D & C 29 Christ Will Gather and Protect His People

Section 29 - Historical Background:  After Joseph and Emma arrived in Fayette from Harmony, the saints were anxious for the upcoming second conference of the church. Many of the new members had questions. Six elders were in the presence of Joseph when he received this new magnificent revelation. This was not a revelation of simple concepts like received in previous revelations, but was instead a complex, layer upon layer, doctrinal and apocalyptic revelation.

Recap: It is through Christ’s mercy that our sins are atoned. The elect - or foreordained - of Christ will be gathered in America for safety. There will be a day of tribulation and desolation prior to Christ’s second coming. Many great signs in heaven and earth will precede His coming. Terrible plagues will pour down on the gentiles to humble them unto repentance, otherwise they will be burned by fire. At the end of the millennium, after the resurrection of all the dead, wickedness will return again and the earth will be consumed and become a new, paradisical earth.

These doctrines are given in response to questions in the minds of the six elders present.

All of God’s commands are spiritual. Satan rebelled against God by attempting to destroy our agency and was therefore cast down, spending his days tempting God’s children to prevent them from returning to God. They who resist temptation and believe in Christ will be raised in immortality unto eternal life.