Marking Scripture

a. Meaningful marking

• Make a transparency of the scripture marking of Doctrine and Covenants 76:50–70 (found on the following page) and share it with students.

  Doctrine and Covenants 76:50–70 deals with members of the Church who gain exaltation in the celestial kingdom (bracketed). Here the Savior explains the requirements to become exalted (underlining), as well as the promises (numbering). Verse 57 is boxed to highlight priesthood designations.

  The example from Doctrine and Covenants 76 is provided to show some of the methods of scripture marking. Point out that individuals must develop their own method of marking that will best help them to understand the scriptures.

  Doctrine and Covenants 76

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  D&C 76:49–71 with markings

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• To annotate a passage of scripture is to make an explanatory comment about a particular passage. The examples found on the next page could be used to help students see the importance of annotating their scriptures.

  Help students understand that the annotations can come from studying the teachings of the prophets in our day (see Isaiah 18:1–2), or by the inspiration that comes to them as they study, or from the observation of others (see 2 Nephi 5:5–7, 11).

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  annotated scriptures

  Isaiah 18:1–2

  The land is America (see Joseph Fielding Smith, in Conference Report, Apr. 1966, 14).

  Missionaries

  2 Nephi 5:5–7

  The Lord takes His prophet out of their midst. Thus, they lose-

  1. The priesthood

  2. Records

  3. Revelation

  4. Right to saving ordinances

  5. Membership in the Church of Jesus Christ

  2 Nephi 5:11

  Nephi describes his society.

• Cross-referencing a scripture is a way of connecting two or more scriptures together. Usually there is a relationship or a common idea between the scriptures that you wish to connect.

  Use cross-references to clarify ambiguous passages, such as the following:

  1. Matthew 21:22—3 Nephi 18:20

  2. Matthew 16:27—D&C 88:96–98

  3. Isaiah 61:1—D&C 138:18

  Use cross-references to add insights to the narrative account:

  1. Matthew 17:1–3—D&C 63:20–21

  2. Matthew 13:18–2—D&C 86

  3. 1 Corinthians 15:38–42—D&C 76

  Use cross-references for scripture chaining. For example, the Doctrine and Covenants is often referred to as the “warning voice” because this theme is repeated throughout. You could illustrate this by “chaining” or connecting several scriptures together. Start with Doctrine and Covenants 1:4 and write the next reference you want to turn to in the margin. Continue this process until you come to the last scripture you want to use. In the margin by this last scripture, you would write Doctrine and Covenants 1:4. Thus, the chain is complete. Mark the following scriptures in the manner explained above: Doctrine and Covenants 1:4; 38:41; 63:37, 58; 84:114–15; 88:81; 109:38–46; conclude by writing Doctrine and Covenants 1:4 in the margin by 109:38–46.

  You could also do a scripture chain on the lost books in the Old Testament by using the following scriptures: Joshua 10:13; 1 Kings 11:41; 1 Chronicles 29:29; 2 Chronicles 9:29; 12:15; 20:34 (then Joshua 10:13).

• Developing a scripture list can be an effective learning technique. Select one or more of the following examples to review in class and create a scripture list for each one:

  1. Qualities of an elect lady (see D&C 25)

  2. The fruits of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22–26)

  3. The qualities of charity (see Moroni 7:45–48)

  4. The components of the whole armor of God (see Ephesians 6:13–18; D&C 27:15–18)

  5. The gifts of the Spirit (see D&C 46)

  6. The elements of proper fasting (see Isaiah 58:3–12)

  The preceding examples are lists with all of the elements located in one area of the scriptures. There are two other kinds of lists. One is a scattered list; that is, the items are not found all in one place. Examples would be the signs of the times and the signs of the true church.

  The second kind of scripture list is an implied list. For example, note that in Ephesians 5:23–28 the Apostle Paul gave his stirring counsel that the relationship between Christ and the Church should serve as the model for the relationship between husband and wife. Though he does not discuss in detail what this relationship means, Paul implies that certain qualities and obligations apply. His list could be outlined something like this:

  What did Christ do for the Church?

  1. He gave His life to save her.

  2. He set a perfect example for her to follow.

  3. He taught her the principles of salvation.

  4. He used His power to bless her.

  How does the Church respond to Christ?

  1. By looking to Him as the leader and presiding authority.

  2. By following His example.

  3. By using His teaching to find joy.

  4. By looking to His power and authority for direction and blessings.

  By comparing the husband to Christ and the wife to the Church, we can gain significant insights as to how a husband and wife should relate to one another.