Joseph Smith's Later Revelations: Shaping Early Mormon Theology and Practice

Explore the divine communications Joseph Smith received after his foundational First Vision, and how they established the unique doctrines, organization, and practices of the Latter-day Saint movement.

By Garret Merkley · Explainer · Jun 3, 2026

Branched from Joseph Smith's First Vision: What It Was and Why It Matters

Quick take

Joseph Smith's later revelations, primarily found in the Doctrine and Covenants, guided the early Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
These revelations established unique doctrines like temple ordinances, the nature of God, and the plan of salvation.
They dictated the Church's organizational structure, priesthood, and the practice of gathering.
These divine communications remain foundational scripture, shaping the theology and daily life of Latter-day Saints today.

After his initial encounter, Joseph Smith continued to receive numerous divine communications, often called "revelations." These messages, distinct from the Book of Mormon, provided specific instructions, doctrines, and organizational directives for the nascent Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They form the bulk of what is now known as the Doctrine and Covenants, a foundational scripture for Latter-day Saints.

How They Were Received and Recorded

Joseph Smith received these revelations through various means, including direct angelic visitations, visions, promptings of the Holy Spirit, and sometimes through the use of seeric instruments like the Urim and Thummim. He would typically dictate these messages to a scribe, who would then record them. These records were often circulated among early Church members and later compiled and published. The process was seen as God actively guiding His people and establishing His Church "line upon line, precept upon precept."

Key Doctrinal and Organizational Impacts

These later revelations introduced and elaborated on many of the distinctive doctrines and practices of the Latter-day Saint faith. They provided detailed instructions for the organization of the Church, including the establishment of the Melchizedek and Aaronic Priesthoods, quorums, and specific callings. The revelations also clarified the nature of God, the purpose of life, the plan of salvation, and the importance of temple ordinances—sacred rituals performed for both the living and the dead. Economic principles like the Law of Consecration and tithing were also revealed, guiding the community's temporal affairs. Perhaps most controversially, the doctrine of celestial marriage, which included the practice of plural marriage for a period, was also introduced through revelation.

Joseph Smith's later revelations were not merely theological treatises; they were practical instructions that shaped the very identity and survival of the early Latter-day Saint movement. They provided a unique theological framework, distinguishing the Church from other Christian denominations, and offered a blueprint for community building in challenging circumstances. Today, these revelations continue to be revered as living scripture, guiding the faith, governance, and moral code of millions of Latter-day Saints worldwide. They are considered essential for understanding the full scope of Latter-day Saint beliefs and practices, from temple worship to the concept of an eternal family.

How do these revelations differ from the Book of Mormon?

The Book of Mormon is an ancient historical and spiritual record of peoples in the Americas, translated by Joseph Smith. The later revelations, primarily in the Doctrine and Covenants, are direct communications from God to Joseph Smith for the specific guidance and organization of the newly restored Church in the 19th century.

Are new revelations still received today in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

Yes, Latter-day Saints believe in continuing revelation, meaning God still communicates with humanity. While the canon of scripture is largely closed, the President of the Church (considered a prophet, seer, and revelator) is believed to receive ongoing guidance for the Church, which may include new doctrine or adjustments to practices.

Did all early Church members accept these revelations without question?

No. While many embraced them, some revelations, particularly the introduction of plural marriage, were highly controversial and led to significant dissent, excommunications, and even schisms within the early Latter-day Saint movement.

What is the "Doctrine and Covenants"?

The Doctrine and Covenants is one of the four standard works (scriptures) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is a collection of divine revelations and inspired declarations given primarily through Joseph Smith, containing instructions on church government, doctrine, and principles for daily living.

Sources

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "Doctrine and Covenants."
Bushman, Richard Lyman. *Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling*.