Section 21
Overview
Section 21 of the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants (known as Section 64 in the modern LDS edition) was dictated by Joseph Smith in September 1831 in Kirtland, Ohio, during a period of internal strife and apostasy, notably involving Ezra Booth. The text serves as both a theological treatise on forgiveness and a highly specific administrative directive regarding church property and leadership. Theologically, it establishes several critical doctrines that diverge from orthodox Christianity. First, it asserts that Joseph Smith holds the 'keys of the mysteries of the kingdom' conditionally, based on his obedience to ordinances. Second, it introduces a severe legalistic framework for forgiveness, stating that failing to forgive a brother constitutes a 'greater sin' than the original offense, placing the believer under divine condemnation. Third, and perhaps most significantly for comparative soteriology, it introduces an eschatological protection metric tied to financial contribution: 'he that is tithed shall not be burned' at the coming of the Lord. Administratively, the revelation micromanages the real estate and business affairs of specific members (Isaac Morley, Frederick G. Williams, Sidney Gilbert, Newel K. Whitney), commanding the sale or retention of farms and stores to build a 'strong hold' in Kirtland and fund the establishment of Zion in Missouri. The text concludes with an apocalyptic vision of Zion as a geopolitical entity that will judge the nations and cause the earth to tremble, blending 19th-century communal utopianism with severe eschatological warnings.
Key Figures
- The Lord: The divine speaker of the text, who claims authority to forgive, condemn, and direct the economic and spiritual affairs of the church.
- Joseph Smith, jr.: The prophet and recipient of the revelation, who is affirmed as holding the 'keys of the mysteries of the kingdom' conditionally based on his obedience.
- Ezra Booth: A former Methodist minister who converted to Mormonism but apostatized shortly before this revelation; cited as one with whom the Lord was angry for not keeping the law.
- Isaac Morley: A church member whose farm was commanded to be sold so he would not be tempted beyond his ability to bear; he is explicitly forgiven in this text.
- Edward Partridge: The first presiding bishop of the church, who is warned that Satan seeks to destroy his soul, but is promised forgiveness upon repentance.
- Sidney Gilbert: A church agent commanded to return to his business in Zion (Missouri) to provide for the saints.
- Frederick G. Williams: A church member commanded not to sell his farm, as the Lord desires to retain a stronghold in Kirtland for five years.
- Newel K. Whitney: A Kirtland merchant commanded, along with Sidney Gilbert, not to sell their store until the residue of the church goes to Zion.
Doctrines Analyzed
Key theological claims identified in this text:
Conditional Prophetic Keys
Assertion
Joseph Smith holds the exclusive keys to the mysteries of the kingdom, but his retention of these keys is conditional upon his obedience to God's ordinances.
Evidence from Text
the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom, shall not be taken from my servant Joseph Smith, jr. through the means I have appointed, while he liveth, inasmuch as he obeyeth mine ordinances.
Evangelical Comparison
In this text, the 'keys of the mysteries of the kingdom' are vested in a single mortal man, Joseph Smith, establishing a mediatorial prophetic office. Furthermore, this authority is conditional ('inasmuch as he obeyeth mine ordinances'), implying that prophetic authority is maintained through personal righteousness and ritual compliance. In strict Evangelical Christianity, the office of the Apostle and Prophet ceased with the foundation of the early church (Ephesians 2:20). Christ alone is the mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5), and He alone holds the keys of death and Hades (Revelation 1:18). The mysteries of the kingdom have already been fully revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ and are accessible to all believers through the illumination of the Holy Spirit, not gated behind a 19th-century prophetic office.
The Greater Sin of Unforgiveness
Assertion
Failing to forgive another person is a sin that brings divine condemnation and is considered a 'greater sin' than the original offense committed by the transgressor.
Evidence from Text
he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses, standeth condemned before the Lord, for there remaineth in him the greater sin.
Evangelical Comparison
The text takes the biblical mandate to forgive (Matthew 6:14-15) and weaponizes it into a strict legal liability. By stating that the unforgiving victim 'standeth condemned' and bears the 'greater sin,' the text shifts the primary burden of guilt from the perpetrator to the victim who struggles to forgive. In Evangelical theology, forgiveness is the natural, expected fruit of a heart that has experienced the unmerited grace of God (Ephesians 4:32). However, a believer's justification before God is based entirely on the finished work of Christ, not on their perfect execution of interpersonal forgiveness. This Mormon doctrine creates a severe spiritual burden, effectively threatening believers with damnation if they cannot immediately overcome the trauma of being sinned against.
