Extension of Priesthood and Temple Blessings: The declaration announces that all worthy male members of the Church, regardless of race or color, can now be ordained to the priesthood and receive temple blessings.
Revelation to President Spencer W. Kimball: The change came through a revelation received by President Spencer W. Kimball after extended meditation and prayer, which was confirmed by other Church leaders.
Unanimous Approval: The revelation was unanimously approved by the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and other General Authorities, and was presented to the Church members for their sustaining vote.
End of Plural Marriage: President Wilford Woodruff declares the end of the practice of plural marriage among Church members, stating that the Church is no longer teaching or permitting it.
Compliance with Law: The declaration emphasizes the Church’s intention to comply with the laws of the United States, which had made plural marriage illegal, and to use influence to ensure members do the same.
Divine Guidance: President Woodruff explains that the decision to end plural marriage was made following revelation and guidance from the Lord, highlighting the importance of preserving the Church’s temples and the ability to perform ordinances.
Vision of the Spirit World: Joseph F. Smith receives a vision of the spirit world, where he sees the righteous dead rejoicing and the Savior organizing the preaching of the gospel to the spirits in prison.
Preaching to the Dead: The vision explains that Christ did not personally go among the wicked and disobedient spirits but sent messengers to preach the gospel to them.
Continuing Mission: Faithful elders continue their missionary work in the spirit world, ensuring that all have the opportunity to accept the gospel.
Vision of the Celestial Kingdom: Joseph Smith sees a vision of the celestial kingdom and is surprised to see his deceased brother Alvin there, despite Alvin not having been baptized.
Salvation for the Dead: The vision reveals that those who would have accepted the gospel if they had the opportunity will be heirs of the celestial kingdom.
Desire Over Death: This section emphasizes that salvation is determined by one’s desires and choices, not by the timing of their death.
Leadership and Organization: This section outlines the instructions given by Brigham Young to the Saints regarding their westward migration. It emphasizes the importance of organized leadership and the role of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in guiding the Church after Joseph Smith’s death.
Principles of Conduct: The revelation provides specific guidelines on how the Saints should conduct themselves during the journey. It stresses the importance of unity, faith, and obedience, as well as the need to care for the poor and needy among them.
Promise of Divine Support: The section assures the Saints that if they follow these instructions and remain faithful, they will receive the Lord’s protection and guidance. It frames their journey as a divinely sanctioned exodus, with the promise of reaching a new land where they can worship freely and build a new community.
Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith: This section solemnly records the assassination of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and his brother Hyrum Smith, the Patriarch, at Carthage Jail on June 27, 1844. Their deaths are depicted as a significant and tragic event in the history of the Church.
Tribute and Testimony: The section serves as a tribute to their lives and works, emphasizing their innocence and the unjust nature of their deaths. It highlights Joseph Smith’s role in restoring the gospel and his contributions, including the translation of the Book of Mormon.
Prophetic Assurance: It concludes with a prophetic assurance that their blood will not be shed in vain and that their testimonies will continue to influence and inspire future generations. The section underscores the belief that their martyrdom will be avenged by the Lord.
Divine Origin of Government: The section emphasizes that governments are instituted by God for the benefit of humanity. It asserts that governments should secure the rights and protection of all citizens, ensuring justice and equity.
Religious Freedom: It strongly advocates for the freedom of religion, stating that no government should interfere with the rights of individuals to worship according to their own conscience. This principle underscores the importance of religious liberty as a fundamental human right.
Obedience to Law: The section encourages members to uphold and sustain the law, recognizing the importance of lawful order in society. It also highlights the duty of citizens to respect and honor their governments, provided that the laws are just and protect the rights of all.
Key points from this section:
• Preparation for the Second Coming: The Lord commands the Saints to prepare for His Second Coming by sanctifying themselves and gathering to Zion.
• Call to Flee Babylon: The revelation instructs all people to flee from Babylon (symbolizing wickedness) and come to Zion, emphasizing the need for purity and readiness.
• Events of the Second Coming: It describes dramatic events that will accompany the Second Coming, including the Lord standing on Mount Zion, the continents becoming one land, and the return of the lost tribes of Israel.
Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-133.
New and Everlasting Covenant of Marriage: The revelation introduces the doctrine of eternal marriage, teaching that marriages performed by the proper authority can last beyond this life. This covenant is essential for exaltation and eternal progression.
Plural Marriage: Section 132 addresses the practice of plural marriage, explaining that it was commanded by God to raise up seed and fulfill His purposes. This practice was a significant and controversial aspect of early Church history.
Conditions of Exaltation: The revelation outlines the conditions required for exaltation, including faithfulness to the new and everlasting covenant of marriage. It emphasizes that those who enter into and honor this covenant will receive the highest blessings in the celestial kingdom.
Eternal Marriage: The revelation emphasizes the importance of eternal marriage, teaching that the highest degree of celestial glory can only be attained through the new and everlasting covenant of marriage. This principle underscores the significance of temple marriage for eternal progression.
Three Heavens or Degrees: Joseph Smith explained that within the celestial kingdom, there are three heavens or degrees. To obtain the highest, a person must enter into the order of the priesthood, meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage.
Knowledge and Intelligence: The revelation highlights that whatever principle of intelligence we gain in this life will rise with us in the resurrection. This principle encourages the pursuit of knowledge and intelligence as essential for eternal growth and exaltation.
