Lesson 5

Doctrine and Covenants 97–100



Complete assignments 1, 2, and either of the remaining assignments:

1.  Doctrine and Covenants 97. “Zion Shall Escape If . . .”

Read the institute student manual “Historical Background” for section 97 (page 228). Search Doctrine and Covenants 97:1–2 for doctrines and principles that would be of value to those “subjected to severe persecution” (section introduction). Choose two of these doctrines or principles and write a paragraph that explains how these truths can fortify members of the Church who are facing persecution.

Read the student manual commentary “D&C 97:3–5: What Was the ‘School in Zion’ and under What Conditions Did It Meet?” (page 228). Also read Doctrine and Covenants 97:3–9 and note what the Lord instructed Parley P. Pratt and others about how they might be “accepted” of Him. Using these verses, write a paragraph that identifies what you can do to abide in the Lord and be accepted of Him. Include in your paragraph how Parley Pratt’s example of faithful service to members of the school in Zion teaches you how to perform Church responsibilities and callings.

Study Doctrine and Covenants 97:10–17 and read the student manual commentary “D&C 97:13–14: The Temple Is ‘a Place of Instruction’” (page 229). Write a paragraph describing what verses 10–17 and the student manual teach about the purpose of temple worship.

Read Doctrine and Covenants 97:18–28. In writing, identify at least four blessings these verses promise to Zion if the Saints will follow the instructions given in Doctrine and Covenants 97:1–17. Write a few sentences to explain how your personal righteousness results in greater blessings for the societies in which you live.

2.  Doctrine and Covenants 98. Counsel for Saints in Tribulation

Read the “Historical Background” in the student manual for Doctrine and Covenants 98 (page 230), the commentary “D&C 98:1–3: ‘In Everything Give Thanks. . . . All Things . . . Work Together for Your Good’” (pages 230–31), and Doctrine and Covenants 98:1–15. Then, in addition to what you found in section 97, list four doctrines or principles from this material that help Church members faithfully endure persecution. Explain in a few sentences how living according to these doctrines and principles will help your afflictions “work together for your good” (verse 3).

Read Doctrine and Covenants 98:5–10 and the student manual commentaries “D&C 98:4–8: The Obligation to Uphold the Constitutional Law of the Lord” and “D&C 98:9–12: ‘Good Men and Wise Men Ye Should Observe to Uphold’” (pages 231–32). Then write a paragraph or two about what these materials teach you about your civic responsibilities.

Read Doctrine and Covenants 98:16–48 and the student manual commentary for these verses: “Laws by Which the Saints Are Governed in Times of Adversity” (page 233) to help you understand the laws the Lord gave to the Saints in these circumstances. Also read the student manual commentary “D&C 98:38: What Does the Word Ensample Mean?” (page 234). Write a two- or three-paragraph essay entitled “Renounce War and Proclaim Peace” that explains the proper application of these laws for Latter-day Saints.

3.  Doctrine and Covenants 99. Proclaiming the Everlasting Gospel

After studying Doctrine and Covenants 99:1–5, 8, read the student manual commentaries “D&C 99:1–4: What Responsibility Do God’s Children Have toward the Testimony of His Servants?” and “D&C 99:5, 8: What Responsibility Rests on Those Who Know Truth?” (page 235). Using what you have read, write a short paragraph explaining why the gospel needs to be proclaimed. Include in your paragraph the consequences of rejecting the gospel message.

Write down the principle or doctrine the Lord was teaching John Murdock in Doctrine and Covenants 99:6–7. Read the student manual commentary “D&C 99:6–7: One’s Primary Obligation Is to One’s Family” (page 236) and write two or three sentences about how all members of the Church can apply this instruction in their Church callings and assignments.

4.  Doctrine and Covenants 100. Relying on the Lord

Make a list of the doctrines and principles from Doctrine and Covenants 100:1–7 that a person must know and follow to receive the promise contained in verse 8. Using two of the doctrines and principles from your list, set two specific goals for what you can do to receive this promise of the Lord in your calling, in your family, or in sharing the gospel.

After studying Doctrine and Covenants 100:11, write two or three sentences about how having a revelator on the earth today helps you to “know the certainty of all things pertaining to the things of [God’s] kingdom on the earth.”

After studying Doctrine and Covenants 100:13–17, review Doctrine and Covenants 95:1–2 and Mosiah 23:21–22. Then write short answers to the following questions:

  • Why is a chastening process required for the Lord’s people to become pure in heart—a Zion society?
  • What doctrines or principles are found in Doctrine and Covenants 100:14–17 that can help you righteously endure chastening?