The Key of Knowledge: The Fullness of the Scriptures

About a year before his martyrdom, Joseph Smith taught that “knowledge is necessary to life and Godliness,” “knowledge is revelation,” and “knowledge is the power of God unto Salvation.”[1] Knowledge is of great importance to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and it is understood that “if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come” (Doctrine and Covenants 130:19). If knowledge is so vital to our eternal existence, then a quest to understand more about how to acquire knowledge is a worthy endeavor.

In Luke 11:52, Christ offers a stern rebuke: “Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.” The focus of this post will be on the phrase “the key of knowledge.” Since a key is used to unlock something, the key of knowledge should be able to be used to unlock “great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures” (Doctrine and Covenants 89:19). The purpose of this post is to provide insight into what the key of knowledge is, why it is so important, and how it can be used.

What is the key of knowledge?

The Joseph Smith Translation of Luke 11:52 sheds light on what the key of knowledge is: “Ye have taken away the key of knowledge, the fullness of the scriptures” (JST, Luke 11:53). The summary of this verse in the Joseph Smith Translation Appendix of the 2013 Edition of the Standard Works states simply that “the fulness of the scriptures is the key of knowledge.”[2] If the fulness of the scriptures is the key of knowledge, then it could also logically be stated that the key of knowledge is the fulness of the scriptures.

Luke 11:52 seems to be related to what the Book of Mormon states concerning the plain and precious things being taken away from the scriptures: "Wherefore, thou seest that after the book hath gone forth through the hands of the great and abominable church, that there are many plain and precious things taken away from the book, which is the book of the Lamb of God. And after these plain and precious things were taken away it goeth forth unto all the nations of the Gentiles; and after it goeth forth unto all the nations of the Gentiles, yea, even across the many waters which thou hast seen with the Gentiles which have gone forth out of captivity, thou seest—because of the many plain and precious things which have been taken out of the book, which were plain unto the understanding of the children of men, according to the plainness which is in the Lamb of God—because of these things which are taken away out of the gospel of the Lamb, an exceedingly great many do stumble, yea, insomuch that Satan hath great power over them." (1 Nephi 13:28–29)

These verses are directly referring to truths taken out of the Bible. Interestingly, the imagery of “an exceedingly great many do stumble” parallels neatly with the phrase, “those who were entering in, ye hindered” (1 Nephi 13:29, Luke 11:52). Joseph Smith taught, “I believe the bible as it read when it came from the pen of the original writers; ignorant translators, careless transcribers, or designing and corrupt priests have committed many errors.”[3]

If it is accepted that the key of knowledge is the fulness of the scriptures, then one of the next questions that arises is: What is the fulness of the scriptures? Although this exact phrase is used only in JST, Luke 11:53, there is a similar phrase, “fulness of my scriptures,” which the Lord uses in Doctrine and Covenants 104:58. Verses 58–60 read:

"And for this purpose I have commanded you to organize yourselves, even to print my words, the fulness of my scriptures, the revelations which I have given unto you, and which I shall, hereafter, from time to time give unto you—For the purpose of building up my church and kingdom on the earth, and to prepare my people for the time when I shall dwell with them, which is nigh at hand. And ye shall prepare for yourselves a place for a treasury, and consecrate it unto my name."

Assuming that the phrase “the fulness of my scriptures” from Doctrine and Covenants 104:58 is equivalent to the phrase “the fullness of the scriptures” from JST, Luke 11:53, these verses provide many additional insights into what is meant by the key of knowledge and the fulness of the scriptures. “The fulness of my scriptures” is described as “my words” (which would be printed) and “the revelations which I have given unto you, and which I shall, hereafter, from time to time give unto you.”[4] In his book, The Smallest Part, Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles similarly described the fulness of the scriptures as “the divine disclosures God has given to us.”[5]

When comparing Doctrine and Covenants 104:59–60 to the original manuscripts, it may be surprising to find uncanonized text between these two verses that gives additional context to this scriptural passage:

"Therefore, a commandment I give unto you, that ye shall take the books of Mormon and also the copy-right, and also the copy-right which shall be secured of the Articles and covenants, in which covenants all my commandments which it is my will should be printed, shall be printed, as it shall be made known unto you; and also the copy-right of the New translation of the scriptures; and this I say that others may not take the blessings away from you which I have conferred upon you."[6]

