Come Follow Me: D&C 129-132

 Come Follow Me: D&C 129-132

D&C  129

In this section, we are given a key to recognizing spirits. This is an important part of Latter-day Saint Angelology. We learn much from the Book of Mormon about angels: they speak by the gift of the Holy Ghost, they speak the words of Christ, they call mankind to repentance, they reveal God's will and truth.

Here are important keys that actually relate to the temple endowment. Brigham Young stated that the endowment teaches us the key signs and tokens we need to be able to pass by the angels which stand as sentinels, until we enter the presence of God. Therefore it's necessary to be able to recognize beings, so as not to be deceived by Satan and his demons.

D&C 130

This section continues our learning about angelology. We learn that angels do not reside upon our earth, though they are intimately connected to it, having been mortals here at some time (past or future).

White Stone as a Handheld computer

We gain an expanded understanding of the concept of "Urim and Thummim." A U&T can be more than just a set of ancient glasses with lenses that allow you to interpret ancient documents. It can be a celestialized planet, or a white stone, etc. 

Here is what I wrote on this subject and section over 20 years ago (with some modern additions):

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With all regards to Charles Babbage, known as the first person to design a "computer," Joseph Smith actually described and used the world's first computer. Over the years, the Urim and Thummim has been scoffed at, yet the descriptions of this tool would lead any thoughtful person to agree that this is, indeed, a description of a computer that we have yet to develop-much on the level of the "holo-deck" in the Star Trek series.

The main description of the Lord's computer is found in D&C 130, with more description given in the Book of Mormon (known there as 'Interpreters').

We read:

6 The angels do not reside on a planet like this earth;
7 But they reside in the presence of God, on a globe like a sea of glass and fire, where all things for their glory are manifest, past, present, and future, and are continually before the Lord.
8 The place where God resides is a great Urim and Thummim.

The angels mentioned are celestial angels, for they dwell in God's presence. The 'planet' or place where God resides is a Urim and Thummim (U&T). It is like a 'sea of glass and fire' and perhaps works on the principles of truth and light. Let's see how it might work:

9 This earth, in its sanctified and immortal state, will be made like unto crystal and will be a Urim and Thummim to the inhabitants who dwell thereon, whereby all things pertaining to an inferior kingdom, or all kingdoms of a lower order, will be manifest to those who dwell on it; and this earth will be Christ's.

The celestialized earth will reveal to us the order of lower things. This includes the laws and principles of the Terrestrial and Telestial orders. Imagine peering into such a U&T and seeing all the information one needs to know concerning the lower worlds. In the Book of Mormon Mosiah 8, the warrior and adventurer Ammon tells us that it is a Seer that uses a U&T in this life. Not just anyone can peer into it, for that person may look for things he/she should not. Kind of sounds like the World Wide Web, doesn't it? One can seek all kinds of information, but must use caution not to seek things that don't uplift us and give us knowledge of the things of God.

10 Then the white stone mentioned in Revelation 2:17, will become a Urim and Thummim to each individual who receives one, whereby things pertaining to a higher order of kingdoms will be made known;
11 And a white stone is given to each of those who come into the celestial kingdom, whereon is a new name written, which no man knoweth save he that receiveth it. The new name is the key word.

Here we see that all celestial beings receive a Urim and Thummim. It becomes the device used to learn all things concerning the 'higher order of kingdoms,' or the laws and principles and truths of the Celestial Kingdom.

That white stone given to each person, is a personal learning device, for it only works for the person knowing the new name or key word. In computer jargon today, we call it a computer password. Such a password keeps those that shouldn't be in our system, off of it. It allows for privacy and for each person to personalize their own computer to their own needs.

As we have trillions of books, papers, records, photos and videos available to us on the Internet today, we can easily understand one way how this white stone may work. Our smart phones are, in essence, a white stone Urim and Thummim. Through it, we can learn anything connected to what mankind has discovered: history, science, medicine, astronomy, literature, art, and so forth. The opportunities to learn are beyond the scope of any mortal in this life. And, as in the warning in the Book of Mosiah, we must use caution for what we look for. Having access to a world of information means we must choose wisely and righteously, otherwise it cannot exalt us.

How does this system work? I imagine we get a glimpse of how it works with the great revelations which Nephi, Moses and other prophets have received. Often taken to a high mountain, where things are revealed to them of things past, present and future. It seems as though they are physically there to observe the actual event (whether it is the birth of Christ or the creation of the world), kind of like what one experiences in Virtual Reality or perhaps in the futuristic holo-decks of Star Trek Next Generation.

So, something that couldn't be imagined in Joseph Smith's day, WAS imagined and in the 21st Century seems within reach...

***

This is what I wrote back then. Today, I would add possibly one other comment. In vs 10 and 11, it mentions two groups that may receive a white stone. In verse 11, it notes celestial people who receive one, so that they may receive knowledge of the higher realms of the Celestial Kingdom. However, vs 10 does not necessarily require the stone to be given only to a celestial person. It is possible that those in the lower kingdoms may receive a white stone that teaches them how to become more holy, by teaching them of things in a kingdom above their own (telestial would learn from the terrestrial, terrestrial would learn the basics of the celestial). In fact, D&C 76 notes that those in the higher kingdoms would descend to visit and teach those in the lower kingdoms, perhaps as part of this teaching. If this is the case, then perhaps God desires to give his children the ability to continue to learn and grow continually throughout the eternities.

The Issue of Slavery and War

Verses 12-13 return us back to D&C 87, the Prophecy on War.  Here is what I previously wrote regarding that section here:

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 Joseph Smith's Prophecy on War (D&C 87) is a big thorn in the side of those critics of the Mormon Prophet. Some claim that 'everyone knew that the North and South were going to war, so it wasn't that big of a prophecy.' However, the evidence is against that statement. Elder Orson Hyde supplemented that prophecy in 1858, claiming the destructions and wars were about to come upon the U.S.

When he made these claims, many eastern newspapers quoted him, mocking him. There was no way the States were going to war, according to the papers. In 1862, Elder Hyde commented on this fact as further evidence that the American people did not consider this prophecy valid prior to its accomplishment.

