D&C 129

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 129

Received February 9, 1843, at Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith provides three keys for discerning the nature of heavenly messengers—whether they are resurrected beings, spirits of just men made perfect, or the devil appearing as an angel of light.

Scripture

Three Keys for Discerning Spirits and Angels

Study note

Joseph teaches that a resurrected being has a tangible body and can shake hands. A spirit of a just man will not offer his hand but can be identified by the Spirit. The devil, appearing as an angel of light, will offer his hand but you will feel nothing—this is the key to his detection.

1 There are two kinds of beings in heaven, namely: Angels, who are resurrected personages, having bodies of flesh and bones—

2 For instance, Jesus said: Handle me and see, for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

3 Secondly: the spirits of just men made perfect, they who are not resurrected, but inherit the same glory.

4 When a messenger comes saying he has a message from God, offer him your hand and request him to shake hands with you.

5 If he be an angel he will do so, and you will feel his hand.

6 If he be the spirit of a just man made perfect he will come in his glory; for that is the only way he can appear—

7 Ask him to shake hands with you, but he will not move, because it is contrary to the order of heaven for a just man to deceive; but he will still deliver his message.

8 If it be the devil as an angel of light, when you ask him to shake hands he will offer you his hand, and you will not feel anything; you may therefore detect him.

9 These are three grand keys whereby you may know whether any administration is from God.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 129

Discerning between resurrected beings and spiritsDetecting deception from the adversaryTangible resurrected bodiesSpiritual discernment as a necessary giftThe devil disguises himself as an angel of light

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 129 8 2 Corinthians 11:14

The teaching about the devil appearing as an angel of light directly expands on Paul's warning that Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

D&C 129 1-3 Luke 24:36-39

The teaching about resurrected beings having tangible bodies connects to the risen Christ inviting his disciples to handle him and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as he had.

D&C 129 4-6 1 John 4:1

The instruction to test spiritual messengers echoes John's counsel to try the spirits whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone into the world.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 129

In an age of spiritual confusion and competing claims to divine authority, the ability to discern truth from deception is essential. While most people will not encounter angelic visitors, the underlying principle applies broadly: not everything that appears good is from God. We must develop spiritual discernment through prayer, scripture study, and experience with the Holy Ghost to distinguish genuine inspiration from counterfeit.

Go Deeper

Study the Doctrine and Covenants in Covenant Path

Read every section with study aids and daily reading plans — free in the app.

Download for iOS Download for Android