D&C 21

From the day the Church was organized, the Lord commanded of the Prophet -

"...there shall be a record kept among you; and in it thou shalt be called a seer, a translator, a prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church through the will of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 21:1)

And the Prophet or the "First Elder" or presiding authority of the Church was to be -

"...inspired of the Holy Ghost to lay the foundation thereof, and to build it up unto the most holy faith." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 21:2)

And the Saints -

"...meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me;
5 For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 21:4 - 5)

The challenge or test for us is to do this "in all patience and faith". Not in ignorance, but faith for we have been promised that His Spirit will so witness to us as to his Holy calling. Of this "patience and faith", President Harold B. Lee warned -

“The only safety we have as members of this church is to do exactly what the Lord said to the Church in that day when the Church was organized. We must learn to give heed to the words and commandments that the Lord shall give through his prophet, ‘as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me; . . . as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith.’ (D&C 21:4–5.) There will be some things that take patience and faith. You may not like what comes from the authority of the Church. It may contradict your political views. It may contradict your social views. It may interfere with some of your social life.. . . Your safety and ours depends upon whether or not we follow the ones whom the Lord has placed to preside over his church. He knows whom he wants to preside over this church, and he will make no mistake. The Lord doesn’t do things by accident. . . .Let’s keep our eye on the President of the Church.” (In Conference Report, Oct. 1970, pp. 152–53.)

As with all commandments, the Lord promises with obedience great blessings. In this case -

"For by doing these things the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name's glory." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 21:6)

As I pondered the words "the heavens to shake for your good", my thoughts are of as the heavens shake, blessings sprinkle upon those who so obey.

D&C 20

In the revelation which has become known as "The Articles and Covenants of the Church" the Savior teaches two important doctrines -

"...we know that justification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true;
31 And we know also, that sanctification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true, to all those who love and serve God with all their mights, minds, and strength." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 20:30 - 31)

Justification and sanctification being laws of the gospel. Each law satisfied or fulfilled "through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ". From the bible dictionary we learn that "grace" -

"... is divine means of help or strength, given through the bounteous mercy and love of Jesus Christ.

It is through the grace of the Lord Jesus, made possible by his atoning sacrifice, that mankind will be raised in immortality, every person receiving his body from the grave in a condition of everlasting life. It is likewise through the grace of the Lord that individuals, through faith in the atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance of their sins, receive strength and assistance to do good works that they otherwise would not be able to maintain if left to their own means. This 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.

Divine grace is needed by every soul in consequence of the fall of Adam and also because of man's weaknesses and shortcomings. However, grace cannot suffice without total effort on the part of the recipient. Hence the explanation, "It is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do" (2 Ne. 25:23). It is truly the grace of Jesus Christ that makes salvation possible..." (Bible Dictionary G Grace:Entry)

Of justification, Lehi taught his son -

"...men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil. And the law is given unto men. And by the law no flesh is justified..." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 2:5)

Many Jews thought just that, that the law of Moses justified them. The law alone does not justify. Obedience to laws is a condition of the law of justification but it requires grace to complete it. Paul taught -

"(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified." (New Testament Romans 2:13)

Elder Bruce R. McConkie defined the law of justification -

"...as being “all covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations (D. & C. 132:7), in which men must abide to be saved and exalted, [that] must be entered into and performed in righteousness so that the Holy Spirit can justify the candidate for salvation in what has been done. . . . An act that is justified by the Spirit is one that is sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise, or in other words, ratified and approved by the Holy Ghost. This law of justification is the provision the Lord has placed in the gospel to assure that no unrighteous performance will be binding on earth and in heaven, and that no person will add to his position or glory in the hereafter by gaining an unearned blessing.

As with all other doctrines of salvation, justification is available because of the atoning sacrifice of Christ, but it becomes operative in the life of an individual only on conditions of personal righteousness.” (Mormon Doctrine, p. 408.)