From this passage, it seems that the Lord is describing what the fulness of the scriptures would tangibly consist of. He mentions the Book of Mormon, Articles and Covenants (which would later become the Doctrine and Covenants), and Joseph Smith’s translation of the Bible (which would also lead to the Pearl of Great Price).[7] From this uncanonized verse, it seems probable to conclude that the fulness of the scriptures consists of the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith’s translation of the Holy Bible, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.[8] Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord restored the key of knowledge and brought forth these additional volumes of scripture.[9]

The Latter-day Saint canon—consisting of the Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price—is often referred to as the Standard Works. Since the Standard Works represents official Latter-day Saint scripture, it seems appropriate to suggest that the Standard Works is a tangible description of what is understood by the phrase “fulness of the scriptures.” For the purposes of this post, it will be assumed that the Standard Works include the inspired changes that Joseph Smith made to the Bible through his translation.[10] In conclusion, the phrase “key of knowledge” can be described in many different ways. Descriptions include “fulness of the scriptures,” “fulness of my scriptures,” “my words,” “the revelations which I have given unto you, and which I shall, hereafter, from time to time give unto you,” “divine disclosures God has given to us,” and the Standard Works.[11]

Why is the key of knowledge so important?

The Standard Works are one of the main sources from which doctrine and truth are learned and evaluated. As a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, future Church President, Harold B. Lee, explained:

"It is not to be thought that every word spoken by the General Authorities is inspired, or that they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost in everything they speak and write. Now you keep that in mind. I don't care what his position is, if he writes something or speaks something that goes beyond anything that you can find in the standard works, unless that one be the prophet, seer, and revelator—please note that one exception—you may immediately say, ‘Well, that is his own idea!’ And if he says something that contradicts what is found in the standard works (I think that is why we call them ‘standard’—it is the standard measure of all that men teach), you may know by that same token that it is false; regardless of the position of the man who says it."[12]

The Standard Works unlock knowledge, wisdom, truth, and doctrine for the faithful reader. It is important to understand doctrine because, as Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught, “true doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.”[13] As students of the scriptures acquire more gospel knowledge and doctrinal understanding, they develop a greater capacity to live their lives according to gospel principles and the laws of God.

Joseph Smith’s older brother, Hyrum Smith, seems to be given the commandment to study the fulness of the scriptures when the Lord counseled, "Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men. But now hold your peace; study my word which hath gone forth among the children of men, and also study my word which shall come forth among the children of men, or that which is now translating, yea, until you have obtained all which I shall grant unto the children of men in this generation, and then shall all things be added thereto." (Doctrine and Covenants 11:21–22)

Through studying the scriptures, a person obtains the word of God. Studying all the available scriptures seems to be what the Lord intended when he invited Hyrum to “seek to obtain my word.” Since the combination of the Spirit and the word results in “the power of God unto the convincing of men,” using the key of knowledge, the fulness of the scriptures, through studying and obtaining the word can result in the kind of power and authority that Nephi[14]—from the book of Third Nephi—had received from God: “Nephi did minister with power and with great authority. And it came to pass that they were angry with him, even because he had greater power than they, for it were not possible that they could disbelieve his words” (3 Nephi 7:17–18). The invitations to seek the Spirit and study the word of the Lord in order to obtain the power of God unto the convincing of men is extended “unto all who have good desires, and have thrust in their sickle to reap” (Doctrine and Covenants 11:27).

In Doctrine and Covenants 42:12–15, the Lord counseled, "And again, the elders, priests and teachers of this church shall teach the principles of my gospel, which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, in the which is the fulness of the gospel. And they shall observe the covenants and church articles to do them, and these shall be their teachings, as they shall be directed by the Spirit. And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach. And all this ye shall observe to do as I have commanded concerning your teaching, until the fulness of my scriptures is given."

It seems likely that the Lord was referring to Joseph Smith’s translation of the Bible, along with additional revelations (which would be included in the Articles and Covenants) concerning the completion of the fulness of the scriptures. These revelations would restore the plain and precious parts that had been taken from the Bible and reveal additional wisdom relevant to individuals living in this last dispensation. Restoration scripture is a powerful tool to be used in teaching because it contains the fulness of the gospel.

The Lord further explains the importance of the fulness of the scriptures in Doctrine and Covenants 42:56–59, "Thou shalt ask, and my scriptures shall be given as I have appointed, and they shall be preserved in safety; And it is expedient that thou shouldst hold thy peace concerning them, and not teach them until ye have received them in full. And I give unto you a commandment that then ye shall teach them unto all men; for they shall be taught unto all nations, kindreds, tongues and people. Thou shalt take the things which thou hast received, which have been given unto thee in my scriptures for a law, to be my law to govern my church."

