D&C 98

There has been a great deal of interest recently in politics as we approach the election of a new president of the United States. The Lord provided us some very good counsel regarding this matter saying -

"...verily I say unto you concerning the laws of the land, it is my will that my people should observe to do all things whatsoever I command them.
5 And that law of the land which is constitutional, supporting that principle of freedom in maintaining rights and privileges, belongs to all mankind, and is justifiable before me.
6 Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 98:4 - 6)

He explains the importance of this constitutional law -

"I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are free indeed; and the law also maketh you free." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 98:8)

But he also provides this warning -

"...when the wicked rule the people mourn." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 98:9)

Therefore, our obligation is to vote. And he counsels how to vote - and it has nothing to do with political parties -

"Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 98:10)

And He follows with this command to all -

"I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall forsake all evil and cleave unto all good, that ye shall live by every word which proceedeth forth out of the mouth of God." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 98:11)

D&C 97

In the early days of the Church, the term "Zion" was used many times in reference to a place. At the time of the revelation given to the Prophet which became section 97 of the Doctrine and Covenants, its reference was in Missouri. In the outline of the section we read -

"Many of the saints in Zion (Jackson County, Missouri) are blessed for their faithfulness;" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 97:Heading)

Later we read of "treks to Zion" as the saints moved west. It would again seem that Zion is a place. But the first scriptural reference of Zion seems to have more to do with a condition than place as we read of the people of Enoch that -

"...the Lord called his people ZION, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them." (Pearl of Great Price Moses 7:18)

It is in this revelation given to the Prophet that the Lord refers to a certain type of people saying -

"Verily I say unto you, all among them who know their hearts are honest, and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are willing to observe their covenants by sacrifice—yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command—they are accepted of me." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 97:8)

These people that are -

"...perfected in the understanding of their ministry, in theory, in principle, and in doctrine, in all things pertaining to the kingdom of God on the earth, the keys of which kingdom have been conferred upon you." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 97:14)

The people that -

"...build a house unto me in the name of the Lord, and do not suffer any unclean thing to come into it..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 97:15)

It is of these people the Lord declares -

"...for this is Zion—THE PURE IN HEART..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 97:21)

Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote -

"...Zion is people. Zion is those whose sins are washed away in the waters of baptism. Zion is those out of whose souls dross and evil have been burned as though by fire. Zion is those who have received the baptism of fire so as to stand pure and clean before the Lord. Zion is those who keep the commandments of God." (Millennial Messiah: The Second Coming of the Son of ManBruce R. McConkie)

In the last days there are warnings and great promises for Zion for -

"...vengeance cometh speedily upon the ungodly as the whirlwind; and who shall escape it?
23 The Lord's scourge shall pass over by night and by day, and the report thereof shall vex all people; yea, it shall not be stayed until the Lord come;
24 For the indignation of the Lord is kindled against their abominations and all their wicked works.
25 Nevertheless, Zion shall escape if she observe to do all things whatsoever I have commanded her.
26 But if she observe not to do whatsoever I have commanded her, I will visit her according to all her works, with sore affliction, with pestilence, with plague, with sword, with vengeance, with devouring fire." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 97:22 - 26)

D&C 93

John taught how Christ was the Father testifying -

"...I, John, bear record that I beheld his glory, as the glory of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, even the Spirit of truth, which came and dwelt in the flesh, and dwelt among us." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 93:11)

But at first -

"...he received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 93:13)

And because of that -

"...he was called the Son of God, because he received not of the fulness at the first." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 93:14)

John testified that He did receive the fulness of His Father saying -

"...I, John, bear record that he received a fulness of the glory of the Father;
17 And he received all power, both in heaven and on earth, and the glory of the Father was with him, for he dwelt in him." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 93:16 - 17)

There is a pattern here for all of us as the Savior teaches -

"...if you keep my commandments you shall receive of his fulness, and be glorified in me as I am in the Father; therefore, I say unto you, you shall receive grace for grace." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 93:20)

"And it shall come to pass, that if you are faithful you shall receive the fulness of the record of John.
19 I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fulness." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 93:18 - 19)

What greater promise is there?

"And no man receiveth a fulness unless he keepeth his commandments." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 93:27)

The Savior also teaches us -

"...I was in the beginning with the Father, and am the Firstborn..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 93:21)

And also -

"Ye were also in the beginning with the Father..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 93:23)

As spirits we were with the Spirit of Truth -

"The Spirit of truth is of God. I am the Spirit of truth, and John bore record of me, saying: He received a fulness of truth, yea, even of all truth..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 93:26)

What is Truth?

