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Doctrine & Covenants 78 — Study Guide

Doctrine & Covenants 78 Study Guide


Overview


  • Date of Revelation: March 1, 1832

  • Location: Kirtland, Ohio

  • Recipient(s): Joseph Smith (and Church leadership)

  • Section Summary: In this revelation, the Lord establishes the foundation of the United Firm—a sacred business partnership among Church leaders—to help manage temporal affairs, printing, and the bishop’s storehouses in both Kirtland and Independence. It teaches that temporal stewardship must be governed by spiritual principles, with Zion and preparation for the Second Coming at the center.



Timeframe & Setting


  • Following a season of rapid Church growth and expansion in both Ohio and Missouri, the Saints faced financial strain. The Lord gave this revelation just after He had instructed leaders in D&C 77 on interpreting symbolic prophecy in the Book of Revelation.

  • The Church was operating multiple storehouses and printing efforts, including The Evening and the Morning Star. There was a need for unified direction and consecrated stewardship.

  • Saints in Independence, Missouri, were attempting to establish Zion, but tensions were rising with local Missourians, and economic self-reliance was crucial.


Sources:



Key Circumstances


  • Urgent need for financial coordination and consecrated distribution of Church resources.

  • Need to uphold the law of consecration amid increasing demand and external pressures.

  • Preparation for the Second Coming and the expansion of Zion required organized stewardship and unity.

  • Revelation is likely connected to the celestial insights in D&C 76–77, especially the eternal nature of divine order.



Purpose of the Revelation


  • Establish and sanctify the United Firm, later known as the Order of Enoch.

  • Reinforce the divine principle that spiritual and temporal stewardship are inseparably connected.

  • Teach principles of equality, accountability, and heavenly preparation.

  • Provide long-term guidance for supporting the Church financially, in unity with divine law.



Significance


  • Introduces a sacred economic order that balances faith and works, spirit and substance—foreshadowing Zion.

  • Deepens the doctrine of stewardship, consecration, and celestial preparation.

  • Symbolically links temporal governance to divine government—invoking priesthood keys, preparation of Zion, and the Millennium.

  • Reflects early Restoration ideals of economic justice, unity, and the eschatological role of the Saints.



D&C 78:1–4 — Organize the Storehouse for the Poor


Verses 1-4

📖 Read on LDS.org

1 The Lord spake unto Joseph Smith, Jun., saying: Hearken unto me, saith the Lord your God, who are ordained unto the high priesthood of my church, who have assembled yourselves together;


2 And listen to the counsel of him who has ordained you from on high, who shall speak in your ears the words of wisdom, that salvation may be unto you in that thing which you have presented before me, saith the Lord God.


3 For verily I say unto you, the time has come, and is now at hand; and behold, and lo, it must needs be that there be an organization of my people, in regulating and establishing the affairs of the storehouse for the poor of my people, both in this place and in the land of Zion—


4 For a permanent and everlasting establishment and order unto my church, to advance the cause, which ye have espoused, to the salvation of man, and to the glory of your Father who is in heaven;


Doctrinal Summary

The Lord calls a group of high priests—Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Newel K. Whitney—to organize a divinely sanctioned temporal order, later known as the United Firm. This order was designed to regulate the Church's printing and storehouse operations in both Kirtland and Zion (Independence). Though temporal in appearance, this order was to be governed by heavenly law and founded on covenantal unity, with the ultimate goal of providing for the poor and establishing a celestial pattern of stewardship. The work is urgent (“time is at hand”), and success is tied to eternal salvation, divine wisdom, and glorifying God.



Language & Cultural Insights


High Priesthood


Ordained… from on high


Words of Wisdom


Salvation / Salvation of man


Time… at hand


Organization / Order / Establishment


Storehouse


Everlasting


Glory of your Father



Reflection Questions

  • Why would organizing a storehouse for the poor be considered part of God’s eternal work of salvation?

  • How does the Lord connect temporal stewardship to spiritual authority in these verses?

  • In what ways does my current service or calling reflect the sacred “order” and “wisdom” described here?



Cross-References

D&C 78:5–7 — Equality in Earthly and Heavenly Things


Verses 5-7

📖 Read on LDS.org


5 That you may be equal in the bonds of heavenly things, yea, and earthly things also, for the obtaining of heavenly things.


6 For if ye are not equal in earthly things ye cannot be equal in obtaining heavenly things;


7 For if you will that I give unto you a place in the celestial world, you must prepare yourselves by doing the things which I have commanded you and required of you.

Doctrinal Summary


The Lord teaches a profound covenantal law of equality: those who wish to inherit celestial glory must be equal not only in spiritual aspirations but in the temporal conditions of life. The commandment to share earthly resources reflects the divine order of heaven. Obedience, preparation, and consecration are required of those who desire a “place in the celestial world.” Zion cannot be built on inequality, and heavenly unity demands earthly stewardship.

