The Doctrine and Covenants helps us understand the Savior’s roles and attributes.
In the Lectures on Faith, Joseph Smith said that to be able to exercise faith in God, we must have “a correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes”.
Joseph Smith: Let us here observe, that three things are necessary in order that any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God unto life and salvation. First, the idea that he actually exists. Secondly, a correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes. Thirdly, an actual knowledge that the course of life which he is pursuing is according to his will. For without an acquaintance with these three important facts, the faith of every rational being must be imperfect and unproductive; but with this understanding it can become perfect and fruitful, abounding in righteousness, unto the praise and glory of God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Lectures On Faith, Lecture Third)
The Doctrine and Covenants helps us gain this understanding, especially a “correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes”.
Match the scripture reference to the correct summary statement below:
(a) D&C 6:20–21
b) D&C 6:32–37
c) D&C 19:1–3
d) D&C 29:1–2
(e) D&C 38:1–3
(f) D&C 43:34
g) D&C 50:44
h) D&C 76:5
i) D&C 93:5–19
j) D&C 136:22
- He is merciful and gracious to those who fear Him.
- He is the Good Shepherd and the Stone of Israel.
- He is the Savior of the World.
- He offers us protection and comfort.
- He was in the beginning before the creation of the world. Light of the world and the Spirit of truth. Redeemer of the world. The worlds, men, and all things were made by him. The only Begotten of the Father in the flesh.
- He was present in the beginning before the creation of the world. He is the creator of the world. He knows all things.
- His arm is stretched out to save His people. He will save his people in the last days.
- His arm of mercy has atoned for our sins.
- The obedient are encircled in his arms of love. The light which shineth in darkness.
- The Redeemer of the world. Accomplished and finished the will of the Father. He will destroy Satan and his works at the end of the world. He will judge all according to their works and deeds.
The main purpose of all scripture is to testify of Jesus Christ and to persuade people to come to Him and partake of salvation. The Book of Mormon carries the subtitle: Another testament of Jesus Christ. We recognize it as ancient scripture and it goes hand-in-hand with the Bible. The D&C is no less a testament of Jesus Christ – but it is unique in that it was given in this dispensation.
It is the word of the Lord to the Church and people in our day. It was not given to saints of earlier days – but specifically revealed for us in the latter days. Almost every section contains the words of Jesus Christ. What a marvelous companion to the ancient Old and New World testaments!
The D&C is of “more worth than the riches of the whole earth”
We know that Joseph Smith called the Book of Mormon “the most correct of any book” on earth. Do you know how the D&C is described? Turn to the second page of the Explanatory Introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants. Read the last sentence in the eighth paragraph:
“Finally, the testimony that is given of Jesus Christ—his divinity, his majesty, his perfection, his love, and his redeeming power—makes this book of great value to the human family and of more worth than the riches of the whole earth.”
What an interesting statement! Within the pages of this great book we find that which has great value to all mankind – in fact a message that is invaluable. Its message is universal.
In our world great value is placed on wealth. People invest lifetimes and fortunes in an effort to obtain the riches of the earth. Yet we find within the pages of the Doctrine and Covenants something which is of infinitely greater value.
The Savior testifies of himself in the D&C
The Explanatory Introduction in the D&C explains: 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.
We are “hearing” (reading) His words exactly as they were revealed – and with very little “latency”. Many times they were recorded in real time – as they were given. In other cases, they were recorded very soon after. Compare this to the words of the Lord in the Old and New Testaments, which were typically recorded years after they were spoken.
Richard Bushman, the historian who wrote Rough Stone Rolling, the recent biography of Joseph Smith, noted that “the striking feature of Joseph Smith’s revelations is the purity of God’s voice coming out of the heavens and demanding our attention.”
Neal A. Maxwell: If asked which book of scripture provides the most frequent chance to “listen” to the Lord talking, most individuals would at first think of the New Testament. The New Testament is a marvelous collection of the deeds and many of the doctrines of the Messiah. But in the Doctrine and Covenants we receive the voice as well as the word of the Lord. We can almost ‘hear’ him talking.”
Some versions of the New Testament print the first-person voice of the Savior in red ink so readers can more easily discern when they are listening to the Lord itself. If all of the Latter-day Saint standard works were printed that way, the D&C would be overwhelmingly the "reddest".
The Doctrine and Covenants contains powerful testimonies of the Savior and His work. Many are from the Savior Himself. In fact, the D&C contains more direct quotes from the Savior than any other book of scripture. An example of the Savior testifying of himself:
D&C 50:41–44 Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me; 42 And none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost. 43 And the Father and I are one. I am in the Father and the Father in me; and inasmuch as ye have received me, ye are in me and I in you. 44 Wherefore, I am in your midst, and I am the good shepherd, and the stone of Israel. He that buildeth upon this rock shall never fall.
The Lord has promised us that if we receive him, he will be with us. We are not left alone as seek to follow the gospel. He will be there to guide us. What a great promise! He also gives us the key to success in this effort of discipleship, "He that buildeth upon this rock shall never fall" (v44). If we center our lives around the Lord and his gospel, we cannot fail!
