Doctrine and Covenants 88

Lord of Hosts (Lord of Sabaoth)

Sabaoth — Hebrew for 'hosts' or 'armies'; the Lord of Sabaoth is the Lord of Hosts

Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you who have assembled yourselves together to receive his will concerning you: Doctrine and Covenants 88:1–2

Jesus Christ is the Lord speaking in this revelation. He calls Himself 'your Lord' and 'the Lord of Sabaoth,' a title meaning Lord of the armies of heaven.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same title in James 5:4 — The cries of the laborers enter 'into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.'
• the same title in D&C 87:7 — The cry of the Saints comes up 'into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth.'

Jesus Christ

Wherefore, I now send upon you another Comforter, even upon you my friends, that it may abide in your hearts, even the Holy Spirit of promise; which other Comforter is the same that I promised unto my disciples, as is recorded in the testimony of John. Doctrine and Covenants 88:3–4

The Speaker says He is the One who promised 'another Comforter' to His disciples in John's Gospel, so He is Jesus Christ. He calls the elders His 'friends,' as He called the Twelve in John 15.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to John 14:16 — Jesus: 'he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever.'
• alludes to John 15:15 — Jesus calls His disciples 'friends.'

Jesus Christ

Which glory is that of the church of the Firstborn, even of God, the holiest of all, through Jesus Christ his Son— Doctrine and Covenants 88:5

Celestial glory comes only through Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Those who receive it belong to the church of the Firstborn, which is named for Christ, the Firstborn.

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

• the same title in D&C 76:54 — The celestial are 'the church of the Firstborn.'
• the same title in D&C 93:21-22 — Christ was 'the Firstborn'; those begotten through Him are 'the church of the Firstborn.'

Atonement — Descended Below All Things

He that ascended up on high, as also he descended below all things, in that he comprehended all things, that he might be in all and through all things, the light of truth; Doctrine and Covenants 88:6

'He' is Jesus Christ, named in verse 5. Through His Atonement He went lower than anyone, so He understands everything we go through. He then rose and ascended to heaven.

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

• alludes to Ephesians 4:9-10 — 'He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.'
• the same event in D&C 122:8 — 'The Son of Man hath descended below them all.'
• the same event in Alma 7:11-12 — He takes on Him the pains and infirmities of His people so He may know how to succor them.

Light of Christ

Which truth shineth. This is the light of Christ. As also he is in the sun, and the light of the sun, and the power thereof by which it was made. Doctrine and Covenants 88:7–10

The light of Christ is the power by which He made the sun, moon, stars, and earth, and it is still in them. Creation itself shows His power.

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

• alludes to John 1:3-4 — All things were made by Him; in Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
• the same title in Moroni 7:16 — 'The Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil.'
• the same title in D&C 88:41 — Later in the chapter He is 'in all things, and is through all things.'

Light of Christ

And the light which shineth, which giveth you light, is through him who enlighteneth your eyes, which is the same light that quickeneth your understandings; Doctrine and Covenants 88:11–13

The light we see with our eyes and the light that helps our minds understand both come through Christ. His light gives life to all things and is the law that governs them.

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

• alludes to John 1:9 — 'That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.'
• the same title in D&C 84:45-46 — The Spirit of Jesus Christ gives light to every man that comes into the world.

Resurrection through Redemption

Now, verily I say unto you, that through the redemption which is made for you is brought to pass the resurrection from the dead. Doctrine and Covenants 88:14

Christ's redemption, His Atonement, is what makes the resurrection of every person possible.

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

• alludes to 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 — 'As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.'
• the same event in Alma 11:42 — Christ loosens the bands of death so all shall rise.

Redeemer

And the resurrection from the dead is the redemption of the soul. Doctrine and Covenants 88:16–17

Resurrection joins spirit and body together again, and that redemption of the whole soul comes through Christ, 'him that quickeneth all things.' Quicken means to make alive.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Matthew 5:5 — 'Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.'
• the same title in John 5:21 — 'The Son quickeneth whom he will.'

The Law of Christ

And they who are not sanctified through the law which I have given unto you, even the law of Christ, must inherit another kingdom, even that of a terrestrial kingdom, or that of a telestial kingdom. Doctrine and Covenants 88:21

The Speaker calls the law He gave 'the law of Christ.' People are sanctified for celestial glory by living His gospel law.

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

• alludes to Galatians 6:2 — 'Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.'

