Doctrine and Covenants 45

Creation by Christ

Hearken, O ye people of my church, to whom the kingdom has been given; hearken ye and give ear to him who laid the foundation of the earth, who made the heavens and all the hosts thereof, and by whom all things were made which live, and move, and have a being. Doctrine and Covenants 45:1

The speaker points to himself as the One who created the earth and heavens. Latter-day Saints believe Jesus Christ, under the Father, was the Creator.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in John 1:3 — All things were made by Him.
• the same event in Moses 1:33 — By the Son worlds without number were created.
• the same event in Colossians 1:16 — By Him were all things created.

Advocate

Advocate — one who pleads another's cause

Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him— Doctrine and Covenants 45:3

Christ is our Advocate who stands before the Father and pleads for us.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in 1 John 2:1 — We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ.
• the same title in D&C 29:5 — I am your advocate with the Father.
• alludes to Hebrews 7:25 — He ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Atonement

Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified; Doctrine and Covenants 45:4–5

Christ quotes His own plea to the Father: He points to His sinless suffering and shed blood as the reason we can be spared. His Atonement is the ground of our mercy.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to 2 Corinthians 5:21 — He who knew no sin was made sin for us.
• alludes to Matthew 3:17 — The Father: in whom I am well pleased.
• alludes to John 17:9 — Christ prays for those the Father gave Him.
• alludes to 1 Peter 2:22 — Who did no sin.

Alpha and Omega

Alpha and Omega — the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet: the beginning and the end

For verily I say unto you that I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the light and the life of the world—a light that shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not. Doctrine and Covenants 45:7

Jesus names Himself the first and the last; He is over all of history from start to finish.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in Revelation 1:8 — I am Alpha and Omega.
• the same title in Revelation 22:13 — The beginning and the end, the first and the last.

Light and Life of the World

For verily I say unto you that I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the light and the life of the world—a light that shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not. Doctrine and Covenants 45:7

Christ is the light that gives life to the world, a light darkness cannot overcome or understand.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• quotes John 1:4-5 — The life was the light of men; the light shineth in darkness.
• the same title in John 8:12 — I am the light of the world.
• the same title in D&C 88:6-7 — The light of Christ.

Mortal Ministry

I came unto mine own, and mine own received me not; but unto as many as received me gave I power to do many miracles, and to become the sons of God; and even unto them that believed on my name gave I power to obtain eternal life. Doctrine and Covenants 45:8

Jesus recalls His mortal ministry: His own people rejected Him, but all who received Him were given power to become sons of God.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quotes John 1:11-12 — He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
• alludes to Mosiah 5:7 — Ye shall be called the children of Christ.

Second Coming

And even so I have sent mine everlasting covenant into the world, to be a light to the world, and to be a standard for my people, and for the Gentiles to seek to it, and to be a messenger before my face to prepare the way before me. Doctrine and Covenants 45:9

The restored everlasting covenant goes ahead of the Lord like a forerunner, preparing the world for His coming.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Malachi 3:1 — I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me.
• alludes to Isaiah 11:12 — He shall set up an ensign (standard) for the nations.

Premortal Christ, God of Enoch

Wherefore, hearken ye together and let me show unto you even my wisdom—the wisdom of him whom ye say is the God of Enoch, and his brethren, Doctrine and Covenants 45:11–12

The same Jesus who stood in the flesh (v. 16) declares that He is the God of Enoch who received Enoch's city to Himself. The God of the ancient patriarchs is Christ.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same event in Moses 7:21 — The Lord took Zion up into His own bosom.
• the same event in Moses 7:69 — Zion is fled.
• the same event in Genesis 5:24 — Enoch walked with God and God took him.

Faith in Christ (promise of the ancients)

And confessed they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth; Doctrine and Covenants 45:13–14

Like the faithful in Hebrews 11, Enoch's people lived by faith in a promised day of righteousness they would see in their flesh, the day of Christ's reign.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quotes Hebrews 11:13 — Confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
• alludes to Moses 7:62-63 — Enoch's Zion returns to meet the New Jerusalem.

