Joseph Smith - The Mission of John the Baptist

Regarding the priesthood, the Lord said -

"...all they who receive this priesthood receive me, saith the Lord;
36 For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 84:35 - 36)

The Savior is teaching that receiving His priesthood is synonomous to receiving His servants who are our priesthood leaders. He explained -

"...whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 1:38)

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught -

“Some say the kingdom of God was not set up on the earth until the day of Pentecost, and that John [the Baptist] did not preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; but I say, in the name of the Lord, that the kingdom of God was set up on the earth from the days of Adam to the present time. Whenever there has been a righteous man on earth unto whom God revealed His word and gave power and authority to administer in His name, and where there is a priest of God—a minister who has power and authority from God to administer in the ordinances of the gospel and officiate in the priesthood of God, there is the kingdom of God; and, in consequence of rejecting the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Prophets whom God hath sent, the judgments of God have rested upon people, cities, and nations, in various ages of the world…"

The Prophet explained the relationship between the priesthood, God's servants, and the kingdom of God -

“But, says one, the kingdom of God could not be set up in the days of John, for John said the kingdom was at hand. But I would ask if it could be any nearer to them than to be in the hands of John. The people need not wait for the days of Pentecost to find the kingdom of God, for John had it with him, and he came forth from the wilderness crying out, ‘Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is nigh at hand’ [Matthew 3:2], as much as to say, ‘Out here I have got the kingdom of God and I am coming after you; I have got the kingdom of God, and you can get it, and I am coming after you; and if you don’t receive it, you will be damned;’ and the scriptures represent that all Jerusalem went out unto John’s baptism [see Matthew 3:5–6]. There was a legal administrator, and those that were baptized were subjects for a king; and also the laws and oracles of God were there; therefore the kingdom of God was there; for no man could have better authority to administer than John; and our Savior submitted to that authority Himself, by being baptized by John; therefore the kingdom of God was set up on the earth, even in the days of John. …"

He continued -

“Whenever men can find out the will of God and find an administrator legally authorized from God, there is the kingdom of God; but where these are not, the kingdom of God is not. All the ordinances, systems, and administrations on the earth are of no use to the children of men, unless they are ordained and authorized of God; for nothing will save a man but a legal administrator; for none others will be acknowledged either by God or angels.”

“John [the Baptist] held the Aaronic Priesthood, and was a legal administrator, and the forerunner of Christ, and came to prepare the way before him. … John was a priest after the order of Aaron before Christ. …
“The keys of the Aaronic Priesthood were committed unto him, and he was as the voice of one crying in the wilderness, saying, ‘Prepare ye the way of the Lord and make his paths straight.’ [Matthew 3:3.] …"

This being true, the kingdom of God was once again established on the earth on May 15, 1829 on the banks fo the Susquehanna River when -

"...The ordination was done by the hands of an angel, who announced himself as John, the same that is called John the Baptist in the New Testament. The angel explained that he was acting under the direction of Peter, James, and John, the ancient apostles, who held the keys of the higher priesthood, which was called the Priesthood of Melchizedek. The promise was given to Joseph and Oliver that in due time the Priesthood of Melchizedek would be conferred upon them..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 13:Heading)

Saying -

"UPON you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 13:1)

D&C 18

In modern day the Savior has revealed -

"Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 18:10)

"And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth!" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 18:13)

Because of the great love He has for His children. He charged His apostles -

"...you are they who are ordained of me to ordain priests and teachers; to declare my gospel, according to the power of the Holy Ghost which is in you, and according to the callings and gifts of God unto men..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 18:32)

Then the Savior declares -

And I, Jesus Christ, your Lord and your God, have spoken it.
34 These words are not of men nor of man, but of me; wherefore, you shall testify they are of me and not of man;
35 For it is my voice which speaketh them unto you; for they are given by my Spirit unto you, and by my power you can read them one to another; and save it were by my power you could not have them;
36 Wherefore, you can testify that you have heard my voice, and know my words." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 18:33 - 36)

I believe these words are not only for his apostles, but all those called to serve under the direction of the Twelve. What a wonderful thing to know that the Savior has told that as we read His words by the Spirit, that we can testify that we have heard His voice. He commands us -

"...Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 19:23)

Joseph Smith - Repentance

On the subject of repentance, the Prophet Joseph Smith said -

“I shall speak with authority of the Priesthood in the name of the Lord God. … Notwithstanding this congregation profess to be Saints, yet I stand in the midst of all [kinds of] characters and classes of men. If you wish to go where God is, you must be like God, or possess the principles which God possesses, for if we are not drawing towards God in principle, we are going from Him and drawing towards the devil. Yes, I am standing in the midst of all kinds of people."

