Historical Background

To truly appreciate this revelation, we have to look back at the chaos of 1838.

The Saints were reeling from immense financial and political setbacks in Kirtland, Ohio. The Kirtland Temple had been dedicated, but persecution and economic failure had fractured the community. Many faithful members were in the process of migrating west, moving toward Missouri—specifically to the new gathering place in Far West.

Joseph Smith, along with other leaders, needed a powerful infusion of divine direction to solidify the Church’s purpose and identity after the devastation they had seen. This revelation provided just that.

First and foremost, it gave the Church its official, divinely appointed name. After years of being called various iterations (like "The Church of Christ" or "The Church of the Latter-Day Saints"), God gave the full, enduring title:

This naming was critically important. It emphasized the central role of Christ and affirmed that the church was the definitive organization for the modern era. This structure, along with the lessons learned from previous trials like Zion's Camp, established a strong framework for future leadership.

Kirtland Temple & Consecration

While the Kirtland Temple was in the rearview mirror by 1838, the principles that guided its construction—dedication, sacrifice, and the concept of consecration—were essential to the new commands given in Section 115.

The Saints were instructed to literally "arise and shine forth" by building up a stake in Zion:

This wasn't merely a suggestion; it was a divine command to take action. Building a "standard for the nations" required not just faith but massive physical effort. It meant acquiring land, sacrificing resources, and dedicating their time, skills, and energy to the collective goal—the very definition of temporal consecration.

I see similar circumstances today in our modern command to build stakes and temples globally. The ultimate goal isn’t the physical building itself, but the creation of a stable, righteous community—the foundation for Zion.

Agency & Obedience

One of the fascinating elements of this revelation is the immediate link between God's promise and the Saints’ free will. God instructs them to do something, but the promised glory is conditional upon their action.

The beautiful instruction to "arise and shine forth" is powerful because it requires us to exercise our agency. We have the free will to pursue light or remain in darkness. The great promise of the gospel is that when we display obedience to divine commands, God magnifies our efforts.

When I consider the concept of agency and obedience together, I realize that revelation is often a call to action, not just a promise of comfort. The Saints had to choose to follow Joseph Smith and the established leadership to the far West, endure the hardships of travel and settlement, and build a new society under enormous pressure. Their faith was measured by their acts of obedience.

Temporal & Spiritual Blessings

D&C 115 outlines the dual nature of the blessings that come from following God’s plan.

The immediate goal was temporal: build houses, establish farms, secure the land, and create community infrastructure in Far West. These temporal blessings were necessary for survival and stability.

But the ultimate goal was spiritual:

This revelation teaches me that our temporal efforts are always consecrated toward a higher spiritual end. We build stakes and temples not just to have lovely buildings, but so that the glory of God can rest upon us. Our hard work (temporal labor) is the vehicle through which we invite spiritual blessings and power.

The revelation emphasizes that the Saints' light, shining through their righteous actions, would become "a standard for the nations." Their reputation—and the reputation of the restored gospel—was directly tied to their faithfulness.

Leadership & Revelation

Finally, Section 115 reinforces the eternal principle that God governs His people through continuous, organized revelation.

This guidance came through the presiding authority, Joseph Smith. The instructions for building stakes, gathering in Zion, and organizing the Church were essential functions of leadership. Following the turmoil of Kirtland, the Saints sought reassurance that God continued to speak and that heavenly power still guided their leaders.

For me, this scripture affirms the importance of following the counsel of modern prophets and apostles. Just as the early Latter-day Saints were commanded to build up Zion physically in Missouri, we are continually guided to build up Zion spiritually and temporally in our own communities.

The revelation concludes with a powerful, echoing directive:

What a comfort! Despite the difficulties they faced, they were assured that God was in charge.

Doctrine and Covenants 115 is a foundational document for Latter-day Saints. It provides our name, defines our mission, and sets the expectation for how we use our agency. It reminds me that we are called to action—to rise out of complacency, dedicate our efforts through consecration, and let our light define who we are, ensuring that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints truly becomes a standard for all the children of God around the nations.

Section 115

1 Hearken, my servant John, and listen to the words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer.

2 For behold, I speak unto you with sharpness and with power, for mine arm is over all the earth.

3 And I will tell you that which no man knoweth save me and thee alone—

4 For many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you.

5 Behold, blessed are you for this thing and for speaking my words, which I have given you according to my commandments.

6 And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen.