by Barbara R. Carter

Section 88 was given through Joseph Smith in the "translating room" of the whitney store in Kirtland, Ohio. Verses 1-126 were given on December 27 and 28, 1832, and verses 127-141 on January 3, 1833. The revelation was recorded in the Kirtland Council Minute Book, and portions of it were published in The Evening and The Morning Star in February and March 1833. It was printed as section 7 in the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants.

On Christmas Day 1832, Joseph Smith received what has become known as the prophecy on war (D&C 87), which predicted "the death and misery of many souls." His brethren were troubled at this. They united in fasting and prayer before the Lord, seeking his will concerning the upbuilding of Zion. The Prophet designated the subsequent revelation (D&C 88) the "olive leaf" and "the Lord's message of peace to us" (HC 1:316).

The section opens with an intimate promise "even upon you my friends," which is given of God through Jesus Christ, his Son (D&C 88:3-5) and is comparable with the promise of John 14 of the Comforter and the Holy Spirit of promise.

Passages follow on the pervasive immanence of divine light: The Light of Christ enlightens the eyes and quickens the understanding (see Light and Darkness). It is in and through all things, the very light of the sun, moon, and stars. It "proceedeth forth from the presence of God to fill the immensity of space" (verse 12). It is equated with the life, the law, and the power of God.

In this context the following doctrines are clarified:

The spirit and body are the soul of man. There are three degrees of glory and three orders of glorified bodies. One receives a resurrected body according to the law by which one abides while in this world: "Your glory shall be that glory by which your bodies are quickened" (verse 28). In the resurrection one receives in full what in this world one has had only in part. A fourth order of resurrected bodies pertains to the Sons of Perdition, who, though resurrected, receive no glory (verses 32-33).

The earth itself is alive. It will die and be glorified, and the bodies who are quickened by a celestial spirit will inherit; "for this intent was it made and created, and for this intent are they sanctified" (verse 20).

There are multiple worlds, multiple creations, all governed by law. "Unto every kingdom is given a law; and unto every law there are certain bounds also and conditions" (verse 38). Law includes appointed cosmic times, seasons, and orders, as well as the divine attributes and powers of mercy, justice, and judgment. "All beings who abide not in those conditions are not justified" (verse 39; see Justification). Those who seek to become a law unto themselves will not, and cannot, be sanctified.

A parable of laborers in a field teaches the magnitude of the Lord's creations (verses 46-61), that glorification comes only in appointed time and sequence, "every man in his own order" (verse 60).

The call is given to build a temple and hold a solemn assembly. The temple is to become a house of God: of prayer, fasting, faith, learning, glory, and order. All incomings, outgoings, and salutations will be in the name of the Lord. The Saints are commanded to "organize yourselves, and prepare yourselves, and sanctify yourselves" (verse 74) through solemnity and sober study, to be ready for the temple experience. (See Kirtland Temple; Temple Dedications.)

A comprehensive curriculum for the School of the Prophets is introduced. It includes languages, history, and a study of "the wars and the perplexities of the nations,…and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms" (verse 79).

Prophecies are reiterated concerning the changes, earthquakes, tempests, and commotion in the earth and the heavens that will precede the second coming of Christ. Six periods or epochs of one thousand years each are designated. These are to culminate in the seventh or millennial era. An angel and an angelic trump symbolize each period.

The revelation concludes with specific instructions on the conduct of meetings, the duties of the presidency, admission into the School of the Prophets, and washing of feet, in the pattern of John 13, as an initiatory and purifying ordinance for members of the school.

(See Basic Beliefs home page; Doctrines of the Gospel home page; Scriptual Writings home page; Doctrine and Covenants home page; Overview of the Doctrine and Covenents home page)

Bibliography

Cook, Lyndon W. The Revelations of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Provo, Utah, 1981.

Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 1, Doctrine and Covenants Section 88

Copyright © 1992 by Macmillan Publishing Company