1 LISTEN to the voice of Jesus Christ, your Redeemer, the Great I AM, [ Authority statement as in proceeding chapters this one varies as to the next phrase. ] whose arm of mercy [ Also used in Jacob 6:5, Mosiah 29:20, 3 Ne. 9:14. In those cases however it is used as a general reference to him, but here the Lord is referring to His own arm which has "atoned for your sins". This type of possessive language also appears in D&C 49:5, also cp. Isa. 53:10, D&C 19:16-18. ] hath atoned for your sins;

2 Who will gather his people even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, even as many as will hearken to my voice and humble themselves before me, and call upon me in mighty prayer. [ Hebrew "Shema" is translated here as hearken which means to "listen" and "obey". Paraphrases Matt. 23:37, and also see 3 Ne. 10:4-6, D&C 10:65, D&C 43:24. In each of these cases the reference is intimately associated with text that deals with the Lord's desire to protect Israel from destruction (the D&C 10:65 usage deals more with spiritual rather than physical destruction). And in each case the people reject the gospel message, usually delivered by prophets. The result is we should be looking for parallels between the text of this section and the text surrounding those other similar quotes. ]

3 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, [ Those who are the elect to which he is addressing this revelation. ] that at this time your sins are forgiven you, therefore ye receive these things; but remember to sin no more, lest perils shall come upon you.

4 Verily, I say unto you that ye are chosen out of the world to declare my gospel with the sound of rejoicing, as with the voice of a trump.

5 Lift up your hearts and be glad, for I am in your midst, and am your advocate with the Father; and it is his good will to give you the kingdom.

6 And, as it is written — [ This phrase appears 75 times in the scriptures and is always used as a reference to the previously documented scripture. This phrase is repeated verbatim in v. 50, and the same theme is invoked in v. 10, 21, 30. Thus, we should be expecting a lot of paraphrasing of preceding scripture. ] Whatsoever ye shall ask in faith, being united in prayer according to my command, ye shall receive.

7 And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts;

8 Wherefore the decree hath gone forth from the Father that they shall be gathered in unto one place upon the face of this land, to prepare their hearts and be prepared in all things against the day when tribulation and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked. [ These tribulations are further defined in verse 9-30. ]

9 For the hour is nigh and the day soon at hand when the earth is ripe; [ Which includes the following 2 Ne. 28:15-16, Jacob 2:33, Jacob 3:13, Alma 37:28, Alma 45:12, Hela. 13:14, Ether 2:9, Ether 9:20, Moroni 8:3-4. ] and all the proud and they that do wickedly shall be as stubble; [ When the head of the grain or fruit is removed the (straw) stubble has lost its value to the world or in other words - it is now in a very humble state, no way to improve, no more growth - no use to man (Humbled) the only choice is how fast and in what way it is left to decompose.

Looking at this from an Eternal perspective - The head of the grain has been removed there is no way for them to continue to grow, have posterity - they are stopped in their state eternally (hence the burning or yearning for eternal growth, posterity)] and I will burn [ When something is burned it is changed - the proud will either have to change or they will be burned.

From an eternal perspective we might relate the burning to another word - yearning - or seeing what they could have had and been - that will cause ones heart to burn with envy or desire.

Why is Satan so Miserable?Because he is eternally left in the same state, he cannot grow - he cannot have eternal increase.

Think about it - How miserable, how bad would your heart burn if you were going to be in the same state forever? When Joseph Smith had his first vision one of the words that he used to express what had happened was the use of the word fire. He later used the word glory to describe the presence of the Father and the son. Jospeh Smith said that he fully expected the leaves to be gone on all of the trees at the end of the first vision. That is how it appeared to him.

literal meaning: Joseph Fielding Smith Church History & Modern Revelation 1:238 - "It is not a figure of speech that is meaningless, or one not to be taken literally when the Lord speaks of the burning. All through the scriptures we have the word of the Lord that at his coming the wicked and the rebellious will be as stubble and will be consumed. Isaiah has so prophesied."

