D&C Section Twenty

This section tells the specific day of the organization of the church, April 6th. I look at it as an inspired document as it does not contain words that are directly from the Savior. It was given to Joseph and Oliver not by direct revelation, but "by the spirit of prophecy and revelation." There is a difference if you think about it.

In the beginning of the section, a brief history of the events that have taken place up to this time is given. I especially like the testimony that is given of the Book of Mormon. Saying it was written by inspiration, confirmed to people in our time by the ministering of angels, and those angels declare its truth to the world. The Book of Mormon, it says in verse 11, proves that the Holy Scriptures are true, that God calls and inspires prophets in our day just as he did in times past. This shows that God is the same today as he always has been. The coming forth of the church and the Book of Mormon are evidence that there truly is a God in heaven, that we are created by him and in his likeness.

This section also talks about the importance of justification and sanctification. Being justified means being worthy to enter God's presence. This happens as a result of the atonement. Being sanctified is the process by which we are purified by the Holy Ghost. We must be sanctified in order to be justified. Another reason why leading a repentant life is so important.

In this section, there are specific instructions for the priesthood leaders and for the members and through these instructions, we can see the organization of the church begin to take place. Not everything is given at the beginning. It's organization will continue to develop as the membership grows and the church is ready for the next step. Just like gospel knowledge, the Lord reveals a little at a time, "here a little, there a little" as he says in the Bible. For instance, the duties of elders (including apostles), priests, teachers and deacons are given. And although they learn there will be high priests and what will referred to as the high priesthood, these duties are not yet given. It will a while before the first presidency is organized, before bishops and stake presidents are appointed, and before temple ordinances are given.

All of the instructions for leaders and members in this section are related to the making and keeping of covenants. Three prayers related to covenants are given that have set words in the church, the two sacrament prayers and the prayer said at the time of baptism. Also talked about is the manner in which babies should be blessed, but this is less specific. One important verse that is undoubtedly overlooked by break-off groups, or those who leave the church to start their own "correct" version of the church, is verse 65. A person cannot assume to be a prophet of the Lord's church, without it being made known to the church and voted on by the church members. I'm going to save comments on this for when we get to Section 26.

One important thing to note in this section that will have importance later on, Joseph is called the first elder of the church and Oliver Cowdery the second elder. Meaning, Joseph presides and has preeminence over the priesthood, and over Oliver. There will come a time when Oliver will over assume his importance in the church. He will threaten to leave the church saying it will collapse if he does. He did, but it didn't.