He wasn't just speaking of others but also himself -

“Search your hearts, and see if you are like God. I have searched mine, and feel to repent of all my sins."

He continued -

“You must be innocent, or you cannot come up before God: if we would come before God, we must keep ourselves pure, as He is pure. The devil has great power to deceive; he will so transform things as to make one gape at those who are doing the will of God. … Iniquity must be purged out from the midst of the Saints; then the veil will be rent, and the blessings of heaven will flow down—they will roll down like the Mississippi river."

Repentance is a personal matter as the Prophet instructed -

“Let not any man publish his own righteousness, for others can see that for him; sooner let him confess his sins, and then he will be forgiven, and he will bring forth more fruit.”

When it comes to -

"...what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 27:27)

The Prophet said to his brother much the same thing -

"...God requires the will of His creatures to be swallowed up in His will."

Therefore -

“All hearts must repent and be pure, and God will regard them and bless them in a manner that they could not be blessed in any other way.”

D&C 11

The Lord provides instruction on two types of service in His kingdom. The being as He revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith -

"...I say unto you, that it shall not be given to any one to go forth to preach my gospel, or to build up my church, except he be ordained by some one who has authority, and it is known to the church that he has authority and has been regularly ordained by the heads of the church." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 42:11)

This verse suggest one type is where one is given special authority or set apart where the Church knows that the person is authorized to guide, lead, and instruct groups of individuals. The second type seems to be the general obligation of all members to share the gospel and their testimony and go about doing good for he said to many early saints -

"...whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 12:4)

For -

"...I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 12:6)

And to all the saints -

"...no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 12:8)

The Lord said to Hyrum Smith which I believe applies to all -

"...this is your work, to keep my commandments, yea, with all your might, mind and strength." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 11:20)

"Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 11:21)

"...seek the kingdom of God, and all things shall be added according to that which is just.
24 Build upon my rock, which is my gospel;
25 Deny not the spirit of revelation, nor the spirit of prophecy, for wo unto him that denieth these things;
26 Therefore, treasure up in your heart until the time which is in my wisdom that you shall go forth." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 11:23 - 26)

This type of service, required of all men, becomes clear as the Lord said -

"Behold, I speak unto all who have good desires, and have thrust in their sickle to reap.
28 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the life and the light of the world." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 11:27 - 28)

"...I say unto you, that as many as receive me, to them will I give power to become the sons of God..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 11:30)

D&C 10

The Lord knows all things and has the power to do all things, but He has said -

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Old Testament Isaiah 55:8 - 9)

He has clearly stated -

"...the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls." (Book of Mormon Alma 37:7)

The Lord knew Martin Harris would lose the 116 pages of the Book of Lehi. The Lord also knew that evil men would attempt to use the pages to trap the Prophet for -

"...behold, Satan hath put it into their hearts to alter the words which you have caused to be written, or which you have translated, which have gone out of your hands.
11 And behold, I say unto you, that because they have altered the words, they read contrary from that which you translated and caused to be written;
12 And, on this wise, the devil has sought to lay a cunning plan, that he may destroy this work;
13 For he hath put into their hearts to do this, that by lying they may say they have caught you in the words which you have pretended to translate." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 10:10 - 13)

The Lord has sufficient power to miraculously prevent this from happening. But He didn't. H He dealt with this in His own simple way. He said -

"Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise." (Book of Mormon Alma 37:6)

Years before, He inspired the Nephi to write a seperate record. A record that was very plain and precious. He also inspired Mormon to include this record with his abridgement. The Lord revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith -

"...remember it was said in those writings that a more particular account was given of these things upon the plates of Nephi.
40 And now, because the account which is engraven upon the plates of Nephi is more particular concerning the things which, in my wisdom, I would bring to the knowledge of the people in this account—
41 Therefore, you shall translate the engravings which are on the plates of Nephi, down even till you come to the reign of king Benjamin, or until you come to that which you have translated, which you have retained;
42 And behold, you shall publish it as the record of Nephi; and thus I will confound those who have altered my words.
43 I will not suffer that they shall destroy my work; yea, I will show unto them that my wisdom is greater than the cunning of the devil.
44 Behold, they have only got a part, or an abridgment of the account of Nephi.
45 Behold, there are many things engraven upon the plates of Nephi which do throw greater views upon my gospel; therefore, it is wisdom in me that you should translate this first part of the engravings of Nephi, and send forth in this work." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 10:39 - 45)

"...thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things." (Book of Mormon 1 Nephi 16:29)

By small means is His way.

D&C 8

The Prophet Joseph Smith said -

"...Salvation cannot come without revelation; it is in vain for anyone to minister without it…" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith (1976), 160.)

The Lord taught this to Oliver Cowdery saying -

"...I say unto you, that assuredly as the Lord liveth, who is your God and your Redeemer, even so surely shall you receive a knowledge of whatsoever things you shall ask in faith, with an honest heart, believing that you shall receive..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 8:1)

And then the Lord explains how we receive revelation -

"...I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.
3 Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 8:2 - 3)

Oliver is then counseled of the seriousness of asking for revelation -

"...therefore, whatsoever you shall ask me to tell you by that means, that will I grant unto you, and you shall have knowledge concerning it.
10 Remember that without faith you can do nothing; therefore ask in faith. Trifle not with these things; do not ask for that which you ought not." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 8:9 - 10)

It appears that Oliver had failed in receiving revelation while attempting translate from the gold plates as the Lord continues to teach him -

"Do not murmur, my son, for it is wisdom in me that I have dealt with you after this manner.
7 Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.
8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.
9 But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 9:6 - 9)

What great instructions the Lord has given us a we attempt to receive guidance and inspiration from the Lord.

D&C 6

As I read this revelation given to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, two things that were specifically addressed to Oliver seemed to impress upon me. The first being -

"...if thou wilt inquire, thou shalt know mysteries which are great and marvelous..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 6:11)

The Lord tells Oliver that he has given him a gift. It seems this gift was the gift of revelation as the Lord tells him -

"...therefore thou shalt exercise thy gift, that thou mayest find out mysteries, that thou mayest bring many to the knowledge of the truth..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 6:11)

The Lord continues -

"...blessed art thou for what thou hast done; for thou hast inquired of me, and behold, as often as thou hast inquired thou hast received instruction of my Spirit. If it had not been so, thou wouldst not have come to the place where thou art at this time.
15 Behold, thou knowest that thou hast inquired of me and I did enlighten thy mind; and now I tell thee these things that thou mayest know that thou hast been enlightened by the Spirit of truth..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 6:14 - 15)

The Lord teaches Oliver that this gift of revelation would enlighten his mind. One way the Lord provides revelation is by enlightening our minds. And then the Savior teaches this great truth -

"...I tell thee, that thou mayest know that there is none else save God that knowest thy thoughts and the intents of thy heart." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 6:16)

This is very comforting thought. Only God knows our thoughts and our inward desires. This would also suggest that Satan does not know our thoughts. He can only see our actions.

The second thing that seemed to impress upon me is the instruction Oliver received as, in a sense, a "counselor" to the Prophet. The Lord said -

"...be diligent; stand by my servant Joseph, faithfully, in whatsoever difficult circumstances he may be for the word's sake." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 6:18)

And with this, he was to -

"Admonish him in his faults, and also receive admonition of him..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 6:19)

And in doing so -

"...Be patient; be sober; be temperate; have patience, faith, hope and charity." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 6:19)

This is great counsel to any that serve as counselors.

