LDS LDS: Handshake Test D&C 129 - Ever Used?

[drstevej]

D&C 129

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.

1 There are two kinds of beings in heaven, namely: Angels, who are resurrected personages, having bodies of flesh and bones—

2 For instance, Jesus said: Handle me and see, for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

3 Secondly: the spirits of just men made perfect, 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 order of heaven for a just man to deceive; but he will still deliver his message.

8 If it be the devil as an angel of light, when you ask him to shake hands he will offer you his hand, and you will not feel anything; you may therefore detect him.

9 These are three grand keys whereby you may know whether any administration is from God.

=============

If this handshake test is what it claims to be, are there historical examples of it's use? Please list a few. Or could this be a "convenient revelation" in case Joseph got in a jam?

 

[Ironhold]

I personally have never been in such a situation, but I can't speak for anyone else.

 

[withwonderingawe]

I personally have never been in such a situation, but I can't speak for anyone else.

Me either, but if the occasion arises I'll let you known.

 

[drstevej]

Has it EVER been used by anyone that is recorded?

 

[Ironhold]

Has it EVER been used by anyone that is recorded?

I'd venture that most members of the church don't publish personal, spiritual events unless they feel there's a good reason to.

Why?

Because they're personal.

 

[BigDaddy4]

Curious that there is no mention of Smith offering his hand to the spirit in the First Vision account.

Nor are there any Biblical accounts of human/angel encounters where the human offers his/her hand to the angelic being.

 

[drstevej]

Also interesting that there is little made of these "three grand keys" yet much is made of the supposed giving of Peter's keys to JS.

I think this revelation was a "just in case" get out of a jam free thing. And it never got used. Brigham added little to D&C, he ruled by force of personality. I think only D&C 136 was a revelation to BY>

 

[Gary the Kid]

When I meet missionaries, I always reach out to shake their hands. But I will not make contact...........It's kinda funny.

 

[drstevej]

Secondly: the spirits of just men made perfect, they who are not resurrected, but inherit the same glory.

Who are these dudes?

 

[Ironhold]

Who are these dudes?

People who haven't been resurrected yet.

 

[Rescued One]

Why did this very old thread get resurrected?

 

[Tra Phull]

Why not?

 

[Tra Phull]

The handshake thing, the concept of "heavenly mom" and the issue of BOM being in King James English - these seem to be topics where there has been some evasion to be discussed by Mormons. So if threads keep appearing or get resurrected, IMO it is understandable. Non-Mormons want to know, and feel they have not gotten thorough answers.

 

[Peter1000]

Sorry, my mistake