Becoming Scripture

When reading writings of Joseph Smith (or any other high church leader of that period for that matter) it is interesting to note which was canonized and which was not—which teachings became “scripture.” The majority of the Doctrine and Covenants is a mix of direct revelation from the Lord and sermons from the Prophet Joseph himself. Prophets frequently record in the Book of Mormon that they have only placed inside the things which will be of greatest worth to the children of men—certainly the teachings of Joseph Smith in Nauvoo are no different.

Some of Joseph Smith’s teachings became scripture because they are of specific doctrinal importance. New ordinances were being revealed and new powers bestowed upon Joseph Smith, and with these revelations came the responsibility for recording them for future generations. For instance in section 128 “the great and grand secret of the whole matter...consists in obtaining the powers of the Holy Priesthood.” Things pertaining to the exaltation of man (the reward IN heaven) must be readily available; therefore, they are scripture. The sealing and binding power revealed to Joseph definitely counts as scripture. Later in Section 129, the skeleton of the temple endowment is laid out. While the “flesh” is obtained in the temple, progression in learning is a key principle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

I think section 132 is scripture because it deals with one of the major problems have with the LDS church—polygamy. Since this was the defining test of trust Joseph placed upon those leaders who would receive keys, it needed to be recorded for his sake and theirs. It addresses a major part of the church’s past! In this section we can read Joseph’s thinking and understand that he was under mortal strain and emotion, just like the rest of us. We are taught of accepting the commands of God and then applying them in our lives.

Some of his teachings were used to teach broader lessons. In Section 124 Joseph records four commands that he was given—1. Make a solemn proclamation of the gospel to the world; 2. Build a temple; 3. Build the Nauvoo House; 4. Restore Priesthood. While these commands dealt with specific critical church circumstances at the time, the Prophet Joseph was taught prioritization. In the scriptures, Christ taught in parables. Perhaps this is simply a type of modern parable, where the children of God can learn what is truly important—that which brings life in the life to come, the priesthood!

Other sections are harder to discern. In section 126 Brigham Young is commended by the Lord. This section could be scripture because the message of “…your offering is acceptable to me…” needed to be heard (and applied to) someone other than Brigham Young. No lesson, just encouragement was needed by someone.

D&C 132: 49: “For I am the Lord thy God , and will be with thee even unto the end of the world…”