Scriptures

The Old Covenants

The New Covenants

The New Testament
The Book of Mormon
A Glossary of Gospel Terms

Modern Covenants

Teachings & Commandments
Covenant of Christ

  2. The New Covenants
  3. A Glossary of Gospel Terms
  4. Introduction
  
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    INTRODUCTION

    This work is intended as a helpful, inspired commentary that offers explanations and insights into words or phrases found within the Restoration Scriptures. It should not be viewed with the traditional definition of a glossary. It is not a dictionary that includes specific definitions for each entry, limiting other possible meanings of the term or phrase. Its intent is to provide the reader with insights that will propel him or her to seek for further light and knowledge from the Lord. All of the material herein comes from the works of Denver Snuffer and Joseph Smith, the Scriptures, sources pointed to by Denver, or explanations made by Denver during the editing process. Except when noted, all scriptural references are from the Restoration Scriptures.

    I have inserted a possible new context into the words for you to consider. I would remind you, however, that scripture is not something for “private interpretation,” but can only be unlocked through the Holy Ghost (see 2 Peter 1:5; see also jsh 14:4). The meaning belongs to and is controlled by God. Please keep Everything in mind together. Do not think one isolated statement or paragraph explains Everything. Further, do not think everything has yet been revealed that needs to be revealed. Thus far I am only taking the things already before us in scripture and weaving them together to persuade some few to believe the Restoration can continue. When the time comes, a great deal more can be taught if the Restoration does continue.

    This glossary establishes a correct foundational vocabulary for a discussion about the Restoration Scriptures, which include the following:

    • The Old Covenants
      • The Old Testament teaches mankind about the first Fathers and the covenants that God established with them. It prophesies of the time when Christ would live upon the earth and the yet future time of Zion and the New Jerusalem, when the Lord would establish his people and dwell among them in glory.
    • The New Covenants
      • The New Testament is a record of the mortal life of Christ and recounts the covenants that He established while living at Jerusalem.
      • The Book of Mormon is the covenant of the last days and teaches one how to enter into God’s presence while yet in this life. It teaches one how to connect back into God’s family and foretells the coming of the Kingdom of God on the earth.
    • Modern Covenants
      • The Teachings and Commandments lays the groundwork for the establishment of Zion, a necessary step for the return of Christ to this earth in the last days.
      • Covenant of Christ: A Modern English Version of the Book of Mormon lets the Lord’s covenant terms be understood by this generation.

    Certain entries or topics have been excluded or avoided so as to inspire readers to pursue those subjects on their own. In addition, during the scripture project there were a few terms or phrases that presented the scripture committee with opportunities to amend the text, but which were more challenging than simply updating archaic language or adjusting to a comment Joseph Smith may have made. In those instances we left the challenge to the reader and provided material in the Glossary. See entries for beast, ruach,salem.

    The Lord encourages all to seek learning, even by study and also by faith (t&c 123:2). There is a distinction between what is learned from (or confirmed by) study and what is revealed directly through the spirit by faith. The greater blessing lies in the latter. The Book of Mormon teaches that the Lord will impart a portion of His word, according to the heed and diligence which is given (see Alma 9:3). The Holy Ghost imparts significantly more than what we are able to accomplish or understand on our own. It is hoped that this effort will assist your learning, by study and also by faith.

    ABBREVIATIONS

    ce
    Covenant of Christ: A Modern English Version of the Book of Mormon, Covenant Edition, Restoration Scriptures Foundation, 2024, canonized on October 27, 2024. Seewww.covenantofchrist.org
    chl
    Church History Library, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
    d&c
    Doctrine and Covenants, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 1989).
    dhc
    History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7 vols., ed. B. H. Roberts, 2nd ed. Rev. (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1957), also referred to as Documentary History of the Church.
    jsh
    Joseph Smith History, Parts 1–20 (1805–1830), comprising Section 1 of Teachings and Commandments, Restoration Scriptures.
    jsp
    Joseph Smith Papers (Salt Lake City: The Church Historian’s Press, 2008–2023).
    jst
    “Joseph Smith Translation” The Joseph Smith New Translation of the Holy Bible, commonly called the Inspired Version of the Holy Scriptures. The jst is a revision of the King James Version of the Bible by Joseph Smith, and the Restoration Editions of the Old and New Testaments contained in the Old Covenants and New Covenants were drawn from these inspired translations.
    kjv
    King James translation of the Bible.
    le
    Editions of The Book of Mormon and The Pearl of Great Price in use by the lds Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).
    lof
    Lectures on Faith, comprising Section 110 of Teaching and Commandments, Restoration Scriptures. The Lectures on Faith were once a part of the Doctrine & Covenants, prepared for the School of the Prophets and approved by Joseph Smith. Their presence in the scriptures was the reason for the change in the title from the earlier Book of Commandments to Doctrine and Covenants in 1835. The “Doctrine” portion of the book was comprised of these lectures and they were subsequently removed from the d&c by a committee in 1921.
    re
    Restoration Scriptures editions of The New Covenants (comprising The New Testament and The Book of Mormon), The Old Covenants (comprising The Old Testament), and Teachings and Commandments, canonized on September 2, 2017.
    t&c
    Teachings and Commandments, Restoration Scriptures, comp. Restoration Scriptures Foundation (Salt Lake City: Restoration Scriptures Foundation, 2019, 2025).
    tpjs
    Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1976).
    tsj
    “Testimony of St. John” A newly revealed, inspired account of John the Beloved’s testimony of Jesus the Messiah, given through Denver Snuffer Jr., during the month of January 2017. It comprises Section 171 of the Teachings and Commandments.
    wjs
    The Words of Joseph Smith, comp. Andrew F. Ehat and Lyndon W. Cook (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 1980).
    wwj
    Wilford Woodruff’s Journal, 1833–1898: Typescript, 10 vols., ed. Scott G. Kenney (Midvale, UT: Signature Books, 1983).

    SOURCES

    All references are attributed to Denver Snuffer, unless noted. Published books, talks, recordings, etc., are available at www.denversnuffer.com and www.restorationarchives.com.

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