D&C 59

As the saints were commanded to gather, at first in Kirtland, the Lord said -

"...go to the Ohio; and there I will give unto you my law..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 38:32)

Section 42 is much of the law that was given at that time. The Lord continued to give His law Kirtland and in Zion. Much of which He refered to as commandments. The Lord sees commandments as not a hindrance but as a great and positive thing with great promises saying -

"...they shall also be crowned with blessings from above, yea, and with commandments not a few, and with revelations in their time—they that are faithful and diligent before me." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 59:4)

The saints were told as they began to gather in Zion -

"For verily I say unto you, my law shall be kept on this land." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 58:19)

Behold, the laws which ye have received from my hand are the laws of the church, and in this light ye shall hold them forth. Behold, here is wisdom." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 58:23)

"Who am I that made man, saith the Lord, that will hold him guiltless that obeys not my commandments?
31 Who am I, saith the Lord, that have promised and have not fulfilled?
32 I command and men obey not; I revoke and they receive not the blessing.
33 Then they say in their hearts: This is not the work of the Lord, for his promises are not fulfilled. But wo unto such, for their reward lurketh beneath, and not from above." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 58:30 - 33)

In commentary on these verses we read -

"The Saints sometimes fail to do their duty and to keep the commandments of God. But they expect Him to make good to them the promises He has given to the faithful. If He does not, they complain. They neglect their prayers; they absent themselves from their meetings; they break the Word of Wisdom; they withhold their tithing; but when sickness comes and falls like a dark, terrifying shadow across their path, they expect immediate Divine interference in their behalf, through the administration of the Elders. If their expectations are not realized, they say, in a rebellious spirit, ‘His promises are not fulfilled.’ The reply of the Lord to that is, ‘Their reward lurketh beneath.’ They must look ‘beneath’ for their reward; they have no claim on heaven." (Smith and Sjodahl, Commentary, p. 340.)

In Zion, the Lord again reiterated His two greatest commandments -

"Wherefore, I give unto them a commandment, saying thus: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength; and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him.
6 Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 59:5 - 6)

With that, He addresses some important commandments that He may not have specifically mentioned previously -

"Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 59:7)

Adding -

"And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 59:21)

And also -

"...that thou mayest more fully keep thyself unspotted from the world, thou shalt go to the house of prayer and offer up thy sacraments upon my holy day;
10 For verily this is a day appointed unto you to rest from your labors, and to pay thy devotions unto the Most High;
11 Nevertheless thy vows shall be offered up in righteousness on all days and at all times;
12 But remember that on this, the Lord's day, thou shalt offer thine oblations and thy sacraments unto the Most High, confessing thy sins unto thy brethren, and before the Lord.
13 And on this day thou shalt do none other thing, only let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart that thy fasting may be perfect, or, in other words, that thy joy may be full." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 59:9 - 13)

I note two footnotes as follows:

Oblation:

IE offerings, whether of time, talents, or means, in service of God and fellowman:

Fasting:

IE hungering and thirsting after righteousness;

With each of these commandments, the Lord provides great promises of blessings.

D&C 58

To the saints in Missouri, the Lord said -

"...behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.
27 Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;
28 For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 58:26 - 28)

Saturday, I was on the way to pick up my handicap daughter. Being on time is very important to her. I was on the way to pick up an item from a member of my stake and then I was planning to head directly to my daughters. I figured my timing would be just about right. As I was driving to the members house a passed what appeared to be a elderly women walking in warm exercise clothes on the side of the road. I couldn't help but notice that it looked like she was wiping tears from her eyes. I had a quick thought that maybe I should return and ask her if shee needed any help. Of course, this would be uncomfortable and she probably would be surprised and offended. And not only that, I had a tight schedule. Well, I didn't follow that thought and continued on my way. Since Saturday, it has kind of haunted me that maybe this was a prompting and I didn't do anything with it. As I read these verses this morning, again the haunting feeling returned. Then, Elder Ezra Taft Benson said -

"...usually the Lord gives us the overall objectives to be accomplished and some guidelines to follow, but he expects us to work out most of the details and methods. The methods and procedures are usually developed through study and prayer and by living so that we can obtain and follow the promptings of the Spirit. Less spiritually advanced people, such as those in the days of Moses, had to be commanded in many things. Today those spiritually alert look at the objectives, check the guidelines laid down by the Lord and his prophets, and then prayerfully act—without having to be commanded ‘in all things.’ This attitude prepares men for godhood. . .

