Lessons from the Doctrine and Covenants 2021
Lesson No. Twenty-Seven

Scripture Study is the Way We Often Receive Personal Revelation

The publication of latter day scripture is an essential part of the Restoration – For 6.5 years, from September 21, 1823, when the angel Moroni visited Joseph Smith and informed him about the Book of Mormon plates to March 23, 1830, when the first edition of the Book of Mormon was published, Joseph’s ministry was focused on bringing forth the Book of Mormon.  Three months later, in June 1830, the Lord directed Joseph to begin work on a revision/translation of the King James Version of the Bible, now known as The Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible (JST).  Joseph continued to prepare the manuscript of the JST for publication until his death in 1844.  “The Doctrine and Covenants (D&C) is a collection of divine revelations and inspired declarations given for the establishment and regulation of the kingdom of God on the earth in the last days” (Doctrine and Covenants, Introduction).

A divine connection between the Doctrine and Covenants and the JST – The translation of the JST was an important learning experience for Joseph Smith.  Great doctrinal sections of the D&C were revealed to Joseph while working on the JST.  These include sections 37, 45, 73, 76, 77, 86, 91, and 132.  For example, the Headnote to D&C 76 quotes the Prophet Joseph Smith saying, “while translating St. John’s Gospel, myself and Elder Rigdon saw the following vision.”  This Headnote further informs us that, “At the time this vision was given, the Prophet was translating John 5:29.  The foremost JST scholar, Robert Matthew, explained:  “In the process of translation the Prophet received many revelations about various subjects which have greatly added to the scripture and doctrine of the church in this dispensation.  In fact the revelations that came in the process of the Bible translation are better known and more widely used than the translation itself” (Robert Matthews, Plainer Translation, p. 255)

We speak to God through prayer – Joseph’s prayer in the Sacred Grove was answered by the First Vision, and Joseph knew his true relationship with God.  “As soon as we learn the true relationship in which we stand toward God (namely, God is our Father, and we are his children), then at once prayer become natural and instinctive on our part.  Many of the so-called difficulties about prayer arise from forgetting this relationship.  Prayer is the act by which the will of the Father and the will of the child are brought into correspondence with each other.  The object of prayer is not to change the will of God but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is already willing to grant but that are made conditional on our asking for them.  Prayer is a form of work and is an appointed means for obtaining the highest of all blessings” (Bible Dictionary, Prayer).

God often answers our prayers through personal revelation as we study the scriptures – As Joseph Smith was studying the Bible he read, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5).  Joseph continued:  “Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine.  It seemed to enter with great force unto every feeling of my heart” (Joseph Smith History 1:12).  Furthermore, the Joseph Smith Translation demonstrates how revelation came to Joseph as he was studying the Bible.  “In some cases it was line upon line and precept upon precept.  Even as he was able to review and revise some things, we see that revelation frequently comes in such a manner – bit by bit.  In a sense the JST become a pattern or a type for every member of the Church.  We don’t go to the scriptures to read into them what we already know; rather, we go to the scriptures to learn.  So it becomes a type for how to receive revelation ourselves” (Robert Matthews, Plainer Translation, p. 292).

Testimony – I have applied the promise recorded in Moroni 10:4 to latter day scriptures brought forth by the Prophet Joseph Smith. These include the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible, and by the power of the Holy Ghost I know that they are true. Furthermore, I have experienced on many occasions, as I have studied the scriptures, that God has answered my prayers by giving me insight, understanding, and the ability to apply what I learn in the scriptures to my personal life and responsibilities. For these sacred experiences, I greatly rejoice.