Covenant of Christ: A Modern English Version of the Book of Mormon

The completion of a project to modernize the language of the Book of Mormon was announced yesterday. 

Here is the website to read about the project and purchase copies (hardcover also available on Amazon).

https://www.covenantofchrist.org/

I also highly recommend watching Denver Snuffer's presentation from conference. He covers important background as well as the Lord's response. 

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for this scripture, the Covenant of Christ. Thank you for inspiring and working alongside your servant David to bring this book to publication. Thank you for your mercy and condescension despite our weaknesses and shortcomings. Thank you for honoring the covenants you made with the writers, so even when we fell short, you honored their faith to bring us their record. You vindicate all your words and promises. Thank you for your words which are truth and spirit. Praise, and honor, and glory to the Lamb forever and ever!

Mirroring Events

I have been wanting to write this post for a while. 

… If I were God, and wanted my covenant people to have a foreknowledge of events to occur in the latter-days, and a general timeline of how they are to happen in sequence, so that they might prepare for the arrival of the Son of God in his glory …

 

… I would give them a book, by prophecy and revelation, of an ancient society that also received the Son of God in his glory …

 

… that thereby they could read the history of that people, and their prosperity, and eventual collapse of their society as it descended into wickedness, and the coming of the Lord to those who remained …

 

… I would then mirror these events in the latter-days almost exactly as they happened in that ancient society, so my covenant people could see, hear, and pay attention, filling their lamps with oil as they discern wisely, preparing for the arrival of the bridegroom …

 

… then, when it is time, these latter-day people who believed in the words of the book, despite the ridicule for doing so, and hypocrites who drove them out, will have their faith validated when the Son of God arrives in glory and stretches out his hand and introduces himself …

 

… using the exact same words as they were given in the book.

Ripe in iniquity

There are many clear messages in the Book of Mormon, and one of them is that those who serve God will prosper in the land, and those who do not will be cut off from his presence. This is repeated so often in the text any sane modern publisher would beg the author/editor to remove at least half of them.  

However, if one were about to be barreled over by a locomotive you would desire the loudest, clearest, most unambiguous warning possible to move out of the way. 

 

The Book of Mormon contains the account of the destruction of three nations. The Nephite nation is born from the destruction of the Jews. The book concludes with the Nephite destruction, while the Lamanites descend into primal ferocity and their own form of destruction. Moroni abridges the account of the Jaredites and their destruction. The Jews, Nephites, and Jaredites – three once previously select nations destroyed by the wrath of God. The message could not be clearer for those who receive the record. 

 

In case the message is still somehow missed in the narrative, Moroni writes the following to the reader in an editorial note as he relates the history of the Jaredites:

 

Ether 1:7 - The decrees of God concerning this land are clear. It is a land of promise, and any nation who possesses it will serve God or be swept off when the fullness of his wrath comes upon them. The fullness of his wrath comes when they are full of iniquity, willfully rebelling with no intent to repent. This land is special above all other lands. Those who live here will serve God or be swept off, that is the everlasting decree of God. His wrath will not come until the people of the land are full of sin. This knowledge is given to you, gentiles, to read these words and know the decrees of God, that you may repent and not continue in sin and bring the fullness of God’s wrath on you as the previous occupants of the land have done. This is a precious land, and whatever nation lives here will be free from slavery, captivity, and from all other nations under Heaven so long as they serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ, who has been revealed to you by the things we have written. 

 

The book is also full of movement and journey, typically small groups of families and friends, led by God to the promised land itself or to a more secure location to escape from enemies or slavery. The journeys began with a dream, vision, or the voice of God (i.e., revelation), and in orderly fashion guided by him while literally not knowing what was over the next horizon. Twice the Jaredites mistakenly thought they had arrived at their destination only to be prodded on to continue their journey. Revelation and faith were key to making the spindles of the Liahona work. Sin and rebellion brought the trek to a halt. From the ancient Israelites to the family of Lehi, to the Jaredites to us and everyone in between, the pattern and message is the same. Is there not a type in this message? As Alma taught his son Helaman (Alma 17:15-17):

 

15.  I want to tell you more about the ball or director, which our ancestors called the Liahona (which interpreted means compass), and the Lord prepared it for them. There is no one that has created anything as unique as this compass or that could duplicate it. It was created to direct our ancestors along their journey, and it worked according to their faithfulness to God. If they had faith that the spindles could point the way they should go, it was done. This was a miracle for them, and God did many miracles for them, day by day. These miracles seemed simple and small, yet they did wonderful works on their behalf. Nevertheless, they were still lazy and forgot to exercise faith and diligence, and then the wonderful works ceased, and it hindered their journey. They lingered in the wilderness, and did not travel a direct course, and were hungry and thirsty because of their neglect. 

16.  I want you to understand, my son, that these lessons are a type of that which is spiritual. Even as our ancestors did not give heed to this compass (representing the temporal) they did not prosper or progress in their physical journey, which is a lesson in how spiritual progression works as well. It is easy to heed the word of Christ, which will direct you along a straight course to eternal bliss, just as it was for our ancestors to follow this compass which pointed them a straight course to the promised land. Is this not an important lesson? Just as surely as this compass brought our ancestors, if they followed its course, to the promised land so will the words of Christ, if we follow their course, carry us beyond this vale of sorrow to a far better land of promise. 

