SECTION
20
[Book
of Commandments 23, Kirtland D&C 47, LDS D&C 22]
Revelation
given through Joseph Smith, Jr., prophet and seer to the church,
April 1830, at Manchester, New York. This instruction came in answer
to Joseph Smith’s inquiry concerning the status of those who
desired to unite with the church and who had already been baptized.
1a.
Behold, I say unto you, that all old covenants have I caused to be
done away in this thing, and this is a new and everlasting covenant;
even that which was from the beginning.
1b.
Wherefore, although a man should be baptized an hundred times, it
availeth him nothing; for you can not enter in at the strait gate by
the Law of Moses, neither by your dead works;
1c.
for it is because of your dead works, that I have caused this last
covenant, and this church to be built up unto me; even as in days of
old.
1d.
Wherefore, enter ye in at the gate, as I have commanded, and seek not
to counsel your God. Amen.