Second Coming

And I will show it plainly as I showed it unto my disciples as I stood before them in the flesh, and spake unto them, saying: As ye have asked of me concerning the signs of my coming, in the day when I shall come in my glory in the clouds of heaven, to fulfil the promises that I have made unto your fathers, Doctrine and Covenants 45:16–17

Jesus identifies Himself as the One who taught His disciples in mortality, and repeats what He told them about the signs of His glorious return and the day of redemption (resurrection).

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Matthew 24:3 — The disciples ask about the sign of His coming.
• the same event in Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:4 — Restored account of the same question.
• the same event in Matthew 24:30 — The Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven.

Mortal Ministry (Olivet prophecy)

And now ye behold this temple which is in Jerusalem, which ye call the house of God, and your enemies say that this house shall never fall. Doctrine and Covenants 45:18–21

In His own voice the Savior repeats His mortal prophecy of the temple's destruction, fulfilled when Rome destroyed Jerusalem in A.D. 70.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Matthew 24:2 — There shall not be left here one stone upon another.
• a parallel account in Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:3 — Same prophecy in restored text.
• a parallel account in Luke 21:6 — Same prophecy.

Christ

Christ — the Anointed One (Greek Christos, Hebrew Messiah)

And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men's hearts shall fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth. Doctrine and Covenants 45:26

In the last days scoffers will claim Christ is not really coming soon; He warns this attitude is itself a sign.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Matthew 24:48 — My lord delayeth his coming.
• alludes to 2 Peter 3:4 — Where is the promise of his coming?

Light (fulness of His gospel)

And when the times of the Gentiles is come in, a light shall break forth among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the fulness of my gospel; Doctrine and Covenants 45:28–29

Christ prophesies the Restoration: the fulness of His gospel will shine like light among the Gentiles, though many will turn from Him.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Isaiah 9:2 — The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light.
• alludes to Matthew 4:16 — The people which sat in darkness saw great light.

Jesus as the Lord

And now, when I the Lord had spoken these words unto my disciples, they were troubled. Doctrine and Covenants 45:34–35

Here 'I the Lord' is the same One who spoke to His disciples in mortality, a plain identification of the Lord of the revelations with Jesus.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to John 14:1 — Let not your heart be troubled.
• alludes to Matthew 24:6 — See that ye be not troubled.

Second Coming (parable of the fig tree)

And when the light shall begin to break forth, it shall be with them like unto a parable which I will show you— Doctrine and Covenants 45:36–38

Jesus retells His parable of the fig tree: just as new leaves show summer is near, the signs show His coming is near.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in Matthew 24:32-33 — Parable of the fig tree.
• a parallel account in Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:38-39 — Same parable.

Son of Man

Son of Man — the Son of the Man of Holiness (Moses 6:57)

And it shall come to pass that he that feareth me shall be looking forth for the great day of the Lord to come, even for the signs of the coming of the Son of Man. Doctrine and Covenants 45:39

Those who revere the Lord will watch for the signs of the coming of the Son of Man, Jesus Christ.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• interpreted by Moses 6:57 — Man of Holiness is His name, and the name of His Only Begotten is the Son of Man.
• the same title in Matthew 24:30 — The sign of the Son of man in heaven.

Second Coming (signs)

And they shall see signs and wonders, for they shall be shown forth in the heavens above, and in the earth beneath. Doctrine and Covenants 45:40–42

Signs in heaven and earth precede the Lord's coming.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quotes Joel 2:30-31 — Blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke; the sun turned into darkness, the moon into blood.
• quotes Acts 2:19-20 — Peter quotes Joel.

Second Coming

And then they shall look for me, and, behold, I will come; and they shall see me in the clouds of heaven, clothed with power and great glory; with all the holy angels; and he that watches not for me shall be cut off. Doctrine and Covenants 45:44

Christ promises He will personally come in the clouds with power and glory and all the holy angels.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Matthew 24:30 — Coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
• the same event in Matthew 25:31 — All the holy angels with him.
• fulfils Acts 1:11 — This same Jesus shall so come.

Resurrection of the Saints at His Coming

But before the arm of the Lord shall fall, an angel shall sound his trump, and the saints that have slept shall come forth to meet me in the cloud. Doctrine and Covenants 45:45–46

Because of Christ, the righteous dead rise to meet Him at His coming, and their redemption is made complete.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 — The dead in Christ rise first to meet the Lord in the air.
• the same event in D&C 88:97 — They shall be caught up to meet him.
• alludes to Exodus 3:14 — I AM — 'know that I am'.

