Second Book of Commandments

Hi,

I appreciate your efforts to teach the restored gospel online. The spirit inspired me very strongly two years after my LDS mission to Italy to continue seeking for truth. Eventually I found the revelations of the “Second Book of Commandments.” These revelations contradicted teachings in the church, but as a scriptorian I had inspiration showing me they did not contradict any previous revelation from God. The Second Book of Commandments reveals that Adam became the Holy Ghost for us after he died. Before he died, the Lord fulfilled that office. This truth is one of the most important truths ever revealed to mankind. If you doubt my testimony, please reply to me with your concerns.

Thanks!

Richard

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Richard,

The Second Book of Commandments (originally the Book of Onias) contains the purported revelations of Robert Crossfield (sometimes referred to as the Prophet Onias), from 1961 to present. Brother Crossfield appears to be well-versed in a number of teachings in the Journal of Discourses as well as the Temple liturgy. His book of revelations denounces any revelations received by the LDS Church from 1890 to the present, because the Church turned its back on the practice of polygamy. As such, he calls out the 1978 lifting of the priesthood ban as a revelation from the adversary and the leaders of the Church as frauds and false prophets. This blanket denouncement also includes Joseph F. Smith’s vision of the redemption of the dead, although it is not called out specifically or with the same bitterness.

Additionally, the very presence of the book contradicts the message of D&C 28. Oliver Cowdery followed closely certain revelations Hiram Page received regarding the location of the city Zion. Oliver and Hiram were taught that there is a sphere of stewardship when it comes to revelations. “Thou shalt not command him who is at thy head, and at the head of the church,” the Lord explains, “for I have given him the keys of the mysteries” (vs. 6-7). Even the second elder is given a caution. He can speak commandments (also a term for revelation) to the whole church, but when it comes to the more permanent form of writing he is to only do so in the spirit of wisdom (4-5). There is no statute of limitations on this principle. These keys have been passed down to the current Prophet in our day, and we are not to command our head (compare also D&C 43:3-5).

For these reasons, I urge extreme caution in searching the Second Book of Commandments for truth. I’m aware that myriad sources can serve as catalysts for truth-uncovering revelation, but I think there are better places to look for such sparks.

All that being said, I have read what the Second Book of Commandments has to say regarding Adam, Jehovah, Jesus Christ, Elohim, and the Holy Ghost. I wholeheartedly agree that the true nature of these beings should be learned through revelation and not through speculation. There is certainly enough room in LDS theology for Crossfield’s ideas. There is also enough room in LDS theology for Crossfield’s ideas to be a complete sham. The problem comes back to D&C 28. Contrary to your statement, it has not been revealed to the world. If Brother Crossfield’s revelation on this subject is a true one, it is certainly a new one, and he should treasure it up in his own heart until such a time as it is publicly revealed. Similarly, if the Spirit has taught you that this is a true doctrine, it is certainly a new one, and should be treasured up in your own heart until such a time as it is revealed publicly.

-Gramps