The revelation in section 45 was received, according to the section heading, “to the joy of the Saints.” And there’s a lot to be joyful about in this revelation. In it the Savior gives His tender promise to plead for us before the Father (see verses 3–5). He tells of His everlasting covenant spreading throughout the world, like “a messenger … to prepare the way before [Him]” (verse 9). And He prophesies of His glorious Second Coming. The Savior does all of this while also acknowledging that these are troubling times (see verse 34), in part because of the perils that are to take place before His coming. But that peril, that darkness is not strong enough to extinguish the light of hope. “For verily I say unto you,” the Lord declared, “that I am … a light that shineth in darkness” (verse 7). That alone is reason to receive this revelation—with whatever counsel and warnings and truth He wants to give—with joy.
When we feel inadequate or unworthy before God, we can find reassurance from the Savior’s words in Doctrine and Covenants 45:1–5. As you search these verses, consider questions like these:
What words or phrases in these verses feel especially meaningful to you?
An advocate is someone who publicly supports or recommends a person or cause. According to these verses, how does Jesus Christ do this for you? What qualifies Him to do it?
What impresses you about the Savior’s words to the Father? (verses 4–5).
You could also study what Elder Dale G. Renlund taught about Jesus Christ, our Advocate, in “Choose You This Day” (Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 104–5). According to Elder Renlund, how does the Savior’s purpose compare with Lucifer’s?
The following passages may add to your understanding of the Savior’s role as Advocate. As you study them, consider writing down phrases or truths you could share with others: 2 Nephi 2:8–9; Mosiah 15:7–9; Moroni 7:27–28; Doctrine and Covenants 29:5; 62:1. Why are these phrases meaningful to you?
Anciently, a standard was a banner carried into battle used to rally and unify troops. A standard is also an example or rule that other things can be measured against. As you read Doctrine and Covenants 45:9–10, ponder how your covenants with the Lord have been a standard for you.
The Second Coming of the Lord has been described as both “great” and “dreadful” (Malachi 4:5). In Doctrine and Covenants 45, both descriptions seem to fit. This revelation includes both sober warnings and hopeful promises about the Lord’s coming. As you study verses 11–75, ponder how you can prepare for the Second Coming with faith in Christ rather than fear. Record what you find in a table like this one:
Prophecy or promise
What I can do
Prophecy or promise
A light (the gospel) shall come to those who sit in darkness (verse 28)
In the video “Men’s Hearts Shall Fail Them” (Gospel Library), what counsel did President Russell M. Nelson give to help us face fearful situations with peace?
What do you learn in Doctrine and Covenants 45:31–32, 56–57 about preparing for the Lord’s coming? What are your “holy places”? What does it mean to “not be moved”? How can you make where you are more holy?
Note that the Lord referred to the parable of the ten virgins, comparing the oil in the parable to truth and the Holy Spirit. Consider reading the parable in Matthew 25:1–13 with that in mind. What insights do you gain?
See also David A. Bednar, “If Ye Had Known Me,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 102–5.
The Saints in Joseph Smith’s time were eager to build Zion, the New Jerusalem (see Ether 13:2–9; Moses 7:18, 62–64). What do you learn about Zion—both the ancient city of Enoch’s day and the latter-day city—from Doctrine and Covenants 45:11–15, 66–71? Today the command to establish Zion refers to establishing God’s kingdom wherever we live. What can you do to help build Zion wherever you live?
You might want to help your children understand that an advocate is someone who supports another person. Then you could talk about examples of being an advocate that they may be familiar with (like standing up for a friend). As you read Doctrine and Covenants 45:3–5 together, help your children discover who our Advocate is and how He helps us.
It might be fun to place pictures of a home, a Church building, and a temple around the room. Then you could give your children clues describing these places and invite them to stand near the picture you are describing. Ask them to stand still while you read the first line from Doctrine and Covenants 45:32. What are some holy places God gives us? Help your children understand that to “stand in holy places, and … not be moved” means to choose the right at all times, no matter what is happening. How can we make our home a more holy place?
The gospel of Jesus Christ is a standard to the world.
You might explain to your children that anciently, a standard was a banner or flag carried into battle. It helped soldiers know where to gather and what to do. Read together Doctrine and Covenants 45:9, and discuss ways the gospel is like a standard. Your children may enjoy making their own standard or flag, including images or words that express their feelings about the Savior.
The destruction that will happen before the Second Coming may make children afraid. Pointing them to Jesus Christ can help them look forward with faith! Consider inviting them to think about how they feel when someone special is coming to visit, like a grandparent or friend. How do they prepare for the visit? Then you could show a picture of the Savior and read Doctrine and Covenants 45:44–45. Share with each other how you feel about the Savior’s coming.
To help your children feel excited about the Savior’s Second Coming, you could write on slips of paper some of the hopeful promises from section 45 (see, for example, verses 44–45, 51–52, 55, 58–59, 66–71). Give your children the papers and ask them to raise their hand when the promise they are holding is mentioned as you read the verses. Discuss what these promises mean. You could also sing with your children a song about the Savior’s Second Coming, such as “When He Comes Again” (Children’s Songbook, 82–83).
Help children recognize the Spirit. As you teach your children, tell them when you feel the Holy Ghost. Talk about how you recognize His influence. For example, you might feel peaceful or joyful while singing a song about the Savior.
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