"...truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 93:24)

Truth combined with light which in my mind is an understanding or enlightenment that comes through obedience develops into intelligence -

"...or the light of truth..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 93:29)

Which sums this up -

"...here is the agency of man, and here is the condemnation of man; because that which was from the beginning is plainly manifest unto them, and they receive not the light.
32 And every man whose spirit receiveth not the light is under condemnation." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 93:31 - 32)

To receive of His fulness, we must receive the light for -

"The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 93:36)

D&C 90

The Lord provided some additional instruction for counselors in presidencies as provided additional instruction to the Prophet on the establishment of the First Presidency. To the Prophet as President he teaches -

"...thou art blessed from henceforth that bear the keys of the kingdom given unto you; which kingdom is coming forth for the last time." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 90:2)

And -

"...through you shall the oracles be given to another, yea, even unto the church." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 90:4)

It was through the President of the First Presidency that truths and revelations were to come to the Church. To the Presidents counselors the said -

"...verily I say unto thy brethren, Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams, their sins are forgiven them also, and they are accounted as equal with thee in holding the keys of this last kingdom..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 90:6)

At first it may seem the counselors also hold the keys but this becomes more clear as we read -

"...the keys of the kingdom, which belong always unto the Presidency of the High Priesthood..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 81:2)

And

"The Presidency of the High Priesthood, after the order of Melchizedek, have a right to officiate in all the offices in the church." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 107:9)

As counselors in presidencies, they hold the full authority to represent the president in his absence in that since the president holds the keys, the collective group of presidency holds the keys. As the president is released the presidency is released and so also the collective authority. Hoyt W. Brewster wrote -

"...While the President obviously presided over all affairs, the counselors in the presidency had authority to act in behalf of the President in his absence or as assigned by him." (Prophets, Priesthood Keys, and Succession, Hoyt W. Brewster )

The presidency , by virtue of their calling -

"That thereby they may be perfected in their ministry for the salvation of Zion, and of the nations of Israel, and of the Gentiles, as many as will believe;
9 That through your administration they may receive the word..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 90:8 - 9)

"And this shall be your business and mission in all your lives, to preside in council, and set in order all the affairs of this church and kingdom.
17 Be not ashamed, neither confounded; but be admonished in all your high-mindedness and pride, for it bringeth a snare upon your souls.
18 Set in order your houses; keep slothfulness and uncleanness far from you." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 90:16 - 18)

D&C 88

If no other scripture was ever given, the 88th section of the Doctrine and Covenants, would in itself bear testimony that Joseph Smith was a prophet called of God in these last days! I know that the Prophet told the truth.

After the Lord reveals some great truths and teachings, he follows by calling his saints "friends" saying -

"...verily I say unto you, my friends, I leave these sayings with you to ponder in your hearts, with this commandment which I give unto you, that ye shall call upon me while I am near—" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:62)

And these are some of the commandments He wanted His associates to ponder in their hearts -

"Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:63)

And in finding Him He explains -

"Behold, that which you hear is as the voice of one crying in the wilderness—in the wilderness, because you cannot see him—my voice, because my voice is Spirit; my Spirit is truth; truth abideth and hath no end; and if it be in you it shall abound." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:66)

For -

"...if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:67)

It is apparent then that there is a direct correlation between hearing His voice and how we live our lives -

"Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will.
69 Remember the great and last promise which I have made unto you; cast away your idle thoughts and your excess of laughter far from you." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:68 - 69)

Our eyes become single to His glory as He teaches -

"I give unto you a commandment that ye shall continue in prayer and fasting from this time forth." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:76)

As well as -

"...I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom.
78 Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:77 - 78)

For -

"Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:81)

And again He says -

"...verily I say unto you, my friends..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:117)

"...as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.
119 Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;
120 That your incomings may be in the name of the Lord; that your outgoings may be in the name of the Lord; that all your salutations may be in the name of the Lord, with uplifted hands unto the Most High.
121 Therefore, cease from all your light speeches, from all laughter, from all your lustful desires, from all your pride and light-mindedness, and from all your wicked doings." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:118 - 121)

