A SELECTED GLOSSARY
This glossary provides only brief descriptions of selected words and does not include all possible definitions or meanings or explanations. A more expansive treatment of some of these words can be found in A Glossary of Gospel Terms at www.scriptures.info.
NOTE: Scripture references that use CE refer to this Covenant Edition book, Covenant of Christ.
Abomination Something that is practiced that is wrong, done as a religious belief. Celebrating something false as a religious sacrament not sanctioned by God or approved by Him. Something becomes abominable when it is motivated by a false form of religious observance.
Accuser One of many titles for Satan or the Devil. The Latin word is from the Ecclesiastical Greek diabolos, which in Jewish and Christian use was “the Devil, Satan,” and which in general use meant “accuser, slanderer.” Satan is a title that means “accuser,” “opponent,” and “adversary”; hence, once he fell, Lucifer became — or in other words, was called — Satan because he accuses others and opposes the Father (see Revelation 4:4; 8:6 RE). See Satan.
Angel A messenger is one who brings a message from the Lord. It includes not only pre-mortal and post-mortal spirits and beings, but also living men. When anyone, man or angel, is entrusted with a message from God, the message is God’s.
Anoint To place oil (typically, olive oil) that is consecrated and set apart for a special purpose upon the head or other important parts of the body or upon instruments of ceremonial worship. The term comes from the Hebrew word mashiach (Messiah) and the Greek word christos (Christ), both meaning “anointed one.” Throughout history, anointing has been used for the blessing of the sick, the formal ordination of priests, and the investiture of kings to their position. See also Christ, Messiah.
Anti-Christ One who denies or opposes Christ. They teach false doctrine and deliberately seek followers and supporters.
Anti-Nephi-Lehi Anti appears to be a proper noun or proper name in the Nephite-Lamanite language. It means the people of Nephi and Lehi. It was originally a name given to the brother of the king Lamoni. Anti means a “combination or face-to-face meeting.” The Latin ante means “standing in front of a person and facing him,” so Anti-Nephi-Lehi means the people of Nephi brought face-to-face or joined together with the other descendants of Lehi. It’s bringing together the peoples of Nephi and Lehi.
Ascension An ascension is an ancient text that narrates the journey of a patriarch, prophet, or other significant figure into heaven or through the cosmos, followed by their return to earth to share their visions and experiences. Notable examples of those who have ascended and left a written record are Abraham, Enoch, Moses, Ezekiel, Isaiah, John the Revelator, and Lehi and Nephi. There are two ascents. One is temporary and happens when men are “caught up” but then return to this world. It represents overcoming the world and returning the individual back to the presence of God. It is called redemption from the Fall (Ether 1:13 CE) because it brings the individual back into God’s presence. This form of temporary ascent is designed to establish a covenant or promise related to the other, more gradual ascent through development of the individual. The temporary mortal ascent secures a promise for the individual that they will be permitted to make the eternal ascent to where God and Christ dwell in the afterlife and is possible for all mortals. The scriptures, in particular the COVENANT OF CHRIST, contain accounts of those who have ascended to God’s presence and overcome the Fall of mankind. The second form is the actual ascent, involving redemption, and securing eternal life and cannot happen in mortality but is accomplished over time.
Atonement The great work performed by Jesus Christ that describes the redemption of all mankind from death, and the possibility that all mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Without the atonement, the possibility of a return to the presence of God could not take place. The atonement was accomplished by His sinless life, the suffering in the garden of Gethsemane, and His death on the cross and resurrection from the grave.
Babylon The capital city of the ancient kingdom Babylonia which ruled much of the Near East in biblical times. Babylon is identified symbolically to represent “the world” and its evil. It includes and symbolizes all the false religious, philosophical, educational, and governmental systems of the world. Its counterpart in the scriptures is Zion.
Baptism The ordinance is performed by following the instructions taught by Christ in 3 Nephi 5:8 CE. One must be put under the water and then come forth again out of the water. The purpose of baptism is to follow Christ’s example. It symbolizes the death of the old man of sin and the resurrection into a new life in Christ. It must involve immersion. One is placed below the surface of the water, in the same way the dead are buried below ground. The breath of life is cut off while under the water and restored anew when coming forth again out of the water. The officiator, having obtained power and authority from God is the one who immerses and then brings the recipient up out of the water. Christ prescribes the exact words to be used in the ordinance. Authorization comes from Jesus Christ, but the ordinance is performed in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.
