D&C 76

As the Lord provides, what I would suggest to be definitions, descriptions, titles or terminology of those that receive exalation, there are a few that I want to touch on where -

"...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...  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:67 - 68)

Being that there are an "innumerable company", it appears that there are not a few that will qualify for this greatest gift of God.  Much like John the Revelator wrote of -

"...a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands..."  (New Testament | Revelation 7:9)

This great company being -

"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."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:69)

Obviously, none are perfect in life but through the atonement of Jesus Christ they would be made perfect.  But not only becoming perfect but -

"...they shall overcome all things."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:60)

I note the promise of "shall".   In my mind, being made perfect and overcoming all things will not be instantaneous but an ongoing process.  The Prophet Joseph Smith taught -

“When you climb up a ladder, you must begin at the bottom, and ascend step by step, until you arrive at the top; and so it is with the principles of the Gospel—you must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the principles of exaltation. But it will be a great while after you have passed through the veil before you will have learned them. It is not all to be comprehended in this world; it will be a great work to learn our salvation and exaltation even beyond the grave.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, page 348.)

But even so, the promise is that we shall overcome all things.  And having overcome all things -

"...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." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:58 - 59)

D&C 76

Many individual sainst seemed to be overwhelmed and thus discouraged as they perceive what it takes to obtain Eternal Life.  I don't necessarily want to over simplify, but this should not be the case.  In fact the Lord makes it clear what the gospel is and the conditions of receiving His greatest gift.  First, -

"..this is the gospel, the glad tidings, which the voice out of the heavens bore record unto us—
41 That he came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness..."  Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:40 - 41)

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

Or in other words, the conditions to receive the blessings of exaltation -

(1) "They are they who received the testimony of Jesus..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:51)
(2) "...and believed on his name..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:51)
(3) "...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—"  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:51)
(4) "That by keeping the commandments they might be washed and cleansed from all their sins..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:52)
(5) "...and receive the Holy Spirit by the laying on of the hands of him who is ordained and sealed unto this power..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:52)

...which suggests to me by one not only holding sufficient priesthood authority but being authorized (sealed) by those with priesthood keys.  And -

(6) "...who overcome by faith..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:53)
(7) "...and are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, which the Father sheds forth upon all those who are just and true."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:53)

That is it.  Something we can all satisfy as we receive the ordinances of the gospel and continually strive to repent and keep His commandments.

D&C 76

We learn in the revelation of the priesthood that -

"...this greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the key of the mysteries of the kingdom, even the key of the knowledge of God."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:19)

This doctrine is taught again in a later revelation -

"The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church—
19 To have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, to have the heavens opened unto them..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 107:18 - 19)

This promise and blessing is according to the Oath and Covenant of the priesthood where -

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

This oath and covenant is not only to those that obtain these two priesthoods, but -

"...also all they who receive this priesthood receive me, saith the Lord;
36 For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:35 - 36)

Which would include all men and women that receive the doctrine and ordinances administered by the priesthood.  Of these the promise is -

"...all that my Father hath shall be given unto him."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:38)

Considering that the priesthood is the "key of the knowledge of God", then, in my mind, the the promise of receiving all that the Father hath would suggest to me, all His knowledge.  As the Prophet Joseph and Sidney Rigdon were in the Spirit, the Lord said -

"...I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end.
6 Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their glory."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:5 - 6)

Obviously, these would be those the receive His priesthood and magnify their calling or serve Him.  Of such, He again teaches -

"...to them will I reveal all mysteries, yea, all the hidden mysteries of my kingdom from days of old, and for ages to come, will I make known unto them the good pleasure of my will concerning all things pertaining to my kingdom.
8 Yea, even the wonders of eternity shall they know, and things to come will I show them, even the things of many generations.
9 And their wisdom shall be great, and their understanding reach to heaven; and before them the wisdom of the wise shall perish, and the understanding of the prudent shall come to naught.
10 For by my Spirit will I enlighten them, and by my power will I make known unto them the secrets of my will—yea, even those things which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor yet entered into the heart of man."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:7 - 10)

I will emphasize that the mysteries of God is knowledge that only comes by revelation.  The Bible Dictionary defines mystery as -

"...a spiritual truth that was once hidden but now is revealed, and that, without special revelation, would have remained unknown."  (Bible Dictionary | M Mystery:Entry)

Mysteries would then be the knowledge of God given only by revelation.

