Church History Matters – Episode 174

D&C 133 CFM – Our Warning Before the Second Coming
Released: November 11, 2025
Hosts: Scott and Casey

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into Doctrine & Covenants Section 133, known as the "appendix" of the Doctrine and Covenants. Scott and Casey explore its historical context, profound teachings about the gathering of Israel, the Second Coming, and how Section 133 serves as both a warning and a promise. They also address key controversies, symbolic language, and modern applications, seeking to place D&C 133 in both its 1831 context and today's world.

Key Themes & Discussion Points

1. Context and Placement of Section 133 (00:38–07:41)

• Historical Placement: Although most of D&C is chronological, Section 133 is out of order, intentionally placed at the end as an appendix.
• Why an Appendix?
  • Received in November 1831, around the same time as Section 1.
  • Early publications and later reorganizations (esp. 1876) solidified its current place.
• Purpose:
  • Designed to supplement section 1 and offer a powerful "grand finale" focused on the Second Coming, gathering of Israel, and fulfillment of covenants.
• Notable Quote:
  "This was the grand finale. This was the end of the Doctrine and Covenants." – Casey (07:29)

2. Content and Thematic Richness (07:41–41:13)

The Imagery of Gathering and Old Testament Parallels (07:41–16:00)

• Key Imagery:

  • Referencing Egypt, Babylon, and Babylonian captivity as types for latter-day spiritual bondage and the call to come to Zion.
  • Zion in 1831 = Jackson County, Missouri; modern Zion is more symbolic.

• Call to Action:
  "Go ye out from Babylon... awake and arise and go forth to meet the bridegroom." (12:00–13:41)

• Greatest Hits of Scriptural Themes:

  • Old Testament redemption, Isaiah’s language, New Testament bridegroom imagery, Book of Revelation symbols.

144,000, Zion & Jerusalem, and the Lost Tribes (13:41–32:42)

• 144,000 High Priests: Referenced from Revelation, clarified in D&C 77.

• Fluidity of Zion & Jerusalem:

  • Sometimes separate (Jackson Co., MO vs. Jerusalem); sometimes parallel terms.
  • "The patchwork here that is just so fluid of Old Testament prophecy, Book of Revelation, language, Isaiah..." – Scott (17:03)

• Lost Tribes & "North Countries":

  • Symbolic reference to scattered Israel.
  • While some have speculated about literal gathering in northern lands or even under ice caps, harmonized scripture suggests a scattered worldwide remnant.
  • "Scripture, the preponderance of scripture... talks about them scattered all over the place." – Scott (22:51)

Angelic Messengers and Restoration (32:42–41:13)

• Angel(s) Flying in the Midst of Heaven:

  • Traditional Latter-day Saint reading = Angel Moroni.
  • Possibly a collective reference to all angels bringing restoration: Michael, John the Baptist, Peter, James, John, Elias, Moses, Elijah, Nephite disciples.
  • Powerful symbol atop many temples.

• Christ’s Clothing and the Second Coming’s Dual Nature:

  • Unique graphic imagery: Christ returns in "dyed garments... red in his apparel," referencing both the Atonement and justice upon the wicked (39:12–41:13).
  • The Second Coming is described as both "great and dreadful."
  • "These verses kind of capture the paradoxical nature of the great and the dreadful day of the Lord's return." – Casey (41:02)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• "Lineage isn’t the important thing here. It’s righteousness." – Casey (00:32)
• On visionary imagery:
  "It's almost like 'greatest hits' of Old Testament themes and New Testament all crashing together here in these verses." – Scott (13:26)
• On the gathering and inclusion:
  "The choice to come unto Christ is not a matter of physical location. It's a matter of individual commitment." (00:27)
  "It’s a royal family that anybody can be a part of. And that's the essential thing to remember." – Casey (32:06)
• Elder McConkie on lost tribes:
  "There is something mysterious and fascinating about believing the 10 tribes are behind an iceberg somewhere in the land of the north, or that they're on some distant planet... They are scattered in all the nations of the earth, primarily in the nations north of the lands of their first inheritance." (28:00–29:06)
• President Nelson on modern gathering:
  "The choice to come unto Christ is not a matter of physical location. It's a matter of individual commitment... Zion is the pure in heart… Zion is wherever righteous saints are." (64:32–66:25)

Segment Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamps | |---------------------------------------------|--------------| | Opening Theme and Section Placement | 00:00–07:41 | | Section Content – Imagery & Gathering | 07:41–16:00 | | 144,000; Zion & Jerusalem; Lost Tribes | 16:00–32:42 | | Angelic Messengers, Second Coming | 32:42–41:13 | | Christ’s Red Robes; Paradoxical Return | 39:12–41:13 | | Redemptive Joy and Millennial Gathering | 41:13–53:32 | | Addressing Controversies | 53:32–67:25 | | Modern Application and Consequences | 67:25–69:40 | | Closing | 69:40–end |

Controversies & Deep Dives

Lost Tribes: Literal or Scattered? (53:32–55:46)

• While some Saints have speculated on the Ten Tribes literally dwelling together in a northern area (even “under ice” or as a "secret nation"), most scriptural evidence supports a view of thorough global scattering.
• References to prophets and records among the lost tribes suggest a more complex mix—past gathering, present dispersion.
• "We ought to be really cautious with getting too crazy about what section 133 says... it is an apocalyptic text..." – Casey (54:01)

Resurrection at Christ’s Coming (57:49–62:32)

• D&C 133:54–55 and passages in Matthew and Mosiah indicate a substantial resurrection event already occurred at Christ's resurrection, not just a handful of ancient saints.
• Open questions remain about the scale and awareness of this first resurrection.

Is Zion Literal or Metaphorical Today? (62:32–67:20)

• In 1831, Zion meant Jackson County, Missouri; today, Zion is wherever “the pure in heart” are gathered.
• President Nelson: gathering happens globally; Saints remain in their homelands.
• Ongoing debate on whether a literal Zion city (in Missouri) will be built in the future.
• "Every nation... is the gathering place for its own people... Zion is wherever righteous saints are."

Consequences & Applications (67:25–69:40)

• Section 133 is "sister" to Section 1: the world is broken, and God will fix it, but with major, even cataclysmic changes.
• For the righteous, these promises mean hope and spiritual anticipation.
• For the unrepentant, the Second Coming inspires appropriate caution and urgency.
• Elder Holland’s Summation:
  "If you've made covenants, keep them. If you haven't made them, make them... It is never too late, so long as the Master of the Vineyard says there's time. … Don't delay. It's getting late." (52:08–53:05)

Final Thoughts

• Scott:
  "This is the season when all of God's promises of old will finally be realized at last." (00:00, 41:13)
• Casey:
  "It's a time of wonder and rejoicing. And these two types of feelings about the Savior's second coming are captured throughout the Doctrine and Covenants." (41:02)
• Takeaway:
  The message of Section 133 is at once a mighty warning and a thrilling assurance: the Lord is gathering his people, fulfilling his ancient covenants, and preparing the world for a new, redeemed era. The choice to join this gathering is—then and now—a personal and spiritual one.

Tune in to the next episode for Section 134 and a continued exploration of these vital themes!