Early in the morning of October 25, 2013, after a night of prayer, the Lord Jesus Christ suddenly came to my room in a resurrected body of Fire and Glory. Part of the ordinances of that occasion included the obligation to declare the witness that I posted at this site for a period of two years. That obligation is satisfied on November 5, 2015. It is my intention at that time to remove both the original post and this post and return to my normal life.
I met Christ while fully awake, completely sober with no drugs, alcohol, or other mind altering substances involved. There was no imagination, guided meditation, dreams, 3rd eye sight, no-veil sight, or sleeping involved. I specify this with no judgment intended regarding anyone’s experiences, but simply to clarify the nature of this particular event.
I recognize that skeptics may not find this credible. I have no physical evidence to offer. I understand why you may not believe me, but I hope that you would at least consider the advice below.
Moses 1:11 refers to a difference between spiritual and natural eyes and being transfigured. This statement made perfect sense to me on that evening. I will not clarify it other than what I have said above. If you desire further understanding, please seek the Lord and get to know him personally. He is no respecter of persons and will give you wisdom liberally.
I have never on any occasion fully described this or other experiences. I am not sure I have the ability to do so. In particular, on this site, I have only attempted to share that He is real and knowable, in compliance with the Lord’s standard operating procedure. (See Moroni 7:25-32, 3 Nephi 11:14-16, Lectures on Faith 2:54-56). My purpose in writing this is to instill in others hope and confidence that they too can know Him.
I have gotten to know many people as a result of this website. Most of them, I believe, will tell you that I am a normal, average, guy. Anything of value you have gained from this site comes from God and He deserves the glory.
I am grateful to Him for this opportunity to be a small part of His work. I do not know all of His plans. I am not sure it is possible for any mortal to know all of the things that Christ has taken into His heart to accomplish. I just try to do His will. That being said, I am glad that this task is nearly accomplished and God willing, I look forward to returning to obscurity.
Prior to that, and as a final testimony, I would like to share a few items of my advice, in no particular order:
Perfected in Christ
We are perfected in Christ, not apart from Christ. It is His work and glory to bring to pass our Eternal Life and Immortality. Our work and glory is to suffer the will of our Father in all things, just as Christ showed us during His mortal life.
Mormonism is Truth
“Mormonism is truth; and every man who embraces it feels himself at liberty to embrace every truth: consequently the shackles of superstition, bigotry, ignorance, and priestcraft, fall at once from his neck; and his eyes are opened to see the truth, and truth greatly prevails over priestcraft….The first and fundamental principle of our holy religion is, that we believe that we have a right to embrace all, and every item of truth, without limitation or without being circumscribed or prohibited by the creeds or superstitious notions of men, or by the dominations of one another, when that truth is clearly demonstrated to our minds, and we have the highest degree of evidence of the same.” — Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith p. 264
Our religion is at its essence the search for truth, unencumbered by dominations of priests or creeds. At least, this was how its founder described it. I adopt this definition of Mormonism.
Practical Christianity
Be practical not theoretical. I really like the Google definition of practical – “of or concerned with the actual doing or use of something rather than with theory and ideas.” I am convinced that correct gospel theory can be taught in an intensive weekend, but practical experience can take years to learn, if it is ever learned at all.
It is easy to be Christlike when reading from a prepared talk. It is hard when being cut off while on your commute. It is easy to think you are righteous when you are fawned over while wearing your finest clothes and called by adoring titles. Hard to act Christlike when you are spent and worn out at home. Don’t run out chasing altars and titles while your wife and children are in distress.
If I have to be labeled, I would hope that it would be as a Practical Christian or as a Practical Mormon. (Which I see as synonymous when using Joseph’s definition of Mormonism.)
I pondered and prayed for a long time on this post. It is not something I really wanted to do. I see the removal of this site with the same anticipation I felt when returning home from my mission. A sense of happiness at a task accomplished and relief to be returning to more joyful endeavors among my closest loved ones.
However, I found as I went over the list of topics that needed to be included, I had this topic listed multiple times in several ways. So perhaps that is a sign. It is important. Be a Practical Christian — Don’t be a Theoretical Christian.
Vagabonds
Consider the following:
“The world always mistook false prophets for true ones, and those that were sent of God, they considered to be false prophets, and hence they killed, stoned, punished and imprisoned the true prophets, and these had to hide themselves ‘in deserts and dens, and caves of the earth’ [see Hebrews 11:38], and though the most honorable men of the earth, they banished them from their society as vagabonds, whilst they cherished, honored and supported knaves, vagabonds, hypocrites, impostors, and the basest of men.” — Teachings of Joseph Smith.
Who do you lift up and who do you cast out? Does popularity reveal truth?
