Bryce on a Lesson from the Sealed Portion of the Gold Plates

Building upon our podcast for 2 Ne. 26-30, Bryce here presents Book of Mormon evidence that the condition for receiving the sealed portion of the gold plates is to be more faithful to the portion of the gold plates that we have already received. In that sense, we as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints might also be doing what Nephi condemned others of doing in our day: “A Bible! A Bible! We have got a Bible, and there cannot be any more Bible.”
#bookofmormon #comefollowme #talkingscripture

[@jenalynhancock3874]

If we as members don't understand we need to repent then we have a rude awakening coming. Great episode! WAKE UP PEOPLE!!

[@hollybaldwin3254]

Just two days prior to watching this, I became very curious about the sealed portion of the plates and when we would gain access to them. I pondered on that almost all day long that day……and then today, this video of yours pops up in my feed and I decide to click and watch……it was my answer that I was looking for! God works in mysterious ways! Thank you Bro. Dunford for your teachings! Thank you for putting them on KZbin for me because I have a very hard time connecting the dots like you do here. Your videos always contain so many answers for me. I truly appreciate them more than you will ever know!!

[@talkingscripture]

Thanks Holly!

[@cyndieburr2770]

Oh my gosh! I feel the same!! I have been studying to teach this lesson in seminary and have been thinking and pondering the sealed portion. I’m so grateful for the connections made in this video!

[@seekeroftruth3656]

I experience this same phenomenon often! The Lord is giving us greater light and knowledge as soon as we are ready for it! I am so so grateful for those like Bro. Dunford who work so hard and follow the guidance of the Spirit to bless our lives! ❤❤

[@charlottegardenhire6408]

Wow, wow, wow. What an amazing lesson. I want to eat up my Book of Mormon more than ever and get everyone else to feel the same urgency. Thank you for seeing things the rest of us can’t so plainly. One day I’ll get to that point; until then, keep teaching! I love this stuff.

[@dramadriwilson7524]

The book of Mormon is very delicious

[@hollybaldwin3254]

Same! I’ve never felt more urgency than I do now!

[@samoansuave_45]

❤

[@ghstrdio]

Amen! I believe we can do this! I think come follow me will be one of the catalyst for us getting out of this condemnation

[@elizabethadams4929]

Thank you for expounding this topic. I love that President Nelson, in the women’s broadcast on March 17, 2024 invited us to “ make the scriptures your personal Liahona, the temple your place of refuge and recalibration, and your personal prayers the way you learn where the Lord needs you to be that day. Over time, you will be astonished by how He will guide you to be exactly where you can lead, guide, and walk beside someone who needs you.” Certainly this includes the Book of Mormon.

[@mikeporter6952]

AMEN ! Thank your for your stirring testimony and exhortation! ❤

[@dinocollins720]

Amazing lesson!!! Thanks bro Dunford!

[@shireecox122]

I’m super duper excited to have more scriptures. I’ve read, prayed, and studied this subject for years. I’m always so excited when I read, that we WILL have more records/scriptures at some point. Wouldn’t it be so wonderful to have more of the words of our Heavenly Father?

[@mikepinckney]

Great job brother. Love your powerful testimony of Christ and the Book of Mormon.

[@1zcott]

outstanding summary of the sealed portion

[@marilynjensen8096]

This was super insightful! Thank you so much!

[@Ryanhelpmeunderstand]

Russell M. Nelson, in his talk called “The Correct Name of the Church” he stated that if we would do all that we can to restore the true name of Christs Church the Lord would pour out blessings upon the faithful the likes of which we have never seen. He then went on to say that after we received these blessings, we would have the knowledge to take the Gospel to all the ends of the earth in every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. Perhaps it will be the sealed portion being given to us? Interesting thought. Also, President Nelson in another talk stated that the Lord would show unto us that He and our Heavenly Father preside over their Church in majesty and glory. He has to be talking about this!

[@paulagraves6517]

Great cross references. After listening I am glad I treasure the scriptures. They are not gathering dust in my home but, that being said I still know I can learn more every time I feast. Thank you.

[@AmyBartholomew1]

Wow! I never noticed this before. Thanks, Brother Dunford

[@sharonrose3549]

Thank you for reminding us of our responsibility to read & studied The Book of Mormon

[@reaniebeanie94]

Wonderful insight. Thank you Brother Dunford.

