I would like to point on some possibilities. I am not stating this as how something happened. Just an possibility. Also point out some prophecies of the last days. I feel its easier to give someone information before they hit a crisis than after.
I believe the following is a twofold prophecy. Our hearts will fail because of the things brought upon us in the world, and they will fail because the spirit has ceased to strive with men. Also they will fail because something will come about that will upset us, or breakup our foundation, if its built on anything but Christ. I.E. a bishop, friend, family member or church leader.
Its important to understand what "powers of heaven" means. I encourage you to study this.Luke 21:26
26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
Otherwards, there is going to be a major change with these powers of heaven. Perhaps I could even say, there will be a major change with the "priesthood" as they are inseparably connected.36 That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
In the year 1831 the church was decalred true and living.2 Timothy 4:3
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
In the year 1835 at kirtland many glorious visions were pronounced upon the people including angels, visions, prophecies, and the appearance of the savior to the people.
In the year 1841, Section 124 tells us the following.
They had lost the fulness of the priesthood. Joseph taught US about 3 of these degrees. This DEGREE of the priesthood, for there are many degrees, was the priesthood required to start Zion. Did we start Zion?28 For there is not a place found on earth that he may come to and restore again that which was lost unto you, or which he hath taken away, even the fulness of the priesthood.
They were left in the wilderness to wonder, instead of the promised land because they, the Israelites, were not worthy of Zion.23 Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God;
24 But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his anger was kindled against them, swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory.
25 Therefore, he took Moses out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also;
Whats interesting about this is that Lehi told us that Joseph, would be a type of the joseph in egpyt in OUR day. In the year 1841 we lost the fulness.
The temple was not finished by 3.5 years later when joseph was killed. Does this mean that Joseph was taken from our midst also with the priesthood we already lost?
D&C 124 continues,
The question arises WHEN did Christ come to restore that which was lost?32 But behold, at the end of this appointment your baptisms for your dead shall not be acceptable unto me; and if you do not these things at the end of the appointment ye shall be rejected as a church, with your dead, saith the Lord your God.
We are told that when Zion comes, this fulness will return.
Or we are also told that Adam-ondi-Ahman will return, which is where, Adam (Us) is in the presence of God.7 Now this same Priesthood, which was in the beginning, shall be in the end of the world also.
Again, this is exactly what moses attempted and joseph attempted. This is what every society since the beginning of the world has attempted. To build Zion.Hebrews 8:11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.
So what happened? Is there any prophecies that show us our situation. There are many but perhaps this is the most specific.
Section 101 on the redemption of Zion gives us a parable. A little reminder before the saints were kicked out of nauvoo to SLC, jospeh was killed but also they had built up many buildings besides the nauvoo temple. Masonic lodges, rooms to stay for those traveling (for the poor), halls, etc..
Who are the watchmen?43 And now, I will show unto you a parable, that you may know my will concerning the redemption of Zion.
44 A certain nobleman had a spot of land, very choice; and he said unto his servants: Go ye unto my vineyard, even upon this very choice piece of land, and plant twelve olive trees;
45 And set watchmen round about them, and build a tower, that one may overlook the land round about, to be a watchman upon the tower, that mine olive trees may not be broken down when the enemy shall come to spoil and take upon themselves the fruit of my vineyard.
46 Now, the servants of the nobleman went and did as their lord commanded them, and planted the olive trees, and built a hedge round about, and set watchmen, and began to build a tower.
47 And while they were yet laying the foundation thereof, they began to say among themselves: And what need hath my lord of this tower?
48 And consulted for a long time, saying among themselves: What need hath my lord of this tower, seeing this is a time of peace?
49 Might not this money be given to the exchangers? For there is no need of these things.
50 And while they were at variance one with another they became very slothful, and they hearkened not unto the commandments of their lord.
51 And the enemy came by night, and broke down the hedge; and the servants of the nobleman arose and were affrighted, and fled; and the enemy destroyed their works, and broke down the olive trees.
