Doctrine & Covenants 68— Study Guide

Doctrine & Covenants 68 Study Guide

OVERVIEW OUTLINE

• Date of Revelation: November 1, 1831

• Location: Hiram, Ohio

• Recipient(s): Orson Hyde, Luke S. Johnson, Lyman E. Johnson, William E. McLellin

• Section Summary: This revelation was given in response to prayer for guidance regarding four newly called missionaries. The Lord affirms their calling and establishes doctrine applicable to all ordained elders—specifically, the nature of prophetic speech, the qualifications of bishops, parental responsibility in teaching gospel principles, and Zion’s communal laws.

Timeframe & Setting

• Received the day after the Lord dictated what is now Section 1, the preface to the Book of Commandments.

• The 1831 Hiram conference had resolved to publish Joseph’s revelations.

• This section affirms that when moved upon by the Holy Ghost, elders speak scripture—not only Joseph Smith.

• The section was later expanded under Joseph’s direction and included in the 1835 D&C.

Key Circumstances

• Orson Hyde and the other named elders were being formally called and directed in their duties.

• The Church was grappling with how to discern true revelation and recognize divine authority beyond Joseph.

• Zion (Jackson County, Missouri) was being settled and required regulation—both in leadership and family responsibility.

Purpose of the Revelation

• To confirm the authority and scope of revelatory speech in the Church.

• To clarify priesthood lines of authority regarding bishops and the lineage of Aaron.

• To establish spiritual laws governing families, work, and Sabbath observance in Zion.

 Significance

• Establishes the principle that revelation is not exclusive to prophets—any elder moved upon by the Spirit may speak scripture.

• Provides the foundational doctrine for the Presiding Bishopric.

• Sets doctrinal standards for parents to teach children key gospel principles from the age of accountability.

• Issues covenantal warnings and administrative guidelines for building Zion.

SECTION OVERVIEW SUMMARY

D&C 68 is one of the most administratively rich sections in the Doctrine and Covenants. Initially given in response to a request for direction about four elders—Orson Hyde, Luke S. Johnson, Lyman E. Johnson, and William E. McLellin—the Lord's revelation quickly expands to establish principles for the entire Church.

The Lord reveals that whenever anyone speak by the Holy Ghost and the will of the Lord, their words are scripture—a revolutionary concept affirming the prophetic potential of every authorized servant. The section underscores missionary work, spiritual gifts (like discerning the signs of the times), and the covenantal charge to bear testimony of Christ.

In a doctrinal shift, this section introduces the right of literal descendants of Aaron to preside as bishops if qualified and properly ordained, as outlined in the Torah. The Lord then turns to address Zion, requiring that parents teach their children the core principles of repentance, faith, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost—starting at age eight.

The Lord commands diligence in labor, proper observance of the Sabbath, and earnest prayer. He rebukes Zion’s idlers and warns against greed and spiritual neglect, concluding with a strong declaration of divine authority and urgency: “Behold, I am Alpha and Omega, and I come quickly.”