DOCTRINE AND COVENANTS 93
Doctrinal Focus
- Key doctrines addressed in this week’s reading
We grow grace for grace, as Jesus did
Jesus Christ did not receive a fulness at first but grew “grace for grace.”
- This truth teaches us that even the Savior followed a process of spiritual growth and progression. His perfect example provides hope and direction for our own journey to become more like Him.
We are invited to receive “grace for grace” in the same way.
This means that personal revelation, obedience, and diligence allow us to increase in light and truth gradually. Rather than expecting perfection immediately, we can trust the process of becoming through consistent effort and divine help.
Keeping commandments brings light and truth
When we obey God’s commandments, we receive more light and truth.
Doctrine and Covenants 93 teaches that “light and truth forsake that evil one.” This emphasizes how our daily righteous choices strengthen our spiritual foundation and protect us from deception.
Disobedience causes us to lose light.
The loss of light isn’t just symbolic; it leads to spiritual confusion and separation from God’s guidance. The scripture invites us to be vigilant in obedience so we can maintain clarity, peace, and divine direction.
Truth is independent and eternal
Truth exists independent of our beliefs or perceptions.
- In Doctrine and Covenants 93:24, we learn that “truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come.” This reinforces that eternal truths are constant and unchanging, even when the world’s standards shift.
Seeking truth draws us closer to God.
Because God is the source of all truth, the sincere pursuit of knowledge, understanding, and personal revelation is also a pursuit of Him. Studying scripture, pondering, and prayer are not just religious routines—they’re sacred pathways to divine connection.
Historical & Contextual Insights
- Insights in this week’s study
Setting
- The revelation in Doctrine and Covenants 93 was received on May 6, 1833, in Kirtland, Ohio, during a time of rapid growth and learning in the early Church.
Context
- The Saints were building spiritual foundations—establishing Church organization, preparing to build the Kirtland Temple, and receiving important doctrinal revelations. At this time, Church leaders were being instructed not just in administrative duties but also in personal sanctification and divine truth.
Significance
- This revelation provided profound insight into the nature of Jesus Christ and His progression to godhood—an unprecedented doctrine in Christian theology. It also emphasized the importance of light, truth, and family order.
Takeaway
- For modern readers, it emphasizes the sacred potential of each person to grow into the divine nature through grace and obedience. It reminds us that spiritual progress is essential and available to all.
Jesus Christ grew “grace for grace” and “received not of the fulness at the first.”
- This concept—that Jesus Himself experienced growth and learning—was radical, especially in a religious environment that largely viewed Him as omniscient from birth. It teaches us that progression is not only acceptable but divine. The Savior, though perfect, underwent a process of learning, which aligns with our own mortal experience.
- This doctrinal point helps bridge the gap between mortal limitations and divine potential. If even Christ progressed line upon line, then our own struggles with growth are not signs of failure but parts of divine development.
- It also helps correct perfectionist attitudes among believers, showing that becoming more like God is a journey, not a single moment. It invites patience with ourselves and others as we navigate that path.
The Lord commanded early Church leaders to set their own houses in order.
- In verses 41–50, the Lord gives specific counsel to several Church leaders, including Frederick G. Williams, Sidney Rigdon, and Joseph Smith, instructing them to correct neglect in their families. This reveals that even spiritual leaders needed reminders about the sanctity of home life, showing the Lord’s concern for both public ministry and private discipleship.
- These verses underscore that leadership in the Church does not excuse anyone from spiritual responsibility at home. It calls for alignment between what one teaches publicly and lives privately.
- It also shows that divine correction is personal and meant to uplift, not shame. The Lord’s guidance to these leaders was direct yet loving, providing a model for how He helps each of us refine our discipleship.
If you have questions on this week’s reading, please email your questions to us here.
Apologetic Application
Criticism 1: “Jesus Christ could not have progressed or learned anything—He was fully divine and omniscient from birth.”
- Claim: “The idea that Jesus ‘received not of the fulness at first’ contradicts biblical Christianity.”
