Doctrine and Covenants (2013)

Introduction/Headnote

This text explains the historical and theological transition of the LDS Church from practicing plural marriage to monogamy, citing legal pressure and subsequent divine revelation.

Official Declaration 2

A 1978 proclamation announcing a divine revelation ending the restriction on priesthood ordination and temple ordinances for Black members of African descent.

This text serves as the divine 'Preface' to the Doctrine and Covenants, declaring the universal apostasy of traditional Christianity, the restoration of the only true church through Joseph Smith, and the binding authority of modern prophetic revelation.

Section 2

An account of the angel Moroni appearing to Joseph Smith, quoting a modified version of Malachi 4 to promise the return of Elijah to restore priesthood authority and family sealing power.

Section 3

A revelation rebuking Joseph Smith for losing the 116 manuscript pages of the Book of Mormon, emphasizing God's sovereignty over human failure and the conditional nature of Joseph's prophetic gift.

Section 4

A foundational revelation given to Joseph Smith Sr. outlining the qualifications for ministry and explicitly linking the intensity of one's service to their standing before God.

Section 5

A revelation addressing Martin Harris's demand for physical proof of the Golden Plates, establishing Joseph Smith's exclusive role as translator and promising the future testimony of Three Witnesses.

Section 6

A revelation addressed to Oliver Cowdery, confirming his role as scribe, validating his internal spiritual experiences, and defining salvation as a reward for faithful labor and endurance.

Section 7

A revelation where Joseph Smith translates a hidden parchment written by John the Apostle, revealing that John asked to live until the Second Coming to evangelize, a desire Christ labeled 'greater' than Peter's desire to enter heaven.

Section 8

A revelation defining the mode of receiving divine truth through the 'mind and heart' and authorizing Oliver Cowdery to use the 'gift of Aaron' to translate ancient records.

Section 9

A revelation explaining why Oliver Cowdery failed in his attempt to translate the Book of Mormon, establishing the 'burning in the bosom' as the primary epistemological method for discerning truth.

Section 10

A revelation instructing Joseph Smith not to re-translate the lost 116 pages of the Book of Mormon manuscript, alleging a conspiracy by wicked men to alter the stolen text to discredit him.

Section 11

A revelation directed to Hyrum Smith, commanding him to keep commandments and study the forthcoming Book of Mormon ('obtain the word') before attempting to preach.

Section 12

A revelation given to Joseph Knight Sr. commanding him to engage in the 'marvelous work' of the Restoration, explicitly linking the labor of 'reaping' to the securing of his own eternal salvation.

Section 13

This text recounts the angelic ordination of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to the Aaronic Priesthood by John the Baptist, claiming the restoration of the authority to baptize and minister.

Section 14

A revelation directed to David Whitmer, commanding him to assist in the 'marvelous work' of the Restoration, explicitly linking his personal eternal life to his active labor in the harvest and strict obedience to commandments.

Section 15

A short revelation addressed to John Whitmer, in which Joseph Smith (speaking as Jesus Christ) validates his prophetic authority by revealing Whitmer's private thoughts and declaring that missionary work is the activity of greatest worth.

Section 16

A personal revelation addressed to Peter Whitmer Jr., identifying missionary work (declaring repentance) as the single most valuable activity for his life.

Section 17

A revelation directing the Three Witnesses (Cowdery, Whitmer, Harris) on how to obtain a view of the Golden Plates and other Nephite artifacts through faith, conditioning their salvation and the validity of the work on their testimony.

Section 18

A revelation regarding the calling of the Twelve Apostles, the immense worth of souls, and the strict requirements for salvation involving baptism and commandment-keeping.

Section 20

Known as the 'Articles and Covenants,' this section serves as the founding constitution of the LDS Church, outlining its history, foundational doctrines, priesthood offices, and sacramental ordinances.

Section 21

A foundational revelation given at the organization of the Church establishing Joseph Smith's supreme spiritual authority, commanding members to receive his words as if from God's own mouth.

Section 22

A revelation declaring all previous Christian baptisms invalid ('dead works') and mandating re-baptism into Joseph Smith's newly organized church.

Section 23

A series of five brief, personal revelations delivered through Joseph Smith to early associates, assigning specific duties regarding preaching, exhortation, and joining the newly organized church.