Sanctification is when one become clean, pure, and sinless. This can only happen through the power of the atonement of Jesus Christ - again, his grace. Brigham Young explained the law of sanctification as -

"...overcoming every sin and bringing all into subjection to the law of Christ. God has placed in us a pure spirit; when this reigns predominant, without let or hindrance, and triumphs over the flesh and rules and governs and controls as the Lord controls the heavens and the earth, this I call the blessing of sanctification. . . ." (In Journal of Discourses, 10:173.)

It becomes then clear then how these laws are fulfilled -

"...for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 25:23)

D&C 20

Moroni wrote that in his day -

"...they were not baptized save they brought forth fruit meet that they were worthy of it.
2 Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins.
3 And none were received unto baptism save they took upon them the name of Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end." (Book of Mormon Moroni 6:1 - 3)

An essential requirement to be considered for baptism is a witness to the Church that one has truly repented of their sins. I don't believe this is just verbal witness, but also an active witness or manifestation of willingness, obedience, participation, and works. In modern day, the Lord has given much the same instruction -

"....All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 20:37)

These same principles apply after baptism in in instruction and partaking of the sacrament -

"The elders or priests are to have a sufficient time to expound all things concerning the church of Christ to their understanding, previous to their partaking of the sacrament and being confirmed by the laying on of the hands of the elders, so that all things may be done in order.
69 And the members shall manifest before the church, and also before the elders, by a godly walk and conversation, that they are worthy of it, that there may be works and faith agreeable to the holy scriptures—walking in holiness before the Lord." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 20:68 - 69)

Some members feel that baptism and partaking of the sacrament is just a personal thing between God and man, but that isn't the mind and will of the Lord. Candidates for baptism and members of the Church have an obligation before priesthood leaders to, I repeat again -

"...manifest before the church, and also before the elders, by a godly walk and conversation, that they are worthy of it, that there may be works and faith agreeable to the holy scriptures—walking in holiness before the Lord." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 20:69)

There must always be an outward representation of an inward commitment to keep the covenants we make at baptism.

D&C 19

Contrary to what some Christians believe, the Lord has declared that He will judge -

"...every man according to his works and the deeds which he hath done.
4 And surely every man must repent or suffer..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 19:3 - 4)

Lehi taught that -

"...there is a law given, and a punishment affixed, and a repentance granted..." (Book of Mormon Alma 42:22)

The Lord has made it clear that though He is a loving and merciful God, He is also just saying -

"...I revoke not the judgments which I shall pass, but woes shall go forth, weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth, yea, to those who are found on my left hand." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 19:5)

This doesn't mean that God's children will suffer "affixed" punishment for He explains -

"...it is not written that there shall be no end to this torment, but it is written endless torment." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 19:6)

Wherefore, I will explain unto you this mystery...For, behold, the mystery of godliness, how great is it! For, behold, I am endless, and the punishment which is given from my hand is endless punishment, for Endless is my name. Wherefore—
11 Eternal punishment is God's punishment.
12 Endless punishment is God's punishment." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 19:8 - 12)

There is a difference though between Endless punishment and Endless damnation. Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained -

“Eternal damnation is the opposite of eternal life, and all those who do not gain eternal life, or exaltation in the highest heaven within the celestial kingdom, are partakers of eternal damnation. Their eternal condemnation is to have limitations imposed upon them so that they cannot progress to the state of godhood and gain a fulness of all things.

They ‘remain separately and singly, without exaltation, . . . to all eternity; and from henceforth are not gods, but are angels of God forever and ever.’ (D. & C. 132:17.) Their kingdom or progress has an ‘end,’ and they ‘cannot have an increase.’ (D. & C. 131:4.) Spirit children are denied to them to all eternity, and they inherit ‘the deaths,’ meaning an absence of posterity in the resurrection. (D. & C. 132:16–25.)

They are never redeemed from their spiritual fall and taken back into the full presence and glory of God. Only the obedient are ‘raised in immortality unto eternal life.’ The disobedient, ‘they that believe not,’ are raised in immortality ‘unto eternal damnation; for they cannot be redeemed from their spiritual fall, because they repent not.’ (D. & C. 29:42–44.)” (Mormon Doctrine, p. 234.)