D&C 76

As the Prophet Joseph saw the Savior as well as in contrast, Lucifer, there was something that caught my thoughts this morning as I read -

"And this we saw also, and bear record, that an angel of God who was in authority in the presence of God, who rebelled against the Only Begotten Son whom the Father loved and who was in the bosom of the Father, was thrust down from the presence of God and the Son,
26 And was called Perdition, for the heavens wept over him—he was Lucifer, a son of the morning."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:25 - 26)

What caught my thoughts was the word "loved".  There is no question in my mind that our Father in Heaven "loves" all His children which suggests to me that He desires with all His heart in that he wants the best for all of His offspring.  In my mind, this type of love is unconditional.  We see this type of love where in great disappointment "the heavens wept" as Lucifer rebelled.

We also see the type of love that is also conditional.  The type of love where great gifts blessings are given based on obedience and faithfulness.  If that was not the case, the verse would say "Whom the Father loves" (present tense).  When I read the words "whom the Father loved" isolates and suggests that the Father provided the greatest honors and blessings because of the Savior's sacrifice and obedience.  Even to the point that the Savior was "in the bosom of the Father".  In other words, they were now one of the same in unity and love.

This would follow the claim of the young women in the Church that the Father loves them and they love the Him.  But to be truly loved would suggest doing that which has brought His blessings for -

"There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—
21 And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 130:20 - 21)

Thus in my mind, we may become one that is truly "loved".

D&C 76

We learn an important doctrine as the Savior reveals of himself that -

"From eternity to eternity he is the same, and his years never fail."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:4)

Paul wrote to the Colossians that the Savior -

"...is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him..."  (New Testament | Colossians 1:15 - 16)

Paul also taught on Mars' Hill that all of us are also God's offspring -

"...For we are also his offspring.
29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device."  (New Testament | Acts 17:28 - 29)

In that the Savior as well as us are offspring of a Heavenly Father, He being the firstborn, and that He is from eternity to eternity, one would have to assume that we have always been from eternity to eternity.  And if He is the "same" throughout eternity, you would have to assume that we have always been much the same through all eternity.  The Lord showed Abraham  that before we were clothed as spiritual offspring of God  that we were -

"...the intelligences that were organized before the world was; and among all these there were many of the noble and great ones..."  (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 3:22)

Though we have little understanding of concept of intelligences, if we are the same from eternity to eternity, one would have to assume that we were personages of intelligences before we became spiritual personages or divine offspring.  The Proclamation on the Family states -

"All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose."

Thus, logic would suggest, that we have always been the same entity or person, gender included, and will continue to be so being clothed with a body of flesh and bones throughout eternity.

D&C 75

As the saints continued to be called to the preach the gospel, the Lord again provided more instruction as the bethren were called to serve mission saying -

"Hearken, O ye who have given your names to go forth to proclaim my gospel, and to prune my vineyard.
3 Behold, I say unto you that it is my will that you should go forth and not tarry, neither be idle but labor with your might—
4 Lifting up your voices as with the sound of a trump, proclaiming the truth according to the revelations and commandments which I have given you."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 75:2 - 4)

Obviously, this work would cause a great strain on the temporal sustaining of their families.  I'm sure these men wanted to some help to know what they should do.  But before the Lord provided an answer to their inquiries, He somewhat chastises one of the previously called missionaries saying -

"...verily I say unto my servant William E. McLellin, I revoke the commission which I gave unto him to go unto the eastern countries;
7 And I give unto him a new commission and a new commandment, in the which I, the Lord, chasten him for the murmurings of his heart;
8 And he sinned; nevertheless, I forgive him and say unto him again, Go ye into the south countries."
(Doctrine and Covenants | Section 75:6 - 8)

What touched me were the words "murmuring of his heart".  I wonder how often He would say the same to me.  This is probably the greatest challenge in our lives is to love the Lord with all our hearts.  But even in this chastisement, the Lord provides an opportunity to change and to serve.  Returning to the inquiry of those called on missions, the Lord instructs -

