Doctrine and Covenants Contexts

Key points from this section: Establishment of the First Presidency: This revelation, given on March 8, 1833, was a significant step in establishing the First Presidency of the Church, with Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams called to serve as counselors to Joseph Smith. Keys of the Kingdom: The section emphasizes that the keys of the kingdom are committed to Joseph Smith and through him to t...

Key points from this section: Health Guidelines: The revelation provides health guidelines, advising against the use of alcohol, tobacco, and “hot drinks” (interpreted as coffee and tea), and promoting the consumption of wholesome foods like grains, fruits, and herbs. Spiritual and Physical Blessings: It promises that those who follow these guidelines will receive both physical and spiritual bless...

Key points from this section: Olive Leaf Revelation: This section, given in December 1832 and January 1833, is often referred to as the “Olive Leaf” revelation, symbolizing peace and instruction from the Lord. Degrees of Glory: It elaborates on the different degrees of glory (Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial) and the laws governing each, emphasizing the importance of living according to divin...

Key points from this section: Prophecy of Civil War: The revelation, given on December 25, 1832, foretells the American Civil War, starting with the rebellion of South Carolina. Global Conflict: It predicts that the conflict will extend beyond the United States, involving other nations and leading to widespread calamities. Call to Stand in Holy Places: The section advises the Saints to stand in ho...

Key points from this section: Parable of the Wheat and Tares: This section provides an interpretation of the parable of the wheat and tares from the New Testament, explaining how the wheat represents the righteous and the tares represent the wicked. Apostasy and Restoration: It discusses the apostasy that drove the Church into the wilderness and the subsequent restoration of the gospel in the last...

Key points from this section: Record Keeping: The revelation emphasizes the importance of keeping accurate records of the Saints’ consecrations and inheritances in Zion. Consecration and Inheritance: It addresses the issue of Saints who moved to Zion but did not follow the commandment to consecrate their properties, thus not receiving their inheritances according to the established order. One Migh...

Key points from this section: Priesthood Revelation: This section is known as a revelation on the priesthood, given to Joseph Smith and six elders. It outlines the roles and responsibilities of the priesthood and its importance in the Church. Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood: It introduces the oath and covenant of the priesthood, detailing the promises made by those who receive the priesthood a...

Key points from this section: Support for Women and Children: The revelation states that women have a claim on their husbands for their maintenance, and children have a claim on their parents until they come of age. Care for Widows and Orphans: It emphasizes that widows and orphans have a claim upon the Church for their support if they have no other means. Church Storehouse: The section highlights...

Key points from this section: United Firm: The revelation reiterates the establishment of the United Firm (later called the United Order) to manage the Church’s mercantile and publishing endeavors. Forgiveness and Accountability: The Lord forgives the brethren their trespasses but warns them to refrain from further sin, emphasizing that ""unto whom much is given much is required""2. Law of Consecr...

Key points from this section: Counselor in the Presidency: The revelation initially called Jesse Gause to be a counselor to Joseph Smith in the Presidency of the High Priesthood. When Jesse Gause did not remain faithful, Frederick G. Williams was called to replace him. Duties and Blessings: The section outlines the duties of a counselor, including succoring the weak, lifting up the hands that hang...

Key points from this section: Missionary Assignment: Stephen Burnett is called to preach the gospel, with Eden Smith as his companion. Flexibility in Location: They are instructed to preach wherever they choose, whether north, south, east, or west. Guidance and Assurance: The revelation assures them that they cannot go amiss in their efforts and that the Lord will guide them." Read this chapter fo...

Key points from this section: Missionary Call: Jared Carter is called to preach the gospel in the eastern countries, moving from place to place and city to city. Guidance by the Comforter: The revelation promises that the Comforter (Holy Spirit) will guide Jared Carter in his missionary efforts. Promise of Success: If Jared Carter is faithful, he is promised success in his mission, symbolized by b...

