D&C 45

As the Prophet Joseph Smith was in the process of translating the Bible, the Lord counseled him at the present time to focus more on the New Testament after revealing much on the 24th chapter of Matthew saying -

"...it shall not be given unto you to know any further concerning this chapter, until the New Testament be translated, and in it all these things shall be made known;
61 Wherefore I give unto you that ye may now translate it, that ye may be prepared for the things to come."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 45:60 - 61)

Obviously, the Prophet would find much information in the New Testament of things that were yet to come.  And then the Lord provides the Prophet a great promise that I believe apply to all that study and ponder the scriptures -

"For verily I say unto you, that great things await you..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 45:62)

These words should provide great excitement to those that have an opportunity to open and study His words.  One of those great promises include those that gather to Zion or her stakes of Zion for -

"...it shall be called the New Jerusalem, a land of peace, a city 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."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 45:66 - 67)

And in the stake of Zion -

"...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.

70 And it shall be said among the wicked: Let us not go up to battle against Zion, for the inhabitants of Zion are terrible; wherefore we cannot stand.
71 And it shall come to pass that the righteous shall be gathered out from among all nations, and shall come to Zion, singing with songs of everlasting joy."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 45:69 - 71)

D&C 45

We learn in a later revelation -

"Speaking of the resurrection of the dead, concerning those who shall hear the voice of the Son of Man:

17 And shall come forth; they who have done good in the resurrection of the just; and they who have done evil, in the resurrection of the unjust..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 76:16 - 17)

And of the just -

"...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—

51 They are they who received the testimony of Jesus, and believed on his name and were baptized after the manner of his burial, being buried in the water in his name, and this according to the commandment which he has given—
52 That by keeping the commandments they might be washed and cleansed from all their sins, and receive the Holy Spirit by the laying on of the hands of him who is ordained and sealed unto this power;
53 And who overcome by faith, and are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, which the Father sheds forth upon all those who are just and true.
54 They are they who are the church of the Firstborn.
55 They are they into whose hands the Father has given all things—
56 They are they who are priests and kings, who have received of his fulness, and of his glory;
57 And are priests of the Most High, after the order of Melchizedek, which was after the order of Enoch, which was after the order of the Only Begotten Son.
58 Wherefore, as it is written, they are gods, even the sons of God—
59 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.
60 And they shall overcome all things.
61 Wherefore, let no man glory in man, but rather let him glory in God, who shall subdue all enemies under his feet.
62 These shall dwell in the presence of God and his Christ forever and ever.
63 These are they whom he shall bring with him, when he shall come in the clouds of heaven to reign on the earth over his people.
64 These are they who shall have part in the first resurrection.
65 These are they who shall come forth in the resurrection of the just.
66 These are they who are come unto Mount Zion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly place, the holiest of all.
67 These are they who have come to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of Enoch, and of the Firstborn.
68 These are they whose names are written in heaven, where God and Christ are the judge of all.
69 These are they who are just men made perfect through Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, who wrought out this perfect atonement through the shedding of his own blood.
70 These are 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 76:50 - 70)   We then learn of those that obtain lessor glory -   "...these are they who are of the terrestrial, whose glory differs from that of the church of the Firstborn who have received the fulness of the Father, even as that of the moon differs from the sun in the firmament.
72 Behold, these are they who died without law;
73 And also they who are the spirits of men kept in prison, whom the Son visited, and preached the gospel unto them, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh;
74 Who received not the testimony of Jesus in the flesh, but afterwards received it.
75 These are they who are honorable men of the earth, who were blinded by the craftiness of men.
76 These are they who receive of his glory, but not of his fulness.
77 These are they who receive of the presence of the Son, but not of the fulness of the Father.
78 Wherefore, they are bodies terrestrial, and not bodies celestial, and differ in glory as the moon differs from the sun.
79 These are they who are not valiant in the testimony of Jesus; wherefore, they obtain not the crown over the kingdom of our God."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 76:71 - 79)

I note that these are they that would not receive the testimony of Jesus in the flesh which would suggest to me that these are they that died without law because they chose not to receive it.  And then there is the wicked that when they receive their resurrection where -

"...their torment is as a lake of fire and brimstone, whose flames are unquenchable..."  (Book of Mormon
Mosiah 3:27)   Which suggests to me that even in this glory they will be haunted of what could have been.  This brings me back to that which I read today of those that will receive terrestial glory where the Lord revealed of the millenium -   "...then shall they weep because of their iniquities; then shall they lament because they persecuted their king.
54 And then shall the heathen nations be redeemed, and they that knew no law shall have part in the first resurrection; and it shall be tolerable for them."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 45:53 - 54)

This suggests to me that those that obtain the glory of the terrestial, their frustration will be somewhat the same as the telestial glory other than in their case, it will be less or "it shall be tolerable for them".

D&C 45

As the things that would transpire in the last days were again revealed, the Lord spoke of one those happenings -

"...the love of men shall wax cold, and iniquity shall abound."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 45:27)

In my mind, love that would wax cold would suggest to me seflishness and personal gratification with little care for family or others.  This seems more and more prevalant as more and more individuals would rather rely on government than individual responsibility.

