The Parable of the Redemption of Zion (D&C 101: 43-62), Take Two: a Purely Planetary/Plasma Interpretation

Prophecy = Planetary Movements

It is my understanding that the heavenly precedes the earthly and that prophecy takes as its template what happens in the heavens: the movements of planets. Prophecy is merely the description of these movements and the plasma interactions that result from them.

The 1^st Key

All true prophecy follows the same pattern: every element is some celestial body or plasma display—a star, a planet, a comet, etc.–and the imagery in the prophetic story is imagery seen in the heavens. So, for example, if the prophecy mentions a sword, it doesn’t mean that there is a real sword in the heavens (the sky or outer space) but that there are planetary movements and plasma formations that, when seen from Earth, create the image of, or look like, a sword. Again, it is merely the image of a sword, not a real, earthly sword. This is a key to understanding prophecy.

So, any prophecy is merely the movements of the planets and the resulting plasma interactions, converted into a story. To understand the prophecy, one must convert the story back into the planetary movements and plasma interactions.

Prophets Prophesy of the Heavenly

In any true prophecy of the future, the prophet is explaining what is going to occur in the heavens: the movements and plasma interactions of the planets.

Prophets Prophesy of the Earthly

After the planets go through their motions, fulfilling the elements of the prophecy, the same story then plays out here on Earth.

The 2^nd Key

A second key, then, to understanding prophecy is that first comes the heavenly fulfillment followed by an earthly fulfillment.

Elements and Their Order: The 3^rd Key

For a prophecy to be fulfilled, every element of it must be present, in the correct sequential order. If any element is missing or if any two elements are out of order, the prophecy is not fulfilled. This is a third key to understanding prophecy.

Why D&C 101: 43-62 is still future

When applying these three keys to the parable of the redemption of Zion, it becomes clear that this parable, which is a prophetic story, has not been fulfilled in any way.

Most people who comment on the parable assign a strictly earth-based meaning to it. Not possessing the first two keys, they fail to examine the past and present astronomical history to see if the heavenly aspect of it has been fulfilled. Had they used these keys, they would have quickly noticed that nothing even remotely similar to the parable has occurred in the heavens. This would halt their search for any earthly fulfillment, because the earthly must follow the heavenly.

By forcing an earth-only fulfillment, commentators must use the third key alone, but even here they often don’t turn it. If a prophecy contains exactly 10 elements, they will often accept 9 as its “fulfillment.” If the order is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, they will often accept 1, 2, 4, 3, 5, 6 and call it “fulfilled.” Coming close is their standard, not exactness.

For example, many people still believe that the first part of this parable (D&C 101: 43-51) was fulfilled in Independence, Missouri or in Nauvoo, Illinois, because the parable speaks of a failed attempt to build a tower, which everyone interprets as a temple, and the Missouri saints failed to build a temple. In the case of Nauvoo, some people also believe that the Nauvoo temple was not completed (either entirely or in the time designated by the Lord to be completed).

A simple look at the parable will show that neither interpretation is correct. Notice the sequential order and the number of elements:

• 1^st, the servants of the Nobleman plant 12 olive-trees, which Joseph Smith interpreted as being 12 stakes. (A tree is a stick of wood sticking straight out of the ground. A stake is a stick of wood sticking straight out of the ground.  To the prophetic mind, they are the same.) This never occurred during Joseph’s lifetime. (A number of stakes were established, but not 12.)
• 2^nd, the servants build a hedge around the 12 trees (stakes). This also never occurred.
• 3^rd, the servants set watchmen upon the hedge. This also never occurred.

The first three elements are completely missing from the Missouri and Nauvoo histories. There is no way around this, so interpreters merely ignore these elements and start with the 4^th.

• 4^th, the servants begin to construct a tower but get no farther than laying its foundation. Joseph interpreted the tower as an observatory, distinct from a temple, but everyone else combines them together. His design for the Nauvoo temple called for a tower to be built on top of (in addition to) the temple. The parable only mentions a tower, not a temple. So, tower does not equate to temple, yet people routinely mix these elements up.

These first four elements of the parable are sufficient to show that neither Missouri nor Nauvoo fulfills the parable/prophecy. There are similarities to past and current events for some elements, but coming close is not the same as fulfillment. For example, some will see the City Creek Development as fulfillment of D&C 101: 49 (“Might not this money be given to the exchangers?”) Prophecy is based upon true patterns, so sure we’ll see aspects of prophecy repeated among men, but we shouldn’t be so quick to declare that “this is prophecy being fulfilled before our very eyes.” When we take one element of a 10-element prophecy out of context, it sets us up to miss the real event.

About this post

In my previous post, I attempted to interpret the parable of the redemption of Zion using key #3 alone, as an earth-only fulfillment. Halfway through my examination, I realized that the entire thing was evidently speaking of the planets and I thought to scratch out what I was writing and start all over again, this time applying the three keys, but I didn’t because I found the exercise fun and also because the information I had drawn out of the text interested me. Despite my attempt at using only the third key, I still couldn’t come up with a strictly earth-bound interpretation because my mind kept seeing the heavens move about and I ended up with a mixed bag: half earth-bound, half planetary. I found the post strange and wonderful at the same time, if not wholly accurate, and felt compelled to hit the publish button.

The very next day, I re-interpreted it according to the three prophetic keys and wrote out this post. Unfortunately, I had computer/Internet connection problems and I wasn’t able to publish this until today. What follows is what I believe to be the actual meaning of the parable, the real celestial events that the parable’s story was placed over. Unlike the previous post, these aren’t musings, but consist of my scriptural exposition of this parable.

Parable of the Redemption of Zion

And now, I will show unto you a parable, that you may know my will concerning the redemption of Zion.

The Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE

A certain nobleman

Nobleman is the massive Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE.

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE owns Our Solar System

had a spot of land, very choice;

The very choice land is the empty space that makes up Our Solar System, such as the field that a man had, “and he sent forth his servants [planets] into the field [Our Solar System] to dig in the field [Our Solar System]” (D&C 88: 51.)

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE speaks to Servant Planets; i.e., Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE discharges Interplanetary Thunderbolts to the Servant Planets

and he said unto his servants:

Servants are planets located in the empty spaces between the various Solar Systems.

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE commands Servant Planets to go to a Solar System

Go ye unto my vineyard,

Vineyard is any of the Solar Systems, where the bulk of the fruit (planets) are located. Servant Planets are to travel to one of these Solar Systems.

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE commands Servant Planets to go to Our Solar System

even upon this very choice piece of land,

Servant Planets are to travel to Our Solar System.

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE commands Servant Planets to plant Twelve Planet/Plasma Trees

and plant twelve olive-trees;

Servant Planets are to discharge plasma and/or rearrange the objects of Our Solar System, creating the visual image of olive-trees in twelve locations around Our Solar System. To do this, the trees must be “planted” on the Planets of Our Solar System. When the Planets of Our Solar System are properly arranged, they discharge plasma, creating the visual image of a tree coming from their poles. This can be accomplished with a minimum of six planets (two trees per planet, one out of each pole.)

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE commands Servant Planets to set Moons around Twelve Planet/Plasma Trees

and set watchmen round about them,

Servant Planets are to discharge plasma and/or rearrange the objects of Our Solar System, creating the visual images of watchmen around the olive-tree plasma formations. The visual images of watchmen are moons that circle a planet.

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE commands Servant Planets to build an Interplanetary Plasma Tube

and build a tower,

Servant Planets are to discharge plasma and/or rearrange the objects of Our Solar System, creating the visual image of a tower (plasma tube). The visual image of a tower can be formed by a stack of planets with a plasma tube connecting them.

so that a Planet Sun, set upon the Interplanetary Plasma Tube, can illuminate the space surrounding Our Solar System

that one may overlook the land round about, to be a watchman upon the tower,

Servant Planets are to discharge plasma and/or rearrange the objects of Our Solar System, creating the visual image of a watchman upon the tower. The visual image of a watchman upon a tower can be formed by a planet sitting atop a plasma tube.

so that when the Disruptive Planets Not From Our Solar System come, they don’t destroy the plasma and planetary formations

that mine olive-trees may not be broken down when the enemy shall come to spoil

The enemy are Disruptive Planets Not From Our Solar System.

and capture the Planets of Our Solar System

and take upon themselves the fruit of my vineyard.

The fruit of the vineyard are the Planets of Our Solar System. If the Servant Planets have not accomplished their work by the time the Disruptive Planets Not From Our Solar System enter Our Solar System, these Disruptive Planets Not From Our Solar System will break up the plasma and planetary formations of the olive-trees, hedge, watchmen, tower, and watchman upon the tower and will capture the Planets of Our Solar System.

Servant Planets enter Our Solar System

Now, the servants of the nobleman went and did as their lord commanded them,

The Servant Planets enter Our Solar System.

Servant Planets form Twelve Planet/Plasma Trees

and planted the olive-trees,

The Servant Planets discharge plasma and/or rearrange the objects of Our Solar System, creating the visual images of twelve olive-trees around Our Solar System.

Servant Planets form Planetary Rings around Twelve Planet/Plasma Trees

and built a hedge round about,

The Servant Planets discharge plasma and/or rearrange the objects of Our Solar System, creating the visual image of a hedge around the twelve olive-tree plasma formations. The visual image of a hedge is a planetary ring, such as the rings of the planet Saturn. It could also be an asteroid belt.

Servant Planets set Moons upon the Planetary Rings

and set watchmen,

The Servant Planets discharge plasma and/or rearrange the objects of Our Solar System, creating the visual image of a hedge around the plasma formations of the twelve olive-trees and also creating the visual image of watchmen upon the hedge. The visual image of watchmen upon the hedge is of moons orbiting the planet, on the outskirts of the planetary rings, as if the moons were set upon the rings. It can also be of planets skirting the edge of the asteroid belt.

Servant Planets form a Partial Interplanetary Plasma Tube

and began to build a tower.

The Servant Planets discharge plasma and/or rearrange the objects of Our Solar System, creating the visual image of the foundation of a tower. The visual image of a tower is of a plasma tube connecting two (or more) planets. A plasma tube between two planets that only goes part of the way up from only one of the planets (it doesn’t actually connect the planets) will look like the foundation of a tower and not a completed tower.

Servant Planets discharge Interplanetary Thunderbolts after forming Partial Interplanetary Plasma Tube

And while they were yet laying the foundation thereof, they began to say among themselves:

After the foundation of a tower image is formed, the Servant Planets discharge plasma between themselves, creating interplanetary thunderbolts (celestial sound/thunder).

