Come Follow Me: D&C 45

 Come Follow Me: D&C 45

 This section is a powerful revelation containing much information about the destructions and blessings of the Last Days. When studied along with Matthew 24 (JST), D&C 87, 88, and 133, we get a lot of information regarding the events preceding the Second Coming.

Verses 1-15 is a clarion call from Jesus Christ to the Saints, telling them again and again to hearken unto his words. In this portion, we see many of the names by which the Lord is called: Advocate, Creator, Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End, Light and Life of the world, etc.

Jesus goes through the history of the world briefly in these verses: the Creation, the Atonement of Christ, Enoch's people, the Restoration, and the Second Coming. All of these periods and events are interconnected. Each is a powerful event  in and of itself, but together they become the true epic story of the world and how it is saved by Christ, one soul at a time.

Starting in verse 16 through verse 24, Jesus references his experience with the apostles as found in Matthew 24. He discusses the Desolation of Abomination that would occur in their day. In 70 AD, the Jewish Zealot attacks on the Romans, as they sought to drive the foreigners out, caused the Roman Emperor to send out vast armies to end the uprising. Jerusalem was put under siege for over a year. The siege began at Passover, when the city was filled with pilgrims. It is likely that over 1 million people were in the city when the siege began. Starvation soon became a serious problem. One story in the Apocrypha talks of a woman who killed her child and divided it in half - so she could share with the violent robbers who would undoubtedly storm her house as soon as they smelled cooked food. Finally, the Romans rushed the city, slaying thousands who fled to the Temple grounds, believing God would rescue them. The temple was destroyed, stone by stone. Eventually, most Jews would be carried off to other regions of the Roman Empire, in an attempt to destroy them as a people.

In verse 25, the Lord notes that the Jews will return to Jerusalem in the last days, when the days of the Gentiles are being fulfilled.  This would be a very important event for Latter-day Saints. Within a decade, Joseph Smith would send apostle Orson Hyde (of Jewish descent) to Jerusalem to dedicate the land for the return of the Jews.  In 1800, only about 6500 Jews lived in Palestine. By 1890, the desire of Jews in Europe and Russia to return to their homeland was so strong, that Jews had become a majority in Jerusalem. In 1948, the Jewish homeland of Israel was reestablished by the British. This was just a little more than a century after Orson Hyde dedicated the land for the Jews to return. (History of the Jews - Wikipedia)

 The Restoration and the Time of the Gentiles

 

"And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth.

"And the love of men shall wax cold, and iniquity shall abound.

"And when the times of the Gentiles is come in, a light shall break forth among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the fulness of my gospel;

"But they receive it not; for they perceive not the light, and they turn their hearts from me because of the precepts of men.

"And in that generation shall the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled." (D&C 45:26-30)

These times for Restoration and the Gentile Times Ending are not specific time/date events, but with other major events (like the Second Coming events), they extend over a period of years and even generations. The Restoration continues today, even though it began in 1820. The fulfilling of the times of the Gentiles continues. It is the story of the wheat and tares, which will be covered later in section 45. The righteous and wicked grow up together as wheat and tares. Eventually, they are easily distinguishable, just as it is easier to see wickedness in today's world than it was just a generation ago, when compared to the righteous. This section will explain how the wicked and righteous will be segregated in the last days, so that the righteous can be preserved and the wicked prepared for the burning.

Scourge of Desolation - Standing in Holy Places

"And there shall be men standing in that generation, that shall not pass until they shall see an overflowing scourge; for a desolating sickness shall cover the land.

"But my disciples shall stand in holy places, and shall not be moved; but among the wicked, men shall lift up their voices and curse God and die. (vs 31-32)

It may be that the Covid 19 pandemic is a warning shot to the world in regards to the upcoming desolating scourge. It is possible that this virus could mutate into something ten times as deadly, if we fail to vaccinate the world. It is also possible that the overflowing scourge will come sooner or later, as we again are not prepared for such a sickness to come again.

Note, that those standing in holy places "shall not be moved." Anciently, the "holy places" were all connected to the temple or a sacred space: Garden of Eden, Mount Sinai, the City of Enoch, Noah's Ark, Melchizedek's City of Salem (Peace), the Tabernacle, The Temple.

Today, we understand through modern scripture that "holy places" can be any place made sacred by God and his disciples: modern temples, Zion and her stakes, the homes of righteous people. For D&C 45, the holy places especially is tied to the city of Zion and her stakes.

Devastating Earthquakes

"And there shall be earthquakes also in divers places, and many desolations; yet men will harden their hearts against me, and they will take up the sword, one against another, and they will kill one another." (vs 33)

Earthquakes AND many desolations will occur. Often, people tend to repent and return to God when things become tragically hard. After the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon on September 11, 2001, Americans and many people throughout the world humbled themselves. Believers of many faiths gathered together in brotherhood, to pray and repent. Such actions will not occur during the times mentioned above. Instead, "...at that day shall he (Satan) rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good." (2 Nephi 28:20)

What is the response of wicked men to these disasters? Declare war on one another. Economics is often a reason for war. When Germany was economically devastated by the debts it owed to France and England after World War I, it had no recourse but to renounce the debt and seek to defeat those who economically oppressed them. So difficult was it for Germany, that in the 1920s, it took billions of German Marks to equal one American dollar. It led them to war against Europe.

We will see this again, as the economies of the world are devastated by disease, plagues, earthquakes and other desolations. People will become angry, seeking for others to blame for their poverty and suffering, and they will destroy one another. The Germans blamed the Jews. Serbians blamed Croatians. 

In 1994, over a 100 day period, in the African nation of Rwanda, angry Hutus slaughtered over 500,000 Tutsis, using machetes.

These examples given will seem mild compared to the violence of the last days.

The Remnant

"And it shall come to pass that he that feareth me shall be looking forth for the great day of the Lord to come, even for the signs of the coming of the Son of Man.

"And they shall see signs and wonders, for they shall be shown forth in the heavens above, and in the earth beneath.

"And they shall behold blood, and fire, and vapors of smoke.

"And before the day of the Lord shall come, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon be turned into blood, and the stars fall from heaven.

"And the remnant shall be gathered unto this place;

"And then they shall look for me, and, behold, I will come; and they shall see me in the clouds of heaven, clothed with power and great glory; with all the holy angels; and he that watches not for me shall be cut off." (vs 39-44)

Remnants are important in latter-day scripture. In the Book of Mormon, Captain Moroni notes that a remnant of Joseph's many colored coat remained after his supposed violent death (Alma 46:24). 

The term is used 85 times in the Old Testament, but only 6 times in the New Testament. However, in the Book of Mormon, it is found 54 times and in the Doctrine and Covenants 8 times. In the Doctrine and Covenants, it is used to denote Lamanites as remnants of Israel, that Israel would be scattered, that the remnant of Israel would be gathered, and a separate remnant of slaves that would rise against the Gentiles in the last days (D&C 87 - I'll discuss this when we get to the Prophecy on War).

