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Faithful Study Resources for Come, Follow Me

FAIR Resources for Come, Follow Me – Restoration Scripture
Week 14: March 31 - April 6: "Jesus Christ Will Gather His People”

Doctrine and Covenants 29

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

Doctrinal Focus

  • Key doctrines addressed in this week’s reading

This metaphor illustrates Christ’s deep love and desire to protect and gather His people. Just as a hen gathers her chicks to shield them from danger, Christ invites all to come unto Him for spiritual safety, guidance, and peace. His gathering work is ongoing, and He calls us to assist in it. (Doctrine and Covenants 29:2)

President Russell M. Nelson has taught that the gathering occurs wherever Saints live and build Zion in their own nations. Sharing the gospel, strengthening testimonies, and serving others all contribute to this gathering. Each person who chooses to follow Christ is part of this grand work in preparation for His Second Coming. (Doctrine and Covenants 29:7–8)

Each step in the Plan of Salvation is essential for our eternal progress. The Fall of Adam and Eve made mortality and agency possible, while the Atonement of Jesus Christ provides redemption from sin and death. Understanding this plan helps us trust God’s purposes and find meaning in our lives. (verses 31–50)

This teaches that even commandments we view as temporal—such as caring for our bodies or working hard—have spiritual significance. Recognizing that everything in life is connected to our eternal purpose helps us obey God with greater faith and perspective. (Doctrine and Covenants 29:34)

The Fall was not a mistake; it was a necessary step in God’s plan. Though it brought physical and spiritual death, it also allowed for growth, learning, and joy. Jesus Christ’s Atonement overcomes the effects of the Fall, offering us resurrection and eternal life. (Doctrine and Covenants 29:39–43)

Instead of seeing the Fall as purely negative, Adam and Eve rejoiced because it opened the way for redemption. Their example encourages us to view challenges as opportunities for growth and to rely on Christ for strength. (Moses 5:10–12)

Historical & Contextual Insights

  • Insights in this week’s study
  • In September 1830, just months after the Church of Jesus Christ was organized, early Saints were eager to understand more about the gathering of Israel and the Lord’s plans for His people. At this time, the Church was small, and many gospel truths had yet to be revealed.
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  • Doctrine and Covenants 29 was received in response to questions from Church members, including concerns over the Fall of Adam and Eve, the Second Coming, and the gathering of Israel. Additionally, false revelations from Hiram Page had caused confusion among the Saints, prompting the Lord to clarify His doctrines through the Prophet Joseph Smith.

This revelation reinforced the principle that only the prophet receives revelation for the Church. It also laid a doctrinal foundation for the Plan of Salvation, emphasizing Christ’s role in gathering and redeeming His people.

Just as early Saints sought revelation for clarity, we are encouraged to seek divine guidance today. The principles taught in Doctrine and Covenants 29 help us understand our role in God’s plan and the importance of gathering to Christ in preparation for His Second Coming.

  • The gathering of Israel is not only about returning to a physical land but also about individuals coming to Christ through the gospel.
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  • The early Saints initially understood the gathering of Israel as a physical event—gathering to one location, such as Zion in Missouri. However, as the Church expanded, modern prophets, including President Russell M. Nelson, have clarified that the gathering primarily occurs spiritually as individuals join the Church and make covenants with God.
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  • While physical gathering was important in the early Church, today’s gathering happens wherever members build Zion in their own nations. Converts, no matter where they live, are part of the prophesied gathering.
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  • This insight helps members see missionary work as a direct fulfillment of prophecy. Every person who embraces the gospel and enters the covenant path contributes to the Lord’s gathering of Israel in preparation for His return.
  • Many early Saints did not yet have a full understanding of the Fall of Adam and Eve and its role in God’s plan.
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  • At the time Doctrine and Covenants 29 was revealed, many Christian traditions viewed the Fall solely as a tragic event that introduced sin and suffering. However, this revelation, along with later teachings from Joseph Smith, clarified that the Fall was a necessary step in God’s Plan of Salvation.
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  • Verses 39–43 in Doctrine and Covenants 29 teach that opposition is necessary for growth and that the Atonement of Jesus Christ redeems humanity from the effects of the Fall. These teachings helped shift the Saints’ perspective from viewing the Fall as a curse to seeing it as an essential part of God’s plan.
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  • This deeper understanding influenced later revelations, including the Book of Moses and the Pearl of Great Price, which further explain Adam and Eve’s role. The insight reminds us today that opposition and trials are not just obstacles but part of our progression toward eternal life.

