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I have repeatedly encouraged people to do their own research. Everyone is responsible for their own gospel study. I simply share my thoughts and beliefs to stimulate thought and encourage people to search the scriptures and LDS history to prove or disprove suppositions that I share.
We live in a day of darkness and apostasy. We live during a time when God has placed a spirit of deep sleep upon those who sit in darkness. Further, God has sent a strong delusion upon the gentiles nations.
There are virtually no religious institutions or fringe groups or individuals that authoritatively teach the truth with ordained priesthood authority. The true church of Christ that briefly existed during New Testament times, Book of Mormon times and during the restoration movement is no longer on the earth.
We are awaiting the return of God’s servants and His Son as we treasure up the scriptures and take the Holy Spirit as their guide.
The Lord warned us to never place our trust in the arm of flesh.
There are people walking around out there that are claiming to have their calling and election made sure during this time when we do not even have the saving ordiances to enter into the gate.
God still has not turned His face back towards us.
Beware of such. They are either deceived or deceivers.
The GREAT WORK
Joseph Smith accomplished many things that were necessary in laying the foundation of a great work that would take place many generations later. But much of what he is remembered for, was temporary.
This is a great mystery to most latter-day saints who think that the marvelous work has been slowly trudging along for 200 years.
My very first blog series that I began 15 years ago provided countless scriptural proofs that the marvelous work and a wonder spoken of my Isaiah did not begin during Joseph’s ministry. That concept is actually one of the mysteries pertaining to the kingdom of God on earth.
Once the secret history of Mormonism is understood, it becomes apparent that the “GREAT WORK“, which is another term for “great and marvelous work and a wonder” did not take place during Joseph’s ministry. Rather, Joseph and his associates were laying the foundation for a great work.
In December of 1830, in section 35, the Lord gave a revelation directed at Sidney Rigdon. In the revelation it reveals that there would be a future GREAT WORK among the Gentiles which would manifest their folly and abominations:
7 And it shall come to pass that there shall be a great work in the land, even among the Gentiles, for their folly and their abominations shall be made manifest in the eyes of all people.
The Lord was prophesying about a FUTURE WORK that would take place four generations later.
I believe we are literally living in that time!
One of the questions my friend from Canada asked was, what prophesies are we experiencing right now, prior to the great and marvelous work?
In my opinion, this false virus pandemic fiasco and the real pandemic that has been created by the poisonous vaccines, represents an integral part of the great folly and abominations of the Gentiles. I believe it will culminate in the rolling forth of the Beast System. However the Kingdom of God also begins to roll forth during this general time frame.
Many evil politicians, false prophets and false teachers are admonishing people to inject a poisonous luciferin toxin into the holy temple of God that they have been given temporary stewardship over. This fulfillment of prophecy is yet another great mystery that most latter-day saints are oblivious to.
The future GREAT WORK mentioned is section 35 is also mentioned in section 112. It was directed to Thomas Marsh the President of the Twelve Apostles.
It was given just before he apostatized from the church and fell from his position during that WATCH. However, the unconditional and categorical promise of God to him, is that he will return and play an incredible part in the GREAT WORK. God still has a GREAT WORK for him to do!
That is another mystery buried in the Doctrine and Covenants that is hidden from the understanding of most latter-day saints.
In the revelation, Marsh was given an unconditional promise that he would one day bear record of the name of Christ to both the Gentiles and the Jews. Further, under his direction as the President of the Twelve, he will send forth “MY
WORD” unto the ends of the earth.
4 Let thy heart be of good cheer before my face; and thou shalt bear record of my name, not only unto the Gentiles, but also unto the Jews; and thou shalt send forth my word unto the ends of the earth.
5 Contend thou, therefore, morning by morning; and day after day let thy warning voice go forth; and when the night cometh let not the inhabitants of the earth slumber, because of thy speech.
6 Let thy habitation be known in Zion, and remove not thy house; for I, the Lord, have a GREAT WORK for thee to do, in publishing my name among the children of men.
7 Therefore, gird up thy loins for the work. Let thy feet be shod also, for thou art chosen, and thy path lieth among the mountains, and among many nations.
8 And by thy word many high ones shall be brought low, and by thy word many low ones shall be exalted.
9 Thy voice shall be a rebuke unto the transgressor; and at thy rebuke let the tongue of the slanderer cease its perverseness.
That prophecy and promise will still come to pass. It is a future event that I believe will take place in the very near future.
As with virtually all prophesies, that prophesy had a preliminary shadow fulfillment that began to take place shortly after the revelation was given.
A portion of God’s word did go forth to the nations of the earth through the quorum of the twelve apostles, under the direction of Brigham Young, which resulted in the flow of new converts from across the great waters into Nauvoo and later into Utah.
Nevertheless, the literal fulfillment of the prophecy concerning President Marsh will come to pass when the name of Christ is published again among the children of men for the last time.