"...O ye elders of my church, who have given your names that you might know his will concerning you—
24 Behold, I say unto you, that it is the duty of the church to assist in supporting the families of those, and also to support the families of those who are called and must needs be sent unto the world to proclaim the gospel unto the world.
25 Wherefore, I, the Lord, give unto you this commandment, that ye obtain places for your families, inasmuch as your brethren are willing to open their hearts.
26 And let all such as can obtain places for their families, and support of the church for them, not fail to go into the world, whether to the east or to the west, or to the north, or to the south."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 75:23 - 26)

It was of great importance that these brethren look first after their families and sustanance with an obligation of the members to take care of their families where possible.  But if these called missionaries were unable to obtain support as needed for their families -

"...verily I say unto you, that every man who is obliged to provide for his own family, let him provide, and he shall in nowise lose his crown; and let him labor in the church.
29 Let every man be diligent in all things. And the idler shall not have place in the church, except he repent and mend his ways."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 75:28 - 29)

Which suggest to me that we must do everything we can to serve the Lord, but our first priority is the support and care for our families.

D&C 74

As I have studied Church history and the Doctrine and Covenants, the more I have the opinion that the Lord commanded the Prophet Joseph Smith to translate the Bible for the sole intent that as the Prophet pondered the words of the Bible, which did cause many questions, allowed the Prophet to approach the Lord for answers and interpretations which brought much of the modern revelations.

We find this again as the Prophet read the writing of Paul -

"For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy."  (New Testament | 1 Corinthians 7:14)

From the teachings of Mormon, the Prophet already knew that little children cannot sin and are saved through the atonement of Christ.  Yet, Paul wrote that some of the Corinthian's children were unclean which was a Jewish belief.  Obviously, this brought the Prophet to inquire of the Lord.  The Lord explained -

"...in the days of the apostles the law of circumcision was had among all the Jews who believed not the gospel of Jesus Christ."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 74:2)

Thus -

"...the children, being brought up in subjection to the law of Moses, gave heed to the traditions of their fathers and believed not the gospel of Christ, wherein they became unholy."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 74:4)

Or as they grew to ages of accountibility, they refused to follow the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  This is why -

"...for this cause the apostle wrote unto the church, giving unto them a commandment, not of the Lord, but of himself, that a believer should not be united to an unbeliever; except the law of Moses should be done away among them,
6 That their children might remain without circumcision; and that the tradition might be done away, which saith that little children are unholy; for it was had among the Jews..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 74:5 - 6)

Not that circumcision is unholy or a sin, but that reliance only upon the law of Moses would lead the children away from Christ.  The Lord then states again the truth -

"...little children are holy, being sanctified through the atonement of Jesus Christ..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 74:7)

D&C 72

As the Lord calls another bishop, it becomes clear that the "bishop in Zion" is considered the presiding bishop.  When Edward Partridge was called as the first bishop, he was instructed that more would be given concerning his duties.  Now as Newel K. Whitney is called as a bishop, more duties of a bishop are given.  First he tells the saints -

"...it is expedient in me for a bishop to be appointed unto you, or of you, unto the church in this part of the Lord's vineyard.
3 And verily in this thing ye have done wisely, for it is required of the Lord, at the hand of every steward, to render an account of his stewardship, both in time and in eternity.
4 For he who is faithful and wise in time is accounted worthy to inherit the mansions prepared for him of my Father."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 72:2 - 4)

Thus in "time" or this life, it is to the bishop that the saints are to render an acdounting of their stewardship.  I see "tithing settlement" and "temple recommends" to be one of times that we account of our stewardship.   In addition, the bishop is -

"To keep the Lord's storehouse; to receive the funds of the church in this part of the vineyard;
11 To take an account of the elders as before has been commanded; and to administer to their wants, who shall pay for that which they receive, inasmuch as they have wherewith to pay;
12 That this also may be consecrated to the good of the church, to the poor and needy."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 72:10 - 12)

We see much of this in regards to the "Lord's way" in fast offerings and welfare assistance.

