Doctrine and Covenants 14-17

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REVELATORY REPETITION

Some of you, in your study, may have noticed something interesting about the beginning of a number of these early sections of the Doctrine and Covenants. To illustrate this I like to call on 4 different students to read the first 5 verses of the following sections. 6, 11, 12, and 14. But here is the catch. I want them all to read those verses out loud at the same time for everybody else to hear. I tell the readers not to worry about what the others are saying but just to continue reading no matter what. For the rest of the class, even though the readers are reading from four different sections, try to pay attention to what all four are saying, as hard as that sounds.

Now if they do that, you're going to notice the interesting thing. Everybody is expecting chaos and that it's going to be impossible to understand them. But what they'll notice, is that the first five verses of each of these sections says the exact same thing. It's the same message. Now that might make some of you wonder. Why would God say the exact same thing 4 different times? Was Joseph just rubber stamping the beginning of his revelation ? Are these vain repetitions?

I don't think so. When these revelations were first received, the Doctrine and Covenants did not exist in the form that it's in now. It wasn't until later that these four revelations were actually bound together and published as a book of revelations for the general membership to read. So the key to understanding this is in who these revelations are addressed to.

• 6-Oliver Cowdery

• 11-Hyrum Smith

• 12-Joseph Knight Sr.

• 14-David Whitmer

Each is directed to a different man. So doesn't it make sense that God might have a similar message he'd want to give to different individuals? Each one of these brethren are going to play some significant part in early church history. I don't believe it cheapens the message for God to deliver the same message and inspiration to different players involved in the building up of Zion. God wanted Oliver and Hyrum and David, and Joseph Knight to know that a great and marvelous work was about to come forth, that the field was white already to harvest, and that if they would be willing to ask, they could receive.

If you want to see another example of this, do this activity next. Choose two students and ask one to read Section 15 out loud, the entire section, it's only 6 short verses long, and another to read Section 16 out loud at the same time. And what will they notice? Besides the name of who the revelation is directed to, John Whitmer and Peter Whitmer, the revelation is the same, word for word. Once again, does that cheapen it? I don't think so. The most wonderful word to focus on in those sections is the names. The fact that the Lord is speaking to them as individuals is what matters most. He knows them by name, and calls them by name, and delivers a message to them. Who cares if it's the same message? The difference that matters most is in the who, not the what. For example, I'm sure the language of my mission call, besides my name and my assignment, was very likely the same. The instruction, the call to serve, the manner in which I should serve, those things are the same for all called to work in God's service. But those instructions were to me and signed by the first presidency. To have my name appear on the same page as theirs, was really something and meaningful to me. So let's not get too hung up on the repeated language in some of these revelations. It's not vain repetition, but revelatory repetition.

Some of you may have noticed that I haven't really focused much on those initial verses in these past couple of lessons, so I would like to do a little bit of that here since we have that same language at the beginning of section 14. We have talked about the great and marvelous nature of God's work from verse 1 in Section 4, and we've covered the "ask and ye shall receive" principle of verse 5 many times. But I'd like to spend some time on these three verses in between. Verses 2-4.

ICEBREAKER

For an icebreaker here I like to do an object lesson. Now, there may be a bit of cost involved here, but I've found that object lessons can be very effective.

So you ask your class: According to verse 2-4, what two objects do disciples of Christ hold in their hands? If you painted a picture of them based on these verses. What would they be holding?

Can you find them?

The answer is: A two-edged sword in one hand, and a sickle in the other.

And then I like to pull both of these objects out. I have a real sword and a real sickle that I bring into class and I show them. So like I said, there is a little bit of cost involved here. Right now you can buy a sickle on Amazon for around 9$. A sword is a little more expensive . I bought one years ago when I started teaching seminary and have used it for years, but I found what I feel is a decent one on Amazon for around 40$. I'll put links to these in the video description if you're interested.

Amazon Sickle Link: https://amzn.to/3robC0W

Amazon Sword Link: https://amzn.to/3pYvjft

Amazon Plastic Sword Link: https://amzn.to/3rABS8v

Another less expensive option would be to buy a plastic or a play sword, although I've found that a real sword has a bit more of an effect. And, of course, you could always just show pictures of these objects as well. I just find that it's more interesting to the students if you actually have the items with you to display.

But let's examine those symbols for just a minute because they're both great.