"See that ye love one another; cease to be covetous; learn to impart one to another as the gospel requires.
124 Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.
125 And above all things, clothe yourselves with the bond of charity, as with a mantle, which is the bond of perfectness and peace.
126 Pray always, that ye may not faint, until I come. Behold, and lo, I will come quickly, and receive you unto myself. Amen." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:123 - 126)

D&C 86

Most christians are familiar with the Savior's parable of the wheat and the tares. As we find typical between the books of scripture that -

"...In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." (New Testament 2 Corinthians 13:1)

The Savior again explains this parable saying -

"...the field was the world, and the apostles were the sowers of the seed;
3 And after they have fallen asleep the great persecutor of the church, the apostate, the whore, even Babylon, that maketh all nations to drink of her cup, in whose hearts the enemy, even Satan, sitteth to reign—behold he soweth the tares; wherefore, the tares choke the wheat and drive the church into the wilderness." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 86:2 - 3)

As this revelation is being given, the restored Church was yet just over two years old. Therefore, the Lord teaches -

"...in the last days, even now while the Lord is beginning to bring forth the word, and the blade is springing up and is yet tender—" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 86:4)

But even with this being the case, the Lord warns that at the time of this revelation -

"...the angels are crying unto the Lord day and night, who are ready and waiting to be sent forth to reap down the fields;" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 86:5)

To which the Savior tells us what he is telling them at that time -

"...pluck not up the tares while the blade is yet tender (for verily your faith is weak), lest you destroy the wheat also.
7 Therefore, let the wheat and the tares grow together until the harvest is fully ripe..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 86:6 - 7)

Ripeness in itself is a very interesting topic. Throughout the scriptures the Lord talks of the consequence when people become fully ripe in iniquity. It is then that destruction is fulfilled. I've wondered that now, about 180 years after this revelation, if this time is quickly approaching when this people are fully ripe where it is about the time that the angels -

"...shall first gather out the wheat from among the tares, and after the gathering of the wheat, behold and lo, the tares are bound in bundles, and the field remaineth to be burned." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 86:7)

I note that the tares will not necessarily be burned but bound into bundles or grouped together. This seems to coincide with the teachings of Alma to his son, Corianton regarding -

"...what becometh of the souls of men from this time of death to the time appointed for the resurrection?" (Book of Mormon Alma 40:7)

D&C 84

There is two verses I read today that seems to be a stumbling block for some people regarding the truthfulness of modern day revelation. It reads -

"...this is the word of the Lord, that the city New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the saints, beginning at this place, even the place of the temple, which temple shall be reared in this generation.
5 For verily this generation shall not all pass away until an house shall be built unto the Lord..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 84:4 - 5)

This revelation was given in 1832. As far as I know, that temple has not been built yet the Lord specifically said that it "shall be reared in the generation" and "this generation shall not all pass away" until the temple would be built. It may appear unto some that this is a false prophecy.

I will confess I do not know the meaning of all things or even if this was a conditional prophecy. But my thoughts began to focus on the word generation. Isaiah asked -

"...who shall declare his generation?..." (Old Testament Isaiah 53:8)

Abinadi answered this question to the wicked priests of King Noah -

"...now I say unto you, who shall declare his generation? Behold, I say unto you, that when his soul has been made an offering for sin he shall see his seed. And now what say ye? And who shall be his seed?
11 Behold I say unto you, that whosoever has heard the words of the prophets, yea, all the holy prophets who have prophesied concerning the coming of the Lord—I say unto you, that all those who have hearkened unto their words, and believed that the Lord would redeem his people, and have looked forward to that day for a remission of their sins, I say unto you, that these are his seed, or they are the heirs of the kingdom of God.
12 For these are they whose sins he has borne; these are they for whom he has died, to redeem them from their transgressions. And now, are they not his seed?
13 Yea, and are not the prophets, every one that has opened his mouth to prophesy, that has not fallen into transgression, I mean all the holy prophets ever since the world began? I say unto you that they are his seed." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 15:10 - 13)

The declaration of the Savior's "generation" is that of His seed. I tend to think, can't we not substitue generation with seed or His seed -

"...this is the word of the Lord, that the New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the saints, beginning at this place, even the place of the temple, which temple shall be reared in this [or with this His seed].
5 For verily this [His seed] shall not all pass away until an house shall be built unto the Lord,
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 84:4 - 5)

These were the thoughts that came to me as I pondered the verses.