley, <i>Lehi in the Desert,</i> p. 61.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn11">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[11]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> 1 Nephi 2:6,10</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn12">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref12" name="_ftn12" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[12]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">1 Nephi 16:13</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn13">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref13" name="_ftn13" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[13]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> Aston, “The Place Which Was
Called Nahom: The Validation of an Ancient Reference to Southern Arabia”
(FARMS, 1991).</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn14">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref14" name="_ftn14" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[14]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> George Potter and Richard
Wellington, “Discovering the Lehi-Nephi Trail,” p. 185, 209-223. See also, located at: </span><a href="http://www.ancientamerica.org/library/media/HTML/2wp5hkki/154%20Bountiful%20in%20Arabia.htm?n=0"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">http://www.ancientamerica.org/library/media/HTML/2wp5hkki/154%20Bountiful%20in%20Arabia.htm?n=0</span></a></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn15">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref15" name="_ftn15" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[15]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> Allen and Allen, <i>Exploring the Lands of the Book of Mormon</i>,
p. 526.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn16">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref16" name="_ftn16" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[16]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> <i>Journey of Faith –Book of Mormon Documentary</i>, located at: </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_M_Faw_s3s%20"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_M_Faw_s3s</span></a></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn17">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref17" name="_ftn17" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[17]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> <i>Journey of Faith –Book of Mormon Documentary</i>, located at: </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_M_Faw_s3s%20"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_M_Faw_s3s</span></a></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn18">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref18" name="_ftn18" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[18]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> Sorenson, “Winds and Currents: A
Look at Nephi’s Ocean Crossing,” located at: </span><a href="http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/books/?bookid=71&chapid=780"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/books/?bookid=71&chapid=780</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">
See also <i>Journey of Faith –Book of
Mormon Documentary</i>, located at: </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_M_Faw_s3s%20"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_M_Faw_s3s</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> </span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn19">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref19" name="_ftn19" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[19]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> See <i>Journey of Faith –Book of Mormon Documentary</i>, located at: </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_M_Faw_s3s%20"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_M_Faw_s3s</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> </span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn20">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref20" name="_ftn20" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[20]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> </span><a href="http://en.fairmormon.org/Book_of_Mormon/Geography/New_World/Hemispheric_Geography_Theory"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">http://en.fairmormon.org/Book_of_Mormon/Geography/New_World/Hemispheric_Geography_Theory</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> </span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn21">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref21" name="_ftn21" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[21]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> Potter, <i>Nephi in the Promised Land</i>.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn22">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref22" name="_ftn22" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[22]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> </span><a href="http://bookofmormonevidence.org/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">http://bookofmormonevidence.org/</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> See also </span><a href="http://josephsmithfoundation.org/ziontube/"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">http://josephsmithfoundation.org/ziontube/</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> </span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn23">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref23" name="_ftn23" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[23]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> Sorensen, <i>An Ancient American Setting for the Book of Mormon</i>.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn24">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref24" name="_ftn24" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[24]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> See for example, </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Americas"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Americas</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> </span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn25">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref25" name="_ftn25" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[25]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> Sorenson, <i>Mormon’s Codex</i>, p. 713.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn26">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref26" name="_ftn26" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[26]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> Ixtlilxochitl:6-8</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn27">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref27" name="_ftn27" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[27]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> See Allen and Allen, <i>Exploring the Lands of the Book of Mormon</i>,
p. 124-126; Ether 15.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn28">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref28" name="_ftn28" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[28]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> Alma 22:31.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn29">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref29" name="_ftn29" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[29]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> Mormon 2:29.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn30">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref30" name="_ftn30" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[30]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> Allen and Allen, <i>Exploring the Lands of the Book of Mormon</i>,
p. 245, 246; see also p. 28</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn31">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref31" name="_ftn31" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[31]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> <span class="st1">“We solve a
problem in Book of Mormon geography in the New World when we designate the term
“wilderness” as “mountainous region” instead of “desert.” Therefore, when
Mormon refers to a narrow strip of wilderness, he is talking about a narrow
mountain range. We know this because the land of Nephi was literally up in
elevation from the land of Zarahemla and because the headwaters of the river
Sidon were on the borders of Nephi and Zarahemla. In other words, all
references regarding the dividing line of Nephi and Zarahemla have to do with
rugged mountains and not with sandy deserts” (</span>Allen and Allen, <i>Exploring the Lands of the Book of Mormon</i>,
p. 556).</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn32">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref32" name="_ftn32" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[32]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> Allen and Allen, <i>Exploring the Lands of the Book of Mormon</i>,
p. 556-57.</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn33">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref33" name="_ftn33" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[33]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> See footnote 31</span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn34">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref34" name="_ftn34" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[34]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> See “Moroni’s 36 year trek to
New York,” </span><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Book
of Mormon Archaeological Forum</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">, located at: </span><a href="http://www.bmaf.org/articles/joseph_rocky_mountains__christensen"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">http://www.bmaf.org/articles/joseph_rocky_mountains__christensen</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> </span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn35">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref35" name="_ftn35" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[35]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> For more information on this
theory, see “Archaeology and the Hill Cumorah” <i>Fair Mormon</i>, located at </span><a href="http://en.fairmormon.org/Book_of_Mormon/Geography/New_World/Hill_Cumorah"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">http://en.fairmormon.org/Book_of_Mormon/Geography/New_World/Hill_Cumorah</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> </span></div>
</div>
<div id="ftn36" style="mso-element: footnote;">
<div class="MsoFootnoteText">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1063509693788316188#_ftnref36" name="_ftn36" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; line-height: 115%;">[36]</span></span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> See <i>The Encyclopedia of Mormonism</i>, under Book of Mormon Geography,
located at: </span><a href="http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Book_of_Mormon_Geography"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Book_of_Mormon_Geography</span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";"> . </span></div>
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Brunson20http://www.blogger.com/profile/17312464214354872630noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1063509693788316188.post-47739908985936487122013-08-31T17:22:00.000-06:002015-12-17T18:44:03.640-07:00Mormons & Masons<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">By <a href="http://www.brunson20.com/p/about-author_30.html">Rick
Brunson</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Just how similar is the Freemason ceremony to the Endowment? The below documentary is entitled </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">"The Secret History of the Freemasons," and it aired on Discovery on March 4, 2007. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Near</span></span></span> t<span style="font-family: inherit;">he end of this documen<span style="font-family: inherit;">try (at </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">1:16:<span style="font-family: inherit;">4<span style="font-family: inherit;">0</span>)</span>, <span style="font-family: inherit;">there is a 6 minute clip <span style="font-family: inherit;">of</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">an actual</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">Masonic </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">ceremony</span></span></span></span>. Jump forward to that point, or enjoy the entire documentary be<span style="font-family: inherit;">low:</span></span> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b></b></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jBVJQJsGcgc" width="420"></iframe></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></b></span></span>Brunson20http://www.blogger.com/profile/17312464214354872630noreply@blogger.com