The remnant of the righteous shall see terrible disasters, including some event that will cause the Sun and moon to go dark. This seems to be a final sign for the righteous to gather.  As I've noted in the last couple posts, the Gathering is an important part of the Restored Gospel, in preparation for the Second Coming. Again, we see the Gathering as one of the key things that will preserve the remnant from the final disasters, scourges, and desolations prior to the Second Coming.

The 2nd Coming - Dead will Arise (vs 44-46)

When Christ returns, he will come in great power and glory. Let no one confuse you by claiming they are the Messiah. They aren't.

A trump will sound - whether those on earth will hear, we do not know. But at the sound of the trump, the righteous dead will arise and be caught up to meet Christ in the air. The righteous living will also be caught up to meet him.

This is symbolic of an ancient practice. When the king would return triumphant from battle, the city would empty out and meet the king on the road home. They would celebrate his return, and bring him into the city.  At the 2nd Coming, Christ will approach the earth and the New Jerusalem with his armies. The righteous will be caught up to meet him and bring him to the earth.

The Jews converted, Satan bound (vs 47-55)

Prior to Christ's return, the nation of Israel will be in the fight of its life. Millions of soldiers from the Arab nations and other states will have a war of extermination against the Jews. It will last 3 1/2 years. Near the end, half of the city of Jerusalem will have fallen, and the Jews will have their backs up against the Mount of Olives. It will be at this moment that Jesus comes in power. He will step upon the Mount of Olives, which will split in two in a giant earthquake. The Jews will retreat into the new valley, just as they retreated anciently from the Egyptians into the divided Red Sea. There, the Jews will see Christ and realize he is their Messiah.

The armies of the enemy will be destroyed by Christ and his angelic army.

"And then shall the heathen nations be redeemed, and they that knew no law shall have part in the first resurrection; and it shall be tolerable for them." (vs 54)

It will be at the 2nd Coming that the heathen nations, which include China, India, and other nations that do not have a majority belief in Christianity, will be redeemed. The gospel will be preached to them. It is possible that the 144,000 high priests mentioned in Revelation 14, will be in the key role of missionary work to the heathen nations.

"And then cometh the day when the arm of the Lord shall be revealed in power in convincing the nations, the heathen nations, the house of Joseph, of the gospel of their salvation.

"For it shall come to pass in that day, that every man shall hear the fulness of the gospel in his own tongue, and in his own language, through those who are ordained unto this power, by the administration of the Comforter, shed forth upon them for the revelation of Jesus Christ." (D&C 90:10-11)

"Q. What are we to understand by sealing the one hundred and forty-four thousand, out of all the tribes of Israel—twelve thousand out of every tribe? 

"A. We are to understand that those who are sealed are high priests, ordained unto the holy order of God, to administer the everlasting gospel; for they are they who are ordained out of every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, by the angels to whom is given power over the nations of the earth, to bring as many as will come to the church of the Firstborn." (D&C 77:11-12)

It appears that these will be the key missionaries at the 2nd Coming to preach the gospel to the heathen nations, among others who will preach the gospel.

The Gathering to Zion

"Ye hear of wars in foreign lands; but, behold, I say unto you, they are nigh, even at your doors, and not many years hence ye shall hear of wars in your own lands.

"Wherefore I, the Lord, have said, gather ye out from the eastern lands, assemble ye yourselves together ye elders of my church; go ye forth into the western countries, call upon the inhabitants to repent, and inasmuch as they do repent, build up churches unto me.

"And with one heart and with one mind, gather up your riches that ye may purchase an inheritance which shall hereafter be appointed unto you." (D&C 45:63-65)

Again, the Lord calls for the gathering to the New Jerusalem and her stakes. It begins with a warning of "wars in your own lands." Later, in D&C 87, the Lord would specify one of those wars, foreseeing the Civil War. This would give a reason to move out west, although the saints at the time of this revelation would not have read it that way. Had they stayed in Missouri, they would have been in the center of the war on the western front. Major skirmishes occurred between the Missourians and those living in the neighboring states, like Kansas. Being in Utah allowed the saints to miss the bloodshed and disease that slew hundreds of thousands.

Safety in Zion

"And it shall be called the New Jerusalem, a land of peace, a city of refuge, a place of safety for the saints of the Most High God;

"And the glory of the Lord shall be there, and the terror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch that the wicked will not come unto it, and it shall be called Zion.

"And it shall come to pass among the wicked, that every man that will not take his sword against his neighbor must needs flee unto Zion for safety.

"And there shall be gathered unto it out of every nation under heaven; and it shall be the only people that shall not be at war one with another.

"And it shall be said among the wicked: Let us not go up to battle against Zion, for the inhabitants of Zion are terrible; wherefore we cannot stand.

"And it shall come to pass that the righteous shall be gathered out from among all nations, and shall come to Zion, singing with songs of everlasting joy." (vs 66-71)

New Jerusalem is the center city of Zion. Zion and her stakes will be a land of peace. It is a refuge. In D&C 133:26-34, we find that millions will come from "the north countries" as immigrants to the Americas, where they will be blessed in Zion. America is a land for immigrants. The Lord seems to think there is plenty of room for millions to come here as refugees from the lands of Babylon. Perhaps these scriptures should influence our views on immigration.

Zion will not have to be protected by guns and weapons. God will be its protector. He shall fill Babylon with fear, so they do not dare attack it. All those people living among the wicked who tire of the violence, who will refuse to fight - choosing to bury their weapons of war even as the Ammonites did in the Book of Mormon, will be forced to flee to Zion for safety.

Zion is an immigrant people. They are leaving Babylon to join the people of God. None are kept out, as long as they renounce war and are obedient to the commandments of God. People who did not listen before, now are forced to repent and believe, or continue dwelling with the wicked in never ending violence - much like the Jaredites' last days.

Building Zion

 Are we busy building Zion? Are we living with one foot in Babylon and the other in Zion? Or are we creating Zion in our homes? How dedicated are we? Will we be among the first to consecrate ourselves and build Zion, be among those who must flee Babylon for refuge, or choose to dwell among the wicked?

Will we rely on the arm of flesh, or on the arm of the Lord? Just what is it that is keeping us from being a Zion people? What "debris", as President Nelson calls it, is keeping us from building our part of Zion? Are we a people of peace? Are we a people who embrace immigrants? Are we a people who embrace the Lord and his prophets?

 

 

Come Follow Me: D&C 41-44

Come Follow Me: D&C 41-44

 

Kirtland, Ohio. It was the first gathering place for the Saints in these last days. Joseph Smith was promised in revelation that if the Saints gathered there, they would receive the Law and an endowment of power. In this lesson, we see the fulfillment of the first.