Baptism of Fire and the Holy Ghost A sign of redemption, purification, and holiness that is included in the “gate” for entering into God’s presence. The baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, as taught by Christ in the Doctrine of Christ (see 2 Nephi 13:3 CE), is given without man’s involvement, comes from heaven, and is promised by both the Father and the Son. The fire and the Holy Ghost are given as a sign to the recipient that they may know it is safe for them to enter into God’s presence and not be consumed. The baptism of fire purges and removes sin. In effect, you receive holiness through the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit.
Belief Understanding and accepting true doctrine (see 3 Nephi 7:4 CE). Belief leads to faith and faith to knowledge. But the process is initiated by one’s belief and correct understanding of His teachings. Belief is only possible by receiving the truth. It is important to have the truth in order to acquire belief.
Book of Mormon A volume of scripture Joseph Smith attributed to his translation of a set of metal plates. The plates were originally written by aboriginal inhabitants of the Americas, then buried by the last contributing author approximately A.D. 421. Originally written by a prophetic family from the tribe of Joseph, who fled Jerusalem in ca. 600 B.C., prior to the Babylonian destruction. The high point of the text is the post-resurrection visit of the Messiah — or Jesus Christ — to the Americas. Smith claimed the location of these buried plates was revealed to him by an angel, and the translation was accomplished by “the gift and power of God.” The original account was abridged by a man or prophet named “Mormon” and the book takes its name from him.
Borders of the Red Sea A proper name, and therefore, capitalized, for the area of the range of mountains that has been called the Jabal, which means “the Borders” (Nephi 1:7 CE; see also 1 Nephi 1:8 and 5:6 CE.
Broken Heart and Contrite Spirit Repentance is accompanied by a broken heart and contrite spirit. If you had to bear your sins into His presence it would make you burn with regret and fear. Your own heart must break. When you behold how little you have to offer Him, your spirit becomes contrite.
Charity The pure love of Christ. The Apostle Paul elevated charity (the pure love of Christ) to such high importance that salvation itself depends upon a person’s charity (see 1 Corinthians 1:51 RE). It is through grace that one obtains charity. It is through charity that one can bless others. Charity is a determination to live a certain way and to not allow oneself to be overcome by the jealousies, envies, and all the negative things that make it so easy to excuse giving kindness to others. In a very real sense, charity is trying to see others in the same way that the Father sees them.
Christ A title meaning “anointed one.” It is the anglicized form of the Greek word Christos (χριστός), which means “Messiah.” Jesus Christ is a name with a title as is Jesus the Anointed (One) or Jesus the Messiah. See also Messiah.
Church In this book, the term church is defined as an institution organized by men and is used in a negative sense, as opposed to the term congregation. See Congregation.
Church, The Wealthy, Corrupt, and Utterly Wicked Mankind is commanded to not unite with this church, which is described as wealthy, corrupt, and utterly wicked (1 Nephi 3:27 CE). This church is symbolically described as Babylon — or the world. Using a typological comparison, the prophet Nephi prophesied that the world in the last days will be separated into two divisions. One is this corrupt and utterly wicked church, and the other is the Congregation of the Lamb of God (Christ) (1 Nephi 3:27-28 CE). The other utterly wicked church, described originally in the 1830 translation as “great and abominable,” is all-inclusive and comprised of all philosophies, all belief systems, all unbelief systems, all rationalizations, all theories, and all vanities that distract people from repenting and following Christ. These vary from very good things that are uplifting (and possess even great portions of truth) to the degrading and perverse. This all-inclusive church is a “whore” because she is completely indiscriminate and open for all to have her acceptance and affection. She welcomes all, the only requirement being that one have false beliefs.
Cimeter A weapon of war. When Cortés invaded Mexico, he faced fierce resistance from the native population, which he could only conquer due to the devastating impact of smallpox and other European diseases. Despite having the best European arms and armor, including armored war horses, his forces encountered native weapons like the macuahuitl. This weapon, a wooden club embedded with sharp obsidian blades capable of having an edge sharper than steel razor blades, could sever limbs and decapitate both men and horses. Skilled users wielded these with great effect. (This historical example doesn’t support any Book of Mormon geographical interpretation or preference.) The Middle Eastern scimitar, with its curved shape ideal for slashing rather than stabbing, had a similar function in battle. Therefore, this book likely references a weapon used for slicing blows, not a specific curved metal blade. Nephite knowledge of metallurgy, derived from Nephi, often gave them an advantage, such as using armor while the Lamanites fought nearly naked. However, this knowledge was sometimes lost in cycles of war and apostasy, leading both sides to use various weapons, both metal and non-metal. The unique spelling cimeter preserves its distinction and avoids the misconception of referring to a specific type of curved metal blade, emphasizing function over form.
