Doctrine and Covenants 6

Jesus Christ

Behold, I am God; give heed unto my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore give heed unto my words. Doctrine and Covenants 6:2

Christ (named in v. 21) declares He is God, and His word cuts through to the heart like a sword.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• quotes Hebrews 4:12 — The word of God "quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword."
• alludes to Revelation 1:16 — Out of the glorified Christ's mouth goes a sharp two-edged sword.

Ministry of Jesus (His teachings)

Behold, the field is white already to harvest; therefore, whoso desireth to reap, let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God. Doctrine and Covenants 6:3–5

Christ reuses His own mortal teachings: the harvest is ready, and whoever asks Him will receive.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to John 4:35 — Fields white already to harvest.
• alludes to Matthew 7:7 — Ask and receive; knock and it shall be opened.
• alludes to D&C 4:4-7 — Same wording given earlier to Joseph Smith Sr.

Jesus Christ

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, blessed art thou for what thou hast done; for thou hast inquired of me, and behold, as often as thou hast inquired thou hast received instruction of my Spirit. If it had not been so, thou wouldst not have come to the place where thou art at this time. Doctrine and Covenants 6:14–16

The Savior shows Oliver He has been answering his private prayers all along, proving He is God because only God knows a person's secret thoughts.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Hebrews 4:12 — The word of God is "a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

Jesus Christ

Behold, thou art Oliver, and I have spoken unto thee because of thy desires; therefore treasure up these words in thy heart. Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love. Doctrine and Covenants 6:20

Christ promises to hold the faithful in the arms of His love, an image of His personal, redeeming care.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to 2 Nephi 1:15 — Lehi: "I am encircled about eternally in the arms of his love."

Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ — Jesus (Jehovah saves), Christ (the Anointed One)

Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the same that came unto mine own, and mine own received me not. I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not. Doctrine and Covenants 6:21

The speaker of these revelations names Himself outright: Jesus Christ. It identifies the "I" throughout the Doctrine and Covenants.

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

• the same title in D&C 10:57 — Identical self-declaration.

Son of God

Son of God — the literal Son of the Father

Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the same that came unto mine own, and mine own received me not. I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not. Doctrine and Covenants 6:21

He testifies of His identity as the Son of God the Father.

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

• the same title in D&C 10:57 — "I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God."
• the same title in John 10:36 — "I said, I am the Son of God."

Ministry of Jesus (rejected by His own)

Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the same that came unto mine own, and mine own received me not. I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not. Doctrine and Covenants 6:21

The same Jesus who came in mortality to His own people and was rejected is the one now speaking to Oliver.

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

• quotes John 1:11 — "He came unto his own, and his own received him not."

Light of the World

Light — the source of truth and life that darkness cannot overcome

Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I am the same that came unto mine own, and mine own received me not. I am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not. Doctrine and Covenants 6:21

Christ calls Himself the light John wrote of, a light the darkness cannot understand or put out.

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

• quotes John 1:5 — "The light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."
• the same title in D&C 10:58 — Same declaration.

Jesus Christ

Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know concerning the truth of these things. Doctrine and Covenants 6:22–24

Christ reminds Oliver that He answered his silent prayer by speaking peace to his mind, a witness that came from God Himself.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to John 14:27 — "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you."

Rejection and Crucifixion

Verily, verily, I say unto you, if they reject my words, and this part of my gospel and ministry, blessed are ye, for they can do no more unto you than unto me. Doctrine and Covenants 6:29–30

Christ recalls what the world did to Him and promises His servants that if they suffer the same, they will live with Him in glory.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to John 15:20 — "If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you."
• alludes to Matthew 5:11-12 — Blessed are ye when men persecute you for my sake.

Jesus Christ

Verily, verily, I say unto you, as I said unto my disciples, where two or three are gathered together in my name, as touching one thing, behold, there will I be in the midst of them—even so am I in the midst of you. Doctrine and Covenants 6:32

Jesus quotes His own promise to His ancient disciples and says it is true right now for Joseph and Oliver.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quotes Matthew 18:20 — "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

Rock

Rock — the sure foundation that cannot fail

Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail. Doctrine and Covenants 6:34

Christ is the rock. Those built on Him, His "little flock," cannot be overcome by earth or hell.

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

• alludes to Matthew 16:18 — "Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail."
• alludes to Helaman 5:12 — "Upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ."
• quotes Luke 12:32 — "Fear not, little flock."

Jesus Christ

Behold, I do not condemn you; go your ways and sin no more; perform with soberness the work which I have commanded you. Doctrine and Covenants 6:35

Jesus speaks the same merciful words He spoke to the woman taken in adultery, showing He forgives and sends people forward.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quotes John 8:11 — "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."

Faith in Christ

Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not. Doctrine and Covenants 6:36

Christ invites us to center every thought on Him; looking to Him replaces doubt and fear.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Helaman 8:15 — "As many as should look upon the Son of God with faith... might live."
• alludes to Isaiah 45:22 — "Look unto me, and be ye saved."

Crucifixion (wounds of the risen Lord)

Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen. Doctrine and Covenants 6:37

The resurrected Christ points to the marks of His crucifixion that He still carries, the proof of who He is and what He suffered for us.

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

• alludes to John 20:27 — Jesus invites Thomas to see His hands and side.
• alludes to 3 Nephi 11:14 — "Thrust your hands into my side... feel the prints of the nails in my hands and in my feet."
• alludes to D&C 45:51-52 — At His coming the Jews ask, "What are these wounds in thine hands and in thy feet?"