Many people assume that because I am ex-LDS I do not believe in prophets, seers, and revelators. That is false. I absolutely do. However, where we differ is the belief in what qualifies one as a prophet and what their role is in relation to the people. My understanding as to what defines a prophet is one that is founded upon doctrine, the word of God, and scriptural-historical fact, not a cultural or traditional belief. What you may think a prophet is may be completely contrary to what a prophet actually is. I know of many messengers from God, and I can tell you, just like the prophets of old in the scriptures, none of these messengers hold any leadership position or status or respect in an organized church hierarchy. They are true witnesses of Christ because they talk with God face to face and their message is for us to do the same.
As a missionary for the LDS church we would teach about prophets and quote this scripture:
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits….”(Matthew 7:15–16)
We would then explain how the Book of Mormon was “fruit” that Joseph Smith is a prophet because he translated/revealed (the translation was a revelation process) the Book of Mormon through the power of God. Revealing and translating ancient scripture is one gift and fruit a true prophet exhibits (see D&C 107:91-92,124:125, how did Moses write the account in Book of Genesis? hint: Moses 2:1). You should expect those that come unto you who appear as innocent sheep and declare themselves as prophets to also manifest these kinds of fruits.
Very recently a record, more scripture, has been revealed. It is the Testimony of St. John. It contains many of the plain or precious parts that have been removed from the Bible. If this is the true record of the fullness of John, this promise has just been fulfilled by God:
"And it shall come to pass, that if you are faithful you shall receive the fulness of the record of John."(Doctrine and Covenants 93:18)
If that is the case, the man (Denver Snuffer) through whom this was revealed, exhibits gifts and fruit typically associated with a prophet. So if Denver is a prophet, (although he has not claimed to be one) what does that mean to me?
Well, as I stated earlier, what you may think a prophet is may be completely contrary to what a prophet actually is. I do not honor or revere Denver the same way others may honor and revere those they esteem as prophets. The Word of God, or Truth, is the only thing in this world that deserves that sort of religious respect and honor. I do not follow Denver, nor is he the authority or head of a church organization. He is just a messenger from God who is sharing the much needed correct information for others to connect with Christ. He does so by expounding upon the scriptures and speaking the words of Christ. It is the message, not the messenger, that is important- a message to come unto Christ, to know Jesus face to face, and receive of the fullness of the Father.
Ask yourself for a moment: why is the Book of Mormon so important? Is it so you can simply join the correct religious organization and go to heaven because of your affiliation with and testimony of that institution? Or does the Book of Mormon contain something of greater significance and substance to our spiritual well-being? Joseph Smith said concerning the Book of Mormon that "a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book." (TPJS pg. 194)
If you are a true convert to Mormonism, you should have gained a testimony of the Book of Mormon for its message for you to have your own relationship with God, not for devotion to the organization that introduced you it. If the former is the case, you do not understand the scriptures - your loyalty is to man (the arm of flesh) and you are practicing idolatry.
God didn’t give you the Book of Mormon so that you can learn more about a church institution. He gave you that record so that you can more fully understand Jesus Christ and connect with our Lord and Savior.
"And it shall come to pass, that if you are faithful you shall receive the fulness of the record of John.I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fulness."(Doctrine and Covenants 93:18–19)
I would invite anyone who has a testimony in the true message of the Book of Mormon to approach this record the same way you did when you sought to come to a knowledge of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. I would invite anyone belonging to a Mormon church, who claims they would not have rejected their founder as a false prophet for talking to Jesus and revealing more scripture, to give this revealed testimony that same fair, open-minded consideration.
I share all these things with you, (specifically my friends and extended family) because it is an opportunity to repent- you should embrace these opportunities with the hope and excitement to know God and attain to greater light and truth. Now is the time to prepare to meet Him, to perform your labors and watch for Him. It is the eleventh hour, and midnight is drawing nigh. I share with you this revealed testimony so that you may know how to prepare yourself for the Bridegroom and obtain oil for your lamps for that coming wedding feast.
“And then shall my revelations which I have caused to be written by my servant John be unfolded in the eyes of all the people. Remember, when ye see these things, ye shall know that the time is at hand that they shall be made manifest in very deed.Therefore, when ye shall receive this record ye may know that the work of the Father has commenced upon all the face of the land.Therefore, repent all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me, and believe in my gospel, and be baptized in my name; for he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned; and signs shall follow them that believe in my name.And blessed is he that is found faithful unto my name at the last day, for he shall be lifted up to dwell in the kingdom prepared for him from the foundation of the world. And behold it is I that hath spoken it. Amen.’(Ether 4:16–19)
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