Doctrine and Covenants Contexts

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 history of the Church, gathering information from various sources to create a comprehensive record.
• Counsel and Assistance: The section highlights the need for Whitmer to receive counsel and assistance from Oliver Cowdery and others, ensuring that the historical records are accurate and complete."

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-69.

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 age of eight.
• Role of Bishops: The section outlines the qualifications and duties of bishops, including the requirement that they be literal descendants of Aaron if possible, and their role in overseeing the temporal and spiritual welfare of the Church."

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-68.

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 humility prevented them from receiving greater blessings.
• Promise of Spiritual Experiences: It promises that those who strip themselves of jealousy and fear, and humble themselves before the Lord, will be quickened by the Spirit and see the face of God.

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-67.

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 includes specific counsel for McLellin to forsake unrighteousness, avoid temptation, and remain faithful in his duties to receive eternal life."

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-66.

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: The section encourages the Saints to pray and call upon the Lord, making known His wonderful works and preparing for the days when the kingdom of God will join the kingdom of heaven."

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-65.

Key points from this section:

• Command to Forgive: Section 64 emphasizes the importance of forgiving one another, stating that those who do not forgive are committing a greater sin.
• Law of Tithing: It introduces the principle of tithing, promising that those who are tithed will not be burned at the Lord’s coming.
• Warnings Against Debt: The section warns the Saints against incurring debt, advising them to be wise and prudent in their financial dealings1"

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-64.

Key points from this section:

• Day of Wrath: Section 63 warns of a coming day of wrath for the wicked and rebellious, emphasizing the need for repentance and obedience to avoid divine judgment.
• Faith and Signs: It teaches that signs come by faith and not by the will of men. Those who seek signs without faith will not receive them for their salvation.
• Gathering to Zion: The section provides instructions on the gathering of the Saints to Zion, including the purchase of land and the establishment of inheritances in Missouri."

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-63.

Key points from this section:

• Testimonies Recorded in Heaven: Section 62 emphasizes that the testimonies borne by the elders are recorded in heaven and are a source of joy for the angels.
• Instructions for Travel and Preaching: The section provides guidance for the elders on how to continue their journey and preach the gospel, either together or in pairs, as directed by the Spirit.
• Divine Assurance: It reassures the elders that the Lord is with them and that their faithful efforts will be blessed, promising that they will be preserved and rejoice together in the land of Missouri."

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-62.

Key points from this section:

• Dangers on the Waters: Section 61 addresses the dangers encountered by Joseph Smith and other elders while traveling on the Missouri River. It mentions that the waters were cursed by John and that the destroyer rides upon their face.
• Divine Protection: Despite the dangers, the section reassures that those who are faithful will be protected by the Lord. It emphasizes that all flesh is in God’s hands and that He will preserve the faithful.
• Missionary Work: The section includes instructions for the elders to continue their missionary work, traveling two by two and preaching the gospel. It highlights the importance of preparing for the coming of the Son of Man."

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-61.

Key points from this section:

• Preaching the Gospel: Section 60 instructs the elders to preach the gospel among the congregations of the wicked, emphasizing the importance of sharing their testimonies and not hiding their talents.
• Journey Instructions: The section provides specific instructions for the elders’ journey back to Ohio, including traveling by boat to St. Louis and then to Cincinnati, where they are to preach the gospel with faith and without anger.
• Accountability and Testimony: It includes guidance on how to handle rejection, advising the elders to wash their feet as a testimony against those who do not receive their message, symbolizing that they have fulfilled their duty."

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-60.