A study of Malachi and the Doctrine and Covenants
The purpose and intent of this paper is to help the reader understand the meaning of Malachi’s closing remarks to the Old Testament and the bridge to the New Testament; In connection with the covenants of our Fathers mentioned throughout our sacred records. We read that Malachi closes his epistle in the fourth chapter when he asks us to remember the law…
“Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I a commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments. 5Behold, I will a send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: 6And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” – Mal 4:4-6
These scriptures draw a parallel to the Law of Moses and the mission of Elijah; to the path from the lesser law (Law of Moses) to the higher law (Mission of Elijah). In other words, taking us from that which is carnal with no redemptive power; to that which is spiritual and has power to redeem. Doctrine and Covenant 2 also shows this parallel by linking the priesthood with the mission of Elijah.
“Behold, I will reveal unto you the Priesthood, by the hand of Elijah the prophet, before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. 2And he shall plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to the fathers, and the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers.3If it were not so, the whole earth would be utterly wasted at his coming.” – DC 2:1-3
Here the Lord clarifies that what Elijah plants in the hearts of the children is the promise made to our fathers or in other words the everlasting covenant which is the same promise covenant made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This covenant must be taught to the children of men prior to the return of Christ. The importance of this cannot be overlooked nor mistaken, if not so the earth will be smitten and utterly wasted away (Mal 4, DC 2).
We find another reference to Elijah in DC 27; here the lord is talking about the ordinance of the Sacrament and telling the Saints not to worry about what we are eating or drinking but to do all things with an “eye single to [His] glory.” Then we find an interesting word play in verse 4, the Lord is no longer talking about the sacramental wine alone when He declares, “you shall partake of none except it is made new among you.” We too are the fruit of the vine that must be made new to partake and abide in His Kingdom.
“Wherefore, you shall partake of none except it is made new among you; yea, in this my Father’s kingdom which shall be built up on the earth.” – DC 27:4
The Lord’s admonishment to us is to understand the purpose and intent of the sacrament in pointing us to Christ, so that we too may be made new, and found in His kingdom. Then the Lord provides exemplars who went before us and those we are instructed to follow. Providing us an opportunity to participate along with Moroni (Keys of the stick of Ephraim), Elias (Keys of the Restoration of all things), John (Ordination to the Aaronic or first priesthood), and Elijah. Elijah is the link that holds the Keys of the Everlasting Covenant that is tied to the promise made to the Fathers.
“And also Elijah, unto whom I have committed the keys of the power of turning the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to the fathers” – DC 27:9
This word link ties us back to DC 2 and Malachi 4. Which is interesting because in Malachi 4 the Lord starts out reminding us of the “Law of Moses” prior to mentioning the covenant. DC 27 starts off with instruction on the sacrament prior to mentioning the covenant. This is also referred to as the promise give to the fathers of entering into the rest of the Lord, which rest is the fullness of his glory (DC 84:24).
“Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. For unto us (the children) was the gospel preached, as well as unto them (our fathers);” – Hebrews 4:1-2 / See also Hebrews 6:11-19, 8:6-8
Here is the importance of this discussion on the everlasting covenant given to the fathers and the Lord’s reasoning expounded upon when finishing off the revelation in DC 27…
“That the whole earth may not be smitten with a curse; 10And also with Joseph and Jacob, and Isaac, and Abraham, your fathers, by whom the promises remain; 11And also with Michael, or Adam, the father of all, the prince of all, the ancient of days; 12And also with Peter, and James, and John, whom I have sent unto you, by whom I have ordained you and confirmed you to be apostles, and especial witnesses of my name, and bear the keys of your ministry and of the same things which I revealed unto them; 13Unto whom I have committed the keys of my kingdom, and a dispensation of the gospel for the last times; and for the fullness of times, in the which I will gather together in one all things, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; 14And also with all those whom my Father hath given me out of the world.” – DC 27:9-14
The same promise to all our fathers of old is the same promise that is being offered unto us and those who awaken to the truthfulness of this promise are commanded to enter back into this covenant to able to stand the coming day.
“Wherefore, lift up your hearts and rejoice, and gird up your loins, and take upon you my whole armor, that ye may be able to withstand the evil day, having done all, that ye may be able to stand.” – DC 27:15
If this covenant is not entered into and received, we will not be able to stand the coming day and no man can or will return to the Father. We find the priesthood to be the key of administration as the Lord will first “reveal unto [us] the Priesthood”prior to given us the covenant (DC 2). If we are faithful unto obtaining these two priesthoods and are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing (same word play as DC 27) of [our] bodies we become the sons of Abraham (The covenant of Abraham) and the elect of God (DC 84:33-34.) To connect these two verses, we examine DC 27:4’s declaration that we must be “made new” to be brought into the Father’s kingdom and DC 84:33-34’s explanation of the process of renewing our bodies through sanctification by obtaining this priesthood which is the promise of our Fathers.
“And this is according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood. 40Therefore, all those who receive the priesthood, receive this oath and covenant of my Father, which he cannot break, neither can it be moved.” – DC 84:39-40
Understand the greater priesthood administereth the gospel and holdeth the keys of the mysteries of Kingdom and without this priesthood we cannot enter back into the presence of God the Father (DC 84: 19-22). Joseph, who is liken unto Moses, plainly taught this. However, ancient Israel like modern day Israel received similar fates; condemnation and loss of the Holy Priesthood (DC 84:25).
“Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God; 24But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his anger was kindled against them, swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fullness of his glory. 25Therefore, he took Moses (Joseph Smith) out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also; 26And the lesser priesthood continued, which priesthood holdeth the key of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel;” – DC 84: 23-26
Further commentary in the Bible…
“for I will take away the priesthood out of their midst; therefore my holy order, and the ordinances thereof, shall not go before them; for my presence shall not go up in their midst, lest I destroy them. 2But I will give unto them the law as at the first, but it shall be after the law of a carnal commandment; for I have sworn in my wrath, that they shall not enter into my presence, into my rest, in the days of their pilgrimage.” – Exodus 34: 1-2 JST
The Last Days and Redeeming that which is fallen:
The scripture are written for our day and provide an accurate description of past events as well as prophecy for what is to come to the earth’s inhabitants. The Lord is very specific in His word choices; in the coming day all scriptures will be fulfilled and the keys to which Joseph Smith still hold will be required.
In Joseph Smith’s life time he failed, like Moses, to bring God’s children back into his presence not because the frame work was not set or the priesthood was not available to administer the ordinances; but largely due to the Saints wicked and idolatrous ways and their lack of desire to come out from the world. They were smitten and scattered. Even in the face of the Saints denying the covenant blessing of entering back into the Lord’s presence the “whole earth is [not] utterly wasted away.” This is doctrinally sound and the saint’s condemnation is spoken about at length in many books throughout the scriptures. As such what is the path prepared by the Lord to redeem Zion?
The Book of Mormon, in 2 Nephi, declares three times that the Lord’s servant will be set again a second time to recover His people (2 Nephi 21:11 [Isiah 11:11], 25:17, & 29:1). In Doctrine and Covenants the Lord provides the parable concerning the redemption of Zion (DC 101:43-57) and how this will take place. The implication of Zion being fallen and in need of redemption is clear. This servant will be required to be set again due to the current condemnation of the children of Zion (DC 112:53-58).
The Lord then goes on to explain who the servant that redeems Zion is in the commentary on the redemption of Zion found in DC 103.
“Behold, I say unto you, the redemption of Zion must needs come by power; 16Therefore, I will raise up unto my people a man, who shall a lead them like as Moses led the children of Israel. 17For ye are the children of Israel, and of the seed of Abraham, and ye must needs be led out of bondage by power, and with a stretched-out arm…” – DC 103: 15-17
…
“Verily, verily I say unto you, that my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., is the man to whom I likened the servant to whom the Lord of the vineyard spake in the parable which I have given unto you. 22Therefore let my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., say unto the strength of my house, my young men and the middle aged—Gather yourselves together unto the land of Zion, upon the land which I have bought with money that has been consecrated unto me.” – DC 103: 21-22
A careful study of DC 101, 103, and 105 is necessary for the reader to more fully understand these points.
In closing:
Understanding these events have not taken place provides the framework for events that are nigh at hand. As followers of Christ we must continue to ponder Elijah and his ministry and the link to the new and everlasting covenant made to us today, as this is the same covenant and priesthood that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had to receive. This is the same covenant that was taught by Moses and Joseph Smith, God is the same yesterday, today, and forever – this is literal with everlasting implications. Understand entering into this covenant requires the same sacrifice and commitment of that of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; which is the same suffering of that of Job and Joseph Smith.
Do we still desire this? Do we have faith sufficient to endure what lay ahead? Do we trust Christ?
If so, this covenant is to continually offer up our Broken Hearts and Contrite spirits as the Lord will no longer accept our burnt offerings (3 Nephi 9:20 & 12:19 / 2 Nephi 2:7 / Ether 4:15). To lay everything we have upon the alter; our friends and family, our good name and relationships, our positions in our church and at work, even our very lives if necessary. The law and idols in which we worship have no power to save, only Christ does. Following Christ and returning to His presence does not promises easy lives.
If we desire to serve we are called and we can continue to go through this process of humbling ourselves and offering up our broken hearts and contrite spirits and the Lord will prevail. We must listening to every command that the Father gives to us to be instructed sufficiently to then to receive our Baptism of Fire and Baptism of the Holy Ghost. We then enter the gate to continue onward, holding onto the iron rod. From gate we are then instructed sufficiently until we return to God presence in this life. This priesthood and covenant has to be received in the flesh for us to be proven worthy of all that the Fathers has to give.
Testimony:
The Lord God will proceed to do a marvelous work among the Gentiles, which shall be of great worth unto the Gentiles; and not only unto the Gentiles but unto all the house of Israel, unto the making known of the covenants of the Father of heaven unto Abraham, saying: In thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed (The New and Everlasting Covenant). 10And I would, my brethren, that ye should know that all the kindreds of the earth cannot be blessed unless he shall make bare his arm (end time servant) in the eyes of the nations. 11Wherefore, the Lord God will proceed to make bare his arm in the eyes of all the nations, in bringing about his covenants and his gospel unto those who are of the house of Israel.
12Wherefore, he will bring them again out of captivity, and they shall be gathered together to the lands of their inheritance; and they shall be brought out of obscurity and out of darkness; and they shall know that the Lord is their Savior and their Redeemer, the Mighty One of Israel. 13And the blood of that great and abominable church, which is the whore of all the earth, shall turn upon their own heads; for they shall war among themselves, and the sword of their own hands shall fall upon their own heads, and they shall be drunken with their own blood. 14And every nation which shall war against thee, O house of Israel, shall be turned one against another, and they shall fall into the pit which they digged to ensnare the people of the Lord. And all that fight against Zion shall be destroyed, and that great whore, who hath perverted the right ways of the Lord, yea, that great and abominable church, shall tumble to the dust and great shall be the fall of it.” – 1 Nephi 22: 9-14
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