Essentials in Church History. Joseph Fielding Smith

in gospel ordinances. The Lord said the worth of souls was great, for Christ had suffered “the pains of all men that all might repent and come unto him.” As many as would repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and endure to the end, should be saved. It was made clear in this revelation that all men must take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, for in his name should “they be called in the last day.” Otherwise they “cannot have a place in the kingdom” of the Father.

The Twelve Apostles

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      Not only were Joseph Smith and the witnesses to the Book of Mormon to be called to testify, but there were to be twelve other witnesses, who should be appointed to declare the Gospel to both Gentile and Jew. The three witnesses to the Book of Mormon were designated to search out these Twelve Apostles, who were to have charge of the preaching of the Gospel in all the world.

Revelation Given to Martin Harris

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      The next great commandment (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 19) was given to Martin Harris, in March, 1830, as one of the three special witnesses. Martin was admonished and warned against his weaknesses, and was commanded to preach the first principles of the Gospel and declare “glad tidings” upon the mountains, and “every high place, and among the people,” unto the end of his life. If he should fail, then misery should he receive. He was further instructed to keep his contract with the printer, and impart of his substance for the printing of the Book of Mormon, which “contains the truth and the word of God.”

The Atonement and Eternal Punishment Explained

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      The most important teaching in this revelation was the doctrine of the atonement and the explanation of the expression “eternal punishment.” “I am Alpha and Omega,” said the Lord, “yea, even I am He, the beginning and the end, the Redeemer of the world. I have accomplished and finished the will of him whose I am, even the Father, concerning me—having done this that I might subdue all things unto myself, retaining all power, even to the destroying of Satan and his works at the end of the world, and the last great day of judgment, which I shall pass upon the inhabitants thereof, judging every man according to his works and the deeds which he hath done.

      “And surely every man must repent or suffer, for I, God, am endless; wherefore, I revoke not the judgments which I shall pass, but woes shall go forth, weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth, yea, to those who are found on my left hand. Nevertheless it is not written that there shall be no end to this torment, but it is written endless torment. Again it is written eternal damnation; wherefore it is more express than other scriptures, that it might work upon the hearts of the children of men, altogether for my name’s glory. Wherefore I will explain unto you this mystery, for it is mete unto you to know even as mine apostles. …

      “For behold, the mystery of Godliness, how great is it? for, behold, I am endless, and the punishment which is given from my hand, is endless punishment, for Endless is my name; wherefore—

      Eternal punishment is God’s punishment.

      Endless punishment is God’s punishment.”

      Then follows the statement that Jesus Christ “suffered the pains for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent.” These sufferings were most exquisite and sore, which caused him “the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit;” and would that he “might not drink the bitter cup and shrink.” Nevertheless he partook of that cup and finished his work, and this that men might not suffer if they would repent; but if they will not repent then they must suffer even as he.

Revelation on Church Government

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      In April 1830, just before the organization of the Church, another very important revelation (Doc. and Cov. Sec. 20) was received on Church government. In it the date for the organization of the Church was designated as April 6. The Church was to be “regularly organized and established agreeable to the laws of our country” by the will and commandment of the Lord. These commandments were given to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, who had been called and ordained to be apostles, or special witnesses for Christ. Joseph Smith was to be the first elder of the Church and Oliver Cowdery the second elder, and they were to ordain each other to these callings, according to the grace of Jesus Christ. Other matters of great importance revealed are as follows:

      Mention is made of the matter of translation of the Book of Mormon, which is said to contain the record of a fallen people, and the fulness of the Gospel to the Gentiles and also to the Jews. By the opening of the heavens, and the inspiration given to men who are called to his holy work, the Lord has shown that “he is the same God yesterday, today, and forever, and does inspire men and call them to his work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old.

      By these great witnesses the world shall be judged, “even as many as shall come to a knowledge of this work.” Those who receive it in righteousness shall receive a crown of eternal life, while those who reject it shall be condemned. It is declared that the Lord has spoken, and the elders of the Church have heard and bear witness so that through their testimony man may know there is a God in heaven, who is infinite and eternal, from everlasting to everlasting, the same unchangeable Framer of heaven and earth and all things which are in them. Man is created in the image of God, male and female, and is commanded to love and serve him. Through transgression of his laws, man became fallen, wherefore the Only Begotten Son was sent into the world to suffer temptations—but gave no heed to them—was crucified, died, and rose the third day and ascended into heaven to reign in power. All who believe on him and are baptized and endure to the end, shall be saved, no matter when they lived on the earth. Men everywhere must repent and believe in Christ, worshiping the Father in the name of the Son and endure in faith, or they cannot be saved. Justification through grace is true, as also is sanctification, to all who love the Father with all their might, mind and strength. The dangers of falling away from grace are pointed out, with a warning to the members of the Church to “take heed and pray always lest they fall into temptation.”

Manner of Baptism Explained

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      By way of commandment to the Church the manner of Baptism is set forth as follows: “All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the Church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received into his Church.” No person can be received into the Church unless he has arrived unto the years of accountability, which is eight years, for he must be capable of repentance, which infants are not. Baptism is to be administered in the following manner unto all who repent:

How Baptism is Performed

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      “The person who is called of God, and has authority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person who has presented him or herself for baptism, and shall say, calling him