by Leaun G. Otten

Given on September 22-23, 1832, at Kirtland, Ohio, section 84 was first published as Chapter IV in the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants. It is called a revelation on priesthood and was given in the presence of six elders who had just returned from their missions to the eastern states. The revelation has four main themes.

ZION. Earlier, the establishment of Zion and the need for a temple as its center had been revealed (D&C 57:1-3). Section 84 makes the Church responsible for assembling the Saints and building the New Jerusalem (Zion), beginning with the temple. Both undertakings are to be completed in a "generation." Zion is to be established through the power and authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood (verses 1-5).

PRIESTHOOD. Priesthood is the power and authority delegated to man to act for God in saving souls, and it cannot be assumed, but must be passed on from one who already has it. Section 84 clearly distinguishes two priesthoods, namely, the Melchizedek and Aaronic. Moses, for example, received the Melchizedek Priesthood from Jethro, who received it through rightful heirs back to "Adam, who was the first man" (verses 6-17). The Melchizedek Priesthood administers the gospel and holds the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom and knowledge of God. Through the ordinances administered by this priesthood, men and women partake of the powers of godliness. Only thus may they behold his face and endure his presence (verses 19-22).

The Aaronic Priesthood holds the keys of the ministering of angels and the preparatory gospel. It continued in an unbroken line from Aaron and was the priesthood of the Law of Moses. It was also the priesthood held by John the Baptist. This preparatory gospel includes faith, repentance, and baptism, and leads to the Melchizedek Priesthood and its ordinances (verses 26-27).

OATH AND COVENANT OF THE PRIESTHOOD. When worthy men receive the Melchizedek Priesthood, they enter into a covenant relationship with the Lord. They covenant that in faithfulness and obedience they will magnify their priesthood callings—that is, wholeheartedly honor and fulfill their stewardships. By keeping this covenant, the priesthood holder receives the oath of the Father, which leads to receiving the Father's kingdom and "all that [the] Father hath" (verse 38). Those who violate or break this covenant and altogether turn from it "shall not have forgiveness of sins in this world nor in the world to come" (verse 41; see also Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood).

The elders of the Church are told that because of "vanity and unbelief" they and all the children of Zion have been spiritually darkened and are under condemnation before the Lord. They are to repent and remember the "new covenant," even the Book of Mormon. Through obeying this counsel, they will be forgiven their sins and bring forth fruit worthy for the kingdom (verses 54-61).

MISSIONARY COUNSEL. Section 84 gives instruction and promises to those who are emissaries of Jesus Christ. Under their direction, the gospel is to be taken to all the world. Those who desire to enter into the kingdom of Christ are to be baptized and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Signs will follow those who believe. The missionaries are promised protection as well as necessities of life (verses 62-119, cf. Matt. 10).

In summary, priesthood bearers are counseled to learn their duties and faithfully function in their offices and callings. Each calling is essential within the kingdom of Christ (verses 109-110).

(See Basic Beliefs home page; Doctrines of the Gospel home page; Scriptual Writings home page; Doctrine and Covenants home page; Overview of the Doctrine and Covenents home page)

Bibliography

Otten, Leaun G., and C. Max Caldwell. Sacred Truths of the Doctrine and Covenants, 2 vols. Springville, Utah, 1983.

Smith, Hyrum M., and Janne M. Sjodahl. Doctrine and Covenants Commentary, rev. ed. Salt Lake City, 1978.

Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Vol. 1, Doctrine and Covenants Section 84

Copyright © 1992 by Macmillan Publishing Company