Commentary for Doctrine and Covenants: Sections 20-22

  

Section 20

Background Information 

This section is the result of the combined efforts of JS and OC (with OC responsible for the initial drafting). It was originally known as the Articles and Covenants. This section sets fourth the offices, ordinances, and procedures for the newly established church. In many ways, this section is a creedal statement concerning the belief and practices of the newly restored and established church. This was adopted by the members of the restored Church at Peter Whitmer Sr's house on April 6, 1830.

As early as June 1829, JS asked OC to draft a document containing the basic principles and practices of the future church. OC asked JS to ask the Lord what OC should do. Section 18 is the Lord's response to OC's inquiry. After OC prepared the first draft, he submitted it to JS who then made revisions. After  revisions were made, the document was presented to the membership (of about 30 people) for approval on June 9, 1830. The minutes of the meeting recorded, “Articles and Covenants read by Joseph Smith jr. and received by unanimous voice of the whole congregation, which consisted of most of the male members of the Church", making this a binding document upon the church. It was first published in the The Evening and Morning Start in 1832. Moreover, this section (Articles and Covenants) has been amended from time to time, with the most substantive revisions made in the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants. 

But although section 20 is unique as it's directed in the third person, it is still a revelatory document for the church. First, it is binding because the church approved of it. Second, even before the adoption of the section 20 by the church, JS and other members considered the document revelation. In a book containing a compilation of the revelations (before the were compiled as the Doctrine and Covenants), John Whitmer's heading described section 20 as "as given to Joseph the seer by the gift & power of God" And according to JS's history, during the revisions, JS responded to angry letter from OC, addressing a passage about baptism by asking OC "by what authority he took upon him to command me to alter, or erase, to add or diminish to or from a revelation or commandment from Almighty God.”

Section

1 The rise of the Church of Christ in these last days, being one thousand eight hundred and thirty years since the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh, it [the Church] being regularly organized and established agreeable to the laws of our country, by the will and commandments of God, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called April [the organization of the church was according to God's will and commandments]— 2 Which commandments were given to Joseph Smith, Jun., who was called of God, and ordained an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the first elder of this church; 3 And to Oliver Cowdery, who was also called of God, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to be the second elder of this church, and ordained under his [JS] hand; 4 And this [the giving of commandments] according to the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to whom be all glory, both now and forever. Amen.

5 After it was truly manifested unto this first elder [JS] that he had received a remission of his sins [referring to the first vision], he [JS] was entangled again in the vanities of the world; 6 But after repenting, and humbling himself sincerely, through faith, God ministered unto him by an holy angel, whose countenance was as lightning, and whose garments were pure and white above all other whiteness; 7 And gave unto him commandments which inspired him [JS]; 8 And gave him power from on high, by the means which were before prepared, to translate the Book of Mormon; 9 Which [the Book of Mormon] contains a record of a fallen people, and the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles and to the Jews also; 10 Which [the Book of Mormon] was given by inspiration, and is confirmed to others by the ministering of angels, and is declared unto the world by them— 11 Proving to the world that the holy scriptures are true, and that God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation, as well as in generations of old; 12 Thereby showing that he is the same God yesterday, today, and forever. Amen.

13 Therefore, having so great witnesses, by them [the scriptures] shall the world be judged, even as many as shall hereafter come to a knowledge of this work. 14 And those who receive it [this work -- i.e., The Book of Mormon] in faith, AND work righteousness [receiving the Book of Mormon without performing good works is not enough to receive eternal life], shall receive a crown of eternal life; 15 But those who harden their hearts in unbelief [refuse to believe in the Book of Mormon], and reject it [The Book of Mormon], it shall turn to their own condemnation — 16 For the Lord God has spoken it; and we, the elders of the church, have heard and bear witness to the words of the glorious Majesty on high, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

• Verse 15 -- Turn to their Condemnation: Those who reject the Book of Mormon will be condemned (culpable) because they will be judged by what's contained in it. Although the ultimate end group for the Book of Mormon is the Lamanites, the Gentiles (us) are also an audience. This means the words contained in it are for us to know, so we can come unto the Everlasting God and avoid condemnation when He enacts judgement upon the earth.  