Section 24

A revelation directing Joseph Smith to cease temporal labors to focus entirely on ministry, mandating church financial support, and authorizing the cursing of those who reject or persecute the early Mormon leaders.

Section 25

A revelation directed to Emma Smith, designating her as an 'elect lady,' outlining her duties to comfort and scribe for her husband Joseph, and establishing strict conditions for her salvation based on continuous obedience.

Section 26

A revelation instructing Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, and John Whitmer on their immediate ministerial duties and establishing the principle of 'common consent' for church governance.

Section 27

A revelation initially addressing the substitution of water for wine in the sacrament, which expands into a comprehensive assertion of Joseph Smith's priesthood authority via angelic visitation.

Section 28

A revelation establishing Joseph Smith's exclusive authority to receive commandments for the Church, rebuking Hiram Page for using a seer stone to produce rival revelations, and commissioning Oliver Cowdery to preach to the Lamanites.

Section 29

An eschatological revelation detailing the Second Coming, the physical gathering of the elect, the pre-mortal War in Heaven, and the theological necessity of the Fall for human agency.

Section 30

A compilation of three revelations chastising David Whitmer for misplaced priorities and commissioning Peter Whitmer Jr. and John Whitmer to missionary labor, specifically establishing the mission to the Lamanites.

Section 31

A revelation directing Thomas B. Marsh to preach the gospel, promising forgiveness of sins in exchange for missionary labor, and offering assurances regarding his family's spiritual future.

Section 32

A revelation directing Parley P. Pratt and Ziba Peterson to join Oliver Cowdery and Peter Whitmer Jr. on a mission to preach the restored gospel to the 'Lamanites' (Native Americans).

Section 33

A revelation calling Ezra Thayre and Northrop Sweet to missionary service, declaring the total corruption of traditional Christianity and the establishment of the restored church in the 'eleventh hour.'

Section 34

A revelation calling Orson Pratt to preach repentance and prepare the world for the imminent Second Coming of Christ.

Section 35

A revelation addressing Sidney Rigdon, validating his previous ministry as preparatory but insufficient, and commanding him to serve as scribe for Joseph Smith's Bible translation while receiving the authority to confer the Holy Ghost.

Section 36

A revelation calling Edward Partridge to the ministry, establishing the necessity of ordination by specific church leaders (Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith) to receive the Holy Spirit and authority to preach.

Section 37

A revelation directing Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to pause their Bible translation work and commanding the early Saints to physically relocate to Ohio.

Section 39

A revelation addressed to Methodist minister James Covel, commanding him to be baptized into the restored church for the remission of sins and to move to Ohio.

Section 41

A revelation establishing the need for a new divine 'law' to govern the church, defining discipleship through strict obedience, and appointing Edward Partridge as the first bishop.

Section 42

Known as 'The Law,' this revelation establishes the fundamental ecclesiastical, moral, and economic code for the early Latter-day Saint movement, including the Law of Consecration.

Section 43

A revelation establishing Joseph Smith as the sole channel for divine commandments to the Church and commissioning elders to preach the imminent Second Coming.

Section 44

A revelation directing elders to gather for a conference, promising the outpouring of the Spirit conditional upon their faithfulness, and instructing them to organize legally for protection against enemies.

Section 45

A revelation presenting itself as a modern expansion of the Olivet Discourse, detailing the signs of the Second Coming, the restoration of the gospel, and the command to build a physical New Jerusalem (Zion) in the American West.

Section 46

A revelation given to regulate church meetings, instructing that they remain open to visitors, and outlining the operation of spiritual gifts while establishing priesthood authority to discern them against deception.

Section 47

A revelation appointing John Whitmer as the Church Historian and Recorder, replacing Oliver Cowdery, with the promise of the Comforter's aid conditional upon his faithfulness.

Section 48

A revelation directing Ohio Saints to house migrating converts and commanding all members to save money to purchase a future, yet-to-be-revealed 'City of Zion.'

Section 49

A revelation directing early Mormon elders to preach to the Shakers, refuting Shaker doctrines regarding celibacy, vegetarianism, and the nature of Christ's Second Coming, while asserting the necessity of Mormon ordinances.

Section 50

A revelation addressing spiritual excesses and false manifestations in the early Kirtland church, establishing 'edification' as the primary test of spiritual truth and outlining the requirements for priesthood authority over spirits.

