Doctrine and Covenants 7

Jesus Christ

And the Lord said unto me: John, my beloved, what desirest thou? For if you shall ask what you will, it shall be granted unto you. Doctrine and Covenants 7:1–2

Jesus, in His mortal ministry, asks His beloved disciple John what he wants; John asks to stay on earth to bring souls to Him.

• the same event in John 21:20-23 — John's own Gospel account of the conversation about his tarrying.

Second Coming

And the Lord said unto me: Verily, verily, I say unto thee, because thou desirest this thou shalt tarry until I come in my glory, and shalt prophesy before nations, kindreds, tongues and people. Doctrine and Covenants 7:3–4

Jesus foretells His return in glory and grants John to remain alive, ministering, until then.

How we know: a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• quotes John 21:22 — "If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee?"
• alludes to 3 Nephi 28:6-7 — Three Nephite disciples receive the same desire as John, to remain until He comes in glory.

Second Coming

And I will make thee to minister for him and for thy brother James; and unto you three I will give this power and the keys of this ministry until I come. Doctrine and Covenants 7:7

Christ gives Peter, James, and John the keys of His ministry to hold until His Second Coming.

• alludes to Matthew 16:19 — "I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven."
• alludes to Matthew 17:1-3 — The same three on the Mount of Transfiguration.