Not only should the fulness of the scriptures be used for personal benefit, they should also be taught to the people in order to bring them closer to Christ. The truths contained in the scriptures are to be the Lord’s law whereby he governs his church. Thus, when the lawyers had taken away the key of knowledge—the fulness of the scriptures—they had hindered those who were entering into the Lord’s kingdom because they had taken away plain and precious truths and given unto the people a stumbling block.

Latter-day Saints are instructed to “teach one another words of wisdom…out of the best books” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:118, 109:7). The Standard Works—Book of Mormon, Holy Bible, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price—are the “best books” from which we are to seek and teach words of wisdom.[15] The scriptures are a source of knowledge, wisdom, and truth (See JST, Luke 11:53; 2 Timothy 3:15; and Doctrine and Covenants 19:26). When used appropriately, the scriptures can be a powerful tool for teaching and preaching “by the Spirit” (Doctrine and Covenants 50:14), as well as for personal edification and preparation for the Lord’s Second Coming. Members are counseled to “treasure up in [their] minds continually the words of life” found in the scriptures, and “it shall be given [them] in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man [or woman]” (Doctrine and Covenants 84:85).[16]

The key of knowledge is so important because knowledge is so important. “If a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come” (Doctrine and Covenants 130:19). In his book, Increase in Learning, Elder Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explains that we gain knowledge through our diligence and we gain intelligence through our obedience. Knowledge is obtained through diligently feasting upon the words of Christ, “for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do” (2 Nephi 32:3). In the words of Joseph Smith, “knowledge is necessary to life and Godliness” and “is the power of God unto Salvation.”[17] Knowledge is a prerequisite to salvation because “it is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance” (Doctrine and Covenants 131:6).[18]

Doctrine and Covenants 104:59 teaches that the Lord has given us the fulness of his scriptures “for the purpose of building up [his] church and kingdom on the earth, and to prepare [his] people for the time when [he] shall dwell with them, which is nigh at hand.” These are very significant purposes. We need the fulness of the scriptures in order to build up the Lord’s church and kingdom here on the earth. Even if we have entered into the Lord’s kingdom through baptism (see John 3:5), we would be hindered (referring back to JST, Luke 11:53), if we did not have the Standard Works for our use. The scriptures are for our edification and instruction. They can be used to help us build up the Church and prepare a righteous people here on the earth who are prepared to receive the Savior at his Second Coming.

The scriptures contain the word of God, and they can help others develop faith in Jesus Christ and develop a relationship with God. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,” so it is important to preach from the scriptures in order to kindle faith in others (Romans 10:17). Alma learned that “the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God” (Alma 31:5). There is great power in the word of God. God desires that we perform the small and simple act of daily scripture study so that he can bless us with greater power.

Paul the Apostle taught that the scriptures have multiple purposes:

"But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:14–17)

The scriptures can give us wisdom, doctrine, and faith in Jesus Christ that leads to salvation. They can also be used to reprove, correct, and instruct. The key of knowledge truly serves a variety of different purposes, and it was of the utmost importance for it to be restored through Joseph Smith.

How can the key of knowledge be used?

The key of knowledge—the fulness of the scriptures—can be used in a variety of ways to unlock treasures of knowledge. One of the main ways in which a person can obtain hidden treasures of knowledge is through using scriptures to unlock other scriptures. The scriptures are filled with intertextuality, in that many verses shed light on other verses. In Doctrine and Covenants 19, the Lord provides an exegesis that can be helpful for understanding the potential value of using intertextuality to understood the deeper meaning of certain scriptures through a process of scriptural substitution. The Lord explains the following:

"Nevertheless, it is not written that there shall be no end to this torment, but it is written endless torment. Again, it is written eternal damnation; wherefore it is more express than other scriptures, that it might work upon the hearts of the children of men, altogether for my name’s glory. Wherefore, I will explain unto you this mystery, for it is meet unto you to know even as mine apostles. I speak unto you that are chosen in this thing, even as one, that you may enter into my rest. For, behold, the mystery of godliness, how great is it! For, behold, I am endless, and the punishment which is given from my hand is endless punishment, for Endless is my name. Wherefore—Eternal punishment is God’s punishment. Endless punishment is God’s punishment." (Doctrine and Covenants 19:6–12)

