“And when these things come to pass that thy seed shall begin to know these things—it shall be a sign unto them, that they may know that the work of the Father hath already commenced unto the fulfilling of the covenant which he hath made unto the people who are of the house of Israel.”
Now the completion of the sign:
When all that has been described has happened, and the remnant will “begin to know these things,” that beginning is the sign. Has it happened? Is it happening? Then who is the “remnant” that has or will “begin to know” about the Book of Mormon to fulfill the sign?
We’ve lost the history of Joseph Smith’s efforts to locate the “remnant” of the Nephites. The first mission to locate them was called by revelation in the first 5 months after the church was organized. (D&C 28: 8-9.) Oliver was called and later that same month Peter Whitmer was also called. (D&C 30: 5-6.) This began an effort to locate the “remnant” that continued after the death of Joseph Smith. That will take some time to set out and cannot be dealt with in this post. We’ll get to it.
When the remnant is at last identified, and have been given the Book of Mormon, and start to know about their history and the Lord’s covenants with them, that will be the moment at which the “sign” given by Christ will have occurred.
It is when this happens that all of us will “know that the work of the Father hath already commenced.” Or, in other words, the Father’s hand is in motion to finish up what He promised to accomplish. What is it He intends to accomplish? What does it mean “fulfilling of the covenant?” What does the reference to “the people who are of the house of Israel” mean? How broadly will this final work of the Father spread? How many of those who are included in the covenant to Israel will become affected by the Father’s work fulfilling the covenant?
Assuming the work “commences” at that time, how long will it take for the work to be completed? Will it be a single generation? (JS-M 1: 34-37.) How long is a “generation?”
Why is the fulfillment to result in “the house of Israel” being given their covenant again?
How can we participate?
Why would the “sign” be given? If it was given to inform us, how can we watch to behold the sign when it happens?
Is there any indication that the sign is now unfolding?
If the organized church does not pay any attention to these things, and does not search for the remnant as Joseph did, will that change these promises? Will the covenant of the Father be forgotten by Him if the Saints themselves forget about it? What effect does our neglect have on the Father’s covenants?
Denver,
I have noticed among t
he American Indians there is a lot of people looking for the Remnant, and there are a lot of Indian Prophets (some look like they lean to the anti-Christ type) that are saying their people will rise up again and lead the Gentiles in building Zion. Some even quote Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon extensively, as Joseph was supposed to bring the Remnant the Covenants of the Father.
Again, its a mixed bag as some are good and some appear to be in it for themselves, but I feel its all beginning to come to pass.
What are you thoughts, Denver?
If the majority of the BOM took place in this northern portion of America, then I think all the indian groups in “this land” already know about the BOM and the “mormons” who failed thier duty to establish and maintain the fulness as it was given to Joseph to restore.
Lets hear it Denver, what do you think? Or do you only pose the questions?
D&C 45:24-31
24 And this I have told you concerning Jerusalem; and when that day shall come, shall a remnant be scattered among all nations;
25 But they shall be gathered again; but they shall remain until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
26 And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth.
27 And the love of men shall wax cold, and iniquity shall abound.
28 And when the times of the Gentiles is come in, a light shall break forth among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the fulness of my gospel;
29 But they receive it not; for they perceive not the light, and they turn their hearts from me because of the precepts of men.
30 And in that generation shall the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
31 And there shall be men standing in that generation, that shall not pass until they shall see an overflowing scourge; for a desolating sickness shall cover the land.
Ether 4:14-17
14 Come unto me, O ye house of Israel, and it shall be made manifest unto you how great things the Father hath laid up for you, from the foundation of the world; and it hath not come unto you, because of unbelief.
15 Behold, when ye shall rend that veil of unbelief which doth cause you to remain in your awful state of wickedness, and hardness of heart, and blindness of mind, then shall the great and marvelous things which have been hid up from the foundation of the world from you—yea, when ye shall call upon the Father in my name, with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then shall ye know that the Father hath remembered the covenant which he made unto your fathers, O house of Israel.
16 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.
17 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.
Notice what record the Lord is talking about here. And that isn’t the only one slated for release.
I would refer you to this post for my position on questions and answers.