Elder Gerrit W. Gong - Room in the Inn

Using the parable of the Good Samaritan, Elder Gong related the Inn to the Church saying - 

"In this Easter season, Jesus Christ invites us to become, like Him, a good Samaritan, to make His Inn (His Church) a refuge for all from life’s bruises and storms.⁷ We prepare for His promised Second Coming as each day we do unto “the least of these”⁸ as we would unto Him. “The least of these” is each of us."

In one of five comparisons, Elder Gong describes the Inn - 

"As our hearts change and we receive His image in our countenance,⁹ we see Him and ourselves in His Church. In Him, we find clarity, not dissonance. In Him, we find cause to do good, reason to be good, and increasing capacity to become better. In Him, we discover abiding faith, liberating selflessness, caring change, and trust in God. In His Inn, we find and deepen our personal relationship with God, our Father, and Jesus Christ."

We are healed while we reside in the Inn

D&C 76

The Prophet Joseph testified - 

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

But even so,

"...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 76:85)

"These are they who suffer the vengeance of eternal fire.

106 These are they who are cast down to hell and suffer the wrath of Almighty God, until the fulness of times, when Christ shall have subdued all enemies under his feet, and shall have perfected his work..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 76:105–106)

And in my mind, if they will never repent, they will continue to suffer for their sins.

D&C 76

 In studying the conditions to qualify for the terrestrial kingdom, in my opinion, they are "and" and not "or" as the Lord reveals - 

 "Behold, these are they who died without law;

73 And also they who are the spirits of men kept in prison, whom the Son visited, and preached the gospel unto them, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh;

74 Who received not the testimony of Jesus in the flesh, but afterwards received it.

75 These are they who are honorable men of the earth, who were blinded by the craftiness of men."   (Doctrine and Covenants 76:72–75)

and - 

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

"Not valiant" would include members of the Church.  I consider it to mean "not striving".

D&C 76

 In one of the greatest modern day revelations, the Lord explains the conditions to enter Celestial glory or exaltation - 

"They are they who received the testimony of Jesus, and believed on his name and were baptized after the manner of his burial, being buried in the water in his name, and this according to the commandment which he has given—

52 That by keeping the commandments they might be washed and cleansed from all their sins, and receive the Holy Spirit by the laying on of the hands of him who is ordained and sealed unto this power;

53 And who overcome by faith, and are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, which the Father sheds forth upon all those who are just and true."  (Doctrine and Covenants 76:51–53)

They are they that are not perfect for -

"...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 76:69)

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.)

D&C 76

 In vision the Prophet Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon testified - 

"...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.

27 And we beheld, and lo, he is fallen! is fallen, even a son of the morning!"  (Doctrine and Covenants 76:25–27)

In commentary in the Millennial Star -

"By the way, the name “Lucifer” (verse 26) means “light bearer” or “light bringer” (common dictionary definitions). Continuing, we must be careful to read the last phrase of verse 26, above, exactly as it is. Some people inadvertently read it as “the son of the morning” rather than “a son of the morning.” The difference is important. If it were “the son of the morning,” it would imply that Lucifer was one of the highest in authority. Whereas “a son of the morning” implies that he was one of many who held authority and wielded influence in our premortal life. 

President George Q. Cannon, of the First Presidency, explained this. He said: “Some have called him the son of the morning, but here it is a son of the morning—one among many, doubtless. This angel was a mighty personage, without doubt. The record that is given to us concerning him clearly shows that he occupied a very high position; that he was thought a great deal of, and that he was mighty in his sphere, so much so that when the matter was debated concerning the earth and the Plan of Salvation, he was of sufficient importance to have a plan, which he proposed as the plan by which this earth should be peopled and the inhabitants thereof redeemed. His plan, however, was not accepted; but it was so plausible and so attractive that out of the whole hosts of heaven one-third accepted his plan and were willing to cast their lot with him. [Moses 4:1–4; D&C 29:36–37]. Now, the difference between Jesus and Lucifer was this: Jesus was willing to submit to the Father.” (In Millennial Star, September 5, 1895, pages 563–64.)

For me, this portion on sons of perdition in this vision is quite disturbing.

Elder Gary E. Stevenson - Hearts Knit Together

 Elder Stevenson taught - 

"We have a primary responsibility to set a tone and be role models of kindness, inclusion, and civility—to teach Christlike behavior to the rising generation in what we say and how we act. It is especially important as we observe a marked societal shift toward division in politics, social class, and nearly every other man-made distinction."

Though I am not a racists, I need to do better in this matter.

D&C 76

 As the Prophet Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon beheld the Savior, they testify - 

"That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God."  (Doctrine and Covenants 76:24)

Though other scripture suggest that we become the sons and daughters of the Savior, this revelation also suggests that He is the one that brings the exalted "unto" God the Father.

D&C 76

 As the Prophet Joseph Smith was studying and translating the Bible, he comments - 

"Now this caused us to marvel, for it was given unto us of the Spirit.

19 And while we meditated upon these things, the Lord touched the eyes of our understandings and they were opened, and the glory of the Lord shone round about."  (Doctrine and Covenants 76:18–19)

I believe the same experience can be had as we study the scriptures.

D&C 75

For those that were being called to serve missions, the Lord instructed - 

"...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."  (Doctrine and Covenants 75:23–24)

In succeeding verses, it becomes clear that the Church includes members.

A thought came to me this morning that this obligation of ministering brothers and sisters includes those that have been called to the other side of the veil.

Elder Uctdorf - God among Us

Because I am so far ahead in studying the Doctrine and Covenants under the "Come Follow Me" program, I have decided to study recent General Conference talks on Friday.

