Scripture Blog

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

Friday, May 31, 2013

D&C 86

To Abraham, the Lord made the covenant -

"...thou shalt be a blessing unto thy seed after thee, that in their hands they shall bear this ministry and Priesthood unto all nations..."  (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 2:9)

For -

"...in thee (that is, in thy Priesthood) and in thy seed (that is, thy Priesthood), for I give unto thee a promise that this right shall continue in thee, and in thy seed after thee (that is to say, the literal seed, or the seed of the body) shall all the families of the earth be blessed, even with the blessings of the Gospel, which are the blessings of salvation, even of life eternal."  (Pearl of Great Price | Abraham 2:11)

Obviously, the emphasis that his seed and all families on earth would receive the blessings of the priesthood.  It becomes clear that they will be not be blessed because they are the seed of Abraham, but that this blessing would be because of the priesthood that his posterity would administer for John the Baptist taught -

"...begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham."  (New Testament | Luke 3:8)

In modern day, the Lord again taught the covenant and promises He made with Abraham -

"...thus saith the Lord unto you, with whom the priesthood hath continued through the lineage of your fathers—
9 For ye are lawful heirs, according to the flesh, and have been hid from the world with Christ in God—
10 Therefore your life and the priesthood have remained, and must needs remain through you and your lineage until the restoration of all things spoken by the mouths of all the holy prophets since the world began."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 86:8 - 10)

Again, it is apparent that the priesthood is not men for "your life and the priesthood have remained".  It is clear that the two are seperate and not the same.  And the purpose, responsibility, and blessings of the restored priesthood promised to Abraham becomes apparent as the Lord explains -

"Therefore, blessed are ye if ye continue in my goodness, a light unto the Gentiles, and through this priesthood, a savior unto my people Israel."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 86:11)

A "savior" would be one that performs essential work that one cannot do on their own.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

D&C 85

Malachi prophesied concerning the faithful -

"...they that feared the Lord spake often one to another, and the Lord hearkened and heard; and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.
17 And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of Hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them as a man spareth his own son that serveth him."  (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 24:16 - 17)

It appears that those who would live a celestial law would inherit celestial glory and an inheritance in His kingdom.  These that lived in this manner would be those that whose name were written in a book of remembrance.  Obviously, those that would not would not be entered thereing.

As many of the saints were striving to live a celestial law or law of consecration, there were some that would not.  Therefore, being guided by the Holy Ghost, the Prophet Joseph Smith wrote -

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

In other words, those who would not covenant to live a celestial law should not have their names recorded in a book of remembrance of those that would.    Therefore -

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

This means to me that those that would not enter into the covenant of the law of consecration, would not have there names entered and would not claim on an inheritance, whether in this life or the next for -

"...all they who are not found written in the book of remembrance shall find none inheritance in that day, but they shall be cut asunder, and their portion shall be appointed them among unbelievers, where are wailing and gnashing of teeth."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 85:9)

This doctrine is not new for -

"...it shall be done unto them as unto the children of the priest, as will be found recorded in the second chapter and sixty-first and second verses of Ezra."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 85:12)

Which reads that -

"...the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name:
62 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood."  (Old Testament | Ezra 2:61 - 62)

The reason... -

"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)

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

D&C 84

As I conclude my blogs on this section, I note several important instructions concerning our callings and administrations.  First -

"...let every man stand in his own office, and labor in his own calling; and let not the head say unto the feet it hath no need of the feet; for without the feet how shall the body be able to stand?
110 Also the body hath need of every member, that all may be edified together, that the system may be kept perfect."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:109 - 110)

The system may be perfect, but the saints are not necessarily perfect, therefore -

"...if any man among you be strong in the Spirit, let him take with him him that is weak, that he may be edified in all meekness, that he may become strong also."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:106)

And of particular priesthood offices -

"...the high priests should travel, and also the elders, and also the lesser priests; but the deacons and teachers should be appointed to watch over the church, to be standing ministers unto the church."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:111)

