D&C 88 Quotes and Notes

The Olive Leaf plucked from the tree of paradise

The revelation recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 88 was given through the Prophet Joseph Smith at Kirtland, Ohio, in the translating room of the Whitney store. Receipt of the revelation spanned three days, 27 through 28 December 1832, and 3 January 1833. Fredrick G. Williams, who recorded the revelation and kept the minutes of this conference, wrote as follows:

“A conference of High Priests assembled in the translating room in Kirtland Ohio on the 27th day of Dec. A.D. 1832 . . . Bro Joseph arose and said, to receive revelation and the blessing of Heaven it was necessary to have our minds on God and exercise faith and become of one heart and of one mind. Therefore he recommended all present to pray separately and vocally to the Lord for [Him] to reveal His will unto us concerning the upbuilding of Zion & for the benefit of the saints and for the duty and employment of the Elders. Accordingly we all bowed down before the Lord, after which each one arose and spoke in his turn his feelings and determination to keep the commandments of God. And then proceeded to receive a revelation [D&C 88] concerning the duty [not legible] above stated. [At] 9 o’clock P.M., the revelation not being finished, the conference adjourned and commenced by prayer [and] thus proceeded to receive the residue of the above revelation. And it being finished and there being no further business before [the council], the conference closed the meeting by prayer, in harmony with the brethren and gratitude to our Heavenly Father for the great manifestation of His Holy Spirit during the setting of the conference”^[1]Kirtland Council Minute Book, 3-4; spelling standardized.

The revelation was designated by the Prophet as “the ‘olive leaf’ which we have plucked from the Tree of Paradise, the Lord’s message of peace to us”^[2]Smith, History of the Church, 1:316. Verses 127 through 141 were received 3 January 1833.^[3]Joseph Fielding McConkie and Craig J. Ostler, Revelations of the Restoration: A Commentary on the Doctrine and Covenants and Other Modern Revelations, Deseret Book, 2000, p. 626.

88:1 You who have assembled. Meeting with the Prophet on this occasion were Joseph Smith Sr., Sidney Rigdon, Orson Hyde, Hyrum Smith, Samuel H. Smith, Newel K. Whitney, Frederick G. Williams, Ezra Thayer, and John Murdock, all of whom were high priests.^[4]Lyndon W. Cook, Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Deseret Book, 1985, 181.

88.2 Lord of Sabaoth. Christ is the Lord of Sabaoth יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת Yahweh Sabaot (Isaiah 1:9; Romans 9:29; James 5:4; D&C 88:2; 98:2). Sabaoth is a Hebrew word meaning hosts or armies; thus, Jehovah Sabaoth means the Lord of Hosts. Also, as revealed to the Prophet, “The Lord of Sabaoth . . . is by interpretation, the creator of the first day, the beginning and the end” (D&C 95:7).^[5]McConkie and Ostler, p. 625. צָבָא tsaw-baw is a word that means “that which goes forth to war, army, warfare, or host.” צָבָא tsâbâʼ, tsaw-baw’; or (feminine) … Continue reading

The Many Faces of Jesus Christ

Bryce talked about how this section of the Doctrine and Covenants shows us many faces of Jesus. For example, We see him descend below all things as he ascended on high (D&C 88.6), we see him as light, the light of all things (88.7-12), the law by which all things are governed (88.13, 32-38, 42), the resurrecting Messiah (88.14-18), the maker of kingdoms (88.18-33), the God of creation (88.45), the attentive God who knows you (88.50-68), the God who urges us to be organized and established (D&C 88.74, 119 and 109.8, 15) in his “great and last promise,” and the God who will come in glory (88.92-116). By seeing this section through this lens, readers are invited to see Jesus in a more detailed way in one section of scripture, a text that is unlike any other text produced by the prophet up to this time in his life, a man that was just 27 years old at the time of its production.

Another Comforter – The Promise of Eternal Life – D&C 88.3-5

Those who press forward in righteousness, living by every word of revealed truth, have power to make their calling and election sure. They receive the more sure word of prophecy and know by revelation and the authority of the priesthood that they are sealed up unto eternal life.^[6]Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 2:46.

