1 VERILY, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that [ Future tense - going to happen in the future from this time. ] every soul [ Everyone, that is 100% who does the following: This in essence is the temple endowment - it is what God is trying to get us to understand in the temple. Man reaching up to God and God reaching down to man. Is this not what Moses wanted the people to receive in Exodus 18? So here we have the Lord trying to help us understand what we need to do to have the blessings that Moses and Joseph Smith received while alive. The endowment is for this life not for the next. Every single person who will do these things will see the face of God. ] who forsaketh his sins [ 1) Repents - Greek: to take aim again, changes his/her character to become like the character that God has. Romans 12: 1-3; suggests that those who present their bodies in a sanctified state to God. ] and cometh unto me, [ 2) Accept his gospel; Come out from the world, grow closer to God by trying to be like him, move closer to him. ] and calleth on my name, [ 3) Pray to him, ask for what we need. We accept that his Son Jesus Christ os the way back to him, he is our mediator and the author of the atonement. Beyond that we exercise the power we are given male and female in the priesthood. Become fully engaged in building his kingdom. In the morning we discuss the day, where we need help; and at night we report back, look for his hand in our day. ] and obeyeth my voice, [ 4) Seek to hear him, to get personal revelation and then follow it. This is the individual portion of what we need to do. His voice comes from two places #1:The scriptures (D&C 18:34-37; 84:43) #2:The living prophet (D&C 21:5; 84:44; 1:14,38). ] and keepeth my commandments, [ 5) We become obedient in all ways. Where obeying my voice is individual keeping the commandments is more institutional in nature - for everyone they are the same. A woman once said in a temple recommend interview, I have an occasional cup of coffe on a cold morning; I don't think that God will keep me out of the celestial kingdom for an occasional cup of coffee. A wise Bishop then said "I doubt it if the Lord will keep you from the occasional cup of coffee either; but he will most assuredly keep you out for disobedience." ] shall see my face [ This is the promise; our reward. He is the one who will decide when we are ready, he knows where we are at; after all he started this verse out with "It shall come to pass". What does it mean to see his face? 2) Actually seeing his face 2) by getting to know someone we can recognize their works - first we see the works of their hands and know it - it has their stamp all over it, it is obvious who did the work (the styles of an author or artist) So to speak - until the ultimate where we see their face - the image of God, the countenance of God with it. 3) Semitism for being in God’s favor - he turns his face to those who are obedient and away from those who are dis-obedient - having him smile upon you so to speak, having things go well for you. 4) From an eternal eternal prospective, it refers to inheriting exaltation and abiding His presence. ] and know that I am; [ Be personally taught by him. See Heb 8:10-11. The message here is that we need to come to know the Lord. There are things that ONLY he can teach us. Things that would be inappropriate for any other mortal being to instruct you in. "I am" the same that Moses came to know. Knowledge that Jesus Christ is "I Am" or Jehovah - on Gen. 4:1 the Jewish Publication society’s Torah Commentary on Genesis (Sarna, 1989) states: 93.2 “Knowing” in the Bible is not essentially intellectual activity, not simply the objective contemplation of reality. Rather, it is experiential, emotional, and, above all, relational. Thus, in (Gen. 18:19), when God says of Abraham, “I have singled him out” or to Israel, in Amos 3:2, “You alone have I singled out of all the families of the earth,” the true connotation is “I have entered into a special relationship with you.” For that reason, the Hebrew stem y-d-` can encompass a range of meanings that includes involvement, interaction, loyalty, and obligation. It can be used of the most intimate and hallowed relationships between man and wife and between man and God. Significantly, the verb is never employed for animal copulation. Abraham Heschel in his book The Prophets additionally points out the term “yada” is used more often in the OT to describe the relationship between the Lord and Israel than to describe intimate relations between man and woman.
Thus, to “know that I am” means the person has reconciled themselves to the Lord (the phrase “I am” is a form of the divine name, cf. Exod. 3:14) by repenting, calling on His name, obeying His voice, and keeping His commandments such that they now have a special knowledge of Him by experiencing Him, His works and His will. This is not simply intellectual ascent, this is to become familiar with the Lord by living experience. See v. 19, 27 for additional appearances of “know”. For the bulk of the church this will not come until the great millennial day. We need to remember that as great as that day sounds it will be one where the ETERNAL LAWS of God will not be broken. That is that no unclean thing can dwell with or in the kingdom of God, and that God no matter how much mercy he may have for us he cannot rob justice in our behalf. ]

2 And that I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world; [ It is the light of Christ that helps all men determine right from wrong, those who respond to that light receive more light until they come to the point where they can become members of the church and receive the Holy Ghost, if we continue to respond as directed we will come to the point where we receive the second comforter - the Savior who will personally teach us; while those who do not it will diminish in the light they receive. (Moroni 7:16) ]

3 And that I am in the Father, and the Father in me, and the Father and I are one — [ They are unified in purpose and thought (Mosiah 15). While the Savior walked the earth he had the power of the Father in him. Compare D&C 49:5. The unity of the son with the Father makes it possible for us to be at one with the Father as well. If we unite with the son per v. 1, then we are united to the Father by the son’s relationship with Him. ]