Secondly, we shall see that the Prophecy of War goes well beyond the Civil War/War between the States, and down to our own day.

War Among the States and Among All Nations

It starts by prophecying of the Civil War, a war that will be the beginning point for all great wars . We read in D&C 87:


1 Verily, thus saith the Lord concerning the wars that will shortly come to pass, beginning at the rebellion of South Carolina, which will eventually terminate in the death and misery of many souls;
2 And the time will come that war will be poured out upon all nations, beginning at this place.Here we see that the Civil War is the beginning of wars to be poured out "on all nations." The Civil War was a great turning point in warfare. With it came modern warfare, which opened the way for wars of mass destruction to be commonplace and widespread. Also, this was the first war where new weapons of destruction were used: repeating rifles, gatling guns, iron ships, etc. All this added up to tens of thousands being killed in a single battle.

3 For behold, the Southern States shall be divided against the Northern States, and the Southern States will call on other nations, even the nation of Great Britain, as it is called, and they shall also call upon other nations, in order to defend themselves against other nations; and then war shall be poured out upon all nations.Here we see the South, during the Civil War, calling upon other nations for assistance, and "they" or Great Britain and other nations shall "also call upon other nations" for assistance in their defense. Imagine a nation like Great Britain, which at the time ruled the oceans and had a formidable army having to call upon other nations for assistance! And yet it happened in both the First and Second World Wars, which is exactly the time when war was "poured out upon all nations."The Fall of Communism

Now this next portion is very interesting. Many think it refers to the Civil War, but it doesn't. In terms of time, it refers to a time after the wars on all nations:

4 And it shall come to pass, after many days, slaves shall rise up against their masters, who shall be marshaled and disciplined for war.

The only "slaves" in the days since the World Wars, have been those who have suffered under the bonds of Communism and racism. Isn't it interesting to see how quickly the shackles of slavery have fallen off of the slaves of the former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe, and among the blacks in South Africa, and to an extent, even in the United States. However, since their "masters" are marshaled and disciplined for war, there are few primary choices, except Communism where this has occurred.The Terrorist Connection

This is to the point where I see we are at in this prophecy. There is more to come, as well:

5 And it shall come to pass also that the remnants who are left of the land will marshal themselves, and shall become exceedingly angry, and shall vex the Gentiles with a sore vexation.At one time I thought the remnant refered to is the literal House of Israel, and particularly the Lamanites (Native Americans). It may be that a portion of this part of the prophecy will still be fulfilled by them.Now, however I feel it is the remnant of the slaves in the world that this refers to. Tyrannical dictators of Muslim nations have kept their peoples in poverty and slavery. They have stayed in power by turning the anger of the peoples against the Jews and the West. We are now feeling the pain of the remnant of Arab and Muslim slaves in the world, as they continue attacking and vexing the Gentile nations. Interestingly, the tactics they are using are very similar to the terrorist attacks used by the Gadianton Robbers in the Book of Mormon (Books of Helaman and 3 Nephi), not long prior to the First Coming of Christ in glory to the Nephites, prior to their long period of peace (akin to the Millennial era we pray for today).

Great Destructions to Come

Anyway, to continue with the prophecy:

6 And thus, with the sword and by bloodshed the inhabitants of the earth shall mourn; and with famine, and plague, and earthquake, and the thunder of heaven, and the fierce and vivid lightning also, shall the inhabitants of the earth be made to feel the wrath, and indignation, and chastening hand of an Almighty God, until the consumption decreed hath made a full end of all nations;
7 That the cry of the saints, and of the blood of the saints, shall cease to come up into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth, from the earth, to be avenged of their enemies.Obviously, when the remnant of the slaves vex the Gentiles, we shall see great destruction and bloodshed begin. So, the times for great destruction may not be too far away.Stand In Holy Places

8 Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold, it cometh quickly, saith the Lord. Amen.And the "holy places" mentioned above are Zion and her stakes. People will flock to the "holy places" as places of refuge and safety. Not all will be Latter-day Saints, but all that are willing to keep the 10 Commandments, and perhaps a few other laws of righteousness will be welcome to dwell in safety, while the wicked suffer through the great destructions of the last days prior to the Second Coming of the Lord.Once again, an amazing prophecy of Joseph Smith's come forth as true.

***

 Vs 14-17, Joseph asked when the Second Coming would be. He was left with no real answer. We do not know exactly when the Coming of Christ in glory will be. Still, members read into writings. Many were looking for the 2nd Coming to occur at Joseph's 85th birthday. It didn't happen. Guess what? We just have to be ready, and we will see the face of Christ at some time, whether in the flesh, after death, or whenever, we do not know. But when it happens, it will be glorious.

 

Gaining Intelligence

 "Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.

"And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come." (vs 18-19)

This connects us with last week's discussion on the "key of knowledge." While we all need time to relax and enjoy some of life, our greater purpose is to learn and grow. Intelligence is described in D&C 88 and 93 as "light and truth." We are to gain in light and truth, going from grace to grace and receiving grace for grace until we gain a fullness. 

In the final judgment, we won't be asked how many degrees we have or how rich we became, but what we did with the opportunities we were given. Did we develop talents and use them for good? Did we take advantage of the opportunities we received, or did we let them pass us by? College degrees are not necessary, but gaining knowledge and intelligence is. With thousands of books in the public library, and billions online, with free college courses and programs, videos on science and other important realms of knowledge, free e-books, classic literature, history videos, online news, etc.

This ties in with our blessing of an earthly Urim and Thummim that we can use NOW to gain in knowledge and intelligence. There is no reason for anyone who has a smart phone or tablet with wifi connection to not have access to an almost inexhaustible resource for learning.

Or we can do cat videos.

D&C 131

 In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees;

And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage];

And if he does not, he cannot obtain it.

He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom; he cannot have an increase. (vs 1-4)

There are members who dissect this section a little differently than most do: does the term "celestial glory" mean the Celestial Kingdom? Or does it mean Heaven in general? The definition changes the meaning of the entire section. 

