Doctrine and Covenants

The Doctrine and Covenants is one of four books of scripture used in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the other three are the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Pearl of Great Price).

The Lord said to the Prophet Joseph Smith, "This generation shall have my word through you" (D&C 5:10). In the Doctrine and Covenants we learn doctrines concerning the eternal nature of families, the degrees of glory awaiting men and women after this life, and the organization of Christ's Church on earth today. We also read about the covenants God makes with those who are willing to keep His commandments.

Concerning the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord said:

"Search these commandments, 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 Prophet Joseph Smith said that the Doctrine and Covenants is "the foundation of the Church in these last days, and a benefit to the world, showing that the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom of our Savior are again entrusted to man" (section heading for D&C 70).

See also Scriptures

• "Inseparable Witnesses of Jesus Christ"

  John M. Madsen, Liahona, Feb. 2001, 14–21; or Ensign, Jan. 2001, 18–23
  The Doctrine and Covenants testifies of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, and both majestically witness of the Savior.

• "The Doctrine and Covenants: The Voice of the Lord"

  Neal A. Maxwell, Tambuli, Sept. 1979, 4–7; or Ensign, Dec. 1978, 4–7
  The Doctrine and Covenants gives us so many immense truths which cannot be fully appreciated unless read carefully.

• " 'A Great and Marvelous Work:' Latter-day Voices of the Doctrine and Covenants"

  Neal E. Lambert and Richard H. Cracroft, New Era, Nov. 1973, 38–43
  The Doctrine and Covenants reminds us just how deeply our own lives are involved in the Lord's work and the Lord's word.

• "A Latter-day Testament of Biblical Truth"

  Rex C. Reeve Jr., Liahona, Mar. 2001, 26–33; or Ensign, Jan. 2001, 24–29
  The Doctrine and Covenants testifies of biblical prophets, their doctrinal teachings, historical events, and fulfillment of ancient prophecy.

• "The Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants"

  Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, May 1987, 83–85
  The Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants are bound together as revelations from Israel's God to gather and prepare His people for the Second Coming of the Lord.

• "Topically Speaking: A Look at the Impressive Doctrine and Covenants"

  John W. Welch, Ensign, Sept. 1985, 20–25
  The Doctrine and Covenants is modern revelation. It contains the word of God, his commandments for our day and his teachings for our eternal understanding.

• "The Story of the Doctrine and Covenants"

  Robert J. Woodford, Ensign, Dec. 1984, 32–39
  The story of how the revelations were written, prepared for publication, and moved through various stages until they reached our present edition is the story of trying to keep up with a flood of revealed knowledge.

Search Church magazines for content related to this topic.

• "Doctrine and Covenants"

  Guide to the Scriptures

• "Introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants and Church History"

  Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Gospel Doctrine Teacher's Manual, Lesson 1

• "Doctrine and Covenants"

  Encyclopedia of Mormonism
  (Please note that the contents of the Encyclopedia of Mormonism, a joint product of Brigham Young University and Macmillan Publishing Company, do not necessarily represent the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.) 

• "Online Scriptures—Doctrine and Covenants"

  Read the Doctrine and Covenants online.

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