D&C 137-138 - Come Follow Me with Sam

 Welcome!


Section 137

Section 137 was added to the D&C at a much later period, but I haven't been able to uncover the story on how this came about.

137 is a great glimpse at the Justice and Mercy of God. It is an affirmation that whatever the circumstances on the earth, there will be a just and merciful chance for all to inherit the kingdom of heaven.

The Desires of their hearts.

I had a couple talks with people about this last week. Vs 9 says the following:

9 For I, the Lord, will ajudge all men according to their bworks, according to the cdesire of their hearts.

At first this sounds great. We can do whatever we want as long as our heart is pointed in the right direction, right? :D

Ha Ha.

At a second level, you may think that just because you don't think any bad things, or want to hurt anyone, your heart is there. But that isn't it either.

Think back to the experience of the Nephites with Christ. They at first did not even have the words to say. By praying with all the energy of heart and listening to Christ and being with Him, they were given the words to say by the Spirit. They couldn't even say them without going through the refining process, even if they were good people before. Eventually, they went to an even higher level, where Christ spoke words that cannot be said, and yet they were able to comprehend.

Its the same thing with your heart. You have a life of refinement ahead of you. I need to be careful of the doctrine here, because we know that children are saved by the Atonement of Christ and so their hearts are accepted. But if you are not a child anymore, here is the deal. Your heart is here to be refined through the power of Christ. It doesn't even know yet the righteous desires it may achieve. But by the gospel of Jesus Christ and obedience to the laws of God, your heart can become something refined enough to have righteous desires meet for the Kingdom of God. Good luck soldier.

Also, in the Egyptian endowment, Your heart is weighed and if it is light, you can progress through the afterlife. Cool Stuff.

Section 138

Section 138 is a recounting of a vision given to Joseph F Smith. There is so much we can learn about the spirit world from this.

My favorite verse is vs 39: 

38 Among the great and amighty ones who were assembled in this vast congregation of the righteous were Father bAdam, the cAncient of Days and father of all,

39 And our glorious aMother bEve, with many of her faithful cdaughters who had lived through the ages and worshiped the true and living God.

I find this description of our first parents so inspiring. Doubtless Adam and Eve are noble and great ones, but if you look at their life and trials, it is personable to see them struggling past them to become triumphant and glorious.

Vs 59 is another thinker. vs 58 given for context, same as previous quote.

58 The dead who arepent will be redeemed, through obedience to the bordinances of the house of God,

59 And after they have paid the apenalty of their transgressions, and are bwashed clean, shall receive a creward according to their dworks, for they are heirs of salvation.

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