Christ came to this Earth to a people with a functioning temple, priesthood, and unbroken line of authority that stretched back to their founder Moses. Christ recognized the legitimacy of these claims.
What would the average member of the Jewish church have thought of Jesus Christ?
Christ was rejected by the majority as a vagabond, no name, from a podunk town with no apparent authority. The people lifted up and supported Caiaphas and the rulers. Any test of what is true or not that would result in rejecting Christ is not a valid basis for determining truth. Christ told us how His disciples would be treated.
The Book of Mormon teaches us the manner of priestly ordination. It was done in a way so that those looking for Christ would not be deceived and would be looking for Him when He came. In the same way, we can study out Christ’s mortal life for clues to the manner of discerning true messengers.
Good Master
I believe that Christ is our example and that applies especially to his mortal life. Towards the end of his life a rich young ruler came to him asking, “Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” Christ’s first response was a rebuke “Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is God.”
Christ, while mortal, redirected all attention from himself to His Father. He understood that while mortal we all are in jeopardy. In His sermon on the mount the summary was “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” It is only after His resurrection that Christ included Himself in that summary. “Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect.”
Christ is the father of our salvation. His is the Way to redemption from the fall. As a mortal His attention was always to His Father’s will and never to His own goodness. As a practical matter, I believe we should always focus our attention to Christ and redirect any praise to Him.
Mountains
If our height was an outward appearance of our righteousness… so for example, if you could see how righteous a person was by their height, then we could easily tell that a 6 foot person is more righteous than a 5 foot person.
Even if this was the case, Christ is Mt Everest. From His perspective, the differences between us are so minor that we might as well say we are all equally less than dust. Can you tell how tall a person is from the top of the Empire State Building? It is a waste of time to even try. So it is a waste of time to compare ourselves to others.
Don’t lose focus. We are to always remember Him. When we start comparing ourselves to others we are forgetting Him. This is pride. Christ is the measuring stick. Using any other standard is pride.
We all are equally reliant on the grace of Christ. Redemption only comes from Christ. Despite all we do, it is only by His grace that we are saved. Have faith that He can do His work and then focus on your job, which is to suffer His will in all things, just as He suffered His Father’s will when He walked among us as a man.
Doctrine of Christ
The Doctrine of Christ is simple.
Nephi discusses it here and then summarizes it in two verses.
- Faith in Jesus Christ or having confidence in Him as a little child,
- Repentance or turning to Him,
- Baptism of water (as a renewed command),
- Taking the Holy Ghost as your guide (your liahona),
- Enduring the trials of your willingness to walk the path,
- Until you reach the goal of the path — being redeemed from the fall or Christ manifesting Himself to you in the flesh.
Anything more or less than this is not built on the rock of Christ.
Let’s not dispute. We have some indications that the correct method of worship has yet to be fully restored. The Book of Mormon teaches us that God is merciful and will accept our prayers or worship even if done in our fields, houses, and our closets because of Christ.
Let’s accept the doctrine of Christ and cease all disputations. Let’s recognize that we are as little children in our understanding of what we worship and how to worship. Then let us rejoice that because of the Son, God will be merciful and hear our worship while we call to Him at our jobs, in our cars, while we dance, while we eat.
Christ’s Peace
Christ’s peace is not as the world’s peace is. It is not the absence of conflict. It is the peace that allows one to forgive his murderers even while those murderers are in the act of throwing stones. Christ’s peace is not the absence of distress, it is peace that abides and overcomes in the midst of distress.
Gospel of Christ
The word gospel means “good news.” To understand the good news you need to understand the bad news. The bad news is we all are cut off from God. Everyone on this planet is separated from God.
The good news is Christ came to lift all men up back into the presence of God. Even as He was lifted up so He will lift all of us up to be returned to the presence of God. On that occasion, our lives will be reviewed according to our works. The good fruit will be accepted, the bad fruit will be rejected.
More good news. The test is an open book one. The answer is simple – take care of the “least of these.” Even those who did not know Christ and are surprised to find themselves in His presence will pass the test, so long as they have demonstrated the practical skills of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, taking care of the stranger.
While those who have the theoretical keys of knowledge and have done works in the name of the Lord, but lack the practical works will be cast out. Be practical.
Sight
Men and women only see the outward appearance. Whatever sight we have, this remains true — only God sees the thoughts and intents of our hearts. Not to recognize this is hubris.
Final Thoughts
So this is my advice or the advice that I am giving heed to. Only you and the Lord can determine what your advice is.
To those that do not find this credible – I would not believe it either if it had not happened to me. I fully understand why you would not believe my story. I do not find fault with you. I hope you would at least consider the advice to live a practical and ethical life.
To those that find this credible – I would hope that you go away from this site with hope that it is possible to for you specifically to know Christ, that the end is an achievable goal. The trials you endure are tests of your willingness to remain on the path. The Holy Ghost is your guide along the path. Obey His commandments given to you by the Holy Ghost.
Salvation, at its essence, is a choice. Look to Christ and live. Endure every attempt to dissuade you from your choice and Christ will come to you. He will control the timing. He has the big picture. Part of having faith in Him is trusting His judgment on how He will best accomplish His work.
Knowing God should be unremarkable. When God’s will is done on earth as it is in Heaven, no one will teach knowledge of the Lord, for all will know Him no matter who they are. It is His desire that all receive. It starts with a prayer to do His will. A prayer thus said, when done with real intent, results in the supplicant taking action on the pure intelligence received – no matter how undesirable the action is. Silence is likely an indication that you don’t really want to hear what He will say or that you are ignoring what He already told you. If you are at a loss of what to do, fall back on the practical actions from the open book test. We almost always could be a little kinder to our families, to the stranger, to the hungry.
Farewell
This was the command of the voice of the Lord to me on May 12, 2012, – “Make straight the way of the Lord.”
Prepare His way. Set your life in order so that He will have a direct, level, and smooth path.
We are on the edge of a Sunday. God bless us all to make His path straight.
by 
Thanks for your testimony. It gives me direction and hope for a brighter, perfect day myself. May the Lord continue to bless you. — Brent
Lovely post. Thank you. I will take your advice. Truly.
This is exactly what I needed to hear today. Your words are the exact words that I need to share with others also. I appreciate your sacrifice in posting your testimony to the world. Thank you Daniel.
God bless you Daniel.
Thank you for following Gods directions to you. Many do not. Through your words I have been blessed greatly. Thank you so much.
Very well done, Dan!
Praise the Lord for how HE is getting HIS message out. I hope many, many more people will have a similar experience and post it just as you have.
Thank you for sharing your testimony, Dan.
Daniel, this gives me hope that I can see His face too!! I especially liked the part where you say that those of us that do the practical things and take care of the “least of these” will find the Savior. We all just need to be more generous with the means that we do have and “do it unto the least of these” and “deny not the beggar” and we will find ourselves on the right path. Thank you again for this post and I want to make this my Elders quorum lesson next month!!! ?
If you do let me know how it goes. 🙂
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I will be reading these words over and over.
Thank you for your beautiful story. And for your advice and direction. I do so want to have my own meeting with my Savior. Your post is helpful in fine tuning my thoughts an feelings and in guiding my actions. I am grateful to you for sharing. Best wishes to you.
Thank you Brother. Thank you for your diligence in following His will to share with us, His message, through your sacred experience. This can be a lonely road to travel my friend, but worth the journey.
It’s in these times and in their experiences that we know who are real and true friends are. Who are our real Brothers and Sisters in Christ are. It will expose to you those whom pretend to be aligned with you, and in your beliefs, and yet turn on you, to save their faces with their Priesthood leaders in their Wards and Stakes.
I am so very grateful for your sacrifice. Daniel. I have returned to this site a few times and have been strengthened. I am one of the “least of these” that has been lifted. I would ask of you that if it be Gods will that you would leave this site up so that I could continue to return and be strengthened in my journey to ” Come unto Christ” . Your advice today has given me hope as I have searched each of the links and pondered them. I am in tears and have hope that I may “behold His Face” before I leave this mortal sphere. I love you for being willing to be an instrument in His hands! God bless!
Thank you, Daniel. I’ve been mourning that I will miss the mark for being too late in life and finding it hard to submit in all things.
Dan, gratitude for your posts. I too find value in LDS attendance and also feel the Lord values the same. man’s imperfections aside within the church– how blessed we are to have the resources through the restoration to help ensure progress…. how beautiful and inspiring has been your progress. 🙂 Jared
When you say: Enduring the trials of your willingness to walk the path, can you expound on that more. Does not everyone have trials? What do you mean your willingness? Do not trials just come to us as a natural part of living in this mortal life, are you saying if we are not walking the path, we are trying to avoid having trials in our life? If everyone has trials, how are they trials of your willingness…are we picking and choosing them? Please further explain if you will.
Sure, I’d love to further explain. This is gonna be kind of long though. 🙂
I believe the Book of Mormon gives us the fullness of the gospel. And I believe it points us to Christ as the example of that fullness. So the things that He experienced are our example of what we are to experience. See the following below, which refers specifically to the day of Christ’s baptism, earlier in chapter 31, Nephi tells us he is going to talk about why Christ, being Holy, needed to be baptized (v5-6 etc):
So he talks about Christ’s baptism because that shows us the things that we should do. Examining the ordinances that Christ received on the day of his baptism, 3 distinct things happened, He was baptized by water, the Holy Ghost descended upon as a dove, and the Father called out from the heavens announcing Him as Son.