17.  Do not be neglectful, my son, because of the simpleness of the way, for so it was for our forefathers. As it was prepared for them if they would but simply look, and live, so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we look, we may live forever. My son, take care of these sacred items, and look to God and live. Go to this people, preach the word of Christ, and do not neglect all that is sacred you have been entrusted with. My son, farewell. 

Being Exposed - Part 3

I found these words from Alma particularly poignant, in regards to the last two posts. I have added some emphasis in parts as it relates to Being Exposed. This is RE Alma 3. 9-11 in my own words:

9               This is the Order after which I am called to preach, to my beloved family and countrymen and everyone in the land – to preach to all, old and young, subjugated and free, aged, middle-aged, and the rising generation – to cry to them that they must repent and be born again. The spirit says: “Everyone must repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is soon at hand.” The Son of God comes in his glory, in his might, majesty, power, and dominion. My beloved friends, the spirit has told me that the glory of the King of all the earth and the King of Heaven will soon shine on all the children of men. The spirit has told me to cry with a loud voice and say, “Repent! If you do not repent, you will not inherit the kingdom of Heaven.” The spirit has also told me, “Look, for the ax is laid at the root of the tree; every tree that does not bring forth good fruit will be cut down and put in the fire, a fire which cannot be consumed or extinguished. Remember, for the Holy One has spoken it.”

10             My beloved friends, can you argue with what I have said? Can you put aside these things and trample the Holy One under your feet? Can you be big-headed in the pride of your hearts? Will you still wear expensive apparel and set your hearts on riches and the vain things of the world? Will you keep thinking you are better than one another? Will you harass your friends who have humbled themselves and walk meekly after the Holy Order of God by which they have been brought into the church, having been sanctified by the holy spirit? They repent and strive to work righteousness, and will you turn your backs on the poor and needy and withhold help and resources from them? All of you that persist in wickedness, you are the ones who will be cut down and cast in the fire, unless you quickly repent.

11             All of you who want to follow the voice of the good shepherd, come out from the wicked and separate yourselves, and do not touch any unclean thing. Their names will be blotted out, and the names of the wicked will not be numbered with the righteous, that the word of God will be fulfilled which says, “The names of the wicked will not be listed with the names of my people, for the names of the righteous will be written in the Book of Life, and I will give them an inheritance at my right hand.” My friends, what can you say against this? I tell you, even if you argue against his word, it will not matter, for the word of God will be fulfilled. What shepherd among you, having many sheep, will not watch over them to make sure the wolves do not enter and devour his flock? If a wolf enters, he will fight him and drive him out or destroy the wolf if possible. The good shepherd calls after you, and if you listen to his voice he will bring you into his fold, and you are his sheep. He commands you to not allow a ravenous wolf to enter among you, to ensure you will not be destroyed. 

Being Exposed - Part 2

It is critical, to the formation and establishment of Zion, that our very Souls (Beings) could be exposed to each other and what is found is (unity/peace/love/uplifting/without guile/one heart/one purpose in Christ/desire to be righteous). We must change our (Souls/Beings) to become like Christ, and our words and actions reflect the truth within us. If instead, what is exposed is (lies/deceit/money/lust/covet/adultery/worldly power/control) then your heart is at odds, and your desires will be to sin, wealth, power, your neighbor’s wife, etc. and Zion will crumble through the jealousies and contention like it has so many times before.  

The servant who has the authority to pattern this dispensation will not bring together a people who, when their Beings are (naked/exposed), will only leave behind a dead, tyrannical, relic to be exploited by their descendants. God is aware of this, and labors alongside his servants (RIGHT NOW – right this moment) to change individuals, to transform their Souls into the type of people who:

1)    Speak truthfully to each other, no (lie/manipulation/deceit/covet/jealousy) and express their true desires to (serve/love/uplift/fellowship) each other in drawing closer to Christ.

2)    At some future day, can unify their Souls in prayer and with power unveil the heavens, pierce into eternity, and invite Christ and his hosts to return to the earth. 

Any other attempt, or gathering, is pretty much Dead On Arrival. Now is the time to soften hearts and become malleable to the Master. To center our Being on him, and away from the world.

“Leave behind your ambitions. Depart from your anger, contention, jealousies, and your uncontrolled worldliness. Be sober minded. Control your appetites. Flee from sin. Subdue the flesh. Become meek as a child, and harmless as a dove. Flee from Babylon and shake its dust from off your feet. Awake and arise. 

We can fail. WE can succeed. But we will only succeed by our heed and diligence to the Lord’s commands.” – Denver Snuffer

Being Exposed - Part 1

In the parable of the Garden of Eden, it speaks about Adam and Eve being naked. As we read this word in modern terms we think of nudity, or without clothes. While this may have been literally true in some sense, one way to understand this parable is to exchange the word naked for exposed. In this sense naked is truly a complete exposure of your Soul (or Being) which is the sum of your (thoughts/heart/intent/intelligence/faith/consciousness/feelings/virtue/attributes). This is how the Powers of Heaven communicate with each other, “bursts of intelligence” as their Souls are (exposed/discerned/transmitted/received/penetrated/revealed/communicated). 