Tithing as Eschatological Protection
Assertion
Paying tithing is a literal requirement to avoid being physically burned at the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
Evidence from Text
it is a day of sacrifice, and a day for the tithing of my people; for he that is tithed shall not be burned (at his coming;) for after to-day cometh the burning
Evangelical Comparison
This is one of the most stark divergences from Evangelical soteriology in the text. The revelation explicitly ties preservation from the apocalyptic burning at the Second Coming to the payment of tithing. This transforms a financial contribution into a salvific requirement. In Evangelical Christianity, deliverance from the wrath to come is secured exclusively by justification through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 5:9, 1 Thessalonians 1:10). Tithing or financial giving is viewed as an act of worship, stewardship, and obedience under grace (2 Corinthians 9:7), but it possesses zero atoning or protective merit. To claim that 'he that is tithed shall not be burned' introduces a form of works-righteousness that borders on simony—the purchasing of spiritual protection with money.
Zion as Earthly Judge
Assertion
The church and the geographic location of Zion will act as a judge over the nations, causing the earth to tremble.
Evidence from Text
I the Lord have made my church in these last days, like unto a judge sitting on an hill... the inhabitants of Zion shall judge all things pertaining to Zion... the nations of the earth shall tremble because of her, and shall fear because of her terrible ones
Evangelical Comparison
The text envisions 'Zion' not merely as a spiritual reality or the future heavenly Jerusalem, but as a literal, earthly, geopolitical entity (specifically located in Missouri, as understood in early Mormonism) that will wield judicial and terrifying power over the nations. The 'inhabitants of Zion' are granted authority to judge, and the nations will fear her 'terrible ones.' In Evangelical eschatology, judgment is the exclusive prerogative of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 5:22, Matthew 25:31-32). While believers will judge angels (1 Corinthians 6:3), the terrifying, nation-shaking judgment described here is reserved for God alone. Elevating a 19th-century church organization to the status of a terrifying global judge reflects a militant, utopian theology that conflicts with the biblical nature of the Church as a spiritual body of ambassadors for Christ.
Comparative Analysis
Theological Gap (Summary)
The text fundamentally diverges from the Gospel by conditioning salvation from eschatological wrath on financial contributions (tithing) and perfect interpersonal forgiveness, while establishing a human mediator (Joseph Smith) with exclusive keys to God's mysteries.
Theological Gap (Explained)
The theological gap between this text and Evangelical Christianity is severe, primarily concerning Sola Fide (faith alone) and Solus Christus (Christ alone). The most glaring violation of Sola Fide is the explicit declaration that 'he that is tithed shall not be burned.' This transforms tithing from a grace-driven act of worship into a meritorious work required to escape divine wrath at the parousia. In Evangelical theology, the believer is shielded from the wrath of God solely by the imputed righteousness of Christ received by faith (Romans 5:9). Adding a financial requirement to salvation is a profound distortion of the Gospel of grace. Furthermore, the text violates Solus Christus by asserting that Joseph Smith holds the 'keys of the mysteries of the kingdom.' While Evangelicals acknowledge that the Apostles were given keys to bind and loose (Matthew 16:19) in the foundational era of the Church, the ongoing mediatorial role of a single prophet who controls access to God's mysteries contradicts 1 Timothy 2:5 and Hebrews 1:1-2. Finally, the text's treatment of forgiveness—declaring that the victim who fails to forgive bears the 'greater sin'—reverses the biblical order of grace. While Jesus commands forgiveness, Evangelicalism understands this as the fruit of justification, not the root. Threatening a victim with greater condemnation than their abuser creates a legalistic terror that is foreign to the comforting grace of the New Testament.
For All Ages
Imagine you owe a billion dollars and the King pays it all for you as a free gift. Because you are so happy, you naturally want to be kind to others. That is what the Bible teaches about Jesus saving us. But this text says that even though the King paid your debt, if you don't pay a specific tax (tithing), the King will burn you up when He returns. It also says that if someone is mean to you and you struggle to forgive them, God considers you worse than the person who was mean to you. Finally, it says you can only get to the King through one specific man named Joseph Smith.
Friction Points
Sola Fide (Faith Alone)
Conditions preservation from eschatological burning on the payment of tithing.
Solus Christus (Christ Alone)
Establishes Joseph Smith as the exclusive holder of the keys to the mysteries of the kingdom.
