D&C Section Twenty-one

This is a revelation given at the organization of the church. The process begins where we sustain the president of the church as a prophet, seer and revelator. A seer is someone who has the ability to see the past, present and future. This is sometimes done without anything, sometimes with a seer stone, and sometimes with the Urim and Thummin. The prophet today possesses the seer stone, but evidently does not use it that we know of. The difference in the sustaining here is that along with being sustained as a prophet, seer, and revelator, Joseph is also sustained as a translator. The members who would be baptized and confirmed would need to sustain Joseph as a translator also because the Book of Mormon is the key to the restoration of the gospel and church. If the Book of Mormon isn't true and hasn't been translated by the power of God, then the church isn't true. To me, there are three pillars upon which the church stands or falls. One is the first vision, second is the Book of Mormon, and third is the restoration of Priesthood keys and authority. The first one affirms that God does call prophets as he did in the scriptures, that he reveals himself to man so he can know his attributes. The second one affirms that God reveals truth to man so that he can know what the difference is between truth and the erroneous philosophies and theories of man, and the third gives men authority to do the Lord's work in his name. If you take away these three things, our church is no different than any other church on the earth.

In this revelation, the members are counseled by the Lord to give heed to all the words and commandments that the Lord gives to the prophet. The Lord tells them, "For his word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth... " This is similar to the counsel the Lord gives in the Old and New Testaments and the Book of Mormon. In Exodus, the Lord tells Moses that Aaron would be his spokesman and to the people; Aaron's mouth would be considered the same as Moses' mouth. Then the Lord says this, "and thou [Moses] shalt be to him instead of God." Meaning, Moses is a prophet who speaks for God. One of the evidences that these men are prophets is the way they boldly go forward. They are always persecuted for the words they speak, often killed. There boldness is like Peter's and John's when they were arrested and brought before the council. The Sadducees told them they could no longer speak or teach the people. Peter and John answered, "Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than than unto God, judge ye."

D&C Section Twenty

This section tells the specific day of the organization of the church, April 6th. I look at it as an inspired document as it does not contain words that are directly from the Savior. It was given to Joseph and Oliver not by direct revelation, but "by the spirit of prophecy and revelation." There is a difference if you think about it.

In the beginning of the section, a brief history of the events that have taken place up to this time is given. I especially like the testimony that is given of the Book of Mormon. Saying it was written by inspiration, confirmed to people in our time by the ministering of angels, and those angels declare its truth to the world. The Book of Mormon, it says in verse 11, proves that the Holy Scriptures are true, that God calls and inspires prophets in our day just as he did in times past. This shows that God is the same today as he always has been. The coming forth of the church and the Book of Mormon are evidence that there truly is a God in heaven, that we are created by him and in his likeness.

This section also talks about the importance of justification and sanctification. Being justified means being worthy to enter God's presence. This happens as a result of the atonement. Being sanctified is the process by which we are purified by the Holy Ghost. We must be sanctified in order to be justified. Another reason why leading a repentant life is so important.

In this section, there are specific instructions for the priesthood leaders and for the members and through these instructions, we can see the organization of the church begin to take place. Not everything is given at the beginning. It's organization will continue to develop as the membership grows and the church is ready for the next step. Just like gospel knowledge, the Lord reveals a little at a time, "here a little, there a little" as he says in the Bible. For instance, the duties of elders (including apostles), priests, teachers and deacons are given. And although they learn there will be high priests and what will referred to as the high priesthood, these duties are not yet given. It will a while before the first presidency is organized, before bishops and stake presidents are appointed, and before temple ordinances are given.

All of the instructions for leaders and members in this section are related to the making and keeping of covenants. Three prayers related to covenants are given that have set words in the church, the two sacrament prayers and the prayer said at the time of baptism. Also talked about is the manner in which babies should be blessed, but this is less specific. One important verse that is undoubtedly overlooked by break-off groups, or those who leave the church to start their own "correct" version of the church, is verse 65. A person cannot assume to be a prophet of the Lord's church, without it being made known to the church and voted on by the church members. I'm going to save comments on this for when we get to Section 26.

One important thing to note in this section that will have importance later on, Joseph is called the first elder of the church and Oliver Cowdery the second elder. Meaning, Joseph presides and has preeminence over the priesthood, and over Oliver. There will come a time when Oliver will over assume his importance in the church. He will threaten to leave the church saying it will collapse if he does. He did, but it didn't.

