The Doctrine and Covenants

The Prophet Joseph Smith received many revelations from the Lord. And he wrote all of them down. The early Saints in Joseph Smith’s time decided to put the revelations in a book which they called the Book of Commandments. Many years later it was renamed the Doctrine and Covenants.

Jesus told Joseph the revelations were very important because they came from God. Everything in them is true.

The Doctrine and Covenants tells everyone that the true Church of Jesus Christ is on the earth again. It also tells about some of the people who lived when the Church was started.

It tells about the priesthood and that righteous men have priesthood power again.

The Doctrine and Covenants teaches the Saints to share. Saints who share will be filled with the Holy Ghost. It also teaches about celestial marriage, the three kingdoms of heaven, missionary work and the gifts of the Holy Ghost.

The Doctrine and Covenants teaches the commandments of God such as the Word of Wisdom, tithing, and keeping the Sabbath day holy. Saints who obey these commandments can build Zion. They can live with Heavenly Father and Jesus forever.

Jesus said: “Search these commandments for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.” (D&C 1:37.) When he says “search,” he means we should prayerfully read and study the Doctrine and Covenants.

The early Saints in Joseph Smith’s time were very thankful to Heavenly Father for the Doctrine and Covenants. They promised they would tell other people these revelations came from God. We have a responsibility, too, in our day to read the Doctrine and Covenants and share it with other people. If we keep the commandments given to us in this great book of scripture we are promised eternal life.