Key points from this section: Establishment of the United Firm: The revelation directed Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Newel K. Whitney to organize a firm (later known as the United Firm) to manage the Church’s storehouses and publishing efforts. Support for the Poor: It emphasized the importance of creating a storehouse to support the poor and ensure the Church’s independence from earthly power...

Key points from this section: Interpretation of Revelation: This section provides explanations for various symbols and visions in the Book of Revelation, particularly chapters 4-111. Temporal Existence of Earth: It states that the earth will have a temporal existence of 7,000 years. Role of Angels and Prophets: The section discusses the roles of angels and prophets in the last days, including the...

Key points from this section: Degrees of Glory: The revelation describes three degrees of glory in the afterlife: the Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial kingdoms, each with different levels of glory and reward. Resurrection and Judgment: It emphasizes that all individuals will be resurrected and judged according to their works, with the righteous receiving greater glory. Sons of Perdition: The...

Key points from this section: Missionary Assignments: Section 75 includes revelations given to elders at a conference in January 1832, assigning them specific missionary duties and companions. Blessings for Faithful Service: It promises that elders who faithfully preach the gospel will be blessed with honor, glory, and eternal life. Support for Missionary Families: The section emphasizes the impor...

Key points from this section: Explanation of 1 Corinthians 7:14: Section 74 provides an explanation of 1 Corinthians 7:14, which had been used to justify infant baptism. The revelation clarifies that little children are holy and sanctified through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Counsel on Marriage: The section includes counsel from Paul to the early Church, advising against keeping the law of Mose...

Key points from this section: Calling of Newel K. Whitney: Section 72 includes the calling of Newel K. Whitney as a bishop in Ohio, providing him with specific duties and responsibilities. Duties of the Bishop: It outlines the duties of the bishop, including keeping the Lord’s storehouse, caring for the poor and needy, and managing the temporal affairs of the Church. Accountability and Stewardship...

Key points from this section: Defense of the Faith: Section 71 instructs Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to pause their translation work and respond to the criticisms and falsehoods being spread about the Church. This highlights the importance of defending the faith and clarifying misunderstandings. Resumption of Translation: Section 73 directs Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to resume their transla...

Key points from this section: Stewards of Revelations: Section 70 designates certain individuals, including Joseph Smith, Martin Harris, and Oliver Cowdery, as stewards over the revelations and commandments given to the Church. They are responsible for managing and publishing these sacred texts. Worthy of Their Hire: The section emphasizes that those who labor in spiritual matters, such as the ste...

Key points from this section: Preservation of Historical Records: Section 69 emphasizes the importance of preserving historical records of the Church. John Whitmer is instructed to accompany Oliver Cowdery to Missouri to ensure the safe transport of the manuscript of revelations and other important documents. Role of John Whitmer: John Whitmer is assigned to continue writing and compiling a histor...

Key points from this section: Scripture and Revelation: Section 68 emphasizes that the words of the elders, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost, are considered scripture and the will of the Lord. Responsibilities of Parents: It commands parents to teach their children the principles of the gospel, including faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, before they reach the a...

Key points from this section: Challenge to the Elders: Section 67 includes a challenge from the Lord to the elders of the Church to try to produce a revelation comparable to the least of those received by Joseph Smith, emphasizing the divine origin of the revelations. Faith and Humility: The section highlights the importance of faith and humility, stating that the elders’ fears and lack of humilit...

Key points from this section: Revelation to William E. McLellin: Section 66 is a revelation given to William E. McLellin, addressing his personal questions and providing guidance on his spiritual journey. Call to Preach the Gospel: The section instructs McLellin to preach the gospel and bear testimony in various places, emphasizing the importance of missionary work. Counsel on Personal Conduct: It...

Key points from this section: Keys of the Kingdom: Section 65 emphasizes that the keys of the kingdom of God are committed to man on earth, and the gospel will roll forth to fill the whole earth. Preparation for the Second Coming: It highlights the need to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, urging the Saints to make ready for the Bridegroom and the millennial kingdom. Prayer and Praise...