D&C 87

As the Prophet Joseph Smith prophesied concerning -

"...the wars that will shortly come to pass, beginning at the rebellion of South Carolina, which will eventually terminate in the death and misery of many souls;
2 And the time will come that war will be poured out upon all nations, beginning at this place."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 87:1 - 2)

...the Lord counseled -

"Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come..."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 87:8)

The promise seems to be that if we stand in holy places, it -

"...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)

I personally consider three places that may qualify as "holy places" - the home, the stake, and the temple.  Each essential to in feeling the Spirit.  President Harold B. Lee said -

"I was down in Kelsey, Texas, last November, and I heard a group of anxious people asking, 'Is now the day for us to come up to Zion, where we can come to the mountain of the Lord, where we can be protected from our enemies?' I pondered that question, I prayed about it. What should we say to those people who were in their anxiety? I have studied it a bit, I have learned something of what the Spirit has taught, and I know now that the place of safety in this world is not in any given place; it doesn't make so much difference where we live; but the all-important thing is how we live, and I have found that security can come to Israel only when we keep the commandments, when they live so that they can enjoy the companionship, the direction, the comfort, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit of the Lord, when they are willing to listen to these men whom God has set here to preside as His mouthpieces, and when we obey the counsels of the Church." (Harold B. Lee, CR, April 1943, pp. 128-29.)

D&C 85

In  answer to matters that weighed heavily on the Prophet Joseph Smith's mind, the Lord revealed the importance -

"...to keep a history, and a general church record of all things that transpire in Zion, and of all those who consecrate properties, and receive inheritances legally from the bishop..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 85:1)

In my mind, that in addition to a history of the Church, there was to be a record kept (a book of remembrance) of the doings and consecrations of the saints.  It seemed to be so important that the Lord revealed -

"It is contrary to the will and commandment of God that those who receive not their inheritance by consecration, agreeable to his law, which he has given, that he may tithe his people, to prepare them against the day of vengeance and burning, should have their names enrolled with the people of God."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 85:3)

Suggesting these are they -

"...whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb..."  (New Testament Revelation 13:8)

In a previous revelation we learn -

"...it is required of the Lord, at the hand of every steward, to render an account of his stewardship, both in time and in eternity."   (Doctrine and Covenants Section 72:3)

In this manner we are entered into the records of the Church that we have been valiant in our consecrations.  If we fail to follow this pattern, the consequence maybe that our posterity also follow this example as the Lord said -

"Neither is their genealogy to be kept, or to be had where it may be found on any of the records or history of the church.
5 Their names shall not be found, neither the names of the fathers, nor the names of the children written in the book of the law of God, saith the Lord of Hosts."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 85:4 - 5)

Joseph F. Smith said -

"I will read now a few verses from Section 85 of the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, commencing at the 9th verse: [to v. 12, quoted.] I am going to turn now to Ezra (chapter 2) and see what is said there. We read:

'And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name:
62 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.
63 And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.'  (Old Testament Ezra 2:61 - 63)


This is the position the people will be in when they come to claim an inheritance in Zion, if their names are not found recorded in the book of the law of God. And I want to tell you that this refers directly to the law of tithing. . . .

Some people may not care very much whether their names are recorded or not, but this comes from ignorance of the consequences. If their names are not recorded they will not only be cut off from the assistance which they would be entitled to from the Church if they needed it, but they will be cut off from the ordinances of the house of God; they will be cut asunder from their dead and from their fathers who have been faithful, or from those who shall come after them who shall be faithful, and they will be appointed their portion with the unbelievers, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. It means that you will be cut off from your fathers and mothers, from your husbands, your wives, your children, and that you shall have no portion or lot or inheritance in the kingdom of God, both in time and in eternity. It has a very serious and far reaching effect." (Joseph F. Smith, CR, October 1899, p. 42.)

D&C 84

With the oath and covenant of the priesthood, the Lord promised that -

"...he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father's kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 84:38)

Paul taught -

"The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together."  (New Testament  Romans 8:16 - 17)

George Q. Cannon said 100 years ago -

"The Latter-day Saints are promised, if they are faithful, that they shall receive the fullness, as Jesus received it; and Jesus received it as the Father received it. In the words of Paul, they become heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ. There is nothing that the Savior has attained unto that God's faithful children are not promised. They are promised the same blessings, the same power, the same authority, the same gifts, the same graces. I know that we are apt to think that heaven is a sort of spiritual place. It is spiritual; but God our Eternal Father is a being of power. He controls the earth and the inhabitants thereof; He controls the elements of the earth; and we are promised that we shall be sharers with Him. He will give us an equal interest in all this power and authority. . . .