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

Apologetic Application

  • Claim: “There is no historical or scriptural precedent for the idea that Israel must be ‘gathered’ spiritually or physically.”
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  • Response:
    1. Historical Evidence: The gathering of Israel is a theme found throughout both the Old and New Testaments. Prophets such as Isaiah (Isaiah 11:12) and Ezekiel (Ezekiel 37:21) spoke of Israel being gathered in the last days, a concept reaffirmed by Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:31).
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    3. Eyewitness Support: Early Christian communities viewed themselves as part of a spiritual gathering. Likewise, many early Latter-day Saints testified that they felt called by God to gather physically in the early days of the Church. This gathering continued spiritually as the Church expanded worldwide.
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    5. Spiritual Confirmation: Many members today testify of feeling spiritually “gathered” when they join the Church and participate in temple covenants. The unity and strength of the Saints worldwide are a testament to this divine gathering.
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    7. Logical Analysis: If the gathering of Israel were merely a modern invention, it would not be so deeply rooted in ancient prophecy. The fact that it has been a central theme in religious history suggests its divine origin rather than it being a new idea from Joseph Smith.
  • Claim: “If God were truly just and loving, He would not have placed Adam and Eve in a position to fail.”
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  • Response:
    1. Historical Evidence: The doctrine of the Fall was misunderstood in many Christian traditions, but early Christian writers like Irenaeus taught that opposition and growth were necessary for salvation. Doctrine and Covenants 29 reaffirms this idea.
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    3. Eyewitness Support: Joseph Smith and other early Church leaders taught that Adam and Eve rejoiced in the Fall, as recorded in Moses 5:10–12. This perspective came through revelation, which was new to the religious discourse of the time.
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    5. Spiritual Confirmation: Many people find peace in knowing that opposition and trials have a purpose. The restored doctrine of the Fall provides answers to suffering and mortality, showing that growth comes through overcoming challenges.
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    7. Logical Analysis: If the Fall were a mistake, then mortality would serve no purpose. The necessity of opposition, as outlined in Doctrine and Covenants 29, aligns with the broader human experience—people grow through challenges and develop stronger faith through overcoming adversity.
  • Claim: “Originally, members were told to physically gather to Zion, but when that became impractical, the Church reinterpreted the doctrine.”
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  • Response:
    1. Historical Evidence: The early emphasis on physical gathering was consistent with biblical patterns, such as the Israelites gathering to the promised land. However, as the Church grew, prophets clarified that gathering could also occur spiritually, as prophesied in scripture.
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    3. Eyewitness Support: President Russell M. Nelson has affirmed that gathering today happens through temple work and missionary efforts. Many members have testified of feeling “gathered” as they join the Church and make covenants with God.
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    5. Spiritual Confirmation: Many Saints report receiving personal revelation affirming that the spiritual gathering is just as significant as the physical gathering. The presence of Zion is felt wherever Saints live in righteousness.
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    7. Logical Analysis: It is consistent with God’s pattern to adjust His instructions based on circumstances. The principle of gathering remains unchanged—the method has adapted as the Church has expanded globally.

Practical Applications

Practical solutions for someone in faith crisis:

Action Step: Study and ponder a part of the Plan of Salvation that brings you peace (e.g., the Atonement, resurrection, or final judgment).

Understanding that mortality is part of God’s divine design helps us endure difficulties with faith. Trials and opposition are not meaningless; they serve a purpose in our growth and eternal progression.

  1. – Read Doctrine and Covenants 29:31–50 and identify a truth about the Plan of Salvation.
  2. – Write down how this truth applies to your current challenges.
  3. – Pray for confirmation and peace regarding God’s plan for you.
  4. – Share your insights with a friend or family member for additional perspective.

Encouraging Thought:

  • When you know God’s plan, you understand your purpose, and understanding your purpose gives meaning to every experience in life.

Action Step: Look for one opportunity this week to invite someone to learn more about Jesus Christ, whether through conversation, sharing a scripture, or inviting them to church.

The Lord has commanded us to help gather His people before His Second Coming. When we participate in missionary work, we strengthen our testimonies and help others receive God’s promised blessings.