It becomes an issue on whether there are one or three levels in the Celestial Kingdom. Most members believe there are three. Some are not sure. Instead, they see the three degrees as the Telestial, Terrestrial and Celestial Kingdoms.

Personally, I favor the standard view, but I realize these are theories we have, and until God clearly reveals it to us, we will have to continue them as theories.

And this fits with another theory that we find in these sections: is there advancement between kingdoms? Currently, there are two theories: no advancement between kingdoms, and eventual advancement between kingdoms. It all depends upon how we interpret scripture. We've read that those gaining more intelligence will be more advanced than another in the world to come. We also read that without celestial marriage, one cannot enter into an exalted state - whether a person can later choose eternal marriage or not, is not discussed in these sections, so it leaves us to ponder how it will actually work.

We know that there are things that can limit our progression. We do not know if there is a time limit to obtain knowledge, to be sealed or receive ordinances, to repent, to change, to grow to a higher sphere. As a parent, I would hope I would always leave the door open for one of my children to come home (as we read in the Prodigal Son), but is there an end time to our probationary period? Is there a time when God says, "tough luck. You had your chance and you can't have any more opportunities to return."?

We do not know. It is theory. I personally hope God keeps his door open eternally.

 

 

 

 

 

Book Review: The Learning of the Jews

 Book Review: "The Learning of the Jews", What Latter-day Saints Can Learn from Jewish Religious Experience. (edited by Trevan G. Hatch and Leonard J Greenspoon)

Scholar Hugh Nibley often bemoaned the attitude of many BYU students, who thought they were members of the Church, had the Restored Gospel in their lives, and therefore didn't really need to learn anything else. Others have felt that they could only study the scriptures and learn what they needed to know and understand regarding the gospel without using other resources. The truth is, however, that if we do not learn from other sources, we end up studying only the things we already know. We need new perspective to continually make our testimonies, knowledge and understanding grow.

In "The Learning of the Jews," we get a series of essays regarding Jewish understanding of scripture and life. This is not the learning of which Nephi warned. Instead, it is a discussion of how Jews have survived and thrived since the destruction of Herod's Temple, and how Latter-day Saints can then take some of those concepts and enhance their own worship and life experience.

The book is divided into 7 major sections. Each section begins with an essay from a Jewish person, sometimes a rabbi or scholar. Then, a response is given from a Latter-day Saint perspective. The main sections with the responses are:

1. Approaching Scripture: Insights from Judaism

2. Neither Prophet nor Priest: Authority and the Emmergence of the Rabbis in Judaism

3. Approaching God: A Jewish Approach to Prayer

4. Women and Judaism in the Contemporary World; Tradition in Tension

5. Faith as Memory: Theologies of the Jewish Holidays

6. Sacrality and Particularity: Jews in Early Modern Context

7. It's Funny, But Is it Jewish? It's Jewish, But is it Funny?

We first learn that Jews and Christians often view scripture in different ways. Many Christians look at the Bible as sola scriptura, a writing so perfect and sacred that it stands alone and apart from all other writing or teaching on earth. For Christians, studying the Bible is often a personal or maybe a family experience done in the home. 

However, for millennia on the Sabbath in rabbinical Judaism, the sacred scroll in the synagogue would be carefully removed from its "ark" or sacred storage place, carried forth among the congregants to the front. There, the Reader would carefully and clearly read the chosen text for the day. This would usually be followed by an explanation, often coming from the writings of the leading rabbinical scholars.It becomes a communal sacred experience.

Reading was different prior to the printing press. We are told that the Christian saint Ambrose was unique, because he could read without moving his lips! Reading was originally meant to be done aloud and in groups, not quietly at fast speeds alone. It brings to point just how we read or study o ur own scriptures (or any other book, for that matter). It causes me to pause and ask, do we takereading, and reading aloud, for granted? How often do we bring our own families or congregations together for a group experience with the sacred? Did we read aloud to our children when they were young? Are we still reading aloud to them now that they are older? What communal experience do we seek to experience?

"Learning of the Jews" emphasizes the concept of knowing the background behind the stories and teachings within sacred writings, whether the Hebrew Bible or commentaries from the rabbis (or in the case of Latter-day Saints, prophets and apostles). For the Jews, it all becomes sacred, because of the effort placed in discovering their relationship with God. 

The Talmud, a set of ancient rabbinical writings, explains the journey of discipleship through a story about two of the earliest rabbis, Rabbi Eliezer (a priest) and Rabbi Joshua (a non-priest). They disagreed regarding a point in scripture regarding the move to a disciple-ship line of authority. R. Eliezer sought to have God prove his point through miracles: miraculous uprooting of a carob tree, reversing the flow of a stream of water, causing the schoolhouse to shake. Each time, R. Joshua refused to accept the miracles as proof, because they were not based on debate and logic. Finally, R Eliezer called upon Heaven itself to verify his authority, and Heaven responded: "What Business have you with R. Eliezer, for the law (of Moses) accords with his position on all accounts."

Still, R. Joshua disagreed, noting that the Torah (scripture) was already given from heaven, and therefore there could be no more response from heaven greater than what was already given. At that point, R. Eliezer laughed and responded that the children (younger generations) had overcome him. 

While Latter-day Saints would at first disagree with R. Joshua's stance, as we focus heavily on continuing revelation, we must recognize that we often stumble along while we wait for revelation to come. Too often, Latter-day Saints use this same focus on debate and interpretation to make sense of spiritual things that are light on actual doctrine. For example, we know that Jesus is the Christ and is our Savior. But, how exactly does the atonement work? There are many theories on how the atonement occurs, and most members have their own personal favorite theory, which they often mistake as doctrine. Another example would be the continual discussion on the location of Book of Mormon events in the Americas: as some groups vehemently defend their theory as doctrine, while condemning all others who disagree.

For the Jewish people, debate is important to understanding what scripture means and what it especially means to the community. As the book notes, the Jews have long experienced tragedies that wiped out other nations and groups. Twice the temple and Jerusalem were destroyed and the Jews carried off. They experienced pogroms (persecution) in Russia, the Inquisition in Spain, and the attempted genocide caused by Hitler. 

