To Find the Path to Eternal Life Ye Must First Seek to Obtain My Word

By Ivan Kent Richards

It is false assumptions and misinformation that lead to false conclusions. This book will point out many of the false religious assumptions people frequently make which keep them from finding the path to true eternal life with God. Several mysteries of God are unfolded in this book which will bring people to a greater knowledge of God and his works among mankind.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Oct 18, 2019
• ISBN: 9781796017922

Ivan Kent Richards

I was born and raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I served a mission for the church from October 1964 – January 1967 in the Swiss Mission, speaking German with the Swiss people. I have had no other profound or special callings in the church of particular importance or relevance other than ward and stake callings and in branch and ward presidencies. I do not claim to be a prophet or apostle or other general authority of the church. I am neither perfect, nor do I claim to be perfect. When I was eighteen and nineteen years of age, I worked summers for the Wasatch National Forest as an Engineering Aid along with a crew of 4-6 men. During the fall, winter, and spring months I attended college. It was during the time I spent with the Engineering crew that I spent time discussing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and defended the church doctrines they often brought into question. I also had the opportunity to speak with apostates of the church and individuals with objections about our church doctrines and history. I saw the same false assumptions they all seem to make repeatedly. Following my mission, I enlisted in the U. S. military and occasionally met with the same opposition to church teachings among friends and associates. They all had the same themes and largely the same difficulties with the gospel. During my life of the past ten or so years, I have viewed anti-church videos where the same false arguments are repeated. It is these arguments that inspired the writing of this book. I seek to put the false assumptions and pieces of misinformation to rest, showing how the false assumptions lead to false conclusions and destroy people from reaching eternal life in the kingdom of God. I implore everyone in an out of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to read this book and learn of concepts seldom realized.

Book preview

Copyright © 2019 by Ivan Kent Richards.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible, Copyright © 1983 by The Zondervan Corporation.

Cover image used by permission

This material is neither made, provided, approved, nor endorsed by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Any content or opinions expressed, implied or included in or with the material are solely those of the owner and not those of Intellectual Reserve, Inc. or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Rev. date: 02/28/2021

Xlibris

844-714-8691

www.Xlibris.com

792092

Important scriptural concepts for learning, enhancing understanding,

and teaching critical doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-

day Saints to combat false assumptions, false doctrines, doubt, and

apostasy circulating throughout the world, and to inspire far greater

faith, true conversion to righteous principles, and create an insatiable

desire to live worthy of eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Written and compiled with comments by

Ivan Kent Richards

Publication and Copyright

First Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be duplicated, printed, or reproduced by any means whatsoever without the express prior written permission of the publisher or the author.

The title for this book is based on passages found within the testimonies of Luke and John in the King James Version of the New Testament,¹ and Doctrine and Covenants 11:21² published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The picture on the front cover depicts Jesus speaking to Nicodemus (John 3:1-21) and was taken taken from https://www.lds.org/bc/content/bible-videos/videos/jesus-teaches-of-being-born-again/images/24_jesus-teaches-of-being-born-again_1800x1200_300dpi_3.jpg. Copyright permission has been obtained from Intellectual Reserve, Inc. for the use of this picture, L18-9296.

Disclaimer

Every comment, argument, analysis, and opinion of this work represents the beliefs and opinions of Ivan Kent Richards, and neither speaks in behalf of, dictates doctrines, obligates, nor represents any person(s) or offices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have not acted in any official capacity for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in any way in writing this book. The opinions and understandings expressed are my own and do not necessarily represent the opinions and understandings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or the publisher.

I am solely responsible for the entire content of this book. I have tried to the utmost of my ability to ensure there are no mistakes in logic or understanding herein. If any person believes that something is in error, the complaint or argument is with me and not with any other member or authority of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

This book is not intended to diminish the importance of reading and studying the four standard scripture works of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or any other religion. The intent of this book is to enhance and enlighten one’s understanding of the scriptures and to strengthen one’s faith in God.

To comment, please write to me at [e-mail].

Ivan Kent Richards

About the Author

I was born and raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I served a mission for the church from October 1964 – January 1967 in the Swiss Mission, speaking German with the Swiss people. I have had no other profound or special callings in the church of particular importance or relevance other than ward and stake callings and serving in branch and ward presidencies. I do not claim to be a prophet or apostle or other general authority of the church. I am neither perfect nor do I claim to be perfect.