THE SWORD

First. The sword. What does it represent according to verse 2? It represents God's word. Now somebody may point out that it doesn't actually say in that verse that we have the sword, only that it represents God's word. But you can take them section 27:18 where you actually see the disciple of Christ wielding the sword of God's words. It’s the section that talks about the armor of God. So yes, God places the sword of his word in our hands. And since we're already here in section 27, you see the other thing the sword symbolizes. Remember it's a two-edged sword, so the fact that it symbolizes two things fits well. It's the sword of his word, AND the sword of the Spirit.

DISCUSS

Now why would he make that comparison. This is a fun discussion question to ask . How is the word of God or the Spirit of God like a sword?

What do you use a sword for? Battle.

As far as the word of God is concerned, this is not the only object God has used to symbolize it. Some of the other symbols for the word of God in the scriptures are an iron rod, a compass, a lamp, and bread(or manna). But I think the Lord chooses certain symbols with purpose based on the context of the time. So which did he choose to emphasize here in the last days as we prepare for the Second Coming? A sword, which suggests that life is like a what? A battle. Right now, the latter-days are most like a battlefield, and if you don't have your sword, you may be defeated or spiritually slain. We'll go into more detail on the battlefield of life when we get Section 27 and talk about putting on the whole armor of God. But the word of God is a sword. By the same token, there are a number of different symbols for the Spirit in the scriptures. Fire, wind, a dove, rain. But in the last days, what will the Spirit most be needed for? To win our spiritual battles.

Go back to section 14. He's going to give us some specific reasons for why his word is like a sword. He says it is quick and powerful. Interesting. There are many different kinds of swords out there. What kind of a sword do you picture the word of God and the Spirit being like? Is it one of those thin swords? Like a rapier or a foil that you that might see in a fencing match? These are quick swords. Or is it a broad sword or a long sword; the kind you picture medieval knights using? These are powerful swords. The kind of sword that I purchased and use for object lessons in my classes is one of these kind of swords. t's very heavy and long and I can imagine that if you swung it hard, it could do some real damage. It's a powerful sword. But I can't imagine being able to fight with much quickness with it? Most swords are either one or the other. But the word of God is the kind of sword that is both. Quick and powerful. If I had to choose a sword to symbolize it, I might choose the Roman short sword as the symbol. Perhaps the closest thing to a sword that is both quick and powerful. These swords were broad but not as long. The reason for its design is that Roman legions often fought in tightly packed groups of soldiers where they combat was up close and personal Under those circumstances it would be difficult to fight effectively swinging a large, long sword around. You would want something short that you could thrust with rather than swing. Interestingly enough, the first place we see this sword symbolism in the scriptures comes from Paul in the New Testament. In Hebrews 4:12 he says: 12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Well Paul lived in a Roman world. Possibly, he had this sword in mind when he compared it to the word of God and the Spirit. Is there a possible message in that? This fight with sin, and evil, and the adversary is hand to hand, close quarters combat. The adversary's attack is very personal and individualized. You're going to need a quick AND powerful sword in order to defeat him.

Section 14 also says that this sword cuts through things. It's sharper than a two-edged sword to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow. Joints and marrow are the toughest parts of the body. It would take a very powerful sword to cut through both joints and marrow. What's the symbolism in that? What does the sword of the word of God or the Spirit cut through? It cuts through lies? Or perhaps the major suggestion is that it goes deep. It penetrates to the very center. The marrow of the bone is the deepest you can go. Maybe that's another helpful thing to consider as you learn to recognize the Spirit. There is a depth to it. Some emotional and intellectual arguments are fairly shallow when presented. But there is a depth to truth taught by the Spirit and the word of God. It sinks deep into your heart. Like Paul said in his version of this idea. It divides asunder both soul and spirit, and is a discerner of the thoughts and the intents of the heart. That is depth. Right to the soul, right to the heart. That's where God's truth penetrates. So, for example, God's grace and forgiveness is the kind of truth that penetrates deep to the soul. I am a child of a loving God, is a truth that goes straight to the heart.

There are a number of places in the scriptures where "sword words" are used to describe the effect the Spirit has on the heart. In some places the scriptures say that people are "cut to the heart", this is usually used in a negative way. Laman and Lemuel, the Pharisees are cut to the heart by the influence of the Spirit. It's not comfortable and so they fight back against it. On the other hand, the word "pierce" is also used to describe the effect of the spirit on people's hearts. This is usually positive in nature. It did pierce them to the very center. That's the Spirit, it either cuts or pierces you. It's the state of your heart that determines which it does to you. Hopefully, you are pierced by it.

