The Fulness of Mine Intent
A Preface to Studying Doctrine and Covenants 45
As mentioned in the previous post, many of the revelations that were recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants came as a direct result of Joseph Smith’s inquiries that arose during the process of translating the Bible. Doctrine and Covenants 45 is just one of many examples of the Prophet’s deep immersion in the New Testament. In her chapter “Joseph Smith’s Bible Translation” in Revelations in Context, Elizabeth Maki clarifies this point:
The Translation’s Legacy
After Joseph’s death, his widow, Emma, retained the translation manuscripts, which were published by the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1867. For the modern Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joseph Smith’s translation supplies portions of the Pearl of Great Price (the book of Moses and Matthew 24) and informs many footnotes in the Latter-day Saint edition of the King James Version of the Bible.
But the translation also had a significant influence on the Church in the way it shaped the content of the Doctrine and Covenants. More than half of the current Doctrine and Covenants consists of revelations received during the three-year period in which Joseph Smith labored over the Bible translation.21 Many revelations were received as direct answers to questions Joseph was inspired to ask as his understanding of the gospel expanded during the effort to restore plain and precious parts of the Bible. (p. 103)
Revelation begets revelation. With the stick of Judah and the stick of Joseph before them, Joseph Smith and the early Saints were blessed to study the scriptures and inquire of the Lord to obtain greater light and knowledge. As we follow their example and strive to live by the Lord’s laws and commandments, the scriptures can also become a springboard for revelation to us in our daily lives. Furthermore, thanks to the Prophet Joseph Smith and his associates, we now have access to even more revelation that should inspire even more inspired inquiry. Unlike most of the multitude of sects and denominations in credal Christianity, for “Mormons,” members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the cannon is not closed. God still speaks. It is up to us to listen and respond to His voice.
Nevertheless, in the economy of Heaven, the Lord need not reveal what He has already revealed and recorded in the scriptures. In other words, many of the answers that we seek have already been recorded in the Standard Works, and the only reason that they remain mysterious to us is because we have not studied the scriptures with the diligence and the faith that the Lord requires. My posts in “Jerusalem’s Flame” in my Substack The Torch are part of my efforts to remedy this deficiency in my own life, while hopefully inspiring others to improve their own study of the scriptures along the way. I don’t have all the answers, but I hope to point readers to the Source of answers, to the scriptures, and to the Fountain of all Righteousness, our Savior Jesus Christ:
For the fulness of mine intent is that I may persuade men to come unto the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and be saved.
Wherefore, the things which are pleasing unto the world I do not write, but the things which are pleasing unto God and unto those who are not of the world. (1 Nephi 6:4-5)
The revelation in section 45 is one of the most remarkable revelations of this dispensation, and entire volumes could be written about it. My hope is to receive this revelation with joy, as the early Saints did, by the Spirit of revelation and prophecy by which it was given, and to more fully appreciate it and integrate its doctrines and principles into my life. Jesus Christ is the Light that shines in darkness, and the light of His counsel and teachings shines brightly through this particular revelation. Because it is one of the longer revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants, let’s examine it a piece at a time in the following posts.