Section 4
Overview
Section 4 of the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants (known as Section 84 in the modern LDS edition) is a foundational text for Mormon priesthood theology and missionary practice. Given in September 1832, the text delineates two distinct priesthoods: the greater (Melchizedek) and the lesser (Aaronic). It traces the lineage of the greater priesthood from Moses back through a unique list of patriarchs to Adam and God Himself. The text makes a profound theological claim that the ordinances of this greater priesthood are absolutely necessary to manifest the 'power of godliness' and that without them, no man can see the face of God and live. It introduces the 'Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood,' promising that those who faithfully obtain and magnify these priesthoods will receive all that the Father has, while warning that breaking this covenant constitutes an unpardonable sin. Furthermore, the revelation commands the building of a temple in New Jerusalem (Independence, Missouri) within 'this generation,' a prophecy that has generated significant historical and apologetic discussion. The text also serves as a manual for early Mormon missionaries, commanding them to preach without 'purse or scrip,' promising them miraculous apostolic signs (healing, casting out devils, immunity to poison), and instructing them to perform the ritual of washing their feet as a testimony against those who reject their message. Ultimately, the text positions Joseph Smith's movement not merely as a Christian denomination, but as the exclusive restoration of divine authority required for salvation and exaltation.
Key Figures
- Jesus Christ: The divine speaker of the revelation who claims all power and dictates the terms of the priesthood covenant.
- Joseph Smith, jr.: The recipient of the revelation, identified as the Lord's servant who dedicated the Temple Lot.
- Moses: The ancient prophet who held the holy priesthood and sought to sanctify Israel to see God's face.
- Jethro, Caleb, Elihu, Jeremy, Gad, Esaias, Abraham, Melchizedek, Noah, Enoch, Abel, Adam: The patriarchal lineage through which the greater priesthood was allegedly passed down.
- Aaron: The recipient of the lesser priesthood, which administers the preparatory gospel and the law of carnal commandments.
- John the Baptist: Described as being ordained by an angel at eight days old to overthrow the kingdom of the Jews.
- Newel K. Whitney: A bishop commanded to travel, care for the poor, and warn the cities of New York, Albany, and Boston of impending desolation.
Doctrines Analyzed
Key theological claims identified in this text:
Necessity of Priesthood Ordinances
Assertion
The ordinances of the Melchizedek priesthood are absolutely required to manifest the power of godliness and to see the face of God.
Evidence from Text
Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest; and without the ordinances thereof, and the authority of the priesthood, the power of godliness is not manifest unto men in the flesh; for without this no man can see the face of God, even the Father, and live.
Evangelical Comparison
In Evangelical theology, the veil of the temple was torn at Christ's crucifixion (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing that all believers now have direct access to the Father through the finished work of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:16, 10:19-22). The 'priesthood of all believers' (1 Peter 2:9) means that no specialized class of human priests or exclusive ordinances are required to mediate between God and man, as there is only one mediator, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). This text directly contradicts that biblical framework by asserting that the 'power of godliness' and the ability to 'see the face of God' are strictly contingent upon the ordinances and authority of the Melchizedek priesthood. By inserting a required human priesthood hierarchy and specific rituals between the believer and God, the text denies the sufficiency of Christ's mediation and replaces justification by faith alone with a system of ordinance-based progression.
Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood
Assertion
Receiving the priesthood equates to receiving God and inheriting all the Father has, but breaking this covenant results in unpardonable sin.
Evidence from Text
Therefore, all those who receive the priesthood receive this oath and covenant of my Father which he cannot break... but whoso breaketh this covenant, after he hath received it, and altogether turneth therefrom, shall not have forgiveness of sins in this world nor in the world to come.
Evangelical Comparison
Evangelical Christianity teaches that salvation is a free gift of grace, secured entirely by the perfect obedience and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Believers are sealed by the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14) and kept by the power of God (1 Peter 1:5). Jesus promised that those who come to Him will never be cast out and will not be lost (John 6:37-39, 10:28-29). The 'unpardonable sin' in the New Testament is specifically the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (attributing Christ's miracles to Satan), not the failure to maintain a religious office. This text introduces a severe works-righteousness paradigm through the 'Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood.' It places the burden of eternal exaltation ('all that my Father hath') squarely on the shoulders of the adherent to obtain the priesthood and 'magnify their calling.' Furthermore, it weaponizes this covenant by declaring that turning away from it results in an unforgivable sin. This destroys biblical assurance of salvation and replaces it with a profound performance burden and fear of eternal damnation.