[@genevieveficquet9976]

I remember well this GC, brother, when president Ezra Taft Benson said that the whole church is under condemnation because of not using the Book of Mormon. I did not forget it. More than 30 years later I am still waiting for a living prophet to announce in GC that the condemnation is finished. It would be a surprise for me if it is done before the 2nd coming because I am a witness that we do not use the Book of Mormon as we should in our life, our faith, our callings, in our teachings, etc ... My family has been severely persecuted inside the church because we were using "too much" the teachings of the BOM as considered by local leaders and members in general. We have learned to shut our mouth among our own people. It is the 1st time since Pdt Benson time that I hear an instructor refering to this condemnation. All members seem to have forgotten it. Thank you too for this great teaching about the sealed part as concerning our Ephraimite ancestors. I totally agree. 🥰

[@wendyfoster5579]

We have been discussing when the sealed portion would be given to us so thank you for this.

[@bryankramer2240]

Awesome. Thank you.

[@danielhickmott5800]

Thank you for this admonition.

[@SaturdaysWarriors]

These lessons make me wonder if I slept through Seminary. Please keep them coming. ❤❤

[@amurry1030]

This was a really great lesson. Thank you brother.

[@kimberlythomas7510]

Amazing perspective thank you!

[@amyjo4367]

Thank you Brother Dunford. This was a powerful lesson & you've rekindled a hope & desire that I can get on the path more fully. That the mysteries are available to all who will repent, humble themselves & be sanctified through the principles found in the Book of Mormon. You are a mighty witness & a gifted teacher. Bless you for sharing & much love to you & yours! 💟

[@heartfacingupward]

Thank you for your thought provoking understanding. I love to have the deep recesses of my mind invigorated. I feel my own Intelligence has been added upon. Greatly!

[@rmsf1072]

Thank you for answering the question I was thinking about. It makes sense, and God is merciful to wait until we're ready for more .

[@kobidoggy7575]

Thank you Bro Dunford.

[@bethanytredway6111]

I had a discussion about this with my scripture study buddy this morning, so this is right on time!!

[@jayrobbins7888]

I love you brother. Loved meeting you once upon a time. You have inspired me to DO better. God bless you and your family.

[@sione43]

This is amazing!

[@flowergirl52]

Thank you, thank you, I love the Book of Mormon but I know I've treated it lightly, I will repent and do better. This was a great video, I'm sharing this with my family!

[@johnrowley310]

Focus your love on Christ.

[@Ilbahn]

Feast on the words of Christ for spiritual survival. If you are not filled with the constant presence of the Holy Ghost, you are making yourself open to attacks from the adversary. I know this from my own experience. We need EVERY word that proceeds from the power of the Holy Ghost, for they are all the words of Christ and the light inside us can recognize it. Truth is as eternal as our beloved God.

[@sharonb2038]

Excellent and so true. I wish we studied the Book of Mormon, as a church, more than once every 4 years, it should be studied every year. Thank you, we needed that-

[@kimhulbert8449]

Powerful, insightful lesson Bryce. Thank you for your efforts working this out.

[@lw1959]

Great lesson! Thank you for your videos!

[@michiganabigail]

Thank you so much. I've been trying to find the key to receiving more revelation and I got the answer as I pondered what you taught.

[@richardandmardonneneiman9964]

Brilliant! Thank you so much!

[@dr.lmcconnell3463]

Outstanding as usual!

[@lornaphillips7888]

I’m so glad I listened to this beautiful testimony this morning. Thank you for always teaching us. The Spirit is always strong as I’m listening to these inspiring podcasts. 🙏🏻♥️

[@paulcrave3112]

Thanks again Bro. Dunford. Great work. I’d love to be able to see what Bro. of Jared and Moses and John and Lehi and Nephi saw. I hope we all will desire that.

[@venusreyes3061]

Me too Brother Bryce from Ephraim tribe.

[@annmcmullan6176]

Excellent! Excellent! Thank You for your lesson. Now I have to teach it to my Valiant class of Hispanic children who barely understand English. I have a great translator to help me. How Blessed I am to have this calling.

[@cheryll7399]

Thank you for changing the background behind you, more eye appealing😊

[@KBColeLong]

Wonderful!

[@virginia6158]

Thank you!

