Doctrine and Covenants Section 88

Historical Background

This revelation was received two days after the “prophecy on war” known as Section 87. This revelation is called “the Lord’s message of peace to us” (see section heading). The complete text of the revelation was received on three different days: December 27-28 (verses 1-126), and January 3, 1833 (verses 127-141). Verses 1-126 deal more particularly with final judgment. They are an extraordinary expansion upon information presented in D&C 76; 1 Corinthians 15, and various chapters of the Revelation of St. John the Divine. Included in this revelation is a reference to a “solemn assembly.” Concerning this assembly, the Prophet wrote, “All who are prepared, and are sufficiently pure to abide the presence of the Savior, will see Him in the solemn assembly” (History of the Church 2:309-310).

Verses 127-141 introduce three two additional topics that will be significant in the history of the Church. First, “the house of God.” The idea is mentioned in verse 119, but the details do not appear until after verse 127. The expression “temple” was not used for this structure. However, the Kirtland Temple was the structure that was created in fulfillment of the commandment to build a house to the Lord. Second, the school of the prophets. This revelation instructed that there needed to be some form of instruction given to the leaders of the Church. It was called by several titles over the years: School of the Prophets, School of the Elders, and “school for mine apostles.” It is essentially the beginning of the Sunday School and, eventually, the Church Educational System with its seminary and institute programs, and institutions of higher education.

The instructions in these verses were intended to prepare those who had sanctified themselves from sin to see the face of God. Zebedee Coltrin wrote, “On the 23rd January, 1833, when we were all together, Joseph having given instructions, and while engaged in silent prayer, kneeling, with our hands uplifted each on praying in silence, no one whispered above his breath, a personage walked through the room from East to west, and Joseph asked if we saw him. I saw him and suppose the others did, and Joseph answered, “That is Jesus, the Son of God, our elder brother.” Afterward Joseph told us to resume our former position in prayer, which we did. Another person came through. He was surrounded as with a flame of fire. He [Brother Coltrin] experienced a sensation that it might destroy the tabernacle as it was of consuming fire of great brightness. The Prophet Joseph said this was the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. I saw Him. . . . This appearance was so grand and overwhelming that it seemed I should melt down at His presence. And the sensation was so powerful that it thrilled through my whole system and I felt it in the marrow of my bones. The Prophet Joseph said, “Brethren, now you are prepared to be Apostles of Jesus Christ, for you have seen both the Father and the Son” (Zebedee Coltrin Journal, Church Archives; spelling and punctuation modernized).

D&C 88:1-5 The Holy Spirit of Promise

What is the function of the Holy Spirit of Promise? “The Holy Ghost is also referred to as the Holy Spirit of Promise. To be sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise means that the Holy Ghost confirms that righteous acts, ordinances, and covenants are acceptable to God. The Holy Spirit of Promise testifies to the Father that the saving ordinances have been performed properly and that the covenants associated with them have been kept. . . . Breaking covenants may remove the sealing” (Preach My Gospel, p. 91).

D&C 88:6-13 The Light of Christ

What is the light of Christ? See Bible Dictionary, p. 725.

D&C 88:14-17 The Soul of Man

What is the soul of man? What is meant by the redemption of the soul? How does this redemption take place? Cross-reference: 2 Nephi 2:6-10.

D&C 88:18-33 The Celestial Kingdom

The word “quickened” in these verses means “resurrected.” As you read these verses, list the things that are required of persons who will live on the celestialized earth forever. Why is it important for us to receive this gift God has given us? (See verse 33.)

D&C 88:34-61 Law, Kingdoms, and Light

What is the relationship between law and kingdoms of glory? See D&C 88:34-39. What is the relationship between God and his creations? See D&C 88:40-50. What is the relationship between seeing the countenance of the Lord and the kingdoms of the earth? See D&C 88:51-61. Summarize the relationship between law, kingdoms and seeing the face of the Lord.

D&C 88:62-65 Ask What Is Expedient

What does the word “expedient” mean? Why should we be careful to ask for things that are expedient?

D&C 88:66-69 Sanctify Yourselves

What purpose is giving for sanctifying ourselves? What will happen if we do? Why, according to verse 69, will help us to sanctify ourselves?

D&C 88:70-86 Preparation for a Solemn Assembly

Remember that the point of the solemn assembly was to see the Lord. How would the things listed in these verses prepare a person to be in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ?

D&C 88:87-117 The Reason for the Solemn Assembly

In these verses, the Lord recounts the events that will happen in connection with His glorious coming and the end of the world. After the testimony of the Lord’s servants has been given to everyone on the earth, what other kinds of testimonies will the Lord reveal? What will happen when the first angel sounds his trumpet? See D&C 88:94-98. What will happen when the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth angels sound their trumpets? See D&C 88:99-109. What will happen when the seventh angel sounds his trumpet? See D&C 88:110-117. Why, according to all that the Lord has revealed in these verses, has He called for a solemn assembly?

D&C 88:118-126 The School of the Prophets

As you look through the list of things the Lord asks those who will attend this school to do, ask yourself, how do all these things contribute to a fine education? How would you be blessed in your efforts to be educated, if you started doing these things?

D&C 88:127-141 The Order of the School of the Prophets

These verses contain the rules given to students on how they should conduct themselves with their fellow students. How would these rules help students be more successful in their studies?