Servant Planets discharge Interplanetary Thunderbolts

And what need hath my lord of this tower?

The Servant Planets discharge plasma between themselves, creating interplanetary thunderbolts (celestial sound/thunder).

Servant Planets discharge Interplanetary Thunderbolts for a long time

And consulted for a long time,

The Servant Planets continue discharging plasma between themselves, creating interplanetary thunderbolts (celestial sound/thunder) for a long time.

Servant Planets discharge Interplanetary Thunderbolts

saying among themselves:

The Servant Planets discharge plasma between themselves, creating interplanetary thunderbolts (celestial sound/thunder).

Servant Planets discharge Interplanetary Thunderbolts

What need hath my lord of this tower, seeing this is a time of peace?

The Servant Planets discharge plasma between themselves, creating interplanetary thunderbolts (celestial sound/thunder).

Servant Planets discharge Interplanetary Thunderbolts

Might not this money be given to the exchangers?

The Servant Planets discharge plasma between themselves, creating interplanetary thunderbolts (celestial sound/thunder).

Servant Planets discharge Interplanetary Thunderbolts

For there is no need of these things.

The Servant Planets discharge plasma between themselves, creating interplanetary thunderbolts (celestial sound/thunder).

Servant Planets discharge Interplanetary Thunderbolts

And while they were at variance one with another

The Servant Planets discharge plasma between themselves, creating interplanetary thunderbolts (celestial sound/thunder).

Servant Planets slow down their rotation and celestial movements

they became very slothful,

The Servant Planets begin to rotate and move in their orbits much more slowly, slowing down to a near standstill.

Servant Planets stop forming the Interplanetary Plasma Tube

and they hearkened not unto the commandments of their lord.

The Servant Planets no longer go through the spatial movements necessary to finish the creation of the visual image of a tower (a plasma formation).

Servant Planets stop discharging; afterward Disruptive Planets enter Our Solar System

And the enemy came by night,

The Servant Planets stop discharging interplanetary thunderbolts between themselves, so that there is no more celestial sound/thunder. The watchmen (moons) upon the hedge move off and away. The only visual images that remain when one looks upon into the sky are the twelve olive-trees, the hedge and the foundation of a tower. But even these displays of plasma are reduced in power, so that everything seems like it is nighttime and the heavens are asleep. In this setting, the Disruptive Planets Not From Our Solar System enter Our Solar System.

Disruptive Planets break down Planetary Rings (that have no Moons skirting their edges)

and broke down the hedge;

The Disruptive Planets Not From Our Solar System break down the hedge (planetary rings/asteroid belt).

Servant Planets begin discharging and leave Our Solar System

and the servants of the nobleman arose and were affrighted, and fled;

The Servant Planets begin to discharge wildly and begin moving again, leaving Our Solar System.

Disruptive Planets destroy planetary/plasma formations of Servant Planets

and the enemy destroyed their works,

The Disruptive Planets Not From Our Solar System destroy all the plasma/planetary formations created by the Servant Planets.

Disruptive Planets break down formation of Twelve Planetary/Plasma Trees

and broke down the olive-trees.

The Disruptive Planets Not From Our Solar System remove the plasma formation of the olive-trees.

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE discharges Interplanetary Thunderbolts to the Servant Planets

Now, behold, the nobleman, the lord of the vineyard, called upon his servants, and said unto them,

Outside of Our Solar System, plasma discharges occur between Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE and the Servant Planets.

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE discharges Interplanetary Thunderbolts to the Servant Planets

Why! what is the cause of this great evil?

Outside of Our Solar System, plasma discharges occur between Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE and the Servant Planets.

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE discharges Interplanetary Thunderbolts to the Servant Planets

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,

Outside of Our Solar System, plasma discharges occur between Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE and the Servant Planets. In this “conversation,” the Servant Planets are chastised for not completing the plasma tube (tower).

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE discharges Interplanetary Thunderbolts to the Servant Planets

and set a watchman upon the tower,

Outside of Our Solar System, plasma discharges occur between Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE and the Servant Planets. In this “conversation,” the Servant Planets are chastised for not setting a planet atop the completed plasma tube (tower).

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE discharges Interplanetary Thunderbolts to the Servant Planets

and watched for my vineyard,

Outside of Our Solar System, plasma discharges occur between Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE and the Servant Planets. In this “conversation,” the Servant Planets are chastised for not keeping the watchmen (moons/planets) upon the hedge (rings/asteroid belt).

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE discharges Interplanetary Thunderbolts to the Servant Planets

and not have fallen asleep, lest the enemy should come upon you?

Outside of Our Solar System, plasma discharges occur between Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE and the Servant Planets. In this “conversation,” the Servant Planets are chastised for going into a low power mode, slowing down their orbits and rotations, reducing the energy field of Our Solar System.

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE discharges Interplanetary Thunderbolts to the Servant Planets

And behold, the watchman upon the tower would have seen the enemy while he was yet afar off;

Outside of Our Solar System, plasma discharges occur between Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE and the Servant Planets. In this “conversation,” the Servant Planets are told that had a planet been set atop the plasma tube (tower), it would have discharged, illuminating the space surrounding Our Solar System so that the approaching Disruptive Planets Not From Our Solar System would have been seen.

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE discharges Interplanetary Thunderbolts to the Servant Planets

and then ye could have made ready

Outside of Our Solar System, plasma discharges occur between Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE and the Servant Planets. In this “conversation,” the Servant Planets are told that then Our Solar System would have gone into high energy mode, creating a strong plasma double layer.

Hannes Alfvén described a double layer as, “…a plasma formation by which a plasma, in the physical meaning of this word, protects itself from the environment. It is analogous to a cell wall by which a plasma, in the biological meaning of this word, protects itself from the environment.” (Source.)

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE discharges Interplanetary Thunderbolts to the Servant Planets

and kept the enemy from breaking down the hedge thereof,

Outside of Our Solar System, plasma discharges occur between Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE and the Servant Planets. In this “conversation,” the Servant Planets are told that then Our Solar System would have gone into high energy mode, creating a strong plasma double layer, which would have repelled the Disruptive Planets Not From Our Solar System.

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE discharges Interplanetary Thunderbolts to the Servant Planets

and saved my vineyard from the hands of the destroyer.

Outside of Our Solar System, plasma discharges occur between Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE and the Servant Planets. In this “conversation,” the Servant Planets are told that then Our Solar System would have gone into high energy mode, creating a strong plasma double layer, which would have repelled the Disruptive Planets Not From Our Solar System.

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE discharges Interplanetary Thunderbolts to Servant Planet Joseph

And the lord of the vineyard said unto one of his servants:

Outside of Our Solar System, plasma discharges occur between Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE and one of the Servant Planets called Joseph.

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE discharges Interplanetary Thunderbolts to Planet Joseph

Go and gather together the residue of my servants,

Outside of Our Solar System, plasma discharges occur between Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE and Planet Joseph. In this “conversation,” the Planet Joseph is told that it is to capture other Servant Planets in the area.

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE discharges Interplanetary Thunderbolts to Planet Joseph

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,

Outside of Our Solar System, plasma discharges occur between Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE and Planet Joseph. In this “conversation,” Planet Joseph is told that it is to capture small and medium sized Servant Planets in the area.

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE discharges Interplanetary Thunderbolts to Planet Joseph

save those only whom I have appointed to tarry;

Outside of Our Solar System, plasma discharges occur between Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE and Planet Joseph. In this “conversation,” Planet Joseph is told that it is to not capture some of the small and medium sized Servant Planets in the area.

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE discharges Interplanetary Thunderbolts to Planet Joseph

and go ye straightway unto the land of my vineyard,

Outside of Our Solar System, plasma discharges occur between Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE and Planet Joseph. In this “conversation,” Planet Joseph is told to take the captured small and medium sized Servant Planets in the area to Our Solar System.

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE discharges Interplanetary Thunderbolts to Planet Joseph

and redeem my vineyard;

Outside of Our Solar System, plasma discharges occur between Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE and Planet Joseph. In this “conversation,” Planet Joseph is told that it is to liberate Our Solar System from the Disruptive Planets Not From Our Solar System.

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE discharges Interplanetary Thunderbolts to Planet Joseph

for it is mine; I have bought it with money.

Outside of Our Solar System, plasma discharges occur between Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE and Planet Joseph. In this “conversation,” Planet Joseph is told that the Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE owns Our Solar System.

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE discharges Interplanetary Thunderbolts to Planet Joseph

Therefore, get ye straightway unto my land;

Outside of Our Solar System, plasma discharges occur between Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE and Planet Joseph. In this “conversation,” Planet Joseph is told to leave at once for Our Solar System with the captured Servant Planets.

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE discharges Interplanetary Thunderbolts to Planet Joseph

break down the walls of mine enemies;

Outside of Our Solar System, plasma discharges occur between Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE and Planet Joseph. In this “conversation,” Planet Joseph and captured Servant Planets are to break down the walls of the Disruptive Planets Not From Our Solar System. This could be synonymous with planetary rings and/or the asteroid belt, or it could be referring to strong plasma double layers (which are like cellular walls) that have been formed by the Disruptive Planets Not From Our Solar System. Whatever the planetary configuration or plasma formation they consist of, when viewed from Earth they will appear to man as walls in the heavens above.

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE discharges Interplanetary Thunderbolts to Planet Joseph

throw down their tower,

Outside of Our Solar System, plasma discharges occur between Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE and Planet Joseph. In this “conversation,” Planet Joseph and captured Servant Planets are to break up the interplanetary plasma tube that the Disruptive Planets Not From Our Solar System have formed.

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE discharges Interplanetary Thunderbolts to Planet Joseph

and scatter their watchmen.

Outside of Our Solar System, plasma discharges occur between Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE and Planet Joseph. In this “conversation,” Planet Joseph and captured Servant Planets are to scatter the moons (remove them from their orbits) of the Disruptive Planets Not From Our Solar System.

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE discharges Interplanetary Thunderbolts to Planet Joseph

And inasmuch as they gather together against you,

Outside of Our Solar System, plasma discharges occur between Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE and Planet Joseph. In this “conversation,” it is learned that the Disruptive Planets Not From Our Solar System may gather together, presenting themselves as a barrier to Planet Joseph and the captured Servant Planets.

