On April 3, 1836, a week after the dedication of the
Kirtland Temple, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were visited by Moses,
Abraham, and Elijah. Each of these ancient prophets laid their hands on the
heads of these two men and gave them specific power and authority (priesthood
keys) to act in the sacred office these ancient prophets held when they
ministered on the earth. Moses restored “the keys of the gathering of Israel”
and “the leading of the ten tribes from the land of the north” (D&C 110:11).
Abraham (or a messenger from the dispensation of Abraham) restored the special
promise made to him and his posterity. (Joseph Fielding McConkie, “The Doctrine
of Names in the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ,” in Perspectives on
Latter-day Saint Names and Naming: Names, Identity, and Belief, ed. Dallin
D. Oaks, Paul Baltes, and Kent Minson [London: Routledge, 2023], 214)
Joseph Smith’s account of this event states that “Elias
appeared, and committed the dispensation of the gospel of Abraham” (D&C
110:12). The name Elias is used in a number of revelations received by
Joseph Smith as a name title rather than a proper name. The best of Mormon scholars
have assumed that in this text it must be used in this way, having reference either
to Abraham or Melchizedek. In my judgment, it refers to Abraham. (Ibid., 215-16
n. 22)
Further Reading:
“Elias”
as a “forerunner” in LDS Scripture
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