When Joseph Smith arrived, Kirtland was the wild west. Many members did not understand revelation, the workings of the Spirit, or the rules by which to live. In the Church's new history book, Saints, we read the following:

"Some of the Saints in Kirtland took their beliefs to wild extremes, reveling in what they took to be gifts of the Spirit. Several people claimed to have visions they could not explain. Others believed the Holy Ghost made them slide or scoot across the ground. One man bounced around rooms or swung from ceiling joists whenever he thought he felt the Spirit. Another acted like a baboon." (Saints, chapter 10, Gathered In)

Perhaps the biggest point in section 41, is the call of Edward Partridge as a bishop. He was the first bishop called in the Church. From this revelation would begin the evolution of the office of bishop to what it is today. He would be responsible for the tithes/consecrations given tot he church, among other things. The Lord explained why he chose Partridge for this calling:

"And this because his heart is pure before me, for he is like unto Nathanael of old, in whom there is no guile." (D&C 41:11)

Bishops require two things: to have a pure heart and to be without guile. These are key points for anyone wishing to deal with finances and the heavy burdens of  the members of a congregation. Compassion, empathy, and understanding come from these two attributes.

D&C 42 is the Law.

Interestingly, the first thing we read in the Law is our calling to go forth and preach the gospel. We cannot escape the concept that the Church is a True and Living Church. It is true, because of continual revelation. It is living because it continually receives new life blood through conversion. Today, we would expand this preaching to both sides of the veil, with family history and temple work as part and parcel of this work of Gathering. Nonetheless, we are to share our testimonies with the world, regardless of whether they embrace the gospel or not.

For those wishing to know how to share the gospel, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave a great talk on this recently in General Conference: Missionary Work, Sharing What is in Your Heart.

Next, we learn that we are to preach the principles found in scripture, but then also preach what the Holy Spirit moves us to say. Interestingly, this counsel gives us a foundation upon which to work, but then allows revelation to determine which part of the scriptures to emphasize in the moment. At times, the Spirit may also allow us to expand upon scripture with greater knowledge and insight.

Commandments, obedience, and healing the sick through the priesthood are also discussed.

Finally, the Lord notes that the center stake of Zion would soon be named:

"If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.

"Thou shalt ask, and it shall be revealed unto you in mine own due time where the New Jerusalem shall be built." (vs 61-62)

 Again, the Gathering is forefront in the Lord's revelations for the Saints. Tied to the Gathering is revelation. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a True and Living Church, true because of continuing revelation, and living because of the Gathering, which brings spiritual immigrants into its fold continually.

D&C 43

As mentioned above, the Kirtland members struggled with several receiving false revelations. Church revelations come only through the living Prophet of the Church. It is only through the Prophet we receive new commandments governing the entire church. All others can receive revelation for themselves and their responsibilities, but can give these teachings to others as guidance, and not commandments.

Even today, we hear of members who claim revelations and seek to guide others to stop listening and believing the teachings of modern prophets. Denver Snuffer is one recent example of this. Sadly, many listen to such people, because they have itching ears, bored with the current teachings of the prophets, they want something exciting to dig into. They do not understand that they can receive their own personal revelation, which must be guided by scripture and the living prophet's teachings. Otherwise, it is very easy to be led astray. Don't get your revelations from other members - learn to Hear Him for yourself.

Interestingly, President Russell M. Nelson continually encourages us to seek personal revelation. It is only in gaining personal revelation that we can come to know Christ face to face, and to have the faith necessary to withstand the evils and deceptions in our own day. Personal revelation brings us to knowledge of mysteries and the peaceable things, joy and eternal life.

D&C 44

The Saints are called to hold a conference:

"And it shall come to pass, that inasmuch as they are faithful, and exercise faith in me, I will pour out my Spirit upon them in the day that they assemble themselves together." (vs 2)

Gathering, whether temporarily at a Conference or in bringing converts permanently unto the Lord, is again the topic. Here, the elders are to return from their missions to gather for a conference. 

What is the difference between being faithful and "exercise faith?" I believe that being faithful is gauged by our actions to obey and endure to the end. Being obedient in our missions and callings, is necessary for the work to be accomplished. Meanwhile, exercising faith seems to be a mental and emotional effort. We believe and increase our faith, so that God can bring greater goodness and even miracles. In this case, the Lord specifically promises to "pour out my Spirit upon them." The Lord will "pour" or give generously, based upon our faith and obedience.

Finally, the Lord encourages us to take care of the poor. While our fast offerings help in this effort today, we should prayerfully consider whether our current offerings are sufficient. As we seek out others to share the gospel with, perhaps we should also seek out the poor, in order to bless and lift them up. The Gathering is not complete, if there are poor among us. Future lessons in the Doctrine and Covenants will teach us more about the Law of Consecration and the United Firm/Order. In this, we will learn how charity and stewardship lead us to being a people with no poor. We will become a Zion people.

 

 

Come Follow Me: D&C 37-40

 Come Follow Me: D&C 37-40

 

For Joseph and many of the saints, the restoration initially meant just building up a small little set of congregations. Never did any of them consider the vast work that was ahead. In D&C 37, the saints, most living in New York prior to the missionary work to the Lamanites by Oliver Cowdery, were called to the Gathering. 

The concept of Gathering partially came from Joseph reworking the book of Genesis. While we call it a "translation," it really isn't. Joseph didn't use ancient Hebrew and Greek documents in his rework of the Bible. Instead, he used an English Bible purchased at the Grandin book store. Joseph was less concerned with the language and grammar, and more focused on finding the "plain and precious" things that had been lost out of the Bible. Rather than a translation, it would be a series of refining revelations. Some sections he would revisit several times, improving and enhancing the information. In addition, for basic corrections, Joseph heavily borrowed from Methodist theologian Adam Clarke's commentary of the Bible. 

Still, for most Latter-day Saints, the truly important additions are the revelatory sections that teach us more on Cain and Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Joseph, and important doctrines and teachings that are not found in our standard Bibles today. In adding these sections, Joseph added concepts that are now found in ancient pseudepigrapha (ancient texts whose provenance is questionable)) regarding Enoch, Abraham and others. 

One example of Joseph hitting the mark comes from the Book of Moses, part of the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible. In this, Enoch travels to a place called Mahujah and is questioned by a man named Mahijah (Moses 6:40). It happens that among the Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in 1947, a parchment of a book of Enoch that has a man, Mahujah, questioning Enoch! Ancient Hebrew did not have vowels, so Mahujah and Mahijah are basically interchangeable.

In writing about Enoch, we learn about Zion and gathering out of the world to places of refuge and safety. Joseph's little church was told via revelation to begin the Gathering in our day. While D&C 37 told the saints to gather to Kirtland, it would be the first step in gathering. Later, God will reveal the modern Zion to be established in Independence Missouri. Then, the gathering will move to Far West, Nauvoo, and Utah. In our day, we are to gather in stakes of Zion, understanding that the center of Zion will one day be established in Independence. At one point, Joseph's understanding of Zion would expand to the point where he would declare that ALL of North and South America would be Zion. But it begins with the gathering to Kirtland happening barely 8 months after the establishing of the Church.

The revelation in D&C 38 came during the final conference of the Church in New York prior to moving to Kirtland Ohio. In it, the Lord warns the saints of the dangers coming. Not only would there be dangers elsewhere, but dangers nearby. Perhaps here is the greatest danger:

"I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear." (D&C 38:30)

Imagine in Joseph's day, being warned about men's wickedness being shouted in the ears. Today, we can see the technology that often drowns out the sane voices  Recently, the Church added a section to the handbook on “Seeking Information from Reliable Sources” which warns about conspiracies and false information that screams across social media.