Commandment A direction from the Lord on how to live and behave. Commandments are given to teach men and women how they can continue to receive and renew a continuing conversion to Christ’s way of life. Commandments are not a burden to bear, but a road map to follow.
Congregation In this book a congregation is defined as a group, community, or fellowship of believers and denotes followers of Christ who are obeying His commandments, in contrast to the term church. See Church.
Consecrate To set something or someone apart as sacred or holy; to pronounce clean; to purify or sanctify. The antonym is desecrate.
Covenant Simply put, a covenant, is a promise. It involves a commitment to fulfill an expectation and includes an understanding that something will be received in return when certain conditions are met or completed. Mankind does not make covenants with God. God alone offers a covenant, and people either accept or reject God’s offer. But until God makes the offer, mankind can do nothing to create a covenant with God.
Covenant People Descendants of the patriarch Jacob, later renamed Israel by God, who are not merely biological descendants but are Israel by covenant; they belong to the house of Israel today because of their covenant relationship with God.
Destroy In the vernacular of this book, to destroy does not always mean annihilation. It can mean to end the organized existence of a people or to terminate their government, deprive them of a land, and end their cultural dominance. People were destroyed when they lost control over their government and land.
Disciple A person who follows Jesus Christ. In this book the term it refers to the twelve disciples who were called and chosen by Christ in the Americas and others who were later ordained to replace them.
Doctrine of Christ Christ explained His Doctrine immediately following His instruction on baptism: This is My doctrine, and it is the doctrine that the Father has given to Me: I testify of the Father, and the Father testifies of Me, and the Holy Ghost testifies of the Father and Me. I also testify the Father commands all people everywhere to repent and believe in Me. And anyone who believes in Me and is baptized will be saved, and they are who will inherit God’s kingdom. But anyone who doesn’t believe in Me and isn’t baptized will be damned. In truth I tell you this is My doctrine, and I testify of it from the Father. Anyone who believes in Me also believes in the Father, and the Father will testify to them of Me, since He will visit them with fire and with the Holy Ghost (3 Nephi 5:9 CE). This doctrine of Christ will bring you in contact with God. You were meant to return to the Family you came from. It is the homecoming you have always felt was needed. You do not belong here. There is something higher, something more holy calling to you. It is not found in an institution, or program, or a ward, or office. It is only found in God, who is your home. The Doctrine of Christ is the doctrine of God’s return to be with you and abide with you. See Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Eternal Life The definition of Eternal life was given by the Savior and recorded by John, who wrote: Jesus spoke these words, and lifted up his eyes to Heaven and said, Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son also may glorify you, as you have given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as you have given him. And this is life eternal: that they might know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent (John 9:19 RE). To know God is Eternal life.
Faith More than belief; a principle of action that requires one to act on belief in order to produce faith. Faith is defined as a principle of power through action, in which one puts those beliefs into action and thereby acquires power. Before belief can turn into faith, action is required. Belief becomes faith, and faith becomes knowledge.
Fall (of Mankind) The state of God’s withdrawal from Adam, causing mankind’s spiritual death or separation from God. Therefore all mankind was and always would be in a lost and fallen state unless they relied on this Redeemer (1 Nephi 3:2 CE). [Christ’s] death precedes His resurrection and will redeem everyone from the first death, that spiritual death. Because all mankind was cut off from the Lord’s presence when Adam fell, they’re effectively dead both physically and spiritually (Helaman 5:12 CE). Redemption from the Fall happens when one is brought back into the presence of God.
Filthy Mankind will be judged for what they have done while on earth during their mortal life. If they were to die in their wickedness, they would be outcast from spiritual things involving righteousness and brought to stand before God to be judged for what they did. If the things they did involve filthy thoughts and behavior, they’ll certainly be filthy, and it would be impossible for them to live in God’s kingdom, because God’s kingdom would become polluted and filthy as well. But God’s kingdom isn’t filthy, and no unclean thing can enter God’s kingdom (see 1 Nephi 4:6 CE).
