Scripture Blog

This weblog is my personal online scripture journal. I try to read the scriptures each morning as I exercise on my cross-trainer. It has a great impact on my life and my testimony of the Savior and his restored church. The journal is really for my own benefit but I have set it up as a web log in hopes to benefit anyone else that may be interested. "For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the Holy Ghost..." 1 Nephi 10:19

Friday, December 21, 2012

D&C 20

Much like the current Handbook of Instructions, this revelation of instructions for the newly restored Church first includes an brief summary of the plan of salvation for as Alma taught that -

"Therefore God gave unto them commandments, after having made known unto them the plan of redemption..."  (Book of Mormon | Alma 12:32)

In this revelation, again the Lord makes known the plan of redemption, first declaring -

"...we know that there is a God in heaven, who is infinite and eternal, from everlasting to everlasting the same unchangeable God, the framer of heaven and earth, and all things which are in them;
18  And that he created man, male and female, after his own image and in his own likeness, created he them..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 20:17 - 18)

Then He -

"...gave unto them commandments that they should love and serve him, the only living and true God, and that he should be the only being whom they should worship."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 20:19)

"But by the transgression of these holy laws man became sensual and devilish, and became fallen man."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 20:20)

From the beginning we have been given our agency.  Then we were given knowledge or commandments.  It is how we use our agency that determines if we become fallen or sensual and devilish.  It is important to understand that we are not born that way for we know the children are innocent.  It is as we reach an age of accountability with an understanding of the knowledge given us that we cause ourselves to become fallen.  There is no mortal man, because of agency, that has not made mistakes (except the Savior). And thus -

"...the Almighty God gave his Only Begotten Son, as it is written in those scriptures which have been given of him.
22  He suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them.
23  He was crucified, died, and rose again the third day;
24  And ascended into heaven, to sit down on the right hand of the Father, to reign with almighty power according to the will of the Father..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 20:21 - 24)

Having thus provided the infinite atonement, God set conditions to receive the blessings of the atonement over spiritual death or fallen man due to not keeping the commandments being -

"That as many as would believe and be baptized in his holy name, and endure in faith to the end, should be saved—
26  Not only those who believed after he came in the meridian of time, in the flesh, but all those from the beginning, even as many as were before he came, who believed in the words of the holy prophets, who spake as they were inspired by the gift of the Holy Ghost, who truly testified of him in all things, should have eternal life,
27  As well as those who should come after, who should believe in the gifts and callings of God by the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of the Father and of the Son..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 20:25 - 27)

"And we know that all men must repent and believe on the name of Jesus Christ, and worship the Father in his name, and endure in faith on his name to the end, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God.
30  And 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 20:29 - 31)

This is the doctrine of Christ and the basic plan of redemption for  -

"...we know that these things are true and according to the revelations of John, neither adding to, nor diminishing from the prophecy of his book, the holy scriptures, or the revelations of God which shall come hereafter by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost, the voice of God, or the ministering of angels."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 20:35)

This is why we follow the instructions for this new organized Church.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

D&C 20

As this revelation begins, speaking of the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord declares -

"...after repenting, and humbling himself sincerely, through faith, God ministered unto him by an holy angel, whose countenance was as lightning, and whose garments were pure and white above all other whiteness;

7 And gave unto him commandments which inspired him;
8 And gave him power from on high, by the means which were before prepared, to translate the Book of Mormon;
9 Which contains a record of a fallen people, and the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and to the Jews also;
10 Which was given by inspiration, and is confirmed to others by the ministering of angels, and is declared unto the world by them—
11 Proving to the world that the holy scriptures are true, and that God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 20:6 - 11)

It is in these words that the Savior states the record contains "the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ".  Some might interpret "fulness" to mean all that is to be revealed.  I feel a little bit different.  Fullness by definition is "the quality or state of being full".  The Savior taught -

"Now this is the commandment: Repent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand spotless before me at the last day.

21 Verily, verily, I say unto you, this is my gospel; and ye know the things that ye must do in my church; for the works which ye have seen me do that shall ye also do; for that which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do..."  (Book of Mormon   3 Nephi 27:20 - 21)

In my mind, the gospel of Jesus Christ is the doctrine and principles necessary to "stand spotless before me a the last day".  This is the good news and tidings of great joy that is to be published to the world for the Savior said that -

"...this gospel shall be preached in the whole world..."  (New Testament  Matthew 26:13)

The intent of the gospel then is that doctrine, principles, ordinances and the plan of salvation which will be preached to the "world. "  The fulness of the gospel would be full of these teachings, covenants, and ordinances.  Obviously this is not all of the "knowledge of God".  Then obviously there must be much more that may be revealed.  That which is taught in the temples, in my mind, is not the gospel that is to be taught to the world, but that which is to be taught in holy places to righteous individuals worthy of receiving greater knowledge and blessings.  This is my interpretation of the "fulness of the gospel". 

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

D&C 20

A book that I find of great value is the current "Handbook of Instructions:  Administering the Church".  I find it full of true doctrine and principles and consider such instructions as divine revelation.  There is no question, this book or similar handbooks have been modified over the years as the Church has grown and conditions have changed.  Each modifications including new instructions of revelation.  As I began my study of the 20th section of the Doctrine and Covenants we read in the heading -

"Revelation on Church Organization and Government, given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, April 1830. HC 1:64–70. Preceding his record of this revelation the Prophet wrote: "We obtained of him [Jesus Christ] the following, by the spirit of prophecy and revelation; which not only gave us much information, but also pointed out to us the precise day upon which, according to his will and commandment, we should proceed to organize his Church once more here upon the earth."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 20:Heading)

It includes -

"1–16, The Book of Mormon proves the divinity of the Latter-day work;


17–29, The doctrines of creation, fall, atonement, and baptism are affirmed;

29–37, Laws governing repentance, justification, sanctification, and baptism are set forth;

38–67, Duties of elders, priests, teachers, and deacons are summarized;

68–74, Duties of members, blessing of children, and mode of baptism are revealed;

75–84, Sacramental prayers and regulations governing church membership are given."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 20:Heading)

...as well as other items.

I personally consider this revelation as the first "Handbook of Instructions: Administering the Church".  It includes much "doctrine" and "covenants" in administering the very beginning of the very small, restored Church.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

D&C 19

It is in this revelation we begin to understand, not only the consequences of our own sins if we do not repent, but what may have been the cause of the suffering required for the infinite atonement.  The Savior teaches of those that do not repent -

"...I command you to repent, and keep the commandments which you have received by the hand of my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., in my name;
14  And it is by my almighty power that you have received them;
15  Therefore 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 19:13 - 15)

We learn in other revelations where this suffering comes from -

"...the soul that sins against this covenant, and hardeneth his heart against it, shall be dealt with according to the laws of my church, and shall be delivered over to the buffetings of Satan until the day of redemption."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 82:21)

Even -

"Inasmuch as ye are cut off for transgression, ye cannot escape the buffetings of Satan until the day of redemption."   (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 104:9)

It seems in this life protected with the light of Christ, His Spirit, and the power of the priesthood that Satan is not allowed to "buffet" those here on earth.  It will only be later that this buffeting of Satan will be allowed.  Buffeting would persistent blows or painful attacks.  Such buffeting will not be eternal, but again until the day of redemption or until the price has been paid for -

"Nevertheless, 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)

Where endless is an adjective for "God's" torment.  It is my opinion that the Savior had no protection and felt the full wrath of buffeting in the atonement.  We know he had no protection for He asked -

"...My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"  (New Testament | Matthew 27:46)

And thus the Savior tells us -

"For behold, 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—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—
19  Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 19:16 - 19)

Even though He experienced a so called to desire to avoid this great pain and suffering, He chose to do the will of the Father and partook.  Having experienced such an incomprehensible suffering, He warns us in such a manner that we may possibly comprehend a little -

"...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, of which in the smallest, yea, even in the least degree you have tasted at the time I withdrew my Spirit."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 19:20)

When we lose His Spirit, Satan is allowed to punish us in the least degree. 

I hope to remain faithful so I do not suffer.  I am so greatful for the atonement of Jesus Christ.

