Doctrine and Covenants Contexts

Key points from this section:

• Sabbath Day Observance: Section 59 emphasizes the importance of keeping the Sabbath day holy, outlining specific ways the Saints should observe this day, including rest from labor and offering prayers and sacraments.
• Blessings for the Faithful: It promises temporal and spiritual blessings for those who faithfully observe the commandments, including peace in this life and eternal life in the world to come.
• Love and Service: The section reiterates the commandments to love God and love one’s neighbor, highlighting the importance of gratitude and service in daily life.

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-59.

Key Points from this Section:

Read this chapter for free at:

https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-58

Key points from this section:

• Location of Zion: Section 57 reveals that Independence, Missouri, is designated as the center place for the city of Zion and the location for the temple.
• Instructions for Land Purchase: The section provides instructions for the Saints to purchase lands in the area to establish their inheritances and build up Zion.
• Roles of Key Individuals: It assigns specific roles to individuals such as Sidney Gilbert, who is to establish a store, and William W. Phelps, who is to be a printer, to support the community.

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-57.

Key points from this section:

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-56.

Key points from this section:

• Calling of William W. Phelps: Section 55 is a revelation given to William W. Phelps, calling him to be baptized, ordained as an elder, and to preach the gospel.
• Role in Church Education: It assigns Phelps the responsibility of assisting Oliver Cowdery in printing and selecting books for Church schools, emphasizing the importance of education for children.
• Journey to Missouri: The section instructs Phelps to travel to Missouri, where he will continue his labors and contribute to the establishment of the Church in that area.

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-55.

Key points from this section:

• Command to Leave Thompson, Ohio: Section 54 addresses the situation of the Saints in Thompson, Ohio, who were facing difficulties due to broken covenants and selfishness. The revelation commands them to leave Thompson and journey to Missouri.
• Importance of Keeping Covenants: The section emphasizes the necessity of keeping covenants with God to receive His mercy and avoid the consequences of disobedience.
• Patience in Tribulation: It encourages the Saints to be patient in their tribulations, promising that those who seek the Lord early will find rest for their souls.

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-54.

Key points from this section:

• Calling of Sidney Gilbert: Section 53 is a revelation given to Sidney Gilbert, instructing him on his calling and responsibilities within the Church.
• Ordination as an Elder: The section directs Sidney Gilbert to be ordained as an elder and to preach faith, repentance, and the remission of sins.
• Role as a Bishop’s Agent: It also appoints him to serve as an agent for the bishop, helping to manage the temporal affairs of the Church."

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-53.

Key points from this section:

• Conference in Missouri: Section 52 was given during a conference in Kirtland, Ohio, and it designates that the next conference should be held in Missouri, which was to be the land of inheritance for the Saints.
• Missionary Assignments: The section includes specific assignments for various elders to travel and preach the gospel on their way to Missouri, emphasizing the importance of missionary work.
• Discernment of Spirits: It provides criteria for discerning true spiritual manifestations from false ones, ensuring that the teachings and actions of the elders are in line with the principles of the gospel."

Read this chapter for free at byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-52.

Key points from this section:

• Law of Consecration: Section 51 provides instructions on the law of consecration, detailing how the Saints should manage their properties and resources under the direction of Bishop Edward Partridge.
• Stewardship and Equality: It emphasizes the importance of assigning stewardships to individuals based on their needs and circumstances, ensuring that everyone is treated equally and fairly.
• Temporary Gathering Place: The section designates Ohio as a temporary gathering place for the Saints, highlighting the need for organization and preparation as they settle in their new location."

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-51.

Key points from this section:

• Discernment of Spirits: Section 50 addresses the need for discernment between true and false spirits, providing guidance on how to recognize and respond to spiritual manifestations.
• Teaching by the Spirit: It emphasizes the importance of teaching and receiving the gospel by the Spirit of truth, ensuring that both teachers and learners are enlightened by the Holy Spirit.
• Edification and Truth: The section highlights that teachings and experiences that do not edify and uplift are not from God, stressing the importance of seeking truth and spiritual growth."

Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-50.