Gentiles Historically identified as non-Jews or non-Israelites but defined within this book to include great numbers of descendants of Israel who have lost their identity or knowledge of their original birthright, as well as present-day Gentiles who become included within the house of Israel after conversion. The Messiah taught: But if the Gentiles will repent and return to Me, says the Father, they’ll be included with My people of the house of Israel (3 Nephi 16:13 CE). When they convert, they are restored through covenant to their status as Israel. The Gentiles make up the majority of readers of this book in the present era.
Gift of the Holy Ghost The Holy Ghost can come and visit with a person but not remain with them. If it comes and visits with them, then it is said the person has “received” the Holy Ghost. This kind of visit is conditional. It is dependent upon the worthiness and desire of the recipient. For the Holy Ghost to become a constant companion which remains, it is said to be the gift of the Holy Ghost, because the one with this endowment has received a gift from God, and it is given to them by God to be theirs. Baptism and the Holy Ghost have always been linked together, but laying on hands has not always been included. Baptism and the Holy Ghost are linked whether or not there is someone who can lay on hands to give the gift. Baptism precedes the Holy Ghost, and the Holy Ghost always follows, if the baptism was proper. The only condition for receiving the Holy Ghost is sincere repentance before baptism. If a person is sincere, then the gift follows automatically.
Gospel of Jesus Christ Jesus Christ defines His gospel in the Book of Mormon: This is the gospel I’ve given to you, that I came into the world to do the will of My Father, because My Father sent Me. And My Father sent Me so I could be lifted up on the cross — and after I’ve been lifted up on the cross, I can bring all people to Me, so that as I’ve been lifted up by people, likewise people will be lifted up by the Father to stand before Me to be judged according to their works, whether they were good or whether they were evil. This is why I’ve been lifted up. Therefore, according to the Father’s power, I will draw everyone to Me so they can be judged according to their works. Those who repent and are baptized in My name will be fully rewarded. If they continue faithful to the end, I’ll hold them guiltless in the presence of My Father when I stand to judge the world... No unclean thing can enter His kingdom. Therefore no one enters His rest except those who have washed their clothes in My blood because of their faith, and repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness to the end. Now this is the commandment: Repent, everyone, throughout the earth, and come to Me and be baptized in My name, so you can be sanctified by receiving the Holy Ghost, so you can stand spotless in My presence on the last day. Therefore I tell you: This is My gospel (3 Nephi 12:5 CE). See Doctrine of Christ.
High Priesthood of the Holy Order Priesthood or priestly authority is the association between mankind and those on the other side of the veil. It is a fellowship wherein mortals are connected with “the Powers of Heaven” — a title referring to a specific group in heaven. Priesthood, in its highest form, is an opportunity to serve and bless others. It is a call to save, redeem, and rescue others from destruction. Men do not make priests; God does. The purpose of priesthood is to accomplish two things: first, to have valid ordinances, such as baptism and blessing the sacrament; second, to obtain answers or direction from heaven. The High Priesthood is conferred upon those who exercise exceeding faith, repentance, and righteousness before God, choosing to repent and work righteousness. Ordination to the High Priesthood reckons from before the foundation of the earth. Power in that priesthood is derived from heaven. These powerful doctrines are not even imagined by other faiths or traditions. It is apparent that an ordination to even the High Priesthood cannot guarantee a recipient will have faith sufficient to gain power in the priesthood. For that, like every other blessing, it is always required for the man to obtain it directly from heaven. The priesthood is predicated on a relationship with “the Powers of Heaven.” Priesthood authority cannot be abused. If the one ordained does not secure such a relationship with the Powers of Heaven, then the ordination will not produce the expected results.
