Doctrine and Covenants Section 45

Historical Background

On the 4th of March, 1831, a special conference of the Church was held in Kirtland, Ohio. Several Melchizedek priesthood holders attended the meeting and the invitation was extended to them to preach the gospel. This revelation gives them insight into why they should preach. Details surrounding the Second Coming of the Savior are given. This revelation became a catalyst for Joseph Smith to take a different direction in his translation of the Bible. Prior to this time, he had worked exclusively on an inspired revision of the book of Genesis, in the Old Testament. This revelation instructs Joseph to begin working on an inspired translation of the New Testament. He began working on this project on March 8th, the day after the revelation was given. In this effort he was assisted by Sidney Rigdon.

D&C 45:1-8 Listen to the Advocate
In these verses, the Lord answers such questions as who He is, what His purpose is, how He can help believers, what He has done, and how we may become the sons of God. What are the answers to these questions? Why would it be wise to follow His counsel?

D&C 45:9-15 God’s Everlasting Covenant
What does the word “it” stand for in verses 9, 10, 12, and 14. What is the “everlasting covenant” that the Lord has brought into the world? Cross-reference: Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 37:15-28; D&C 1:17-23.

D&C 45:16-59 The Second Coming of the Lord
These verses represent an inspired expansion of information found in Matthew 24 of the New Testament. The topic is the Second Coming of Christ and the beginning of the Millennium. It is divided into four sections: The days of Christ’s original disciples (verses 16-25), the times of the Gentiles, or the days in which we now live (verses 26-35), the days just prior to the Second Coming (verses 36-47), and the Second Coming of Christ in glory (verses 48-59). Look at the verses in each section and pick out the event that is most important to you. What can you do to prepare yourself for the Second Coming of Christ? See verses 32, 35, 39, and 57.

D&C 45:60-61 Translate the New Testament
What new commandment does the Lord give the Prophet Joseph Smith? Joseph had been working on the translation of the Old Testament, specifically the book of Genesis, since June of 1830. Why do you think the Lord would ask Joseph to start translating the New Testament? Have you ever had a time when the Lord has interrupted your life and asked you to do something very different from what you were doing before? Cross-reference: Abraham 3:24-26.

D&C 45:62-75 A Place Called Zion
Read through these verses and list what the Lord teaches us about Zion, or the New Jerusalem. Why would a faithful person want to be a part of Zion? Where can we find Zion today? Cross-reference: D&C 115:5-6.

Doctrine and Covenants Section 44

Historical Background

Section 37 was the first revelation in this dispensation which called upon the members of the Church to gather to a particular location: Ohio. By February 1831, many Saints had complied with the revelation or were in the process of making their move. Section 44 is the first revelation that calls for a conference of the Church (the fourth conference in its history) to be held in Ohio. This conference would be held on June 3rd, 1831. Many of the principles found in this revelation explain why we hold general conferences today.

D&C 44:1-2 Called Together
Who is invited to the conference and what promises are made to those who attend? How have these promises been fulfilled in your own life as you have attended or watched general conference?

D&C 44:3-6 Power to Organize
What did the Lord ask the Saints to do so that they might have power over their enemies? What were they supposed to do with that power? Why do you think the Church continues to send thousands of missionaries throughout the world? What blessings come to individuals and nations as the Church is organized in their lands? How has the Church organization blessed your own life or that of your family members?