The Articles and Covenants of the Church of Christ

Most sections of the Doctrine and Covenants are just known by a number, but a few sections have been given specific titles. Among these is section 20, which has been given the name "The Articles and Covenants of the Church of Christ"(D&C 42). This revelation was very important to the developing church and acted as a handbook for its organization. It was also used as a tool for missionaries to spread the gospel.

This revelation begins with 12 verses containing a brief history of the church. It then continues by teaching of the gospel, briefly describing the creation, the fall, and the atonement. Reading this portion reminded me of the lessons that were taught to King Lamoni and also his father (Alma 18 and 22). I think it's interesting that these three subjects are emphasized as being the first things taught to those two men who were both so willing to believe. After this portion, starting with verse 37, instructions are given for things such as how different offices of the priesthood opperate, how baptism should be performed, and how the sacrament should be passed.

To go on a brief tangent, a few years ago, I attended a Community of Christ church. While in the service, I was very surprised at how similar they were to ours. I was slightly confused when they started to read the sacrament prayers and everyone knelt down. My dad showed me verse 76 of this section: "and after this manner shall he administer it—he shall kneel with the church and call upon the Father in solemn prayer, saying..." That cleared up my confusion.
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This revelation was read and copied more times than any other revelation in the early days of the church. It was very valuable because, as the official church handbook was not yet written, this served as a means to keep the church a house of order and a house of God.