Sola Gratia (Grace Alone)
Makes forgiveness a strict legal requirement, threatening the victim with a 'greater sin' and condemnation if they fail to forgive.
Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone)
Introduces new, binding revelation that dictates personal property management and adds new requirements for salvation.
Semantic Warnings
Terms that have different meanings between traditions:
"Keys of the mysteries"
In This Text
Exclusive priesthood authority and revelatory power held by Joseph Smith to govern the church and reveal new doctrines.
In Evangelicalism
The authority of the Gospel message itself, given to the Apostles to open the kingdom of heaven to Jews and Gentiles through the preaching of Christ.
"Zion"
In This Text
A literal, geographic location (Missouri) and a specific church organization that will act as a political and judicial power over the nations.
In Evangelicalism
Historically Jerusalem; prophetically, the spiritual kingdom of God, the heavenly city, and the dwelling place of God with His redeemed people.
"Salvation"
In This Text
In the context of this text, it implies preservation from physical and spiritual destruction at the Second Coming, achieved through works like tithing.
In Evangelicalism
Deliverance from the penalty, power, and eventually the presence of sin, granted as a free gift by grace through faith in Christ.
Soteriology (Salvation)
Salvation Defined: Overcoming the world, inheriting the land of Zion, and surviving the apocalyptic burning at the Second Coming.
How Attained: Through obedience to ordinances, absolute forgiveness of others, and the payment of tithing.
Basis of Assurance: Assurance is based on one's behavioral compliance: being 'willing and obedient' and ensuring one is 'tithed.'
Comparison to Sola Fide: This text stands in direct opposition to Sola Fide. While Romans 4:4-5 states that to him who does not work but believes, his faith is counted as righteousness, this text explicitly requires financial payment (tithing) and perfect interpersonal works (forgiveness) to avoid divine condemnation and wrath.
Mandates & Requirements
Explicit Commands
- Hearken, hear, and receive the Lord's will
- Overcome the world
- Forgive one another
- Say in your hearts, 'let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds'
- Bring those who repent not and confess not before the church
- Do with the unrepentant as the Scriptures saith (by commandment or revelation)
- Sidney Gilbert must return upon his business and agency in the land of Zion after a few weeks
- Labor while it is called to-day
- Do not get in debt to thine enemies
- Be not weary in well doing
Implicit Obligations
- Submit to the authority and keys held by Joseph Smith
- Confess sins before the Lord and ask forgiveness
- Pay tithing to avoid being burned at the Second Coming
- Yield personal property and business decisions (buying/selling farms and stores) to prophetic direction
- Maintain a willing mind and obedient heart
- Gather to the land of Zion (Missouri) when directed
Ritual Requirements
- Confession of sins
- Church disciplinary councils for the unrepentant
- Obedience to 'mine ordinances' (required even of Joseph Smith to retain his keys)
Evangelism Toolkit
Practical tools for engagement and dialogue:
Discovery Questions
Open-ended questions to promote reflection:
- When you read that 'he that is tithed shall not be burned,' how does that make you feel about God's grace? Does it feel like a free gift, or something you have to maintain through payments?
- The text says that if someone wrongs you and you struggle to forgive them, you have the 'greater sin.' Have you ever found that command to be a heavy burden when dealing with deep hurt or trauma?
- If Joseph Smith's keys were conditional on him obeying ordinances, what would happen to the church if he failed? How does that compare to Jesus holding the keys permanently?
Redemptive Analogies
Bridges from this text to the Gospel:
The desire for a 'strong hold' and a perfect 'Zion'.
This reflects a deep, God-given human longing for a perfect, just society where God dwells with His people. However, this cannot be achieved through human real estate ventures or earthly organizations. It is ultimately fulfilled in the New Jerusalem, brought down by God Himself.
Spiritual Weight
Burdens this text places on adherents:
The explicit threat that failing to pay tithing will result in being physically burned at the Second Coming places immense psychological and financial pressure on the believer. It weaponizes eschatology to enforce financial compliance.
The believer is taught that their survival of God's wrath depends on their own obedience and financial contributions, entirely stripping away the assurance and peace that comes from resting in Christ's finished work.
The text demonstrates that the prophet has the authority to dictate whether a member can sell their own farm or store. This creates a dynamic where personal autonomy and property rights are surrendered to religious leadership under the guise of divine command.
By declaring that a victim who struggles to forgive bears a 'greater sin' than the perpetrator, the text places a crushing burden of shame and condemnation on those who have been abused or deeply wronged.