Baptismal Regeneration and Damnation
Assertion
Water baptism is strictly required for the remission of sins, receiving the Holy Ghost, and avoiding damnation.
Evidence from Text
they who believe not on your words, and are not baptized by water, in my name, for the remission of their sins, that they may receive the Holy Ghost, shall be damned. and shall not come into my Father’s kingdom
Evangelical Comparison
Evangelical theology holds to Sola Fide—justification by faith alone. Water baptism is understood as an ordinance of obedience and a public declaration of faith, but it is not the mechanism that washes away sin or secures salvation. The thief on the cross was saved without baptism (Luke 23:43), and Cornelius received the Holy Spirit before he was baptized in water (Acts 10:44-48). Salvation is by grace through faith, not of works (Ephesians 2:8-9). This text explicitly teaches baptismal regeneration, stating that those who are not baptized by water for the remission of sins 'shall be damned.' By making a physical ritual performed by a specific priesthood authority the hinge point of eternal destiny, the text fundamentally alters the biblical gospel, adding human works to the finished work of Christ.
Zion and the Temple Generation Prophecy
Assertion
A temple must be built in western Missouri within the generation of the people living in 1832.
Evidence from Text
which city shall be built, beginning at the Temple Lot... in the western boundaries of the state of Missouri... which temple shall be reared in this generation; for verily, this generation shall not all pass away until an house shall be built unto the Lord
Evangelical Comparison
In the New Testament, the concept of the temple shifts from a physical building in Jerusalem to the body of Christ and the individual believer (1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:19; Ephesians 2:21-22). God does not dwell in temples made with hands (Acts 17:24). Evangelicals do not believe physical temples are required for worship or salvation in the church age. This text not only commands the building of a physical temple for the manifestation of God's glory, but it attaches a specific, time-bound prophecy to it: the temple in Missouri would be built in 'this generation' (referring to those alive in 1832). Because this did not occur, the text presents a significant historical and theological problem regarding the biblical test of a prophet found in Deuteronomy 18:22.
Comparative Analysis
Theological Gap (Summary)
The text fundamentally replaces the sufficiency of Christ's mediation with a required human priesthood hierarchy, making salvation and the ability to know God dependent on extra-biblical ordinances.
Theological Gap (Explained)
The theological chasm between this text and Evangelical Christianity centers on the doctrines of Christology, Soteriology, and Ecclesiology. In Evangelical theology, the book of Hebrews explicitly teaches that the Melchizedek priesthood is held exclusively by Jesus Christ. Because Christ lives forever, His priesthood is 'untransferable' (aparabaton, Hebrews 7:24). He is the sole mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5), and His once-for-all sacrifice tore the temple veil, granting all believers direct access to the Father (Hebrews 10:19-22). Consequently, Evangelicals hold to the 'priesthood of all believers' (1 Peter 2:9), rejecting the need for a specialized, hierarchical priesthood to administer saving grace. Conversely, this text asserts that the Melchizedek priesthood must be held by mortal men and that its specific ordinances are an absolute prerequisite for manifesting the 'power of godliness' and seeing the face of God. By interposing a human priesthood between the believer and God, the text effectively denies the sufficiency of Christ's high priestly ministry. Furthermore, it conditions eternal life ('all that my Father hath') on obtaining this priesthood and magnifying the calling, directly violating Sola Fide (justification by faith alone). The text also introduces a terrifying caveat: breaking the 'Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood' results in unpardonable damnation. This obliterates the biblical doctrine of the assurance of salvation (Romans 8:1, 38-39) and places the adherent under a crushing burden of performance and legalism. Ultimately, the text redefines the Gospel from the good news of Christ's finished work to a system of progressive, ordinance-based obedience mediated by a modern church hierarchy.
For All Ages
Imagine you owe a massive debt that you can never pay. The Evangelical view is that Jesus paid your debt completely on the cross. Because He paid it, you can talk to the King directly, and you are guaranteed to live in His kingdom forever just by trusting in what Jesus did. You don't need to jump through any more hoops or find a special middleman to talk to the King for you. This text teaches something very different. It says that even though Jesus did wonderful things, you still need special permission—called the priesthood—to actually see the King. It says you have to go through specific rituals done by specific men in this church, and if you don't, you can't have the full power of God. It also says that if you get this special permission but then mess up and walk away, you can never be forgiven. This is a big difference because the Bible teaches that Jesus is the only middleman we need. When we trust Him, we are fully accepted by God right then and there. We don't need extra rituals or a special human priesthood to make us right with God, because Jesus's work was perfect and complete.
