Doctrine and Covenants 54

Alpha and Omega

Alpha and Omega — the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet: the beginning and the end

Behold, thus saith the Lord, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, even he who was crucified for the sins of the world— Doctrine and Covenants 54:1

The Lord who speaks this revelation names Himself Alpha and Omega, the One who was there before all things and will be there at the end. It is the same title the risen Christ uses in Revelation.

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

• the same title in Revelation 1:8 — "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord."
• the same title in Revelation 22:13 — Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.
• the same title in D&C 61:1 — The same title opens another revelation weeks later.

Crucified for the sins of the world

Behold, thus saith the Lord, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, even he who was crucified for the sins of the world— Doctrine and Covenants 54:1

The speaker identifies Himself by His Crucifixion: He is the One who died on the cross to pay for the sins of everyone. The voice of the Doctrine and Covenants is the crucified and risen Jesus.

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

• alludes to 3 Nephi 11:14 — The risen Christ shows His wounds: He has been slain for the sins of the world.
• the same event in John 19:18 — The Gospel account of the Crucifixion.

Echo of the Savior's warning

And wo to him by whom this offense cometh, for it had been better for him that he had been drowned in the depth of the sea. Doctrine and Covenants 54:5

The Lord repeats the warning He gave in His mortal ministry about those who cause others to stumble.

• alludes to Matthew 18:6-7 — "Better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea... woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!"

He prepares a place

And after you have done journeying, behold, I say unto you, seek ye a living like unto men, until I prepare a place for you. Doctrine and Covenants 54:9

The Lord promises the refugees He will prepare a place for them, echoing His promise to prepare a place for His disciples.

• alludes to John 14:2 — "I go to prepare a place for you."

Second Coming

And again, be patient in tribulation until I come; and, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, and they who have sought me early shall find rest to their souls. Even so. Amen. Doctrine and Covenants 54:10

Jesus speaks of His own return: He comes quickly and brings His reward. Those who seek Him early find the rest He promised to the weary.

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

• alludes to Revelation 22:12 — "Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me."
• alludes to Matthew 11:29 — "Ye shall find rest unto your souls."
• alludes to Proverbs 8:17 — "Those that seek me early shall find me."