D&C 106

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 106

Received November 25, 1834, at Kirtland, Ohio, through Joseph Smith for Warren A. Cowdery, Oliver Cowdery's brother. Warren is called to preside over the Church locally and warned to be watchful, for the coming of the Lord draws near.

Scripture

Call to Faithfulness and Watchfulness

Study note

Warren is told his sins are forgiven and he is called to strengthen the Saints. He is admonished to be watchful and prayerful, for the coming of the Lord is nigh.

1 It is my will that my servant Warren A. Cowdery should be appointed and ordained a presiding high priest over my church, in the land of Freedom and the regions round about;

2 And should preach my everlasting gospel, and lift up his voice and warn the people, not only in his own place, but in the adjoining counties;

3 And devote his whole time to this high and holy calling, which I now give unto him, seeking diligently the kingdom of heaven and its righteousness, and all things necessary shall be added thereunto; for the laborer is worthy of his hire.

4 And again, verily I say unto you, the coming of the Lord draweth nigh, and it overtaketh the world as a thief in the night—

5 Therefore, gird up your loins, that you may be the children of light, and that day shall not overtake you as a thief.

Presiding Locally and Preparing for the Lord

Study note

Warren is appointed to preside over the local congregation and told to live righteously so he may be found worthy at the Lord's coming.

6 And again, verily I say unto you, there was joy in heaven when my servant Warren bowed to my scepter, and separated himself from the crafts of men;

7 Therefore, blessed is my servant Warren, for I will have mercy on him; and, notwithstanding the vanity of his heart, I will lift him up inasmuch as he will humble himself before me.

8 And I will give him grace and assurance wherewith he may stand; and if he continue to be a faithful witness and a light unto the church I have prepared a crown for him in the mansions of my Father. Even so. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 106

Watchfulness for the Second ComingLocal Church leadership responsibilitiesSins forgiven through repentanceThe nearness of the Lord's return

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 106 4-5 Matthew 24:42-44

The admonition to be watchful for the Lord's coming directly parallels Jesus' teaching to watch and be ready, for the Son of Man comes at an hour you think not.

D&C 106 1 1 John 1:9

The assurance that sins are forgiven connects to John's promise that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 106

Warren's call to be watchful and ready is a message for every generation. We may not know the exact timing of the Lord's coming, but we can always be spiritually prepared. Faithful service in whatever calling we receive—however local or seemingly small—is how we demonstrate readiness for greater things.

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