Monday, December 17, 2012

D&C 19

Of this revelation, we read in the introduction -

"...In his history the Prophet introduced it as "a commandment of God and not of man, to Martin Harris, given by him who is Eternal."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 19:Heading)

Even though this revelation was given to Martin Harris, it is apparent that it applies to all as the Lord reveals -

"...surely every man must repent or suffer..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 19:4)

After teaching what  "suffer" means, the Lord again gives His commandments saying -

"...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..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 19:20)

His commandments continue -

"...I command you that you preach naught but repentance..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 19:21)

"And thou shalt declare glad tidings, yea, publish it upon the mountains, and upon every high place, and among every people that thou shalt be permitted to see.
30 And thou shalt do it with all humility, trusting in me, reviling not against revilers.
31 And of tenets thou shalt not talk, but thou shalt declare repentance and faith on the Savior, and remission of sins by baptism, and by fire, yea, even the Holy Ghost.  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 19:29 - 31)

"I command thee that thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife; nor seek thy neighbor's life.
26 And again, I command thee that thou shalt not covet thine own property..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 19:25 - 26)

"...I command thee that thou shalt pray vocally as well as in thy heart; yea, before the world as well as in secret, in public as well as in private."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 19:28)

"Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 19:23)

And in conclusion  -

"...Behold, this is a great and the last commandment which I shall give unto you concerning this matter; for this shall suffice for thy daily walk, even unto the end of thy life."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 19:32)

Just as these commandments applied to Martin Harris, they certainly apply to us.


Friday, December 14, 2012

D&C 18

Having authority as newly ordained apostles, Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer are instructed of the Lord -

"...I give unto you, Oliver Cowdery, and also unto David Whitmer, that you shall search out the Twelve, who shall have the desires of which I have spoken;
38 And by their desires and their works you shall know them."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 18:37 - 38)

Martin Harris was later added to this group.  To understand the qualifications for this calling, the Lord teaches some important principles being -

"Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God..."  (Doctrine and Covenants
Section 18:10)   Which would suggest that in the eyes of God, everying single individual has is loved and is of great worth to God.  Even such -   "...how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth!"  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 18:13)   Note the exclamation point.  I find that quite meaningful that as we serve and declare repentance that the Lord experiences great joy as each individual is willing to repent and come to Him.  And also -   "...if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! 16 And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!
17 Behold, you have my gospel before you, and my rock, and my salvation."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 18:15 - 17)

It is the gospel message that brings such great joy.  Though much of the revelation is instructions for the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, I believe the principles have great application to every saint as the instructions continue -

"...now I speak unto you, the Twelve—Behold, my grace is sufficient for you; you must walk uprightly before me and sin not.
32 And, behold, you are they who are ordained of me to ordain priests and teachers; to declare my gospel, according to the power of the Holy Ghost which is in you, and according to the callings and gifts of God unto men..."  (Doctrine and Covenants   Section 18:31 - 32)

I note the strong words of "sin not" for -

"...you shall fall down and worship the Father in my name.
41 And you must preach unto the world, saying: You must repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ;
42 For all men must repent and be baptized, and not only men, but women, and children who have arrived at the years of accountability.
43 And now, after that you have received this, you must keep my commandments in all things..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 18:40 - 43)

With the warning -

"...after that you have received this, if you keep not my commandments you cannot be saved in the kingdom of my Father."  (Doctrine and Covenants   Section 18:46)

There is another principle that I believe is of great importance that we should understand is that -

"...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;
35 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 18:33 - 36)

By that definition, I can testify that I have heard His voice.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

D&C 18

In that what appears that Oliver Cowdery had been pondering some personal questions concerning things, the Lord provides some wise instructions to him which I consider to all saying -

"Behold, 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;
4 For in them are all things written concerning the foundation of my church, my gospel, and my rock."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 18:2 - 4)

It is given then that we must "rely" upon the scriptures in our teachings, administering, and ministering with the promise -

"Wherefore, if you shall build up my church, upon the foundation of my gospel and my rock, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you."  (Doctrine and Covenants   Section 18:5)

I wonder if that Oliver, after having come to better know the Prophet Joseph Smith and realizing that he was just a man with inherant human weaknesses, had been wondering why Joseph was the prophet.  I'm sure most of the world has a difficult time embracing a prophet in the present day.  In what appears to be an answer to that question, the Lord said -

"...marvel not that I have called him unto mine own purpose, which purpose is known in me; wherefore, if he shall be diligent in keeping my commandments he shall be blessed unto eternal life; and his name is Joseph."  (Doctrine and Covenants   Section 18:8)

I believe this applies to all the member of the Church when bishops and other priesthood leaders are called.  We never know the purposes of the Lord but we should know that it is His purpose.

