083. All people are to come unto Christ by belonging to His church.
086. One of the (threefold) missions of the Church is to perfect the Saints.
087. One of the (threefold) missions of the Church is to proclaim the gospel to the world.
089. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is founded on the revelations of God.
081. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth.
receiving the Word of the Lord
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— (Revelation received during conference of elders of the Church, Nov. 1, 1831) D&C 1:30
The Church of Jesus Christ stands, in a particular sense, alone. Not even a hostile commentator or an unfavorable critic has ever yet ventured to put forth the assertion that this Church has any relationship of origin and development with any other church or denomination on the face of the earth. We are not regarded as an offshoot of any mother church. Churches generally treat us for what we are, a body of religionists standing alone in the world. . . .
We have been severely criticized because of the declaration that the sects and denominations of that day were wrong. [JS-H 1:19] Remember, please, the declaration was not of Joseph. He had not before known that to be the case. Those words were the words of One greater than he, greater than you, greater than all of us here assembled, the words of the Son of God. . . .
This Church, therefore, from its beginning, has been unique, for the organization of the Church was forecasted in this declaration that at the time of Joseph Smith's first vision there was no Church of Jesus Christ upon the earth. . . . CR1920Apr:100,02-03
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is no partisan Church. It is not a sect. It is THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS. It is the only one today existing in the world that can and does legitimately bear the name of Jesus Christ and his divine authority. I make this declaration in all simplicity and honesty before you and before all the world, bitter as the truth may seem to those who are opposed and who have no reason for that opposition. It is nevertheless true and will remain true until he who has a right to rule among the nations of the earth and among the individual children of God throughout the world shall come and take the reins of government and receive the bride that shall be prepared for the coming of the Bridegroom. (Gospel Doctrine, p. 412) TLDP:84
The Church of Christ possesses real authority, derived from God, and in its work represents God. Such a Church, alone, can appeal to the human understanding. A Church without authority is limp and helpless. Authority is the final test of a true Church. Does it attempt to officiate for God? Does its Priesthood possess authority? From the beginning, the Church of God has been given direct, divine authority so that its work might not be questioned. The angel walked with Adam, the Lord spoke to Abraham, Jesus in person came on earth, the Father and the Son came to Joseph Smith—in all ages, when the Church has been fully established, the Priesthood has been conferred by authoritative beings. The authority of the Church is real and genuine and possesses power. By its power it shall be known. (A Rational Theology, pp. 116-17) TLDP:83
Each can receive assurance which comes through inspiration and testifies that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is just as He declared it to be, "the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth" (D&C 1:30). CR2005Oct; On Zion's Hill
Related Witnesses:
My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)—and which I should join.
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." (Vision of the Father and the Son, spring of 1820) JS-H 1:18-19
082. The restored church of Jesus Christ was organized on April 6, 1830, by divine revelation that specified this precise date.
In this manner did the Lord continue to give us instructions from time to time, concerning the duties which now devolved upon us; and among many other things of the kind, we obtained of Him the following, by the spirit of prophecy and revelation; which not only gave us much information, but also pointed out to us the precise day upon which, according to His will and commandment, we should proceed to organize His Church once more here upon the earth: . . . (Journal entry regarding the receipt of the revelation contained in Section 20 of the Doctrine and Covenants, April 1830, which revelation states April 6, 1830 to be the date the Church should be organized) HC1:64; DCSM:39-40
The rise of the Church of Christ in these last days, being one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh, it being regularly organized and established agreeable to the laws of our country, by the will and commandments of God, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called April—
2. Which commandments were given to Joseph Smith, Jun., who was called of God, and ordained an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the first elder of this church;
3. And to Oliver Cowdery, who was also called of God, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the second elder of this church, and ordained under his hand;
4. And this according to the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to whom be all glory, both now and forever. Amen. (Revelation on Church Organization and Government, April 1830) D&C 20:1-4
April 6, 1973, is a particularly significant date because it commemorates not only the anniversary of the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in this dispensation, but also the anniversary of the birth of the Savior, our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ. CR1973Apr:4; DCSM:40
The time of the Messiah's birth is a subject upon which specialists in theology and history, and those who are designated in literature "the learned," fail to agree. . . .
Without attempting to analyze the mass of calculation data relating to this subject, we accept the Dionysian basis as correct with respect to the year, which is to say that we believe Christ to have been born in the year known to us as 1 B.C., and, as shall be shown, in an early month of that year. In support of this belief we cite the inspired record known as the "Revelation on Church Government, given through Joseph the Prophet, in April, 1830," which opens with these words: "The rise of the Church of Christ in these last days, being one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in the flesh. . . ."
