Section 27 (Modern D&C 57)
Overview
This revelation, given in July 1831, marks a pivotal moment in early Mormon theology where the abstract concept of 'Zion' is grounded in a specific geographical location: Independence, Missouri. Joseph Smith, speaking in the voice of the Lord, identifies this location as the 'center place' and the 'land of promise' for the gathering of the Saints. The text provides specific instructions for the construction of a temple 'lying westward upon a lot which is not far from the court house.' It establishes a theocratic economic order, appointing Sidney Gilbert to establish a store and Edward Partridge to divide land inheritances among the believers. The revelation underscores the immediate expectation of building a physical New Jerusalem in the American frontier, blending spiritual aspirations with real estate acquisition and mercantile licensing. It represents the transition of the movement from a purely spiritual revival to a socio-political colonization effort intended to prepare for the Second Coming.
Key Figures
- Joseph Smith (Prophet/Revelator)
- Sidney Gilbert (Church Agent/Storekeeper)
- Edward Partridge (Bishop)
- William W. Phelps (Printer)
- Oliver Cowdery (Editor/Scribe)
Doctrines Analyzed
Key theological claims identified in this text:
Geographic Zion
Assertion
The City of Zion (New Jerusalem) is a physical location in Independence, Missouri, to be built by the Saints.
Evidence from Text
Behold the place which is now called Independence, is the center place, and the spot for the temple is lying westward
Evangelical Comparison
In Evangelical theology, Zion is typological of the church (Hebrews 12:22) or eschatological as the Heavenly Jerusalem (Revelation 21). This text literalizes Zion as a specific plot of land in North America that must be purchased. This shifts the focus from a spiritual kingdom 'not of this world' (John 18:36) to a geo-political project requiring land deeds and construction, fundamentally altering the nature of the Kingdom of God from spiritual reign to territorial possession.
Consecrated Inheritance
Assertion
Spiritual inheritance is tied to physical land ownership in Zion, assigned by the Bishop.
Evidence from Text
divide the saints their inheritance, even as I have commanded... that they may obtain it for an everlasting inheritance.
Evangelical Comparison
The text redefines 'inheritance'—a term used in the New Testament for the believer's eternal security in Christ (Ephesians 1:11-14)—as physical property in Missouri. While the Old Testament involved land inheritance for Israel, the New Testament universalizes this to a spiritual inheritance for all believers in Christ. This text reverts to a Levitical/territorial model where a human mediator (Bishop Partridge) determines a believer's portion, conflating temporal assets with spiritual standing.
Comparative Analysis
Theological Gap
The fundamental gap lies in the nature of the Kingdom. Evangelicalism asserts a Kingdom that is 'already but not yet,' spiritual in nature, and accessible to all believers everywhere through the Holy Spirit (John 4:21-24). This text asserts a Kingdom that is material, geographic, and administrative. It conflates the 'City of God' with a frontier settlement project. Furthermore, it introduces a 'line between Jew and Gentile' (referring to Native Americans) based on Book of Mormon racial theology, which is foreign to biblical anthropology.
Friction Points
Theology Proper (God's Nature)
Depicts God as a micromanager of real estate and retail licenses rather than the transcendent Creator.
Sola Fide / Sola Gratia
Inheritance in Zion is contingent upon purchasing land and gathering, adding works/location to salvation.
Sola Scriptura
Adds a new holy land and new commandments not found in the Bible.
Semantic Warnings
Terms that have different meanings between traditions:
"Zion"
In This Text
Independence, Missouri; a physical city to be built.
In Evangelicalism
The dwelling place of God; historically Jerusalem, typologically the Church, eschatologically the New Jerusalem from Heaven.
"Inheritance"
In This Text
A plot of land assigned by the Bishop.
In Evangelicalism
Eternal life and the Kingdom of God received through Christ.
"Jew"
In This Text
In this context ('line between Jew and Gentile'), it refers to Native Americans (Lamanites), whom early Mormons believed were Israelites.
In Evangelicalism
Descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; the people of Judah.
Soteriology (Salvation)
Salvation Defined: Implicitly linked to gathering to Zion and receiving an inheritance in the Holy City.
How Attained: Through obedience to the gathering command and the purchase of land.
Basis of Assurance: Having a physical inheritance planted in Missouri.
Comparison to Sola Fide: Directly opposes Sola Fide by making the 'gathering' (a physical work) a prerequisite for full participation in God's promises. In Romans 4:13, the promise is through the righteousness of faith, not through the law or land acquisition.
Mandates & Requirements
Explicit Commands
- Purchase land in Independence, Missouri
- Purchase every tract westward to the 'line between Jew and Gentile'
- Sidney Gilbert must establish a store
- Sidney Gilbert must obtain a license
- Edward Partridge must divide inheritances
- W.W. Phelps must be established as a printer
Implicit Obligations
- Relocate families to Missouri (The Gathering)
- Submit financial resources to the Bishop/Agent for land purchase
- Accept the specific geographic location of the temple as divinely mandated
Ritual Requirements
- Consecration of properties (implied through the role of the Bishop dividing inheritance)
Evangelism Toolkit
Practical tools for engagement and dialogue:
Discovery Questions
Open-ended questions to promote reflection:
- When you read that Independence, Missouri is the 'center place' and 'everlasting inheritance,' how do you reconcile that with the fact that the Saints were expelled two years later and never built the temple there?
- Does the New Testament teach that we must buy land to have an inheritance in God's Kingdom, or is our inheritance kept in heaven for us (1 Peter 1:4)?
- Why would God require a retail license and land purchases as part of His holy revelation?
Redemptive Analogies
Bridges from this text to the Gospel:
The Longing for Zion
Humans have a deep longing for a place of belonging and peace where God rules. This text tries to build it on earth.
Spiritual Weight
Burdens this text places on adherents:
Believers are burdened with the requirement to buy land and fund church operations to secure their spiritual standing. The 'gospel' becomes a financial transaction.
The command to gather physically creates instability for families, uprooting them for a promise that historically failed, leading to trauma and loss.
+ Epistemology
Knowledge Source: Prophetic Revelation (Joseph Smith speaking as God).
Verification Method: Obedience to the directive constitutes acceptance of the truth; the text implies that 'wisdom' is found in following these specific logistical commands.
Evangelical Contrast: Evangelical epistemology relies on the illuminated interpretation of the closed canon of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16). This text relies on ongoing, specific revelation regarding administrative and geographical details, requiring trust in the contemporary prophet's voice as the voice of God.
+ Textual Criticism
Dating: July 20, 1831
Authorship: Joseph Smith
Textual Issues: The 1835 version contains minor edits from the original manuscript (Book of Commandments) to clarify roles, but the core geographical claims remain consistent.