The scriptures that the modern church has stewardship over, is enabling the current awakening that we are witnessing among a remnant that are beginning to take heed to God’s word.
On September 11th 1831 (Section 64) the Lord told Joseph Smith and the leading elders of the church that he had SET them to provide for the saints in the last days that they may obtain an inheritance in Zion. Yet he explained that they were laying the FOUNDATION for a GREAT WORK
that would take place in the future.
30 And he hath set you to provide for his saints in these last days, that they may obtain an inheritance in the land of Zion.
31 And behold, I, the Lord, declare unto you, and my words are sure and shall not fail, that they shall obtain it.
32 But all things must come to pass in their time.
33 Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.
After giving the above revelation, the Lord let the saints know that there would be an interim time of apostasy between the laying of the foundation of a great work and the actual beginning of the great work. He revealed this cryptically in the parable of the redemption of Zion contained in section 101.
This is currently another great mystery to most of the latter-day saints who take the scriptures lightly and continue to walk in darkness. Notice the interrelated keywords below:
The parable of the redemption of Zion in section 101 cryptically reveals that the first laborers of the last kingdom who were SET to be watchmen of the saints of the restored church, stumbled while they were laying the foundation of a future work.
It reveals that they were “at variance with each other” and became “slothful” and “hearkened not unto the commandments of their Lord”.
Because of this, “the enemy came by night, and broke down the hedge; and the servants of the nobleman arose and were affrighted, and fled; and the enemy destroyed their works, and broke down the olive trees.”
However, the parable continues on to reveal that after a period of time, the Lord would have his Davidic Servant gather together the residue of his servants and redeem the vineyard by breaking down the walls of the enemy and throwing down their tower and scattering their watchmen. They will “avenge” the Lord of His enemies:
55 And the lord of the vineyard said unto one of his servants: Go and gather together the residue of my servants, and take all the strength of mine house, which are my warriors, my young men, and they that are of middle age also among all my servants, who are the strength of mine house, save those only whom I have appointed to tarry;
56 And go ye straightway unto the land of my vineyard, and redeem my vineyard; for it is mine; I have bought it with money.
57 Therefore, get ye straightway unto my land; break down the walls of mine enemies; throw down their tower, and scatter their watchmen.
58 And inasmuch as they gather together against you, avenge me of mine enemies, that by and by I may come with the residue of mine house and possess the land.
59 And the servant said unto his lord: When shall these things be?
60 And he said unto his servant: When I will; go ye straightway, and do all things whatsoever I have commanded you;
61 And this shall be my seal and blessing upon you—a faithful and wise steward in the midst of mine house, a ruler in my kingdom.
62 And his servant went straightway, and did all things whatsoever his lord commanded him; and after many days all things were fulfilled.
The Enduring Contribution of Joseph Smith
According to the parable, much of what was accomplished during Joseph’s ministry was destroyed:
“the enemy destroyed their works”.
That is an ominous pronouncement worth pondering.
Was there anything Joseph accomplished that was enduring?
If so, what exactly was the enduring contribution of Joseph Smith during his first ministry?
They that understand the secret narrative behind the history of the latter day saint movement realize that many of the major events and spiritual endowments were temporary in nature because of the disobedience of the saints and work of the enemy.
Many of the amazing events took place to lay a foundation for a future event.
It was necessary for Elijah (John the Baptist) to restore the keys of the priesthood to Joseph and Oliver so that special things could be accomplished relative to laying the foundation of a future work, but those keys are no longer on the earth.
It was necessary for the Melchizedek priesthood to be restored at the special conference at the Morley Farm so that special things could be accomplished relative to laying the foundation of a future work, but that priesthood power and authority is no longer on the earth.
It was necessary for the law in section 42, to be given, which contains the law of consecration so that special things could be accomplished relative to laying the foundation of a future work. But the authority to live that law is no longer here and that law is no longer being lived.
It was necessary to build and dedicate a holy temple of God in Kirtland Ohio, so that special things could take place in it relative to laying the foundation for a future work. But that temple has since been defiled, waiting for God to sanctify it once again. That temple is not currently functional for spiritual endowments.
So, is there anything Joseph Smith did that was enduring and powerful and directly related to our salvation? Something of extreme value from the beginning of his ministry to this very day. With the same power today that existed during Joseph’s ministry?
Yes!
In December of 1832, section 86, the Lord declared that he was beginning to bring forth the
WORD:
4 But behold, in the last days, even now while the Lord is beginning to bring forth the word, and the blade is springing up and is yet tender—
5 Behold, verily I say unto you, the angels are crying unto the Lord day and night, who are ready and waiting to be sent forth to reap down the fields;
6 But the Lord saith unto them, pluck not up the tares while the blade is yet tender (for verily your faith is weak), lest you destroy the wheat also.