Jesus promised to send the paraclete, or what the King James translators called “The Comforter,” a word that is used a few times in the New Testament. This word is most likely what Joseph Smith is referring to here in D&C 88.3-4, but he adds that the Savior will send “another Comforter” to his disciples.^[7]John 16.7 reads as follows in the Greek text: ἀλλ᾽ ἐγὼ τὴν ἀλήθειαν λέγω ὑμῖν συμφέρει ὑμῖν ἵνα ἐγὼ ἀπέλθω ἐὰν γὰρ μὴ … Continue reading

In the Kirtland Temple dedicatory prayer referenced earlier, the Prophet petitioned, “And do thou grant, Holy Father, that all those who shall worship in this house … may grow up in thee, and receive a fulness of the Holy Ghost” (D&C 109:14-15). The “fulness of the Holy Ghost” includes what Jesus described as “the promise which I give unto you of eternal life, even the glory of the celestial kingdom; which glory is that of the church of the Firstborn, even of God, the holiest of all, through Jesus Christ his Son.”^[8]Elder D. Todd Christofferson, “The Power of Covenants, Ensign, May 2009.

I have found this explanation regarding the intricacies of this text useful:

According to the usual contemporary usage of the terms “first Comforter” and “second Comforter,” the language of verse 4 creates a slight difficulty, for the Comforter described here can be neither the person of the Holy Ghost nor the person of the Son, but, rather, is explicitly stated to be “the promise… of eternal life.” It appears, therefore, that a distinction must be made between being promised “another Comforter,” and actually receiving that second Comforter. On this occasion, the Kirtland council received exactly the same comforting but conditional promise that the disciples of the mortal Jesus had received in John 14:15–28. Nevertheless, the risen Savior did not appear to the Kirtland brethren at this time, and ordinances and sealings necessary for their exaltation had not yet taken place. Moreover, the promised function of “[abiding] in your hearts” (v. 3) belongs exclusively to the Holy Ghost (see D&C 130:22), who is explicitly identified with this Comforter in verse 3. Therefore, verses 3 and 4 must be understood as describing a conditional promise given through the mouth of Joseph Smith and sealed by the Holy Spirit to prepare these brethren to receive the second Comforter—at some future time. Thus, three stages can be discerned: first, one receives the first Comforter, the Holy Ghost. Second, one receives the specific promise of a second Comforter, who is the risen Lord. Third, one actually receives a guarantee of exaltation from the risen Lord. In Kirtland, receiving the promise recorded here, which was sealed by the Holy Ghost abiding in their hearts, prepared these brethren one day “to have the personage of Jesus Christ to attend [them], or appear unto [them] from time to time.”^[9]Smith, History of the Church, 3:381, as cited in Garrett and Robinson, Commentary on the Doctrine and Covenants, Volume 3. These authors further explain: It is important not to … Continue reading Receiving this promise on 27 December 1833 did not constitute the fulfillment or final realization of these blessings at that time.^[10]Commentary on the Doctrine and Covenants, Volume 3.

Light and Space – D&C 88.6-13

Joseph Smith is the great revelator of Christ for our dispensation. We learn more about our eternal Father, his Only Begotten Son, and of the laws that govern the endless expanses of eternity from his lips than from any other man who ever lived. In this revelation that was plucked, as he said, from the Tree of Paradise, we read a breathtaking testimony of Christ and the light that emanates from him. Where else are we told that Christ is the light of the sun, the moon, and the stars? Where else do we read that there are no laws save he gave them? No power save it is his? No knowledge or intelligence save it comes from him! No power for good save it comes of him! How puny the views of men who would have us believe that he obtained his exalted status by mastery of laws when the testimony of holy writ is that he is source and author of them all. How lame the notion that he is endlessly learning when the words of revelation assure us that he is the source of all knowledge, all wisdom, all understanding, that he is above all, and in all, and through all! Indeed, all things testify of him—for without him they are not.^[11]Revelations of the Restoration, p. 628-629.

This light, once we receive it, allows us, if we so choose, to receive more light. As we do this, we come to know and comprehend greater spiritual truths, and in do doing, begin to prepare ourselves to behold the face of God. This is one of the directions we can naturally take these verses, as they lead into D&C 88.67-68 which says, “if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things. Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days shall come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you…”

Brigham Young noted that, “God is the source, the fountain of all intelligence, no matter who possesses it, whether man upon the earth, the spirits in the spirit- world, the angels that dwell in the eternities of the Gods, or the most inferior intelligence among the devils in hell. All have derived what intelligence, light, power, and existence they have from God— from the same source from which we have received ours.”^[12]Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 8:205.