Hitler was the first to use modern microphone technology, which was clear enough to note every inflection and intonation. The technology entranced the German people into believing his rhetoric, which included Aryan white supremacy and racism against Jews, black people and others. Today, the megaphones on the Internet, whether on Twitter, Facebook, podcast, or other social media, insist on pushing false conspiracies and theories. Frequently we see in April 2021 stories of evil intent regarding Covid 19 vaccine shots, the evils of the other major party, and stolen elections (disproven and rejected by 50 courts).

On the opposite side of the cacophonous voices that "shake the earth," we find the "still, small voice" of the Holy Spirit. 

In this recent General Conference (April 2021), President Russell M. Nelson noted four things we've learned through the Covid pandemic. Number four is this: "We hear Jesus Christ better when we are still."

"We live in a time prophesied long ago, when “all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men’s hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people.” That was true before the pandemic, and it will be true after. Commotion in the world will continue to increase. In contrast, the voice of the Lord is not “a voice of a great tumultuous noise, but … it [is] a still voice of perfect mildness, [like] a whisper, and it [pierces] even to the very soul.” In order to hear this still voice, you too must be still!

"For a time, the pandemic has canceled activities that would normally fill our lives. Soon we may be able to choose to fill that time again with the noise and commotion of the world. Or we can use our time to hear the voice of the Lord whispering His guidance, comfort, and peace. Quiet time is sacred time—time that will facilitate personal revelation and instill peace.

"Discipline yourself to have time alone and with your loved ones. Open your heart to God in prayer. Take time to immerse yourself in the scriptures and worship in the temple." ( https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2021/04/36nelson?lang=eng )

Joseph Smith found that even in the persecution, lies, and trials of life, there would always be time for quiet reflection, peace, and revelatory experiences. It is still true today.

Come Follow Me: D&C 29

 Come Follow Me: D&C 29

 

This revelation was given almost six months after the Church was founded in 1830. A conference would soon be held in Fayette, New York, where a branch of the Church was quickly growing.

Perils follow after sins

We begin to see Joseph's revelations become more complex, often covering several issues, but also discussing new doctrines and ideas in preparation for the Second Coming.

 

"Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that at this time your sins are forgiven you, therefore ye receive these things; but remember to sin no more, lest perils shall come upon you." (vs 3)

 Here is a forewarning that will plague the young Church for the next several decades: "sin no more, lest perils shall come upon you."  Within a year, most of the saints will be forced from New York to Kirtland. Then, driven from Kirtland by apostates to Missouri. From Missouri, mobs will imprison Joseph Smith for six months and drive the members out of the state. In Nauvoo, they would soon experience the martyrdom of the Prophet, and expulsion from the United States. In Utah, they would struggle with locusts, famine, and military invasion.  Much of the perils would come at least partially due to their own sins. Arguments, contention and apostasy from the Church would suffer one privation after another - usually because the saints were not yet ready to be Saints of God. They would not be united in all things, and so the Destroyer was able to tear them apart.

The 2nd Coming and Unity

In this revelation, the Lord shows important concepts regarding the 2nd Coming. More would follow in other revelations (including D&C 45, 87, 133).

"And, as it is written—Whatsoever ye shall ask in faith, being united in prayer according to my command, ye shall receive..

"And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts;

"Wherefore the decree hath gone forth from the Father that they shall be gathered in unto one place upon the face of this land, to prepare their hearts and be prepared in all things against the day when tribulation and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked." (D&C 29:6-8)

Again, we are to be united. United in prayer, united in desire, united in effort, united in Christ. If we are not united, then Satan's doctrine of contention can overtake the Saints and destroy them. 

Here, though the Church isn't quite 6 months old, it is given a very huge responsibility: to find the elect in the world and bring them to build Zion. This is the same work Enoch was called to do in his day, though he had more time to accomplish it. He was to gather the elect out from among the wicked and perfect them prior to the end of the world (in Enoch's case, the Flood of Noah).

They are to be prepared (their hearts and in all things) prior to the coming tribulations and desolations. If we do not prepare ourselves, are we not ourselves among the wicked? Whether the great tribulations predicted are the American Civil War, world wars, plagues, Covid 19, or other greater disasters, the only escape is to build Zion and a perfected people. No other place will be safe.

"For I will reveal myself from heaven with power and great glory, with all the hosts thereof, and dwell in righteousness with men on earth a thousand years, and the wicked shall not stand."(vs 11)

"For a trump shall sound both long and loud, even as upon Mount Sinai, and all the earth shall quake, and they shall come forth—yea, even the dead which died in me, to receive a crown of righteousness, and to be clothed upon, even as I am, to be with me, that we may be one." (vs 13)

There are some religions that believe Jesus already came in the form of a man/woman. Others that believe Jesus doesn't have a 2nd Coming. This clearly states, as does the New Testament that Jesus' Second Coming will be in power and great glory. It will be a day when the wicked are destroyed. It is a thrilling thought to have the Lord dwell with us on earth for a thousand years. However, first comes the times of great tribulations. As noted above, if we are not united and righteous, the plagues and disasters will overcome all the members of the Church. Only in establishing a Zion people will we be able to have a holy place, a safe place, to withstand the great destructions of the last days.

The righteous dead will be resurrected. They will be clothed in holiness, so that they may be one with Jesus. Only in unity, in this At One Ment (of one mind), in Oneness, can Zion endure the last days and be ready to be presented to Christ as the jewel it needs to be.

Great Destruction prior to the Coming of Christ

While the great earthquake will bring for the dead, imagine the destruction to the world....

Prior to the glorious day of the Lord's coming, there will be signs in the heavens and on earth. The Sun and Moon will stop shining. Huge meteor storms will seem like the stars are all falling from the sky. All that the wicked can do is weep and wail. It will be even like the weeping and wailing of the Jaredites, just prior to their final destruction. 

A great hailstorm will destroy the earth's crops (vs 16). Do you have your food storage and more to spare?

In verse 17, the Lord will take his vengeance upon the wicked "for they will not repent." They choose wickedness and destruction over salvation. Pride will destroy the wicked. There will be no salvation, because they refuse to accept the salvation that Christ offers.

Flies will come forth and eat men's flesh, leaving maggots to feed on them. Is this literal? Metaphor? Or is it both literal and metaphor? Plagues of flies often follow mass death, disease, and bloody wars. Thnk about the next description. Such will be the disease and plagues that their tongues will be stopped, flesh fall from their bones, and eyes from their sockets (vs 18). This has reference to Zechariah 14:12, which states:

"And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth."

The New Living Translation calls them "walking corpses." Here is your Zombie Apocalypse.

In the previous verse in Zechariah, the Lord proclaimed that Jerusalem would be a safe place:

"And men shall dwell in it, and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited." (Zech 14:11)

So, as we compare this with D&C 29, we can see the true importance in building up a Zion that the Lord will see fit to protect.

