The Doctrine and Covenants

What is the Doctrine and Covenants?

The Doctrine and Covenants is a book of modern scripture given through modern day prophets. 

“Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secrets unto his servants the prophets.”  (Amos 3:7)

We believe that God is the same yesterday today and forever and that as long as a His children have faith, that He will speak to them.  The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of revelations and declarations given to His prophets in modern day times.  

Joseph Smith was the first of these prophets.  He was called as a prophet at the age of 14 after sincerely praying to know of which church to join.  He was told that there had been an apostasy of Christ’s full gospel and that none of them had the full truth.  This “falling away” was prophesied by Paul and other Old Testament prophets.

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition. (2 Thessalonians 2:3)

 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. (Acts 20:29)

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. (Amos 8:11)

The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinances, broken the everlasting covenant. (Isaiah 24:5)

Most of the revelations in the Doctrine & Covenants were revealed for the purpose of re-establishing Christ’s Gospel on the earth.  The Doctrine and Covenants contains not only regulations of the church but messages, warnings, and exhortations from Christ himself.  

The Doctrine & Covenants is one of the standard works of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Mormons).  It is used in company with the Holy Bible, the Book of Mormon (Whatis the Book of Mormon?), and the Pearl of Great Price (What is the Pearl of Great Price?).  The Doctrine and Covenants is unique in that it is not a translation of an ancient document but is a compilation of modern day revelation.  Most of the revelations contained therein were received by the prophet Joseph Smith.  Other revelations were received by his successors.