The promise is that all things that He hath shall be given unto us. We will be His heirs; we will be (if I may use the term without irreverence) co-partners with Him in all this power and authority. I do not know whether all the Latter-day Saints grasp this idea. It is important that we should." (George Q. Cannon, CR, April 1899, p. 65.)

D&C 84

As I was thinking about our youth in the stake, I read the words -

"...shall the children of the kingdom pollute my holy land? Verily, I say unto you, Nay."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 84:59)

Herein the Lord teaches us the difference between those who pollute His kingdom and who doesn't. Or in other words -

"...by this you may know the righteous from the wicked..."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 84:53)

Of those who do not pollute His kingdom He says -

"...the Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world; and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit.
47 And every one that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit cometh unto God, even the Father.  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 84:46 - 47)

Of those who hearken to His voice he says -

"And the Father teacheth him of the covenant which he has renewed and confirmed upon you, which is confirmed upon you for your sakes..."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 84:48)

But of those who pollute His kingdom He said -

"...the whole world lieth in sin, and groaneth under darkness and under the bondage of sin.
50 And by this you may know they are under the bondage of sin, because they come not unto me.
51 For whoso cometh not unto me is under the bondage of sin.
52 And whoso receiveth not my voice is not acquainted with my voice, and is not of me."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 84:49 - 52)

"...your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received—"  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 84:54)

What seems to be a concluding remark, the Lord said -

"...verily, I say unto you who now hear my words, which are my voice, blessed are ye inasmuch as you receive these things;
61 For I will forgive you of your sins with this commandment—that you remain steadfast in your minds in solemnity and the spirit of prayer, in bearing testimony..."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 84:60 - 61)

D&C 84

Even though the Bishop is the president of the Aaronic priesthood and -

"The bishopric is the presidency of this priesthood, and holds the keys or authority of the same."   (Doctrine and Covenants Section 107:15)

The Lord made it clear -

"...the offices of elder and bishop are necessary appendages belonging unto the high priesthood."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 84:29)

in comparison to -

"...the offices of teacher and deacon are necessary appendages belonging to the lesser priesthood, which priesthood was confirmed upon Aaron and his sons."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 84:30)

Therefore bishops as well as those that are -

"...faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling..."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 84:33)

"...become the sons of Moses and of Aaron..."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 84:34)

We are promised in the last days that at some time, again -

"...the sons of Moses and also the sons of Aaron shall offer an acceptable offering and sacrifice in the house of the Lord..."  (Doctrine and Covenants
Section 84:31)

D&C 82

To a general council of the Church in Zion the Lord said -

"...there are those among you who have sinned exceedingly; yea, even all of you have sinned..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 82:2)

Just as Paul taught -

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God..."  (New Testament Romans 3:23)

But because of the atonement of Jesus Christ -

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  (New Testament 1 John 1:9)

"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow..."  (Old Testament Isaiah 1:18)

"Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 58:42)

But with all of this, the Lord follows -

"...verily I say unto you, beware from henceforth, and refrain from sin, lest sore judgments fall upon your heads."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 82:2)

For -

"For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 82:3)

And with that He warns -

"...go your ways and sin no more; but unto that soul who sinneth shall the former sins return, saith the Lord your God."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 82:7)

President Howard W. Hunter said -

"Whatever the past may have been in our individual lives, it is gone. The future lies ahead, and we must face it with resolution. There is always a point from which we can begin. Even though we may have been faithful in the past, if we turn away, that faithfulness will profit us nothing. 'No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.' [Luke 9:62.]" (Howard W. Hunter, CR, April 1961, p. 18.)

D&C 78

As the Lord taught His order or the law of consecration or the here on earth, or the law of the celestial kingdom where in one must be able to abide -

"For he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:22)

He explained -

"That through my providence, notwithstanding the tribulation which shall descend upon you, that the church may stand independent above all other creatures beneath the celestial world..."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 78:14)

In my mind, independence from all other creatures is the ability to live the law of consecration.  This is the division between celestial life and all other lives beneath the celestial world.  This celestial life must be glorious for the Lord said -

"...ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you;
18 And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.
19 And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 78:17 - 19)

Joseph Fielding Smith taught -

"By the keeping of the covenant of consecration, the Lord promised that the Church would stand independent above all other creatures beneath the celestial world. It is the will of the Lord, that eventually, the Church may take its rightful place above all other creatures upon the earth, or other spheres that are not celestial. This is the destiny of the Church, but the destiny of each of us individually depends on whether or not we will accept in faithfulness the covenants and obligations which are given us. The promise is that if we will be obedient we shall come up and be made rulers over many kingdoms. Those who receive the celestial exaltation will, without doubt, be made rulers over many kingdoms, and they will have power and authority to direct and to counsel those of lesser glories. Moreover, they will have the privilege of exaltation and of becoming creators in their own right as the sons of God." (Joseph Fielding Smith, CHMR 2:77.)

