Dedication and Acceptance of the Kirtland Temple

Lesson 43

Sections 109–10

Theme

The Kirtland Temple, dedicated 27 March 1836 by Joseph Smith, was constructed for the specific purpose of providing a place to restore the various keys of the priesthood.

Theme Analysis

1. The Kirtland Temple shows the love the Saints had for their God.

   1. The temple was built despite great tribulation.

   2. The Saints were in a state of poverty, but they were still willing to give what substance they had to build the temple.

2. The dedication of the Kirtland Temple would bring an endowment of power.

   1. The Saints would begin to be delivered from their enemies.

   2. The children of Judah would return and Jerusalem would be redeemed.

   3. The Lamanites would begin to receive the gospel and enjoy their rightful place in Israel.

   4. The gathering of scattered Israel from the ends of the earth would now commence.

   5. These keys would make it possible for Israel to be prepared to meet her King when he comes in glory.

3. Joseph Smith prayed that the temple would be acceptable to God.

   1. The Savior came in great glory.

   2. The promise of the Savior that he would appear to his people in his house was fulfilled.

4. The priesthood keys were restored.

   1. Moses restored the keys for the gathering of Israel.

   2. Elias restored the keys of the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham.

   3. Elijah restored the keys of the sealing power.

Study Sources

Student Manual

Sections 109–10; Enrichment O, “Salvation for the Dead”

Use material from Historical Background and Notes and Commentary to teach each revelation in its historical context.

Standard Works

• D&C 109–10. Keeping in mind the theme of this lesson, read and ponder these sections.

• Abraham 2:9–11. What are the blessings promised to Abraham and to his descendants?

• Matthew 17:1–4. Did Moses and Elijah restore keys in any dispensation prior to Joseph Smith?

• Isaiah 5:26. When would Israel begin to be gathered in the last days?

• Ephesians 1:10. When would the restoration of all things be?

Basic Library

• DS, 2:116–19. What has been Elijah’s mission among Israel?

• DS, 3:257–58. When did Moses receive the keys for the gathering of Israel?

• Teachings, pp. 84–85. Did Moses know of the scattering and gathering of Israel?

• A of F, p. 338. Why did Moses restore the keys for the gathering of Israel?

• DS, 2:126–27. What effect has the coming of Elijah had upon the inhabitants of the earth?

Additional Sources

• Bruce R. McConkie, “This Final Glorious Gospel Dispensation,” Ensign, Apr. 1980, pp. 21–25. What keys of the priesthood have been restored in this the last dispensation?

• Spencer W. Kimball, “‛It Becometh Every Man,’” Ensign, Oct. 1977, pp. 3–7. What responsibility rests upon priesthood holders to help gather scattered Israel?

• Thomas S. Monson, “Status Report on Missionary Work,” Ensign, Oct. 1977, pp. 8–14. How well are we doing in gathering scattered Israel?

Some Suggestions for Presentation

(Ideas Other Teachers Have Used)

The Use of Hymns (Music)

An appropriate hymn for this lesson would be “The Spirit of God Like a Fire Is Burning.” In advance, ask members of the class to be prepared to play the piano and lead the music. Prior to the devotional it could be pointed out that this hymn is used at the dedication of all temples.

Restoration of Priesthood Keys (Scripture Analysis, Chalkboard Illustration)

You may wish to point out that in the restoration of all things there have been many prophets who came to Joseph Smith to reveal the keys of the priesthood they held (see D&C 128:20–21). This lesson centers around three of those prophets and the importance of the keys which they restored to the Prophet Joseph Smith. A discussion could be centered around Doctrine and Covenants 110:11–16. Who were the prophets? What keys did they bring? Why is the restoration of these keys so important? Begin by discussing the following statement made by Joseph Smith:

“The spirit of Elias is first, Elijah second, and Messiah last. Elias is a forerunner to prepare the way and the spirit and power of Elijah is to come after holding the keys of power, building the temple to the capstone, placing the seals of the Melchizedek Priesthood upon the house of Israel, and making all things ready; then Messiah comes to His Temple, which is last of all.

“Messiah is above the spirit and power of Elijah, for He made the world, and was that spiritual rock unto Moses in the wilderness. Elijah was to come and prepare the way and build up the kingdom before the coming of the great day of the Lord, although the spirit of Elias might begin it.” (Teachings, p. 340.)

The following summary may be used to clarify the Prophet Joseph Smith’s statement:

1. The spirit and power of Elias reaches out and brings man into the patriarchal family. This is the spirit by which scattered Israel is gathered throughout the earth (missionary work).

2. The spirit and power of Elijah binds and seals people eternally. As members of the Church we are able to receive all ordinances necessary for exaltation in the presence of God. With the spirit of Elijah we have power to organize the patriarchal order and then seal it so that it is everlasting.

3. Finally, the Savior comes to reign over a righteous Israel which has been gathered and sealed into the patriarchal order.