D&C 108

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 108

Received December 26, 1835, at Kirtland, Ohio, for Lyman Sherman, who had come to Joseph Smith seeking a personal revelation from the Lord. Lyman is told his sins are forgiven and he is called to strengthen the brethren in all his conversations.

Scripture

Sins Forgiven and Peace Given

Study note

The Lord tells Lyman that his sins are forgiven and his prayers have been heard. He is told to let his soul be at rest concerning his spiritual standing.

1 Verily thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Lyman: Your sins are forgiven you, because you have obeyed my voice in coming up hither this morning to receive counsel of him whom I have appointed.

2 Therefore, let your soul be at rest concerning your spiritual standing, and resist no more my voice.

3 And arise up and be more careful henceforth in observing your vows, which you have made and do make, and you shall be blessed with exceeding great blessings.

4 Wait patiently until the solemn assembly shall be called of my servants, then you shall be remembered with the first of mine elders, and receive right by ordination with the rest of mine elders whom I have chosen.

Strengthen the Brethren and Wait for a Calling

Study note

Lyman is instructed to strengthen his brethren in all his conversation, prayers, and exhortations. He is promised a future calling and told to wait patiently for it.

5 Behold, this is the promise of the Father unto you if you continue faithful.

6 And it shall be fulfilled upon you in that day that you shall have right to preach my gospel wheresoever I shall send you, from henceforth from that time.

7 Therefore, strengthen your brethren in all your conversation, in all your prayers, in all your exhortations, and in all your doings.

8 And behold, and lo, I am with you to bless you and deliver you forever. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 108

Divine forgiveness and spiritual peaceStrengthening others through daily conversationPatience while waiting for a callingGod hears sincere prayers

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 108 1-2 Psalms 103:12

The Lord's declaration that Lyman's sins are forgiven echoes the Psalmist's assurance that God removes our transgressions as far as the east is from the west.

D&C 108 7 Luke 22:32

The charge to strengthen the brethren echoes Jesus' instruction to Peter: 'When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.'

Apply This Today

Living D&C 108

Lyman's seeking and receiving personal assurance from God demonstrates that it is appropriate to bring our spiritual anxieties to the Lord. The instruction to strengthen the brethren in 'all your conversation' reminds us that every interaction is an opportunity to uplift. We don't need a formal calling to minister—our daily words and example are a form of ministry.

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