With all the love the Savior could express He explained -

"...I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;
17 But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;
18 Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 19:16 - 18)

Is it any wonder, the Lord pleads over and over -

"I command you to repent—repent, lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore—how sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 19:15)

And -

"...I command you again to repent, lest I humble you with my almighty power; and that you confess your sins, lest you suffer these punishments of which I have spoken..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 19:20)

And again -

"Wherefore, I command you to repent, and keep the commandments..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 19:13)

D&C 18

To Oliver Cowdery, the Lord said -

"...I have manifested unto you, by my Spirit in many instances, that the things which you have written are true; wherefore you know that they are true.
3 And if you know that they are true, behold, I give unto you a commandment, that you rely upon the things which are written..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 18:2 - 3)

At this time, Oliver Cowdery had already had the hands of an angel laid upon his head and even heard the voice of the Lord. He had seen the plates at the hands of an angel and yet the Lord emphasizes the manifestation of His Spirit to be that by which Oliver knows that what is written is true. He is commanded to "rely upon the things which are written". To rely, one must read and ponder that which is written. Of the written words, the Savior said -

"...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..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 18:33 - 34)

- because the Spirit does manifest it. Then the Lord provides a profound reasoning to all that read and ponder these words -

"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 18:35 - 36)

Elder S. Dilworth Young said regarding these verses -

“In 1835 the Twelve were chosen, as you know, and on one occasion they were called together and given their instructions. Oliver Cowdery was the spokesman; and after having given them some very powerful and heartwarming instruction, so moved was he, himself, that he had to stop two or three times to weep. He finally read the revelation [now designated as section 18].

Brigham Young was so impressed by it that he copied it in his laborious handwriting into his diary. I am impressed by it likewise. These are the words: [D&C 18:34–36].

The thing that impresses me about this is, and I have never thought of it before, when I read a verse in the Doctrine and Covenants I am hearing the voice of the Lord as well as reading his words, if I hear by the Spirit.

Now I have heard it said many times by men that they have often asked the Lord for a special testimony and oftentimes haven’t had it. They seem to want to hear the voice of the Lord. I confess I have often wanted to hear the voice of the Lord, without knowing that all these years I have been hearing it with deaf ears. This woke me up.” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1963, p. 74.)

I too have felt His Spirit testify to me of their truth. Therefore, I can testify that I have heard His voice and know His words.

D&C 17

Can you imagine the thrill these three bethren, Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris must have felt as the Lord revealed -

"...I say unto you, that you must rely upon my word, which if you do with full purpose of heart, you shall have a view of the plates, and also of the breastplate, the sword of Laban, the Urim and Thummim, which were given to the brother of Jared upon the mount, when he talked with the Lord face to face, and the miraculous directors which were given to Lehi while in the wilderness, on the borders of the Red Sea." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 17:1)

All three had somewhat pressured the Prophet to be witnesses, as they learned from the sacred record as Moroni wrote to the Prophet -

"...behold, ye may be privileged that ye may show the plates unto those who shall assist to bring forth this work;
3 And unto three shall they be shown by the power of God; wherefore they shall know of a surety that these things are true.
4 And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be established; and the testimony of three, and this work, in the which shall be shown forth the power of God and also his word, of which the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost bear record—and all this shall stand as a testimony against the world at the last day." (Book of Mormon Ether 5:2 - 4)

Moroni stressed that it would be shown to three "by the power of God". The Lord also revealed to the three to-be witnesses -

"ye shall testify that you have seen them, even as my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., has seen them; for it is by my power that he has seen them, and it is because he had faith." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 17:5)

Therefore -

"...you have received the same power, and the same faith, and the same gift like unto him..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 17:7)

This event did happen by faith and by the power of God. The Prophet records -

“Not many days after the above commandment was given, we four, viz., Martin Harris, David Whitmer, Oliver Cowdery and myself, agreed to retire into the woods, and try to obtain, by fervent and humble prayer, the fulfilment of the promises given in the above revelation—that they should have a view of the plates. We accordingly made choice of a piece of woods convenient to Mr. Whitmer’s house, to which we retired, and having knelt down, we began to pray in much faith to Almighty God to bestow upon us a realization of these promises.

According to previous arrangement, I commenced by vocal prayer to our Heavenly Father, and was followed by each of the others in succession. We did not at the first trial, however, obtain any answer or manifestation of divine favor in our behalf. We again observed the same order of prayer, each calling on and praying fervently to God in rotation, but with the same result as before.

“Upon this, our second failure, Martin Harris proposed that he should withdraw himself from us, believing, as he expressed himself, that his presence was the cause of our not obtaining what we wished for. He accordingly withdrew from us, and we knelt down again, and had not been many minutes engaged in prayer, when presently we beheld a light above us in the air, of exceeding brightness; and behold, an angel stood before us. In his hands he held the plates which we had been praying for these to have a view of. He turned over the leaves one by one, so that we could see them, and discern the engravings thereon distinctly. He then addressed himself to David Whitmer, and said, ‘David, blessed is the Lord, and he that keeps His commandments;’ when, immediately afterwards, we heard a voice from out of the bright light above us, saying, ‘These plates have been revealed by the power of God, and they have been translated by the power of God. The translation of them which you have seen is correct, and I command you to bear record of what you now see and hear.’” (History of the Church, 1:54–55.)

The Prophet then records -

“I now left David and Oliver, and went in pursuit of Martin Harris, whom I found at a considerable distance, fervently engaged in prayer. He soon told me, however, that he had not yet prevailed with the Lord, and earnestly requested me to join him in prayer, that he also might realize the same blessings which we had just received. We accordingly joined in prayer, and ultimately obtained our desires, for before we had yet finished, the same vision was opened to our view, at least it was again opened to me, and I once more beheld and heard the same things; whilst at the same moment, Martin Harris cried out, apparently in an ecstasy of joy, ‘’Tis enough; ’tis enough; mine eyes have beheld; mine eyes have beheld;’ and jumping up, he shouted, ‘Hosanna,’ blessing God, and otherwise rejoiced exceedingly.” (History of the Church, 1:55.)

Their testimony given faith and the power of God are included in every published Book of Mormon.

D&C 15

In revelation to both John and Peter (Jr.) Whitmer, the Lord said -

"...behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 15:6)

This instruction was given even before the Church was organized. Their were but few that had a testimony of the restoration of Christ's Church that was in process. And with all the life's decisions that were at that time before these brethren, the Lord told them what would be of most worth to them. That same revelation stands today for all young men in the Church.

As I look back, the greatest and smartest decision that I have made in my life was exactly that - what the Lord said would be of greatest worth, to declare repentance unto this people which in my case, was the decision to serve a mission. I know that I would not have married my beloved wife, or accomplished many of the temporal and spiritual challenges I have been faced with had I not served a mission. My mission gave me the foundation that has allowed me to continue in declaring "repentance unto this people". I testify these words of the Savior are true.

D&C 12

To the saints, the Lord has declared -

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

The emphasis is "will" or is willing. Again, to thrust in his sickle and reap is two fold, to -

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

And then the Lord explains what is required of the "willing" to establish the cause of Zion -

"....I speak unto you, and also to all those who have desires to bring forth and establish this work;
8 And 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 12:7 - 8)

And if one is willing and "humble and full of love, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care", then willing to -

"...give heed with your might, and then you are called..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 12:9)

D&C 11

The Lord has been very specific on His purpose saying -

"...this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Pearl of Great Price Moses 1:39)

In turn, He has been very specific in what is man's purpose -

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

His commandments are given throughout the scriptures. Some of the commandments provided in this revelation include -

"Seek not for riches but for wisdom..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 11:7)

"Say nothing but repentance unto this generation. Keep my commandments, and assist to bring forth my work, according to my commandments, and you shall be blessed." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 11:9)

"...put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good—yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 11:12)

"...study my word which hath gone forth among the children of men, and also study my word which shall come forth among the children of men, or that which is now translating, yea, until you have obtained all which I shall grant unto the children of men in this generation..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 11:22)

And also -

"Deny not the spirit of revelation, nor the spirit of prophecy..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 11:25)

As we keep these commandments, the promises are -

"...I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 11:13)