I note that "deacons and teachers" are to watch over the Church and minister unto the Church.  Where some might think that these younger priesthood holders may not have the capacity, I believe that with proper training of priesthood leadership, they can not only minister and magnify their callings.  In conclusion, the Lord promises concerning priesthood power -

"...I, the Lord, have put forth my hand to exert the powers of heaven; ye cannot see it now, yet a little while and ye shall see it, and know that I am, and that I will come and reign with my people."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:119)

 

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

D&C 84

Having just read the words of the Savior in the America's over the weekend on the same subject, He taught again to the saints in our day -

"Therefore, take ye no thought for the morrow, for what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, or wherewithal ye shall be clothed.
82 For, consider the lilies of the field, how they grow, they toil not, neither do they spin; and the kingdoms of the world, in all their glory, are not arrayed like one of these.
83 For your Father, who is in heaven, knoweth that you have need of all these things.
84 Therefore, let the morrow take thought for the things of itself."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:81 - 84)

Just as He had instructed during His ministry with His disciples, He again taught His the early missionaries of this dispensation to do the same.  Obviously, with modern revelation and the changes in the nature of people of the world, there have been given inspired instructions how the missionaries are to proselyte today. 

But what touched me as I read these words is that in His service, we do not anticipate or aspire to calling in His work.  In other words, take no thought of what callings may come in the future.  This is left to diety and His will.  Any planning would be meaningless.  This would also include -

"Neither take ye thought beforehand what ye shall say; but treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:85)

The message here is to regularly study His words so, with the influence of the Holy Ghost, you may be able to recall what the words of Christ that should be taught with the promise that -

"...whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:88)

And I was impressed also with the words -

"Whoso receiveth you receiveth me; and the same will feed you, and clothe you, and give you money.
90 And he who feeds you, or clothes you, or gives you money, shall in nowise lose his reward.
91 And he that doeth not these things is not my disciple; by this you may know my disciples."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:89 - 91)

I note the words, "he who feeds you, or clothes you, or gives you money".  "Or" would suggest any of theses.  To be His disciples requires the saints to either feed, clothe, or donate money for the preaching of the gospel.

Friday, May 24, 2013

D&C 84

In revelation, we learn the reality of a power and influence that permeates throughout the univers which is -

"...the life and the light, the Spirit and the power, sent forth by the will of the Father through Jesus Christ, his Son."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 50:27)

This power and influence is -

"...the word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:45)

And we learn that this -

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

To be enlightened or receive greater light and power, we have to come unto God.  And if we do not, we do not receive the light or remain in the absence of light or darkness.  The Lord states -

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

This is obvious because all have sinned and if they do not repent and come unto God, they continue to have the burden of sin and remain in bondage.  Even as members of the Church we are warned -

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

Treating lightly suggests to me that we have not hearkened to His words or truth.  This means we -

"...shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written—"  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:57)

In other words, we begin to lose the power and influence of the Spirit of Christ.  In order to maintain this power and influence, we must continue to read and study the Book of Mormon.  The Lord makes is clear (and this is in respect to establishing Zion), we must -

"...bring forth fruit meet for their Father's kingdom; otherwise there remaineth a scourge and judgment to be poured out upon the children of Zion.
59 For shall the children of the kingdom pollute my holy land? Verily, I say unto you, Nay."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:58 - 59)

I conclude this blog with His word -

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

Thursday, May 23, 2013

D&C 84

It is in this revelation, that the Savior reveals an -

"...oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:39)

An  oath and covenant -

"...of my Father, which he cannot break, neither can it be moved."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:40)

Which suggests to me that because it belongeth to the priesthood which -

"...is without beginning of days or end of years."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:17)

That even the Father cannot break this oath and covenant, which oath and covenant is given to -

"...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)

But not only those that obtain which means to me, those that are ordained to this priesthood, but -

"...also all they who receive this priesthood..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:35)

Receive this priesthood suggests to me, those that are worthy and obedient in and receiving the blessings and instructions of this preisthood for these are they that -

"...receiveth my servants..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:36)

The promise or oath and covenant that belongeth to the priesthood is -

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

Is there a greater oath and covenant?  Therefore it goes without saying -

"...whoso breaketh this covenant after he hath received it, and altogether turneth therefrom, shall not have forgiveness of sins in this world nor in the world to come."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:41)

I don't believe that really changes things.  It has always been given that those who do not repent and turn from God do not receive forgiveness.  So it also makes sense that -

"...wo unto all those who come not unto this priesthood..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:42)

In other words, their blessings and progression come to an end.