When I was eighteen and nineteen years of age, I worked summers for the Wasatch National Forest as an Engineering Aid along with a crew of 4-6 men. During the fall, winter, and spring months I attended college. It was during the time I spent with the Engineering crew that I spent time discussing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and defended the church doctrines they often brought into question. I also had the opportunity to speak with apostates of the church and individuals with objections about our church doctrines and history. I saw the same false assumptions they all seem to make repeatedly. Following my mission, I enlisted in the U. S. military and occasionally met with the same opposition to church teachings among friends and associates. They all had the same themes and largely the same difficulties with the gospel.

During my life of the past ten or so years, I have viewed anti-church videos where the same false arguments are repeated. It is these arguments that inspired the writing of this book. I seek to put the false assumptions and pieces of misinformation to rest, showing how the false assumptions lead to false conclusions and destroy people from reaching eternal life in the kingdom of God. I implore everyone in and out of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to read this book and learn of concepts seldom realized.

Debt of Gratitude

I owe a debt of gratitude to Kathleen Richards, Cecelia Colombel, and Steven and Shauna Jones for editing a part of this work, so that the words contained herein are clear as to their intended meaning and the sentences are as grammatically correct as possible according to our knowledge.

Dedication

This work is dedicated to all those seeking the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ and eternal life in the heavens of God. It is my hope that they, and my posterity, may know of the inspiration and testimony I have received of the Holy Ghost. We have the duty and responsibility to help each other reach the celestial kingdom of God. There are many other truths I know God wants to reveal to us as a people but cannot because of our unbelief and disobedience.

I am neither perfect nor sinless, nor do I claim to be perfect or without faults, but I have sought for revelation and inspiration regarding the gospel of Jesus Christ, and I do know the things I have written are true and are logically consistent throughout the standard works, which are the written words of God given to mankind through true prophets. I strive to become more Christ-like every day and seek for ways to improve myself. My desire for God the Father and Jesus Christ to be a significant part of my life is constant and everlasting.

I sincerely hope what I have written will be meaningful and of great value to all people. I testify that I frequently received thoughts into my mind with important ideas as I asked God for his inspiration and revelation as I explored each of the topics of this book. I do not claim to be a prophet of God. I only present truths and understanding given me as I studied the scriptures and asked God for understanding. I ask everyone to share the meaningful truths found within this book with others, that they too may be enlightened and edified.

After completing the research and writing of this book, I feel like Alma, who declared:

O that I were an angel, and could have the wish of mine heart, that I might go forth and speak with the trump of God, with a voice to shake the earth, and cry repentance unto every people! Yea, I would declare unto every soul, as with the voice of thunder, repentance and the plan of redemption, that they should repent and come unto our God, that there might not be more sorrow upon all the face of the earth.³

I hope everyone who reads this book will feel the same way.

May this work be a blessing to all those who receive it, that our faith may grow without measure and help enable further truth to be revealed to us.

Ivan Kent Richards

Contents

Publication and Copyright

Disclaimer

About the Author

Debt of Gratitude

Dedication

Resources and References Used

Abbreviations Used in this book

Terminologies and Definitions used in this book

Introduction

Some of the Most Common False Beliefs and False Assumptions

TOPIC SECTIONS

Abraham did not lie / Joseph and Mary

Abuse, coercion, or control – whether emotional and/or physical

Activity in the Church / The need for Church

Adam’s Transgression and Fall

Apostasy

Apostles and Prophets

Apparent false prophecies, but the prophets are known to be true:

Articles of Faith

Atheism / Atheist

Atonement

Baptism

Belief in God, Faith in Christ, Righteous Works, and Grace

Bible History

Book of Mormon

Characteristics of the Great and Abominable Church

Child of God

Christ’s First Coming being known as Jesus of Nazareth

Christ was ‘The Lord God Jehovah’ of the Old Testament

Church of Jesus Christ, first in the Holy Land, and then in America

Creation of the Earth

Defending One’s Self

Destruction

Divorced Women

Doctrine and Covenants

Errors and Inconsistencies in the Bible

Eternal Marriage

Exaltation (Eternal Life)

Fasting

First and Second Estates

Flood of Noah

Forgiveness

Gift of the Holy Ghost

Gift of Tongues

Gods

History of early Christianity and the beginning of the Catholic Church

House of Israel

Idols & Graven Images

Intentional Sin

Jesus Christ

Joseph Smith

Journal of Discourses

Kingdom of Heaven (Celestial Kingdom), Paradise, Spirit Prison, Degrees of Glory, etc.