One last thought.  In a world that seems to becoming more and mor wicked the Lord said -

"Behold, the world is ripening in iniquity..."  (Doctrine and Covenants   Section 18:6)

Therefore, it is of great importance and  -

"...it must needs be that the children of men are stirred up unto repentance..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 18:6)

This is our work.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

D&C 17

Moses taught in his law -

"...at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established."  (Old Testament  Deuteronomy 19:15)

Following that, the Savior continue to teach -

"...that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established."  (New Testament  Matthew 18:16)

As we read the Book of Mormon, ancient prophets prophesied concerning the coming forth of their writings -

"...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)

And -

"...at that day when the book shall be delivered unto the man of whom I have spoken, the book shall be hid from the eyes of the world, that the eyes of none shall behold it save it be that three witnesses shall behold it, by the power of God, besides him to whom the book shall be delivered; and they shall testify to the truth of the book and the things therein."  (Book of Mormon  2 Nephi 27:12)

It  note that in both these prophesies, that witnesses would not only see but they would witness by the power of God.  As the Prophet Joseph Smith met with Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer and Martin Harris, the Lord revealed -

"BEHOLD, 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.
2 And it is by your faith that you shall obtain a view of them, even by that faith which was had by the prophets of old.
3 And after that you have obtained faith, and have seen them with your eyes, you shall testify of them, by the power of God..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 17:1 - 3)

Of which they did as instructed.  Such testimony is provided in each copy of the Book of Mormon.  The Lord then tells them why -

"...this you shall do that my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., may not be destroyed, that I may bring about my righteous purposes unto the children of men in this work."  (Doctrine and Covenants   Section 17:4)

I was touched by the words of Lucy Mack Smith as she records -

“In a few minutes after this, Joseph, Martin, Oliver and David, repaired to a grove, a short distance from the house, where they commenced calling upon the Lord, and continued in earnest supplication, until he permitted an angel to come down from his presence, and declare to them, that all which Joseph had testified of concerning the plates was true.

 “When they returned to the house it was between three and four o’clock p.m. (David Whitmer indicated that they left the house about 11 a.m. Therefore, it appears that they were gone from the house between four and five hours.) Mrs. Whitmer, Mr. Smith and myself, were sitting in a bedroom at the time. On coming in, Joseph threw himself down beside me, and exclaimed, ‘Father, mother, you do not know how happy I am: the Lord has now caused the plates to be shown to three more besides myself. They have seen an angel, who has testified to them, and they will have to bear witness to the truth of what I have said, for now they know for themselves, that I do not go about to deceive the people, and I feel as if I was relieved of a burden which was almost too heavy for me to bear, and it rejoices my soul, that I am not any longer to be entirely alone in the world.’ Upon this, Martin Harris came in: he seemed almost overcome with joy, and testified boldly to what he had both seen and heard. And so did David and Oliver, adding that no tongue could express the joy of their hearts, and the greatness of the things which they had both seen and heard.” (Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith by His Mother [Salt Lake City: Stevens & Wallis, Inc., 1945], 151.)

It is touching to sense the great burden that Joseph had experience and the relief he felt as he knew others had the same witness.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

D&C 15

As three Whitmer brothers approached the Prophet Joseph Smith in hopes to learn the will of the Lord concerning them, through the Urim and Thummim, the Lord revealed much the same will for each of them revealing to them -

"For many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you."  (Doctrine and Covenants   Section 15:4)

And then He answers this great question -

"And now, 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)

Which would include the charge -

"Seek to bring forth and establish my Zion. Keep my commandments in all things."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 14:6)

Being that this same instruction was given to several of the early saints, it becomes obvious, as the Lord said to Hyrum Smith -

"Behold, I speak unto all who have good desires..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 11:27)

In my life, I have to admit, that this is that which has been of greatest worth to me.  Accepting a mission call was the best decision I have made in my life.