Therefore -

"...I now give unto you a commandment to beware concerning yourselves, to give diligent heed to the words of eternal life.
44 For you shall live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:43 - 44)

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

D&C 84

In this revelation, the Lord explained that while in the wilderness -

"...Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God;
24 But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his anger was kindled against them, swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory.
25 Therefore, he took Moses out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:23 - 25)

In other words, the Melchizedek priesthood and all associated higher ordinances and covenants were taken away which would mean the ordinances performed in Holy temples as well as the Gift of the Holy Ghost.  What remained was -

"...the lesser priesthood continued, which priesthood holdeth the key of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel;
27 Which gospel is the gospel of repentance and of baptism, and the remission of sins, and the law of carnal commandments, which the Lord in his wrath caused to continue with the house of Aaron among the children of Israel until John, whom God raised up, being filled with the Holy Ghost from his mother's womb."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:26 - 27)

Even thought these preparatory principles and ordinances are administered by the lesser priesthood. they are not insignificant.  Faith, repentance, and baptism is required for the remission of sins.  But with these saving principles and ordinance, was also the guidance of administering angels.

Of administering angels, Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught -

“The scriptures recite numerous instances where an angel appeared personally. Angelic appearances to Zacharias and Mary (see Luke 1) and to King Benjamin and Nephi, the grandson of Helaman (see Mosiah 3:2; 3 Ne. 7:17–18) are only a few examples. When I was young, I thought such personal appearances were the only meaning of the ministering of angels. As a young holder of the Aaronic Priesthood, I did not think I would see an angel, and I wondered what such appearances had to do with the Aaronic Priesthood.

“But the ministering of angels can also be unseen. Angelic messages can be delivered by a voice or merely by thoughts or feelings communicated to the mind. President John Taylor described ‘the action of the angels, or messengers of God, upon our minds, so that the heart can conceive . . . revelations from the eternal world’ (Gospel Kingdom, sel. G. Homer Durham [1987], 31.)

“Nephi described three manifestations of the ministering of angels when he reminded his rebellious brothers that (1) they had ‘seen an angel,’ (2) they had ‘heard his voice from time to time,’ and (3) also that an angel had ‘spoken unto [them] in a still small voice’ though they were ‘past feeling’ and ‘could not feel his words’ (1 Ne. 17:45). The scriptures contain many other statements that angels are sent to teach the gospel and bring men to Christ (see Hebrews. 1:14; Alma 39:19; Moroni. 7:25, 29, 31–32; D&C 20:35). Most angelic communications are felt or heard rather than seen.

“How does the Aaronic Priesthood hold the key to the ministering of angels? The answer is the same as for the Spirit of the Lord.

“In general, the blessings of spiritual companionship and communication are only available to those who are clean. As explained earlier, through the Aaronic Priesthood ordinances of baptism and the sacrament, we are cleansed of our sins and promised that if we keep our covenants we will always have His Spirit to be with us. I believe that promise not only refers to the Holy Ghost but also to the ministering of angels, for ‘angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ’ (2 Ne. 32:3.) So it is that those who hold the Aaronic Priesthood open the door for all Church members who worthily partake of the sacrament to enjoy the companionship of the Spirit of the Lord and the ministering of angels.” (“The Aaronic Priesthood and the Sacrament,” Ensign, November 1998, page 39.)

