Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 21

Introduction

The phrase “so what” is a way of asking what significance a particular statement or fact has on the person asking “so what”?  It also has an element of doubt or disbelief associated with it.  As followers of Jesus Christ, we should change this question slightly to reflect our faith and belief in His teachings.  As we read and discuss the signs of the Second Coming today, continually ask yourself, “So, what should I learn from this?”  “So, what should I change in my life?”  “So, what does this do to strengthen me in my desires to live righteously?”

The Savior will return

D&C 29:9–11 – What will happen to the wicked at the second coming?  They will be burned.

D&C 34:7, 12; 43:17; 110:16; D&C 49:7 – When will the Second Coming be?  (Soon, near, but not even the angels know exactly when.)

D&C 34:8, 11; 63:34 – What will happen to the earth?  The earth will tremble, and it will require all the faithfulness of the Saints to escape the pending destruction.

D&C 88:96–99 – What will happen to the righteous?  The righteous will be resurrected at the time of the Second Coming.

D&C 45:48, 51–53 – How will the Jews recognize the Messiah?  The Mount of Olives will split in two, and the Jews will recognize Jesus as their Savior as He shows them the wounds in his hands, feet and side.

So, knowing these prophecies of how the world will be at the time of the Savior’s return, what should we do with our daily lives?

The Millennium will be wonderful

Read D&C 101:21–34, with class members reading one verse each.

Read D&C 45:58-59.

So, what does this knowledge about the future mean to you today?  When you remember these truths, what choices do you make differently?

Preparing for the Second Coming

The Doctrine and Covenants teaches many signs we should watch for in preparation for the Savior’s triumphal return.  These include the following, and would make a wonderful Family Home Evening lesson. 

Positive signs

a. D&C 45:9; 133:57–58. (The fulness of the gospel will be restored.)

b. D&C 45:66–71. (The New Jerusalem will be built. It will be a place of peace and safety for the righteous in the last days.)

c. D&C 65:2–6. (God’s kingdom will be established on the earth.)

d. D&C 110:11–16. (Priesthood keys will be restored.)

e. D&C 133:8–9, 36–39. (The gospel will be preached throughout the world.)

Negative signs

a. D&C 29:15; 88:91. (There will be great weeping, despair, and fear. Men’s hearts will fail them.)

b. D&C 29:16; 45:31; 112:24. (There will be famines, scourges, sickness, and desolation.)

c. D&C 34:9; 45:40–42; 88:87. (There will be signs and wonders in the heavens and in the earth.)

d. D&C 45:26; 63:33. (There will be wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth will be in commotion.)

e. D&C 45:27. (The love of men will become cold, and iniquity will abound.)

f. D&C 45:33; 88:89–90. (There will be earthquakes, tempests, and great waves of the sea. Men will harden their hearts against God and fight each other.)

Some of these prophecies have already been fulfilled, some are in the process of being fulfilled, and some await fulfillment.

Parable of the Ten Virgins

The parable of the ten virgins is based on ancient Jewish wedding customs. In Jesus’ time, the bridegroom and his friends would escort the bride from her home to the home of the bridegroom. Along the way, the friends of the bride waited to join them. When they arrived at the bridegroom’s home, they all went inside for the wedding. These weddings usually took place in the evening, so those waiting for the bride carried small lamps fueled by oil. In the parable, the bridegroom represents the Savior. The virgins represent members of the Church. The wedding represents the Savior’s Second Coming. The oil in the lamps represents preparation for the Second Coming.

Watch “They That Are Wise,” then read D&C 45:56–59.  So, what should we do to prepare for the Savior’s Second Coming? 

President Spencer W. Kimball taught:

“In the parable, oil can be purchased at the market. In our lives the oil of preparedness is accumulated drop by drop in righteous living. Attendance at sacrament meetings adds oil to our lamps, drop by drop over the years. Fasting, family prayer, home teaching, control of bodily appetites, preaching the gospel, studying the scriptures—each act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store. Deeds of kindness, payment of offerings and tithes, chaste thoughts and actions, marriage in the covenant for eternity—these, too, contribute importantly to the oil with which we can at midnight refuel our exhausted lamps” (Faith Precedes the Miracle [1972], 256).

Conclusion

The Second Coming is certain and drawing near.  It is our privilege to have the restored Gospel to guide our lives and daily actions.  Although many of the signs that will precede his return are scary, we can and should be prepared and faithful. 

President Gordon B. Hinckley taught: “How do you prepare for the Second Coming? Well, you just do not worry about it. You just live the kind of life that if the Second Coming were to be tomorrow you would be ready. Nobody knows when it is going to happen. … Our responsibility is to prepare ourselves, to live worthy of the association of the Savior, to deport ourselves in such a way that we would not be embarrassed if He were to come among us. That is a challenge in this day and age” (Church News, 2 Jan. 1999, 2).

Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve gave the following counsel:

“Teenagers also sometimes think, ‘What’s the use? The world will soon be blown all apart and come to an end.’ That feeling comes from fear, not from faith. No one knows the hour or the day (see D&C 49:7), but the end cannot come until all of the purposes of the Lord are fulfilled. Everything that I have learned from the revelations and from life convinces me that there is time and to spare for you to carefully prepare for a long life.

“One day you will cope with teenage children of your own. That will serve you right. Later, you will spoil your grandchildren, and they in turn spoil theirs. If an earlier end should happen to come to one, that is more reason to do things right” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1989, 72; or Ensign, May 1989, 59).

 

Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 20

Introduction

Begin with the following quote from President Woodruff:

“I will refer to the ‘Vision’ alone, as a revelation which gives more light, more truth, and more principle than any revelation contained in any other book we ever read. It makes plain to our understanding our present condition, where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going. Any man may know through that revelation what his part and condition will be” (The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, sel. G. Homer Durham [1946], 47–48).

Read D&C 76:15–19.  As Joseph and Sydney Rigdon were translating the Bible, they pondered on what they were reading and received this wonderful revelation.  This revelation and sections 131 and 137 add greatly to our understanding of how our post mortal life fits in our Heavenly Father’s plan for us.

“The testimony of Jesus”

First and foremost, section 76 testifies of Jesus Christ as the Messiah.  Read verses 1, 20–24, and 119.  Especially in this section, pay attention to how all of the other teachings relate to this testimony of Jesus.

The general Christian understanding of life after death consists of a bimodal existence: heaven and hell.  You are either in a place of peace, joy, rest and tranquility, or in a state of torment and suffering.  And this concept is absolutely right… up to a point.  Upon our death, we face a preliminary judgment and our spirits await the resurrection in either paradise or prison, which could also be appropriately called heaven or hell.  (See Alma 40:11-15.) 

However, this is not our final state.  The Lord described in John 14: 2 that there are many mansions, not just two.  Through the Prophet Joseph, God has revealed much of this doctrine.  We’ll classify these “many mansions” into four broad categories.

Perdition

The word perdition refers to a state of loss and destruction rather than a kingdom of glory. Those who experience this are called “sons of perdition” because they follow Satan, who is called Perdition.  Because we all agree that this is a miserable place where none of us wants to go, we’ll keep this discussion brief, with just one explanatory statement from Joseph Smith:

The Prophet Joseph Smith said: “What must a man do to commit the unpardonable sin? He must receive the Holy Ghost, have the heavens opened unto him, and know God, and then sin against Him. After a man has sinned against the Holy Ghost, there is no repentance for him. He has got to say that the sun does not shine while he sees it; he has got to deny Jesus Christ when the heavens have been opened unto him, and to deny the plan of salvation with his eyes open to the truth of it; and from that time he begins to be an enemy” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 358).

The Telestial Kingdom

Who will inherit the Telestial Kingdom?  Read D&C 76:81–83, 98–101, 103.  Notice that these are people who “receive not the testimony of Jesus.”

What is their state in eternity?  Read verses 86 and 112. 

Quote regarding committing suicide to get to the Telestial Kingdom, to be used only if needed:

“Many of us have heard the statement made-and ascribed to either Joseph Smith or Brigham Young-to the effect that if a person could see the glory of the telestial kingdom he would commit suicide to get there. If only we could get the fundamental doctrines across to Church members as rapidly as we get across rumors, everyone would be saved. Am I saying that’s a rumor? Well, I am saying this, that over a period of many years I have combed everything Joseph Smith said and wrote, and I can’t find it. Hugh Nibley has done the same with Brigham Young’s words, and he can’t find it. It is hard to prove a negative, of course. What I can say is that we have found a statement from Joseph via Wilford Woodruff that says something else that is close, and I suspect it is the origin of the alleged statement (see Diary of Charles C. Walker, August 1837, in Church Historical Department). Elder Woodruff said the Prophet taught this, roughly: that if we could see what is beyond the veil we couldn’t stand to stay here in mortality for five minutes. And I suggest from the context that he was not talking about the telestial kingdom. He was talking about what it was like to be in the presence of God and the family” (Truman G. Madsen, The Radiant Life , p.91).

