Commentary on Doctrine & Covenants 34

/ Doctrine & Covenants 34 / Commentary

Verses 1-4

Casey Paul Griffiths (LDS Scholar)

Latter-day Saints believe in and wholeheartedly accept the doctrine that we are the spirit children of Heavenly Parents, but the teachings of the New Testament, Book of Mormon, and the Doctrine and Covenants also call people to a new spiritual birth that makes them the sons and daughters of Jesus Christ. The Apostle John declared of Jesus Christ that “as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12).

The Book of Mormon prophet Alma the Younger likewise taught that “all mankind, yea, men and women, all nations, kindreds, tongues and people, must be born again; yea, born of God, changed from their carnal and fallen state, to a state of righteousness, being redeemed of God, becoming his sons and daughters” (Mosiah 27:25). King Benjamin gave his people a new name, declaring that they “shall be called the children of Christ, his sons, and his daughters; for behold this day he hath spiritually begotten you” (Mosiah 5:7). The promises given to Orson Pratt apply to all righteous men who qualify to become the sons of God, and a similar promise was given to Emma Smith, whom the Savior addressed as his daughter. The Savior further explained that “all those who receive my gospel are sons and daughters in my kingdom” (D&C 25:1).

 

(Doctrine & Covenants Minute)

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