Doctrine and Covenants Section 51

Historical Background

As more and more of the Latter-day Saints came to Ohio there were constant questions about the distribution of property. Who should receive surplus property? What if they leave the Church after coming to Ohio? What property is maintained by each member? What property originally belonging to members is considered to belong exclusively to the Church? These and other difficult questions were surfacing daily. Joseph Smith and the Bishop of the Church, Edward Partridge, went to the Lord with this question. Section 51 is their answer.

D&C 51:1-6 Organize According to My Laws

In the Law of Consecration, when a person volunteered to come under that law, the member would give all that he had to the Church. The Church would then deed that portion back to him which he needed for his own support. Anything that was excess was retained by the Church to care for the poor. It was considered a gift. According to these verses, what was supposed to happen to these properties when a person left the Church? According to verse 3, what was to be used to determine how much each family received?

D&C 51:7-9 Let Every Man Deal Honestly

As you read these verses, think to yourself, “Why would it be important that those who lead the Church and those who are a part of it deal honestly with each other?” Why is it important for you to follow that counsel?

D&C 51:10-12 Money for Other Churches

Under what circumstances would the Lord’s true Church allow other churches to use its resources? As a service to needy congregations, the Church has for many years assisted other denominations. This revelation pertains to healthy congregations in other churches. What blessings would come to this Church and other churches if they followed the program instituted by the Lord?

D&C 51:13-14 Principles of Self-Reliance

What is the Bishop supposed to do with the contributions that are given to the storehouse?

D&C 51:15 The Privilege

What word does the Lord use to describe the situation he is putting the Saints in? What blessings are promised by the Lord to those who follow the principles of the Law of Consecration? How is this system different from other systems that try to make everyone equal within a community or nation? One of the greatest differences is that it is a voluntary system. No one is forced to be a part of it. And, everyone would live according to the same standards, including the leaders of the Church.