Sometimes the Lord hopefully waits on his children to act on their own, and when they do not, they lose the greater prize, and the Lord will either drop the entire matter and let them suffer the consequences or else he will have to spell it out in greater detail. Usually, I fear, the more he has to spell it out, the smaller is our reward." (In Conference Report, Apr. 1965, pp. 121–22.)

I feel somewhat saddened that I may not of followed the promptings of the Spirit.

D&C 58

I have thought a great deal lately on the importance of patience. Not just patience only, but patience in affliction. As the saints were beginning to gather in Zion, the Lord revealed -

"...blessed is he that keepeth my commandments, whether in life or in death; and he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 58:2)

You can sense that the Lord with some subtility, is telling the saints that there is going to be tribulations in Zion for He continues -

"...Ye cannot behold with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow after much tribulation." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 58:3)

And then He states again -

"For after much tribulation come the blessings..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 58:4)

And after suggesting that there is yet to be tribulation, he warns -

Remember this, which I tell you before, that you may lay it to heart, and receive that which is to follow.
6 Behold, verily I say unto you, for this cause I have sent you—that you might be obedient, and that your hearts might be prepared to bear testimony of the things which are to come..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 58:5 - 6)

Elder George Q. Cannon suggested -

"...the Saints should always remember that God sees not as man sees; that he does not willingly afflict his children, and that if he requires them to endure present privation and trial, it is that they may escape greater tribulations which would otherwise inevitably overtake them. If He deprives them of any present blessing, it is that he may bestow upon them greater and more glorious ones by and by." (Millennial Star, 3 Oct. 1863, p. 634.)

Tribulation seems to provide the saints with opportunities for spiritual growth and character development,humility, faith, empathy, patience, courage, gratitude, and a repentant heart. The Prophet taught in his Lectures in Faith -

"A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for, from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things. It was through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men should enjoy eternal life; and it is through the medium of the sacrifice of all earthly things that men do actually know that they are doing the things that are well pleasing in the sight of God. When a man has offered in sacrifice all that he has for the truth’s sake, not even withholding his life, and believing before God that he has been called to make this sacrifice because he seeks to do his will, he does know, most assuredly, that God does and will accept his sacrifice and offering, and that he has not, nor will not seek his face in vain. Under these circumstances, then, he can obtain the faith necessary for him to lay hold on eternal life." (Lectures in Faith, 6:7.)

Elder Bruce R. McConkie taught -

"The testing processes of mortality are for all men, saints and sinners alike. Sometimes the tests and trials of those who have received the gospel far exceed any imposed upon worldly people. Abraham was called upon to sacrifice his only son. Lehi and his family left their lands and wealth to live in a wilderness. Saints in all ages have been commanded to lay all that they have upon the altar, sometimes even their very lives.

As to the individual trials and problems that befall any of us, all we need say is that in the wisdom of Him who knows all things, and who does all things well, all of us are given the particular and specific tests that we need in our personal situations. It is to us, His saints, that the Lord speaks when He says: ‘I will prove you in all things, whether you will abide in my covenant, even unto death, that you may be found worthy.

‘For if ye will not abide in my covenant ye are not worthy of me.’ (D&C 98:14–15.) . . .

But sometimes the Lord’s people are hounded and persecuted. Sometimes He deliberately lets His faithful saints linger and suffer, in both body and spirit, to prove . . . that they may be found worthy of eternal life. If such be the lot of any of us, so be it.

But come what may, anything that befalls us here in mortality is but for a small moment, and if we are true and faithful God will eventually exalt us on high. All our losses and sufferings will be made up to us in the resurrection." (In Conference Report, Oct. 1976, pp. 158–60; or Ensign, Nov. 1976, pp. 106, 108.)

I enjoy President Brigham Young's optimism with -

"If the Saints could realize things as they are when they are called to pass through trials, and to suffer what they call sacrifices, they would acknowledge them to be the greatest blessings that could be bestowed upon them..." (Discourses of Brigham Young, p. 345).