D&C 1

In a preface to His revealed Doctrine and Covenants the Lord knew what our day would be like and said -

"Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 1:17)

And not to him only but -

"...also gave commandments to others, that they should proclaim these things unto the world; and all this that it might be fulfilled, which was written by the prophets—" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 1:18)

For -

"The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh—
20 But that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 1:19 - 20)

That is every person has to right to bear testimony in the name of Jesus Christ, that -

"...faith also might increase in the earth;
22 That mine everlasting covenant might be established;
23 That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers.
24 Behold, I am God and have spoken it; these commandments are of me, and were given unto my servants in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 1:21 - 24)

That inasmuch as men have -

"...erred it might be made known;
26 And inasmuch as they sought wisdom they might be instructed;
27 And inasmuch as they sinned they might be chastened, that they might repent;
28 And inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 1:25 - 28)

What a great promise of the Lord to His saints that for -

"...those to whom these commandments were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 1:30)

Of course -

"...speaking unto the church collectively and not individually—
31 For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 1:30 - 31)

The Lord concludes with this powerful statement -

"What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 1:38)

"For behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever. Amen." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 1:39)

Joseph Smith - The First Vision

Joseph Smith testified that the fact was -

"...I had beheld a vision...I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; and while they were persecuting me, reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation. "

Did Joseph Smith tell the truth? There are many that say claim it is a lie while there are many that believe that he did tell the truth. There surely is a way to know for as Joseph himself read -

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." (New Testament James 1:5)

Moroni suggests that it isn't a matter of just asking - he taught -

"...I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." (Book of Mormon Moroni 10:3 - 5)

It think the Lord requires man to read and ponder these things. To remember how merciful the Lord has been unto the creation of Adam until now would require one to read and understand God's dealing with man in the Old and New Testaments and the Book of Mormon. He not only requires that read and ponder these things, but also "receive" them. I think receive means to take these things into your heart. To receive in this case means to me to also accept. When one does this the Lord promises to provide wisdom by the power of the Holy Ghost.

I have done this and have come to know of myself that Joseph Smith told the truth!

Joseph Smith - Life and Ministry

In the Book of Mormon we learned of Nehor who -

"...was noted for his much strength.
3 And he had gone about among the people, preaching to them that which he termed to be the word of God, bearing down against the church; declaring unto the people that every priest and teacher ought to become popular; and they ought not to labor with their hands, but that they ought to be supported by the people." (Book of Mormon Alma 1:2 - 3)

"And he began to be lifted up in the pride of his heart, and to wear very costly apparel, yea, and even began to establish a church after the manner of his preaching." (Book of Mormon Alma 1:6)

As Nehor was brought before Alma -

"...Alma said unto him: Behold, this is the first time that priestcraft has been introduced among this people." (Book of Mormon Alma 1:12)

Nephi taught that -

"...priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 26:29)

Now compare the priestcraft, lifestyle, and example of Nehor to the Prophet Joseph -

"Joseph and Emma settled near the river in a small log home, which served as the Prophet’s office in the early days of Nauvoo. He farmed for a living and later ran a general store. But because his Church and civic duties demanded much of his time, the Prophet often found it difficult to provide for the temporal needs of his family. In October 1841 his personal possessions were listed as “old Charley (a horse) given him in Kirtland, two pet deer, two old turkeys and four young ones, the old cow given him by a brother in Missouri, his old Major (a dog), … and a little household furniture.” 12

"Throughout his ministry, the Prophet loved to be among the Saints. Of the city of Nauvoo and its inhabitants he said, “This is the loveliest place and the best people under the heavens.”14 In return, the Saints loved him and felt that he was their friend, often calling him “Brother Joseph.” One convert observed, “There was a personal magnetism about him which drew all people who became acquainted with him to him.”15 “He does not pretend to be a man without failings and follies,” one Nauvoo resident wrote. “He is a man that you could not help liking; … neither is he puffed up with his greatness as many suppose, but on the contrary is familiar with any decent man.”16 William Clayton, an English convert, wrote home from Nauvoo about the Prophet, saying, “Truly I wish I was such a man.”17

I believe the Prophet to be the man as described herein. I don't think he ever set himself up -

"...for a light unto the world, that [he would] get gain and praise of the world; [and] seek not the welfare of Zion." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 26:29)

Joseph Smith - Historical Summary

Having just completed reading the Book of Mormon, I have decided to turn my studies to the "Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith" which is being used for personal study and quorum and class instruction.

As I began reading a little on his history, what seemed to catch may attention was -

"In 1816, after facing repeated crop failures, Joseph Smith Sr. moved his family from Norwich, Vermont, to Palmyra, New York, hoping to find a more prosperous situation. “Being in indigent circumstances,” recalled the Prophet in later years, “[we] were obliged to labor hard for the support of a large family … , and as it required the exertions of all that were able to render any assistance for the support of the family, therefore we were deprived of the benefit of an education. Suffice it to say, I was merely instructed in reading, writing, and the ground rules of arithmetic.”

