What is the Book of Remembrance? Who is David, the recipient of the revelations in this book? What are some of the key theological concepts discussed in the revelations? Here we will explore these questions and more.
The Revelation, Dreams, and Visions
The Book of Remembrance, and other Dreams, Visions, and other Revelations is described as a collection of revelations from the Lord given through the prophet David. It aims to provide further light and understanding on various aspects of faith, doctrine, and the establishment of God’s work in the latter days, intended for the Latter Day Saint Movement and beyond.
The Book of Remembrance
This is the first and titular section of the book. It is described as a collection of revelations from the Lord unto the prophet David, the First Elder of the Church of Jesus Christ in Christian Fellowship. This section appears to focus on foundational revelations concerning God’s dealings with mankind from the beginning. It covers topics such as the creation, the fall of Lilith and Eve, and early commandments and ordinances. Importantly, it introduces Kabbalistic teachings and the understanding of the Tree of Life within this context. It also discusses temple initiatories and endowments, and the nature of sacrifice. The Lord instructs David to add further words to this book. This section is considered a sacred and finished work.
Themes and Purposes
Key themes include the origins of humanity and the divine plan, the introduction of specific ordinances and rituals, and the foundational teachings related to Mormon Kabbalah and the Tree of Life. The purpose seems to be to lay a theological groundwork based on these early revelations and to begin teaching the “mysteries of Kabbalah” [as stated in a later revelation added to this book] [received in May 2022, mentioned in the introductory material]. It is intended for the Saints to read, study, and pray on.
Dreams and Visions
This is the second main section and comprises accounts of dreams and visions received by David. It is further divided into three Books of David: A History, The Fellowship of Christ, and Other Dreams and Visions. This section contains narrative accounts of revelatory experiences that provide historical context [The First Book of David A History], insights into the formation and nature of the Fellowship of Christ [The Second Book of David The Fellowship of Christ], and potentially other miscellaneous visionary experiences [The Third Book of David Other Dreams and Visions]. More of the dreams and visions David received, which are also found in “Epistles of the Saints,” have been added to this volume. A dream involved David cleaning a storehouse of the Lord’s Word, which was interpreted as his task to translate scripture. Another vision showed Saints studying together in unity.
Themes and Purposes
The themes revolve around personal revelation, guidance for the Fellowship, and historical understanding from a prophetic perspective. The purpose is to provide additional spiritual witnesses and insights for the Saints to consider alongside the more direct revelations. These accounts serve to contextualize the revelations and offer a more narrative understanding of God’s interaction with David and the early stages of the Fellowship.
Revelations
This is the third main section and presents a collection of further revelations received by David Ferriman and also two revelations from other members of the First Presidency of the Fellowship of Christ. These revelations were received at various times from 2015 to 2024. These revelations are also found in Doctrines of the Saints, a sub book within the Book of Commandments and Revelations offered by the Fellowship of Christ. This section covers a wide array of topics providing ongoing guidance, instruction, and clarification for the Church of Jesus Christ in Christian Fellowship. Themes include church organization and governance, priesthood roles and functions, temple building and ordinances, the gathering of Israel, the importance of unity, the call to teshuvah (repentance), the translation of the plates of brass, the nature of God and the Heavenly Mother, the understanding of spiritual gifts and sacred tools like the Urim and Thummim, and guidance for specific individuals in their callings. It also addresses the Fellowship’s identity and purpose, including its connection to Kabbalah.
Themes and Purposes
The central themes are ongoing revelation, church building and guidance, the restoration of spiritual knowledge and practices, and the preparation of the Saints for the Lord’s return. The purpose is to provide current direction and doctrine for the Fellowship, to clarify theological points, to call individuals to specific ministries, and to promote unity and spiritual growth within the Fellowship. The inclusion of revelations to specific individuals highlights the personalized nature of divine guidance within this movement.
David
David is identified as a servant of the Lord, called to the ministry on November 16, 2015. He was ordained at some point as an Elder by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Later, he was ordained a High Priest by the angel Raphael, and is an apostle by his witness of Jesus Christ. The revelations in the book are presented as answers to his inquiries and guidance for the Fellowship of Christ and the broader Church.
Key Theological Concepts in the Revelations
The revelations cover a range of theological topics, including the nature of God (YHVH/Elohim/Jesus Christ), the creation of worlds, the pre-mortal existence, the fall of Adam and Eve (and Lilith’s role), the plan of salvation, the importance of the Atonement, the role of the Holy Spirit, the priesthood (Low, High, Patriarchal, Matriarchal), the significance of covenants, the nature of sin and repentance (teshuvah), and the establishment of Zion.
The Relationship Between the Different Branches of the Church of Christ
The revelations advocate for unity and understanding among the various branches of the Church of Christ, including the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the lagrest organization within the Latter Day Saint movement. It encourages members to recognize the shared priesthood and the sufficiency of Christ’s grace for salvation across these branches, while also acknowledging that each may have its own specific direction and stewardship. Condemnation of other branches is discouraged.
Reverence of the Lord
The reverence of the Lord is presented as a central principle, emphasizing a deep respect and devotion to God for His own sake, rather than for personal gain or worldly reasons. It is linked to forsaking the pleasures of lust and allowing the light of God to spring forth. Reverence is also described as a path to perfection in love and a way for the grace of God to be manifest in the world through good works.
Gender Identity
Some of the revelations address the topic of nonbinary individuals within the church community. They are described as being of the “middle line of the tree,” neither strictly male nor female, or both. This suggests an inclusive view, recognizing individuals who do not exclusively identify within traditional gender binaries as having a place within the divine order.
The Urim and Thummim
The Urim and Thummim are presented not as a singular object but as a principle of revelation, with various manifestations throughout history (ex. those given to Adam and Eve, Noah, Moses, or Joseph Smith Jr.’s seer stones). They represent the oneness of the heavens and the earth, the Creator and creation, and the means through which light (Urim/Alpha or Aleph) penetrates darkness and gives voice (Thummim/Omega or Tav) to God’s words. A true Urim and Thummim signifies the bond between humanity and divinity.
Temple Ordinances and the Endowment
The Endowment is described as a preparation for service unto the Lord and exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom, but not a strict requirement for salvation in the kingdom of God. It is an invitation to join the Church of the Firstborn and be one with God, extended to all who dedicate themselves to serving the Lord. The revelations also touch upon the purpose of temple courts for instruction and the need for safety and peace within them, discouraging secret combinations and undue separation by gender while affirming the divine masculine and feminine within all individuals.