D&C 56

In reference to the law of consecration, the Lord provides address three groups of people -

First, the "rich man" -

"Wo unto you rich men, that will not give your substance to the poor, for your riches will canker your souls; and this shall be your lamentation in the day of visitation, and of judgment, and of indignation: The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and my soul is not saved!" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 56:16)

The Lord then addresses "the poor" that are poor because they will not contribute but gladly will receive -

"Wo unto you poor men, whose hearts are not broken, whose spirits are not contrite, and whose bellies are not satisfied, and whose hands are not stayed from laying hold upon other men's goods, whose eyes are full of greediness, and who will not labor with your own hands!" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 56:17)

And last, the poor because of some extenduating circumstance -

"But blessed are the poor who are pure in heart, whose hearts are broken, and whose spirits are contrite, for they shall see the kingdom of God coming in power and great glory unto their deliverance; for the fatness of the earth shall be theirs." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 56:18)

Of these groups, the day will come when -

"...the Lord shall come, and his recompense shall be with him, and he shall reward every man, and the poor shall rejoice..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 56:19)

Of the poor that do nothing, President George Albert Smith warned against taking what belongs to others -

"That is the situation of many of our own brothers and sisters in America with all the blessings that we enjoy—better wages, better homes, better opportunities for education than have ever been known before. Yet we have today men who not only will not work themselves, but they also will not permit somebody else to be employed. They are not willing to earn their living by work, but they propose to take it from the rich man. . . .

We must not fall into the bad habits of other people. We must not get into the frame of mind that we will take what the other man has. Refer back to the ten commandments, and you will find one short paragraph, ‘Thou shalt not covet.’ That is what is the matter with a good many people today. They are coveting what somebody else has, when as a matter of fact, many of them have been cared for and provided with means to live by those very ones from whom they would take away property." (In Conference Report, Oct. 1949, pp. 170, 172.)

It is clear that all men have an obligation to be industrious and do the best they can under the present conditions.

D&C 53

As Leman Copley broke his covenant to consecrate his large farm as a place of inheritance for the saints arriving from Colesville the Lord said to Newel Knight on behalf of those over whom he presided -

"...if your brethren desire to escape their enemies, let them repent of all their sins, and become truly humble before me and contrite." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 54:3)

Who are our enemies? I see our enemies to be that which is holding us back from receiving all the blessings of exaltation. It may be the very peronal challenges that we must master to receive this goal. The Lord said -

"...seek the face of the Lord always, that in patience ye may possess your souls, and ye shall have eternal life." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 101:38)

Possess your soul means self mastery. Sometimes the enemy is ourselves or the "natural man". In the following section, the Lord said to W.W. Phelps -

"...if you do with an eye single to my glory, you shall have a remission of your sins and a reception of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 55:1)

It all seems to follow the command of the Lord through Alma -

"...that they should teach nothing save it were the things which he had taught, and which had been spoken by the mouth of the holy prophets.
20 Yea, even he commanded them that they should preach nothing save it were repentance and faith on the Lord, who had redeemed his people." (Book of Mormon Mosiah 18:19 - 20)

D&C 52

One of the greatest blessings for the saints in our day is the promise of the Lord –

“…I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived; for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations—…” (Doctrine and Covenants Section 52:14)

As the Church has grown while the adversary has used all his weapons in opposition to it, the Lord has fulfilled His promise that He –

“…will give unto you a pattern in all things…” (Doctrine and Covenants Section 52:14)

Each pattern that He has sends forth gives us greater direction avoiding the deception of the adversary. These patterns include instruction, procedures, protocol, structure, and other means whereby the saints may more easily recognize that which is deceptive. Some of this includes all the Handbooks of Instruction. At the time of this revelation, the Lord provided a “pattern” in how the gospel message is to be taught saying –

“He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances.
17 And again, he that trembleth under my power shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits of praise and wisdom, according to the revelations and truths which I have given you.” (Doctrine and Covenants Section 52:16 - 17)

And then the Savior warns –

“…he that is overcome and bringeth not forth fruits, even according to this pattern, is not of me.
19 Wherefore, by this pattern ye shall know the spirits in all cases under the whole heavens” (Doctrine and Covenants Section 52:18 - 19)

This is one pattern that the Lord has given us. There are many more as the Lord’s promises continue in that He “will give unto us a pattern in all things.”

