D&C 53

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 53

Received in June 1831 in Kirtland, Ohio. This revelation called Algernon Sidney Gilbert to serve as an agent and storekeeper for the Church. He was to establish a store in Missouri to support the gathering Saints and assist in the temporal affairs of the Church.

Scripture

Sidney Gilbert's Call and Covenant

Study note

Gilbert is called to forsake the world, be ordained an elder, and devote himself to the Lord's work.

1 Behold, I say unto you, my servant Sidney Gilbert, that I have heard your prayers; and you have called upon me that it should be made known unto you, of the Lord your God, concerning your calling and election in the church, which I, the Lord, have raised up in these last days.

2 Behold, I, the Lord, who was crucified for the sins of the world, give unto you a commandment that you shall forsake the world.

3 Take upon you mine ordination, even that of an elder, to preach faith and repentance and remission of sins, according to my word, and the reception of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands;

4 And also to be an agent unto this church in the place which shall be appointed by the bishop, according to commandments which shall be given hereafter.

Appointed as Church Agent and Storekeeper

Study note

He is specifically called to serve as an agent and to travel with Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to Missouri.

5 And again, verily I say unto you, you shall take your journey with my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon.

6 Behold, these are the first ordinances which you shall receive; and the residue shall be made known in a time to come, according to your labor in my vineyard.

7 And again, I would that ye should learn that he only is saved who endureth unto the end. Even so. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 53

Temporal service as sacred callingForsaking the world to serve God's purposesThe role of church agents in building ZionBusiness stewardship as a form of ministry

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 53 1-3 Matthew 19:27-29

Jesus promised blessings to those who forsake all to follow Him, the same invitation extended to Sidney Gilbert to forsake the world for God's work.

D&C 53 5-7 Acts 6:2-4

The apostles appointed men to handle temporal business so the ministry could focus on the word, paralleling Gilbert's appointment to handle Church business affairs.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 53

Sidney Gilbert's calling as a storekeeper demonstrates that not all service in God's kingdom is pulpit ministry. Managing a store, handling finances, and supporting the temporal needs of a community are deeply spiritual acts when done as service to God. In our own wards and congregations, those who serve in administrative, financial, or logistical roles are doing sacred work. Every honest occupation can be a calling when consecrated to the Lord's purposes.

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