The Meek Shall Inherit the Earth – D&C 88.17

Matthew 5.5 reads as follows in the Greek: μακάριοι οἱ πραεῖς ὅτι αὐτοὶ κληρονομήσουσιν τὴν γῆν.

My translation: In the blessed state of the gods^[13]Liddell and Scott uses Makarioi – μακάριοι to be mostly applicable to men. However, many scholars, including John Welch, have written that this word describes the blessed state of … Continue reading the πραεῖς/the gentle ones (will be) seeing that/because they will inherit the earth.^[14]Note: κληρονομήσουσιν is a form of the word κληρονομώ, which is from the word for “lot, inheritance,” κλῆρος, and “law,” νόμος. The word πραεῖς is a … Continue reading

The Lord includes the poor with the meek in this text of the Doctrine and Covenants. A similar reading can be found in Matthew 5.3, where the “poor in spirit” are blessed with a future possession of the kingdom of heaven, or βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν.

Elder Neal A. Maxwell said, “The deserving and blessed meek will not only eventually inherit the earth, they will do so when this planet is really worth inheriting!”^[15]Meek and Lowly, Deseret Book, 1987, p. 95.

Abide the Law – D&C 88.21-39

Every kingdom has a law given, and celestial beings living celestial law will enter into that glory (see D&C 88.28, 34).

McConkie and Ostler put it this way:

With the help of the Joseph Smith Translation we learn that this same principle was taught by the apostle Paul. The principle was so obvious to him that he felt it was foolish to ask what kind of a body a man would have in the resurrection. To make the point, he likened the resurrection to the day of harvest, noting that one harvested what they planted. He simply reasoned that if you wanted to harvest wheat then you planted wheat, if you wanted to harvest beans that you planted beans, and so forth. Likewise, the nature of your body in the resurrection will reflect the law you chose to live in mortality. Those living a telestial law, he held, would receive a telestial body, those living a terrestrial law would inherit a terrestrial body, and those complying with the celestial law would obtain a celestial body. In making the point, Paul also asked what the various members of the animal kingdom would be in the resurrection? Again the point being that in the resurrection a bear has no hope of becoming a bird or a bird a bear. Fish will be resurrected as fish and skunks as skunks. Everything coming forth according to its order, which is according to the law it chose to obey (JST 1 Corinthians 15:37, 46).^[16]Revelations of the Restoration, p. 630-631.

A Spiritual Body – D&C 88.27

The ancient America prophet Alma described a resurrected body as immortal, one that can die no more, and in which body and spirit are united, never to be divided. “Thus,” he said, the whole becomes “spiritual and immortal” and cannot “see corruption” (Alma 11.45).^[17]The resurrection of the human body is something truly miraculous and a matter of Christian faith. We have no proof of Jesus’ literal, physical bodily resurrection from the dead, but we take this as … Continue reading

Garrett and Robinson explain:

As used in the scriptures, the word spiritual often does not mean “immaterial” but rather refers to matter which has been infused with spirit. A spiritual body in this sense is not an immaterial or nonphysical body but rather a resurrected body into which both the spirit of the individual and the glory of God have been infused and joined together forever and ever. This is the sense in which Paul uses the term “spiritual body” of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15:44. Even today, when we speak of a spiritual person, we do not mean someone who is nonphysical. Rather, we mean someone physical in whom the power of the Spirit is particularly evident.

There is such a thing as a spirit body, or a body composed only of spirit, and before mortality all human beings possessed such spirit bodies. But this is not the same as the “spiritual body” of the resurrection, for once we obtain a physical body in mortality, it is our privilege in the resurrection to receive that same material body back again as a “spiritual body,” that is, one united with our spirits inseparably and forever and infused also with some measure of the glory of God (v. 27; see also 1 Corinthians 15:44, 53–55; 2 Corinthians 5:4).^[18]Commentary on the Doctrine and Covenants, volume 3.