THE SICKLE

Now the sickle. What does the sickle represent? Well the sickle is a tool used for harvesting. After the wheat is full grown, you cut it from the earth so that you can lay it up in store for the future. With the sword, the blade is used for fighting. With the sickle, the blade is used for gathering. It's a little more positive in nature. The exact symbolism there isn't as clear as with the sword. Is the sickle our faith? Our testimony? Our desire? Let me know in the comments if you have some insight there for me. It's something that could be pondered. What is the wheat then? What is it that we gather? I think we usually compare the wheat to people. We go out and we gather others to the fold. We'll see this imagery come up again when we get to section 86 where the wheat and tares clearly represent people, and God's servants go through the fields gathering the wheat to be saved and set aside the tares to be burned. But could there be other symbolism as well? What else does God want us to gather? Other themes from these sections could suggest that God wants us to gather wisdom(6:7) , good works (6:33), good desires (11:27), (Christlike attributes or character(11:8), and the symbol that it most seems to point to, is salvation (6:4, 11:4, 12:4, 14:4). It's salvation that is being gathered and treasured up. So, as a missionary, I don't think I need to feel like a failure if I haven't brought many souls or sheaves unto him, although that imagery works. I do want to gather souls to safety and salvation, but it's the effort that brings the salvation to my soul. In each of these cases, the field is white already and needs to be harvested. There is so much for us to gather. There is a lot of wisdom I can gain, there is a lot of character I need to develop, there are so many good works I can do, there are souls to bless through proclaiming the gospel, redeeming the dead, and perfecting the Saints. There is an abundance of salvation to reap. So go out there and thrust in your sickle. That suggests really putting forth effort into the gathering. There is work to do. Whether it's wisdom, or good works, or souls, or character, or salvation itself, I want to thrust in my sickle with my might, and once I have those things, I treasure them and hold them sacred.

TRUTH

If I faithfully wield the sword of the word and the Spirit, I will conquer Satan

If I thrust in my sickle with my might, I will gather much

LIKEN THE SCRIPTURES

How would you rank your level of "swordsmanship"? Beginner, Amateur, Professional, Master.

How could you improve?

How would you rank your level of "sickleship"? Novice, Intermediate, Skilled, Expert.

How could you improve?

CONCLUSION

So, as a disciple of Christ in the latter-days. We fight, and we gather. I've got my two blades accomplishing two very critical tasks. A similar image that comes to my mind is the ancient Egyptian pharaohs that also held two symbolic things in their hands. The crook and the flail as symbols of their leadership. For Latter-day disciples of Christ, we carry two things as well, and we hope that when we die, we can symbolically lay these two items across our chest. Our sword, that we've used valiantly to conquer and defend ourselves against Satan. And our sickle, well used in our efforts to gather throughout our lives. May their blades ever be sharp, and our skill in using them evident.

THE GREATEST GIFT-14:7

ICEBREAKER

My icebreaker would be a pair and share activity. Pair up your students and have them share their answers to the following questions:

What is the greatest birthday or Christmas gift you've ever been given?

What made it so great?

TRANSITION

Well just like good parents and friends, we believe in a Heavenly Father that also loves to give his children gifts. We have the gift of the Holy Ghost, the gifts of the Spirit, and the gift of his son. But, of all the gifts he can give us, there is one that stands out above the rest.

SEARCH

According to section 14, what is the greatest gift you can get from God?

Eternal life.

First of all, do you understand what that term means? This is a good opportunity to clarify some definitions in the minds of your students. There is a difference between immortality, eternal life, salvation, perdition, and exaltation.

Let me attempt to explain these visually.

Immortality is to live for eternity as a resurrected being. All who have lived on this earth will be immortal. They will receive a resurrected body regardless of what kingdom they receive or even outer darkness.

Eternal life, on the other hand, although they sound synonymous, means to live forever with God. Eternal life can only be found within the Celestial Kingdom.

Salvation is to be saved in a kingdom of glory. So whether you are Celestial, Terrestrial, or Telestial, you are recipient of salvation. You have been saved from the power of the devil, and you inherit a kingdom of glory. There will be those however that choose to reject salvation and instead they will inherit outer darkness or Perdition. Which is a word that means to be lost. They join the devil and that third of the hosts of heaven that rebelled in the pre-mortal world in their own place.

But then exaltation can only come to those who inherit a Celestial glory.