"...behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 11:7)

"...then shall all things be added thereto." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 11:22)

For -

"...to them will I give power to become the sons of God..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 11:30)

D&C 10

With the writings of family members, we know that the Prophet Joseph Smith experienced great remorse and humiliation with the loss of the 116 pages of translation. The Prophet must have experienced a great deal of rejoicing and renewing as the Lord returned the plates and instruments telling him -

"...it is now restored unto you again; therefore see that you are faithful and continue on unto the finishing of the remainder of the work of translation as you have begun." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 10:3)

One would expect a renewed commitment of Joseph in accomplishing the work to which the Lord warned -

"Do not run faster or labor more than you have strength and means provided to enable you to translate; but be diligent unto the end." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 10:4)

I sense the Lord is telling him to be zealous, but not over-zealous. When we become over-zealous in our callings, we have a tendency to lose wisdom and the perception of that which is most important. We want to accomplish at all cost. This over-zealousness can lead to poor decisions and relationships with others - especially spouse and family. We read that Zeniff was over-zealous and look at the deal he made with King Limhi. Not long after, King Benjamin counseled his people -

"...see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength..." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 4:27)

Yet even as the Lord counseled the Prophet, King Benjamin continued -

"...And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 4:27)

As we serve with others in the Church, we may not always understand their personal situations and conditions. We must be careful judging their "diligence". They may be following the instructions of the Lord to be zealous but not over-zealous. To -

"...not run faster or labor more than you have strength and means provided..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 10:4)

Another thought that came to mind as I read this revelation. The Lord said -

"...whosoever belongeth to my church need not fear, for such shall inherit the kingdom of heaven." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 10:55)

The fallacy of many in Christendom is they read one verse of scripture and make a conclusion without combining the verse with other words of scripture for a complete understanding. Those that read this verse would assume that membership in the Church is all that is required. But later in the same revelation, the Lord clarifies -

"Behold, this is my doctrine—whosoever repenteth and cometh unto me, the same is my church." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 10:67)

And -

"...whosoever is of my church, and endureth of my church to the end, him will I establish upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 10:69)

Now the Lord's description of His Church brings greater understanding.

D&C 9

I remember as I graduated from college thinking I was ready to take on an upper management position in the field of my degree. It was about then that I was counseled by a person that I knew and respected that had been in the field for a long time. I remember that he told me to be careful in taking a position with too much responsibility before I had really developed some experience. Many employers may not necessarily be aware of your abilities and experience and to fail would be worse than gradually gaining experience in the field. The Lord taught the same principle -

"For he will give unto the faithful line upon line, precept upon precept; and I will try you and prove you herewith." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 98:12)

This seems to be the experience of Oliver Cowdery in his immediate desire to be even as the Prophet Joseph Smith and translate the ancient record. Though he was allowed to translate, he attempted and failed. Why?

"...when you commenced; but you feared..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 9:11)

Even though he probably was instructed how, he lost faith and relied upon his own ways and method. As a result the Lord taught -

"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.
10 Now, if you had known this you could have translated..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 9:7 - 10)

Again, it really had a lot to do with preparation, experience, and understanding. Probably because the Lord wanted the full responsibility of the translation of the record to be placed on the shoulders of the Prophet, the Lord admonished Oliver -

"...it is not expedient that you should translate now." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 9:10)

"Be patient, my son, for it is wisdom in me, and it is not expedient that you should translate at this present time.
4 Behold, the work which you are called to do is to write for my servant Joseph." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 9:3 - 4)

But with all this, Oliver was still promised if he continued faithful, learning line upon line and precept on precept -

"...then, behold, other records have I, that I will give unto you power that you may assist to translate." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 9:2)

Oliver did not remain fully faithful and never was given the privilege of translating other records as far as I am aware of.