Holy Ghost The Holy Ghost is most correctly understood as the individual spirit within each man or woman — it is the heavenly record from each one’s prior experiences, although now veiled. The Holy Ghost is the light of truth. The Holy Ghost is also the received communication, inspiration, or light from above, and the source of that light can be any number of holy beings sent to shed that light upon mankind. The Holy Ghost is a personage. It is an individual. It is a spirit that will dwell inside a man, a woman, or a child. The Holy Ghost, which resides inside of each person, receives intelligence from Christ. The Holy Ghost is the Record of Heaven that man has lost contact with because of the veil. It is a personage of spirit who resides inside each man or woman, and one must “receive” it after baptism by finally listening to that inner truth of all things or record of the Father and the Son (Genesis 4:9–10). From Adam until Christ, the Holy Ghost was the primary voice by which revelation was delivered from God to mankind. It is active and has been active in delivering the words of prophecy to “holy men” throughout history. The scriptures have explained that the Holy Ghost has the following other descriptions or attributes: the Record of Heaven, the Comforter, the keys of the kingdom of Heaven, the truth of all things, that which quickens all things — which makes alive all things, that which knows all things, and has all power according to Wisdom, mercy, truth, justice and judgment (Genesis 4:9).
Holy One of Israel The Lord God Almighty, the true Messiah and Redeemer who has a covenant relationship with those faithful to Him (see 2 Nephi 1:2 CE). And the gatekeeper is the Holy One of Israel, and He doesn’t use any servant there (2 Nephi 6:11 CE).
Holy Ones/Saints Holy Ones are the righteous ones, also known as the saints of the Holy One of Israel (see 2 Nephi 6:7 CE.) Holy ones or saints are supposed to be identified as baptized followers of Christ — holy, sacred, consecrated, and pure — and while they often are in scripture, historically they have fallen short of this description. Sanctification is the process of becoming a holy one. See Sanctification.
Holy Order The Holy Order is the channel through which all knowledge, doctrine, the plan of salvation, and every important matter is revealed from heaven. Among other things, the purpose of the Holy Order is to put in place a mechanism by which God can reveal from Heaven what is necessary for the salvation of man on Earth. It may serve everyone but will never be held by everyone. It conveys blessings and information that are withheld from the world. See High Priesthood, Priesthood.
Holy Spirit The power of God which fills the immensity of space. Sometimes the Holy Spirit is called the “Light of Christ” rather than the Holy Spirit.
House of Israel The descendants of the patriarch Jacob of the Old Testament (whose name was changed to Israel) who have an active covenant with God, which excludes those descendants of Israel who have abandoned the faith, broken the covenant, and gone off to serve false gods. The Messiah has given His promise that He would gather and restore the house of Israel. It includes the descendants of Israel’s twelve sons or the twelve tribes of Israel.
Idol Worship Idolatry is anything that separates mankind from God and can can take the form of other men and women, ourselves, false educational ideas, or organizations, to name a few.
Iniquity The Book of Mormon usage may be confined to the following: The willful act of disobedience or rebellion that represents the most extreme form of unrighteous behavior — premeditated, ongoing, and tending to escalate. Those who commit iniquity exert their power over the powerless. See Ripe in Iniquity.
Isaiah An Old Testament prophet who ministered from around 740 B.C. to 701 B.C. Because of his important writings, he is quoted or paraphrased extensively by Nephite prophets, as well as Jesus Christ, who commands us to diligently study his writings, because Isaiah’s prophecies are critical (3 Nephi 10:4 CE).
Islands of the Sea Everything that is not part of the great Euro-Asian-African land mass. Although North America is currently regarded as a continent, in the Book of Mormon vernacular, it is an island of the sea. Further, most of Israel was relocated onto the islands of the sea. When the Lord affirms that He speaks to those on the islands of the sea, He is confirming that there are multiple locations, involving multiple parties, each one of which has received sacred communication from Him. We think of islands apart from continents. This book explains that the American continents are in reality one of the islands of the sea.
Israel, Gathering of An event that is foretold to happen at the end of the times, when Christ returns. All the house of Israel, the descendants of Jacob (Israel), will be gathered from their scattered condition.
Jaredites A pre-Israelite, pre-Nephite civilization that migrated to America, named after the patriarch Jared, whose brother was a prophet and exhibited great faith as described in the book of Ether.
Jesus Christ The name Jesus, which derives from the Hebrew, Yeshua or Joshua, and means “the Lord is salvation” or “God saves.” The word Christ is a title that originates from the Greek word meaning the “anointed one.” See Christ, Messiah.
Jews The Jews, or those of the Jewish race or religion, who trace their lineage back to the house of Israel through Judah, the son of Jacob or Israel.