1) Repentance and baptism is entering the gate. This is the baptism of water. (Note, as Nephi says baptism by water just gets you into the gate. You haven’t even started the path yet.)
2) Actually receiving the Holy Ghost which gives you the remission of sins. This is also referred to as the Baptism by Spirit and the Baptism by Fire and the Holy Ghost.
That day in by the Jordan River, the Holy Ghost descended as a dove on Christ as on outward symbol of this ordinance.
(Note, according to Nephi you have only started the strait and narrow path after you have received this ordinance. On your confirmation into the church, you are commanded to receive the Holy Ghost. When you obey that command you have completed this ordinance. Also notice, that the Holy Ghost witnesses something to the Father and the Son.)
3) Receive the Testimony of Jesus. This is also known as the Baptism by Blood, calling and election made sure, receiving the more sure word of prophecy, being sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise, among other terms. On Christ’s baptism He received a Testimony of His Father accepting Him as His Son.
Christ did not need to be baptized since He had no sin. Everything that happened that day was to be an example for us. He was the literal son of god. The Testimony of the Father that Christ received that day was to show us which Testimony we need to receive.
For us, who have need to be born again, Christ is our Father. Christ is the Father of all those whom He saves. The Testimony of Jesus referred to in D&C 76 is the Testimony that Christ has of you. It is His voice adopting you as His son. Receiving this Testimony is possible in this life. Indeed, D&C 76 states it is essential for Celestial glory in the next.
These three events are also discussed in Moses in relation to the first man, Adam.
This is Adam’s baptism experience where he, like Christ, experienced and was taught of the 3 ordinances required to return to the presence of God. Notice how the Father directs Adam that Christ is to become our Father through the baptism by blood.
Joseph Smith taught that the Testimony of Jesus is your calling and election “to be sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise that is the testimony of Jesus”
Here is the full quote (Words of Joseph Smith, 209)
Receiving the Testimony of Jesus is called by many different names, but now that you know what it is, you will find that Testimony all throughout the scriptures. Lehi, Nephi, Jacob, Enos… and on… the Book of Mormon is the most correct record of people who have received this testimony. Watch for it next time you read through these chapters. Whenever heaven testifies of someone, pay attention to what He says and what led to that experience for the person involved. You will get closer to God by studying this book than any other.
So back to your question. After the baptism of water, you are now worthy (aka qualified) to partake of the sacrament. I believe the sacramental prayers are directions for those things you must do to receive the next baptism. So just as faith and repentance are prerequisites to baptism of water, so does the prayer on the bread reveal the prerequisites to being baptized by the Holy Ghost, and likewise does the prayer on the wine reveal the prerequisites for the baptism of blood.
Moroni 4:3 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it; that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.
The prayer on the bread is all about willingness. Specifically, you witness to God the Eternal Father that you are willing to become the son of Christ (take His name upon you… just as an adopted child takes the name of his adopted father). That you are willing to always remember Christ (as I understand it, to always look to Him for your commandments and guidance), which He delivers to you via His Spirit. (aka the Word of God, the Iron rod, the Liahona.)
Once those requirements are met, you are baptized by Fire and the Holy Ghost and begin to receive its constant guidance.
The guidance is given with the goal (or end) being the actual manifestation of Christ, where He seals you as a Son. The trials you endure on the path amount to tests of your willingness to “take His name upon you”. In essence, you have asked God the Father to witness your desire to be adopted by Christ. The tests are whether you still desire that goal even if you are asked to sacrifice. Abraham was asked to offer up his life, his wife, and eventually his child of promise. Those tests amounted to the desires most dear to his heart. Once those sacrifices were succesfully completed, Abraham knew and knew that God knew, that there was no desire more dear to him than the desire to be reconciled with God.
This brings us to the prayer on the wine
This is no longer a requirement of willingness. Now it is witnessing to God the Eternal Father that you DO always remember him. You have endured every trial of willingness along the path to being redeemed from the fall. You know it, and you know God knows it. Therefore, you can with confidence call upon the heavens to open and be sealed to Him. You have endured to the end of the path. You have achieved the goal of the fullness of the gospel. You have followed the example of Christ gave us on that day at the river Jordan.
I know that these things are correct because I have experienced them. Christ desires that all will receive. D&C 93:1 D&C 88:62-68
I’ve rarely, if ever, hearts the gospel explained so beautifully as you did in your August 4th, 2015 comments. Thank you for sharing Dan!
Hi I have also received a vision of Christ I would like to get to know you.
You can email me at dan@thesecondcomforter.com if you’d like. Hope to hear from you soon.