D&C Section Nineteen

Martin Harris came to Joseph and said he had to have a revelation, a commandment from the Lord. Joseph told him that he had enough commandment and didn't need more. Three times, just like with the Book of Mormon manuscript, Martin came to Joseph about this. This revelation was the result. You'll notice in verse 32 that the Lord tells Martin "This is a great and last commandment which I shall give unto you concerning this matter; for this shall suffice for thy daily walk, even unto the end of thy life."

If you had to pick a revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants that demonstrated, not only that the restored gospel is true, but also demonstrated that Joseph Smith was a prophet, this would certainly be one of the ones I would pick. There is so much revealed in this that sheds light on doctrine taught in the New Testament. Doctrine that for centuries and centuries has been confusing and unexplained.

The Christian churches of the world have taught through the centuries that those who believe in Christ will go to Heaven and those who do not will go to hell. Not only will they go to hell, they go there with the wicked for all eternity and never come out. In this revelation, the Lord reveals that eternal damnation, eternal punishment is a principle and a title. When a person suffers eternal punishment, they person suffers God's punishment, not punishment for eternity. The Lord says, "It is not written that there shall be no end to this torment." But endless torment or endless damnation is just another way of saying God's torment or God's damnation. This is probably an oversimplification, but a parent doesn't punish a child without an end to the punishment. Time out doesn't mean go sit in the corner forever. It that were the case, there would be no purpose to the punishment or the suffering.

The main emphasis of this revelation is repentance and the Lord uses the word repentance seven times in about seven verses. He commands Martin (and us) to repent. There are two ways to rid ourselves of sin, through the atonement or through our own suffering. The Lord tells Martin that if people don't repent, they have to suffer as the Lord suffered. He said this suffering was so great that it caused him, even God, to shrink from it. He says, "I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I." It's easy to see why the Lord, having paid so great a price, pleads with us to avoid paying the price again.

The New Testament is translated from two languages, Greek and Latin. The Greek word repent is translated from is metanoia. The Latin word repent is translated from is poenitere. Both words mean to change our minds, or change our spirits, our way of being. The result of repentance is the Lord will heal us. He told Enos that his sins were forgiven and he was made whole. Repentance enables us to be whole, to be who we really are, to feel and be complete. The Lord asks us in verse 23 to do three things in repenting, learn of him, listen to his words, and walk in obedience to the spiritual promptings he gives us. If we do this, he promises that we will have peace.

I have found that for some reason, people will not trust the atonement. Even after the Lord has forgiven them, they allow themselves to be racked with guilt. Guilt does not belong in the heart of a faithful church member, and church members have no right to cast or cause guilt to be felt. That is to assume the role of the Lord and I for one do not feel very capable of doing that.

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.

D&C Section 14,15, and 16

Joseph is living with the Whitmers now. The farm is just west of Lake Seneca which is one of the five Finger Lakes that run north and south through central New York. It is, for the most part, flat farm land that is green and lush. Joseph and Emma will reside there for some time until the Book of Mormon is printed. Not only is it a good location for being free from the persecution, but it's closer to Manchester and Joseph's family.

Of the three Whitmer brothers, John, and Peter each became one of the the eight witnesses who saw and handled the plates. David became one of three witnesses who saw the plates plus other sacred artifacts and heard the Lord bear witness to the truthfulness of the work. Having a testimony of the restored gospel, the three of them sought a revelation from Joseph as to what they should do to help. The three revelations are very similar, but also personal in a way known only to them. For instance, John had not said anything but wanted to know what would be of most worth to the Lord for him to do. The Lord told him that teaching the gospel and bringing and souls to the him is what would be of most worth. I feel the similarity of the revelations is because the Lord wants to teach the early members the same principles. This also keeps the playing field level so that those who might seek position would have no reason to.

John Whitmer stayed with the Saints through most of the Missouri persecutions. But during that time, he was charged with mishandling church funds. In defiance, he refused to hand over the financial records as well as the church history he had been keeping by assignment. As a result of his actions, he was excommunicated. When the Saints fled Missouri, John stayed and bought much of the land they had deserted in Far West for a very cheap price. He remained bitter about his excommunication, but also wrote in his history that he prayed he would be forgiven for his faults and sins as well as his private matter, and that he would some day find favor in the eyes of God and the Saints. He was the last survivor of the eight witnesses and whenever asked about this testimony of the Book of Mormon, he repeated again and again throughout his life with great emotion that "he knew as well as he knew he had an existence" that Joseph had translated the plates which he had seen and handled.

