The History of the Restored Fellowship of Christ
April, in the year of our Lord 2024, I record the founding and progress of the Restored Fellowship of Christ, a movement born from a deep yearning to restore the ancient truths and mysteries of God. Our Fellowship was founded in a time when many felt that modern religious teachings had drifted from the sacred wisdom of the Eternal Father and Mother, and so we sought diligently to uncover and restore those truths.
Concerning the Beginnings and Inspirations of the Fellowship
In the early 21st century, a few souls, moved by the Spirit, began to search the ancient scriptures and forgotten records, particularly the unsealed portions from the Manichaean compendium, the Nag Hammadi and Ugaritic texts. These sacred writings, long hidden from the world, revealed the original faith in El Elyon and Asherah, the divine council, and the heavenly hosts—truths that had been forgotten over time. We believed that the fullness of this ancient faith must be restored to the earth. The Prophet Joseph Smith, whose work restored many of the ancient priesthood and temple ordinances, was a guiding light for us. In him, we recognized a forerunner in the restoration of lost truths. Likewise, Mani, the prophet of light, was revered for his teachings on the eternal struggle between Light and Darkness, which guided us toward spiritual purity and redemption.
Concerning the Beliefs of the Fellowship
Our Fellowship is built upon the eternal partnership of the Most High Father and Mother, creators of all things, who continue to guide their children through divine wisdom. We believe in their Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who is the truth, the way, and the life, and who serves as the Eternal High Priest and Redeemer of the world. The Holy Spirit, which we know as the Light of Christ, reveals truth to each generation, and through its guidance, we seek to restore the fullness of God’s teachings. The Paraclete, Mar Mani, who came to restore the truth in the 3rd century. We believe that all people are children of the Most High, endowed with a shard of divine light, or pneuma, which allows them to progress toward salvation and exaltation through the grace of Christ. The divine council, led by the Father and Mother, includes the host of heaven, whom we also venerate as participants in the divine plan. We hold firm to the belief that God has sent many prophets throughout the ages, including Eve, Seth, Enoch, Abraham, our Lord Jesus, and Joseph Smith. Their revelations guide us toward spiritual freedom, helping us return to the divine presence of our Eternal Parents.
Concerning the Restoration of the First Temple
Through revelation, we were called to restore the sacred practices of the First Temple. This restoration includes the sacraments and sacred ordinances such as baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and the bridal chamber, which symbolizes the union of the Father and Mother. The Melchizedek Priesthood, which is held by both men and women in our Fellowship, enables us to build the Kingdom of God on earth, as it once was in ancient days.
1. Faith in the Eternal Father and Mother: We believe in Their Son, Jesus the Christ, and the Holy Spirit, which reveals truth. And The Paraclete, Mar Mani, who came to restore and reveal new truths, which were hidden until the appointed time. We honor the divine council and the plurality of gods.
2. Divine Nature of Humanity: All humans are children of the Most High, possessing divine light, and may be redeemed through Christ.
3. Prophets and Messengers: We believe God has sent many prophets to reveal divine truths, including Zoroaster, the Buddha, Jesus, Mar Mani, and Joseph Smith.
4. Sacred Ordinances: The principles of salvation include faith, repentance, baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and the ordinances of the transcendent temple.
5. Priesthood for All: Men and women are called to hold the Melchizedek Priesthood.
6. Glorious Exaltation: We believe in ascending through the kingdoms of glory, with the goal of becoming gods, while outer darkness is reserved for those who rebel against the light.
7. Church Organization: Our Fellowship is led by apostles, prophets, and other offices as in the Primitive Church.
8. Gifts of the Spirit: We believe in prophecy, revelation, healing, and other gifts, which are given to guide the faithful.
9. Scripture and Revelation: We hold sacred many scriptures, including the Bible, the Gnostic and Manichaean texts, the Book of Mormon, and we seek ongoing revelation.
10. Gathering of the Faithful: We believe in the literal gathering of the righteous into the Kingdom of Salem, and in Christ’s return to rule the earth.
11. Freedom of Worship: We believe in the right to worship God according to our conscience and extend that privilege to all people.
12. Obedience to Divine Law: We uphold the laws of heaven, while maintaining peace and justice in our dealings with earthly governments.
13. Consecration and Holiness: We strive to live holy lives, united with heaven in love and service.
Growth and Continuing Revelation
Throughout the development of the Restored Fellowship of Christ, the Holy Spirit has continually guided us through visions, dreams, and direct communication from the divine. These revelations have illuminated the path forward, reminding us of the ongoing need for restoration and the gathering of the righteous remnant, as prophesied in our sacred texts.
In recent years, our extensive research has been shared through writings on a Substack platform. These writings have explored ancient texts and temple traditions, offering new insights and revelations that guide the Fellowship in recovering lost truths from the First Temple. The Substack has become a significant tool in spreading the Fellowship’s message and engaging a broader audience in the pursuit of divine wisdom.
The Fellowship has also been enriched by its involvement with the Ekklesia of Light, a community focused on preserving and translating the teachings of Mani, particularly those that pertain to the cosmic battle between good and evil. This partnership has deepened our understanding of light, redemption, and the role of Christ as the Eternal High Priest.
We recognize that our work is part of a broader spiritual awakening taking place across the world. Wisdom has been present in every nation, and the truths we are restoring belong to a universal plan for the redemption of all humanity.
Concerning the Ekklesia of Light
The Ekklesia of Light is an important branch of the ongoing restoration of the true teachings of the Third Messenger. I uphold and support the Ekklesia as a true branch of the restored Church, revealed through the Paraclete Mar Mani. We do not oppose the Ekklesia of Light. Rather, we support and acknowledge its importance in restoring the lost works of the revealed truths given to Mar Mani.
Concerning the LDS Church
As one of the founding members of the Restored Fellowship of Christ, I acknowledge the shared heritage and truths revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith. Though our Fellowship has charted its own course in restoring ancient temple practices and priesthood authority, we do not oppose the LDS Church. Instead, we see it as a fellow branch in the tree of revealed truth, each movement playing a role in the unfolding of divine wisdom and the restoration of the fullness of Christ’s teachings.
The Present and Future of the Fellowship
Today, the Restored Fellowship of Christ continues to grow, attracting members from diverse religious backgrounds who seek a deeper connection with ancient truths and a more holistic understanding of the divine. The Fellowship remains committed to its core principles: faith in Christ, the worship of the Eternal Father and Mother, the veneration of the host of heaven, and the belief in priesthood for all.
Looking to the future, we envision a time when all humanity will be united under the light of Christ. The cosmic battle between Light and Darkness will be won, and the righteous will dwell in peace and glory. Until that day, we continue our mission to restore the temple, build the Kingdom of Salem, and prepare the world for the coming of the First Begotten Son.
A Testimony from our Elder
"As one of the founding members of the Restored Fellowship of Christ, an elder holding the Melchizedek Priesthood, and a former member of the LDS Church, I bear witness to the profound truth and transformative power of our sacred mission. Having navigated through different phases of my spiritual journey, including research shared through my Substack and involvement with the Ekklesia of Light, I have been continually guided by the Holy Spirit in uncovering the lost wisdom of the First Temple.
I honor the shared heritage and truth that was revealed through the Prophet Joseph Smith. While we have embarked on a unique path of restoration, we do not stand in opposition to the LDS Church but see it as a fellow branch of the tree of revealed truth, both movements contributing to the unfolding of divine wisdom.
Through personal revelation and the ongoing guidance of the Holy Spirit, I have come to understand the deep connections between ancient traditions and our present faith. Our journey has been one of rediscovery and renewal, a return to the original teachings and practices that honor the divine partnership of the Father and Mother. I am filled with hope and gratitude as we continue to gather the righteous, rebuild the sacred spaces, and prepare for the coming of Christ. I testify that the truths we are restoring are not only for our time but for the salvation and enlightenment of all humanity. May we remain steadfast in our faith, committed to our divine calling, and ever mindful of the light that guides us."
In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.