Amen and Amen! :0) Thanks Dan.
Thank you for this…I so needed to hear it and will return again and again to make sure I really get it. God bless you for your willingness to share what so many of us are hungering to hear.
This is the philosophies of men, mingled with scripture. I would caution others to beware. Listen to the still small voice that warns there is something not right here. I, too, can testify that Jesus is the Christ and that He lives! I also testify that the Word of God constitutes the scriptures, the words of our living prophets with the Holy Ghost as our guide to testify of truth and warn of false witness. This is sign seeking and not in line with church doctrine. We are not to seek for signs, but are comforted in knowing sacred experiences can come as special blessings/tender mercies from our Heavenly Father.
Your previous testimony brought me closer to Christ and reinvigorated my search to know him. As I read your testimony the Spirit, via pure intelligence, bore witness to me of the urgency of that which we must all do – seek Christ.
I appreciate your time in helping us to understand that any man can seek and know Christ and that God is no respecter of persons, he will hear our cries.
I too agree that practical Christianity should be our concern. We can come to know the Master as we seek to do as he did.
Thank you.
Well I guess I’m the odd one out, but I’m not persuaded by your testimony. While doctrinally I can’t disagree with anything you said, I don’t feel the spirit confirming the truth of your account. And knowing your inspiration came from a book written by an excommunicated LDS member isn’t too convincing either. Who needs some book written by man to come into full communion with God? Sounds like the philosophies of men mingled with scripture. I know Christ lives and it’s not because I’ve seen him. And there is nothing wrong in that or my standing with God. Heavenly Father has a pattern of revelation and witnesses and this does NOT follow his pattern. Any true witness of him comes thru his ordained apostles and prophets. The more I think kn your words, the more odd they feel and when I read the general authorities talks I feel power and authority. Why would Heavenly Father need you as a witness, when he already has given that specific Calling to others. You say this is meant to be shared to family and friends so why have I received it!?! Clearly there is another agenda here to undermine the lds church and self promotion, especially when this blog is not private. Usually you get both sides of the argument on such topics but not here, I’m not afraid to see both sides because I know the spirit will guide me to the truth or half truths in this case. Very subtle, very clever but I know a wolf in Sheeps clothing when I see it. When it comes to conversion we need all the means God has provided, the scriptures, personal revelation AND the words of Gods chosen and ordained spokesmen. i believe lay men can see christ but it would never follow his pattern for us to become a witness of such events for the masses. He has the prophet when he needs a witness for the masses and General public. Sometimes when ye think ye are learned ye forget to harken into the counsel of God.
P.s. I know my comment will never be posted but at least you read it!
Jodi, to praise and rejoice In Jesus the Captain of our souls is quintessential joyous and full living in this second estate existence.
we are to live and be encompassed in truth, yes? what greater knowledge of truth is there than to have a physical witness that Jesus our Savior and our * ALL* LIVES!? if we are to be a Zion society (which we are) we must be like the people of Enoch. A people with holy and righteous Zeal for the great Focus(Jesus) of the universe. Jodi, to know the Scriptures and the lord’s servants prophets apostles etc is to know that Deity wants to ” make their (literal in this earth life) abode with us” whether Daniel is a vessel of truth and purity or not does not take away the fact or commission that we are to “seek the face of Christ” D&C 93 etc In this earth life…. I for one, as an orthodox LDS member find Daniel’s witness compelling and inspiring. 🙂
This youtube resonates with me–.especially the part where E.T.B. shares the admonishin that we should seek the face of Christ! 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqaesQ2EE8w&feature=youtube_gdata_player
There are a lot of truths in the testimony of the writer of this blog. There is also testimony presented that does not 100% match the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Faith is the first principle of the gospel. General authorities of the church, including apostles, have been chosen as special witnesses of Jesus Christ. These witnesses provide us with an opportunity to exercise faith in Jesus Christ. Apostles do not express their testimonies in the way that we have read this blog, unless there is greater purpose. Joseph Smith was a special witness that saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ with his own eyes. This was done for special purposes, one of which was the purpose of restoring the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our dispensation. The authority to lead The Church of Jesus Christ was given to the prophet Joseph Smith and passed down through prophets who all the priesthood keys to seal families together for time and all eternity in the holy temples. The prophet, President Thomas S. Monson exercises all of these priesthood keys of the church, which is led by Jesus Christ. We can know that Joseph Smith is the prophet who restored the gospel of Jesus Christ by reading, studying, pondering, and sincerely praying about the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is also a witness of Jesus Christ.
Personal inspiration and revelation is a very important principle taught in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. There are many scriptures and teachings of the prophets that express how we can receive personal revelation. Elder Bednar of The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles teaches this very well.
https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2012-01-011-patterns-of-light-discerning-light?lang=eng
in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
A thousand thanks!
