As church members prepared for the second general conference of the church, they had questions. A few days before the conference, Joseph Smith received a revelation in which the Lord answered many of those questions, providing insight into the gathering of Israel and God’s Plan of Salvation. Many of the concepts discussed in this revelation also appear in the Book of Mormon, including:
- His desire to gather us as a hen gathers her chicks (v. 2; see also 3 Nephi 10:4-6).
- A discussion on agency and the Fall of Adam and Eve which mirrors Lehi’s words in 2 Nephi 2. (v. 34-41)
- The purpose of mortal life—our probationary state (v. 42-43; see also Alma 12:24; Alma 42).
- The innocence of children (v. 46-47; see also Mosiah 3:16-19; Moroni 8:10-12).
- Redemption from spiritual death through Jesus Christ (v. 1, 42-43; see also Helaman 14:16-17).
The fact that these principles connect so closely with the Book of Mormon indicates that these church members were asking good questions. It also illustrates the unity of the Book of Mormon message, as principles taught by multiple prophets across a 1,000-year timeline can be synthesized into a single message.
Here are some other lessons I’ve learned from Doctrine and Covenants 29:
Outline
- Jesus Christ will gather His elect (v. 1-8)
- Natural disasters and other challenges will precede His Second Coming (v. 9-21)
- After the Millennium, heaven and earth will be renewed, and we will be resurrected and judged (v. 22-30)
- Creation, agency, and the Fall (v. 31-41)
- Probation and redemption through Jesus Christ (v. 42-50)
Key Themes
- God is perfectly reliable, so we can have confidence in the covenants we make with Him.
- The gospel is a joyful message, and we should share it with a sound of rejoicing.
- Our lives didn’t begin when we were born, and our experiences in our premortal life influence our experiences here.
- God will one day renew the earth and make it incorruptible. He can also convert us into people who belong in that world.
Book of Mormon Connections
- Lehi taught his son Jacob that opposition is essential for agency. (See 2 Nephi 2:15-16.) The Lord teaches the same principle in this revelation: “It must needs be that the devil should tempt the children of men, or they could not be agents unto themselves; for if they never should have bitter they could not know the sweet” (Doctrine and Covenants 29:39).
- Nephi taught his brothers that the things of God are “both temporal and spiritual” (1 Nephi 15:32, 1 Nephi 22:3). In this revelation, the Lord reaffirms that all things are spiritual to Him. (See Doctrine and Covenants 29:34.)
Applications
- Focus on activities with intrinsic and durable value as you prioritize and schedule your time.
- Strive for greater unity within your family, your work teams, your congregation, and your community.
- Prepare now for the challenges you may face in the future.
- Strive to hear the Savior’s voice.
Recommended Posts
Blog Posts: April 1-6
Gathering → Unity
It’s hard to be united without spending time together. That’s why the Lord has instructed His church to “meet together oft.” Weekly worship services strengthen unity within a congregation, and semiannual global general conferences strengthen the unity of the global Church community.
Hear His Voice
A defining characteristic of disciples of Jesus Christ is that they listen to Him. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice.” In 1830, He added, “Mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts.” We can be better disciples by listening more intently and taking action more quickly on what we hear.
“Sweet Evidence”
Mormon taught that we must be clean to experience miracles. Jacob testified that this is possible through God’s grace. The Book of Mormon and modern revelation testify that assurance of God’s favor often precedes new revelation. The companionship of the Holy Ghost is evidence that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is working in our lives.
“Prepare Your Hearts”
Our success in facing challenges depends on our emotional and spiritual readiness. The words of prophets can help our hearts be more settled, courageous, connected, and committed. General conference this weekend provides a powerful opportunity to prepare our hearts for the challenges we will face in the future.
Devouring Fire and Divine Mercy
In a revelation to Joseph Smith, the Lord warned that the “great and abominable church” would be cast down by “devouring fire.” Echoing visions of Ezekiel and Nephi, this fire symbolizes both judgment and mercy—a pleading from God to the wayward. God loves all of His children and He defends those who follow Him.
“Lift Up Your Heart”
Jeremiah encouraged his people to “lift up our heart” during difficult times and to remember the promises they had received from God. Jacob and Nephi echoed this invitation to their people, and the Lord has reiterated it in modern revelation. We can find joy not only in blessings received but also in promised blessings.
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