[@wayneorr6748]

Thank you so much. We need t wake up

[@calvinlhiggins9293]

What comes to my mind is “The Temple” From the beginning- Adam in the garden To the end-returning to live with Heavenly Father. Repenting in order to enter Temple by Acquiring recommend. Sanctified by making covenants.

[@alangrover945]

Phenomenal Bro Dunford... thank you for tying all this together for us.... it really connected for me. I have learned so much about really studying the Book of Mormon from you. I spoke last Sunday in Sacrament meeting and linked in a lot of the tree of life lessons you have shared... the spirit was amazing... so greatful for all you do to publish these... love you so much

[@wayneorr6748]

I have always looked forward to more scriptures. And the sealed portion has always been festinating to me ex. The prayers of the Saviour. The names of the three Nephites. All things we have wonderful about and so excited to understand all things from the beginning. I love new understanding carol

[@rwnordmark]

Thank you brother for this video. I feel that the eyes of my understanding have been opened and I have a more clear understanding of why the Nephites were destroyed because of the knowledge of the Gospel which they had and they freely chose to turn away from it.

[@generathjen890]

Nicely done.

[@margaretarmstrong4001]

This is one reason that the prophet is telling us to sanctify ourselves.

[@urubu715]

I feel like over the last 8 years, especially with the Come, Follow Me program, there has been an awakening of the church about the scriptures and the Book of Mormon. With the purchase of the Kirtland Temple, JST, and other documents, could that be the Lord giving us more light and knowledge? And if we feast upon those things, will he give us more, demonstrating our faith until he cannot withhold the sealed part from us?

[@johnrowley310]

Your feast is beans and rice.

[@richardbarrow4620]

This little book for me has become like a Iittle well that is very deep. How deep? Like the smoke from the alter before the throne of God rises up for ever and ever, that's how deep I think this well is.

[@JohnDoe-ok5wo]

We are told that the sealed portion won't be unsealed until we become as the Brother of Jared. Meaning, when we become as the Brother of Jared, we will have received Christ in the flesh. He will have appeared and ministered to us. We also see that, that is when the Nephites received the vision of all things, when Christ appeared and ministered to them. I suppose at that point they had become as the Brother of Jared.

[@lorihaun9956]

Many forget about the other books that were removed from the Bible, too. Book of Jared, Enoch, etc. They helped answer some questions I had that were missing from the Bible. Those who claim that we are cursed if we add to the Bible, explain why there are so many different interpretations of Bibles? Is that not altering a Bible? When we ask Heavenly Father for more knowledge, he will open the door for us.

[@IntoAllTruth.]

The Book of Mormon tells us that the words of Christ will tell us all things what we should do. The solutions to our problems, the goals that are of greatest worth to us, the responses we should give to all questioners, seekers and skeptics are contained within its sacred pages. The ultimate test and proof of the Book of Mormon is found within its own pages and our greatest blessings and progress ante dependent upon our full, unashamed embrace of its message and principles. Yes, we have a Book of Mormon but what thanks do we give to the Nephites, Joseph Smith, and all those who mightily sacrificed to deliver it to us?

[@AlejandroMadrid-tn1gp]

Nephi also had visions which the Lord commanded not to share.

[@Greg-McIver]

I've yearned and prayed over decades for the rest. We know so little about the history of what has happened.

[@eternalskywalker9440]

The Book of Mormon is a witness (testament) of Jesus Christ and His gospel (doctrine). It is not primarily a history. I'm sure the history will come, but it isn't what matters most.

[@JohnSmith-lm9gr]

