All things bear record · Doctrine and Covenants

Doctrine and Covenants 25

1 witness of Christ here, and 4 further echoes from the reading.

Jesus Christ

Hearken unto the voice of the Lord your God, while I speak unto you, Emma Smith, my daughter; for verily I say unto you, all those who receive my gospel are sons and daughters in my kingdom. Doctrine and Covenants 25:1

The Lord God who speaks in these revelations is Jesus Christ (see D&C 27:1; 29:1). He speaks personally and tenderly to Emma.

A readingExplicitHe speaks in the first person
  • the same title in D&C 29:1 — The voice of the revelations is named: Jesus Christ, your Redeemer.

Father of the spiritually reborn

Hearken unto the voice of the Lord your God, while I speak unto you, Emma Smith, my daughter; for verily I say unto you, all those who receive my gospel are sons and daughters in my kingdom. Doctrine and Covenants 25:1

Those who receive Christ's gospel become His sons and daughters by covenant, spiritually begotten through Him.

A readingExplicitTeaching about Him
  • alludes to Mosiah 5:7 — 'Ye shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters.'
  • alludes to Ether 3:14 — Christ to the brother of Jared: 'they shall become my sons and my daughters.'

Forgiveness through Christ

Behold, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou art an elect lady, whom I have called. Doctrine and Covenants 25:3

Only the Savior can say these words by His own authority, because He paid for sins; He says to Emma what He said to people in Galilee.

A readingExplicitHe speaks in the first person
  • alludes to Luke 7:48 — Jesus to the woman: 'Thy sins are forgiven.'

Jesus Christ

For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads. Doctrine and Covenants 25:12

The Lord reveals His own feelings: sincere sacred music rises to Him as prayer and He answers it with blessings.

A readingExplicitHe speaks in the first person

Jesus Christ

Keep my commandments continually, and a crown of righteousness thou shalt receive. And except thou do this, where I am you cannot come. Doctrine and Covenants 25:15

Christ uses His own words from His mortal ministry: to be where He is, we must keep His commandments.

AttestedExplicitHe speaks in the first person

How we know: the verse itself names Him

  • alludes to John 7:34 — 'Where I am, thither ye cannot come.'
  • alludes to 2 Timothy 4:8 — The crown of righteousness the Lord gives.