And in that same day -

"...when the times of the Gentiles is come in, a light shall break forth among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the fulness of my gospel;
29 But they receive it not; for they perceive not the light, and they turn their hearts from me because of the precepts of men."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 45:28 - 29)

Obviously in the "times of the Gentiles" (when the gospel will be preached to the gentiles before the Jews), that there will be some that will recognize the light, there are those that wax cold in inquity will not percieve the light of Christ or His Spirit.  What is interesting that is prophecided of such  -

"...in that generation shall the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
31 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 45:30 - 31)

Though there has been much speculation of this desolating sickenss, I  believe it will be darkness, wickedness, hopelessness, misery, and despair where -

"...men's hearts shall fail them..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 45:26)

The only way to overcome this scourge and sickness is for -

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

D&C 45

In the Book of Revelation, John testified that he heard the voice of an angel declare -

"...Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power..."  (New Testament | Revelation 5:12)

With such power the Savior now tells us that -

"...unto as many as received me gave I power to do many miracles, and to become the sons of God; and even unto them that believed on my name gave I power to obtain eternal life."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 45:8)

The Savior possesses the power to allow us to obtain eternal life if we satisfies His conditions and covenants -

"...even so I have sent mine everlasting covenant into the world, to be a light to the world, and to be a standard for my people, and for the Gentiles to seek to it, and to be a messenger before my face to prepare the way before me."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 45:9)

And then, as if to draw us up to His perspective He says -

"Wherefore, come ye unto it, and with him that cometh I will reason as with men in days of old, and I will show unto you my strong reasoning.
11 Wherefore, hearken ye together and let me show unto you even my wisdom—the wisdom of him whom ye say is the God of Enoch, and his brethren,
12 Who were separated from the earth, and were received unto myself—a city reserved until a day of righteousness shall come..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 45:10 - 12)

Of that day which could even apply to us -

"...a day which was sought for by all holy men, and they found it not because of wickedness and abominations;
13 And confessed they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth;
14 But obtained a promise that they should find it and see it in their flesh."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 45:12 - 14)

I believe as we come unto Him and make and keep this everlasting covenant, even though we may presently live amongst the wicked, the day will come that we will find and live a life of Zion.

D&C 44

Shortly after receiving His law, the Lord instructed the Prophet Joseph Smith -

"...thus saith the Lord unto you my servants, it is expedient in me that the elders of my church should be called together..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 44:1)

The purpose was to hold a conference in June.  It is then that we learn the very purpose of conferences in the Church that -

"...it shall come to pass, that inasmuch as they are faithful, and exercise faith in me, I will pour out my Spirit upon them in the day that they assemble themselves together."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 44:2)

As I began reading the 45th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants, my thoughts turned to my mother who has since passed away.  In my mind, my mother was very faithful.  She was a loving companion.  She was the mother of ten children.  Her entire life was dedicated to her family.  Being a stay-at-home mother, she would take on every income producing activity that would allow her to continue to be a loving mother and contribute in a small way to sustain the family.  This seemed to leave her little time such as studying the scriptures, geneology, etc. 

At times I would hear her confess that at times she felt inadequate because she wasn't doing everything she thought she should.  She would say that she worried that she would not be worthy to be with my dad in the end.

That leads to the scripture that I read this morning where the Savior said -

"Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him—
4 Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified;
5 Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 45:3 - 5)

I believe she was more than worthy.  She did the best she could.  What great peace we receive in that we have an advocate on teh day of judgement.  The Lord added -

"Hearken, O ye people of my church, and ye elders listen together, and hear my voice while it is called today, and harden not your hearts..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 45:6)

I believe the secret is not to harden our hearts, but open our hearts and strive to be faithful.

D&C 43

In follow up to a previous blog, I noted that officers in the Church are not called in secret for the law stated -

"...that it shall not be given to any one to go forth to preach my gospel, or to build up my church, except he be ordained by some one who has authority, and it is known to the church that he has authority and has been regularly ordained by the heads of the church."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 42:11)

This is again reinforced -

"...that he that is ordained of me shall come in at the gate and be ordained as I have told you before, to teach those revelations which you have received and shall receive through him whom I have appointed."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 43:7)

In my mind, this is the purpose of law of common consent.

Of those that are called to "preach my gospel or build up my Church" -

"...Ye are not sent forth to be taught, but to teach the children of men the things which I have put into your hands by the power of my Spirit;

16 And ye are to be taught from on high. Sanctify yourselves and ye shall be endowed with power, that ye may give even as I have spoken."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 43:15 - 16)

Suggesting that time is of the essence and learning and teaching the things of God is of greater importance than learning the philosophies of man.  But to be endowed with the power of the Spirit, we must become sanctified or purified.  Therefore we are commanded -

"...gird up your loins lest ye be found among the wicked."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 43:19)

Even -

"And he that looketh upon a woman to lust after her shall deny the faith, and shall not have the Spirit..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 42:23)

One more thought, upon revealing a portion of the plan of salvation that will take place in the latter days, the Lord instructs us -

