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Faithful Study Resources for Come, Follow Me

FAIR Resources for Come, Follow Me – Restoration Scripture
Week 13: March 24 - 30: "All Things Must Be Done in Order”

Doctrine and Covenants 27 – 28

Doctrinal Focus
Historical & Contextual
Apologetic Application
Practical Applications
Ideas for Teaching
Quick Reference

Doctrinal Focus

  • Key doctrines addressed in this week’s reading

In Doctrine and Covenants 27:2, the Lord teaches that it does not matter what is used as the emblem of the sacrament, as long as it is partaken with an “eye single to [His] glory.” This emphasizes that the focus of the sacrament is not on the physical elements but on our spiritual commitment to Christ.

The Lord’s instruction to Joseph Smith about the sacrament in Doctrine and Covenants 27:1–4 underscores that it is a moment of personal worship and renewal. By preparing for and approaching the sacrament with reverence, we can deepen our relationship with the Savior and better retain a remission of our sins.

In Doctrine and Covenants 28:2, the Lord states that only the President of the Church is appointed to receive revelation for the entire Church. This was a necessary clarification when Hiram Page mistakenly believed he had received revelation for the Church, helping the Saints understand the proper channels for divine guidance.

In Doctrine and Covenants 28:15, the Lord assures Oliver Cowdery that he will be guided in his responsibilities, demonstrating that revelation is not limited to the prophet but is given according to one’s stewardship. This principle helps members navigate their personal discipleship while upholding unity in the Church.

Doctrine and Covenants 27:15–18 describes the “armor of God” as essential protection against evil. President M. Russell Ballard taught that spiritual fortification is not a single grand event but a series of small, consistent acts of faith, such as daily prayer, scripture study, and obedience.

The breastplate of righteousness protects our hearts—our desires and intentions—while the helmet of salvation guards our thoughts and understanding of Christ’s role in our lives. By actively applying these principles, we become more resilient against temptation and deception.

Historical & Contextual Insights

  • Insights in this week’s study
  • September 1830, Fayette, New York. The Church was still in its infancy, and revelation was a new and developing concept for its members. There were only a few dozen members at this time, and the organizational structure of the Church was still being revealed.
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  • A significant concern arose when Hiram Page, one of the Eight Witnesses of the gold plates, claimed to receive revelations through a seer stone regarding the governance of the Church. Many early Saints, including Oliver Cowdery, were initially convinced that these revelations were from God. This created confusion about how revelation worked in the Church and who had the authority to receive commandments for the entire body of believers.

The Lord clarified that only the prophet—at that time, Joseph Smith—was appointed to receive revelation for the entire Church (Doctrine and Covenants 28:2). This event helped establish a foundational doctrine of Church governance: the principle of prophetic authority. While all members can receive personal revelation, the Lord’s house is “a house of order” (Doctrine and Covenants 28:13), and Church-wide direction comes through His appointed prophet.

Understanding the proper channels of revelation helps members today stay anchored in true doctrine and avoid deception. Just as early Saints needed guidance to discern between personal inspiration and divine instruction for the Church, we too must rely on prophetic authority while seeking personal revelation within our own stewardships.