He Came unto His Own

Behold, all these are kingdoms, and any man who hath seen any or the least of these hath seen God moving in his majesty and power. Doctrine and Covenants 88:47–48

'He who came unto his own' is Jesus Christ. He came to His own people in mortality, and they did not understand who He was.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to John 1:11 — 'He came unto his own, and his own received him not.'
• alludes to John 14:9 — 'He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.'

The Light That Shineth in Darkness

The light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not; nevertheless, the day shall come when you shall comprehend even God, being quickened in him and by him. Doctrine and Covenants 88:49

These are John's words about Christ, the Light that the dark world did not understand. He promises that one day we will comprehend God, made alive in Him and by Him.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quotes John 1:5 — 'And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.'
• the same title in D&C 6:21 — Christ: 'I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.'

I Am — the True Light

I AM — the covenant name of Jehovah, the eternal, self-existent God

Then shall ye know that ye have seen me, that I am, and that I am the true light that is in you, and that you are in me; otherwise ye could not abound. Doctrine and Covenants 88:50

Christ says in His own voice 'that I am,' echoing the divine name I AM, and calls Himself 'the true light that is in you.' He promises that His followers will know they have seen Him.

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

• the same title in John 1:9 — 'That was the true Light.'
• the same title in John 8:58 — 'Before Abraham was, I am.'
• alludes to John 14:20 — 'Ye in me, and I in you.'

The Lord of the Field

Behold, I will liken these kingdoms unto a man having a field, and he sent forth his servants into the field to dig in the field. Doctrine and Covenants 88:51–61

In this parable the lord of the field visits each servant in his own hour, and each one rejoices in the light of his countenance. It pictures God, through Christ, visiting every kingdom He created in its own time.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Matthew 20:1-16 — The householder hires laborers at different hours for his vineyard.
• alludes to Moses 1:35 — Many worlds are known and numbered unto God.

Jesus Christ

And again, verily I say unto you, my friends, I leave these sayings with you to ponder in your hearts, with this commandment which I give unto you, that ye shall call upon me while I am near— Doctrine and Covenants 88:62–63

The Savior personally invites His friends to draw near to Him, repeating His own promise from the Sermon on the Mount: ask, seek, knock.

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

• quotes Matthew 7:7 — 'Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.'
• alludes to James 4:8 — 'Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.'
• alludes to Isaiah 55:6 — 'Call ye upon him while he is near.'

Praying to the Father in Christ's Name

Whatsoever ye ask the Father in my name it shall be given unto you, that is expedient for you; Doctrine and Covenants 88:64–65

Christ teaches that we pray to the Father in His name. He is our Mediator, and prayers offered in His name are answered with what is good for us.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to John 16:23 — 'Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.'
• alludes to 3 Nephi 18:20 — 'Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.'

Jesus Christ — His Voice Is Spirit

Behold, that which you hear is as the voice of one crying in the wilderness—in the wilderness, because you cannot see him—my voice, because my voice is Spirit; my Spirit is truth; truth abideth and hath no end; and if it be in you it shall abound. Doctrine and Covenants 88:66–67

Christ explains that His voice comes by the Spirit, like a voice crying in the wilderness, because we cannot yet see Him. If our eye is single to His glory, He fills us with light.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Isaiah 40:3 — 'The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness.'
• alludes to Matthew 6:22 — 'If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.'

He Will Unveil His Face

Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will. Doctrine and Covenants 88:68–69

The Lord promises that the sanctified will see Him, and that He will unveil His face in His own time. Latter-day Saints connect this 'great and last promise' to the promise of seeing the Savior (the Second Comforter).

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same event in D&C 93:1 — Those who forsake sins and obey 'shall see my face and know that I am.'
• the same event in D&C 67:10 — 'The veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am.'
• alludes to John 14:21-23 — Jesus will manifest Himself to those who love Him and keep His commandments.

Good Shepherd

Behold, and lo, I will take care of your flocks, and will raise up elders and send unto them. Doctrine and Covenants 88:72

While the missionaries stay in Kirtland, the Lord promises to watch over their 'flocks,' the people they taught, the way a shepherd cares for sheep.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to John 10:11 — 'I am the good shepherd.'

Advocate with the Father

And I give unto you, who are the first laborers in this last kingdom, a commandment that you assemble yourselves together, and organize yourselves, and prepare yourselves, and sanctify yourselves; yea, purify your hearts, and cleanse your hands and your feet before me, that I may make you clean; Doctrine and Covenants 88:74–75

Christ makes His people clean and then testifies to the Father for them. That is His role as our Advocate. He calls the Father 'your Father, and your God, and my God,' just as He did after His Resurrection.