"...Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Treasure these things up in your hearts, and let the solemnities of eternity rest upon your minds."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 43:34)

D&C 43

Just a quick note.  Yesterday, I received the great news that I may become a grandfather for the first time.  I can't express the joy I have been feeling.  In my mind, this is a testimony of the Eternal nature of family.  Is it any wonder that the Lord said -

"...I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:

6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers..."  (Old Testament  Malachi 4:5 - 6)

Returning to my reading this morning, we again learn that the revealed word of the Lord comes through His presiding Prophet for -

"...I say unto you, that ye have received a commandment for a law unto my church, through him whom I have appointed unto you to receive commandments and revelations from my hand.
3 And this ye shall know assuredly—that there is none other appointed unto you to receive commandments and revelations until he be taken, if he abide in me."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 43:2 - 3)

And if by chance it ever came to the point that he did not "abide in me" that -

"...if it be taken from him he shall not have power except to appoint another in his stead."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 43:4)

Which would suggest to me that if the Prophet was to attempt to govern or direct the Church contrary to the will of God, he would not be allowed to do so, only leaving him power to appoint another.  Thus -

"...this shall be a law unto you, that ye receive not the teachings of any that shall come before you as revelations or commandments;
6 And this I give unto you that you may not be deceived, that you may know they are not of me."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 43:5 - 6)

In my mind, this would suggest that it is never given to others to say that the Prophet is a fallen prophet and not teaching or revealing the Lord's will.  The Lord will not allow that direction that is contrary to His will.  He then follows with His will concerning the manner of "councils" in the Church which could also apply to families -

"...behold, I give unto you a commandment, that when ye are assembled together ye shall instruct and edify each other, that ye may know how to act and direct my church, how to act upon the points of my law and commandments, which I have given.
9 And thus ye shall become instructed in the law of my church, and be sanctified by that which ye have received, and ye shall bind yourselves to act in all holiness before me—"  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 43:8 - 9)

I quote from the current Handbook of Instructions -

"3.3.2 Build Unity and Harmony


The Lord has said, “Be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine” (D&C 38:27). Presiding officers encourage unity by seeking counsel from the men and women who serve with them. Members of presidencies and councils help establish unity by sharing their honest feelings and ideas, communicating clearly, and listening to one another.

When leaders of Church organizations follow their priesthood leaders and when members of presidencies and councils are unified, they can receive guidance from the Holy Ghost and lead according to the Lord’s will."  (Hanbook 2)

D&C 42

At the conlusion of the revelation of His "law" (D&C 42), the Lord provides some additional instructions on Church discipline, laws of the land, and laws of God.  Without going into the details of immorality related to marraige in this blog, the Lord makes it clear that -

"...every person who belongeth to this church of Christ, shall observe to keep all the commandments and covenants of the church."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 42:78)

Where and individual breaks the laws of the land, in -

"...that if any persons among you shall kill they shall be delivered up and dealt with according to the laws of the land; for remember that he hath no forgiveness; and it shall be proved according to the laws of the land."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 42:79)

And -

"...if a man or woman shall rob, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of the land.

85 And if he or she shall steal, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of the land.
86 And if he or she shall lie, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of the land."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 42:84 - 86)

And thus they should be judged and punished according to those laws.  But even so -

"...if he or she do any manner of iniquity, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law, even that of God."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 42:87)

Which would also suggest that even though these crimes may be against the law, they are also against the law of God.  Therefore, Church discipline may also be executed.  In regards to breaking God's laws that may not be against the laws of the land such as -

"...if any man or woman shall commit adultery, he or she shall be tried before two elders of the church, or more, and every word shall be established against him or her by two witnesses of the church, and not of the enemy; but if there are more than two witnesses it is better.
81 But he or she shall be condemned by the mouth of two witnesses; and the elders shall lay the case before the church, and the church shall lift up their hands against him or her, that they may be dealt with according to the law of God.
82 And if it can be, it is necessary that the bishop be present also."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 42:80 - 82)

This council is not convened to punish like the government, but to consider by inspirartion what discipline
would help the individual repent and experience the blessings of the atonement.  Sometimes, it may not be a morality issue but a matter of offense for -

"...if thy brother or sister offend thee, thou shalt take him or her between him or her and thee alone; and if he or she confess thou shalt be reconciled.
89 And if he or she confess not thou shalt deliver him or her up unto the church, not to the members, but to the elders. And it shall be done in a meeting, and that not before the world.
90 And if thy brother or sister offend many, he or she shall be chastened before many.
91 And if any one offend openly, he or she shall be rebuked openly, that he or she may be ashamed. And if he or she confess not, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law of God.
92 If any shall offend in secret, he or she shall be rebuked in secret, that he or she may have opportunity to confess in secret to him or her whom he or she has offended, and to God, that the church may not speak reproachfully of him or her."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 42:88 - 92)

The Lord concludes these instructions -

"...thus shall ye conduct in all things."  (Doctrine and Covenants
Section 42:93)

D&C 42

One of the important commandments that was given directly to the Prophet Joseph Smith was to translate the Bible to its original intent and meaning.  We even read that while in Kirtland that it was important enought that  -

