>[!Properties]+ Resources >[Gospel Library](https://churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/129?lang=eng) | [Citation Index](https://scriptures.byu.edu/#12e81::c12e81) | [Historical Resources](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/doctrine-and-covenants-historical-resources-2025/46?lang=eng) | [JS Papers](https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/instruction-9-february-1843-dc-129-as-reported-by-william-clayton) | [CFM 2025 (Ch 129-132)](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-home-and-church-doctrine-and-covenants-2025/46-doctrine-and-covenants-129-132?lang=eng) >>[!AI]- AI Context >>Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet on February 9, 1843, at Nauvoo, Illinois, to instruct Church leaders like Orson Hyde on discerning spiritual beings amid growing deceptions. > >>[!AI]- AI Child Summary >>God teaches us how to tell if someone is a real angel from heaven, a good spirit, or a tricky devil by trying to shake their hand and seeing what happens. > >>[!AI]- AI Summary >>Joseph Smith provides three grand keys to discern between angels, the spirits of just men made perfect, and devils appearing as angels of light, emphasizing that true angels have resurrected bodies and will shake hands, spirits of just men do not but declare their status, and devils attempt deception without a body ([[D&C 129#1|v1-3]] — introduction to keys; [[D&C 129#4|v4-7]] — discerning angels and spirits; [[D&C 129#8|v8-9]] — identifying devils). These instructions highlight the importance of spiritual discernment to avoid Satan's deceptions in the latter days. The revelation underscores themes of divine protection and truth in spiritual manifestations. > >#Gospel/SpiritualDiscernment #Gospel/Angels #Gospel/Satan ###### 1 1 There are two kinds of beings in heaven, namely: Angels, who are resurrected personages, having bodies of flesh and bones-- ###### 2 2 For instance, Jesus said: Handle me and see, for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. ###### 3 3 Secondly: the spirits of just men made perfect, they who are not resurrected, but inherit the same glory. ###### 4 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 5 If he be an angel he will do so, and you will feel his hand. ###### 6 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 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 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 9 These are three grand keys whereby you may know whether any administration is from God.