7 Therefore, let the wheat and the tares grow together until the harvest is fully ripe; then ye shall first gather out the wheat from among the tares, and after the gathering of the wheat, behold and lo, the tares are bound in bundles, and the field remaineth to be burned. D&C 86
Preparation for the final harvest has been taking place for four generations and it is powered by the word of God that the Lord brought forth through Joseph Smith. The word of God that came forth back then has as much power today as it had back then.
Through the instrumentality of Joseph Smith, the Lord brought forth the Book of Mormon, corrected and made inspired clarifications in the Bible, and brought forth the revelations of God contained in the original manuscript of the Book of Commandments and the 1833 and 1844 editions of the Doctrine and Covenants.
These canons of scripture as they existed at the time of Joseph’s death were true and faithful accounts of the WORD OF GOD that God was bringing forth. They had been published under the direction of Joseph Smith the prophet and ratified by the Saints through the law of common consent.
Although Joseph and the Church failed to finalize and complete all canons of scripture into ONE final record, the word that came forth was adequate to prepare us for the marvelous work.
The Lord has promised us that the scriptures that Joseph brought forth, have been PRESERVED IN SAFTEY. We have that promise from the Lord in section 42.
These scriptures that have been preserved are adequate to prepare the hearts and minds of the saints for the final restoration.
Sadly, the saints took the word of God lightly during Joseph Smith’s ministry and the Lord delivered them over to Satan and a time of darkness. That same darkness exists today. Nevertheless, the scriptures still contain power in them for those that search then and believe them.
Like the saints of the restoration, those of us living four generation later have largely taken the scriptures lightly.
This is because of the false traditions of our fathers, false teachers, and false prophets. Many have been deceived by the craftiness of men. A spirit of deep sleep has been placed over the saints of the latter days.
But there is an awakening that is taking place right now.
There is a scattered remnant that is discarding the false traditions of their fathers and beginning to diligently search the original and authentic scriptures of the restoration.
The Lord has given an unconditional promise that the manifestations of the spirit will accompany the WORD of God, if we study and believe it.
As pointed out by John Pratt, the prophecy in Ether informs us that the words of Christ will come forth to prepare the saints, BEFORE the record of the vision of the Brother of Jared is read by the power of Christ.
That prophecy is not referring to the fabricated “scriptures” published by fringe groups or new scripture projects by fringe groups that add to and take away from the true word of God that has been preserved from the time of Joseph Smith.
What is so significant about the word of God during this period of time when the saving ordinances are no longer available on the earth?
Why does the Lord command us to give heed the word of God when the marvelous work is ABOUT to begin, before priesthood authority and the true church of Christ, with all of its offices has been restored to the earth?
Again, there is a magnificent power within the word of God which is independent of ordained priesthood authority and power.
Those that sincerely delve into the word of God and believe it, and obey it to the best of their abilities, being ready to obey the fulness of the gospel, are visited by the manifestation of the spirit. They are CLEANSED AND SANCTIFIED by the WORD.
Notice the words of Christ in John 15:1-4 which informs us that it is the word of God that makes us CLEAN:
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
Now ye are clean through the WORD which I have spoken unto you.
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
In Christ’s intercessory prayer in John 17, we are informed that the WORD OF GOD SANCTIFIES us if we receive it and keep it.
I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world; thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. Now they have known that all things whatsoever thou hast given me are of thee.
For I have given unto them the WORDS which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee; and they have believed that thou didst send me..
..I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth.
(Related to this, I would also suggest reading the parable of the sower in the New Testament. Perhaps also some observations about the parable in the following post)
Fulness of the Scriptures
In the previous episode we showed that the term “fulness of the scriptures” is referring to all of the accepted canons of scripture. However, contextually speaking, section 42 implies that they ESPECIALLY refer to the revelations that Joseph Smith brought forth that are documented in the Book of Commandments and the Doctrine and Covenants.
It is the literal words of Christ that came unto the Gentiles, in the revelations Joseph Smith received (and will receive when he returns) that will finally convince the Gentiles and then the Jews.
As previously addressed, there is reason to believe that the revelations that Joseph received directly from the mouth of the Lord will be the primary scriptures that prove that all of the other canons of scripture are true.
When the servants return, they will have gathered the record of the Jews, the record of the Nephites and the record of scattered Israel among the Gentiles together in one.
Section 1 testifies that the Doctrine and Covenants will once again come forth as “tidings” and be read by all of the inhabitants of the earth when the servants return to seal up the wicked:
8 And verily I say unto you, that they who go forth, bearing these tidings unto the inhabitants of the earth, to them is power given to seal both on earth and in heaven, the unbelieving and rebellious;
9 Yea, verily, to seal them up unto the day when the wrath of God shall be poured out upon the wicked without measure—
TI’DINGS, noun plural News; advice; information; intelligence; account of what has taken place, and was not before known.