It could be argued that one of the reasons the Lord explains this mystery is to present a pattern of using the “key of knowledge, the fullness of the scriptures,” to explain other verses on a deeper level (JST, Luke 11:53). Following this pattern, students could apply a four-step process in order to gain greater gospel knowledge and understanding of certain passages in the scriptures:

1. Select a verse they would like to understand on a deeper level.

2. Choose words or phrases in the verse they would like to understand better.

3. Search for those words or phrases in other verses of the standard works.

4. Replace the words or phrases in the original verse with newly discovered insights from other verses.

Whether this pattern is implemented, or a different one, the principle of intertextuality is still valuable. The language of the scriptures is best understood through a knowledge of many different verses, so that a person can approach the fulness of the scriptures in their quest to obtain knowledge. The Lord’s pattern for learning is that we learn “line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little” (2 Nephi 28:30. In time, a person is blessed with “revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that [they may] know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.” (Doctrine and Covenants 42:61).

Referring to Luke 11:52, Neal A. Maxwell taught that “without the divine disclosures God has given to us [in the scriptures], we face all the usual dangers of incomplete information, but these are compounded by cosmic consequences when we are ignorant, or heedless, of these key truths. We should seek these 'key' truths, not simply because such truths are shiningly there, but because it is by their light 'that we see everything else!”[19] For example, if a person desired to know roughly what time they should go to bed and wake up, they could first refer to scriptures like Doctrine and Covenants 88:124 and Mark 1:35 before turning to the internet.[20] 

Marion G. Romney taught, “Getting a knowledge of the gospel and living it are interdependent. They go hand in hand. One cannot fully learn the gospel without living it. A knowledge of the gospel comes by degrees. One learns a little, Obeys what he learns; learns a little more, obeys that; and repeats this cycle in an endless round. Such is the pattern by which one can move on to a full knowledge of the gospel” (CR, Oct. 1980, p.65.). The fulness of the scriptures unlocks spiritual knowledge, but these truths must be lived in order for them to have any effect on a person’s eternal progression. Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught, “When we read and study the revelations, the Spirit can confirm in our hearts the truth of what we are learning; in this way, the voice of the Lord speaks to each one of us. As we ponder the teachings of the gospel and apply them in daily living, we become better prepared to receive additional light and truth” (Elder M. Russell Ballard, Conference Report, April 1998, 40-41).[21]

Bruce R. McConkie explained that “The devil wages war against the scriptures. He hates them, perverts their plain meanings, and destroys them when he can. He entices those who heed his temptings to delete and discard, to change and corrupt, to alter and amend, thus taking away the key which will aid in making men 'wise unto salvation.' (2 Tim. 3:15-17.) Accordingly, Jesus is here heaping wo upon those who have contaminated and destroyed scriptures which would have guided and enlightened the Jews." (Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1965-1973], 1: 625.).

Dallin H. Oaks declared, “I have seen some persons attempt to understand or undertake to criticize the gospel or the Church by the method of reason alone, unaccompanied by the use or recognition of revelation...One cannot find God or understand his doctrines and ordinances by closing the door on the means He has prescribed for receiving the truths of his gospel. That is why gospel truths have been corrupted and gospel ordinances have been lost when left to the interpretation and sponsorship of scholars who lack the authority and reject the revelations of God. That is what the Savior told his professional critics, as recorded in the eleventh chapter of Luke. He was confronted by a group who had hypocritically built monuments to the prophets their predecessors had murdered, while personally rejecting the living prophets God was sending them. (See Luke 11:47-49.) In what I understand to be a condemnation of their rejection of revelation, the Savior pronounced woe upon these worldly professionals: 'For ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.' (Luke 11:52.)...In our day we are experiencing an explosion of knowledge about the world and its people. But the people of the world are not experiencing a comparable expansion of knowledge about God and his plan for his children. On that subject, what the world needs is not more scholarship and technology but more righteousness and revelation." ("Alternate Voices," Ensign, May 1989, 30).

Brigham Young explained, “From the first time I saw the Prophet Joseph I never lost a word that came from him concerning the kingdom. And this is the key of knowledge that I have today, that I did hearken to the words of Joseph and treasured them up in my heart, laid them away asking my Father in the name of his son Jesus to bring them to mind when needed. . . . I was anxious to learn from Joseph and the Spirit of God” (25 May 1877 discourse, Deserel News, 6 June 1877,274). Sermon given 21 May 1877, printed in Deseret News, 6 June 1877.).