4 The Father because he gave me of his fulness, [ What was the fullness of the Father given? All power all glory In what ways is Christ the Father? 1) He was the creator of this earth, 2) He was the executive of the Father in that work and stood in the Fathers stead 3) He is the Father of those who are born againHe is the Father because the Father invested his full authority in him - because they are one in purpose 4) He is the second Adam the father of the human race. ] and the son because I was in the world and made flesh my tabernacle, and dwelt among the sons of men. [ Received his mortality from being born to a mortal mother. (2 Phillippians 2: 6-7). ]

5 I was in the world and received of my Father, [ I was in the world living the life of a son, but doing the works of the Father. What things did the Savior receive of the Father to complete his work on earth? Wisdom, strength by communication with him, his power vs 17, knowledge of who he was, understanding of his mission. ] and the works of him were plainly manifest. [ The works of Heavenly Father were manifest through the Son. Or if we will study the life of the Son of God we will begin to comprehend what the life is like for the Father. ]

6 And John [ Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote: “John the Baptist [was] destined to write of the gospel of that Lord whose witness he is, but his account, perhaps because it contains truths and concepts that the saints and the world are not yet prepared to receive, has so far not been given to men. On May 6, 1833, however, the Lord did reveal to Joseph Smith eleven verses of the Baptist’s writings, and promised that ‘the fulness of the record of John’ would be revealed when the faith of men entitled them to receive it. (D&C 93:6–18.) “From what has been revealed of the writings of the Baptist, and from what John the Apostle has written in his Gospel, it is clear that John the Apostle had before him the writings of John the Baptist when he wrote his Gospel. John 1:1–38 and John 3:23–36 are quoted or paraphrased from that which was first written by the Baptist” (Mortal Messiah, 1:426–27). What made John the Baptist truly great was his role as a testator of Jesus Christ. In the Baptist’s words recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 93 and in his words recorded in the New Testament, John was first and foremost a witness of Jesus Christ. John was given the singular honor of performing the baptism of the Savior of the world. But John never cared to shine a light on himself. Instead, he wisely noted the true source of light, the Messiah (D&C 93:9). To his own devoted band of followers, John testified, “I am not the Christ, but I am sent before him . . . he must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:28–30). These unselfish acts of devotion to Jesus Christ and his unfailing witness of Jesus Christ to the day of his martyrdom set John the Baptist apart as one of the greatest among all the prophets who ever lived. Here are 4 references that explain that this is talking about John the Baptist here: (Neal A. Maxwell "Not My Will But Thine" Pg 44) (Orson Pratt Journal of Discourses Vol 16 pg 57-58) (John Taylor "Mediation and Atonement" pg 55)(Elder Bruce R. McConkie "Mortal Messiah" vol 1 pg 426-427) ] saw and bore record of the fulness of my glory, and the fulness of John’s record is hereafter to be revealed. [ John 20:30, John 21:25 John makes note that even his record that we have one of the gospels is not by any means complete, there is sacred information contained therein that is not to be revealed to the world yet. So the good news is that sometime we will have it. While we do not know what the record is since it is to be revealed at a later time we can suppose that may include some personal manifestation which would further support his knowledge of the Savior and his relationship with the Father. ]

7 And he [ John is the only gospel writer that begins at the real beginning - before the world was. John 1 where we have John the Beloved quoting John The Baptist, John the Beloved was taught by John The Baptist. ] bore record, saying: I saw his glory, that he was in the beginning, [ During the creation and the planning of the creation. ] before the world was; [ Before he executed the creation under the command of the Father. ]

8 Therefore, in the beginning [ Sod - or the council of the Gods. ] the Word [ This is capitalized as it is a title for Christ. He was the ONE who fully understood the entire plan of Salvation thus he became the word for the Father, the one who would reveal the plan of Salvation to the noble and great ones who would have the capacity to understand(we will know them as prophet seers and revelators' ). This is why we need to give special attention to what they have to say, because they have such great knowledge and receive revelation from God as is needed. ] was, for he was the Word, [ He is the ONE spirit son of God that fully understood the plan of salvation, every aspect of the plan he was able to comprehend. Translated from the word "Logos" which in ancient Jewish writings "Logos" referred to creator - also includes derived meaning from "energei", meaning "action" or "work". The Savior began the personification of the Word or the gospel. ] even the messenger of salvation— [ Christ is THE MESSENGER of the gospel of salvation. While there are many who are messengers of salvation there is only one who is "THE" messenger of the covenant. (Mal 3:1) ]

9  The light [ In a world full of darkness. He provides the light, the path, the way for life, the source of intelligence. ] and the Redeemer [ Savior. ] of the world; the Spirit of truth, [ Or all truth centers in him, he is the fulness of truth. ] who came into the world, [ As a incarnate God who had a mortal mother, and a immortal sire. ] because the world was made by him, [ He is the creator of this world and worlds without number (Moses 1:33). Since he made the world he came to the world to overcome it, to suffer for the sins that take place upon it, that he can redeem it and all things upon it. vs 11. ] and in him was the life of men [ He is the only way in which we can obtain eternal life. We live because of the glory that emanates from him and our Father in Heaven. If God were to take his glory away from this earth we would wither and die in a second. ] and the light of men.

