D&C 21

 As the Church was being organized, the Prophet Joseph Smith received this revelation - 

"Behold, there shall be a record kept among you; and in it thou shalt be called a seer, a translator, a prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church through the will of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ,

2 Being inspired of the Holy Ghost to lay the foundation thereof, and to build it up unto the most holy faith."  (Doctrine and Covenants 21:1–2)

Being called as an elder, we are taught - 

"The name of an office in the Melchizedek Priesthood, elder is also the general title used to address one who bears this priesthood. Elder Bruce R. McConkie added that an elder is a representative of the Lord: 

“What is an elder? An elder is a minister of the Lord Jesus Christ. He holds the holy Melchizedek Priesthood. He is commissioned to stand in the place and stead of his Master—who is the Chief Elder—in ministering to his fellowmen. He is the Lord’s agent. His appointment is to preach the gospel and perfect the Saints.” (“Only an Elder,” Ensign, June 1975, p. 66.) (End of quote from the Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual, 1981 edition, p. 44.)

D&C 20

 As Melchizedek priesthood leaders, we - 

"...are to conduct the meetings as they are led by the Holy Ghost, according to the commandments and revelations of God."  (Doctrine and Covenants 20:45)

I specifically note three conditions, 1) as led by the Holy Ghost, 2) according to the commandments, 3) and according to the revelations of God.  In my mind, all three have to be satisfied.

D&C 20

The Prophet Joseph Smith and the Church was instructed with this doctrine -

"...we know that there is a God in heaven, who is infinite and eternal, from everlasting to everlasting the same unchangeable God, the framer of heaven and earth, and all things which are in them;

18 And that he created man, male and female, after his own image and in his own likeness, created he them;

19 And gave unto them commandments that they should love and serve him, the only living and true God, and that he should be the only being whom they should worship."  (Doctrine and Covenants 20:17–19)

Worship means "the feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity."  This definition would seem to justify also worshipping the Savior.  But much of scripture suggests -  

"...believe in Christ, and worship the Father in his name..." (2 Nephi 25:16)

D&C 20

 As the Church was being organized, we learn that - 

"...Joseph Smith, Jun., who was called of God, and ordained an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the first elder of this church;

3 And to Oliver Cowdery, who was also called of God, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the second elder of this church, and ordained under his hand..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 20:2–3)

And that - 

"The duty of the elders, priests, teachers, deacons, and members of the church of Christ—An apostle is an elder, and it is his calling to baptize;

39 And to ordain other elders, priests, teachers, and deacons..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 20:38–39)

The title elder is the word used in reference to the higher priesthood.  It seems apparent to me that the use of "elder" in this section is in reference to one that holds the Melchizedek priesthood.  What seems interesting to me is the reference to order being that the Prophet is the first elder in the Church.

D&C 19

As He spoke of his suffering in Gethsemane, he warned all of us that - 

"...if they would not repent they must suffer even as I..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 19:17)

I believe He was suggesting that the unrepentant would suffer in the same manner.

 

D&C 19

 After teaching that - 

"...it is not written that there shall be no end to this torment, but it is written endless torment."  (Doctrine and Covenants 19:6)

The Lord teaches - 

"...it is written eternal damnation; wherefore it is more express than other scriptures, that it might work upon the hearts of the children of men..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 19:7)

Eternal damnation is that which will be had if eternal life is not obtained.  Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained - 

“Eternal damnation is the opposite of eternal life, and all those who do not gain eternal life, or exaltation in the highest heaven within the celestial kingdom, are partakers of eternal damnation. Their eternal condemnation is to have limitations imposed upon them so that they cannot progress to the state of godhood and gain a fulness of all things. 

“They ‘remain separately and singly, without exaltation,…to all eternity; and from henceforth are not gods, but are angels of God forever and ever.’ (D&C 132:17.) Their kingdom or progress has an ‘end,’ and they ‘cannot have an increase.’ (D&C 131:4.) Spirit children are denied to them to all eternity, and they inherit ‘the deaths,’ meaning an absence of posterity in the resurrection. (D&C 132:16–25.) 

“They are never redeemed from their spiritual fall and taken back into the full presence and glory of God. Only the obedient are ‘raised in immortality unto eternal life.’ The disobedient, ‘they that believe not,’ are raised in immortality ‘unto eternal damnation; for they cannot be redeemed from their spiritual fall, because they repent not.’ (D&C 29:42–44.)” (Mormon Doctrine, p. 234.)

D&C 19

The Lord tells Martin Harris - 

"Therefore I command you to repent—repent, lest I smite you by the rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore—how sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, how hard to bear you know not."  (Doctrine and Covenants 19:15)

These seems to suggest to me why it is so important to "fear the Lord".

D&C 18

 The Lord said to Oliver Cowdery - 

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

Obvious to me, building up His Church, is - 

"...it must needs be that the children of men are stirred up unto repentance, both the Gentiles and also the house of Israel."  (Doctrine and Covenants 18:6)

"Wherefore, you are called to cry repentance unto this people.

