W. Cleon Skousen Insights

Doctrine and Covenants Sections 85-87

Revelation Date: September 22 – 23, 1832 Revelation Place: Kirtland, Ohio Section 84 - Historical Background: In the summer months of 1832, Joseph and Sidney moved their residence to Kirtland, Ohio. They resumed revising the Bible and getting the first edition of the Evening and Morning Star published. By Fall, the missionaries sent to the Eastern states began returning from their missions and reported on their successes. It was while they were rejoicing together that Joseph received this revelation on the Priesthood. Recap: The heart of the city of the New Jerusalem will be the temple. The genealogy of the Priesthood is given from Adam to Moses. The lesser priesthood, as given to Aaron, administers in the temporal ordinances. The higher priesthood sets forth the mysteries of the gospel and the keys to a spiritual knowledge of the nature and power of God. When the Israelites failed in their faithfulness, the higher priesthood was taken from them and only the lesser priesthood remained. The bishop, holding the higher priesthood, presides over the lesser priesthood. Those who obtain both priesthoods and magnify their calling are sanctified by the Spirit. Every person born on the earth has the Spirit of light and truth. Those who hearken to the Spirit will be redeemed but those who reject the Spirit will be under the bondage of sin and will not be aquainted with Christ. Because of the saints’ unbelief and treating lightly the Book of Mormon and the commandments, the whole church is under condemnation and will remain so until they repent. The signs that follow those who receive the Holy Ghost are given. The Elders are to proclaim the gospel, warning and teaching the people. They are to trust in God and go without purse or script. The Lord goes before their face. Those who receive them receive the Lord and will be blessed. The Lord describes the righteousness of those during the millennium. Therefore, strengthen one another, take care of the poor, offer up excesses to the Bishops for the building up of Zion.

Doctrine and Covenants Sections 81-83

Doctrine and Covenants Sections 77-80

Doctrine and Covenants Section 76

Doctrine and Covenants Sections 71-75

Doctrine and Covenants Sections 67-70

Doctrine and Covenants Sections 64-66

Doctrine and Covenants Section 63

Doctrine and Covenants Sections 60-62

Doctrine and Covenants Sections 58-59

Doctrine and Covenants Sections 51-57

Doctrine and Covenants Sections 49-50

Doctrine and Covenants Sections 46-48

Doctrine and Covenants Section 45

Doctrine and Covenants Sections 41-44

Doctrine and Covenants Sections 37-40

Doctrine and Covenants Sections 30-36

A Personal Search for the Meaning of the Atonement

Doctrine and Covenants Section 29

Doctrine and Covenants Sections 27-28

Doctrine and Covenants Sections 23-26

Doctrine and Covenants Sections 20-22

Doctrine and Covenants Sections 18-19

Doctrine and Covenants Sections 14-17

Doctrine and Covenants Sections 12-13

Doctrine and Covenants Sections 10-11

Doctrine and Covenants Sections 6-9

Doctrine and Covenants Sections 3-5

Doctrine and Covenants Section 2

Doctrine and Covenants Section 1

Moroni delivers a heartfelt farewell, urging the reader of this sacred text to exercise faith and ask God with a sincere heart if these words are true. He promises that those who do this with real intent will receive an answer from God, by the power of the Holy Ghost, that it is true. As he seals up the sacred records in 421 A.D., Moroni exhorts us not to deny the gifts of God, for every good gift comes from God, reminding us that these spiritual gifts are never withdrawn unless faith in Christ wanes. As Moroni bids his final farewell, he boldly declares the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and exhorts all to come unto Christ. As if speaking from the dust, he pleads with us to awake, deny all ungodliness and prepare to meet him at the pleasing bar of God where His mercy and grace await the righteous.

Moroni shares a significant sermon by his father, Mormon, focusing on the essential gospel themes of faith, hope, and charity and how these virtues are essential for spiritual growth and salvation. He highlights the enduring nature of charity, the pure love of Christ, as the greatest virtue one can possess. In another epistle by Mormon, this one written directly to Moroni, he discusses the erroneous practice of infant baptism. Mormon clarifies that little children are innocent and saved through Christ's atonement, which negates the need for baptism before accountability. Mormon writes again to Moroni, and focuses on the dire circumstances of the Nephite people, highlighting their moral decay, loss of love towards all and their thirst for blood and revenge. He talks of the imminent destruction of the people. Mormon encourages Moroni, despite these grievous times, to remain steadfast and faithful in Christ. Mormon pleads that the grace of God abide with his son, Moroni, forever.