The earth rolls upon her wings, the sun gives his light, the moon gives hers – D&C 88.45

In this passage Joseph Smith uses poetic language, ascribing genders to the earth, moon, and sun. In many ancient cultures the earth was referred to in feminine terms. The idea of the earth rolling upon wings may bring to mind the idea that the earth is closely connected to the God of creation. For example, after the Israelites fled Egypt, we have this statement from God to Moses:

Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself. (Exodus 19.4)^[19]The Hebrew reads as follows: … Continue reading

This idea of how God carried Israel upon wings of eagles is closely tied to temple ideas and creation.^[20]See footnote above.

The Kingdom, the Field, and the Servants – D&C 88.51-61

I interpret these passages with the hope of a universal salvation of all mankind upon conditions of repentance and conforming to the gospel. That is my hope. Others have interpreted these verses in different ways. One set of commentators gave the following:

According to Moses (Moses 1:27–29) and to the Prophet Joseph Smith (see D&C 76:21, 24), there are countless inhabited worlds like this one among the creations of God. As these worlds go through the process of creation, cleansing, sanctification, and so forth that leads to their becoming celestial spheres (while they are still “under construction,” so to speak), there is a time when each will enjoy the actual, physical presence of its Creator, the Lord Jesus Christ. In our case, the Lord will personally visit this earth during the Millennium, though he will likely not dwell here, and during that time all those raised in the first resurrection (that is, with celestial or terrestrial glory; see D&C 45:54; 76:17, 50) will at some time enjoy his personal presence.^[21]See Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 268. However, when our millennial day is over, the Lord will leave this earth to visit yet other worlds in their proper turn as they approach completion of their celestial natures. Thus, one by one the Lord personally visits each of his created worlds and all of his righteous servants.

In addition to this, according to Elder Orson Pratt, as each world passes through its terrestrial millennium to be recreated a glorious, celestial sphere, “then, from that time henceforth and for ever, there will be no intervening veil between God and his people who are sanctified and glorified, and he will not be under the necessity of withdrawing from one to go and visit another, because they will all be in his presence.“^[22]Pratt, Journal of Discourses, 17:332. Thus, it would seem that regardless of where the Savior might be located physically in the universe as he travels from one kingdom to another, all celestial beings will enjoy a relationship with him as close as if they were physically present with him, and, indeed, can be said to be “in his presence.”^[23]Garrett and Robinson, Doctrine and Covenants Commentary, volume 3.

Not Expedient… It Shall Turn to Your Condemnation – D&C 88.65

The 1828 edition of Webster’s American Dictionary of the English Language defines expedient as “that which serves to promote or advance.” When we seek what is right and what will move us toward our Heavenly Father or aid the cause of Zion, the Lord will answer our prayers positively. But should we attempt using the power of prayer for selfish or unrighteous goals, we will find ourselves condemned for it. President Joseph Fielding Smith taught that “too many times in prayers things may be asked for which are not expedient but to gratify our vanity or foolish desires, and then if answered the prayer could be to our hurt. We have a wonderful example of this in the case of Martin Harris, when he persisted, after the Lord had refused his request and on his repeated seeking the request was granted.” President Smith also said that “the promise is sure that the Lord will not deny the humble petition which is offered, and it may not be expedient in some prayers that the answer be given as requested. Moreover, it is true that the Lord is not always near. The man who has ignored the Lord, who has not kept his commandments, and who does not pray, may find it a very difficult thing to obtain an answer to his earnest prayer when in distress, and the answer is sorely needed.”^[24]Garrett and Robinson. See also: Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, 3:84.

If Your Eye be Single – D&C 88.67-68

Gordon B. Hinckley has taught: “As we look with love and gratitude to God, as we serve him with an eye single to his glory, there goes from us the darkness of sin, the darkness of selfishness, the darkness of pride. There will come an increased love for our Eternal Father and for his Beloved Son, our Savior and our Redeemer. There will come a greater sense of service toward our fellow men, less of thinking of self and more of reaching out to others.”^[25]Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, March 1984, 5.

A caution regarding this promise

President Packer and Oaks have spoken of the principles associated with this and similar promises in the scriptures. President Packer stated:

I do not invite anyone to become a seeker after a sign, but to prepare a mind and a heart and a body that is clean.

“Therefore,” the Lord has said, “sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will.” (D&C 88:68.)

I bear witness that the revelations are true. I have tested them. There sit before us in this conference the General Authorities of the Church, fifteen men among them called and ordained as apostles, as special witnesses of the Lord Jesus Christ. I bear witness that he lives. I have that witness.^[26]“We Believe All That God Has Revealed,” Ensign, May 1974, 95.