D&C 51

In the scriptures we learn what it ultimately takes to bring to past Zion. Anciently, we read -

"...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)

After the Saviors resurrection we read of the early saints -

"...all that believed were together, and had all things common..." (New Testament Acts 2:44)

We find after the visit of the Savior to the Americas we read that -

"...they taught, and did minister one to another; and they had all things common among them, every man dealing justly, one with another." (Book of Mormon 3 Nephi 26:19)

To prepare the saints to live in Zion, the Lord began to teach them this law of having all things in common. As many saints were beginning to gather in Ohio, the Lord instructed Bishop Edward Partridge to -

"...appoint unto this people their portions, every man equal according to his family, according to his circumstances and his wants and needs." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 51:3)

I think the term "equal" brings on new meaning with this instruction. Equal was not to mean the same amount or the same level of living, but -

"...according to his family, according to his circumstances and his wants and needs." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 51:3)

I think this suggests the Bishop must consider family sizes, a person's abilities as a steward, as well as goals, desires, and needs. Much the same as the Savior's parable of the talents. Ultimately, it all comes down, not to selfishness, but the desire of an individual to multiply his stewardship in love and compassion for the Master and others. The Lord then promises -

"...whoso is found a faithful, a just, and a wise steward shall enter into the joy of his Lord, and shall inherit eternal life." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 51:19)

D&C 50

The asked His leaders a very significant question -

"...unto what were ye ordained?" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:13)

So there is no misunderstanding, He immediately answers -

"To preach my gospel by the Spirit, even the Comforter which was sent forth to teach the truth." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:14)

Much like Alma taught to be the responsibility of the High Priesthood -

"...thus being called by this holy calling, and ordained unto the high priesthood of the holy order of God, to teach his commandments unto the children of men, that they also might enter into his rest—" (Book of Mormon Alma 13:6)

But in teaching His commandments, it must be done by the Spirit. The Savior asked -

"...he that is ordained of me and sent forth to preach the word of truth by the Comforter, in the Spirit of truth, doth he preach it by the Spirit of truth or some other way?" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:17)

He again answers -

"...if it be by some other way it is not of God." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:18)

This same process extends to those being taught as the Lord asks -

"...he that receiveth the word of truth, doth he receive it by the Spirit of truth or some other way?" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:19)

Again the Lord answers His own question -

"If it be some other way it is not of God." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:20)

The Lord then provides this great "litmus" test -

"Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:22)

All teaching is to be done in this manner. President Joseph Fielding Smith taught -

"There is no saying of greater truth than ‘that which doth not edify is not of God.’ And that which is not of God is darkness, it matters not whether it comes in the guise of religion, ethics, philosophy or revelation. No revelation from God will fail to edify." (Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:201–2.)

D&C 50

Of the 46th section of the Doctrine and Covenants, I blogged on the meaning of being "in the Spirit" and asking only that which is the will of God. It is in the 50th section the Lord again talks of being in the Spirit and the importance of teaching by the Spirit. The Lord again reasons with us what it means to be worthy to be in the Spirit -

"...if ye are purified and cleansed from all sin, ye shall ask whatsoever you will in the name of Jesus and it shall be done." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:29)

"But know this, it shall be given you what you shall ask..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:30)

As we strive to be worthy of and receive the Spirit, the Lord tells us that there are many spirits or influences that we may experience. He again teaches or as he said reasons with us -

"Wherefore, it shall come to pass, that if you behold a spirit manifested that you cannot understand, and you receive not that spirit, ye shall ask of the Father in the name of Jesus; and if he give not unto you that spirit, then you may know that it is not of God." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:31)

In my own words or understanding, this suggests that if we experience a spirit, or and influence, or an action of another that we feel uncomfortable about or unsure, we must ask the Father in the name of the Savior and will let us know of this influence or action is according to the ways of the Lord. I've recently experienced such influences of others and in this case came to the conclusion it was not the Lord's way. The question would then arise, what should one do in this situation? The Lord responds -

"...it shall be given unto you, power over that spirit; and you shall proclaim against that spirit with a loud voice that it is not of God—
33 Not with railing accusation, that ye be not overcome, neither with boasting nor rejoicing, lest you be seized therewith." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 50:32 - 33)

How we react then has as much to do with the process as the influence itself. The Lord later stated -

"No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;
42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 121:41 - 42)

The Spirit testifies that these words are true.

D&C 48

I think this revelation of the Lord provides some interesting incite in the ways of the Lord as the Prophet seemed concerned about "what to do" in regards to the new gathering of the saints in the Kirtlan area as well as many more that were on their way. The seems to suggest that the area was to be a temporary gathering place as the Lord says -

"IT is necessary that ye should remain for the present time in your places of abode..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 48:1)

"...and inasmuch as ye have not lands, let them buy for the present time in those regions round about, as seemeth them good, for it must needs be necessary that they have places to live for the present time." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 48:3)

The Lord then reveals that there is another place to gather as he commands -

"It must needs be necessary that ye save all the money that ye can, and that ye obtain all that ye can in righteousness, that in time ye may be enabled to purchase land for an inheritance, even the city.
5 The place is not yet to be revealed..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 48:4 - 5)

As the Lord suggests that there is to be another place to gather, He also expresses how the place will be revealed -

"...there are to be certain men appointed, and to them it shall be given to know the place, or to them it shall be revealed." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 48:5)

It seems the Lord will appoint or call of committee of priesthood holders to come to a unity of revelation on the appointed place or what is to be known as Zion.

