Doctrine and Covenants: Modern Revelation to the Church

What Makes D&C Unique Among LDS Scriptures

The Doctrine and Covenants is one of the four standard works (scriptures) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is unique among scripture because it is not a historical narrative or a record of ancient teachings. Instead, it is a collection of revelations—direct messages from God to the church—received primarily through the prophet Joseph Smith between 1828 and 1844. A few sections were added by later prophets, including Joseph F. Smith's vision of the redemption of the dead (Doctrine and Covenants 138) and Official Declarations regarding plural marriage and the priesthood.

The title itself is instructive. "Doctrine" refers to the truths and principles taught. "Covenants" refers to the promises or agreements made—the terms of the divine relationship. The book combines revealed doctrine (what God teaches about truth and reality) with revealed covenants (what God asks of the church and what He promises to do in return). This fusion distinguishes it from scripture that merely records history.

The Doctrine and Covenants consists of 138 sections, each typically a separate revelation or discourse. Unlike the Bible, which is organized into books named for their authors or subjects, the Doctrine and Covenants is organized chronologically and numbered. The earliest sections (92, 65, 63) date to 1831; the later ones continue through 1844 and beyond. This chronological organization allows readers to trace the development of doctrine and practice over Joseph Smith's prophetic ministry.

Key Sections Every Member Knows

Several sections stand out as particularly significant in LDS theology. Doctrine and Covenants 76, received in February 1832, is described as "the vision of the three degrees of glory." Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon saw a vision of the celestial, terrestrial, and telestial kingdoms, as well as outer darkness. This revelation forms the foundation for LDS understanding of the afterlife and is considered one of the most precious scriptures in the faith.

Doctrine and Covenants 89, received in February 1833, is the Word of Wisdom—the health code prohibiting alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea. This section is referenced constantly in Mormon culture and is required knowledge for anyone applying for a temple recommend.

Doctrine and Covenants 121 and 122 are Joseph Smith's letters from Liberty Jail, written while he was imprisoned during a time of intense persecution of the church in Missouri. These sections contain some of the most beloved and spiritually moving passages in LDS scripture. D&C 121:41-44 is frequently quoted: "No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile."

Doctrine and Covenants 132, received in July 1843, addresses the doctrine of eternal marriage—the belief that marriage covenants made in the temple can be eternal and bind couples and families together beyond death. This section also contains revelation on plural marriage, which was practiced by the early church but discontinued in 1890. This section remains controversial and is typically not emphasized in modern teaching.

Doctrine and Covenants 138, received by Joseph F. Smith on October 3, 1918, is a vision of the spirit world and the redemption of the dead. Smith saw that Christ, between His crucifixion and resurrection, went to the spirit world and taught the gospel to the righteous spirits in prison. This vision provides scriptural foundation for the practice of proxy baptism and other ordinances for the dead.

Later Additions to the Doctrine and Covenants

The Official Declarations are two additions to the Doctrine and Covenants made in the 20th century. Official Declaration 1 (1890) announced the discontinuation of plural marriage, which allowed the church to gain statehood for Utah and remain a functioning institution. Official Declaration 2 (1978) announced the extension of the priesthood to all worthy male members, regardless of race, ending a racial restriction that had existed since the early church.

Members study the Doctrine and Covenants systematically. In the Come Follow Me curriculum, specific sections are studied each week, integrated with readings from the Bible and Book of Mormon. Sunday school lessons draw heavily from Doctrine and Covenants passages. Missionaries are expected to memorize numerous key sections. In temple ceremonies, doctrines taught in the Doctrine and Covenants are enacted symbolically.

The Doctrine and Covenants occupies a unique place in LDS thought because it is understood as direct, present-day revelation. Whereas the Bible is ancient revelation and the Book of Mormon is ancient testimony about Christ, the Doctrine and Covenants is the voice of the Lord speaking to the latter-day church about the latter-day church. The opening verse (D&C 1:1-2) makes this clear: "Hearken, O ye people of my church, saith the voice of him who dwells on high, and whose eyes are upon all men; yea, verily I say, Hearken ye people from afar; and ye that are upon the islands of the sea, listen together; For verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men, and there is none to escape; and there is no eye that shall not see, neither ear that shall not hear, neither heart that shall not be penetrated."

This understanding makes the Doctrine and Covenants perpetually relevant. Members do not view it as a closed, historical record but as living scripture that speaks to their current circumstances. Many members report finding passages that seem to speak directly to challenges they are facing, feeling that God is addressing them through the revelation. This sense of immediacy and relevance is one reason the Doctrine and Covenants holds such importance in LDS life.