DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS 94-97
Doctrinal Focus
- Key doctrines addressed in this week’s reading
Temples Are Central to God’s Work and Must Be Built According to His Pattern
The Lord commands that sacred buildings be constructed “not after the manner of the world” but according to His divine pattern.
- Anciently, the Lord gave Moses detailed instructions for building the tabernacle (Hebrews 8:5), making it the center of Israel’s camp. Similarly, the Saints in Kirtland were instructed to build a temple that would be the spiritual center of their community. This divine pattern signifies that temples point us to Christ and reflect heavenly order, not worldly design. Today, temples are still built by revelation, and each one—though unique in appearance—teaches the same eternal truths. Inside, we make sacred covenants and perform ordinances that prepare us to return to God’s presence. (D&C 95:13-14; 97:10)
The urgency and reverence shown by early Saints like Hyrum Smith in building the Kirtland Temple teaches us the importance of actively preparing for sacred temple experiences.
Hyrum Smith didn’t wait to be told twice—he grabbed a scythe and cleared the field, declaring his desire to be the first at the work. His response to revelation reflects spiritual readiness and willingness to sacrifice. In our day, President Russell M. Nelson has reminded us that the Lord is hastening temple construction and that we, too, must hasten our personal preparation. Participating in temple worship centers our lives on Christ and strengthens our families.
The Lord Chastens Those He Loves to Help Them Grow Spiritually
God corrects His people not out of anger but because He loves them and wants them to become holy.
The Saints delayed temple construction after receiving the commandment in D&C 88, and the Lord responded with both chastisement and encouragement in D&C 95. His purpose was not to punish but to awaken and realign their priorities. As Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught in As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten, divine correction is a form of love and an invitation to become more like Christ. (D&C 95:1; Revelation 3:19)
Inspired correction includes both rebuke and instruction, always with the goal of lifting and building.
Doctrine and Covenants 121:43-44 outlines how correction should be delivered—with persuasion, love unfeigned, and meekness. The Lord exemplifies this balance in His guidance to the early Saints. We can apply this principle in our families, classes, and wards—offering feedback and guidance in ways that reflect divine love and patience.
Being Accepted of the Lord Comes Through Obedience, Covenant-Keeping, and Purity of Heart
The Lord accepts those who fear Him, strive in righteousness, and keep their covenants by sacrifice.
- Acceptance by God is not about perfection but about the sincerity of our efforts and our faithfulness to His commandments. The metaphor in verse 9—of being like a “fruitful tree planted by a pure stream”—shows that covenant-keeping leads to spiritual vitality. (D&C 97:8–9) Elder Erich W. Kopischke emphasized that being accepted of the Lord is about turning to Him with all our hearts, regardless of our imperfections.
Zion is not just a place, but a people—the pure in heart—who are accepted of the Lord.
In this revelation, the Lord expanded the definition of Zion to mean those who are spiritually clean and committed. This invites each of us to build Zion in our homes, wards, and hearts by striving for personal purity. (D&C 97:21) Whether we are newly converted or lifelong members, the path to becoming “pure in heart” begins with repentance, faith, and covenant living.
Historical & Contextual Insights
- Insights in this week’s study
Setting
- In the summer of 1833, the Saints in Kirtland, Ohio, were working to establish a center of Church activity while simultaneously facing growing opposition in Missouri, where Zion was being built.
Context
- Several months earlier (D&C 88), the Lord had commanded the Saints to build a house of learning and worship—the Kirtland Temple. However, they had delayed starting construction. In D&C 94 and 95, the Lord gave specific architectural instructions for buildings in Kirtland, including an administrative office and a printing house. Meanwhile, D&C 97 was addressed to the Saints in Missouri, where the situation in Zion (Independence, Missouri) was becoming increasingly dangerous due to persecution and property destruction.
Significance
- These sections highlight the urgency and divine priority the Lord placed on temples and sacred spaces, even amid great adversity. While Zion in Missouri was under threat, the Lord called the Saints in Kirtland to act decisively—to build, prepare, and sanctify themselves.