Worthiness interviews would also be part of their responsibilities where -

"...that as every elder in this part of the vineyard must give an account of his stewardship unto the bishop in this part of the vineyard—
17 A certificate from the judge or bishop in this part of the vineyard, unto the bishop in Zion, rendereth every man acceptable, and answereth all things, for an inheritance, and to be received as a wise steward and as a faithful laborer..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 72:16 - 17)

The Church was small with this revelation were there is only a bishop in the Kirtland area as well as in Zion.  Even so, members traveling between each would have a recommend from their bishop where -

"...let every elder who shall give an account unto the bishop of the church in this part of the vineyard be recommended by the church or churches, in which he labors, that he may render himself and his accounts approved in all things."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 72:19)

Even in area with small branches -

"...this shall be an ensample for all the extensive branches of my church, in whatsoever land they shall be established."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 72:23)

In other words, this same pattern should be followed even by leaders of branches wherever they may be.

D&C 71

Of the importance of missionary work, the Lord said to the Prophet Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon -

"...the time has verily come that it is necessary and expedient in me that you should open your mouths in proclaiming my gospel, the things of the kingdom, expounding the mysteries thereof out of the scriptures, according to that portion of Spirit and power which shall be given unto you, even as I will."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 71:1)

Adding -

"Wherefore, labor ye in my vineyard. Call upon the inhabitants of the earth, and bear record, and prepare the way for the commandments and revelations which are to come."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 71:4)

I note that not only was His gospel to be proclaimed, but also expounding or explain the "mysteries" in the scriptures, but only as guided by the Holy Ghost.  In my mind, expounding the mysteries in the scriptures would include modern revelation including the commandments and revelations that were yet to be given.  Obviously, these instructions were not just intended for these two brethren as the Lord added -

"Now, behold this is wisdom; whoso readeth, let him understand and receive also;
6 For unto him that receiveth it shall be given more abundantly, even power."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 71:5 - 6)

But what many consider to be an instruction to "revile against revilers", the Lord instructed -

"Wherefore, confound your enemies; call upon them to meet you both in public and in private; and inasmuch as ye are faithful their shame shall be made manifest.
8 Wherefore, let them bring forth their strong reasons against the Lord.
9 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you—there is no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper;
10 And if any man lift his voice against you he shall be confounded in mine own due time."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 71:7 - 10)

To be honest, I don't see this instruction to suggest revile against revilers, or debate with a spirit of contention.  In my mind, confound would suggest that one may not have a valid response or answer.  I don't necessarily believe this would be a debate or heated contention.  I would suggest that it is a manner of teaching and explaining where another my not have an good answer or response.

I had an interesting experience in the mission field where we met with a group of seminary students that wanted to contend with our doctrine.  My response to their points or "strong reasons" was using the Book of Mormon and modern revelations.  In each case, it gave me the opportunity to teach, explain, and testify.  There never was a debate or contention.  In a sense, I felt these men were confounded with no answer.

D&C 70

In revelation, the Lord again revisits the doctrine of the law of consecration, providing more instruction.  As the Lord particularly points out individuals that are given some time consuming responsibilities, He teslls them -

"I have appointed unto them, and this is their business in the church of God, to manage them and the concerns thereof, yea, the benefits thereof."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 70:5)

The "benefits" would suggest to me the revenues that come in as a result of their work.  Of these benefits -

"...a commandment I give unto them, that they shall not give these things unto the church, neither unto the world..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 70:6)

This suggests to me that these types of revenues would be used with a priority for other purposes.  Before He explains this purpose, He again reminds the saints of the principles of the law of consecration -

"...inasmuch as they receive more than is needful for their necessities and their wants, it shall be given into my storehouse;
8 And the benefits shall be consecrated unto the inhabitants of Zion, and unto their generations, inasmuch as they become heirs according to the laws of the kingdom.
9 Behold, this is what the Lord requires of every man in his stewardship, even as I, the Lord, have appointed or shall hereafter appoint unto any man.
10 And behold, none are exempt from this law who belong to the church of the living God..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 70:7 - 10)

Again it is emphasized that living the law of consecration is an individual responsibility with individual conscience, agency, and choice.  It's execution is between God and the individual.  It is not regulated by Church or government.  Now, of those that are called to callings that my require most of their time and effort that otherwise would be spent sustaining family life, the Lord teaches -

"He who is appointed to administer spiritual things, the same is worthy of his hire, even as those who are appointed to a stewardship to administer in temporal things;
13 Yea, even more abundantly, which abundance is multiplied unto them through the manifestations of the Spirit.
14 Nevertheless, in your temporal things you shall be equal, and this not grudgingly, otherwise the abundance of the manifestations of the Spirit shall be withheld.
15 Now, this commandment I give unto my servants for their benefit while they remain, for a manifestation of my blessings upon their heads, and for a reward of their diligence and for their security;
16 For food and for raiment; for an inheritance; for houses and for lands, in whatsoever circumstances I, the Lord, shall place them, and whithersoever I, the Lord, shall send them."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 70:12 - 16)

Which suggests that these individual by rely upon the Church, or the "benefits" or revenues association with their work, but still required to live equal in the Lord's law of consecration where "equal" is divinely defined as -

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

Where "equal" is not as is generally defined by man.

D&C 68

Recently, there has been publicized an opinion that the burden and responsibility of raising children is more of the community, not necessarily the family or the parents.  Of this thought, President Brigham Young taught -

“If Brother Brigham shall take a wrong track, and be shut out of the Kingdom of heaven, no person will be to blame but Brother Brigham. I am the only being in heaven, earth, or hell, that can be blamed. “This will equally apply to every Latter-day Saint. Salvation is an individual operation. I am the only person that can possibly save myself. When salvation is sent to me, I can reject or receive it. In receiving it, I yield implicit obedience and submission to its great Author throughout my life, and to those whom he shall appoint to instruct me; in rejecting it, I follow the dictates of my own will in preference to the will of my Creator.” (Discourses of Brigham Young, page 390.)

It is clear that salvation comes by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel.  It is an individual thing, not a collective thing.  Much of the commandments and gospel of Jesus Christ includes preaching, teaching, ministering, rescueing, and so forth to all of God's children, especially the family.  But it is still an individual responsibility.  Following this responsibility, the Lord said -

"...inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 68:25)

In my mind, this does not mean that all the sins of the children will be heaped upon the parent, but that the parents have committed a grave sin in not doing so -

"For this shall be a law unto the inhabitants of Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized.
27 And their children shall be baptized for the remission of their sins when eight years old, and receive the laying on of the hands."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 68:26 - 27)

And not only these first principles and ordinances of the gospel, but all teaching and commandments including -

"...they shall also teach their children to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord.
29 And the inhabitants of Zion shall also observe the Sabbath day to keep it holy.
30 And the inhabitants of Zion also shall remember their labors, inasmuch as they are appointed to labor, in all faithfulness; for the idler shall be had in remembrance before the Lord."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 68:28 - 30)

The Lord even warned the saints -

"...I, the Lord, am not well pleased with the inhabitants of Zion, for there are idlers among them; and their children are also growing up in wickedness; they also seek not earnestly the riches of eternity, but their eyes are full of greediness.
32 These things ought not to be, and must be done away from among them..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 68:31 - 32)

D&C 68

Speaking to those that would be called to teach the gospel in to all people in all lands, the Lord instructed -

"...this is an ensample unto all those who were ordained unto this priesthood, whose mission is appointed unto them to go forth—
3 And this is the ensample unto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 68:2 - 3)

For -

"...whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation.
5 Behold, this is the promise of the Lord unto you, O ye my servants."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 68:4 - 5)

Generally, scripture is considered "a body of writings considered sacred or authoritative".  In the case of these words, the missionary is not writing but speaking (which could easily be put in writing).   If it comes as moved upon by the Holy Ghost, there is no question that the words would be considered sacred and authoritive.  So it would qualify as by definition as scripture.  But such teachings must fall within the parameters and doctrine taught in the "standard works" or the teaching of the Prophet who holds all priesthood keys.  Anything outside that parameter, in my mind, would be false in the the Prophet is the only one that can receive new revelations for the Church.  This process then would be a means to know if one is speaking by the Holy Ghost or not.

As I read verse four, I interpret this different than most of saints.  I see this verse as a commandment to those that are moved upon by the Holy Ghost.  In other words, when the Lord said "whatsoever they shall speak" they "shall" use the scriptures as a resource.  And by doing so by the Holy Ghost, they "shall" teach will, mind, and word of the Lord which would mean that it is His voice for -

"...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)

Combining these two scripture references would suggest to me that we are to speak and read them in our teaching as moved upon by the Holy Ghost.

