Importance of Articles & Covenants (D&C 20)

On February 27th, 1832, a short revelation was received for Lincoln Haskins essentially calling him on a mission, to "go forth and proclaim my gospel whithersoever I will send him..." He was to be ordained and to take with him "the articles and covenants which I have given unto you and some of the commandments.." (The Joseph Smith Papers, p. 433) This may seem fairly insignificant, but the importance of the articles and covenants to the Lord is illuminated. The articles and covenants refers to D&C section 20, a revelation received shortly before the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ on the 6th April, 1830. It is one of the more lengthy revelations, with three main parts that tie together beautifully:
1 - A historical overview
2 - A doctrinal section
3 - A handbook on Church organization

The historical overview recounts some key events in Joseph Smith's call to be a prophet including him receiving forgiveness of sins, heavenly visits, commandments, and power to translate the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is established as a true record with the fulness of the Gospel proving the Lord's unchangeable pattern of calling prophets. Those who receive this work of Joseph Smith are promised eternal life. The more doctrinal section teaches about God, the Creation, Atonement of Jesus Christ, Justification & Sanctification, and our responsibility to believe, be baptized, endure to the end, and love and serve God with all our strength. Then the handbook on Church organization and government teaches about proper baptism to join Christ's church, about the Sacramanent ordinance, and about the duties and organization of Priesthood holders in watching over and administering to the Church members.
When I look at the revelation as a whole I see a powerful synthesis between these sections. The Lord asserts the truthfulness and validity to the foundation of the Church in modern-day visions, revelations, and scripture. The doctrine in purity springs from this authorized source -- a true prohpet speaking for God. Therefore, this Chuch has the full capacity to lead people to Eternal Life through Christ. The Priesthood and revelations make it possible to administer ordinances necessary for salvation and not just guide people to Justification but also Sanctification and preparation for Eternal Life...living with God.
Essentially, this revelation was a landmark guide that Lincoln Haskins (or any missionary) could take to teach the basic Gospel principles of the Restoration and Gospel of Christ. Brother Haskins would have a clear constitution on organizing or correcting the Church wherever he went. Other references to this revelation show how highly the Lord regarded it: Even before Lincoln, in February of 1831, the revelation received in D&C 42 speaks of ordained missionaries going forth to teach the fulness of the Gospel, in the Bible and Book of Mormon, and says right after: "And they shall observe the covenants and church articles to do them, and these shall be their teachings, as they shall be directed by the Spirit." (vs 13) Last but not least, when the Church's orderly revelatory channels were threatened by Hiram Page receiving false revelations through some stone, the Lord said Satan was deceiving him and that "these things have not been appointed unto him, neither shall anyhing be apointed unto any of this church contrary to the church covenants." (D&C 28:12). The articles and covenants in D&C 20 are sure reference points to maintain Priesthood order and a healthy, true and living Church, with immunity to disease from without and cancers from within!