With that in mind, the Lord says here in section 14 that exaltation or eternal life is the greatest gift that we can receive. Is he right? and if so, why? I once had a rather outspoken student one year who raised her hand one day and said, "You know, I don't think I want to go to heaven. It sounds boring". And a little shocked, I said "what on earth do you mean?" "Well", she said "Isn't it just like church all the time? And clouds and singing?" And you see, I believe her problem was that she had more of a cartoon sense of heaven. You know, angels sitting on clouds and strumming harps for eternity. That's not really the description that the scriptures give us. So I tried to give her a more expansive understanding of eternal life and to help her see why heaven would not be boring and that it would be worth any effort to qualify for it. Now what would you have said to her to convince her? With more preparation than I had at that moment. Maybe I would have shown her this list of references:

I call it "and my soul did long to be there". That's something that Alma the Younger said after he had a vision of the Celestial Kingdom in Alma 36:22. This is a cross reference activity for your students. I've gone through the scriptures and pulled out some of my favorite descriptions of exaltation and why it is such a great gift. Send your students in to read as many as they can and be prepared to share what they teach them about Celestial glory.

• Doctrine and Covenants 76:89

• Enos 1:27

• Mosiah 2:41

• Helaman 3:30

• Revelation 21:4

• Doctrine and Covenants 101:32-34

• Doctrine and Covenants 76:92-95

Let's dig into each one in turn: Here we go:

Doctrine and Covenants 76:89

89 And thus we saw, in the heavenly vision, the glory of the telestial, which surpasses all understanding;

Now you may wonder why the first verse on that list is a verse describing the Telestial Kingdom. Why would I do that? Well what does that verse reveal about the Telestial Kingdom? The Telestial kingdom surpasses all mortal understanding. It's so wonderful, we can't even comprehend it. Now, if the Telestial surpasses all understanding. What does that say about the Celestial? Remember the symbol for the glory of the Telestial Kingdom is the stars and the amount of light they shed on the earth. Which isn't much. It's still pretty dark outside when only the stars are shining, but they do provide some light. Well how much brighter than the stars is the sun? That's how much more glorious the Celestial Kingdom is than the Telestial! That's quite the contrast. The glory of the Celestial kingdom is surpasses that surpassing of all understanding. It's worth it.

Enos 1:27

27 And I soon go to the place of my rest, which is with my Redeemer; for I know that in him I shall rest. And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on immortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me: Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father. Amen.

There are loads of wonderful promises in that verse, but one word stands out to me most here: rest. Celestial glory is rest. I don't think it means that it's an eternal vacation; work and worship and learning will all be an eternal part of that world. But we will rest from temptation, we will rest from pain, we will rest from adversity. It's worth it.

Mosiah 2:41

41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.

So another quality of heaven? Happiness. The Celestial Kingdom is a place of never-ending happiness. And though the line "and they lived happily ever after" may not be realistic in this life, it's completely realistic in the next. It's worth it.

Helaman 3:30

30 And land their souls, yea, their immortal souls, at the right hand of God in the kingdom of heaven, to sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and with Jacob, and with all our holy fathers, to go no more out.

Two things here. We get to meet former prophets! Ever wanted to meet Nephi?, or Moses?, or Joseph Smith? or Peter? or Abraham? or Brigham Young? or Paul? or Samuel the Lamanite. You get to in the Celestial Kingdom! Won't that be cool. You'll rub shoulders and have conversations and mingle with the faithful men and women of the past. It's worth it!

I also love the phrase "to go no more out". I think that suggests that the test is over. You aren't going to have to face the test of mortality. It will be finished, and you will have that sweet sense of accomplishment that you passed. Like the way you feel when your final final is over. I remember the way I felt when I completed my last test of my last college class for my Master's degree. And at that point I had decided that I had no interest in pursuing a Doctorate. My formal education was done. Now I love learning and education and plan to continue that throughout my life, but formal schooling was over. I was grateful for what I had learned, and proud of the accomplishment. But I was done, to go no more out. No more finals, no more homework, no more assignments, no more lectures. It felt amazing. I think that was probably just a small taste of what it will be like to pass the formal education of mortality. To pass the final. The final judgment, and enjoy the fruits of your Celestial scholarship. It's worth it.

Revelation 21:4

I know you've heard me share this one before. One of my favorite verses of all time. What makes heaven so wonderful?

4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

There is such hope and tenderness in that description. He wipes away the tears, like a loving parent for their child. This life certainly has more than its fair share of ugliness, and pain, and sorrow. And some suffer far more than others. But God will make all things right in the end. All the things that cause tears: sin, death, suffering at the agency of others, physical pain, emotional pain, spiritual pain, will be wiped away. It's worth it.

Doctrine and Covenants 101:32-34

32 Yea, verily I say unto you, in that day when the Lord shall come, he shall reveal all things—

33 Things which have passed, and hidden things which no man knew, things of the earth, by which it was made, and the purpose and the end thereof—

34 Things most precious, things that are above, and things that are beneath, things that are in the earth, and upon the earth, and in heaven.

