The Whitmer Brothers receive a Revelation

Today I read Doctrine and Covenants section 14, 15 and 16 since they are basically repeats of each other. In these sections the Lord is talking to the Whitmer brothers about what is best for them and what they should be doing to further the work of the kingdom.

I have often wondered why such revelations were included for publication and I think the majority of the reason is just that it is because they are proof that the Lord continues to give revelation in this day and age. Although we can all declare repentance unto the inhabitants in this day and age and so maybe that is why they were included here. I'm not really sure.

Sections 15 and 16 are identical to one another save for the name of the person they were given to. Both were given the same commandment to call people unto repentance. Section 14 which was given to David Whitmer is a little more in depth and includes some extra direction in there. I find that even before the church had been officially established, this was given in 1829, the commandment to everyone was to preach repentance unto the people and declare His word. The same could be said for us since we are required to stand as witnesses of Christ at all times and in all places.

It is interesting that in this, the dispensation of the fullness of times, the command that in ancient days was only given to prophets, is now being given to all those who will accept it. In ancient days, the only person who was called to preach repentance unto the people, were the prophets. Of course, in those days, the Lord had several prophets on the earth at a time, because that is what He needed. In this day of technology and science, He only needs one prophet to reach all His people. However, He needs missionaries to go 1 by 1 to preach to the people the gospel of repentance.

And perhaps that is why these revelations were included. Because in this day and age, every worthy young man is called to serve a mission. And every worthy young woman who decides to go is also called. And if you think about it, what message do the missionaries of today preach? Repent and be baptized! Oh we teach more than that, but if you trim away the extra and the things that are taught to the people to help prepare them for those 2 steps, that is what it boils down to? We ask people to repent of their sins and invite them to be baptized in the name of our Lord and Savior.

So regardless if these revelations are proof of continuing revelation or just a realization that all are called to preach repentance who are members of the church, these revelations have merit and I for one am glad they are included in the Doctrine and Covenants. I hope you too have learned something new from reading them and God was able to teach you what it is you need to know about them. Until tomorrow.