Section 57 (Modern D&C 36)
Overview
This revelation, dated December 9, 1830, addresses Edward Partridge, a recent convert and future first bishop of the movement. The text serves a dual purpose: it validates Partridge's standing before God, declaring his sins forgiven, and simultaneously establishes a strict ecclesiastical hierarchy. While Partridge is called to preach, the text explicitly states that the Holy Ghost will be conferred 'by the hand of my servant Sidney Rigdon.' This establishes a theological precedent where spiritual power and the indwelling of the Comforter are not merely results of faith, but are mediated through specific priesthood channels (Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon). The text commands a gathering to these central figures for ordination, reinforcing the centralization of authority early in the movement's history. It concludes with eschatological urgency, referencing the Lord's sudden return to His temple.
Key Figures
- Jesus Christ (The Lord God)
- Edward Partridge
- Sidney Rigdon
- Joseph Smith, Jr.
Doctrines Analyzed
Key theological claims identified in this text:
Mediated Pneumatology
Assertion
The Holy Ghost is conferred specifically through the laying on of hands by authorized priesthood leaders (Sidney Rigdon in this instance).
Evidence from Text
I will lay my hand upon you by the hand of my servant Sidney Rigdon, and you shall receive my Spirit, the Holy Ghost
Evangelical Comparison
In Evangelical theology, the Holy Spirit is the immediate seal of salvation given to every believer upon the exercise of saving faith (Ephesians 1:13-14, Romans 8:9). There is no human mediator required to impart the Spirit. This text, however, institutionalizes the transmission of the Spirit, making the 'hand of Sidney Rigdon' the instrumental cause of Partridge receiving the Comforter. This shifts the locus of spiritual reception from a vertical relationship (Believer-God) to a triangular one (Believer-Priesthood-God).
Centralized Ecclesiastical Authority
Assertion
Valid ordination and sending require presenting oneself specifically before Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon.
Evidence from Text
as many as shall come before my servants Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith, jr. embracing this calling... shall be ordained
Evangelical Comparison
The text establishes a bottleneck for ministry: one must 'come before' Smith and Rigdon. In the New Testament, while order existed, the authority to preach the Gospel was grounded in the Great Commission given to the church generally (Matthew 28:19-20) and the internal call of the Spirit (Acts 13:2). This text restricts valid ministry to those physically processed by the central leadership, establishing the foundation for the exclusive priesthood claims of Mormonism.
Comparative Analysis
Theological Gap
The fundamental theological gap lies in the mediation of grace. In Evangelicalism, Christ is the sole mediator (1 Timothy 2:5), and the Holy Spirit is His immediate gift to the believer. In this text, while Christ is the source, the *administration* of the Spirit is delegated to Sidney Rigdon via ritual action. This creates a sacerdotal system where spiritual capital is dispensed by the hierarchy, rather than accessed directly through faith. Furthermore, the authority to preach is not derived from the Great Commission but from specific ordination by Smith and Rigdon.
Friction Points
Sola Scriptura
Joseph Smith speaks new words of God in the first person, expanding the canon.
Sola Fide / Sola Gratia
Reception of the Spirit is tied to a ritual act (laying on of hands) rather than faith alone.
Universal Priesthood
Establishes a specific hierarchy (Smith/Rigdon) as the gatekeepers of spiritual authority and the Holy Spirit.
Semantic Warnings
Terms that have different meanings between traditions:
"The Holy Ghost"
In This Text
A spiritual gift conferred by the laying on of hands by authorized priesthood holders.
In Evangelicalism
The third person of the Trinity who indwells every believer upon regeneration (Romans 8:9).
"Save yourselves"
In This Text
Active participation in the gathering and ordinances (contextually implied).
In Evangelicalism
A plea to separate from a corrupt generation (Acts 2:40), but always in the context of salvation being a work of God, not self-rescue (Ephesians 2:8).
Soteriology (Salvation)
Salvation Defined: Implied as forgiveness of sins (v1) and escaping the 'untoward generation' (v2).
How Attained: Forgiveness is declared by the Lord, but the reception of the Spirit and authority requires ritual mediation (laying on of hands).
Basis of Assurance: The prophetic declaration ('your sins are forgiven you') and the 'peaceable things' taught by the Spirit.
Comparison to Sola Fide: The text declares forgiveness, which sounds like grace, but immediately couples it with the necessity of ritual ordination for the Holy Spirit. Evangelicalism separates justification (faith alone) from office (ministry), whereas this text blends standing with God and ecclesiastical function.
Mandates & Requirements
Explicit Commands
- Preach the gospel as with the voice of a trump
- Declare 'Hosanna, blessed be the name of the most high God'
- Cry repentance
- Gird up your loins
Implicit Obligations
- Submit to the authority of Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith
- Accept the laying on of hands for spiritual empowerment
Ritual Requirements
- Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost
- Ordination to the priesthood/ministry
Evangelism Toolkit
Practical tools for engagement and dialogue:
Discovery Questions
Open-ended questions to promote reflection:
- In verse 1, it says Sidney Rigdon will lay hands on Edward so he can receive the Holy Ghost. How does this relate to Ephesians 1:13, which says we are sealed with the Spirit when we believe?
- The text says 'Save yourselves from this untoward generation.' What do you think is the difference between saving yourself and being saved by Christ?
- If the Holy Spirit is God, can a human being control when He is given to another person?
Redemptive Analogies
Bridges from this text to the Gospel:
Garments spotted with the flesh
This creates a bridge to discuss the impossibility of self-cleaning. We all have 'spotted garments' (sin).
The Peaceable Things
Humans long for peace. True peace comes from justification by faith, not ritual performance.
Spiritual Weight
Burdens this text places on adherents:
The believer cannot fully access God (specifically the Holy Spirit) without the intervention of a specific leader (Rigdon/Smith). This creates a spiritual hierarchy where the member is always dependent on the leader for validity.
The command to 'save yourselves' and embrace the calling with 'singleness of heart' places the burden of spiritual safety partially on the adherent's intensity and obedience.
+ Epistemology
Knowledge Source: Prophetic Revelation confirmed by internal feeling.
Verification Method: The text promises the Spirit will teach 'the peaceable things of the kingdom,' implying an emotional or internal sense of peace as verification.
Evangelical Contrast: Biblical epistemology tests spirits against the objective standard of written Scripture (1 John 4:1, Acts 17:11). This text relies on the authority of the speaker (Smith) and the subjective experience of the hearer ('peaceable things').
+ Textual Criticism
Dating: December 9, 1830
Authorship: Joseph Smith (dictated)
Textual Issues: Originally published in the Book of Commandments (1833) as Chapter 38. Re-published in 1835 D&C as Section 57. Minor editing occurred between versions to clarify priesthood terminology.