  • The Lord emphasized that the elements of the sacrament are less important than the spirit in which it is partaken.
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  • In Doctrine and Covenants 27:2, the Lord told Joseph Smith that it did not matter what was used for the sacrament, as long as it was taken with an “eye single to [His] glory.” This revelation came as Joseph was about to obtain wine for the sacrament but was stopped by an angel, who warned him about the possibility of obtaining wine from an untrustworthy source. Instead, the Lord taught that any food or drink could be used if the ordinance was performed with the proper intent.
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  • This revelation was significant because it emphasized the spiritual essence of the sacrament rather than its physical elements. While Jesus used bread and wine in the New Testament, the commandment given to Joseph Smith allowed flexibility, underscoring that the sacrament’s power comes through our faith in Christ, not the specific emblems used.
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  • This principle continues today as the Church uses water instead of wine for the sacrament. This revelation highlights that what matters most in ordinances is the covenant and remembrance of Christ’s Atonement, rather than rigid adherence to specific materials.
  • The Lord established a clear order for revelation to prevent confusion and ensure unity among the Saints.
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  • Doctrine and Covenants 28 was revealed to address the confusion caused by Hiram Page’s false revelations. Many Saints, including Oliver Cowdery, were initially convinced by Page’s claims, demonstrating how easy it was for well-meaning members to be misled. The Lord clarified that while all members can receive revelation for their personal lives, only the prophet receives revelation for the entire Church.
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  • This principle reinforced the idea that the Church is organized under divine order. If multiple people could claim revelation for the entire Church, it would lead to disorder and division. The Lord’s instruction to Joseph Smith ensured unity by clearly designating the prophet as the only one authorized to receive Church-wide revelation.
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  • This event also demonstrated the humility and obedience of Church leaders like Oliver Cowdery, who, after receiving correction from the Lord, accepted and supported Joseph’s prophetic authority. It serves as a lesson for us today to trust in the Lord’s established order and sustain His chosen leaders, even when personal opinions or experiences might initially lead us in a different direction.

If you have questions on this week’s reading, please email your questions to us here.

Apologetic Application

  • Claim: “The idea that only Joseph Smith could receive revelation for the whole Church is a way to centralize power and control the members.”
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  • Response:
    1. Historical Evidence: In 1830, the Church was in its early stages, and many members were still learning about revelation and priesthood authority. The incident with Hiram Page demonstrates the need for divine clarification on how revelation functions in an organized Church.
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    3. Eyewitness Support: Early leaders, including Oliver Cowdery, initially believed Hiram Page’s revelations were legitimate but humbly accepted the Lord’s correction through Joseph Smith (Doctrine and Covenants 28:6). Their willingness to be corrected by revelation strengthens the legitimacy of this principle.
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    5. Spiritual Confirmation: The Lord declared that “all things must be done in order” (Doctrine and Covenants 28:13). Church members today can seek personal confirmation through prayer and study that God calls prophets to lead His people in an orderly manner.
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    7. Logical Analysis: If anyone could receive revelation for the entire Church, there would be chaos, conflicting messages, and fragmentation. A single appointed prophet maintains doctrinal consistency and unity, much like how the Bible shows God working through chosen prophets (Amos 3:7).
  • Claim: “Joseph Smith altered the ordinance of the sacrament, even though Jesus instituted it using wine.”
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  • Response:
    1. Historical Evidence: In Doctrine and Covenants 27:2, the Lord explicitly revealed that the emblems of the sacrament are less important than the intent behind partaking of it. The change was not arbitrary but a direct commandment from God.
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    3. Eyewitness Support: This revelation came when Joseph was about to obtain wine for the sacrament but was warned by an angel about the dangers of purchasing wine from unreliable sources. Early Saints accepted this revelation as a necessary safeguard and divine instruction.
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    5. Spiritual Confirmation: The principle behind the sacrament is to remember Christ’s sacrifice, not to be rigid about the elements used. Members who approach the sacrament with sincere hearts can receive personal confirmation that the ordinance retains its sacred power regardless of whether water or wine is used.
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    7. Logical Analysis: The Lord has the right to modify practices according to circumstances and needs. If the commandment to use wine were unchangeable, then modern health concerns (such as addiction) would conflict with the ability to worship. The Lord prioritizes the spiritual meaning over the physical elements.
  • Claim: “There’s no real spiritual battle—people just use religion to control others through fear.”
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  • Response:
    1. Historical Evidence: Doctrine and Covenants 27:15–18 reiterates biblical teachings found in Ephesians 6:11–18, demonstrating continuity between ancient and modern scripture regarding spiritual warfare. The need for protection against evil was recognized in both dispensations.
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    3. Eyewitness Support: Church leaders throughout history, including modern apostles like President M. Russell Ballard, have testified of the reality of spiritual battles and the necessity of personal righteousness to withstand them. Members who apply these teachings report increased strength against temptation.
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    5. Spiritual Confirmation: Those who actively “put on the armor of God” through prayer, scripture study, and righteous living experience greater peace and spiritual resilience. The blessings of obedience serve as confirmation that these teachings are true.
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    7. Logical Analysis: Just as physical armor protects against physical attacks, spiritual armor provides defense against the negative influences that can weaken faith. Ignoring the need for spiritual fortification leaves individuals vulnerable to doubt, temptation, and discouragement.