Christ is a glorified, celestial being, and the glory of such beings is comparable to that of the sun. The presence of Christ when he comes in His glory will be as a consuming fire. The mountains will flow down at hi presence, the elements will melt with fervent heat, and the waters will flow boil. Even the sun will hide its face in shame. see D&C 76:70; D&C 133:40-44; Hebrews 12:29] them up, saith the Lord of Hosts [ What exactly does “host” mean? The phrase “Lord of Hosts” is the same as the “Lord of Sabaoth.” “The Lord of Sabaoth was a title of Jehovah; the hosts were the armies of Israel (1 Sam. 17:45), but also included the angelic armies of heaven” (Bible Dictionary, “Sabaoth,” ] , that wickedness shall not be upon the earth;

10 For the hour is nigh, and that which was spoken by mine apostles must be fulfilled; [ Or the day of the Lord. Isa. 2:12, Joel 2:1, D&C 1:10. Much of the material here paraphrases previously existing scripture, especially v. 14- 21. As noted above, the text follows a repetitive complementary pattern which contrasts the positive aspects of the Day of the Lord with the negative. Note the first positive portion (v. 9- 13) is quite a bit shorter than the second negative portion (v. 14-30). We might speculate this is because the good who will inherit those things discussed in the positive position have already learned these things, while the wicked remain in ignorance of the Scriptures and therefore need more detail. ] for as they spoke so shall it come to pass;

11 For I will reveal myself from heaven with power and great glory, with all the hosts thereof, and dwell in righteousness with men on earth a thousand years, [ Known as the Millenium. ] and the wicked shall not stand.

12 And again, verily, verily, I say unto you, and it hath gone forth in a firm decree, by the will of the Father, that mine apostles, the Twelve which were with me in my ministry at Jerusalem, shall stand at my right hand at the day of my coming in a pillar of fire, being clothed with robes of righteousness, with crowns upon their heads, [ Typical usage implies those who will enjoy or be part of the first resurrection. crowns upon their heads is a particularly popular NT reference to exaltation, cp. 1 Cor. 9:25, 2 Tim. 4:8, 1 Peter 5:4, James 1:12, Rev. 2:10. On v. 12 cp. Rev. 4:2-4. ] in glory even as I am, to judge the whole house of Israel, even as many as have loved me and kept my commandments, and none else.

13 For a trump shall sound both long and loud, even as upon Mount Sinai, and all the earth shall quake, and they shall come forth—yea, even the dead which died in me, to receive a crown of righteousness, and to be clothed upon, even as I am, to be with me, that we may be one.

14 But, behold, I say unto you that before this great day shall come the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall be turned into blood, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and there shall be greater signs in heaven above and in the earth beneath;

15 And there shall be weeping and wailing among the hosts of men;

16 And there shall be a great hailstorm sent forth to destroy the crops of the earth. [ Similar to the curses sent to Egypt from God during the time of Moses. ]

17 And it shall come to pass, because of the wickedness of the world, that I will take vengeance upon the wicked, for they will not repent; for the cup of mine indignation is full; [ This is the cup of poison the wicked are forced to drink in Isa. 51:17, Jer. 25:15 and 27, Jer. 51:7. It is the same cup which Jesus drank on behalf of those whom he intercedes for, cp. Matt. 26:39, John 18:11. ] for behold, my blood shall not cleanse them if they hear me not.

18 Wherefore, I the Lord God [ Hebrew - Yahweh ( or Jehovah which means "to become" or "to exist") translated as Lord; Elohim translated as God ("the Gods") which together the words mean "He will cause Gods to be". ] will send forth flies upon the face of the earth, which shall take hold of the inhabitants thereof, and shall eat their flesh, and shall cause maggots to come in upon them; [ These are the dead whose bodies are rotting from the great battle. (Rev 19:18) ]

19 And their tongues shall be stayed that they shall not utter against me; and their flesh shall fall from off their bones, and their eyes from their sockets;

20 And it shall come to pass that the beasts of the forest and the fowls of the air shall devour them up. [ Considered as a covenant curse see Lev. 26:22, Deut. 32:24, 2 Kings 2:24. ]

21 And the great and abominable church, which is the whore of all the earth, shall be cast down by devouring fire, according as it is spoken by the mouth of Ezekiel the prophet, who spoke of these things, which have not come to pass but surely must, as I live, for abominations shall not reign.

