Doctrine and Covenants 129-132: “When We Obtain Any Blessing from God, It Is by Obedience” (November 8-14)

In 1843, William Clayton, who served as secretary to Joseph Smith, recorded a number of truths taught by Joseph in a variety of settings. Some of his notes are now part of the Doctrine and Covenants:

• Instructions Joseph gave to Parley P. Pratt about how to distinguish heavenly visitors from Satan and his angels (Doctrine and Covenants 129).
• Teachings about the nature of God, the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, and the Celestial Kingdom given in a sermon at a conference in Ramus, Illinois (Doctrine and Covenants 130).
• Statements on the importance of marriage and knowledge and the nature of spirits, given in several settings including the home of Benjamin and Melissa Johnson at Ramus, Illinois (Doctrine and Covenants 131).
• A revelation on marriage dictated to Clayton in an office in Joseph’s red brick store (Doctrine and Covenants 132).

(See Matthew McBride, “Our Hearts Rejoiced to Hear Him Speak” and Jed Woodworth, “Mercy Thompson and the Revelation on Marriage,” Revelations in Context.)

Here are some lessons I’ve learned from these sections of the Doctrine and Covenants, with relevant blog posts:

• The friendships we build in this life will endure beyond the grave (130:2): Hearts Knit Together in Unity and in Love – Mosiah 18:21.
• God knows what will happen in the future (130:7): The Lord Knoweth All Things Which Are to Come – Words of Mormon 1:7.
• The knowledge we gain in this life will still be ours in the next life (130:18-19): 1 Nephi 1:1 Highly Favored of the Lord.
• Acting in faith unlocks blessings we can receive in no other way (130:20-21): Why Are Some Blessings Conditional on Our Faith?
• The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost provide a perfect example of unity and mutual support (130:22): One God.
• We should seek to emulate the structure and predictability of the church in our homes (132:8): According to the Order of God – Alma 6:1.
• The Atonement of Jesus Christ makes it possible for us all to be judged fairly (132:8): A Righteous Judgment – Mosiah 3:9-10.
• We receive priesthood power by participating in the ordering activities specified by God, including eternal marriage (132:8): After the Order of the Son – Alma 13:8-9.