Lesson 5: “This Is the Spirit of Revelation”

Purpose
To help class members understand how to prepare to receive personal revelation and to encourage them to do so.

Preparation
Doctrine and Covenants 6, 8, 9,

Joseph Smith—History 1:8–17

Class Member Study Guide

To gain a greater understanding of historical events related to the doctrine in this lesson, consider reviewing the following:
“Oliver Cowdery’s Gift.”
Additional historical resources

Discussion and Application

1. Our need for personal revelation

One of our greatest blessings is that the heavens are open and the Lord communicates with His children through continuing revelation. “Divine revelation is one of the grandest concepts and principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ, for without it, man could not know of the things of God. … Continuous revelation from God to his saints … makes possible daily guidance along true paths and leads the faithful soul to complete and eternal salvation in the celestial kingdom. … Without revelation, all would be guesswork, darkness, and confusion” (Bible Dictionary, “Revelation,” 762).

• Elder Boyd K. Packer of the Quorum of the Twelve said, “No one of us can survive in the world of today, much less in what it soon will become, without personal inspiration” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1991, 29; or Ensign, Nov. 1991, 23). Why do you think personal revelation is so important in our day?
  
• What are some decisions or situations in which personal revelation can help us? 

2. Understanding what we should do to receive revelation

A. Doctrine and Covenants 9:8; Joseph Smith—History 1:8–10. 

• What can we do to study out a question in our own minds?
  Joseph Smith gave deep thought to settling the question of which church was right. He also invested much time and effort, attending meetings, studying the scriptures, and searching longer than two years for an answer. We can look to Joseph Smith as an example of how to study matters out in their minds as they seek revelation.
• Why does the Lord expect us to study matters out in our own minds before receiving revelation? How has studying matters out in your mind helped you grow spiritually?

B. Doctrine and Covenants 138:1–11; Joseph Smith—History 1:11–12. (Ponder and meditate on the scriptures and the teachings of latter-day prophets.) Pondering the scriptures was the catalyst for both of the revelations recorded in these passages.

• Why is it important to study and ponder the scriptures when we seek revelation? How has scripture study helped you when you have sought revelation from the Lord?
  Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve explained:
  “Scripture reading may … lead to current revelation on whatever [subject] the Lord wishes to communicate to the reader at that time. We do not overstate the point when we say that the scriptures can be a Urim and Thummim to assist each of us to receive personal revelation.
  “Because we believe that scripture reading can help us receive revelation, we are encouraged to read the scriptures again and again. By this means, we obtain access to what our Heavenly Father would have us know and do in our personal lives today. That is one reason Latter-day Saints believe in daily scripture study” (“Scripture Reading and Revelation,” Ensign, Jan. 1995, 8).

C. Doctrine and Covenants 6:5, 14; 8:1; 42:61; 88:63–64. (Inquire of the Lord in faith, with an honest heart, believing that you will receive.)

Elder Boyd K. Packer said, “No message appears in scripture more times, in more ways than ‘Ask, and ye shall receive’” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1991, 26; or Ensign, Nov. 1991, 21). Praying with faith is a vital part of the process of receiving revelation. Most of the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants are answers to questions that the Prophet Joseph Smith asked the Lord.

• What does it mean to “ask in faith”? (D&C 8:1; see also 1 Nephi 15:11; Moroni 10:4.)
  The following questions from President Spencer W. Kimball can help us understand what it means to pray with faith: “Do you offer a few trite words and worn-out phrases, or do you talk intimately to the Lord? Do you pray occasionally when you should be praying regularly, often, constantly? … When you pray, do you just speak, or do you also listen? … Do you give thanks or merely ask for favors?” (“Prayer,” New Era, Mar. 1978, 17).
• What does it mean to ask “with an honest heart”? (D&C 8:1;).
  
• Read Joseph Smith—History 1:13–16. What can we learn about prayer from this passage? 
  
• What does the Lord promise as we ask in faith, with an honest heart? (See D&C 6:14; 42:61.) How have these promises been fulfilled in your life?