Thank you, Dan! Beautiful truth. I so much appreciate you sharing what the Lord has asked you to share. Practicing practical Christianity is what the Lord has been leading me to focus on more lately, too. It is what it is all about, actually doing what the Savior would do.
Chris, of course Dan doesn’t bear the same testimony as the general authorities of the LDS Church. They couch their testimonies in flowery words so that they aren’t *actually* saying they saw/see Jesus. They word it so that the unaware think they said something they did not say.
And he doesn’t bear the same testimony because they do not tell us we can and should see Jesus face to face. It is vital to our salvation, but it is not preached and has not been preached since the mid-seventies.
Is it not anti-Christ to refuse to go in yourself and to hedge up the way so that others cannot enter? Is this not what they are doing when they do not seek the face of Christ (let alone actually seeing Him), and when they preach against seeking such things?
The problem I see isn’t with this man’s testimony, it’s with the intent or where the ideas are derived from. Dan seems to be an active follower of Denver and in so being softens things for him while trying to lessen truths of the gospel by saying theoretical keys. In reading Denver stuff it doesn’t take a lot to see there r some truths but a lot of philosophy of man mingled with scripture. DS writings are filled with misinformation and conjecture. If u read his stuff make sure u read fairmormon.com to see the other side as well. Pthg is full of misrepresentation and untruths. The author of this blog may be doing what he’s asked to do but I caution readers to go by the Spirit. That being said I liked the part of Christ’s perspective and standing on a tall building. Again take the truth leave the rest. Go by the spirit, if u r urged no to read, shut it down.
You say all that you say with no proof, no evidence, just your own conjecture. Mormons think they don’t have to show evidence, just be. I don’t read your statement of witnessing the Savior or the Father, so where is your support for determining Roger, or Denver or anyone else who is witnessing Christ are wrong.
It doesn’t work like that. Your warning is inappropriate.
Your testimony is life changing for me. Thank you.
Hey Daniel.
Love you, brother!
Steve
Might I know your age? Why? I am 44 and a life long member of the LDS Church. I have sought the Lord all my life. I long more than life to have what you have. I have sought this blessing continually for years. I know from the scriptures that many prophets obtained this blessing in their youth (Nephi and Jacob for example). How long do I need to continue? Is this a blessing for just old people, or can it still be given in your youth (not that I am young anymore)? How long O Lord, is my plea? (Abraham 2:12 is my favorite scripture – it expresses my desire to know the Lord, and be able to say I also have found Him). There for I ask you, “How long must I what?” Is there an age requirement? Do I have to have done Church leadership? (I am not a leader – personality). Is this a blessing for a 44 year old, or must I continue to wait? I bleleive everything you have testified. O that God would blessing me too. O Lord, me too, PLEASE! I don’t know what more to do (doing to the temple weekly). It is becoming hard to continue and to have hope. Why are the heavens sealed to me? I am not a bad person. Age?
I am 39.
Thanks for the reply. It gives me hope that you are so young (as was Joseph). Sometimes I wounder if “seeing the Lord” is something I and others only receive after a “lifetime of service and sacrifice,” therefore a blessing or privilege reserved only for the seasoned veterans (elderly) in the gospel. This idea is likely a lack of faith or an unbelief on my part – maybe what is holding me back. The idea that I must somehow have to earn this (put in years of temple work, leadership, missions), and thinking that I can never do enough to ever earn or deserve it? I know it will be a “grace of God”, and will be on His time table. I’m not perfect, but long to be, and I try my best (studied in Jerusalem, mission, temple, gospel doctrine teacher, read a hundred church books, pray, scriptures, etc.) I sometimes get to the point I want to just quit. I know we are commanded to “wait upon the Lord.” I want the gospel to not only be true, but to work (just as it did for Nephi). I want to testify that it really works. One question I will likely ask the Lord when I see Him is “why did it take so long – the long wait?” I know we must be tried, and I feel I have – to the very core. Maybe it’s my resentment towards God for not giving me what I have so long sought after that is causing the blessing to be withhold. Am I not strong enough? Does that make any sense? I have 100% faith that this principle (D&C 93:1) is true, and have strongly teach it for years. I know it is a doctrine little taught anymore, and little understood, and many don’t believe it when taught it- as indicated from one of the posters above.
