Doctrine and Covenants and
Church History
Student Study Guide

Prepared by the Church Educational System

Published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Salt Lake City, Utah

Send comments and corrections, including typographic errors, to CES Curriculum, 50 E. North Temple Street, Room 820, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-2720 USA. E-mail: ces-manuals@ldschurch.org

© 2001 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
All rights reserved
Updated 2005

Printed in the United States of America

English approval: 8/05

Table of Contents

*Note: Doctrine and Covenants 1 was received during the Ohio and Missouri period.

*Note: Doctrine and Covenants 133 was received during the Ohio and Missouri period.

How to Use This Manual

As the title of this manual suggests, this is a guide to your study of the scriptures. It contains several sections to help increase your understanding of what you read.

Introduction

Beneath the headings, which are printed on pictures of an open book, are introductions to the chapters or sections of scripture you are assigned to read. These introductory sections contain the following kinds of information:

• The historical setting

• An explanation of how the scripture block relates to chapters or sections before or after it

• Questions and ideas to think about before or during your reading that will help you concentrate on the message of the block

Understanding the Scriptures

The “Understanding the Scriptures” section provides help for difficult words and phrases and commentary to help you understand ideas and concepts contained in the scriptures. The commentary often includes statements by General Authorities of the Church.

Studying the Scriptures

The “Studying the Scriptures” section contains questions and activities to help you discover, think about, and apply the principles of the gospel found in the scriptures. There is not room to write in the manual, so you will need to do these activities in a notebook or on your own paper.

The following steps will help you as you study the scriptures:

• Begin with prayer.

• Read the introduction to the chapter or section you will be studying, and consider other “Before Reading” study skills (see pp. 3–4).

• Read the assigned chapter or section, referring to the appropriate “Understanding the Scriptures” section for help. Use “During Reading” study skills (see pp. 4–5). Write notes and questions in your notebook. Also write about feelings or impressions that are important to you.

• Do the activities in the “Studying the Scriptures” section for the chapter or section you are studying. Sometimes you will get to choose which activities to complete. If you want to learn more, complete all of the activities.

Home-Study Seminary Program

If you are in a home-study seminary program, the reading chart on page 7 shows you what you should read each week of seminary. Remember that seminary is a daily religious education program, that prayerfully reading your scriptures should be a daily practice, and that you will need to work on your seminary assignments each school day even though you will not attend seminary each day. If you have more or less than 36 weeks in your seminary year, your teacher will tell you which chapters or sections you should read in a week and which assignments to complete. Reading the scriptures and using this study guide should take 30 to 40 minutes each school day you do not attend seminary class.

Each week you should give your teacher the pages from your notebook that contain your thoughts about the scriptures and the study guide activities you completed for that week. Your teacher will read and respond to them and return your notebook to you. You might choose to have two notebooks and use them every other week. You could also write in a loose-leaf binder and turn in the pages you did that week. When your teacher returns the pages, put them back into the notebook.

Daily Seminary Program

If you are in a daily seminary program, you will use this study guide as instructed by your teacher.

Studying the Scriptures

This study guide has been prepared to help you read, study, and understand the scriptures. Since most of your study time will be spent reading and thinking about the scriptures, this section has been included to help you make it more effective.

Elder Howard W. Hunter, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, gave Church members valuable counsel on scripture study, which is summarized below. You may want to write his ideas on a card and put the card in a place where you can see it while you study.

• Read carefully to understand the scriptures.

• Study every day.

• Set a regular time every day when you will study.

• Study in a place where you can concentrate without distractions or interruptions.

• Study for a period of time rather than reading a certain number of chapters or pages.

• Have a study plan.
  (See Conference Report, Oct. 1979, pp. 91–93; or Ensign, Nov. 1979, pp. 64–65.)

Using the study helps found in the Latter-day Saint editions of the scriptures, along with good study skills, will benefit your scripture study.

Study Helps in the Latter-day Saint Editions of the Scriptures

Cross-References

A cross-reference is a scripture reference that will lead you to additional information and insight on the topic you are studying.

For example, read Doctrine and Covenants 18:34–35 and notice footnote 35a. By finding and reading the scripture referred to in the footnotes, what additional insights do you gain about how the Lord’s voice can be heard?