Takeaway
- Despite external chaos or personal difficulty, the Lord expects His people to move forward in faith and obedience. Like the early Saints, we are called to focus on spiritual priorities, including temple worship, even when our lives feel uncertain or unstable.
The Lord’s rebuke in D&C 95 is evidence of His love and His commitment to the Saints’ spiritual growth.
- Section 95 may appear harsh at first glance, as the Lord chastens the Saints for not beginning the temple, but it is actually filled with love and divine concern. He reminds them that those whom He loves, He chastens, reflecting a pattern consistent throughout scripture and echoed in modern revelation.
- As Elder D. Todd Christofferson explained in As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten, divine correction is not punitive but redemptive. It is meant to realign our lives with God’s will and deepen our discipleship.
- The Lord not only rebuked the Saints but also gave them clear, hopeful instructions on how to move forward—including detailed architectural plans for the temple and promises of divine power (D&C 95:8). This shows that correction from God always comes with a path to progress and peace.
- Section 95 may appear harsh at first glance, as the Lord chastens the Saints for not beginning the temple, but it is actually filled with love and divine concern. He reminds them that those whom He loves, He chastens, reflecting a pattern consistent throughout scripture and echoed in modern revelation.
The call to build Zion extended beyond physical construction—it was a call to personal sanctification.
- In D&C 97:21, the Lord redefines Zion not merely as a geographic location in Missouri but as “the pure in heart.” This doctrinal shift was crucial during a time when the Saints in Missouri were being driven from their homes and losing their physical Zion. The Lord redirected their focus toward becoming Zion individually and collectively, through righteousness and purity.
- This message would have been both comforting and challenging to the early Saints. While they grieved the loss of land and suffered persecution, they were reassured that Zion was not lost—it could still be built in their hearts and homes, wherever they were gathered.
- This shift also aligns with the broader theme in scripture that God values the condition of our hearts more than the places we inhabit. It invites Latter-day Saints today to remember that we build Zion not just by gathering, but by living with holiness and unity.
- In D&C 97:21, the Lord redefines Zion not merely as a geographic location in Missouri but as “the pure in heart.” This doctrinal shift was crucial during a time when the Saints in Missouri were being driven from their homes and losing their physical Zion. The Lord redirected their focus toward becoming Zion individually and collectively, through righteousness and purity.
If you have questions on this week’s reading, please email your questions to us here.
Apologetic Application
Criticism 1: “The Kirtland Temple was just a simple meetinghouse, not a true temple like those in ancient times.”
- Claim: “The early Saints’ building wasn’t a real temple—there were no ancient rituals or lasting significance.”
- Response:
- Historical Evidence: The Kirtland Temple was the first temple built in this dispensation, following specific divine instructions revealed in Doctrine and Covenants 95 and 97. Its design included multiple sacred purposes: teaching, administrative functions, and spiritual manifestations.
- Eyewitness Support: Many early Church leaders, including Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, testified of divine visitations and heavenly manifestations during its dedication, including the appearance of Jesus Christ, Moses, Elias, and Elijah (see D&C 110).
- Spiritual Confirmation: Latter-day Saints today receive spiritual confirmation of the Kirtland Temple’s divine role through scripture, temple worship, and the fruits of restored ordinances that began there.
- Logical Analysis: If the Kirtland Temple were merely a community hall, it would not have drawn the kind of sustained sacrifice and spiritual dedication seen among early Saints—including personal contributions of time, materials, and money, even in poverty.
Criticism 2: “God doesn’t chastise people if He loves them.”
- Claim: “The rebuke in Doctrine and Covenants 95 contradicts the idea of a loving, merciful God.”
- Response:
- Historical Evidence: Throughout scripture, God has corrected His people when they fall short (see Revelation 3:19, Hebrews 12:6). In D&C 95, the Saints had not begun building the temple months after being commanded to do so, and the Lord responded to awaken and guide them.
- Eyewitness Support: Early Saints, including Joseph Smith, recorded and preserved these revelations—even those involving correction—indicating their belief in divine origin and authenticity, not fabrication.