"...it is meet that my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., should have a house built, in which to live and translate."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 41:7)

And in this translation, the Lord told the Prophet -

Thou shalt ask, and my scriptures shall be given as I have appointed, and they shall be preserved in safety;
57 nd it is expedient that thou shouldst hold thy peace concerning them, and not teach them until ye have received them in full.
58 And I give unto you a commandment that then ye shall teach them unto all men; for they shall be taught unto all nations, kindreds, tongues and people.
59 hou shalt take the things which thou hast received, which have been given unto thee in my scriptures for a law, to be my law to govern my church..."  (ctrine and Covenants | Section 42:56 - 59)

We know that the Church today does not use this version other than many individual excerpts from this record.  I am not even sure if it was ever completed in its entirety with all the opposition over time.  But I personally believe that it was because of this translation that we received much of the modern revelation we have today in the Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price.

I'm sure as the Prophet translated the Bible, questions arose, doctrine was pondered, and greater truth was revealed for -

"If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal."  (octrine and Covenants | Section 42:61)

In this manner "all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people" have been taught.

D&C 42

As part of His revealed law, the Lord instructed -

"...the elders of the church, two or more, shall be called, and shall pray for and lay their hands upon them in my name..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 42:44)

And with that instruction, the Lord provides a much needed explanation of the concept of "death" -

"...if they die they shall die unto me, and if they live they shall live unto me."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 42:44)

For of death for the righteous compared to the wicked -

"...it shall come to pass that those that die in me shall not taste of death, for it shall be sweet unto them;
47 And they that die not in me, wo unto them, for their death is bitter."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 42:46 - 47)

And of sickness and death we learn -

"...it shall come to pass that he that hath faith in me to be healed, and is not appointed unto death, shall be healed."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 42:48)

Which suggests to me that there may be a time that we are all appointed (or even called) to death.  This does not suggest in my mind that we are predestined to die.  We have are agency and may die anytime earlier by poor choices and negligence.  But in all deaths, we are expected to show compassion for -

"Thou shalt live together in love, insomuch that thou shalt weep for the loss of them that die, and more especially for those that have not hope of a glorious resurrection."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 42:45)

I read several quotes on death that I would like to include this morning:

Brigham Young gives a perspective on dying which is truly enlightening -

“We shall turn round and look upon it [the valley of death] and think, when we have crossed it, why this is the greatest advantage of my whole existence, for I have passed from a state of sorrow, grief, mourning, woe, misery, pain, anguish and disappointment into a state of existence, where I can enjoy life to the fullest extent as far as that can be done without a body. My spirit is set free, I thirst no more, I want to sleep no more, I hunger no more, I tire no more, I run, I walk, I labor, I go, I come, I do this, I do that, whatever is required of me, nothing like pain or weariness, I am full of life, full of vigor, and I enjoy the presence of my heavenly Father.” (Brigham Young, in Journal of Discourses, 17:142.)

President Joseph F. Smith taught the following -

“All fear of this death has been removed from the Latter-day Saints. They have no dread of the temporal death, because they know that as death came upon them by the transgression of Adam, so by the righteousness of Jesus Christ shall life come unto them, and though they die, they shall live again. Possessing this knowledge, they have joy even in death, for they know that they shall rise again and shall meet again beyond the grave. They know that the spirit dies not at all; that it passes through no change, except the change from imprisonment in this
mortal clay to freedom and to the sphere in which it acted before it came to this earth.” (Smith, Gospel Doctrine, p. 428.)

Spencer W. Kimball gave the following concerning death -

 “If we say that early death is a calamity, disaster or a tragedy, would it not be saying that mortality is preferable to earlier entrance into the spirit world and to eventual salvation and exaltation? If mortality be the perfect state, then death would be a frustration but the Gospel teaches us there is no tragedy in death, but only in sin.” (Spencer W. Kimball, “Tragedy or Destiny,” Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year [Provo, 6 Dec. 1955], p. 3.)

Spencer W. Kimball also taught -

 “If not ‘appointed unto death’ and sufficient faith is developed, life can be spared. But if there is not enough faith, many die before their time. It is evident that even the righteous will not always be healed and even those of great faith will die when it is according to the purpose of God. Joseph Smith died in his thirties as did the Savior. Solemn prayers were answered negatively. “If he is not ‘appointed unto death!’ That is a challenging statement. I am confident that there is a time to die. I am not a fatalist. I believe that many people die before ‘their time’ because they are careless, abuse their bodies, take unnecessary chances, or expose themselves to hazards, accidents, and sickness. . . . “God can control our lives. He guides and blesses us, but gives us our agency. We may live our lives in accordance with His plan for us or we may foolishly shorten or terminate them. “I am positive in my mind that the Lord has planned our destiny. We can shorten our lives but I think we cannot lengthen them very much. Sometime we’ll understand fully, and when we see back from the vantage point of the future we shall be satisfied with many of the happenings of this life which seemed too difficult for us to comprehend.”   (BYU Speeches of the Year, December 6, 1955, pp. 6, 9, 11–12.)

