Lesson Highlights

• The Doctrine and Covenants testifies of Jesus Christ.
• Jesus Christ "suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him."
• The Doctrine and Covenants helps us understand the Savior's roles and attributes.

A study of this lesson will help us feel the powerful witness of the Savior that comes through the Doctrine and Covenants and to help us strengthen our testimonies of the Savior’s Atonement.

Note: Underlined scripture references have been hyperlinked to the LDS Scriptures at LDS.org and will open in a new window.

Lesson 2 Handout (PDF format)

The Doctrine and Covenants Testifies of Jesus Christ

1. Introductory Comments.
• A study of Church History often begins with the Joseph Smith story. This year's Gospel Doctrine study begins with a focus on Jesus Christ and his mission.
• It is important to understand that the Doctrine and Covenants testifies of Jesus Christ. The Church has given additional emphasis in recent years to the Book of Mormon as a second witness of Christ, even adding the subtitle Another Testament of Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon is ancient scripture and goes hand-in-hand with the Bible. We are blessed in our day to have a third testament of Jesus Christ in the Doctrine and Covenants. It is the word of the Lord to the Church and people in our day. Almost every section contains the words of Jesus Christ. What a marvelous companion to the ancient Old and New World testaments!
2. The last sentence of the Explanatory Introduction to the Doctrine & Covenants reads:  "Finally, the testimony that is given of Jesus Christ--his divinity, his majesty, his perfection, his love, and his redeeming power--makes this book of great value to the human family and of more worth than the riches of the earth."
• What an interesting statement! Within the pages of this great book we find that which has great value to all mankind. It is contains a universal message.
• In this modern world there great value is placed on wealth. People invest lifetimes and fortunes in an effort to obtain the riches of the earth. For years I lived in the western Washington state and often heard about Microsoft founder Bill Gates and his enormous fortune. Yet we find within the pages of the Doctrine and Covenants something which is of significantly greater value.
• WHAT IS IT THAT MAKES THIS BOOK SO VALUABLE?
• "...the testimony that is given of Jesus Christ"
• WHY IS THAT TESTIMONY SO VALUABLE?
• It is a testimony of Christ that can lead us to eternal riches, salvation, and exaltation.
• Consider these testimonies of the Savior from the Doctrine and Covenants:
• READ D&C 50:41-44.
• WHAT DOES THIS TESTIMONY MEAN TO YOU?
• "...inasmuch as ye have received me, ye are in me and I in you" (v43). The Lord has promised us that if we receive him, he will be with us. We are not left alone as seek to follow the gospel. He will be there to guide us. What a great promise!
• He also gives us the key to success in this effort of discipleship, "He that buildeth upon this rock shall never fall" (v44). If we center our lives around the Lord and his gospel, we cannot fail!
• READ D&C 76:22-24.
• WHAT DOES THIS TESTIMONY MEAN TO YOU?
• "That he lives!"  Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon, men of the latter day, testified of the Lord's living nature. We have a witness that Jesus Christ continues to be active in the affairs of this world.

Jesus Christ Suffered The Pain Of All Men

1. As we approach the Doctrine and Covenants as another testament of Christ, we find that this great book teaches much about the role and mission of the Savior. We also find wonderful passages that teach us more about his atoning sacrifice.
2. READ D&C 19:16-19.
• This is the only scripture passage in which the Savior describes his own suffering during his atoning sacrifice.
• WHAT DO THESE VERSES TEACH US ABOUT THE ATONEMENT?
• Christ paid the eternal price for our sins. Our sins require a just payment and Jesus Christ made that payment if we are willing to repent. If not, we must bear the burden, the pain, the suffering for our sins. The December 2000 First Presidency Message (see December Ensign or online link), by President Hinckley tells a wonderful story that helps us to understand the price that Jesus paid for us. President Hinckley concludes by saying, "To lift a phrase from this simple story, Jesus, my Redeemer, has taken 'my licking for me' and yours for you."
• The burden was heavy. The Savior said that his "suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit" (v18). Is it possible to contemplate such suffering. I think not. In this life, we have all suffered pain, but to multiply it to the point of bleeding at "every pore" is unimaginable. I am reminded of the moving words in the hymn, I Stand All Amazed (Hymn 193):
• I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,

Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me.
I tremble to know that for me he was crucified,
That for me, a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died.

I marvel that he would descend from his throne divine
To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine,
That he should extend his great love unto such as I,
Sufficient to own, to redeem, and to justify.

I think of his hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt!
Such mercy, such love, and devotion can I forget?
No, no, I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,
Until at the glorified throne I kneel at his feet.