Second Coming (Mount of Olives)

Then shall the arm of the Lord fall upon the nations. Doctrine and Covenants 45:47–49

At His coming the Lord Jesus will stand on the Mount of Olives, it will split in two, and the whole earth will hear His voice.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quotes Zechariah 14:4 — His feet shall stand upon the mount of Olives, and it shall cleave in the midst.
• alludes to Joel 3:16 — The LORD shall utter his voice.
• the same event in D&C 133:20 — He shall stand upon the mount of Olivet.

Crucifixion — His Wounds

And then shall the Jews look upon me and say: What are these wounds in thine hands and in thy feet? Doctrine and Covenants 45:51–52

When Christ appears to the Jews they will see the marks of the nails, and He will tell them He is Jesus, the One lifted up on the cross.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfils Zechariah 13:6 — What are these wounds in thine hands? Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.
• fulfils Zechariah 12:10 — They shall look upon me whom they have pierced.
• alludes to John 3:14 — So must the Son of man be lifted up.
• the same title in 3 Nephi 11:14-15 — The Nephites feel the prints of the nails.

Son of God

Son of God — literally the Son of the Father

Then shall they know that I am the Lord; for I will say unto them: These wounds are the wounds with which I was wounded in the house of my friends. I am he who was lifted up. I am Jesus that was crucified. I am the Son of God. Doctrine and Covenants 45:52

Christ plainly declares His divine identity.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in John 10:36 — I said, I am the Son of God.
• the same title in Matthew 26:63-64 — Jesus affirms He is the Son of God.

King (of the Jews)

And then shall they weep because of their iniquities; then shall they lament because they persecuted their king. Doctrine and Covenants 45:53

The Jews will mourn when they realize the Jesus their ancestors rejected is their rightful King.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfils Zechariah 12:10 — They shall mourn for him.
• the same title in John 19:19 — Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews.
• the same title in John 1:49 — Thou art the King of Israel.

First Resurrection

And then shall the heathen nations be redeemed, and they that knew no law shall have part in the first resurrection; and it shall be tolerable for them. Doctrine and Covenants 45:54

Through Christ's coming even those who never knew the law are redeemed and come forth in the first resurrection.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to D&C 76:72 — They who died without law.
• alludes to D&C 88:99 — They who have received their part in that prison.

Bridegroom (parable of the ten virgins)

And at that day, when I shall come in my glory, shall the parable be fulfilled which I spake concerning the ten virgins. Doctrine and Covenants 45:56–57

In the parable of the ten virgins, Christ is the Bridegroom. Those who take the Holy Spirit as their guide will be ready when He comes.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him

• interprets Matthew 25:1-13 — The parable of the ten virgins and the Bridegroom.
• alludes to D&C 33:17 — Having your lamps trimmed, ready for the Bridegroom.

Millennial Reign — King and Lawgiver

For the Lord shall be in their midst, and his glory shall be upon them, and he will be their king and their lawgiver. Doctrine and Covenants 45:59

During the Millennium Christ will personally dwell among the righteous as their King and Lawgiver.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Isaiah 33:22 — The LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king.
• the same title in D&C 38:22 — I will be your king and watch over you... your lawgiver.
• the same event in Revelation 20:4 — They reigned with Christ a thousand years.

Zion, where His glory dwells

And it shall be called the New Jerusalem, a land of peace, a city of refuge, a place of safety for the saints of the Most High God; Doctrine and Covenants 45:66–67

The New Jerusalem is called a city of refuge where the Lord's glory rests, echoing the ancient cities of refuge and Isaiah's cloud of glory over Zion; the true refuge is the Lord present there.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Isaiah 4:5-6 — Upon Mount Zion a cloud and glory, a place of refuge.
• alludes to Numbers 35:11 — Cities of refuge.

Second Coming

For when the Lord shall appear he shall be terrible unto them, that fear may seize upon them, and they shall stand afar off and tremble. Doctrine and Covenants 45:74–75

To the wicked, the appearing of the Lord Jesus will be terrifying, while it is joy to the righteous.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Isaiah 2:19 — For fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty.
• the same event in D&C 133:42 — All nations tremble at thy presence.