As to the season of the year in which Christ was born, there is among the learned as great a diversity of opinion as that relating to the year itself. It is claimed by many Biblical scholars that December 25th, the day celebrated in Christendom as Christmas, cannot be the correct date. We believe April 6th to be the birthday of Jesus Christ as indicated in a revelation of the present dispensation already cited in which that day is made without qualification the completion of the one thousand eight hundred and thirtieth year since the coming of the Lord in the flesh. This acceptance is admittedly based on faith in modern revelation, and in no wise is set forth as the result of chronological research or analysis. We believe that Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem of Jude a, April 6, 1 B.C. JTC:102-04
The day was spent in a very agreeable manner, in giving and receiving knowledge which appertained to this last kingdom—it being just 1800 years since the Savior laid down His life that men might have everlasting life, and only three years since the Church had come out of the wilderness, preparatory for the last dispensation. (Journal entry of April 6, 1833) HC1:337; DCSM:40
receiving the Word of the Lord
Behold, there shall be a record kept among you; and in it thou shalt be called a seer, a translator, a prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church through the will of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ,
2. Being inspired of the Holy Ghost to lay the foundation thereof, and to build it up unto the most holy faith.
3. Which church was organized and established in the year of your Lord eighteen hundred and thirty, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called April. (Revelation given at the organization of the Church, April 6, 1830; Joseph Smith is called by the Lord to be a seer, translator, prophet, Apostle and elder of the Church) D&C 21:1-3
This Church is not a new Church. Many people think it is. It did not have its beginning on the 6th day of April, 1830. It was organized in the days of Adam, and it has been on the earth every time the Lord has had servants who would do his will. (Take Heed to Yourselves, p. 228) TLDP:85
In the first section of the Doctrine and Covenants . . . after reciting his purposes and plans and the partial realization of such in the bringing forth of this Gospel in this age, he [the Lord] speaks of those who were charged with authority in that day to administer the affairs of the Church, those to whom these commandments were given, and explains that the commandments were given that his servants might have power to lay the foundation of this Church and to bring it forth out of obscurity and out of darkness. CR1928Oct:118
083. All people are to come unto Christ by belonging to His church.
Some people ask the reason for an organized church. They feel they can work out their salvation alone, and that there is no need to attend church meetings or fill other requirements as long as they are honest and honorable and do good to their fellowmen. But the Lord has given us instructions that we should belong to a church; and this, his church, has the same organization that Jesus Christ himself established while he was on the earth. We have many explicit declarations from the Lord that make this clear, and also that we need to encourage and help one another. . . .
To accomplish God's purposes and to prove ourselves, it is necessary that we work within his church and under the direction of his authorized servants. We need the strength that comes from association with others who are seeking the same goals. CR1977Apr:64-65
receiving the Word of the Lord
And for this cause have I said: If this generation harden not their hearts, I will establish my church among them.
54. Now I do not say this to destroy my church, but I say this to build up my church;
55. Therefore, whosoever belongeth to my church need not fear, for such shall inherit the kingdom of heaven.
56. But it is they who do not fear me, neither keep my commandments but build up churches unto themselves to get gain, yea, and all those that do wickedly and build up the kingdom of the devil—yea, verily, verily, I say unto you, that it is they that I will disturb, and cause to tremble and shake to the center. . . .
69. And now, behold, whosoever is of my church, and endureth of my church to the end, him will I establish upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. (Revelation received at Harmony, Penn., summer 1828) D&C 10:53-56,69
Blessed art thou, Alma, and blessed are they who were baptized in the waters of Mormon. . . .
16. And blessed are they because of their exceeding faith in the words alone which thou hast spoken unto them.
17. And blessed art thou because thou hast established a church among this people; and they shall be established, and they shall be my people.
18. Yea, blessed is this people who are willing to bear my name; for in my name shall they be called; and they are mine. . . .
21. And he that will hear my voice shall be my sheep; and him shall ye receive into the church, and him will I also receive.
22. For behold, this is my church; whosoever is baptized shall be baptized unto repentance. And whomsoever ye receive shall believe in my name; and him will I freely forgive. . . .
28. Therefore I say unto you, that he that will not hear my voice, the same shall ye not receive into my church, for him I will not receive at the last day. (The voice of the Lord to Alma ) Mosiah 26:15-18,21-22,28
which also quotes Peter
Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
38. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.
40. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
41. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
42. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
44. And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45. And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
46. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47. Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Peter addresses the people on the day of Pentecost when about 3,000 people were baptized) Acts 2:37-47
Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me. . . .
17. And as many as have received me, to them have I given to become the sons of God; and even so will I to as many as shall believe on my name, for behold, by me redemption cometh, and in me is the law of Moses fulfilled. . . .
20. And ye shall offer for a sacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I baptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost, even as the Lamanites, because of their faith in me at the time of their conversion, were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not.
21. Behold, I have come unto the world to bring redemption unto the world, to save the world from sin.
22. Therefore, whoso repenteth and cometh unto me as a little child, him will I receive, for of such is the kingdom of God. Behold, for such I have laid down my life, and have taken it up again; therefore repent, and come unto me ye ends of the earth, and be saved. (The voice of the resurrected Jesus Christ to the Nephites immediately before he visited them, A.D. 34) 3 Nephi 9:14,17,20-22
Related Witnesses:
And after this manner he did baptize every one that went forth to the place of Mormon; and they were in number about two hundred and four souls; yea, and they were baptized in the waters of Mormon, and were filled with the grace of God.
17. And they were called the church of God, or the church of Christ, from that time forward. And it came to pass that whosoever was baptized by the power and authority of God was added to his church. (Mormon records Alma organizing the Church of Christ, about 148 B.C.) Mosiah 18:16-17
And it came to pass that in this same year there was exceedingly great prosperity in the church, insomuch that there were thousands who did join themselves unto the church and were baptized unto repentance.