17 By these things [which things? -- the scriptures, the Book of Mormon, having witness of God, all three?] we know that there is a God in heaven, who is infinite and eternal, from everlasting to everlasting the same unchangeable God, the framer of heaven and earth, and all things which are in them; 18 And that he created man, male and female, after his own image and in his own likeness, created he them; 19 And gave unto them commandments that they should love and serve him, the only living and true God, and that he should be the only being whom they should worship [the holy laws].

• Verse 17 -- These Things: Although not clear what "these things" is referring to, it is clear that whatever "these things" are has allowed the membership to know the following: 
• There is a a God in heaven, who is infinite and enteral, and unchangeable;
• That he created man and woman after his own image and likeness; and
• Gave unto man and woman commandments so that they should love and serve God. 
• Verse 19 -- Commandments: Verse 19 indicates that the purpose of God's commandments are to enable us to love and serve God. 
• Why might that be? 
• What is it about the commandments that enable us to do so? 
• What does it mean to love and serve God? 

20 But by the transgression of these holy laws [the commandments (that enable man to love and serve God] man became sensual and devilish, and became fallen man [the partaking of the forbidden fruit was in violation of these holy laws, resulting in the fall and man becoming "sensual and devilish". Thus by loving God we are able to avoid becoming sensual and devilish]. 21 Wherefore [because the holy laws were transgressed], the Almighty God gave his Only Begotten Son, as it is written in those scriptures which have been given of him. 22 He suffered temptations but gave no heed unto them. 23 He was crucified, died, and rose again the third day; 24 And ascended into heaven, to sit down on the right hand of the Father, to reign with almighty power according to the will of the Father; 25 That as many as would believe and be baptized in his holy name, and endure in faith to the end, should be saved— 26 Not only those who believed after he came in the meridian of time, in the flesh, but all those from the beginning, even as many as were before he came, who believed in the words of the holy prophets, who spake as they were inspired by the gift of the Holy Ghost, who truly testified of him in all things, should have eternal life, 27 As well as those who should come after, who should believe in the gifts and callings of God by the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of the Father and of the Son; 28 Which Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are one God, infinite and eternal, without end. Amen.

29 And we know that all men must repent and believe on the name of Jesus Christ, and worship the Father in his name, and endure in faith on his name to the end, or they cannot be saved in the kingdom of God. 30 And we know that justification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true; 31 And we know also, that sanctification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is just and true, to all those who love and serve God with all their mights, minds, and strength. 32 But there is a possibility that man may fall from grace and depart from the living God; 33 Therefore let the church take heed and pray always, lest they fall into temptation; 34 Yea, and even let those who are sanctified take heed also. 35 And we know that these things are true and according to the revelations of John, neither adding to, nor diminishing from the prophecy of his book, the holy scriptures, or the revelations of God which shall come hereafter by the gift and power of the Holy Ghost, the voice of God, or the ministering of angels. 36 And the Lord God has spoken it; and honor, power and glory be rendered to his holy name, both now and ever. Amen.

• Verse 30-31 -- Justification and Sanctification: I've discussed this concept in other posts. But to briefly summarize: 
• Justification occurs when one is Baptized of Fire and has received a remission of their sins. They are justified because they, thru God's grace, have reconciled themselves to the law (commandments) they are aware of.  A justified person does not knowingly and intentionally commit sins. Although they may do so unintentionally, for which they repent of when it is made known. 
• Sanctification refers to the process of being made holy -- i.e., taking upon the character of God. It occurs after one has been justified. Another name for sanctification could be deification -- being made into God. The process of sanctification involves changing the individuals character to become like God. Justification is required before one can move on towards sanctification. 
• Parallels to the Mosaic Law: Notably some scholars have pointed out that the sacrifices performed under the Mosaic Law resemble this progression of Justification and Sanctification, which looks like: Justification --> Sanctification --> Fellowship. 
• Justification: Sin/guilt offering 
• Sanctification: burnt offering
• Fellowship: peace offering 
• Verses 32 -- Fall from Grace: The declaration in verse 32 (and the following verses) is significant as it explains that a person, even if they've been sanctified, can fall from grace. Taken to its logical conclusion, this means that even a prophet can fall from God's grace. Fortunately this is a rare occurence, but it does happen. King David was one example, Balaam was another. Hence the reason why we are to never trust in the arm of flesh. The only reliable person is Christ. 