Thank you for your testimony. I have discussed with my parents how I wish members would tell their stories, because if no-one is testifying of these things then people get the idea that these things don’t happen in the Church anymore, or it is only for the Prophets, but sadly even they don’t talk or boldly testify as prophets in the scriptures did about this principle of the gospel, therefore giving the impression that they also have never “seen.” If they won’t testify, it destroyed hope for us lowly members. So your witness is SO important for people like me. We (I) need “hope,” and that is what you have given. Thank you. If you have any words of wisdom for me I would gladly receive. I know the answers to my questions in the last post, I’m just frustrated (tired). Did the Lord ask you to sacrifice your life (time, service, etc.) to Him? If I were so blessed, would He then ask that I give the rest of my life to Him in service – or in other words must I then be the bishop, elders quorum president, serve in every and all callings given? I know that sounds weird, as I know we have already promised so to do in the temple, but because of health problems with depression and anxiety, there many positions (callings) in the Church that I could never do without making me physically and mentally sick. I have come to know what I can and can’t do – and worry that because of these limitations (maybe in my on mind, but also because of past experiences – trials), that I will never be given the blessing of “seeing the Lords face” and being able like Abraham to say I have now found you – Abr 2:12. There are things (callings) I just can’t do. Is my not being mentally (strong enough) to do these callings (sacrificing) causing the heavens to be sealed? I would do anything for the Lord to bless me, but there are some things I just can’t do – leadership. Had you done anything special that would have caused this blessing to be given to you other that faith, belief, and desiring it? I guess I am saying I have done about all I can, and am knocking, asking, waiting, but about ready to give up many times, because it’s out of my control, I cant make the Lord appear to me (I can’t force him – yes Joseph did say we were to weary the Lord until He blesses us, and I surely have been wearying Him. I just wish he would come out of His hiding place. How many more years must I search, what how must I do. Do I need to be re-baptized as some are calling for? Were you? I hope this all make sense, as it’s late at night and I have taken my sleep meds. God bless you (and me).
Thank you for sharing, Dan. What wonderful insight!
May you be blessed for your courage and willingness to follow the Lord.
Reading the comments here, I agree Dan’s testimony may conflict with doctrine of the church, depending how you interpret what you hear in general conference and sacrament meeting, but it certainly does not appear to conflict with the doctrine of Christ (carefully read 3 Nephi 11).
It seems to me that the LDS church does not value this type of experience nearly enough despite what Joseph Smith taught. Considering that the Lectures on Faith (aka the “Doctrine” in D&C) were removed from our scriptures and the church has eliminated most topical guide references to the Second Comforter (compare your 1980 edition triple combination to the current edition) it certainly makes sense that it is hard to believe an experience like this, despite the historical precedence and doctrinal imperative. Although I am not qualified to be a second witness to Dan’s testimony, I believe what he says is true and should be given serious thought before dismissing.
The last two sentences in the Lectures on Faith read:
“For where faith is, there will the knowledge of God be also, with all things which pertain thereto—revelations, visions, and dreams, as well as every other necessary thing in order that the possessors of faith may be perfected and obtain salvation; for God must change, otherwise faith will prevail with him. And he who possesses it will, through it, obtain all necessary knowledge and wisdom until he shall know God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, whom he has sent: whom to know is eternal life: Amen.” http://www.lecturesonfaith.com
I don’t think it is possible to truly know a person you have not met.
Not quite accurate, the new TG removed the inappropriate reference to John 14:16 (because it’s referring to ‘the Spirit of Truth’).
It has been replaced with these references in John 14 instead, which more accurately reflect the topic:
See for yourself:
https://www.lds.org/scriptures/tg/jesus-christ-second-comforter?lang=eng&letter=j
Thank you for sharing your testimony and experiences.
I was wondering why it says Gadianton in the address bar when I click on your name under the title on your pages. It is disconcerting.
Here is a copy of what I see on my computer:
http://thesecondcomforter.com/author/gadianton/
Could you explain why that is there?
Thank you
It is an artifact from way back in the day when I had more time to play computer games. We are talking about 15 years or so ago, I was invited to join an online gaming clan. I needed a name and had 5 minutes to choose. I wanted something kind of forboding and settled on Gadianton. Turns out, hardly anyone could pronouce it, so I became Gad to most of them. But I found it was a convenient username and have used it since. I apologize if you find it disconcerting, I changed the username.
Thank you for your reply. Many things are not what I thought they were. The world and the church seem to shift under my feet. Discerning where people really stand can be part of the puzzle for me. Hope that makes sense. Thanks again for your explanation. I’m no longer disconcerted.
Glad to help.
Thank you brother. God bless you! Wonderful testimony! Praise God! That Christ continues to manifest himself among the children of men should increase our faith, hope, and desire. I am grateful to God that you have received this testimony.
Dan
Thank you for sharing. I believe what you have said and testified of to be true. Loved reading this.