  1. – Pray for guidance on whom to reach out to.
  2. – Look for natural opportunities to share a gospel principle (e.g., during a conversation or online interaction).
  3. – Bear a simple testimony or share a spiritual insight with someone.
  4. – Invite them to a church activity, general conference, or to learn more about the gospel.

Encouraging Thought:

  • President Russell M. Nelson said, “Anytime you do anything that helps anyone—on either side of the veil—take a step toward making covenants with God, you are helping to gather Israel.”
  • Action Step: Whenever you feel overwhelmed, visualize Christ gathering you under His wings (Doctrine and Covenants 29:2) and take a moment to pray for His strength.

Life’s uncertainties can cause fear, but Christ’s invitation to gather to Him offers reassurance. Just as a hen protects her chicks, He offers us love, security, and healing.

  1. – Memorize Doctrine and Covenants 29:2 and reflect on its meaning.
  2. – When facing stress or fear, pause and say a short prayer asking for Christ’s peace.
  3. – Read the Savior’s words in the scriptures to feel His presence.
  4. – Participate in the sacrament with a focus on Christ’s protective power.

Encouraging Thought:

Come unto Christ, and He will give you rest. No matter what storms rage around you, His arms are open, ready to gather and protect you.

Ideas for Teaching

Objective: Help learners understand how Jesus Christ gathers and protects His people.

A picture or video of a hen gathering her chicks, a blanket or umbrella, scriptures.

    1. Activity Steps:
    2. Introduction (5 min): Show a picture or short video of a hen gathering her chicks. Ask: “Why do the chicks gather under the hen’s wings? What does this teach us about protection and trust?”
    3. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Doctrine and Covenants 29:2. Discuss how Christ invites us to gather to Him for safety, just as a hen protects her chicks. Have learners share examples of how they’ve felt Christ’s protection.
    4. Application (5 min): Use a blanket or umbrella to symbolize Christ’s protection. Invite learners to step under it as they share ways they can “gather” closer to Christ in daily life.

Follow-Up Question: What specific actions can we take to gather to Christ and help others do the same?

Objective: Help learners visualize the key elements of the Plan of Salvation.

Printed or hand-drawn puzzle pieces representing pre-mortal life, earth life, the Fall, Atonement, resurrection, and final judgment.

  1. Activity Steps:
  2. Introduction (5 min): Scatter the puzzle pieces randomly and ask, “What happens when pieces of a puzzle are missing? How does this relate to our understanding of life’s purpose?”
  3. Scripture Discussion (5 min): Assign learners to read different parts of Doctrine and Covenants 29 (e.g., verses 31–50). As they read, have them find the corresponding puzzle piece and explain its meaning.
  4. Application (5 min): Once the puzzle is complete, discuss how understanding the Plan of Salvation gives us peace and direction. Invite learners to reflect on which piece of the plan they feel most grateful for and why..

Follow-Up Question: How does knowing God’s plan help us make better daily choices?

Objective: Teach the importance of gathering Israel through missionary efforts.

Small slips of paper with different missionary scenarios, a whiteboard or chalkboard.

  • Activity Steps: 
  • Introduction (5 min): Write “Gathering Israel” on the board and ask: “What does it mean to gather Israel today? Who is included in this gathering?”
  • Scripture Discussion (5 min): Read Doctrine and Covenants 29:7–8 and discuss how missionary work and temple work fulfill this commandment.
  • Application (5 min): Have learners pick a scenario (e.g., a friend asks why you go to church, a family member is less active, someone asks about temples). Have them role-play responses, emphasizing kindness and testimony.

Follow-Up Question: How can we naturally and effectively share the gospel in our everyday interactions?

QUICK REFERENCE

  • Why trust modern prophets?
    • – Biblical precedent shows God has always called prophets to lead His people (Amos 3:7).
    • – Joseph Smith’s revelations align with ancient scriptural truths and provide greater clarity.
    • – Modern prophets have consistently taught principles that bless lives and promote righteousness.
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  • Why does God allow mistakes?
    • – Agency is a central part of the Plan of Salvation (Doctrine and Covenants 29:39).
    • – Even prophets learn and grow—Moses, Peter, and other ancient prophets made mistakes.
    • – Mistakes allow for greater dependence on Christ’s Atonement and personal spiritual growth.