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE discharges Interplanetary Thunderbolts to Planet Joseph

avenge me of mine enemies,

Outside of Our Solar System, plasma discharges occur between Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE and Planet Joseph. In this “conversation,” Planet Joseph is told that it and the captured Servant Planets are to scatter any of the gathered Disruptive Planets Not From Our Solar System, removing them from Our Solar System.

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE discharges Interplanetary Thunderbolts to Planet Joseph

that by and by I may come with the residue of mine house and possess the land.

Outside of Our Solar System, plasma discharges occur between Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE and Planet Joseph. In this “conversation,” Planet Joseph learns that immediately after the Disruptive Planets Not From Our Solar System are removed from Our Solar System, the massive Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE and all its captive planetary entourage (planets, moon, comets, etc.) will enter Our Solar System and take control of it.

Planet Joseph discharges Interplanetary Thunderbolts to Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE

And the servant said unto his lord: When shall these things be?

Outside of Our Solar System, plasma discharges occur between Planet Joseph and Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE.

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE discharges Interplanetary Thunderbolts to Planet Joseph

And he said unto his servant: When I will;

Outside of Our Solar System, plasma discharges occur between Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE and Planet Joseph.

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE discharges Interplanetary Thunderbolts to Planet Joseph

go ye straightway, and do all things whatsoever I have commanded you;

Outside of Our Solar System, plasma discharges occur between Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE and Planet Joseph.

Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE discharges Interplanetary Thunderbolts to Planet Joseph

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.

Outside of Our Solar System, plasma discharges occur between Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE and Planet Joseph. Planet Joseph will be located in the center of the group of planets that will make up Our Solar System, and will become a ruling planet (a sun).

Planet Joseph captures the Servant Planets, enters Our Solar System and scatters the Disruptive Planets and their plasma/planetary configurations

And his servant went straightway, and did all things whatsoever his lord commanded him;

After many days all these planetary movements/plasma formations come to pass

and after many days all things were fulfilled.

What all this means

There are four groups of planets that are to enter our Solar System in the future.

Group One: The Servant Planets

These planets will cause great changes to our Solar System. After this group arrives we will see trees, a hedge and watchmen in the heavens, as well as the foundation of a tower, but no watchman upon the tower. In other words, they will not complete the Interplanetary Plasma Tube and ignite a Sun at the top of that tube.

Group Two: The Disruptive Planets

These planets will break up whatever has been formed by the first group and will cause the first group to leave our Solar System. This group will create an Interplanetary Plasma Tube but there will be no plasma trees and possibly no hedge, though there will be plasma walls erected. They will also cause watchmen to appear, though there will likely be no watchman upon the tower, as none is mentioned in the parable. So, like the first group, there will be no ignited Sun at the top of the tube.

Group Three: Planet Joseph and the Servant Planet Army

When this group enters, they will scatter the second group’s watchmen, break up the walls and throw down the Interplanetary Plasma Tube. They will cause the second group to leave our Solar System. The parable does not mention that this group builds anything, only that it will sweep away what encumbered the spot (the Disruptive Planets and their works.)

Group Four: Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE and entourage

The fourth and final group will enter Our Solar System and take possession of it, meaning that the massive Planet ^EEAA_OOAA^EE will capture everything found within the confines of our Solar System, including Planet Joseph and the Servant Planet Army which will be there awaiting the arrival of the fourth group.

Conclusion: this parable is a future prophecy

Group one needs to arrive and start doing its thing before the earthly part of the prophecy can even begin to be fulfilled. This group has not, yet, arrived. This parable, then, in its entirety, pertains to the future.

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The Parable of the Redemption of Zion (D&C 101: 43-62): a Series of FUTURE (not Past) Events

My text for this post is D&C 101: 43-62, which is a parable.  OWIW recently attempted to interpret it, followed by zo-ma-rah.  I thought I’d give it a try, too.  The following is what I noticed from the text of the parable itself.  I haven’t done any deep, scholarly studies, so much of it may be totally off.  Perhaps with more study, my views may change.  These are just some quick impressions I had as I read over it today.  It is not so much a scriptural exposition, as it is scriptural musings.  I also haven’t confirmed anything with the Spirit.  So, nothing to see here, just keep moving!  😉  Okay, I think that is enough of a disclaimer.  Here we go…

Parable of the Redemption of Zion

And now, I will show unto you a parable, that you may know my will concerning the redemption of Zion.

Nobleman

A certain nobleman

This Nobleman is obviously Jesus Christ.

Nobleman has a very choice spot of land

had a spot of land, very choice;

Where is the very choice spot of land? Applying the parable to the cosmos (plasma theology), it could be interpreted as being Earth. Applying the parable to the Earth (earthly things), it could be interpreted as being North and South America.

Nobleman speaks to servants

and he said unto his servants:

These servants start out obedient and end up disobedient (apostatizing), eventually abandoning the Nobleman’s land (dying?). The servants are not prophets, seers or revelators. They are priests. They possess authority to act in the name of the Nobleman, but cannot see afar off (they have no vision, or are not seers or prophets). All they can do is counsel among themselves and when faced with a question about why the Nobleman commands this or that, they can’t get answers (they have no revelation, meaning they are not revelators). Nevertheless, they are authorized servants of the Nobleman (priesthood holders).

Nobleman commands servants to go to his vineyard

Go ye unto my vineyard,

Where is the vineyard? On the cosmic scale, the vineyard could be the solar system, with the choice land being the Earth. Speaking of earthly things, the vineyard could be the entire planet, with the American Continent (North and South) being the choice land. At any rate, the servants must go to the vineyard, meaning that they were originally not in the vineyard. So, this may indicate that the servants are in heaven and are being told to go to Earth to begin their earthly probation and missions.

Nobleman commands servants to go to very choice piece of land

even upon this very choice piece of land,

Here we have a very choice piece of land. This is likely the same land as the very choice spot of land. Again, the servants must go to it, so they originally were not in the choice spot. So, again, this may mean that they are to be born on the American Continent/planet Earth.

Nobleman commands servants to plant twelve olive-trees

and plant twelve olive-trees;

According to Joseph Smith, the twelve olive trees are twelve stakes of Zion.  (See Twelve Olive Trees.)

Nobleman commands servants to set watchmen around trees

and set watchmen round about them,

The watchmen are not servants, but men hired by the servants to watch (see). These are prophets, seers and revelators. It is their job to see what is coming (the future) from afar off and to warn (prophesy to) the people of what they see (seership) and learn (revelation). The servants are to set (apart) the watchmen (prophets, seers, revelators) around the olive-trees (stakes).

Nobleman commands servants to build a tower

and build a tower,

This tower is not a temple, but is an observatory, as in an astronomical observatory. It may be set upon a temple or set alone, but its purpose is to be able to see afar off.

so that a watchman upon the tower can see the land around the very choice piece of land

that one may overlook the land round about, to be a watchman upon the tower,

In an earthly sense, the “land round about” the choice piece of land is the land round about North and South America. In a plasma theological sense, it is the “land” round about the Earth, meaning the planets and stars, comets, meteors, etc. The one watchman to be placed upon the tower is, again, not a servant, but a prophet, seer and revelator. In a plasma theological sense, he is to be an astronomer, just as Abraham was an astronomer, looking at the skies for any sign that the enemy is approaching.

so that “the enemy” (plural) doesn’t destroy the trees when they come (as prophesied)

that mine olive-trees may not be broken down when the enemy shall come to spoil

The enemy is a plurality of “baddies” and their purpose is to spoil the fruit of the vineyard. This part of the parable is a prophecy that: “the enemy shall come to spoil.” If they come and there is no watchmen (prophets, seers, revelators), no tower (astronomical observatory) and no watchman upon the tower (astronomer), the olive-trees (stakes) will be broken down.

so that they (the enemy) don’t take the fruit of the Nobleman’s vineyard

and take upon themselves the fruit of my vineyard.

“Themselves” indicates that the enemy is a plurality. This can be a plurality of astronomical objects whose close encounters with Earth will cause destruction. Or, speaking of earthly enemies, it could be a plurality of earthly enemies (mankind) who will attempt to plunder and rob and glut upon the fruit of the vineyard (Earth). Although most commentators would ascribe these elements to earthly things, plasma theology explains the imagery perfectly.

What is a vineyard composed of? Vines of grapes. And how are grapes arranged? In clusters, the grapes themselves being round spheres. If you look at the solar system, with its round planets orbiting a round sun, all of which are suspended, it kind of looks like a bunch of grapes. Add the invisible Birkland currents or power lines connecting all the planets, and we’d see the “branches” the grapes (planets) hang on.

The enemy is coming into the vineyard, meaning that the enemy is outside the vineyard, or outside the solar system. When they (the enemy) come in, their purpose is to spoil and take upon themselves the fruit of the vineyard. The fruit are the planets in this solar system, the grapes. A large object coming in from outside the solar system can capture planets (“take upon themselves”) or spoil planets (plunder, rob, destroy, harm).

The main concern is not for the fruit of the vineyard, which will be spoiled and taken upon the enemy, but for the olive-trees which are found on the choice spot of land (Earth). The Nobleman does not want these trees broken down when these enemies enter the solar system, hence these commandments.

If the tower is an astronomical tower, looking to the heavens for these enemies that are to enter the solar system and disturb the planets, this parable makes perfect sense. However, if we interpret it as a tower that is to be used to look at the land round about North and South America for mortal enemies, it doesn’t make sense. A tower can only see so far around it and no size tower can see the land masses around North and South America (Europe and other continents and islands.) However, an astronomical tower can see outer space, the planets, stars, sun, comets, etc. In other words, using a tower in this manner, it is possible to see extremely great distances.

If the vineyard is thought in earthly terms to be Earth, the imagery of the fruit of the vineyard is lost. What is the fruit of the Earth? The parable here is not talking of the fruit of the olive-trees (which would be olives), but the fruit of the vineyard. The olive-trees are located in the choice spot of land, which itself is located in the vineyard.

Anyway I look at it, my mind can only see this fitting astronomically.

Nobleman’s servants are obedient

Now, the servants of the nobleman went and did as their lord commanded them,

Here the servants (priests) go to Earth/North or South America (are born?) and start obeying the instructions.

Nobleman’s servants plant twelve olive-trees

and planted the olive-trees,

They plant 12 stakes of Zion.

Nobleman’s servants build a hedge around trees

and built a hedge round about,

If we take this literally, then the servant-priests build a barrier of defense (or a wall) around the 12 stakes. When was the last time you heard of a stake of Zion having a wall around it? These 12 stakes sound more like cities of Zion with city walls built around. This follows the pattern of Jerusalem and other ancient cities which also had walls built around them.