I said just about the exact same things in my lesson today. Almost as if the HG is trying to teach us something. But let me push further. I'll jump off from "not only say, but do..." because if our study and church attendance does not change our heart, mind, and actions, it was all for nought, we have treated his words lightly and only drown near with our lips, or outward observances. You have said that the Jews rejected the Savior because he wasn't what they expected. Maybe the same is true with the promised scriptures. In D&C 107:57 "these things were all written in the book of Enoch, and are to be testified of in due time." That was in 1835 and we have been waiting for 189 years. But here's the rub. The book of Enoch was discovered in Ethiopia and first published in English in 1838. Parly P Prat discovered it in England and reported to the saints the lost book of Enoch had been found in 1840, but here we are still waiting because we were expecting it to show up in our quad and to be spoon fed on Sunday. Section 91 tells us to study the apocrypha. So not only are we ignoring the BoM, but the NT, and OT, and Apocrypha, and the books of Enoch, and Jasher, and Jubilees, and who knows what else. We cannot wait to be taught. We must actively seek and do. Those of us who have been through the temple know that we progress as we make and keep covenants. The telestial kingdom is as it were a world or a lone and dreary wilderness. The telestial kingdom is ruled over by the Holy Ghost if i remember correctly. As we satisfy the law of this kingdom we are invited to progress to the terrestrial and live a higher law. The terrestrial kingdom is ruled by Jesus Christ. The Holy Ghost testifies of and leads us to Christ. As we satisfy the terrestrial law we progress and Christ leads us to the Father or Celestial Kingdom. As we follow the Celestial law now, be build the kingdom of heaven on Earth and bring the Celestial here now. However, most, not all, but most of what the prophets and apostles teach and most of what in in the lesson in Sunday school is designed, at least on the surface, to bring us to Christ. In other words, to make that first transition from telestial to terrestrial. To make that second transition, we must actively seek to know Christ and the Father by doing his work and building his kingdom. As we all study, let us seek what we must do and change so we are doers of the word and not hearers only.

[@cognitiveresonance339]

Pres Nelson said the time will come when the wicked are separated from the righteous. Perhaps that's when we receive the sealed portion?

[@colinmccann7123]

I believe there were some other plates found in the Hill cumorah. After they stated they found him I haven't heard a thing about them since.

[@jamesmaclean5586]

Joseph is getting ready to complete the translation….

[@commoncents5191]

Could D&C and General Conference talks be some of the scriptures of the lost tribes? They have come from members of the lost tribes.

[@TimSingletonearthtiger]

I don't think I have considered that I do not have the scriptures of my ancestors. Thank you.

[@bradandjulierich8175]

The Gold Plates were described by witnesses: The Three, The Eight, Lucy Mack Smith, Emma Hale Smith, Orson Pratt. We have descriptions of the records that went into the Gold Plates by Nephi, Jacob, Mormon, and Moroni. These witnesses and descriptions teach us the size and physical characteristics of the Gold Plates, and the general contents of the Sealed Portion, just as Bro. Bryce says. Thanks for this vid. I’ll listen to your podcasts.

[@velihall]

It’s interesting you think members are saying we don’t need more or wouldn’t accept more because of what we have. I have never heard a member intimate that in more than 50 years.

[@talkingscripture]

It’s the fact that we, as a Church, don’t read what we have and are not using it to the fullness of its intent. That’s how we make that statement. It’s our actions, not our words.

[@eternalskywalker9440]

How many of us have memorized *hundreds* of passages from the Book of Mormon? Not I. Dozens? maybe. Hundreds? I have work to do.

[@woodennickel2231]

I think the test is in - Doctrine & Covenants 98:6-12.

[@jacbox3889]

Bryce, you look like my father. Are you related to any Cleggs or Murdochs? Ancestors from Heber or Vinyard? My dad has been gone for a long time. Thank you for expanding my Book of Mormon knowledge.

[@talkingscripture]

Nope. No Cleggs or Murdochs. Dunford are from Bear Lake Idaho.

[@donnacarter7781]

I try to be obedient and read the B of M over and over. Why have l never seen this? Maybe l am reading absent mindedly. I am going to slow it up and ponder more.

[@genevieveficquet9976]

We need to ponder it and APPLY in our life what we learn from it. 💕 Reading and not applying brings nothing more. 🥰❤️

[@josuearevalo1694]

Bryce, isn’t Ephraim the birthright son of Joseph? And isn’t the Book of Mormon the stick of Joseph? So don’t we already have the ephraimite or Josephite scriptures… I do know what you’re referring to however about the lost 10 tribes living in the northern kingdom and how they taken into captivity and scattered… any thoughts how to reconcile these two?

[@talkingscripture]

We’re not talking about any scriptures produced by any Ephraimite. We’re talking about a very specific record. Read the end of 3 Nephi 15 and the beginning of 16. Jesus told the Nephites that they were the other sheep he mentioned to the Jews in the New Testament. But then he told them that he had other sheep and that he was going to go visit them. Clearly they recorded it and that is the third testament of Jesus. That’s the record we’re really talking about: the visit of the resurrected Christ to the lost tribes of Israel. That’s the scriptures we don’t have.

[@josuearevalo1694]

I’m familiar with that part. But I had always thought that maybe we would see 10 other scriptures… one for each of the other tribes… but it seems as though you believe that maybe the 10 lost tribes stuck together and he just visited them once? So one more record?

