LDS Doctrine and Covenants Critique
Downloaded from churchofjesuschrist.org in September 2026
The Doctrine and Covenants
SECTION 22
Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at
Manchester, New York, April 16, 1830. This revelation was given to the
Church in consequence of some who had previously been baptized,
desiring to unite with the Church without rebaptism.
1, Baptism is a new and everlasting covenant; 2–4, Authoritative baptism is required.
1 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 an everlasting covenant,
even that which was from the beginning.
Note: The New Covenant is the blood of Jesus Christ for remission of sins.
And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and
gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” Then
He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink
from it, all of you. For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is
shed for many for the remission of sins. Matthew 26:26-28
2 Wherefore, although a man should be baptized an hundred times it
availeth him nothing, for you cannot enter in at the strait gate by the
law of Moses, neither by your dead works.
Note: Christian baptism occurs after sincere belief in Jesus Christ.
So, the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the
prophet say this, of himself or of some other man?” Then Philip opened
his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now
as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch
said, “See, here is water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Then
Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he
answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” So,
he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch
went down into the water, and he baptized him. Acts 8:34-38
3 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. 4 Wherefore, enter ye in at the gate, as I have commanded, and
seek not to counsel your God. Amen.
Note: Christian baptism occurs after sincere belief in Jesus Christ.
Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “In truth I perceive that God
shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works
righteousness is accepted by Him. The word which God sent to the
children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of
all— that word you know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, and
began from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: how God
anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who
went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil,
for God was with Him. And we are witnesses of all things which He did
both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed by
hanging on a tree. Him God raised up on the third day, and showed Him
openly, not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God,
even to us who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead. And
He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He
who was ordained by God to be Judge of the living and the dead. To Him
all the prophets witness that, through His name, whoever believes in
Him will receive remission of sins.” While Peter was still speaking
these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word.
And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as
came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured
out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and
magnify God. Then Peter answered, “Can anyone forbid water, that these
should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we
have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.
Acts 10:34-48