Practical Applications

Practical solutions for someone in faith crisis:

Action Step: Prepare for the sacrament by studying Christ’s Atonement and examining your personal commitment to Him.

The sacrament is an opportunity to renew covenants and draw closer to the Savior. By approaching it with greater reverence, we can experience increased spiritual strength and a deeper sense of peace.

  1. – Read Doctrine and Covenants 27:1–4 and Luke 22:19–20 to better understand the ordinance.
  2. – Before Sunday, take time to reflect on how you can repent and improve your discipleship.
  3. – During the sacrament, focus on Christ’s Atonement by pondering a scripture or hymn.
  4. – Record your impressions after partaking to track your spiritual growth.

Encouraging Thought:

  • Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught, “With eyes and hearts fixed on the Savior, the sacrament can be a truly spiritual experience, a holy communion, a renewal for the soul” (“The Living Bread Which Came Down from Heaven,” Ensign, Nov. 2017).

Action Step: Develop a habit of writing down spiritual impressions and acting on them.

The Lord has established order in revelation—Church-wide direction comes through the prophet, but personal guidance is available to all. Learning to discern and act on revelation strengthens our faith and deepens our relationship with God.

  1. – Study Doctrine and Covenants 28:1–7 and President Dale G. Renlund’s talk, “A Framework for Personal Revelation.”
  2. – Pray daily, asking for specific guidance in your life.
  3. – Keep a revelation journal to record promptings and impressions.
  4. – Review your journal regularly and act on previous guidance to show the Lord you value His direction.

Encouraging Thought:

  • President Russell M. Nelson said, “Nothing opens the heavens quite like the combination of increased purity, exact obedience, earnest seeking, daily feasting on the words of Christ, and regular time committed to temple and family history work” (Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives, April 2018).
  • Action Step: Identify a piece of spiritual armor you need to strengthen and work on it intentionally.

The world presents constant spiritual challenges, and without intentional effort, we can become vulnerable to doubt, temptation, or discouragement. By strengthening our defenses, we stay rooted in truth and righteousness.

  1. – Read Doctrine and Covenants 27:15–18 and Ephesians 6:11–18 to understand the symbolism of the armor of God.
  2. – Make a table listing each piece of armor and what it represents (e.g., “Breastplate of righteousness = guarding my heart and actions with integrity”).
  3. – Choose one piece of armor to focus on for the week (e.g., “Helmet of salvation”—I will study Christ’s role in my salvation and strengthen my testimony).
  4. – Pray for strength and evaluate your progress at the end of the week.

Encouraging Thought:

President M. Russell Ballard taught, “True spiritual power lies in numerous smaller acts woven together in a fabric of spiritual fortification that protects and shields from all evil” (“Be Strong in the Lord,” Ensign, July 2004).

Ideas for Teaching

Objective: Help learners understand the importance of the armor of God and how to apply it in daily life.

Paper, pens, printed images of armor, Doctrine and Covenants 27:15–18, Ephesians 6:11–18.