D&C 67

The Lord provided some warnings to William E. McLellin and the elders of the Church, that I feel hold personal application to me -

"Seek not to be cumbered..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 66:10)

Which being encumbered relates to -

"...Forsake all unrighteousness..." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 66:10)

Obviously, we are cumbered by unrighteousness not possessing the Spirit of the Lord, but other temporal things, lifestyles, and technology can encumber our efforts to magnify our callings.  And with this the Lord instructs -

"...I say unto you that it is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble, the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am—not with the carnal neither natural mind, but with the spiritual."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 67:10)

The promise is great if we strip ourselves of jealousies, fears, that which cumber, and forsake all forms of righteousness even to "see" God  and know that He is -

"For no man has seen God at any time in the flesh, except quickened by the Spirit of God.
12 Neither can any natural man abide the presence of God, neither after the carnal mind."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 67:11 - 12)

Therefore -

"Ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the ministering of angels; wherefore, continue in patience until ye are perfected."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 67:13)

I sense the promise is that with patience and diligence I will "see" these things in His due time.

D&C 65

There are a few principles I want to touch on this morning.  First, the Lord teaches -

"...I, the Lord, require the hearts of the children of men."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 64:22)

It appears to me that we will be judged more on the true status of our hearts or our most inward desires.  It seems our hearts need to be converted to the Lord, not necessarily our words.  This seems to be evident as the Lord taught -

"...now it is called today until the coming of the Son of Man, and verily it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people; for he that is tithed shall not be burned at his coming.
24 For after today cometh the burning—this is speaking after the manner of the Lord—for verily I say, tomorrow all the proud and they that do wickedly shall be as stubble; and I will burn them up, for I am the Lord of Hosts; and I will not spare any that remain in Babylon.
25 Wherefore, if ye believe me, ye will labor while it is called today."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 64:23 - 25)

In other words, our hearts must be totally committed to the Lord.  The evidence of our hearts are to be the standard to the nations for -

"...I, the Lord, have made my church in these last days like unto a judge sitting on a hill, or in a high place, to judge the nations.
38 For it shall come to pass that the inhabitants of Zion shall judge all things pertaining to Zion.
39 And liars and hypocrites shall be proved by them, and they who are not apostles and prophets shall be known.
40 And even the bishop, who is a judge, and his counselors, if they are not faithful in their stewardships shall be condemned, and others shall be planted in their stead.
41 For, behold, I say unto you that Zion shall flourish, and the glory of the Lord shall be upon her;
42 And she shall be an ensign unto the people, and there shall come unto her out of every nation under heaven."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 64:37 - 42)

Even of great importance -

"The keys of the kingdom of God are committed unto man on the earth, and from thence shall the gospel roll forth unto the ends of the earth, as the stone which is cut out of the mountain without hands shall roll forth, until it has filled the whole earth."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 65:2)

Therefore, if our hearts are turned to the Lord, we will participate in the the gospel rolling forth to the world -

"Yea, a voice crying—Prepare ye the way of the Lord, prepare ye the supper of the Lamb, make ready for the Bridegroom.
4 Pray unto the Lord, call upon his holy name, make known his wonderful works among the people."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 65:3 - 4)

In regards to this work we are to pray and make know His wonderful works, even -

"Call upon the Lord, that his kingdom may go forth upon the earth, that the inhabitants thereof may receive it, and be prepared for the days to come, in the which the Son of Man shall come down in heaven, clothed in the brightness of his glory, to meet the kingdom of God which is set up on the earth.
6 Wherefore, may the kingdom of God go forth, that the kingdom of heaven may come..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 65:5 - 6)

D&C 64

It is after the Prophet Joseph Smith returned to Kirtland, that the Lord gave reasons why He commands certain things.  The first in regards to displinary actions the Lord had previously given in His Law -

"...if he or she do any manner of iniquity, he or she shall be delivered up unto the law, even that of God...
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."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 42:87 - 91)

Obviously, it was given to the priesthood leaders in the Church to administer disciplinary action as guided by the Spirit.  Again the Lord taught -

"...him that repenteth not of his sins, and confesseth them not, ye shall bring before the church, and do with him as the scripture saith unto you, either by commandment or by revelation."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 64:12)

In other words, in discipline, we follow the direction of the prophets and the Spirit of the Lord.  The Lord then explains why -

"...this ye shall do that God may be glorified—not because ye forgive not, having not compassion, but that ye may be justified in the eyes of the law, that ye may not offend him who is your lawgiver—
14 Verily I say, for this cause ye shall do these things."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 64:13 - 14)

As we consider discipline, it is critical that as we desire to show love and compassion, we do not offend the Lord as we do.  It is His will we are commanded to satisfy.