It is in Zion that -

"...they shall be appointed to purchase the lands, and to make a commencement to lay the foundation of the city; and then shall ye begin to be gathered with your families, every man according to his family, according to his circumstances, and as is appointed to him by the presidency and the bishop of the church, according to the laws and commandments which ye have received, and which ye shall hereafter receive." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 48:6)

Another special note - It is in this revelation that the Lord first suggests or talks of a presidency.

D&C 46

With all the other gifts of the Spirit, one of the gifts of the Spirit of God is -

"...the discerning of spirits." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 46:23)

suggesting a gift to discern the influences, gifts, and testimonies of others as given.

Speaking of the gift of discernment, Elder Stephen L Richards explained that this gift -

"...arises largely out of an acute sensitivity to impressions—spiritual impressions, if you will—to read under the surface as it were, to detect hidden evil, and more importantly to find the good that may be concealed. The highest type of discernment is that which perceives in others and uncovers for them their better natures, the good inherent within them. It’s the gift every missionary needs when he takes the gospel to the people of the world. He must make an appraisal of every personality whom he meets. He must be able to discern the hidden spark that may be lighted for truth. The gift of discernment will save him from mistakes and embarrassment, and it will never fail to inspire confidence in the one who is rightly appraised." (In Conference Report, Apr. 1950, p. 162.)

Those that generally need this special gift more than others are those in positions of leadership or those that preside. The Lord said -

"And unto the bishop of the church, and unto such as God shall appoint and ordain to watch over the church and to be elders unto the church, are to have it given unto them to discern all those gifts lest there shall be any among you professing and yet be not of God." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 46:27)

Elder Richards also explained -

"...the gift of discernment is essential to the leadership of the Church. I never ordain a bishop or set apart a president of a stake without invoking upon him this divine blessing, that he may read the lives and hearts of his people and call forth the best within them. The gift and power of discernment in this world of contention between the forces of good and the power of evil is essential equipment for every son and daughter of God." (In Conference Report, Apr. 1950, p. 163.)

D&C 46

In revelation the Savior said -

"..ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally; and that which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me, considering the end of your salvation, doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 46:7)

The Lord has made it clear that we have an obligation, that is we are commanded to "ask of God" in all things. He promises that He will give liberally by His Spirit or the Holy Ghost. And what He gives we must do in "all holiness of heart". That is -

"...ye must practise virtue and holiness before me continually..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 46:33)

As we do so, as we walk uprightly in prayer and thanksgiving we become worthy to receive His Spirit. As we do, we are "in the Spirit". The Lord explains how he gives liberally -

"...he that asketh in Spirit shall receive in Spirit..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 46:28)

And then He explains why He gives liberally to those who are "in the Spirit" -

"He that asketh in the Spirit asketh according to the will of God; wherefore it is done even as he asketh." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 46:30)

If we are worthy and in the Spirit, we will as nothing but that which is according to the will of God. Therefore, He willingly and liberally gives in the Spirit - because it is His will.

With all that He does liberally give the Lord provides two important instructions or requirements, that is -

"...all things must be done in the name of Christ, whatsoever you do in the Spirit..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 46:31)

and -

"ye must give thanks unto God in the Spirit for whatsoever blessing ye are blessed with." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 46:32)

D&C 45

Much of section 45 talks of the events that will happen preceding the second coming of the Savior. It is in this section the Lord provides a little bit more incite and explanation of the same prophecies He gave to His apostles recorded in the 24th chapter by Matthew. In modern day, the Lord said -

"And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins.
57 For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 45:56 - 57)

In lieu of any personal comments, I would like to turn to the writings of Elder Spencer W. Kimball for an excellent explanation -

“I believe that the Ten Virgins represent the people of the Church of Jesus Christ and not the rank and file of the world. All of the virgins, wise and foolish, had accepted the invitation to the wedding supper; they had knowledge of the program and had been warned of the important day to come. They were not the gentiles or the heathens or the pagans, nor were they necessarily corrupt and reprobate, but they were knowing people who were foolishly unprepared for the vital happenings that were to affect their eternal lives.