Wilford Woodruff told a rather interesting store  -

“The Prophet Joseph Smith held the keys of this dispensation on this side of the veil, and he will hold them throughout the countless ages of eternity. He went into the spirit world to unlock the prison doors and to preach the Gospel to the millions of spirits who are in darkness, and every Apostle, every Seventy, every Elder, etc., who has died in the faith, as soon as he passes to the other side of the veil, enters into the work of the ministry, and there is a thousand times more to preach there than there is here. I have felt of late as if our brethren on the other side of the veil had held a council, and that they had said to this one, and that one, ‘Cease thy work on the earth, come hence, we need help,’ and they have called this man and that man. lt has appeared so to me in seeing the many men who have been called from our midst lately. Perhaps I may be permitted to relate a circumstance with which I am acquainted in relation to Bishop Roskelley, of Smithfield, Cache Valley. On one occasion he was suddenly taken very sick—near to death’s door. While he lay in this condition, President Peter Maughan, who was dead, came to him and said: ‘Brother Roskelley, we held a council on the other side of the veil. I have had a great deal to do, and I have the privilege of coming here to appoint one man to come and help. I have had three names given to me in council, and you are one of them. I want to inquire of your circumstances.’ The Bishop told him what he had to do, and they conversed together as one man would converse with another. President Maughan then said to him: ‘I think I will not call you. I think you are wanted here more than perhaps one of the others.’ Bishop Roskelley got well from that hour. Very soon after, the second man was taken sick, but not being able to exercise sufficient faith, Brother Roskelley did not go to him. By and by this man recovered, and on meeting Brother Roskelley he said: ‘Brother Maughan came to me the other night and told me he was sent to call one man from the ward,’ and he named two men as had been done to Brother Roskelley. A few days afterwards the third man was taken sick and died. Now, I name this to show a principle. They have work on the other side of the veil; and they want men, and they call them. And that was my view in regard to Brother George A. Smith. When he was almost at death’s door, Brother Cannon administered to him, and in thirty minutes he was up and ate breakfast with his family. We labored with him in this way, but ultimately, as you know, he died. But it taught me a lesson. I felt that man was wanted behind the veil. We labored also with Brother Pratt; he, too, was wanted behind the veil. “Now . . . those of us who are left here have a great work to do. We have been raised up of the Lord to take this kingdom and bear it off. This is our duty; but if we neglect our duty and set our hearts upon the things of this world, we will be sorry for it."  (Journal of Discourses, October 8, 1881, Vol. 22, pp. 333–34.)

 

D&C 42

At the conclusion of Zions camp, the Lord taught -

"Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom; otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 105:5)

"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)

In my mind, Zion is living the law of the celestial kingdom on earth.  What is that law?  First we learn simply that -

"...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)

I believe this is the law of the celestial kingdom where -

"...this is Zion—THE PURE IN HEART..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 97:21)

Obviously, one of the conditions that Zion must be built on is that "there was no poor among them".  This is the law of consecration which law was revealed in His "law" or the 42nd section of the Doctrine and Covenants.  Today, I would like to enter an excerpt from a recent talk I gave in many of the wards in my stake -

"As the early saints of this dispensation accepted the gospel, they immediately began to feel this obligation to bless and rescue those around them. In order to better understand their duty, they continued to approach the Prophet Joseph Smith on the matter. In answer to prayer, the Lord revealed –

"...that ye might escape the power of the enemy, and be gathered unto me a righteous people, without spot and blameless—

32 Wherefore, for this cause I gave unto you the commandment that ye should go to the Ohio; and there I will give unto you my law...” (Doctrine and Covenants
Section 38:31 - 32)

Because of this promise that His law would be given, the faithful saints began with great earnest and anticipation to gather to Kirtland, Ohio. As the saints gathered to receive His law, the Lord prefaced His law –

“Hearken, O ye elders of my church whom I have called, behold I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall assemble yourselves together to agree upon my word...” (Doctrine and Covenants Section 41:2)

The intent to agree upon his word was not to assemble to debate or argue the efficacy and validity of His law, as may be seen in many other denominations today, but for the expressed purpose to be prepared to hear and accept His law, for if they were willing and prepared, He said –

“...by the prayer of your faith ye shall receive my law...” (Doctrine and Covenants Section 41:3)

This was a serious matter. Why were His people commanded to “agree” upon His word or law? He explains –

“...that ye may know how to govern my church [or in other words, how the saints were to participate in His Church so that they would]...have all things right before me.” (Doctrine and Covenants Section 41:3)

Again, it was not for the saints to debate or vote on how His Church was to be governed, but rather come to understand the principles associated with governing, administering, and ministering His law. And as these saints gathered to agree upon His word, the Lord specifically warned –

“...ye shall see that my law is kept.” (Doctrine and Covenants Section 41:4)

Why? For –

“He that receiveth my law and doeth it, the same is my disciple; and he that saith he receiveth it and doeth it not, the same is not my disciple, and shall be cast out from among you...” (Doctrine and Covenants Section 41:5)

In fulfillment of His promise, the Lord revealed His law in what we now know as the 42nd Section of the Doctrine and Covenants. Amongst many other principles and commandments provided in His law, the Lord instructed –

“If thou lovest me thou shalt serve me and keep all my commandments.