37 And again, by way of commandment to the church concerning the manner of baptism—All those who humble themselves before God, and desire to be baptized, and come forth with broken hearts and contrite spirits, and witness before the church that they have truly repented of all their sins, and are willing to take upon them the name of Jesus Christ, having a determination to serve him to the end, and truly manifest by their works that they have received of the Spirit of Christ unto the remission of their sins, shall be received by baptism into his church. 38 The duty of the elders, priests, teachers, deacons, and members of the church of Christ—An apostle is an elder [not high priest?], and it is his [apostle] calling to baptize; 39 And to ordain other elders, priests, teachers, and deacons; 40 And to administer bread and wine—the emblems of the flesh and blood of Christ— 41 And to confirm those who are baptized into the church, by the laying on of hands for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, according to the scriptures; 42 And to teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the church; 43 And to confirm the church by the laying on of the hands, and the giving of the Holy Ghost; 44 And to take the lead of all meetings.

• Verse 37 -- By Way of Commandment: This phrase carries with it a signification meaning. It should be noted that not every revelation given of the Lord is a commandment. For instance, section 89, the Word of Wisdom, was not initially given as a commandment. 
• "1 A Word of Wisdom, for the benefit of the council of high priests, assembled in Kirtland, and the church, and also the saints in Zion— 2 To be sent greeting; not by commandment or constraint, but by revelation and the word of wisdom, showing forth the order and will of God in the temporal salvation of all saints in the last days— 3 Given for a principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints." (D&C 89)
• Notice that verse 2 says that section 89 is to be sent "by greeting" and "revelation" but "not by commandment", given as a "principle with promise". 
• The commentary on section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants explains the following: 
• Although the Word of Wisdom was received on 27 February 1833, its acceptance by individual members of the Church was gradual. On 9 September 1851, some eighteen years after it was given, the Patriarch to the Church, John Smith, delivered a talk in general conference on the Word of Wisdom. During his address, President Brigham Young arose and proposed that all Saints formally covenant to abstain from tea, coffee, tobacco, whiskey, and “all things mentioned in the Word of Wisdom” (“Minutes of the General Conference,” Millennial Star, 1 Feb. 1852, p. 35). The motion was accepted unanimously and became binding as a commandment for all Church members thereafter.

45 The elders are to conduct the meetings as they are led by the Holy Ghost, according to the commandments and revelations of God. 

46 The priest’s duty is to preach, teach, expound, exhort, and baptize, and administer the sacrament, 47 And visit the house of each member, and exhort them to pray vocally and in secret and attend to all family duties. 48 And he may also ordain other priests, teachers, and deacons. 49 And he is to take the lead of meetings when there is no elder present; 50 But when there is an elder present, he is only to preach, teach, expound, exhort, and baptize, 51 And visit the house of each member, exhorting them to pray vocally and in secret and attend to all family duties. 52 In all these duties the priest is to assist the elder if occasion requires.

53 The teacher’s duty is to watch over the church always, and be with and strengthen them; 54 And see that there is no iniquity in the church, neither hardness with each other, neither lying, backbiting, nor evil speaking; 55 And see that the church meet together often, and also see that all the members do their duty. 56 And he is to take the lead of meetings in the absence of the elder or priest— 57 And is to be assisted always, in all his duties in the church, by the deacons, if occasion requires. 58 But neither teachers nor deacons have authority to baptize, administer the sacrament, or lay on hands; 59 They are, however, to warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ.

60 Every elder, priest, teacher, or deacon is to be ordained according to the gifts and callings of God unto him; and he is to be ordained by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is in the one who ordains him. 61 The several elders composing this church of Christ are to meet in conference once in three months, or from time to time as said conferences shall direct or appoint; 62 And said conferences are to do whatever church business is necessary to be done at the time. 63 The elders are to receive their licenses from other elders, by vote of the church to which they belong, or from the conferences. 64 Each priest, teacher, or deacon, who is ordained by a priest, may take a certificate from him at the time, which certificate, when presented to an elder, shall entitle him to a license, which shall authorize him to perform the duties of his calling, or he may receive it from a conference.

