The President/Prophet of the Church is designated by revelation from God – generally through his predecessor (DC 43:1-2, DC 80:1b-c). Joseph Smith, Jr., being the first, did not have a predecessor to appoint him. Frederick M. Smith informally indicated to the Quorum of Twelve that his brother Israel should succeed him, but never formalized nor left an official document. That is why the 1946 General Conference at the request of the Quorum of Twelve asked Patriarch Elbert A. Smith to petition the Lord for direction and confirmation (CH 8:356-360).

The pattern of call and approval is as follows:

	1) A call from God
	2) Of the seed/lineage/posterity of Joseph Smith, Jr.
	3) Approval by the Quorums and orders of the Church
	4) Vote/sustained by the voice of the people in General Conference, having come in by “the door”
	5) Legal ordination by those having authority.

  Priesthood passed from father to son (DC 104:8; 83:2) refers specifically to Melchisedec priesthood. Aaronic priesthood is also lineal (Exodus 28:1, DC 83:3). Frederick Larsen received his priesthood lineage through his father Edward, and the authority vested in those who ordained him. The blessings of Presidency and leadership are promised to the “posterity” or “seed” of Joseph Smith, Jr. (DC 107:18b-c), however, this reference does not specifically indicate direct father-to-son lineage. Frederick Larsen is of the “seed” or lineage of Joseph Smith, Jr. Moses received his priesthood and leadership authority from his father-in-law Jethro, and in turn passed it to Joshua; neither case involved lineal (biological) descent. The succession of Book of Mormon record keepers usually involved father to son, brother to brother, or uncle to nephew descent, but also included non-lineal transmission, e.g., Mosiah II to Alma, and Ammoron to Mormon (although it is not clear that the record keepers were always or necessarily the same as the Church president/prophet).

The Melchisedec priesthood was restored and the Church reorganized, by Alma I (Mosiah 11:17, Alma 3:3, Alma 20:2). We do not know the source of Alma’s authority, except that God provided leadership in a time of Church apostasy and disorganization. Jesus had no biological father, so his genetic “kingly” lineage from Judah and King David was through his mother Mary. The New Testament accounts of his lineage through Joseph as strictly indicative of an “adoptive” sense, and within the pattern of Hebrew custom, recognizing the father as head of household. Jesus’ priesthood, the restoration of Melchisedec authority in the Old World, and right of presidency, was literally brought with him from heaven, being derived from the Godhead itself.

Joseph Smith III discussed the right of succession in his “Letter of Instruction” (Church History 6:559-575), indicating that the sons of the prophets do have the right to succession, by lineage, and should be considered first, if spiritually qualified. But he also allowed (in Nos. 21, 23, 28) that the right to appoint always belongs to God, and that contravening revelation may be had. Although the “Letter of Instruction” is not official Church law, it is soundly based on scripture (i.e., DC 124:7) and the experience and wisdom of the Prophet of the Reorganization. Before he dies, Joseph Smith III told Frederick M. that the “Letter of Instruction” was one of the best things he had brought to the Church.

  By his own testimony, Frederick N. Larsen came to a knowledge of his call through divine inspiration. He testifies of having seen Jesus Christ in vision. Several other experiences have directed him, through the voice of the Spirit, to his present position. One of them took place in the Kirtland Temple. His testimony and calling are not unlike that of Joseph Smith III, who also had a series of experiences, which directed him to the saints who had organized at Zarahemla and Yellowstone in 1853 and the General Conference at Amboy in 1860 to which he presented himself. Similarly, many of the Saints have personal testimony of the validity of the calling of Brother Larsen. The historical precedents listed above indicate that designation by a predecessor is not required in order to be legitimately called.  The necessary conditions for an occupant of the office of President, listed below, have been fulfilled:

A First Presidency – consisting of a President and two counselors.

A Quorum of Twelve Apostles ( a traveling High Council).

A “Standing High Council” of the Church; and at each “stake” a similar subordinate “standing high council” – consisting of twelve chosen for that purpose.

Order of Patriarchs

Order of Bishops

A Quorum of High Priests.

One or more Quorums of Seventy, not exceeding seven.

Quorums of Elders.

Quorums of Priests.

Quorums of Teachers.

Quorums of Deacons.

The criteria for participation in the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper within the body of Christ known as the Remnant Church is identical with the requirements sited in the three standard books and accepted as scripture since the gospel was restored to earth in 1830. Anyone who desires to partake of the emblems must first have received a valid baptism by immersion and through the laying on of hands by those who are authorized by God to perform it within the parameters of the law established by Christ. Membership in the Remnant Church is not a prerequisite. However, the individual must be eligible to partake by meeting the requirements set by the Lord for communion with Him. This is not negotiable, because it was not determined by the church authorities, but by Christ, who set the standard for all those who would follow after him.

“Restoration Priesthood” is a widely used term that does not presently have a commonly understood or generally accepted meaning among restoration saints today. For example, all those who consider themselves to be “restorationists,” do not believe the same things are true. In the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ, the source, which is consulted to determine whether someone has received legitimate priesthood authority, is the same as is used to determine whether someone is eligible to receive the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. The scriptures are our source, as well as seeking the witness of the Holy Spirit in confirmation of what is true. Guest ministry has been received in Remnant branches in the past, from priesthood who were not part of this organization. This is determined on an individual basis and with the needs of the congregation and the approval of the presiding officers taken under consideration. With respect to who may participate at priesthood retreats; all authorized priesthood are welcome and encouraged to attend that all may be edified.

No.

Salvation is in and through Jesus Christ and no other. Works, or the life of a disciple, requires total submission to His will. See Mark 8: 36-41 and James 2: 15-25, 3: 13.

For one purpose only, to fulfill His divine will. See Ephesians 4: 11-16.
Also as the true succession to the restoration of the gospel April 6, 1830 through divine call to Joseph Smith Jr. and others.

In a few words, His full nature is portrayed and exemplified in Jesus Christ, the Holy One of Israel. See Isaiah 9: 6-7.

The Remnant Church of Jesus Christ is presided over by Frederick N. Larsen, great-great-grandson of Joseph Smith Jr., as President of the High Priesthood and by virtue of that calling and ordination is Prophet, Seer, and Revelator. The gift of prophecy may be, and is, granted to many. But only the President of the High Priesthood has the authority and calling to bring prophetic direction to the whole Church.

 Vastly different. We do not now, nor have we believed the Lord ever directed many spurious doctrines such as progression, multiplicity of gods, Adam as a god, polygamy, and many unscriptural temples ordinances foreign to the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Latter Day Revelation given through Joseph Smith Jr. and his true successors in office.

 It is our belief that the Community of Christ has turned aside from some of the most basic beliefs of the Restored Gospel as taught and practiced by the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints until recent decades. The Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints holds fast to all of the original teachings including belief in the literal establishment of the kingdom of God on earth namely Zion, the New Jerusalem, the principle of gathering to that place, the literal return of Jesus Christ in power and glory to reign over His Church and Kingdom on the earth, etc., etc., etc.