Studying Sections 6, 8 and 9
Headlines:
-LDS view of revelation is very unique, that is the Heavens are open to all that approach God is Spirit and Truth
-We require personal revelation to successfully navigate today's world
-Our merciful Father will reveal as much and as often as we are prepared to recieve
Introduction-LDS view of revelation very unique among Christian churches:
-Catholic church teaches that revelation intended for the Church concluded with the death of the last Apostle. The Word of God in total then, is included in the Bible. The Pope can receive inspiration for the Church related to how the Scriptures should be interpreted but not direct revelation. All revelation today is personal. Catholics do have a firm belief in the efficacy of prayer.
-Protestant-There is nuance among the different faiths, but the view is essentially the same as Catholicism and even more conservative. Sola Scriptora is a commonly referenced term indicating that the Bible is the only source of revelation and that it is infallable, that there are no mistakes in it of any kind (it is perfect). This leads to a rather fundamentalist view of the Bible in terms of rejecting any historical criticism pointing to obvious errors in the text. Since the Holy Spirit would then only lead to one correct intrepation, the last 600 years has been one effort after another to determine correct interpretation. The over 1500 sect (and growing) attest to the difficulty of this task.
-The LDS view is almost upside down from these views. The Heavens are open, with God speaking to Prophets today as in days of old. With the Heavens open, we are able to have a much more flexible view of scripture, not flinching when J.S. corrects/updates the Bible r when new revelation is received. Historical research/criticism into the sources and development of the Bible do not pose a threat to faith. Hence, when the scriptures speak of "the windows of Heaven" Latter Day Saints know that the Lord was patient with his Children who introduced into scripture the false idea that the sky was not porous (hence the firmament) and that rain came through windows opened in the firm heaven.
Even though the heavens are open to all, order is maintained as we all receive revelation for our stewardship. Hence, the Lord was clear that J.S. was the only one designated to receive revelation for the Church, but when N.K. Whitney expressed concern over his ability to be Bishop for the Church he was told by J.S. to ask the Lord directly he should do. As evidence for how different the LDS belief was relative to prevailing views, note that during the Kirtland days a primary reason for persecution was because the Saints claimed to have a Prophet receiving direct revelation. This is why the Saints did not broadcast the receipt of "The Vision" (Sec 76) to the local community. When word of the revelation spread and it was one of the key things that prompted the tar and feathering of Joseph and Sidney (who had received the revelation).
2. Understanding what we should do to receive revelation
We should remember that almost all revelation comes in response to a question (the D&C is a perfect example of this) and that questions come as a result of a situation. For example, the revelation flatly stating that revelation for the General Church (D&C 28:2) would come through J.S. came from his question on the same which was driven by the fact that multiple members in the Kirtland/Hiram area were claiming to receive revelation for the Church. Is this relevant to our personal situations?
Historical notes and notes in my Scriptures:
Sec 6:
Oliver was teaching school in the area where the Smith's lived. While staying with the Smith's he heard the Stories of the Book of Mormon from the family. Prayed regarding the BofM and received an answer to his prayers (see 6:23-24 and note the intimate tone). As a result of this experience Oliver had a burning desire to go to Joseph and help with the translation. At the same time, Joseph was praying for help as he had made little progress with the translation after losing the 116 pages when combined with the fact that Emma was required to help around the Hale home. The situation was tense with the Hales, as Joseph feared that Isaac would "turn them out of doors". Oliver's arrival was an answer to prayer and sorely needed to move the translation forward. Oliver indicated that Joseph expressed no surprise when Oliver arrived.
Some scholars believe that they were at Alma 37 in the translation (re: 24 plates) which prompted Olivers desire to also translate.
Commentary on verses in Section 6:
V. 3 Missionary work saves the Missionary
V. 14 confirms that Oliver had responded to Joseph's prayer (unknowingly).
V. 14-Satan can't know our thoughts (only God can).
V. 18-19 provides good advice on how to support the Brethren and how to express true friendship.
Re: Section 6, Oliver said to David Whitmer "he (J.S.) told him (Oliver) secrets of his life that he knew could not be known to any person but himself in any other way than by revelation from the Almighty".
V. 29 An allusion to the "opportunity" Oliver had to be martyred with the Prophet which he lost when he left the Church. The position of 2nd Elder was given to Hyrum who died at Carthage w/ the Prophet.
V. 37 It isn't generally believed that this verse referenced a direct visitation by the Savior
Sec 7:
This section clarifies John's status and that keys are needed for salvation. We don't know if J.S. had the parchment or if he saw this in vision. Likely part of his Gospel.
V. 5 "greater" means "more" not "better" than Peter's request
Sec 8:
V. 2 The Holy Ghost communicates to our mind and heart. Elder Richard Scott said, "our heart deals with our general feelings, our mind refers to specific thoughts". An impression in the heart leads to a more specific thought in our minds? (See Enos 1:3)
V. 7 Original text of the revelation referred to the "rod of Aaron". No evidence that this was a reference to a divining rod as has been commonly thought (Oliver had no history finding things with this kind of rod). More likely referencing Aaron's rod in Numbers 17:6-10 which budded noting Aaron's authority.
V. 11 Does this verse reference records beyond the Book of Mormon?
Sec 9:
V. 8 The Lord only works with what is already in our minds (See J.S. 1:11)
In Sec 8:2-4 the Lord explains that translation is revelation. Sec 9:6-11 explains why Oliver wasn't able to translate. Note that Oliver was told that he had the gift of revelation in 8:4, however we learn that he didn't understand how yet to use the gift.
One upside to Oliver's failure to translate was that he gained additional respect for the Prophets prophetic gifts.
A scan of the Lesson Manual w/ my scribblings can be found at:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B78D5btorZEeTUxSUmNiM0ZPYlk
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