- Response:
- Historical Evidence: The doctrine of Christ progressing “grace for grace” was revealed in 1833, long before such ideas gained traction in broader Christian theology. It’s a unique insight consistent with Luke 2:52, which says Jesus “increased in wisdom and stature.”
- Eyewitness Support: Joseph Smith and early Church leaders testified of receiving this revelation directly by inspiration. Their consistent affirmations, recorded and preserved in the Doctrine and Covenants, lend weight to its authenticity.
- Spiritual Confirmation: Many Latter-day Saints report receiving personal revelation confirming the truth of Christ’s development and His divine mission. The Spirit confirms the truth of scripture, including doctrines that may challenge tradition.
- Logical Analysis: If Christ is our perfect example, it would be illogical for Him to have bypassed the learning process we all experience. His mortal progression adds meaning to His role as the Savior who fully understands our journey.
Criticism 2: “Doctrine and Covenants 93’s definition of ‘truth’ is overly philosophical and disconnected from practical faith.”
- Claim: “Defining truth as ‘things as they are, as they were, and as they are to come’ is vague and unhelpful.”
- Response:
- Historical Evidence: This definition of truth was given in 1833, anticipating modern concerns about relativism and subjective morality. It shows an early commitment in the Church to objective, eternal truth.
- Eyewitness Support: Early Saints recorded how revelatory definitions like this helped clarify doctrine and strengthened their faith. Church leaders used this language in teaching and guiding the Saints during foundational years.
- Spiritual Confirmation: Latter-day Saints experience the constancy of eternal truths through personal revelation and consistent gospel living, affirming the power of this definition.
- Logical Analysis: A truth rooted in past, present, and future provides a stable foundation for moral and spiritual decision-making, unlike subjective or shifting definitions common today.
Criticism 3: “Joseph Smith was controlling and hypocritical in demanding family order from others.”
- Claim: “Joseph instructed others to correct their households while failing in his own.”
- Response:
- Historical Evidence: Doctrine and Covenants 93 includes direct rebukes from the Lord to Joseph himself, alongside other leaders, showing a willingness to receive correction. This reflects humility, not hypocrisy.
- Eyewitness Support: Journals and writings from those close to Joseph, like his wife Emma and contemporaries such as Frederick G. Williams, reflect both the struggles and sincere efforts of Church leaders to improve their families.
- Spiritual Confirmation: Many find strength in seeing Church leaders corrected by revelation—it reflects a living, guiding God, not unchecked human authority.
- Logical Analysis: The inclusion of personal correction in scripture undermines the idea of a manipulative author. A man seeking to appear flawless would likely not publish divine rebukes to himself.
Practical Applications
Practical solutions for someone in faith crisis:
Prioritize daily spiritual growth—“receive grace for grace.”
Action Step: Set a small, consistent spiritual habit like daily prayer, scripture study, or journaling.
Why it helps:
Growth in light and truth happens incrementally, and even simple daily efforts invite the Spirit. Following the Savior’s pattern of gradual progress helps us feel less overwhelmed and more purposeful in our discipleship.
How to do it:
- – Choose one spiritual habit to focus on this week.
- – Set a specific time each day to practice it.
- – Track your progress and record any insights or impressions.
- – Celebrate your consistency, not perfection.
Encouraging Thought:
Perfection is pending. Progress is possible.
Bring the Spirit into your home.
Action Step: Have a short, intentional gospel-centered conversation or activity with your family this week.
Why it helps:
Doctrine and Covenants 93 emphasizes the sacred duty of setting our homes in order. Small spiritual moments at home build unity, love, and invite divine peace that sustains through life’s challenges.
How to do it:
- – Choose a time when the family is usually together (e.g., dinner or bedtime).
- – Read a short verse or share a spiritual thought.
- – Ask an open question and let others respond.
- – End with a prayer or kind words to one another.
Encouraging Thought:
- A home filled with the Spirit is a sanctuary of safety and refuge.
Seek light and truth through obedience.