Yet, they still are a people. Perhaps it is their intensity in their Jewishness, if not in their faith, which causes them to thrive even in the face of extermination. Definitely, their keen observance of the Sabbath and holy days (Passover, Feast of Tabernacles, etc), and their sharp, but peaceful debates, continue to hold them together, while shaping their faith for the future.

For me, one important concept that is discussed in the book is the focus on "remembering." The Sabbath and holy days, in particular, help them remember important Biblical and sacred events of the past. In the book, we learn that these are not re-enactments, but moments of remembering. In their Passover Seder (dinner), those in attendance do not re-enact the first Passover when the angel of death passed over Moses and Israel, and killed the firstborn of the Egyptians. Instead, they are spiritually transported back to the actual event, where they sit eating their sacred dinner with their ancestors and tell the stories that Moses shared 3500 years ago.

So it is with the Sabbath. As Jews partake of the Sabbath experience in the synagogue and in their evening meal, they again are transported to the foot of Mount Sinai, where they stand with Moses as he receives the Ten Commandments, including the command to "remember the Sabbath, to keep it holy."

In the Latter-day Saint response to these wonderful concepts, the writers discuss how we should have such an experience during the Sacrament (Eucharist or communion). In the prayers for the Latter-day Saint Sacrament, we are told to "always remember him (Jesus)." How often have I partaken of the Sacrament as part of a re-enactment of the Last Supper, when I should have remembered. I should have been transported to the Last Supper, to Gethsemane, and to the Cross, every time I partook of the bread and cup. 

Beyond what the book discusses, Latter-day Saints can also find great value in "remembering" as we attend the temple. Baptisms for the dead are a great place to remember Jesus' baptism, as well as our own. In doing so, we can consider being baptized not only for remission of our sins, but to "fulfill all righteousness," as Jesus proclaimed. Again, in the initiatory, endowment and sealings, we can remember and be transported to the Creation, the Fall, Eden, our fore-ordination, and our future entrance into the kingdom of God.

These are just a few of the great concepts I gained from the "Learning of the Jews." It helped me to review my  own worship style and forms, and consider new ways to kick them up several notches. The next time I reach for my scriptures, whether my physical set or electronic, I will consider just how sacred they are as I hold them in my hands. Perhaps I'll try to read them aloud more often, to hear with my ears the poetry and prose. Perhaps I'll hear the voices of Moses, Isaiah, Nephi and Jesus Christ, as I repeat aloud and remember the words and events.

"The Learning of the Jews" is now available at:

Greg Kofford Books

Amazon

Come Follow Me: D&C 125-128

 Come Follow Me: D&C 125-128

As we approach the last couple months of studying the Doctrine and Covenants for CFM, hopefully we've noticed some important themes that flow through the entire book. A short list of major teachings would include: Jesus as Christ, priesthood, the importance of continuing revelation, Zion and her stakes, and temples. 

D&C 125

In this short section we learn, again, about Zion. The saints were driven from Missouri, and so could not build the center city of Zion in Independence. However, they could build new cities: Nauvoo, Zarahemla, etc., and establish stakes in those cities.

"...let them gather themselves together unto the places which I shall appoint unto them by my servant Joseph...." (vs 2)

The Lord establishes his stakes and calls the saints to gather to them. At one time, the stakes were only in the American west, Utah territory. At that time, the saints had to travel from Europe and elsewhere to dwell in a stake. There wouldn't be a stake formed outside of North America until 1935, in Oahu (now a part of the state of Hawaii).

Today, there are approximately 3500 stakes worldwide. An example of growth can be seen in the South American country of Bolivia. When I was a missionary there over 40 years ago, with a membership of 18,000 members, they received their first 3 stakes (Santa Cruz, Cochabamba, La Paz). Today, there are 33 stakes, and more than 200,000 members.

As the saints are ready to gather, more stakes are created. This section notes that one reason for gathering is "that they may be prepared for that which is in store for a time to come" (vs 2). Zion and her stakes are refuges from the storms of the last days.

D&C 126

This is a short section given to Brigham Young, newly appointed as the president of the Quorum of 12 Apostles. Whereas the 12 were to be a "traveling high council," we find here that the Lord was now able to send others with the 12 to far off places. Brigham's work would be closer to home (Nauvoo), only serving occasionally in missionary work in the Eastern States. Much of this may be due to God's foresight. He would require Brigham close to Joseph, so that the Prophet could transfer knowledge and priesthood keys as needed to the president of the 12. After developing the initial endowment for the Nauvoo temple, a ceremony that lasted around 7 hours, Joseph told Brigham that the endowment was like a rough draft, and needed refinement. Joseph tasked Brigham with the assignment of improving on it, which Brigham set out to do, reducing the endowment down to about 2 1/2 hours in length.

D&C 127

Additional instructions are given for baptisms for the dead. Joseph established there be a "recorder" to write down the important information regarding baptisms, such as the dead person's name, dates, ensure there are witnesses, etc.

The idea of a recorder hearkens back to the importance of preserving records. To this day, the Church members can only speculate on the exact date of the First Vision, or when Joseph received the Melchizedek Priesthood, simply because such wasn't written down. Nephi recognized the importance of obtaining the Brass Plates for his people to remember God on their journeys. Between major battles, Mormon enscribed the spiritual history of his people on gold plates for our benefit today.

Records, whether historical or spiritual, can create important links. They link us to our ancestors in family history. They link us to our children, as we leave behind our journals, photos, videos, and memories. They are a testimony of testimonies, ordinances, covenants, and spiritual events. 

We've been encouraged to leave behind our own record. Whether we write daily in a journal, or only blog the things of most importance to us, it is important to leave a witness. In fact, one of the reasons I blog the scripture study is to leave behind a record of some of the things I've learned, in hopes that someone will read something in it that will inspire and move them toward a closer loving relationship with God and Christ.