D. Doctrine and Covenants 63:23; 76:5–10; 93:1, 28; 101:7–8. (Be obedient and serve God.)

• Why is obedience important as we seek revelation from God?
  Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught, “The way to revelation is righteousness” (The Lord’s Way [1991], 34). He also taught, “We cannot have the companionship of the Holy Ghost—the medium of individual revelation—if we are in transgression or if we are angry or if we are in rebellion against God’s chosen authorities” (“Teaching and Learning by the Spirit,” Ensign, Mar. 1997, 9).

E. Doctrine and Covenants 5:24; 19:23; 112:10; 136:32–33. (Be meek and humble.)

• Why is humility important as we seek revelation from God?
  David Whitmer recalled that one morning when Joseph Smith was getting ready to resume translating the Book of Mormon, “something went wrong about the house and he was put out about it. Something that Emma, his wife, had done. Oliver and I went upstairs and Joseph came up soon after to continue the translation but he could not do anything. He could not translate a single syllable. He went downstairs, out into the orchard, and made supplication to the Lord; was gone about an hour—came back to the house, and asked Emma’s forgiveness and then came upstairs where we were and then the translation went on all right. He could do nothing save he was humble and faithful” (quoted in B. H. Roberts, A Comprehensive History of the Church, 1:131).

F. Doctrine and Covenants 25:10; 30:2. (Focus on the things of God rather than the things of the world.)

• Why is it important to focus on “the things of [God]” rather than “the things of the earth” as we seek revelation? (D&C 30:2.) How can we free ourselves from the concerns and noise of the world as we seek revelation?
  Elder Boyd K. Packer taught:
  “Inspiration comes more easily in peaceful settings. Such words as quiet, still, peaceable, Comforter abound in the scriptures. …
  “The world grows increasingly noisy. Clothing and grooming and conduct are looser and sloppier and more disheveled. Raucous music, with obscene lyrics blasted through amplifiers while lights flash psychedelic colors, characterizes the drug culture. Variations of these things are gaining wide acceptance and influence over our youth. …
  “This trend to more noise, more excitement, more contention, less restraint, less dignity, less formality is not coincidental nor innocent nor harmless.
  “The first order issued by a commander mounting a military invasion is the jamming of the channels of communication of those he intends to conquer.
  “Irreverence suits the purposes of the adversary by obstructing the delicate channels of revelation in both mind and spirit” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1991, 27–28; or Ensign, Nov. 1991, 21–22).
  While serving in the Presidency of the Seventy, Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught:
  “Divine guidance is so crucial … that we need to go out of our way to put ourselves in a situation in which such special help can be given. President David O. McKay spoke of how the morning hours, before we are cluttered with the cares of day, are especially conducive to inspiration. Others have felt that solitude and reading the scriptures can create an atmosphere conducive to the Spirit and can be developed. After all, to read the words of Christ already before us is a good thing to do before asking for more” (Wherefore, Ye Must Press Forward [1977], 121).

Lesson 4: “Remember the New Covenant, Even the Book of Mormon”

Purpose
To help class members recognize the Lord’s hand in the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and to encourage them to study the Book of Mormon, follow its teachings, and share it with others.

Preparation

1. Prayerfully study the following scriptures and other materials:
   1. Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65; Doctrine and Covenants 3; 5; 10; 17; 20:5–15; 84:54–62.
   2. Our Heritage, pages 5–10.
2. Review the material for this lesson in the Class Member Study Guide.
3. To gain a greater understanding of historical events related to the doctrine in this lesson, consider reviewing the following:
   1. “Book of Mormon Translation.”
   2. “The Contributions of Martin Harris.”
   3. “The Experience of the Three Witnesses.”
   4. “Ministry of Joseph Smith: The Book of Mormon.”

Discussion and Application

1. Joseph Smith’s preparation to receive and translate the Book of Mormon

• In the three years after the First Vision, Joseph Smith suffered “severe persecution” but remained true to his testimony (Joseph Smith—History 1:27). 
  • How can we remain true to our testimonies even when we face persecution?
• When Joseph was 17 years old, he was visited by Moroni. (Moroni was the last prophet to write in the Book of Mormon and had buried the gold plates in about A.D. 421.) 
  • What was Joseph praying for on the night Moroni appeared to him? (See Joseph Smith—History 1:28–29.) 
  • What can we learn from Joseph’s example when we feel “condemned for [our] weakness and imperfections”?

