D&C 8

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 8

Received in April 1829 at Harmony, Pennsylvania, for Oliver Cowdery. Oliver desired the gift of translation, and the Lord explains how revelation is received—through the Holy Ghost speaking to the mind and heart.

Scripture

The Gift of Revelation

Study note

The Lord explains that he will tell Oliver in his mind and heart through the Holy Ghost, and that this is the spirit of revelation that guided Moses.

1 Oliver Cowdery, verily, verily, I say unto you, that assuredly as the Lord liveth, who is your God and your Redeemer, even so surely shall you receive a knowledge of whatsoever things you shall ask in faith, with an honest heart, believing that you shall receive a knowledge concerning the engravings of old records, which are ancient, which contain those parts of my scripture of which has been spoken by the manifestation of my Spirit.

2 Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.

3 Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground.

4 Therefore this is thy gift; apply unto it, and blessed art thou, for it shall deliver you out of the hands of your enemies, when, if it were not so, they would slay you and bring your soul to destruction.

5 Oh, remember these words, and keep my commandments. Remember, this is your gift.

The Gift of Working with the Rod

Study note

Oliver is told he has another gift and is instructed to exercise faith, ask in faith, and not trifle with sacred things.

6 Now this is not all thy gift; for you have another gift, which is the gift of Aaron; behold, it has told you many things;

7 Behold, there is no other power, save the power of God, that can cause this gift of Aaron to be with you.

8 Therefore, doubt not, for it is the gift of God; and you shall hold it in your hands, and do marvelous works; and no power shall be able to take it away out of your hands, for it is the work of God.

9 And, therefore, whatsoever you shall ask me to tell you by that means, that will I grant unto you, and you shall have knowledge concerning it.

10 Remember that without faith you can do nothing; therefore ask in faith. Trifle not with these things; do not ask for that which you ought not.

11 Ask that you may know the mysteries of God, and that you may translate and receive knowledge from all those ancient records which have been hid up, that are sacred; and according to your faith shall it be done unto you.

12 Behold, it is I that have spoken it; and I am the same that spake unto you from the beginning. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 8

Revelation comes to mind and heartSpirit of revelation is the same anciently and todayAsk in faith and you shall receiveSacred gifts require faithfulness

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 8 2-3 John 14:26

The Holy Ghost teaching and bringing things to remembrance is the same gift Jesus promised his apostles at the Last Supper.

D&C 8 3 Exodus 14:16

The spirit of revelation given to Moses is referenced, connecting to the parting of the Red Sea and Moses' prophetic guidance.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 8

This revelation defines how personal revelation works: God speaks to our minds and hearts through the Holy Ghost. This pattern applies to every member seeking guidance. When we study, ponder, and ask in faith, God will communicate with us through thoughts and feelings that bring clarity and peace.

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