The teachings of Moroni, who has endured 35 years of solitude following the destruction of nearly all the Nephite people at Cumorah. Despite the constant threat from the Lamanites, Moroni remains steadfast in his faith, determined to preserve the sacred records for future generations. Moroni sets forth guidelines for the restoration of the church in the latter days, including the required power and authority by the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost and for ordaining priesthood offices. He relates the requirements necessary in the administration of the sacrament for both bread and wine. Moroni also outlines the qualifications for baptism, stressing the need for genuine repentance and a commitment to seek and serve Christ to the end. He provides guidance on maintaining the integrity of the church by addressing iniquity among its members and underscores the importance of fellowship and forgiveness. Finally, Moroni teaches how church meetings should be conducted under the guidance of the Holy Ghost, fostering an environment of spiritual growth in teaching, exhorting, praying and in song.

The account of Ether, a prophet of God, who emerges amidst a turbulent time in the Jaredite civilization. Despite being the rightful heir to the throne, Ether chooses the path of prophecy, warning his people under the reign of the usurper king, Coriantumur. Ether's relentless call for repentance and faith in God goes unheeded, leading to a catastrophic chain of events. The episode explores the powerful theme of faith, as Ether promises salvation to those who believe, even as the Jaredites spiral into a cycle of disbelief and war. Moroni provides insightful commentary on the nature of faith, emphasizing its power in things hoped for and not seen. As the Jaredites descend into chaos, civil war erupts, and Ether is forced into hiding. The narrative follows the relentless battles between Coriantumur and his rivals, including the fierce Shiz, leading to the near-total annihilation of the millions of Jaredite people. The episode culminates in the tragic yet powerful conclusion of Ether's record, highlighting the stark consequences of ignoring divine warnings. Through Ether's eyes, we witness the fulfillment of his prophecies and the devastating end of a once-great civilization.

Now that the Jaredites have light to illuminate their vessels, they embark on their arduous 344-day voyage across the oceon to the promised land. They face fierce winds and monstrous waves that test their faith and resilience. Despite the treacherous conditions, the Jaredites remain steadfast, singing praises to the Lord for His continuous blessings. Upon reaching the promised land, the Jaredites quickly multiply and establish a thriving society. Yet, as time progresses, internal conflicts and the allure of power lead to political upheaval and the rise of secret combinations, threatening the very fabric of their civilization. Moroni gives latter-day readers a stern warning regarding secret combinations, for the Lord has promised that any nation that upholds these murdurous combinations will be destroyed.

Moroni abridges the writings of Ether and the history of the Jaredites, drawn from the 24 gold plates discovered by the people of King Limhi. Moroni, by commandment from God, seals up the sacred writings and revelations received by the brother of Jared. This sealed portion of the gold plates will not be revealed until some future time when members of His church have repented and become clean before Him. Beginning at the tower of Babel, God leads Jared, his brother and their friends and families to America, the Promissed Land. Eight barges are built to carry these chosen people across the ocean to the promissed land of America. The brother of Jared, filled with incredible faith, sees the finger of the Lord and is then priviledged to see the Spirit body of Jesus Christ. In Chapter 5, Moroni addresses himself to the future translator of the plates, Joseph Smith.

Mormon confronts the collapse of the Nephite civilization and speaks to the future Lamanites of the latter days, telling them who they really are and their need to repent and lay down their weapons of war. In his final writing he pleads that they will read this record of the Book of Mormon, along with the Bible, and accept Jesus Christ by baptism and receive the Holy Ghost. Moroni finishes the record as commanded by his father Mormon. He laments the destruction of the Nephites and his solitude, but commits his determination to preserve the sacred writings amidst the destruction. Moroni offers a poignant reflection on the condition of the world in the latter days, foreseeing widespread disbelief, pride, moral decay and the works of darkness. He urges future generations who receive this record, to seek God with unshaken firmness, and to work out one's own exaltaion through Jesus Christ.