Topical Guide and Bible Dictionary References

The Topical Guide (TG) contains an alphabetical list of hundreds of topics with scripture references in all four standard works of the Church. The Bible Dictionary (BD) gives definitions and explanations for many biblical names and subjects. Although not referenced in the footnotes, you may want to check the index for the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price for additional references.

For example, read Doctrine and Covenants 45:39. As you do, you may wonder about the word feareth in the phrase “he that feareth me.” Does this mean that the Lord wants us to be afraid of Him? Notice the footnote that refers you to the Topical Guide and the subject “reverence.” Find a scripture reference that clearly teaches the need to show reverence to the Lord. Look in the Bible Dictionary under “fear” (p. 672) to find a further explanation of two different scriptural uses of the word fear.

Help with Words and Phrases

Some words and phrases are labeled with the following notations:

• HEB: An alternate (substitute) translation from the Hebrew (the original language of the Old Testament).

• GR: An alternate translation from the Greek (the original language of the New Testament).

• IE: An explanation of idioms (words or phrases used in a specific way when the scriptures were written but not commonly used today) and difficult constructions.

• OR: A clarification of the meaning of archaic (old) expressions.

What insight do you gain from knowing the meaning of the Hebrew word for “Sabaoth” in Romans 9:29?

How does the footnote help you understand the meaning of the word oblations in Doctrine and Covenants 59:12? What kind of oblations could you offer on the Sabbath? In addition to going without food, what else does fasting mean?

The Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible

The Lord commanded the Prophet Joseph Smith to study the Bible and seek revelation to obtain a more complete and true biblical translation (see D&C 45:60). Consequently, the Prophet Joseph Smith restored many important truths and made many significant changes in Bible passages that were possibly mistranslated, unclear, or incomplete (see Articles of Faith 1:8). This version with the inspired changes is called the “Joseph Smith Translation.” The translation is abbreviated in the footnotes as “JST.” Some Joseph Smith Translation changes are in the footnotes, while others are found in an appendix entitled “Joseph Smith Translation,” which begins on page 797 of the Latter-day Saint edition of the King James Version of the Bible.

Read Matthew 4:2–6. What important help does the Joseph Smith Translation provide for these verses?

Bible Maps and Photographs

The Bible maps and photographs found in the appendix of the Latter-day Saint edition of the Bible are helpful in finding places referred to in the scriptures.

Church History Chronology, Maps, and Photographs

In 1999 the Church added new maps and photographs to the triple combination. These features are similar to the corresponding ones in the Latter-day Saint edition of the King James Bible. This section also includes a chronology of Church history events. Turn to this section and find what year and month the Prophet Joseph Smith completed his translation of the Book of Mormon. Turn to map 2 and locate the Joseph Smith Sr. log home. What important event occurred there? (see note 1).

Chapter Headings, Section Headings, and Verse Summaries

Chapter and section headings and verse summaries explain or give important background information to help you understand what you read. For example, what helpful information do you get by reading the section heading to Doctrine and Covenants 89?

Having the study helps found in Latter-day Saint editions of the scriptures is similar to having a small collection of reference books available to you—all in one place!

Study Skills

Nephi said we ought to “feast upon the words of Christ” (2 Nephi 32:3), and Jesus commanded the Nephites to “search [the scriptures] diligently” (3 Nephi 23:1). This kind of study involves more than just quickly reading through the scriptures. The following ideas and skills will help you learn more when you study. They are divided into three different categories: before reading, during reading, and after reading.

Before Reading

Prayer

The scriptures were written by inspiration. Consequently, they are best understood when we have the companionship of the Holy Ghost. In the Old Testament we learn about the priest Ezra, who “prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord” (Ezra 7:10). Prepare your heart to read the scriptures by praying each time you read.

Get Background Information

Understanding the historical background of the scriptures will help you gain greater insights as you read. The Bible Dictionary provides historical background and a brief overview of each book’s content and main themes. The section headings in the Doctrine and Covenants provide a brief explanation of the historical background of the revelations. The index at the back of the triple combination also contains useful information. If you have time, you may also refer to other Church-produced books and manuals that have background on the scripture you are reading.

Ask Questions

Before you read, it is helpful to ask yourself questions like “Who wrote these verses?” “To whom?” “Why is this teaching included in the scriptures?” “What do I want to know or learn as I read today?” and “What would the Lord want me to learn from these scriptures?” As you read the scriptures, look for answers to your questions. Remember that you can also use the study helps in the Latter-day Saint editions of the scriptures or look for answers in Church manuals and publications.