D&C 77

From the interpretations provided by the Prophet Joseph Smith on the great revelations of John, we begin to learn a little on the manner of visions.  In response to the question regarding
Revelations 4:6 -

"Q. Are the four beasts limited to individual beasts, or do they represent classes or orders?"  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 77:3)

The Prophet explained -

"They are limited to four individual beasts, which were shown to John..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 77:3)

I interpret that to mean that John actually saw four unique but real beasts.  But then the Lord used these beasts as symbols to teach eternal priniciples as we are told that these four beasts -

"...represent the glory of the classes of beings in their destined order or sphere of creation, in the enjoyment of their eternal felicity."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 77:3)

And then we are taught symbolically or figuratively -

"Q What are we to understand by the eyes and wings, which the beasts had?


A. Their eyes are a representation of light and knowledge, that is, they are full of knowledge; and their wings are a representation of power, to move, to act, etc."  Doctrine and Covenants Section 77:4)

I believe that within this vision, John saw real beasts but then was shown these beasts with "full of eyes before and behind" and then also "six wings about them".  Herein these characteristics were symbolic of light and knowledge and agency.

Just as with this vision, many visions are very difficult to understand without some interpretation.  The Prophet Joseph Smith taught -

" 'I make this broad declaration, that whenever God gives a vision of an image, or beast, or figure of any kind, he always holds himself responsible to give a revelation or interpretation of the meaning thereof, otherwise we are not responsible or accountable for our belief in it. Don't be afraid of being damned for not knowing the meaning of a vision or figure, if God has not given a revelation or interpretation of the subject.' " (Joseph Fielding Smith, CHMR 2:68-69.)

D&C 76

In the great vision of degrees of glory, the Prophet explained -

"...being in the Spirit ...By the power of the Spirit our eyes were opened and our understandings were enlightened, so as to see and understand the things of God—"  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:11 - 12)

Thus being in the Spirit, having had great things revealed to him, the Prophet records that at the -

"...end of the vision which we saw, which we were commanded to write while we were yet in the Spirit."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:113)

But he also tells us that so  -

"...great and marvelous are the works of the Lord, and the mysteries of his kingdom which he showed unto us, which surpass all understanding in glory, and in might, and in dominion;
115 Which he commanded us we should not write while we were yet in the Spirit, and are not lawful for man to utter;
116 Neither is man capable to make them known, for they are only to be seen and understood by the power of the Holy Spirit, which God bestows on those who love him, and purify themselves before him;
117 To whom he grants this privilege of seeing and knowing for themselves..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 76:114 - 117)

The recorded portion of the revelation is great and marvelous.  Can you imagine that which was shown to the Propeht that was surpassed all understanding.  That is what is available to all men whom  the Lord grants, being in the Spirit,  this great privilege.

Elder Orson Pratt wrote -

"When the time shall come that the Spirit of the living God shall be poured out upon all flesh, in a very few moments of time the Lord could unlock the mysteries and treasures of the earth, so that we could understand not only the geographical surface of the earth, but be able, by the power of vision, to behold every particle of it inside as well as outside, and also the law that governs its elementary portions, nearly all of which is now closed from our mortal vision. We can only go about so far with our natural sight; but there is a faculty in every man and woman which is now sleeping in a dormant state; and as soon as it is touched by the Spirit of the Lord, we shall be enabled to see a new world of things as it were, mysteries will be opened up, and we will perceive naturally as if they were written, and in this way we shall be able to learn very rapidly indeed. If we want a knowledge of this world or of ourselves, when our spirits were born, or if we desire to know things that took place before the foundations of the world were laid or the nucleus was formed, when the sons of God shouted for joy, if we desired to know these things it would only be necessary for the Spirit of the Lord to touch the vision of our minds and light up our understanding, and we could gaze upon things past for thousands of generations of worlds before the earth was made, and we could see the succession of worlds that have been and were in existence long before this earth was formed; we could see the ordeals through which they had passed, see them brought into existence and passing through their several changes and finally become glorified celestial mansions in the presence of God. By this same Spirit . . . we could look forward into the distant future and behold new worlds formed and redeemed, and not only this, but see and understand the laws by which they were made, and the object and end of all these creations, being touched by the finger of the Almighty and lighted up by the Holy Ghost." (Orson Pratt, JD 19:178.)