We learn the brief, yet remarkable biography of prophet Mormon. As he recounts his life experiences, we witness the early signs of his greatness when he was just a boy. Chosen by the Nephite historian Ammaron, Mormon is given charge of the sacred records. Amidst a backdrop of wars, political upheaval, and spiritual corruption, we follow Mormon's journey from a young observer to the commander of the Nephite armies. As the Nephites face relentless battles against the Lamanites, Mormon continues to plead with the Nephites to repent and look to God for their hope and for their success. Despite moments of victory, the pervasive wickedness among the Nephites leads to devastating consequences as the entire Nephite nation is destroyed.

The Savior appears in America once again, this time to His disciples. He commands them to call the newly organized church in His name. The 12 disciples are granted their desires and 3 of them are given power over death. Christ bears His testimony of the Father and the Plan of Salvation and then departs, ascending into heaven. The people repent and become a righteous nation, living the law of consecration and rejoicing in the fullness of the Gospel, which lasts for nearly 200 years before contention and evil creep back into society. Eventually wickedness grows to the point that it prevails and evil abounds, making it necessary for the sacred records to be buried and hidden for preservation.

As the second day of Christ’s ministry among the Nephites begins, the scene opens with a multitude engaged in solemn prayer. Jesus, with tender feelings for the survivors of the great destruction, commands them to cease their active prayers but continue praying in their hearts. He then miraculously provides bread and wine for a sacramental service, explaining the significance of these elements to the people. Jesus speaks of the gathering of Israel in the latter days, reminding the people of Isaiah's prophecies. He outlines two scenarios for the Gentiles: one of destruction if they abandon the Lord, and another of blessings if they repent. Jesus emphasizes the importance of repentance, declaring that the Gentiles can be numbered among the house of Israel and receive blessings if they turn to Him. Jesus quotes Isaiah and Malachi, prophesying the eventual triumph and gathering of Israel. He describes the establishment of a new Jerusalem and the blessings awaiting the righteous. The Nephites are commanded to write down His teachings, and Jesus expounds all scriptures to them, ensuring they understand the gospel and the future events leading to His second coming.

Jesus acknowledges the multitude's lingering questions and instructs them to ponder and pray until his return. Despite his urgency to minister to the lost tribes, Jesus lengthens his stay to heal the sick and bless the children, displaying profound compassion. The Nephites witness miraculous healings and angelic visitations. Jesus introduces the sacrament, emphasizing its significance. He concludes by empowering his disciples with the Holy Ghost and ascends into heaven, leaving the Nephites in awe of the divine manifestations they witnessed.

We begin this episode with a popular speech by W. Cleon Skousen on the Mount of Beatitudes overlooking the Sea of Galilee, as he discusses to the group the deep, beautiful insights of the Sermon on the Mount given by Jesus on or near that very location. Following Dr. Skousen's remarks, we continue with 3 Nephi chapter 12 as Jesus Christ delivers the Sermon on the Mount to the Nephites. This sermon, a cornerstone of Christian doctrine, holds unique significance and clarity in the Book of Mormon as Jesus addresses both his disciples and the great multitude gathered at the temple in Bountiful.

Catastrophic events cause terrible destruction in the Western Hemisphere, attesting to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in Jerusalem. Chapter 8 details the overwhelming natural disasters that swept across the land, transforming the landscape and causing widespread devastation. As the people of Nephi grapple with the aftermath, they hear the voice of Christ proclaiming the destruction of their cities because of their wickedness. After some time, the remaining righteous of the people gather together at the temple and witness a profound event: the appearance of Jesus Christ. Amidst their astonishment and sorrow, the Savior speaks to them, offering a message of repentance and redemption. This divine encounter marks a pivotal moment, transforming mourning into joy and leading to the establishment of an increased spiritual foundation for the survivors.

The prophecies of Christ's birth from Samuel the Lamanite begin to unfold. Nephi, son of Helaman, disappears, leaving his son, also named Nephi, in charge of the sacred records. The non-believers, in their fervor to discredit the prophecies, set a deadly ultimatum for the believers. Nephi prays fervently for his people, and the sign is miraculously fulfilled, astonishing everyone as the night remains bright as day. The non-believers are struck with fear, leading to widespread conversion and peace. However, the peace is short-lived as pride, greed, and the influence of the Gadianton robbers cause turmoil once again. This episode highlights the cyclical nature of faith and wickedness among the Nephites and sets the stage for the upcoming arrival of the resurrected Christ.