- Action Step: Identify one commandment or gospel principle to more fully live this week.
Why it helps:
As we obey, we grow in spiritual clarity and protection. Doctrine and Covenants 93 teaches that disobedience leads to a loss of light, while faithfulness brings revelation and strength.
How to do it:
- – Pray to know which area of obedience needs more attention.
- – Write down what comes to mind and make a plan to act on it.
- – Reflect on the results at the end of the week.
- – Thank God for any progress and recommit.
Encouraging Thought:
Obedience brings blessings. Exact obedience brings miracles.
Ideas for Teaching
Grace for Grace: The Growth of the Savior
Objective: Help learners understand the concept of spiritual progression by exploring how even Jesus Christ grew “grace for grace.”
Activity Steps:
Activity Steps:
- Introduction (5 min): Show a seed or small plant and ask, “What does this need to grow?” Briefly discuss how growth is natural and gradual.
- Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read D&C 93:12–14 and Luke 2:52. Ask: “Why is it meaningful to know that Christ also had to grow?”
- Application (5 min): Invite learners to write down one spiritual area where they want to grow. Ask them to plan one small daily action to nurture that growth.
Follow-Up Question: How does understanding Christ’s own growth process help us be more patient with ourselves?
Truth and Light
Objective: Teach learners how obedience helps us receive more light and truth in our lives.
Materials Needed:
Flashlight, mirror, piece of cardboard, scriptures
Activity Steps:
Activity Steps:
Introduction (5 min): Turn off the lights and shine a flashlight. Reflect the light with a mirror, then block it with cardboard. Ask: “What helps or hinders light in our lives?”
Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read D&C 93:28–31. Discuss how obedience invites more light and truth.
Application (5 min): Ask learners to reflect silently on one choice they can make to invite more light. Have them write it down or share in pairs.
Follow-Up Question: What do you feel when you are living in spiritual light vs. spiritual darkness?
Set Your House in Order
Objective: Inspire learners to strengthen their homes as places where the Spirit can dwell.
Materials Needed:
Index cards, pens, quote from D&C 93:43–50, optional family photo
Activity Steps:
Activity Steps:
Introduction (5 min): Show or describe a chaotic vs. peaceful room. Ask: “What makes a home feel spiritually peaceful?”
Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read D&C 93:43–50. Highlight the Lord’s concern with both leadership and family life.
Application (5 min): Give each person an index card. Invite them to write one way they can invite the Spirit more into their home this week (e.g., family prayer, kind words, music).
Follow-Up Question: What small changes could you make that would bring a stronger feeling of peace into your home?
QUICK REFERENCE
Key Points
- – Jesus Christ progressed “grace for grace” and received not of the fulness at first.
- – Obedience leads to increased light and truth; disobedience results in loss of light.
- – Truth is eternal and independent—it is “knowledge of things as they are, as they were, and as they are to come.”
- – God values the home as a place of spiritual order, teaching leaders to prioritize their families.
- – We are all invited to become more like God through gradual, faithful progression.
Core Apologetic Answers
- Why trust modern prophets?
- Modern prophets receive revelation just as ancient ones did. Their words help us navigate modern challenges with divine guidance. Historical patterns show God has always worked through chosen messengers, even when their imperfections are evident.
- Why does God allow mistakes?
- God honors agency and works through imperfect people. Doctrine and Covenants 93 shows that even prophets needed correction. This reinforces, rather than weakens, the truth of revelation—it’s authentic because it includes the refining process.
Key Resources
Scriptures
- Doctrine and Covenants 93:12–14 – Jesus received “grace for grace.”
- John 1:16–17 – Of His fulness have all we received, “grace for grace.”
Church Documents
- – “Teaching in the Savior’s Way” – Guides on how to help learners understand and apply gospel principles like light, truth, and grace.
- – “The Living Christ” – Affirms the divinity and mission of Christ.
Online Resources
- Come, Follow Me – Doctrine and Covenants 93 (churchofjesuschrist.org)
- Gospel Topics: Revelation