Whore of all the Earth

Verse 21 tells us that "the great and abominable church, which is the whore of all the earth," will be cast down and destroyed. Some Protestants and Latter-day Saints think this is the Catholic Church, but in the Book of Mormon, Nephi tells us that this wicked church fights against Jesus and his apostles. The Catholic Church may have problems, but it is not the "whore of all the earth."  Instead, when the apostle John spoke of the whore of the earth, he was referring to the Roman Empire of his day, probably under Nero (who wore the mark of the beast, 666). In our day, it would be an Empire that fights against Christ, the agency of man (vs 35}, and righteousness. Will this empire include churches? Probably. Any group or organization that will embrace the "abominable church" or empire will be part and parcel of its wickedness.

After the Millennium

D&C 29 jumps forward then, beginning in verse 22. 

"And again, verily, verily, I say unto you that when the thousand years are ended, and men again begin to deny their God, then will I spare the earth but for a little season;

"And the end shall come, and the heaven and the earth shall be consumed and pass away, and there shall be a new heaven and a new earth." (vs 22-23)

At the end of the Millennium, a period of peace, love and unity, Satan will be loosed again. He will tempt the Saints, leading many to believe in him and reject the Savior. They will become Sons of Perdition, knowing the resurrected Christ, but choosing the dark instead. There will be one final battle of good versus evil, where the wicked will be finally destroyed off the earth. Then the consumed earth will be changed from its Terrestrial to a Celestial state: a new heaven and earth.

"But, behold, verily I say unto you, before the earth shall pass away, Michael, mine archangel, shall sound his trump, and then shall all the dead awake, for their graves shall be opened, and they shall come forth—yea, even all.

"And the righteous shall be gathered on my right hand unto eternal life; and the wicked on my left hand will I be ashamed to own before the Father;

"Wherefore I will say unto them—Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels." (vs 26-28)

Archangels

Michael is noted as an archangel. Michael is the heavenly name for Adam. An archangel is an angel of high rank. It comes from Greek, meaning "chief angel." They are a key part of God's divine council. We read about them in Isaiah 6,

"In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.

"Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.

"And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.

"And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke." (Isa 6:1-4)

In this instance, the seraphim are (or include) the archangels. We also see the "holy angels" in the Vision, D&C 76,

"And while we meditated upon these things, the Lord touched the eyes of our understandings and they were opened, and the glory of the Lord shone round about.

"And we beheld the glory of the Son, on the right hand of the Father, and received of his fulness;

"And saw the holy angels, and them who are sanctified before his throne, worshiping God, and the Lamb, who worship him forever and ever." (D&C 76:19-21)

The sanctified are the martyrs from all ages, those who have died for the cause of Christ. Again, the holy angels are those before God's throne as part of his divine council.

By tradition, there are usually seven archangels. Seven is a number meaning completeness, and is important in the Bible and in the Restored Church today. Seven days in the week, Seventh day is the Sabbath, Quorum of Seventy, etc. 

Today, most religions definitely recognize three of the archangels:

Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Michael and Gabriel are noted in the Bible, while Raphael is found in the Apocrypha. Other possible archangels include: Metatron (often identified as Enoch), Uriel,  Raguel, and Remiel. Some groups have 10 archangels, some less.

Sons of Perdition

We get almost a comparison between the holy angels and the sons of Perdition, those who decide to be the enemies of Christ.

"And the righteous shall be gathered on my right hand unto eternal life; and the wicked on my left hand will I be ashamed to own before the Father;

"Wherefore I will say unto them—Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.

"And now, behold, I say unto you, never at any time have I declared from mine own mouth that they should return, for where I am they cannot come, for they have no power.

"But remember that all my judgments are not given unto men; and as the words have gone forth out of my mouth even so shall they be fulfilled, that the first shall be last, and that the last shall be first in all things whatsoever I have created by the word of my power, which is the power of my Spirit." (vs 27-30)

Remember, the Lord has yet to reveal to Joseph Smith his teachings on the Three Degrees of Glory. It is still a concept of heaven and hell. Those on his right hand, do they include telestial beings who will receive a level of salvation? Yes, but only because they barely repent and accept the atonement.  It seems strange to include them on Christ's right hand. But where else would we put them? All those on the left are sons of Perdition.

"Everlasting fire" as we learned in D&C 19 is not fire that lasts forever. "Everlasting" is one of God's names. "Everlasting fire" is God's fire. The Lord leaves us wondering in these verses about the long term final fate of the wicked. They cannot come to the Lord's kingdom, "for they have no power." Only Christ has such power for any of us. Only through repentance, faith in Christ, and changing to a level of righteousness, can the power of Christ ransom any of us from everlasting fire. The only question is: do sons of Perdition have the ability to repent and believe in Christ? Can they, worlds down the road, soften their hearts and believe enough to merit a kingdom of glory?  God does not reveal this to us. Instead, we are left to speculate. We simply do not knowgod's. Saying they can never repent and be saved is as much a speculation and saying they can. Again, "all [God's] judgments are not given unto men."

The Fall and Redemption

Beginning in verse 34, the Lord discusses the Premortal Existence,  Adam, the Creation, agency and the Fall. Lucifer used his agency to rebel against God. After being thrust down, Satan used his agency to destroy God's plan, first in the Garden with Adam, and later with all mortals. He is the one that God allows to bring much terror and tragedy into the world. 

God lays out for us two choices: Zion or the wicked world, Christ or Lucifer. We are agents to ourselves to decide what we will become and whom we will follow.

 

 

Come Follow Me: D&C 27-28

 Come Follow Me: D&C 27-28

 D&C 27

Joseph went to find wine for a Sacrament service.  Along the way, he was stopped and told that wine was not necessary, but water could be used instead.  The little church had a growing list of enemies, to obtain wine for the service from a trustworthy source was becoming more and more difficult.. Here we see that the Lord is a pragmatic God.  If something isn't available, the Lord will often make allowances. 

In the early days of Nauvoo, the saints were allowed to do baptisms for the dead in the Mississippi River. The Word of Wisdom was initially given as guidance, and not a commandment.  When Joseph lost the 116 pages of the Book of Mormon, the Lord had him translate Nephi's record instead.

What we find in all of these instances is that God will work with us, according to our need and diligence. Can't use the wine? Then use water.  No temple baptismal font? Use the river until you can finish the temple.

Elder Ezra Taft Benson was sent by the Church to oversee the relief effort in Europe after World War II. He noted later:

"The Saints in Europe taught me a new appreciation for the priesthood of God. I heard them bear testimony of their gratitude for the priesthood in their homes. Many families who had been isolated from other representatives of the priesthood during the bombing and during sickness told of their gratitude that they had in their homes the authority and the power to lay their hands upon members of their families, and under the inspiration of heaven invoke God's healing power upon them.
    My brethren and sisters, this is a priceless blessing. I heard them speak of their gratitude that in their homes while isolated from the rest of the members of the mission, they were able to administer the sacred emblems. Yes even at times when they did not have bread, they used potatoes or potato peelings as the emblem but had the sacrament administered to members of their own household." (Ezra Taft Benson, "The Aftermath of War")

The Lord is pragmatic, and will work with his children. If they can't use wine, there is water. If bread is not available, potato peelings are acceptable as an alternative in time of need.