When the servants return to gather the elect, these tidings of things previously published but not before known will finally be expounded upon in power by the true servants of the Lord. At that time kings from past generations will finally be astonished and consider what they had not previously heard about:
“So shall he gather many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him; for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.” (Isaiah 52)
This is another great mystery to most latter-day saints.
We have demonstrated from scripture that the great command that the Lord gives us just prior to the beginning of the marvelous work is to “heed my word” which is contained in the fulness of the scriptures that Joseph and his associates will bring forth.
“A great and marvelous work is ABOUT to come forth among the children of men. Behold, I am God; give heed to my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore give heed unto my word.”
In a previous episode I made the following claim:
The Doctrine and Covenants is a record in which many mysteries have been sealed up and hidden from the gentiles because of unbelief. It is going to be unsealed when the mysteries in it are unfolded to those that have the faith to believe the unconditional prophecies and promises in it.
In the modern church we are often taught that “mysteries” have to do with topics like the location of Kolob or how travel will take place in the next world. Things that have little or nothing to do with our salvation.
Although some prophets have been allowed to view some of those deeper mysteries, they are commanded to not share them, or to limit them according to the heed and diligence which people give to God’s word.
9 And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him.
10 And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full.
11 And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell.
While there are undoubtedly those types of mysteries that are fruitless to speculate about, the scriptures that Joseph Smith brought forth repeatedly speak of the mysteries pertaining to the kingdom of God which are extremely relevant to our salvation.
Those types of mysteries are revealed in the revelations Joseph brought forth. But they are only revealed to those who are ready to receive them. (Please keyword search the word mysteries in the Doctrine and Covenants for greater understanding and context)
The Revelations Joseph Brought forth Contain Mysteries that are Sealed
In this episode it will be proven that the revelations that Joseph attempted to publish in the Book of Commandments in 1833 and the revelations that he canonized in the Doctrine and Covenants in 1835 and 1844 have mysteries embedded in them which are hidden from the eyes of the unbelieving because the words are sealed and because the modern church is in a state of darkness.
From the beginning of his ministry, Joseph Smith withheld the mysteries contained in the Doctrine and Covenants from the world and from most of the saints.
I will prove these things from scripture and from the history of the Church and I will prove it to MY satisfaction.
You are responsible for your own study and belief.
I have been Proclaiming the Doctrine and Covenants to be a Sealed Book
It is no secret to followers of my blog that I have been proclaiming that the Doctrine and Covenants is a sealed book with mysteries in it for a long time.
In the past, I have been teaching it as an observation I had made.
I had no idea that the declaration is supported in scripture.
I recently did a google keyword search on my blog to see how many times I have made that claim over the years. It turns out that I have restated that claim in at least six different blog posts over the years.
The first time was about 11 years ago in 2010 in which I made the following statements.
“For those who don’t understand the doctrine of the three watches, and don’t accept the above noted unconditional promise in section one, the D&C is largely a sealed book. It appears to be a book of failed prophesies.
It simply doesn’t make sense to those who read it.
Can you see why it is so critical to understand the doctrine of the three watches?
The book is a sealed book to those who think the marvelous work began four generations ago.”
As I have been making claims like that over the years, I have never provided scriptural evidence to back up the fact that the book contains mysteries that are sealed because I assumed that none existed.
My eyes were covered, and I did not see the declarations of God regarding this fact.
I was the victim of the very problem I have been taking about. I have been suffering from a spirit of deep sleep that we all labor under. The scriptures on that topic had been sealed up and hidden from me, even though some of the mysteries in the Doctrine and Covenants were being unfolded to me. I believe there are numerous readers of this blog who have experienced the same phenomena.
However, a few months ago something caught my attention. I read a passage of scripture that I have undoubtedly read hundreds of times before and yet, I was interpreting it differently.
It motivated me to do some keyword searches and it led me to a string of amazing passages and entries in the scriptures and history of the church.
The journey began with a passage in section 28 that began a series of related passages in scripture and church history.
From section 28 I was led to a remarkable declaration from Joseph Smith in the history of the Church in HC 1:235. From there I was led to section 35, then to section 42, then section 43, then section 68, then section 71 and then section 90. I believe these sections collectively testify that the words in the revelations that Joseph received have cryptic messages containing mysteries pertaining to the rolling forth of the kingdom of God on earth, which are sealed.
We shall begin with section 28, and proceed through this sequence but first, a little historical context for some content in section 28.
Joseph and Oliver had previously received a joint revelation on how to organize and manage the restored Church of Christ. It was not a word for word “thus sayeth the Lord” revelation from the Lord like the majority of revelations in the D&C are. It was what the scriptures refer to as a “word of wisdom” revelation from the Lord. Notice the following passages regarding gifts of the spirit:
16 And again, it is given by the Holy Ghost to some to know the diversities of operations, whether they be of God, that the manifestations of the Spirit may be given to every man to profit withal.