65 No person is to be ordained to any office in this church, where there is a regularly organized branch of the same, without the vote of that church; 66 But the presiding elders, traveling bishops, high councilors, high priests, and elders, may have the privilege of ordaining, where there is no branch of the church that a vote may be called. 67 Every president of the high priesthood (or presiding elder), bishop, high councilor, and high priest, is to be ordained by the direction of a high council or general conference.

68 The duty of the members after they are received by baptism—The elders or priests are to have a sufficient time to expound all things concerning the church of Christ to their understanding, previous to their partaking of the sacrament and being confirmed by the laying on of the hands of the elders, so that all things may be done in order. 69 And the members [those who have been received by baptism] shall manifest before the church, and also before the elders, by a godly walk and conversation, that they are worthy of it [the sacrament], that (so that) there may be works and faith agreeable to the holy scriptures—walking in holiness before the Lord. [The members show that they are worthy of the sacrament by their "godly walk" and "conversation"]

• Verse 69 -- Walking in Holiness: Here, there is a link between worthy partaking of the sacrament and being able to perform works and faith agreeable to the holy scriptures.

70 Every member of the church of Christ having children is to bring them unto the elders before the church, who are to lay their hands upon them in the name of Jesus Christ, and bless them in his name. 71 No one can be received into the church of Christ unless he has arrived unto the years of accountability before God, and is capable of repentance. 72 Baptism is to be administered in the following manner unto all those who repent— 73 The person who is called of God and has authority from Jesus Christ to baptize, shall go down into the water with the person who has presented himself or herself for baptism, and shall say, calling him or her by name: Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

74 Then shall he immerse him or her in the water, and come forth again out of the water. 75 It is expedient that the church meet together often to partake of bread and wine in the remembrance of the Lord Jesus; 76 And the elder or priest shall administer it; and after this manner shall he administer it—he shall kneel with the church and call upon the Father in solemn prayer, saying: 77 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it, that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them; that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.

78 The manner of administering the wine—he shall take the cup also, and say: 79 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.

80 Any member of the church of Christ transgressing, or being overtaken in a fault, shall be dealt with as the scriptures direct. 81 It shall be the duty of the several churches, composing the church of Christ, to send one or more of their teachers to attend the several conferences held by the elders of the church, 82 With a list of the names of the several members uniting themselves with the church since the last conference; or send by the hand of some priest; so that a regular list of all the names of the whole church may be kept in a book by one of the elders, whomsoever the other elders shall appoint from time to time; 83 And also, if any have been expelled from the church, so that their names may be blotted out of the general church record of names. 84 All members removing from the church where they reside, if going to a church where they are not known, may take a letter certifying that they are regular members and in good standing, which certificate may be signed by any elder or priest if the member receiving the letter is personally acquainted with the elder or priest, or it may be signed by the teachers or deacons of the church.

Section 21

Background Information 

This revelation was given to JS at the home of Peter Whitmer Sr. in Fayette Townshiop, New York, after the Articles and Covenants were adopted by the Church. The Articles and Covenants (what is now known as section 20) was approved and adopted at the house of Peter Whitmer Sr on April 6, 1830. The approval was unanimous and afterwords JS ordained OC as an Elder, after which OC ordained JS as an Elder. The members then partook of the sacrament and then "laid . . . hands on each individual member of the Church present that they might receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and be confirmed members of the Church of Christ.” Then, while the group was "yet together" JS dictated what is now section 21. 

It's not often that the JS will interject someone to provide revelation. But it happened this time. The fact that it did happen indicates that section 21 contains important information that we should pay attention to. One of these is the status of JS as a prophet and seer, and what that means for us. 

Section 

1 Behold, there shall be a record kept [historical record] among you; and in it [the historical record] thou [JS] shalt be called a seer, a translator, a prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church through the will of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ, 2 Being inspired of the Holy Ghost to lay the foundation thereof, and to build it up unto the most holy faith [JS' calling was to lay the foundation of the Restored Church and built it up]. 3 Which church was organized and established in the year of your Lord eighteen hundred and thirty, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called April.