 

 D&C 28

Sadly, the Church seems to continually go through periods where false revelation and pretenders step up to challenge the prophet. We read about it in the Book of Mormon with false prophets like Korihor and Nehor. We learn about it frequently in the early Church with Hiram Page's seer stone, in Kirtland - where an early member thought the Spirit was having him act like a baboon. Upon the death of Joseph and Hyrum, several people, including William Smith, Sidney Rigdon and others would step forward to proclaim leadership. When Wilford Woodruff ended plural marriage, new apostates would step forward with their own claims. Today, we see people leave the Church and follow apostates like Denver Snuffer, as they disagree with modern prophets.

On this first event, already occurring in 1830 when the Church was just a few months old, so many people were sucked into Hiram Page's revelations that it even drew in Oliver Cowdery. How was Joseph to resolve this without having a mass revolt?  In the Lord's wisdom, the revelation is directed to Oliver. It would be Oliver who would go to Hiram and the church members with the new revelation, and explain that while all members may receive personal revelation, only the Prophet can receive revelation for the entire Church.

Joseph Smith also had seer stones: one brown, one white, one green. He primarily used the chocolate brown one for translating the Book of Mormon. Joseph saw in vision how to find these stones. 

So, what was the difference between Joseph's stones and Hiram's stone? Was it the stone that made the difference? Was one from God and the other from a different source that caused one to receive God's revelations and the other receive revelation from the devil?

I'm of the opinion that Hiram's stone could have received personal revelation from God. However, Hiram allowed his own pride to corrupt the stone and its source. In the Book of Mormon, we read regarding the Interpreters that they can reveal many things, and can be dangerous if a person looks for things they ought not (Mosiah 8:13). Hiram looked where he should not have, and it corrupted him.

We see the same thing in fiction and in modern life.

In Lord of the Rings, the white sorcerer Saruman was corrupted by looking into the Palantir (a crystal ball), and looked for things he should not.

In today's world, many of us have a technological seer stone connected to the Internet. Our phones, tablets and computers all give us the ability of learning great knowledge about the kingdom of God and his creations. The Internet can also be a great danger to those who look where they ought not look. In looking at things God would forbid us see, many good people have been deceived and corrupted by pornography, conspiracy theories, and false ideas.

In our own seer stones today, we can find both God and the devil. It is up to each of us to decide which we will follow. Who is our prophet? Who is our God?

 

Come Follow Me: D&C 23-26

 Come Follow Me: D&C 23-26

D&C 23

This is a series of brief revelations to Joseph, some of his family members, Oliver and Joseph Knight. Interestingly, the Lord tells all but one of them they are under no condemnation. They are in good standing with God.

However, Joseph Knight was a different story. He was called upon to pray in public, but turned down the offer. Later, as he attempted to pray in private, he was seized upon by a devil. He told his family to get Joseph, who came and performed the first casting out of a devil in Church history.  Joseph Knight was called in this revelation to join the Church, which he did. He remained faithful his entire life.

D&C 24

In this revelation, Joseph is called to visit the congregations of the Church that were beginning to grow. He is told that he would never have abilities concerning temporal things, but only in spiritual things. We will see many of his temporal adventures will fail - such as the Kirtland Safety Society (a bank). At his death, Joseph held all the debt of the Church, which included loans for building the Nauvoo temple. Even as a prophet in Missouri, he would be forced to make ends meet by chopping wood for others in winter, so his own family could eat.

Imagine being the chosen one of God as a prophet, and being told this. If Joseph Smith were a fraud, one would imagine he would instead seek to be financially secure by receiving the tithes and offerings of his followers. Instead, he worked harder than most  temporally, just to make ends meet, and then tack upon that his spiritual role that had him traveling, and often in hiding from his persecutors.

D&C 25

The earliest sections of the D&C contain many personal revelations to people asking guidance of God through the Prophet Joseph Smith.  D&C 25 is the only section containing a personal revelation to a woman: Emma Smith.  Meeting Joseph in 1825 while he was working with Josiah Stowell,  searching for buried treasure.  Joseph would return to Harmony Pennsylvania several times to court Emma.  Her father disapproved of Joseph the treasure hunter courting his daughter, and so they eloped.

Emma must have felt isolated, with much of her family considering Joseph a fraud or crazy for his claims of angelic visits and a book with gold plates.  Yet, Emma was present with Joseph on the night he obtained the plates from the Hill Cumorah.  Later, she would be his scribe and assist him in hiding the plates from others who attempted to steal them.

Emma patiently waited and served Joseph.  She saw Oliver, Martin and David become the Three Witnesses.  Soon after, 8 others would be additional witnesses of the gold plates.  She would listen to Joseph describe receiving the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods with Oliver Cowdery.  She saw these many men come into the home to receive personal revelations from Joseph, many being called to special responsibilities and missions.  She was the woman in waiting, never directly involved in the revelations or events that occurred.  Yet, she was also the woman who patiently went through the many trials: watching Joseph arrested dozens of times or being tarred and feathered.  Seeing most of her children die in childhood. Visiting Joseph in Liberty Jail, Carthage Jail, and other jails along the way.  Escaping Missouri alone with her children, while Joseph was imprisoned and mobs wandered the hills looking for Mormons to harm.  Watching the wagon slowly bring the bodies of Joseph and Hyrum back from Carthage.

So, when she did receive her revelation, the Lord seemed to explain that her position would not include a center position in the early events of the Restoration.  She was told to patiently support and strengthen her husband, and to be a source of joy and good cheer.  Perhaps one of her two defining responsibilities in the LDS Church was her assignment to put together the first hymnbook (the other being the first Relief Society President of the Church).

When we consider how important music is in the Church today, we can owe it all to Emma.  Many of the hymns she selected are still found in our hymnbook today.  The hymnbook inspired many members to write hymns, several making it into the first hymnbook, Some well known poets/song writers in the early Church included Eliza R Snow (O My Father), William W Phelps (Spirit of God - in the first hymnbook and sung at the Kirtland Temple dedication), John Jaques (O Say What is Truth), Joel H Johnson  (High on the Mountaintop), Parley P Pratt (The Morning Breaks), and many others.  Today, we have the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, Gladys Knight's Be One Choir and many other local choirs and performance groups that inspire millions.  Indeed, “the song of the righteous is a prayer unto” the Lord.

Emma was faithful to Joseph throughout his life, and served the poor and needy throughout her own life.  She definitely is an elect lady.

 

D&C 26

 

In this revelation, Joseph is told to prepare to hold a conference in the West. This would occur in Kirtland, where a new center for the Church was springing up. 

