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Joseph Fielding Smith Jr. (10th prophet):

Malachi said the Lord would suddenly come to his temple. In 1830 our Savior said he would come suddenly to his temple. That coming was for a definite purpose: To restore keys; to purge the sons of Levi; to prepare for the offering of Judah when the Jews will be cleansed of their iniquity; and to be as a refiner and purifier, bringing salvation to all men who will obey his voice.

It is true that many even of the Latter-day Saints are looking forth to that coming of our Lord. Let us stop and reflect a moment. Has the Lord not come already suddenly to his temple to bring about these glorious purposes? Christ appeared suddenly in this temple. Then He sent Moses with the keys for the gathering of Israel. Since Moses established Aaron and the Levites in their priesthood, do not these keys also confer the power in this dispensation for the purging of Levi and Judah that they may offer an offering in righteousness?

Do not the keys held by Elias confer all that was held by Abraham? Do not the keys held by Elijah grant to the Church all the power of sealing authority? Is it not a fact that either in this temple, or in some other consecrated spot, all the keys of all the prophets since the would began have now been revealed and restored to earth for the complete consummation of the work of the Lord? Is not the great and dreadful day of the Lord very near our doors? What else by way of authority for the salvation of man is to be revealed? Is not the fulness of the gospel here?


Source: McConkie, Bruce R., ed. Doctrines of Salvation: Sermons and Writings of Joseph Fielding Smith, Vol. 3. 12 - 13. Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1954-1955.



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