In 2018, I awoke one morning with a pain in my stomach, and a scene of a man came to my mind. I sensed it was a public display of murder, meant to humiliate a prophet of God. I sensed a long wood saw placed between the man’s legs and the motion of the blade began ripping through his flesh toward his abdomen. I knew it was Isaiah, but I had never before heard this story. I understood that Isaiah’s spirit left his body about the time the saw reached his stomach. The emotion of the experience was wretched, but I sensed Isaiah stood bravely, had passed a test, and had earned a seat among the highest in the Kingdom of God.
Isaiah’s martyrdom is not mentioned in the Bible or in LDS scripture. Some apocryphal accounts I had read prior to my experience said that Isaiah was sawn in half, but I had never considered how the saw had been used.
In perhaps the greatest discourse on faith, Paul presented a historical sketch of some notable historical figures describing the great tests that faced them, many of which appear to have been martyrdom’s. His sermon is the only scriptural reference to someone being ‘sawn asunder’, which is presented almost in passing (see Hebrews 11:37). It suggests to me these martyrdoms were so well known that elaboration on who the martyrs were and their method of executions was not necessary. This has further made me wonder what was left out of the modern-day bible, and perhaps more curiously, why were they left out.
One apocryphal writing which in my mind, is scripture regardless of what any church or creed says, is The Ascension of Isaiah. The spirit whispers to me that this account was part of the sacred records that Paul had access to, and which he was likely quoting from in the book of Hebrews, which account was later removed by Emperor Constantine in the fourth century A.D. I recommend it as some fine reading, inspired in many ways, and a key set of scripture for understanding several of the mysteries of God, one of which doctrines was unquestionably that of the doctrine of Multiple Probations.
I use this website for accessing such apocryphal records. I also recommend this article on Isaiah by a respected blogger who goes by the name of Alaris. I was very triggered when I saw the picture he chose to represent his article.
I am motivated and inspired by the martyrs of our past, who gave their lives defending uncomfortable truths.
Thank you Eric for your witness and for all you are doing to help us remember lost truths as we search for all truth. I am most grateful for your efforts and sacrifices on our behalf.
Isaiah is as precious to me as Joseph. Recently someone I admired referred to my suggestion regarding bringing youth and millenials to Isaiah did not deserve the respect of his attention.
I cited his preaching repentance to Israel “naked” for three years, and the horrid way he died.
My eldest grandson felt provoked to do a watercolor (in shades of blue). He knew he was “called” to create it yet didn’t know why. He couldnt name the face he had painted.
Months later i accidentally saw the painting stored behind the family sofa. The moment I saw it, I knew it was Isaiah. I was gifted the art and it hangs gratefully on a small wall by the Savior.
“Great are the words of Isaiah! ”
Thank you so much for writing abt this great prophet. Would that his name and words were shared over the pulpit to reveal our times and to lend greater trust in God in these last days.
Thank you Eric
Wow! Thank you for all that information and those references! That is very eye opening, I can’t stop cringing!😬
Thank you, Eric for your insights! And for sharing the links to the other writings–great treasures!
That imagery is truly horrific. It makes me sick. I too believe The Ascension of Isaiah is scripture.
“The day will come brothers and sisters when we will have other books of scripture that will emerge to accompany the Holy Bible and the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price. Presently you and I carry our scriptures around in a quad. The day will come when you’ll need a little red wagon.”
-Neal A Maxwell (Feb 1990)
I feel like I already need more than a wagon to carry around the inspired documents available to us. So grateful for all who have sacrificed so much and all who are bringing these things to light. Thank you!
That is quite an insightful quote you have there Erin. Thank you for sharing that!
Thank you for this witness. I am SO grateful for the Savior’s command to search his words, and for Nephis very clear understanding that studying the words of Isaiah leads one to more fully believe in the Lord our Redeemer. Great are the words of Isaiah!
From the book Visions of Glory, I have the picture seared in my mind of the woman who will be blown almost in half by the invaders that will occupy America, and will be persecuting and attacking some of the saints headed to Missouri. In the experience related in the book she is smiling and praising God until she died. I often think ” will I be brave enough?”. I want so bad to be brave enough. Thank you for sharing this….as disturbing as the image is, it makes me even more grateful to have the words of Isaiah who indeed saw our day. Precious are his words indeed.