10 The worlds were made by him; men were made by him; [ Christ is now speaking by divine in-vesture(Bruce R McConkie Doctrinal New Testament Commentary Vol 1 pg 73 ). Christ did not make man; God the Father did. God the Father is the Father of man, this is the one thing that Jesus Christ did not create. So this is Christ speaking by divine in-vesture for the Father(they are one in purpose). "Everlasting covenant(Gen. 9:16; Heb. 13:20; D&C 22:1; D&C 66:2.) was made between three personages before the organization of this earth, and relates to their dispensation of things to men on the earth; these personages, according to Abraham’s record, are called God the first, the Creator;(Isa. 40:28; Jacob 2:5) God the second, the Redeemer;(Ps. 78:35; Isa. 48:17; 1 Ne. 17:30; D&C 10:70; D&C 66:13) and God the third, the witness or Testator(John 15:26; John 16:13-14; 1 Jn. 5:8-9; Moses 6:61)." Manuscript History - Teachings of Joseph Smith pg 190. ] all things were made by him, and through him, and of him.

11 And I, John, [ John the Baptist. ] bear record that I beheld his glory, as the glory of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth, even the Spirit of truth, which came and dwelt in the flesh, and dwelt among us. [ Phillippians 2: 6-7. ]

12 And I, John, [ John the Baptist. ] saw that he received not of the fulness at the first, [ Or he grew. What does this mean? It was a process even for the son of God to become like the Father, to develop his complete character. The Child Jesus was to inherit the physical, mental and spiritual traits, tendencies, and powers that characterized His parents—one immortal and glorified—God, the other human—woman.” (Jesus the Christ, p. 81) Why was it important that the Savior did not just have all of the knowledge and power extended to him all at once? ] but received grace for grace; [ Since he did not receive all of the fulness at first he too had to progress to receive all of the power of the Father, Luke 2:40, 52. The underlying lesson here is clear. The Savior came to earth and passed through the veil, losing all the knowledge and power He had previously held as Jehovah, God of the Old Testament. Paul taught, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:5–8). ]

13 And he received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness; [ What blessings are arrived from the process of grace to grace? I think there is a saying that sacrifice brings forth the blessings - Joseph Smith learned line up on line also - that is just the way it is. See Philippians 2:5-8. Do we ever want to cheat the process - and just have it all given to us? ]

14 And thus he was called the son of God, [ Or in other words he had to grow to become like his Father. This is our mission as well, this is where his grace comes in as we will need a lot more time to accomplish this than it took him, but it is our goal. ] because he received not of the fulness at the first. [ How could he understand his entire mission until the veil was completely removed? When Jesus was born, “the veil of forgetfulness common to all who are born to earth, by which the remembrance of primeval existence is shut off” was cast over him. (Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p. 111.) In the premortal world, Jesus had stood as “one like unto God” (Abraham 3:24), “more intelligent than they all” (Abraham 3:19), meaning all the other created spirits. But although his capacity was greater than that of any other, and he was designated to become the Only Begotten son, still he was meek and humble; and he condescended to have a veil cast over him and to have the knowledge of his glory and power in pre-mortality blocked from his mind at birth. President Joseph Fielding Smith further explained: “Without a doubt, Jesus came into the world subject to the same condition as was required of each of us—he forgot everything, and he had to grow from grace to grace. His forgetting, or having his former knowledge taken away, would be requisite just as it is in the case of each of us, to complete the present temporal existence.” (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:33. Italics added.)]

15 And I, John, bear record, and lo, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Ghost descended upon him in the form of a dove, [ The Holy Ghost does not take on the body or shape of a dove, this is symbolic. The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead, if you were to actually see him he would look like you or I do. ] and sat upon him, and there came a voice out of heaven saying: This is my beloved son. [ So we have all three members of the godhead here. It is interesting that all ordinances of the gospel are done in remembrance of all three members of the Godhead. Baptism, Temple Sealing ]

16 And I, John, bear record that he [ Jesus ] received a fulness of the glory of the Father; [ In other words he got there, he got it all back again after he had condescended to this world. From this point forward the glory of the Father permeates through the Son. ]

17 And he [ Jesus. ] received all power, [ At this point we can assume that Jesus was committed the full set of keys required to being the son of God in the flesh. so we can then imply that prior to this event Jesus did not have the complete and full authority. Compare this with 2 Ne. 31:5-7 where Nephi emphasizes the importance of this event, and his stating he fulfilled all righteousness in its completion. Also consider that after this event Jesus retreated into the wilderness for 40 days and nights and was sorely tempted by the adversary, cf. Matt. 4:1-11. What must you do to acquire power and glory? The Prophet Joseph Smith explained: “You have got to learn how to be Gods yourselves, and to be kings and priests to God, the same as all Gods have done before you, namely by going from one small degree to another, and from a small capacity to a great one; from grace to grace . . . until you . . . are able to dwell in everlasting burnings, and to sit in glory, as do those who sit enthroned in everlasting power (Teachings pp346-47 How was Jesus able to receive all power? Because he was perfectly obedient. This did not all come at once D&C 128:21 Until he received the fullness of the Father vs 16. ] both in heaven and on earth, and the glory of the Father was with him, for he dwelt in him . [ Denoting the power which the Father invested in him - all of the glory and power that the Father has was in him as well. John 17:2. ]

