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Evil Men and Seducers Shall Wax Worse and Worse
Jesus Christ has given us a pattern by which we shall know the spirits in all cases.[1] He gave us this pattern so we may not be deceived by Satan who, He said, “is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations.”[2]
As recorded in the New Testament, our Lord warned of the many deceivers who would arise to deceive many, including the elect if possible.
Matthew 24:23 – For in those days, there shall also arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant.
Mark 13:25 – For in those days there shall also arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch, that if possible, they shall deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant.
Luke 21:8 – And he said, The time draweth near, and therefore take heed that ye be not deceived; for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; go ye not therefore after them.
After Jesus’ resurrection, His apostles confirmed His prophecy by warning of the many deceivers who had already come, and even foretold of how they would wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. These deceivers are antichrists who deny Christ came into the world in the flesh to atone for the sins of the world. They also deny He will come again in the glory of the Father to reward each person for his or her deeds done in the flesh.[3]
II John 1:7 – For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
II Peter 3:3-7 – Knowing this first, that in the last days there shall come scoffers, walking after their own lusts. Denying the Lord Jesus Christ, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things must continue as they are, and have continued as they are from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that of old the heavens, and the earth standing in the water and out of the water, were created by the word of God; And by the word of God, the world that then was, being overflowed with water perished; But the heavens, and the earth which are now, are kept in store by the same word, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.
II Timothy 3:13 – For evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.
Today, as prophesied, many deceivers are in the world to deceive the nations through lies, elaborate schemes, and cunning arts, including so-called psychological operations (psy ops) and false flag events as well as through errant and false teachings and doctrines.[4]
If He Obeys Mine Ordinances
By providing us with a pattern for discerning deceptions, the Lord has provided us with a way of escape from the temptations caused by deceives.[5]
Ephesians 4:14 – That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive.
According to Jesus, those who treasure up His words have the promise they will not be deceived. This includes treasuring the pattern the Lord has given us for the purpose that we may not be deceived and thereby be overcome by the enemies of our souls.[6]
Mark 13:43 – And whoso treasureth up my word shall not be deceived.
What is this pattern in all cases that Jesus Christ has given us? It is stated as follows:
D&C 52:4c,4d – wherefore he that prayeth whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me, if he obey mine ordinances. He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek, and edifieth, the same is of God, if he obey mine ordinances.
Note the conditional statement, if he obey mine ordinances. By only considering whether a person prays and speaks contritely, whose language is meek and edifieth, we can be deceived by that person. We must therefore also consider if that person obeys the Lord’s ordinances as given by Him and for His intended purposes.[7] Only then can we discern who is of God and who is not.
Those who bear the fruits of praise and wisdom to the Lord by the gift of His Spirit—according to the revelations and scriptures He has given us—are accepted of the Lord.[8]
D&C 52:4e,5a – And again, he that trembleth under my power shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits of praise, and wisdom, according to the revelations and truths which I have given you. And again, he that is overcome and bringeth not forth fruits, even according to this pattern, is not of me; wherefore by this pattern ye shall know the spirits in all cases, under the whole heavens.
Please note how the fruits spoken of in this passage must be born in accordance with the pattern given. What are the fruits we must bear? They must be those fruits or works which are meet for (in keeping with) repentance, i.e. those that are meet for the kingdom of God.[9] Individuals who do not evidence the pattern given by the Lord unto bearing Him these fruits are under the bondage of sin.
D&C 83:7f-7i – and the whole world lieth in sin, and groaneth under the darkness and under the bondage of sin: and by this you may know they are under the bondage of sin, because they come not unto me; for whoso cometh not unto me is under the bondage of sin; and whoso receiveth not my voice is not acquainted with my voice, and is not of me; and by this you may know the righteous from the wicked, and that the whole world groaneth under sin and darkness even now.
Said another way, those who are under the bondage of sin have not yet entered into the way of everlasting life by following the ordinances of Jesus Christ’s doctrine. They have not yet repented of their sins and come to Him to enter into His death to sin and the newness of His life through baptism.[10] Thus, they are not a part of His church (His body) no matter what they may say or believe.
D&C 3:16a-18 – Behold, this is my doctrine: Whosoever repenteth and cometh unto me, the same is my church; whosoever declareth more or less than this, the same is not of me, but is against me; therefore, he is not of my church. And now, behold, whosoever is of my church, and endureth of my church to the end, him will I establish upon my Rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against him. And now, remember the words of him who is the life and light of the world, your Redeemer, your Lord, and your God. Amen.