"And again, let all the records be had in order, that they may be put in the archives of my holy temple, to be held in remembrance from generation to generation, saith the Lord of Hosts." (vs 9)

I wish more of my ancestors would have left me information regarding their lives. Very few did, and then, only brief snapshots. We need to create records that will be "held in remembrance from generation to generation." These records should be spiritual, but often good description of events, landscapes, history, etc., can enhance a remembrance. What would it be like to find an ancestor's journal, which is written such that it transports you back in time and place?!

And this is a key point of records: to help us remember. In the new book, "Learning of the Jews" (ed Trevan Hatch and Leonard Greenspoon -  I will soon be reviewing the book here), we find that the post-temple Jews learned to "remember" through their stories and holy events. In sharing the Sabbath meal, they don't just reenact Israel's experiencing God at Mt Sinai, they remember actually being there, transported through their ancestors' records to the foot of God's mount.

"That in all your recordings it may be recorded in heaven; whatsoever you bind on earth, may be bound in heaven; whatsoever you loose on earth, may be loosed in heaven..." (vs 7)

May I suggest that this not only applies to records kept for ordinances, but also for all records we create to move forward God's family.

D&C 128

Joseph shares more thoughts regarding baptisms for the dead, especially regarding the importance of properly recording the events and ordinances. In doing so, he expands our understanding on a passage in the Book of Revelation:

"And further, I want you to remember that John the Revelator was contemplating this very subject in relation to the dead, when he declared, as you will find recorded in Revelation 20:12—And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works." (vs 6)

People, all people, will be judged out of the books written here on earth. This includes official ordinance records, journals, history books, blogs, newspapers, etc. What we record here on earth will be remembered in heaven. This is especially true in the Internet Age. How easy it is to search on a topic and have dozens, if not hundreds, of documents and books immediately made available. On a similar note, the things we write on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, etc., will be among the books with which we are judged. When those things are opened in the last day, will the Lord note that we spent more time sharing our testimonies and knowledge with others, or that we primarily shared funny cat videos? Just what ARE we individually recording and sealing up in heaven?

In verse 14, we read:

"the keys of the kingdom, which consist in the key of knowledge." (vs 14)

There is a priesthood key, a key of knowledge, which is found in the ordinances and covenants of the temple. This key is so important that the Prophet Joseph noted,

"...these are principles in relation to the dead and the living that cannot be lightly passed over, as pertaining to our salvation." (vs 15)

What are we doing to seek the "key of knowledge"? This key includes the mysteries of godliness (D&C 84) - what we need to know to be like God. It is inherent in records, as we are to "learn from the best books" (D&C 88). As it is, God knows all things. To be like God means to know all things. What are we doing in this life to begin to know what God knows? The ordinances and covenants are necessary for exaltation. However, without the key of knowledge, those ordinances are limited. This doesn't mean we must know all things now. It does mean that we need to seriously engage in learning to know, even as God knows. We develop the habits of learning and growing, so that we can learn and grow up to be like our Heavenly Parents.

"Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received? A voice of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven; and a voice of truth out of the earth...." (vs 19)

What do we hear? The key of knowledge. The voice of gladness is the voice that shares the good news that Jesus is Christ. The voice of mercy from heaven is revelation, beginning with God's merciful appearance to the boy Joseph Smith in 1820. The voice of truth out of the earth is the Book of Mormon. 

These and a long list of other events noted by Joseph, detail many of the events that gave him and the Church ever greater knowledge. Whether from heavenly revelations or from a book, the Lord presents us with this special key. Today, we have billions of books and papers within our easy reach: Religion, history, science, social development, medical, music, art, math, languages, spiritual, economics, political, etc. There is no reason any of us cannot learn something new, which we can then use to move forth the kingdom of God. We have been blessed with an amazing key of knowledge in our day.

"Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory!" (vs 22)

Today, while so blessed with thousands of stakes, hundreds of temples, and the key of knowledge at our fingertips, we also face many challenges. People are confused as to their eternal (or mortal) identity. They don't know what to believe, as fake news floods in from all sides. With Pres Nelson, we need to seek "pure truth, pure doctrine of Christ, and pure revelation" (Oct 2021 General Conference). We can rejoice in the truths we've received, and move forward with courage, because even in our weakness, God will help us to bring to pass his great work.

Come Follow Me: D&C 124

 Come Follow Me: D&C 124

 In August 1986, I strolled through Nauvoo with my new bride, Ramona. Not many of the restored buildings were there at the time, the restoration project having begun about a decade before. I still remember looking at that big hole at the top of the hill, where the well for the baptismal font was the only visible evidence that a holy building once stood there...

Received in January 1841, this revelation continues the two major concepts of the Restoration: building Zion and building temples.

The Saints were busy draining the swamp they had named "Nauvoo" or "Beautiful." Many still were living in tents or wooden shacks. The area was sectioned off into areas for homes, each with enough space to grow a garden and tend a few animals. Very few brick houses were completed. When we visit Nauvoo today, we see what it was like in 1846, not 1841.

 

 Pelicans on the Mississippi River at Nauvoo (photo by author)

 

Yet, again, in their poverty, the Lord commands them to build a temple. Joseph had received divine instruction on baptisms for the dead, and would receive more. While in their poverty, the Lord would allow baptisms for the dead to occur in the Mississippi River. However, He would not allow it for long. 

This would be the fourth temple commanded of the Lord: Kirtland, Far West, Adam-Ondi-Ahman, and now Nauvoo. This temple would be larger and more magnificent than the others. It wouldn't stand long, being destroyed by an arsonist's fire and by a tornado less than a decade later. Still, it would be the place where thousands of Saints would receive their endowment of power, just prior to leaving for the Great Salt Lake.

In the Kirtland Temple, the saints received a partial endowment off power. There, they had a Pentecost of visions, gifts of tongues, and angelic appearances. The leaders experienced having Joseph Smith wash their feet. Many received their washings and anointings (what we call initiatory today). 