A Lamanite prophet named Samuel appears among the Nephites around 6 BC. His mission is to call the Nephites to repentance amidst their deepening wickedness. Despite being thrown out of the city of Zarahemla, Samuel returns, climbing the city wall and delivers God's warnings and predictions. Samuel boldly prophesies of the coming of Jesus Christ and the devastating consequences for the Nephites if they do not repent. His bold declarations included the appearance of a new star, other miraculous signs in the heavens, and a period of three days of darkness at the time of Christ's death. Samuel's words were met with a mix of belief and violent rejection, leading to a miraculous escape from Zarahemla. The episode concludes with Samuel's powerful message of repentance and the eventual fulfillment of his prophecies, setting the stage for the coming of Christ and the subsequent transformation of the Nephite and Lamanite societies.

In this episode, we recount the poignant journey of Nephi, the son of Helaman, as he returns to Zarahemla after six years of missionary work in the north. Shocked by the rampant wickedness and corruption of the Nephites, Nephi laments the state of his people. Witness Nephi's heartfelt prayer from his garden tower, which draws a curious crowd. Seizing the moment, Nephi passionately calls for repentance, condemning the influence of the Gadianton robbers who have seized power. His plea is a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. The episode captures Nephi's sorrow and determination as he confronts the corrupt judges and delivers a powerful sermon, urging the Nephites to return to righteousness. Join us for an intense exploration of faith, prophecy, and the relentless pursuit of truth in the face of overwhelming adversity.

The Nephite society faces political instability following the death of Chief Judge Pahoran, leading to contentious elections and the rise of rebellion. As political factions vie for power, Kishkumen's secretive band of murderers emerges, culminating in the assassination of Pahoran and his successor. Meanwhile, Coriantumr, an apostate Nephite, leads a massive Lamanite army to a surprising victory over Zarahemla, only to be outmaneuvered by Moronihah's strategic brilliance. Amidst the chaos, Helaman's sons, Nephi and Lehi, embark on a mission to preach the gospel. Their efforts lead to astonishing conversions among the Lamanites, who surpass the Nephites in righteousness. However, the Gadianton robbers infiltrate Nephite society, driving it into deeper corruption while the Lamanites strive to eradicate the band from their midst. Despite brief periods of peace and prosperity, the Nephites' increasing wickedness and the rise of secret combinations spell impending doom. This episode highlights the stark contrast between the declining Nephite nation and the spiritually ascending Lamanites, emphasizing themes of repentance, righteousness, and the power of faith amidst adversity.

In this riveting episode, witness the strategic brilliance of Nephite generals Moroni and Lehi as they manage their prisoners and fortify the city of Bountiful. Marvel at the deep bond between Moroni and Lehi, forged through countless battles. Discover the stirring account of the 2,000 stripling warriors, young men of unwavering faith and valor, who step forward to defend their land under the leadership of Helaman. Follow their journey as they march to aid the Nephite armies and face the Lamanites in fierce combat, driven by the teachings of their mothers and their devotion to God. Explore the cunning tactics employed by Moroni to outmaneuver the Lamanites and reclaim Nephite cities, culminating in the dramatic liberation of Nephihah and the eventual restoration of peace in the land. Amidst the turmoil, witness the steadfastness of Helaman's stripling warriors, who, despite their youth and inexperience, fight with tremendous faith and valor. This episode is a testament to the power of faith, unity, and righteous leadership in the face of overwhelming odds.

In Alma chapter 43, we are thrust back into the heart of the Nephite-Lamanite conflict after Alma's poignant instructions to his sons. Outraged by the Nephites' sheltering of Zoramite converts, the Zoramites and Lamanites plot a massive attack on Jershon. The pacifist Ammonite converts are moved to Melech, while Alma, his sons, and other missionaries rally the Nephite spirits for the impending war. The Lamanites, led by Zarahemna, face a well-prepared Nephite army under the new, young leader, Moroni. The Nephites, fortified with breastplates and shields, outmaneuver the Lamanite forces, leading to a strategic victory. Moroni's brilliant tactics and the Nephites' spiritual resolve shine through in this gripping chapter, as they defend their liberty, families, and faith against overwhelming odds. As the chapter unfolds, we witness the intensity of the conflict and the Nephites' unwavering commitment to their cause. The chapter concludes with the Nephites rejoicing in their deliverance, a testament to their faith and unity in the face of adversity.