Section 51

A revelation directing Bishop Edward Partridge on the administration of the Law of Consecration, specifically regarding the settlement of Saints arriving in Ohio.

Section 52

A revelation directing specific elders to travel to Missouri (identified as the land of inheritance) and establishing a 'pattern' for discerning spirits based on humility and obedience to ordinances.

Section 53

A revelation directing Sidney Gilbert to be ordained an elder and appointed as a bishop's agent, while establishing that future blessings are contingent upon labor and salvation is conditional upon enduring to the end.

Section 54

A revelation directing Newel Knight and the Colesville Saints to flee Thompson, Ohio, and journey to Missouri after Leman Copley broke his covenant of consecration.

Section 55

A revelation directing William W. Phelps to be baptized, ordained, and to utilize his printing skills for the Church, specifically in the production of books for children.

Section 56

A revelation chastising Ezra Thayre for disobedience regarding property, establishing the doctrine that God may 'command and revoke' based on human agency, and outlining the spiritual obligations of both rich and poor.

Section 57

Joseph Smith identifies Independence, Missouri, as the biblical Zion and the specific location for a future temple, commanding Saints to purchase land and establish a printing press and store to facilitate the gathering.

Section 58

A revelation designating Independence, Missouri, as the center place of Zion, establishing the role of the Bishop as a judge, and defining repentance through behavioral modification.

Section 59

A revelation given in Jackson County, Missouri, outlining the requirements for the Saints to inherit the land of Zion, specifically focusing on Sabbath observance, gratitude, and obedience as prerequisites for temporal blessings and eternal life.

Section 60

A revelation directing elders returning from Missouri to Ohio to preach the gospel along the way, rebuking those who hid their testimony out of fear, and instituting a ritual of judgment against those who reject them.

Section 61

A revelation dictating travel logistics for early Mormon elders, asserting that the waters (specifically the Missouri River) have been cursed by God through the Apostle John.

Section 62

A revelation given to elders traveling to Missouri, linking the forgiveness of their sins to the recording of their testimonies in heaven and commanding them to gather in Zion.

Section 63

A revelation warning against sign-seeking and adultery while commanding the Saints to purchase land in Missouri (Zion) and providing specific eschatological details regarding the Millennium and resurrection.

Section 64

A revelation commanding universal forgiveness among the Saints to avoid 'the greater sin,' establishing tithing as a means of escaping eschatological burning, and defining the requirements for building Zion.

Section 65

A revelation designating the restored church as the 'stone cut out of the mountain' from Daniel 2, asserting that priesthood keys are on earth to prepare the world for the Second Coming.

Section 66

A revelation addressed to William E. McLellin, commending his repentance while warning against sexual temptation, and commissioning him to preach the 'fulness of the gospel' in the eastern lands.

Section 67

A revelation challenging critics of Joseph Smith's language to write a superior revelation; failing that, they must testify of the divine origin of Smith's writings. It also promises that faithful elders will eventually see the face of God when they are sufficiently perfected.

Section 68

This revelation redefines scripture as any inspired utterance by priesthood holders, establishes a literal Aaronic lineage requirement for the Presiding Bishopric, and mandates the baptism of children at age eight under penalty of parental sin.

Section 69

A revelation directing John Whitmer to accompany Oliver Cowdery to Missouri to safeguard church funds and manuscripts, while instructing Whitmer to continue his duties as Church Historian.

Section 70

A revelation establishing a group of six elders as stewards over the publication of church revelations, authorizing their financial support from the proceeds, and mandating temporal equality among the Saints as a condition for spiritual manifestations.

Section 72

A compilation of revelations appointing Newel K. Whitney as bishop in Kirtland and establishing a system of financial accountability and certification for members moving to Zion.

Section 73

A revelation directing Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to resume the 'translation' (revision) of the Bible after a period of preaching.

Section 74

A revelation explaining 1 Corinthians 7:14, asserting that little children are inherently holy through the Atonement and claiming Paul's biblical counsel was specifically regarding circumcision and the Law of Moses.

Section 75

A revelation commissioning specific elders to missionary labor, promising eternal life conditional upon their faithfulness, and establishing their authority to judge those who reject them.