[ 22-25 discuss the millennium from verse 11 but here it is making reference to the end of the millennium vs 22 when people rebell again against the Lord. ]

22 And again, verily, verily, I say unto you that when the thousand years are ended, and men again begin to deny their God, then will I spare the earth but for a little season;

23 And the end shall come, and the heaven and the earth shall be consumed and pass away, and there shall be a new heaven and a new earth. [ Compare with Isa. 66:22. ]

24 For all old things shall pass away, and all things shall become new, even the heaven and the earth, and all the fulness thereof, both men and beasts, the fowls of the air, and the fishes of the sea;

25 And not one hair, neither mote, shall be lost, for it is the workmanship of mine hand.

26 But, behold, verily I say unto you, before the earth shall pass away, Michael, mine archangel, [ Arch means chief. ] shall sound his trump, and then shall all the dead awake, for their graves shall be opened, and they shall come forth—yea, even all. [ The final or second resurrection when those that are righteous enter the Lord's rest. Dan. 12:1-2, John 5:29. ]

27 And the righteous shall be gathered on my right hand unto eternal life; and the wicked on my left hand will I be ashamed to own [ As Jesus made intercession for all persons that they may be redeemed from physical death by resurrection, he "owns" them in that respect per the OT laws of redemption, cf. Lev. 25:23-55. Jesus also covers any inadvertent sins. Its the intentional sins that damn a person and make the Lord ashamed to own one. ] before the Father;

28 Wherefore I will say unto them—Depart from me, ye cursed, [ Compare with the last line of vs 41. ] into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. [ Continuing on with the final resurrection when the wicked will be rejected from entering his presence. ]

29 And now, behold, I say unto you, never at any time have I declared from mine own mouth that they [ Those who are the sons of perdition. ] should return, for where I am they cannot come, for they have no power. [ And where do the get the power D&C 84: 20, they have not received the ordinances that will allow them to do so. ]

30 But remember that all my judgments are not given unto men; [ Man in his mortal condition, with very limited understanding and imperfect character, is in no position to fully understand the judgments of God, who is perfect and omniscient (see D&C 38:2). God does not reveal all of His judgments and the reasons for His actions. It is certain, however, that all God’s judgments are just and right. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that “He [God] holds the reins of judgment in His hands; He is a wise Lawgiver, and will judge all men, not according to the narrow, contracted notions of men, but, ‘according to the deeds done in the body whether they be good or evil.’ . . . He will judge them, ‘not according to what they have not, but according to what they have,’ those who have lived without law, will be judged without law, and those who have a law, will be judged by that law. We need not doubt the wisdom and intelligence of the Great Jehovah; He will award judgment or mercy to all nations according to their several deserts, their means of obtaining intelligence, the laws by which they are governed, the facilities afforded them of obtaining correct information, and His inscrutable designs in relation to the human family; and when the designs of God shall be made manifest, and the curtain of futurity be withdrawn, we shall all of us eventually have to confess that the Judge of all the earth has done right.” (History of the Church, 4:595–96.). ] and as the words have gone forth out of my mouth [ Another reference to the previously mentioned scripture in vs 5 and again in verse 50. ] even so shall they be fulfilled, that the first shall be last, and that the last shall be first in all things whatsoever I have created by the word of my power, which is the power of my Spirit.

31 For by the power of my Spirit created I them; yea, all things both spiritual and temporal— [ Verse 31-45 focus on the plan of salvation and outline the doctrine that the elect are to preach. Verse 9-30 document the reason why this needs to be taught -starting at the creation and then more specifically that it is necessary as a result of the Fall; which requires mankind to repent which is part of the great plan of salvation. ]

32 First spiritual, secondly temporal, which is the beginning of my work; and again, first temporal, and secondly spiritual, which is the last of my work— [ Since the Lord created all things spiritually first; and gave them laws; therefore all things are subject to eternal laws with eternal consequences. see vs 34. The text is sufficiently ambiguous to allow at least two interpretations. Using 1 Cor. 15:46 one could simply say it is 29.6referring to the spirit body inheriting a corrupt physical body which is later raised in the resurrection as an incorrupt physical body. Or, one could say that the first "spiritual- temporal" refers to Adam and Eve pre and post Fall, and the second refers to their offspring who enter in mortal so they may be resurrected. ]

33 Speaking unto you that you may naturally understand; but unto myself my works have no end, neither beginning; [ His works are eternal in natural; they are more than just earthly and mortal in nature. ] but it is given unto you that ye may understand, because ye have asked it of me and are agreed.