Monday, December 10, 2012

D&C 13

Being under the direction of Peter, James, and John, the prophet John the Baptist returned to confer the lesser or the Aaronic Priesthood upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery saying -

"UPON you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 13:1)

With the words "keys" and muliple "and" suggests to me that the ministering of angels, the gospel of repentance, and baptism are interrelated.  First we must understand, in my mind, that ministering angels are individuals are messengers sent from God.  It is my opinion that an angel can then be a spirit, a earthly human being, and also a resurrected being.  Any one of these could be messengers sent from God.  I would even consider the Holy Ghost could be considered an angel by this definition.   Moroni asks -

"...my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased?..."  (Book of Mormon | Moroni 7:29)

And then he teaches -

"...Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men.
30  For behold, they are subject unto him, to minister according to the word of his command, showing themselves unto them of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness.
31 And the office of their ministry is to call men unto repentance, and to fulfil and to do the work of the covenants of the Father, which he hath made unto the children of men, to prepare the way among the children of men, by declaring the word of Christ unto the chosen vessels of the Lord, that they may bear testimony of him.
32  And by so doing, the Lord God prepareth the way that the residue of men may have faith in Christ, that the Holy Ghost may have place in their hearts, according to the power thereof; and after this manner bringeth to pass the Father, the covenants which he hath made unto the children of men."  (Book of Mormon | Moroni 7:29 - 32)

I note that angels show "themselves unto them of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness."  Which would suggest to me that they show themselves under those that have repented and been forgiven and worthy of baptism for remission of sins...even having been baptized.  Very similar to the requirements to receive the Holy Ghost.  Thus with the administration of the authority and power of the Aaronic Priesthood, in repentance, baptism, and the sacrament is the key or allows the saints to be blessed with the ministering of angels. 

Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught -

“Nephi described three manifestations of the ministering of angels when he reminded his rebellious brothers that (1) they had ‘seen an angel,’ (2) they had ‘heard his voice from time to time,’ and (3) also that an angel had ‘spoken unto [them] in a still small voice’ though they were ‘past feeling’ and ‘could not feel his words’ (1 Ne. 17:45). The scriptures contain many other statements that angels are sent to teach the gospel and bring men to Christ (see Heb. 1:14; Alma 39:19; Moro. 7:25, 29, 31–32; D&C 20:35). Most angelic communications are felt or heard rather than seen. “How does the Aaronic Priesthood hold the key to the ministering of angels? The answer is the same as for the Spirit of the Lord. “In general, the blessings of spiritual companionship and communication are only available to those who are clean. As explained earlier, through the Aaronic Priesthood ordinances of baptism and the sacrament, we are cleansed of our sins and promised that if we keep our covenants we will always have His Spirit to be with us. I believe that promise not only refers to the Holy Ghost but also to the ministering of angels, for ‘angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ’ (2 Ne. 32:3). So it is that those who hold the Aaronic Priesthood open the door for all Church members who worthily partake of the sacrament to enjoy the companionship of the Spirit of the Lord and the ministering of angels.” (Dallin H. Oaks, “The Aaronic Priesthood and the Sacrament,” Ensign, Nov. 1998, 39.)

Friday, December 07, 2012

D&C 11

As the Lord instructs Hyrum Smith, he teaches us an important doctrine -

"Behold, I speak unto all who have good desires...."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 11:27)

This suggest to me that much of the revelations, doctrines, and principles taught in the revelations apply to all for -

"...verily I say unto you, and what I say unto one I say unto all..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 61:36)

It is any wonder that Nephi wrote -

"...for I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning."  (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 19:23)

It is in the revelations then that we learn, though spoken in ancient records, but for the first time in modern-day revelation -

"...I say unto you, that as many as receive me, to them will I give power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on my name..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 11:30)

"Become" the sons of God suggests receiving exaltation for the Savior declared -

"...Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters."  (Book of Mormon | Ether 3:14)

And joint-heirs with Him.

Thursday, December 06, 2012

D&C 11

The Lord told Hyrum Smith -

"Behold, thou hast a gift, or thou shalt have a gift if thou wilt desire of me in faith, with an honest heart, believing in the power of Jesus Christ, or in my power which speaketh unto thee..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 11:10)

Of Hyrum and his gift, Joseph Field Smith wrote -

“The Lord declared that Hyrum Smith had a gift. The great gift which he possessed was that of a tender, sympathetic heart; a merciful spirit. The Lord on a later occasion said: ‘Blessed is my servant Hyrum Smith; for I, the Lord, love him because of the integrity of his heart, and because he loveth that which is right before me, saith the Lord.’ (D&C 124:15.) This great gift was manifest in his jealous watch care over the Prophet lest some harm come to him.” (Church History and Modern Revelation, by Joseph Fielding Smith, Deseret Book Company, 1946, Vol. 1 p. 57.)

