D&C 22

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 22

Received in April 1830 at Manchester, New York, in response to questions about whether those previously baptized in other churches needed to be baptized again upon joining the restored Church. The Lord declares that old covenants are done away and that all must enter by the gate of baptism performed by proper priesthood authority.

Scripture

A New and Everlasting Covenant of Baptism

Study note

The Lord declares that baptism is a new and everlasting covenant and that previous baptisms are considered part of an old covenant that is done away.

1 Behold, I say unto you that all old covenants have I caused to be done away in this thing; and this is a new and an everlasting covenant, even that which was from the beginning.

2 Wherefore, although a man should be baptized an hundred times it availeth him nothing, for you cannot enter in at the strait gate by the law of Moses, neither by your dead works.

Enter by the Gate

Study note

All must enter by the gate—baptism by proper authority—and cannot make the law of God conform to their prior practices.

3 For it is because of your dead works that I have caused this last covenant and this church to be built up unto me, even as in days of old.

4 Wherefore, enter ye in at the gate, as I have commanded, and seek not to counsel your God. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 22

Baptism requires proper priesthood authorityThe new and everlasting covenantEntering by the strait gateGod's law is not altered to suit man

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 22 1-2 Matthew 7:13-14

The imagery of entering by the strait gate parallels Jesus' teaching about the narrow gate and the difficult way that leads to life.

D&C 22 4 Acts 19:1-5

Paul re-baptized believers in Ephesus who had only received John's baptism, establishing the precedent for re-baptism under proper authority.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 22

This brief revelation teaches an important principle: sincerity alone is not sufficient when divine authority matters. Ordinances performed without proper priesthood authority, however sincere, must be renewed. This isn't about invalidating past faith but about ensuring that covenants carry the full power God intends.

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