Section 42 in the Doctrine and Covenants is significant in that it gives insight of the process in which Joseph Smith received revelation from the Lord. It reveals how each revelation was received, transcribed, and eventually published. The Lord encouraged Joseph and the members of the restoration to come together and pray about his word so they would know what to further inquire of him. The revelation was further and additional insight to the Lord’s word. An example that relation to this is how much more effective my personal prayers are with the Lord when I start out asking for what to pray about. This simple request invites ample revelation providing better instruction in following the Lord’s will.

This section is also unique in that it is a composite revelation. The material was brought together for one printed document. The first portion was received on Feb 3, 1831 and the other was on the twenty third of that same month.  Only a few verses were from the second portion. These verses are 74-93 concerning laws of fornication, adultery, killing, stealing and confessions of sin.  These are powerful sins that lead to great sorrow and the Lord needed to condemn such actions within his church.

Tags: Doctrine Covenants Lord God Sin Mormon

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