As I read of the gift given to Hyrum as described by Joseph Fielding Smith, I couldn't help but sense that my father possessed the same gift of the Spirit.  He was a man of integrity of heart, loving all men and that which right before the Lord.

As the Church introduces the new teaching method for the youth of the Church, "Come, Follow Me", much of this new method of teaching in the Savior's way includes being spiritually and doctrinally prepared.  This seems to follow the Lord's instruction to Hyrum Smith -

"Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men.
22 But now hold your peace; 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, and then shall all things be added thereto."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 11:21 - 22)

"...seek the kingdom of God, and all things shall be added according to that which is just.
24 Build upon my rock, which is my gospel..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 11:23 - 24)

In summary -

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

Wednesday, December 05, 2012

D&C 10

As the Lord instructs the Prophet Joseph Smith in how to proceed with the translation of the record after having lost 116 pages of already translated writings, he also teaches us a great deal about the wicked, their motives, and how Satan influences them.  First we learn what the wicked men that had the 116 pages were planning to do -

"...because you have delivered the writings into his hands, behold, wicked men have taken them from you.
9 Therefore, you have delivered them up, yea, that which was sacred, unto wickedness.
10 And, behold, Satan hath put it into their hearts to alter the words which you have caused to be written, or which you have translated, which have gone out of your hands.
11 And behold, I say unto you, that because they have altered the words, they read contrary from that which you translated and caused to be written;
12 And, on this wise, the devil has sought to lay a cunning plan, that he may destroy this work;
13 For he hath put into their hearts to do this, that by lying they may say they have caught you in the words which you have pretended to translate."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 10:8 - 13)

"For behold, he has put it into their hearts to get thee to tempt the Lord thy God, in asking to translate it over again.
16 And then, behold, they say and think in their hearts—We will see if God has given him power to translate; if so, he will also give him power again;
17 And if God giveth him power again, or if he translates again, or, in other words, if he bringeth forth the same words, behold, we have the same with us, and we have altered them;
18 Therefore they will not agree, and we will say that he has lied in his words, and that he has no gift, and that he has no power;
19 Therefore we will destroy him, and also the work; and we will do this that we may not be ashamed in the end, and that we may get glory of the world."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 10:15 - 19)

I find it interesting that instead of striving to prove the record is really of God which seems very logical, they knowingly plan to destroy the record and the Prophet with lies and deception.  Obviously fighting God.  Why? Because -

"...Satan has great hold upon their hearts; he stirreth them up to iniquity against that which is good;
21 And their hearts are corrupt, and full of wickedness and abominations; and they love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil; therefore they will not ask of me."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 10:20 - 21)

They won't even bother pursuing the truth by asking.  Yet at the same time, we learn the motives of Satan concerning these wicked men -

"Satan stirreth them up, that he may lead their souls to destruction."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 10:22)

Satan never supports his followers.  The Lord also teaches what I find so prevalent in politics today that Satan -

"...saith unto them: Deceive and lie in wait to catch, that ye may destroy; behold, this is no harm. And thus he flattereth them, and telleth them that it is no sin to lie that they may catch a man in a lie, that they may destroy him.
26 And thus he flattereth them, and leadeth them along until he draggeth their souls down to hell; and thus he causeth them to catch themselves in their own snare.
27 And thus he goeth up and down, to and fro in the earth, seeking to destroy the souls of men.
28 Verily, verily, I say unto you, wo be unto him that lieth to deceive because he supposeth that another lieth to deceive, for such are not exempt from the justice of God."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 10:25 - 28)

Even as Satan strives to destroy man with lies and dishonesty for gain, the Savior teaches the people of faith in the world the purpose of the coming forth of the Book of Mormon -

"...there are many things engraven upon the plates of Nephi which do throw greater views upon my gospel; therefore, it is wisdom in me that you should translate this first part of the engravings of Nephi, and send forth in this work.
46 And, behold, all the remainder of this work does contain all those parts of my gospel which my holy prophets, yea, and also my disciples, desired in their prayers should come forth unto this people."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 10:45 - 46)

Not only amongst their posterity but -

"...this is not all—their faith in their prayers was that this gospel should be made known also, if it were possible that other nations should possess this land;
50 And thus they did leave a blessing upon this land in their prayers, that whosoever should believe in this gospel in this land might have eternal life;
51 Yea, that it might be free unto all of whatsoever nation, kindred, tongue, or people they may be.
52 And now, behold, according to their faith in their prayers will I bring this part of my gospel to the knowledge of my people. Behold, I do not bring it to destroy that which they have received, but to build it up."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 10:49 - 52)

The Book of Mormon was not to come forth to destroy faith but add to or build up.  How?

