Doctrine and Covenants Lesson 1

Introduction

• Our study of the Doctrine and Covenants will be organized by theme, not chronologically or in section order.
• The objective of this year’s study is for us to have a greater desire to seek the blessings of the gospel.
• To be successful in our study, class member participation will be critical.  Please read the sections we will be studying each week so that we can discuss and rejoice together.

The Doctrine and Covenants addresses the needs of our day

Read the third paragraph of the Explanatory Introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants:

The book of Doctrine and Covenants is one of the standard works of the Church in company with the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Pearl of Great Price. However, the Doctrine and Covenants is unique because it is not a translation of an ancient document, but is of modern origin and was given of God through his chosen prophets for the restoration of his holy work and the establishment of the kingdom of God on the earth in these days. In the revelations one hears the tender but firm voice of the Lord Jesus Christ, speaking anew in the dispensation of the fulness of times; and the work that is initiated herein is preparatory to his second coming, in fulfillment of and in concert with the words of all the holy prophets since the world began.

• It is not a translation – What significance does this have for us today?
• Tender but firm voice – During this year’s study, watch for times when Jesus Christ tender in these revelations, and for times when he is firm.  How does the Doctrine and Covenants help us come to know Jesus Christ?
• The work…is preparatory to his second coming – What passages of the Doctrine and Covenants have helped you prepare for this event?

The sixth paragraph of the introduction begins: “These sacred revelations were received in answer to prayer, in times of need, and came out of real-life situations involving real people.”

• Why is it helpful to remember that most of these revelations came as answers to prayer?
• What doctrines are clarified or introduced in the Doctrine and Covenants?

Read the testimony of the Twelve Apostles included in the 1835 edition:

We, therefore, feel willing to bear testimony to all the world of mankind, to every creature upon the face of the earth, that the Lord has borne record to our souls, through the Holy Ghost shed forth upon us, that these commandments were given by inspiration of God, and are profitable for all men and are verily true.

We give this testimony unto the world, the Lord being our helper; and it is through the grace of God the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ, that we are permitted to have this privilege of bearing this testimony unto the world, in the which we rejoice exceedingly, praying the Lord always that the children of men may be profited thereby.

• How did the Twelve receive this testimony?  How can we follow their example?

The Lord authored the preface to the Doctrine and Covenants

On 1 November 1831, the Prophet Joseph Smith presided at a special conference of elders, held in Hiram, Ohio. Those in attendance decided to compile some of the revelations the Prophet had received and publish them in a book called the Book of Commandments. Following the first session of this conference, the Lord signified His approval for the publication by giving Joseph Smith a revelation that He called “my preface unto the book of my commandments” (D&C 1:6). This revelation is now section 1 of the Doctrine and Covenants.

President Ezra Taft Benson said: “The Doctrine and Covenants is the only book in the world that has a preface written by the Lord Himself. In that preface He declares to the world that His voice is unto all men (see v. 2), that the coming of the Lord is nigh (see v. 12), and that the truths found in the Doctrine and Covenants will all be fulfilled (see vs. 37–38)” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 101; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 79).

The voice of warning

The Lord raises a voice of warning in D&C 1:7–10, 12–16, 31–33.

• 7-10 – Both the unbelieving and the rebellious need to fear and tremble.  We are believers, but are we acting as rebellious believers?  Also, how do we “measure to” our fellow man?  Are we generous or stingy?  Do I want to be measured as I measure others?
• 12-16 – How do we prepare for the Lord’s coming?  Are we guilty of the charges in verse 16, of wanting to do things our way and being motivated by things other than righteousness and worshipping God?
• 31-33 – How do these verses affect you?

Purposes of these revelations

1. “That every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world” (D&C 1:20).
2. “That faith also might increase” (D&C 1:21).
3. “That mine everlasting covenant might be established” (D&C 1:22).
4. “That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed” (D&C 1:23).
5. To help the Lord’s servants “come to understanding” (D&C 1:24).

Now notice in the next four verses a progression:

6. “And inasmuch as they erred it might be made known” (D&C 1:25).  We begin by realizing we have made an innocent mistake.
7. “And inasmuch as they sought wisdom they might be instructed” (D&C 1:26).  We want to learn what is right and wrong.
8. “And inasmuch as they sinned they might be chastened, that they might repent” (D&C 1:27).  Now that we know right and wrong, our mistakes are no longer innocent “errs” – they are sins that we must repent of.  The chastening is not an end unto itself.  Chastening is intended to bring us to repentance – to a true change of heart.
9. “And inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time” (D&C 1:28).  Recognition of sin and a desire to repent leads to humility.  This opens the floodgates of heaven for us to receive blessings.  (See Ether 12:27.)

We can help move forward this great latter-day work

President Ezra Taft Benson said, “There has never been more expected of the faithful in such a short period of time as there is of us” (quoted by Marvin J. Ashton, in Conference Report, Oct. 1989, 48; or Ensign, Nov. 1989, 36).

President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “The most serious challenge we face, and the most wonderful challenge, is the challenge that comes of growth” (quoted in “President Gordon B. Hinckley,” Ensign, Apr. 1995, 6).

The Lord needs more than onlookers who cheer from the sidelines; we must ask ourselves if we are keeping pace and doing our part as families and as individuals. President Gordon B. Hinckley said: “This is a season of a thousand opportunities. It is ours to grasp and move forward. What a wonderful time it is for each of us to do his or her small part in moving the work of the Lord on to its magnificent destiny” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1997, 90–91; or Ensign, Nov. 1997, 67).