Lamanites In broad terms, those people who descended from Laman, the eldest son of Lehi and Sariah, and who were part of the Lamanite civilization that was in continual conflict with the Nephites. In our day, they are characterized as the descendants of Book of Mormon people who belong to the house of Israel and who are broadly defined to include native or indigenous covenant people of the Americas.
Law of Circumcision The law of circumcision was instituted with Abraham before the time of Moses as a token of the covenant between God and His chosen people, and the practice was incorporated into the Mosaic law. It is important to note that the law of circumcision is a traditional short-hand way to refer to the Law of Moses.
Law of Moses When the children of Israel refused to live a higher law, they were given the Law of Moses. This law, in a general view, consisted of a collection of commandments, statutes, performances, rituals, sacrifices, and ceremonies. The focus of the Law of Moses was ritual purity, but Christ replaced that earlier ritual-based purity with internal purity. In Christ the Law of Moses was fulfilled and will not return.
Long-suffering An adjective meaning to be patient, tolerant, accommodating, forgiving, and charitable.
Meekness A difficult attribute to recognize, it is found in the relationship between man and God, not between man and man; to be meek is to follow the Lord’s will, even when one doesn’t want to do so, even when it brings one into conflict with friends, family, or community. Meekness is measured as between the servant and the Lord, not as between the servant and his critics. Meekness means a person voluntarily restrains himself and uses the absolute minimum control or authority over others. It is related to humility. And God remembers the meek, for they will inherit the earth (3 Nephi 5:14 CE).
Messiah A title meaning “anointed one,” from the Hebrew mashiach. See Christ.
Mulochites A people discovered by Mosiah, known as the people of Zarehemla, that were descendants of Muloch, or Mulek, who was a son of the last king of Judah, Zedekiah. Muloch and his party escaped the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians and were led by the Lord to the promised land.
Nation A title for a people or ethnicity, like the Israelites. Nations does not refer to modern states, but to family divisions or subsets, like the ancient tribes of Israel. They were called nations. The terms nations, kindreds, tongues, and people have a family meaning; they specifically have the family of Israel — in its scattered condition — in mind. The gospel is intended primarily for one family of redeemed souls.
Nephites In broad terms, those people who descended from Nephi, the son of Lehi and Sariah, or followed his teachings, or were part of his civilization.
Ordinance It is through covenant-forming ordinances — including rituals — that the power of godliness has been manifested to mankind. The ordinances, such as baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, the sacrament, etc., are helps, symbols, and requirements: “helps” in that they establish milestones that memorialize passage from one stage of development to the next; “symbols” in that they point to a deeper meaning or spiritual reality almost always grounded in the atonement of Jesus Christ; “requirements” in that they mark the defined route taken by Christ as a mortal to fulfill all righteousness. The ordinances as symbols point to the real thing. The real thing is Jesus Christ and His Gospel.
Persevere/Endure/Persist to the End Persevering, enduring, or persisting to the end, is the fixed purpose to always serve God so that you may always have His spirit to be with you and is essential to salvation. Nephi tells us that his words persuade people to persist to the end, which is life eternal (2 Nephi 15:1 CE).
Pollutions To pollute is to defile, violate the sanctity of, or render something ceremonially unclean. The use of the word pollute to mean “contaminate the environment” hadn’t emerged until 1860. And people will hear of wars, reports of wars, and earthquakes in various places. It will come at a time when there will be great pollutions on the earth: there will be murders, robbing, lying, deceiving, whoredoms, and all kinds of abominations (Mormon 4:4 CE). You pollutions, hypocrites, and you teachers who sell yourselves for things that will corrode and decay, why have you polluted God’s holy congregation? (Mormon 4:5 CE).
Priest One who has authority to perform ordinances, as described in the Covenant of Christ. See High Priesthood, Priesthood, Holy Order.
Priestcraft The exploitation of religious authority for personal gain and prestige (see 2 Nephi 11:17 CE). Any person who tries to put themselves between another person and heaven, claiming that they are the source of religious truth, is practicing priestcraft and will in the end lead both to damnation.
Priesthood Priesthood or priestly authority is the association between mankind and those on the other side of the veil. It is a fellowship wherein mortals are connected with “the Powers of Heaven” — a title referring to a specific group in heaven. Priesthood, in its highest form, is an opportunity to serve and bless others. It is a call to save, redeem, and rescue others from destruction. Men do not make priests; God does. The purpose of priesthood is to accomplish two things: first, to have valid ordinances, such as baptism and blessing the sacrament; second, to obtain answers or direction from heaven. See High Priesthood, Holy Order.