[@talkingscripture]

“In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” I truly believe we are looking for 3 witnesses of Christ’s first visit to this world. Granted, “I command all men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall write the words which I speak unto them.” But I am convinced that there will come a third witness to the world that Jesus is Messiah and came forth from the dead and showed himself unto thousands; on perhaps three different continents.

[@moronibreitbart6055]

Nephi didn’t ‘suggest’ anything, he accurately foretold what is to be. Remember, there is no translational error in the Book of Mormon, regardless of virtue signaling and political correctness today, and so called church scholars who attempt to explain away many details like the ‘skin of blackness’, etc..

[@Wboushka1]

The sealed plates are not written in English. There is a hint in the Book of Mormon, who will translate the sealed plates. Moroni comes out of the narrative, and speaks directly to the future translator of the unsealed plates, and says: “ I have told you the things which I have sealed up; therefore touch them, not in order, that you may translate; for that thing is forbidden you, except by and by it shall be wisdom in God.“ (Ether 5:1) Moroni, who had seen a vision of the latter days through the end of the earth, drops Joseph a hint that he ( Joseph) might be the future translator of the sealed plates. I suspect it’s part of Joseph’s post, resurrection ministry.

[@talkingscripture]

Read D&C 35:17-18.

[@talkingscripture]

Also, Truman Coe (1836) recorded the following: “The manner of translation was as wonderful as the discovery. By putting his finger on one of the characters and imploring divine aid, then looking through the Urim and Thummin, he would see the import written in plain English on a screen placed before him. After delivering this to his emanuensi, he would again proceed in the same manner and obtain the meaning of the next character, and so on till he came to a part of the plates which were sealed up, and there was commanded to desist: and he says he has a promise from God that in due time he will enable him to translate the remainder.” Opening the Heavens: Accounts of Divine Manifestations, 1820-1844 by John W. Welch, BYU Studies

[@karatevideosandmore7685]

In general I agree with what's being said.....but we need to look at the bigger picture here found in the Book of Mormon itself. Mosiah, by virtue of having Mohonri Moreancumer's U&T also had his Vision.....they were ment to be kept together. Lets look at just before Christ's Visit to Lehi's descendants. Some were grossly wicked and some were rightous. Just as today, the calamities that came had a purpose......"O ye that are spared because ye were more rightous than they"......it was a cleansing action. Also their Central government was no more.....there government was thrown down. Niw in this setting the people were ready to further spiritually progress and a righteous government establishe. Under these conditions were the people prepared to receive The Vision that was sealed up.......then began the Golden Era of the Nephites....... President Benson said that if you want to know what things will happen before the Second Coming......read what happened just before Christ's Visit to the Nephites. It's by belief that there is a pattern here that will be followed much like it was with them and that the Sealed Portion will come forth when Christ Returns and rhat His Kingdom come, His will be done (then), on earth as it is in Heaven. Having said this however, there's nothing to stop the Brass Plates in there fullness, the Large Plates of Nephites etc. to come beforehand......the Restoration has yet to give is it's full load. 😉

[@amyjo4367]

I understand that more often than not, humanity chooses to go through the 'pride cycle' & gets flattened in the end. But that's our choice. We don't have to get flattened. In that way we could avoid the calamities, being sanctified & prepared to create the stakes of Zion & meet the Savior in His Glory. I pray I can humble myself rather than being humbled by my circumstances. I want to make it & help others too. Thank you! 😊

[@jmcfadden3712]

Isn't mine own due time a set (appointed) time?

[@talkingscripture]

Yes, but Ether 4:6,7,15 suggest it’s conditional. Hence He will occasionally say that He will “hasten” the day. If the time was set, it could not be hastened. Mosiah 24:16 suggests that their faith hastened the day of their deliverance.

[@jenalynhancock3874]

​@@talkingscripturewon't He Hasten the work but the time is set

[@marciamackie554]

Do you think what is sealed would be a history book? Or a book of revelations? Perhaps we are being given those revelations a little at a time. The sealed portion may just be conference reports from the beginning of the restoration until Christ comes. And guess what - we have that!

[@talkingscripture]

Did you watch the video?

[@marciamackie554]

Yes. I enjoyed it.

