What Is the Doctrine and Covenants? An Honest Christian Explanation

Origins and History of the Doctrine and Covenants

The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of revelations and declarations primarily given to Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter-day Saint movement. Unlike the Book of Mormon, which is presented as a translation of ancient American plates, the D&C is unique because it claims to be a record of the actual voice of Jesus Christ speaking to the modern world. The first edition was published in 1835, following an earlier, smaller collection known as the 'Book of Commandments.' It was intended to provide organizational structure and theological direction for a church that was rapidly growing and facing new cultural challenges.

For the Christian observer, the historical context is fascinating. These revelations were often received in response to specific prayers or crises during the 1830s and 1840s. They cover a vast range of topics, from the building of temples to the internal government of the church and dietary codes known as the 'Word of Wisdom.' While the LDS church views these as divine updates for the modern age, a biblical perspective reminds us that the fundamental truths of God’s character and His plan for salvation were fully revealed in the person and work of Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-2). understanding this history helps us see why the D&C holds such authority for its followers.

The Structure and Content of the Book

The Doctrine and Covenants is organized into 'sections' rather than chapters and verses. Most sections are dated and include a brief introduction explaining the circumstances under which the revelation was received. This structure gives the book a very administrative and instructive feel compared to the narrative flow of the Gospels or the poetic beauty of the Psalms. It functions almost like a manual for church life, interlaced with prophetic warnings and promises. It is viewed by the LDS community as a vital companion to the Bible and the Book of Mormon.

Within these sections, one finds the descriptions of unique LDS ordinances and doctrines. For example, Section 76 details a vision of the afterlife, while Section 132 discusses the concept of eternal marriage. For the traditional Christian, many of these 'new' revelations appear to move beyond the boundaries set by the New Testament writers. In Galatians 1:8, the Apostle Paul warns the early church against accepting a gospel different from what they had already received. This creates a point of significant tension between the teachings found in the D&C and the historic Christian understanding of the Gospel.

Differences in Spiritual Authority

The most significant hurdle for a Christian when approaching the Doctrine and Covenants is the issue of authority. The Bible concludes with a strong warning against adding to or taking away from the words of the book (Revelation 22:18-19). While this specifically referred to the book of Revelation, the principle of a finished, sufficient canon is a cornerstone of Christian faith. We believe that God has spoken clearly and finally through His Son. The D&C, by its very existence, suggests that the Bible is not sufficient for the modern believer—a claim that contradicts the 'faith once for all delivered' (Jude 1:3).

In the LDS tradition, the Doctrine and Covenants is part of the 'Standard Works,' which also includes the Pearl of Great Price. They believe in 'continuing revelation,' meaning that God continues to add to the scriptural record as it becomes necessary for the church. Christians, however, distinguish between 'illumination' (the Holy Spirit helping us understand existing Scripture) and 'revelation' (new, authoritative scripture). By holding to the Bible alone as our supreme rule of faith, we protect the purity of the message that Christ is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.

The Person of God and the Nature of Jesus

When reading the Doctrine and Covenants, a Christian will notice subtle and overt shifts in how God is described. While the Bible emphasizes that 'God is spirit' (John 4:24) and is eternal, unchangeable, and unique (Isaiah 43:10), the D&C introduces a more anthropomorphic view of the Father. Section 130 of the D&C states that 'The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s.' This is a significant departure from the historic Christian doctrine of the Trinity and the incorporeal nature of God the Father.

Furthermore, the D&C suggests a path of progress for humanity that mirrors the nature of God, often referred to as 'exaltation.' While we believe that Christians are being transformed into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18), we do not believe we become 'gods' or ontological equals to the Creator. The Doctrine and Covenants blurs the line between the Creator and the creature in ways that are incompatible with the monotheism of the Old and New Testaments. Recognizing these differences is key to an honest and clear-headed comparison of the two faiths.

Salvation and the Requirements of Grace

Perhaps the most comforting aspect of the biblical Gospel is the doctrine of grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches us that 'For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.' The Bible presents salvation as a gift received through trust in Christ's finished work on the cross. In contrast, the Doctrine and Covenants often frames spiritual progress in terms of obedience to specific laws and ordinances managed by the church authority.

Section 82 of the D&C states, 'I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.' This creates a 'covenant' relationship that feels very different from the New Covenant established by Christ's blood. In the biblical view, our standing before God is based on Christ's righteousness, not our ability to keep a checklist of administrative revelations. While the D&C encourages high moral standards, it can inadvertently lead to a burden of legalism that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was meant to set us free from (Matthew 11:28-30).

How to Respond with Love and Truth

When discussing the Doctrine and Covenants with LDS friends, our goal should not be to win an argument, but to point toward the sufficiency and beauty of the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 3:15 instructs us to 'always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.' Understanding their scripture allows us to ask better questions and build bridges. We can share why the Bible is so precious to us and why we believe Jesus is fully sufficient for our every need.

One practical step is to focus on the person of Jesus as revealed in the Gospels. If we can show that the Jesus of the Bible is self-sufficient and that His sacrifice was 'once for all' (Hebrews 10:10), the need for additional modern covenants begins to diminish. We don't have to be experts in every section of the D&C to share the 'good news.' By emphasizing the historical reliability and spiritual power of the Holy Bible, we offer a steady foundation for those who may be seeking a more personal, grace-centered relationship with the Savior.

Final Thoughts

For the Christian, the Bible remains the final authority because it is the unique, God-breathed record of His redemptive work through Jesus Christ. While the Doctrine and Covenants represents the distinctive foundational beliefs of another faith tradition, it serves as a reminder for us to 'test everything; hold fast what is good' (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Our faith is built on the unshakable foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone.

As you navigate conversations about different scriptures and beliefs, let your heart be anchored in the grace of the Gospel. Study the Bible diligently, know the person of Jesus intimately, and trust that His Word is sufficient to lead you into all truth. In our search for divine guidance, we find that the light of Christ revealed in the New Testament is the perfect and final answer to the deepest longings of the human soul.

Continue your study with our companion guide: The Best Bible Commentaries for Beginners (and How to Actually Use Them).