Read Joseph Smith—History 1:30–59.

• When Joseph Smith was first shown the gold plates, he was not prepared to receive and translate them. 
  • How did the Lord prepare Joseph to receive and translate the plates? (See Joseph Smith—History 1:33–35, 42, 44–46, 53–54.) 
  • How has the Lord prepared you (or how is He preparing you now) to fulfill your responsibilities? 
  • How can you prepare yourself to fulfill future responsibilities?
• How did Joseph’s father respond when Joseph told him of Moroni’s visit? (See Joseph Smith—History 1:50.) 
  • What does this suggest about Joseph’s integrity and trustworthiness? 
  • Why is it important to support our family members in their efforts to follow the Lord? 
  • How can we better support family members and others as they follow the Lord?

2. The miracle of the Book of Mormon’s preservation

Satan tried to stop the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. He tempted men to try to steal the gold plates, and people continued to persecute Joseph Smith and his family (Joseph Smith—History 1:60–61.) However, the Lord thwarted all of Satan’s attempts to keep the Book of Mormon from coming forth.

One example of the miraculous preservation of the Book of Mormon occurred when one of Joseph Smith’s scribes, Martin Harris, lost 116 pages of the translated manuscript. (See D&C 3 and D&C 10, which the Lord revealed after the pages were lost).

• After the 116 pages of manuscript were lost, the Lord chastened Joseph for fearing man more than God (D&C 3:7.) Joseph lost his gift of translation for a time (D&C 3:14; 10:1–2.) 
  • In what way had Joseph feared man more than God? 
  • How might our actions sometimes show that we fear man more than God? (See D&C 30:1–2.) 
  • What can we do to overcome our fear of man? (For some answers to this question, see D&C 3:8; 10:5.)
• How was the Lord’s love for Joseph Smith evident after the 116 manuscript pages were lost? (See D&C 3:8–10; 10:1–3.) 
  • What experiences have shown you that if you are faithful, God will be “with you in every time of trouble”? (D&C 3:8.) 
  • What experiences have shown you that “God is merciful”? (D&C 3:10).
• What was the plan of those who had stolen the 116 manuscript pages? (See D&C 10:10–19, 29–33.)
• What had the Lord already done centuries earlier to defeat the plan of those who stole the manuscript pages? (See D&C 10:38–39; see also 1 Nephi 9:2–5; Words of Mormon 1:3–7.)
• What did the Lord instruct the Prophet to do to spoil the plan of those who had taken the manuscript? (See D&C 10:40–45.)
• What does the account of the lost manuscript pages teach about the Lord’s power? (See D&C 3:1–3; 10:14, 43; and 1 Nephi 9:6.) 
  • How can this knowledge help us when we experience setbacks and disappointments?
• Read D&C 3:16, 19–20 and D&C 10:46–52, 60–66. 
  • What can we learn from these verses about the purposes of the Book of Mormon? 
  • How are these purposes being fulfilled today?

3. Witnesses of the Book of Mormon

• As Joseph translated the Book of Mormon, he learned that the Lord would permit three witnesses and a few others to view the plates (see the references to these witnesses in 2 Nephi 27:12–14 and Ether 5:1–3.) 
  • Who were the Three Witnesses? (See “The Testimony of Three Witnesses,” Book of Mormon.) 
  • What were they commanded to do? (See D&C 5:11–15, 24–25; 17:3, 5.) 
  • Why was their testimony important? (See Ether 5:4; D&C 5:16–18; 17:4.)
• In addition to the Three Witnesses, eight others were shown the gold plates (“The Testimony of Eight Witnesses,” Book of Mormon). All of the Three Witnesses and three of the Eight Witnesses later left the Church. Only a few returned, but none ever denied his testimony of what he saw.
• In the last year of his life, David Whitmer published this testimony in response to false accusations:
  • “It is recorded in the American Encyclopaedia and the Encyclopaedia Britannica, that I, David Whitmer, have denied my testimony as one of the three witnesses to the divinity of the Book of Mormon, and that the other two witnesses, Oliver Cowdery and Martin Harris, denied their testimony to that book. I will say once more to all mankind, that I have never at any time denied that testimony or any part thereof. I also testify to the world, that neither Oliver Cowdery nor Martin Harris ever at any time denied their testimony. They both died reaffirming the truth of the divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon” (Address to All Believers in Christ [1887], 8; as quoted in B. H. Roberts, A Comprehensive History of the Church, 1:145).
• The Savior is also a witness of the Book of Mormon. Read D&C 17:6 and D&C 19:26.
  • In what ways can we be witnesses of the Book of Mormon? (See Moroni 10:3–5.)
• The Three Witnesses and the Eight Witnesses testified of things that they saw and heard. Today millions of members of the Church testify of the Book of Mormon because they feel the witness of the Holy Ghost. While serving in the Quorum of the Twelve, Elder Gordon B. Hinckley said:
  • “The strength of the Church is not in … its thousands of houses of worship across the world, nor in its universities. … The strength of this church lies in the hearts of its people, in the individual testimony and conviction of the truth of this work” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1973, 73–74; or Ensign, July 1973, 49).

