THE
DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS
OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
SECTION 129
Instructions given by Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Nauvoo, Illinois, February 9, 1843, making known three grand keys by which the correct nature of ministering angels and spirits may be distinguished. HC 5: 267.
1–3, There are both resurrected and spirit bodies in heaven; 4–9, Keys are given whereby messengers from beyond the veil may be identified.
2 For instance, Jesus said:
Handle me and see, for a spirit hath not aflesh and bones, as ye see me have. 3 Secondly: the
aspirits of
bjust men made
cperfect, they who are not resurrected, but inherit the same glory.
4 When a messenger comes saying he has a message from God, offer him your hand and request him to shake hands with you.
5 If he be an angel he will do so, and you will feel his hand.
6 If he be the spirit of a just man made perfect he will come in his glory; for that is the only way he can appear—
7
Ask him to shake hands with you, but he will not move, because it is contrary to the
aorder of heaven for a just man to
bdeceive; but he will still deliver his message.
8 If it be the
adevil as an angel of light, when you ask him to shake hands he will offer you his hand, and you will not
bfeel anything; you may therefore detect him.
9 These are three grand
akeys whereby you may know whether any administration is from God.