25. And so great was the prosperity of the church, and so many the blessings which were poured out upon the people, that even the high priests and the teachers were themselves astonished beyond measure.
26. And it came to pass that the work of the Lord did prosper unto the baptizing and uniting to the church of God, many souls, yea, even tens of thousands.
27. Thus we may see that the Lord is merciful unto all who will, in the sincerity of their hearts, call upon his holy name.
28. Yea, thus we see that the gate of heaven is open unto all, even to those who will believe on the name of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God. (Tens of thousands join the Church of God, about 43 B.C.) Helaman 3:24-28
And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; . . . (Moroni writes for the benefit of the Lamanites, A.D. 400-421) Moroni 6:4
Our religion is founded on the revelations of God. The Gospel we proclaim is the Gospel of Christ, restored to earth in this the dispensation of the fulness of times. The high claim of the Church is declared in its title—THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS. Established by divine direction, its name was prescribed by Him whose Church it is—Jesus the Christ. (Address from the First Presidency of the Church to the world, delivered to and accepted by vote of the Church in general conference, April 1907) CR1907Apr(Appendix)3-4
084. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a Christian church, built on and centered in Christ.
Our religion is founded on the revelations of God. The Gospel we proclaim is the Gospel of Christ, restored to earth in this the dispensation of the fulness of times. The high claim of the Church is declared in its title—THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS. Established by divine direction, its name was prescribed by Him whose Church it is—Jesus the Christ.
The religion of this people is pure Christianity. Its creed is expressive of the duties of practical life. Its theology is based on the doctrines of the Redeemer.
If it be true Christianity to accept Jesus Christ in person and in mission as divine; to revere Him as the Son of God, the crucified and risen Lord, through whom alone can mankind attain salvation; to accept His teachings as a guide, to adopt as a standard and observe as a law the ethical code He promulgated; to comply with the requirements prescribed by Him as essential to membership in His Church, namely, faith, repentance, baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost,—if this be Christianity, then are we Christians, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a Christian church. (Address from the First Presidency of the Church to the world, delivered to and accepted by vote of the Church in general conference, April 1907) CR1907Apr(Appendix)3-4
The full set time is come for the Lord to set His hand to accomplish these mighty events; and as He has done in other ages, so has He done now—He has raised up a Prophet, and is revealing unto him His secrets. Through that Prophet He has brought to light the fullness of the everlasting Gospel to the present generation, and is again once more for the last time establishing His Church upon the foundation of the ancient Apostles and Prophets, which is revelation, Jesus Christ being the chief corner stone. (Remarks at a conference of the Twelve, Boylston Hall, Boston, Mass., Sept. 10, 1843) HC6:24
quoted by Mormon
And they said unto him: Lord, we will that thou wouldst tell us the name whereby we shall call this church; for there are disputations among the people concerning this matter. . . .
5. Have they not read the scriptures, which say ye must take upon you the name of Christ, which is my name? For by this name shall ye be called at the last day;
6. And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day.
7. Therefore, whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my name; therefore ye shall call the church in my name; and ye shall call upon the Father in my name that he will bless the church for my sake.
8. And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses ' name then it be Moses ' church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel.
9. Verily I say unto you, that ye are built upon my gospel; therefore ye shall call whatsoever things ye do call, in my name; therefore if ye call upon the Father, for the church, if it be in my name the Father will hear you;
10. And if it so be that the church is built upon my gospel then will the Father show forth his own works in it. (The resurrected Jesus instructs his twelve Nephite disciples, A.D. 34) 3 Nephi 27:3,5-10
also quoting Joseph Smith
"For thus shall my Church be called in the last days, even the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" (D&C 115:3-4.
The name thus conferred is a self-explanatory and exclusive title of distinction and authority. It is an epitome of the cardinal truths and of the philosophical basis of the system commonly called "Mormonism." Every prayer that is offered, every ordinance administered, every doctrine proclaimed by the Church, is voiced in the name of Him whose Church it is. (The Vitality of Mormonism, pp.40-41) TLDP:86
Related Witnesses:
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20. And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; (Paul writes to the Saints at Ephesus in Asia Minor, about A.D. 62) Ephesians 2:19-20
recorded in Luke
And he beheld them, and said, What is this then that is written, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner? (Jesus speaks to the chief priests who oppose him) Luke 20:17 (see vs 8-17)
Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner, (Letter to the churches in modern Asia Minor, about A.D. 60) 1 Peter 2:7
quoted by Joseph Smith,
translating 1 Timothy
But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God. 16. The pillar and ground of the truth is, (and without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness,) God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (Letter to Paul's assistant Timothy, about A.D. 64) JST(1 Timothy 3:15-16 in appendix)
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4. Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
5. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
6. Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (Letter to Paul's assistant Timothy, about A.D. 64) 1 Timothy 2:3-6
085. The precise name of the Lord's church in the last days was given by revelation, namely: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
receiving the Word of the Lord
And also unto my faithful servants who are of the high council of my church in Zion, for thus it shall be called, and unto all the elders and people of my Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, scattered abroad in all the world;
4. For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (Revelation addressed to the presiding officers of the Church) D&C 115:3-4
Our religion is founded on the revelations of God. The Gospel we proclaim is the Gospel of Christ, restored to earth in this the dispensation of the fulness of times. The high claim of the Church is declared in its title—THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS. Established by divine direction, its name was prescribed by Him whose Church it is—Jesus the Christ. (Address from the First Presidency of the Church to the world, delivered to and accepted by vote of the Church in general conference, April 1907) CR1907Apr(Appendix)3-4
also quoting Joseph Smith
"For thus shall my Church be called in the last days, even the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" (D&C 115:3-4.