They had the saving, exalting gospel, but it had not been made the center of their lives. They knew the way but gave only a small measure of loyalty and devotion. I ask you: What value is a car without an engine, a cup without water, a table without food, a lamp without oil?
“Rushing for their lamps to light their way through the blackness, half of them found them empty. They had cheated themselves. They were fools, these five unprepared virgins. Apparently, the bridegroom had tarried for reasons that were sufficient and good. Time had passed, and he had not come. They had heard of his coming for so long, so many times, that the statement seemingly became meaningless to them. Would he ever come? So long had it been since they began expecting him that they were rationalizing that he would never appear. Perhaps it was a myth.

Hundreds of thousands of us today are in this position. Confidence has been dulled and patience worn thin. It is so hard to wait and be prepared always. But we cannot allow ourselves to slumber. The Lord has given us this parable as a special warning.

At midnight, the vital cry was made, ‘Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.’ . . .

At midnight! Precisely at the darkest hour, when least expected, the bridegroom came. When the world is full of tribulation and help is needed, but it seems the time must be past and hope is vain, then Christ will come. The midnights of life are the times when heaven comes to offer its joy for man’s weariness. But when the cry sounds, there is no time for preparation. The lamps then make patterns of joy on the hillside, and the procession moves on toward the house of banqueting, and those without lamps or oil are left in darkness. When they have belatedly sought to fulfill the requirements and finally reach the hall, the door is shut. In the daytime, wise and unwise seemed alike; midnight is the time of test and judgment—and of offered gladness. . . .

The foolish asked the others to share their oil, but spiritual preparedness cannot be shared in an instant. The wise had to go, else the bridegroom would have gone unwelcomed. They needed all their oil for themselves; they could not save the foolish. The responsibility was each for himself.

This was not selfishness or unkindness. The kind of oil that is needed to illuminate the way and light up the darkness is not shareable. How can one share obedience to the principle of tithing; a mind at peace from righteous living; an accumulation of knowledge? How can one share faith or testimony? How can one share attitudes or chastity, or the experience of a mission? How can one share temple privileges? Each must obtain that kind of oil for himself.

The foolish virgins were not averse to buying oil. They knew they should have oil. They merely procrastinated, not knowing when the bridegroom would come.

In the parable, oil can be purchased at the market. In our lives the oil of preparedness is accumulated drop by drop in righteous living. Attendance at sacrament meetings adds oil to our lamps, drop by drop over the years. Fasting, family prayer, home teaching, control of bodily appetites, preaching the gospel, studying the scriptures—each act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store. Deeds of kindness, payment of offerings and tithes, chaste thoughts and actions, marriage in the covenant for eternity—these, too, contribute importantly to the oil with which we can at midnight refuel our exhausted lamps.

Midnight is so late for those who have procrastinated.” (Faith Precedes the Miracle, pp. 253–56.)

D&C 45

In a great revelation to the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord recounts His prophecies prior to His second coming which He gave to His apostles of the Mount Olive. Two of those being -

"...in that generation shall the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 45:30)

and -

"...there shall be men standing in that generation, that shall not pass until they shall see an overflowing scourge; for a desolating sickness shall cover the land." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 45:31)

With these terrible conditions, the Lord admonished -

"But my disciples shall stand in holy places, and shall not be moved..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 45:32)

What are these "holy places"? There is no question that the home and family can be one. The Holy temple is certainly one. The Lord also talked of another place -

"...of refuge, a place of safety for the saints of the Most High God;
67 And the glory of the Lord shall be there, and the terror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch that the wicked will not come unto it, and it shall be called Zion.
68 And it shall come to pass among the wicked, that every man that will not take his sword against his neighbor must needs flee unto Zion for safety.
69 And there shall be gathered unto it out of every nation under heaven; and it shall be the only people that shall not be at war one with another." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 45:66 - 69)

Zion is the place where the saints should gather as a place of safety and refuge. In the early days of the Church, the gathering was very central but later the Lord reveals -

"...that the gathering together upon the land of Zion, and upon her stakes, may be for a defense, and for a refuge from the storm, and from wrath when it shall be poured out without mixture upon the whole earth." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 115:6)

Our wards and stakes also serve as a "holy place", a place of refuge and safety.