INTRODUCTION: By the spring of 1831, many converts were gathering with the Saints in Kirtland, Ohio. This rapid growth of the Church was met by increasing opposition. The Prophet Joseph Smith described the challenges the Saints were facing at this time: “At this age of the church many false reports, lies, and foolish stories, were published in the newspapers, and circulated in every direction, to prevent people from investigating the work, or embracing the faith. … But to the joy of the saints who had to struggle against everything that prejudice and wickedness could invent, I received the following [Doctrine and Covenant 45]” (Manuscript History of the Church, vol. A-1, page 104, josephsmithpapers.org).
“In 1831, snow, the exact circumstances and details of the second coming of Christ generated a lot of speculation among the Saints--the type of speculation that is not particularly healthy. In Kirtland during this period, counterfeit spiritual phenomena and false spirits accompanied extreme doctrinal speculations about the Second Coming and were greatly troubling to the Church. Section 45 may have been given in part to answer some of the questions of the members and to quiet down the extreme speculations and doctrinal hysteria that some were indulging in.” (Robinson and Garrett, Commentary on the D&C, 2:48-49)
“Section 45 is an unusual revelation, it is a commentary on one of the most complicated and even contested passages of the Bible. That’s not remarkable. There is no shortage of interpreters of Jesus’s Olivet discourse. The remarkable thing is that the interpreter in 45 is the Savior Himself. This is the finest text in the world for understanding Matt 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21. One could go to any number of commentaries on these and would find all kinds of
analysis, These would be helpful, perhaps, but 45 is the only source on earth in which the Savior of the world interprets and applies His own Olivet discourse.” (Harper, Historical Context and Background of D&C 45)
“If we are to prepare for that which is to come” (D&C 1:12), we need to understand what is ahead of us. Perhaps no other scripture gives a more comprehensive outline of the latter days than does D&C 45.” (Cowan, Answers to Your Questions, 62)
Jesus Christ is my Advocate with the Father.
When we feel inadequate or unworthy before God, we can find reassurance from the Savior’s words in these verses:
D&C 45:1 Hearken, O ye people of my church, to whom the kingdom has been given; hearken ye and give ear to him who laid the foundation of the earth, who made the heavens and all the hosts thereof, and by whom all things were made which live, and move, and have a being.
2 And again I say, hearken unto my voice, lest death shall overtake you; in an hour when ye think not the summer shall be past, and the harvest ended, and your souls not saved.
3 Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him—
4 Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified;
5 Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life.
19 D&C 45 May 5–11: “The Promises … Shall Be Fulfilled”
READ As you search these verses, consider questions like these:
-What words or phrases in these verses feel especially meaningful to you?
An advocate is someone who publicly supports or recommends a person or cause.
-According to these verses, how does Jesus do this for you?
-What qualifies Him to do it?
READ Significantly, the Savior pleads our cause before the Father and asks that those who believe on Him be spared the eternal demands of justice, not based on our innocence but on His atoning sacrifice. His case for our redemption from the penalty of sin is “the sufferings and death of him who did no sin.” (Institute Manual)
-What impresses you about the Savior’s words in verses 4–5?
READ Elder Dale G. Renlund: Christ’s advocacy with the Father in our behalf is not adversarial. Jesus Christ, who allowed His will to be swallowed up in the will of the Father, would not champion anything other than what the Father has wanted all along. Heavenly Father undoubtedly cheers for and applauds our successes.
Christ’s advocacy is, at least in part, to remind us that He has paid for our sins and that no one is excluded from the reach of God’s mercy. For those who believe in Jesus Christ, repent, are baptized, and endure to the end—a process that leads to reconciliation—the Savior forgives, heals, and advocates. He is our helper, consoler, and intercessor—attesting to and vouching for our reconciliation with God.
In stark contrast, Lucifer is an accuser or prosecutor. John the Revelator described Lucifer’s ultimate defeat: “And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ.” Why? Because “the
accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony.”
Lucifer is this accuser. He spoke against us in the premortal existence, and he continues to denounce us in this life. (“Choose You This Day” (Ensign, Nov. 2018, 104–5).
In the Book of Mormon we read:
Moroni 7:27 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased because Christ hath ascended into heaven, and hath sat down on the right hand of God, to claim of the Father his rights of mercy which he hath upon the children of men?