In his hymn, the Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning, W.W. Phelps included two additional stanzas we do not have in our current hymnbooks. One of the stanzas states:

We'll wash and be wash'd, and with oil be anointed

Withal not omitting the washing of feet:

For he that receiveth his PENNY appointed,

Must surely be clean at the harvest of wheat. 

(see article in Wikipedia)

Now, the Lord would expand the work again. Along with the initiatory, we receive the teachings on baptism for the dead. 

Imagine how excited the poor and struggling saints must have been to receive such revelatory insight as this! Immediately, members rushed to the Mississippi to be baptized for deceased ancestors. Joseph could do the work for his beloved brother, Alvin, who lived long enough to know about and believe in the plates of gold, but not long enough to read the published Book of Mormon. 

In this section, the Lord established a stake of Zion in Nauvoo, which.

"I have planted to be a cornerstone of Zion, which shall be polished with the refinement which is after the similitude of a palace." (vs 2)

Zion's stakes and  temples go hand in hand. Temples cannot be built without the strength of Zion and her stakes. Stakes cannot long endure without a temple at the center.

The Lord commands Joseph to write a proclamation to the nations, telling them that the Restored Church of Jesus Christ was again upon the earth, and would grow to fill the earth. The kings of the world, and the converts from everywhere were to come with their gold and silver to build the temple and establish Zion.

This is an amazing proclamation, given what the saints have just experienced in Missouri. Again, many are still living in tents, are impoverished and struggling, yet they are to proclaim before kings and nations that the gospel is going forth.

Today, a proclamation from the First Presidency and Twelve are easily noticed by national and religious leaders around the world. However, in 1841, most would have thought, "Joseph Smith, who?" Then they would have laughed at the thought of this tiny, crazy religious sect in America would ever expand to be in almost every nation, with hundreds of temples and stakes.

Again, the Lord tells them that baptisms for the dead in the Mississippi River is temporary. They must build a temple and be diligent about the work:

"But behold, at the end of this appointment your baptisms for your dead shall not be acceptable unto me; and if you do not these things at the end of the appointment ye shall be rejected as a church, with your dead, saith the Lord your God." (vs 32)

If we don't do our temple work, we shall be rejected as God's people. And we can only do the work within a temple. This is why the Church has been so diligent in building and announcing so many temples in our day. When I joined the Church in  1975, there were only a handful of temples in the world, and most of those were in the American West, where most Latter-day Saints lived. Under President Gordon B. Hinckley, the Church quickly built the one hundredth temple. Since then, over a hundred more temples have been built or announced. In fact, there are now 265 temples built, announced or under construction, over 65 of them announced since Russell M. Nelson became prophet.

There is a reason for all of this stake and temple building. The Lord explained:

"For therein are the keys of the holy priesthood ordained, that you may receive honor and glory." (vs 34)

The fullness of the Melchizedek and Aaronic priesthoods are found within the temple walls. It is there that the great work of helping Christ save mankind from hell and Outer Darkness occurs, and where families are exalted. It is where the sealing powers seal a husband and wife together in the Patriarchal Priesthood, named this because of the great patriarchs and matriarchs of the Bible: Abraham/Sarah, Isaac/Rebekah, Jacob/Leah/Rachel.

And this all begins with saving our ancestors through baptism for the dead, and this only in the stakes of Zion.

"For it is ordained that in Zion, and in her stakes, and in Jerusalem, those places which I have appointed for refuge, shall be the places for your baptisms for your dead.

"And again, verily I say unto you, how shall your washings be acceptable unto me, except ye perform them in a house which you have built to my name?" (vs 36-37)

The Lord then explained that even ancient Israel had a Tabernacle in the wilderness to perform the temple sacrifices and rites. Interestingly, during the trek west, Brigham Young and the first group stopped occasionally and used tents to perform temple ordinances in the wilderness (Journal of William Clayton).

"For I deign to reveal unto my church things which have been kept hid from before the foundation of the world, things that pertain to the dispensation of the fulness of times.

"And I will show unto my servant Joseph all things pertaining to this house, and the priesthood thereof, and the place whereon it shall be built" (vs 41-42)

 

 Nauvoo Temple  (photo by author)

 

We now know that the endowment would be revealed to Joseph Smith, as well as eternal marriage. That said, the Lord continues to reveal "unto my church things which have been kept hid" that he chooses to reveal to us. The temple is a revelatory place. As we take questions, thoughts, and ponderings with us into the temple, the Lord can reveal answers to us, even things hidden "from before the foundation of the world."

"If ye labor with all your might, I will consecrate that spot that it shall be made holy.

"And if my people will hearken unto my voice, and unto the voice of my servants whom I have appointed to lead my people, behold, verily I say unto you, they shall not be moved out of their place.

"But if they will not hearken to my voice, nor unto the voice of these men whom I have appointed, they shall not be blest, because they pollute mine holy grounds, and mine holy ordinances, and charters, and my holy words which I give unto them." (vs 44-46)

Diligence in our labors allows God to consecrate and make things holy, whether it is a temple site or an individual. Even after all the trials the saints have gone through, the Lord again must remind them to be holy and hearken unto the prophet's voice. Those who are disobedient "pollute mine holy grounds," the ordinances and everything else God makes holy. The holiness of the people determines whether someone or something is sacred or desecrated.

The Lord then explains that when the righteous diligently serve God, but the enemy spoils their efforts, Christ still accepts their sacrifice. He also stated that the wicked who sought to stop the work of God would one day be judged for those evil things. The righteous, who had been forced out of Missouri, would be blessed for their efforts.

So it is with us today. We begin a work that we feel the Lord wants us to accomplish, but then something gets in the way and stops our work. The Lord appreciates our efforts and consecrates those good works we've done. Whether it is a single parent trying to raise children in righteousness, while having the ex spouse attacking the gospel when the children visit; or having to end a mission early because of Covid or government overthrow; etc, the Lord accepts our diligent efforts regardless of the final outcome.

The section then discusses the building of the Nauvoo House, a boarding house for weary travelers. The moneys for this would come from selling stocks. The eventually hoped for profits would go to bless the poor, sick and needy. 

