D&C 93: The Light and Truth of Christ Section Overview

Basic Information

• Date of Revelation: May 6, 1833

• Location: Kirtland, Ohio

• Recipient(s): Joseph Smith for the Church

• Verses: 53 verses

• Section Summary: The Lord reveals the eternal nature of truth and light, explains the relationship between Christ’s glory and intelligence, and calls specific brethren to greater faithfulness while establishing principles for spiritual progression.

  
  

Key Principles

• Primary Principle: The eternal nature of truth, light, and intelligence as manifestations of Christ

• Secondary Principle: Progressive spiritual development through grace upon grace

• Application Principle: Forsaking sin and bringing up children in light and truth

  
  

Timeframe & Setting (4 Layers)

Circumstances Among Recipients:

The early Saints in Kirtland were experiencing rapid spiritual growth but also facing challenges in understanding advanced doctrinal concepts. Many were struggling with worldly concerns while trying to build Zion. Several Church leaders, including Frederick G. Williams, Sidney Rigdon, and Joseph Smith himself, needed correction and encouragement in their spiritual progression.

Circumstances Within the Church:

The Church was in a period of intense revelation and organizational development. The School of the Prophets was active, temples were being planned, and the Saints were gathering to Kirtland. There was a need for clearer understanding of Christ’s divine nature and the process of spiritual advancement. The Church was also establishing patterns for righteous parenting and family instruction.

Relevant Local Circumstances:

Kirtland was becoming a gathering place for converts from various backgrounds and educational levels. The community was dealing with the practical challenges of building a unified society while maintaining spiritual focus. Economic pressures and the need for better homes and living conditions were constant concerns affecting family life and spiritual development.

Relevant Global Circumstances:

The early 1830s saw continued religious revival movements across America. Scientific discoveries were expanding human understanding of light and energy, providing contemporary context for revelations about spiritual light. Educational reforms were beginning, making the Lord’s instructions about teaching children particularly relevant.

Purpose of the Revelation (Dual Timeline)

Short Term:

• Address specific weaknesses in Church leaders

• Clarify the nature of Christ’s divinity and relationship to the Father

• Establish principles for righteous child-rearing

• Correct false notions about spiritual progression

• Provide comfort about the eternal nature of truth

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Long Term:

• Establish foundational doctrine about the Light of Christ

• Create framework for understanding eternal progression

• Set patterns for family gospel instruction

• Provide theological foundation for temple ordinances

• Establish principles of continuous revelation and learning

Significance (Dual Timeline)

Short Term:

Immediately helped Church leaders understand their divine potential and need for personal improvement. Provided parents with clear direction for teaching children gospel principles. Comforted Saints by revealing the eternal nature of truth and their own immortal spirits.

Long Term:

Became foundational scripture for understanding the Light of Christ doctrine, the nature of intelligence, and eternal families. Provides ongoing guidance for spiritual progression and the importance of truth in salvation. Forms doctrinal basis for modern family proclamation principles.

Cultural Insights (Dual Perspective)

Ancient:

Parallels Hebrew concepts of divine light (or) and wisdom (chokmah). Reflects temple symbolism where light represents divine presence and knowledge. Connects to ancient Christian concepts of theosis (becoming like God) found in early church fathers. Echoes biblical patterns of progressive revelation and learning “line upon line.”

Modern:

Addresses contemporary questions about intelligence, consciousness, and human potential. Speaks to modern parenting challenges and educational philosophy. Relates to current scientific understanding of light, energy, and information. Provides framework for understanding artificial intelligence and consciousness in gospel context.

Modern Application (5 Components)

Personal Application:

Daily seeking truth through study, prayer, and obedience. Recognizing the Light of Christ operating in conscience and inspiration. Pursuing education and intelligence with eternal perspective. Overcoming pride and receiving truth from any source. Regular self-examination and repentance.

Family Application:

Teaching children through example and precept rather than force. Creating homes filled with light and truth through scripture study, prayer, and righteous living. Helping family members recognize and follow the Light of Christ. Establishing patterns of continuous learning and spiritual growth. Protecting children from darkness while teaching them to choose light.

Church Application:

Supporting educational programs and continuing education. Sharing truth with others through teaching and testimony. Recognizing and sustaining inspired leadership. Participating in temple ordinances that teach principles of light and truth. Contributing to the gathering of Israel through missionary work.

Community Application:

Being sources of light and truth in local communities. Supporting educational institutions and learning opportunities. Standing for truth in public discourse while showing respect for others. Building bridges with people of other faiths who seek truth. Promoting family values and child welfare in society.

Questions for Personal Study:

1. How can I better recognize and follow the Light of Christ in my daily decisions?

2. What truths have I been resisting that I need to embrace for my spiritual progression?

3. How can I improve my efforts to teach my children or those I influence in light and truth?

4. What specific sins or weaknesses do I need to forsake to receive more light?

5. How has my understanding of truth and intelligence grown through my gospel study?

6. In what ways can I better prepare myself to receive “grace for grace”?

7. How do I balance seeking secular knowledge with spiritual truth?

   
   

Key Doctrines

• New Doctrines Introduced: The eternal nature of intelligence; the Light of Christ as divine influence; progressive spiritual development through “grace for grace”

• Previous Doctrines Clarified: The relationship between Father and Son; the process of becoming like God; the role of truth in salvation

• Covenant Principles Explained: Responsibilities of parents to teach children; the connection between obedience and increased light; the eternal nature of learning and progression