28 For he hath answered the ends of the law, and he claimeth all those who have faith in him; and they who have faith in him will cleave unto every good thing; wherefore he advocateth the cause of the children of men; and he dwelleth eternally in the heavens.
2 Nephi 2:8 Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise.
9 Wherefore, he is the firstfruits unto God, inasmuch as he shall make intercession for all the children of men; and they that believe in him shall be saved
And……
D&C 29:5 Lift up your hearts and be glad, for I am in your midst, and am your advocate with the Father; and it is his good will to give you the kingdom.
-Why are these verses meaningful to you?
The gospel is a standard to the nations.
READ Anciently, a standard was a banner carried into battle used to rally and unify troops. A standard is also an example or rule that other things can be measured against. As you read Doctrine and Covenants 45:9–10, ponder what a standard is.
D&C 45:9 And even so I have sent mine everlasting covenant into the world, to be a light to the world, and to be a standard for my people, and for the Gentiles to seek to it, and to be a messenger before my face to prepare the way before me.
10 Wherefore, come ye unto it, and with him that cometh I will reason as with men in days of old, and I will show unto you my strong reasoning.
-What is meant by “mine everlasting covenant?”
READ Elder Marcus B. Nash, referring to this phrase, wrote: “This covenant, often referred to by the Lord as the new and everlasting covenant, encompasses the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, including all ordinances and covenants necessary for the salvation of mankind.” (New and Everlasting Covenant, Ensign, Dec. 2015, 42)
-How are we to understand the word “standard” in verse 5.
READ “A standard is a flag or ensign that serves as a rallying point around which people may gather. The scriptures define the stand as God’s words (specifically, the Book of Mormon (2 Ne. 29:2), the everlasting covenant (D&C 45:9), the great Zion of the last days (D&C 61:41-43), and the light of the righteous or the Church and its faithful members (D&C 115:3-5). Overall, the standard is the true gospel and church of Jesus Christ.” (Parry and Parry, Understanding the Signs of the Times, 64)
-How have your covenants with the Lord have been a standard for you?
Jesus Christ will return in glory.
READ The Second Coming of the Lord has been described as both “great” and “dreadful” (Malachi 4:5). In Doctrine and Covenants 45, both descriptions seem to fit. This revelation includes both sober warnings and hopeful promises about the Lord’s coming. Starting with verse 15 and continuing through verse 59 the Savior reveals signs and wonders that will precede His Second Coming. (Institute Manual)
D&C 45:15 Wherefore, hearken and I will reason with you, and I will speak unto you and prophesy, as unto men in days of old.
16 And I will show it plainly as I showed it unto my disciples as I stood before them in the flesh, and spake unto them, saying: As ye have asked of me concerning the signs of my coming, in the day when I shall come in my glory in the clouds of heaven, to fulfil the promises that I have made unto your fathers,
Using the Institute Manual I will highlight verses in 15-59. Those who know the signs of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and follow the counsel given through the Lord’s prophets will be prepared to deal with the challenges of this momentous time and will be “looking forth for the great day of the Lord to come” (D&C 45:39). They will not be taken by surprise but will be anxiously awaiting the Lord’s Second Coming. The signs of the Lord’s Second Coming may be divided into two main categories: (1) signs that are part of the Restoration of the gospel and its eventual expansion throughout the world and (2) signs that are part of the increase of evils and the calamities and judgments to come upon the world. Some of the signs and events of the Second Coming that are described in Doctrine and Covenants 45:16–59 include the following:
25 But they shall be gathered again; but they shall remain until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
30 And in that generation shall the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
43 And the remnant shall be gathered unto this place;
26 And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth.
27 And the love of men shall wax cold, and iniquity shall abound.
28 And when the times of the Gentiles is come in, a light shall break forth among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the fulness of my gospel;
31 And there shall be men standing in that generation, that shall not pass until they shall see an overflowing scourge; for a desolating sickness shall cover the land.
32 But my disciples shall stand in holy places, and shall not be moved; but among the wicked, men shall lift up their voices and curse God and die.