Promised Land Every time the full covenant is given, it includes a promised land. The Americas are the land God covenanted to give His people. The Gentiles must repent and accept His gospel, to be part of His covenant people. This was a covenant made by God to Lehi, as a dispensational head. The beneficiaries of the covenant included Lehi’s family and those who came with them, as well as generations of Lehi’s family who came thereafter. This land in particular, is a land of promise to those who serve the God of this land, who is Jesus Christ (see Ether 1:7 CE).
Prophet A true messenger or teacher sent with authority by God to minister. All the prophets had authority and were ordained by God Himself. The portion of the high priesthood authority which let men speak face to face with God was bestowed by God directly upon the prophets, independent of the mainstream of the people and their leadership. The Messiah takes ownership of the prophets by declaring: I send unto you prophets! (see Matthew 10:35 RE). The prophet’s role is always to cry repentance. Priests may preside and kings may rule, but the prophet’s voice is always crying repentance.
Repentance To repent is to turn to God. To turn to Him is to face Him, listen to Him, heed Him, and pay attention to what He is, says, and does. It is to seek to be in contact with Him. If one is in contact with Him, He will teach him all things he should do (see 2 Nephi 14:1CE).
Ripe in Iniquity That moment in time when people can no longer repent, when they have reached the limit when judgment will overtake them. Fruit is fully ripe at that moment when further ripening would not mean improvement but only deterioration. When the fruit is ripe there is no point in letting it remain longer on the tree. Ripeness is that state of things when nothing further remains to be done in the direction of ripening, and the process has reached the end. A society has reached such a point when it can no longer go in the direction it has been taking, when the only hope of motion lies in a change or a direct reversal of direction. See Iniquity.
Sacrament / Lord’s Supper / Bread and Wine Christ instituted the sacrament during the Passover meal. It was His “last supper” with His closest followers. All the accounts agree on the purpose: to remember the body and blood He would sacrifice on behalf of mankind. When the Lord appeared to the Nephites, He proclaimed He had fulfilled the Law (see 3 Nephi 7:2 CE). All the rites and sacrifices added through Moses pointed to His great sacrifice of His body and blood. The purpose of the sacrament is to remember Christ, His body that was broken to fulfill the required sacrifice, and His blood that was shed for man’s redemption. When the bread is broken and blessed, those who qualify (by having repented and been baptized) receive it as a gift or token from Christ — it is His body. This is to be done in remembrance of [His] body (Moroni 4:1 CE). It is through His body that He, the living sacrifice, shows the way to all. A loving God has died for us. His body is a testimony of life, obedience, sacrifice, cruelty, forgiveness, death, resurrection, immortality, power, and glory. When you remember His life, you should remember all that is associated with it. When the Lord visited the Nephites, He commanded that they should eat (3 Nephi 8:6 CE). This is more than an invitation; it is more than an offering. It is a commandment.
Sanctification To be sanctified is to be qualified to stand in the presence of God without sin, clean of all blood and sin. The baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost is for sanctification. It is done upon the body and the Spirit within each person. The work of this “baptism of fire” is always sanctification. It brings the recipient into greater contact with God. In effect, you receive holiness through the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit. This in turn makes your own spirit holy. Man is unworthy to enter into God’s presence and, therefore, requires a power higher than his own from which to borrow purity. This purifying agent is the Holy Ghost (see 3 Nephi 9:3–4 CE). Christ sanctifies mankind; they don’t sanctify themselves. To be purified, to be sanctified by the Lamb — removing from you, and taking upon Himself the responsibility to answer for whatever failings you have — this is not ritual purity. This is purity in fact.
Satan One of many titles for the Devil or Lucifer. A title that means “accuser,” “opponent,” and “adversary”; hence, once he fell, Lucifer became — or in other words, was called — Satan because he accuses others and opposes the Father (see Revelation 4:4; 8:6 CE). See Accuser.
Seashore The term seashore can mean the land that lies adjacent to an ocean, lake, or body of water. The word sea originally meant a sheet of water, sea, lake, or pool, and often made no distinction between sea and lake, either large or small, inland or open, salt or fresh.
