Joseph Smith’s Bombshell Doctrine of Christ Sermon
In Summer of 1839, Joseph Smith taught the doctrine of Christ with power, clarity and by the Spirit. This masterpiece sermon was arguably the most comprehensive overview of any discourse on the subject in the last 200 years. One should be familiar with Joseph’s Smith’s revelatory teachings as they seek to understand the promises made in the scriptures.
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The Two Comforters
There are 2 Comforters: the first comforter and the second comforter.
- 1st Comforter:
- The Holy Ghost (received when you enter into “the gate”)
- 2nd Comforter:
- Jesus Christ
LDS Church Redefined “Second Comforter” in 2013
In John 14, in the chapter heading it says “second comforter” in reference to verses 16 & 26.
John 14:16,26 (KJV)
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another aComforter, that he may abide with you for ever;…
26 But the aComforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
In the King James Bible, John 14:16’s footnote was changed by the LDS church sometime around 2013.
What is the “Other Comforter“
In the D&C, the Lord revealed and taught Joseph Smith the doctrine that the other comforter is the promise of eternal life:
D&C 88:3-4 (December 27-28, 1832)
3 Wherefore, I now send upon you another Comforter, even upon you my friends, that it may abide in your hearts, even the Holy Spirit of promise; which other Comforter is the same that I promised unto my disciples, as is recorded in the testimony of John.4 This Comforter is the promise which I give unto you of eternal life, even the glory of the celestial kingdom;
In a discourse sometime between June 26-July 2, 1839 (reported by Willard Richards), Joseph Smith taught the doctrine that the second comforter is “no more or no less than the Lord Jesus Christ himself.”
Joseph Smith (December 27-28, 1832)
“…the other Comforter which the Lord hath promised the saints as is recorded in the testimony of St John in the XIV ch from the 12th to the 27 verses Note the 16.17.18.21.23. verses (16. vs)… Now what is this other Comforter? It is no more or less than the Lord Jesus Christ himself” (Discourse, between circa 26 June and circa 2 July 1839, as Reported by Willard Richards)The Doctrine of Christ Taught by Joseph Smith
In Joseph Smith’s 1839 sermon, we’ll take a look at all the places where he offers explanations to the steps withing the doctrine of Christ. Joseph Smith teaches the doctrine clearly and plainly, offering some valuable insights and wisdom.
Faith
In this sermon, Joseph Smith taught that faith links to “hearing the word of God”. The spirit of prophecy and revelation also attends the testimony of the Word of God.
Joseph Smith (December 27-28, 1832)
“Faith comes by hearing the word of God through the testimony of the servants of God, that Testimony is always attended by the Spirit of prophecy & Revelation.” (Discourse, between circa 26 June and circa 2 July 1839, as Reported by Willard Richards)D&C 46:7-8,13-14 (March 8, 1831)
7 But ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally; and that which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me, considering the end of your salvation, doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving, that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men; for some are of men, and others of devils.8 Wherefore, beware lest ye are deceived; and that ye may not be deceived seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given;
13 To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.
14 To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.
Repentance
Here’s what Joseph Smith taught regarding repentance and it’s role in the doctrine of Christ:
Joseph Smith (December 27-28, 1832)
“Repentance is a thing that cannot be trifled with every day. Daily transgression & daily repentance is not that which is pleasing in the sight of God.” (Discourse, between circa 26 June and circa 2 July 1839, as Reported by Willard Richards)Compare that to what Christ taught in the New Testament:
Luke 3:8-14 (KJV)
8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.9 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
10 And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?
11 He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise.
12 Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?
13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.
Baptism
Joseph Smith taught that baptism of the Holy Ghost comes through the principle of righteousness.
Joseph Smith (December 27-28, 1832)
“Baptism is a holy ordinance preparatory to the reception of the Holy Ghost. It is the channel & Key by which the Holy Ghost will be administer[e]d. The gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands cannot be received through the medium of any other principle, than the principle of Righteousness, for if the proposals are not complied with, it is of no use but withdraws.” (Discourse, between circa 26 June and circa 2 July 1839, as Reported by Willard Richards)D&C 121:34-36 (March 20, 1839)
34 Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?35 Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—
36 That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
Tongues
Have you ever wondered about the doctrine of the gift of tongues? If you’ve ever been to the LDS Missionary Training Center, you’re well aware of the faith-promoting rumor that “learning another language quickly” is what the gift of tongues is. Nothing could be farther from the truth.
Joseph Smith taught about the gift of tongues and what it means.