D&C 76

In vision, Joseph F. Smith saw in the world of spirits that -

"...there were gathered together in one place an innumerable company of the spirits of the just, who had been faithful in the testimony of Jesus while they lived in mortality..."(Doctrine and Covenants Section 138:12)

And that they were -

"...filled with joy and gladness, and were rejoicing together because the day of their deliverance was at hand."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 138:15)

"...that they might receive a fulness of joy."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 138:17)

What is this fulness of joy?  The Prophet Joseph Smith recorded -

"...we saw and heard, and this is the testimony of the gospel of Christ concerning them who shall come forth in the resurrection of the just—"  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:50)

It is these that -

"...are they who are priests and kings, who have received of his fulness, and of his glory..."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:56)

It is they -

"...whose bodies are celestial, whose glory is that of the sun, even the glory of God, the highest of all, whose glory the sun of the firmament is written of as being typical."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:70)

"Wherefore, all things are theirs, whether life or death, or things present, or things to come, all are theirs and they are Christ's, and Christ is God's."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:59)

And because of that -

"...as it is written, they are gods, even the sons of God—"  (Doctrine and Covenants
Section 76:58)
 
Not being misunderstood that even so -
 
"...there is no God beside me..." (Pearl of Great Price Moses 1:6)
 
And also -
 
"...and beside him there is no Savior."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:1)
 
Nonetheless, they have received a fulness of joy just as John bore record -
 
"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.
18 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 93:16 - 19)

D&C 75

Focusing on the great responsibility we have in preaching the gospel, the Lord said -

"Hearken, O ye who have given your names to go forth to proclaim my gospel, and to prune my vineyard.

3 Behold, I say unto you that it is my will that you should go forth and not tarry, neither be idle but labor with your might—
4 Lifting up your voices as with the sound of a trump, proclaiming the truth according to the revelations and commandments which I have given you.
5 And thus, if ye are faithful ye shall be laden with many sheaves, and crowned with honor, and glory, and immortality, and eternal life.  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 75:2 - 5)

These early saints were not necessarily wealthy.  It was difficult for them in scratching out a living for their families.  Yet the Lord expected many to leave and preach the gospel.  The Lord did not leave them with this missionary responsiblility without teaching his will in the caring and support of their families.  He said to these brethren -

"I, the Lord, give unto you this commandment, that ye obtain places for your families, inasmuch as your brethren are willing to open their hearts."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 75:25)

And to the saints that were to remain at home, he commanded -

"Behold, I say unto you, that it is the duty of the church to assist in supporting the families of those, and also to support the families of those who are called and must needs be sent unto the world to proclaim the gospel unto the world."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 75:24)

In this manner, all were commanded to participate in the great responsibility of preaching the gospel.  And with the assistance of the Church -

"...let all such as can obtain places for their families, and support of the church for them, not fail to go into the world..."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 75:26)

In other words, they had no excuse, and were to go.  But if these brethren were not able to find a means to support their family, the Lord made it clear -

"...that every man who is obliged to provide for his own family, let him provide, and he shall in nowise lose his crown; and let him labor in the church."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 75:28)

We all have a great responsibility in to support the preaching of the gospel whether it be by the word or supporting those that do.

D&C 72

The Lord instructed His saints -

"...for it is required of the Lord, at the hand of every steward, to render an account of his stewardship, both in time and in eternity."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 72:3)

As we are taught to live the law of consecration or the law of the Celestial kingdom, I believe that we will for ever, now and throughout the eternities, will be obligated to render an account of our stewardship.  We witness this in every aspect of priesthood administration.  With the law of consecration, we are again taught -

"Thus it cometh out of the church, for according to the law every man that cometh up to Zion must lay all things before the bishop in Zion.
16 And now, verily I say unto you, that as every elder in this part of the vineyard must give an account of his stewardship unto the bishop in this part of the vineyard—"  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 72:15 - 16)

As the united order was suspended for a season and the law of Tithing was introduced, I believe the commandment to give an accouting of our stewardship to the bishop continues to remain in force.  Annually we are commanded to meet with the bishop in tithing settlement.  And then with tithing, just as with the law of consecration -

"A certificate from the judge or bishop in this part of the vineyard, unto the bishop in Zion, rendereth every man acceptable, and answereth all things, for an inheritance, and to be received as a wise steward and as a faithful laborer..."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 72:17)