These are definitely God's words - confess and forsake

As I read and learn more and more about the Doctrine and Covenants, I become absolutely convinced that these are the words of God, given through a prophet. There's no other explanation.

Consider these relatively famous verses on repentance:

40And also let my servant ^aWilliam W. Phelps stand in the office to which I have appointed him, and receive his inheritance in the land;

41And also he hath need to repent, for I, the Lord, am not well pleased with him, for he seeketh to excel, and he is not sufficiently meek before me.

42Behold, he who has ^arepented of his ^bsins, the same is ^cforgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.

43By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will ^aconfess them and ^bforsake them.

It's interesting that some of the most famous verses on God forgiving sins and what a person needs to do to receive forgiveness was given to W.W. Phelps, probably the biggest apostate to come back to the church relatively quickly.

At the time of these verses Phelps is sent to Zion to work as a printer (he printed hymnals and scriptures). Also, it's interesting that he of all people is told about how to receive forgiveness. He was one of the 3 apostates that signed a letter to the Governor of the state swearing that Joseph did things he did not do which helped land Joseph in the Liberty Jail which also led to the Saints getting kicked out of Missouri and having the extermination order placed.

Then, when Orson Hyde came back around several years later, WW Phelps asked to be rebaptized. Orson said, "Joseph will have to decide on this" since WW Phelps had betrayed the prophet and the church (pretty much one of the worst things you could do).

WW wrote Joseph a letter, confessing his mistakes and mentioning that he would like to join the Saints again (effectively forsaking his previous sins by joining the group he'd betrayed). Joseph responded, "come on dear brother, now that the war is past for friends at first are now friends again at last." WW rejoined the Saints without further punishment. He was faithful the rest of his life. He also wrote "Praise to the man" about Joseph Smith after Joseph was killed.

It must not be a coincidence that the person who is perhaps the most famous example of confessing and forsaking sins received this counsel. This verse was received many years before those problems happened. Only God could have known to give this advice to WW Phelps. It may have also helped Joseph connect the dots and forgive WW. Plus, this example teaches us that even the worst of sins can be forgiven by confessing and forsaking those sins. This is an inspired book.

Also, quick comment on Brandon Davies.

1) We love Brandon Davies. We hope he has a great life. It does not help people who break rules to let them think that those rules don't apply to them. Because in real life, all rules apply. The only reason there is punishment is to help people understand the seriousness of decisions so that they can make better decisions. There is only punishment because there is love. And, we don't want to punish any more than is needful. Few people love basketball more than I do, and I'm glad he was suspended. It has the potential to help him (and other people as well - though I never believe in making an example out of someone, only doing the right thing for that person) more than not suspending him. No question about that. Honor matters.

I was very pleased to hear BYU fans cheering loudly for him when he cut down the nets. I hope we can love all people who make mistakes just as much. Easier said than done but it's the right way to live.