READ Sister Ann M. Dibb, who served as a Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, explained how we can stand in holy places: “President Ezra Taft Benson counseled, ‘Holy places include our temples, our chapels, our homes, and the stakes of Zion, which are … “for a defense, and for a refuge’’ [D&C 115:6]’ [‘Prepare Yourself for the Great Day of the Lord,’ New Era, May 1982, 50]. In addition to these, I believe we can each find many more places. We might first consider the word place as a physical environment or a geographic
location. However, a place can be ‘a distinct condition, position, or state of mind’ [Merriam-Webster Online, ‘place,’ merriam-webster.com/dictionary/place]. This means holy places can also include moments in time—moments when the Holy Ghost testifies to us, moments when we feel Heavenly Father’s love, or moments when we receive an answer to our prayers. Even more, I believe any time you have the courage to stand for what is right, especially in situations where no one else is willing to do so, you are creating a holy place” (“Your Holy Places,” Ensign, May 2013, 115).
33 And there shall be earthquakes also in divers places, and many desolations; yet men will harden their hearts against me, and they will take up the sword, one against another, and they will kill one another.
40 And they shall see signs and wonders, for they shall be shown forth in the heavens above, and in the earth beneath.
42 And before the day of the Lord shall come, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon be turned into blood, and the stars fall from heaven.
44 And then they shall look for me, and, behold, I will come; and they shall see me in the clouds of heaven, clothed with power and great glory; with all the holy angels; and he that watches not for me shall be cut off.
45 But before the arm of the Lord shall fall, an angel shall sound his trump, and the saints that have slept shall come forth to meet me in the cloud.
46 Wherefore, if ye have slept in peace blessed are you; for as you now behold me and know that I am, even so shall ye come unto me and your souls shall live, and your redemption shall be perfected; and the saints shall come forth from the four quarters of the earth.
47 Then shall the arm of the Lord fall upon the nations.
48 And then shall the Lord set his foot upon this mount, and it shall cleave in twain, and the earth shall tremble, and reel to and fro, and the heavens also shall shake.
51 And then shall the Jews look upon me and say: What are these wounds in thine hands and in thy feet?
52 Then shall they know that I am the Lord; for I will say unto them: These wounds are the wounds with which I was wounded in the house of my friends. I am he who was lifted up. I am Jesus that was crucified. I am the Son of God.
53 And then shall they weep because of their iniquities; then shall they lament because they persecuted their king.
I can “stand in holy places” and not be moved.
D&C 45:56 And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins.
57 For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.
-What do you learn in 56–57 about preparing for the Lord’s coming?
-What are your “holy places”?
-What does it mean to “not be moved”?
-How can you make where you are more holy?
Note that the Lord referred to the parable of the ten virgins, comparing the oil in the parable to truth and the Holy Spirit.
-With that in mind what insights do you gain from the parable?
Zion is a place of safety for the Saints of God.
The Saints in Joseph Smith’s time were eager to build Zion, the New Jerusalem.
D&C 45:11 Wherefore, hearken ye together and let me show unto you even my wisdom—the wisdom of him whom ye say is the God of Enoch, and his brethren,
12 Who were separated from the earth, and were received unto myself—a city reserved until a day of righteousness shall come—a day which was sought for by all holy men, and they found it not because of wickedness and abominations;
13 And confessed they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth;
-Why were Enoch’s people “separated” or lifted up?
READ These people had raised themselves to a higher order of living that was incompatible with the other residents of this world. In the words of President Joseph Fielding Smith, they were ’as pilgrims and strangers on the earth…due to the fact that they were living the celestial law in a telestial world.’ (Brewster, Behold, I Come Quickly, 165-66)
14 But obtained a promise that they should find it and see it in their flesh.
READ The promise to many ancient saints including Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and their children, was that if they were faithful they would inherit the millennial kingdom and that they would see it in their resurrected flesh at the second coming of Christ. All who have received the fulness of the gospel and its ordinances have received this same promise made to the patriarchs.” (Robinson and Garrett, Commentary on the D&C, 2:54)
D&C 45:66 And it shall be called the New Jerusalem, a land of peace, a city of refuge, a place of safety for the saints of the Most High God;
67 And the glory of the Lord shall be there, and the terror of the Lord also shall be there, insomuch that the wicked will not come unto it, and it shall be called Zion.
68 And it shall come to pass among the wicked, that every man that will not take his sword against his neighbor must needs flee unto Zion for safety.
69 And there shall be gathered unto it out of every nation under heaven; and it shall be the only people that shall not be at war one with another.
70 And it shall be said among the wicked: Let us not go up to battle against Zion, for the inhabitants of Zion are terrible; wherefore we cannot stand.