52 Now, behold, the nobleman, the lord of the vineyard, called upon his servants, and said unto them, Why! what is the cause of this great evil?
53 Ought ye not to have done even as I commanded you, and—after ye had planted the vineyard, and built the hedge round about, and set watchmen upon the walls thereof—built the tower also, and set a watchman upon the tower, and watched for my vineyard, and not have fallen asleep, lest the enemy should come upon you?
54 And behold, the watchman upon the tower would have seen the enemy while he was yet afar off; and then ye could have made ready and kept the enemy from breaking down the hedge thereof, and saved my vineyard from the hands of the destroyer.
55 And the lord of the vineyard said unto one of his servants: Go and gather together the residue of my servants, and take all the strength of mine house, which are my warriors, my young men, and they that are of middle age also among all my servants, who are the strength of mine house, save those only whom I have appointed to tarry;
56 And go ye straightway unto the land of my vineyard, and redeem my vineyard; for it is mine; I have bought it with money.
57 Therefore, get ye straightway unto my land; break down the walls of mine enemies; throw down their tower, and scatter their watchmen.
58 And inasmuch as they gather together against you, avenge me of mine enemies, that by and by I may come with the residue of mine house and possess the land.
59 And the servant said unto his lord: When shall these things be?
60 And he said unto his servant: When I will; go ye straightway, and do all things whatsoever I have commanded you;
61 And this shall be my seal and blessing upon you—a faithful and wise steward in the midst of mine house, a ruler in my kingdom.
62 And his servant went straightway, and did all things whatsoever his lord commanded him; and after many days all things were fulfilled.
63 Again, verily I say unto you, I will show unto you wisdom in me concerning all the churches, inasmuch as they are willing to be guided in a right and proper way for their salvation—
64 That the work of the gathering together of my saints may continue, that I may build them up unto my name upon holy places; for the time of harvest is come, and my word must needs be fulfilled.
65 Therefore, I must gather together my people, according to the parable of the wheat and the tares, that the wheat may be secured in the garners to possess eternal life, and be crowned with celestial glory, when I shall come in the kingdom of my Father to reward every man according as his work shall be;
66 While the tares shall be bound in bundles, and their bands made strong, that they may be burned with unquenchable fire.
Whos at variance with each other?
Why was the tower destroyed?
How is it to be built?
Who does it?
Who is the wise steward that did all things that they were commanded JUST BEFORE the harvest of the wheat and tares?
If one takes time to study this than they may realize, that whatever happens in the days ahead we should NOT loose testimony in the book of mormon nor the prophet Joseph Smith. Whatever happens, happens is fulfillment of prophecy. And we are told they ALL will be fulfilled.
So what about Zion? So we want to start Zion? What should the focus be than?
Our personal connection with God. That is the only thing that will save us in the days ahead. As D&C 101 says, "seek the face of the lord that ye shall have eternal life". Seek to be able to endure His presence and seek to receive the fulness of the priesthood in YOUR life.
… I may believe that Enoch walked with God. I may believe that Abraham communed with God and conversed with angels. I may believe that Isaac obtained a renewal of the covenant made to Abraham by the direct voice of the Lord. I may believe that Jacob conversed with holy angels and heard the word of his Maker, that he wrestled with the angel until he prevailed and obtained a blessing. I may believe that Elijah was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire with fiery horses. I may believe that the saints saw the Lord and conversed with him face to face after his resurrection. I may believe that the Hebrew church came to Mount Zion and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels. I may believe that they looked into eternity and saw the Judge of all, and Jesus, the Mediator of the new covenant.
But will all this purchase an assurance for me, or waft me to the regions of eternal day with my garments spotless, pure, and white? Or, must I not rather obtain for myself, by my own faith and diligence in keeping the commandments of the Lord, an assurance of salvation for myself? And have I not an equal privilege with the ancient saints? And will not the Lord hear my prayers and listen to my cries as soon as he ever did to theirs if I come to him in the manner they did?
(Chapter 10: Prayer and Personal Revelation,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, (2007), 125–34)