Friction Points
Sola Fide (Faith Alone)
The text requires water baptism and priesthood ordinances to see God and avoid damnation.
Universal Priesthood of Believers
Establishes a necessary, hierarchical human priesthood to mediate God's power.
Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone)
Elevates the Book of Mormon to the 'new covenant' and claims new, binding revelation.
Sufficiency of Christ
Claims that Christ's Melchizedek priesthood must be shared with men to administer salvation, and threatens unpardonable sin for failing to uphold it.
Semantic Warnings
Terms that have different meanings between traditions:
"Priesthood"
In This Text
Exclusive authority given to worthy male members of the LDS church to act in God's name and perform necessary saving ordinances.
In Evangelicalism
The status of all true believers who have direct access to God through the sole High Priest, Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:9).
"Gospel"
In This Text
A system of laws, ordinances, and priesthood authority required for exaltation (including the 'preparatory gospel' of baptism).
In Evangelicalism
The good news of Christ's sinless life, substitutionary death, and resurrection, which justifies the sinner by faith alone (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
"New Covenant"
In This Text
Specifically identified in this text as the Book of Mormon and the former commandments given to Joseph Smith.
In Evangelicalism
The promise of redemption and the indwelling Holy Spirit secured by the shed blood of Jesus Christ (Luke 22:20, Hebrews 8).
Soteriology (Salvation)
Salvation Defined: Entering the Father's kingdom, receiving all that the Father has, and seeing the face of God (exaltation).
How Attained: Through faith, water baptism, receiving the Melchizedek priesthood, and magnifying one's calling.
Basis of Assurance: Assurance is highly conditional, based on strict obedience to the priesthood covenant and not turning away from it.
Comparison to Sola Fide: This text is entirely incompatible with Sola Fide. It explicitly states that without priesthood ordinances, no man can see God, and that those who are not baptized by water will be damned. This adds human works, rituals, and institutional authority to the requirements for salvation, directly contradicting Ephesians 2:8-9 and Romans 3:28.
Mandates & Requirements
Explicit Commands
- Build the city of New Jerusalem and a temple in western Missouri in this generation.
- Repent and remember the new covenant, specifically the Book of Mormon.
- Preach the gospel to all the world, sending others where one cannot go.
- Missionaries must travel without purse or scrip (no money or extra clothing).
- Cleanse feet with pure water as a testimony against those who reject the message.
- Send money received by gift to families or to the bishop in Zion/Ohio.
- Newel K. Whitney must travel to New York, Albany, and Boston to warn them of desolation.
Implicit Obligations
- Submit to the priesthood authority and hierarchy established by Joseph Smith.
- Financially support the printing of revelations and the establishment of Zion.
- Magnify one's priesthood calling to maintain spiritual standing.
Ritual Requirements
- Baptism by water for the remission of sins.
- Ordination to the Aaronic or Melchizedek priesthood.
- The ritual washing of feet as a curse/testimony against rejecters.
Evangelism Toolkit
Practical tools for engagement and dialogue:
Discovery Questions
Open-ended questions to promote reflection:
- I noticed this section says a temple would be built in Missouri in 'this generation' (referring to 1832). How do you understand that prophecy since that generation has passed?
- Hebrews 7:24 says that Jesus holds His priesthood permanently because He lives forever. If Jesus is our perfect High Priest right now, why do we need mortal men to hold that same priesthood to mediate for us?
- The text says that breaking the priesthood covenant means no forgiveness in this world or the next. How does that make you feel about your standing with God? Do you ever worry you haven't magnified your calling enough?
Redemptive Analogies
Bridges from this text to the Gospel:
The desire to see the face of God and be clothed with His glory.
This deep human longing to be in God's presence is valid, but it cannot be achieved through our own priesthood or rituals. Jesus Christ is the exact imprint of God's nature, and through His perfect sacrifice, the veil was torn, allowing us to enter God's presence boldly by grace, not by our own worthiness.
Spiritual Weight
Burdens this text places on adherents:
The text places the immense burden of eternal progression on the individual's ability to 'magnify their calling' and perfectly administer/receive ordinances. This creates a constant treadmill of works where the believer can never be truly certain they have done enough to manifest the 'power of godliness.'
By declaring that breaking the priesthood covenant results in an unpardonable sin (no forgiveness in this world or the next), the text instills a profound fear of failure. Believers are trapped by the terror that a lapse in faith or obedience could result in eternal, irrevocable damnation.
The strict requirement of specific physical rituals (water baptism, priesthood ordination) to avoid damnation reduces a relationship with God to a transactional, legalistic checklist, stripping away the joy and freedom of grace.