#4 "It is not necessary that God should give us all things in his FIRST COMMISSION to us"

As I have mentioned up to this point, Christ spoke of three watches or dispensations. The LDS Restoration Movement with the restoration of the church through the Prophet Joseph Smith took place in the second watch, or the dispensation of the last times which secretly contains the dispensation of the Abraham. Joseph Smith and some of his brethren are to return to usher in the third watch and the dispensation of the fulness of times.

Joseph Smith clearly understood that he had been called to a two part ministry. One that began in the second watch and would continue in the third watch.

On January 16th 1836 he taught the doctrine of "second commission":

"It is not necessary that God should give us all things in His first commission to us, but in His second. John saw the angel deliver the Gospel in the last days. The small lights that God has given are sufficient to lead us out of Babylon; when we get out, we shall have the greater light." (TPJS 104)

Joseph clearly understood that his ministry would have two commissions. In his first commission during the second watch, the church enjoyed the "small lights" of the gospel. It is not until he returns and leads us out of Babylon that we will enjoy the "greater light" of the Gospel.

The next few posts will show scriptural documentation verifying the two part ministry of Joseph Smith and showing that he will return to fulfill his SECOND COMMISSION.

[editorial note: Someone named listener has challenged my interpretation of the above statements quoted from TPJS. Please see the comment section to see his interpretation and my response]