Throughout the scriptures, we find examples of Christ’s efforts to expound the scriptures to the people. He is the best example of using the key of knowledge. On the road to Emmaus, Christ visits with two of his disciples, seeking to teach them why it was necessary for him to perform the Atonement. He first poses this question and then expounds the scriptures related to this topic: “Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.”[22] A little while later, in another gathering of his disciples, Christ appears and teaches his disciples the same message in the same way: “And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day.”[23]

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are multiple descriptions of the key of knowledge, many different reasons why the key of knowledge is so important, and a variety of different ways to use the key of knowledge. The key of knowledge is the fulness of the scriptures, which includes the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, and Joseph Smith’s translation of the Bible. The key of knowledge is important because it leads to salvation, doctrine, revelation, wisdom, correction, instruction, enlightenment, and spiritual preparation. The key of knowledge can be used to help a person understand the scriptures and gain knowledge about important topics. The phrase “key of knowledge” has not been well understood or used within the Church by the general membership. Learning more about what the key of knowledge is, why it is important, and how it can be used is a lifechanging endeavor. The key of knowledge was restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith, but it is the choice of each Latter-day Saint concerning whether or not this key will be used to unlock “great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures” (Doctrine and Covenants 89:19). 

Endnotes

[1]. "Discourse, 21 May 1843, as Reported by Howard Coray," p. [40], The Joseph Smith Papers, accessed July 15, 2020, https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/discourse-21-may-1843-as-reported-by-howard-coray/5.

[2]. For the purposes of this post, the terms “fulness” and fullness” will be used interchangeably.

[3]. "History, 1838–1856, volume E-1 [1 July 1843–30 April 1844]," p. 1755, The Joseph Smith Papers, accessed July 16, 2020, https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/history-1838-1856-volume-e-1-1-july-1843-30-april-1844/127.

[4]. These verses also provide insight into what the Lord meant in Sections 88 and 109 when he said, “organize yourselves.” Doctrine and Covenants 88:118–119 reads, “And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith. Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing” (see also Doctrine and Covenants 109:7–8).

[5]. Neal A. Maxwell, The Smallest Part, 7.  

[6]. "Revelation Book 2," p. 105, The Joseph Smith Papers, accessed August 10, 2020, https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/revelation-book-2/119.

[7]. Future scholarship or prophetic interpretation could shed light on whether uncanonized revelations, canonized scriptures that are not revelations (such as Joseph Smith History), and canonized revelations given to other prophets (such as Doctrine and Covenants 138) are a part of the key of knowledge.

[8]. Prior to this post, Neil J. Flinders’ article, “The Key of Knowledge,” has been the only item of scholarship devoted to understanding what the key of knowledge is. He argues that “through the Book of Mormon and the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible, it becomes clear that the ‘key of knowledge’ is revelation.” Although the key of knowledge is related to revelation since the fulness of the scriptures was given through revelation, the key of knowledge cannot be directly equated with revelation. Flinders mistakenly overlooks what the Doctrine and Covenants teaches about the key of knowledge and the fulness of the scriptures. Ironically, adding just the letter “s” to the end of the word “revelation” actually gives a fairly accurate representation of what the key of knowledge is since “the fulness of my scriptures [is] the revelations which I have given unto you, and which I shall, hereafter, from time to time give unto you” (Doctrine and Covenants 104:58, italics added). Neil J. Flinders, “The Key of Knowledge,” in The Book of Mormon and the Message of the Four Gospels (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 2001), 19.

[9]. The Lord had truly preserved Joseph Smith for the purpose of restoring the fulness of the scriptures. The Lord explained, “And I have sent forth the fulness of my gospel by the hand of my servant Joseph; and in weakness have I blessed him; And I have given unto him the keys of the mystery of those things which have been sealed, even things which were from the foundation of the world, and the things which shall come from this time until the time of my coming, if he abide in me, and if not, another will I plant in his stead. Wherefore, watch over him that his faith fail not, and it shall be given by the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, that knoweth all things. And a commandment I give unto thee—that thou shalt write for him; and the scriptures shall be given, even as they are in mine own bosom, to the salvation of mine own elect; For they will hear my voice, and shall see me, and shall not be asleep, and shall abide the day of my coming; for they shall be purified, even as I am pure” (Doctrine and Covenants 35:17–21). Joseph Smith would indeed be participating in the “restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began” (Acts 3:21).