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

• alludes to John 20:17 — 'I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.'
• the same title in D&C 45:3-5 — Christ as Advocate pleads before the Father for those who believe on His name.
• the same title in 1 John 2:1 — 'We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.'

His Grace

Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand; Doctrine and Covenants 88:78

Christ promises that His grace, His enabling help, will be with those who teach one another diligently.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same title in Ether 12:27 — 'My grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me.'

Jesus Christ

He that seeketh me early shall find me, and shall not be forsaken. Doctrine and Covenants 88:83

The Savior promises that those who seek Him early will find Him and He will never abandon them.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Proverbs 8:17 — 'Those that seek me early shall find me.'

Second Coming

Abide ye in the liberty wherewith ye are made free; entangle not yourselves in sin, but let your hands be clean, until the Lord comes. Doctrine and Covenants 88:86–87

The elders are to stay clean 'until the Lord comes.' The earth trembling and the sun, moon, and stars failing are signs before Christ's Second Coming.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Isaiah 24:20 — 'The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard.'
• alludes to Revelation 6:12-13 — The sun becomes black, the moon as blood, and the stars fall as a fig tree casts her untimely figs.
• alludes to Matthew 24:29-30 — Heavenly signs come before the Son of Man comes in the clouds.

Bridegroom

Bridegroom — Christ, who comes for His bride, the Church

And angels shall fly through the midst of heaven, crying with a loud voice, sounding the trump of God, saying: Prepare ye, prepare ye, O inhabitants of the earth; for the judgment of our God is come. Behold, and lo, the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Doctrine and Covenants 88:92

At the Second Coming, angels will announce Christ as the Bridegroom, just as in the parable of the ten virgins. His people must be ready to go out and meet Him.

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

• quotes Matthew 25:6 — 'Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.'
• the same title in D&C 133:10 — 'Prepare yourselves for the great day of the Lord ... the Bridegroom cometh.'

The Sign of the Son of Man

And immediately there shall appear a great sign in heaven, and all people shall see it together. Doctrine and Covenants 88:93

This great sign in heaven, seen by all people at once, is understood as the sign of the Son of Man coming before His Second Coming.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Matthew 24:30 — 'Then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven.'
• alludes to Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:36 — 'Then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven.'

Second Coming — The Face of the Lord Unveiled

And there shall be silence in heaven for the space of half an hour; and immediately after shall the curtain of heaven be unfolded, as a scroll is unfolded after it is rolled up, and the face of the Lord shall be unveiled; Doctrine and Covenants 88:95

At His Second Coming the heavens open like a scroll, and the face of Jesus Christ is unveiled for the world to see.

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

• alludes to Revelation 6:14 — 'The heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together.'
• the same event in D&C 101:23 — 'The veil of the covering of my temple ... shall be taken off, and all flesh shall see me together.'

Christ's First Fruits Caught Up to Meet Him

And the saints that are upon the earth, who are alive, shall be quickened and be caught up to meet him. Doctrine and Covenants 88:96–98

When Christ comes, the righteous living and the righteous dead are caught up to meet Him. They are His 'first fruits' and come down with Him.

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

• alludes to 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 — The dead in Christ rise first, and the living are caught up to meet the Lord in the air.
• alludes to 1 Corinthians 15:23 — 'Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.'
• the same event in D&C 45:45 — The Saints who have slept come forth to meet Him.

Redemption of Those Who Are Christ's at His Coming

And after this another angel shall sound, which is the second trump; and then cometh the redemption of those who are Christ's at his coming; who have received their part in that prison which is prepared for them, that they might receive the gospel, and be judged according to men in the flesh. Doctrine and Covenants 88:99

At the second trump, people who accepted the gospel in the spirit prison are redeemed and resurrected as Christ's at His coming.

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

• alludes to 1 Corinthians 15:23 — 'They that are Christ's at his coming.'
• alludes to 1 Peter 3:18-19 — Christ preached to the spirits in prison.
• the same event in D&C 76:73-74 — The spirits in prison who received the gospel afterward.

Every Knee Shall Bow

And this shall be the sound of his trump, saying to all people, both in heaven and in earth, and that are under the earth—for every ear shall hear it, and every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall confess, while they hear the sound of the trump, saying: Fear God, and give glory to him who sitteth upon the throne, forever and ever; for the hour of his judgment is come. Doctrine and Covenants 88:104

Every person in heaven, on earth, and under the earth will bow and confess. Scripture elsewhere says this confession is that Jesus is the Christ, and verse 115 identifies 'him who sitteth upon the throne' as the Lamb.