Elder Uctdorf commented - 

"Because of Jesus Christ, our failures do not have to define us. They can refine us.

Like a musician rehearsing scales, we can see our missteps, flaws, and sins as opportunities for greater self-awareness, deeper and more honest love for others, and refinement through repentance.

If we repent, mistakes do not disqualify us. They are part of our progress.

We are all infants compared to the beings of glory and grandeur we are designed to become. No mortal being advances from crawling to walking to running without frequent stumbles, bumps, and bruises. That is how we learn.

If we earnestly keep practicing, always striving to keep God’s commandments, and committing our efforts to repenting, enduring, and applying what we learn, line upon line, we will gather light into our souls.¹⁰ And though we may not fully comprehend our full potential now, “we know that, when [the Savior] shall appear,” we will see His countenance in us and “shall see him as he is.”

Which suggests that by Him, we can be purified.  (See 3 Nephi 19:25)

D&C 74

 Concerning the words of Paul, the Lord revealed - 

"Wherefore, 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..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 74:5)

In other words - 

"...there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ..."  (Helaman 5:9)

...for those that are accountable.

D&C 73

In what seems to be a hint of things to shortly come to pass, the Lord states - 

"Now I give no more unto you at this time..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 73:6)

There is no question in my mind that the Lord knew as soon as the Prophet Joseph Smith would again begin to translate the Bible, more questions would arise including in a very short time the question - 

"It appeared self-evident from what truths were left, that if God rewarded every one according to the deeds done in the body the term ‘Heaven,’ as intended for the Saints’ eternal home, must include more kingdoms than one."  (Doctrine and Covenants 76, Heading)

Thus leading to the so called "The Vision".

D&C 72

 As the Lord provides instruction and duties of bishops, He includes - 

"...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 72:3–4)

Any wonder the bishop oversees tithing settlement and participates in temple recommends.

D&C 71

In a revelation given to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon, the Lord instructs - 

"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 71:7–10)

I noticed the Lord did not say "debate", but confound.  Much like Paul on Mars Hill, he taught and testified.  In this manner, I thought Paul confounded his listeners.

D&C 70

 In this revelation, we again see the Lord's explanation of the law of consecration for - 

"...inasmuch as they receive more than is needful for their necessities and their wants, it shall be given into my storehouse..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 70:7)

Obviously, this celestial law of consecration is mostly about attitude...not the world's.  The Lord defined equality as - 

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

D&C 69

 The Lord instructed early that Church history was important in that - 

"...obtaining all things which shall be for the good of the church, and for the rising generations that shall grow up on the land of Zion..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 69:8)

D&C 68

The Lord is clear concerning those that are capable of work but choose welfare declaring - 

"...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.

31 Now, 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."  (Doctrine and Covenants 68:30–31)

D&C 68

 As the Lord was instructing several missionaries, He instructs their work to include - 

reasoning with and expounding all scriptures unto them.

2 And, behold, and lo, 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.

4 And 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."  (Doctrine and Covenants 68:1–4)

I interpret this a little different than some.  When the Lord instructs the missionaries that "they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture" suggests to me that they shall teach using the scriptures.

D&C 67

 As some pious brethren thought that they could write a revelation as well as Joseph Smith, the Lord challenges them - 

"Now, seek ye out of the Book of Commandments, even the least that is among them, and appoint him that is the most wise among you;

7 Or, if there be any among you that shall make one like unto it, then ye are justified in saying that ye do not know that they are true;

8 But if ye cannot make one like unto it, ye are under condemnation if ye do not bear record that they are true.

9 For ye know that there is no unrighteousness in them, and that which is righteous cometh down from above, from the Father of lights."  (Doctrine and Covenants 67:6–9)

We come to realize that it these revelations are not just the words, but come with the Spirit of the Holy Ghost for the Lord adds - 

"...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.

11 For no man has seen God at any time in the flesh, except quickened by the Spirit of God."  (Doctrine and Covenants 67:10–11)

The testimony of the word of Christ cometh from the Holy Ghost.

D&C 66

 Some of the word of the Lord to William E. McLellin has great application to all of us - 

"...Blessed are you, inasmuch as you have turned away from your iniquities, and have received my truths, saith the Lord your Redeemer, the Savior of the world, even of as many as believe on my name.

2 Verily I say unto you, blessed are you for receiving mine everlasting covenant, even the fulness of my gospel, sent forth unto the children of men, that they might have life and be made partakers of the glories which are to be revealed in the last days, as it was written by the prophets and apostles in days of old.

3 Verily I say unto you, my servant William, that you are clean, but not all; repent, therefore, of those things which are not pleasing in my sight, saith the Lord, for the Lord will show them unto you."  (Doctrine and Covenants 66:1–3)

D&C 65

 In my mind, the Lord clarifies the condition that must be satisfied for His second coming, saying - 

"Wherefore, may the kingdom of God go forth, that the kingdom of heaven may come, that thou, O God, mayest be glorified in heaven so on earth, that thine enemies may be subdued..."  (Doctrine and Covenants 65:6)

His second coming will take place dependent upon how the kingdom of God goes forth.  Not upon the wickedness of the world.   Elder James E. Talmage taught - 

"We are praying for the Kingdom of Heaven to come, and are endeavoring to prepare the earth for its coming. The Kingdom of God, already set up upon the earth, does not aspire to temporal domination among the nations. It seeks not to overthrow any existing forms of government; it does not profess to exercise control in matters that pertain to the governments of the earth, except by teaching correct principles and trying to get men to live according to the principles of true government, before the Kingdom of Heaven shall come and be established upon the earth with a King at the head. But when He comes, He shall rule and reign, for it is His right.” (In Conference Report, April 1916, pages 128-29.)