Section 20 of the Doctrine and Covenants is so important, it has its own special name by which it is referred to by the early members of the Church, Joseph Smith, and the Lord himself. The full name is “The Articles and Covenants of the Church of Christ”, also known by the shorter title “The Articles and Covenants.” Section 20 is referred to by name later in the Doctrine and Covenants. In section 42, also known as “The Law”, the elders of the church were instructed to teach out of the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Covenants and Church Articles. This commandment ranks Section 20 as one of the most important three religious documents of the time. Later on, an elder called on a mission was instructed to take some of the revelations, but section 20 was named specifically.

Section 20 is the closest thing to a Church Handbook of Instructions that was available to the early church. It contains a brief history of the restoration, a list of core beliefs, and instructions on how to function as a church. It is significant to note that Joseph Smith did not omit the Lord’s chastisement of his earlier sins. Instead, he keeps himself aloof from the revelation, as he is just as much a recipient of the revelation as the rest of the church. After summarizing the restoration of the Church, the Lord in plain terms lays out the Plan of Salvation, and explains some of the core beliefs of the church. One of the most significant and meaningful explanations, at least to me, is that of the atonement in verses 25-27, which explains how the atonement is applicable to all who came before Christ, and all who will come after. The atonement truly is universal. I am impressed, partially because I do not entirely understand it, how the atonement applies to those who perished before Christ came. In mortal and natural terms, payment must be made first, before anything can happen. However, the sins of those who came before Christ are still forgiven and these people saved despite the chronology.

The rest of the section, that explains how to function as a church, is probably the most significant part of the revelation. Everything that is necessary for the church to function is explained, from the requirements of baptism to priesthood duties. Most importantly, it explains the duties and responsibilities of members of the church after they are baptized. With this revelation, Joseph Smith was able to set up the church according to the will of the Lord.

Tags: Section 20 Articles And Covenants

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