- Spiritual Confirmation: Many modern members recognize that divine correction brings peace, growth, and increased faith. Chastening, when viewed spiritually, is an invitation to become more like Christ.
- Logical Analysis: A truly loving parent or mentor corrects harmful behavior out of care. Likewise, God’s rebuke in D&C 95 is evidence of divine love, not harshness—it includes instruction, promise, and reassurance.
Criticism 3: “Zion failed in Missouri, proving the Church isn’t divinely led.”
- Claim: “If the Church were true, God would’ve protected Zion in Missouri.”
- Response:
- Historical Evidence: The persecution in Missouri was prophesied and addressed directly in revelations like D&C 97. The Lord allowed opposition as part of the Saints’ refining and preparatory process.
- Eyewitness Support: Even amid intense suffering, Saints like Parley P. Pratt and others bore testimony of God’s sustaining power and maintained faith in prophetic leadership.
- Spiritual Confirmation: Through personal revelation and scripture study, many Saints today recognize God’s higher purposes in trials. Zion’s temporary loss refined their focus on spiritual Zion—the pure in heart.
- Logical Analysis: Zion in Missouri was never promised immediate, permanent safety. Scripture repeatedly shows that God’s promises unfold in His timing, often through adversity (e.g., Israelites in Egypt, early Christians under Rome).
Practical Applications
Practical solutions for someone in faith crisis:
Make the temple a greater focus in your life.
Action Step: Identify and begin one new habit this week that will help you prepare spiritually for temple worship.
Why it helps:
Temples are built after God’s pattern to prepare us for His presence. When we prioritize the temple—whether by attending, preparing, or learning about it—we center our lives more fully on Christ and receive strength through sacred ordinances and covenants.
How to do it:
- – Reflect on your current temple worship or preparation—what could be improved?
- – Choose one simple habit: e.g., study temple-related scriptures daily, plan a temple trip, or review your covenants.
- – Set a reminder or invite a family member or friend to join you.
- – Record your impressions and feelings after a week.
Encouraging Thought:
“In the temple, we learn how to part the veil and communicate more clearly with heaven. The temple is a place of revelation.” —President Russell M. Nelson, Now Is the Time
Respond humbly to correction from God and others.
Action Step: The next time you receive a correction—whether from scripture, the Spirit, or a trusted person—pause to seek the Lord’s perspective and choose one way to apply it.
Why it helps:
Correction is a form of divine love. As shown in D&C 95 and taught by Elder Christofferson, being chastened is a sign that the Lord sees our potential and is refining us for greater things.
How to do it:
- – Think of a recent time you received correction. Write it down.
- – Pray to understand what the Lord wants you to learn from it.
- – Choose one small, specific change you can make this week.
- – Reflect at the end of the week on how it affected your spiritual growth.
Encouraging Thought:
- “When we are chastened, we are not cast off but called back.” —Elder D. Todd Christofferson, As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten
Strive to become “pure in heart” and build Zion where you are.
- Action Step: Choose one way to increase unity, service, or spiritual focus in your home or ward this week.
Why it helps:
D&C 97 teaches that Zion is not just a place, but a people—the pure in heart. We become Zion by living with holiness and unity, turning our homes and communities into places of spiritual refuge.
How to do it:
- – Read D&C 97:21 and reflect on what it means to be “pure in heart.”
- – Ask in prayer what God would have you do to create Zion this week.
- – Act—reach out to someone in your ward, offer a small sacrifice, or hold a spirit-led family discussion.
- – End the week with gratitude and a renewed goal to continue building Zion.
Encouraging Thought:
“Zion is not where you live—it’s how you live.” —Inspired by Saints, Vol. 1, and D&C 97:21
Ideas for Teaching
Blueprints from Heaven
Objective: Help learners understand that God provides specific patterns for spiritual growth—especially through temples.
Materials Needed:
Paper, pencils or markers, a simple picture of a temple (like Kirtland Temple), optional building blocks or craft materials.
Activity Steps:
Activity Steps:
- Introduction (5 min): Ask: “If you were designing a home for God, what would it include?” Have learners sketch a quick “heavenly building plan.”
- Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read D&C 95:13–14 and 97:10. Emphasize that God gives specific instructions—not random ones—for sacred spaces. Compare to Moses’ tabernacle (Hebrews 8:5).
- Application (5 min): Invite learners to reflect on how they can pattern their own lives after divine instruction. What “blueprints” has God given us today (e.g., commandments, covenants, revelation)?
Follow-Up Question: What does it look like to build your life ‘not after the manner of the world’ but after the Lord’s pattern?
When the Lord Chastens
Objective: Teach that divine correction is a form of love and an invitation to grow spiritually.
Materials Needed:
Printout or board space with “Myths About Correction” (e.g., “God is mad at me,” “I’ve failed”), sticky notes or index cards.
Activity Steps:
Activity Steps:
Introduction (5 min): Write common negative thoughts about correction on the board. Ask learners if they’ve heard or felt any of these.
Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read D&C 95:1 and Revelation 3:19. Compare to Elder Christofferson’s insight: “Correction is not rejection.” Invite learners to write true principles on sticky notes and cover the myths.
Application (5 min): Invite learners to identify one area where they’ve felt spiritual correction. How did it help them grow? What did they learn about God through it?
Follow-Up Question: How can we view correction from God as a blessing instead of a burden?
Zion: The Pure in Heart
Objective: Help learners internalize the idea that Zion is built through personal purity and collective unity.
Materials Needed:
Clear glass of water, small spoon of dirt or pepper, printed copy of D&C 97:21.
Activity Steps:
Activity Steps:
Introduction (5 min): Show the glass of clean water and slowly add dirt or pepper. Ask: “What happens to purity when even a little impurity enters?”
Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read D&C 97:21 and substitute “Zion” with “the pure in heart.” Discuss how the Saints’ view of Zion shifted from a place to a way of living.
Application (5 min): Invite each learner to write down one thing they can do this week to “purify” their heart (repentance, service, forgiveness, etc.). Optionally pour a new clean glass of water to symbolize renewal.
Follow-Up Question: What does it mean to you personally to be part of Zion, even if you live far from Church headquarters or historical temple sites?
QUICK REFERENCE
Key Points
- – God gives specific, divine patterns for sacred buildings—temples are central to His work (D&C 95:13–14; 97:10).
- – The Lord corrects those He loves; divine chastening is part of spiritual refinement (D&C 95:1).
- – Zion is not just a place but a people—”the pure in heart” (D&C 97:21).
- – Sacred spaces (and lives) must be “wholly dedicated unto the Lord” (D&C 94:8).
- – Sacrifice and covenant-keeping lead to being “accepted of the Lord” (D&C 97:8–9).
Core Apologetic Answers
- Why trust modern prophets?
- Prophets like Joseph Smith received specific revelations that required sacrifice, humility, and faith, not personal gain. The fruits of prophetic leadership—such as restored priesthood, temples, and continuing revelation—affirm divine endorsement. Historical consistency and spiritual confirmation strengthen our confidence.
- Why does God allow mistakes?
- Prophets like Joseph Smith received specific revelations that required sacrifice, humility, and faith, not personal gain. The fruits of prophetic leadership—such as restored priesthood, temples, and continuing revelation—affirm divine endorsement. Historical consistency and spiritual confirmation strengthen our confidence.
- God honors agency and teaches through experience. Just as He chastened the Saints in D&C 95 for not building the temple, He helps us grow through correction. Divine allowance of imperfection is not a sign of failure, but a testament to God’s mercy and long-suffering (see D&C 1:24–28).
Key Resources
Scriptures
Doctrine and Covenants 97:21 – “Zion is the pure in heart.”
Doctrine and Covenants 95:1 – “Whom I love I also chasten…”
Church Documents
- “As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten” – Elder D. Todd Christofferson
“Now Is the Time” – President Russell M. Nelson on temple focus and urgency
- “As Many as I Love, I Rebuke and Chasten” – Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Online Resources
Come, Follow Me – Doctrine and Covenants 94-97 (churchofjesuschrist.org)