[@denniswilson4784]

How does this square with Rev 22:18 which says that if anyone adds to or subtracts from the end time prophecies in the book of Revelation, that God will add plagues to this person and take away his share of the Tree of Life? It’s not I as a lay person saying we don’t need another Bible, it is straight from the inspired word of God to John the Apostle who was the most beloved apostle of Jesus.

[@talkingscripture]

John wrote Revelation BEFORE some of the New Testament was written. Does that eliminate everything written AFTER it was written?

[@talkingscripture]

The Bible, in book form as we have it today, was not compiled by John, but many years later. Nor was the New Testament compiled in chronological order. If the Lord meant that there was no scripture after the book of Revelation, that eliminates a portion of the New Testament, including some of John‘s writings. So why did John keep writing if there was to be no scripture after Revelation? Did John “add to” the Book of Revelation, when he wrote other works? Clearly, the Lord did not mean that. He meant that we shouldn’t add to the specific revelation in the book of revelation. We shouldn’t edit that text.

[@talkingscripture]

I am positive that anyone that doesn’t want any more scripture than they have, will not receive any. But I, for one, yearn for every word He will give me.

[@jamskinner]

That’s talking about the book of revelation. The Bible is just a compilation. The catholic bible has extra books. There are other apochraphal (spelling) books.

[@barryburton5885]

It says similar things in Deuteronomy 4:2 and 12:32. So, does that eliminate the rest of the Bible?

[@colinmccann7123]

The statement was there was not to add to the book of Revelations not the whole book of the Bible.

[@kathyrossi1021]

Wagonloads of scripture

[@eternalskywalker9440]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rWGZpISDlrl9rtk This video explains the word "sealed" in a legal context. In the ancient near east a contract was written in two parts: an open part that could be presented to anyone, and a sealed part-hidden and marked with a tamper-evident seal-that could be presented to a judge who could open it in case of a dispute and verify that the open part was authentic. At least the book of second Nephi is written as some type of legal document. Perhaps what we call the sealed portion is what will be presented at the judgement day to authenticate the part we have. (Revelation 20:12-"the books were opened") The more I study, the more it seems to me that God will give us individually as much light and knowledge as we are willing to receive. "By the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of *all things*." (Moroni 10:5) We don't have to wait for "Brother Brown" to repent for us to receive personal revelation.

[@alipeticook4772]

Where are the plates today?

[@talkingscripture]

Joseph retuned them to Moroni. Brigham Young said: “Oliver Cowdery went with the Prophet Joseph when he deposited the plates. When Joseph got the plates, the angel instructed him to carry them back to the hill Cumorah, which he did. Oliver says that when Joseph and Oliver went there, the hill opened, and they walked into a cave, in which there was a large and spacious room. It was just as light as day. They laid the plates on a table; it was a large table that stood in the room. Under this table there was a pile of plates as much as two feet high, and there were altogether in this room more plates than probably many wagon loads; they were piled up in the corners and along the walls” (Brigham Young, JD 19:38).

[@talkingscripture]

One thing I didn’t mention in the video, read D&C 35:17-18. It suggests that Joseph will be the one that translates the sealed portion. Most likely a resurrected Joseph.

[@diligentdavey]