The Terrestrial Kingdom

Who will inherit the Terrestrial Kingdom?  Read D&C 76:71–75, 79.  Notice how their valiance in the testimony of Jesus affects their final glory.  Discuss the following quote:

Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the Quorum of the Twelve explained: “Those destined to inherit the terrestrial kingdom are: (1) those who died ‘without law’—those heathen and pagan people who do not hear the gospel in this life, and who would not accept it with all their hearts should they hear it; (2) those who hear and reject the gospel in this life and then accept it in the spirit world; (3) those ‘who are honorable men of the earth, who [are] blinded by the craftiness of men’; and (4) those who are lukewarm members of the true church and who have testimonies, but who are not true and faithful in all things” (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith [1985], 146).

How can we keep ourselves from being blinded by the subtle craftiness of men?  Two suggestions from the scriptures are in D&C 21:4–6 and Helaman 5:12.

The Celestial Kingdom

Who will inherit the Celestial Kingdom?  Read D&C 76:50–53, 68–69.  Requirements to receive Celestial Glory include:

1. Receive the testimony of Jesus
2. Believe on his name
3. Be baptized by immersion
4. Keep the commandments
5. Receive the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands by someone holding the priesthood
6. Overcome by faith
7. Be sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise

Verse 69 points out that prior to the Atonement working in their lives, these men are just, not perfect.  However, through Jesus’ perfect atonement we can be made perfect.  We do all we can, and he does all we can’t.

About four years after the vision in D&C 76 was revealed, Joseph Smith received a vision in which he saw his older brother Alvin in the celestial kingdom (summarize D&C 137:1–5). Alvin had died in 1823, before the Church was restored. What did Joseph learn from seeing Alvin in the celestial kingdom? (See D&C 137:7–9.) What else did the Prophet learn about who inherits celestial glory? (See D&C 137:10.) How can these truths bring us comfort?

What blessings come to those who inherit the Celestial Kingdom?  Read D&C 76:54–62. 

What does it mean for us to be valiant in the testimony of Jesus?

“What does it mean to be valiant in the testimony of Jesus?

“It is to be courageous and bold; to use all our strength, energy, and ability in the warfare with the world; to fight the good fight of faith. … The great cornerstone of valiance in the cause of righteousness is obedience to the whole law of the whole gospel.

“To be valiant in the testimony of Jesus is to ‘come unto Christ, and be perfected in him’; it is to deny ourselves ‘of all ungodliness,’ and ‘love God’ with all our ‘might, mind and strength.’ (Moro. 10:32.)

“To be valiant in the testimony of Jesus is to believe in Christ and his gospel with unshakable conviction. It is to know of the verity and divinity of the Lord’s work on earth.

“But this is not all. It is more than believing and knowing. We must be doers of the word and not hearers only. It is more than lip service; it is not simply confessing with the mouth the divine Sonship of the Savior. It is obedience and conformity and personal righteousness. …

“To be valiant in the testimony of Jesus is to ‘press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men.’ It is to ‘endure to the end.’ (2 Ne. 31:20) It is to live our religion, to practice what we preach, to keep the commandments. It is the manifestation of ‘pure religion’ in the lives of men; it is visiting ‘the fatherless and widows in their affliction’ and keeping ourselves ‘unspotted from the world.’ (James 1:27.)

“To be valiant in the testimony of Jesus is to bridle our passions, control our appetites, and rise above carnal and evil things. It is to overcome the world as did he who is our prototype and who himself was the most valiant of all our Father’s children. It is to be morally clean, to pay our tithes and offerings, to honor the Sabbath day, to pray with full purpose of heart, to lay our all upon the altar if called upon to do so.

“To be valiant in the testimony of Jesus is to take the Lord’s side on every issue… It is to think what he thinks, to believe what he believes, to say what he would say and do what he would do in the same situation. It is to have the mind of Christ and be one with him as he is one with his Father” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1974, 45–46; or Ensign, Nov. 1974, 35).

About eleven years after receiving section 76, Joseph Smith learned that within the Celestial Kingdom, there are three degrees of glory there too.  Read D&C 131:1–4.

Conclusion

President Joseph Fielding Smith of the Quorum of the Twelve said: “Section 76 of the Doctrine and Covenants … should be treasured by all members of the Church as a priceless heritage. It should strengthen their faith and be to them an incentive to seek the exaltation promised to all who are just and true” (Church History and Modern Revelation, 2 vols. [1953], 1:279).

Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 19

Introduction

Bring two pictures to class; one is the entire picture, the other only shows a few small sections.  Begin by showing the partial picture.  Tell class members that these small pieces are part of a bigger picture. Invite them to briefly guess what is in the picture. Then display the picture, putting the small pieces in place.

Point out that although the small pieces are important, they would have little meaning if they were not part of the big picture. Explain that experiences we have, decisions we make, and truths we learn are like small pieces of a big picture. They have less meaning if they are not put in the context of a bigger picture: the plan of salvation. A knowledge of the plan of salvation can help us make righteous decisions, find joy in mortality, and prepare for eternal life. This lesson discusses the plan of salvation.