Administering angels then would be revelatory or guardian angels when we make and keep our sacred covenants.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

D&C 84

As the Lord revealed doctrine of the Priesthood, we first learn that that the priesthood -

"...is without beginning of days or end of years."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:17)

And that two of the purposes and functions of the Melchizedek priesthood is  -

"...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)

The first purpose and function of "Administereth the gospel" suggests to me that the priesthood administers the work of salvation, being as outlined in the Handbook of Instruction, the -

"...work of salvation includes member missionary work, convert retention, activation of less-active members, temple and family history work, and teaching the gospel." (Handbook of Instruction - Book 2, Section 5

I would add, caring for the poor and the needy, and performing the saving ordinances and blessings of the work of salvation for -

"The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church—"  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 107:18)

The second purpose of "holdeth the key to the mysteries" suggests to me that the Melchizekek priesthood brings with is the necessary power and -

"...the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, to have the heavens opened unto them..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 107:19)

Even to the point that the priesthood is the key to all the knowledge of God or in my mind, the knowledge that God possesses.  It it common to suggest that knowledge is power.  But associated to God's knowledge is God's righteousness and holiness...or in other words, godliness -

"Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:20)

As the priesthood administers the saving ordinances of the gospel, as the saints follow in faith the doctrine of Christ, repenting of their sins and receive the saving ordinances of baptism and receiving the Gift of Holy Ghost, and steadfastly enduring to the end, that a great power of godliness and holiness become apparent or is manifest.  And -

"...without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:21)

Without acquiring a nature of holiness and godliness -

"For without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:22)

Or in my mind, to live is eternal life.  Joseph Fielding Smith wrote -

“It is the Holy Priesthood that unlocks the door to heaven and reveals to man the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. It is this Divine Authority which makes known the knowledge of God! Is there any wonder that the world today is groping in gross darkness concerning God and the things of his kingdom? We should also remember that these great truths are not made known even to members of the Church unless they place their lives in harmony with the law on which these blessings are predicated. (D. & C. 130:20–21.)” (Church History and Modern Revelation, Vol. 1, page 338.)

What a great blessing the restored priesthood is in our life.

Monday, May 20, 2013

D&C 83

As the Prophet Joseph Smith continued to teach the saints concerning their duty to sustain their families and support the poor and the needy, the Lord revealed a principle of self-reliance administering the fast and offerings of the Church.  First, a -

"Women have claim on their husbands for their maintenance, until their husbands are taken; and if they are not found transgressors they shall have fellowship in the church.
3 And if they are not faithful they shall not have fellowship in the church; yet they may remain upon their inheritances according to the laws of the land."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 83:2 - 3)

Again, it becomes obvious that ownership of property is an essential part of the United Order.  The Lord then continues to teach His principles of self-reliance and welfare -

"...storehouse shall be kept by the consecrations of the church; and widows and orphans shall be provided for, as also the poor."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 83:6)

The saints are obligated to consecrate a generous fast offering to care for the poor and needy.  At the same time -

"All children have claim upon their parents for their maintenance until they are of age."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 83:4)

Parents are to be self reliant working to meet the needs of their children.  It is then we learn the order of welfare and the distribution of funds that -

"...after that, they have claim upon the church, or in other words upon the Lord's storehouse, if their parents have not wherewith to give them inheritances."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 83:5)

Suggesting that parents and families have first obligation to assist family members in their personal welfare needs.  So the order of welfare of and individuals needs are first, self-reliance, then from parents and family, then third and last is a claim on the stored resources and fast offering funds of the Church.

One last thought seperate from the above topic.  I blogged in the past that the plan of salvation and the doctrine of Christ is not difficult but simple.  It is to this the Lord gave a simple answer -

"...the kingdom is yours, and shall be forever, if you fall not from your steadfastness. "  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 82:24)

In other words, we must endure to the end in steadfastness and the promise is exaltation.