34 Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, [ Because everything was created spiritually first, everything is eternal in nature. See vs 32. ] and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal; neither any man, nor the children of men; neither Adam, your father, whom I created.[ Since this revelation came from Christ (see D&C 29:1), some may feel that this verse teaches that Adam was the offspring of Christ. In reality Adam and all the earth’s inhabitants are the offspring of God the Father. In this case Christ is speaking for the Father by a principle called “divine investiture of authority,” as Elder Bruce R. McConkie explained: “Since he [Christ] is one with the Father in all of the attributes of perfection, and since he exercises the power and authority of the Father, it follows that everything he says or does is and would be exactly and precisely what the Father would say and do under the same circumstances. “Accordingly, the Father puts his own name on the son and authorizes him to speak in the first person as though he were the Father. . . . Thus it Section 29 is that our Lord can begin a revelation by saying, ‘Listen to the voice of Jesus Christ,’ and shortly thereafter speak of ‘mine Only Begotten’ (D. & C. 29:1, 41–46), such latter expression being made by Christ, but under that divine investiture of authority which permits him to speak as though he were the Father. (D. & C. 93:3–5; Mosiah 15:1–5.)” (Mormon Doctrine, p. 130; see also “The Father and the son: A Doctrinal Exposition by the First Presidency,” in Talmage, Articles of Faith, pp. 465–73.). ]

35 Behold, I gave unto him that he should be an agent unto himself; and I gave unto him commandment, but no temporal commandment gave I unto him, for my commandments are spiritual; they are not natural nor temporal, neither carnal nor sensual. [ Using the parallelism created in the verse of spiritual commandments and agency, one could complete the temporal commandments couplet by saying they represent "no agency". Doing so, one would assume that spiritual commandments would be along the lines of Ethics, Morality, Wisdom and so forth, and the temporal commandments would be along the lines of the deterministic sciences we call Biology, Physics, Chemistry and so forth. As "temporal" is equated with natural, carnal and sensual this isn't such a stretch, especially since it is plain to us that indulging in these things frequently results in reduced and/or lost agency. When the Lord created the earth, He first created all things spiritually (see Moses 3:5–9). After the Fall all things became temporal (see D&C 77:6). At the end of the earth, the temporal will again become spiritual (Articles of Faith 1:10). Thus, in the beginning things were spiritual first and temporal second. In the end things will be temporal first and spiritual second (see McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 1:669). These expressions are given by the Lord only for the sake of man’s understanding in mortality, however. From God’s point of view there is neither beginning nor end, and all things are spiritual. “Man makes a distinction between temporal and spiritual laws, and some are very much concerned about keeping the two separate. To the Lord everything is both spiritual and temporal, and the laws He gives are consequently spiritual, because they concern spiritual beings. When He commanded Adam to eat bread in the sweat of his brow, or Moses to strike the rock that the people might drink, or the Prophet Joseph to erect the Nauvoo House, or the Saints in Utah to build fences and roads, such laws were for their spiritual welfare, as well as physical. To obey such laws, when given, is a spiritual duty. One who performs his daily labor ‘as to the Lord, and not to men’ (Eph. 6:7) derives spiritual benefit from whatever his duties are.” (Smith and Sjodahl, Commentary, p. 156.). ]

[ Verse 36-41 The rebellion of the adversary and the Fall of man is reviewed in a general manner so as to explain why physical and spiritual death are conditions we find ourselves in. This section clearly places the blame on the adversary as the cause of death. ]