The plan of salvation is “one of heaven’s best gifts to mankind”

Write on the chalkboard Heavenly Father’s Plan of ___________________.

Ask class members to complete the phrase. Encourage them to think of as many answers from the scriptures as they can. Write their responses on the chalkboard. After a minute or two, share any of the following answers that they have not mentioned:

Salvation (Alma 24:14; 42:5; Moses 6:62)

Restoration (Alma 41:2)

Happiness (Alma 42:8, 16)

Mercy (Alma 42:15, 31)

Redemption (Jacob 6:8; Alma 12:25–33)

What do these words teach you about Heavenly Father’s plan?  How does understanding this plan affect your daily life?

This lesson is an overview of the plan of salvation. It shows how the principles of the gospel relate to each other as part of one great plan.

Premortal Life

What does the Bible teach about premortal life?  While teachings about our premortal life exist in the Bible, they are pretty fragmentary.  (See Job 38:4–7.)  Through the Restoration, we have a much greater understanding of what took place before we were born.  Read the following passages and discuss what we are taught in them.

Abraham 3:22–25

1. We lived before we were born
2. God’s children progressed to different levels in our premortal life
3. Jesus Christ “was like unto God” even before he obtained a mortal body
4. Jesus and “many of the noble and great ones” formed the earth on which we dwell
5. We are here to prove ourselves and demonstrate (and develop?) our ability and desire to do all things that God commands us

D&C 93:29 – Our premortal life was eternal, just as our life after this one will be.

Alma 34:8–9 – The Atonement was the essential part of the plan from the very beginning.  Jesus’ sacrifice in the meridian of time was not an emergency measure added after the Fall, nor was it “Plan B” in case Adam and Eve partook of the fruit.  As Lehi explained in 2 Nephi 2:24–26, Adam’s fall was a prerequisite to our coming into mortality.

Moses 4:1-2 – Jesus was chosen as the Savior when the Father presented His plan.  This was not a vote, nomination, or popularity contest.  The Father presented his plan, and we were free to accept it or reject it; we were not at liberty to modify it.

D&C 138:55–56 – We have been preparing for a long time for our roles here in mortality.  Don’t blow it now!

Mortal Life

Everyone who ever has been, now is, or ever will be born into mortality on earth “kept their first estate” by choosing to follow God’s plan.  We’re now in our “second estate.”  Continue reading and discussing the following scriptures:

D&C 29:40-43

1. Because of the Fall, we are subject to temptation
2. Mankind suffered “spiritual death” by being cut off from the direct presence of the Father
3. God gave time between the Fall and mortal death to allow them to learn the plan of salvation and develop faith in Jesus Christ
4. Physical death is an essential part of the Plan, and is the means by which we obtain immortality

Moses 5:11 – Eve explained that the Fall was part of the Plan, allowing children to be born and parents and children to learn to choose good over evil

The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles proclaimed that “marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. … The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102).

Life after death

Although our physical bodies die, we continue to live.  And thanks to God’s wonderful plan, our bodies will be resurrected.  Read Alma 11:42-44.  The final judgment will come in conjunction with the resurrection.  Refer to D&C 76:50-70, reading verses 61, 69-70.  Point out that those who inherit the Celestial glory will do so though Jesus.  Contrast this with verses 109-112.  Those who insist on being judged by their works are those who will inherit the Telestial glory.  God requires us to work and to perform and receive ordinances in mortality.  But even after these works, it is still the grace of God through Jesus’ atonement that saves us.

Conclusion

Have a class member read the following statement by President Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve:

“There are three parts to the plan. You are in the second or the middle part, the one in which you will be tested by temptation, by trials, perhaps by tragedy. …

“Remember this! The line ‘And they all lived happily ever after’ is never written into the second act [of a play]. That line belongs in the third act, when the mysteries are solved and everything is put right. …

“Until you have a broad perspective of the eternal nature of [the plan], you won’t make much sense out of the inequities in life. Some are born with so little and others with so much. Some are born in poverty, with handicaps, with pain, with suffering. Some experience premature death, even innocent children. There are the brutal, unforgiving forces of nature and the brutality of man to man. We have seen a lot of that recently.

“Do not suppose that God willfully causes that which, for His own purposes, he permits. When you know the plan and the purpose of it all, even these things will manifest a loving Father in Heaven” (The Play and the Plan [satellite broadcast, 7 May 1995], 1–2).

Emphasize that a knowledge of the plan of salvation can help us make righteous decisions, find joy in mortality, and prepare for eternal life.