Nobleman’s servants set watchmen upon the hedge

and set watchmen,

The watchmen are prophets, seers and revelators. They are set (set apart) by the servants (who hold priesthood) upon the hedge (barrier or wall) surrounding the olive-trees (stakes/cities of Zion).

Nobleman’s servants begin to build a tower

and began to build a tower.

Now the servants begin to build the astronomical tower. So, far so good. They have been perfectly obedient servant-priests.

Nobleman’s servants ask each other questions while laying the foundation of the tower

And while they were yet laying the foundation thereof, they began to say among themselves:

The foundation of the tower (not the foundation of a temple) has not yet been fully laid when they start to ask themselves questions concerning all these instructions given by the Nobleman. Notice that they do not inquire of the Nobleman, but merely talk to each other in councils.

Nobleman’s servants ask each other why the Nobleman needs the tower

And what need hath my lord of this tower?

The servant-priests do not understand the purpose of the tower. They think it has as its purpose protection from mortal man and not an astronomical tower looking at the heavens.

Nobleman’s servants hold council for a long time

And consulted for a long time,

The servant-priests are not able to figure out the answer to their question. So they consult with each other in church priesthood councils as to what this tower is for. Perhaps they even consult with the “best minds” that they can find outside of their priesthood quorums.

Nobleman’s servants ask each other questions

saying among themselves:

They have lots of church councils in which they talk to each other, but they never talk to the Nobleman. They just talk among themselves.

Nobleman’s servants ask each other why the Nobleman needs the tower during this time of peace

What need hath my lord of this tower, seeing this is a time of peace?

Again, the only conclusion they can come to is that the tower is for a defense against some man-made enemy, but as they live during a time of peace, to them (and to the others they have consulted with), the construction endeavor seems like an enormous waste of the Nobleman’s money.

Nobleman’s servants ask each other if the Nobleman’s money could be given to the bankers

Might not this money be given to the exchangers?

Gee, I wonder who gave them that idea? Could it be the “best minds” that they had consulted? Could it be that those “best minds” whom they consulted consisted of exchangers (bankers)? Surely by giving the Nobleman’s money to the bankers and investors, the Nobleman’s money will be multiplied exponentially, making the Nobleman’s very happy.

This is a seemingly noble goal. Unfortunately, the Nobleman doesn’t care about making more money. His instructions were to use his money in construction endeavors so that the twelve olive-trees (stakes) would be saved from destruction when the destroyer comes. In other words, the servant-priests were commissioned by the Nobleman to spend money on specific construction projects he had authorized, not to make money with the Nobleman’s money and fund other, unauthorized projects.

Nobleman’s servants conclude there is no need for tower, hedge and watchmen

For there is no need of these things.

The servant-priests conclude their long church councils over the question of whether to proceed and conclude that based upon the present conditions among men (the great peace in the land), it would be wasteful to use the Nobleman’s money per his instructions and build a useless tower.

Nobleman’s servants have disagreements

And while they were at variance one with another

The servant-priests, though, are not united on the conclusion and disagreements ensue.

Nobleman’s servants slow down their work to a crawl

they became very slothful,

Instead of altogether stopping the work of building the tower, they slow the work of construction to a near stand-still. In their view, they will still complete the tower, but it will take many, many years and over time eventually the tower will be finished.

Nobleman’s servants disobey Nobleman and stop working on the tower and paying watchmen

and they hearkened not unto the commandments of their lord.

Finally, they stop the work altogether and change the plans of how the Nobleman’s money is to be used. They stop paying the watchmen on the walls and relieve them of their duties (no more prophets, seers and revelators) and no longer work to build a tower. The money is diverted to other purposes, such as giving it to the exchangers. Satisfied that they have made the wise decision, the servant-priests go to sleep.

The enemy comes at night while the Nobleman’s servants are asleep

And the enemy came by night,

Unfortunately, during the nighttime, while the servant-priests are asleep, the enemy enters the vineyard (solar system).

The enemy breaks down the hedge (which has no watchmen upon it)

and broke down the hedge;

The enemy wreaks havoc among the vineyard but also in the very choice spot of land where the twelve olive-trees (stake/cities) are located. The passage through the solar system (vineyard) of the enemy causes the hedge (barrier/fence/wall) that surrounds the twelve olive-trees (stake/cities) to be broken down, exposing the olive-trees to the fury of the enemy.

Nobleman’s servants awake, are frightened and flee

and the servants of the nobleman arose and were affrighted, and fled;

In this commotion, the servant-priests wake up and, seeing the hedge in shambles and the destructive fury of nature’s elements upon the stake/cities, mortal fear comes upon them and they run away, abandoning the olive-trees (stakes).

Notice there is no mention of the watchmen upon the hedge. This is because there were no watchmen upon the hedge when the enemy comes.

The enemy destroys the work of the Nobleman’s servants

and the enemy destroyed their works,

The enemy’s fury destroys the works of the servant-priests. This refers to the money of the Nobleman that the servant-priests diverted to other projects, unauthorized projects. These projects, these extra works of the servant-priests are destroyed by the enemy’s fury. These are the works of men (the servant-priests), not the works of the Nobleman which he commanded the servant-priests to do in his name and with his money.

The enemy breaks down the olive-trees

and broke down the olive-trees.

The fury of the enemy also breaks down the olive-trees (stakes/cities of Zion), leaving the land desolate.

Nobleman calls to his disobedient servants and speaks to them

Now, behold, the nobleman, the lord of the vineyard, called upon his servants, and said unto them,

Where did the disobedient servant-priests flee to? Did they just leave the olive-trees and go to another part of the choice land? If so, perhaps they are still alive. Did they leave the very choice spot of land (North and South America/Earth)? If they left the choice land and we interpret that as the American Continent, perhaps they are still alive in Europe or other continents. If they left the choice land and we interpret that as Earth, then they are dead, having left the Earth, or their mortal probation. In that case, when the Nobleman calls upon them, he is calling upon them in the spirit world and talking to them while they are disembodied spirits, having disobeyed his instructions.

Nobleman asks disobedient servants how the enemy was able to do this

Why! what is the cause of this great evil?

The Nobleman chastises them by asking them what caused this destruction. Was it the enemy that caused this destruction, or was it the disobedience of the servant-priests?

Nobleman chastises disobedient servants for not building the tower

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,

They did everything correctly, but they failed to build the astronomical tower.

(Also notice that the vineyard/solar system is only considered “planted” when olive-trees are planted/present.)

for not setting a watchman upon the tower

and set a watchman upon the tower,

They failed to set (apart) an astronomer-seer upon that astronomical observatory tower.

for not watching

and watched for my vineyard,

They didn’t watch for the vineyard (solar system). Their eyes were on the Earth, not on the heavens (planets, stars, etc.) They were focused on the conditions among men on Earth and not on the conditions found in the heavens, as was their commission.

and for falling asleep

and not have fallen asleep, lest the enemy should come upon you?

Lastly, they even fell asleep. Instead of continuing to pay the watchmen (prophets, seers, revelators) to be set (apart) on the hedge, they stopped paying them and let them go (released them). So, they had no more prophets, seers and revelators among them. The only ones available to watch upon the hedge, then, were the servant-priests, but even in this they were lacking, because they chose, instead, to just go asleep, leaving no one upon the hedge. This makes sense because there is no need for watchmen upon the hedge, as the entire land is at peace (they thinking only of the conditions among men).

Nobleman explains to disobedient servants that the watchman upon the tower would have seen the enemy while he was still far away

And behold, the watchman upon the tower would have seen the enemy while he was yet afar off;

Here the Nobleman explains that had they placed a watchmen on the tower, the celestial enemy would have been seen entering the solar system (for the signs in the heavens, among the planets, would have been noticed), giving them plenty of heads up.

Nobleman explains to disobedient servants that the servants could have prepared for the enemy

and then ye could have made ready

Once the celestial signs were noticed, they could have made preparations to protect everything owned by the Nobleman.

Nobleman explains to disobedient servants that servants could have stopped the enemy from destroying the hedge

and kept the enemy from breaking down the hedge thereof,

They could have then used their priesthood power and authority to stop the enemy from breaking down the hedge (wall/barrier/fence) that surrounded the twelve olive-trees (stakes/cities of Zion).

Nobleman explains to disobedient servants that servants could have saved the vineyard from the destroyer

and saved my vineyard from the hands of the destroyer.

In fact, they could have then used their priesthood power and authority to save the entire vineyard (solar system) from the effects of the destroyer.

Nobleman speaks to his servant Joseph Smith, Jun.

And the lord of the vineyard said unto one of his servants:

Now the Nobleman turns to an altogether different servant-priest, who is also a spirit in the spirit world, even Joseph Smith, Jun. (See D&C 103: 21.)

Notice that Joseph was not among the first group of disobedient servant-priests. This is the very first mention of him.

Nobleman commands Joseph to gather together all the scattered servants who still serve the Nobleman

Go and gather together the residue of my servants,

Joseph is to go back to Earth and gather all of the servant-priests of the Nobleman who were not disobedient. This is the residue of the servant-priests that didn’t run away (die).

Nobleman commands Joseph to take all the young and middle aged servants among all the faithful 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,

From among all the gathered faithful servant-priests, Joseph is instructed to take all the strong warriors, consisting of the young men and the middle aged men. (There is no mention of old men. Apparently the Nobleman wants no more to do with old men. Or, whatever old men of the gathered, faithful servant-priests are present, are to remain behind.)

leaving only those of young and middle age whom the Nobleman designates are to remain with the gathered body of faithful servants

save those only whom I have appointed to tarry;

Some of the young and middle aged men are to stay with the gathered servant-priests who are not going with Joseph (the old men).

and commands Joseph and young and middle aged servant army to go immediately to the vineyard

and go ye straightway unto the land of my vineyard,

Joseph is to take this army of young and middle aged servant-priests and go to the land of the vineyard, meaning the very choice spot of land (Earth/North and South America). This priesthood army may consist of both returned-from-the-dead individuals (such as Joseph), translated individuals, as well as mortal servant-priests.

and redeem it

and redeem my vineyard;

The priesthood army is to liberate the vineyard (solar system), which is held captive by the enemy (celestial objects which have entered the solar system, capturing planets, etc.) They are the only ones who can perform such works, as it is beyond the technology of mankind. They will be able to do these marvels by using the power of the priesthood.

because it has been bought with money

for it is mine; I have bought it with money.