The “bonds” of heavenly unity must be reflected in the way disciples live and serve each other on earth. The celestial world is not reserved for the successful, but for the consecrated—those who live in covenantal unity, obey commandments, and prepare themselves through faithful action. This forms the spiritual and economic foundation of Zion.



Language & Cultural Insights


Equal


Bonds

  • Hebrew: chebel (חֶבֶל) — cord, band, territory, or portion (also used metaphorically for inheritance or spiritual unity)

    • See Psalm 16:6: “The lines (chebel) are fallen unto me in pleasant places”

  • Greek: desmos (δεσμός) — a chain, tie, or figurative covenant

  • Suggests both legal connection and spiritual sealing


Heavenly / Earthly things

  • Hebrew contrast: shamayim (שָׁמַיִם) heaven vs. erets (אֶרֶץ) earth

  • Spiritual equality (in priesthood, testimony, worth) must be mirrored in economic and social equality

  • See Matthew 6:10: “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven”


Obtaining


Place (in the celestial world)

  • Hebrew: maqom (מָקוֹם) — place, standing, dwelling

  • Symbolic of inheritance, temple station, or covenant location

  • Compare John 14:2: “I go to prepare a place for you”


Celestial World

  • Paul’s Writings:

    • 1 Corinthians 15:40–42: “There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial… so also is the resurrection of the dead”

    • Paul uses “celestial” (epouranios, ἐπουράνιος) to distinguish resurrected, glorified bodies that differ in glory

  • Restoration Use:

    • D&C 76:70: Celestial kingdom is “whose glory is that of the sun”

  • The phrase "celestial world" here refers to the highest state of eternal life and exaltation, prepared for those who obey and consecrate themselves fully to the Lord.

  • The “celestial world” is the final goal of exaltation and family sealing


Prepare


Doing


Commanded / Required



Reflection Questions

  • Why is economic and spiritual equality presented as a prerequisite to celestial glory?

  • What does it mean to “obtain” heavenly things? How is that different from just desiring them?

  • How does this passage challenge modern assumptions about worth, wealth, and spiritual merit?

  • What is one specific action I can take to better “prepare” myself for a place in the celestial world?



Cross-References

  • D&C 51:9 – let every man deal honestly and be alike

  • D&C 105:5 – Zion cannot be built unless the people are of one heart and one mind

  • Acts 2:44–47– all that believed were together, and had all things common

  • Moses 7:18 – no poor among them

  • Matthew 25:34–40– inherit the kingdom prepared... because ye fed, clothed, and visited the least

D&C 78:8–12 — Covenant Binding of the Order


Verses 8-12

📖 Read on LDS.org



Verses 8-12

8 And now, verily thus saith the Lord, it is expedient that all things be done unto my glory, by you who are joined together in this order;


9 Or, in other words, let my servant Newel K. Whitney and my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and my servant Sidney Rigdon sit in council with the saints which are in Zion;


10 Otherwise Satan seeketh to turn their hearts away from the truth, that they become blinded and understand not the things which are prepared for them.


11 Wherefore, a commandment I give unto you, to prepare and organize yourselves by a bond or everlasting covenant that cannot be broken.


12 And he who breaketh it shall lose his office and standing in the church, and shall be delivered over to the buffetings of Satan until the day of redemption.

Doctrinal Summary

The Lord commands His leaders to enter into a sacred order—a covenant-bound organization focused on advancing His glory through spiritual and temporal unity. Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Newel K. Whitney are to meet with the Saints in Zion and unify efforts through divine counsel. The covenant binding them together is to be everlasting, unbreakable, and preparatory for eternal promises. Failure to uphold this order results in the loss of spiritual authority and protection, exposing individuals to Satan’s influence. 



Language & Cultural Insights


Expedient



Glory



Joined Together

  • Hebrew conceptual root: ḥaver (חָבֵר) — companion, associate, bound in purpose

  • Related to unity and mutual accountability, esp. in sacred covenants

  • See Ephesians 4:16    resonates with Paul’s body-of-Christ teaching  “joined and held together...”