David Whitmer in 1978 was interviewed in his home in Richmond, MO, by one Dr. P. Wilhelm Poulson, an M.D. from Ogden, UT. It was evident that this Dr. Poulson was an active member of the Church. His interview of David Whitmer appeared in an issue of the Deseret Morning News sometime in August of 1878. It appeared Poulson must have had his interview telegraphed to the Deseret Morning News. All of the question this Dr. Poulson were typical for an active LDS member to ask him. That is until the last question he asked of David Whitmer. Poulson then asked Whitmer, "When will the temple be built in Independence be built? Whitmer replied-- "First, there will be the great tribulation. Poulson - What do you mean by that? Whitmer - A civil war war,and a smashing up of this nation that will be more bloody and cruel than the great rebellion. Then, a work will have to be done like Joseph did. Then there will be peace all over. (And, then the unspoken answer seemed to be that that would be the time that the temple would then be built in Independence). Between 1877 and 1879, both John Taylor in General Conference, and Orson Pratt as the senior apostle of the twelve gave at least two talks about this second, and GREATEST American Civil War. One of them said there will FIRST be a civil war in Europe. John Taylor talked about how Joseph's prophecy (now found in C&C 87), was fulfilled exactly as Joseph said it would be. Both Talor and Pratt said this 2nd American Civil War would be far worse than the first civil war. Pratt said that industry in the US would largely cease to exist for some time, because it will be too dangerous to go to work. He also said that due to wide spread mobocracy, farmers will leave their farms, because it will be too unsafe to remain on them, and consequently, farm will remain idle and uncultivated for some time. Both Taylor & Pratt said that the 2nd Civil War would not be like the first. Fighting will be of son against father, and father against son, brother against brother, neighbor against neighbor, neighborhood against neighborhood, town against town, city against city, county against county. And state against state. I can't see how millions WON'T die, if farms are uncultivated. They said because of mobocracy, there will be mob warring against mob. They also said that there will not be any neighborhood that will be left unaffected. When I first read what David Whitmer about a 3nd American Civil War, I wondered that since he had been excommunicated 40 years before this interview, would he have received anew a prophecy from the Lord? Then, I realized that since his prophecy indicated when the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon would be done. It must have been something revealed to Oluver, Martin, and himself, in 1829, when the angel Moroni, and the voice of God were seen and heard by all three of them. Anyway. If Church members who remain after that war aren't humbled. I can't imagine otherwise who would be, if not by such Both a worldwide as well a national calamity!?!

[@davidatdcactradingpl4839]

Members want the Gospel to be simple and easy to Master. Adding more scripture goes against that thought.

[@johnroberts6695]

I love the Book of Mormon, but I find it very difficult to read in places, plodding and difficult to navigate. Bible stories like Korah's rebellion in Numbers 16-17 are easy to read and are memorable, but because the BofM was translated from Reformed Egyptian, it doesn't sound very much like the Bible. I've often toyed with editing the Book of Mormon into an easily readable version, removing _unnecessary_ language and using modern terms to replace the thees and thous. I'm sure the brethren wouldn't like such a revision, but I find myself doing the edits in my own head as I'm reading it. When I took my journalism courses in school, I was told repeatedly that when editing, don't add words until you can add no more; rather, delete words until you can delete no more. I doubt the Nephites used an archaic language in their day-to-day language, nor do I think the authors used such a language in writing the book. Yes, they used Hebraic constructs and idioms, but we Latter-day Saints tend to view formal English as being more respectful, but I've never bought into that notion, though it's easier to read biblical text than Book of Mormon text.

[@gingersnaps215]

@johnroberts6695 The thing with this is that we don’t have the original language version of the Book of Mormon, we only have the original translation into King James-type English. I agree, it’s easiest to understand if it’s in a familiar dialect, but since we don’t have the original language to refer to for edits and translation changes, I’d be very cautious. I like to keep in mind that Mormon and Moroni were very deliberate about what was included in their editions and that it was written for our day. I also have a hard time slogging through certain parts (the war chapters….) but I heard someone say that they read the war chapters through the lens of society’s current struggles with addiction. A technique like that might help? (There’s a Harry Potter podcast that does this, too; you pick a theme and read a chapter/section looking for things that follow that theme. I believe it is a Bible study technique often taught in divinity school..?) Someone has made a chat gpt translation into Gen Z English, so there’s that (and a pirate KJV Bible, and like Hawaiian Pidgin Bible translations exist, too!), but because all we have is the KJ-type English for the Book of Mormon, I’d be nervous about what might be lost if we discarded or ignored the original translation, because we don’t have the original written language. Hebrew is a highly symbolic language and the letters themselves convey meaning on their own and in conjunction with the other letters in the words. I have often wondered why certain letters are used over others when multiple letters make similar/the same sounds, and I keep thinking (as do many, but this is disputed) that Hebrew must have been hieratic (like Egyptian, with pictographs) at one point in time. There is meaning and symbolism to be gleaned from the names of things, just like in the Old Testament! It’s just that much murkier with the BofM because we are working off of educated guesses about etymologies of names and things like that. If you read multiple languages, it might be beneficial to read it in those other languages too to see what insights can be gained from those translations. (Chad Lewis has an interview on Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones about the translation into Mandarin, because he served his mission in Taiwan. Apparently the brother of Jared is the older brother of Jared! Not a symbolic tidbit, but a fun example about different languages) Anyway many study techniques to try, worth a shot!