The Nobleman owns this solar system, so it is within his right to take it back from the usurpers who entered and spoiled it (foreign celestial objects.)

Nobleman commands Joseph and servant army to go immediately to Nobleman’s land

Therefore, get ye straightway unto my land;

The Nobleman again commands Joseph to immediately go to the very choice piece of land.

Nobleman commands Joseph and servant army to break down enemy walls

break down the walls of mine enemies;

Now Joseph receives specific instructions on how he is going to liberate (redeem) the vineyard (solar system) from the enemy. Apparently, the enemy (now written in plural form, “enemies”) has “walls” in the solar system. In other words, when looking up to the heaven, there will be plasma phenomena that, to the human eye, looks like walls. These walls must be broken down by the power of the priesthood.

Nobleman commands Joseph and servant army to throw down enemy tower

throw down their tower,

Apparently, the entrance of the enemy into the solar system will create a stacked plasma phenomenon which, to the human eye, will look like a tower. This tower must be thrown down by the power of the priesthood.

Nobleman commands Joseph and servant army to scatter enemy watchmen

and scatter their watchmen.

Again, to the human eye, gazing into the heavens, there will be either plasma phenomena, or physical objects, which appear to be watchmen, or things watching and protecting the enemy, guarding them, etc. These “watchmen” celestial objects must be scattered by the power of the priesthood.

Enemy to gather against Joseph and servant army

And inasmuch as they gather together against you,

Some of these celestial objects will be gathered together, creating dangerous plasma manifestations to the detriment of Joseph and his priesthood army.

Nobleman commands Joseph and servant army to avenge Nobleman of all enemies gathered against them

avenge me of mine enemies,

When this happens, Joseph and army is to use the priesthood against the objects.

so that immediately afterward (by and by) the Nobleman himself can lead the rest of his people to the land and possess it

that by and by I may come with the residue of mine house and possess the land.

Soon (or immediately) afterward (which is what the term “by and by” means), the Nobleman will come with whatever is left of his house (saints, servants, prophets, tribes) and take possession of the very choice piece of land (North and South America/Earth).

Joseph asks the Nobleman when these prophecies will be fulfilled

And the servant said unto his lord: When shall these things be?

Nobleman tells Joseph it will be in his own due time

And he said unto his servant: When I will;

Nobleman commands Joseph and servant army to immediately go and obey his commandments

go ye straightway, and do all things whatsoever I have commanded you;

Nobleman seals and blesses his servant Joseph

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.

Joseph goes immediately and obeys all of the Nobleman’s commandments

And his servant went straightway, and did all things whatsoever his lord commanded him;

After many days all the prophecies are fulfilled

and after many days all things were fulfilled.

Conclusion

The parable appears to have a dual fulfillment. It seems to me to be based, principally, upon plasma theology, dealing with things happening in the heavens. I’ve interpreted the servants, watchmen, earthly tower, etc., as all earthly elements of the parable, but even these may be celestial objects, for all I know. At any rate, what happens in the heavens also happens on Earth, so we may see an earthly counterpart and my interpretation of the servants, etc., as earthly men may be valid.

I will give it as my personal opinion that this parable has not, yet, been fulfilled in any part. I know that many think that the tower is talking of the temple and city of Zion in Missouri and I know that some believe the tower is the temple in Nauvoo, but none of these historical events fit perfectly into the parable, as I understand it. So, based upon this brief examination, I’d have to say that the fulfillment of the parable, every part of it, is still a future event.

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The Bridegroom Tarried…

The Bridegroom Tarried …

September 11^th….A literal interpretation of the Parable of the Ten Virgins

© Sept 2006 Onewhoiswatching www.threewatches.blogspot.com

On August 16^th 1834, Joseph Smith wrote a letter to Lyman Wight and the brethren on the High Council in Missouri telling them that the spirit had informed him that the leaders of the Church in Zion must use-

“every effort to prevail on the churches to gather to those regions and situate themselves to be in readiness to move into Jackson Co. in two years from the Eleventh of September next which is the appointed time for the redemption of Zion“.

Giving a set time when the redemption of Zion was to take place was quite a bold thing to do!

Critics of the Latter-day Saints often refer to these statements in the letter to demonstrate that Joseph Smith was a false prophet since the redemption of Zion never took place at the appointed time.

If one reads the entire letter and puts his statements in context it is clear that Joseph Smith was not prophesying that Zion would be redeemed on that date, but rather he was giving a conditional promise from the Lord based on obedience.

IF the Saints were faithful in exerting themselves, the redemption of the Saints would be accomplished on September 11 1836. On the other hand, if they failed in this attempt, they would be scourged!

In the letter he warned them that;

“if we don’t exert ourselves to the utmost in gathering up the strength of the Lords house that this thing may be accomplished behold there remaineth a scourge.”

It is interesting that church historians and gospel scholars have very little to say about Joseph Smiths declaration prior to the failure of the Saints to redeem Zion at the appointed time. Most Latter-day Saints are unfamiliar with this quote.

If we as Latter-day Saints really believe that Joseph Smith was acting under the influence of the spirit and that God really had designated the appointed time and place for the redemption of Zion it seems likely that prophets from previous dispensations would have uttered prophetic statements about it.

I would submit to you that Old Testament prophets did make reference to this event in the LDS restoration movement and in fact, Christ himself offered a parable that would profile the restored church of God in the later days.

The remarkable thing about the appointed time of September 11^th 1836 for the redemption of Zion is that while it is used in anti-Mormon literature to discredit Joseph Smith and the restoration movement, it actually provides one of the most compelling prophetic arguments for identifying the Church of Christ that Joseph Smith restored as the people of God that are depicted in the parable of the Ten Virgins!

The purpose of this paper is to submit that in fact Joseph Smith was acting prophetically when identifying the appointed time and place for the redemption of Zion during that generation in the 2nd Watch.

If indeed this hypothesis is true, his statement and the related events of LDS Church History have huge implications and they would actually identify the literal fulfillment of the parable of the Ten Virgins and explain WHY the Bridegroom tarried… providing a powerful historical witness that the Church of Christ that was restored to the earth by Joseph Smith was indeed the true Church of Christ!

Prophetic utterances in Isaiah appear to have been referring to the Kirtland Saints and the passing of the appointed time of redemption in some of his writings:

“…when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but did evil before mine eyes, and did choose that wherein I delighted not… I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.” Isa 50:2

As we have discussed before, virtually all prophecies have at least a dual fulfillment and sometimes more than two fulfillments. Modern Revelation reiterates the words of Isaiah and informs us they refer to at least two specific and separate events in religious history that take place prior to the Second Coming. Notice the response of the Lord in the scripture above from Isaiah and compare it to the scripture below in the D&C. Does this not apply to the unfaithful Saints in all three watches?

“In that day when I came unto mine own, [LDS Restoration Movement?] no man among you received me, and you were driven out. When I called again [time of the Marvelous Work?] there was none of you to answer; yet my arm was not shortened at all that I could not redeem, neither my power to deliver….And this shall ye have of my hand—ye shall lie down in sorrow. Behold, and lo, there are none to deliver you; for ye obeyed not my voice when I called to you out of the heavens; ye believed not my servants, and when they were sent unto you ye received them not.” D&C 133:66-71

Isaiah also speaks of an unsuccessful attempt in harvesting fruit in his vineyard:

“What could have been done more to my vineyard that I have not done in it? wherefore, when I looked that it should bring forth grapes, brought it forth wild grapes?” Isa 5:4

Again, latter-day revelation provides clarification to the words of Isaiah by explaining the parable of the wheat and tares. The redemption of Zion at the time the foundation was being laid in Kirtland and Jackson needed to be delayed because wild grapes (tares) were among the natural grapes (wheat) See section 86

The date that Joseph Smith gave for the redemption of Zion coincides with the word of the Lord in section 64 which was also given on September 11th, in 1831:

“…I the Lord will to retain a strong hold in the land of Kirtland, for the space of five years in the which I will not overthrow the wicked, that thereby I may save some. And after that day, I the Lord will not hold any guilty that shall go with an open heart up to the land of Zion ; for I, the Lord require the hearts of the children of men.”

We see from section 64 that three years prior to the letter Joseph Smith wrote to the brethren in Zion, the Lord had revealed that Kirtland would no longer remain a stronghold for the members of the church after September 11^th 1836 and that if any were to enter the land of Zion at that appointed time, they would not be held guilty for their actions.

Section 64 is an amazing prophecy. How could anyone have known that Kirtland would remain as a spiritual and temporal stronghold for the Saints for 5 years and that after that, apostasy would break out?

Little did the Saints realize that after that period of time, they would fail to redeem Zion, enemies of the church would prevail, the Temple would be defiled, the stronghold would be dissolved and the Saints would need to flee from Kirtland?

Needless to say, the redemption of Zion never materialized on September 11^th 1836.. A feeble attempt at restoring the Saints to their lands in Jackson County had taken place in the form of “Zions Camp” in 1832 but it failed in it’s mission and the Saints ultimately failed to find their redemption at the appointed time in Jackson County, four years after the Zions Camp episode.

The hopes of the Saints were dashed. The appointed time came and went and Zion was not redeemed.

One could postulate that the scourging pronounced upon the Saints in the letter and some of the revelations, took place in the form of the persecutions they experienced as they were driven by their enemies from Kirtland, Far West, Nauvoo and eventually the trek to Utah. Others would argue that the scourging upon the Saints is yet a future event… or at least a dual fulfillment.

September 11th 1836 appears to have been the apex of the restoration movement. Just months before that appointed time, the Savior appeared to Joseph and Oliver to accept the temple. A strong case can be made for the possibility that the failure of the Saints to redeem Zion by the appointed time was one of the major things that resulted in the closing of the heavens.

The prophet Isaiah notes that the wickedness of the Latter-day Saints in closing their eyes and rejecting the words of the prophets results in the covering of the eyes of the seers:

“For behold, the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep. For behold, ye have closed your eyes, and ye have rejected the prophets; and your rulers, and the seers hath he covered because of your iniquity.” (Book of Mormon version of Isaiah 29:10)

It is an amazing concept that when God’s people reject God’s prophets, God will cover the eyes of the Prophet and sometimes even use that prophet to lead the people into further delusion.