And behold, thou wilt remember the poor, and consecrate of thy properties for their support that which thou hast to impart unto them, with a covenant and a deed which cannot be broken. [much like the covenant made with Abraham]

31 And inasmuch as ye impart of your substance unto the poor, ye will do it unto me..." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 42:30 - 31)

It was within this new revealed law that the Lord used the word consecrate for the first time in modern scripture, or in other words, this would become known as the "law of consecration".

As we search and ponder the scriptures, there are times that single words tend to bring with them a significant meaning that bears testimony of their validity, truth and that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.  For me, are the words, "...remember the poor, and consecrate of thy properties for their support..." The more I reflected on those words, the more a single word seemed to jump off the page. The Lord did not say consecrate they property but rather "properties."

I couldn't help but ask myself, Why wouldn't the Lord just say, "consecrate they property". Doesn't property include all that I own. Could there be a significant meaning with the word "properties"? Referencing the dictionary, I learned that properties could refer to several things –

"a: a quality or trait belonging and especially peculiar to an individual or thing
c : a virtue
d : an attribute..."

And also including of course…

2 a : something owned or possessed; (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

As I read that definition, my thoughts seemed to be drawn to such things as intellectual properties, software properties, the properties like in the periodic table of elements. Each suggesting individual attributes, characteristics, abilities, skills, and resources that something or someone might possess.

I began to reason, would not His law then suggest an obligation or a covenant on our part as disciples to use personal properties; our talents, our personalities, our time, our abilities, our resources, basically everything the Lord has given us or may bless us with to bless the lives of others.

In that the Lord had previously counseled the saints to assemble and agree upon his word or law, I began to wonder as I continued to read the revelations, if there were several of the saints at that time that were also struggling with the meaning of "properties" just as I had. I came to that conclusion because, just a few days later the Lord provided another revelation.

It was at the conclusion of that revelation which seemed to be on a totally different subject matter, that the Lord provided with plainness and clarity, one single instruction that would leave no question concerning His law –

"Behold, I say unto you, [those that may have been confuses] that ye must visit the poor and the needy and administer to their relief, that they may be kept until all things may be done according to my law which ye have received." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 44:6)

"Visit the poor and the needy." Visit is an interesting word. I've always thought that to visit was to just have a nice little chat or conversation with someone. My Mom always used to say that she was just visiting when she was gabbing on the phone. But as I read the words of the Savior, I again went to the dictionary to see if there might be another meaning. I was surprised to learn that visit means –

"...to go to see in order to comfort or help..."

In parable the Savior taught this principle of visiting –

"A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him." (New Testament Luke 10:30 - 34)

In the Savior’s parable, the first thing the good Samaritan did was not to pass by on the other side, but that he “went to him” ...in other words, he visited him, he went to him in order to comfort and help.

There is no question this certain man was in need. Being needy would suggest those -

"...being in want : POVERTY-STRICKEN or

...[one] marked by want of affection, attention, or emotional support. (Merriam-Webster)

And then, the words, administering relief, in my mind, would be synonymous to succor, a word that is used much in reference to the Savior. Succor means to "run to the rescue". Again, suggesting our great obligation as covenant and chosen people to visit and succor the poor and needy or in other word, run to their rescue. {end of talk}"

Though much of the following verses might suggest to some that the Lord is referring to land, I would suggest much more as described above.  The Lord then describes the very purpose of the law of consecration -

"...this I do for the salvation of my people."  (Doctrine and Covenants   Section 42:36)

Or in other words, so the people can abide the law of the celestial kingdom and inherit eternal lives.

D&C 42

As the Lord established His law, He said -

"...I say unto you, that it shall not be given to any one to go forth to preach my gospel, or to build up my church, except he be ordained by some one who has authority, and it is known to the church that he has authority and has been regularly ordained by the heads of the church."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 42:11)

It becomes apparent that nothing is to be done in secret in the Church.  That when people are called, it is presented to the Church by those in authority for a sustaining vote -

"For all things must be done in order, and by common consent in the church, by the prayer of faith."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 28:13)

Thus no one can step forward and claim some aspect of authority or right that was done in secret.  Once a year, in general conference (general officers of the Church), stake conference (general officers of the Church and stake officers), and in ward conferences(general officers of the Church, stake officers, and ward officers) callings and offices are again restated and sustained by members of the Chuch.  Common consent is an acknowledgement by the saints that they are aware and recognize such officers.