18 And it shall come to pass, that if you are faithful you shall receive the fulness of the record of John.

19 I give unto you these sayings[ These sayings includes the scriptures. We have these so that we can... ] that you may understand< [ So they are here for a purpose. ] and [ AND - in addition too. ] know how to worship, [ This information is given to us so that we can know how to intelligently know how to worship the Godhead. (Verse 10) Who created the earth, how the Father and Son are one. The preceeding verse bring the Godhead and their structure all together. ] and [ AND - in addition too. ] know what you worship, [ Addressing the first part of this statement, we must ask ourselves what worship really consists of. Bruce R. McConkie taught, “Perfect worship is emulation. We honor those whom we imitate. The most perfect way to worship is to be holy as Jehovah is holy. It is to be pure as Christ is pure. It is to do the things that enable us to become like the Father. The course is one of obedience.” (The Promised Messiah, 1978, 568.) In Church worship services, for instance, we ask young men to prepare, bless, and pass the sacrament, actions that Christ Himself first demonstrated. These simple acts of imitation, only a few minutes of every week, is intended to help us worship through direct imitation. ] that [ In order that. OR so that. ] you may come unto the Father in my name, [ He has instructed us that the way to return to the Father is through the Savior. The whys and hows have been outlined here. vs 8 Because he was the Word; vs 9 because he created the earth; and then came to the earth to overcome it and to redeem it. It is his through both the creation and through the redemption. vs 17 he was bestowed with all of the power of the Father both in the earth and in heaven. ] and [ AND in doing so. ] in due time receive of his fulness. [ If we become like him EXALTED - to have the same character that he has, we too can have invested in us all of his glory and power. Just as the Savior did. Think about that try to comprehend that. There is a time for learning that needs to take place. Christ said that “he is more intelligent than they all.” In D&C 93:26 we read that Christ received a fulness of light and truth. This is why Christ could be exalted even before he received his physical body. ]

20 For if you keep my commandments you shall receive of his fulness, [ Have and be everything that he is. ] and be glorified in me as I am in the Father; therefore, I say unto you, [ I give you my promise. ] you shall receive grace for grace. [ You will grow to know that Father just as I the Savior has. Or the process will work the same way for you that it has done for me. See verse 12. This is how the Savior grew. ]

[ While the verse to this point have mostly address the Savior and his role in the premortal and mortal world now the focus is on the post mortal world. ]

21 And now, verily I say unto you, I was in the beginning with the Father, [ A statement that he (Christ) had a presence before this world; just as we did. He was not created any differently in the pre-mortal life than you or I. ] and am the Firstborn; [ As the firstborn he is the heir; everything belongs to Christ. He received the birthright, this is what Satan wanted (Moses 4:1-3) he wanted the birthright when he said "Let me be your son". A 1909 declaration of the First Presidency clarifies the status of Jesus as the Firstborn, teaching, “Jesus . . . is the firstborn among all the sons of God—the first begotten in the spirit, and the only begotten in the flesh. He is our elder brother, and we, like Him, are in the image of God.” (James R. Clark, Messages of the First Presidency, 1965–1975, 4:203.) His and his alone uniqueness - he was the first born in the pre-mortal world. ]

22 And all those who are begotten through me [ Because of the Atonement all spirits can become “begotten” sons and daughter of God. How? By having faith in him, by being baptized and receiving the Holy Ghost and becoming members of his church. Then we are adopted spiritually into his family and as a result we become an heir of his, with him. ] are partakers of the glory of the same, [ Speaking of Christ. ] and are the church of the Firstborn. [ Which menas we become heirs. (D&C 25:1; Mosiah 15:8-20) "The Church of the Firstborn is Christ's heavenly church, and its members are exalted beings who gain an inheritance in the highest heaven of the celestial world and for whom the family continues in eternity. In the scriptures Jesus Christ is called the Firstborn. He was the first spirit child born of God the Father in the premortal existence and was in the beginning with God (John 1:1-5, 14). Christ also became the Firstborn from the dead, the first person resurrected, "that in all things he might have the preeminence" (Col. 1:18; Acts 26:23; 1 Cor. 15:23; Rev. 1:5). Even as the first principles and ordinances, including baptism in water and the reception of the Holy Ghost, constitute the gate into the earthly Church of Jesus Christ, so higher ordinances of the priesthood constitute the gate into the Church of the Firstborn. To secure the blessings that pertain to the Church of the Firstborn, one must obey the gospel from the heart, receive all of the ordinances that pertain to the house of the Lord, and be sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise in the Celestial Kingdom of God (D&C 76:67, 71, 94;77:11;78:21;88:1-5; TPJS, p. 237). Revelations to the Prophet Joseph Smith supplement those of the New Testament to indicate that the Church of the Firstborn consists of those who have the inheritance of the Firstborn and become joint-heirs with Christ in receiving all that the Father has (Rom. 8:14-17; D&C 84:33-38; see Heirs: Heirs of God). The Lord said, "If you keep my commandments you shall receive of his fulness, and be glorified in me as I am in the Father; …I…am the Firstborn; …And all those who are begotten through me are partakers of the glory of the same, and are the Church of the Firstborn" (D&C 93:20-22). The Church of the Firstborn is the divine patriarchal order in its eternal form. Building the priesthood family order on this earth by receiving sealings in the temple is a preparation and foundation for this blessing in eternity (see Gospel of Abraham). When persons have proved themselves faithful in all things required by the Lord, it is their privilege to receive covenants and obligations that will enable them to be heirs of God as members of the Church of the Firstborn. They are "sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise" and are those "into whose hands the Father has given all things" (D&C 76:51-55). They will be priests and priestesses, kings and queens, receiving the Father's glory, having the fulness of knowledge, wisdom, power, and dominion (D&C 76:56-62; cf. 107:19). At the second coming of Jesus Christ, the "general assembly of the Church of the Firstborn" will descend with him (Heb. 12:22-23; JST Gen. 9:23; D&C 76:54, 63)." Bibliography Smith, Joseph Fielding. DS, Vol. 2, pp. 8-9, 41-49. Salt Lake City, 1973. ] .