Friday, May 17, 2013

D&C 82

Shortly after the Prophet Joseph Smith returned to Zion (Jackson County, Missouri) the Lord revealed principles and doctrine that would bring posperity, but as He does, He reminds the saints -

"Ye call upon my name for revelations, and I give them unto you; and inasmuch as ye keep not my sayings, which I give unto you, ye become transgressors; and justice and judgment are the penalty which is affixed unto my law."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 82:4)

It seems we always desire more revelation, but the question is, are we ready and willing, possessing a desire to be obedient and keep his commandments for the Lord warns -

"I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 82:10)

Principles of prosperity include -

"...that inasmuch as you have forgiven one another your trespasses, even so I, the Lord, forgive you.
2 Nevertheless, there are those among you who have sinned exceedingly; yea, even all of you have sinned; but verily I say unto you, beware from henceforth, and refrain from sin, lest sore judgments fall upon your heads.
3 For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 82:1 - 3)

To receive His forgiveness, we must forgive.  This doctrine is not ususally considered to be related to prosperity but becomes apparent it is so to receive His blessings.  Repentance is a key to prosperity understanding that -

 "...the Lord, will not lay any sin to your charge; go your ways and sin no more; but unto that soul who sinneth shall the former sins return, saith the Lord your God."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 82:7)

In addition to forgiving and repentance, the charge is given -

"Every man seeking the interest of his neighbor, and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 82:19)

Even considering -

"...this is wisdom, make unto yourselves friends with the mammon of unrighteousness, and they will not destroy you."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 82:22)

Suggesting to me, that we are to be kind and friendly to all.  And that members of the Church are to be charitable and -

"...are to be equal, or in other words, you are to have equal claims on the properties, for the benefit of managing the concerns of your stewardships, every man according to his wants and his needs, inasmuch as his wants are just—
18 And all this for the benefit of the church of the living God, that every man may improve upon his talent, that every man may gain other talents, yea, even an hundred fold, to be cast into the Lord's storehouse, to become the common property of the whole church—"  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 82:17 - 18)

In my mind, equal means to not consider yourselves above others and to gratuiously provide for the poor and needy.  It is with these conditions that Zion would flourish or that the saints may begin to live a life of a celestial order.

 

Thursday, May 16, 2013

D&C 81

As the Prophet received several revelations at the Johnson home concerning several individuals and their particular callings, the Lord provides some great insite in our own personal callings.  First to Jared Carter, the Lord teaches -

"...in the power of the ordination wherewith he has been ordained, proclaiming glad tidings of great joy, even the everlasting gospel.
2 And I will send upon him the Comforter, which shall teach him the truth and the way whither he shall go..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 79:1 - 2)

In our ordination or setting apart, it is clear that we are provided power in our callings.  And with this power, the gift of the Holy Ghost to teach us truth and how we should perform our particular callings.    And in some cases, as with Stephen Burnett -

"...it mattereth not, for ye cannot go amiss.

4 Therefore, declare the things which ye have heard, and verily believe, and know to be true." (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 80:3 - 4)

Which suggests to me that even if we are not necessarily sure the direction we should go (for sometimes it does not matter), we are still obligated to testify that which we know to be true.  And when called to be a counselor to a priesthood or auxiliary leader, we are blessed -

"...inasmuch as thou art faithful in counsel, in the office which I have appointed unto you, in prayer always, vocally and in thy heart, in public and in private, also in thy ministry in proclaiming the gospel in the land of the living, and among thy brethren.
4 And in doing these things thou wilt do the greatest good unto thy fellow beings, and wilt promote the glory of him who is your Lord."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 81:3 - 4)

In such calling, the Lord details our obligation associated with in counseling leaders.  But to all is given this great charge -

"Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 81:5)

This is the work for those called to the work.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

D&C 78

In this revelation, the Lord again returns to the importance of being able to live  the law of consecration teaching regarding the law  which He has previously given -

"...which ye have espoused, to the salvation of man, and to the glory of your Father who is in heaven;
5 That you may be equal in the bonds of heavenly things, yea, and earthly things also, for the obtaining of heavenly things.
6 For if ye are not equal in earthly things ye cannot be equal in obtaining heavenly things..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 78:4 - 6)

As I have blogged previously, the Lord's definition of equality is not that of mans, defining it where -

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

I see equality in the Lord's mind as equal in opportunities with a focus on caring for the poor and the needy.  This law is critical for -

"...if you will that I give unto you a place in the celestial world, you must prepare yourselves by doing the things which I have commanded you and required of you."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 78:7)

Reasoning -

"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)

It is of celestial law and glory the Lord tries to help us understand that -

"...ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you;
18 And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 78:17 - 18)

