March 22–28

Doctrine and Covenants 29

Jesus Christ Will Gather His People

One of the purposes of studying the scriptures is to learn doctrine, or gospel truths that are essential for our salvation. As you study Doctrine and Covenants 29 this week, look for doctrinal insights that are meaningful to you.

Even though the Church of Jesus Christ had been organized in 1830, many gospel truths were still to be revealed, and several early Church members had questions. They had read prophecies in the Book of Mormon about the gathering of Israel and the building up of Zion (see 3 Nephi 21). How would that happen? The revelations Hiram Page claimed to receive addressed that subject, which only increased members’ curiosity (see Doctrine and Covenants 28). Other people wondered about the Fall of Adam and Eve and spiritual death. The Lord welcomed these questions in 1830: “Whatsoever ye shall ask in faith,” He told the Saints, “being united in prayer according to my command, ye shall receive” (Doctrine and Covenants 29:6). And He welcomes our questions today; He’s just waiting for us to ask Him in prayer. In fact, as the doctrinally rich revelation in Doctrine and Covenants 29 shows, He sometimes responds by imparting truth and knowledge beyond the questions we asked in the first place.

Every Knee Shall Bow, by J. Kirk Richards