Secret Conspiracy An evil conspiracy that works in darkness and whose overall objective is “power and gain,” but especially “the control over the government,” often using political office to rule and do according to their will, that they might get gain and glory of the world (see Helaman 3:1 CE). Even though these completely corrupt conspiracies may work in secret, their works are often displayed in the open or to public view without any regard to concealment. These conspiracies have existed since the time of Cain, are inspired by Satan, and often use covert signs and oaths as they convert blood to cash and cash to blood: using the treasures of the earth “to rule with blood and horror on the earth.” This book characterizes the creating of a secret combination or conspiracy as the most abominable and wicked above all, in the sight of God (see Ether 3:17 CE) because of the intent to commit murder, even secret murder (see Alma 37:22 CE; 3 Nephi 4:6 CE; Helaman 2:30, 33, 35 CE), and secret works of darkness (see 2 Nephi 6:3, 7:3, 11:15 CE; Alma 17:12 CE; Helaman 2:33, 3:6, 19 CE; Mormon 4:4 CE).
Seer A seer is someone who has knowledge of things which cannot be seen with the natural eye. He possesses the means that allow him to see and translate ancient records, and this ability is a gift from God. These things are known as Interpreters, and no man can look into them unless God commands him to do so, in order to prevent him from seeing something he shouldn’t see and perishing. Whoever is commanded to look in them is called a seer (Mosiah 5:8 CE). When anyone has possession of such an instrument as Interpreters or the Urim and Thummim, they are, by definition, a seer; the instrument itself allows the possessor to see the past, present, and future. However, it is not necessary to possess this instrument to be a seer.
Sin Missing the mark, failing, making a mistake, violating a commandment, disobeying, or doing one thing when one should be doing other and better things.
Transgression It should be noted that the terms sin and transgression are often used interchangeably, permitting mutual substitution. The use of the term in scripture may vary based on context, but it is often used to indicate a deliberate offense. At times, transgression can be interpreted to mean an offense committed in innocent ignorance, whereas the word sin is used primarily for an offense committed deliberately, with the knowledge that an eternal law is being violated. Transgression requires repentance, just as does sin.
Translate To operate under the power of the Spirit through revelation to restore that which has been lost and to clarify that which is in the mind of the Lord. In all of the revelations that deal with the Scriptures, the fullness of the Scriptures, and the revision of the Bible by inspiration through Joseph Smith under the direction of the Lord, which imparted the Scriptures, the word that gets used continually to describe that effort is translate, and it has a highly particularized meaning. It does not mean taking an ancient text and re-working it by moving it from one language into another.
Twelve Witnesses What this book refers to as the Twelve Apostles of Jesus in the New Testament. In this edition, when the word “Twelve” is capitalized, it refers to the Twelve Apostles of Jerusalem.
Unbelief As used in this book, it means one does not understand and has not accepted true doctrine. The word unbelief means to accept false doctrine or to have an incomplete and inaccurate understanding of correct doctrine.
Wickedness The state of being evil or immoral, not only in actions but also as a state of one’s mindset; harboring an evil disposition, consistently causing deliberate harm; the ultimate condition of unrighteousness. Wickedness is also distinguished by those engaging in abominable practices.
Woe When one woe is pronounced upon a people, it is a warning of condemnation in this life. A three-fold condemnation (woe, woe, woe) is more serious and extends beyond this life in the hereafter.
Wrath There are two levels of wrath. One is temporal — here and now. The wicked are often punished here by letting them pursue their own evil course until it destroys them — unless they repent. The other is eternal — meaning coming after this life, and is a result of leaving this life with accountability for what happened here and the lack of preparation for the moment when judgment is rendered. What mortals perceive as God’s “feelings” (such as anger or wrath) cannot be adequately defined in human terms. We think God is very loving and benign because of the sacrifice of Christ. But consider how God’s wrath is manifested. He withdraws, and He withdraws His spirit. When you want Him present and He withdraws, that disapproval can feel terrible.
Zion A prophesied last-days community of saints to which the City of Enoch will return, and where Christ will dwell. Zion consists of people living in harmony with God. It is defined in revelation as the pure in heart (T&C 96:5–7), but prophecy also confirms it will be an actual location and a place of gathering. Zion and a New Jerusalem will exist before the Lord’s return in glory. Zion is something that has only been accomplished in the known history of the world by two communities. It is prophesied that there will be a third.