Then adding -

"...he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 78:19)

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

D&C 77


As the Prophet Joseph Smith continued to provide answers to questions concerning the revelations fo John, he was asked -

"Q. What are we to understand by the little book which was eaten by John, as mentioned in the 10th chapter of Revelation?..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 77:14)

Whereby the Prophet explained -

"...A. We are to understand that it was a mission, and an ordinance, for him to gather the tribes of Israel; behold, this is Elias, who, as it is written, must come and restore all things."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 77:14)

Obviously, this little book was in refernce to John and his mission.  This reminded me of my blog on the Book of Revelation where I commented -

"...I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals." (New Testament | Revelation 5:1)

...suggesting that this book contained the events of the seven thousand years or in other words, the plan of salvation, John also records -

"...I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:
2 And he had in his hand a little book open..." (New Testament | Revelation 10:1 - 2)

And the angel instructed John -

"...Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.
9 And I went unto the angel, and said unto him, Give me the little book. And he said unto me, Take it, and eat it up; and it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey." (New Testament | Revelation 10:8 - 9)

Being the book with the seven seals was the plan of salvation of all men, I sensed this small book was a specific plan or calling particularly for John. I could almost compare this to a patriarchal blessing. At this time, John must have been in his nineties. A very aged man. We learn a little bit more of what must have been in the book as the Lord talks to three faithful disciples of the Nephites -

"...I know your thoughts, and ye have desired the thing which John, my beloved, who was with me in my ministry, before that I was lifted up by the Jews, desired of me.
7 Therefore, more blessed are ye, for ye shall never taste of death; but ye shall live to behold all the doings of the Father unto the children of men, even until all things shall be fulfilled according to the will of the Father, when I shall come in my glory with the powers of heaven.
8 And ye shall never endure the pains of death; but when I shall come in my glory ye shall be changed in the twinkling of an eye from mortality to immortality; and then shall ye be blessed in the kingdom of my Father.
9 And again, ye shall not have pain while ye shall dwell in the flesh, neither sorrow save it be for the sins of the world; and all this will I do because of the thing which ye have desired of me, for ye have desired that ye might bring the souls of men unto me, while the world shall stand." (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 28:6 - 9)

Thus not only would his work be sweet, but also the bitterness in the belly that John would experience then would be the sorrow for the sins of the world.

Monday, May 13, 2013

D&C 77

As the Prophet Joseph Smith (by revelation) provided answers to several questions regarding the revelation of John, one of the questions asked was -

"Q. What is the sea of glass spoken of by John, 4th chapter, and 6th verse of the Revelation?"  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 77:1)

It was answered -

"A. It is the earth, in its sanctified, immortal, and eternal state."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 77:1)

In a later revelation we learn that -

"This earth, in its sanctified and immortal state, will be made like unto crystal and will be a Urim and Thummim to the inhabitants who dwell thereon, whereby all things pertaining to an inferior kingdom, or all kingdoms of a lower order, will be manifest to those who dwell on it; and this earth will be Christ's."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 130:9)

As I pondered a "sea of glass" and "like a crystal", I couldn't help but wonder how past generations might describe our use today of digital tablets.  What may have seemed strange to many as they read the Revelations of John, I thought that our ancient ancestors may have suggested that we looked at a plate of glass or a flat crystal and that we could learn great things and knowledge pertaining to many matters.

Obviously, I am not saying the earth will become a great "tablet", but I will say we begin to understand that such things are possible knowing and understanding all things.

