Episode 83: Obey Joseph Smith as though he were God

Doctrine and Covenants 21-26

Section 21

Revelation to Joseph Smith, Fayette, New York, April 6, 1830

Seer, translator, prophet, apostle, and elder

¹ You [Joseph Smith] will be a seer, translator, prophet, apostle, and elder.

Obey Joseph Smith as though he were God

⁴ Obey all of his words and commandments. ⁵ Listen his words like they were coming from my [God's] own mouth. ⁹ I'll bless everyone who believes his words.

A mutual ordination

¹⁰ So it'd be wise for you, Oliver Cowdery, to ordain him [Joseph Smith]. ¹¹ Then he will make you an elder.

Section 22

Revelation through Joseph Smith to the Mormon church Manchester, New York, April 1830

You must get re-baptized (and don't tell God what to do)

¹ I [God] have done away with all the old covenants. This is a new and everlasting covenant, like it was from the beginning.

² Even if you were baptized a hundred times, it would be worthless.

³ It's because of your dead works that I've made this last covenant.

⁴ So enter at the gate, and don't tell God what to do. Amen.

Section 23

Revelation through Joseph Smith to Oliver Cowdery, Hyrum Smith, Samuel Smith, Joseph Smith Sr., and Joseph Knight Sr. Manchester, New York, April 1830

A few words to Oliver, Hyrum, Samuel, and two Josephs

¹ Here are a few words to you Oliver. You're blessed and I haven't condemned you. But watch out for pride, or you might be tempted. ² Tell everyone about your calling, so you heart will be opened to preach. Amen.

³ And here are some words for you Hyrum. I haven't condemned you either. Your heart is open and your tongue is loosed. You have a duty to the church because of your family. Amen.

⁴ And you, Samuel. I haven't condemned you, but I don't want you to preach yet. Amen.

⁵ And you, Joseph [Smith Sr.]. I haven't condemned you. You'll preach from now on and forever. Amen.

⁶ And you, Joseph Knight. Take up you cross and pray everywhere you go, publicly and in secret. ⁷ Unite with the true church and preach constantly. Then you'll get a reward. Amen.

Section 24

Revelation to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery Harmony, Pennsylvania, July 1830

Write the Book of Mormon

¹ You [Joseph Smith] have been chosen to write the Book of Mormon, and I [God] have protected you from your enemies.

If they refuse to support you, I'll curse them

³ After you have sowed your fields, go to the churches in Colesville, Fayette, and Manchester. They will support you financially, and I'll bless them for it. ⁴ If they refuse, I'll curse them. ⁶ They will give to you the moment you speak and write, or I'll curse them.

⁹ Your strength is not in physical labor. You are called to preach and lead the church. ¹⁰ Oliver will assist you with this.

Poisonous snakes and deadly poisons

¹³ Don't do miracles, except when I command you - except for these: cast out devils and heal the sick. And you won't be hurt by poisonous snakes or deadly poison. ¹⁴ But only do these things when requested.

I will smite them according to your words

¹⁵ If people don't accept you and believe what you say, curse them by casting off the dust from your feet. ¹⁶ If anyone tries to harm you, command them to be smitten in my name, and I'll smite them (when I get around to it). ¹⁷ Whoever tries to sue you in court will be cursed by the law.

¹⁸ Don't take anything with you; the church will immediately provide whatever you need. ¹⁹ Amen.

Section 25

Revelation through Joseph Smith to Emma Smith Harmony, Pennsylvania, July 1830

Delight in your husband (and the glory that will come on him)

¹ Listen to me [God] when I speak to you, Emma Smith. ² If you are good and faithful, I'll let you live, and you'll get an inheritance in Zion. ³ You're an elect lady. ⁴ Don't complain about not seeing things.

⁵ Your job is to comfort your husband, Joseph Smith, Jr.. ⁶ You'll be a scribe for him, so I can send Oliver Cowdery wherever I want. ⁹ Don't worry, your husband will support you in the church.

¹¹ It'll be your job to select hymns. I like to have hymns in church. ¹² My soul delights in songs. It's a blessing on their heads.

¹⁴ Be meek, not proud. Let your soul delight in your husband, and the glory that will come on him. ¹⁵ Obey my commandments. If you don't, you can't be where I am.

¹⁶16 And that's all I have to say about that. Amen.

Section 26

Revelation to Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, and John Whitmer Harmony, Pennsylvania, July 1830

By common consent

² Everything in the church will be done by common consent. Amen.