D&C 36

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 36

Received in December 1830 near Fayette, New York. This revelation called Edward Partridge, a recent convert from Painesville, Ohio, to be ordained an elder in the Church. He was ordained by Sidney Rigdon shortly after receiving this call.

Scripture

The Call of Edward Partridge

Study note

The Lord addresses Edward Partridge directly, acknowledging his heart and calling him to preach the gospel.

1 Thus saith the Lord God, the Mighty One of Israel: Behold, I say unto you, my servant Edward, that you are blessed, and your sins are forgiven you, and you are called to preach my gospel as with the voice of a trump;

2 And I will lay my hand upon you by the hand of my servant Sidney Rigdon, and you shall receive my Spirit, the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which shall teach you the peaceable things of the kingdom;

3 And you shall declare it with a loud voice, saying: Hosanna, blessed be the name of the most high God.

Promise of the Holy Spirit and Endowment

Study note

Edward is promised great blessings as he devotes himself to the Lord's work, including a future endowment of power.

4 And now this calling and commandment give I unto you concerning all men—

5 That as many as shall come before my servants Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, Jun., embracing this calling and commandment, shall be ordained and sent forth to preach the everlasting gospel among the nations—

6 Crying repentance, saying: Save yourselves from this untoward generation, and come forth out of the fire, hating even the garments spotted with the flesh.

7 And this commandment shall be given unto the elders of my church, that every man which will embrace it with singleness of heart may be ordained and sent forth, even as I have spoken.

8 I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God; wherefore, gird up your loins and I will suddenly come to my temple. Even so. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 36

Personal calling and divine awareness of the heartOrdination to the ministry by divine commandLaying on of hands to receive the Holy GhostPromise of spiritual endowment and powerIndividual worth and divine recognition

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 36 1-3 John 1:47-48

Just as Jesus saw Nathanael and declared his honest character before meeting him, the Lord here acknowledges Edward Partridge's heart before his formal calling.

D&C 36 5-8 Acts 8:14-17

The bestowal of the Holy Ghost through the laying on of hands echoes the apostolic pattern in the early Christian church.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 36

God knows each of us personally and is aware of our hearts, desires, and potential. Edward Partridge was a humble man who didn't seek prominence, yet the Lord saw his sincerity and called him to serve. We can trust that God sees our honest efforts and will open doors of service when we are ready. Our willingness to respond to spiritual promptings, even when they disrupt our plans, is the foundation of discipleship.

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