One of the great blessings of exaltation is knowledge. There are so many questions I have, and I'm sure you do as well . Christ will reveal those things. For example. I know one question that I want to ask. When I was a boy, I love dinosaurs. They captured my imagination and love. I was so sure I would become a paleontologist when I grew up. Well, when I meet the Savior in the next life, one of the things I want to ask is "So, how do the dinosaurs fit into your plan and the powers of creation?" And I'm sure he'll look at me and say, "Oh, that's an easy one. Let me explain, da da da da da da da." And I'll say "Oh, well that makes sense. Thank you. I'm not sure why that bothered me in mortality." I imagine that the majority of our deepest philosophical, moral and theological perplexities will be like that. So if there are things that you don't understand here, just hang on. One day, the Lord promises that the faithful will. It's worth it.

Doctrine and Covenants 76:92-95

Last one.

92 And thus we saw the glory of the celestial, which excels in all things where God, even the Father, reigns upon his throne forever and ever;

93 Before whose throne all things bow in humble reverence, and give him glory forever and ever.

94 They who dwell in his presence are the church of the Firstborn; and they see as they are seen, and know as they are known, having received of his fulness and of his grace;

95 And he makes them equal in power, and in might, and in dominion.

Now that's a deep one, and I don't feel comfortable in making too much commentary as to its meaning and application. But to receive of his fulness and grace; to be equal, in some way, in power, and might, and dominion is a promise so deep and massive that I believe it's one of those things that surpasses understanding. But it sure sounds sublime. As members of the latter-day Church of Christ, we have been privileged to have this profound understanding of the true meaning of exaltation, eternal life, or heaven. That we can become like God in some way. The ins and outs and details of that promise I don't dare speculate on. But I know one thing. It will be worth it.

TRUTH/CONCLUSION

The overall truth that I hope you've gotten from this exercise? Eternal life is the greatest gift of God. It's worth it! It's more than worth it. As Paul powerfully said:

1 Corinthians 2:9: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”

Any opposition, any trial, any sacrifice, any pain that you have experienced in mortality will be swallowed up in the glory of eternal life. This is but a small moment. And the instructions for meriting that gift. It's very simply put in verse 7. Keep my commandments and endure to the end. That's our quest. That's our vision. That's our mortal mission. I testify that eternal life lies at the end of that quest.

LIKEN THE SCRIPTURES

A final discussion question as your class looks at that list.

Which aspect of eternal life do you most look forward to, and why?

DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 15-16-OF MOST WORTH

ICEBREAKER

Now there is another aspect of heaven that I've saved for last here. One of the greatest ones. And it comes from a line that we find in both sections 15 and 16.

This is just a brief insight and activity here. The icebreaker is simple. It's a question. According to statistics, what was the most popular answer people in the United States gave to the question "What are you most grateful for?"

Let your students make some guesses. #1 answer. Was it money? Freedom? Health? Nope. Family was the overwhelming top answer. Friends also appeared at the top of the list as well. Apparently, what is it that we are most grateful for in life? Other people. Generally speaking, relationships are what we are most grateful for as a society. (SOURCE: https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/study-what-are-americans-thankful-for/)

SEARCH

With that in mind. From our previous reading you know that these two sections are directed to two of the Whitmer brothers. They both wanted to know something. So I have two questions for you.

What was it that they wanted to know?

And What was their answer?

The answers. They wanted to know what would be of the most worth to them. Which is a really great question to ask? What is the most worthwhile thing I can do?

And the answer they got, was "To bring souls unto Christ". That was the most worthwhile thing they could do with their time. Reminds me of John's desire back in Section 7. Now there was a man who understood that principle. He understood it so well that he desired to engage in that work for thousands of years. I believe that's true of all of us. Bringing souls to Christ will be the activity that will be of most worth to us. And I believe that applies to more than the just missionary work we do with those that aren't yet members of the Church of Jesus Christ. It's any work that you do that involves helping people come closer to Christ. It's helping your spouse come to Christ. It's helping you children come to Christ as a parent. It's helping your brothers and sisters come to Christ as a sibling. It's helping your students come to Christ as a teacher. It's helping the dead come to Christ through temple work. It's helping your coworkers, and neighbors, and ministering families, and communities come unto Christ.

But the line that intrigues me most is the one that follows where the Lord explains why it will be of most worth. The promise of that work, is what?

That you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. This idea is going to come up again in section 18. There it says:

15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!

Again, the promise is there. It will be of most worth, because we will have joy with them in Celestial glory. We'll explore that idea much more deeply next week in section 18.

