Sacred Texts: Mormons

Doctrine and Convenants: 50. Revelation through Joseph Sm...

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This is Section 50 of the *Doctrine and Covenants*, a scriptural text of the Latter-day Saint tradition consisting of revelations received by Joseph Smith, presented as direct divine speech addressed to early church leaders. The section's central concern is discernment of spirits: it warns elders that false and deceptive spirits are circulating, and provides a practical test for distinguishing genuine spiritual manifestations from counterfeit ones — namely, that authentic spiritual communication edifies both speaker and receiver and operates through the "Spirit of truth," while anything that fails to edify is declared "not of God." A notable theological claim is the progressive nature of divine light: those who receive truth and remain in God receive ever-increasing light, "brighter and brighter until the perfect day." The text also addresses church discipline, warning that hypocrites will be detected and cut off, while naming specific individuals (Joseph Wakefield, Parley P. Pratt, John Corrill, Edward Partridge) with assignments or mild rebukes, grounding the revelation in concrete early-church politics. The section closes with reassurance in a pastoral register — calling members "little children" who are protected by Christ as "the good shepherd" — and an eschatological charge to watch and be ready for the day they will see and hear Christ directly.

Doctrine and Convenants: 50. Revelation through Joseph Sm...

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