23 Ye were also in the beginning with the Father; [ No one knows exactly what that was like. While working ion the new temple movie 2021-2023 we were told that no prophet has seen the world that we lived in before we came here so we will not speculate as to what it may have looked like - hence the screens are just black. "Ye" - you and I just like Christ was in verse 21. We need to comprehend our potential. We like the Savior were children of our father in heaven. We have existed, the same as Christ has existed. As explained in Doctrine and Covenants 29:30–33, the Lord used the word beginning only because finite mortals cannot grasp completely that all things are eternal. The word beginning may refer to the time when we began as the spirit offspring of God or to the time when the earth began as a temporal sphere. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that the intelligent part of man has always existed: “The spirit of man is not a created being; it existed from eternity, and will exist to eternity. Anything created cannot be eternal.” (History of the Church, 3:387.) ] that which is Spirit, [ Intelligence. I (Christ) am more intelligent than they all (Abr 3: 19). ] even the Spirit of truth; [ "even the Spirit of truth;" which is the exact same phrase used in v 11; we are composed of that spirit of truth. Again the spirit of truth denotes the unity of the Father and the son.Both of them personify and perceive all Truth, therefore their spirits are filled with light and truth and they embody and represent Truth in their actions. ]

24  And truth is knowledge of things as they are, [ Are = Present. "truth" - our essence. At times the most difficult task is not to know the past or the future but to know the reality of what the truth is in the present. So in order to understand an eternal truth you have to understand it from those three different positions - as in the temple endowment (Abraham see's the presentation in the future-things as they shall be, he is seeing them before the creation; Adam and Eve are in the present context; Moses is viewed from the position of the past). Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf once quoted the John Godrey Saxe’s poem “The Blind Men and the Elephant” to illustrate the danger of approaching the truth in the wrong way. The poem begins Six men of Indostan To learning much inclined, Who went to see the Elephant (Though all of them were blind), That each by observation Might satisfy his mind. Elder Uchtdorf added: In the poem each of the six travelers takes hold of a different part of the elephant and then describes to the others what he has discovered. One of the men finds the elephant’s leg and describes it as being round and rough like a tree. Another feels the tusk and describes the elephant as a spear. A third grabs the tail and insists that an elephant is like a rope. A fourth discovers the trunk and insists that the elephant is like a large snake. Each is describing truth. And because his truth comes from personal experience, each insists that he knows what he knows. The poem concludes: And so these men of Indostan Disputed loud and long, Each in his own opinion Exceeding stiff and strong, Though each was partly in the right, And all were in the wrong!10 As with the blind men in the poem, we make a mistake when we assume to know the whole objective truth—in reality, we may only know part of it. The Father and the son, however, see and view the whole truth, which exists objectively in Their sight. We must trust that They see the entire picture and guide us so that we can know what the truth is in relation to the past, present, and future. ( Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “What is Truth?” CES devotional, January 13, 2013.) ] and as they were, and as they are to come; [ Were = Past. Are to Come = Future. Eternal truths are based upon the Gospel and upon the Atonement more than anything else. Anytime you see this phrase or its derivatives (“knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come”) in our standard works (Book of Mormon, D&C, and Bible), that phrase is referencing the Savior and His atonement more than anything else (Mosiah 3:18). ]

25 And whatsoever is more or less than [ Man is not to add too or take away from what the Lord has given. ] this [ The gospel plan. ] is the spirit of that wicked one [ Who would or trys to teach that truth is different things to different people. Wow how that is a lie! ] who was a liar from the beginning.

26  The Spirit of truth [ In verse 11 we learn that Jesus is the spirit of Truth and in v 23 we see that we are also called the spirit of truth. ] is of God. I am the Spirit of truth, and John bore record of me, saying: He received a fulness of truth, yea, even of all truth; [ Christ was capable of receiving and comprehending a fullness of truth before he ever received a physical body. We were not capable of that, but He was. ]

27 And no man receiveth a fulness [ Of the truth. ] unless he keepeth his commandments. [ So no man can receive the fullness of truth unless he is obedient, total and complete obedience. The commandments of our father in heaven. The Savior received the fullness because he kept the commandments. "When Jesus was born, “the veil of forgetfulness common to all who are born to earth, by which the remembrance of primeval existence is shut off” was cast over him. (Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p. 111.) In the premortal world, Jesus had stood as “one like unto God” (Abraham 3:24), “more intelligent than they all” (Abraham 3:19), meaning all the other created spirits. But although his capacity was greater than that of any other, and he was designated to become the Only Begotten son, still he was meek and humble; and he condescended to have a veil cast over him and to have the knowledge of his glory and power in pre-mortality blocked from his mind at birth. President Joseph Fielding Smith further explained: “Without a doubt, Jesus came into the world subject to the same condition as was required of each of us—he forgot everything, and he had to grow from grace to grace. His forgetting, or having his former knowledge taken away, would be requisite just as it is in the case of each of us, to complete the present temporal existence.” (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:33. Italics added.) Can you see that although Jesus was the greatest spirit to come to the earth, he also had greater trials than anyone in the earth?
It is improper to suppose that Jesus was not tested and tempted equal to his great capacity. The fact that he was sinless and that he resisted every temptation does not make it any less a fact that he was subject to temptations. He knows how difficult temptations are, because he experienced bitter temptations; but he resisted them all. Read what King Benjamin taught in Mosiah 3:7. Jesus suffered temptations far beyond what men could endure; he confronted the powers of evil and won. But because he had to resist temptations, he understands the effort man must make to resist temptation. Again, as Paul said: “For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.” (Hebrews 2:18; 4:15.) Jesus was perfectly obedient, and because he was, “he received all power, both in heaven and on earth.” (D&C 93:17. Emphasis added.) But Jesus did not receive this great power and glory all at once. He received it piecemeal, step by step, degree by degree, “line upon line, precept upon precept” (D&C 128:21) until he received a fulness of the glory of the Father (see D&C 93:11–17)." ]