The Lord counsels many to pay into the stock for the Nauvoo House, and then gives special counsel to William Law. He is Joseph's second counselor in the First Presidency. William would be faithful for these first few years, wavering when he learns of plural marriage and is heavily chastised for adultery. At that point, he would become one of the major enemies of Joseph and the Church, creating a secret combination that would seek to assassinate Joseph. He would print the Nauvoo Expositor paper, which would condemn Joseph and the Church. The destruction of the printing press and paper would lead to Joseph's arrest and death.

Joseph's other counselor, Sidney, moved to Cincinnati, hoping to find safety from the mobs. He is commanded of the Lord to return to Nauvoo, but refuses to do so. In saving his mortal life, he lost his chance at exaltation.

Of the four members of the First Presidency, only Joseph's assistant president, his brother Hyrum, would remain faithful and diligent in all things. Hyrum would also be called as Patriarch of the Church, filling the space formerly held by his deceased father, Joseph Smith Sr.

With the death of David W Patten in Missouri, a new president of the Quorum of Twelve was needed. Brigham Young was the next in seniority, and was called formally into this position in this revelation.

"I give unto you my servant Brigham Young to be a president over the Twelve traveling council;

"Which Twelve hold the keys to open up the authority of my kingdom upon the four corners of the earth, and after that to send my word to every creature.

"They are Heber C. Kimball, Parley P. Pratt, Orson Pratt, Orson Hyde, William Smith, John Taylor, John E. Page, Wilford Woodruff, Willard Richards, George A. Smith." (vs 127-129)

This is a key note in the public revelations of the Church to establish that the Twelve Apostles held "the keys to open up the authority of my kingdom" not just in some places, but "upon the four corners of the earth." Because of this and other statements regarding the Twelve, Brigham Young would establish after Joseph's death that the keys of the kingdom were retained with the Twelve Apostles. 

While Brigham would be a very rough-around-the-edges leader, he would be the person needed to bring the Saints to the Salt Lake Valley six years later, keeping them intact as a people. He would be the one to build new temples out west, while the other branches of Mormonism coming out of Nauvoo would not build temples or perform baptisms for the dead, nor endow the saints with power from on high.

 

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Come Follow Me: D&C 121-123

 Come Follow Me: D&C 121-123

 The hope of building strong stakes of Zion in Far West and Adam-Ondi-Ahman was short-lived. Both places were considered sacred by the Lord, and a temple was planned for each of the cities, however the persecution they left behind in Kirtland and Jackson county soon followed them. 

 

Far West temple site

Skirmishes occurred. David W. Patton, the president of the Twelve was killed in a battle. A massacre happened at Haun's Mill (situated between Far West and Adam-Ondi-Ahman) that killed over a dozen members and wounded many more. Fights broke out at county polling places, where members sought to cast their votes. 

Joseph would call for all the saints to gather at Far West for protection. Sadly, he was betrayed by some of his closest friends, like W.W. Phelps, and fell into the hands of his enemies. The order was made for Joseph and the others to be shot the next day. General Alexander Doniphan refused to obey the order, saving their lives. Joseph, Hyrum, Sidney, Parley P. Pratt and others were led away to prison. Most of them stayed at Liberty Jail, while Parley and others were imprisoned in Richmond. They would be in prison from 4-6 months.

 

 statue of Alesander Doniphan, Richmond courthouse

 

Liberty Jail (photos by Gerald Smith)

 

In Liberty Jail, they stayed in an underground room, with walls several feet thick. The only access was by a ladder through a hole in the ceiling. The ceiling was low, not allowing any of the men to stand straight up. 

As terrible as it was in the jail, it was worse for many of the saints. Brigham Young was the new president of the Quorum of Twelve, and the chiefest leader in Missouri not in prison. It would be his responsibility to lead the saints out of the state. The Missourians stole their property, lands, homes and animals. Many were beaten by them. Some women were raped. Recent studies suggest that Eliza R. Snow was gang raped, leaving her barren. Thousands of saints walked across the frozen landscape to Illinois, where the kind people of Warsaw took many of them in.

After spending several months in prison, and hearing of the horrific things the Missourians were doing to the saints, Joseph plead to God regarding the tragedies befalling the saints.

"O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?

"How long shall thy hand be stayed, and thine eye, yea thy pure eye, behold from the eternal heavens the wrongs of thy people and of thy servants, and thine ear be penetrated with their cries?

"Yea, O Lord, how long shall they suffer these wrongs and unlawful oppressions, before thine heart shall be softened toward them, and thy bowels be moved with compassion toward them?

"O Lord God Almighty, maker of heaven, earth, and seas, and of all things that in them are, and who controllest and subjectest the devil, and the dark and benighted dominion of Sheol—stretch forth thy hand; let thine eye pierce; let thy pavilion be taken up; let thy hiding place no longer be covered; let thine ear be inclined; let thine heart be softened, and thy bowels moved with compassion toward us.

"Let thine anger be kindled against our enemies; and, in the fury of thine heart, with thy sword avenge us of our wrongs.

"Remember thy suffering saints, O our God; and thy servants will rejoice in thy name forever." (D&C 121:1-6)

How difficult must it be for God to see such suffering and have to stay his hand, so that all of his works can come to pass! When the Lord showed Enoch that he was going to destroy the world by flood, God wept (Moses 7:28). When Jesus approached the tomb of his friend Lazarus, he wept. Much of the Christian world believe God is not moved, touched or phased by the things of this world. However, we know that God is the Most Moved Mover. He is all in. When we weep, he weeps. He cares when we hurt, fall, or are broken. He cared that Joseph was imprisoned and the saints were refugees.

Look at Jesus' kind response to Joseph's prayer:

"My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;

"And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.

"Thy friends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands." (D&C 121: 7-9)

Speaking of the wicked Missourians, the Lord explained they would receive their judgment day:

"And not many years hence, that they and their posterity shall be swept from under heaven, saith God, that not one of them is left to stand by the wall." (vs 15)

Twenty-one years later, the Civil War would begin. In 1862 the area (particularly Independence) would be engaged in the first of two battles between the South (Missourians) under General Quantrille, and the northerners living in Kansas. Quantrille would win the first battle, and would harass the towns in Kansas. The Second battle of Independence would occur in 1864, where southern General Price would win, but soon lose as he advanced on Kansas City to union General Curtis. To prevent any more raids, General Curtis would invade northwestern Missouri and empty it of inhabitants for the rest of the Civil War.

Yet, during the winter of 1838-39, the saints would continue to suffer. Judgment of the wicked would have to wait until their wickedness was full and the Lord was prepared to judge.

However, the Lord could give promises to the saints:

"God shall give unto you knowledge by his Holy Spirit, yea, by the unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost, that has not been revealed since the world was until now;

"Which our forefathers have awaited with anxious expectation to be revealed in the last times, which their minds were pointed to by the angels, as held in reserve for the fulness of their glory;

"A time to come in the which nothing shall be withheld, whether there be one God or many gods, they shall be manifest.

"All thrones and dominions, principalities and powers, shall be revealed and set forth upon all who have endured valiantly for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

"And also, if there be bounds set to the heavens or to the seas, or to the dry land, or to the sun, moon, or stars—

"All the times of their revolutions, all the appointed days, months, and years, and all the days of their days, months, and years, and all their glories, laws, and set times, shall be revealed in the days of the dispensation of the fulness of times..." (vs 26-31)

God would send the Holy Ghost to inspire and reveal truth, both to the saints and the world. To the saints, the Spirit would reveal spiritual truths: that there are many gods, and spiritual dominions and powers revealed - particularly in the Nauvoo temple period. 

But, the Spirit would also inspire scientists, historians, and others to increase knowledge and light. Less than a century later, man would fly, Einstein would reveal the secrets of Relativity, Hubble would discover there are billions of galaxies in our universe. Man would plumb the depths of the ocean, and land on the moon. Captain Kirk would actually go into space in his 90th year.

In economics, capitalism would lift the human race, from 95% in extreme poverty in Joseph Smith's time, to less than 10% in extreme poverty in our day. Knowledge would flood the earth, as sbillions of us have access to all the information on the internet today.

God's promises in D&C 121 are fulfilled in our day, the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times.

Included in this section is the importance of righteously using the priesthood, whether in a Church calling or at home.

"No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;

"By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—

"Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;

"That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.

"Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.

"The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever." (vs 41-46)

In the October 2021 General Conference, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland noted that the "first great commandment in the universe is to love God," with all our heart, might, mind and strength. He then noted that "the first great truth in the universe" is that God loves us that exact same way. When these two forces of love combine, creates an explosion of heavenly power that is unleashed upon the world for good. When we use such love of God and man with our families and those we serve, we create miracles that change lives in positive ways.

When this occurs, according to Elder Holland quoting Chardin, we will have discovered fire for the second time.

D&C 122

Often when we are in great trials, we will ask, "why me?" Here the Lord enumerates many things that DID occur to Joseph and more, to show that the righteous will often be tried by the actions of the wicked. But even through all these trials, who among us can say we have suffered more than Christ? Who of us has descended below ALL things? Who among us has taken upon ourselves all the sins and pains of the world? Who had to hang on a cross, alone, so that even the companionship of God has been removed ("Oh God! Why hast thou forsaken me?)? 

Christ has not, nor will ever, forsake us. He will stand by us through out all of our struggles, trials, and pains. This is true whether evil is thrust upon us by others, by nature, we were born with difficulties, or we caused the trials ourselves. As noted above by Elder Holland, the first great truth of the universe is that God loves us. He will always be there. When others fail us, as others flee, Christ will stand with us and even carry us if necessary.

"...fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever." (vs 9)

D&C 123

The Dispensation of the Fullness of Times opened with the Lord telling the 14 year old prophet that the creeds of man were an abomination to him. Here, the Lord explains that the wicked justify their murders, rapes, and evil with their false creed and traditions.

"It is an imperative duty that we owe to God, to angels, with whom we shall be brought to stand, and also to ourselves, to our wives and children, who have been made to bow down with grief, sorrow, and care, under the most damning hand of murder, tyranny, and oppression, supported and urged on and upheld by the influence of that spirit which hath so strongly riveted the creeds of the fathers, who have inherited lies, upon the hearts of the children, and filled the world with confusion, and has been growing stronger and stronger, and is now the very mainspring of all corruption, and the whole earth groans under the weight of its iniquity.

"It is an iron yoke, it is a strong band; they are the very handcuffs, and chains, and shackles, and fetters of hell." (vs 7-8)

Latter-day Saints can also be caught up in false traditions and creeds that lead them to do terrible things. False beliefs justify wickedness, as we shall see among the saints about a decade later at the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Wrong creeds and beliefs will prevent those of African descent from the priesthood blessings for over a century. False beliefs cause many Americans to fear immigrants, and refuse vaccination (there are legitimate reasons to not be vaccinated, but many who refuse it do it for other reasons, including the belief that government has inserted nanobots in the vaccine). The list goes on.

There is difference between truth/doctrine and theory. "Jesus is the Christ" is a doctrine. How Jesus atoned for our sins is theory. The Book of Mormon is the word of God, is doctrine. Where the Book of Mormon took place is theory. There's nothing wrong with theory, as long as we recognize it as theory and not make it into a false creed. Such leads mankind, including saints, away from the Lord and His truth.

In the October 2021 General Conference, President Russell M. Nelson opening remarks encouraged us to seek "pure truth, the pure Doctrine of Christ, and pure revelation."

This begs the question: how much "impure" truth, doctrine and revelation have we accepted from the world, family, or even Sunday School teachers? How diligent are we in seeking the pure light from pure sources? Do we open our mind towards listening to the prophets in all things? Or only in the things we are comfortable with? Do we embrace the words of dead prophets over living ones, because they are more easily digested?

Are we searching for pure truth, doctrine and revelation, or do we casually sit by and wait for it to drop in our laps? In the meanwhile, do we allow the creeds of the world to corrupt our minds and faith? What are we doing to heed President Nelson's call?