All things bear record · Doctrine and Covenants

Doctrine and Covenants 21

4 witnesses of Christ here, and 3 further echoes from the reading.

Grace of Christ

Behold, there shall be a record kept among you; and in it thou shalt be called a seer, a translator, a prophet, an apostle of Jesus Christ, an elder of the church through the will of God the Father, and the grace of your Lord Jesus Christ, Doctrine and Covenants 21:1

Joseph Smith is an apostle of Jesus Christ and serves by the will of the Father and the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

AttestedExplicitname

How we know: the verse itself names Him

  • the same title in D&C 20:2-4 — apostle of Jesus Christ; grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

His birth

Which church was organized and established in the year of your Lord eighteen hundred and thirty, in the fourth month, and on the sixth day of the month which is called April. Doctrine and Covenants 21:3

Time itself is counted from the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ.

A readingEchoAn echo of Him
  • the same event in D&C 20:1 — since the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the flesh

Jesus Christ

Wherefore, meaning the church, thou shalt give heed unto all his words and commandments which he shall give unto you as he receiveth them, walking in all holiness before me; Doctrine and Covenants 21:4–5

The Lord teaches that the living prophet's inspired words are to be received as if spoken by His own mouth.

A readingExplicitHe speaks in the first person
  • alludes to D&C 1:38 — by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same

The Lord God

For thus saith the Lord God: Him have I inspired to move the cause of Zion in mighty power for good, and his diligence I know, and his prayers I have heard. Doctrine and Covenants 21:7–8

The Lord God speaking in this revelation is Jesus Christ, who has seen Joseph's weeping for Zion and forgives his sins.

A readingExplicitA divine name

Crucifixion

For, behold, I will bless all those who labor in my vineyard with a mighty blessing, and they shall believe on his words, which are given him through me by the Comforter, which manifesteth that Jesus was crucified by sinful men for the sins of the world, yea, for the remission of sins unto the contrite heart. Doctrine and Covenants 21:9

The Holy Ghost bears witness that Jesus was crucified for the sins of the world, bringing forgiveness to those with contrite hearts.

AttestedExplicitTeaching about Himthe Holy Ghost testifying of the Son

How we know: the verse itself names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

  • alludes to John 15:26 — the Comforter... shall testify of me
  • fulfils 1 Nephi 11:33 — Nephi sees the Lamb lifted up upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world

Lord of the Vineyard

For, behold, I will bless all those who labor in my vineyard with a mighty blessing, and they shall believe on his words, which are given him through me by the Comforter, which manifesteth that Jesus was crucified by sinful men for the sins of the world, yea, for the remission of sins unto the contrite heart. Doctrine and Covenants 21:9

Christ speaks as the owner of the vineyard who blesses those who labor in it, the figure of Jacob 5.

AttestedEchoAn echo of Him

How we know: a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

  • alludes to Jacob 5:71-72 — the Lord of the vineyard labors with his servants and they have joy

Church bearing His name

This being an ordinance unto you, that you are an elder under his hand, he being the first unto you, that you might be an elder unto this church of Christ, bearing my name— Doctrine and Covenants 21:11

Christ calls the Church His by name: it is the church of Christ, bearing His name.

AttestedExplicitcovenant_name

How we know: the verse itself names Him