D&C Section Eighteen

By this time, the Melchizedek Priesthood has been restored. It is nearly 6 years before the twelve apostles will be called, but in this revelation to Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer, the Lord reveals that they will have the privilege of choosing the men who will be the first twelve apostles. It's interesting that Martin isn't named at this time, perhaps because he still isn't where he should be spiritually. But when the time comes, he will join Oliver and David in doing this. The twelve, we learn in this section, are to be special witnesses to the name of Christ. It seems apropos that twelve special witnesses of Christ will chosen by three special witnesses of the Book of Mormon, the instrument by which the twelve will bear witness of Christ, his atonement and work in the last days. The Lord wants us to conform our lives to a higher standard. We do this by repenting and taking upon ourselves his name, the same name that the twelve apostles are to bear witness of.

A thoughtful reading of sections 18 and 19 will bring a spiritual witness that these are revelations from God and not just some inspiring words written by a man. They are steeped in doctrine, too profound. and too well organized for a 23 year old young man to come up with on his own. And you don't have to hear a voice saying these words are true to know. If you read them and allow yourself to feel the Spirit, you will know these are the words of the Lord and it is he that has spoken them. Spiritually reading his words is akin to hearing his voice. He says, "These words are not of men nor man, but of me... For it is my voice which speaketh them unto you... Wherefore, you can testify that you have heard my voice, and know my words." This is true of all scripture.

The worth of anything is dependent upon how much one is willing to give up for it. In this section, the Lord says "the worth of souls is great in the sight of God." In the next verse, the Lord says why a soul is worth so much to him. Heavenly Father was willing to see the sacrifice of his Son, and the Savior was willing to give up his life and suffer for all sin for worth of each soul. This is what the church is about and this is where the emphasis should always be. It shouldn't be about programs, or policies, or traditions or the personalities and faults of people. The church will always have programs and traditions out of necessity. And because the Lord allows his church to be directed by mortals, there will always be people, programs and traditions that fall short. But the message is the Savior, and through him the opportunity to repent, receive the ordinances, and gain light and truth through the gospel. It's important we don't get hung up on one and lose sight of the other.