Friday, May 03, 2013

D&C 76

Upon the conclusion of this great vision, the Prophet Joseph Smith makes an interesting point -

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

In other words, in my mind, this is what the Lord allowed the saints to receive.  But then the Prophet also testified -

"But great and marvelous are the works of the Lord, and the mysteries of his kingdom which he showed unto us, which surpass all understanding in glory, and in might, and in dominion;
115 Which he commanded us we should not write while we were yet in the Spirit, and are not lawful for man to utter..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:114 - 115)

Obviously there is much more that could be revealed.  But it seems that the rest would only come by individual revelation by those that are worthy for -

"Neither is man capable to make them known, for they are only to be seen and understood by the power of the Holy Spirit, which God bestows on those who love him, and purify themselves before him;
117 To whom he grants this privilege of seeing and knowing for themselves;
118 That through the power and manifestation of the Spirit, while in the flesh, they may be able to bear his presence in the world of glory."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:116 - 118)

These closing remarks reflect where it began that -

"...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..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:7 - 9)

Thursday, May 02, 2013

D&C 76

It is in this vision, that we learn of those that will inherit telestial glory -

"...which glory is that of the lesser, even as the glory of the stars differs from that of the glory of the moon in the firmament."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:81)

But even though this glory is the least glory that seems to vary as the stars vary in glory, the Prophet Joseph Smith testified -

"....we saw, in the heavenly vision, the glory of the telestial, which surpasses all understanding..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:89)

As I have blogged concerning the qualifications, conditions, and limitations of those that will obtain celestial and terrestial glory, we now learn the qualifications, conditions, and limitations of those that will obtain telestial glory -

"These are they who received not the gospel of Christ, neither the testimony of Jesus."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:82)

In my mind, these are they who would not keep the commandments or receive the ordinances of the gospel.  Even though it is written that every knee will bow and confess that Jesus is the Christ, these individuals will not receive the testimony of Jesus because they will never be worthy enough to receive a witness by the Holy Ghost.  They may have at one time received a testimony but would lose that testimony having failed to repent and experience the atonement of Jesus Christ for they -

"...received not the gospel, neither the testimony of Jesus, neither the prophets, neither the everlasting covenant."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:101)

Thus -

"These are they who are thrust down to hell."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:84)

Being in hell means that they will be in hell in the world of spirits with the devil and his followeres.  Having never repented, they will reap the demands of justcie and wills suffer (D&C 19) for all their sins before they are resurrected and enter telestial glory as evidenced by -

"These are they who shall not be redeemed from the devil until the last resurrection, until the Lord, even Christ the Lamb, shall have finished his work."  Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:85)

Who are these individuals -

"These are they who are liars, and sorcerers, and adulterers, and whoremongers, and whosoever loves and makes a lie."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:103)

And even though they will receive glory, there will always be the nagging thought of what could have been for -

"These are they who suffer the vengeance of eternal fire."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:105)

I would rather posses the glory of that compared to the sun over that of the moon or the stars.

Wednesday, May 01, 2013

D&C 76

In this vision, the Lord describes the people and conditions that qualify and limit those that will obtain Terrestial Glory or how it compares to the glory of Celestial glory where  -

"...that of the moon differs from the sun in the firmament."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:71)

First, it appears the Lord describes a group of people that may qualify or be limited to this glory, teaching -

"...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."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:72 - 74)

Thus, one group of people could be those who died without learning the laws and ordinances of the gospel while on earth, but later received the testimony of Jesus Christ in the world of spirits.  Receiving the testimony of Jesus Christ suggests the they come to know or receive a witness that Jesus is the Christ but does not necessarily suggest that there is acceptance, repentance, and obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I would also add that many of these may be those that chose to not seek or learn about His law which means they would end up without His law.

The Lord then describes another group of people that may qualify or be limited to this glory -

These are they who are honorable men of the earth, who were blinded by the craftiness of men."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:75)

The reference of this group is particularly related to life as a mortal.  Blindness by the craftiness of men would be in my mind, those that may have been mislead by the craftiness of priestcraft (2 Nephi 26:29).  It is then that the Lord combines or summarizes all these people and their individual circumstances whether in this life or in the world of spirit where -

"These are they who are not valiant in the testimony of Jesus..."  (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 76:79)

This makes it clear of those that will obtain or be limited to terrestial glory.  It is those that receive the testimony of Jesus in this life or the next, those that are honorable men suggesting living good and moral lives but never are willing to be valiant in the testimony of Jesus meaning that there is really no willingness for conversion, continual repentance, receiving the saving ordinances of the gospel and enduring to the end by striving to keep the commandments of the Lord.