But the point is this. You can't talk about Celestial glory and ignore this most important of aspects. Yes, it's true, heaven is a place, and we just covered some of the great things about that place, but more importantly, heaven is people. People more than place. It's relationships. Husbands and wives, parents and children, brothers and sisters, man and God. That has to be the most glorious aspect of exaltation. To spend eternity with people that we love. I like how Doctrine and Covenants 130:2 puts it.

2 And that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy.

Can you see why we have such an emphasis on family in the church? And strong marriages? And sealing? and unity? God knows what is of most worth to us.

That's why I must work so hard to bring others to Christ. I want them there with me. From my perspective, if my wife isn't there, it won't be heaven to me. I want my children there. My parents, brothers and sisters, grandparents, my ward members, all the students I've taught. I want them there with me, to find rest and joy with them. Our relationships will be of most worth to us.

Adam and Eve are a good example of that principle. When given the choice between paradise and a person. Adam chose the person. He chose Eve over Eden, because he knew that that relationship was of most worth.

TRUTH

So another truth perhaps we can add to our previous principle: Heaven is more than a place, it's people.

DOCTRINE & COVENANTS 17-WITNESSES

ICEBREAKER

One final lesson to look at for Section 17. I begin with this object lesson. I pull out a piece of paper about this size and I tell them that I am able to cut a hole in this piece of paper big enough to fit my entire body through. I then ask: Who believes me? Some of the kids usually raise their hands. Then I ask, "Of those with their hands up, how many of you believe I can do it because you've seen it done before and know that it's possible? Many of the hands go down, but some remain up. Usually there are a few who have seen it done. If not, then I say that I guess I'm the only one really in that group then. Then I ask "Who thinks that there is no possible way it can be done and I'm just trying to trick you and these other believers are going to feel really foolish when I reveal that I was lying? Another group raises their hands. I then explain that those in the first group represent "knowledge”. They have a knowledge that what I'm saying is true. They can act as witnesses of that truth. Those in the last group represent "doubt" since they don't believe me at all and think I'm trying to fool you. The most fascinating group out there to me though are those of you who believe me, but you just don't have any idea how I can do it. You just trust that I'm telling you the truth, or you believe because there are other people in the room that say they know. What would we call that middle group? That's faith. Believing without seeing.

TRANSITION

Well, Joseph Smith also made a claim that was very difficult for many people to believe. He told them that he had translated an ancient book from golden plates but that he was not allowed to show them to everybody. That was very hard for many people to accept. They said things like "We'll believe you if you show us". Seeing is believing. But that's not how God works. Is it? Let's see how he orders things.

SEARCH

Sometimes, to help my students learn how to study their scriptures more closely, I do a little activity called Dig and Draw with them. There are no teams, just the class competing against with itself. I tell them there will be a treat, or we'll watch a Studio C video, or there will be some kind of reward if they can collectively as a class earn at least 80% of the possible points. I tell them to read a certain section of scripture and to be prepared to answer questions about it. The catch is, that once I start asking the questions, they have to close their scriptures and answer from memory. This really encourages them to read their scriptures carefully and with focus. Which they're not always used to doing. As the teacher, you should have either an individual card, or a popsicle stick, or a piece of paper with each of their names written on them. You ask them a question and draw one of the names. If the person who you draw can answer the question correctly, then the entire class earns 2 out of 2 points. If they can't answer or they get it wrong, then you ask if there is anyone in the class who knows the right answer. Call on somebody and if they got it right, then the entire class earns 1 of 2 points. If that person answers incorrectly or nobody knows the answer, then they earn 0 out of 2 points. That's the dig portion of the activity. Then, every 3 or 4 questions we do a "Draw" round. For this, you select a name and have that person come forward to be the artist. You show them a word that comes from the section they read. Then it's like Pictionary, they have to get the class to guess the word by drawing only pictures, no words. If the class can guess it in 20 seconds or less, they earn 2 out of 2 points. If they can guess it in 40 seconds or less, they earn 1 out of 2 points. If they can't guess it in 40 seconds, you reveal the word, and they earn 0 points. It's a really fun way to engage your class and it helps train them to read the scriptures more carefully.

We obviously can't do this activity on a video, but if you'd like, I encourage you to study section 7. Then, close your scriptures and I'll share the questions I would ask. Maybe that will help you to see how closely you study the scriptures.

Question 1: Can you name the other 4 objects the three witnesses saw besides the gold plates?

Answer: The Urim and Thummim, Moroni's breastplate, the Sword of Laban, and the Liahona.