 

The concept of "common consent" was now reaffirmed. This becomes a check on the leaders and on the members, as they would have to show they consented to actions, revelations, ordinations, callings, etc. Today, we still continue in common consent, with every General Conference, stake conference and ward conference confirming people in their leadership roles. New revelations accepted as doctrine go through the process of common consent. It is a checks and balances that helps prevent human error does not creep into the work of the Church.

Come Follow Me: D&C 20-22

 Come Follow Me: D&C 20-22

D&C 20:1
Ever since Elders B.H. Roberts and James Talmage gave their opinion on this verse about a century ago, many members have understood it to mean that Jesus was born on April 6, AD 1.    However, early Church members, including Joseph Smith and Brigham Young never seemed to read this revelation in this manner.  

First, a problem arises when one considers archaeology and history.  According to the Bible, King Herod the Great sought to kill the infant Jesus, and slaughtered all children from 2 years and under in Bethlehem.  Archaeology shows that Herod died in 4 BC, so either the Bible is wrong on this story of Herod, or Jesus was more likely born around 6 BC.

Next, with the new Joseph Smith Papers Project, we now see that D&C 20: was not intended to be part of the revelation initially, but was an introduction header to the section provided by John Whitmer, the scribe. Somewhere along the line of publishing, it was included as part of the revelation. The question then becomes, does an introduction approved by the Church membership as doctrine equate to a revelation establishing the date of Jesus' birth?  Thanks to the JSPP and the Church's recent 2013 online scripture updates, we will be able to understand the revelations we have even better, and perhaps reduce the amount of speculation on just what the scriptures say.

So, when was Jesus born?  Around 6 BC, and we do not know exactly which day, although April 6 may be as good a day as any.

Church Organization
The focus is on the basic organization of the Church.  The new heading for D&C 20 notes that portions of the revelation were received as early as 1829.  It establishes a foundation for the Church's organization, describing key ordinances, such as baptism, the laws/rules of obedience for the Church, and important concepts for the functioning and organization of the priesthood.

We should not be surprised that many of the revelations in D&C were gathered over a period of time, occasionally changed, etc.  The concept is that the Church is "living".  It is ever growing, changing and adapting, as new revelations are received.  For example, at the Church's beginning, Joseph and Oliver Cowdery were established as the First and Second Elders of the Church and as apostles (D&C 20:2-3).  The concepts of "a seer, translator and a prophet" (D&C 21:1), or the current "pAnd we know that justification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true;

31 And we know also, that sanctification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true, to all those who love and serve God with all their mights, minds, and strength.

rophet, seer and revelator" or even the title "apostle" (D&C 20:38, D&C 21:1) had not been fully formalized as it would be in just a few years.  However, by 1835, the Church had grown sufficiently to require major changes in priesthood structure.  The First Presidency, and Quorums of 12 and 70 were officially organized, although their final functions were still in the future. In 1835, the Quorum of Twelve was initially a traveling council, equal to the stake high councils.  Only later in Nauvoo would the Twelve become the leading council it is today.

Man and God

We learn of Man's relationship with God:

"And that he created man, male and female, after his own image and in his own likeness, created he them;

"And gave unto them commandments that they should love and serve him, the only living and true God, and that he should be the only being whom they should worship.

"But by the transgression of these holy laws man became sensual and devilish, and became fallen man." (D&C 20:18-20)

We began as holy children of God, but because of sin, we fell. The scripture continues to explain that the only way to return back into God's grace and presence is through Jesus Christ. We cannot save ourselves. We are in a fallen and depraved state here in this telestial world, and there is no way we can lift ourselves out of it. 

Only through repentance and coming unto Christ can we regain holiness and be lifted out of the evil state we are in. In falling, we fell out of God's grace and spiritual family. Through Christ, we regain membership in the family of God.

Justification and Sanctification

"And we know that justification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true;

"And we know also, that sanctification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true, to all those who love and serve God with all their mights, minds, and strength." (D&C 21:30-31)

To become holy again requires two things: Justification and Sanctification. 

Justification is the beginning event. When we develop faith in Christ, come unto Him, and repent, we are washed of our sins. No longer are we in a fallen and depraved state. We are snatched from the depths of hell and torment. No longer do we merit perdition. As with Alma, we are instantly moved from a state of exquisite pain and guilt, to a state of exquisite joy and hope (Alma 36). We are made just by Jesus Christ. This only requires faith and complete repentance. We cannot retain any sins and be justified in Christ. Later, we will read in D&C 132 that the righteous will "suffer the buffetings of Satan" prior to entering into God's kingdom. For any sins we commit and have not yet repented, we will suffer until we complete our repentance - whether in this life or in the Spirit World. It is Justification that rescues us from Outer Darkness, bringing us swiftly into a kingdom of glory.

Sanctification means we are made ever more pure and holy through the Holy Ghost. You'll note in Alma's experience that upon repenting, he was able to see God and Lehi in the distance and wished to be with them. While he had been made just through repentance and the atonement of Christ, he was not holy enough to be in God's direct presence. This would require time, effort, obedience, and the sanctifying power of the Holy Ghost. It is Sanctification that determines our level of glory in the next life. 

These concepts were still in their infancy in the Church in 1829. They would be more fully developed through later revelations, such as sections 76 and 88.

One God

In verse 28, we see that the Father, Son and Holy Ghost are "one God." This statement is noted several times in the Book of Mormon, as well. In our developed understanding of the gospel, we understand this to mean that they are one Godhead, one in purpose. However, in this early period of the restoration, it is likely that a Trinitarian view was still understood concerning this phrase. At one point, it was thought by church members that the Holy Ghost was a power of God. It wouldn't be until 1843 (D&C 130) that the concepts that God and Jesus have physical bodies and that the Holy Ghost was a "personage of spirit" would be fully clarified. 

As we continue studying Church history and restoration, let's remember that the early Saints did not have the benefit of all the revelation and hindsight available at their fingertips. These were new concepts. Strange concepts. We will see many early leaders of the Church balk at certain new concepts, yet retain early teachings of the Church - such as David Whitmer, who was a constant witness of the Book of Mormon his entire life, but rejected several later revelations, leading him away from the Church and Joseph Smith prior to the Nauvoo era.

It would be on the same level as the shock given to many members when the 1978 revelation on Priesthood was given. I know of several who left the Church, because the revelation was unexpected, given the speculations of some Church leaders like Joseph Fielding Smith and Bruce R. McConkie. 

More recently, it would be as shocking as President Dallin H. Oaks proclaiming that "black lives matter is an eternal principle." How many had their testimonies shaken, because their religious beliefs were challenged by such a statement?

It is a matter of realizing that there really is very little core doctrine: Jesus is the Christ. God lives. First principles and ordinances of the Gospel.

Most of what we personally hold as doctrine is actually mostly speculation. For example, the atonement and resurrection are doctrinal. HOW they occur is speculation. - Going to a kingdom of glory is doctrinal. Being forever damned to a specific kingdom, and progression between kingdoms (as I discussed last week) are both speculative. Modern politics adds an entirely new level of speculation to the gospel. Brigham Young taught that polygamy was an eternal requirement and that there was a priesthood curse - most members accepted these as doctrinal, when both are speculative, at best.