4 Wherefore, meaning the church, thou [referring to the church members] shalt give heed unto ALL his [JS] words and commandments which he [JS] shall give unto you [the members] as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me; 5 For his [JS] word ye shall receive, as if from mine own mouth, in all patience and faith [this statement is referring only to JS, not subsequent prophets]. 6 For by doing these things [heeding the words of JS] the gates of hell shall not prevail against you; yea, and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory.

• Verse 4 -- Give Heed Unto All His Words and Commandments: Besides the Doctrine and Covenants, it appears that we are also to give heed to JS' teachings and treat them as if it's is coming from the Lord's own mouth. This is evidenced by the statement "all his words and commandments", indicating that everything JS taught is as if from the Lord. The Lord promises us that (the members of the church) if we do,  the "gates of hell shall not prevail against [us]" and the powers of darkness will be dispersed. It's also important to note that the Lord limits this statements to JS. If the Lord intended for other prophets to be treated in the same manner of JS, he would have said so. Yet he didn't. JS thus stands apart as the prophet of the restoration and a study of Doctrine and Covenants and his teachings will give us power over Satan. 

7 For thus saith the Lord God: Him [JS] have I inspired to move the cause of Zion [JS' work is to bring forth Zion] in mighty power for good, and his diligence I know, and his prayers I have heard. 8 Yea, his [JS] weeping for Zion I have seen, and I will cause that he shall mourn for her [Zion] no longer; for his [JS] days of rejoicing are come unto the remission of his sins, and the manifestations of my blessings upon his works. 9 For, behold, I will bless all those who labor in my vineyard with a mighty blessing, and they shall believe on his [JS'] words, which are given him through me by the Comforter [JS' receives the words of Christ through the Holy Ghost], which [Holy Ghost] manifesteth that Jesus was crucified by sinful men for the sins of the world, yea, for the remission of sins unto the contrite heart [the Holy Ghost manifests these things].

10 Wherefore it behooveth me that he [JS] should be ordained by you, Oliver Cowdery mine apostle; 11 This being an ordinance unto you, that you are an elder under his hand, he being the first unto you, that you might be an elder unto this church of Christ, bearing my name— 12 And the first preacher of this church unto the church, and before the world, yea, before the Gentiles; yea, and thus saith the Lord God, lo, lo! to the Jews also. Amen.

Section 22

Background Information

This revelation was given short after the formal organization of the church on April 6, 1830. As the Joseph Smith Papers explains:

Although several passages in the Book of Mormon emphasized the necessity of baptism by proper authority, no revelation prior to 16 April 1830 explicitly addressed the question of rebaptism for those who had been baptized in other faiths. Oliver Cowdery’s June 1829 “Articles of the Church of Christ” prescribed the method of baptism and the wording of the baptismal prayer, declaring that “whosoever repenteth & humbleth himself before me & desireth to be baptized in my name shall ye baptize them,” but it did not address the question of rebaptism. The revelatory document on church government known as “Articles and Covenants,” which superseded Cowdery’s earlier document, clarified that baptism was necessary for entry into the church but did not explicitly address rebaptism either.

This revelation was intended to address this confusion.  

Section 

1 Behold, I say unto you that all old covenants have I caused to be done away in this thing; and this is a new and an everlasting covenant [received through baptism], even that which was from the beginning. 2 Wherefore, although a man should be baptized an hundred times it availeth him nothing [addressing the rebaptism issue], for you cannot enter in at the strait gate by the law of Moses, neither by your dead works. 3 For it is because of your dead works that I have caused this last covenant and this church to be built up unto me, even as in days of old. 4 Wherefore, enter ye in at the gate [instruction that all members need to be baptized into the church], as I have commanded, and seek not to counsel your God. Amen.

• Verse 4 -- Enter In At The Gate: Nephi explains what it means to enter in at the gate: 
• 15 And I heard a voice from the Father, saying: Yea, the words of my Beloved are true and faithful. He that endureth to the end, the same shall be saved. 16 And now, my beloved brethren, I know by this that unless a man shall endure to the end, in following the example of the Son of the living God, he cannot be saved. 17 Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.