Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual

Contents
Title Page
Introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual
Doctrine and Covenants Lessons
- The Restoration Proclamation
- Doctrine and Covenants 1
- Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26
- Doctrine and Covenants 2; Joseph Smith—History 1:27–65
- Doctrine and Covenants 3–5
- Doctrine and Covenants 6–9
- Doctrine and Covenants 10–11
- Doctrine and Covenants 12–17; Joseph Smith—History 1:66–75
- Doctrine and Covenants 18
- Doctrine and Covenants 19
- Doctrine and Covenants 20–22
- Doctrine and Covenants 23–26
- Doctrine and Covenants 27–28
- Doctrine and Covenants 29
- Doctrine and Covenants 30–36
- Doctrine and Covenants 37–40
- Doctrine and Covenants 41–44
- Doctrine and Covenants 45
- Doctrine and Covenants 46–48
- Doctrine and Covenants 49–50
- Doctrine and Covenants 51–57
- Doctrine and Covenants 58–59
- Doctrine and Covenants 60–63
- Doctrine and Covenants 64–66
- Doctrine and Covenants 67–70
- Doctrine and Covenants 71–75
- Doctrine and Covenants 76
- Doctrine and Covenants 77–80
- Doctrine and Covenants 81–83
- Doctrine and Covenants 84
- Doctrine and Covenants 85–87
- Doctrine and Covenants 88
- Doctrine and Covenants 89–92
- Doctrine and Covenants 93
- Doctrine and Covenants 94–97
- Doctrine and Covenants 98–101
- Doctrine and Covenants 102–105
- Doctrine and Covenants 106–108
- Doctrine and Covenants 109–110
- Doctrine and Covenants 111–114
- Doctrine and Covenants 115–120
- Doctrine and Covenants 121–123
- Doctrine and Covenants 124
- Doctrine and Covenants 125–128
- Doctrine and Covenants 129–132
- Doctrine and Covenants 133–134
- Doctrine and Covenants 135–136
- Doctrine and Covenants 137–138
- The Articles of Faith and Official Declarations 1 and 2
- The Family: A Proclamation to the World
- The Living Christ
Life Preparation Lessons
- Doctrinal Mastery: Finding Answers to My Questions
- Scripture Study Skills
- For the Strength of Youth: Making Choices
- Building Self-Reliance
- Physical and Emotional Health
- Preparing for Future Education and Employment
- Succeeding in School
- Missionary Preparation
- Temple Preparation
- Teachings of Church Leaders
Appendix

Lesson 100—Doctrine and Covenants 88:1–13, 41–50: The Light of Christ

“Lesson 100—Doctrine and Covenants 88:1–13, 41–50: The Light of Christ,” Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual (2025)

“Doctrine and Covenants 88:1–13, 41–50,” Doctrine and Covenants Seminary Teacher Manual

Lesson 100: Doctrine and Covenants 88

Doctrine and Covenants 88:1–13, 41–50

The Light of Christ

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a picture of Christ, focusing on light

While in Kirtland, Ohio, Joseph Smith and several high priests prayed to Heavenly Father for a revelation regarding the building of Zion. The revelation taught truths about the power and magnitude of the Light of Jesus Christ. This lesson is intended to help students feel a greater appreciation for the influence of the Light of Christ in their lives.

Possible Learning Activities

Things we feel

Consider asking students the following question and listing their answers. You could also have them discuss the question in small groups and then write their answers on the board.

What are examples of things you can feel but not see?

Students may list things like heat, wind, love, gratitude, faith, and so on.
Why might it be important to know that there are things you can feel but not see?

You could invite students to seek inspiration to recognize God’s influence in their lives.

Functions of the Light of Christ

Joseph Smith and nine elders of the Church met together in the upstairs of the Newel K. Whitney Store in Kirtland, Ohio. They desired further understanding about their duties to build Zion. Joseph invited each person to take a turn praying to know the Lord’s will. After praying, the Prophet received what is now Doctrine and Covenants 88.

As students start the following reading, make sure they understand that verse 6 is referring to Jesus Christ.

