The Articles and Covenants of the Church, now known as Doctrine and Covenants 20, provided guidance for members and leaders of the newly organized Church of Jesus Christ in 1830. Instructions about how to perform church activities are preceded by a review of the core doctrines of the church, and those core doctrines are preceded by a personal story.
After a few introductory verses, the content begins with a brief description of Joseph Smith’s journey:
After it was truly manifested unto this first elder that he had received a remission of his sins, he was entangled again in the vanities of the world;
But after repenting, and humbling himself sincerely, through faith, God ministered unto him by an holy angel, whose countenance was as lightning, and whose garments were pure and white above all other whiteness;
And gave unto him commandments which inspired him;
And gave him power from on high, by the means which were before prepared, to translate the Book of Mormon.
Doctrine and Covenants 20:5-8
What a powerful testimony to know that the first prophet called in our era, who translated the Book of Mormon and organized the church, was an imperfect human being. He not only became “entangled” in sin, but after being forgiven, he became “entangled again,” and was again forgiven.
Joseph Smith goes into a little more detail on the nature of his errors in Joseph Smith—History 1:28, but what a powerful image to begin the Restoration of the Gospel: a single child of God, desperately seeking relief from damaging habits of heart and mind which seem insurmountable and receiving divine assistance to overcome them.
Like the stories of Enos and Alma, Joseph Smith’s experience demonstrates the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ at the elemental level. Jesus saves us, one person at a time. Sin can feel like entanglement, our movement restricted by a thousands strands which are impossible to escape. Like Nephi, we may lament the sins which so easily beset us. (See 2 Nephi 4:18.) Like Alma, we may feel that we are “encircled about by the everlasting chains of death” (Alma 36:18).
The great news—and it’s so important that it precedes any discussion of priesthood duties or ordinances—is that God can set us free. If we choose to “repent, and humble [ourselves] sincerely, through faith” (Doctrine and Covenants 20:6), He will minister to us. He will not only help us overcome our sins, but He will give us opportunities to serve and contribute to His monumental work of saving His children.
Today, I will ponder the Savior’s miraculous ability to disentangle me from my sins. I will strive to humble myself before Him and seek His help to overcome those sins, so that I can more effectively contribute to His work and serve His children.
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