Doctrine and Covenants 1 isn’t just another section of scripture—it’s the Lord’s personal introduction to His latter-day revelations. Unlike other sections that came in response to specific questions, this one was given by direct command of God to serve as a divine preface to the book. Knowing the background and religious significance of this section can deepen our faith and remind us of how personally the Lord is involved in the Restoration of His Church.
Why a Preface Was Needed
Back in November 1831, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was still young—just about a year and a half old. Joseph Smith and other leaders had received several revelations that helped guide the early saints, offering counsel, commandments, and instruction. These revelations were so important that Church leaders gathered in Hiram, Ohio, to discuss compiling them into what would eventually become the Doctrine and Covenants.
But they wanted to be sure that the book started with the right message. Instead of simply collecting the revelations in order, they wanted a divine introduction—something that would testify that these words came from the Lord. So, they prayed and sought guidance, and the Lord responded with what we now know as Doctrine and Covenants 1. This wasn’t written by Joseph Smith or the early brethren—it was dictated directly by the Lord, setting the stage for everything that would follow.
A Wake-Up Call to the World
One of the most striking things about Doctrine and Covenants 1 is its urgent call to repentance. Right from the start, the Lord makes it clear that this revelation isn’t just for members of the Church—it’s for everyone:
“Hearken, O ye people of my church, saith the voice of him who dwells on high, and whose eyes are upon all men; yea, verily I say: Hearken ye people from afar; and ye that are upon the islands of the sea, listen together.” (D&C 1:1)
This is a universal invitation. The Lord is speaking to the entire world, warning of coming judgments and calling all people to prepare. But this isn’t a message of doom—it’s a message of love. The Lord sends prophets not to condemn, but to guide and protect us. His warnings, like those given in ancient times by Isaiah, Jeremiah, or John the Baptist, are meant to help us turn back to Him.
The Need for Restoration
Another key message in Doctrine and Covenants 1 is the reality of the Great Apostasy and the need for the Restoration. In verse 15, the Lord explains what happened to His gospel over time:
“For they have strayed from mine ordinances, and have broken mine everlasting covenant.” (D&C 1:15)
This lines up with what ancient prophets saw coming. Amos 8:11–12 speaks of a spiritual famine—people searching for God’s word but not finding it. After Christ’s original apostles were gone, priesthood authority was lost, revelation ceased, and the pure gospel became mixed with human ideas. But the Lord, in His perfect plan, knew He would need to restore His truth in preparation for His Second Coming.
That’s why Doctrine and Covenants 1 is so powerful—it boldly declares that God has spoken again. He called Joseph Smith as a prophet, restored priesthood authority, and reestablished His Church on the earth. This section stands as a witness that the Restoration is real and ongoing.
The Lord Uses the Humble
One of my favorite parts of this revelation is how it highlights the way the Lord works. He doesn’t call the rich and powerful—He calls the humble and faithful:
“And inasmuch as they were humble they might be made strong, and blessed from on high, and receive knowledge from time to time.” (D&C 1:28)
This is a pattern we see throughout the scriptures. David was just a shepherd boy before he slew Goliath. Peter was a simple fisherman before he became the chief apostle. Joseph Smith was an uneducated farm boy before he became a prophet. The Lord delights in using the “weak things” of the world to accomplish His mighty purposes.
And that applies to us today. We don’t have to be perfect to serve in the Lord’s kingdom. We just have to be willing, faithful, and humble. He will take what we have and magnify it, using us to build up Zion in ways we never imagined.
The Lord Keeps His Promises
One of the most comforting verses in Doctrine and Covenants 1 is this final promise:
“What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled.” (D&C 1:38)
This is the Lord’s way of saying, “You can count on Me.” His words are sure. His promises are guaranteed. When He says He will gather Israel, prepare the world for His coming, and bless those who follow Him, He means it. No matter how uncertain the world feels, we can trust that the Lord’s plan is moving forward exactly as He said it would.
A Personal Invitation
Doctrine and Covenants 1 isn’t just an introduction to a book—it’s a personal invitation from the Lord. He’s inviting all of us to listen, to repent, and to embrace the truths that have been restored in these latter days. He’s reminding us that His work is unstoppable, that He works through ordinary people, and that His promises are unwavering.
As we study this section, let’s do so with open hearts. Let’s take the Lord’s call seriously and seek to be part of His great work. The Restoration is real, the gospel is true, and the Lord’s words, spoken to a prophet in 1831, are just as relevant today.
May we strengthen our faith in these powerful truths and find comfort in knowing that the Lord has spoken—and He still speaks today.