D&C 42

As the Lord was about to reveal His law He instructed the saints -

"...ye shall see that my law is kept."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 41:4)

And then as He revealed His law, He again stated -

"Ye shall observe the laws which ye have received and be faithful."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 42:66)

His law was not limited to one law but many laws.  Obviously, agency is an essential part of establishing His law.  None are forced to comply with His law suggesting -

"If thou lovest me thou shalt serve me and keep all my commandments."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 42:29)

Our motive then be in love of the Savior, the atonement, and goodness.  I this is the case, we are commanded -

"...thou wilt remember the poor, and consecrate of thy properties for their support that which thou hast to impart unto them, with a covenant and a deed which cannot be broken.
31 And inasmuch as ye impart of your substance unto the poor, ye will do it unto me..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 42:30 - 31)

"For inasmuch as ye do it unto the least of these, ye do it unto me."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 42:38)

Where we missed the boat where government cares for the poor and the needy, is this is done by constraint and compulsion, not by charity and love of the Lord.  Charity is not so when we are charitable with other peoples money.  And the requirement that is missed most in doing so is -

"Thou shalt not be idle; for he that is idle shall not eat the bread nor wear the garments of the laborer."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 42:42)

Herein is the higher law or God's law.

D&C 42

As the Lord revealed His "Law", He instructed  -

"...the elders, priests and teachers of this church shall teach the principles of my gospel, which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, in the which is the fulness of the gospel.
13 And they shall observe the covenants and church articles to do them, and these shall be their teachings, as they shall be directed by the Spirit."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 42:12 - 13)

With the added emphasis -

"...the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach.  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 42:14)
  
And they were not only to teach the principles of the gospel from the Bible and Book of Mormon but -
 
"...all this ye shall observe to do as I have commanded concerning your teaching, until the fulness of my scriptures is given."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 42:15)
 
Which obviously would suggest that there was yet more to be revealed and taught that wouldo build upon His gospel.
 
As the Lord reveals His law, He teaches, what I would call, lesser and greater law, or telestial and celestial law, the do's and don'ts.  The following are the don'ts which I consider lesser laws.  Disobedience to such would suggest that we are only worthy of telestial glory -

"...Thou shalt not kill; and he that kills shall not have forgiveness in this world, nor in the world to come.
19  And again, I say, thou shalt not kill; but he that killeth shall die.

20 Thou shalt not steal; and he that stealeth and will not repent shall be cast out.
21  Thou shalt not lie; he that lieth and will not repent shall be cast out.

22 Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shalt cleave unto her and none else.
23 And he that looketh upon a woman to lust after her shall deny the faith, and shall not have the Spirit; and if he repents not he shall be cast out.

24 Thou shalt not commit adultery; and he that committeth adultery, and repenteth not, shall be cast out.
25 But he that has committed adultery and repents with all his heart, and forsaketh it, and doeth it no more, thou shalt forgive;
26 But if he doeth it again, he shall not be forgiven, but shall be cast out.

27 Thou shalt not speak evil of thy neighbor, nor do him any harm.

28 Thou knowest my laws concerning these things are given in my scriptures; he that sinneth and repenteth not shall be cast out."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 42:18 - 28)

Being cast out would be not qualifying for the celestial kingdom.

D&C 41

During His mortal ministry, the Savior seemed most frustrated with hypocrits where he denounces them on many occasions as -

"Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness." (New Testament | Matthew 23:27)

In preparation to reveal His law, He first counsels the early saints -

"I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall assemble yourselves together to agree upon my word;
3 And by the prayer of your faith ye shall receive my law, that ye may know how to govern my church and have all things right before me."  (  Doctrine and Covenants | Section 41:2 - 3)

And then comes the warning to hypocrites -

"...ye whom I delight to bless with the greatest of all blessings, ye that hear me; and ye that hear me not will I curse, that have professed my name, with the heaviest of all cursings."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 41:1)

And then adds -

"...ye shall see that my law is kept.
5 He that receiveth my law and doeth it, the same is my disciple; and he that saith he receiveth it and doeth it not, the same is not my disciple, and shall be cast out from among you;
6 For it is not meet that the things which belong to the children of the kingdom should be given to them that are not worthy, or to dogs, or the pearls to be cast before swine."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 41:4 - 6)

Obviously, with the giving new or restored law, this was to be a serious matter.

As Edward Partridge is called to be the first bishop and to administer His law on temporal matters, having no knowledge of that law that was to come forth, the Lord counseled -

"To see to all things as it shall be appointed unto him in my laws in the day that I shall give them."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 41:10)

That is the charge to all bishops and priesthood leaders in our day as new laws and policies are brought forth..."To see to all things" as they are given.

 

D&C 39

After James Covill covenanted with the Lord to obey any commandment the Lord gave him, he received a marvelous blessing...almost in a sense a personal patriarchal blessing.  Though some of the blessing is general with all the saints, I want to note some very specific instructions given to Brother Coville.

"...I say unto you, my servant James, I have looked upon thy works and I know thee."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 39:7)

Obviously, the Lord knew James's strengths and weaknesses and comments -

"...thine heart is now right before me at this time; and, behold, I have bestowed great blessings upon thy head..."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 39:8)

But even though his heart was right at that time, the Lord also acknowledged -

"Nevertheless, thou hast seen great sorrow, for thou hast rejected me many times because of pride and the cares of the world."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 39:9)

Thus the question would be, would James keep his covenant or would he fall back on pride and the cares of the world.  The Lord tells hims that now is his chance for -

"...the days of thy deliverance are come, if thou wilt hearken to my voice, which saith unto thee: Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on my name, and you shall receive my Spirit, and a blessing so great as you never have known.
11 And if thou do this, I have prepared thee for a greater work."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 39:10 - 11)

