The Doctrine & Covenants is a fascinating book of revelations given to Joseph Smith, Jr. during his sojourn as Prophet of the Restoration.
The very beginning of the Doctrine & Covenants, known as the D&C, says this:
The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of divine revelations and inspired declarations given for the establishment and regulation of the kingdom of God on the earth in the last days. Although most of the sections are directed to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the messages, warnings, and exhortations are for the benefit of all mankind, and contain an invitation to all people everywhere to hear the voice of the Lord Jesus Christ, speaking to them for their temporal well-being and their everlasting salvation.
Most of the revelations in this compilation were received through Joseph Smith, Jun., the first prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Others were issued through some of his successors in the Presidency. (See headings to Sections 135, 136, and 138, and Official Declarations 1 and 2.) (Doctrine & Covenants, Explanatory Introduction)
Filled with wonderful revelations there is much one can learn as the pages of this sacred scripture is studied. In Section 89 we learn about a Word of Wisdom, which if obeyed, will predispose one to great health. One of my favorite sections (or chapters) is Section 130 which is a question and answer period between God and Joseph Smith.
Joseph had questioned the Lord about intelligence gained in mortality and the Lord answered him:
Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.
And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come. (D&C 130:18-19)
I’ve always wondered why I crave knowledge so much. Maybe it is an innate understanding of this eternal principle. While many are content to coast through life, like a butterfly flitting from one flower to the next, I find myself unsatisfied unless I am constantly learning more about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and all the mysteries of heaven it entails. Whatever the reason, I’m relieved to know this knowledge is going with me. I simply cannot wait to get my hands on those heavenly libraries which must surely exist.
In Verse 22 we learn:
The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us. (D&C 130:22)
Okay, I know my friends of other friends are freaking out right about now, but I refer them to the New Testament and to a previous blog I wrote called Personal Reflections on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
But this knowledge makes everything make so much more sense. I never could figure out what Jesus was supposed to have done with His resurrected body after ascending into heaven in Acts, Chapter 1 of the New Testament. In addition, an understanding of the Holy Ghost and his role makes things so much more sensible to me.
Born into a Mormon family, I was baptized at eight years of age and continued to grow in my knowledge and testimony of the gospel from that time forward. But the first time I read the Doctrine & Covenants, beginning to end, I was delighted by what I learned and Section 130 quickly became one of my favorites.
These are just two nuggets of knowledge which can be found in Section 130 of the Doctrine & Covenants. Enjoy! Go forth and seek knowledge, my friends.
