On May 6, 1833, Joseph Smith received a revelation about the potential for us to see the face of the Lord, know his true character, and realize our relationship to him.
“Doctrine and Covenants 93: How and What We Worship,” Craig James Ostler, Religious Educator 3, no. 2
To know the Son is to know the Father. True worship of the Father consists of becoming as He is. Jesus grew both physically and spiritually as he matured. The doctrinal truths revealed in section 93 are the heart of the restoration of the gospel.
“‘Man Was Also in the Beginning with God,’” Matthew McBride, Revelations in Context
D&C 93 opened startling new vistas about our premortal past, our future potential, and our relationship to God. The revelation was bold and new, yet also ancient and familiar.
“‘He Received…Grace for Grace’ (D&C 93:12),” Bryce L. Dunford, Religious Educator 3, no. 2
One way to balance teaching God’s justice and God’s mercy is to point students to Christ. As the brethren of the School of the Prophets discussed the requirements of salvation, they sought an example to follow. If we understand how Christ worked out his own salvation, we can see a path for us.
“Light, Truth, and Grace: Three Themes of Salvation (D&C 93),” Richard D. Draper, Sperry Symposium Classics
Revelations before section 93 had taught “light and truth,” and section 93 adds “glory.” Christian scholars had taught that glory is the favor God grants to those who meet his approbation, but section 93 adds that glory is associated with God’s nature and to be able to be in God’s presence. An essential part of the glory of God is light: living, life-giving energy. Through light, people can receive truth. We need truth for our salvation.
“Illuminating the Text of the Doctrine and Covenants through the Gospel of John,” Nicholas J. Frederick, You Shall Have My Word: Exploring the Text of the Doctrine and Covenants
Section 93 parallels language and imagery from the Gospel of John. This and other sections show how Christ’s gospel was restored, with doctrine that “maintained John’s high Christology and anthropology but allowed room for God to expand on biblical concepts.”
“Historical Context and Background of D&C 93,” Steven C. Harper and Casey Paul Griffiths, Doctrine and Covenants Central
We know little about the context of this revelation, but it contains profound insights into how to worship and the nature of God and ourselves.
