August 03, 2025

D & C 88 Organize Yourselves, Prepare Every Needful Thing, Establish a House of God

57 minutes

Revelation Dates: December 27, 1832 – January 3, 1833

Revelation Place: Kirtland, Ohio

Section 88 - Historical Background: Just 2 days after receiving section 87, containing the prophecies of war and terrible destruction, the Lord sends this new revelation (or series of revelations) containing words of peace. Joseph refers this revelation as an olive leaf. About a year earlier, in section 71, Joseph and Sidney were told to expound the mysteries of the scriptures. Now, in this revelation, Joseph and 10 other elders gathered in the Whitney store in Kirtland, and were instructed to organize a school of the prophets and also a house of God.

Recap, verses 1-126 received December 27-28, 1832:

The Lord is pleased with these brethren and promises them the Second Comforter. All things are governed by the light of Christ. Men’s obedience to Christ will determine which kingdom of glory they will inherit. Death is part of the merciful plan of God, so each spirit can be glorified to its proper and appropriate level, and then quicken the body accordingly in a resurrected state, to abide in their particular kingdom of glory.

The heavens themselves reflect the majesty of God. Stay close to God and draw near to Him, praying for direction on a continuous basis. Sanctify yourselves. The Lord will hasten His work in His own time.

The Lord commands the saints to assemble, sanctify themselves and teach one another. Various teaching subjects are given to prepare them for the mission He has for them. Signs of the last days are given, along with a commandment to preach and warn others.

When Christ returns, the valiant saints will be caught up to meet him, along with the righteous who have died previously. Subsequent angels will then sound their trumps as various events occur until the Judgement day. Each thousand years of mortality will be viewed correspondently, revealing all the acts of mankind. Ultimately, Satan will be bound and expelled.

The saints are to seek learning, organize themselves and establish a school of the prophets and establish a house of God. Needful qualities of member's righteousness are listed.

Recap, verses 127-141 received January 3, 1833:

The organization of the school of the prophets is given. Not all should talk at once, but a teacher should be appointed and order kept. All who attend must be worthy saints. They are to commence in prayer for the Spirit so the school may become a sanctuary and then the sacrament is to be administered.

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By The W Cleon Skousen Library

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