Doctrine and Covenants Commentary - Section 12

by Don R. Hender


Scriptural Text [& Editorial]
Commentary & Explanation
Footnotes ~ References ~ JST
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to Joseph Knight, Sen., at Harmony, Pennsylvania, May 1829. HC 1:47—48. Joseph Knight believed the declarations of Joseph Smith concerning his possession of the Book of Mormon plates and the work of translation then in progress, and several times had given material assistance to Joseph Smith and his scribe, which enabled them to continue translationg. At Joseph Knight's request the Prophet inquired of the Lord and received the revelation.
    1—6, Laborers in the vineyard are to gain salvation;
    7—9, All who desire and are qualified may assist in the Lord's work.
D&C 12:1 aA GREAT and bmarvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.
D&C 12:2 Behold, I am God; give heed to my aword, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore give heed unto my word.

D&C 12:3 Behold, the field is awhite already to harvest; therefore, whoso desireth to reap let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of Goda.
D&C 12:4 Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and areap, the same is bcalled of God.

 3a that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God What is it about taking the gospel to the world which brings the treasures of for the souls of men in the kingdom of God? There is a certain selflessness about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Christ's own work and glory is turned completely outward. It is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. He has given totally of himself for the benefit of others to the extend of bringing to passes the blessings of heaven upon his fellow beings. Serving and doing for others is the ultimate guiding principle of the everlasting gospel. It is the focus of the work. Just as a goodly parent seeks for and sacrifices for the success for their children, so does God for his. And if we are to become even as He is, the we must attain unto this selflessness of seeking for the good and benefit of all mankind in that love of God which is called charity. Truely, he that would be greates among you, let he seek to be the servant of all. For it is in giving of service one to another that the joys and blessings of heaven do distill gently from heaven filling the soul with everlast joy and exaltation. This is the level of life which our God gives. To be like him we must also become so servng and considerate of others above ourselves in righteousness that we do loose ourself in that service rendered unto them. And in that degree of service performs for the benefit of others we do but find ourselves and our eternal purpose of serving others continually. This is the great requirement of the our goodly Father in Heaven as he offers the ultimate levels of love and provision unto us that we might become even as he is, exalted in the realms of heaven.
D&C 12:5 Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you.
D&C 12:6 Now, as you have asked, behold, I say unto you, keep my commandments, and seek to bring forth and establish the cause of aZion.

D&C 12:7 Behold, I speak unto you, and also to all those who have desires to bring forth and establish this work;
D&C 12:8 And no one can assist in this work except he shall be ahumble and full of blove, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be centrusted to his care.
D&C 12:9 Behold, I am the light and the life of the world, that speak these words, therefore give heed with your might, and then you are called. Amen.