Gospel Doctrine Commentary
Lesson No. Forty-Seven

The Doctrine of Dispensations and the Ministry of Angels

In Commemoration of Joseph Smith's birthday, who was born 211 years ago on december 23rd 1805, this lesson speaks about dispensation heads. Joseph was the head of the dispensation of the fullness of times.

The doctrine of dispensations is unique to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ – “A dispensation of the gospel is a period of time in which the Lord has at least one authorized servant on the earth who bears the holy priesthood and the keys, and who has a divine commission to dispense the gospel to the inhabitants of the earth. When this occurs, the gospel is revealed anew, so that people of that dispensation do not have to depend basically on past dispensations for knowledge of the plan of salvation. There have been many gospel dispensations since the beginning. The Bible suggests at least one dispensation identified with Adam, another with Enoch, another with Noah, and so on with Abraham, Moses, and Jesus with his apostles in the meridian of time….

“The plan of salvation, which is older than the earth, has been revealed and taught in every dispensation beginning with Adam and is the same in every age of the world” (LDS Bible Dictionary, Dispensations).

There is a head of each dispensation – These “chosen vessels of the Lord” (Moroni 7:31) were prepared in the pre-existence to be the restorer and head of each dispensation.  These dispensation heads in order of time include: Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Joseph Smith. 

After a new dispensation has been established by the head of that dispensation, all subsequent prophets in that dispensation testifies of Christ and of the divine calling of that dispensation head.  For example, all the prophets in the first dispensation testified of Christ and that Adam was His chosen prophet in their dispensation.  Likewise, all the prophets and apostles who have succeeded Joseph Smith testify of the divinity of Jesus Christ and that Joseph Smith was his chosen prophet to restore the gospel in our dispensation.  The people of each dispensation also testify in this pattern.

The dispensation of the meridian of time – At the meridian of time Jesus restored to that dispensation the truth that had been lost, and He followed the same pattern as in other dispensations.  We know for example that at the time of Jesus’ birth the Aaronic priesthood was on earth, but that the Melchizedek priesthood had been lost. Therefore, there was a need, along with the knowledge of the plan of salvation, for the keys of the priesthood to be restored. 

Angels assist in ushering in each new dispensation – Angels teach the plan of salvation and restore priesthood keys to the head of that dispensation (see Moroni 7:29-31).  Jesus’ mortal ministry required the ushering in a new dispensation and included the extensive ministering of angels.  An angel announced the birth of Jesus to Mary (Luke 1:26-33), to Joseph (Matthew 1:20-21), and to shepherds abiding in the field (Luke 2:8-14).  Angels ministered to Jesus as He prepared for his mortal ministry (Matthew 4:11) and as He concluded that ministry in Gethsemane (Luke 22:43).  And angels announced His resurrection (Luke 24:4-7) and His ascension into heaven (Acts 1:11).  

Hebrews 5:5, 10 supports the belief that “the higher priesthood came to Jesus from the other side of the veil” by the ministering of angels (Merrill Bateman, A Season for Angels, Ensign, Dec 2007).

The way is prepared for the rest of mankind – As angels assist in ushering in a new dispensation the way is prepared “that the residue of men may have faith in Christ, that the Holy Ghost may have place in their hearts, according to the power thereof; and after this manner bringeth to pass the Father, the covenants which he hath made unto the children of men” (Moroni 7:31-32).

Angels have a prominent role in the early stages of a dispensation, but as time passes and the number of faithful members in that dispensation increase, more is expected of those in mortality. 

Testimony – In our dispensation the same pattern, with the extensive ministry of angels, was followed.  Joseph Smith was acquainted with many heavenly visitors.  (See D&C 128:20-21).  This is another evidence of Joseph’s divine calling to restore the gospel in the latter days.

Furthermore, the knowledge that the pattern of dispensations was followed in the meridian of time when Jesus restored His gospel again to the earth.  This gives us a greater understanding of our Savior’s mortal life and ministry.  I consider this a wonderful Christmas gift.  Our faith and knowledge is increased as we learn more about Him, and this helps us follow His example, and receive grace for grace, and continue from grace to grace until we receive a fullness.  (See D&C 93:12-20)