The name thus conferred is a self-explanatory and exclusive title of distinction and authority. It is an epitome of the cardinal truths and of the philosophical basis of the system commonly called "Mormonism." Every prayer that is offered, every ordinance administered, every doctrine proclaimed by the Church, is voiced in the name of Him whose Church it is. (The Vitality of Mormonism, pp.40-41) TLDP:86
Related Witnesses:
quoted by Mormon
And they said unto him: Lord, we will that thou wouldst tell us the name whereby we shall call this church; for there are disputations among the people concerning this matter. . . .
5. Have they not read the scriptures, which say ye must take upon you the name of Christ, which is my name? For by this name shall ye be called at the last day;
6. And whoso taketh upon him my name, and endureth to the end, the same shall be saved at the last day.
7. Therefore, whatsoever ye shall do, ye shall do it in my name; therefore ye shall call the church in my name; and ye shall call upon the Father in my name that he will bless the church for my sake.
8. And how be it my church save it be called in my name? For if a church be called in Moses ' name then it be Moses ' church; or if it be called in the name of a man then it be the church of a man; but if it be called in my name then it is my church, if it so be that they are built upon my gospel. 3 Nephi 27:3,5-8
086. One of the (threefold) missions of the Church is to perfect the Saints.
My brothers and sisters, as the Brethren of the First Presidency and the twelve have meditated upon and prayed about the great latter-day work the Lord has given us to do, we are impressed that the mission of the Church is threefold:
To proclaim the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people;
To perfect the Saints by preparing them to receive the ordinances of the gospel and by instruction and discipline to gain exaltation;
To redeem the dead by performing vicarious ordinances of the gospel for those who have lived on the earth.
All three are part of one work—to assist our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ, in Their grand and glorious mission "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39) CR1981Apr:3
The mission of the Church is first, to teach, encourage, assist, and protect the individual member in his striving to live the perfect life, temporally and spiritually, as laid down in the Gospel,—"Be ye perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect," said the Master; secondly, the Church is to maintain, teach, encourage, and protect, temporally and spiritually, the membership as a group in its living of the Gospel; thirdly, the Church is militantly to proclaim the truth, calling upon all men to repent, and to live in obedience to the Gospel, "for every knee must bow and every tongue confess." (Speaking in behalf of First Presidency [see letter of First Presidency, MOFP6:208-09] to seminary, institute, and Church school teachers at Aspen Grove, Utah) (Entire speech published in Deseret News, Church Section, Aug. 13, 1938 and in IE1938Sep:520ff; copied in MOFP6:44-58. The speech was extracted for use as Lesson 18 of the Melchizedek Priesthood Course of Study 1969-70, p. 129ff) MOFP6:45; TLDP:871
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14. That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (Paul writes to the Saints at Ephesus in Asia Minor, about A.D. 62) Ephesians 4:11-14
And after they had been received unto baptism, and were wrought upon and cleansed by the power of the Holy Ghost, they were numbered among the people of the church of Christ; and their names were taken, that they might be remembered and nourished by the good word of God, to keep them in the right way, to keep them continually watchful unto prayer, relying alone upon the merits of Christ, who was the author and the finisher of their faith.
5. And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to speak one with another concerning the welfare of their souls.
6. And they did meet together oft to partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus.
7. And they were strict to observe that there should be no iniquity among them; and whoso was found to commit iniquity, and three witnesses of the church did condemn them before the elders, and if they repented not, and confessed not, their names were blotted out, and they were not numbered among the people of Christ.
8. But as oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven.
9. And their meetings were conducted by the church after the manner of the workings of the Spirit, and by the power of the Holy Ghost; for as the power of the Holy Ghost led them whether to preach, or to exhort, or to pray, or to supplicate, or to sing, even so it was done. (Instructions recorded in the last record of Moroni, about A.D. 400-421) Moroni 6:4-9
Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; (Letter to the churches in modern Asia Minor, about A.D. 60) 1 Peter 5:2
We proclaim the objects of this organization to be, the preaching of the Gospel in all the world, the gathering of scattered Israel, and the preparation of a people for the coming of the Lord. (Address from the First Presidency of the Church to the world, delivered to and accepted by vote of the Church in general conference, April 1907) CR1907Apr(Appendix)4
The mission of the Latter-day Saints may be considered in two great aspects; one, the proclamation to the world of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ—the declaration to all mankind that God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ appeared in this dispensation to the Prophet Joseph Smith. That in itself is a wonderful message.
The other great purpose of the Church is to translate truth into a better social order, or in other words, to make our religion effective in the individual lives of men, and in improving social conditions. CR1927Oct:11
Related Witnesses:
For it came to pass that they did deceive many with their flattering words, who were in the church, and did cause them to commit many sins; therefore it became expedient that those who committed sin, that were in the church, should be admonished by the church.
7. And it came to pass that they were brought before the priests, and delivered up unto the priests by the teachers; and the priests brought them before Alma, who was the high priest. . . .
9. And it came to pass that Alma did not know concerning them; but there were many witnesses against them; yea, the people stood and testified of their iniquity in abundance. . . .
13. And now the spirit of Alma was again troubled; and he went and inquired of the Lord what he should do concerning this matter, for he feared that he should do wrong in the sight of God.
14. And it came to pass that after he had poured out his whole soul to God, the voice of the Lord came to him, saying: . . .
19. And because thou hast inquired of me concerning the transgressor, thou art blessed. . . .
21. And he that will hear my voice shall be my sheep; and him shall ye receive into the church, and him will I also receive.
22. For behold, this is my church; whosoever is baptized shall be baptized unto repentance. And whomsoever ye receive shall believe in my name; and him will I freely forgive. (Mormon records that members of the Church are led into sin; the voice of the Lord to Alma ) Mosiah 26:6-7,9,13-14,19,21-22
recorded in Luke
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. (Jesus talks to Peter, prior to departing for Gethsemane) Luke 22:32
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. (Letter to the churches in modern Asia Minor, about A.D. 60) 1 Peter 4:10
receiving the Word of the Lord
Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees. (Revelation for his newly called counselor in the First Presidency, Frederick G. Williams, March 1832) D&C 81:5
recorded in Acts
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. . . .
35. I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Paul counsels the elders of the Church from Ephesus) Acts 20:28,35
087. One of the (threefold) missions of the Church is to proclaim the gospel to the world.
We proclaim the objects of this organization to be, the preaching of the Gospel in all the world, the gathering of scattered Israel, and the preparation of a people for the coming of the Lord. (Address from the First Presidency of the Church to the world, delivered to and accepted by vote of the Church in general conference, April 1907) CR1907Apr(Appendix)4
My brothers and sisters, as the Brethren of the First Presidency and the twelve have meditated upon and prayed about the great latter-day work the Lord has given us to do, we are impressed that the mission of the Church is threefold:
To proclaim the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people;
To perfect the Saints by preparing them to receive the ordinances of the gospel and by instruction and discipline to gain exaltation;
To redeem the dead by performing vicarious ordinances of the gospel for those who have lived on the earth.
All three are part of one work—to assist our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ, in Their grand and glorious mission "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39) CR1981Apr:3
The mission of the Latter-day Saints may be considered in two great aspects; one, the proclamation to the world of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ—the declaration to all mankind that God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ appeared in this dispensation to the Prophet Joseph Smith. That in itself is a wonderful message.
The other great purpose of the Church is to translate truth into a better social order, or in other words, to make our religion effective in the individual lives of men, and in improving social conditions. CR1927Oct:11
The plan of eternal progress involves every living soul who comes upon earth. To the Church is committed the huge task of keeping alive this plan and of carrying it to all the nations. The Church, then, is a great missionary organization. PCG:181
Proclaiming the gospel is not an activity in which we periodically and temporarily engage. And our labors as missionaries certainly are not confined to the short period of time devoted to full-time missionary service in our youth or in our mature years. Rather, the obligation to proclaim the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is inherent in the oath and covenant of the priesthood into which we enter. Missionary work essentially is a priesthood responsibility, and all of us who hold the priesthood are the Lord's authorized servants on the earth and are missionaries at all times and in all places—and we always will be. Our very identity as holders of the priesthood and the seed of Abraham is in large measure defined by the responsibility to proclaim the gospel. (Becoming a Missionary, CR October 2005)
I call on you returned missionaries to rededicate yourselves, to become reinfused with the desire and spirit of missionary service. I call on you to look the part, to be the part, and to act the part of a servant of our Father in Heaven. I pray for your renewed determination to proclaim the gospel that you may become more actively engaged in this great work the Lord has called all of us to do. I want to promise you there are great blessings in store for you if you continue to press forward with the zeal you once possessed as a full-time missionary. (CR 2001Oct; The Returned Missionary, Ensign, November 2001, p.75)
Related Witnesses:
receiving the Word of the Lord
Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor. (Revelation Dec. 27/28, 1832) D&C 88:81
receiving the Word of the Lord
Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;
11. For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him.
12. And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance.
13. And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth 14. Wherefore, you are called to cry repentance unto this people.
15. And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father 16. And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me (Revelation received June 1829) D&C 18:10-16
Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.
2. Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.
3. Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;
4. For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;
5. And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work. (Revelation for Joseph Smith, Sr., Feb. 1829) D&C 4:1-5
recorded in Mark
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (Jesus organizes his disciples) Mark 16:15
For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel (Letter to the Church at Corinth, Greece, about A.D. 55) 1 Corinthians 9:16
Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble. (The sons of Mosiah choose to go preach to the Lamanites, about 92 B.C.) Mosiah 28:3
088. One of the (threefold) missions of the Church is to perform vicarious ordinances for the redemption of the dead.
also quoting Joseph Smith,
who is quoting Paul
Our members need to be taught that it is not sufficient for a husband and wife to be sealed in the temple to guarantee their exaltation—they must also be eternally linked with their progenitors and see that the work is done for those ancestors. "They without us," said the Apostle Paul, "cannot be made perfect—neither can we without our dead be made perfect" (D&C 128:15). Our members should therefore understand that they have an individual responsibility to see that they are linked to their progenitors. (To Regional Representatives, April 3, 1981) DGSM:86
In the days of Noah, God destroyed the world by a flood, and He has promised to destroy it by fire in the last days: but before it should take place, Elijah should first come and turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, &c.
Now comes the point. What is this office and work of Elijah? It is one of the greatest and most important subjects that God has revealed. He should send Elijah to seal the children to the fathers, and the fathers to the children.
Now was this merely confined to the living, to settle difficulties with families on earth? By no means. It was a far greater work. Elijah what would you do if you were here? Would you confine your work to the living alone? No; I would refer you to the Scriptures, where the subject is manifest: that is, without us, they could not be made perfect, nor we without them; the fathers without the children, nor the children without the fathers.
I wish you to understand this subject, for it is important; and if you will receive it, this is the spirit of Elijah, that we redeem our dead, and connect ourselves with our fathers which are in heaven, and seal up our dead to come forth in the first resurrection; and here we want the power of Elijah to seal those who dwell on earth to those who dwell in heaven. This is the power of Elijah and the keys of the kingdom of Jehovah. (At the Stand in a meeting at Nauvoo, Ill., March 10, 1844) HC6:251-52
quoted by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
[F]or every man who wishes to save his father, mother, brothers, sisters and friends, must go through all the ordinances for each one of them separately, the same as for himself, from baptism to ordination, washing and anointings, and receive all the keys and powers of the Priesthood, the same as for himself. (General conference of the Church, April 8, 1844) HC6:319; TPJS:363
My brothers and sisters, as the Brethren of the First Presidency and the twelve have meditated upon and prayed about the great latter-day work the Lord has given us to do, we are impressed that the mission of the Church is threefold:
To proclaim the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people;
To perfect the Saints by preparing them to receive the ordinances of the gospel and by instruction and discipline to gain exaltation;
To redeem the dead by performing vicarious ordinances of the gospel for those who have lived on the earth.
All three are part of one work—to assist our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ, in Their grand and glorious mission "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39) CR1981Apr:3
And so we have two great churches, one in heaven, the other upon the earth. They are moving along parallel lines, and the temple of God, it appears to me, is the connecting link that connects the heavens with the earth, because it is through the temple that we will be able to reach our dead and not otherwise. To pray for the dead may not be of any real assistance to them. To actually help them we must do a work for them. CR1933Apr:77-78; DGSM:85
In our pre-existent state, in the day of the great council, we made a certain agreement with the Almighty. The Lord proposed a plan, conceived by him. We accepted it. Since the plan is intended for all men, we become parties to the salvation of every person under the plan. We agreed, right then and there, to be not only saviors for ourselves, but measurably saviors for the whole human family. We went into partnership with the Lord. The working out of the plan became then not merely the Father's work, and the Savior's work, but also our work. The least of us, the humblest, is in partnership with the Almighty in achieving the purpose of the eternal plan of salvation. (In Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, Oct. 1934) MPSG1967:87; DCSM:8
Latter-day Saints are a chosen people, so appointed in the premortal world, to be in partnership with the Lord for the salvation of the living and the dead. The First Presidency has announced that one of the major responsibilities of the Church, and therefore of its members, is to redeem the dead. (CR 1990Oct; Temples and Work Therein, Ensign, November 1990, p.59)
Related Witnesses:
quoted by Elder Joseph Fielding Smith
In regard to the law of the priesthood, there should be a place where all nations shall come up from time to time to receive their endowments; and the Lord has said this shall be the place for the baptisms for the dead. Every man that has been baptized and belongs to the kingdom has a right to be baptized for those who have gone before; and as soon as the law of the Gospel is obeyed here by their friends who act as proxy for them, the Lord has administrators there to set them free. A man may act as proxy for his own relatives; the ordinances of the Gospel which were laid out before the foundations of the world have thus been fulfilled by them, and we may be baptized for those whom we have much friendship for; but it must first be revealed to the man of God, lest we should run too far. (Address at the Stand in Nauvoo, Ill., May 12, 1844) HC6:365-66; TPJS:367
We know by the scriptures that the gospel is preached to the dead and the dead are to be judged according to men in the flesh and live according to God in the spirit. Thus baptism is necessary for those who, during their lifetime, had not opportunity for this ordinance of baptism by immersion for the remission of sin. CR1979Mar-Apr:20; DGSM:86
receiving the Word of the Lord
For there is not a place found on earth that he may come to and restore again that which was lost unto you, or which he hath taken away, even the fulness of the priesthood.
29. For a baptismal font there is not upon the earth, that they, my saints, may be baptized for those who are dead—
30. For this ordinance belongeth to my house, and cannot be acceptable to me, only in the days of your poverty, wherein ye are not able to build a house unto me.