D&C 8

To Oliver Cowdery, the Lord said -

"...verily, 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)

In this particular case, the Lord was referring to Oliver's desire to participate in translation and -

"...a knowledge concerning the engravings of old records, which are ancient, which contain those parts of my scripture of which has been spoken by the manifestation of my Spirit." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 8:1)

But it is clear that this requirement is to all men you desire "a knowledge of whatsoever things". To receive such knowledge, on must " ask in faith, with an honest heart, believing that your shall receive". This same principle is taught throughout the scriptures, that is -

"...if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you..." (Book of Mormon Moroni 10:4)

as this is done, He promises -

"...behold, 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)

Which the Lord explains is the same -

"...spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 8:3)

The same Spirit is promised to all those that ask in faith for -

"Remember that without faith you can do nothing; therefore ask in faith." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 8:10)

President J. Reuben Clark said -

“As I think about faith, this principle of power, I am obliged to believe that it is an intelligent force. Of what kind, I do not know. But it is superior to and overrules all other forces of which we know. . . .“[We] have had this great power given unto us, this power of faith. What are we doing about it? Can you, can we, do the mighty things that the Savior did? Yes. They have been done by the members of the Church who had the faith and the righteousness so to do. Think of what is within your power if you but live the Gospel, if you but live so that you may invoke the power which is within you.” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1960, p. 21.)

But when asking in faith, the Lord warns and counsels -

"...Trifle not with these things; do not ask for that which you ought not." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 8:10)

D&C 6

To Oliver Cowdery, the Lord said -

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

That cause is given to all in the latter days. The cause of Zion is purity and love and receiving the ordinances of the temple for -

"...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 pursuit of the cause of Zion, the Lord counseled -

"Seek not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you, and then shall you be made rich. Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 6:7)

Paul spoke a great deal on the mysteries of God. Joseph Fielding Smith wrote -

“The Lord has promised to reveal his mysteries to those who serve him in faithfulness. . . . There are no mysteries pertaining to the Gospel, only as we, in our weakness, fail to comprehend Gospel truth. . . . The ‘simple’ principles of the Gospel, such as baptism, the atonement, are mysteries to those who do not have the guidance of the Spirit of the Lord.” (Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:43.)

Therefore -

"Say nothing but repentance unto this generation; keep my commandments, and assist to bring forth my work, according to my commandments, and you shall be blessed." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 6:9)

D&C 4

To the father of the Prophet Joseph Smith as he sought he mind an will of the Lord concerning him, the Lord revealed -

"NOW behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.
2 Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 4:1 - 2)

The words "O ye that embark" make it apparent that this revelation was not given to Joseph Smith, Sr. alone, but to all that embark in the service of God. Concerning this revelation, Joseph Fielding Smith wrote -

“it contains sufficient counsel and instruction for a lifetime of study. No one has yet mastered it. It was not intended as a personal revelation to Joseph Smith, but to be of benefit to all who desire to embark in the service of God. It is a revelation to each member of the Church, especially to all who hold the Priesthood. Perhaps there is no other revelation in all our scriptures that embodies greater instruction pertaining to the manner of qualification of members of the Church for the service of God, and in such condensed form than
this revelation. It is as broad, as high and as deep as eternity. No elder of the Church is qualified to teach in the Church, or carry the message of Salvation to the world, until he has absorbed, in part at least, this heaven-sent instruction.” (Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:35.)

I think the very words -

"...a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 4:1)

...would be very gutsy to say to a father or the world had it been a fabricated statement. I know it wasn't, but the truth. I am mindful that for anyone -

"...faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 4:5)

In closing the Lord provides this constant reminder to all that are called to service in the kingdom -

"Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.
7 Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 4:6 - 7)

D&C 3

Paul taught Timothy -

"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." (New Testament 1 Timothy 4:12)

"Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." (New Testament 1 Timothy 4:14 - 16)

Like Timothy, Joseph Smith was yet young as he obeyed the Lord in translating the Book of Mormon. He may have felt quite intimidated as Martin Harris, some twenty years older, pressed upon him to let him take the first 116 pages of translation of the golden record. I'm sure Joseph did not want to disappoint his supporting friend. The loss though of theses pages must have left a lasting impression in the many conflicts the Prophet experienced during the rest of his life. How painful it must have been as the Lord responded to the inquiry of the Prophet -

