D&C 93:1-2 “1 Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am; 2 And that I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world;”
Study Insights
D&C 93:1–2 — The Promise of Divine Light (May 6, 1833)
The Invitation of Christ
On May 6, 1833, in Kirtland, Ohio, Joseph Smith received a revelation that would expand the Saints’ understanding of truth, progression, and the very nature of God. At the heart of this revelation, Doctrine and Covenants 93:1–2 presents a sweeping invitation. The Savior declares that every soul who repents, comes unto Him, calls on His name, listens to His voice, and keeps His commandments will “see [His] face and know that [He is].” This is more than a call to religious observance—it is a personal invitation to enter into the presence of the living Christ. These verses reveal a universal pathway, accessible to all who are willing to forsake sin and embrace discipleship.
Forsaking Sin and Coming Unto Christ
The first requirement is to “forsake sins,” an act that goes beyond surface-level repentance. To forsake implies complete abandonment, turning away from destructive habits, falsehoods, and selfishness in exchange for higher light. Following this call, the verse outlines a sequence of progression: come unto Christ, call upon His name, obey His voice, and keep His commandments. The cumulative effect is transformational. It is not merely a set of rules but a covenantal pattern designed to refine the soul until it is capable of bearing the presence of God.
The Promise of Seeing His Face
The most profound element of these verses is the promise that faithful disciples will “see [His] face and know that [He is].” In scripture, seeing the face of the Lord symbolizes ultimate intimacy and knowledge. It is the fulfillment of faith, where belief gives way to personal, undeniable experience. This assurance is not restricted to some distant, post-mortal event; it reflects the possibility of direct spiritual communion in this life. The Savior is not distant or abstract—He is knowable, and He invites each seeker into His presence.
Christ as the True Light
Verse 2 adds a sweeping cosmic dimension: “I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” Here Christ is revealed as the universal source of truth, enlightenment, and life. This doctrine asserts that no human being is born without access to His light. Every man, woman, and child carries within them a divine spark that connects them back to Him. In a world often defined by darkness and confusion, this truth offers hope—Christ is present in every corner of creation, guiding and illuminating all who seek Him.
Relevance for Today
These opening verses of Section 93 are as transformative now as they were in 1833. They cut through cultural boundaries and personal doubts to deliver an eternal truth: Christ is both the Redeemer and the Light of the world, and His presence is accessible to those who willingly align their lives with Him. The path may be demanding, requiring obedience, humility, and sacrifice, but the reward is unparalleled—personal knowledge of God and the radiance of His eternal light.
D&C 93:1–2 is not just scripture to be read but a promise to be lived. It assures that divine light is not reserved for a select few but is available to everyone who seeks, obeys, and comes to the Savior with a pure heart. In these verses, the faithful find both their roadmap and their destination: to see Christ’s face and to be filled with His light.