Joseph Smith (December 27-28, 1832)
“Tongues were given for the purpose of preaching among those whose language is not understood as on the day of Pentecost &c, & it is not necessary for tongues to be taught to the church particularly, for any man that has the Holy Ghost, can speak of the things of God in his own tongue, as well as to speak in another, for faith comes not by signs but by hearing the word of God” (Discourse, between circa 26 June and circa 2 July 1839, as Reported by Willard Richards)Compare Joseph Smith’s quote about the gift of tongues to what Paul wrote about extensively In 1 Corinthians:
1 Corinthians 14:1-9 (KJV)
1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.2 For he that speaketh in and unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.
5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?
8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?
9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air.
Resurrection & Eternal Judgement
Joseph Smith taught that we should be sure to include the doctrines of resurrection of the dead and the eternal judgement when we teach the doctrine of Christ.
Joseph Smith (December 27-28, 1832)
“The doctrine of the Resurrection of the Dead & Eternal Judgment are necessary to preach among the first principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.” (Discourse, between circa 26 June and circa 2 July 1839, as Reported by Willard Richards)Election
Joseph Smith teaches later on that saints should seek to make their calling and election sure. This means that God “seals up” individuals “unto the day of redemption” by the sealing power and gives the second comforter.
Joseph Smith (December 27-28, 1832)
“St Paul exhorts us to make our calling & Election sure, This is that sealing power spoken of by Paul in other places (See Eph 1:13-14. In whom ye also trusted, that after ye heard the word of truth; the gospel of your salvation, in whom also after that ye believed. Ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise. Which is the earnest of our inheritance, until the redemption of the purchased possession unto the praise of his glory.) That we may be sealed up unto the day of redemption, this principle ought, (in its proper place) to be taught, for God hath not revealed any thing to Joseph, but what he will make known unto the Twelve & even the least Saint may know all things as fast as he is able to bear them. For the day must come when no man need say to his neighbor know ye the Lord for all shall know him (who Remain) from the least to the greatest, How is this to be done? It is to be done by this sealing power & the other comforter spoken of which will be manifest by Revelation.” (ibid)The First Comforter
When Joseph Smith teaches the part about receiving the Holy Ghost after faith, repentance and baptism, he states that it has the effect of “pure intelligence.”
Joseph Smith (December 27-28, 1832)
“There is two Comforters spoken of [one] is the Holy Ghost the same as given on the day of Pentecost and that all saints receive often after faith, Repentance & Baptism. This first comforter or Holy Ghost has no other effect than pure intelligence,” (ibid)Compare what Joseph Smith taught to what was taught in the New Testament and in modern revelation in 1831.
John 14:26 (KJV)
26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.D&C 39:6 (January 5, 1831)
6 And this is my gospel—repentance and baptism by water, and then cometh the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which showeth all things, and teacheth the peaceable things of the kingdom.The First Comforter: “Seed of Abraham”
Joseph Smith (December 27-28, 1832)
“It is more powerful in expanding the mind enlightening the Understanding & storeing the intellect with present Knowledge of a man who is of the literal seed of Abraham that one that is a gentile though it may not have half as much visible effect upon the body for as the Holy ghost falls upon one of the Literal Seed of Abraham it is calm & serene & his whole soul & body are only exercised by the pure spirit of Inteligence” (Discourse, between circa 26 June and circa 2 July 1839, as Reported by Willard Richards)The First Comforter: “Gentile”
Joseph Smith (December 27-28, 1832)
“while the effect [of the Holy Ghost] upon a gentile is to purge out the old blood & make him actually of the seed of Abraham. That man that has none of the blood of Abraham (naturally) must have a new creation by the Holy Ghost, in such a case there may be more of a powerful effect upon the body & visible to the eye than upon an Israelite, while the Israelite at first might be far before the Gentile in pure Intelligence” (ibid)3 Nephi 15:23 (Book of Mormon)
23 And they understood me not that I said they shall hear my voice; and they understood me not that the Gentiles should not at any time hear my voice—that I should not manifest myself unto them save it were by the Holy Ghost.2 Nephi 31:14 (Book of Mormon)
14 But, behold, my beloved brethren, thus came the voice of the Son unto me, saying: After ye have repented of your sins, and witnessed unto the Father that ye are willing to keep my commandments, by the baptism of water, and have received the baptism of fire and of the Holy Ghost, and can speak with a new tongue, yea, even with the tongue of angels, and after this should deny me, it would have been better for you that ye had not known me.The Other Comforter
Joseph Smith teaches about the “other comforter” as a topic of importance that few seem to understand.