Section 76

A vision recounting the three degrees of glory (Celestial, Terrestrial, Telestial) and the fate of the Sons of Perdition, establishing a tiered afterlife based on merit and ordinances.

Section 77

A Q&A style revelation where Joseph Smith interprets specific symbols from the Book of Revelation, establishing a 7,000-year temporal history for the earth and defining the 144,000 as ordained High Priests.

Section 78

A revelation establishing the 'United Firm' (later redacted to 'Order') to manage church mercantile and publishing efforts, asserting that economic equality is a prerequisite for celestial glory.

Section 79

A revelation directing Jared Carter to undertake a missionary journey to the eastern countries, promising the guidance of the Comforter and spiritual fruitfulness conditional upon his faithfulness.

Section 80

A revelation directing Stephen Burnett and Eden Smith to preach the gospel, emphasizing that the specific geographic location of their mission is less important than the act of preaching itself.

Section 82

A revelation establishing the 'United Firm' to manage church mercantile endeavors, emphasizing strict obedience where God is contractually bound to bless, but warning that recurring sin causes previously forgiven sins to return.

Section 83

A revelation outlining the church's economic responsibilities toward widows and orphans, establishing their claim upon the 'Lord's storehouse' within the context of the Law of Consecration.

Section 84

A revelation establishing the necessity of Priesthood ordinances to see God, outlining the 'Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood,' and mandating the building of a temple in Missouri.

Section 85

A revelation outlining the necessity of the Law of Consecration for inclusion in the records of Zion, warning that those who do not consecrate their property will be excluded from eternal inheritance.

Section 86

A reinterpretation of the Parable of the Wheat and Tares, asserting a historical 'Great Apostasy' where the early church was driven into the wilderness, necessitating a modern restoration of priesthood authority through Joseph Smith's specific lineage.

Section 87

A prophecy predicting the American Civil War starting in South Carolina, escalating into global conflict, slave uprisings, and divine judgment upon all nations.

Section 88

Known as the 'Olive Leaf,' this revelation outlines a comprehensive cosmology where Christ is the light and law of all things, delineates three degrees of glory based on obedience to law, and establishes the School of the Prophets with specific ritual requirements.

Section 89

A revelation outlining a dietary code known as the 'Word of Wisdom,' prohibiting alcohol, tobacco, and hot drinks while prescribing grains and herbs.

Section 90

A revelation establishing the First Presidency, declaring Joseph Smith's permanent possession of the 'keys of the kingdom,' and mandating the expansion of the church's mission to the nations.

Section 91

A revelation instructing Joseph Smith not to translate the Apocrypha, stating it contains both truth and human interpolations, and that readers must rely on the Spirit to discern between them.

Section 92

A brief revelation instructing the United Firm to accept Frederick G. Williams as a member and commanding Williams to be an active participant while keeping previous commandments to secure eternal blessings.

Section 93

A revelation asserting the co-eternal nature of human intelligence with God and redefining Christ's divinity as a progressive acquisition of grace rather than an inherent fullness.

Section 94

A revelation designating specific lots in Kirtland, Ohio, for the construction of administrative buildings for the Church Presidency and a printing house, emphasizing strict ritual purity to maintain God's presence.

Section 95

A revelation rebuking the Saints for delaying the construction of the Kirtland Temple, establishing the necessity of a physical temple for spiritual endowment, and asserting that God's love is conditional upon obedience.

Section 96

An administrative revelation directing the management of the 'French farm' in Kirtland, assigning stewardship to Newel K. Whitney, and admitting John Johnson into the United Firm with a conditional promise of eternal life.

Section 97

A revelation commanding the Saints in Missouri to speedily build a temple via tithing for the 'salvation of Zion,' defining Zion as 'the pure in heart,' and promising protection from divine scourges only upon the condition of absolute obedience.

Section 98

A revelation addressing the persecution of Saints in Missouri, establishing a theological framework for constitutional law and a specific 'law of retaliation' regarding war and forgiveness.

Section 99

A revelation directing John Murdock to leave his children under the care of the Bishop in Zion and embark on a mission to the eastern United States.

Section 100

A revelation given to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon offering divine reassurance regarding their families, instructions for missionary work in New York, and defining their respective roles as Revelator and Spokesman.