We Believe These Ordinances Are…
To which ordinances was Jesus Christ referring when He gave us the pattern in D&C 52:4b-5b? Joseph Smith Jr., in his Epitome of Faith, highlighted four specific ordinances.[11]
“We believe that through the atonement of Christ all mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. We believe that these ordinances are 1st, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; 2nd, Repentance; 3rd, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; 4th, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
When individuals exercise faith in Jesus Christ by repenting (turning toward Him) and coming to Him, our Lord promises, as the Good Shepherd, to guide them by His Spirit of truth into the only true way that leads to eternal life. He begins by leading all of us to bear Him the first-fruits of repentance which is baptism.
Moroni 8:29 – And the firstfruits of repentance is baptism, And baptism cometh by faith, unto the fulfilling the commandments, And the fulfilling the commandments bringeth remission of sins, And the remission of sins bringeth meekness and lowliness of heart, And because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost, which Comforter filleth with hope and perfect love, which love endureth by diligence unto prayer, until the end shall come when all the saints shall dwell with God.
The faith spoken of here is not just any faith. It is not faith in people or things or ideas. Rather, it is that very faith which believes and relies solely on the name and words of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Word of God.[12] It is the faith that works by love, specifically the love founded in obedience to the two great commandments, that of loving God with our whole beings and loving each other as ourselves.[13]
Repentance involves turning away from the world and turning squarely toward God and His kingdom.[14] It is founded in the conditions of repentance—before, during, and after being born of God’s Spirit of truth.[15] Such repentance is not merely being sorry for past or present sins.[16] It looks forward in hope to our redemption through the atoning work and merits of Jesus Christ.[17]
Baptism is to be by immersion in the likeness of Christ’s death and His resurrection. When we repent and come to Christ—according to His doctrine[18]—our Lord leads us into a watery grave so we might join Him in death to sin; we are then raised out of the water in the likeness of His resurrection to the newness of His life as members of His body, the church.[19]
Finally, in receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost by the ordinance of the laying on of hands, we are taught the peaceable things of God’s kingdom.[20] By giving us this precious gift of His Spirit, God hallows us for dwelling in the kingdom of heaven with Him in light and love.[21] For through the Holy Ghost we receive the love of God and are thereby led into all truth in the presence of the God of truth.[22]
They Have Strayed From Mine Ordinances
Sadly, many people, including church members, have strayed from these four foundational ordinances of God—that of faith, repentance, baptism (in the likeness of Christ’s death to sin and of His resurrection), and the baptism of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. Some have even departed from the faith altogether.
D&C 1:3c-3e – and the day cometh that they who will not hear the voice of the Lord, neither the voice of his servants, neither give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles, shall be cut off from among the people; for they have strayed from mine ordinances, and have broken mine everlasting covenant; they seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall.
I Timothy 4:1,2 – Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared as with a hot iron.
They worship gods they have imagined, those which are in the image of the world. Instead of worshipping the true and living God who created them, they create idols that perish. In judgment, God turns them over to uncleanness and vile affections so they may go to their own place instead of to the kingdom of heaven.[23] No longer constrained by the Holy Spirit, they work all manner of evil among themselves, while others who are under the bondage of sin take pleasure in those who commit such sin (e.g. by the pictures, books, music, shows, and movies with which they engage and entertain themselves).[24]
Those who have strayed or departed from the ordinances of the Lord, or who have altogether fallen away from Jesus Christ, would be wise to go back and do the first works as He admonished the church at Ephesus.[25]
Revelation 2:4-7 – … I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou are fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. … He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.
Mormon 4:93-95 – Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before Him.[26] Be wise in the days of your probation; Strip yourselves of all uncleanness; Ask not that ye may consume it on your lusts; But ask with a firmness unshaken, that ye will yield to no temptation, But that ye will serve the true and living God. See that ye are not baptized unworthily; See that ye partake not of the sacrament of Christ unworthily; But see that ye do all things in worthiness, And do it in the name of Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God; And if ye do this and endure to the end, ye will in no wise be cast out.
Give Diligent Heed to Every Word of God
Discerning all spirits according to the pattern Jesus Christ has given us in D&C 52:4b-5a is not only vital to the church in not being overcome, but it is also vital to the eternal welfare of all its members. Because of the temptations that come of deceptions, we all must remember we can fail and fall from the grace of God by straying from the ordinances and commandments of Jesus Christ.[27]
D&C 17:6d – … there is a possibility that man may fall from grace and depart from the living God. Therefore let the church take heed and pray always, lest they fall into temptations; yea, and even let those who are sanctified, take heed also.
