Doctrine and Covenants Section 93

Historical Background

Joseph Smith was working on the inspired revision of the King James Bible. As he did so, new light and new understanding would be revealed to him. In this revelation, Joseph is working on John chapter 1. Using that as a springboard, a flood of doctrinal understanding was revealed. Up until the 1981 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants, the person called John in this revelation was referred to as John the Apostle. Others have felt that the John spoken of was John the Baptist. The most recent edition of the Doctrine and Covenants does not address the identity of the person called John.

D&C 93:1 Seeing the Lord

What must a person do to see the Lord and know that He is? What adjustments do you need to make in your life so that you might have this blessing?

D&C 93:2-5 The Father and the Son Are One

According to these verses, how are the Father and the Son one? Cross-reference: John 17:20-23; 2 Nephi 31:11-21.

D&C 93:6-14 The Lord’s Titles

John’s record uses different titles when referring to Jesus Christ. What are those titles and what do they mean? How is the Lord the Word, the Light, the Creator, the Only Begotten, and the Son of God?

D&C 93:15-20 Grace for Grace

Jesus received grace for grace (see D&C 93:12-13). This means he received knowledge and intelligence from God a little at a time “until he received a fulness” (D&C 93:13). What happens to us if we “receive grace for grace”? How do we receive grace for grace? Cross-reference: 2 Nephi 28:29-30.

D&C 93:21-40 Light and Truth

What is truth? What is the Spirit of Truth? Are men born good or born evil? (See verse 38.) How are you like God already? How can you become like Him forever? Cross-reference: D&C 132:37.

D&C 93:41-53 Counsel to the First Presidency and the Bishop

The Lord gives counsel to Frederick G. Williams (verses 41-43, 52), Sidney Rigdon (verses 44, 51), Joseph Smith (verses 45-49, 52-53), Newel K. Whitney (verse 50). What common counsel does he give to these prominent Church leaders? Why would it be good for you to follow this counsel? (See verse 49.)