Read Doctrine and Covenants 88:6–13, looking for what these verses can teach you about Jesus Christ and His light.

What do you learn about the Light of Christ from these verses?

Among different insights students might share, help them identify the truth that the Light of Christ gives light and life to all His creations.

Help students see how it could impact their daily lives to understand God’s influence through the Light of Christ. The following question is one way to do this.
What are some situations youth face in which they would benefit from recognizing God’s influence? Why?

The following activity is intended to help students gain a better appreciation for the Light of Christ and how it can influence their lives.

You might create four stations around the room that each student can visit and complete. Students could be invited to take their journal, something to write with, and their scriptures to each station. Alternatively, you could divide students into groups of four and assign each student a section of the handout to complete. Students could then share what they learned with group members.

The Light of Christ

Define the Light of Christ

Read Doctrine and Covenants 88:12–13, looking for descriptions of the Light of Christ.

Read the following definition of the Light of Christ:

“[The Light of Christ is] divine energy, power, or influence that proceeds from God through Christ and gives life and light to all things. It is the law by which all things are governed in heaven and on earth (D&C 88:6–13). It also helps people understand gospel truths and helps to put them on the gospel path that leads to salvation.” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Light, Light of Christ,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

How would you summarize what you understand the Light of Christ to be?
How do you think you are personally influenced by the Light of Christ?

The Light of Christ as our conscience

One manifestation of the Light of Christ is our conscience. Write a definition that a Primary child would understand of what you understand conscience to be.

Read the following definition and see what you might add to your definition:

“[Conscience is] the inner sense of right and wrong, coming from the Light of Christ in all men (Moro. 7:16). We are born with a natural capacity to distinguish between right and wrong because of the Light of Christ that is given to every person (D&C 84:46). This faculty is called conscience. The possession of it makes us responsible beings. Like other faculties, our consciences may be deadened through sin or misuse.” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Conscience,” scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org)

Read Doctrine and Covenants 84:45–46 and Moroni 7:16, looking for words or phrases that describe how the Light of Christ acts as our conscience. Consider creating a cross-reference for the two verses.

What is a phrase from these verses that helps you understand what a conscience is?
Why do you think Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ gave you a conscience?

How could listening to or ignoring your conscience influence the choices you make and your eternal destination?

The Light of Christ is in everyone

Imagine you are asked to share a brief thought in Sunday School about how to view and treat all people better, particularly those who are different than you. You can use the following resources and any others you find helpful.

President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

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President Boyd K. Packer

The more we know about the Light of Christ, the more we will understand about life and the more we will have a deep love for all mankind. We will be better teachers and missionaries and parents, and better men and women and children. We will have deeper regard for our brothers and sisters in the Church and for those who do not believe. …

The Light of Christ is as universal as sunlight itself. Wherever there is human life, there is the Spirit of Christ. Every living soul is possessed of it. …

If we understand the reality of the Light of Christ in everyone we see … and within ourselves, … we will have courage and inspiration beyond that which we have known heretofore. And it must be so! And it will be so! All of this is a dimension of gospel truth that too few understand. (Boyd K. Packer, “The Light of Christ,” Ensign, Apr. 2005, 8, 13–14)

Write a two to three sentence thought about how understanding the Light of Christ can influence how you see others.

The Light of Christ in the universe

Have you ever been touched by the beauty or majesty of this earth and the universe? What feelings do these things bring out in you?

Read Doctrine and Covenants 88:7–10, 45–47 and look for what you learn about the Light of Christ, the earth, and the universe.

What can we learn about the Lord from His creations?
How might seeing God’s influence in the universe help us recognize His influence in our lives?

After students have had time to work through the stations, consider giving them an opportunity to share what they learned and felt. The following questions might help.

What did you learn about the Light of Christ that was impactful?
How have you seen the influence of the Light of Christ in your life?
How do you think recognizing the Light of Christ in your life can influence your relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

You might share how you have been influenced by better understanding the Light of Christ.

Additional Resources

What is the difference between the Light of Christ and the gift of the Holy Ghost?