4. Our duty to “remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon”

• In September 1832 the Prophet Joseph received a revelation in which the Lord said that “the whole church [was] under condemnation” (D&C 84:55.) 
  • Why was the Church under condemnation? (See D&C 84:54–56.) 
  • What did Church members need to do for the condemnation to be lifted? (See D&C 84:57–58, 60–62.)
    • President Ezra Taft Benson said:
      • “If the early Saints were rebuked for treating the Book of Mormon lightly, are we under any less condemnation if we do the same?” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 4; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 4–5).
    • “The Lord is not pleased with us in the manner of attention we’re giving the Book of Mormon, a new witness for Christ. We need it in our homes, we need it in our families. It was written for us today” (Church News, 9 Nov. 1986, 10).
  • What can we do to give more attention to the Book of Mormon in our personal lives, in our families, and in our Church assignments? 
  • What blessings come to us when we give proper attention to the Book of Mormon? 
  • How have you been blessed through your study of the Book of Mormon? 
    • President Ezra Taft Benson declared:
      • “There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. The scriptures are called ‘the words of life’ (D&C 84:85), and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance. … [You will also enjoy] increased love and harmony in the home, greater respect between parent and child, [and] increased spirituality and righteousness.”
      • “These promises,” President Benson assured, “are not idle promises, but exactly what the Prophet Joseph Smith meant when he said the Book of Mormon will help us draw nearer to God” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 6; or Ensign, Nov. 1986, 7).
• The Savior has commanded us to bear testimony of the Book of Mormon across the earth (D&C 84:62.) 
  • What can each of us do to further this effort? 
    • President Benson said: 
      • “The time is long overdue for a massive flooding of the earth with the Book of Mormon. … In this age of the electronic media and the mass distribution of the printed word, God will hold us accountable if we do not now move the Book of Mormon in a monumental way. We have the Book of Mormon, we have the members, we have the missionaries, we have the resources, and the world has the need. The time is now!” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1988, 4; or Ensign, Nov. 1988, 4–5).
  • The Book of Mormon, translated by a young prophet in humble circumstances, is now indeed flooding the earth. The Book of Mormon or selections from it have been published in more than 90 languages. More than 100 million copies have been printed.

Lesson 3: “I Had Seen a Vision”

Preparation:

1. Prayerfully study the following scriptures and other materials:
   • Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26.
   • Our Heritage, pages 1–4.
2. Review the material for this lesson in the Class Member Study Guide.
3. To gain a greater understanding of historical events related to the doctrine in this lesson, consider reviewing the following:
   • “The First Vision: A Narrative from Joseph Smith’s Accounts.”
   • “First Vision Accounts.”
   • “Preparation of Joseph Smith: The First Vision.”
   • Additional historical material for this lesson.

Questions to Ponder:

1. After the Apostasy, God prepared the way for the Restoration.

After Jesus Christ was crucified, His Apostles presided over the Church. But soon persecution, divisions, and apostasy increased. Within a few decades, there was a falling away from the Church, as the Apostles had prophesied (Acts 20:28–30; 2 Thessalonians 2:1–3; 2 Timothy 4:3–4). This falling away is known as the Great Apostasy.