Read the Section Headings and Verse Summaries

Section headings provide a brief and helpful historical background to the contents of each section of the Doctrine and Covenants. Verse summaries are simple overviews of the main ideas in the section. Reading the section heading and verse summary before you begin to study a section is not only a good study habit but will also help you prepare yourself to ask questions and look for answers as you read.

During Reading

Don’t Be Afraid to Stop

Most nuggets of gold are not found on the surface of the ground—you must dig for them. Your scripture study will be much more valuable if you will slow down or stop and do some of the activities that follow.

Look up the Meanings of Words You Do Not Understand

Use a dictionary. Sometimes looking up a word you think you already know can give you additional insight. The “Understanding the Scriptures” sections of this manual will help you understand many difficult words and phrases.

Be aware that sometimes the Lord has inspired His prophets to include explanations in their writings that help us know the meaning of words and phrases. For example, read Doctrine and Covenants 41:5 and find out what the Lord said it meant to be His disciple.

Use the Study Helps in the Latter-day Saint Editions of the Scriptures

See the section “Study Helps in the Latter-day Saint Editions of the Scriptures” on pages 2–3.

Liken the Scripture

Using your own name in a verse helps make scriptural teachings more personal. For example, what difference does it make to use your own name in place of “David” as you read Doctrine and Covenants 30:1–2?

Visualize

Picture in your mind what is taking place. For example, when you read Joseph Smith—History 1:27–47, try to imagine how you might feel if an angel appeared to you in your bedroom three times and gave you an important message.

At times, the scriptures tell us to visualize. Read Alma 5:15–18 and stop to do as Alma suggests. Take some time to write about how you felt as you visualized those verses.

Look for Connecting Words

Connecting words include and, but, because, therefore, and nevertheless. As you read these words, notice what they help you understand about two or more ideas. Sometimes they show how two or more things are similar or different.

For example, if you think about what the word because indicates in Doctrine and Covenants 84:54–55, you can learn an important truth about the importance of the Book of Mormon.

Because indicates a cause-and-effect relationship between the Saints’ belief and gratitude for the Book of Mormon and their ability to receive revelation and the Lord’s blessings.

Read Doctrine and Covenants 45:30–32 and note how the word but shows a contrast between the conditions of the wicked and the righteous in the latter days.

Emphasizing the word but can give us assurance that the righteous will be spared some of the destructions before the Second Coming.

Look for Patterns

In Doctrine and Covenants 52:14, the Lord declared He would give a pattern whereby we may avoid deception from Satan. Then, in verse 19, He referred to this pattern. Knowing that between verses 14 and 19 there is help from the Lord on how to recognize good or evil spirits, we should read and study these verses to understand the pattern.

Another example of finding patterns is to look for the Lord’s explanation of cause and effect by watching for His use of the words if and then. In Doctrine and Covenants 5, Martin Harris was told what he must do to receive a specific gift from the Lord. Read verse 24 and find the if-then pattern. Look for what he was told he must do to receive the blessing he was seeking.

The repetition of a word, phrase, or idea is another pattern to look for. For example, compare the content of the first five verses of Doctrine and Covenants 11; 12; and 14. Each of these revelations were given to Church members who were beginning to labor in the Lord’s kingdom. Notice the similar message the Lord had for each of His servants.

Look for Lists in the Scriptures

Lists help you understand more clearly what the Lord and His prophets teach. The Ten Commandments are a list (see Exodus 20). The Beatitudes in 3 Nephi 12:3–11 are easily seen as a list. Finding other lists may require a little more effort. For example, make a list from Doctrine and Covenants 68:25–31 of what the Lord said parents are required to teach their children.

Ask Questions

Continue to ask questions as you were instructed to do in the “Before Reading” section. As you read, you may rephrase questions you asked before reading or you may come up with completely different questions. Seeking answers to questions is one of the most important ways we gain greater understanding from our scripture study. One of the most important questions to ask is “Why might the Lord have inspired the writer to include this in the scriptures?” Look for the obvious clues writers sometimes leave when they say something such as “and thus we see.”