The second "why" comes with a commandment to Sidney Gilbert fater returning to his business and hiswork in Zion -

"And that which he hath seen and heard may be made known unto my disciples, that they perish not. And for this cause have I spoken these things."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 64:19)

I believe that the Lord would have all men teach and testify that which they have "seen and heard" to the disciples of Christ in order to build faith that the disciples perish not.

D&C 64

To the elders of the Church, the Lord said -

"I will that ye should overcome the world; wherefore I will have compassion upon you."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 64:2)

The focus being on -

"There are those among you who have sinned; but verily I say, for this once, for mine own glory, and for the salvation of souls, I have forgiven you your sins.
4 I will be merciful unto you..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 64:3 - 4)

Even of the Prophet Joseph Smith -

"...he has sinned..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 64:7)

Suggesting -

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

It is with this preface that the Lord teaches a great principle -

"...I, the Lord, forgive sins unto those who confess their sins before me and ask forgiveness, who have not sinned unto death."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 64:7)

Where "sinned unto death" would be -

"....if ye deny the Holy Ghost when it once has had place in you, and ye know that ye deny it, behold, this is a sin which is unpardonable..."  (Book of Mormon | Alma 39:6)

I will leave this exactly at what point this is to the Lord.  Of forgiveness, the Lord continues to explain -

"My disciples, in days of old, sought occasion against one another and forgave not one another in their hearts; and for this evil they were afflicted and sorely chastened.
9 Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 64:8 - 9)

I interpret that "there remaineth in him the greater sin" suggests that without forgiveness, anger, and maybe hatred and a desire for revenge may destroy the spiritual progression of the harmed individual.  Where the offender may repent, if the harmed does not forgive, it may ultimately lead to spiritual destruction.  And then the Lord lays out the commandment -

"I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 64:10)

I don't believe that forgiveness necessarily means that you become best friends.  In many ways, the best approach may be to avoid or flee the individual to avoid a rekindling of feelings.  In fact the Lord adds this counsel -

"...ye ought to say in your hearts—let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 64:11)

Leaving or placing your burdens on the judgement of the Lord many times brings peace and comfort.

D&C 63

In the ten commandments, on of those commandments was -

"Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain."  (Old Testament | Exodus 20:7)

Most individuals consider this to mean not to swear.  But as the Lord concluded this revelation, He said -

"Wherefore, let all men beware how they take my name in their lips—"  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 63:61)

In my mind, this would suggest a greater meaning.  The Lord continued -

"For behold, verily I say, that many there be who are under this condemnation, who use the name of the Lord, and use it in vain, having not authority."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 63:62)

Adding -

"Remember that that which cometh from above is sacred, and must be spoken with care, and by constraint of the Spirit; and in this there is no condemnation, and ye receive the Spirit through prayer; wherefore, without this there remaineth condemnation."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 63:64)

I believe that making sacred covenants and exercising priesthood authority in the name of Jesus Christ is taking His name in vain when we take these things lightly and do not honor or live worthy of such.  I note what Elder James E. Talmage said on taking the name of the Lord in vain -

“1. We may take the name of God in vain by profane speech...2. We take it in vain when we swear falsely, not being true to our oaths and promises...3. We take it in vain in a blas-phemous sense when we presume to speak in that name without authority...4. And we take his name in vain whenever we wilfully do aught [anything] that is in defiance of his commandments, since we have taken his name upon ourselves.” (In Conference Report, October 1931, page 53.)

