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Faithful Study Resources for Come, Follow Me

FAIR Resources for Come, Follow Me – Restoration Scripture
Week 11: March 10 - 16: "The Rise of the Church of Christ”

Doctrine and Covenants 20 – 22

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

Doctrinal Focus

  • Key doctrines addressed in this week’s reading

The Savior’s original Church, as described in the New Testament, included ordinances, priesthood authority, and prophetic leadership. Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, Christ restored His Church, ensuring that these same essential elements were in place again. Doctrine and Covenants 20 outlines the foundational doctrines and organization of Christ’s restored Church.

Without the Church being “regularly organized and established” (D&C 20:1), many blessings—including baptism, the sacrament, and priesthood authority—would not be available. This organization ensures that the doctrine remains pure, ordinances are performed properly, and members can receive divine guidance through modern prophets.

Doctrine and Covenants 22 teaches that baptism must be performed with proper authority, emphasizing that rebaptism under false pretenses does not fulfill the covenant (D&C 22:1–4). Through baptism, we make promises to follow Christ, and He, in turn, promises us forgiveness and the companionship of the Holy Ghost.

In Doctrine and Covenants 20:75–79, the Lord reveals the sacrament prayers, reminding us of the sacred commitment to always remember Him. Each week, as we partake of the sacrament, we recommit to keeping our baptismal covenants, strengthening our connection to Christ, and receiving His Spirit.

In Doctrine and Covenants 21:4–5, the Lord instructs Church members to follow the words of His chosen prophet “in all patience and faith.” This teaches that prophetic counsel is inspired, even if we do not immediately understand it. Trusting and following the prophet helps us navigate challenges and stay on the covenant path.

The Lord promises in Doctrine and Covenants 21:6 that those who follow His prophet will have “the gates of hell not prevail against [them].” Prophets provide guidance to protect us from spiritual dangers, just as a watchman on a tower warns of approaching threats. As we follow their counsel, we invite divine help and direction into our lives.

Historical & Contextual Insights

  • Insights in this week’s study
  • The organization of the Church of Jesus Christ took place on April 6, 1830, in the Whitmer family home in Fayette, New York. More than 40 people gathered to witness the event, which marked the formal establishment of Christ’s restored Church.
  • Prior to this, Joseph Smith had translated the Book of Mormon and received divine authority through the restoration of the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods. However, the Lord made it clear that His Church needed to be formally organized (D&C 10:53; 18:5). With six original members, the Church was officially established in accordance with New York state law, ensuring both legal and spiritual recognition.

This moment signified that the Church was not just a movement or a collection of believers, but a divinely sanctioned organization with priesthood authority, ordinances, and a prophetic structure. It demonstrated that Christ’s Church must be built upon a firm foundation, just as it was in ancient times (Ephesians 2:19–22).

The formal organization of the Church reminds us that God works through order and authority. Just as the early Saints needed a structured Church to receive ordinances and guidance, we today are blessed by that same structure, which ensures that Christ’s teachings remain intact and His blessings are available to all.

    • Doctrine and Covenants 21 was given on the very day the Church was organized. In this revelation, the Lord declared that Joseph Smith was to be sustained as a prophet, seer, and revelator (D&C 21:1–2). This revelation was crucial because many of the early Saints were new converts who needed reassurance that they were following God’s will.
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    •  The Lord instructed the Saints to give heed to Joseph Smith’s words “in all patience and faith” (D&C 21:5). This was important because the Prophet’s teachings would often challenge prevailing beliefs, requiring trust in divine revelation rather than human reasoning.
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    • The promise in D&C 21:6—that following the prophet would prevent “the gates of hell” from prevailing—was later reinforced as early Church members endured persecution. Trusting in prophetic guidance became a key survival principle for the Saints, both physically and spiritually.
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    • Some early converts had already been baptized in other Christian faiths and questioned why they needed to be baptized again upon joining the Church. Doctrine and Covenants 22 directly addressed this, explaining that previous baptisms performed without priesthood authority were “dead works” (D&C 22:2).
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    •  The Lord compared improper baptisms to an “old covenant” that had been fulfilled, emphasizing that His Church operated under a new and everlasting covenant (D&C 22:1). This reinforced the truth that ordinances must be performed under God’s authority to be valid.
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    • This revelation established a doctrinal precedent for priesthood authority in all ordinances, ensuring that the restored Church followed Christ’s original pattern. Today, this principle remains essential in temple work, sacrament administration, and other sacred ordinances.
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If you have questions on this week’s reading, please email your questions to us here.

Apologetic Application

  • Claim: “Joseph Smith’s claim that Christ’s Church needed to be restored contradicts Christian history.”
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  • Response:
    1. Historical Evidence: The early Christian Church experienced widespread apostasy, as prophesied in the New Testament (2 Thessalonians 2:1–3; Amos 8:11–12). Following the deaths of the apostles, doctrinal divisions, loss of priesthood authority, and changing ordinances led to centuries of religious confusion.
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    3. Eyewitness Support: The First Vision (Joseph Smith—History 1:16–17) and the restoration of the priesthood through angelic visitations were witnessed and recorded by multiple individuals, including Oliver Cowdery. Early converts testified of the restored authority and organization of the Church.
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    5. Spiritual Confirmation: Doctrine and Covenants 20 and 21 reaffirm that Christ personally directed the restoration, ensuring that His doctrine, ordinances, and priesthood authority were reestablished correctly. The Holy Ghost testifies to believers that this restoration was divinely directed.
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    7. Logical Analysis: If Christ’s Church had remained intact from ancient times, there would have been no need for multiple Protestant reformations. The emergence of numerous Christian denominations after the Great Apostasy indicates the need for divine intervention to restore Christ’s original Church.
  • Claim: “Anyone with faith in Christ can baptize, as long as they have good intentions.”
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  • Response:
    1. Historical Evidence: Christ personally ordained His apostles and gave them authority to perform baptisms (John 15:16; Matthew 28:19). The early Church required proper ordination, as seen when Paul rebaptized believers who had not received it under true authority (Acts 19:2–6).
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    3. Eyewitness Support: Doctrine and Covenants 22 specifically addresses this concern, stating that baptisms performed without priesthood authority are “dead works.” Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery testified that John the Baptist restored the Aaronic Priesthood for the purpose of performing proper baptisms.
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    5. Spiritual Confirmation:  The Holy Ghost confirms to individuals who are baptized by true authority that they have entered into a covenant with Christ. Many early Saints bore testimony of receiving spiritual renewal and divine witness after being properly baptized.
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    7. Logical Analysis: If priesthood authority were unnecessary, Christ would not have specifically given it to His apostles. A lack of proper authority leads to doctrinal confusion and inconsistency in ordinances, contradicting Christ’s teachings on unity and order in His Church (Ephesians 4:5).
  • Claim: “Joseph Smith’s Church was no different from other Christian revival groups of his time.”
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  • Response:
    1. Historical Evidence: Unlike other movements that arose from personal interpretation of scripture, the Restoration was based on direct divine revelation to Joseph Smith. The Book of Mormon, priesthood authority, and continuous revelation distinguish the Church from other religious revivals.
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    3. Eyewitness Support: Joseph Smith was not alone in his experiences. Many, including Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris, bore testimony of angelic visitations and the restoration of priesthood keys. The early Saints recorded multiple divine manifestations confirming the truth of the Church’s organization.
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    5. Spiritual Confirmation: The fruits of the Restoration—including modern revelation, priesthood blessings, and the expansion of the gospel—demonstrate the hand of God in the Church’s establishment. Those who sincerely seek confirmation receive personal witnesses through the Holy Ghost.
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    7. Logical Analysis: If Joseph Smith had fabricated the Restoration, it is unlikely that the Church would have grown into a global faith with millions of adherents. Its rapid expansion, commitment to continuing revelation, and transformative doctrines show divine guidance rather than human invention.

Practical Applications

Practical solutions for someone in faith crisis:

Action Step: Make a conscious effort to study and apply the words of the current prophet in daily life.

Prophets provide divine guidance, helping us navigate spiritual and temporal challenges. Doctrine and Covenants 21:4–6 teaches that following the prophet offers protection from the adversary and brings blessings of light and truth.

  1. – Read or listen to the latest General Conference addresses from the prophet.
  2. – Identify one specific teaching or commandment given by the prophet.
  3. – Pray for understanding and strength to apply that teaching.
  4. – Take one concrete action each day to live by that counsel (e.g., ministering, temple attendance, daily scripture study).
  5. – Reflect on the blessings that come from obedience and share insights with family or friends.

Encouraging Thought:

  • President Russell M. Nelson taught, when we choose to follow the counsel of the living prophet, we choose to be blessed.

Action Step: Prepare more intentionally for the sacrament each week by reflecting on personal covenants.

Baptism and the sacrament are sacred ordinances that help us draw closer to Christ. Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, 75–79 reminds us that these covenants involve willingness to follow Christ, always remember Him, and receive His Spirit.

  1. – Before taking the sacrament, ponder on the baptismal covenants made with God.
  2. – Examine thoughts and actions from the past week and repent as needed.
  3. – Read the sacrament prayers (D&C 20:77, 79) and focus on their meaning.
  4. – During the ordinance, listen carefully and offer a silent prayer of commitment to the Lord.
  5. – Keep a journal of how the sacrament helps you feel spiritually renewed.

Encouraging Thought:

  • Elder D. Todd Christofferson said, “When we receive the ordinance of baptism and keep our covenants, we open the way for the Holy Ghost to be with us.”
  • Action Step: Set aside time to read Doctrine and Covenants 20–22 alongside personal prayer for confirmation of its truth.

Gaining a personal witness of the Restoration builds spiritual confidence and resilience. Doctrine and Covenants 21:9 promises that as we embrace the truths of the Restoration, the powers of darkness will be dispelled, and we will receive divine strength.

  1. – Read Doctrine and Covenants 20–22 carefully, looking for key teachings about the Church’s foundation.
  2. – Study the Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith in the Book of Mormon.
  3. – Pray specifically to know if Joseph Smith was called as a prophet and if the Church is true.
  4. – Write down personal impressions or feelings that come as you study and pray.
  5. – Look for ways to share what you learn—through testimony, teaching, or conversations with others.

Encouraging Thought:

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland testified, “Not everything in the latter-day Restoration is perfectly understandable to our mortal minds, but all things God has revealed are perfectly true.”

Ideas for Teaching

Objective: Help learners understand why Christ organized His Church and why it needed to be restored.

Blocks or LEGO pieces, a picture of Christ’s original Church, a picture of the First Vision, Doctrine and Covenants 20:1, 17–25.

  1. Activity Steps:
  2. Introduction (5 min): Ask participants to build a simple structure using blocks. Once built, remove key blocks and ask, “What happens when essential pieces are missing?” Explain how the original Church of Christ lost essential pieces after the apostles died.
  3. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Doctrine and Covenants 20:1, 17–25. Compare the early Church’s structure with Christ’s ancient Church (Matthew 16:15–19). Show images of the First Vision and discuss how Joseph Smith was called to restore what was lost.
  4. Application (5 min): Discuss why organization and authority matter in Christ’s Church today. Ask: “What blessings do we have because of the restored Church?”

Follow-Up Question: If someone asked you why an organized Church is necessary, how would you answer?

Objective: Teach the importance of baptism and the sacrament in keeping covenants with Christ.

Paper strips with baptismal and sacramental covenants written on them, a string or tape path labeled “Covenant Path,” Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, 75–79.

  1. Activity Steps:
  2. Introduction (5 min): Lay out a path using string or tape. Give participants strips of paper with baptismal and sacramental promises (e.g., “Take Christ’s name upon you,” “Keep the commandments”). Have them place the promises along the path.
  3. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Doctrine and Covenants 20:37 (baptism) and 20:75–79 (sacrament). Discuss how these ordinances mark steps on the covenant path and what happens if we stray.
  4. Application (5 min): Ask participants how they can prepare more intentionally for the sacrament. Invite them to set a personal goal related to covenant keeping.

Follow-Up Question: How does keeping our baptismal and sacramental covenants help us stay on the covenant path?

Objective: Teach the importance of following the living prophet and trusting his counsel.

A blindfold, a rope (or string) to act as a “lifeline,” a picture of the current prophet, Doctrine and Covenants 21:4–6.

  • Activity Steps:
  • Introduction (5 min): Blindfold a volunteer and have them navigate a short obstacle course. Offer them a rope lifeline that represents the prophet’s guidance. Discuss how trusting the lifeline made the path safer.
  • Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Doctrine and Covenants 21:4–6. Emphasize how following the prophet’s words protects us from spiritual dangers (“the gates of hell shall not prevail against you”). Show a picture of the current prophet and discuss recent counsel he has given.
  • Application (5 min): Ask learners to think of a recent prophetic teaching (from General Conference) and how they can apply it. Invite them to set a goal to follow the prophet more closely.

Follow-Up Question: How has following the prophet blessed your life?

QUICK REFERENCE

  • – The Church of Jesus Christ was formally organized on April 6, 1830, fulfilling Christ’s plan for a restored Church (D&C 20:1).
  • – Priesthood authority is required for baptism and other ordinances (D&C 22:2).
  • – The sacrament renews baptismal covenants and strengthens our relationship with Christ (D&C 20:75–79).
  • – Following the prophet provides divine protection and guidance (D&C 21:4–6).
  • – The Restoration of the Church is ongoing, with continuing revelation through modern prophets.
  • Why trust modern prophets?
    • – Christ has always called prophets to lead His people (Amos 3:7).
    • – The consistency of prophetic teachings over time and their fulfillment affirm their divine calling.
    • – Following the prophet brings promised blessings (D&C 21:6).
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  • Why does God allow mistakes in His Church?
    • – Agency is central to God’s plan—leaders and members learn and grow through experience.
    • – Even biblical prophets like Peter and Moses made mistakes, yet they were still chosen by God.
    • – The Lord corrects His Church through continuing revelation (D&C 1:30).
  • Doctrine and Covenants 20:1, 17–25 – The Church’s organization and foundational doctrines.
  • Doctrine and Covenants 21:4–6 – The importance of following the prophet.
    • The Need for a Church – Explains why Christ established and restored His Church​.
    • The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood – Clarifies how priesthood authority functions today​.