28  He [ Speaking of us. ] that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light, [ We need to seek for, receive, and be obedient to light and truth. See D&C 50:24-25. ] until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things. [ Or becomes like God. Obtains a fulness of light and truth. How do we come to a knowledge of all things? Speaking of our potential. We are taught directly by the Father himself vs 1 and Heb 8:10-11. Suggesting that the person is exalted (cp. 15-17). ]

29  Man was also in the beginning with God. [ Eternity goes in both directions as we will see here. ] Intelligence , [ In April 1844, the Prophet taught: “I have another subject to dwell upon, which is calculated to exalt man. … It is associated with the subject of the resurrection of the dead,—namely, the soul—the mind of man—the immortal spirit. Where did it [Immortal spirit.] come from? All learned men and doctors of divinity say that God created it in the beginning; but it is not so: the very idea lessens man in my estimation. I do not believe the doctrine; I know better. Hear it, all ye ends of the world; for God has told me so; and if you don’t believe me, it will not make the truth without effect. … “I am dwelling on the immortality of the spirit of man. Is it logical to say that the intelligence of spirits is immortal, and yet that it has a beginning? The intelligence of spirits had no beginning, neither will it [The intelligence of spirits] have an end. That is good logic. That which has a beginning may have an end. There never was a time when there were not spirits. … “… I take my ring from my finger and liken it unto the mind of man—the immortal part, because it had no beginning. Suppose you cut it in two; then it has a beginning and an end; but join it again, and it continues one eternal round. So with the spirit of man. As the Lord liveth, if it[the spirit of man] had a beginning, it will have an end. All the fools and learned and wise men from the beginning of creation, who say that the spirit of man had a beginning, prove that it must have an end; and if that doctrine is true, then the doctrine of annihilation would be true. But if I am right, I might with boldness proclaim from the house-tops that God never had the power to create the spirit of man at all. God himself could not create himself. “Intelligence is eternal and exists upon a self-existent principle. It is a spirit from age to age and there is no creation about it. All the minds and spirits that God ever sent into the world are susceptible of enlargement. “The first principles of man are self-existent with God. God himself, finding he was in the midst of spirits and glory, because he was more intelligent, saw proper to institute laws whereby the rest could have a privilege to advance like himself. The relationship we have with God places us in a situation to advance in knowledge. He has power to institute laws to instruct the weaker intelligences, that they may be exalted with himself, so that they might have one glory upon another, and all that knowledge, power, glory, and intelligence, which is requisite in order to save them in the world of spirits.”(History of the Church, 6:310–12; capitalization modernized; from a discourse given by Joseph Smith on Apr. 7, 1844, in Nauvoo, Illinois; reported by Wilford Woodruff, Willard Richards, Thomas Bullock, and William Clayton; see also appendix, page 562, item 3.) “We consider that God has created man with a mind capable of instruction, and a faculty which may be enlarged in proportion to the heed and diligence given to the light communicated from heaven to the intellect; and that the nearer man approaches perfection, the clearer are his views, and the greater his enjoyments, till he has overcome the evils of his life and lost every desire for sin; and like the ancients, arrives at that point of faith where he is wrapped in the power and glory of his Maker, and is caught up to dwell with Him. But we consider that this is a station to which no man ever arrived in a moment.”(History of the Church, 2:8; from “The Elders of the Church in Kirtland, to Their Brethren Abroad,” Jan. 22, 1834, published in Evening and Morning Star, Feb. 1834, p. 135.) Intelligence is equated with Truth, and as something to be taught to one’s children (v. 42), and as something that one receives more and more of until they know all things (v. 28). Compare D&C 84:45-46, D&C 88:6-7. The misconception is largely a result of confusion over words that sound the same but have different spellings/meanings. Here we have “intelligence” and elsewhere we have “intelligences” which are referring to spirits (cf. Abr. 3:22-23). It would be easy to assume that intelligences are composed of intelligence, and therefore intelligence must be the building blocks of spirits. But, there is not even the slightest hint of intelligence being used in that sense in D&C 93. ] or the light of truth, was not created or made, [ Here we are taught 2 principles regarding intelligence. First intelligence is not created nor can it be created. Then in verse 30 all intelligence has its own agency in which it can act. These two verses are all that we know about intelligence, anything beyond that is what has been given. This is what the Savior taught us about the intelligences before this life, this is sufficient for us to know, at least this is all that the Savior thought that we needed to know. ] neither indeed can be .