Question 2: Fill in the blank. And it is by your _______ that you shall obtain a view of them, even by that ________ which was had by the prophets of old. The blanks are the same word.

Answer: Faith

Question 3: What were the witnesses specifically instructed to do after they had seen the plates?

Answer: To testify of them.

Question 4: Fill in the blank. And this you shall do that my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., may not be destroyed, that I may bring forth my righteous _______________ unto the children of men in this work.

Answer: Purposes

Question 5: The Lord said that the three witnesses had received three of the same things as Joseph had. Can you name at least two of those "same" things?

Answer: The same power, the same faith, and the same gift.

Question 6: Can you name one of the blessings God promised the three witnesses if they followed these commandments?

Answer: There were three of them. They were promised that the gates of hell would not prevail against them, the Lord's grace would be sufficient for them, and they would be lifted up at the last day.

Question 7: How many verses were in this section?

Answer: 9

Question 8: What was the last word of the section?

Answer: Amen

For the "Draw" rounds, here are some possible words you could choose, and I've got them divided up into easy, medium, and difficult depending on the age of your class.

EASY

• Heart

• Gift

• Gates

MEDIUM

• Power

• Prophets

• Commandments

DIFFICULT

• Faith

• Testify

• Righteous

DISCUSSION

Now that activity should give them a really good grasp of the major thrust of the section and sets you up to have a little discussion with them.

To get that discussion going, ask them to arrange the following three words in the order that God would place them, and to back up their answer with the verse of scripture from section 17 that teaches that principle.

The three words are: TESTIFY, BELIEVE, and SEE

The correct order is BELIEVE, SEE, TESTIFY. and the verse that most clearly teaches that principle is verse 3.

3 And after that you have obtained faith, and have seen them with your eyes, you shall testify of them, by the power of God;

THE BELIEVING

So first: Why does God require faith and belief first?

The world says seeing leads to believing. But God says believing leads to seeing. Why? Why not just show us?

I believe that part of the answer lies in the fact that faith requires conscious effort, and that working for something is a divine principle. Satan is all about getting something for nothing. Cheating, lying, stealing, gambling, all examples of trying to get something for nothing. Simply showing someone something doesn't require much effort on their part, and it usually doesn't motivate. Let me give you an example. I'm not sure it's the greatest example but it works for me. And be sure to listen with your spiritual ears. I am an amateur magician. And when I do a really convincing trick, something that people can't seem to explain rationally. It's like I've performed a minor miracle. Immediately following it people will ask me to show them how it's done. They'll cajole, and bribe, and pressure me to tell them but it usually lasts less than a minute. I can tell that they just want to instantly satisfy their curiosity. But, do you want to know the big secret behind magic? The secrets aren't that hard to find. Really. With a real desire to know and a willingness to act, anybody can usually learn a magician's secrets. How do you think they learned them? There are books, YouTube videos, magic stores, websites detailing the secrets of most magic tricks and how to do them. You just have to be willing to go and search for them. The knowledge of how to do that trick is special and meaningful to the magician, because they had to earn it themselves. They don't like to just give that knowledge away to indulge an apathetic interest. So to get that knowledge yourself, you have to desire enough to act. So sometimes somebody will come up to me afterwards and say, I really want to learn how you do that. Can you give me some direction? And I can often sense the difference in the way they ask. That there is a real desire in them. And I say, "Are you willing to work for it?". And if they say yes, I don't reveal the secret right then, but I tell them where to go to find out for themselves. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. It depends on the level of their desire. Well, perhaps in some small way that's similar to faith. God's knowledge is special, and he wants us to desire enough to learn for ourselves. Like Joseph said following his experience in the sacred grove. I have learned for myself. But that journey of his, required time, effort, desire, and a belief that he could find the truth. And that search is what made the experience so meaningful for him. Joseph would later teach that "Faith is a principle of action and power". (Lectures on Faith [1985], 1).

THE SEEING

Why does God call witnesses to "see"?