17 And again, verily I say unto you, to some is given, by the Spirit of God, the word of wisdom.
18 To another is given the word of knowledge, that all may be taught to be wise and to have knowledge.
As you can see, the term, “word of wisdom” actually refers to one of the gifts of the Spirit. It describes a method of wisdom via the “spirit of God” rather than receiving a “thus sayeth the Lord” type of revelation.
Section 89 was erroneously named “The word of Wisdom” but actually, the preface of the revelation was simply declaring the revelatory process by which it was received:
1 A WORD OF WISDOM, for the benefit of the council of high priests, assembled in Kirtland, and the church, and also the saints in Zion—
Joseph received his revelation about healthy living as a word of wisdom.
Section 20 of the Doctrine and Covenants is one of the most important and foundational revelations ever given but it was also received through the inspirational process referred to a “word of wisdom” rather than receiving it in a word for word format in the words of Christ.
Just before publishing this joint revelation that Joseph and Oliver had received through the revelatory process called the word of wisdom, the Lord revealed to Joseph that a very important clarification needed to be added to the text.
When Oliver found out about the inspired alteration that Joseph had done, he went ballistic because he did not think the changes were doctrinally accurate. The changes contradicted his understanding of the gospel. (Verse 37 of section 20 appears to be what gave Oliver so much indigestion)
I believe the insertion of the passage made by Joseph Smith had to do with one of the mysteries pertaining to the conversion process. Oliver did not understand the mystery that was being revealed.
Because of his concern, Oliver commanded Joseph in the Name of God to take the changes out of it:
“I command you in the name of God to erase those words!”
When Joseph received the letter from Oliver with that command in it, Joseph sent a response asking him:
“by what authority he took upon him to command [him] to alter or erase, to add to or diminish from, a revelation or commandment from Almighty God” (History of the Church, 1:105).
Joseph rebuked Oliver for challenging the inspired clarifications and he labored to show Oliver and the Whitmer’s from passages in the scriptures that the clarification were doctrinally accurate.
Finally, Joseph was able to convince Oliver (and the Whitmer’s) that the changes were inspired.
With that bit of historical background, lets review some amazing declarations in section 28.
Section 28
“..For I have given him the keys of the mysteries, and the revelations which are sealed”
Shortly after the incident with section 20, section 28 was received in which the Lord also chastises Oliver for having challenged the mysterious clarifications that Joseph Smith had made in section 20.
The Lord was letting Oliver know that Joseph was the head of the church and that he was Oliver’s spiritual leader and Joseph was exercising keys that were not to be challenged. Oliver was not to be erroneously challenging revelations that Joseph received from the Lord.
Following that rebuke, the Lord says something very interesting about the revelations that Joseph Smith was receiving.
Look at verse 7 in the following text:
6 And thou shalt not command him who is at thy head, and at the head of the church;
7 For I have given him the keys of the mysteries, and the revelations which are sealed, until I shall appoint unto them another in his stead.
What mysteries is the Lord speaking about?
What sealed revelations is the Lord speaking about?
I would submit to you that the Lord is speaking about the revelations that are coming forth through the prophet Joseph Smith that would ultimately be canonized in the Doctrine and Covenants!
They contain words that have mysterious meanings which are sealed up from the eyes of the world until the appointed time. These greater things are hidden from the understanding of those with unbelieving minds and hearts.
The passage that Oliver had a hard time understanding and believing is probably a textbook example of sealed words that are not easily understood.
Unbe-frekin-lievable!
Do you think I am misinterpreting what the Lord is saying?
Is it possible that I am wresting the scriptures because of a preconceived notion and bias that I had?
One might assume that the “keys” to the revelations and mysteries that are “sealed” which is mentioned in section 28 is referring to the sealed portion of the Book of Mormon or another ancient record to come forth in the future, but I believe a contextual reading of the passages as well as some related keyword searches on the topic show that is not case.
The revelation deals expressly with the revelations that Joseph was receiving, that would eventually be canonized in the Book of Commandments and the Doctrine and Covenants.
It is true that Joseph Smith also holds the keys to all of the ancient records that have been hid up as well.
We know that the vision of the Brother of Jared has been sealed and will eventually come forth as well as other ancient records.
Nevertheless, I believe that Joseph Smith understood that section 28 is identifying the revelations received by Joseph Smith that would eventually be published in the Doctrine and Covenants as the “mysteries and revelations which are sealed“.
Can I back this claim up?
I think I can.
From the declarations of Joseph Smith found in the History of the Church.
HC 1:235
“..showing that the keys of the mysteries of the Kingdom of our Savior, are again entrusted to man”
When Joseph Smith and his associates were preparing to publish the Book of Commandments it was acknowledged by Joseph Smith that the revelations represented the “foundation of the church” and that they contained the “mysteries“.
He actually claimed that the book of the revelations he had received DEMONSTRATED that he held the keys of the mysteries that are sealed.