In a similar vein, Elder Oaks reminds us:

The principle stated in that revelation applies to every communication from our Heavenly Father: “It shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will.” We cannot force spiritual things.^[27]“Teaching and Learning by the Spirit,” Ensign, Mar. 1997, 11.

Testify and Warn the People – D&C 88.78-93

Bind up the Law, Seal up the Testimony – D&C 88.84

To “bind up the law” is to impose the law decreed by God upon those who are to receive it. To “seal up the testimony” is to make sure that a knowledge of the gospel and a warning of the fate that awaits the wicked have been given. Those to whom testimony has been born and to whom the law of the Lord has been revealed may then either accept or reject them. But the garments of the Saints who have warned them are free of their blood and sins either way.^[28]Garrett and Robinson.

Joseph Smith later provided more information regarding this scripture, saying that “when you are endowed and prepared to preach the Gospel to all nations, kindred, and tongues, in their own languages, you must faithfully warn all, and bind up the testimony, and seal up the law, and the destroying angel will follow close at your heels, and exercise his tremendous mission upon the children of disobedience; and destroy the workers of iniquity, while the Saints will be gathered out from among them, and stand in holy places ready to meet the Bridegroom when he comes.”^[29] Smith, History of the Church, 2:309.

The Angelic Trumps – D&C 88.92-116 – A Further Clarification of John’s Apocalypse

Robert J. Matthews helps Latter-day Saints understand these passages and put them in context when he stated the following:

“The Prophet had been involved for many months with making an initial draft of an inspired translation of the New Testament, concluding with the book of Revelation in March 1832. In the process of making the translation, many important things were revealed to him about the gospel and in this case about future events to take place on the earth (D&C 45:60-62). The history of the earth, the ministry of seven angels who play a prominent part in the final judgment scenes, and the opening of the seven seals are significant aspects of the Revelation of John. These were reiterated and partially explained in Doctrine and Covenants 77 as a consequence of the translation and were further enlarged upon in these verses from section 88. Thus we regard this part of section 88 as a further clarification and explanation of the Revelation of John. These are eschatological items—the winding- up events to take place on the earth before it is prepared for the celestial glory. All nations must hear the proclamation of the gospel and be informed of the means of redemption. The earth must die and wickedness be cleansed from off its face. There will be a resurrection of all mankind and a final judgment. Through faith in Jesus the Saint will have gained the victory over sin and death and will be crowned with eternal glory (vv. 106-7). The calamities and convulsive quaking of the earth, the wars and the pestilences spoken of in these verses are the ‘details’ involved in the larger concept of the earth being prepared for its eternal celestial destiny”^[30]Robert J. Matthews, “The Olive Leaf: Doctrine and Covenants 88.” In Studies in Scripture, Volume 1: The Doctrine and Covenants, ed. Robert L. Millet and Kent P. Jackson, 340–57. Salt Lake … Continue reading

A Great Sign in Heaven – D&C 88.93

Speaking of the signs of the times and probably referring to this verse, Joseph Smith said: “There will be wars and rumors of wars, signs in the heavens above and on the earth beneath, the sun turned into darkness and the moon to blood, earthquakes in divers places, the seas heaving beyond their bounds; then will appear one grand sign of the Son of Man in heaven. But what will the world do? They will say it is a planet, a comet, etc. But the Son of [M]an will come as the sign of the coming of the Son of Man, which will be as the light of the morning cometh out of the east.”^[31]Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 286-87; emphasis added.

The First Trump – D&C 8.94-98

These are those who lived according to a celestial law will join Christ when he comes to the world. Those Saints who are alive at the time of his coming, those awaiting the day of resurrection in the spirit world, and those who were resurrected with Christ will all join him at the time of his return. “The dead in Christ shall rise first,” taught the apostle Paul. “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). This is one way to the view what is sometimes termed “The Morning of the First Resurrection.”^[32]At the Savior’s second coming, Earth will become a terrestrial sphere. Celestial and terrestrial people will be given the opportunity to live and associate on the earth during the Millennium. … Continue reading

The Second Trump – D&C 88.99 Joseph Fielding Smith said: “After the Lord and the righteous who are caught up to meet him have descended upon the earth, there will come to pass another resurrection. This may be considered as a part of the first, although it comes later.”^[33]Doctrines of Salvation, 2:296-97. Those who rejected the Savior while in the flesh but accepted him in the world of the spirits will come forth in this resurrection to inherit the terrestrial kingdom and will take part in the Millennial reign of the Savior, for they are they “who are Christ’s at his coming, who have received their part” (D&C 88.99).