The following chart illustrates the closing of the heavens during the restoration movement after the defiling of the Kirtland Temple and the failure of the Saints to consecrate.

During the first eight years of Joseph Smiths public ministry he received over 100 revelations that were canonized.

He only received about 12 revelations after September 11th 1836, during the remaining eight years prior to the martyrdom. Of those 12 revelations, one was section 112 which announced that the whole world (including the Saints) had been overcome by gross darkness and all flesh had become corrupt.

Another was section 124 which announced that the higher priesthood had been lost and promised the Saints that they would not be moved out of Nauvoo if they were obedient.

No canonized revelations were received by him during the last three years of his life. Even his brother Hyrum who the Lord called to be a co-President of the Church and eventually his successor, did not receive any canonized revelations during those last years. Was that because God made a mistake in picking Hyrum? Was it because Hyrum was disobedient? It is much more likely because the Saints had rejected the words of Joseph and Hyrum and because the Saints had rejected Hyrum as Joseph Smith’s successor.

(Click on the graphic to enlarge)

The revelations highlighted in yellow contained strong language concerning the importance of living the law of consecration and the consequences of not living it.

If we were to take the parable of the Ten Virgins literally, it would appear to be a prophecy about a group of believers who receive an invitation from Christ to come and be united with him.

Although the parable begins partway through the story line with the virgins going forth to the marriage, it is obvious that an invitation had previously been extended to the Saints who, in the parable are depicted as ten virgins.

A wedding invitation must have an appointed place and an appointed time in order for all of the guests to congregate together at the same time for the marriage feast and ceremony.

The parable informs us however that the Bridegroom tarried and did not show up at the appointed time.

Sometime after the appointed time, all of the virgins eventually fell asleep without realizing the blessings of the marriage reunion with Christ on this earth.

Although some might postulate that the falling asleep of the ten virgins’ represents spiritual digression or apostasy from the truth, ( Rom 11:8, Isa 29:10, Matt 13:14, 2 Ne 16:10, 15:27, 27:6,9) a stronger scriptural case can be made that sleep in this context represents death.

A strong biblical euphemism for death is sleep. In Matthew we are told that the graves were opened; (Matt 27:52) and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, Paul explains that many had died for taking the Passover unworthily:

“For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep.” (1 Cor 11:30)

He uses this euphemism similarly in Acts:

“For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and saw corruption” (Acts 13:36)

In Corinthians he states:

“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.” (Cor 15:20)

Latter day revelation supports the biblical reverences above:

“But before the arm of the Lord shall fall, an angel shall sound his trump and the saints that have slept shall come forth to meet me in the cloud …” (D&C 45:45-46)

” they who have slept in their graves shall come forth, for their graves shall be opened; and they also shall be caught up to meet him in the midst of the pillar of heaven.” (D&C 88:97)

“I saw Father Adam and Abraham and my father and my mother; my brother Alvin, that has long since slept;” (D&C 137:5)

It is not uncommon for prophetic scriptural words to have multiple layered meanings. There is a strong probability that both definitions of the term sleep apply in this parable. The Virgins appear to have gone into a spiritual digression and eventually died without making it to the wedding. The interpretation that seems to have the greatest relevance in the prophetic context and seems to be the primary definition is that of death.

Perhaps the most pertinent and compelling key in discerning that the primary meaning of sleep is death, is provided in section 86, wherein keys to understanding the parable of the wheat and the tares are given by the Lord.

” …the field was the world, and the apostles were the sowers of the seed; And after they have fallen asleep the great persecutor of the church, the apostate, the whore, even Babylon, that maketh all nations to drink of her cup, in whose hearts the enemy, even Satan, sitteth to reign—behold he soweth the tares; wherefore, the tares choke the wheat and drive the church into the wilderness.”

The Cry is Made by the Davidic Servant

Sometime after falling asleep however, the parable tells us a cry was made which raised the sleeping virgins from the dead. This is consistent with Davidic Servant texts wherein Gods last Witness who holds the Keys of the kingdom returns to the vineyard to prepare the way of the Lord. He makes the loud cry and awakes the sleeping virgins from the sleep of death. ( and apostasy?)

The mysterious resurrection of the sleeping virgins that takes place just prior to the second coming is spoken of in many places in the Old and New Testament. One account is in Daniel;

“And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”

Perhaps one of the most vivid accounts of people awaking from death when the last watchman lifts his voice upon the mountains is contained in the 52^nd chapter of Isaiah.

“Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion…Shake thyself from the dust; arise, and sit down… loose thyself from the bands of thy neck…, O captive daughter of Zion.”

This Chapter speaks about the Davidic Servant with the marred visage and the other watchmen that publish good tidings and bring again Zion at the time that people are coming forth out of their graves.

If we were to search all of the Christian religions to see if there was a movement in religious history that fits the pattern and storyline of this parable, we would need to find a group that literally claimed revelation from Christ inviting them to the Marriage.

Their prophet would need to have publicly announced an appointed place where the great marriage would take place and an appointed time that the marriage would take place. Furthermore they, as a group would need to have gone forth to meet Christ at the appointed time and place and then failed in the attempt causing the Bridegroom to tarry!

If such a religious movement could be found to fit that description, it would need to be a matter of public record that the Bridegroom tarried and failed to come at the appointed time and the Saints of that generation lingered and eventually all passed away without realizing their dream of uniting with the Bridegroom in mortality.

I would submit that the Church of Christ that was restored to the earth by the Prophet Joseph Smith  is the only Church on the face of the earth that can document the parable of the Ten Virgins within their own religious history.

He shall come in the first watch, in the second and again in the third.

In section 45 the Lord gave further clarity to the events of the last generation that are contained in Matthew 24, however he revealed that greater information pertaining to the end times would be provided once the inspired translation was completed. (Section 45:60-62) Latter-day Saints have been given critical information pertaining to the second coming of Christ that no other Christian religion has! We need to do is search the inspired version for this cryptic information.

In addition to the further clarity of Matthew 24 provided in the inspired translation, other mysteries about the coming of Christ are also revealed in other chapters as well. Let us now consider some of the secrets that the JST reveals about the end times.

In the inspired version of Matthew 21 We are informed that Christ mystically visits the world in secret, like a thief in the night three different times prior to his final coming in Glory.

Each of these gospel dispensations is referred to as a watch. We are informed that the first watch was in the meridian of time during Christ’s earthly ministry when the Jews were expecting a messianic military leader to come in power and free them from the bondage of a foreign tax collector, typological to Moses and the Children of Israel.

Only the LDS restoration movement and the ancient and modern scriptures they brought forth, clearly identifies and explains what the other two watches refer to.

Here is an excerpt from the inspired version which gives additional information about the three watches, showing that the second watch is when the gospel is restored through the gentiles and that the gentiles ultimately reject the gospel just as the Jews did. Finally, the third watch is the Marvelous Work when the Lord returns to reign in his vineyard:

“Behold, there was a certain householder, who planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a wine-press in it; and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country.

And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the husbandmen, that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen took his servants, and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants, more than the first; and they did unto them likewise. But last of all, he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.

But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. And they caught him, and cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.

And Jesus said unto them, When the Lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, what will he do unto those husbandmen? They say unto him, He will destroy those miserable, wicked men, and will let out the vineyard unto other husbandmen, who shall render him the fruits in their seasons.

Jesus said unto them, Did ye never read in the Scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner; this is the Lord’s doings, and it is marvelous in our eyes.

Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof [The gentile church and kingdom will bring forth the same wicked fruits as the Jewish church and kingdom brought forth] . For whosoever shall fall on this stone, shall be broken; but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.

And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them. And they said among themselves, Shall this man think that he alone can spoil this great kingdom?

And they were angry with him But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they learned that the multitude took him for a prophet. And now his disciples came to him, and Jesus said unto them, Marvel ye at the words of the parable which I spake unto them?

Verily, I say unto you, I am the stone, and those wicked ones reject me. I am the head of the corner. These Jews shall fall upon me, and shall be broken.

And the kingdom of God shall be taken from them [The Jews], and shall be given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof; (meaning the Gentiles.)

Wherefore, on whomsoever this stone shall fall, it shall grind him to powder. And when the Lord therefore of the vineyard cometh, he will destroy those miserable, wicked men, and will let [ during the second watch the vineyard is leased to wicked rulers- they have the legal right to preside for a time but are destroyed when the Lord returnes in the third watch] again his vineyard unto other husbandmen, even in the last days, who shall render him the fruits in their seasons.

And then understood they the parable which he spake unto them, that the Gentiles should be destroyed also, when the Lord should descend out of heaven to reign in his vineyard, which is the earth and the inhabitants thereof.” (Mat 21 & JST Mat 21)

Christ’s coming during the first watch in the meridian of time was not recognized by the Jewish nation because they had inaccurate expectations. They were not found watching and waiting.

A Second watch (dispensation) was to take place prior to the last watch. It was the LDS restoration movement herein the Saints failed to redeem Zion.

The Third and final Watch (dispensation) is about to be ushered in. It is referred to as the dispensation of the fulness of times. Isaiah refers to it as the Marvelous Work and a Wonder.

…Fall on them like a stone

Adding further clarity to the doctrine of three watches taught in JST Luke, the inspired version of Matthew explains that the first watch represented the preaching of the gospel to the Jewish Church and Kingdom. It informs us that within a very short time the Jewish nation rejected the light so the gospel was taken from the Jews to the Gentiles. It further explains that the Second watch represents the Gospel being preached to the Gentiles:

“Let your loins be girded about and have your lights burning; That ye yourselves may be like unto men who wait for their Lord, when he will return from the wedding; that, when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately.

Verily I say unto you, Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching; for he shall gird himself, and make them sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

For, behold, he cometh in the first watch of the night, and he shall also come in the second watch, and again he shall come in the third watch.

And verily I say unto you, He hath already come, [in the meridian of time] as it is written of him; and again when he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, blessed are those servants when he cometh, that he shall find so doing; For the Lord of those servants shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

And now, verily I say these things unto you, that ye may know this, that the coming of the Lord is as a thief in the night. And it is like unto a man who is an householder, who, if he watcheth not his goods, the thief cometh in an hour of which he is not aware, and taketh his goods, and divideth them among his fellows.

And they said among themselves, If the good man of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through and the loss of his goods.

And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, be ye therefore ready also; for the Son of Man cometh at an hour when ye think not.

Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speaketh thou this parable unto us, or unto all? And the Lord said, I speak unto those whom the Lord shall make rulers over his household, to give his children their portion of meat in due season.

And they said, Who then is that faithful and wise servant? And the Lord said unto them, It is that servant who watcheth, to impart his portion of meat in due season. [watching for the appointed time to consecrate]

Blessed be that servant whom his Lord shall find, when he cometh, so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.

But the evil servant is he who is not found watching. And if that servant is not found watching, he will say in his heart, My Lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the menservants, and the maidens, and to eat, and drink, and to be drunken. The Lord of that servant will come in a day he looketh not for, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him down, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

And that servant who knew his Lord’s will, and prepared not for his Lord’s coming, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not his Lord’s will, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required; and to whom the Lord has committed much, of him will men ask the more.” (See Luke 12:35 & JST Luke 12:41-57)

We are informed that the Gentiles bring forth the same evil fruits that the Jews brought forth in the first watch.

Typological to the first watch, the Gospel light is rejected by the Gentiles and goes forth to the Jews during the second watch.

Finally in the third watch, the gospel light shines upon the Gentiles again and then goes to the Jews. The third watch is referred to in other scriptures as the strange act, the marvelous work, the fullness of times, the time of refreshing and the times of restitution of all things.

Within one generation after the Jews of the first watch reject the gospel, their church and kingdom is destroyed. It appears, from latter-day revelation that in the second watch, the Lord destroys the Gentiles church and kingdom after four generations.( D&C 98:46, 103:26, 105:30, 124:50,52)

The throwing down of the gentile Church and the destruction of the gentile nations of the earth takes place at about the time that the gospel light shines forth in the third and final watch… when the marvelous work comes forth.

From these two sections in the inspired version we are informed that there would be three separate and distinct gospel dispensations leading up to the Second Coming in Glory:

The meridian dispensation

The latter-day restoration of the Church

The Dispensation and the Marvelous Work dispensation.

The first shall be last and the last shall be first

“And the time cometh that he shall manifest himself unto all nations, both unto the Jews and also unto the Gentiles; and after he has manifested himself unto the Jews and also unto the Gentiles, then he shall manifest himself unto the Gentiles and also unto the Jews, and the last shall be first, and the first shall be last.” (1 Nephi 13:42 See also Jacob 5:63 & Ether 13:12)

First Watch: The Gospel is first preached to the Jews then lastly to the Gentiles

Second Watch: The Gospel is first preached to the Gentiles lastly to the Jews

Third Watch: The Gospel is first preached to the Gentiles lastly to the Jews

The Jews were the first to receive the gospel in the first watch. They are the last to receive it in the last watch. The Gentiles are the last to receive it in the first watch but are the first to receive it in the last watch. The first shall be last and the last shall be first.

We know from scripture that the foundation movement (when the church was restored to the earth in the 1830s) represents the second watch mentioned in the inspired version of Mark. The Marvelous Work that precedes the Second Coming represents the third watch.

First Watch: Christ comes mystically to his vineyard during meridian of time

Second Watch: Christ comes mystically to his vineyard to lay the foundation for the third watch in the 1800″s

Third Watch: 4 Generations later, Christ comes mystically to his vineyard to bring about the Marvelous Work

Christ’s coming in secret, in the third watch will culminate in Christ’s coming in glory, not likened unto a thief in the night; a more correct analogy would be as a robber in the full light of day.

Joseph Smith clearly understood and taught that at the time that the tribulations of the last generation mentioned in Matthew 24 take place; a new dispensation of the gospel would be committed to God’s last witness. A different dispensation than the one given to Joseph Smith to restore the church:

“…I shall read the 24th. ch of Matthew and give it a litteral rendering and reading, and when it is rightly understood it will be edifying (he then read & translated it from the German) I thought the very oddity of its rendering would be edifying any how-“And it will preached be; the Gospel of the Kingdom in the whole world, to a witness over all people, and then will the end come.” 5 I will now read it in German-(which he did, and many Germans who were present said he translated it correct) the Savior said, when those tribulations should take place, it should be committed to a man, who should be a witness over the whole world, the keys of knowledge, power, and revelations, should be revealed to a witness who should hold the testimony to the world; 6 it has always been my province to dig up hidden mysteries, new things, for my hearers-just at the time when some men think that I have no right to the keys of the Priesthood 7 just at that time, I have the greatest right-the Germans are an exalted people. the old German translators are the most correct; most honest of any of the translators, and therefore I get testimony to bear me out in the revelations that I have preached for the last 14 years-the old German, Latin, Greek and Hebrew translations all say it is true, they cannot be impeached, and therefore I am in good company-all the testimony is, that the Lord in the last days would commit the keys of the Priesthood to a witness over all people-has the Gospel of the Kingdom commenced in the last days? and will God take it from the man, until he takes him, himself? 8 I have read it precisely as the words flowed from the lips of Jesus Christ-John the Revelator saw an angel flying thro’ the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, &c. 9 the Scripture is ready to be fulfilled when great wars, famines, pestilence, great distress, judgements, &c are ready to be poured out on the Inhabitants of the Earth-John saw the angel having the holy Priesthood who should preach the everlasting gospel to all nations,-God had an angel, a special messenger, ordained, & prepared for that purpose in the last days-Woe! Woe! be to that man, or set of men, who lift up their hands against God and his Witness in these last days. 10-for they shall deceive almost the very chosen ones-my apostate enemies say that I have been a true prophet-& I had rather be a fallen true prophet, than a false prophet” (12 May 1844, Thomas Bullock Report)

This explains why section 45 tells us that at the time of the very last dispensation, (third watch) the times of the gentiles needs to come in AGAIN even though the times of the gentiles had previously come in during the 2^nd watch:

“and when the times of the Gentiles comes in, a light will shine forth among those who sit in darkness and it shall be the fullness of my gospel, but they receive it not for they perceive not the light and they turn their hearts from me because of the precepts of men”

An understanding that Christ comes three different times, during three different dispensations as a thief in the night prior to his coming in glory is essential in understanding the parable of the Ten Virgins. The parable is speaking about the virgins being invited to the wedding feast during the second watch but the wedding is delayed until the third and final watch.

At the appointed time, the Bridegroom tarries and the feast is delayed and the Saints of the second watch miss out on the marriage at the appointed time and eventually die off or fall asleep.

When the cry is made in the third watch, the sleeping virgins wake up and the wise virgins go into the marriage where they find a place of refuge during a time of great distress.

We know from multiple prophecies that the call goes forth at a time when great wars are about to take place.

Latter day revelation makes it clear that the Latter Day Saints represent the ten virgins in the parable:

“Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom—” (33:17)

Latter-day Saint leaders have also stated that the parable of the ten virgins makes exclusive reference to the Latter-day Saints:

“I believe that the Ten Virgins represent the people of the Church of Jesus Christ and not the rank and file of the world. All of the virgins, wise and foolish, had accepted the invitation to the wedding supper; they had knowledge of the program and had been warned of the important day to come.” Spencer W. Kimball. “In the last days, before the Son of Man comes, his church is likened unto ten virgins, all of whom have accepted the gospel invitation to attend the marriage feast of the Lamb. But the bridegroom delays his coming.” Bruce R. McConkie

Realizing that the parable of the Ten Virgins begins with the virgins of the Second Watch missing their appointment with the bridegroom and going to sleep until they arise to enter into the wedding feast at the time of the third watch, let us now analyze the major points of the parable to see if the Latter-day Saints can really provide a religious historical movement that could meet the requirements to fulfill this parable.

1- Then shall the Kingdom of Heaven be likened to…

What exactly is the Kingdom of Heaven being likened to in this parable? Many people assume that the answer is given in the first verse and therefore they assume that the kingdom of Heaven is being likened to Ten Virgins; however this cannot be the case. Certainly the foolish virgins cannot represent what the kingdom of heaven is like. The answer is clarified later in the parable.

The scriptures teach that God refers to his kingdom on earth as the Kingdom of God and to his kingdom in Heaven as the Kingdom of Heaven. We also know that we are to pray for his kingdom to come on earth preparatory to his second coming in glory. The Lords prayer in the New Testament includes the phrase, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

The same prayer that Christ taught the Nephites excludes the phrase Thy kingdom come and simply petitions thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. The reason that verse was not included in the Lords prayer in the Book of Mormon appears to be because he was in the act of setting up his kingdom on earth among the Nephites and it was therefore no longer necessary to pray for it to come.

Christ set up the law of Consecration among the Nephite Nation which is also known as Celestial Law and the Law of Zion. This is why they were not required to pray for the return of Christ’s kingdom as the New Testament disciples were. Because of the Book of Mormon and modern revelation, Latter-day Saints have an understanding of the obscure New Testament scriptures that inform us that the New Testament Church held all things in common after the crucifixion.

While Christians pass these verses off as intriguing but not significant to the gospel, Latter-days Saints understand that consecration is a required aspect of the gospel for the organized church of Christ. We shall see as we progress in the parable that the polarization that takes place at the end of time between the forces of good and evil include the choosing between two very different economies.

Modern revelation informs us that at the Second Coming, the Zion from earth below is caught up to be united with Christ and the city of Zion from above. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that the fathers cannot be saved without the children neither the children without the fathers. In other words, the Old Testament patriarchal fathers suspended in Enoch’s Zion cannot ultimately progress in their exaltation and receive their final salvation until they are reunited with the children of Zion from the meridian dispensation and the last dispensation which includes the dispensation of the fullness of times. This would include the righteous Saints in the meridian of time, the righteous Nephites, the righteous Saints at the time the church was restored through Joseph Smith and all of the righteous up to our time. Verse 1 & verse 10 of the Parable of the Ten Virgins teach that the kingdom of heaven is likened to the marriage of Christ to the wise virgins that awake and arise from the dust. Additional information in the scriptures informs us that Christ has the city of Enoch with him when he comes to the marriage. The marriage is the reuniting of Zion from above with Zion from beneath at Christ’s coming.

2- Which went forth to meet the Bridegroom…

Again, it is apparent the parable begins part way through the storyline. We know that you must first receive an invitation before you may go forth to a marriage feast. The fact that the virgins were going forth to meet the Bridegroom at the marriage feast indicates that they had received an invitation. An invitation to a wedding feast has an appointed time as previously demonstrated, and an appointed place (51:7).