Lack of Proof

Lasciviousness

Laws of Moses were not destroyed.

Living after the manner of happiness

Missing Scriptures

Mount of Transfiguration

Mountain Meadow Massacre

Parables and Prophetic Dreams

Pearl of Great Price

Peter and the Rock

Polygamy or Plural Marriage

Prayer

Pre-Existence

Priesthood Authority of God is necessary

Purpose of the Apostles of Christ who did not taste of death

Repentance

Restoration of the Gospel

Resurrection

Revelation

Sabbath Day is to be kept holy

Sacrament

Satan and man demand proof

Satan’s use of power to deceive and destroy

Second coming of Christ and Signs preceding his coming:

Son of Man

Temples – The House of God

The Ten Commandments

Tithing

Trust in the Lord

Use of Sacred Books and Tools

Welfare and Food Storage

Word of Wisdom – the law of health

Work for the Dead

Zion, or The New Jerusalem

APPENDICES

Books of Scriptures

Wilford Woodruff

Lorenzo Snow and the Sacred Vision

Resources and References Used

All quoted scriptures in this book were taken from the King James Version of the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. References have also been included from Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. The reader is cautioned to understand that references from Wikipedia have not been proven factual. All other sources were taken from published works as so indicated.

Scriptures quoted are shown in italics to clearly differentiate text dialog from scriptures. Bold lettering and underlining have also been added for emphasis in many quoted scriptures. Brackets with text inserts [text] have been added within scriptures, quotes, or factual statements to clarify pronoun references, or to provide nouns with additional factual information used in context. Pronouns used in scriptures are occasionally misunderstood as to their noun reference and have often been a source of misunderstanding and misinterpretation leading to false doctrines. (Matthew 16:18⁴ is probably the greatest example of disputes over to what rock and it refer.) Proper names have also needed clarification at times; i.e. there are many persons named Mary or James, and knowing the correct person is important.

Listed scriptures have been printed with text in most all cases with relatively few exceptions in this book. Many other reference books available on the market, wherein scriptural references are not printed with actual scriptural text, leave the reader unable to know which scripture is most apropos in any particular discussion. I have frequently seen how important it is to see and quote a scripture during a discussion so that the thought and meaning is not lost with distracting, time consuming hunting for a scripture. Otherwise, finding and quoting inappropriate scriptures, found unintentionally, may lead to tangent discussions distracting from the initial thoughts and main points. This book is a larger volume because of the actual quotes, but it is so much more effective when teaching and understanding is so important.

Scriptures grouped together flow as one and fit to clarify the doctrinal or historical facts intended.

The names Jesus and Christ are used throughout this book, each referring to Jesus Christ, the Son of God. However, Jesus Christ was known as:

Jehovah prior to his foreordination in heaven as Savior and Messiah,

The Lord God Jehovah in the Old Testament,

God and Lord throughout the Bible in Old and New Testaments,

Jesus of Nazareth, Son of Man, and Son of God during his mortal life in the Holy Land,

Christ, Savior, Messiah, Jesus Christ, and/or Lord Jesus Christ following his atonement and resurrection.

I have tried to maintain this standard of reference when referring to the Son of God.

Abbreviations Used in this book

Terminologies and Definitions

used in this book

Introduction

False assumptions, misinformation, ignorance of the scriptures, and false doctrines found among many people believing in the religious philosophies of the world are acting to destroy mankind through masking man’s understanding of the true doctrines of God which lead to eternal life.⁶ A clear understanding of the scriptures will act to counter Satan’s fierce onslaught driving apostasy, falling away, inactivity, apathy toward religion, false doctrines, and rejection of the true gospel of Jesus Christ. This book contains vital information and concepts for members and non-members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints alike to inspire an insatiable appetite and yearning desire within the human heart and mind for discovering the truths of God required for attaining eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven.

This book is based on my beliefs and understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ and was written as a scriptural reference and doctrinal clarifying aid for learning, understanding, and teaching specific scriptures, doctrines, and philosophies of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in order to allay as many of the false doctrinal arguments as well as all other falsehoods as possible about the church and its practices which are circulating in the world today. As a missionary and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have had the opportunity to defend some of the doctrines and historical actions of the church which were purported to be in controversy with the doctrines, beliefs, and religious practices of at least a portion of the Christian world.