Well, there is a principle here established by the scriptures. 1 Corinthians 13:1 “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established”. God wants to give us every reason to believe while still requiring faith. In the case of gold plates, he first calls the three witnesses. Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdery, and Martin Harris. In section 17, God promises them that they would have the plates shown unto them, but that they would have to have faith first. BELIEVE before SEE. Martin Harris specifically is a good example of this. We know he is a very "physical evidence" oriented kind of person. He wants to show the manuscript to his friends and family, he begs for Joseph to show him the plates back in section 5, he's taking the characters to the professors back East; he wants to see before he believes. That's probably why when it finally comes down to the moment when the three witnesses are going to be shown the plates, that Martin continues to struggle. Moroni does not appear while he's present. It's not until he leaves that David and Oliver see the plates. As a teacher, you may want to relate this story to them. A good concise description of it is found in Saints Volume 1, chapter 7, pages 73-74 . I won't go through that whole story here, but I'll provide a handout of it along with some other noteworthy quotes regarding the story. Eventually all three do see the plates. Joseph later goes to find Martin and finds him praying. He joins Martin and shortly thereafter, Martin has the same experience. They all receive that witness. But not only that, but they also see Moroni, and hear his voice, and each of the other sacred objects as well. Their belief led to seeing. And I believe that this process works for all of us as well. The witness will come! We don't have to operate only by belief forever. That witness can come through the Holy Ghost, that witness will come to your heart and mind, that witness can come through spiritual experience and miracles! And indeed, at some point in the future, I believe that we too will get to meet Moroni and see the plates one day. He basically promised us that back in Moroni 10. Until then, we do have the testimony of these three witnesses and later eight more who would see just the plates. How nice is that God has given us that kind of evidence as well. The kind a lot of us like. Eyewitnesses. 13 of them. Joseph, the three witnesses, the eight witnesses and Mary Whitmer. That's a pretty strong case for their reality. And none of those witnesses ever deny it, even though a number of them withdraw from the church.

I also love Joseph Smith's reaction after the plates are shown to the Three Witnesses. His mother described what happened like this:

" When Joseph came in, he threw himself down beside me and exclaimed, "Father! Mother! You do not know how happy I am. The Lord has caused the plates to be shown to three more besides me. They have also seen an angel and will have to testify to the truth of what I have said, for they know for themselves that I do not go about to deceive the people. I do feel as though I was relieved of a dreadful burden which was almost too much for me to endure. But they will now have to bear a part, and it does rejoice my soul that I am not any longer to be entirely alone in the world."

(From History of Joseph Smith by his Mother-Lucy Mack Smith)

That gives you a sense of what Joseph's life must have been like all those years. It wasn't like Joseph was selfishly guarding the plates from others because HE was the chosen one. He wanted to show people. Of course he did. He wanted to prove he wasn't a fraud. It just goes to show that sometimes it isn't easy to stand alone in your witness. It's always comforting to have other witnesses join you in that testimony. Which leads us to our third step:

THE TESTIFYING

Why is testifying important?

I'll let Paul answer that question. Romans 10:17

"17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."

We kindle faith in others and keep the flames of our own burning bright when we express our witness. Why else would we have fast and testimony meeting once a month. Faith is kindled by hearing from those that have faith. I believe that God is much more willing to give you a witness if he knows that you will share it with others. So If you want greater testimonies, let the Lord know that if he gives it to you, you will act on it and bear it, and share it in word and deed. Then I believe He will give it to you.

TRUTH

To summarize.

Faith comes before the witness. If I believe, then I will see.

Once I have witnessed, I must testify.

LIKEN THE SCRIPTURES

A question to help us liken the scriptures: When have you experienced the power of Believing, Seeing, or Testifying? and let a few share their experiences.

THE WITNESS

Then I like to end the lesson with this activity. I ask them if they would like to become witnesses of the truth of my initial statement about cutting a hole in the piece of paper? But, they must believe me first before I can show them and anyone who doesn't is invited to leave. Nobody ever leaves of course. And here's how you do it. To save time, I usually have another piece of paper the same size already pre-cut. But this is how you do it. Start by folding the paper in half and then cut two slits from the center down towards the bottom, but stop before reaching the end don't cut all the way through. Then alternate cuts from the top and bottom, being careful not to cut too close to the edge, effectively cutting the paper into thin strips. The final cut involves cutting through the middle of the paper, but not the two ends. You can then pull the paper open to reveal a large hole. And if you've cut it thin enough, it should be plenty big for you to fit your body through. Then you can say. See, sometimes there are things out there that seem incredible or impossible. Things like angels, and gold plates, and revelation. But that doesn't mean they can't be true and real. Sometimes, you just have to hang on and have faith, until the witness comes.

Watch a video of how to do this here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6w5W1fsjqc

CONCLUSION

And I would like to bear my witness to you. I believe in the reality of the gold plates. I believe in the reality of the angel Moroni. I believe in the reality of Joseph Smith's divine prophetic calling to translate the Book of Mormon. That witness has come to me in many different ways. However, I have never seen the plates themselves, or Moroni. But I DO believe that one day I will. And I'm not going to lie, I think that will be really cool. But I don't believe that my witness will be any stronger then, than it is now.