D&C 85

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 85

Written November 27, 1832, in Kirtland, Ohio. This is an extract from a letter written by Joseph Smith to William W. Phelps in Independence, Missouri. It addresses the importance of keeping proper records of consecration and warns that those who fail to comply with the law of consecration will not be found worthy. It contains the notable prophecy of 'one mighty and strong' whom the Lord would send to set His house in order.

Scripture

The Importance of Consecration Records

Study note

The Lord's clerk must keep accurate records of those who consecrate properties. Those who fail to properly consecrate will not have their names recorded among the people of God.

1 It is the duty of the Lord's clerk, whom he has appointed, to keep a history, and a general church record of all things that transpire in Zion, and of all those who consecrate properties, and receive inheritances legally from the bishop;

2 And also their manner of life, their faith, and works; and also of the apostates who apostatize after receiving their inheritances.

3 It is contrary to the will and commandment of God that those who receive not their inheritance by consecration, agreeable to his law, which he has given, that he may tithe his people, to prepare them against the day of vengeance and burning, should have their names enrolled with the people of God.

4 Neither is their genealogy to be kept, or to be had where it may be found on any of the records or history of the church.

5 Their names shall not be found, neither the names of the fathers, nor the names of the children written in the book of the law of God, saith the Lord of Hosts.

One Mighty and Strong

Study note

A prophecy that God will send one mighty and strong to set His house in order and arrange inheritances. This passage has been subject to much speculation but relates primarily to proper stewardship administration.

6 Yea, thus saith the still small voice, which whispereth through and pierceth all things, and often times it maketh my bones to quake while it maketh manifest, saying:

7 And it shall come to pass that I, the Lord God, will send one mighty and strong, holding the scepter of power in his hand, clothed with light for a covering, whose mouth shall utter words, eternal words; while his bowels shall be a fountain of truth, to set in order the house of God, and to arrange by lot the inheritances of the saints whose names are found, and the names of their fathers, and of their children, enrolled in the book of the law of God;

8 While that man, who was called of God and appointed, that putteth forth his hand to steady the ark of God, shall fall by the shaft of death, like as a tree that is smitten by the vivid shaft of lightning.

Warning of Divine Judgment

Study note

The Lord will come with vengeance upon the ungodly. The prophecies of Isaiah about the Lord's strange act and His work will be fulfilled. Revelation through the Urim and Thummim is referenced.

9 And all they who are not found written in the book of remembrance shall find none inheritance in that day, but they shall be cut asunder, and their portion shall be appointed them among unbelievers, where are wailing and gnashing of teeth.

10 These things I say not of myself; therefore, as the Lord speaketh, he will also fulfil.

11 And they who are of the High Priesthood, whose names are not found written in the book of the law, or that are found to have apostatized, or to have been cut off from the church, as well as the lesser priesthood, or the members, in that day shall not find an inheritance among the saints of the Most High;

12 Therefore, it shall be done unto them as unto the children of the priest, as will be found recorded in the second chapter and sixty-first and second verses of Ezra.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 85

Sacred importance of record keepingConsecration as a covenant requirementThe prophecy of one mighty and strongDivine accountability for temporal stewardshipWarning of judgment upon the disobedient

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 85 6-7 Isaiah 28:16-17

The prophecy of one who sets the house in order with judgment and righteousness as measuring lines connects to Isaiah's promise of a sure foundation and justice as a measuring line.

D&C 85 9-12 Isaiah 28:21

The reference to the Lord's 'strange act' directly quotes Isaiah's prophecy about God performing an unusual work in the latter days that would confound the wisdom of the world.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 85

Record keeping may seem mundane, but this revelation elevates it to sacred duty. In God's kingdom, how we manage temporal affairs matters eternally. The principle that those who refuse to consecrate will not be numbered among God's people is a sobering reminder that our covenants require tangible action, not just verbal assent. The 'one mighty and strong' passage reminds us not to speculate about unfulfilled prophecy but to focus on our own faithfulness in keeping our stewardship covenants.

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