Answer Questions Given in the Scriptures

Many times the Lord asks and then answers a question. He asked some of the elders of the Church, “Unto what were ye ordained?” (D&C 50:13). Then He answered, “To preach my gospel by the Spirit, even the Comforter which was sent forth to teach the truth” (v. 14).

On other occasions questions are asked but no answers are given—generally because the answer may be obvious (for example, see D&C 122:8). Sometimes the scriptures do not give an answer, however, because the question asked may require some thinking and the answer may not be immediate. For example, read Alma 5:14–33 and answer the questions in those verses as if you were there.

Look for Types and Symbolic Meanings

Prophets often use symbols and imagery (types) to more powerfully communicate their messages. For example, parables are a way of telling a message simply and in a way that has a much deeper meaning. The story in a parable makes the lesson taught more memorable and meaningful.

The following suggestions may help you understand symbols in the scriptures:

1. Look for an interpretation in the scriptures. For example, many elements of the parable of the wheat and the tares from Matthew 13 are explained in Doctrine and Covenants 86:1–7 and 101:64–66. Sometimes an interpretation can be found by using a cross-reference in the footnotes.

2. Think about the characteristics of the symbol and what the symbol might teach you. For example, in Doctrine and Covenants 38:24–27, the Lord spoke of the love a father has for his obedient sons to illustrate how He is and to emphasize our need to treat each other with the love and unity that should be found among family members.

3. See if the symbol teaches you something about the Savior. The Lord told Adam that “all things bear record of [Him]” (Moses 6:63). For example, in Doctrine and Covenants 101:81–91, how is the judge who answers the pleas of the woman like the Lord answering the Saints’ cries for help?

Write

Keep some paper or a notebook close by to write down ideas you want to remember, such as lists, special insights you get, or your feelings about something you read. To help you remember thoughts or insights the next time you read, you may want to write these ideas in the margins of your scriptures as well.

Many people like to mark important words and phrases in their scriptures. There is no right or wrong way to do this. (You may not want to do it at all.) Some people circle the verse number or shade or underline important words and phrases that give special meaning to a verse. Another way to mark scriptures is to write a cross-reference to another scripture in the margin. Doing this to several verses that treat the same topic gives you a chain of scriptures on a specific topic that you can find by going to any one of the scriptures in the chain. Marking scriptures can often help you find important verses more quickly.

After Reading

Ponder

To ponder is to think deeply about something, asking questions and evaluating what you know and what you have learned. Sometimes the scriptures call this “meditating” (see Joshua 1:8). There are several good examples in the scriptures where important revelations came as a result of pondering, especially pondering the scriptures (see D&C 76:15–20; 138:1–11).

Liken the Scriptures to Yourself

To liken the scriptures to yourself is to compare them to your own life. In order to liken the scriptures to yourself, you need to ask questions like “What principles of the gospel are taught in the scriptures I just read?” and “How do those principles relate to my life?” An important part of likening the scriptures to yourself is listening to promptings of the Holy Ghost, who the Lord promised “will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).

The Doctrine and Covenants uses many situations and principles taught in the Bible to illustrate and teach doctrines in the latter days. For example, Moses used the spirit of revelation to bring “the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground” (D&C 8:3); Church members are cautioned to not “steady the ark of God,” as did Uzzah (D&C 85:8; see also 2 Samuel 6:6–7); and the Saints are commanded to “do the works of Abraham” (D&C 132:32).

Reread

We do not understand everything in a passage of scripture the first time we read it. In fact, it takes a lifetime of study to truly understand the scriptures. Often, we begin to see patterns, visualize better, and more deeply understand the scriptures after two or three readings. You may want to look for new teachings or ask different questions as you reread. Trying to rewrite a story or just a verse or two in your own words may help you discover whether or not you understood what you read and help you understand the scriptures better.

Write

Some people keep a journal in which they write the main idea of what they read, how they feel about what they read, or how they think what they read applies to their lives. If you are using this manual for home-study seminary, you are required to keep a notebook to receive credit. This notebook will be like a scripture journal.

It is also good to talk with others about what you read. Writing down some notes so that you remember what you want to talk about and discussing what you learned will help you understand and remember more of what you read.

Apply

The real value of knowledge you gain from the scriptures comes when you live what you learn. Greater closeness to the Lord and feeling the peace He gives are just some of the blessings that come to those who live the gospel. In addition, the Lord said that those who live what they learn will be given more, while those who will not live what they learn will lose the knowledge they have (see D&C 1:33).