71 And it shall come to pass that the righteous shall be gathered out from among all nations, and shall come to Zion, singing with songs of everlasting joy.
-What do you learn about Zion—both the ancient city of Enoch’s day and the latter-day city—from D&C 45:11–14, 66–71?
-Can you picture, in your mind, this event?
Today the command to establish Zion refers to establishing God’s kingdom wherever we live.
READ As recorded in these verses, the Lord taught the Saints how to prepare for the troubles and calamities that were prophesied to increase before the Lord’s Second Coming. Specifically, they were told to gather together and establish a city of Zion after the pattern of Enoch’s city (Moses 7:18–20). It would be called the “New Jerusalem” and would be “a land of peace, a city of refuge, a place of safety” (D&C 45:66). The word Zion is sometimes used to mean slightly different things. Sometimes the word refers to the people of Zion and describes them as “the pure in heart” (D&C 97:21). Elsewhere Zion refers to the entire Church and its stakes all over the world (D&C 82:14). The word Zion can also refer to specific geographic locations. In this revelation, Zion referred to a physical city that the Saints would establish and to which they would gather.
READ The Prophet Joseph Smith (1805–1844) made the following statements about Zion in the latter days:
“Anyplace where the Saints gather is Zion, which every righteous man will build up for a place of safety for his children.
“There will be here and there a Stake [of Zion] for the gathering of the Saints. … There your children shall be blessed, and you in the midst of friends where you may be blessed. The Gospel net gathers of every kind.… We ought to have the building up of Zion as our greatest object. … The time is soon coming, when no man will have any peace but in Zion and her stakes” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 186).
-In what ways has being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provided you with safety and peace in the last days?
-What can you do to help build Zion wherever you live?
LAST WORDS:
What Are the Best Sources for Understanding the Events Incident to the Savior’s Coming?
At the October 1972 and April 1973 conferences of the Church, President Harold B. Lee warned the Latter-day Saints about what he called “loose writings” by members of the Church in regard to the signs of the times. “Are you . . . aware of the fact,” President Lee inquired, “that we need no such publications to be forewarned, if we were only conversant with what the scriptures have already spoken to us in plainness?” He then provided what he termed “the sure word of prophecy on which [we] should rely for [our] guide instead of these strange sources.” He instructed the Saints to read the Joseph Smith Translation of Matthew 24 (what we have in the Pearl of Great Price as Joseph Smith—Matthew), and also sections 38, 45, 101, and 133 of the Doctrine and Covenants. It is of interest to me that President Lee cited primarily the revelations of the Restoration. He did not refer the Church to Isaiah or Ezekiel or Daniel or Revelation. In 1981 President Romney explained: “In each dispensation, . . . the Lord has revealed anew the principles of the gospel. So that while the records of past dispensations, insofar as they are uncorrupted, testify to the truths of the gospel, still each dispensation has had revealed in its day sufficient truth to guide the people of the new dispensation, independent of the records of the past.
“I do not wish to discredit in any manner the records we have of the truths revealed by the Lord in past dispensations. What I now desire is to impress upon our minds that the gospel, as revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith, is complete and is the word direct from heaven to this dispensation. It alone is sufficient to teach us the principles of eternal life. It is the truth revealed, the commandments given in this dispensation through modern prophets by which we are to be governed.” (Robert L. Millet, “The Second Coming of Christ: Questions and Answers,” Religious Studies Center, BYU, 2004, 202–220)
President Brigham Young (1801–1877) focused the Saints on the importance of establishing a latter-day Zion: “The purpose of our life should be to build up the Zion of our God, to gather the House of Israel, … store up treasures of knowledge and wisdom in our own understandings, purify our own hearts and prepare a people to meet the Lord when he comes. …
“We have no business here other than to build up and establish the Zion of God. It must be done according to the will and law of God [see D&C 105:5], after that pattern and order by which Enoch built up and perfected the former-day Zion, which was taken away to heaven. … We, through our faithfulness, must prepare ourselves to meet Zion from above when it shall return to earth, and to abide the brightness and glory of its coming” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young [1997], 111–12).
The Lord’s promises will be fulfilled. We have His assurance as well as the assurance of ancient and modern prophets. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s Church. It has been restored in our time to provide us the gospel, the organization and the law which will bring peace, comfort and salvation. Our role is to serve Him, be obedient, love all and to fulfill our covenants. May this week see each of us make strides along our upward path.
Greg