• What were some of the consequences of the Great Apostasy? (See D&C 1:15–16; Joseph Smith—History 1:8–9, 19, 21; Mormon 1:13–14)

The darkness of the Apostasy lasted many centuries. However, God had foreseen this and planned for the restoration of the gospel in the latter days. Elder Bruce R. McConkie of the Quorum of the Twelve taught that preparation for restoring the gospel began centuries before the First Vision: “Beginning in the 14th century, the Lord began to prepare those social, educational, religious, economic, and governmental conditions under which he could more easily restore the gospel for the last time” (Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. [1966], 717).

• Before Joseph Smith was born, what events helped prepare the way for the restoration of the gospel?
  • The Renaissance was a rebirth of learning, particularly in literature, art, and science. Inventions such as the printing press emerged.
    Elder James E. Talmage of the Quorum of the Twelve said the Renaissance was not a chance occurrence but rather “a development predetermined in the Mind of God to illumine the benighted minds of men in preparation for the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which was appointed to be accomplished some centuries later” (Jesus the Christ, 3rd ed. [1916], 749).
  • Reformers such as John Wycliffe, Martin Luther, and John Calvin began to challenge the practices and teachings of existing churches, recognizing that the churches had strayed from the teachings of Christ.
    Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve said that Martin Luther and other reformers “were inspired to create a religious climate in which God could restore lost truths and priesthood authority” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 85; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, 66).
  • The Americas were discovered. The United States was colonized by religious people and eventually became an independent nation (1 Nephi 13:12–19).
  • The Constitution of the United States was established, guaranteeing religious freedom in that nation (D&C 101:77–80).
    Elder Ballard said, “God inspired the earlier explorers and colonizers of America and the framers of the Constitution of the United States to develop a land and governing principles to which the gospel could be restored” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 85; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, 66).

2. God prepared Joseph Smith to be the prophet of the Restoration.

In addition to providing the right conditions for the restoration of the gospel, God provided a man to be the prophet of the Restoration. This man was Joseph Smith, who was born on 23 December 1805 in Sharon, Vermont.

Joseph’s family helped prepare him

Joseph Smith came from a rich spiritual heritage. His parents and grandparents were religious, patriotic, educationally minded, and of strong moral convictions. His paternal grandfather, Asael Smith, stated years before Joseph was born, “It has been borne in upon my soul that one of my descendants will promulgate a work to revolutionize the world of religious faith” (in Joseph Fielding Smith, Essentials in Church History, 27th ed. [1974], 25).

Joseph Smith’s parents, Joseph Sr. and Lucy Mack Smith, greatly influenced his life. Both were deeply devoted to God. They were also devoted parents, teaching their children the principles of faith and righteousness.

Both of Joseph’s parents had profound religious experiences. Joseph Sr. had several dreams that gave him assurances that he would enjoy the blessings of the true gospel of Jesus Christ (see Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith, ed. Preston Nibley [1958], 47–50, 64–66). Once while Lucy was critically ill as a young mother, she made a covenant with God that she would serve Him completely if He would let her live to care for her family. Soon afterward she heard a voice comfort her, and she made a remarkable recovery. (See History of Joseph Smith, 33–35.)

Joseph Sr. and Lucy searched actively for religious truth. Both of them felt that none of the existing churches was consistent with the Church that Jesus Christ had established. For this reason, Joseph Sr. did not join any church. Lucy felt it was her duty to be baptized, so she joined the Presbyterian Church. When the gospel was restored, they both recognized the truth and embraced it.

• Why was Joseph Smith’s family heritage important in helping prepare him for his mission as the prophet of the Restoration?

Adversity helped prepare him

While Joseph Smith was growing up, he and his family faced many challenges. When he was seven years old, he became gravely ill with an infection in his leg. (See Our Heritage, pages 1–2)

• What can we learn about the character of young Joseph from this experience? In what ways could the trials and afflictions of Joseph’s youth have helped prepare him to become the prophet of the Restoration? How have trials and afflictions helped prepare you for the responsibilities you have been given?

The religious atmosphere in western New York helped prepare him

When Joseph was about 10 years old, three years of crop failures in Vermont left the Smith family in serious financial difficulty. After much deliberation, the family moved to the area of Palmyra, New York, where there was a prospect of better farming conditions. At the time, there was great religious excitement and confusion in western New York, with many churches contending for converts.