President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

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President Boyd K. Packer

Everyone everywhere already has the Spirit of Christ [or Light of Christ], and while the Spirit of the Holy Ghost can visit anyone, the gift of the Holy Ghost is obtained “by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel” (Articles of Faith 1:3), by submitting to “baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; [and the] laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Articles of Faith 1:4). It is not automatically present like the Spirit of Christ is present. This gift must be conferred by one holding authority (see Articles of Faith 1:5). (Boyd K. Packer, “The Light of Christ,” Ensign, Apr. 2005, 13)

How can being in tune with the Light of Christ impact how we share the gospel with others?

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared:

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Elder D. Todd Christofferson

If the love of Christ dwells in us, others will know that our love for them is genuine. If the light of the Holy Spirit burns within us, it will rekindle the Light of Christ within them. What you are lends authenticity to your invitation to come experience the joy of the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. (D. Todd Christofferson, “Sharing the Message of the Restoration and the Resurrection,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2020, 112)

Can the Light of Christ ever go out?

President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

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President Boyd K. Packer

The Light of Christ existed in you before you were born (see D&C 93:23, 29–30), and it will be with you every moment that you live and will not perish when the mortal part of you has turned to dust. It is ever there. …

President Harold B. Lee explained: “That light never entirely goes out … [speaking of the Light of Christ] unless we commit the unpardonable sin. Its glow may be so dim that we can hardly perceive it, but it is there for us to fan into a flame that shall burn brighter with understanding and with knowledge. Except for that, we wouldn’t be able to achieve. Our missionary work would come to naught.” (Boyd K. Packer, “The Light of Christ,” Ensign, Apr. 2005, 10, 14)

Sister Sharon Eubank, then First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency, said:

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Sister Sharon Eubank

One of the fundamental needs we have in order to grow is to stay connected to our source of light—Jesus Christ. He is the source of our power, the Light and Life of the World. Without a strong connection to Him, we begin to spiritually die. …

Jesus said, “I am the light [that] shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not” [Doctrine and Covenants 6:21]. That means no matter how hard it tries, the darkness cannot put out that light. Ever. You can trust that His light will be there for you. (Sharon Eubank, “Christ: The Light That Shines in Darkness,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 73, 75)

Where can I learn more about the Light of Christ?

“The Light and Life of the World”

“The Light of Christ”

Supplemental Learning Activities

Additional functions of the Light of Christ

If desired, you could use the following material to either replace one of the sections or add an additional section to the handout.

Gifts and Creativity

One of the functions of the Light of Christ is that it “quickeneth your understandings” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:11). This can happen by inspiring you in whatever honorable work you do.

President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

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President Boyd K. Packer

The Spirit of Christ can enlighten the inventor, the scientist, the painter, the sculptor, the composer, the performer, the architect, the author to produce great, even inspired things for the blessing and good of all mankind.

This Spirit can prompt the farmer in his field and the fisherman on his boat. It can inspire the teacher in the classroom, the missionary in presenting his discussion. It can inspire the student who listens. And of enormous importance, it can inspire husband and wife, and father and mother. (Boyd K. Packer, “The Light of Christ,” Ensign, Apr. 2005, 10)

How do you think you might recognize the help that comes through the Savior’s light?
What work has the Light of Christ enhanced or could it enhance in your life?

The Holy Spirit of promise

To help students understand the meaning of Doctrine and Covenants 88:3–5, consider inviting students to read the verses and look for what the Lord was extending to these Saints who were gathered in prayer.

You might share the following quote to further understand the Holy Spirit of Promise.

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained:

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Elder David A. Bednar

The Holy Spirit of Promise is the ratifying power of the Holy Ghost. When sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise, an ordinance, vow, or covenant is binding on earth and in heaven. (See D&C 132:7.) Receiving this “stamp of approval” from the Holy Ghost is the result of faithfulness, integrity, and steadfastness in honoring gospel covenants “in [the] process of time” (Moses 7:21). However, this sealing can be forfeited through unrighteousness and transgression.

Purifying and sealing by the Holy Spirit of Promise constitute the culminating steps in the process of being born again. (David A. Bednar, “Ye Must Be Born Again,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 22).