Can you identify with Joseph Smith's Story?

Reading: Joseph Smith History 1:1-26; Our Heritage pg 1-4

As I read through the passage in Joseph Smith History this time, I was struck by how identifiable his story is to most people.  Although there are so many awful and derisive beliefs and comments about Joseph Smith, if a person is open enough to read this short history, they just might identify with the boy they question.

Joseph explains that in his 14th year, there was religious upheaval in his town between three main sects: Baptists, Presbyterians, and Methodists.  Religious upheaval still exists today between those sects and much more.  The list of different religions would take up a lot of room on this blog, so I won't name them.  But I will mention that we are faced with some other interesting decisions where religion is concerned: non-religion, hobbies that become passions, causes (noble or not) that become our beliefs, apathy, family tradition, to name a few.  With all of these and more, I would guess that a person in whatever stage of life, will one day ask what Joseph asked:

 10 In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be aright, which is it, and how shall I know it?

Joseph went to a resource he could trust: the Bible.  It is assumed that he already believed in God, but up until this time, had not had any personal experience with receiving answers from Him. So what kind of belief he had in God, is not sure. But he recognized enough to access the God he knew for enlightenment regarding religion.

When Joseph read the scripture in James 1:5:  "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

He said: "Never did any passage of ascripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart."

The power he felt was the Spirit of Christ which is described here in The Book of Mormon (Moroni 7:16):

16 For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.

And from this power he was compelled to follow the scripture literally.  He would ask God for wisdom.

As soon as he knelt to pray an evil power overcame him:

I had scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me, and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction. 

This too, is something people can relate to, but they may or may not be cognizant of it.  An experience like this can be anything from following a curiosity about truth to following a prompting from God.  I dare to guess that almost always, truth seekers experience some sort of distraction while trying to discover answers to questions.  It may be a lack of time, jobs, other priorities, fear, laziness and more.  Some give in to distractions, others overcome it by will of wanting answers, like Joseph:

16 But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction—not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being—just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.
 17 It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other—This is My fBeloved gSon. Hear Him!

Joseph, gathering himself after experiencing initial astonishment, proceeded to ask his intended question: Which of all the sects is right? To which he learned:

19 I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: “they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.” 

There was the answer to his question.  He also received answers he did not ask questions for.  He learned that God and Jesus Christ are separate beings and that man was actually created in their image, meaning they appeared as men. He learned that indeed, if you have a question and would like more wisdom, you can ask God and He will answer you.

From the point of feeling the overwhelming evil power, Joseph continued to experience opposing forces to his question, experience and direction from God.  But he stayed true. He wondered why something like this would happen to a young, poor, farm boy.  But it did happen and he explains the reality of it. Verses 24 and 25 are some of my favorite scriptures ever and have given me reason to continue to believe what I do based on the experiences I've had:

 23 It caused me serious reflection then, and often has since, how very strange it was that an obscure boy, of a little over fourteen years of age, and one, too, who was doomed to the necessity of obtaining a scanty maintenance by his daily labor, should be thought a character of sufficient importance to attract the attention of the great ones of the most popular sects of the day, and in a manner to create in them a spirit of the most bitter persecution and reviling. But strange or not, so it was, and it was often the cause of great sorrow to myself.

 24 However, it was nevertheless a fact that I had beheld a vision. I have thought since, that I felt much like Paul, when he made his defense before King Agrippa, and related the account of the vision he had when he saw a light, and heard a voice; but still there were but few who believed him; some said he was dishonest, others said he was mad; and he was ridiculed and reviled. But all this did not destroy the reality of his vision. He had seen a vision, he knew he had, and all the persecution under heaven could not make it otherwise; and though they should persecute him unto death, yet he knew, and would know to his latest breath, that he had both seen a light and heard a voice speaking unto him, and all the world could not make him think or believe otherwise.

 25 So it was with me. I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true; and while they were persecuting me, reviling me, and speaking all manner of evil against me falsely for so saying, I was led to say in my heart: Why persecute me for telling the truth? I have actually seen a vision; and who am I that I can withstand God, or why does the world think to make me deny what I have actually seen? For I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it; at least I knew that by so doing I would offend God, and come under condemnation.

The integrity he had concerning this first vision is to be admired and thanked. Because of the reality of it and Joseph's integrity in testifying of it, The Church of Jesus Christ as it was established when He was on the earth, is established once more.  The truths contained within this Church is the gospel of Jesus Christ and bring understanding, wisdom, peace, joy and hope to those who seek for wisdom they lack.

Covenants with Christ

Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 2

This lesson is a different one as far as readings go, as it does not cover a group of sections, but is a smattering of scriptures that tell us about the Savior, or rather Christ telling us about himself.  In fact, the lessons covered this year in the Doctrine and Covenants are topical, so it will be important to have a class member study guide booklet, or find the study guide on lds.org, so you can follow along.