[@eternalskywalker9440]

If you read the Book of Mormon as a history, you may be confused. It isn't (just) a history. Consider that 1 Nephi covers a period of about 8 years, but skips most of that time, focusing on a few specific events. The "historical" part of 2 Nephi is a few dozen verses. Most of it is quotes from Lehi, Isaiah, and Jacob, followed by a very concise summary of the doctrine of Christ. It seems to be structured as a legal deposition presenting the testimony of four prophetic witnesses. The book of Mosiah starts about 148 BC, skipping over about 400 years. Mormon said that he couldn't include a hundredth part of his source material. Do you want all 53,000 pages of that "history"? I am grateful that God trimmed it down to the bare essentials so I can focus on what will make me a better person. As for trimming it further, yes, you can: When the Church introduces a new language, it is usually only selected chapters. It isn't hard to pick the doctrinally heavy parts. (e.g. 1&2 Nephi, Mosiah, Alma 5,31-37, 3 Nephi 1,9-33, Moroni 7-10) It is hard to leave parts out. I would be very cautious, however, about calling parts "unnecessary". Given the difficulty of the engraving process, I doubt Mormon wrote a single word he considered superfluous. Nephi and Jacob were also sparing in the small plates. When I feel the "narrative" start to slow, I ask, "what is God trying to teach me by including this chapter or these verses?" There is always an answer. I recently started reading David John Butler's new book /In the Language of Adam/. His thesis is that the Book of Mormon is mainly a temple text, written by temple initiates for temple initiates. I believe this to be true: knowing what to look for, I suddenly see temple language and temple symbols popping up everywhere. The Book of Mormon is much richer and more interesting to me now through this new "lens".

[@davidhinton6371]

i liked this presentation but we also need to remember the context of the temple and the creation story "from the beginning...to exhaltation.. to the end."..note the similarities that the brother had seeing the Lord to the temple endowment . We generations in the mirrors in the sealing rooms past and future. We are tested of our faithfullness to get there to the Temple. Perhaps in someways this is unsealing the "book/experience given to the B.o.Jared. Im not saying that there arent more histories/scriptures of the tribes to come forth that we should look for, but we need to be careful we do not look beyond the mark. It seems Jesus Christ will reveal when he comes if that is the pattern set in the Book of Mormon.

[@DARYLSCHUMANN]

Come on now, ive read The Book of Mormon like 100x. I'm ready for more. Why does this have to be a community punishment?

[@talkingscripture]

Forgive me, but the number of times you’ve read it, is not the test.

[@DARYLSCHUMANN]

@talkingscripture What is the test? I read it, teach it, share it and try ro live by it's precepts. What lack I?

[@talkingscripture]

If that’s an invitation to answer, I will. If that was simply a rhetorical question, then please ignore the rest of this comment. I don’t want to offend. But someone who makes a public comment that says: “I deserve to read the sealed portion, and the rest of your are holding me back” seems to have missed several central messages in the Book of Mormon; pride being one them. Another one is the understanding that the work of the gospel is to focus on the blessings others are missing out on and not the blessings. “I” am missing out on. The sons of Mosiah had that attitude: “Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble.” Alma repeatedly shows that attitude: Alma 8:14; 31:3-35; 36:24. My favorite example is the great prophet, Nephi. The Lord told him: “Blessed art thou, Nephi, for those things which thou hast done; for I have beheld how thou hast with unwearyingness declared the word, which I have given unto thee, unto this people. And thou hast not feared them, and hast not sought thine own life, but hast sought my will, and to keep my commandments” Helaman 10:4. If we, as a people, have not yet qualified to have the sealed portion, then none of our work is completed. The laborer in Zion will never complain that the Lord has not brought about the redemption of Zion, but will rather spend his or her life laboring to bring about that very redemption.

[@DARYLSCHUMANN]

@talkingscripture Once again, that goes back to the collective punishment principle. Should Lot or Noah have been destroyed with the rest of humanity that they were with because nobody else was doing what they should have been doing? Not everyone can enter the temple,though God wants us all to enter. There are many who will not search knowledge or live the commandments, no matter how much you try to make that so. If we have to wait until the society is obeying the teaching the principles in The Book of Mormon, then we will just have to wait until the Millenial Day.

[@talkingscripture]

Isn’t totally unfair when One Person who does not deserve punishment is punished for everyone else’s mistakes? It’s ironic to complain about being punished for everyone else’s mistakes when your mistakes contributed to the punishment of the Most Innocent of all.