D&C 62

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 62

Received on August 13, 1831, on the bank of the Missouri River near Chariton, Missouri. This brief revelation was given when Joseph Smith encountered elders who were traveling to Independence. It assured them that their testimonies are recorded in heaven and gave them discretion in their travel plans.

Scripture

Testimonies Recorded in Heaven

Study note

The Lord assures the elders that their testimonies are recorded in heaven and the angels rejoice over them.

1 Behold, and hearken, O ye elders of my church, saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ, your advocate, who knoweth the weakness of man and how to succor them who are tempted.

2 And verily mine eyes are upon those who have not as yet gone up unto the land of Zion; wherefore your mission is not yet full.

3 Nevertheless, ye are blessed, for the testimony which ye have borne is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice over you, and your sins are forgiven you.

4 And now continue your journey. Assemble yourselves upon the land of Zion; and hold a meeting and rejoice together, and offer a sacrament unto the Most High.

Travel at Your Own Discretion

Study note

The elders are told they may travel together or separately, by land or water, as they see fit, using their own judgment.

5 And then you may return to bear record, yea, even altogether, or two by two, as seemeth you good, it mattereth not unto me; only be faithful, and declare glad tidings unto the inhabitants of the earth, or among the congregations of the wicked.

6 Behold, I, the Lord, have brought you together that the promise might be fulfilled, that the faithful among you should be preserved and rejoice together in the land of Missouri. I, the Lord, promise the faithful and cannot lie.

7 I, the Lord, am willing, if any among you desire to ride upon horses, or upon mules, or in chariots, he shall receive this blessing, if he receive it from the hand of the Lord, with a thankful heart in all things.

8 These things remain with you to do according to judgment and the directions of the Spirit.

9 Behold, the kingdom is yours. And behold, and lo, I am with the faithful always. Even so. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 62

Our testimonies and deeds are recorded in heavenAngels rejoice over faithful servicePersonal agency and discretion in carrying out God's workNot every decision requires specific revelationTrust in individual judgment within covenant bounds

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 62 1-3 Malachi 3:16

Malachi describes a book of remembrance written before the Lord for those who feared Him and thought upon His name, just as these elders' testimonies were recorded in heaven.

D&C 62 1-3 Luke 15:10

Jesus taught that there is joy in the presence of the angels over one sinner who repents, paralleling the angels rejoicing over the faithful testimonies mentioned here.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 62

This short revelation carries two profound truths. First, our faithful efforts do not go unnoticed—heaven keeps a record of our testimonies and service, and the angels themselves rejoice. This should encourage us when we feel that our efforts go unseen or unappreciated. Second, the Lord trusts us with discretion. Not every choice requires a revelation; sometimes God expects us to use our best judgment within the framework of His commandments. This balance of divine guidance and personal agency is the hallmark of mature discipleship.

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