D&C 4

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 4

Received in February 1829 at Harmony, Pennsylvania, through Joseph Smith for his father, Joseph Smith Sr. This is often called the great missionary revelation, declaring that a marvelous work is about to come forth.

Scripture

A Marvelous Work Comes Forth

Study note

God declares that a great and marvelous work is about to come forth, and those who serve with all their heart, might, mind, and strength will stand blameless before God.

1 Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men.

2 Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.

3 Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work;

4 For behold the field is white already to harvest; and lo, he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul;

Qualifications for the Lord's Service

Study note

The Lord outlines the attributes needed for service: faith, hope, charity, love, an eye single to God's glory. The field is white and ready to harvest.

5 And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.

6 Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.

7 Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 4

A marvelous work about to come forthServe with heart, might, mind, and strengthThe field is white, ready to harvestFaith, hope, charity, and love

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 4 1 Isaiah 29:14

The marvelous work about to come forth directly references Isaiah's prophecy of God doing a marvelous work and a wonder.

D&C 4 4 John 4:35

The imagery of fields white and ready to harvest echoes Jesus' words to his disciples about the harvest being plentiful.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 4

Section 4 is a call to action for every disciple. Serving God doesn't require perfection but does require whole-hearted effort. The virtues listed here—faith, hope, charity, love, temperance, patience—are qualities we can develop daily. When we feel the urgency to share the gospel, we can know the field is always ready.

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