• Why was Joseph confused about which church he should join? (See Joseph Smith—History 1:5–10.) How was Joseph’s situation like that of people today who are searching to know the truth?
• How did scripture study help Joseph resolve his confusion? (See Joseph Smith—History 1:11–12.) What can we learn from Joseph’s example? How have the scriptures helped you in times of need or confusion?

3. The First Vision ushered in the restoration of the gospel.

On a spring morning in 1820, Joseph Smith went to the woods near his home to pray for guidance.

• How was Joseph’s prayer on this morning different from other prayers he had offered? (See Joseph Smith—History 1:14.) Why is private vocal prayer often helpful when we are offering up the desires of our hearts to God?
• What happened as Joseph Smith began to pray? (See Joseph Smith—History 1:15.) How was he delivered from this powerful darkness? (See Joseph Smith—History 1:16–17. What can we learn from this experience about overcoming the influence of Satan? Why is it important to keep praying in times of darkness or trial?
• Why was Joseph Smith told that he should not join any of the churches? (See Joseph Smith—History 1:18–19.)

4. Many truths were revealed in the First Vision.

The visit of the Father and the Son to Joseph Smith is rich in doctrinal significance. President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “I submit that in the few minutes that Joseph Smith was with the Father and the Son, he learned more of the nature of God the Eternal Father and the risen Lord than all the learned minds in all their discussions through all centuries of time” (Church News, 24 Oct. 1998, 6).

• What are some of the truths we can learn from the First Vision?
  
  President David O. McKay, the ninth President of the Church, testified that the First Vision “answers all the [questions] regarding God and his divine personality. … His relation to his children is clear. His interest in humanity through authority delegated to man is apparent. The future of the work is assured. These and other glorious truths are clarified by that glorious first vision” (Gospel Ideals [1954], 85).

While serving in the Quorum of the Twelve, Elder Ezra Taft Benson said, “The appearance of God the Father and his Son Jesus Christ to the boy prophet is the greatest event that has occurred in this world since the resurrection of the Master” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1971, 20; or Ensign, June 1971, 34).

• Why is it important for each of us to have a testimony of the First Vision? How has a testimony of the First Vision blessed your life?

Lesson 2 (Gospel Doctrine Manual) - “Behold, I Am Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World”

Purpose

To help class members feel the powerful witness of the Savior that comes through the Doctrine and Covenants and to help them strengthen their testimonies of the Savior's Atonement.

Preparation

1.  Review the material for this lesson in the Class Member Study Guide.

2.  Man Was Also in the Beginning With God: This article gives context for D&C 93.

Discussion and Application

1. The Doctrine and Covenants testifies of Jesus Christ.

• Remember that one purpose of all scripture is to testify of Jesus Christ and to persuade people to come to Him and partake of salvation. The Bible, the books of Moses and Abraham in the Pearl of Great Price, and the Book of Mormon are ancient testaments, or witnesses, of Jesus Christ. The Doctrine and Covenants is a testament of Jesus Christ given in this dispensation. This book of scripture bears witness that Jesus is the Christ, that He lives, and that He continues to speak to prophets and guide His people today.
• Turn to the Explanatory Introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants and read the last sentence in the eighth paragraph (this sentence begins with the phrase "Finally, the testimony that is given").
  • The Doctrine and Covenants contains powerful testimonies of the Savior and His work. Most of these are from the Savior Himself. (See D&C 50:41–44 and D&C 76:22–24).

2. Jesus Christ "suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him."

• The Doctrine and Covenants contains many revelations that can increase our understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. These revelations give us a sense of the depth of the Savior's suffering and the magnitude of the love that He and Heavenly Father have for us.

The Savior describes His atoning sacrifice

• Read D&C 19:16–19. Note: This is the only scripture passage in which the Savior describes His own suffering during His atoning sacrifice. 
  • What does this passage teach about the Savior's suffering for us? Why was Jesus willing to experience such great suffering for us? (See D&C 18:10–11; 19:19, 24; 34:3.)

