Section 17 (Modern D&C 50)
Overview
Given in May 1831, this revelation (now D&C 50) addresses the 'enthusiasm' and ecstatic spiritual manifestations occurring among new converts in Kirtland, Ohio. The text functions as a corrective measure, establishing a hierarchy of spiritual authority where the 'Elders' are instructed to discern between spirits of God and false spirits. The central theological contribution is a subjective epistemological test: truth is defined by that which 'edifies' and is 'light,' while that which does not edify is darkness. It posits a theology of progressive sanctification where an adherent, if 'purified and cleansed from all sin,' becomes a 'possessor of all things,' gaining power to command spirits and eventually see the face of God. The text concludes with specific administrative assignments to early church leaders and a pronouncement of forgiveness of sins based on their reception of this specific revelation.
Key Figures
- Jesus Christ (The Speaker)
- Joseph Smith (The Revelator)
- Joseph Wakefield
- Parley P. Pratt
- John Corrill
- Edward Partridge
Doctrines Analyzed
Key theological claims identified in this text:
Discernment via Edification
Assertion
Spiritual truth and the presence of God are identified by the feeling of edification and the reception of light.
Evidence from Text
that which doth not edify, is not of God, and is darkness: that which is of God is light
Evangelical Comparison
In Evangelical theology, the test of a spirit is doctrinal confession regarding the person and work of Christ (1 John 4:2) and alignment with the closed canon of Scripture (Acts 17:11). This text shifts the locus of verification from objective dogma to subjective experience. The criterion 'that which edifies' is potentially dangerous from an evangelical perspective, as falsehood can be emotionally uplifting or intellectually satisfying (2 Corinthians 11:14). This doctrine lays the foundation for the Mormon 'burning in the bosom' epistemology.
Conditional Omnipotence via Purification
Assertion
Adherents who are cleansed from 'all sin' become 'possessors of all things' and gain absolute power over spiritual entities.
Evidence from Text
if ye are purified and cleansed from all sin, ye shall ask whatsoever you will in the name of Jesus, and it shall be done... the spirits shall be subject unto you
Evangelical Comparison
The text suggests a causal link between a believer's personal purification from 'all sin' and the acquisition of divine power ('possessor of all things'). Evangelical theology maintains that believers are 'complete in Him' (Colossians 2:10) solely through imputed righteousness. The idea that a believer can be functionally sinless ('cleansed from all sin') in this life to unlock spiritual power leans toward Pelagianism or Wesleyan perfectionism, contradicting the Reformed view of ongoing sanctification and total dependence on grace.
Comparative Analysis
Theological Gap
The fundamental gap lies in the source of authority and the means of sanctification. Evangelicalism posits the Bible as the sufficient judge of spiritual phenomena. This text posits the 'Spirit' (subjectively experienced as edification) as the judge. Furthermore, the text implies that spiritual authority over darkness is contingent upon the believer's level of personal purification ('cleansed from all sin'), whereas the Bible teaches that authority over darkness is based on the position of the believer 'in Christ' regardless of their level of personal perfection.
Friction Points
Sola Scriptura
The text introduces new, binding revelation and subjective criteria (edification) that supersede biblical testing.
Sola Gratia
Spiritual power and answers to prayer are conditioned on the believer's ability to be 'cleansed from all sin.'
Christology (Sufficiency)
Forgiveness is pronounced based on hearing the servant's words, obscuring the exclusive role of Christ's cross.
Semantic Warnings
Terms that have different meanings between traditions:
"Edify"
In This Text
A subjective feeling of spiritual enlightenment or positivity that validates a spirit's origin.
In Evangelicalism
Building up the church in love and doctrinal truth (Ephesians 4:12-16), always anchored in the content of the Gospel.
"Purified"
In This Text
A state of sinlessness required to wield priesthood power and 'possess all things.'
In Evangelicalism
The positional status of a believer justified by Christ (Hebrews 10:10), or the progressive work of the Spirit, but never a prerequisite for access to God's power in a transactional sense.
Soteriology (Salvation)
Salvation Defined: Inheriting eternal life (v2), possessing all things (v6), and seeing God (v8).
How Attained: Through faithfulness, enduring, being purified from all sin, and heeding the ordained servants.
Basis of Assurance: Assurance is derived from the subjective experience of 'light' growing brighter and the pronouncement of the servant (Joseph Smith).
Comparison to Sola Fide: The text explicitly links blessing and power to 'enduring' and being 'faithful' (v2) and 'purified' (v6). This contrasts with Romans 4:5 ('to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly').
Mandates & Requirements
Explicit Commands
- Hearken to the voice of the living God
- Preach the gospel by the Spirit
- Ask the Father in the name of Jesus regarding strange spirits
- Proclaim against false spirits with a loud voice
- Do not use railing accusations or boasting
- Watch and be ready for the Lord's appearance
Implicit Obligations
- Achieve a state of sinlessness ('purified from all sin') to be effective
- Accept the 'words of the servant' (Joseph Smith) to receive forgiveness
- Submit to the hierarchy of ordained elders
Ritual Requirements
- Ordination to preach
- Pronouncement/Exorcism ('proclaim against that spirit')
Evangelism Toolkit
Practical tools for engagement and dialogue:
Discovery Questions
Open-ended questions to promote reflection:
- In verse 6, it says 'that which doth not edify is not of God.' Have you ever felt good or edified by something that turned out to be untrue? How do you tell the difference?
- Verse 6 also says you must be 'purified and cleansed from all sin' to ask whatsoever you will. How do you handle the pressure of needing to be sinless to have your prayers fully answered?
- Verse 8 says your sins are forgiven because you heard the words of the servant. How does that relate to forgiveness coming through the blood of Christ?
Redemptive Analogies
Bridges from this text to the Gospel:
The desire for discernment
Just as the early Saints wanted to know what was true, we all long for certainty. Christ provides this not through a feeling, but through His objective Word.
The longing to see God
The text taps into the beatific vision. The Gospel promises we will see Him because He has washed us, not because we purified ourselves.
Spiritual Weight
Burdens this text places on adherents:
The requirement to be 'purified and cleansed from all sin' to possess power creates an impossible standard, leading to hidden shame or despair when the adherent inevitably sins.
Relying on 'edification' (feelings) to determine truth leaves the believer constantly analyzing their own emotions to validate their faith, rather than resting on objective promises.
Forgiveness and truth are mediated through the 'servant' and the 'elders,' creating a spiritual dependency on human leaders rather than a direct confidence in Christ.
+ Epistemology
Knowledge Source: Subjective Experience (Edification/Light) and Prophetic Dictation.
Verification Method: The adherent verifies truth by assessing if the message 'edifies' and causes 'light' to grow brighter.
Evangelical Contrast: Biblical epistemology relies on the objective standard of God's written Word (Psalm 119:105, 2 Timothy 3:16). Feelings of edification are secondary and unreliable indicators of truth compared to the 'more sure word of prophecy' (Scripture) mentioned in 2 Peter 1:19.
+ Textual Criticism
Dating: May 1831
Authorship: Joseph Smith (dictated)
Textual Issues: This text was edited for the 1835 edition to include more developed priesthood terminology (e.g., 'elders') compared to the original Book of Commandments version.