THE OLIVE LEAF OF PEACE

SECTION 88

SECTION 88 THE OLIVE LEAF OF PEACE Historical Background On 27 December 1832 a conference of 10 high

priests, including the Prophet, met in Kirtland to find out from the Lord his will concerning the up building of Zion and the duty of the Elders of the Church. Their questions seem to have stemmed from a great desire to know what the Church should do "in view of the critical times that had been predicted" (Smith & Sjodahl, Commentary, 540).

The conference lasted two days, during which Joseph instructed the nine other brethren on how to receive the blessings of heaven and the mind of the Lord. The revelation was received in segments and the last few verses were received several days later.

SECTION 88 THE OLIVE LEAF OF PEACE Historical Background cont. In a letter written to William W. Phelps,

then editor of the Times and Seasons, the Prophet Joseph Smith called this revelation "the `Olive Leaf' which we have plucked from the Tree of Paradise, the Lord's message of peace to us" (History of the Church, 1:316).

The name is appropriate, for the olive tree is a well-known symbol of peace, and the revelation contains numerous keys for achieving spiritual peace.

The Peace of the Gospel Those who have been born

again know that peace is a priceless gift in a world at war with itself. New creatures alive in Christ look to him who is called the Prince of Peace for their succor and their support. They know that peace is a cherished commodity in the here and now and is also a harbinger of glorious things. Peace is a fruit of the spirit. (Gal 5:22)

SECTION 88 THE OLIVE LEAF OF PEACE Section Overview

This section is the Lord’s message of peace to all who stand approved before the Lord. All men are invited to become partakers of His Peace .

1. The second comforter 2. The light of Christ 3. The resurrection 4. Kingdoms and law 5. Sanctification 6. Doctrine of the kingdom 7. Secret acts of men – how Satan is overcome 8. School of the prophets

1. THE SECOND COMFORTER Or the Holy Spirit of Promise v. 2-4

Joseph Smith: "Now what is this other Comforter? It is no more nor less than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself; and this is the sum and substance of the whole matter; that when any man obtains this last Comforter, he will have the personage of Jesus Christ to attend him, or appear unto him from time to time, and even He will manifest the Father unto him, and they will take up their abode with him, and the visions of the heavens will be opened unto him, and the Lord will teach him face to face, and he may have a perfect knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom of God." (Teachings, pp. 149-51.)

The Holy Spirit of Promise “The Holy Spirit of Promise is the Holy Spirit promised to the Saints

or in other words the Holy Ghost. This name-title is used in connection with the sealing and ratifying power of the Holy Ghost, that is, the power given him to ratify and approve the righteous acts of men and women so that those acts will be binding on earth and in heaven. (D&C 132:7)

To seal is to ratify, to justify, or to approve. Thus an act which is sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise is one which is ratified (given a seal of approval) by the Holy Ghost [and thus] approved by the Lord. The ratifying seal of approval is put upon the acts of those who are worthy as a result of personal righteousness to receive the divine approbation.” (Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, pp. 361-362.)

Church of the Firstborn “Members of the Church of the Firstborn are the inner

circle of faithful saints who are heirs of exaltation and the fullness of the Father’s kingdom, joint heirs with Jesus Christ in receiving all that the Father has: “If you keep the commandments, you shall receive of the fullness and be glorified in [Jesus] as [Jesus] is glorified in the Father; …And all those who are begotten through [Jesus] are partakers of the glory of [Jesus] and are the church of the Firstborn.” (D&C 93:20-22) (Elder McConkie MD p. 139)

2. THE LIGHT OF CHRIST

Four Functions of the Light of Christ v. 6-13

1. Creative Power v.7-10

2. Enlightening Power v. 11

3. Life Giving Power v. 13

4. Governing Power v. 13

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The Light of ChristWho is there in this congregation, or upon the face of the earth, that can tell how the light [of Christ] operates in the quickening the understandings of men? Christ is the light that is in all things. Do you or I comprehend how that light is connected with all things? No. These are lessons which we have to learn in the future.

We are told in this revelation (D&C 88) that the light that quickens the understandings of men is the same light that is the life of all things… this light that shines is eternal … it is the same light that gives light to all things.”

(Address in SLC, 1875, Wonders of the Universe, p. 198)

Elder Orson Pratt

The Light of Christ

“It is the agency [medium, airwaves] used by the Holy Ghost to manifest truth and dispense spiritual gifts to many people at the same time.

It is as though the Holy Ghost, who is a personage of spirit, was broadcasting all truth throughout the whole universe using the Light of Christ as the agency [medium, airwaves] by which the message is delivered.

But, only those who attune their souls to the Holy Spirit receive the available revelation. It is this way that the person of the Holy Ghost makes his influence felt in the heart of every righteous person at one and the same time.”

Elder Bruce. R. McConkie, A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, pp. 45, 46, 70)

Seek Learning by Faith Elder David A. Bednar:

Nephi teaches us, “When a man speaketh by the power of the Holy ghost the power of the Holy ghost carrieth [the message] unto the hearts of the children of men” (2 Nephi 33:1).

Please note how the power of the Spirit carries the message unto but not necessarily into the heart. A teacher can explain, demonstrate, and testify, and do so with great power and effectiveness. Ultimately, however, the content of a message and the witness of the Holy Ghost penetrate into the heart only if a receiver allows them to enter. Learning by faith opens the pathway into the heart. (Ensign, September 2007, 61.

3. KINGDOMS AND LAWS

1. All things are governed by God’s law v. 37, 38, 42

2. All things are governed by God v. 13, 41-43

3. Unto every law there are bounds and conditions v. 38, 39

4. Mans agency allows choice v. 39

Parable of the Servants in the Field

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