D&C 54

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 54

Received in June 1831, directed to Newel Knight and the Saints in Thompson, Ohio. This revelation addressed a crisis: Leman Copley, who had offered his land for the Saints' use, reneged on his consecration. The revelation commanded the Thompson Saints to keep their covenants and gather to Missouri instead.

Scripture

Keeping Covenants Despite Broken Promises

Study note

The Saints are admonished to keep their covenants even though Copley broke his, and the wicked who break covenants will face consequences.

1 Behold, thus saith the Lord, even Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, even he who was crucified for the sins of the world—

2 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, my servant Newel Knight, you shall stand fast in the office whereunto I have appointed you.

3 And if your brethren desire to escape their enemies, let them repent of all their sins, and become truly humble before me and contrite.

4 And as the covenant which they made unto me has been broken, even so it has become void and of none effect.

5 And wo to him by whom this offense cometh, for it had been better for him that he had been drowned in the depth of the sea.

6 But blessed are they who have kept the covenant and observed the commandment, for they shall obtain mercy.

Command to Gather to Missouri

Study note

The Thompson Saints are told to journey to Missouri, taking their journey with patience, and the Lord will provide for them.

7 Wherefore, go to now and flee the land, lest your enemies come upon you; and take your journey, and appoint whom you will to be your leader, and to pay moneys for you.

8 And thus you shall take your journey into the regions westward, unto the land of Missouri, unto the borders of the Lamanites.

9 And after you have done journeying, behold, I say unto you, seek ye a living like unto men, until I prepare a place for you.

10 And again, be patient in tribulation until I come; and, behold, I come quickly, and my reward is with me, and they who have sought me early shall find rest to their souls. Even so. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 54

Keeping covenants even when others break theirsPatience in tribulation and displacementGod's provision despite broken human promisesThe gathering to Zion as a test of faithConsequences for those who violate their consecrations

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 54 1-6 Matthew 5:33-37

Jesus taught the sacredness of keeping one's word and the importance of letting your yes be yes, directly relevant to the broken consecration covenant addressed here.

D&C 54 7-10 Hebrews 11:13-16

The Old Testament saints were strangers and pilgrims seeking a better country, just as the Thompson Saints were redirected to seek Zion in Missouri.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 54

Leman Copley's broken promise created real hardship for the Thompson Saints, who had relocated based on his commitment. Yet the Lord's counsel was not to retaliate but to keep their own covenants and move forward with faith. This is profoundly relevant when others let us down, break promises, or cause us harm. Our covenants are between us and God, not dependent on others' faithfulness. Moving forward with patience and trust in God's provision, even when human plans fail, is the essence of covenant living.

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