As admonished, care must therefore be taken to hold fast to the word of God—the rod of iron—by not changing His ordinances and breaking His everlasting covenant.[28]
The four ordinances Joseph Smith, Jr., outlined in the “Epitome of Faith” are foundational to the gospel of Jesus Christ.[29] They are the same four ordinances that are to be administered by the elders of the church, those whom Jesus Christ has called to administer the ordinances of the new covenant He mediates.[30]
The Book of Mormon reinforces the importance of and need for these ordinances.[31] Consequently, this plain and precious record is especially important to our not being deceived. Why? Because it contains the fullness of the gospel. The importance of this statement is discussed in detail in another study letter titled, Why the Book of Mormon Contains the Fullness of the Gospel.
As Moses testified, we are to live by every word that proceeds forth out of the mouth of God.[32] Also recall how faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.[33] Therefore, in these last days the Lord has again reiterated the importance of living by every word of God, including His pattern for knowing the spirits in all cases.
D&C 83:7a – And now I give unto you a commandment to beware concerning yourselves, to give diligent heed to the words of eternal life; for you shall live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.
I urge everyone, therefore, not to ignore or dismiss the pattern the Lord has given us so the members of the church are not deceived. I further encourage each one to offer his or her whole soul unto Him by keeping His ordinances as they have been given to us.
Omni 1:46,47 – And now my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, which is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of His salvation and the power of His redemption; Yea, come unto Him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto Him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; And as the Lord liveth, ye will be saved.
Jacob 4:17 – O be wise! What can I say more?
[1] D&C 52:4b-5b & D&C 52:9f with D&C 50:2a-7f
[2] cf. D&C 52:4b with Revelation 12:8
[3] II Peter 3:3-7 with Matthew 16:30; see also II Corinthians 5:9-11 with Revelation 22:11-14
[4] cf. Ether 3:93-102 with D&C 83:8a-8c & D&C 92:1d-1f; cf. D&C 98:13d with D&C 83:8c
[5] I Corinthians 10:12-15 with John 14:6
[6] cf. Mark 13:43 with D&C 52:4b & Moroni 9:6
[7] cf. Moroni 6:2-5 with Matthew 7:24-29
[8] e.g. Galatians 5:16-26 with Moroni 10:4-31
[9] Alma 9:27 & Alma 10:6 with Matthew 3:35 & Acts 26:20; see also Matthew 6:38,39 with Matthew 6:21-24
[10] Romans 6:1-16 with Mark 16:14-21 & Mormon 4:85-88
[11] Times and Seasons, Vol. III, pages 709-710, 1842
[12] John 8:31-36 with John 1:11-18
[13] Galatians 5:6 with Matthew 22:34-39 & I Peter 1:22-25
[14] Luke 24:45-47 & Acts 2:38 with Matthew 4:16 & Mark 1:13; see also Matthew 6:38 with Jacob 2:20-24 & Alma 3:27-60
[15] D&C 16:3c-3e, Alma 19:94, Helaman 2:72,73 & Helaman 5:65-74 with Matthew 2:4-6 (1:21-23 KJV) & Romans 1:16,17
[16] II Corinthians 7:9,10 with II Timothy 2:24-26
[17] Romans 5:1-11 & Romans 8:24,25 (I Timothy 1:1b) with Colossians 1:27 (Jacob 2:4-17) Titus 2:11-15, Hebrews 6:19, Hebrews 11:1, Moroni 6:5 (II Nephi 1:73), Moroni 7:45-49, etc.
[18] D&C 3:16a-18 with D&C 16:3c-3e
[19] Romans 6:1-16 with II Nephi 13:6-32; see also D&C 17:7a-17d (D&C 17:18a-18c) with II Nephi 13:23-26
[20] D&C 39:2a,2b with D&C 53:2b
[21] I Peter 1:15,16 & I Peter 1:21-25 with Mark 1:6 & John 1:28; see also I John 4:7-21 with I John 1:5-10
[22] Romans 5:5 with II Nephi 14:6, John 14:26, & John 16:13-15
[23] cf. Acts 1:25b with Jacob 4:4
[24] cf. Romans 1:18-25,32 with Romans 3:10-31 & Isaiah 53:1-12
[25] cf. III Nephi 12:21-35 with Revelation 2:4-7
[26] cf. Mormon 4:93-95 with Philippians 2:12-16
[27] e.g. Hebrews 12:14-16 with Hebrews 3:12-15
[28] I Nephi 2:68-76 & I Nephi 3:68 with D&C 1:3a-3e
[29] cf. Times and Seasons, Vol. III, pages 709 with D&C 39:2a,2b & D&C 53:2b
[31] III Nephi 5:31-49 & III Nephi 12:25-35 with II Nephi 13:6-32; see also Alma 12:180 with I Nephi 3:7-36, I Nephi 3:181-216, I Nephi 4:14-29, I Nephi 5:232-264, I Nephi 6:1-6, I Nephi 7:17-64, II Nephi 12:77-99 & Ether 1:100-117