Nature of God and Man: The revelation provides insights into the nature of God and man, emphasizing that God the Father and Jesus Christ have tangible, physical bodies, while the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit. This understanding clarifies the distinct roles and characteristics of each member of the Godhead.
Principles of Knowledge and Obedience: The revelation teaches that whatever principle of intelligence we attain in this life will rise with us in the resurrection. It also emphasizes that obedience to God’s commandments leads to greater knowledge and blessings in the life to come.
Prophecies and Promises: Joseph Smith shared specific prophecies and promises, including the prediction of the Civil War and the assurance that faithful Saints would receive all that the Father has. These prophecies highlight the importance of faithfulness and the eternal rewards awaiting the obedient.
Key points from this section:
• Nature of Heavenly Beings: The section explains that there are two kinds of beings in heaven: resurrected beings with bodies of flesh and bones, and spirits of just men made perfect who have not yet been resurrected.
• Identifying True Messengers: It provides three grand keys to distinguish between true messengers from God and false spirits. For example, a true angel will shake hands and you will feel their hand, while a spirit will not move to shake hands.
• Detecting Deception: The revelation teaches that if a devil appears as an angel of light and you ask to shake hands, you will not feel anything, thus revealing the deception.
Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-129.
Baptisms for the Dead: Joseph Smith emphasized the importance of baptisms for the dead, explaining that this ordinance is essential for the salvation of those who have passed away without the opportunity to accept the gospel. He provided detailed instructions on how these baptisms should be recorded and witnessed.
Heavenly Records: The revelation highlighted the significance of keeping accurate records of baptisms for the dead. Joseph Smith taught that these records would be bound on earth and in heaven, ensuring that the ordinances performed are recognized by God.
Vision of the Future: Joseph Smith shared a vision of the future, where the Saints would continue to perform baptisms for the dead and other sacred ordinances in temples. He expressed his joy and anticipation for the blessings that would come from these efforts, both for the living and the dead.
Key points from this section:
• Persecution and Tribulation: Joseph Smith writes about the persecution he faces and expresses his determination to endure it with faith, comparing his trials to those of the Apostle Paul.
• Baptism for the Dead: The revelation provides instructions on keeping accurate records of baptisms for the dead, emphasizing the importance of having a recorder present to witness and document these ordinances.
• Continued Work on the Temple: Despite the challenges, the Saints are encouraged to continue their diligent work on the temple and other appointed tasks, with a promise of heavenly rewards for their perseverance.
Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-127.
Release from Travel: The Lord released Brigham Young from extensive missionary travel, acknowledging his faithful service and the sacrifices he had made. This allowed him to focus on his responsibilities at home and within the Church.
Recognition of Faithfulness: The revelation recognized Brigham Young’s diligence and faithfulness in his missionary efforts. The Lord expressed His approval and gratitude for Brigham’s dedication to spreading the gospel.
Focus on Family and Leadership: The Lord instructed Brigham Young to take care of his family and attend to his duties in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. This shift in focus emphasized the importance of balancing family responsibilities with Church leadership roles.
Key points from this section:
• Gathering in Iowa: The Lord instructs the Saints to gather in the Iowa Territory, specifically naming the cities of Zarahemla and Nashville as principal gathering places.
• Building Cities: The Saints are commanded to build up cities unto the Lord’s name, preparing for future events and ensuring they are ready for what is to come.
• Unity and Preparation: The revelation emphasizes the importance of unity among the Saints and their preparation for the future by following the Lord’s commandments and gathering in designated places.
Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-125.
Command to Build in Nauvoo: The Lord commanded the Saints to build a temple and a boarding house in Nauvoo, Illinois. This was part of the effort to establish Nauvoo as a stronghold for the Church and a place for the Saints to gather.
Reorganization of the Church: The revelation included instructions for reorganizing the Church’s leadership, filling vacancies in the presiding priesthood quorums, and setting the Church in order. This reorganization was crucial for the Church’s stability and growth.
Emphasis on Temple Ordinances: The Lord emphasized the importance of temple ordinances, including baptisms for the dead and other sacred rites. The temple was to be a place where the Saints could receive the fullness of the priesthood and the associated blessings.
Key points from this section:
• Duty to Document Persecution: Joseph Smith instructs the Saints to gather and document all the facts, sufferings, and abuses they endured in Missouri. This includes recording property damages and personal injuries.
• Petition for Redress: The Saints are encouraged to present these documented injustices to the government, asserting their First Amendment rights to seek redress for their grievances.
• Moral Responsibility: The revelation emphasizes that it is an imperative duty to God, angels, and future generations to record these events, ensuring that the truth is known and justice is sought.
Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-123.
Suffering and Experience: The Lord explained to Joseph Smith that his sufferings would give him experience and be for his good. This perspective helped Joseph understand that trials and tribulations were part of God’s plan for personal growth and development.
Comparison to Christ’s Suffering: The revelation reminded Joseph that Jesus Christ had descended below all things and suffered more than anyone else. This comparison encouraged Joseph to endure his own sufferings with faith and patience, knowing that he was not greater than the Savior.
Promise of Endurance and Priesthood: The Lord assured Joseph that he would be able to endure his trials and that his priesthood would remain with him. This promise provided Joseph with the strength and determination to continue his mission despite the severe hardships he faced.