31. But I command you, all ye my saints, to build a house unto me; and I grant unto you a sufficient time to build a house unto me; and during this time your baptisms shall be acceptable unto me.
32. But behold, at the end of this appointment your baptisms for your dead shall not be acceptable unto me; and if you do not these things at the end of the appointment ye shall be rejected as a church, with your dead, saith the Lord your God. (Revelation to Joseph Smith, Jan. 19, 1841) D&C 124:28-32
And now, my dearly beloved brethren and sisters, let me assure you that these are principles in relation to the dead and the living that cannot be lightly passed over, as pertaining to our salvation. For their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation, as Paul says concerning the fathers—that they without us cannot be made perfect—neither can we without our dead be made perfect. . . .
18. I might have rendered a plainer translation to this, but it is sufficiently plain to suit my purpose as it stands. It is sufficient to know, in this case, that the earth will be smitten with a curse unless there is a welding link of some kind or other between the fathers and the children, upon some subject or other—and behold what is that subject? It is the baptism for the dead. For we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect. Neither can they nor we be made perfect without those who have died in the gospel also; for it is necessary in the ushering in of the dispensation of the fulness of times, which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories should take place, and be revealed from the days of Adam even to the present time. (Joseph writes to the Church giving further directions on baptism for the dead, Sept. 6, 1842) D&C 128:15,18
Thus was the gospel preached to those who had died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets.
33. These were taught faith in God, repentance from sin, vicarious baptism for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. (Vision regarding the Savior's visit to the spirits of the dead, Oct. 3, 1918) D&C 138:32-33
089. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is founded on the revelations of God.
Our religion is founded on the revelations of God. The Gospel we proclaim is the Gospel of Christ, restored to earth in this the dispensation of the fulness of times. The high claim of the Church is declared in its title—THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS. Established by divine direction, its name was prescribed by Him whose Church it is—Jesus the Christ. (Address from the First Presidency of the Church to the world, delivered to and accepted by vote of the Church in general conference, April 1907) CR1907Apr(Appendix)3
The full set time is come for the Lord to set His hand to accomplish these mighty events; and as He has done in other ages, so has He done now—He has raised up a Prophet, and is revealing unto him His secrets. Through that Prophet He has brought to light the fullness of the everlasting Gospel to the present generation, and is again once more for the last time establishing His Church upon the foundation of the ancient Apostles and Prophets, which is revelation, Jesus Christ being the chief corner stone. (Remarks at a conference of the Twelve, Boylston Hall, Boston, Mass., Sept. 10, 1843) HC6:24
also quoting Parley P. Pratt
We sometimes hear people who talk about the Church as a democracy. Well, it isn't any such thing. Democracy means a government where the sole authority is vested in the people—the right to nominate, the right to release, to change. The Church is not a democracy. It is more like a kingdom than a democracy—and yet it is not wholly like a kingdom, except that we accept the Lord as the king, who has under His direction an earthly head who operates and becomes His mouthpiece. It is an organization that is defined more accurately as a theocracy, which means that it is something like a kingdom as the world would define it, and yet something like a democracy. . . .
Let me read you something by Parley P. Pratt that appeared in the Millennial Star in 1845. It was called a "Proclamation."
"The legislative, judicial, and executive power is vested in Him (the Lord). He reveals the laws, and he elects, chooses, or appoints the officers; and holds the right to reprove, to correct, or even to remove them at pleasure. Hence the necessity of a constant intercourse by direct revelation between Him and His Church. As a precedent for the foregoing facts, we refer to the examples of all ages as recorded in the Scriptures.
"This order of government began in Eden—God appointed Adam to govern the earth and gave him laws.
"It was perpetuated in a regular succession from Adam to Noah to Melchizedek, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Samuel, the prophets, John, Jesus and his apostles. All, and each of which were chosen by the Lord, and not by the people." (Millennial Star, 5:150, [March 1843]) (Stand Ye in Holy Places, pp. 150-51) TLDP:83
The Lord never had—and never will have to the end of time—a Church on earth without Prophets, Apostles, and inspired men. Whenever the Lord had a people on the earth that He acknowledged as such, that people were led by revelation. No man can find anything contrary to this. When the gospel was given to the Jews, all the gifts and graces and powers thereof, accompanied it. It was accompanied by the Eternal Priesthood—which is after the order of the Son of God, without which no man can administer in the ordinances of life and salvation. (In Tabernacle, July 20, 1883, JD24:240) TLDP:86
[W]e take the word of the Lord, and don't let us forget that it is the word of the Lord that has come to us, and this Church is founded upon it. Christ prayed to the Father concerning His disciples, "Father sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." The word of the Lord . . . is truth and can be relied upon, and we can take our stand upon it and bring everything to it, and that should be with us the standard. CR1918Apr:21
Related Witnesses:
receiving the Word of the Lord
For verily I say unto you that I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the light and the life of the world—a light that shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not.
