Understanding the Scriptures

Doctrine and Covenants 101Heading—Where Were the Saints in December 1833?

Doctrine and Covenants 101:21–22—Stakes of Zion

The Lord’s kingdom on earth has sometimes been compared to a tent supported by its stakes (for examples, Isaiah 54:2;Moroni 10:31). The Church, like a tent, provides safety and refuge and is held firmly in place by its stakes (D&C 45:66–67;82:14)—groups of Saints gathered to teach and support one another. It spreads out and covers the earth.

InDoctrine and Covenants 101, the Lord indicated that all of the members of the Church would not be gathered to Jackson County, Missouri, because there would not be enough room. Instead, members were to gather into stakes of Zion. These stakes are also “holy places” where Church members receive the same blessings as those living in the center place of Zion ( alsoD&C 115:5–6).

Doctrine and Covenants 101:30—“The Age of a Tree”

President Joseph Fielding Smith taught that during the Millennium “there will be no death until men are old. Children will not die but will live to the age of a tree. Isaiah says this is 100 years [Isaiah 65:20–22]” (Doctrines of Salvation,1:86–87).

Doctrine and Covenants 101:39–40—Salt Losing Its Savor

Elder Carlos E. Asay, who was a member of the Presidency of the Seventy, told priesthood holders:

“A world-renowned chemist told me that salt will not lose its savor with age. Savor is lost through mixture and contamination. Similarly, priesthood power does not dissipate with age; it, too, is lost through mixture and contamination.

“When a young man or older man mixes his thoughts with pornographic literature, he suffers a loss of savor.

“When a priesthood bearer mixes his speech with lies or profanity, he suffers a loss of savor.

“When one of us follows the crowd and becomes involved in immoral acts and the use of drugs, tobacco, alcohol, and other injurious substances, he loses savor” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1980, 60; orEnsign,May 1980, 42).

Doctrine and Covenants 101:81–90—The Parable of the Woman and the Unjust Judge

After receivingDoctrine and Covenants 101, Church leaders pleaded for help from local judges. Unfortunately, many of them were mobbers who had driven the Saints from their homes in the first place. They next went before Governor Dunklin of Missouri and asked him to make things right. He suggested they document the wrongs they believed had occurred. They did this and returned to the governor. He then did little to help them. Five years later the Saints were driven out of the state of Missouri and appealed to the President of the United States, Martin Van Buren. The Prophet Joseph Smith himself pleaded their case to him. The Prophet recorded: “During my stay I had an interview with Martin Van Buren, the President, who treated me very insolently, and it was with great reluctance he listened to our message, which, when he had heard, he said:‘Gentleman, your cause is just, but I can do nothing for you;’and‘If I take up for you I shall lose the vote of Missouri’” (History of the Church,4:80).

Studying the Scriptures

Do four of the following activities (A–G) as you studyDoctrine and Covenants 101.