"Remember, remember that it is not the work of God that is frustrated, but the work of men;
4 For although a man may have many revelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet if he boasts in his own strength, and sets at naught the counsels of God, and follows after the dictates of his own will and carnal desires, he must fall..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 3:3 - 4)

"...how oft you have transgressed the commandments and the laws of God, and have gone on in the persuasions of men.
7 For, behold, you should not have feared man more than God..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 3:6 - 7)

"For thou hast suffered the counsel of thy director to be trampled upon from the beginning." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 3:15)

These words should be sobering to us all in callings and responsibilities. You can imagine the joy and relief of the Prophet as the Lord says with mercy -

"...thou wast chosen to do the work of the Lord, but because of transgression, if thou art not aware thou wilt fall.
10 But remember, God is merciful; therefore, repent of that which thou hast done which is contrary to the commandment which I gave you, and thou art still chosen, and art again called to the work..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 3:9 - 10)

I believe this same blessing may be extended to all if we repent in that which we have done contrary to His commandments.

D&C 1

The Lord said in preface to His modern day revelations -

"...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)

These commandments were given with love to prepare, protect, and save the inhabitants of the earth from these calamities if they would just hearken and obey. Had this revelation been given today, the Lord would have said -

"...I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Thomas S. Monson, and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments..."

And of these commandments spoken from heaven, the Lord -

"...gave commandments to others, that they should proclaim these things unto the world..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 1:18)

Again for the benefit of the inhabitants of the earth if they will but hearken and obey. This weekend, these commandments will again be proclaimed to the saints and unto the world. The question will always be, will we hearken and obey?

D&C 2

One of the most important events to the eternal destiny and exaltation of man was foretold by Malachi, Moroni, and spoken by the Savior himself in ancient America was -

"BEHOLD, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
2 And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers.
3 If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 2:1 - 3)

Much of the world has little understanding of this prophecy. Elijah was to return with special keys of the priesthood that would give power to bind on earth and in heaven. A sealing power that ratifies or binds all ordinances done on earth in heaven. The Lord revealed that -

"...he that receiveth a fulness thereof must and shall abide the law, or he shall be damned, saith the Lord God.
7 And verily I say unto you, that the conditions of this law are these: All covenants, contracts, bonds, obligations, oaths, vows, performances, connections, associations, or expectations, that are not made and entered into and sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, of him who is anointed... to hold this power in the last days...are of no efficacy, virtue, or force ...when men are dead." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 132:6 - 7)

Without this sealing power is it any wonder that -

"If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 2:3)

President Joseph Fielding Smith wrote -

In other words, Elijah came to restore to the earth, by conferring on mortal prophets duly commissioned of the Lord, the fulness of the power of priesthood. This priesthood holds the keys of binding and sealing on earth and in heaven of all the ordinances and principles pertaining to the salvation of man, that they may thus become valid in the celestial kingdom of God.” (Doctrines ofSalvation, 2:111–12, 117.)

But not only does this sealing power ratify all ordinance and covenants but binds families together in the eternities. The Lord revealed regarding the promises made to the fathers -

"...For we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect. Neither can they nor we be made perfect without those who have died in the gospel also; for it is necessary in the ushering in of the dispensation of the fulness of times, which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories should take place, and be revealed from the days of Adam even to the present time. And not only this, but those things which never have been revealed from the foundation of the world, but have been kept hid from the wise and prudent, shall be revealed unto babes and sucklings in this, the dispensation of the fulness of times." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 128:18)

It is important to know that the prophecied coming of Elijah was fulfilled on April 3, 1836 in the Kirtland Temple as Joseph Smith testified -

"...for Elijah the prophet, who was taken to heaven without tasting death, stood before us, and said:
14 Behold, the time has fully come, which was spoken of by the mouth of Malachi—testifying that he [Elijah] should be sent, before the great and dreadful day of the Lord come—
15 To turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the children to the fathers, lest the whole earth be smitten with a curse—
16 Therefore, the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands; and by this ye may know that the great and dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the doors." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 110:13 - 16)

Is it any wonder that in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ that it will be a "great" day for some and a "dreadful" day for many others.