Coming directly to the point of
the permanency of the restoration of the Gospel and Priesthood and the
organization of the Church, let us now consult the record.
But let us preface our
compilation of proof with the prophetic testimony of John the Revelator concerning
the last days.
“And I saw another angel fly in
the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that
dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.
Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him: for the hour of his
judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and
the fountains of waters.”—(Rev. 14:6, 7)
When it came time for the revelations,
given to the Prophet Joseph, to be published, the Lord gave a special revelation
on this matter. This divine counsel came to the prophet on November 1, 1831. In
this revelation we find that all that the Lord said points unmistakably to the
permanency of the restored Church organization and its mission. (Jeremiah
Stokes, Modern Miracles [2d ed.; Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1945], 152-53)
The author then quotes texts such as D&C 90:1, 2, 4; 65:2;
and Dan 2:34, 35, 44. This indicates that this author believed Rev
14:6-7 had a wider application than the coming forth of the Book of Mormon,
such as the indefectibility of the Church in this dispensation.
Further Reading:
Defending
the Latter-day Saint Interpretation of Revelation 14:6-7
