D&C 82

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 82

Received April 26, 1832, in Independence, Jackson County, Missouri, at a general council of the Church. This revelation renews the covenant of the United Order and contains some of the most frequently quoted principles in Latter-day Saint theology: 'Where much is given, much is required' and 'I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say.' The Saints are warned that past sins return upon transgression.

Scripture

Accountability for Greater Light

Study note

Those who have received much are held to a higher standard. When forgiven Saints sin again, the former sins return upon them. Greater knowledge brings greater responsibility.

1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, my servants, that inasmuch as you have forgiven one another your trespasses, even so I, the Lord, forgive you.

2 Nevertheless, there are those among you who have sinned exceedingly; yea, even all of you have sinned; but verily I say unto you, beware from henceforth, and refrain from sin, lest sore judgments fall upon your heads.

3 For of him unto whom much is given much is required; and he who sins against the greater light shall receive the greater condemnation.

4 Ye call upon my name for revelations, and I give them unto you; and inasmuch as ye keep not my sayings, which I give unto you, ye become transgressors; and justice and judgment are the penalty which is affixed unto my law.

Satan's Cunning and the Need for Faithfulness

Study note

Satan seeks to destroy and bind the Saints. The Lord warns that sin even in darkness is known to God. The Saints must be faithful to overcome the adversary.

5 Therefore, what I say unto one I say unto all: Watch, for the adversary spreadeth his dominions, and darkness reigneth;

6 And the anger of God kindleth against the inhabitants of the earth; and none doeth good, for all have gone out of the way.

7 And now, verily I say unto you, I, the Lord, will not lay any sin to your charge; go your ways and sin no more; but unto that soul who sinneth shall the former sins return, saith the Lord your God.

8 And again, I say unto you, I give unto you a new commandment, that you may understand my will concerning you;

9 Or, in other words, I give unto you directions how you may act before me, that it may turn to you for your salvation.

The Lord is Bound When We Obey

Study note

One of the most powerful doctrinal statements in scripture: when we obey God's commandments, He is bound to bless us. When we disobey, we have no promise. This establishes the covenant relationship between God and His people.

10 I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise.

11 Therefore, verily I say unto you, that it is expedient for my servants Edward Partridge and Newel K. Whitney, A. Sidney Gilbert and Sidney Rigdon, and my servant Joseph Smith, and John Whitmer and Oliver Cowdery, and W. W. Phelps and Martin Harris to be bound together by a bond and covenant that cannot be broken by transgression, except judgment shall immediately follow, in your several stewardships—

12 To manage the affairs of the poor, and all things pertaining to the bishopric both in the land of Zion and in the land of Kirtland;

13 For I have consecrated the land of Kirtland in mine own due time for the benefit of the saints of the Most High, and for a stake to Zion.

14 For Zion must increase in beauty, and in holiness; her borders must be enlarged; her stakes must be strengthened; yea, verily I say unto you, Zion must arise and put on her beautiful garments.

Renewal of the United Order Covenant

Study note

The Saints are commanded to act as friends and equals in managing temporal affairs. Every person is to seek the interest of their neighbor. Unity in temporal things is essential for Zion.

15 Therefore, I give unto you this commandment, that ye bind yourselves by this covenant, and it shall be done according to the laws of the Lord.

16 Behold, here is wisdom also in me for your good.

17 And you are to be equal, or in other words, you are to have equal claims on the properties, for the benefit of managing the concerns of your stewardships, every man according to his wants and his needs, inasmuch as his wants are just—

18 And all this for the benefit of the church of the living God, that every man may improve upon his talent, that every man may gain other talents, yea, even an hundred fold, to be cast into the Lord's storehouse, to become the common property of the whole church—

19 Every man seeking the interest of his neighbor, and doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God.

20 This order I have appointed to be an everlasting order unto you, and unto your successors, inasmuch as you sin not.

21 And the soul that sins against this covenant, and hardeneth his heart against it, shall be dealt with according to the laws of my church, and shall be delivered over to the buffetings of Satan until the day of redemption.

22 And now, verily I say unto you, and this is wisdom, make unto yourselves friends with the mammon of unrighteousness, and they will not destroy you.

23 Leave judgment alone with me, for it is mine and I will repay. Peace be with you; my blessings continue with you.

24 For even yet the kingdom is yours, and shall be forever, if you fall not from your steadfastness. Even so. Amen.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 82

Where much is given much is requiredThe Lord is bound when we keep our covenantsFormer sins return upon the repentant who sin againUnity and equality in temporal stewardshipSatan's subtle strategies against the faithfulCovenant obligation and divine promises

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 82 3-4 Luke 12:48

The principle that where much is given much is required directly echoes Christ's parable about the servant who knew his master's will and failed to act.

D&C 82 10 Deuteronomy 7:9

The Lord binding Himself to the obedient reflects Moses' declaration that God keeps covenant and mercy with those who love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations.

D&C 82 7 2 Peter 2:20-22

The warning about former sins returning upon the transgressor parallels Peter's warning that it is worse to return to sin after knowing the truth than to have never known it.

D&C 82 19 Philippians 2:4

The command to seek every person the interest of his neighbor echoes Paul's counsel to look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 82

This revelation presents one of the most empowering doctrines in all of scripture: God voluntarily binds Himself to bless us when we keep His commandments. This is the essence of covenant living—a two-way promise between us and God. Yet this power comes with serious responsibility. We who have received the gospel, ordinances, and covenants are held to a higher standard than those who walk in ignorance. Our knowledge is not just a privilege but an obligation. The warning about former sins returning reminds us that repentance is not a one-time event but a lifelong commitment to stay on the covenant path.

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