Peter Whitmer Jun. was a tailor and had made suits for General Alexander Doniphan who later would stand in defense of Joseph Smith saving his life, and for then lieutenant governor Boggs who offered Peter a room to live in at his house, and would later as governor sign the extermination order of all LDS. Peter died while the Saints were in Missouri and was buried next to his older brother Christian. Peter was known as someone who deeply cared for others, often caring and putting up those who were sick. Heber C. Kimball stayed with him for an extended time until he was well enough to move on.

D&C Section Thirteen

Only one verse but it's so important. The authority of the Aaronic Priesthood is restored to the earth for the first time in nearly 2,000 years. I have walked along the Susquehanna River in the vicinity of where this took place. It is sacred land. There, you can see the foundation of the Hale (Emma's family) home where Joseph and Emma first lived. Also there is the grave marker for Joseph and Emma's first son. The original marker was replaced a few years ago and is now in Salt Lake because it was beginning to deteriorate. An exact replica is at the site now. But you can feel that this is a special place. The Spirit is strong there.

Other than what we know, you have to wonder what else John the Baptist taught Joseph and Oliver before ordaining them to the Aaronic Priesthood. We know that John told them that the Aaronic Priesthood did not have the power for the laying of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost. But they would receive the Melchizedek Priesthood and authority to do that in the near future. He told them that he was acting under the authority of Peter, James and John and they would ordain them to this higher authority. And we know from their experience that baptism must be done by immersion. I think it's important to notice that this experience didn't just happen. It came after Joseph and Oliver had questions about baptism and the authority to baptize as it's demonstrated in the New Testament, and only after they had gone into the woods to seriously pray about it. Only when they put forth the effort did the angelic visitation occur. This would be the pattern for all of the revelations, visions, and visitations that Joseph would experience.

The first thing that John says in this revelation is that the Aaronic Priesthood holds the keys for the administering of angels. I once taught two brothers whose family lives in the large homes by Utah Valley University. Their father is a nationally known teacher of business and economics at BYU. They used to vacation often at a favorite spot in southern Utah. It was by a beautiful small lake that was fed by a water fall. They were usually all alone as they were this time. One day the boys were jumping off of the top of the falls into the lake. It was one of their favorite things to do, but when the 10 year old brother jumped and disappeared under the falls. The older brother jumped down after him and dove several times down to find him. When he couldn't, he swam to shore where the family was. As he was frantically telling them what happened, up out of the water and walked his 10 year old brother. When he asked the family who had pulled him out of the water, they said no one could have since they had all been on the shore. He then told them that just when he thought he was going to drown, he was reaching up trying to swim out of the undertow when a hand took his and pulled him up out of the undertow of the falls. No one else was in the water and they feel it was his guardian angel.

D&C Section Twelve

This revelation was given to Joseph Knight sen. who may well have been the first one to believe Joseph Smith after Joseph's family. And yet it would be four years before he would be baptized. He said he wanted to read the Book of Mormon and find out for himself. After another revelation in 1830 (Section 23) where the Lord admonished him to be baptized, he finally became a member of the church. He was well enough off to help Joseph in a variety of ways numerous times from 1826 on. By the time the Saints got to Nauvoo, Father Knight, as he was called by everyone, was very poor and suffering from bad health. The Saints thought so much of him they donated a house for him to live in. One day, Joseph saw Father Knight hobbling along and putting his arm around him gave him his cane saying Father Knight needed it more than he did. The cane has been passed down in the family to this day. In 1847, when the Saints left for the west, Father Knight made it as far as Mount Pisgah, Iowa where he died at the age of 74.

Section 12 is similar to all of the early revelations (those before the organization of the church) given to priesthood holders. It admonishes them to be prepared to help in the cause of Zion, to do missionary work with the promise that if they do it with their might, they will see much success. In this, the Lord tells Father Knight that "no one can assist in this work except he shall be humble and full of love, having faith, hope, charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be entrusted to his care." In a tribute written by Joseph Smith in Nauvoo, Joseph said that Father Knight possessed all of these characteristics.