The Third Trump – D&C 88.100-101 At the sounding of the third trump, those who will inherit the telestial kingdom will be resurrected. This will take place at the end of the Millennium. “These are the rest of the dead; and they live not again until the thousand years are ended…” (D&C 88.101).

The Fourth Trump – D&C 88.102 After all who inherit a degree of glory have been resurrected, then those who receive no glory or remission of sins but remain “filthy still” will be resurrected. These are they who are perdition, for they “remain filthy still” (D&C 88.102).

The Fifth Trump – D&C 88.103-104

When the fifth angel sounds his trump, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is the Christ. See Revelation 14.6-7.

The Sixth Trump – D&C 88.105

The sixth angel proclaims the utter destruction of Babylon. See also 1 Nephi 22.13-14, 23; Isaiah 47.1-5 and Isaiah 52.1-8 where Babylon comes down from the powerful throne to be replaced by Zion. Both societies are diametrically opposed, and Zion will take Babylon’s place one day. This angel seems to be associated with the announcement of this power transfer.

The Seventh Trump – D&C 88.106-107, 112-116

When the seventh angel, who is Michael (v. 112), sounds his trump, the victorious cry will ascend to heaven and echo throughout time and space, “It is finished!” The plan of redemption as announced by the Father in the Grand Council of Heaven, including the appointment of the Firstborn to come as a ransom for us all, will now have been accomplished in every detail. Then shall the Saints and angels will receive crowns of glory, and the all the sons and daughters of God who desire and qualify themselves will receive their celestial inheritance “and be made equal” with the Almighty God power, and in might, and in dominion” (D&C 76:95). Michael and his armies will fight in the battle of the great God against the Accuser and his followers will be cast out, to have no more power over the Saints (D&C 88.114-115).

Time no Longer – D&C 88.110

The phrase “there should be time no longer” comes from Revelation 10:6. The final phrase in this passage reads: ὅτι χρόνος οὐκ ἔσται έτι, which literally translated reads, “seeing that there shall be time no longer.”^[34]The Greek word οὐκέτῐ means “no more, no longer, no further” and essentially is contained in this passage, with the οὐκ and έτι separated by the ἔσται in this … Continue reading The issue lies with the word έτι, which means “yet, still.” When placed with a negative, in this case, the word οὐκ, we get the idea that time will not be, or that time will no more exist, though this may not be the exact idea that is being conveyed in the Greek.

Other translations of this passage work the phrase this way:

“There would be no more waiting.” (BBE & NCV), “The time is up.” (CEB), “There would be no more delay.” (CJB & ESV & GNT & LEB). There seems to be an idea that the Saints will not have to wait for redemption, that the waiting is over, at least in the minds of these other translators working with this passage of Greek in Revelation 10.

Saints caught up… silence in heaven… the first fruits – D&C 88.95-98

Orson Pratt commented on these verses thus:

Whether the half hour here spoken of is according to our reckoning-thirty minutes, or whether it be according to the reckoning of the Lord we do not know. We know that the word hour is used in some portions of the Scriptures to represent quite a lengthy period of time. For instance, we, the Latter-day Saints, are living in the eleventh period of time; and for aught we know the half hour during which silence is to prevail in heaven may be quite an extensive period of time. During the period of silence all things are perfectly still; no angels flying during that half hour; no trumpets sounding; no noise in the heavens above; but immediately after this great silence the curtain of heaven shall be unfolded as a scroll is unfolded. School children, who are in the habit of seeing maps hung up on the wall, know that they have rollers upon which they are rolled up, and that to expose the face of the maps they are let down. So will the curtain of heaven be unrolled so that the people may gaze upon those celestial beings who will make their appearance in the clouds. The face of the Lord will be unveiled, and those who are alive will be quickened, and they will be caught up; and the Saints who are in their graves, will come forth and be caught up, together with those who are quickened, and they will be taken into the heavens into the midst of those celestial beings who will make their appearance at that time. These are the ones who are the first fruits, that is, the first fruits at the time of his coming.^[35]Orson Pratt, Journal of Discourses, 16: 328.

