Insights from our patriarch

Insights on section 84 from our patriarch, Brother Brinton.

Introduction to Section 84: During the month of September 1832, elders had begun to return from their missions in the eastern states and to make reports of their labors. It was while they were together in this season of joy that the following communication was received. The Prophet designated it a revelation on priesthood.

Brother Brinton pointed out the elders reporting on their missions and the description that it was a season of joy.

• “revelation of Jesus Christ” — it brought them a greater understanding of Christ (His characteristics, His methods) and helps them to become more like Him.
• “as they united their hearts and lifted their voices on high” — being unified is key and lifting their voices on high is not than prayer, but includes any form of worship (music, prayer, teaching, counseling, serving, listening).
• “the word of the Lord concerning his church” — this is His church.
• “established in the last days for the restoration of his people” — the purpose of His church is to restore a people upon the earth and to restore His people to His presence.
• “as he has spoken by the mouth of his prophets” — this is not a surprise; also, anyone who claims to be a prophet but does not prophet concerning this restoration being implemented by Christ now is not a prophet.
• “for the gathering of his saints to stand upon Mount Zion” — mountains are symbols of temples: this work is meant to gather his saints into the temples and the ordinances of the temples.
• “which shall be the city of New Jerusalem” — the ultimate temple gathering will be in the temple city. (Brother Brinton wonders if it will require a temple recommend to enter the temple city.)