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

• alludes to Philippians 2:10-11 — Every knee bows and every tongue confesses 'that Jesus Christ is Lord.'
• alludes to Isaiah 45:23 — 'Unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.'
• alludes to Revelation 14:6-7 — An angel with the everlasting gospel: 'Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come.'

Lamb of God

Lamb of God — the sacrificial Lamb whose blood redeems

And again, another angel shall sound his trump, which is the seventh angel, saying: It is finished; it is finished! The Lamb of God hath overcome and trodden the wine-press alone, even the wine-press of the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God. Doctrine and Covenants 88:106

The seventh angel announces the final victory of the Lamb of God. His cry 'It is finished,' His words from the cross, is repeated here. He alone trod the wine-press, which points to both His Atonement and His coming in judgment.

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

• alludes to John 19:30 — Jesus on the cross: 'It is finished.'
• alludes to Isaiah 63:3 — 'I have trodden the winepress alone.'
• the same title in D&C 76:107 — Christ 'shall have trodden the wine-press alone, even the wine-press of the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God.'
• the same title in D&C 133:50 — 'I have trodden the wine-press alone.'

Joint-Heirs with Christ

And then shall the angels be crowned with the glory of his might, and the saints shall be filled with his glory, and receive their inheritance and be made equal with him. Doctrine and Covenants 88:107

Following the Lamb's victory in verse 106, the Saints are filled with His glory and made equal with Him, as joint-heirs of all the Father has.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Romans 8:17 — 'Heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.'
• the same event in D&C 76:94-95 — The celestial are made 'equal in power, and in might, and in dominion.'

Him Who Sitteth upon the Throne

And so on, until the seventh angel shall sound his trump; and he shall stand forth upon the land and upon the sea, and swear in the name of him who sitteth upon the throne, that there shall be time no longer; and Satan shall be bound, that old serpent, who is called the devil, and shall not be loosed for the space of a thousand years. Doctrine and Covenants 88:110

The seventh angel swears in the name of the One on the throne, whom verse 115 identifies as the Lamb. Satan is bound for the thousand years of Christ's reign.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Revelation 10:5-6 — The angel on the sea and earth swears 'that there should be time no longer.'
• alludes to Revelation 20:2-3 — The old serpent is bound a thousand years.

Lamb of God — on the Throne

Lamb of God — the sacrificial Lamb whose blood redeems

For Michael shall fight their battles, and shall overcome him who seeketh the throne of him who sitteth upon the throne, even the Lamb. Doctrine and Covenants 88:115

Satan has always wanted the throne that belongs to Christ. In the final battle Michael (Adam) defeats him, and the Lamb keeps His rightful throne.

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

• the same title in Revelation 5:13 — Blessing and glory 'unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.'
• alludes to Revelation 12:7-9 — Michael and his angels fought against the dragon.
• alludes to Moses 4:1-3 — Satan sought God's honor and the Beloved Son's role.

Second Coming — I Will Come Quickly

Pray always, that ye may not faint, until I come. Behold, and lo, I will come quickly, and receive you unto myself. Amen. Doctrine and Covenants 88:126

Christ Himself promises to come quickly and receive His people to Himself, the same promise He gave His Apostles.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to John 14:3 — 'I will come again, and receive you unto myself.'
• alludes to Revelation 22:20 — 'Surely I come quickly.'
• alludes to Luke 18:1 — 'Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.'

In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ

Art thou a brother or brethren? I salute you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, in token or remembrance of the everlasting covenant, in which covenant I receive you to fellowship, in a determination that is fixed, immovable, and unchangeable, to be your friend and brother through the grace of God in the bonds of love, to walk in all the commandments of God blameless, in thanksgiving, forever and ever. Amen. Doctrine and Covenants 88:133

In the School of the Prophets, members were greeted in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and received into fellowship by covenant, bound together in His name.

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

• the same title in Mosiah 5:8 — Take upon you the name of Christ by covenant.

Washing of Feet and Bread and Wine

And he shall be received by the ordinance of the washing of feet, for unto this end was the ordinance of the washing of feet instituted. Doctrine and Covenants 88:139–141

The ordinance of washing feet, done after partaking of bread and wine, follows exactly the pattern Christ set at the Last Supper. Christ Himself says John 13 is testimony 'concerning me.'

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

• alludes to John 13:4-15 — Jesus girded Himself with a towel and washed the disciples' feet as an example.
• the same title in D&C 88:74-75 — Cleanse your hands and feet that Christ may make you clean.