Therefore, the heavens sometimes shake, or the earth groans, or concourses of angel’s sing or mourn, for when God communicates you receive far more than words it is (reception/exposure/discernment) to his very Soul and you understand in the depths of your soul his Word and you are filled with … 

As Denver taught (and I paraphrase), “The Heavens communicate, and it is left to you choose the words.” There is a wealth of information to unpack here. This also gives a glimpse into how Joseph Smith (translated/revealed/composed) the Book of Mormon and other scripture or revelations. I’ll save that for another time. 

 

When God clothed Adam and Eve, he veiled this Celestial form of communication. Humanity was left to imperfectly communicate by making sounds or drawing symbols. He (clothed/veiled) our Souls to each other, and now we can lie/hide/deceive/trick/manipulate our fellow man. 

 

When you are in the presence of God, your Soul is exposed. In part, this is how you communicate with him. It transcends words. On the other hand, I cannot think of anything more (terrible/shame/embarrassing) than entering his presence with sin. I would rather be buried in the Mariana Trench and covered by mountains than endure that for one moment. When Adam and Eve were first in the garden, they were naked (i.e., their Souls were exposed) and they were not ashamed, for the course they were pursuing was according to the will of God. The circumstances changed drastically after partaking of the fruit and they knew their error was exposed to all and they hid amongst the trees of the garden. 

 

Here is truth I have been instructed to write: when you pray, tap into your very Soul, speak more than words- expose/show/transmit/communicate/cry/wrestle your energy of heart/spirit/intent/feelings/intelligence - Soul. How do you tap into your Soul and communicate like this? Your eye must be single, it must be your every desire, laying aside every other thing, (yearning/wanting/hoping/my Soul hungered) to be the favorite of heaven over everything else. Your heart must not be set on this world. It aches for something better. Read Lecture Six in the Lectures on Faith for this key of knowledge. Weave lecture six in your heart, place it on your soul’s mantle, and gaze into its depths. 

 

I have found when I have been able pray like that, the Heavens instantly respond. When you work by faith, you work by mental exertion rather than physical force. This is how you pierce the Heavens. This is how the Powers of Heaven communicate with each other and when they (receive/discern/see/hear/understand) a communique like that from earth they react. This is an ability veiled within us to be discovered, or if already found, exercised, and strengthened. 

That is not to say prayers of words are meaningless, on the contrary we have an (Advocate/Mediator/Messiah) whose grace can Celestially amplify our telestial prayers on our behalf in Heaven. There are many types and forms of prayers. Prayers of worship, prayers of thanksgiving, prayers of mourning, prayers of blessing, sacramental prayers, the baptismal prayer. Private prayers, public prayers, prayer circles, prayers in your heart. All of them are important, and each have their time and place. If you want the key ingredient to the secret sauce, it is this: pray always. 

The Gift of Tongues

A spiritual gift may take many forms. When it comes to the Gift of Tongues, it is to be understood in its highest form as the ability to perfectly communicate a message to the receiver who comprehends it without error or misunderstanding. The message is composed of light (intelligence) and truth. The Gift of Tongues precludes any misunderstandings, miscommunication, misinterpretation, and instead perfectly transmits the intent, context, and message of the communique in such a way that the receiver loses nothing. 

It is easy to miscommunicate. As Mark Twain said, “The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter. ‘tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.”

 

God speaks to you in your language. He chooses the right words. There is no loftiness, pride, or haughtiness. When you are speaking, He intently listens. He does not interrupt you; even should you meander. He uses phrases and expressions common to you. When He does this, it is a condescension on His part. 

 

Other times, He may elevate you towards Him. In this, when He speaks, there is more than just words being communicated. His spirit elevates your mind to comprehend infinite bits of data so that your understanding is perfect (i.e., you comprehend what He wanted and intended to communicate to you without any error – this is the Gift of Tongues). As your spiritual eyes transfigure to discern all that is being shown, your entire soul submerges into this completely immersive experience. No IMAX with motion seats and hundreds of surround sound speakers can compete. It might lead one to fall to the earth and take hours to regain strength. Or another’s heart to stretch as wide as eternity and his yearning make eternity shake. Or you lose inhibition as you shout for joy in His name. 

 

Alma desired this gift, to have a voice of an angel, with not only the volume to be heard but more importantly- to be understood. In scripture this is typically expressed by being heard “in your heart.” This is the Gift of Tongues taking the message and ensuring you comprehend the truth. If your “heart is hard” you cannot be the beneficiary of this gift, just as the ancient Israelites completely missed the types of Christ in the wilderness (a symbol being communicated) “because of the hardness of their hearts” (RE Alma 16:32). 

 

A “hard heart” (unbelief, slothful, stubborn, obstinate, neck made of iron, brows made of brass) or “soft heart” (as a child- submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things, even as a child to the Father) can greatly determine the degree to which the Gift of Tongues can bless your life.