Bruce R. McConkie said:

Christ’s, the first fruits-who are they? They are all those who were with him in his resurrection. They are all those of Enoch’s city, a righteous people who first were translated and who then gained full immortality when Christ rose from his tomb. They are all those of ages past who have burst the bands of death. They are the living saints who are quickened by the power of God and are caught up to meet their Lord in the air. They are the righteous dead who shall come forth in this, the morning of the first resurrection, to receive an inheritance of eternal life and to be one with their glorious Lord. All these shall have an inheritance of exaltation in the highest heaven of the celestial world.^[36]The Millennial Messiah: The Second Coming of the Son of Man [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1982], 636.

The Establishment of the School of the Prophets – D&C 88.117-141

Garrett and Robinson write:

Since “it is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance” (D&C 131:6; see also 130:18–19), salvation is always in part a process of education, and the Church of Jesus Christ is always in part a school. For this reason, the Saints teach one another, and they also warn and teach the world. This educational function of the true Church begins at the highest levels, in the School of the Prophets instituted in part for the preparation and training of the future Quorum of the Twelve (see D&C 95:17), and extends down through the whole structure of the Church through all its quorums and auxiliaries. Therefore, the organizational model of the School of the Prophets will serve “even for all the officers of the church” as they organize and teach those over whom they preside.

There were eventually several different schools conducted in Kirtland and in Missouri. However, only the initial school, which met from 23 January until April 1833 and which likely never had more than about twenty-five members,^[37]See History of the Church, 1:322, which lists fourteen; the various journals list eighteen, and the room is too small for many more; the larger estimate is in Cook, Revelations of the … Continue reading was closely linked to the teachings and ordinances of the temple and was designed to train and prepare future apostles (see D&C 95:17). Subsequent schools, open to a larger number of Church leaders and usually called Schools of the Elders, taught the regular curriculum of secular schools of the day as well as Church doctrine. It was in one of these subsequent schools, during 1834 and 1835, that the lectures recorded in Lectures on Faith were originally delivered. The first School of the Prophets, following the guidelines given in verses 127–41, also studied secular subjects at times but spent a much greater proportion of its time studying the scriptures and doctrines of the kingdom.

On many occasions, visions and other spiritual blessings were received by those attending the school. The Prophet wrote that “many present had the eyes of their understanding opened by the Spirit of God, so as to behold many things. I then blessed the bread and wine, and distributed a portion to each. Many of the brethren saw a heavenly vision of the Savior, and concourses of angels, and many other things, of which each one has a record of what he saw.“^[38]Smith, History of the Church, 1:334–35.

This original apostolic school was open only to the first elders in this dispensation who were worthy according to the specifications given in this revelation. Its intended functions are now continued in regular meetings of the leading Church quorums, both jointly and separately. After 1833 subsequent Schools of the Elders served the educational and leadership training needs of the Church in a period before there were regular auxiliary organizations or sufficient Church publications and manuals.^[39]Garrett and Robinson. See also Steven R. Sorenson’s entry in Ludlow, ed., Encyclopedia of Mormonism; Cook, Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 185–90, The Joseph Smith … Continue reading

Establish a House – D&C 88.119

This is the explicit commandment to the Saints at Kirtland to build the first temple in this dispensation. Construction on this temple began in 1833 and was completed in the spring of 1836. In the months that followed dedication of the temple on 27 March 1836, many members of the Church received spiritual training and some also received preparatory ordinances of the temple in Kirtland.

Note that the command given the Saints was not merely to build an important Church structure; it was to establish a house of God. “To establish” means to secure or to set on a firm foundation. They were not just to build; they were to establish, and it takes more to establish a temple than merely to build a building. It takes righteous people to make use of the house of God in all the ways listed in verse 119. The term house denotes a family dwelling. Establishing the household or the exalted family of God is the very heart and soul of what temples are about.^[40]Garrett and Robinson.