James is called to preach the gospel, but not necessarily according the manner which would be James will for the Lord tells him -

"Thou art called to labor in my vineyard, and to build up my church, and to bring forth Zion, that it may rejoice upon the hills and flourish.
14 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto thee, thou art not called to go into the eastern countries, but thou art called to go to the Ohio."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 39:13 - 14)

This was a test that we learn later that James Covill could not keep.  Sadly the great blessings that were pronounced upon his head were lost -

"Hence many are called, but few are chosen."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 121:40)

D&C 38

Because of the wickedness and wicked plots that were being had in "secret chambers", the Lord had commanded the saints to relocate to Ohio.  In this revelation, He gives several explanations why -

"...that ye might escape the power of the enemy..."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 38:31)

"...and be gathered unto me a righteous people, without spot and blameless—"  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 38:31)

"...there I will give unto you my law..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 38:32)

"...there you shall be endowed with power from on high..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 38:32)

And the promise -

"...from thence, whosoever I will shall go forth among all nations, and it shall be told them what they shall do; for I have a great work laid up in store, for Israel shall be saved, and I will lead them whithersoever I will, and no power shall stay my hand."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 38:33)

This relocation was not a simple thing but a great sacrifice for the saints.  It is with that understanding that we learn a great deal on about riches and how we are to sacrifice and care for one another.

"...I give unto the church in these parts a commandment, that certain men among them shall be appointed, and they shall be appointed by the voice of the church;
35 And they shall look to the poor and the needy, and administer to their relief that they shall not suffer; and send them forth to the place which I have commanded them;
36 And this shall be their work, to govern the affairs of the property of this church.
37 And they that have farms that cannot be sold, let them be left or rented as seemeth them good.
38 See that all things are preserved; and when men are endowed with power from on high and sent forth, all these things shall be gathered unto the bosom of the church."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 38:34 - 38)

Obviously, we are to look after the poor and needy administering to their relief and if they cannot sale their property the efforts should be at least to bring gathered to the care and ownership of the Church -

"And if ye seek the riches which it is the will of the Father to give unto you, ye shall be the richest of all people, for ye shall have the riches of eternity; and it must needs be that the riches of the earth are mine to give; but beware of pride, lest ye become as the Nephites of old."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 38:39)

The Lord teaches that riches are given by the Father according to His will so beware of pride...it will lead to your downfall.  But Jacob taught that if we are granted riches -

"...if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to do good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted."  (Book of Mormon  Jacob 2:19)

D&C 38

As we contemplate the eternal perspective of things, we know that each individual has always existed and has progressed to the point of becoming spiritual offspring of our Father in Heaven and have progressed to be given the opportunity of this earth life and being proven herein.  It is with this understanding that the Lord said -

"...behold, the residue of the wicked have I kept in chains of darkness until the judgment of the great day, which shall come at the end of the earth;
6 And even so will I cause the wicked to be kept, that will not hear my voice but harden their hearts..."  (Doctrine and Covenants  Section 38:5 - 6)

"Chains of darkeness" in my mind suggest that no new light or knowledge will be obtained because of agency and no willingness to hear and learn.  Alma taught -

"...It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him.
10 And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full.
11 And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell."  (Book of Mormon Alma 12:9 - 11)

Knowing "nothing concerning his mysteries" is the chains of darkness.  If we are to progress even to come to know that of the Father, we must give heed and diligence in obeying His commandments.

Is it any wonder the Lord warns -

"...and wo, wo, wo, is their doom."  (Doctrine and Covenants Section 38:6)

In other words, wo in their progression.

D&C 38

Recently the Church has introduced a new teaching concept for the youth called "Come, Follow Me" with an emphasis on "teaching in the Savior's way".  This morning as I re-read teh 38th Section of the Doctrine & Covenants, I noticed some inserted instructions in teaching in this manner which include -

"...hear my voice and follow me..."   (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 38:22)

His voice is found by studying the scriptures and revelations.  Follow Him would suggest not only keeping His commandments but learning His method of teachign.

"...teach one another according to the office wherewith I have appointed you..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 38:23)

To teach one another would suggest two way communication in questions, comments, and sharing.

"...let every man esteem his brother as himself..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 38:24)

This would suggest an absence of pride where no one should feel He is smarter or better than anyone else.

"...practise virtue and holiness before me."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 38:24)

Worthiness is key to receiving the Spirit to teach therefore -

"....Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord. (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 38:42)

"...be one..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 38:27)

Be one would suggest unity and the avoidance of contention.

"...treasure up wisdom in your bosoms..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 38:30)

Wisdom in my mind is righteous knowledge with experience.  Again, wisdom would include studying the scriptures, in other words, learn, then act, then share.

"...beware of pride..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 38:39)

You can't be "one" with pride.

"...to prepare and accomplish the things which I have commanded."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 38:40)

For -

"...if ye are prepared ye shall not fear."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 38:30)

And -

"...let your preaching be the warning voice, every man to his neighbor, in mildness and in meekness."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 38:41)

The Savior always taught with mildness and meekness.