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 the Church, ensuring the continuity of divine authority.
• Preaching the Gospel: It instructs that the gospel is to be preached to all nations, with a promise that everyone will hear the fullness of the gospel in their own language."

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-90.

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 blessings, including health, wisdom, and protection from the destroying angel.
• Historical Context: The revelation was given in response to concerns about the use of tobacco among Church members, particularly during meetings of the School of the Prophets."

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-89.

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 divine law to progress spiritually.
• School of the Prophets: The revelation includes instructions for establishing the School of the Prophets, a place for Church leaders to receive spiritual and temporal education3"

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-88.

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 holy places and be not moved, as a way to prepare for the coming tribulations."

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-87.

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 days.
• Priesthood Lineage: The revelation emphasizes the continuation of the priesthood through the lineage of the faithful, highlighting the importance of priesthood authority and its role in the gathering of the righteous."

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-86.

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 Mighty and Strong: The section prophesies that one “mighty and strong” will come to set in order the house of God and arrange the inheritances of the Saints."

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-85.

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 and the blessings promised by the Lord to the faithful.
• New Jerusalem: The revelation discusses the building of the New Jerusalem in Missouri, emphasizing the gathering of the Saints and the establishment of Zion."

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-84.

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 the importance of the Church’s storehouse, which is to be maintained by the consecrations of the members to provide for the poor, including widows and orphans."

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-83.

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 Consecration: It underscores the importance of living the law of consecration and seeking the interest of one’s neighbor to build Zion."

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-82.

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 down, and strengthening the feeble knees. It also promises blessings for faithfulness, including a crown of immortality and eternal life.
• Keys of the Kingdom: It emphasizes that the keys of the kingdom are held by the Presidency of the High Priesthood, ensuring the continuity and authority of Church leadership."

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-81.