Conversing With The Lord Through The Veil
When I first reviewed The Second Comforter by Denver Snuffer in 2012, I was struck by its bold premise: that the promises in scripture regarding personal visitations from Christ were meant to be taken literally. The book resonated deeply, and I recognized it as a potential game-changer for those seeking a deeper relationship with the Lord. Over a decade later, I return to this book with new eyes, wondering: did I grasp the full impact of what Denver was trying to convey?
Having read the book several times since, and having followed Denver’s subsequent works, I find that my original review may not have emphasized some of the most critical aspects of his message. This post aims to add to that review by focusing on elements that deserve further exploration.
Faith is Not Passive – It is Meant to be Developed
One of the central themes of The Second Comforter is that faith is not a static belief, but a dynamic force requiring deliberate action. In my original review, I emphasized that Denver’s book was a step-by-step guide to receiving a personal audience with Christ. However, what I failed to highlight is that faith itself is the mechanism by which this happens—not merely an abstract trust in God, but an ongoing process of refinement and obedience.
Denver insists that faith is meant to be tested, stretched, and ultimately expanded until it reaches a threshold where the veil parts. It is not enough to simply “hope” that Christ will come; rather, one must live in a way that makes the invitation compelling. This is consistent with Joseph’s teachings that no one should stop short of obtaining the same blessings he received. Yet, how many of us truly approach our faith as a disciplined practice rather than as a passive expectation?
The Temple as a Tool, Not the Destination
One of the most provocative chapters in The Second Comforter is The Temple as a Tool. Denver suggests that the modern LDS temple experience has become a substitute for what should be an actual, literal encounter with Christ. He argues that while the temple ordinances point us toward the veil, they should not be mistaken for the fulfillment of what the Lord intended.
I touched on this point in my 2012 review, but I now realize I may have underplayed its significance. Denver is making a daring claim: that the true purpose of the temple is not merely to perform ordinances, but to prepare individuals for an actual audience with the Savior. This aligns with early restoration teachings that temple ordinances were intended as preparatory experiences—not the end goal themselves.
This may seem strange coming from someone who has resigned from the LDS Church and has not visited the temple since 2014. As I thought about it today, I realized I must have been through the temple over 2,000 times from the time I was endowed in 1976 until shortly before my resignation. There were many years I went weekly, often attending multiple sessions the same day, seeking the strength to deal with some adversity in my life.
Overcoming Fear: A Key to Revelation
Another crucial concept in The Second Comforter is the role of fear in preventing divine encounters. Denver points out that fear—whether of unworthiness, failure, or deception—can be the primary obstacle keeping individuals from breaking through the veil.
I have personally struggled with fear in my own spiritual journey, particularly when it comes to seeking the Lord in more direct ways. I have written about this subject several times here on Latter-day Commentary, but I did not fully appreciate how foundational this principle is to Denver’s teachings when I first reviewed the book.
He presents a compelling case that fear is not merely a psychological barrier, but a tool used by the adversary to keep us from our full inheritance as children of God. Joseph Smith himself taught that doubt and fear are the opposite of faith, and Denver makes it clear that until we learn to completely cast off fear, we will remain spiritually hindered.
This insight has profound implications. If the Lord is truly willing to manifest Himself to those who seek Him, and if we have not yet received such an experience, could it be that fear—perhaps even unconscious fear—is holding us back? If so, how do we overcome it?
Receiving Christ: A Process of Transformation
Perhaps the most important takeaway from The Second Comforter—one that I did not emphasize enough in my original review—is that the process of receiving Christ is one of internal transformation. The book is not simply about achieving a goal (entering into the presence of the Savior), but about becoming the kind of person who is naturally invited into His presence.
Denver emphasizes the need for purity, humility, and absolute obedience to the Lord’s commandments. He is unapologetic in asserting that those who would receive the Lord must undergo a deep spiritual refinement—one that often requires enduring hardship, opposition, sacrifice, and even rejection.
This is where his message aligns with broader scriptural patterns. The greatest spiritual encounters in history—Moses on Mount Sinai, Nephi’s vision, Joseph Smith’s First Vision—were all preceded by intense personal refinement and testing. In other words, seeing the Lord is not just about asking, but about becoming.
I now see that Denver’s book is not just a guidebook to a spiritual event—it is a roadmap to deep personal change. It is about becoming someone new. It is about proving to the Lord that you are ready, that you can be trusted, and that your heart is fully aligned with His.
Conclusion: Revisiting the Challenge
Looking back, my initial review of The Second Comforter was enthusiastic but incomplete. I recognized the importance of Denver’s message but may not have fully conveyed just how radical and transformative his teachings are.
This is not a book for casual spiritual seekers. It is a direct challenge to those who profess to follow Christ but have not yet taken the necessary steps to truly receive Him. The invitation is there, but so few actually walk the path.
So I pose the same question to myself now that I did in 2012: Am I willing to do what it takes? Have I moved closer to the goal in the years since? Or have I allowed doubt, fear, or complacency to hold me back?
If The Second Comforter is correct, then the promises in scripture are real. They are meant for all of us, not just a select few. And the only thing stopping us from receiving them is ourselves.
Perhaps it is time to re-engage with this challenge.