This is exactly why we have continuing revelation.

 

 

Come Follow Me: D&C 18-19

 Come Follow Me: D&C 18-19

As we continue studying the revelations of Joseph Smith, we see that some doctrines are expanded and some are completely reinvented, as God gives us higher understanding of his kingdom. Joseph's revelations will become more complex, intricate, and expansive as the years go by. 

D&C 18

This revelation was given in June 1829, about the time the Melchizedek Priesthood was restored by the ancient apostles, Peter, James and John. The Book of Mormon translation was not yet finished. With these two key ideas in mind, let's see what the Lord taught Oliver Cowdery.

"Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;

"For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him.

"And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance.

"And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth!" (D&C 18:10-13)

We learn that for Jesus, the souls of men are great. They are important enough to God that he sent his son to suffer death, so that we may all return to God under one condition: repentance. For Joseph and Oliver at this time, there was no understanding of the Three Degrees of Glory. Instead, there was only heaven and hell. Repentance was the condition which snatched all mankind out of hell and into heaven. Later revelation would bring nuance to the understanding of the word, "saved." Still, the focus of salvation are Faith in Christ, Repentance, Receiving/making ordinances/covenants, Receiving the Holy Ghost - an actual member of the Godhead - to be our companion while we dwell on earth.

"Wherefore, you are called to cry repentance unto this people.

"And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!

"And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!" (vs 14-16)

After the Lord explained his purpose in saving mankind, he now invites us to join him in his great commission. If saving souls brings Christ great joy, it will bring us great joy, as well. We are called to be co-servants with Jesus in being saviors on Mount Zion (Obadiah 1:21).

Who is the "one soul" that we bring unto Christ? Us. Before we can bring many souls to God, we must first be converted and repent. In repentance comes great joy. We find hope in Christ, and receive the calming peace of the Holy Ghost in our lives. If our lives are in great turmoil, we can choose to repent of sin, and even if the world turns upside down, we can still experience the inner joy promised.

"Contend against no church, save it be the church of the devil." (v 20)

As the Book of Mormon continually teaches us, contention is the doctrine of Satan (3 Ne 11). We may feel we are doing the world a favor by getting involved in Bible bashes (not to be confused with Bible discussions), but it doesn't bring forth God's purposes.

Back in the early days of the Church in Bolivia, the Pedraja family invited the missionaries to visit them. Carlos Pedraja, then a young man planning on attending college in Cuba, was present. When the elders arrived, they found the missionaries of another faith present. Those other missionaries instantly began to contend with the elders. The elders said they would not contend, excused themselves, and left. As they walked down the street, Carlos ran after them. He said his family wanted them to return. The family joined the Church. Carlos became the first missionary from Bolivia. He later was one of the first stake presidents in Bolivia (when I met him), and held major callings in the region later on in Church Education System.

Such conversion comes when the peace and calmness of the Spirit are present, and not when we are contending. What is the Church of the Devil? Well, it isn't the other Christian churches out there. It is any organization that leads people fully away from God - one that encourages immorality, carnal lusts, and materialism. It is one that supports secret combinations, getting gain at any cost. 

The Twelve

Surprisingly, almost a year before the Church was organized, the Three Witnesses (as apostles) are called to begin the search for the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. This quorum would be ordained in Feb 1835 and include:

"The Twelve (in the order presented at the meeting) were Lyman Johnson, age 23; Brigham Young, 33; Heber C. Kimball, 33; Orson Hyde, 30; David W. Patten, 35; Luke Johnson, 27; William E. McLellin, 29; John F. Boynton, 23; Orson Pratt, 23; William Smith, 23; Thomas B. Marsh, 34; and Parley P. Pratt, 27. All had previously served missions. Eight had accompanied Joseph Smith on the Zion’s Camp expedition the previous summer." 

They were ordered by age for seniority, putting David W. Patten as president of the Twelve. This would vastly affect missionary work, and the progression of the Church in preaching the gospel to all the world.

But for now, in 1829, it was only an assignment - one with a reach that Joseph and Oliver could not imagine.

D&C 19

Perhaps the two most engaging points in this section are: Jesus' suffering and the new understanding of certain concepts.

When Jesus speaks of his suffering, he explains it in strong terms: even God suffered great pain. He descended below all things and all people, in order to lift all of us up. However, we must, again as noted in section 18, repent. Otherwise, we will suffer even as he did. 

Consider the experience of the wicked man, Alma the Younger, when he collapsed into a Near Death Experience after being chastened by an angel:

"But I was racked with eternal torment, for my soul was harrowed up to the greatest degree and racked with all my sins.

"Yea, I did remember all my sins and iniquities, for which I was tormented with the pains of hell; yea, I saw that I had rebelled against my God, and that I had not kept his holy commandments.

"Yea, and I had murdered many of his children, or rather led them away unto destruction; yea, and in fine so great had been my iniquities, that the very thought of coming into the presence of my God did rack my soul with inexpressible horror.

"Oh, thought I, that I could be banished and become extinct both soul and body, that I might not be brought to stand in the presence of my God, to be judged of my deeds.

"And now, for three days and for three nights was I racked, even with the pains of a damned soul." (Alma 36:12-16)

It was only when he repented that the darkness and guilt were swept away, and he was bathed in light, glory and joy. In the distance, he saw Lehi standing with God and numerous angels singing praises to God. He longed to be there, which inspired him throughout the rest of his life to serve God as a missionary.

In discussing such pain and torment, Jesus tells Joseph Smith that terminology is important. "Endless" and "Eternal" are names of God. "Endless Punishment" is God's punishment. As with Alma, it doesn't have to be forever. It lasts only until we repent, as Jesus pleads with us to do in section 19.

This would be the beginning of a concept in Latter-day Saint thought of a near universal salvation. Later revelations (see D&C 76) would build upon it, as well as the missionary work done on the other side of the veil with salvation for the dead.

With this concept, we begin to see that some things we take for granted, believing them to be solid doctrine, are left for us to consider and ponder. First, we believe Jesus is the Christ, but do we believe that Jesus is OUR Christ or Savior? Do we really believe he is washing away our sin and guilt?

Second, there is a possibility that there is some form of progression even after this life. While apostle Joseph Fielding Smith was adamantly opposed to this concept, Brigham Young and many others kept an open mind to the possibility that individuals could still progress beyond this life. Zander Sturgill of Book of Mormon Central recently published a series of apostolic quotes regarding this topic.

For me, while I know it is an open issue and not doctrine, it is a comforting thought to consider that God is so loving that he will save us whenever we are ready to repent - whether in this life or the next.

Calling of the Original Twelve Apostles in Modern Times (link fixed): https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2017/10/young-adults/five-lessons-for-young-adults-from-young-apostles/the-calling-of-the-restorations-original-apostles?lang=eng

LDS Leaders Open to Progression Between Kingdoms, Zander Sturgill: https://zandersturgill.com/2018/08/11/lds-leaders-open-to-progression-after-judgement/