Articles and Covenants
Overview
Historically known as the 'Articles and Covenants' (and canonized as Section 20 in modern editions), this text serves as the founding constitution for the Church of Christ (later LDS). Written circa April 1830, it outlines the church's origin story, claiming the restoration of the gospel through Joseph Smith's angelic visitation and the translation of the Book of Mormon. Theologically, it presents a 'Mormon Creed' that affirms a form of Trinitarianism (distinct from later LDS polytheism) while simultaneously introducing an open canon and a soteriology dependent on ordinances and endurance. Administratively, it establishes a rigid priesthood hierarchy (Apostle, Elder, Priest, Teacher, Deacon) and prescribes specific liturgical prayers for baptism and the sacrament (Eucharist). It asserts that this organization is the only authorized vehicle for the administration of the gospel in the 'last days.'
Key Figures
- Joseph Smith
- Oliver Cowdery
- Jesus Christ
- The Holy Angel (Moroni)
- God the Father
Doctrines Analyzed
Key theological claims identified in this text:
Conditional Justification
Assertion
Justification and sanctification are real but are contingent upon the believer loving and serving God with all their 'mights, minds, and strength.'
Evidence from Text
And we know that justification through the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, is just and true... to all those who love and serve God with all their mights, minds, and strength
Evangelical Comparison
While Evangelicalism teaches that justification is a forensic declaration of righteousness received by faith alone apart from works (Romans 3:28, 4:5), this text explicitly qualifies justification. It limits the application of grace 'to all those who love and serve God with all their mights, minds, and strength.' This shifts the basis of standing before God from Christ's finished work to the believer's performance and dedication, reintroducing a law of works.
Open Canon
Assertion
God continues to give new scripture and commandments in the modern age, specifically through Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon.
Evidence from Text
God does inspire men and call them to his holy work in this age and generation... neither adding to, nor diminishing from the prophecy of his book... or the revelations of God which shall come hereafter
Evangelical Comparison
The text asserts that the Book of Mormon proves 'the holy scriptures [Bible] are true,' implying the Bible needs external validation. Furthermore, it explicitly anticipates 'revelations of God which shall come hereafter,' establishing an open canon. This violates the evangelical understanding of the sufficiency of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16) and the closure of the apostolic deposit of faith (Jude 1:3).
Restored Priesthood Authority
Assertion
Authority to baptize and administer the sacrament is limited to those ordained to specific priesthood offices in this specific church.
Evidence from Text
No person is to be ordained to any office in this church... without the vote of that church... An apostle is an elder, and it is his calling to baptize
Evangelical Comparison
Evangelicalism holds that all believers have direct access to God through Christ (1 Peter 2:9, Hebrews 4:16). This text establishes a rigid hierarchy (Apostle, Elder, Priest, Teacher, Deacon) and asserts that valid ordinances (sacraments) can only be performed by this specific lineage of authority, effectively claiming a monopoly on the means of grace.
Comparative Analysis
Theological Gap
While the text uses Trinitarian and Evangelical language (grace, justification, atonement), it fundamentally redefines the mechanism of salvation. By stating that justification is for those who 'serve God with all their mights,' it introduces a semi-Pelagian or Arminian-on-steroids soteriology where grace is the result of obedience rather than the cause of it. Additionally, the requirement of specific priesthood authority to administer valid ordinances creates a barrier between the believer and Christ that the New Testament removes.
Friction Points
Sola Fide
Justification is conditioned on the intensity of the believer's service ('all their mights').
Sola Gratia
Grace is treated as a substance administered through ordinances and contingent on worthiness.
Sola Scriptura
Explicit addition of the Book of Mormon and future revelations as binding scripture.
Universal Priesthood
Restricts the administration of the gospel to a specific, ordained hierarchy.
Semantic Warnings
Terms that have different meanings between traditions:
"Justification"
In This Text
A state of right standing with God achieved through grace *applied to* those who serve with all their might.
In Evangelicalism
A legal declaration of righteousness based solely on Christ's work, received by faith (Romans 5:1).
"Apostle"
In This Text
An office in the church hierarchy (Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery) with administrative authority.
In Evangelicalism
A specific group of eyewitnesses to the resurrected Christ commissioned to lay the foundation of the church (Ephesians 2:20).
Soteriology (Salvation)
Salvation Defined: Eternal life, achieved by receiving the work in faith, working righteousness, and enduring to the end.
How Attained: Faith + Repentance + Baptism (by authority) + Service with all might + Enduring to the end.
Basis of Assurance: Low assurance; based on current standing, 'godly walk,' and not having been 'blotted out.'
Comparison to Sola Fide: Directly opposes Sola Fide by stating justification is for those who 'serve God with all their mights' (v6), whereas Romans 4:4-5 contrasts working with believing.
Mandates & Requirements
Explicit Commands
- Repent and humble oneself before God
- Love and serve God with all might, mind, and strength
- Meet together often
- Record names of all members
- Bring children to elders for blessing
Implicit Obligations
- Accept Joseph Smith as an Apostle and First Elder
- Accept the Book of Mormon as the word of God
- Submit to the administrative hierarchy of the church
Ritual Requirements
- Baptism by immersion using specific wording
- Partaking of bread and wine (sacrament) using specific prayers
- Ordination to priesthood offices by laying on of hands
- Confirmation for the gift of the Holy Ghost
Evangelism Toolkit
Practical tools for engagement and dialogue:
Discovery Questions
Open-ended questions to promote reflection:
- The text says justification is for those who serve God with 'all their might, mind, and strength.' How do you know when you've reached the level of 'all'?
- If justification depends on your level of service, how do you deal with the days when you fail to serve with 'all' your strength?
- This section mentions the possibility of falling from grace. What is the safety net if you fall?
Redemptive Analogies
Bridges from this text to the Gospel:
The Covenant of Remembrance
The desire to always remember Christ is noble. The Gospel offers the Holy Spirit not as a reward for remembering, but as the power TO remember.
Broken Heart and Contrite Spirit
This is the correct posture for salvation. The difference is that in the Gospel, this posture receives immediate, full pardon, not a probation of works.
Spiritual Weight
Burdens this text places on adherents:
The requirement to serve with 'all might, mind, and strength' to access justification creates an impossible standard, leading to chronic guilt or self-righteousness.
The 'possibility that man may fall from grace' removes the security of the believer, making salvation a precarious state to be maintained rather than a life to be lived.
The believer is entirely dependent on the hierarchy for access to God through ordinances, creating a fear of being 'blotted out' or disconnected from the church.
+ Epistemology
Knowledge Source: Testimony of the 'First Elder' (Joseph Smith), confirmed by the 'ministering of angels' and the 'power of the Holy Ghost.'
Verification Method: Adherents are expected to 'receive it in faith' and 'work righteousness.' Verification is tied to moral performance and acceptance of the witness.
Evangelical Contrast: Biblical epistemology tests spirits against the closed canon of Scripture (1 John 4:1, Acts 17:11). This text demands acceptance of new revelation that modifies the conditions of salvation.
+ Textual Criticism
Dating: Circa April 1830; Published in 1835 Doctrine and Covenants.
Authorship: Joseph Smith (with Oliver Cowdery).
Textual Issues: This text is a composite of early revelations and administrative policies. It was revised between 1830 and 1835 to reflect developing church offices.