D&C 14

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 14

Received in June 1829 at Fayette, New York, for David Whitmer, who had assisted Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery by providing a place to continue the translation of the Book of Mormon. The Lord promises David the greatest of all gifts—eternal life—if he will keep the commandments and endure to the end.

Scripture

A Marvelous Work and Personal Promise

Study note

God declares a great work is coming forth and promises David that if he asks in faith, he will receive the Holy Ghost.

1 A great and marvelous work is about to come forth unto the children of men.

2 Behold, I am God; give heed to my word, which is quick and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword, to the dividing asunder of both joints and marrow; therefore give heed unto my word.

3 Behold, the field is white already to harvest; therefore, whoso desireth to reap let him thrust in his sickle with his might, and reap while the day lasts, that he may treasure up for his soul everlasting salvation in the kingdom of God.

4 Yea, whosoever will thrust in his sickle and reap, the same is called of God.

5 Therefore, if you will ask of me you shall receive; if you will knock it shall be opened unto you.

6 Seek to bring forth and establish my Zion. Keep my commandments in all things.

The Greatest Gift: Eternal Life

Study note

The Lord declares that the most desirable gift is eternal life and encourages David to keep the commandments and assist in bringing forth Zion.

7 And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.

8 And it shall come to pass, that if you shall ask the Father in my name, in faith believing, you shall receive the Holy Ghost, which giveth utterance, that you may stand as a witness of the things of which you shall both hear and see, and also that you may declare repentance unto this generation.

9 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, who created the heavens and the earth, a light which cannot be hid in darkness;

10 Wherefore, I must bring forth the fulness of my gospel from the Gentiles unto the house of Israel.

11 And behold, thou art David, and thou art called to assist; which thing if ye do, and are faithful, ye shall be blessed both spiritually and temporally, and great shall be your reward. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 14

Eternal life is the greatest gift of GodFaith precedes spiritual giftsAssisting in bringing forth ZionKeeping the commandments leads to exaltation

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 14 7 John 17:3

The declaration that eternal life is the greatest gift connects to Jesus' prayer defining eternal life as knowing the Father and Jesus Christ.

D&C 14 8 Romans 6:23

Eternal life as a gift of God echoes Paul's teaching that the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 14

Among all the things we could desire in life, the Lord reminds us that eternal life is the greatest gift. This perspective helps us prioritize our daily choices. When we keep the commandments and serve others, we are working toward the most valuable reward God offers.

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