Seek out of the best books, Seek Learning By Study and also By Faith – D&C 88.118

It is vital that the Saints be conversant with the things of this earth in order to meet people where they are and present the truths of the gospel in its plainness so that they may understand. The Saints spend thousands of dollars, even millions, each year learning languages, spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth. Youths give the prime years of their lives learning to speak to strangers of Jesus Christ and his redemptive power. Thousands of Saints then come home from their missions and seek learning in order to provide a living for their families. But we are not finished. Truth is a life-long endeavor. Balancing secular and spiritual truths provide balance in our lives so that we do not miss the intricacies of scriptural truths nor their possible interpretations. Overly rigid fundamentalism, as well as strict secularism, can lead the Saints off of the straight and narrow path. The key is to have knowledge of both secular and spiritual things, weigh evidence, and continually seek truth. Being conversant with the language of heaven and the things of the earth give us citizenship in both “Jerusalems”: the one on earth and the one in heaven.

Commenting on D&C 88.79, President Kimball taught:

It is clear that the Lord expects his people to have a wide variety of information so that we might have breadth and depth in our lives.

“Things … in heaven” might be the study of astronomy and related subjects.

To know and appreciate the wonders of the heavens cannot but increase our appreciation of God and his great wisdom and power. Parents may wish to learn about these wonders and teach their children by putting into their hands materials suited to their age and development.

The counsel to learn of things “in the earth” echoes the commandment given to Adam and Eve to replenish the earth and subdue it. The Lord has also said in these last days, “The fulness of the earth is yours, … Yea, all things which come of the earth … are made for the benefit and the use of man. … And it pleaseth God that he hath given all these things unto man.” (D&C 59:16, 18, 20.) To understand the soil and the seasons is a fascinating study for all families as well as for scientists. A garden for every home, even if only a window box, can furnish beginning knowledge for all ages.

Subduing the earth also involves the engineering sciences as well as biology, geology, and other sciences that study the earth’s land, air, and water. The study of land and water must also consider that which is “under the earth” and all the potentials of nature and its elements.

To study “things which have been” is to delve into history, a lifetime challenge. In addition, current events, or history in the making, should give us concern for careful study.

To learn of “things which are at home” could mean a great invitation to all Latter-day Saints to become masters in the science and art of home building and homemaking; husband and wife relationships; parent and child relationships, training, leadership, teaching, and felicity; and all that is associated with family life, in order that we might become masters in loving and teaching others throughout eternity.

The “wars and perplexities of the nations” is a great concern to us now that the world is a large community. Perplexities afflicting one people affect the lives of others distantly removed.

Gaining “a knowledge of countries … and kingdoms” will be found in a study of political and physical geography, languages, and customs.

But how will we obtain this knowledge? We expect the Saints to gain such knowledge naturally, as a result of righteousness and by study and faith…  Perspiration must precede inspiration; there must be effort before there is the harvest. We must take thought, work, be patient, acquire competence.

…As a people, we Latter-day Saints have been encouraged by the Lord to progress in the learning of God as well as in the sound learning of the earth. Too many of us spend far too much time watching the television or in habits and activities that do not enlarge ourselves or bless others. Would that we might lift ourselves to higher visions of what we could do with our lives! There should be no people who have a higher desire to obtain truth, revealed and secular, than Latter-day Saints.^[41]President Kimball, “Seek Learning Even by Study and Also by Faith,” Ensign, Sept. 1983, 5-6.

McConkie and Ostler wrote:

It is important that Latter-day Saints not lose sight of the Lord’s purpose for directing his Saints to be conversant in secular subjects. There is no implication in this revelation that we will find salvation in secular learning. Salvation comes only through the atonement of Christ and our obedience to the laws and ordinances he has instituted for that purpose. No amount of secular learning will ever substitute for that faith or those principles. For this reason, this revelation includes the direction to first teach doctrine, “the law of the gospel,” that which is “expedient,” that we might understand the order of things in the kingdom of God.^[42]Revelations of the Restoration, p. 641.

While I agree with much of this comment by McConkie and Ostler, I would temper some of this by stating that knowing “only” spiritual things can be a detriment as well. I live in this world. I must communicate with others, for we as humans are social beings. Extremity in this position could lead to a life similar to what we see in Christian history, where ascetics dwelt on pillars, similar to Simeon the hermit (390-459 AD).^[43]Simeon lived on a huge pillar, 60 feet tall and 6 feet in diameter for the final 30 years of his life, chaining himself to it while he slept in order to avoid accidentally falling. There he lived … Continue reading

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