Hearing the voice of the Lord is a central theme in the Doctrine and Covenants. The phrase “voice of the Lord,” or a variation thereof, appears more than forty times, while the phrase “thus saith the Lord” occurs more than sixty times. However, hearing the voice of the Lord does not necessarily imply an audible voice. Rather, it suggests that those who study and ponder the revelations under the influence of the Holy Ghost will be able to understand and feel how his words apply to them personally. The Lord affirmed this principle, saying, “These words are not of men nor of man, but of me; . . . for it is my voice which speaketh them unto you; for they are given by my Spirit unto you” (Doctrine and Covenants 18:34–35).

The significance of the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants to Latter-day Saints is profound. Elder John A. Widtsoe once wrote, “Every doctrine taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is found, either outlined or shadowed forth, in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants. As far as I know, there is no doctrine taught by the Church which is not found in some way or form in this book.” He further emphasized that the Doctrine and Covenants is essential because “no other one of our sacred books can lay the same claim to a full survey of all the doctrines of the Church.”[1]

In 2025 Church members will once again study the Doctrine and Covenants as part of the Come, Follow Me curriculum. In anticipation of this, I asked, “What has President Russell M. Nelson said about the significance and importance of the Doctrine and Covenants to Latter-day Saints?” Rather than answer that myself, I turned to ChatGPT! Here’s what it provided:[2]

President Russell M. Nelson has highlighted the Doctrine and Covenants as a vital source of modern revelation, describing it as a unique compilation of teachings from Jesus Christ to his followers in the latter days. He has emphasized several key aspects of its importance:

Source of “pure Doctrine” and guidance for our time. In the October 2021 General Conference, President Nelson encouraged members to seek “pure truth, pure doctrine, and pure revelation.” He explained that the teachings in the Doctrine and Covenants offer these qualities by presenting the Savior’s words for individuals today. He emphasized that these revelations are a guide for personal and collective strength, especially during modern-day challenges.

Preparation for the Second Coming. President Nelson has repeatedly stressed that the Doctrine and Covenants prepares members for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. It instructs members on living as covenant followers, highlights the need for repentance, and provides direction on how to prepare spiritually and temporally for the Savior’s return. He has noted that this preparation is vital in “the last days” and has encouraged members to study these revelations to understand the Lord’s expectations for his covenant people.

Focus on temples and covenants. In recent years, President Nelson has highlighted teachings on temples and ordinances found in the Doctrine and Covenants, explaining how these instructions help deepen members’ commitment to Christ and prepare them for the blessings of exaltation. In his address “The Temple and Your Spiritual Foundation,” he noted that the Doctrine and Covenants provides direction on sacred temple practices and covenants essential to returning to God’s presence, underscoring the book’s role in the restored gospel.

Encouragement of personal revelation. President Nelson has frequently taught that studying the Doctrine and Covenants encourages members to seek personal revelation, describing it as a “living document” that demonstrates how to receive divine guidance through the Holy Spirit. He reminds members that they can follow the examples of Joseph Smith and others in the Doctrine and Covenants to find answers and guidance in their own lives. President Nelson’s teachings underscore the Doctrine and Covenants as more than a historical document; he describes it as a divine handbook for discipleship, a preparatory guide for the Second Coming, and an invitation to covenant with God in the modern era.

In keeping with President Nelson’s numerous invitations to prayerfully read and study the doctrines, teachings, and principles in the Doctrine and Covenants, the recently published book Hearing the Voice of the Lord: Exploring the Doctrine and Covenants aims to provide readers with doctrinal clarifications, explanations, and insights, along with historical context, drawn from a selection of significant revelations in this sacred record. The intent is to assist individuals and families in their desire not only to hear the Savior’s voice but also to follow him more fully.

Contributors explore topics such as Elijah’s visitation in the Kirtland Temple, the sacred location of Adam-ondi-Ahman, priesthood power of women, Satan’s reality, the establishment of Zion, and plural marriage. Authors also examine the historical context of consecration, sacramental covenants, baptism for the dead, redemption of the dead, and the three degrees of heavenly glory. The articles combine to show that from the very beginning of the Restoration, our prophets’ inspired words are “the will of the Lord, . . . the mind of the Lord, . . . the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation” (Doctrine and Covenants 68:4).

President Russell M. Nelson said, “As we seek to be disciples of Jesus Christ, our efforts to hear Him need to be ever more intentional. It takes conscious and consistent effort to fill our daily lives with His words, His teachings, His truths.”[3] With illuminating insights and useful historical context, this collection of essays is a valuable resource for those seeking to hear the voice of the Lord in their lives.

Notes

[1] John A. Widtsoe, The Message of the Doctrine and Covenants, ed. G. Homer Durham (Bookcraft, 1969), 117.

[2] Response to “What has President Russell M. Nelson said about the significance and importance of the Doctrine and Covenants to Latter-day Saints?,” ChatGPT-4o, Open AI, December 2024, edited for style and accuracy.

[3] Russell M. Nelson, “Hear Him,” general conference talk, April 2020, www.churchofjesuschrist.org.