D&C 63

As Titus Billings was given the chared to sell his property and go to Zion, the Lord teaches and important principle -

"...let all the moneys which can be spared, it mattereth not unto me whether it be little or much, be sent up unto the land of Zion, unto them whom I have appointed to receive."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 63:40)

In this case as well as with fast offerings, other donations, temple attendance, and other forms of consecration, the Lord does not dictate the amount.  If man is to be worthy to live a celestial life, he must be able to live a celestial law.  The law being to determine ones wants, needs, and ability to consecrate time, talents, and means.  I sense when the Lord says "it mattereth not unto me" that he is leaving those decisions to the individual guided by the Spirit for -

"...it is not meet that I should command in all things..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 58:26)

For -

"...men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;
28 For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 58:27 - 28)

One more thought.  There are great promises of protection given to the righteous in the last days.  But the Lord also taught -

"I have sworn in my wrath, and decreed wars upon the face of the earth, and the wicked shall slay the wicked, and fear shall come upon every man;
34 And the saints also shall hardly escape..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 63:33 - 34)

Also suggesting that some of saints themselves will suffer from the events of the last days.  The Prophet Joseph Smith said -

“It is a false idea that the Saints will escape all the judgments, whilst the wicked suffer; for all flesh is subject to suffer, and ‘the righteous shall hardly escape;’ still many of the Saints will escape, for the just shall live by faith; yet many of the righteous shall fall a prey to disease, to pestilence, etc., by reason of the weakness of the flesh, and yet be saved in the Kingdom of God. So that it is an unhallowed principle to say that such and such have transgressed because they have been preyed upon by disease or death, for all flesh is subject to death;  and the Savior has said, ‘Judge not, lest ye be judged.’” (History of the Church, Vol. 4, page 11.)

D&C 63

Speaking of some of the wickedness that existed in the Kirtland area, the Lord said -

"...I, the Lord, have said that the fearful, and the unbelieving, and all liars, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie, and the whoremonger, and the sorcerer, shall have their part in that lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.
18 Verily I say, that they shall not have part in the first resurrection."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 63:17 - 18)

In my mind, the second death are those that will be cast out of the presence of God for eternity.  Thus the use of the word "death", even though they may live in a glorious state.  Synonymous to this second death, as the Savior said, is that they shall have their part in that lake which burneth with fire and brimstone.  Thus this "lake" would also be for eternity.  Even though we know man will be punished for their sins which would be finite in nature, I believe this "lake of which burneth with fire and brimstone" will be an eternity of pondering "what could have been" now that it is too late.

But of those that are willing to harken to His will and commandments the Lord suggests that there is much more saying -

"...he that endureth in faith and doeth my will, the same shall overcome, and shall receive an inheritance upon the earth when the day of transfiguration shall come..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 63:20)

Then adding -

"...now, verily I say unto you, that as I said that I would make known my will unto you, behold I will make it known unto you, not by the way of commandment, for there are many who observe not to keep my commandments.
23 But unto him that keepeth my commandments I will give the mysteries of my kingdom, and the same shall be in him a well of living water, springing up unto everlasting life."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 63:22 - 23)

Which suggests to me that there are yet even greater and personal things (or mysteries), if we keep His commandments, He will make known unto us according to His will that as we learn and follow His will, great and eternal blessings will follow, even exaltation.

D&C 63

In revelation, the Lord teaches us the correlation between faith, obedience, and signs in that -

"...faith cometh not by signs, but signs follow those that believe."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 63:9)

True faith and belief comes by hearkening to His words and keeping His commandments not the other way around.  His blessings and rewards (signs) come by His conditions and the demonstrations of faith in His conditions, not based on our conditions being that show me a sign first and I will believe for -

"...signs come by faith, not by the will of men, nor as they please, but by the will of God.
11 Yea, signs come by faith, unto mighty works, for without faith no man pleaseth God..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 63:10 - 11)

It is in the exercise of faith in Jesus Christ that we please Him.  But -

"...I, the Lord, am not pleased with those among you who have sought after signs and wonders for faith, and not for the good of men unto my glory."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 63:12)

Of those that have conditions before keeping the commandments, the Lord said -

"...he that seeketh signs shall see signs, but not unto salvation."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 63:7)

But to those that follow His pattern and conditions -

 "...that endureth in faith and doeth my will, the same shall overcome, and shall receive an inheritance upon the earth when the day of transfiguration shall come;
21 When the earth shall be transfigured, even according to the pattern which was shown unto mine apostles upon the mount; of which account the fulness ye have not yet received.  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 63:20 - 21)