The battle over your soul is more important than any other worldly battle in history. (D&C 27-28)

27:2

Why is remembering the past such a power influence on our present lives? I don’t know but consider remembering how:

• Your parents have sacrificed for you.

• Americans died in past wars defending this country.

• You felt on your wedding day.

In these cases, by remembering what had happened in the past, it affects us in the present. For example, in the above cases, we may:

• Reach out to our parents and express appreciation.

• Honor veterans in some small way when we meet them.

• Feel closer to our spouse with a renewed affection.

It’s interesting isn’t it how remembering the past can affect our behavior and thinking in the present moment. Jesus explained this in explaining the purpose of the sacrament. “For, behold, I say unto you, that it mattereth not what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink when ye partake of the sacrament, if it so be that ye do it with an eye single to my glory—remembering unto the Father my body which was laid down for you, and my blood which was shed for the remission of your sins.” If we can regularly remember the sacrifice Christ made and the purpose of Christ’s atonement and how it blesses us, we may approach every week with a renewed determination to be a proper disciple.

This is the value of the sacrament. We promise to "always remember Him." Remembering what Christ did for us has a natural, course-preserving effect on us.

27:5-12

I think it’s a little funny that Christ explains how he’s going to have a wine-drinking party with a group of key people throughout history. “Behold, this is wisdom in me; wherefore, marvel not, for the hour cometh that I will drink of the fruit of the vine with you on the earth, and with Moroni…also with Elias…and also with John…and also Elijah…and also with Joseph and Jacob, and Isaac, and Abraham…and also with Michael, or Adam…and also Peter, James, and John.”

How great will that party be?

27:15-18

Doctrine and Covenants 27:15-18 describes the armor of God, drawing from Ephesians 6:11-17 but expanding it with Restoration insights. Each piece of armor represents a key principle of righteousness that helps protect us in spiritual battles. Let’s break it down:

1. Loins Girt About with Truth (D&C 27:16)

2. Symbolism: The loins (hip area) represent strength, preparedness, and the foundation of movement in battle. A soldier in ancient times would gird up his loins by securing his tunic with a belt to prepare for action. You don’t want to fight in a dress.

3. Spiritual Meaning: Truth provides stability and strength in our lives. Without truth, everything else becomes weak. We must be anchored in the truth of the gospel, knowing who we are and who God is. Personal honesty, integrity, and doctrinal knowledge keep us spiritually steady.

2. Breastplate of Righteousness (D&C 27:16)

• Symbolism: The breastplate protects the heart and other vital organs. Without it, a warrior is vulnerable to fatal attacks.

• Spiritual Meaning: Righteousness—obedience to God’s commandments—protects our spiritual heart. If we live righteously, Satan’s attacks (temptations, doubts, and discouragement) have less power over us. We must avoid sin that weakens spiritual defenses.

3. Feet Shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace (D&C 27:16)

• Symbolism: In battle, sturdy shoes gives a soldier the ability to stand firm and move effectively without slipping.

• Spiritual Meaning: The gospel of peace allows us to stand firm in trials and move forward with confidence. Spiritual preparedness helps us navigate life’s challenges without fear. Find peace in Christ—His gospel helps us stand firm, even in difficult times.

4. Shield of Faith (D&C 27:17)

• Symbolism: Shields protect warriors from incoming attacks - arrows or swords. A well-made shield could block even the fiercest hits.

• Spiritual Meaning: Faith in Christ shields us from doubt, fear, and temptation. When Satan sends “fiery darts”—criticisms, trials, discouragement—our faith absorbs and neutralizes them before they can wound us. Trust God even in uncertainty—doubt and fear cannot penetrate deep faith.

5. Helmet of Salvation (D&C 27:18)

• Symbolism: The head is the control center of the body. A helmet protects it from critical, life-ending hits.

• Spiritual Meaning: Salvation through Christ protects our thoughts and identity. If we are focused on eternal life, our thoughts are protected from confusion, fear, and despair. We should remember our divine identity—Satan attacks self-worth; knowing we are children of God protects us. We should fill our mind with truth—good books, uplifting TV and movies, and scripture study keep thoughts centered on Christ. We should remember that salvation is the ultimate goal, and keeping an eternal perspective gives clarity in life’s struggles.

6. Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (D&C 27:18)

• Symbolism: The sword is the only offensive weapon in this armor. It allows a warrior not just to defend but to strike back.

• Spiritual Meaning: The word of God—scripture, revelation, and the Spirit—is our weapon against deception and evil. Jesus used scripture to combat Satan’s temptations (Matthew 4). Memorize and internalize scripture—it will come to mind when needed. We should speak truth with power—use the gospel to stand against falsehoods. We should also follow promptings of the Spirit—personal revelation is the sharpest weapon against confusion.

This armor is not just metaphorical—it represents daily choices in living righteously. Every piece works together to protect us from Satan’s attacks. If we neglect one, we become vulnerable. But when we wear the full armor, we stand strong, move forward, and ultimately win the spiritual battle against Satan through Christ.

28:2-3

“But, behold, verily, verily, I say unto thee, no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., for he receiveth them even as Moses.” Oliver needed to hear that there was one person in charge. I’m sure, based on their paired experiences with angels and the gold plates, Oliver probably felt on equal footing with Joseph. He needed to know that there was one prophet on the earth that would have the decision making power in the church.

“And thou shalt be obedient unto the things which I shall give unto him, even as Aaron, to declare faithfully the commandments and the revelations, with power and authority unto the church.” The Lord was comparing Joseph’s and Olivers working relationship to Moses and Aaron. Oliver wasn’t meant to receive revelation for the church. He was meant to only declare what was revealed to Joseph “with power and authority.”

28:4-7, 13

These verses are interesting and illustrate Jesus preventing a possible future problem. Oliver was free to speak about whatever topic as he was guided by the Spirit. “And if thou art led at any time by the Comforter to speak or teach, or at all times by the way of commandment unto the church, thou mayest do it.” The Lord wanted Oliver preaching the good news.

However, he was directed not to write commandments for the church. “But thou shalt not write by way of commandment, but by wisdom.” Only one person was supposed to direct the church and that was Joseph. Oliver could write down all of the wisdom that he wanted - but don’t command anyone. That wasn’t his position and role.

Revelation works this way. We can receive revelation that will benefit ourselves, our families and in our church calling. We may even receive promptings to speak to a stranger. However, I cannot receive revelation for the entire ward. I cannot receive revelation for big decisions that you are making in your life.

“And thou shalt not command him who is at thy head, and at the head of the church; For I have given him the keys of the mysteries, and the revelations which are sealed, until I shall appoint unto them another in his stead.” I certainly should command the bishop or stake president and certainly not the prophet.

If anyone could receive revelation for the church, aside from the prophet, it would not be a house of order. We would revert to simply being a group of people trying to figure things out for ourselves. “For all things must be done in order, and by common consent in the church, by the prayer of faith.”

Makes sense.