Oliver Cowdery also played a special role in bringing about the fulness of the scriptures. The Lord explained, “And, behold, I grant unto you a gift, if you desire of me, to translate, even as my servant Joseph. Verily, verily, I say unto you, that there are records which contain much of my gospel, which have been kept back because of the wickedness of the people; And now I command you, that if you have good desires—a desire to lay up treasures for yourself in heaven—then shall you assist in bringing to light, with your gift, those parts of my scriptures which have been hidden because of iniquity” (Doctrine and Covenants 6:25–27). It seems clear from these verses that he was alluding to the lawyers who had taken away the fulness of the scriptures, and those who would take away the plain and precious parts from the New Testament.

[10]. The most significant changes and additions that Joseph Smith made in his translation of the Bible have been included in the most recent (2013) edition of the scriptures, such as JST, Luke 11:53 and the entire book of Moses, which is a translation of the first six and a half chapters of the book of Genesis.

[11]. See previous endnotes and citations for the references to these phrases.

[12]. Harold B. Lee, "The Place of the Living Prophet, Seer, and Revelator," Address to Seminary and Institute of Religion Faculty, Brigham Young University, 8 July 1964. President Joseph Fielding Smith similarly taught, "It makes no difference what is written or what anyone has said, if what has been said is in conflict with what the Lord has revealed, can set it aside. My words, and the teachings of any other member of the Church, high or low, if they do not square with the revelations, we need not accept them. Let us have this matter clear. We have accepted the four standard works as the measuring yardsticks, or balances, by which we measure every man's doctrine.” Doctrines of Salvation 3:203.

[13]. Boyd K. Packer, “Little Children,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 17.

[14]. The Nephi described in 3 Nephi 7 is the son of Nephi, son of Helaman, who was the son of Helaman, son of Alma the Younger.

[15]. Church leaders have repeatedly referred to the Standard Works as the “best books” mentioned in Sections 88 and 109. See, for example, Thomas S. Monson, “Dedication Day,” Ensign, November 2000.

[16]. “For it shall be given you in the very hour, yea, in the very moment, what ye shall say” (Doctrine and Covenants 100:6).

[17]. "Discourse, 21 May 1843, as Reported by Howard Coray," p. [40], The Joseph Smith Papers, accessed July 15, 2020, https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/discourse-21-may-1843-as-reported-by-howard-coray/5

[18]. There is a difference between secular knowledge and gospel knowledge. As a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Dallin H. Oaks taught, “In our day we are experiencing an explosion of knowledge about the world and its people. But the people of the world are not experiencing a comparable expansion of knowledge about God and his plan for his children. On that subject, what the world needs is not more scholarship and technology but more righteousness and revelation.” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Alternate Voices,” Ensign, May 1989, 30).

Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught, “The secular knowledge explosion in recent years– with all of its many and unarguable benefits to mankind—has not been a bang at all. This has been merely a whimper. It was the Restoration which provided the explosion of salvational knowledge.” Neal A. Maxwell, “The Inexhaustible Gospel,” Ensign, April 1993, 68–70.

Elder Spencer W. Kimball, as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, taught, “Secular knowledge, important as it may be, can never save a soul nor open the celestial kingdom nor create a world nor make a man a god, but it can be most helpful to that man, who, placing first things first, has found the way to eternal life and who can now bring into play all knowledge to be his tool and servant.” Spencer W. Kimball, New Era, September 1981, 49.

[19]. Maxwell, Smallest Part, 7.

[20]. “Cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:124). “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed” (Mark 1:35).

[21]. In his 1948 General Conference talk “Build or Destroy,” Elder Spencer W. Kimball (as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles) stated, “The Lord said: ‘Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: the fulness of the scriptures; ye enter not in yourselves, into kingdom and those who were entering in ye hindered’ (JST, Luke 11:53).” After talking about those who “impose upon others their unorthodox views,” Elder Kimball then shares another scripture. He states, “The Lord said to us through the Prophet Joseph: ‘teach the principles of my gospel, which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, in which is the fulness of the gospel. And they shall observe the covenants and church articles to do them, and these shall be their teachings, as they shall be directed by the Spirit…And if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach’ (D&C 42:12–14, italics speaker’s).”

[22]. Luke 24:26–27. 

[23]. Luke 24:44–46.