D&C 84

To the elders that were returning from missions, the Lord said -

"...your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received—
55 Which vanity and unbelief have brought the whole church under condemnation.
56 And this condemnation resteth upon the children of Zion, even all." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 84:54 - 56)

And then we receive the explanation for condemnation of treating lightly the things we have received -

"...they shall remain under this condemnation until they repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written—" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 84:57)

President Ezra Taft Benson made a direct emphasis of this scripture to the Book of Mormon saying -

"Do eternal consequences rest upon our response to this book? Yes, either to our blessing or our condemnation.

"Every Latter-day Saint should make the study of this book a lifetime pursuit. Otherwise he is placing his soul in jeopardy and neglecting that which could give spiritual and intellectual unity to his whole life." (In Conference Report, Apr. 1975, pp. 96–97; or Ensign, May 1975, p. 65.)

But as I contemplate these verses, I also note the Lord referenced -

"...and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written—" (Doctrine and Covenants Section 84:57)

In my mind, the "former commandments" are those that had previously been received by the Prophet. Those modern revelations that were at that time being prepared for printing in the Book of Commandments. In our day, I believe this would include all revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants. It could also easily include Old and New Testament commandments. The new covanant would suggest that we all have an obligation to study the Book of Mormon and all of the standard works with an emphasis on modern day revelation. I believe this is where most of the saints are under condemnation - to do and say what according to that which is written. The Lord promises those who treasure and study that which is written to -

"....treasure up in your minds continually the words of life, and it shall be given you in the very hour that portion that shall be meted unto every man." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 84:85)