Section 101

Following the expulsion of Mormons from Jackson County, Missouri, this revelation explains their suffering as divine chastisement for sin, commands the purchase of lands for a physical Zion, and establishes the theological basis for the US Constitution and the paramilitary redemption of Zion.

Section 102

The minutes and constitution for the first High Council of the Church, establishing a complex judicial system for settling ecclesiastical disputes and disciplinary matters.

Section 103

A revelation organizing 'Zion's Camp,' a paramilitary expedition to reclaim Mormon lands in Missouri, framing Joseph Smith as a modern Moses and conditioning victory on strict obedience.

Section 104

A revelation reorganizing the 'United Firm' into separate orders for Kirtland and Zion, assigning specific real estate stewardships to church leaders, and establishing strict spiritual penalties for breaking economic covenants.

Section 105

Following the military failure of Zion's Camp to reclaim Jackson County, this revelation explains the delay of Zion's redemption as a consequence of the Saints' disobedience and lack of unity, shifting the focus from immediate conquest to spiritual preparation through a future endowment of power.

Section 106

A revelation appointing Warren A. Cowdery as a presiding high priest, commanding him to preach the gospel, and offering conditional assurance of salvation based on his continued faithfulness and humility.

Section 107

A revelation outlining the organization of the Latter-day Saint priesthood into two divisions (Melchizedek and Aaronic) and establishing the governing hierarchy of the Church.

Section 109

The dedicatory prayer for the Kirtland Temple, petitioning God to accept the physical house, endow the Saints with power, protect them from enemies, and gather Israel.

Section 110

A record of visions in the Kirtland Temple where Jesus Christ accepts the temple, followed by the appearances of Moses, Elias, and Elijah to commit specific priesthood keys to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.

Section 111

A revelation given in Salem, Massachusetts, promising Joseph Smith and his companions access to the city's material wealth (gold and silver) to pay church debts, as well as spiritual converts.

Section 112

A revelation addressed to Thomas B. Marsh instructing the Twelve Apostles to humble themselves, preach to the nations, and submit to the authority of the First Presidency to avoid spiritual condemnation.

Section 113

A Q&A style revelation interpreting Isaiah 11 and 52 to establish Joseph Smith's prophetic role as a descendant of Joseph and the necessity of Priesthood authority for the redemption of Zion.

Section 114

A revelation commanding Apostle David W. Patten to settle his financial affairs to prepare for a mission the following spring, while warning that unfaithful leaders will be replaced.

Section 115

This revelation officially names the church 'The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' and commands the construction of a temple at Far West, Missouri, designating the location as a holy refuge.

Section 116

A brief revelation designating Spring Hill, Missouri, as 'Adam-ondi-Ahman,' the site where Adam will return to visit his people, identifying Adam as the biblical 'Ancient of Days.'

Section 117

A revelation commanding William Marks and Newel K. Whitney to abandon their property in Kirtland, Ohio, and move to Missouri, emphasizing that obedience and sacrifice are more valuable than material wealth.

Section 118

A revelation reorganizing the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles following significant apostasy, commanding a mission to Great Britain, and setting a specific date and location for their departure.

Section 119

A revelation establishing the law of tithing as a mandatory requirement for the sanctification of Zion and the continued worthiness of church members.

Section 120

A brief revelation establishing the administrative body responsible for managing and spending the tithes collected by the church.

Section 121

A two-part epistle from Liberty Jail: first pleading for divine vengeance upon persecutors, then outlining the nature of God's 'Council' and the ethical requirements for maintaining Priesthood power.

Section 122

A revelation given to Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail, framing his suffering as a necessary precursor to greatness and declaring that his reputation will be globally polarized.

Section 123

Joseph Smith commands the Saints to document their persecutions and losses in Missouri to present to the government, framing this legal action as a divine requirement necessary before God can intervene.

Section 125

A revelation directing Latter-day Saints in the Iowa Territory to gather and build a city named Zarahemla opposite Nauvoo.

Section 126

A revelation releasing Brigham Young from future foreign missionary travel, commending his past labors as an acceptable offering, and commanding him to prioritize the care of his family.

Section 127

Written while in hiding due to legal persecution, Joseph Smith instructs the Saints to continue temple construction and establishes strict procedural requirements for the practice of baptism for the dead, specifically the necessity of eyewitnesses and written records.