D&C 93:12-14 “12 And I, John, saw that he received not of the fulness at the first, but received grace for grace; 13 And he received not of the fulness at first, but continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness; 14 And thus he was called the Son of God, because he received not of the fulness at the first.”
Study Insights
D&C 93:12–14 — Grace for Grace (May 6, 1833)
A Revolutionary Teaching in Kirtland
On May 6, 1833, in Kirtland, Ohio, Joseph Smith received a revelation that challenged and expanded traditional Christian views of Jesus Christ. In Doctrine and Covenants 93:12–14, John the Apostle’s testimony reveals that the Savior Himself did not receive a fulness of glory and divine capacity all at once. Instead, He progressed “from grace to grace” until He eventually received a fulness. This teaching underscores the eternal law of progression and sets forth a pattern that applies not only to Christ but to every soul seeking divine potential.
Grace as the Path of Progression
The phrase “grace for grace” communicates a profound principle. Grace is divine help, enabling power that strengthens beyond human capacity. To receive “grace for grace” means that as Christ faithfully lived in harmony with the will of His Father, greater light, power, and divine attributes were given to Him. This did not happen in a single moment but as a process of growth, obedience, and continued faithfulness. For the Saints in 1833—and for us today—this message is deeply reassuring. If even the Son of God advanced gradually, then human progression, though slow and imperfect, is acceptable and divinely patterned.
Christ as the Perfect Example
These verses declare that Jesus was “called the Son of God, because he received not of the fulness at the first.” This emphasizes that Christ’s divinity was not diminished by progression. Rather, His divine sonship was expressed through His obedience, His willingness to receive grace, and His faithful journey toward fulness. The testimony of John highlights that Christ’s exaltation did not come through a single act but through continual righteousness. This model not only exalts Christ but demonstrates His perfect empathy for us. He understands the journey of growth because He walked it Himself.
Implications for Humanity
The doctrine of gradual progression found in D&C 93:12–14 is one of the most empowering truths in scripture. It teaches that men and women, like Christ, are not expected to be perfect in an instant. Instead, progression is measured step by step, grace by grace, decision by decision. Each act of obedience and each moment of repentance allows greater light and capacity to flow into the soul. This cumulative growth ultimately prepares disciples to receive a fulness of joy, knowledge, and eternal life.
Relevance for Today
In a modern world where perfectionism and instant results dominate, these verses offer a refreshing and hopeful perspective. The Savior’s example assures believers that divine progression is not a race but a lifelong journey. It calls us to embrace patience, persistence, and faith, trusting that through grace we too can advance toward godliness. For the early Saints in 1833, striving to build Zion amid hardship, this principle provided encouragement. For us today, it remains a reminder that God’s plan is not about immediate perfection but about steady growth through Christ.
D&C 93:12–14 reveals one of the most profound doctrines of the Restoration: progression is eternal, grace is the medium, and Christ is both the model and the source of enabling power. These verses inspire us to walk our path with faith, knowing that as we continue from grace to grace, we too may inherit a fulness of divine glory.