36 And it came to pass that Adam, being tempted of the devil—for, behold, the devil was before Adam, [ When it says, “the devil was before Adam,” that tells us that he(Satan) existed before Adam, or he was older than Adam. Again Satan would not have taken kindly to Adam being placed above him. Every earth has its own Council in Heaven, and every other earth could be different from our earth. This terse passage helps us to better understand adversary's motives and desires, if he was in line before Adam then he viewed himself as Adam's superior. Satan was one in authority in the presence of God; he was prepared early on. ] for he rebelled against me, [ In the pre-mortal world, he did this by ammending God's plan; he did not want to follow the plan that our Heavenly Father presented. There was only ever one plan, but there were 2 alternatives to who would be the Savior. ] saying, Give me thine honor, which is my power; [ In essence he wanted to supplant God. Satans plan would or could have never redeemed man any way because without our agency we would have learned nothing - just got a body but would have learned nothing about becoming as God is because there would have been no choice, and it is through choice that we learn. ] and also a third part of the hosts of heaven turned he away from me because of their agency; [ Remember that agency requires knowledge. ]

37 And they were thrust down, [ For rebellion, not for sin. See also D&C 76:25. ] and thus came the devil and his angels;

38 And, behold, there is a place prepared for them from the beginning, [ There was a place prepared before the creation of the world itself, a place called hell, it was created because God knew what was God to happen in the grand council. So he needed to create a place in which he could send those who rebelled. All we know here is that THE PLACE was prepared from the beginning, at the very start. ] which place is hell.

39 And it must needs be [ That there must be opposition in all things if man is to have a choice at all. (2 Ne. 2:16-19) ] that the devil should tempt the children of men, or they could not be agents unto themselves; [ Without real choice there is no real agency. ] for if they never should have bitter they could not know the sweet—

40 Wherefore, it came to pass that the devil tempted [ The beginning of sin is contemplating the action. Temptation is nothing more than thinking about doing that which is forbidden. Did not Christ define adultery as looking upon a woman to lust after her? The beginning of sin is contemplation. ] Adam, [ Mankind; this is interesting how Adam is the one to whom it is account for transgression; not Eve. As a matter of fact there is no mention of Eve. Interesting to note that in all accounts of the Garden Adam is always the one who is responsible for the transgression, not Eve. ] and he partook of the forbidden fruit and transgressed the commandment, wherein he became subject to the will of the devil, because he yielded unto temptation.

41 Wherefore, I, the Lord God, caused that he [ Adam or mankind. ] should be cast out from the Garden of Eden, from my presence, because of his transgression, wherein he became spiritually dead, [ So if spiritual death comes from being cast from our Fathers presence; then spiritual life is being in his presence. ] which is the first death, even that same death which is the last death, which is spiritual, which shall be pronounced upon the wicked when I shall say: Depart, ye cursed.

42 But, behold, I say unto you that I, the Lord God, [ Hebrew - Yahweh ( or Jehovah which means "to become" or "to exist") translated as Lord; Elohim translated as God ("the Gods") which together the words mean "He will cause Gods to be". ] , gave unto Adam and unto his seed, [ All 3 generations of posterity that Adam had at the time, before they hear the Gospel. So there has been three generations at the time that God taught the gospel (the plan of redemption) to Adam and his seed. ] that they should not die as to the temporal death, until I, [ So neither Adam nor his children where able to mortally die until after they had heard of the gospel (Moses 5:12). There was no death in the world prior to this point. ] the Lord God, [ Hebrew - Yahweh ( or Jehovah which means "to become" or "to exist") translated as Lord; Elohim translated as God ("the Gods") which together the words mean "He will cause Gods to be". ] , should send forth angels [ The Peter James and John(symbolically in the temple presentation). In Jewish tradition(Midrash) these are the three sent(chosen) ones. ] to declare unto them repentance and redemption, [ They needed to have a chance to repent and come to Christ in whom they would be saved. For evil to exist there must be an opposition in all things. One must not only have a choice, but also an understanding of the consequences. These things could only be understood in mortality. That’s why Adam and his posterity could not die until they received the Gospel. Until then they had no true choice between good and evil. ] through faith on the name of mine Only Begotten son. [ Reason for our mortal probation see 2 Ne. 2:21. Before the Fall, evil could not be comprehended with an immortal body. We cannot comprehend evil unless we are in a temporal existence. With an immortal body we would not have an under-standing of the desires, appetites, and passions of this physical body. ]