Order

  • Hebrew: seder (סֵדֶר) — liturgical sequence or structured pattern

  • Often associated with temple patterns and divine administration

  • In this context, the “order” is a sacred system of unity and preparation for Zion

  • Compare D&C 104:1–2



Sit in Council

  • Reflects the ancient Israelite pattern of prophetic and priestly assembly

  • Compare Job 1:6  – the divine council

  • Symbolizes righteous decision-making by revelation



Turn Their Hearts Away / Satan Seeketh

  • Covenant reversal of Malachi 4:6: hearts turning toward fathers (covenant)

The phrase mirrors language about apostasy, spiritual blindness, and hard-heartedness



Bond / Everlasting Covenant



Broken / Breaketh

  • The violation of divine covenant brings consequences

  • See Isaiah 24:5: “They have broken the everlasting covenant”



Office / Standing

  • “Office” = stewardship or priesthood assignment

  • “Standing” = spiritual qualification and Church fellowship

  • Compare D&C 121:36–37     unrighteous dominion causes priesthood to lose its power



Delivered / Buffetings of Satan



Day of Redemption

  • The time of final deliverance, resurrection, or atonement

  • Ephesians 4:30: “sealed unto the day of redemption”



Reflection Questions

  • How am I preparing spiritually to uphold my covenants without wavering?

  • What do I need to organize more deliberately in my life to reflect my commitments?

  • How can I recognize spiritual blindness or distraction as subtle tactics of the adversary?



Cross-References



Conference Talks:

“The Power of Covenants,” D. Todd Christofferson, Apr. 2009

“Why the Covenant Path” By Elder D. Todd Christofferson, April 2021

D&C 78:13–14 — Stand Independent by Divine Providence


Verses 13-14

📖 Read on LDS.org


13 Behold, this is the preparation wherewith I prepare you, and the foundation, and the ensample which I give unto you, whereby you may accomplish the commandments which are given you;


14 That through my providence, notwithstanding the tribulation which shall descend upon you, that the church may stand independent above all other creatures beneath the celestial world;


Doctrinal Summary


The Lord affirms that the structure He’s revealing is not temporary or optional—it is a divine preparation, foundation, and pattern (ensample) for the Church to follow. Though the Saints will face future tribulation, His providence will guide and sustain them. The Church is to become a holy and unified body that can stand independent of worldly systems, operating beneath the authority of the celestial world, yet patterned after its divine order. This moment models the faithful resilience needed to fulfill eternal commandments.



Language & Cultural Insights


Preparation



Foundation

  • Hebrew: yesod (יְסוֹד) — a base, spiritual pillar

  • Isaiah 28:16 — “a tried stone, a precious corner stone”

  • Christ Himself is often portrayed as the foundation of Zion



Ensample

  • Hebrew: tabnît (תַּבְנִית) — pattern, divine model, blueprint

  • Exodus 25:9: Tabernacle to be built “after the pattern (tabnît)”

  • Theological Note: This connects directly to Zion-building and temple work—earthly things patterned after heavenly realities.



Accomplish

  • Greek: teleioō (τελειόω) — to bring to perfection, complete, fulfill

  • See John 17:4: “I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do”

  • Hebrew 1: kun (כּוּן) — to establish, fix, bring to stability

  • Hebrew 2: shālêm (שָׁלֵם) — to complete, make whole (root of shalom)

  • Psalm 57:7: “My heart is fixed (kun)”

  • Theological Note: To “accomplish” God’s commandments is not merely task completion—it’s a movement toward wholeness, covenant fulfillment, and stability.



Providence

  • Hebrew Concept: ra’ah (רָאָה) — to see, perceive, provide

  • As in Genesis 22:14: “The Lord will provide” (YHWH-Yireh)

  • Theological note: Name of God: YHWH-Yireh (יְהוָה יִרְאֶה) = “The Lord Will Provide”

  • Also echoes מָגֵן (māgēn) — shield, protector (e.g., Psalm 3:3)

  • In Hebrew thought, “providence” is God seeing ahead and acting to secure covenant promises, especially under duress.



Tribulation

  • Greek: thlipsis (θλῖψις) — pressure, distress, persecution

  • John 16:33: “In the world ye shall have tribulation”

  • Hebrew: tsarah (צָרָה) — trouble, narrowness, distress

  • Psalm 34:17: “He delivereth them out of all their troubles (tsarot)”

  • Theological note: Tribulation is both a refining fire and a covenant test—associated with the “narrow path” (cf. Isaiah 30:20, Jacob’s trouble in Jeremiah 30:7).



Independent

  • From Latin independens — “not hanging upon”

  • In this context, the Church is not to rely on earthly powers or institutions

  • Compare D&C 78:14  with D&C 93:30: “man is independent... to act for himself”



Creatures

  • Hebrew: [beri'ah (בְּרִיאָה)] — creation, a created being (esp. Gen 1 language)

  • Greek NT parallel: ktisis (κτίσις) — creation or created order

  • Romans 8:19–22 — the creation groans for redemption

  • Theological note: Suggests the Church’s role as a redeemed agent within a fallen creation.



Celestial World

  • 1 Corinthians 15:40–41 — “There are also celestial bodies”

  • D&C 76:70  — Celestial glory

  • The Church is to operate under celestial governance, even while on earth



Reflection Questions

  • How do I recognize or build upon the “foundation” the Lord has already laid in my life?