Through the Atonement, we will all be resurrected

• Read D&C 88:14–18; 93:33; Alma 11:42–44. 
  • What can we learn about the Resurrection from these passages?

a. Resurrection is the redemption of the soul. The spirit and the body are reunited, inseparably connected in a perfect form (D&C 88:14–16; 93:33; Alma 11:42–43).

b. Resurrection prepares us for the celestial glory (D&C 88:18).

c. Resurrection is necessary for us to receive a fulness of joy (D&C 93:33).

d. All people will be resurrected (Alma 11:44).

Through the Atonement, we can be forgiven of our sins and inherit celestial glory

• Read D&C 18:11–12; 19:16–17, 20; 58:42; 76:62–70. 
  • What do these passages teach about the blessings we can receive through the Savior's Atonement?

a. We can repent of our sins and come unto Him (D&C 18:11–12).

b. If we repent, Christ has taken upon Himself the suffering for our sins (D&C 19:16–17, 20).

c. If we repent, the Lord forgives us and remembers our sins no more (D&C 58:42).

d. We can come forth in the first resurrection, be made perfect through Christ, and inherit celestial glory (D&C 76:62–70).

Through the Atonement, the Savior gained perfect empathy for us in all our sorrows, pains, and afflictions

• During His life and culminating in the Atonement, the Savior suffered in a way that gave Him a perfect understanding of all our pains and afflictions.  
  • See D&C 122. This section is a revelation given to the Prophet Joseph Smith while he was a prisoner in the jail at Liberty, Missouri. 
    • The first seven verses the Lord speaks of the Prophet Joseph's trials. 
    • Then in verse 8 the Lord speaks of Himself.
• Read D&C 122:8. 
  • In what way has the Savior "descended below" all things? (See Alma 7:11–12; D&C 62:1; 133:53. Note that the word succor means to help. Because the Savior has experienced all our sorrows, pains, and afflictions, He understands how we feel. He knows how to help us.) 
    • How can this knowledge help us when we experience trials? 
      • Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve said: "When … difficult times come to us, we can remember that Jesus had to descend below all things before He could ascend above them, and that He suffered pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind that He might be filled with mercy and know how to succor His people in their infirmities (see D&C 88:6; Alma 7:11–12)" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, 91; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 69).
• When have you felt the power of the Atonement in your life? 
• What can we do to feel this power more completely?
• How can we show the Savior our gratitude for His Atonement? 
• How should our understanding of the Atonement affect us in our daily lives?

3. The Doctrine and Covenants helps us understand the Savior's roles and attributes.

• To be able to exercise faith in God, we must have "a correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes" (in Joseph Smith, comp., Lectures on Faith [1985], 38). 
  • The Doctrine and Covenants helps us gain this understanding.
• What attributes of the Savior do you see in the above passages?
• Read the following scripture passages. 
  • What does each passage teach about the Savior's roles and attributes.

a. D&C 6:20–21. (If we are faithful and diligent, the Savior will encircle us in the arms of His love. He is the light that shines in darkness.)

b. D&C 6:32–37. (He offers us protection and comfort and is ready to bless us when we remember Him and obey His commandments.)

c. D&C 19:1–3. (Having done the will of the Father, He has subdued all things and retained all power. He will destroy Satan and his works. He will judge all people according to their deeds.)

d. D&C 29:1–2. (His arm of mercy has atoned for our sins. If we hearken to His voice and humble ourselves, He will gather us as a hen gathers her chickens.)

e. D&C 38:1–3. (He is the Creator of the world, and He knows all things.)

f. D&C 43:34. (He is the Savior of the world.)

g. D&C 45:3–5. (He is our Advocate with the Father.)

h. D&C 50:44. (He is the Good Shepherd and the Stone of Israel, a sure foundation upon which we can build.)

i. D&C 76:5. (He is merciful and gracious to those who fear Him, and He delights to honor those who serve Him in righteousness and truth to the end.)

j. D&C 93:5–19. (He is the Only Begotten of the Father. He "continued from grace to grace" until He received a fulness of the glory and power of the Father.)

k. D&C 133:42–52. (When He comes in power at the time of His Second Coming, those whom He has redeemed will mention His loving-kindness and goodness.)

l. D&C 136:22. (His arm is stretched out to save His people.)

• Why is it important for you to know these roles and attributes of the Savior? 
• How have the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants enriched your testimony of the Savior?