The title of the lesson today is: “Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World.”  I’ve thought a lot about the title of the Doctrine and Covenants in the last few weeks with respect to the topic.  The Doctrine and Covenants is yet another book of scripture that testifies of Jesus Christ, his mission and gospel.  Though the wording is not the same in the titles of other books of scripture, it is the same meaning.  In fact, the Bible Dictionary says the word “testament” can be exchanged with the word “covenant.”  So, an interesting way to look at our books of scripture and their purpose are:

Scriptural Texts:
The Old Covenant
The New Covenant
The Book of Mormon: Another Covenant of Jesus Christ
The Doctrine and Covenants

Or vice versa:
The Old Testament, the New Testament, The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, and the Doctrine and Testament.

I would like to read the definition of covenants from the Bible Dictionary about Covenants that helped me understand what I need to look for in my study of the Doctrine and Covenants this year:

Covenant. Sometimes denotes an agreement between persons or nations; more often between God and man; but in this latter case it is important to notice that the two parties to the agreement do not stand in the relation of independent and equal contractors. God in his good pleasure fixes the terms, which man accepts. The same word is sometimes rendered “testament.” The gospel is so arranged that principles and ordinances are received by covenant placing the recipient under strong obligation and responsibility to honor the commitment.

Not only do we need to know the terms God fixes, but we need to know what kind of a being we are making covenants with.  Joseph Smith said in order to exercise faith in God, we must have a knowledge of his “character, perfections and attributes.”

The Introduction to The Doctrine and Covenants says these are, “sacred revelations [that] were received in answer to prayer, in times of need, and came out of real-life situations involving real people.” We learn about the character, attributes and perfections of the Lord in reading about his interaction with regular people like us.  They receive some very personal revelations, which I am grateful they could share with us, because what they learn are universal truths.  Let’s read some of those examples:

Atonement
DC 19:15-20 This revelation was given to Martin Harris, who it seems was seeking assurance of his standing before God, two years after his issue with taking and losing some pages of the manuscript of The Book of Mormon.  President Joseph Fielding Smith said,
It was without question a revelation of great comfort to Martin, and it is one of the great revelations given in this dispensation; there are few of greater
import than this. The doctrine of the atonement of the Lord, as directly applying to the individual, and his exposition of ‘Eternal Punishment,’ as here set forth, give to the members of the Church light which was not previously known.” (Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:85.)

HOW DOES THIS PASSAGE HELP INSPIRE YOU TO WANT TO MAKE A COVENANT WITH HIM? WHAT IS THE PROMISE GIVEN, OR THE TERMS HE IS SETTING FORTH?
You don’t even understand the pain you will suffer, let me tell you a little about it.  I’ve provided a way for you to avoid that suffering.  Later in this section, the Savior tells Martin what he can do in this life to avoid the suffereing (repent, preach, follow him, pray, have humility, etc.)

Individual Atonement
DC 34:1-3 A very personal revelation given to 19-year-old Orson Pratt
DC 58:41-43 (if we repent, we will be forgiven)

Resurrection
DC 88:11-18  Revelation called “the olive leaf. . plucked from the Tree of Paradise, the Lord’s message of peace to us”  (resurrection is the redemption of the soul through Christ, to receive redemption of soul, seek for the light provided by Christ that quickens your understanding)

DC 93:33-38 (men are redeemed from the fall but are innocent at birth, we are to therefore seek for and receive light and intelligence, do not defile our body or spirit)

WHAT MOTIVATION DOES KNOWLEDGE OF A RESURRECTION PROVIDE FOR MAKING COVENANTS?
Without resurrection, there would be no point for the atonement, there would be no purpose to progress for. Resurrection is THE motivation for covenants, and is only provided through the Savior.

Empathy
DC 122:7-9 (the Savior has descended below all things)

HOW DOES KNOWING THE SAVIOR HAS EMPATHY FOR OUR ISSUES COMPELL US TO MAKE COVENANTS WITH HIM?
Endure, know there is someone who can help, that it is possible to pass through all tribulation, “fear not what man can do,” etc) I know what you are going through, you still have to go through it.  But I made it through and so can you, because I will help you.

WHAT DOES THY PRIESTHOOD SHALL REMAIN WITH THEE MEAN?
(the power of the Lord endures everything)

Advocate
DC 45:3-5 He is our advocate because of the atonement, resurrection and empathy. (testify of what advocate means to you)

Having discussed now, why we can trust Him to make life-altering covenants with, we come to what some of those covenants are.  In your Class Member Study Guide, you have been given a scriptures chain of Christ attributes.  These attributes are part of his covenant with us.