  • In what ways can my life become an ensample to others?

  • Am I relying on the Lord’s providence in seasons of tribulation—or retreating into fear?

  • How might I spiritually or economically stand more “independent” as a covenant disciple?



Cross-References


D&C 78:15–16 — The Role of Adam (Michael) in the Divine Order

Verses 15-16

📖 Read on LDS.org


15 That you may come up unto the crown prepared for you, and be made rulers over many kingdoms, saith the Lord God, the Holy One of Zion, who hath established the foundations of Adam-ondi-Ahman;


16 Who hath appointed Michael your prince, and established his feet, and set him upon high, and given unto him the keys of salvation under the counsel and direction of the Holy One, who is without beginning of days or end of life.


Doctrinal Summary

These verses introduce a sweeping cosmic hierarchy, placing the current organizational instruction into a divine, apocalyptic context. The Lord identifies Himself as the Holy One of Zion and references Adam-ondi-Ahman, the site of past and future divine councils. Adam, known here as Michael, is not only the first man but also a heavenly prince, given priesthood keys of salvation and exalted by Christ Himself. This firmly roots Church organization within a premortal, millennial, and covenantal vision of divine governance—one in which the faithful will one day reign with Christ.



Language & Cultural Insights


Adam-ondi-Ahman

  • A revealed name meaning "Adam in the presence of God" or "Adam with God"

  • According to D&C 116:1 (LDS), this is the place “where Adam shall come to visit his people.”

  • Symbolism: It refers to a sacred return—the final divine council before Christ's Second Coming.

  • Connects this section to the Millennium and Zion's redemption.



Michael your prince



Keys of Salvation

  • Refers to priesthood authority to unlock saving ordinances, judgment, and stewardship

  • See D&C 128:20: “the voice of Michael on the banks of the Susquehanna…”

  • Theological Note: Priesthood keys are delegated by Christ, who has “all power in heaven and earth” (see Matthew 28:18)



Crown / Rulers over many kingdoms



Without beginning of days or end of life

  • Refers to Christ as eternal High Priest, echoing Melchizedek typology

  • Compare Hebrews 7:3: Melchizedek = “without father, without mother, without descent…”

  • Connects to the eternal priesthood structure, and Christ’s singular divine role in it



Reflection Questions

  • What does it mean that Adam (Michael) holds priesthood keys? How does that relate to Church organization today?

  • How does my understanding of priesthood authority change when I see it within this eternal, premortal, and millennial structure?

  • What does the promise of a “crown” or becoming a “ruler over many kingdoms” teach me about my divine potential?



Cross-References


Conference Talks

Doctrine & Covenants 78:17–22 — Heirs of Eternal Stewardship

Verses 17-22

  • Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye are little children, and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you;


  • And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.

  • And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.

  • Wherefore, do the things which I have commanded you, saith your Redeemer, even the Son Ahman, who prepareth all things before he taketh you;

  • For ye are the church of the Firstborn, and he will take you up in a cloud, and appoint every man his portion.

  • And he that is a faithful and wise steward shall inherit all things. Amen.


Doctrinal Summary:

These verses assure the Saints that although they are spiritually immature (“children”), the Lord has promised eternal blessings and inheritance to those who trust Him, receive all things with gratitude, and remain faithful stewards. Christ, “the Son Ahman,” will lead, prepare, and exalt them in glory as members of the “church of the Firstborn.”



Language & Cultural Insights:


Children

  • Hebrew: yeled (יֶלֶד)

  • Greek: teknon (τέκνον)

    • Often used to indicate spiritual sons/daughters (e.g., John 1:12).



Understood



Blessings / Riches of Eternity



Bear (as in “ye cannot bear all things now”)



Be of Good Cheer

  • Greek only: tharseō (θαρσέω)

    • Used repeatedly by Jesus (e.g., John 16:33: “Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”)



Lead You Along



Thankfulness



Redeemer

  • Hebrew: gōʾēl (גֹּאֵל) — (kinsman-redeemer)

  • Greek: lytrōtēs (λυτρωτής)

    • Cf. Titus 2:14: Christ “who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us…”



Church of the Firstborn

  • Greek: ekklēsia prōtotokōn (ἐκκλησία πρωτοτόκων) — Hebrews 12:23

  • Hebrew: bᵊḵôr (בְּכוֹר, “firstborn”) — BLB H1060 is the Hebrew term for firstborn.



Portion



Steward



Cross-References:



Reflection Questions:

  1. What does spiritual “childhood” look like in your life? How does the Lord gently lead you toward growth?

  2. How are you actively receiving your circumstances with thankfulness?

  3. What spiritual “riches” has God promised you—and how do you keep your eyes on them?

  4. What does it mean to be a “faithful and wise steward” in your current stewardship?


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