Notice the following journal entry of Joseph Smith as recorded in HC 1:235
My time was occupied closely in reviewing the commandments and sitting in conference for nearly two weeks; for we held from the first to the twelfth of November, four special conferences.
In the last, which was held at Brother [John] Johnson’s in Hiram, after deliberate consideration, in consequence of the book of Revelations, now to be printed, [the Book of Commandments and later, the Doctrine and Covenants] being the foundation of the church in these last days; and a benefit to the world, showing that the keys of the mysteries of the Kingdom of our Savior, are again entrusted to man, and the riches of eternity within the compass of those who are willing to live by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God:
therefore the conference priced the Revelations to be worth to the church, the riches of the whole earth, speaking temporally. The great benefits to the world, which result from the Book of Mormon and the Revelations, which the Lord has seen fit, in his infinite wisdom, to grant unto us for our salvation, and for the salvation of all that will believe, were duly appreciated..
Notice how Joseph refers to the revelations that would eventually be canonized in the Book of Commandments and the Doctrine and Covenants as the “book of Revelations“.
Further, Joseph proclaims that the keys of the mysteries have been entrusted to man and he offers that book of revelations that he has received as the evidence that the keys of the mysteries have been committed to him!!
Joseph claims that the revelations he was receiving SHOWED that he held the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom.
So important were the revelations that Joseph Smith was receiving that the Lord told Joseph and his associates that they would need to give an account of their stewardship in the day of judgment:
“I the Lord have appointed them, and ordained them to be stewards over the revelations, and commandments which I have given unto them, and which I shall hereafter give unto them; and an account of this stewardship will I require of them in the day of Judgment” (JsPapers)
Section 35
“..keys of the mystery of those things which have been sealed”
Shortly after section 28 revealed that Joseph held the keys of the mysteries and that the revelations that he was receiving, and that those revelation contained mysteries that are sealed, section 35 was received and directed at Sidney Rigdon.
Once again, the Lord reiterated that Joseph held the keys of the mysteries in the sealed revelations Joseph was receiving:
17 And I have sent forth the fulness of my gospel by the hand of my servant Joseph; and in weakness have I blessed him;
18 And I have given unto him the keys of the mystery of those things which have been sealed, even things which were from the foundation of the world, and the things which shall come from this time until the time of my coming, if he abide in me, and if not, another will I plant in his stead.
19 Wherefore, watch over him that his faith fail not, and it shall be given by the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, that knoweth all things.
Sidney was to write for Joseph as the revelations coming through Joseph were coming from the bosom of the Lord:
20 And a commandment I give unto thee—that thou shalt write for him; and the scriptures shall be given, even as they are in mine own bosom, to the salvation of mine own elect;
21 For they will hear my voice, and shall see me, and shall not be asleep, and shall abide the day of my coming; for they shall be purified, even as I am pure.
While the scriptures that were coming forth through Joseph, probably pertain to and include his work in the Joseph Smith translation of the bible, the passage especially has to do with the revelations Joseph was receiving. This is further proven by the verse 23 which gave the Bible scholar Sidney Ridgon, the mandate to use the Bible to prove the validity of the revelations joseph was receiving:
22 And now I say unto you, tarry with him, and he shall journey with you; forsake him not, and surely these things shall be fulfilled.
23 And inasmuch as ye do not write, behold, it shall be given unto him to prophesy; and thou shalt preach my gospel and call on the holy prophets to prove his words, as they shall be given him.
17 And I have sent forth the fulness of my gospel by the hand of my servant Joseph; and in weakness have I blessed him;
18 And I have given unto him the keys of the mystery of those things which have been sealed
even things from the foundation of the world, and things which shall come from this time until the time of my coming“
Again, the Lord reiterates that Joseph holds the keys of the mysteries which were coming forth in the revelations Joseph was receiving.
As you can see, the revelatory process of receiving the mysteries was to continue right up until the Savior comes. Was “the time of my coming” referring to the upcoming secret visitation in the Kirtland Temple, or the secret coming of the Savior in the 3rd watch, or His final coming in glory?
You decide.
The vast majority of the revelations we have in the Doctrine and Covenants had been given by the time Christ came to his temple in secret, as a thief in the night. The revelations were obviously complete enough for Joseph to be publishing them in 1833, 1835 and 1844. Nevertheless, revelation is continuous. More will undoubtedly be given after he returns.
I suspect that the above text provides a broader context to include all mysteries from the foundation of the earth, nevertheless, the revelations Joseph was in the process of receiving seem to be paramount.
To clarify. I am not suggesting that the revelations that Joseph received in the Doctrine and Covenants contain the only hidden mysteries to come forth. I believe all of the canons of scriptures contain hidden mysteries pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
And I am not saying that the sealed portion of the gold plates do not contain hidden mysteries. Clearly they do.
I am simply saying that in addition to secrets that have been physically sealed and/or buried in the earth in ancient records, I believe that the revelation Joseph received contain words that are sealed that contain hidden treasures of knowledge. Only those prepared to discern these mysteries can do so.