One of the ways I will study The Doctrine and Covenants this year is by writing down the terms of His covenants and what I accept to do.  I’ve given an example with some of the scripture chain verses you read in the class member study guide:

Scripture	Our covenant	His covenant/ testament/attributes
DC 6:20-21	Diligent in keeping commandments	Encircled in the arms of His love
DC 6:32-37	Be unified in belief Built upon his rock Keep commandments	He will be in our midst Enemies will not prevail Inherit kingdom of God
DC 29:1-2	Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ (humility, prayer)	Gather his people
DC 19:1-4	Use agency=just reward	Just judgment
DC 45:3-5	Listen to Him	Plead your cause and provide atonement
DC 50:44	Build upon Him as foundation	Will not fall
DC 76:5	Fear Him, Serve Him	Give mercy, grace and honor
DC 93:5-19	We are to learn from grace to grace	He learned from grace to grace

The Savior explained his desire for making covenants with us, and I imagine He would want us to feel the same in return:

DC 50:41-44 The Savior desires us to be one with him, so he gives us doctrine, commandments and covenants

What the Doctrine and Covenants represents

Reading: DC Introduction, DC Sec 1

Things to know about The Doctrine and Covenants:

It is divided in to sections, each section (usually) a separate revelation given for a separate issue, or directed to a certain person. Concerning the revelations, the introduction says:

"These sacred revelations were received in answer to prayer, in times of need, and came out of real-life situations involving real people. The Prophet and his associates sought for divine guidance, and these revelations certify that they received it."

Which makes the Doctrine and Covenants a different book of scripture than any other:

"The Doctrine and Covenants is unique because it is not a translation of an ancient document, but is of modern origin and was given of God through his chosen prophets for the restoration of his holy work and the establishment of the kingdom of God on the earth in these days."

Also:

The Prophet Joseph wrote, “In these infant days of the Church, there was a great anxiety to obtain the word of the Lord upon every subject that in any way concerned our salvation” (History of the Church, 1:207). 

It is significant the the title of the book contains the word "covenants" as the other books of scripture read within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints contain the word "Testament" which is synonymous with the word "covenant" (The Old Testament, The New Testament, The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ).  In fact, President Wilford Woodruf said this regarding the book:

"I consider that The Doctrine and Covenants, our testament, contains a code of the most solemn, most God-like proclamations ever made to the human family."

President Joseph F. Smith said:

“But this Doctrine and Covenants contains the word of God to those who dwell here now. It is our book. It belongs to the Latter-day Saints. More precious than gold, the Prophet says we should treasure it more than the riches of the whole earth. I wonder if we do? If we value it, understand it, and know what it contains, we will value it more than wealth; it is worth more to us than the riches of the earth.” (Doctrines of Salvation, 3:198–99.)

I feel like I have not appreciated it enough for what it is and why it was written.  I look forward to giving it the attention and respect it deserves and is required throughout this year.

To me, The Doctrine and Covenants stands as a witness for what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is: a  "true and living church." All sections really are revelations from God, testifying to people that God really does know and care and speak to people of all time, not just to prophets of old.  In fact, that statement, "true and living church," comes from section 1:30

 30 And also those to whom these commandments were given, might have power to lay the foundation of this church, and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness, the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well pleased, speaking unto the church collectively and not individually—

It is a living church because it is constantly receiving revelation from God through those who have the authority to receive such revelations.  The Doctrine and Covenants is a great example of this. Section 1 is the preface that the Lord himself gave to Joseph Smith, specifically as an explanation of revelation and a warning to the world. The beginning verses in section one might seem a little harsh from the Lord, but the Introduction explains that the words of the Lord in this book are "tender but firm."  So, I like to read section one as just that, not like he's yelling at us, but that He really wants us to "Hearken" because the things within this book will show us how to return to Him, which is just what He and hopefully we want.

This is a great synopsis of the purpose of The Doctrine and Covenants (of course it's great, it's from the Lord!), in section 1:

 19 The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, that man should not counsel his fellow man, neither trust in the arm of flesh—
 20 But that every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world;
 21 That faith also might increase in the earth;
 22 That mine everlasting covenant might be established;
 23 That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers.
 24 Behold, I am God and have spoken it; these commandments are of me, and were given unto my servants in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding.
 25 And inasmuch as they erred it might be made known;
 26 And inasmuch as they sought wisdom they might be instructed;
 27 And inasmuch as they sinned they might be chastened, that they might repent;
 28 And inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time.

and

 37 Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.
 38 What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.
 39 For behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever. Amen. 

Study Helps for the Doctrine and Covenants

I thought I would share a few links that I use to study the Doctrine and Covenants:

The text itself:
The Doctrine and Covenants

BYU Roundtable discussions on The Doctrine and Covenants

Student Manual for The Doctrine and Covenants, used for religion classes at LDS institutions.

I also use General Conference addresses, but they will be topical.  I will provide links to any conference addresses as they relate to post topics.