43 And thus did I, the Lord God, [ Hebrew - Yahweh ( or Jehovah which means "to become" or "to exist") translated as Lord; Elohim translated as God ("the Gods") which together the words mean "He will cause Gods to be". ] , appoint unto man the days of his probation—that by his natural death he might be raised in immortality unto eternal life, even as many as would believe;

44 And they that believe not unto eternal damnation; for they cannot be redeemed [ Again the law of agency is applied. We have to ask the Lord for his help, we have to recognize his power or he cannot just save us. If we do not believe that the Savior has the power, if we do not repent and ask for the power of the atonement to be effective in our lives it will be of little use for us. ] from their spiritual fall, because they repent not;

45 For they love darkness rather than light, and their deeds are evil, and they receive their wages of whom they list to obey.

46 But behold, I say unto you, that little children are redeemed from the foundation of the world through mine Only Begotten; [ Compare with Moroni 8:12; D&C 137:10 President Joseph Fielding Smith clarified this verse, explaining that “through the atonement of Jesus Christ all little children are redeemed, for they cannot sin, and the power is not given to Satan to tempt them. The question naturally may arise as to the meaning of the words of the Lord (verse 46) that ‘little children are redeemed through the Only Begotten.’ This does not mean that redemption was made for them before, or at, the foundation of the world, but at that time when the plan of salvation was received provision was made for the redemption of little children and also for those who are without the law, and this was consummated in the atonement made by Jesus Christ.” (Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:144; see also Moroni 8:8–24; D&C 74:7; 137:10; Moses 6:54.) The Lord gives fathers a great responsibility for the salvation of little children (see v. 48). The Lord’s charge to parents is given in Doctrine and Covenants 68:25–28 and Deuteronomy 6:5–7. ]

47 Wherefore, they cannot sin, for power is not given unto Satan to tempt little children, [ Note the words "they cannot sin" this is the doctrine. Or in other words Satan is bound; God protects little children so that Satan can have no power over them. (Moroni 8:8-11)] until they begin to become accountable before me; [ This age is given as age 8 D&C 68:25. So before this point they cannot sin. So to say that a little child was baptized at 8 to wash away their sins is not a correct principle. ]

48 For it is given unto them even as I will, according to mine own pleasure, [ Jesus holds the keys as the Intercessor before the Father, so he may exercise them as he sees fit. ] that great things may be required at the hand of their fathers.

49 And, again, I say unto you, that whoso having knowledge, have I not commanded to repent?

50 And he that hath no understanding, [ Little children or individuals who do not understand the laws of God because of mental deficiencies will not be judged on the same basis as those who are able to understand them (see 2 Nephi 9:25–27; Moroni 8:22). President Joseph Fielding Smith taught: “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints considers all deficient children with retarded capacity to understand, just the same as little children under the age of accountability. They are redeemed without baptism and will go to the celestial kingdom of God, there, we believe, to have their faculties or other deficiencies restored according to the Father’s mercy and justice.” (Answers to Gospel Questions, 3:21.). ] it remaineth in me to do according as it is written. And now I declare no more unto you at this time. Amen.

 

[ Historical Material Pertinent to Doctrine & Covenants 29 This section of revelation was given just prior to the conference of September 26, 1830, which was held in the home of Peter Whitmer, Sr., clearly indicating a modest gathering of individuals. It’s importance appears to have been overshadowed at that time by the controversy regarding Hiram Page’s alleged revelations. Smith does not even comment on this text in his History of the Church. Excerpt from Newell Knight Autobiography During this time [i.e., during the conference] we had much of the power of God manifested among us and it was wonderful to witness the wisdom that Joseph displayed on this occasion, for truly God gave unto him great wisdom and power, and it seems to me, even now, that none who saw him administer righteousness under such trying circumstances, could doubt that the Lord was with him, as he acted--not with the wisdom of man, but with the wisdom of God, the Holy Ghost came upon us and filled our hearts with unspeakable joy. Before this memorable conference closed three other revelations [i.e., D&C 29, 30, 31] besides the one already mentioned [i.e., D&C 28] were received from God by our prophet, and we were made to rejoice exceedingly in His goodness. (Newell Knight, "Newel Knight's Journal," Classic Experiences and Adventures, Bookcraft, 1969, Chapter 5, paragraph 11). ]