• Why was the Savior willing to do this? Consider what the Doctrine & Covenants teaches:
• "Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him." (D&C 18:10-11)
• "I am Jesus Christ; I came by the will of the Father, and I do his will." (D&C 19:24)
• "Who so loved the world that he gave his own life, that as many as would believe might become the sons of God." (D&C 34:3)
3. The Doctrine & Covenants teaches that through the Atonement we will be resurrected. Consider these important principles:
• Resurrection is the redemption of the soul:
• "Now, verily I say unto you, that through the redemption which is made for you is brought to pass the resurrection from the dead. And the spirit and the body are the soul of man. And the resurrection from the dead is the redemption of the soul." (D&C 88:14-16)
• Resurrection prepares us for the celestial glory:
• "Therefore, it must needs be sanctified from all unrighteousness, that it may be prepared for the celestial glory." (D&C 88:18)
• Resurrection is necessary for us to receive a fulness of joy:
• "For man is spirit. The elements are eternal, and spirit and element, inseparably connected, receive a fulness of joy."
(D&C 93:33)
• These great teachings from the Doctrine and Covenants clarify vital doctrines. We cannot receive a fulness of joy until the spirit and body are rejoined and "inseparably connected." The Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ made this possible.
4. The Doctrine and Covenants teaches that through the Atonement, we can be forgiven of our sins and inherit celestial glory. Consider these important principles:
• We can repent of our sins and come unto Him:
• "For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him. And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance." (D&C 18:11-12)
• If we repent, Christ has taken upon Himself the suffering for our sins:
• "For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I." (D&C 19:16-17)
• If we repent, the Lord forgives us and remembers our sins no more:
• "Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more."
(D&C 58:42)
• Isn't this wonderful! We have all done things for which we wish to forget. If we have truly repented, the Lord will not bring out his checklist at a later time to remind us of all the fool things we have done.
• We can come forth in the first resurrection, be made perfect through Christ, and inherit celestial glory:
• D&C 76:62-70 provides the promise:
• "These are they who shall have part in the first resurrection" (v64).
• "These are they who are just men made perfect through Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, who wrought out this perfect atonement through the shedding of his own blood" (v69).
• "These are they whose bodies are celestial, whose glory is that of the sun, even the glory of God, the highest of all" (v70).
5. In Section 122, the Lord gives another indication of the depth of his suffering. While in Liberty Jail, Joseph and a few of his brethren were languishing in the cold, wintry Missouri jail while the Saints suffered after having been driven from their homes. As indicated in Section 121, the Prophet was frustrated with the injustice the Saints had to endure.
• In Section 122, the Lord speaks directly to Joseph and says, "If thou art called to pass through tribulation; if thou art in perils among false brethren; if thou art in perils among robbers; if thou art in perils by land or by sea;

    "If thou art accused with all manner of false accusations; if thine enemies fall upon thee; if they tear thee from the society of thy father and mother and brethren and sisters....
    "And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good" (v5-7).
• After this grim description, the Lord then says, "The Son of Man hath descended below them all" (v8).
• The Lord seems to be saying, one cannot imagine the depths of his sacrifice. All the adversity in the world is not sufficient to reveal to man what the Lord was required pass through.
• HOW CAN THIS KNOWLEDGE HELP US WHEN WE EXPERIENCE TRIALS?
• Because the Lord has passed through the depths of trial, he understands how we feel. If we have invited him into our lives, he is with us and will be the rock that will support us when the winds of adversity blow.
• Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: "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)." (Ensign, Nov 1995, p69)
6. HOW SHOULD OUR UNDERSTANDING OF THE ATONEMENT AFFECT US IN OUR DAILY LIVES?

The Savior's Roles & Attributes

1. Joseph Smith:  "Let us here observe, that three things are necessary in order that any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God unto life and salvation.

    "First, the idea that he actually exists.
    "Secondly, a correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes.
    "Thirdly, an actual knowledge that the course of life which he is pursuing is according to his will. For without an acquaintance with these three important facts, the faith of every rational being must be imperfect and unproductive; but with this understanding it can become perfect and fruitful, abounding in righteousness, unto the praise and glory of God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ." (Lectures On Faith, Lecture Third)
• The Doctrine and Covenants helps us gain this understanding, particularly a "correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes."
2. WHAT DOES THE DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS TEACH ABOUT THE SAVIOR'S ROLES AND ATTRIBUTES?
• Read the following scriptures and list the Savior' roles and attributes:

• WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING THIS KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE SAVIOR?
• It is he we look to as we strive for righteousness.
• We are seeking to become like him.
• "I give unto you these sayings that you may understand and know how to worship, and know what you worship, that you may come unto the Father in my name, and in due time receive of his fulness" (D&C 93:19).
   

Gospel Doctrine Notebook

1. Record your thoughts on the Savior. How can a study of the Doctrine and Covenant strengthen your witness of the Savior?
2. Isn't it wonderful that we have this additional testament of the Savior. As we continue our study of the Doctrine and Covenants, we should continue to look for passages that reveal the "character, perfections, and attributes" of the Savior. As we do so, we shall increase our understanding of the Atonement and have a greater desire to serve him whose name we have taken upon ourselves.

Resources Used In This Lesson

• Ensign.
• Lectures on Faith by Joseph Smith.

Next Lesson

Lesson 3:   Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26, Our Heritage, pages 1–4