D&C 1

In His preface to His latter day revelations, the Lord describes that state of much of the world nigh unto His coming -

"For they have strayed from mine ordinances, and have broken mine everlasting covenant;

16 They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall.  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 1:15 - 16)

Even those the preface was given some 180 years ago, it seems more and more applicable today.  It seems more and more, eveyone walks in his own way, his own philosophy (religion) and not the Lord's way.  The Lord then explains what His plan is for the last days -

"...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;
18 And also gave commandments to others, that they should proclaim these things unto the world; and all this that it might be fulfilled, which was written by the prophets—
19 The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh—"  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 1:17 - 19)


Why this plan? He continues -

"...that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world..."  (Doctrine and Covenants   Section 1:20)

"That faith also might increase in the earth..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 1:21)

"That mine everlasting covenant might be established..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 1:22)

"That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers...after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding."  (Doctrine and Covenants   Section 1:23 - 24)

That -

"...inasmuch as they erred it might be made known..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 1:25)

That the people might know what is correct and what is not.  That -

"...inasmuch as they sought wisdom they might be instructed..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 1:26)

That -

"...inasmuch as they sinned they might be chastened, that they might repent..."  (Doctrine and Covenants   Section 1:27)

An that -

"...inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time."   Doctrine and Covenants   Section 1:28)

And that it is important to understand that -

"...I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 1:31)

And that -

"...he that repents not, from him shall be taken even the light which he has received; for my Spirit shall not always strive with man, saith the Lord of Hosts."  (Doctrine and Covenants   Section 1:33)

And how was this plan to be executed -

"Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.

38 What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 1:37 - 38)

This doctrine was to come forth by His servants with the power of the Holy Ghost.  The Lord declares -

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