Prophetic Statements
Spencer W. Kimball
Another misconception some Latter-day Saints have is that repentance is only for the person who does not belong to the Church of Jesus Christ. This notion ignores not only gospel doctrine and common sense, but also specific revelations to the Prophet Joseph Smith in which the Lord took more than one occasion to chastise the saints and call them to repentance for their wrong-doings. In Kirtland, for example, he spoke out against offenders within the Church and told them pointedly: Behold, I, the Lord, am not well pleased with many who are in the Church at Kirtland; For they do not forsake their sins, and their wicked ways, the pride of their hearts, and their covetousness, and all their detestable things, and observe the words of wisdom and eternal life which I have given unto them. Verily I say unto you, that I, the Lord, will chasten them and will do whatsoever I list, if they do not repent and observe all things whatsoever I have said unto them. [1]
A few months later the Lord mentioned specific sins of which the Missouri saints had been guilty: Behold, I say unto you, there were jarrings, and contentions, and envyings, and strifes, and lustful and covetous desires among them; therefore by these things they polluted their inheritances. [2]
Even those in the school of the prophets needed chastisement and repentance: Nevertheless … contentions arose in the school of the prophets; which was very grievous unto me, saith your Lord; therefore I sent them forth to be chastened. [3]
And Emma, the Prophet’s wife, by revelation was called to repentance: And again, verily I say, let mine handmaid forgive my servant Joseph his trespasses; and then shall she be forgiven her trespasses … [4] [5]