That is why Sidney and Joseph needed to preach from the revelations Joseph was receiving from the mouth of the Lord, so they could reveal the mysteries.
Yet, as documented in section 42, Joseph and Sidney were forbidden from teaching from the sacred texts that Joseph was bringing forth until a designated time when the scriptures will have been received in full.
That represents another great evidence that the revelations contained secrets that were being withheld until a later time.
Section 42
“..unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom”
Section 42 was reviewed in the last episode to show what the definition of the term “fulness of the scriptures” really means.
It is worth reviewing the section once again in the context of showing that the revelations Joseph was receiving contained mysteries that are sealed.
Section 42 represented the “law” of the church, revealed that the scriptures coming forth through Joseph Smith would be preserved in safety and that Joseph was not to teach from them until he had received them in full. This explains why Joseph rarely if ever based sermons on the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants and did not have the missionaries use them in the conversion process.
56 Thou shalt ask, and my scriptures shall be given as I have appointed, and they shall be preserved in safety;
57 And it is expedient that thou shouldst hold thy peace concerning them, and not teach them until ye have received them in full.
58 And I give unto you a commandment that then ye shall teach them unto all men; for they shall be taught unto all nations, kindreds, tongues and people.
59 Thou shalt take the things which thou hast received, which have been given unto thee in my scriptures for a law, to be my law to govern my church;
60 And he that doeth according to these things shall be saved, and he that doeth them not shall be damned if he so continue.
61 If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.
62 Thou shalt ask, and it shall be revealed unto you in mine own due time where the New Jerusalem shall be built.
63 And behold, it shall come to pass that my servants shall be sent forth to the east and to the west, to the north and to the south.
64 And even now, let him that goeth to the east teach them that shall be converted to flee to the west, and this in consequence of that which is coming on the earth, and of secret combinations.
65 Behold, thou shalt observe all these things, and great shall be thy reward; for unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom, but unto the world it is not given to know them.
66 Ye shall observe the laws which ye have received and be faithful.
67 And ye shall hereafter receive church covenants, such as shall be sufficient to establish you, both here and in the New Jerusalem.
68 Therefore, he that lacketh wisdom, let him ask of me, and I will give him liberally and upbraid him not.
69 Lift up your hearts and rejoice, for unto you the kingdom, or in other words, the keys of the church have been given. Even so. Amen.
The use of the term “scriptures” in the above passages appear to be all inclusive, including all of the canons of scripture that Joseph was involved in bringing forth, however, the primary emphasis is the revelations Joseph had received directly from the Lord, and would receive in the future. Revelations that would eventually be canonized in the Doctrine and Covenants.
I suspect that all of the published canons of scripture contain deeper things that are hidden from the understanding of man. This includes the Book of Mormon, the doctrine and Covenants and the inspired clarifications of the Old and New Testaments.
Relative to this series and the prophecy in Ether about a record with the words of Christ coming forth prior to the sealed book with the vision of the brother of Ether, I am suggesting that the revelations that Joseph was receiving had mysteries embedded in them because the words were sealed by the power of God.
They were withheld from the understanding of man until the “greater things” are revealed through the manifestation of the spirit of the Lord.
Having reviewed the pertinent passages in section 28 and the words of Joseph smith in the history of the Church, HC 1:235 and section 35 and section 42, let us continue in this topical string of keywords to section 43:
Section 43
“if ye desire the mysteries of the kingdom”
In February of 1831 section 43 was given which contained the law of succession. In it the revelations that Joseph was receiving were once again referred to as the mysteries of the Kingdom
13 And again, I say unto you, that if ye desire the mysteries of the kingdom, provide for him food and raiment, and whatsoever thing he needeth to accomplish the work wherewith I have commanded him;
Herein is another witness that the revelations Joseph was receiving represented the mysteries of the kingdom!
I would suggest that the inspired version of the Bible was an integral part of Joseph’s work. He and Sidney were working on it when this revelation was given, and it certainly has mysteries embedded within.
In fact the secret identity of John the Baptist which is revealed in the inspired version of the Bible plays a key role in unlocking the true narrative of the secret history of Mormonism.
Nevertheless, Joseph was also receiving revelations like section 43 at that same time as well.
From section 43 let us continue on to section 64.
Section 64
“..the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom shall not be taken from my servant Joseph..”
The following passage is curious because it is a conditional promise that indicates that Joseph could have the keys taken from him if he failed to obey God’s ordinances.
It appears to contradict a latter passage in section 90 which promises that Joseph and his associates will hold the keys in this life and in the next.
5 And the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom shall not be taken from my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., through the means I have appointed, while he liveth, inasmuch as he obeyeth mine ordinances. (Compare with Malachi 3:7)
But I would suggest that there is no contraction. He held them in this life while being faithful to the ordinances. Because of his intercessory calling, he temporarily had them withheld, yet he will continue to hold them after his death so that he can return to fulfill all of the unconditional prophesies and promises that the Lord has made about him.
This demonstrates that the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom were an active part of Joseph’s calling in bringing forth scripture. They were not some dormant gift to be reserved for digging up ancient sealed plates the future.
Section 71
“..expounding the mysteries thereof out of the scriptures..”
One Dec 1 1831 section 71 was given-
1 Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon, that the time has verily come that it is necessary and expedient in me that you should open your mouths in proclaiming my gospel, the things of the kingdom, expounding the mysteries thereof out of the scriptures, according to that portion of Spirit and power which shall be given unto you, even as I will.
4 Wherefore, labor ye in my vineyard. Call upon the inhabitants of the earth, and bear record, and prepare the way for the commandments and revelations which are to come.
For a very short window of time, Joseph and Sidney were allowed to expound on mysteries contained in some of the revelations Joseph had received. At the time very few revelations had been received and none had been canonized.
Their revealing of the mysteries was to be limited by the “portion of the spirit and power” that would be given according to that time period and circumstance.
I believe those passages prove beyond dispute that the revelations Joseph was receiving contained mysteries about the kingdom of God. They also provide that Joseph held the keys of decoding and revealing the cryptic passages within God’s mystical and holy word.
Section 90
“..Therefore, thou art blessed from henceforth that bear the keys of the kingdom”
As previously mentioned, the following passages appear to contradict the promises in section 64, however I would submit that the keys of the kingdom were always with Joseph, but the keys of the mysteries became dormant during any time that he did not keep the ordinances.
2 Therefore, thou art blessed from henceforth that bear the keys of the kingdom given unto you; which kingdom is coming forth for the last time.
3 Verily I say unto you, the keys of this kingdom shall never be taken from you, while thou art in the world, neither in the world to come;
4 Nevertheless, through you shall the oracles be given to another, yea, even unto the church.
Later in the revelation the Lord reiterates again that Joseph has the keys for receiving revelation to unfold the mysteries:
“..you shall from thenceforth preside over the affairs of the church and the school; And from time to time, as shall be manifested by the Comforter, receive revelations to unfold the mysteries of the kingdom;”
Notice how Mosiah used the term unfolded:
8 And it came to pass that he began to speak to his people from the tower; and they could not all hear his words because of the greatness of the multitude; therefore he caused that the words which he spake should be written and sent forth among those that were not under the sound of his voice, that they might also receive his words.
9 And these are the words which he spake and caused to be written, saying: My brethren, all ye that have assembled yourselves together, you that can hear my words which I shall speak unto you this day; for I have not commanded you to come up hither to trifle with the words which I shall speak, but that you should hearken unto me, and open your ears that ye may hear, and your hearts that ye may understand, and your minds that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to your view.
Similarly, Joseph Smith holds the keys to unfold the mysteries to those that will open their eyes and hear with their hearts. To some degree, I believe there are people right now that are being visited by the manifestations of the spirit and having the mysteries of the kingdom unfolded to them.
Section 112
“..the keys which I have given unto him..”
15 Exalt not yourselves; rebel not against my servant Joseph; for verily I say unto you, I am with him, and my hand shall be over him; and the keys which I have given unto him, and also to youward, shall not be taken from him till I come. (D&C 112)
These passages remind us that Joseph retains the keys of the kingdom so that he can return and finish his stewardship.
As the holder of the keys of the kingdom and the keys of the sealed mysteries, Joseph has the revelatory power to “UNFOLD” the MYSTERIES OF THE KINGDOM to the church
The is what he will be doing when he returns to set the church in order.
Notice the remarkable pattern in the passages in the table below;
It is apparent that Joseph held the keys to bring forth the word of God. It is also apparent that the continual enjoyment of the fruits of those keys was not guaranteed. Rather it was conditional. It appears that stewardship over those sacred scriptures would temporarily be given to others for a period of time until Joseph returns.
It is interesting to note that during the revelatory period of the church, Joseph and Sidney were actually commanded to expound upon the mysteries out of the scriptures for a limited time and in a limited way “according to the portion of Spirit and power” which the Comforter would dictate.
They were to “Prepare the way for the commandments and revelations which are to come”
This was arguably preparing the way for the greatest mystery to be received, even section 76!
The Doctrine and Covenants has been hidden from the World”
I have now demonstrated from scripture and the history of the church, to my satisfaction, that the Lord has declared the Doctrine and Covenants to be book of mysteries that was sealed during Joseph’s ministry.
The fact that there is a remnant who are now having these mysteries unfolded to their understanding is a great sign that the marvelous work is about to commence!
In the next episode we shall address a historical narrative regarding the WORDS OF CHRIST that Joseph Smith brought forth having to do with how they have been withheld from the world.
To be continued..
Keep watching..
Because I am Watching 