"...I will also bring to light my gospel which was ministered unto them, and, behold, they shall not deny that which you have received, but they shall build it up, and shall bring to light the true points of my doctrine, yea, and the only doctrine which is in me.
63 And this I do that I may establish my gospel, that there may not be so much contention; yea, Satan doth stir up the hearts of the people to contention concerning the points of my doctrine; and in these things they do err, for they do wrest the scriptures and do not understand them.
64 Therefore, I will unfold unto them this great mystery..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 10:62 - 64)

As the nations come to understand His points of doctrine -

"...behold, I will gather them as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if they will not harden their hearts;
66 Yea, if they will come, they may, and partake of the waters of life freely.
67 Behold, this is my doctrine—whosoever repenteth and cometh unto me..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 10:65 - 67)

Tuesday, December 04, 2012

D&C 10

In a world where we see everyone blaming everyone else for their problems, the Savior tells the Prophet Joseph Smith after the loss of the 116 translated pages of the ancient plates (which apparently was mishandled by Martin Harris) -

"...because you delivered up those writings which you had power given unto you to translate by the means of the Urim and Thummim, into the hands of a wicked man, you have lost them."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 10:1)

That had to be a hard but true statement - "you" lost them.  And -

"...you also lost your gift at the same time, and your mind became darkened."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 10:2)

"Therefore, you have delivered them up, yea, that which was sacred, unto wickedness."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 10:9)
It seems true maturity, especially spiritual maturity brings with it personal responsibility.  Part of the plan of salvation is the obligation to take personal responsibility in regards to our salvation.  To truly repent, we must experience remorse, even "Godly Sorrow".  To try to justify our sins is not repentance.

With true repentance, the Lord extends His mercy as He did witht he Prophet with the translation of the record -

"Nevertheless, 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)

Obvious, we must follow the counsel of the Lord and not man -

"...therefore, fear not what man can do..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 122:9)

But in repenting and striving to follow the counsel of the Lord, he also counsels -

"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)

On this topic, Elder Marvin J. Ashton taught -

“ . . . the speed with which we head along the straight and narrow path isn’t as important as the direction in which we are traveling.” (General Conference, April 1989.)

Or as King Benjamin taught -

"...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. 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)

Monday, December 03, 2012

D&C 9

After having been given permission and authority to translate (I note "other records"), it appears that Oliver Cowdery attempted to translate the gold plates.  I wonder if in a small way, Oliver was able to translate somewhat as the Lord mentioned -

"...that you did not continue as you commenced, when you began to translate..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 9:5)

In my mind, "began to translate" would suggest that he may have actually translated but then the Lord explained -

"Behold, it was expedient when you commenced; but you feared..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 9:11)

Which would suggest to me, a loss of faith to translate.  This translation process was never intended to be easy for the Lord explained -

"...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.  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 9:7 - 9)

I sense the lesson being taught herein that would apply to all of us was "you took no thought save it was to ask me".  Obviously, the work and revelations of the Lord come only as we study things out, as we receive counsel, and in some instances, as we sit in council.  It is then that revelation comes to "our hearts and our minds" (see D&C 9).  Whether the "bosom shall burn within you" was specifically related to translation or not, is not clear.  I do believe that this is one of many means that the Holy Ghost prompts us.  But it is still essential that thoughts will come into your mind.  This is where the power of the Holy Ghost caused that "you shall feel that it is right".  Obviously, if we do not fill that it is right, there is no inspired thought and it will be forgotten.

I find it interesting that the having given permission and authority, the Lord tells Oliver -

"...if you had known this you could have translated; nevertheless, it is not expedient that you should translate now.
11 Behold, it was expedient when you commenced; but you feared, and the time is past, and it is not expedient now..."  (Doctrine and Covenants   Section 9:10 - 11)

The Lord does not explain why it was expedient and now its not.  Again, we do not know the meaning of all things.  I speculate that maybe the intent was not necessarily to have him translate but attempt to translate that he as well as all of us would come to understand that this process was not easy for the Prophet Joseph Smith.