Doctrine and Covenants Commentary - Section 15

by Don R. Hender


Scriptural Text [& Editorial]
Commentary & Explanation
Footnotes ~ References ~ JST
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet to John Whitmer, at Fayette, New York, June 1829. HC 1:50; see also heading to Section 14. The message is intimately and impressively personal, in that the Lord tells of what was known only to John Whitmer and himself. John Whitmer later became one of the Eight Witnesses to the Bookof Mormon.
    1—2, The Lord's arm is over all the earth;
    3—6, To preach the gospel and save souls is the thing of most worth.
D&C 15:1 HEARKEN, my servant John, and listen to the words of Jesus Christ, your Lord and your Redeemer.
D&C 15:2 For behold, I speak unto you with asharpness and with power, for mine arm is over all the bearth.

D&C 15:3 And I will atell you that which no man bknoweth save me and thee alone—
D&C 15:4 For many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you.
D&C 15:5 Behold, blessed are you for this thing, and for speaking my words which I have given you according to my commandments.

D&C 15:6 And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to adeclare brepentance unto this people, that you may bring csouls unto mea, that you may drest in the ekingdom of my fFather. Amen.

 6a declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me That which is of greatest worth is to bring souls unto Christ. This is not to just aquaint men to the concept of Jesus, but to bring them to and help the spirit in effecting their acceptace of the Doctrine of Christ. Passive observance is not enough to obtain the kingdom of God. Active participation in its ordinances and performances is required. And while the grace of God is the crucial raising of man back to the level of God, it can not be performed upon a man who does nothing of himself.