8. I came unto mine own, and mine own received me not; but unto as many as received me gave I power to do many miracles, and to become the sons of God; and even unto them that believed on my name gave I power to obtain eternal life. (Revelation received March 7, 1831) D&C 45:7-8
090. The latter-day church of Christ has the same organization that Jesus Himself established while He was on the earth.
Some people ask the reason for an organized church. They feel they can work out their salvation alone, and that there is no need to attend church meetings or fill other requirements as long as they are honest and honorable and do good to their fellowmen. But the Lord has given us instructions that we should belong to a church; and this, his church, has the same organization that Jesus Christ himself established while he was on the earth. We have many explicit declarations from the Lord that make this clear. . . . CR1977Apr:64
We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth. (The sixth of the thirteen Articles of Faith; letter to John Wentworth of the Chicago Democrat, March 1, 1842) Articles of Faith :6
The full set time is come for the Lord to set His hand to accomplish these mighty events; and as He has done in other ages, so has He done now—He has raised up a Prophet, and is revealing unto him His secrets. Through that Prophet He has brought to light the fullness of the everlasting Gospel to the present generation, and is again once more for the last time establishing His Church upon the foundation of the ancient Apostles and Prophets, which is revelation, Jesus Christ being the chief corner stone. (Remarks at a conference of the Twelve, Boylston Hall, Boston, Mass., Sept. 10, 1843) HC6:24
Joseph’s vision of the Father and the Son opened this dispensation. Then came the restoration of the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ with the same organization that existed in the primitive Church, built upon the foundation of apostles and prophets. (CR 1996Oct; The Twelve Apostles, Ensign, November 1996, p.6)
Related Witnesses:
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
20. And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; (Paul writes to the Saints at Ephesus in Asia Minor, about A.D. 62) Ephesians 2:19-20
[The kingdom of God] has its First Presidency, its Prophets and Apostles, its Seventies and High Priests, its Bishops, Teachers, and Deacons, and every appendage that is necessary to completeness, and to promote the happiness and welfare of government on this earth and in the heavens. Or, in other words, this organization is a pattern of things in the heavens and is the mediums or channels through which the blessings of God flow to his people on the earth, and through which intelligence is communicated concerning all subjects with which the Saints are concerned, whether they relate to this world or to the world which is to come. (In Tabernacle, Oct. 7, 1859, JD7:323) TLDP:85-86
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13. Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14. That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (Paul writes to the Saints at Ephesus in Asia Minor, about A.D. 62) Ephesians 4:11-14
And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. (Luke 's report of the ministry of Paul and Barnabas) Acts 14:23
And again, the offices of elder and bishop are necessary appendages belonging unto the high priesthood.
30. And again, the offices of teacher and deacon are necessary appendages belonging to the lesser priesthood, which priesthood was confirmed upon Aaron and his sons. (Revelation on priesthood received with six elders, Sept. 22/23, 1832) D&C 84:29-30
recorded in Luke
Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute:
50. That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; (Jesus reproaches the lawyers) Luke 11:49-50
The Church is the organized Priesthood of God, the Priesthood can exist without the Church, but the Church cannot exist without the Priesthood. (Speaking in behalf of First Presidency [see letter of First Presidency, MOFP6:208-09] to seminary, institute, and church school teachers at Aspen Grove) (Entire speech published in Deseret News, Church Section, Aug. 13, 1938 and in IE1938Sep:520ff; copied in MOFP6:44-58. The speech was extracted for use as Lesson 18 of the Melchizedek Priesthood Course of Study 1969-70, p. 129ff) MOFP6:45; TLDP:87
Author's Note:The restored church was organized as described in the head note to a revelation given to Joseph Smith, the Prophet, at Fayette, New York, April 6, 1830. "This revelation was given at the organization of the Church, on the date named, in the home of Peter Whitmer, Sen. Six men, who had previously been baptized, participated. By unanimous vote these persons expressed their desire and determination to organize, according to the commandment of God; see Section 20. They also voted to accept and sustain Joseph Smith, Jun., and Oliver Cowdery as the presiding officers of the Church. With the laying on of hands, Joseph then ordained Oliver an elder of the Church; and Oliver similarly ordained Joseph. After administration of the sacrament, Joseph and Oliver laid hands upon the participants individually, for the bestowal of the Holy Ghost and for the confirmation of each as a member of the Church." (See heading to D&C 21.) (HC1:74-79)
091. Where two or three disciples of the Lord are gathered together in His name, His spirit will be with them.
receiving the Word of the Lord
Verily, verily, I say unto you, as I said unto my disciples, where two or three are gathered together in my name, as touching one thing, behold, there will I be in the midst of them—even so am I in the midst of you. (Revelation to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, April 1829) D&C 6:32
recorded in Matthew
Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
20. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Jesus teaches his disciples) Matthew 18:19-20
At times it has seemed to me that the spirit that has moved upon those who have spoken and listened in the small gatherings in the mission field has been even stronger and more powerful than we feel here at home. It often happens that, when far away from home, far from the sheltered protection of the temple, the tabernacle, and stakes of Zion, we draw more heavily upon the spiritual forces about us. CR1934Apr:113
Related Witnesses:
receiving the Word of the Lord
And, as it is written—Whatsoever ye shall ask in faith, being united in prayer according to my command, ye shall receive. (Revelation received Sept. 1830) D&C 29:6
A revelation of Jesus Christ unto his servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and six elders, as they united their hearts and lifted their voices on high. (Revelation on priesthood received with six elders, Sept. 22/23, 1832) D&C 84:1