Joseph Smith (December 27-28, 1832)
“The other Comforter spoken of is a subject of great interest & perhaps understood by few of this generation, After a person hath faith in Christ, repents of his sins, & is Baptized for the remission of his sins & receives the Holy Ghost (by the laying on of hands) which is the first Comforter. then let him continue to humble himself before God, hungering & thirsting after Righteousness. & living by every word of God & the Lord will soon say unto him Son thou shalt be exalted, &c When the Lord has thorougly proved him & finds that the man is determined to serve him at all hazard. then the man will find his calling & Election made sure then it will be his privilige to receive the other Comforter which the Lord hath promised the saints as is recorded in the testimony of St John in the XIV ch from the 12th to the 27 verses Note the 16.17.18.21.23. verses. (16. vs) & I will pray the father & he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; Even the Spirit of Truth; whom the world cannot receive because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you & shall be with <in> you, I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you He that hath my commandments & keepeth them, he it is that loveth me, & he that loveth me shall be loved of my father. & I will love him & will manifest myself to him If a man love me he will keep my words, & my Father will love him, & we will come unto him, & make our abode with him.” (Discourse, between circa 26 June and circa 2 July 1839, as Reported by Willard Richards)What is the Other Comforter?
Then Joseph Smith teaches us the answer to the question: “What is the other comforter?”
Joseph Smith (December 27-28, 1832)
“Now what is this other Comforter? It is no more or less than the Lord Jesus Christ himself & this is the sum & substance of the whole matter, that when any man obtains this last Comforter he will have the personage of Jesus Christ to attend him or appear unto him from time to time. & even he will manifest the Father unto him & they will take up their abode with him, & the visions of the heavens will be opened unto him & the Lord will teach him face to face & he may have a perfect knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of God. & this is the state & place the Ancient Saints arrived at when they had such glorious vision Isaiah, Ezekiel, John upon the Isle of patmos, St Paul in the third heavens, & all the saints who held communion with the general Assembly & church of the First Born &c.” (ibid)The Spirit of Revelation
Joseph Smith shares some teachings about the spirit of revelation and how to “grow into the principle of revelation”
Joseph Smith (December 27-28, 1832)
“The Spirit of Revelation is in connection with these blessings. A person may profit by noticing the first intimation of the Spirit of Revelation for instance when you feel pure Intelligence flowing unto you it may give you sudden strokes of ideas that by noticing it you may find it fulfilled the same day or soon. (I,E,) those things that were presented unto your minds by the Spirit of God will come to pass and thus by learning the Spirit of God. & understanding it you may grow into the principle of Revelation. until you become perfect in Christ Jesus.” (ibid)An Evangelist
Joseph Smith (December 27-28, 1832)
“An Evangelist Is a patriarch even the oldest man of the Blood of Joseph or of the seed of Abraham, whereever the Church of Christ is established in the earth, there should be a patriarch for the benefit of the posterity of the Saints as it was with Jacob. in giving his patriarchal blessing unto his Sons &c.” (ibid)4 Examples of “Entering into the Rest of the Lord”
Enoch
- “went up on the mount, beheld the heavens open, clothed upon with glory” (Moses 7:3)
- “face to face with the Lord…shown the world for the space of many generations” (Moses 7:4)
- “mountains shall flee before you, and the rivers shall turn from their course, and thou shalt abide in me, and I in you.” (Moses 6:34)
Moses
- “caught up into an exceedingly high mountain” (Moses 1:1)
- “saw God face to face, the glory of God was upon Moses” (Moses 1:2)
- “beheld the world and the ends thereof” (Moses 1:8)
- “satan came tempting him” (Moses 1:12)
- “beheld God’s glory again” (Moses 1:25)
- “many waters shall obey thy command as if thou wert God” (Moses 1:25)
Nephi
- “caught away by the spirit of the Lord, yea, into an exceedingly high mountain” (1 Nephi 11:1)
- “he spake unto me as a man speaketh with another” (1 Nephi 11:11)
- “I behold many nations and kingdoms” (1 Nephi 13:2)
- “we truly can command in the name of Jesus and the very trees obey us, or the mountains, or the waves of the sea.” (Jacob 4:6)
Jesus Christ
- “Led by the spirit into the wilderness–fasts 40 days” (Luke 4:1-2)
- “the Spirit taketh Him up into a High Mountain, and He beheld all the kingdoms” (Luke 4:5)
- “the devil temples Him” (Luke 4:6)
- “the Spirit brought Him to Jerusalem, on the pinnacle of the temple” (Luke 4:9)
- “Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee” (Luke 4:14)