“Let your time be devoted to the studying of the scriptures . . . ; and then it shall be made known what you shall do” (D&C 26:1).

Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Reading Chart

Welcome to the Doctrine and Covenants and Church History

What Is the Doctrine and Covenants?

Along with the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Pearl of Great Price, the Doctrine and Covenants is one of the four standard works of the Church. This means that these four books are accepted as divinely inspired scripture, which members of the Church covenant to follow. President Joseph Fielding Smith, then President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, explained how the Doctrine and Covenants is different from other scriptures:

“The Bible is a history containing the doctrine and commandments given to the people anciently. That applies also to the Book of Mormon. It is the doctrine and the history and the commandments of the people who dwelt upon this continent anciently.

“But this Doctrine and Covenants contains the word of God to those who dwell here now. It is our book. It belongs to the Latter-day Saints. More precious than gold, the Prophet [Joseph Smith] says we should treasure it more than the riches of the whole earth. I wonder if we do? If we value it, understand it, and know what it contains, we will value it more than wealth; it is worth more to us than the riches of the earth” (Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols. [1954–56], 3:199).

President Gordon B. Hinckley, then a counselor in the First Presidency, wrote that “the Doctrine and Covenants is unique among our books of scripture. It is the constitution of the Church. While the Doctrine and Covenants includes writings and statements of various origins, it is primarily a book of revelation given through the Prophet of this dispensation [Joseph Smith].

“These revelations open with a thundering declaration of the encompassing purposes of God in the restoration of His great latter-day work:

 “‘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.’ (D&C 1:1–2.)

“From that majestic opening there unfolds a wondrous doctrinal panorama that comes from the fountain of eternal truth. Some is direct revelation, with the Lord dictating to His prophet. Some is the language of Joseph Smith, written or spoken as he was moved upon by the Holy Ghost. Also included is his narrative of events that occurred in various circumstances. All brought together, they constitute in very substantial measure the doctrine and the practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. . . .

“The variety of matters the book deals with is amazing. They include principles and procedures concerning the governance of the Church. Unique and remarkable rules of health, with promises both physical and spiritual, are set forth. The covenant of the eternal priesthood is described in a manner not found elsewhere in scripture. The privileges and blessings—and the limitations and opportunities—of the three degrees of glory are announced, building on Paul’s brief mention of a glory of the sun, and of the moon, and of the stars. Repentance is proclaimed in language clear and compelling. The correct mode of baptism is given. The nature of the Godhead, which has troubled theologians for centuries, is described in language understandable to all. The Lord’s law of finance is pronounced, mandating how funds for the operation of the Church are to be acquired and disbursed. Work for the dead is revealed to bless the sons and daughters of God of all generations.

“It is evident from reading the Doctrine and Covenants that Joseph Smith had an all-encompassing understanding of the eternal purposes of God” (“The Order and Will of God,” Ensign, Jan. 1989, 2, 4).

Why Is a Study of the Doctrine and Covenants and the History of the Church Important to Me?

President Ezra Taft Benson said:

“The Doctrine and Covenants is the binding link between the Book of Mormon and the continuing work of the Restoration through the Prophet Joseph Smith and his successors.

“In the Doctrine and Covenants we learn of temple work, eternal families, the degrees of glory, Church organization, and many other great truths of the Restoration.

“‘Search these commandments,’ said the Lord of the Doctrine and Covenants, ‘for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.

“‘What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same’ (D&C 1:37–38).

“The Book of Mormon brings men to Christ. The Doctrine and Covenants brings men to Christ’s kingdom, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, ‘the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth’ (v. 30). I know that.

“The Book of Mormon is the ‘keystone’ of our religion, and the Doctrine and Covenants is the capstone, with continuing latter-day revelation. The Lord has placed His stamp of approval on both the keystone and the capstone” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1987, 105; or Ensign, May 1987, 83).

As you study the Doctrine and Covenants this year, you will learn how the Lord restored gospel truths “line upon line, precept upon precept” (D&C 128:21). Your testimony of modern revelation will grow, and your appreciation for the Prophet Joseph Smith will deepen. As you study significant events in Church history, you will read inspiring examples of sacrifice and devotion—men and women who knew the Lord and helped in the growth of His kingdom here on earth, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through study and prayer, your faith in Jesus Christ