D&C 34

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 34

Received in November 1830 at Fayette, New York, for Orson Pratt, who was nineteen years old at the time. The revelation calls him to preach, promises him power, and speaks extensively about the signs of the Second Coming.

Scripture

Orson Pratt Called to Preach

Study note

The Lord tells Orson his sins are forgiven and he is blessed. He is called to lift up his voice and declare the gospel.

1 My son Orson, hearken and hear and behold what I, the Lord God, shall say unto you, even Jesus Christ your Redeemer;

2 The light and the life of the world, a light which shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not;

3 Who so loved the world that he gave his own life, that as many as would believe might become the sons of God. Wherefore you are my son;

4 And blessed are you because you have believed;

Signs of the Times and Second Coming

Study note

The Lord describes dramatic signs: the heavens shaking, the earth trembling, trumpets sounding, and the Lord appearing in power and glory.

5 And more blessed are you because you are called of me to preach my gospel—

6 To lift up your voice as with the sound of a trump, both long and loud, and cry repentance unto a crooked and perverse generation, preparing the way of the Lord for his second coming.

7 For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, the time is soon at hand that I shall come in a cloud with power and great glory.

8 And it shall be a great day at the time of my coming, for all nations shall tremble.

9 But before that great day shall come, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon be turned into blood; and the stars shall refuse their shining, and some shall fall, and great destructions await the wicked.

10 Wherefore, lift up your voice and spare not, for the Lord God hath spoken; therefore prophesy, and it shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost.

Prepare the Way of the Lord

Study note

Orson is told to labor faithfully, gird up his loins, and prepare the way of the Lord for his Second Coming.

11 And if you are faithful, behold, I am with you until I come—

12 And verily, verily, I say unto you, I come quickly. I am your Lord and your Redeemer. Even so. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 34

Young people called to great worksSigns of the Second ComingPreparing the way of the LordSins forgiven through faith and calling

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 34 6-9 Matthew 24:29-31

The signs described—heavens shaking, powers shaken, trumpet sounding—closely parallel Jesus' prophecy of his Second Coming in the Olivet Discourse.

D&C 34 11 Isaiah 40:3

The command to prepare the way of the Lord echoes Isaiah's prophecy of a voice crying in the wilderness to prepare the Lord's way.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 34

Orson Pratt's calling at nineteen reminds us that God does not wait for us to be old or experienced before calling us to serve. Youth is no barrier to significant spiritual contribution. The charge to 'prepare the way' applies to every generation—each of us plays a role in preparing the world for Christ's return.

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