Shauna Humphreys - 100 Favorite Verses from the Doctrine and Covenants

Jehovah speaks! Let earth give ear,

And Gentile nations turn and live.

His mighty arm is making bare

His covnant people to receive

Hymns, no. 1

This hymn of the Restoration reminds us that the Lord has seen fit in this, the dispensation of the fullness of times, to speak to His beloved children through the mouths of His chosen and holy prophets. The Doctrine and Covenants contains the Lords words of instruction and guidance that came as a result of earnest prayer and supplication by modern-day prophets of God: We declare with soberness that the Lord has now made known his will for the blessing of all his children throughout the earth who will hearken to the voice of his authorized servants, and prepare themselves to receive every blessing of the gospel (OD 2); words of comfort and solace for children of God at all times, and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in (see Mosiah 18:9); words that tenderly yet powerfully invite the whole world to come unto Him, for verily the voice of the Lord is unto all men (D&C 1:2); words of pure and fervent testimony that Jesus is the living Christ, the very Son of Godour Savior and our Redeemer. We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit... and... even the voice of Jehovah, saying:... I am he who liveth (D&C 110:24).

We are blessed immeasurably to treasure the doctrine contained in this book of scripture. It is the mind, the word, and the will of God tailored specifically for our time and our individual needs; it is positive proof of the Good Shepherds love for His flock and His desire to guide each of His sheep safely back to His fold. Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life (D&C 45:5).

The selected verses in this volume are but a small sampling of the sacred truths contained in the Doctrine and Covenants. May we be blessed to search fully and gratefully all of its holy words of truth and love ( Hymns , no. 271).

Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful... 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 1:3738

How fitting that the Lord should dictate through the Prophet Joseph Smith a glorious preface to His book of commandments, a preface in which He issues a declaration, not only to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but to all the world that the words contained therein are His words, sacred and eternal. They are words that invite our closest scrutiny and deserve our finest attention as we open our ears that [we] may hear, and [our] hearts that [we] may understand... that the mysteries of God may be unfolded to [our] view (Mosiah 2:9).

The word unfolded implies multiple layers, just like unfolding a beautiful quilt to see the intricacies of its workmanship and the beauties of its pattern that makes it whole and complete. Similarly, as we receive and examine each lovely layer of the Saviors everlasting gospel, we see the beauty of its fullness as revealed to us through His voice and the voice of His prophets. And just like a warm and comforting quilt, these words become familiar and pleasingwords we desire to read and heedwords which if heeded will make us whole and complete.

When we listen to a prophets voice, we are listening to the Lord. And they shall give heed unto these words and trifle not, and I will bless them (D&C 32:5). In other words, they are not words to be taken lightly or optionally. Prophets are the mouthpieces of God, and through them, we are privileged to be the recipients of His words. President Harold B. Lee said, The only safety we have as members of this church is to... give heed to the words and commandments that the Lord shall give through His prophet[s].... There will be some things that take patience and faith.... But if you listen to these things, as if from the mouth of the Lord Himself,... the gates of hell shall not prevail against you;... and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you... (D&C 21:6) (Robert D. Hales, General Conference: Strengthening Faith and Testimony, Ensign , Nov. 2013). His scriptures, whether by [His] own voice or by the voice of [His] servants (D&C 1:38) are our ultimate protection against the adversarys darts of deception.

So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding (Prov. 2:2).

His scriptures, whether by [His] own voice or by the voice of [His] servants (D&C 1:38), are our ultimate protection against the adversarys darts of deception.

And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.

D&C 14:7

The words in this scripture could be considered part of a patriarchal blessing the Lord gave David Whitmer, but they should also be considered an admonition and promise to each of us. Indeed, all of the Lords revelations are like personal patriarchal blessings, which remind us of our spiritual lineage and potential as children of God.

The Lord first speaks of the importance of keeping His commandments at all times [every phase of our lives] and in all things [good and bad], and in all places [workplaces, school, entertainment hubs, our homes] that [we] may be in (Mosiah 18:9). All times, all circumstances, and all places can mean only one thing: enduring to the end, which is often referred to as the fifth principle of the gospel. When the angel Moroni showed the gold plates to the Three Witnesses, he looked directly at David Whitmer and said, David, blessed is he that endureth to the end (B. H. Roberts, in Conference Report, Oct. 1926, 126). This good man who did so much to help the Prophet bring forth the Book of Mormon was steadfast in his testimony of that book, but in other things and at other times he was not able to endure.

Enduring means we are steadfast in our faith in the Lord Jesus Christthat like Alma, we are constant in our trust in the true and living God, remaining faithful until the end of our lives (see Alma 5:13). There is never a time, place, or circumstance when we can rest on our spiritual laurels. Many of us anticipate the day when we can retire from our lifelong occupations and live on pensions to which we have faithfully contributed; however, we can never retire from righteous living, hoping we have made enough contributions to our spiritual banks to cover any future shortfalls. No matter how many dues we think we have paid, we must keep on giving to the Lord right up to the end. Dont let your guard down. Dont assume that a great revelation, some marvelous, illuminating moment, the opening of an inspired path, is the end of it. Remember, it isnt over until its over (Jeffrey R. Holland, Trusting Jesus [2003], 169).

The Lord has promised that if we are faithful, obedient, and constant, He will bless and prosper us (see Mosiah 2:22). This does not mean we will always have an abundance of material wealth, but most assuredly we will be spiritually rich. Again, the Lord promises us, If thou wilt do good, yea, and hold out faithful to the end , thou shalt be saved in the kingdom of God,... for there is no gift greater than the gift of salvation (D&C 6:13; emphasis added). This is surely a most glorious patriarchal blessing.

Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days