    1. Activity Steps:
    2. Introduction (5 min): Show an image of a soldier’s armor and ask, “What kind of protection do we need in battle?” Then ask, “What kind of battles do we face spiritually?”
    3. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Doctrine and Covenants 27:15–18 and list the pieces of armor. Discuss what each one represents and how it applies to personal challenges.
    4. Application (5 min): Have each learner write down a specific action they can take to “put on” a piece of the armor of God this week. Encourage them to set a reminder or create a visual reminder (e.g., drawing a shield).

Follow-Up Question: Which piece of the armor of God do you feel you need the most right now, and why?

Objective: Clarify the order of revelation in the Church and how personal revelation works.

A leadership flowchart (showing prophet, apostles, local leaders, and individuals), Doctrine and Covenants 28:1–7, “A Framework for Personal Revelation” (Elder Renlund).

  1. Activity Steps:
  2. Introduction (5 min): Play a short “Follow the Leader” game where everyone follows one assigned leader. Then introduce a twist where multiple people start leading, creating confusion. Ask, “What happens when we don’t have a clear leader?”
  3. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Doctrine and Covenants 28:2, 6–7 and discuss the issue of Hiram Page’s false revelations. Use the leadership flowchart to explain how revelation works in the Church.
  4. Application (5 min): Have learners write down a time they felt personal revelation and discuss how they can better discern true guidance from the Lord.

Follow-Up Question: How can we ensure that our personal revelation aligns with God’s established order?

Objective: Deepen understanding of the sacrament’s meaning and how it helps us draw closer to Christ.

Journals or paper, Doctrine and Covenants 27:1–4, sacrament hymn lyrics (such as “As Now We Take the Sacrament”).

  • Activity Steps: 
  • Introduction (5 min): Ask, “What is something you do regularly that holds deep meaning for you? Why?” Compare this to the sacrament as a weekly ordinance that carries profound significance.
  • Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Doctrine and Covenants 27:1–4 and discuss why the Lord focuses on the purpose of the sacrament rather than the specific emblems. Read a sacrament hymn and invite learners to share what phrases stand out to them.
  • Application (5 min): Have each learner write a short journal entry reflecting on how they can make the sacrament more meaningful this Sunday. Encourage them to bring the journal to church and write down their impressions after taking the sacrament.

Follow-Up Question: What is one thing you can do before Sunday to prepare spiritually for the sacrament?

QUICK REFERENCE

  • – The sacrament is about intent and remembrance, not the specific emblems used (D&C 27:2).
  • – Revelation in the Church follows an orderly pattern—only the prophet receives revelation for the whole Church (D&C 28:2, 13).
  • – Personal revelation is real but must align with God’s established order (D&C 28:15).
  • – The armor of God is essential for spiritual protection against the adversary (D&C 27:15–18).
  • – Hiram Page’s false revelations helped clarify the doctrine of prophetic authority.

 Why Trust Modern Prophets?

  • Historical Evidence: Prophets have always been God’s pattern for guiding His people (Amos 3:7).
  • Eyewitness Support: Early Saints, including Oliver Cowdery, initially questioned but ultimately sustained Joseph Smith as the Lord’s prophet (D&C 28:6–7).
  • Spiritual Confirmation: Those who sincerely follow prophetic counsel often receive personal witnesses of its truth.
  • Logical Analysis: A Church without a central, divinely appointed leader would be vulnerable to division and confusion.
  1. Why Does God Allow Mistakes Among Church Leaders?
  • Historical Evidence: Even biblical prophets, such as Peter and Moses, made errors but continued to be God’s chosen leaders.
  • Eyewitness Support: Oliver Cowdery initially supported Hiram Page’s false revelations but repented when corrected by the Lord through Joseph Smith.
  • Spiritual Confirmation: The Lord refines His leaders through experience, and members can pray for personal confirmation of prophetic teachings.
  • Logical Analysis: Expecting leaders to be perfect contradicts God’s pattern of using imperfect people to accomplish His work.
  • Gospel Topics: Prophets
  • Church History Topics: Hiram Page