15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!"  (Doctrine and Covenants 18:14–15)

D&C 17

 The Lord states his purpose in revealing to three witnesses all concerning the testimony of Joseph Smith and testifying of such, that - 

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

Adding - 

"...if you do these last commandments of mine, which I have given you, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; for my grace is sufficient for you, and you shall be lifted up at the last day."  (Doctrine and Covenants 17:8)

D&C 16

 The said to Peter Whitmer Jr. - 

"...I speak unto you with sharpness and with power..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 16:2)

To me, sharpness suggests that it cuts to the heart.  And power suggests strong energy.

D&C 15

 With much of the recounts of Joseph Smith's experiences, obviously, John Whitmer was kind of wondering what was in it for himself, to which the Lord told him - 

"...many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you.

5 Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my words which I have given you according to my commandments.

6 And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father."  (Doctrine and Covenants 15:4–6)

It always seems that those things that are of greatest worth is related to our relationship with others.

D&C 14

 Sometimes, individuals try to take authority unto themselves.  David Whitmer was warned - 

"...behold, thou art David, and thou art called to assist; which thing if ye do, and are faithful, ye shall be blessed both spiritually and temporally, and great shall be your reward."  (Doctrine and Covenants 14:11)

Eventually, not being willing to just assist may have been the fall of David Whitmer.

D&C 13

 John, the Baptist instructs - 

"...the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 13:1)

He specifically notes three keys or right to direct this work.

D&C 12

 The Lord revealed to Joseph Knight Sr. - 

"Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you.

6 Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of Zion."  (Doctrine and Covenants 12:5–6)

Obviously, he received this instruction because he asked.

D&C 11

 The Lord counseled Hyrum Smith - 

"Wait a little longer, until you shall have my word, my rock, my church, and my gospel, that you may know of a surety my doctrine."  (Doctrine and Covenants 11:16)

The necessity of teaching true doctrine becomes every more critical.  Elder Packer always taught - 

“True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and

behavior."

 “The study of the doctrines of the gospel will

improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior

will improve behavior. … That is why we stress so

forcefully the study of the doctrines of the gospel”

Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

(“Little Children,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 17).

D&C 10

 The Savior explained concerning the wicked - 

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, that Satan has great hold upon their hearts; he stirreth them up to iniquity against that which is good;

21 And their hearts are corrupt, and full of wickedness and abominations; and they love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil; therefore they will not ask of me.

22 Satan stirreth them up, that he may lead their souls to destruction.

23 And thus he has laid a cunning plan, thinking to destroy the work of God; but I will require this at their hands, and it shall turn to their shame and condemnation in the day of judgment.

24 Yea, he stirreth up their hearts to anger against this work.

25 Yea, he saith unto them: Deceive and lie in wait to catch, that ye may destroy; behold, this is no harm. And thus he flattereth them, and telleth them that it is no sin to lie that they may catch a man in a lie, that they may destroy him.

26 And thus he flattereth them, and leadeth them along until he draggeth their souls down to hell; and thus he causeth them to catch themselves in their own snare.

27 And thus he goeth up and down, to and fro in the earth, seeking to destroy the souls of men."  (Doctrine and Covenants 10:20–27)

In my mind, this is obvious every day.

D&C 9

Though Oliver Cowdery was promised the ability to translate, he is lovingly taught how this works - 

"Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.

8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.

9 But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me."  (Doctrine and Covenants 9:7–9)

In my mind, though one could relate this to all types of revelation, the Lord specifically speaks of translation and scriptures saying "you cannot write that which is sacred".

D&C 8

 As the Lord teaches Oliver Cowdery the manner of receiving revelation, He counsels - 

"Remember that without faith you can do nothing; therefore ask in faith. Trifle not with these things; do not ask for that which you ought not." (Doctrine and Covenants 8:10)

I have to admit that asking for that which I shouldn't applies directly to me.

D&C 7

 Even though Peter's "righteous" desire was different than John's, I find the Lord's words to be interesting saying to Peter - 

"...I will make thee to minister for him and for thy brother James; and unto you three I will give this power and the keys of this ministry until I come."  (Doctrine and Covenants 7:7)

This "First Presidency" or quorum still had work to do.

D&C 6

 The Lord counseled Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery - 

"Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therefore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward."  (Doctrine and Covenants 6:33)

Obviously, ministering and doing good is a condition of eternal reward.

D&C 5

 Having had already lost the 116 first translated sheets, Martin Harris listens as the Lord speaks directly to Joseph Smith - 

"...you, my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., have got the plates of which you have testified and borne record that you have received of me;

2 And now, behold, this shall you say unto him—he who spake unto you, said unto you: I, the Lord, am God, and have given these things unto you, my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and have commanded you that you should stand as a witness of these things;

3 And I have caused you that you should enter into a covenant with me, that you should not show them except to those persons to whom I commanded you; and you have no power over them except I grant it unto you.

4 And you have a gift to translate the plates; and this is the first gift that I bestowed upon you; and I have commanded that you should pretend to no other gift until my purpose is fulfilled in this; for I will grant unto you no other gift until it is finished.

5 Verily, I say unto you, that woe shall come unto the inhabitants of the earth if they will not hearken unto my words..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 5:1–5)

It is clear what the Lord expected of the Prophet.  He expected him to be obedient in all things.

D&C 4

 The Lord told Joseph Smith, Sr. - 

 "...if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 4:3)

I specifically note at this time, the Church was not organized and the priesthood restored.  Obviously, the Lord was suggesting sharing the restored gospel message to the world.