As a person begins to study his life and teachings, he or she should keep in mind the level of proper education the prophet received. I couldn't help but ask myself, if the Lord wanted to reveal new scripture, provide new revelations, establish his priesthood and Church on the earth, in what manner or to whom would most people believe He would do it with. Think about that! Most likely He would do just as He did in ancient days, through a humble and obedient servant for -

"Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." (Old Testament Amos 3:7)

Paul taught what manner of man the Lord would choose saying -

"For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty..." (New Testament 1 Corinthians 1:26 - 27)

Whether a person believes that Joseph Smith told the truth or not. Scripturally, there is no question that he fits the bill of a type of person the Lord would call to do such a thing.

Moroni 10

In his final writings, Moroni wrote -

"...I would exhort you that ye deny not the power of God; for he worketh by power, according to the faith of the children of men..." (Book of Mormon Moroni 10:7)

The scriptures speak of the power of the Holy Ghost, the power of faith, the power of the priesthood, the power of the atonement, the power of the resurrection - all being the power of God. Basically, the powers that God possesses which is -

"...the power of God unto salvation..." (New Testament Romans 1:16)

Where power is grace, which -

"...grace is an enabling power that allows men and women to lay hold on eternal life and exaltation after they have expended their own best efforts." (Bible Dictionary G Grace:Entry)

Therefore -

"...come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.
33 And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot." (Book of Mormon Moroni 10:32 - 33)

Enabling man to lay hold of eternal life and exaltation.

Moroni 7

As Mormon taught the Plan of Salvation, he said -

"...God knowing all things, being from everlasting to everlasting, behold, he sent angels to minister unto the children of men, to make manifest concerning the coming of Christ; and in Christ there should come every good thing..." (Book of Mormon Moroni 7:22)

And -

"...God also declared unto prophets, by his own mouth, that Christ should come." (Book of Mormon Moroni 7:23)

And he didn't do this in just one way but -

"...there were divers ways that he did manifest things unto the children of men, which were good..." (Book of Mormon Moroni 7:24)

"Wherefore, by the ministering of angels, and by every word which proceeded forth out of the mouth of God, men began to exercise faith in Christ; and thus by faith, they did lay hold upon every good thing..." (Book of Mormon Moroni 7:25)

And then Mormon asks the members of his synagogue -

"...my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men." (Book of Mormon Moroni 7:29)

And of the purpose of angels, Mormon teaches -

"...behold, they are subject unto him, to minister according to the word of his command, showing themselves unto them of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness.
31 And the office of their ministry is to call men unto repentance, and to fulfil and to do the work of the covenants of the Father, which he hath made unto the children of men, to prepare the way among the children of men, by declaring the word of Christ unto the chosen vessels of the Lord..." (Book of Mormon Moroni 7:30 - 31)

Why to these chosen vessels?

"...that they may bear testimony of him.
32 And by so doing, the Lord God prepareth the way that the residue of men may have faith in Christ, that the Holy Ghost may have place in their hearts, according to the power thereof; and after this manner bringeth to pass the Father, the covenants which he hath made unto the children of men." (Book of Mormon Moroni 7:31 - 32)

For -

"...Christ hath said: If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me." (Book of Mormon Moroni 7:33)

And then Mormon warns all generations -

"...my beloved brethren, if this be the case that these things are true which I have spoken unto you, and God will show unto you, with power and great glory at the last day, that they are true, and if they are true has the day of miracles ceased?
36 Or have angels ceased to appear unto the children of men? Or has he withheld the power of the Holy Ghost from them? Or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man upon the face thereof to be saved?
37 Behold I say unto you, Nay; for it is by faith that miracles are wrought; and it is by faith that angels appear and minister unto men; wherefore, if these things have ceased wo be unto the children of men, for it is because of unbelief, and all is vain." (Book of Mormon Moroni 7:35 - 37)

"...wherefore, if these things have ceased, then has faith ceased also; and awful is the state of man, for they are as though there had been no redemption made." (Book of Mormon Moroni 7:38)

"...Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ." (Book of Mormon Moroni 7:19)