30 All truth is independent in that sphere [ Joseph Smith taught: Intelligence is eternal and exists upon a self-existent principle. It is a spirit from age to age and there is no creation about it. (TPJS p 354). (D&C 101:78)] in which God has placed it, to act for itself, [ The eternal nature of man must be independent in order to allow man to 'act for himself'. In order to act and not just be acted upon there must be agency therefore along with agency comes forth law, happiness, righteousness, sin, punishment and misery. The question is often brought forward regarding the capactify of men and women to engage in acts of evil. We are given an answer here that in understanding that there is a part of men and women, here called intelligence, that God did not create. Intelligence has always existed and has always had it's own agency. Thus, men and women are responsible for their own decisions and have always been. This addresses not only the problem of evil but also the nature of free will and predeterminism. Truman G. Madsen, a professor of philosophy, phrased the issue this way: “Q. If man is totally the creation of God, how can he be anything or do anything that he was not divinely pre-caused to do? A. Man is not totally the creation of God. ‘Intelligence was not created or made, neither indeed can be . . . behold, here is the agency of man.’” ( Truman G. Madsen, Joseph Smith the Prophet, 1989, 140–41. See also David L. Paulsen, “Joseph Smith and the Problem of Evil,” BYU forum, September 21, 1999. ) The intelligence part of our beings that was not created by God does not lessen our relationship with Him. God took intelligence, provided it with a body of spirit, and then arranged for the eternal progression of those who follow Him. In this sense, the relationship between God, His sons, and His daughters closely mirrors the relationship between earthly parents and children. Parents do not love their children less because they know they existed before they came into their home. Knowing the eternal nature of each child makes our connection to our Father in Heaven even more profound. ] as all intelligence also; [ More simply, all intelligence has agency. Joseph used the phrase, “Intelligence of spirit” (TPJS p 353-354). The definition of “intelligence” is the spirit's ability to seek for, receive, and be obedient to light and truth. It has agency, and all truth (for light and truth is what we are made of), and is independent in that sphere in which God has placed it, to act for itself, as an intelligence of spirit, otherwise there is no existence. Joseph Fielding Smith warned about the dangers of taking our limited knowledge on this subject too far: “some of our writers have endeavored to explain what an intelligence is, but to do so is futile, for we have never been given any insight into this matter beyond what the Lord has fragmentarily revealed. We know, however, that there is something called intelligence which always existed. It is the real eternal part of man, which was not created nor made. This intelligence combined with the spirit constitutes a spiritual identity or individual.” (Joseph Fielding Smith, The Progress of Man, 1964, 11.) ] otherwise there is no existence.

31 Behold, here is the agency of man, [ The fundamentals the core principle is that we began with agency. We used that agency to submit to the plan of the Father, each of us chose to endorse the plan that he put forth. ] and here is the condemnation of man; because that which was from the beginning is plainly manifest unto them, [ What is plainly manifest unto us? Light and truth. He does not hide it in any way, he wants everyone to see and hear it. Before we chose to come to this earth, while in that Grand Council, we had to know exactly what the Plan of Salvation consisted of and what we were signing up for. God made known to all of us just how bad life on earth could be for us, both physically and spiritually. We came to a perfect understanding of what it meant to leave God’s presence and receive a physical body. We had to understand perfectly how bad life could be before we agreed to come here so that our agency would not be compromised. We did not necessarily know how bad our life was going to be, but we understood perfectly how bad it could be, no matter where we would be living or in what time period. We knew and understood multi-dimensionally what it would be like to lose a loved one (a nearly universal experience); we knew and understood what it was going to be like to suffer illness and pain (also universal) and physical privation. We knew what it would be like to experience remorse for sin and a separation from God. We knew and understood these things perfectly. If we did not, our agency would have been compromised and any punishment would be unjust. The same principle applies to Lucifer and his followers. In order for their agency not to be compromised, they would have had to have a perfect understanding of the consequences of their rebellion. Not only did they have to understand the plan of salvation perfectly, they also had to understand their judgment and their condemnation perfectly, or their agency would have been compromised, and God would cease to be God. Even with this perfect knowledge, they still rebelled against God and against the Plan of Salvation. God allowed Satan to do whatever Satan wanted to do; that is His love (TPJS p 187). ] and they receive not the light.

32 And every man whose spirit receiveth not the light [ Why do we not receive the light? Because of disobedience, as a result it will withdrawn from us. ] is under condemnation.

33 For man is spirit. The elements [ Flesh. ] are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparably connected, [ When are the spirit and flesh inseparably connected? When we are resurrected. ] receive a fulness of joy; [ Therefore we must be resurrected in order to receive a fulness of joy. ]

34 And when separated, man cannot receive a fulness of joy. [ When is the spirit and the flesh separated? At death. The only way to receive a fulness of joy is in the resurrected state. So referring to those of terrestrial and telestial glory, and Perdition too, who must go through the Millennium suffering without bodies until the Second Resurrection, cp. D&C 88:100-102. ]

35 The elements are the tabernacle of God; [ He has a body of flesh and bones. ] yea, man is the tabernacle of God, even temples; and whatsoever temple is defiled, God shall destroy that temple.