Taylor
I feel sure that most of the trials that individuals that enter the “gate” partake of the fruit of the tree of life (have their calling and election) have … comes from those who are in the great and spacious building, comprised of the prideful (mostly members of the church puffed up with knowledge which actually comes from the tree of knowledge of good and evil) mocking those who have partaken of the fruit. Peace unto all.
I have returned to your posts multiple times. The manner in which you write points me towards the true light of our Savior. While I will copy and paste your posts in my own archive (and some of the detailed comments, such as August 4), it’s unfortunate that this site will disappear and no more will heard from you. But I know I need to receive my own experiences. Thank you!
Daniel,
This was beautifully put, as well as your testimony. I am still seeking and will continue until I have done as Lehi, Nephites, Jacob and others have done and been promised salvation/redemption by The Lord Jesus Christ himself. Your experience is valuable to me and others and I praise God for asking it of you, and I am certain it was not without cost (sacrifice). Thank you for your words.
I was bitter for a while as to why I hadn’t learned if the Second Comforter in Sunday school, or making my calling and election sure. It wasn’t until I read 2 Nephi 32 & noticed this…
5 For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.
6 Behold, this is the doctrine of Christ, and there will be no more doctrine given until after he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh. And when he shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh, the things which he shall say unto you shall ye observe to do.
7 And now I, Nephi, cannot say more; the Spirit stoppeth mine utterance, and I am left to mourn because of the unbelief, and the wickedness, and the ignorance, and the stiffneckedness of men; for they will not search knowledge, nor understand great knowledge, when it is given unto them in plainness, even as plain as word can be.
2 Nephi 32:5-7
Nephi explained the doctrine… If you look at chapter 31 & 32 he spells it out several times, but then he says there will be no more doctrine given until HE shall manifest himself unto you in the flesh… Then the very next verse he explains that ‘the spirit stoppeth mine utterance’… He explained as plainly as he could what was most important for the readers to hear and understand; and then the spirit stopped him. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints teaches faith unto repentance, baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost. It is not the church’s responsibility to teach us the things we ought to be learning by the spirit.
It was with this lesson I better understood why in D&C 76 those that followed prophets still ended up going to the telestial kingdom. It doesn’t say they ignored the teachings or that they weren’t really following them. It says they didn’t receive the “gospel” or the “testimony of Jesus” or “the prophets” or “the everlasting covenant”. Even following Christ won’t work if you don’t do what he did and receive the Holy Ghost and then receive HIS testimony that you are to be saved… It’s not about doing the same actions it’s about the broken heart and a contrite spirit. Man looketh on the outward appearance but God looketh on the heart.
We shouldn’t trust anyone to lead us. Ezekiel 14 explains that even a prophet can be a stumbling block if we go to the prophet to learn of God rather than going directly to Him. In Ezekiel 14 it explains that he’ll destroy the prophet as well as those that followed him. The church has it’s place, but it is a corporation formed in 1830 in New York… The gospel has existed since before Adam and Eve were put on the earth.
It’s our job to study and find the truth directly from the spirit and do as Nephi said and “…receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do.” (2 Nephi 32:5)
Sorry this got so long, I appreciated your testimony and wanted to show my support!!! In Acts 5 we read of Peter and other apostles being cast in prison by the high priests for preaching of Christ. Their response to the charge to stop was :
“Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.”
Acts 5:29
The priests that wanted them to stop were deliberating over killing them and one of the priests, Gamaliel, said :
“38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.”
Acts 5:38-39
I believe this to be wise counsel. 🙂 Thanks again!
Dan,
Is there a way to reach you personally, not in an open blog post?
I have questions I would like to ask you that I am not comfortable asking publicly.
You have my email address if you care to respond.
Wonderful post, thank you and thank the Lord for allowing you to share.
JRU
I wanted to quickly add a few words to “My Advice” section here before Dan takes down his site. (I believe tomorrow, November 5th fulfills the 2 year requiremt Dan was given by the Lord to keep his testimony posted online.)
I just wanted to share that I’ve not only read Dan’s testimony posted here but have also heard him share it with me and others in person. I know it’s true. It’s give me courage, faith and conviction that I too can receive messegers to prepare me to receive the Lord.
Dan has never wanted to draw any attention to himself for the spitual experiences he’s had. I admire the humity and simple testimony he shares.
I’m also very deeply grateful to the Lord for allowing Dan’s testimony to be posted here and for the courage and faith he has demonstrated in fulfilling the requirement asked of him. I know this has not been an easy thing to do as sharing spiritual experiences are not always well received.
I also know that Denver Snuffer, the author of the Second Comforter: Conversing with the Lord is a true messenger sent by God in these last days.
We would do well to heed the message He is sending. Time is short.
the names are Nephi Timothy and Jonas the son of Timothy, Nephi’s son is 4th Nephi! As the Holy Ghost the truth.