Any church claiming to be the true church mentioned in this parable would need to be able to demonstrate through their history and from their revelations that they had indeed been invited to the marriage feast, that he had given them an appointed time and an appointed place. They would also need to demonstrate as we will see later on in the parable that the Bridegroom tarried at the appointed time and that the marriage feast was postponed to a later time!

3- And five of them were wise and five of them were foolish…

We have been informed by leaders of the Church that the ten virgins refer to the portion of Latter-day Saints that have a testimony of Jesus Christ and were going forth to the marriage. This indicates that only half of the believing portion of the Virgins will make it to the marriage feast.

4- The Wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps

Of those that believe in Christ and have intentions of being included in the marriage, half of them are wise and have taken oil in their lamps. We are informed in modern revelation that having oil in your lamp refers to taking the Holy Spirit as your guide, receiving the truth and not being deceived.

5- While the Bridegroom tarried they all slumbered and slept

The bride groom tarried! He delayed his arrival and did not show up at the appointed time! Very few Mormons are very familiar with their own church history and the significance of many of the events of the restoration movement. In 1831, AFTER the restoration of the church and the restoration of the priesthood & the saving ordinances of the gospel, the Lord gave a revelation commanding the church to go to the Ohio where he would give them the LAW!

It seems odd that there was still a law that needed to be revealed and lived AFTER the church had been restored and the ordinances of salvation had already been given. It seems stranger yet that the law needed to be received at a designated geographical place. After the Church moved to Kirtland Ohio and received the LAW of the Celestial Kingdom, they were informed that Jackson County Missouri was also a holy place, even the appointed place where Zion was to be established and where the Saints needed to go to meet the Savior.

Zion to be Redeemed on September 11th

Specific geographical areas were identified as holy places and constituted important parts of LDS church doctrine in the revelations God gave to the Saints. In a revelation given on September 11 1831, the Lord revealed that Kirtland was to be a stronghold for the Saints for five years. According to this revelation the stronghold in Kirtland would come to an end on September 11, 1836. On August 16^th 1834 Joseph Smith publicly stated to the Saints that the Saints needed to be ready to move to Jackson County Missouri by September 11 1836 because it is the appointed time for the redemption of Zion.

When September 11^th 1836 arrived, the Saints had failed to establish Zion in Jackson County Missouri and they were forced to flee from Kirtland, as it was no longer a safe stronghold and refuge from enemies of the church.

Although anti-Mormon literature criticizes Joseph Smith as being a false prophet since Zion was not redeemed in 1836 at the appointed time, it should be remembered that Joseph Smith never prophesied that Zion would be established on that date, he simply stated that September 11 1836 was the appointed time, predicated on the Saints faithfulness in establishing Zion based on the principles of the law of consecration.

Despite the spin that is put on the historical events by critics and historical revisionists, the failure of the Church to establish Zion at the appointed place and at the appointed time is an astonishing fulfillment of the parable of the Ten Virgins. Not only does it fulfill that part of the parable where the Bridegroom tarries, it even explains why he tarries! Indeed the Bridegroom postpones the wedding feast because the invited guests are not faithful in living the higher law and gathering to Jackson County. The Bridegroom doesn’t come because the Bride fails to show up!

It is ironic that critics ridicule the church for this failed event when in fact it provides one of the most amazing biblical proofs of the validity of the Latter-day Saint foundation movement!

The bridegroom delayed the marriage because the work was hindered

“Verily verily I say unto you, that when I give a commandment to any of the sons of men to do a work unto my name, and those sons of men go with all their might and with all they have to perform that work, and cease not their diligence, and their enemies come upon them and HINDER them from performing that work, behold, it behooveth me to require that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to accept of their offerings. And the iniquity and transgression of my HOLY LAWS and COMMANDMENTS I will visit upon the heads of those who HINDERED my work, unto the THIRD and FOURTH GENERATION, so long as they repent not, and hate me, saith the Lord God. Therefore, for this cause have I accepted the offerings of those whom I commanded to build up a city and a house unto my name, in Jackson County, Missouri, and were HINDERED by their enemies, saith the Lord your God. And I will answer JUDGMENT, WRATH, and INDIGNATION, WAILING and ANGUISH, and GNASHING of TEETH upon their heads, unto the THIRD and FOURTH GENERATION, so long as they repent not, and hate me, saith the Lord your God.” (See section 124)

According to the 1828 Websters Dictionary Hindered means Stopped; impeded; obstructed; retarded.

In addition to enemies of the church hindering the work, the Lord revealed that Zion was not redeemed because of transgressions of his people:

“Behold, I say unto you, were it not for the transgressions of my people, speaking concerning the church and not individuals, they might have been redeemed even now. But behold, they have not learned to be obedient to the things which I required at their hands, but are full of all manner of evil and do not impart of their substance; as becometh saints, to the poor and afflicted among them and are not united according to the union required by the law of the celestial kingdom and Zion cannot be build up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom; otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself” (105:2-5)

Clearly the work was stopped for a time because of the unfaithfulness of the church and the enemies of the church both from within and outside of the Church.

The Work is “Cut Short in Righteousness”

It may seem strange that right after the glorious manifestations at the Kirtland Temple and the righteousness surrounding the related events that the work of the Lord was cut short but it was prophesied-

“For thus saith the Lord, I will cut my work short in righteousness, for the days come that I will send forth judgment unto victory.” (52:11)

Websters Definition of “to cut short”: To hinder from proceeding by sudden interruption.

LDS history makes it clear why the Bridegroom tarried. The work was suddenly hindered and cut short…. but what exactly does the parable mean when it says that ALL of the virgins slept after the Bridegroom failed to meet them at the appointed time?

According to latter-day revelation and the parable of the wheat and the tares in section 64, the primary meaning of the prophetic term sleep means, death. (86:3) It is a historical fact that all of the Saints of that generation died off between the appointed time when the Bridegroom tarried and the actual wedding feast that is yet to take place at a future time… in the 3rd Watch.

The secondary meaning of sleep as used in the parable appears to be apostasy.

And after they have fallen asleep the great persecutor of the church, the apostate, the whore, even Babylon, that maketh all nations to drink of her cup, in whose hearts the enemy, even Satan, sitteth to reign—behold he soweth the tares; wherefore, the tares choke the wheat and drive the church into the wilderness. (86:3)

Modern revelation refers to the church as coming out of the wilderness when it comes out of the darkness of apostasy. Notice how modern revelation identifies the church beginning to come out of the wilderness in 1830 just before the church is restored. Then in 1830, it has come out of the wilderness. Finally in 1836 the Lord reveals that the church will come out of the wilderness again at a future time!

1829– In this the beginning of the rising up and the coming forth of my church out of the wilderness 5:15)

1830- this church have I established and called forth out of the wilderness. (33:5)

1836- That thy church may come forth out of the wilderness of darkness, and shine forth fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners; (109:73

Latter-day revelation makes specific mention of the fact that the Lords work had been delayed for two reasons. First because of the transgressions of the Saints when they first went to Jackson County and secondly because of enemies of the church who hindered the work by persecuting the Saints and forcing them to leave Jackson. (5:15)

5- At midnight there was a cry made, Behold the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him

In an article on the internet by a fringe Catholic group, they refer to the parable of the ten virgins and very astutely identify the apocalyptic messenger flying through the heavens in the Book of Revelation as the one who makes the midnight cry, warning the virgins to wake up and prepare for the Bridegroom. Other protestant websites make the same profound observation. Unfortunately, protestants and Catholics have no way of knowing who the apocalyptic messenger flying in the midst of heaven is, only those believing in the Latter-day restoration movement have the key of knowledge to know who the messenger of the Lord is that holds the key of David.

6 Go ye rather to them that buy and sell…

We have already identified that much of this parable has to do with Gods Celestial Economy and the establishment of Zion based on the law of consecration. At the time that the forces of good and evil are warring with each other on the earth during the 3^rd and final watch, preparatory to the Second Coming in Glory, the fall of Babylon the great is immanent and the second beast kingdom is coming into power.

This is a time of great division and testing. People must choose between Babylon’s capitalism, greed and class distinction vs Zion’s consecration and equality. Those that have not taken the Holy Ghost as their guide are not able to overcome the beast and his kingdom and are not allowed into the wedding feast but rather are instructed to go to those who buy and sell. This is a direct reference to those who take upon themselves the mark of the beast so that they can continue relying on the arm of flesh and participating in Satan’s economy/slavery.

The Book of Mormon refers to this period time in which people will either choose to labor for MONEY or for ZION. Those that labor for money will perish.

7- And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

Remarkably, latter-day revelation tells us that the Latter-day Saints restoration movement was instrumental in laying the foundation preparatory to the feast of fat things of the supper of the Lord that takes place at the marriage of the Lamb!

Behold, verily I say unto you, for this cause I have sent you—that you might be obedient, and that your hearts might be prepared to bear testimony of the things which are to come; And also that you might be honored in laying the foundation, and in bearing record of the land upon which the Zion of God shall stand; And also that a feast of fat things might be prepared for the poor; yea, a feast of fat things, of wine on the well refined, that the earth may know that the mouths of the prophets shall not fail; Yea, a supper of the house of the Lord, well prepared, unto which all nations shall be invited. First, the rich and the learned, the wise and the noble And after that cometh the day of my power; then shall the, the lame, and the blind, and the deaf, come in unto the marriage of the Lamb, and partake of the of the supper of the Lord, prepared for the great day to come.

The above scripture has a cryptic meaning embedded within it. Will you be numbered among the rich and learned?

The remarkable thing about Joseph Smiths conditional promise about the appointed time of September 11^th 1836 for the redemption of Zion is that it legitimizes the restored Church.

It actually provides one of the most compelling prophetic arguments for identifying the Church of Christ that the Lord restored to the earth through the prophet Joseph Smith as the people of God that were depicted in the parable of the Ten Virgins!

(Numbers and dates are integral in how and when God communicates to us. Dates have significant meanings. You can actually study gospel topics in the D&C according to dates that events and revelations took place. There are certain dates upon which religious events repeatedly take place. April 6th is such a date. September 21-22 in another. It is no coincidence that section section 64 was given on September 11 1831. It is no coincidence that the appointed time for the redemption of Zion was September 11 1836. It is interesting to note that Sept 11th has become a day associated with murder, destruction and Gods wrath. There are probably over 20 major events in history including the Mountain Meadows Massacre and the Fall of the Twin Towers that fall on this ominous date. Is this just a coincidence? Will there be future prophetic events on this date?)