36 The glory of God is intelligence, [ Or light and truth. Intelligence is the righteous application of knowledge so in other words we gain glory like unto God when we apply what we know in our heads to be true - knowledge, and apply the principles that our taught us through the spirit - our understanding. ] or, in other words, [ Or "in other words, a fulness of light and truth". ] light and truth. [ D&C 88:40, D&C 130:18. ]

37  Light and truth [ Or "Light and truth will". ] forsake that evil one.

38  Every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning; [ What is the meaning of beginning here? I think that it is referencing the beginning of man on the earth as he will refer directly to the fall of man next. So I think this is the beginning of which he speaks. So no matter how or what we did or did not do in the preexistence we come to earth innocent(pure before God). Therefore; we started life with a perfect spirit. So we come into the world with a perfect spirit (Moses 6:54; D&C 93:38) ] and God having redeemed man from the fall, [ When we enter this life everything that we might have done is or was covered by the atonement such that we enter this life in an innocent state. We agreed to be bound in heaven in the council of the Gods that we would be subject to what Adam did as our first parent. Adam fell, so we too were bound by that, but wait we were still spirits. Is the Lord referring to them as men(the spirits of men) here because we are not born yet. ] men [ Adam for sure. But is he also suggesting that all the spirits of man? If we were bound prior then we would need the atonement to apply to us as well then right? ] became again, in their infant state, [ The state before they came here. Pure and innocent. ] innocent before God. [ Without any sin before God. All mankind starts this life out in the same footage as everyone else, innocent. ]

39 And that wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth, [ And how does he remove truth and light? next --> ] through disobedience, [ The first tool that Satan uses to take away light and truth is disobedience. Satan knows that truth and light are shut out when we are wicked. With the absence of truth and light our lives become dark and unsure. Why because we forget who we are as the Savior taught in verse 23 we were with our Father before all of this; we are children of God. Satan teaches us to forget our divine heritage. ] from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers. [ The second way that Satans separates us from light and truth is through tradition. ]

40 But I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth. [ How the Lord leads and teaches us - through revelation. ]

41 But verily I say unto you, my servant Frederick G. Williams, you have continued under this condemnation; [ What is his condemnation? He has not taught his family and his children light and truth. (Verse 42) This is the same burden that every parent carries. ]

42 You have not taught your children light and truth, [ Light and truth are equated with intelligence vs 36. ] according to the commandments; and that wicked one hath power, as yet, over you, and this is the cause of your affliction.

43 And now a commandment I give unto you—if you will be delivered you shall set in order your own house, for there are many things that are not right in your house.

44 Verily, I say unto my servant Sidney Rigdon, that in some things he hath not kept the commandments concerning his children; therefore, first set in order thy house.

45 Verily, I say unto my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., or in other words, I will call you friends, for you are my friends, and ye shall have an inheritance with me—

46 I called you servants for the world’s sake, and ye are their servants for my sake— [ He is speaking to the first presidency in this verse. Specifically Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams. The purpose why men are called 2 Tim. 1:9, Mosiah 8:18, Moroni 7:31, D&C 29:4, D&C 46:9, D&C 84:48. ]

47 And now, verily I say unto Joseph Smith, Jun.—You have not kept the commandments, and must needs stand rebuked before the Lord;

48 Your family must needs repent and forsake some things, and give more earnest heed unto your sayings, or be removed out of their place.

49 What I say unto one I say unto all; pray always lest that wicked one have power in you, [ Once the adversary gains a position inside if you it is really tought to expel him. (3 ne. 18:18-) ] and remove you out of your place.

50 My servant Newel K. Whitney also, a bishop of my church, [ He is a general bishop in the church and is over Ohio and everything East. ] hath need to be chastened, and set in order his family, and see that they are more diligent and concerned at home, and pray always, or they shall be removed out of their place.

51 Now, I say unto you, my friends, let my servant Sidney Rigdon go on his journey, and make haste, and also proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, [ The JPS renders Isa. 61:2 as, “To proclaim a year of the Lord’s favor and a day of vindication by our God...” ] and the gospel of salvation, as I shall give him utterance; [ Sidney Rigdon will go on a mission with the Prophet Joseph Smith to Canada in the fall of 1833. (D&C 100) ] and by your prayer of faith with one consent I will uphold him.

52 And let my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and Frederick G. Williams make haste also, and it shall be given them even according to the prayer of faith; and inasmuch as you keep my sayings you shall not be confounded in this world, nor in the world to come.

53 And, verily I say unto you, that it is my will that you should hasten to translate my scriptures, [ The New Testament was completed on the 2nd of February 1833 in the old testament on the 2nd of July 1833. (History of the Church Vol 1 Pg 368) ] and to obtain a knowledge of history, [ We need to at least have a basic understanding of the world in which we live in. (D&C 88:79)] and of countries, and of kingdoms, of laws of God and man, and all this for the salvation of Zion. Amen.

[ Historical Material Pertaining to Doctrine & Covenants 93 The events which prompted this revelation are not well understood. Excerpt from History of the Church May 6.-I received the following: [text of D&C 93 quoted] (Joseph Smith, History of the Church, volume 1, page 343) Excerpt from Doctrine and Covenants Commentary On the 4th of May, 1833, a meeting of High Priests was held at Kirtland, for the purpose of considering ways and means for the building of a house in which to accommodate the School of the Prophets (Sec. 90:6-9). Hyrum Smith, Jared Carter, and Reynolds Cahoon were appointed a committee to obtain subscriptions for that purpose. The Saints were few and far from wealthy, and an undertaking of that kind must have seemed stupendous to them, but the leaders of the Church were men of God, and their faith was of the practical kind, by which mountains are removed. When this important step had been taken, two instructive Revelations were given on the same date [e.g., D&C 93 and D&C 94, although there is strong evidence that D&C 94 was not received at this time, but later in August 1833, see Cook]. (Hyrum M. Smith and Janne M. Sjodahl, Doctrine and Covenants Commentary, pages 587-588) ]