LDS Doctrine and Covenants Critique
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The Doctrine and Covenants
SECTION 7
Revelation given to Joseph Smith the Prophet and Oliver
Cowdery, at Harmony, Pennsylvania, April 1829, when they inquired
through the Urim and Thummim as to whether John, the beloved disciple,
tarried in the flesh or had died. The revelation is a translated
version of the record made on parchment by John and hidden up by
himself.
1–3, John the Beloved will live until the Lord comes; 4–8, Peter, James, and John hold gospel keys.
1 And the Lord said unto me: John, my beloved, what desirest thou? For
if you shall ask what you will, it shall be granted unto you. 2 And I
said unto him: Lord, give unto me power over death, that I may live and
bring souls unto thee. 3 And the Lord said unto me: Verily, verily, I
say unto thee, because thou desirest this thou shalt tarry until I come
in my glory, and shalt prophesy before nations, kindreds, tongues and
people.
Note: The Apostle John did not live till the return of Jesus Christ.
Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved
following, who also had leaned on His breast at the supper, and said,
“Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” Peter, seeing him, said to
Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If I will
that he remain till I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.” Then
this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not
die. John 21:20-23
After spending time exiled on the Greek island of Patmos (where he
wrote the Book of Revelation), he returned to Ephesus, where he led the
local church during his final years.
4 And for this cause the Lord said unto Peter: If I will that he tarry
till I come, what is that to thee? For he desired of me that he might
bring souls unto me, but thou desiredst that thou mightest speedily
come unto me in my kingdom.
Note: The Holy Bible was plagiarized.
Yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?” John 21:23
5 I say unto thee, Peter, this was a good desire; but my beloved has
desired that he might do more, or a greater work yet among men than
what he has before done.
Note: The Apostle John wrote the final revelation of Jesus Christ for mankind.
For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this
book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues
that are written in this book; Revelation 22:18
6 Yea, he has undertaken a greater work; therefore, I will make him as
flaming fire and a ministering angel; he shall minister for those who
shall be heirs of salvation who dwell on the earth.
Note: The Apostle John wrote the final revelation of Jesus Christ for mankind.
and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy,
God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city,
and from the things which are written in this book. Revelation 22:19
7 And I will make thee to minister for him and for thy brother James;
and unto you three I will give this power and the keys of this ministry
until I come.
Note: The Apostle James was murdered by Herod early in church history.
Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hand to harass
some from the church. Then he killed James the brother of John with the
sword. Acts 12:1-2
8 Verily I say unto you, ye shall both have according to your desires, for ye both joy in that which ye have desired.
Note: Believers love for Jesus Christ brings joy and salvation.
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be,
you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your
faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is
tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the
revelation of Jesus Christ, who having not seen you love. Though now
you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible
and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of
your souls. 1 Peter 1:6-9