Doctrine and Covenants Section 20

Historical Background

This revelation was originally called the “Articles and Commandments of the Church of Christ.” It was written by Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, starting sometime in 1829 and finished and submitted to the Church sometime after April 6, 1830. This revelation was read routinely at each conference of the Church until the members became more familiar with the doctrines and principles contained within it. Missionaries were given handwritten copies of it to take with them as they went about to bring converts into the Church and build it up. It is sometimes called the constitution of the Church.

D&C 20:1-4 The Church and its Leaders
What important information do these verses contain about the beginnings of the Church and the leaders of the Church? Remember that when this revelation was given to the Church there were less than 100 members world-wide.

D&C 20:5-12 The Book of Mormon
In these verses the fundamental importance of the Book of Mormon in the restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is established. How did we get the book? What does it contain? What does it prove? What does it help us understand about God?

D&C 20:13-16 A Promise to Those Who Receive the Gospel
Review the promises made to those who accept the doctrines of the Restoration and those who reject them.

D&C 20:17-28 Fundamental Beliefs
What do these verses teach us about the fundamental doctrines of the Creation of the World, the Fall of Man, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ? What can we do to take advantage of the Atonement?

D&C 20:29-36 Things we know
Have students find the phrase “and we know” and list the things these verses declare that we know about salvation, justification, and sanctification. Cross-reference: Revelation 22:18-19. How do we know these things are true? Why is it important for us to know that these doctrines do not add to or take away from the scriptures?

D&C 20:37 The Duties of Members
Invite students to list all the expectations that have to be met before a person can be baptized. Why would the Lord have these kinds of expectations? How do you measure up against these expectations?

D&C 20:38-67 The Duties of Priesthood Holders
How are the duties of each of the priesthood offices different? Explore these differences by reading about apostles (verses 38-44), elders (verses 45-51), priests (verse 52), teachers (verses 53-56), deacons (verse 57). What are the general guidelines given to holders of the priesthood? (See verses 58-67.) Ask students why they think there is this division of responsibility in the Church? How has this division of responsibility proved to be a blessing to the Church today?

D&C 20:68-71 Duties of Members
How do these verses apply to new members coming into the Church today? What are the requirements that a person must meet in order to be received by baptism into the Church? Why do we have these requirements?

D&C 20:72-74 The Procedure for Baptism
Why are the procedures for baptism so explicit? Why is the Church so careful that these procedures be followed?

D&C 20:75-79 The Prayers for the Sacrament
What is the purpose of the Sacrament? Why do we have it? What is taught in the language of the Sacrament prayers? Why should we always partake of the sacrament?

D&C 20:80-84 Dealing with Transgression
As students read through these verses, ask them why the Church, from the beginning was very careful to keep track of the whereabouts of its members. Cross-reference: Moroni 6:4-8. What tools do we have today to help us keep track of members?