Section 66b (Modern D&C 53)
Overview
This revelation, dated June 8, 1831, is addressed to Sidney Gilbert, a business associate of Joseph Smith. In the text, the voice of the Lord confirms Gilbert's request to know his standing and calling within the newly restored church. The text establishes a distinct ecclesiological structure, appointing Gilbert to the office of Elder and the role of 'agent' (a financial/business capacity) under the direction of the Bishop. Theologically, the text bridges the immediate practical commands (forsaking the world, traveling with Smith and Rigdon) with soteriological claims. It asserts that the reception of the Holy Spirit is contingent upon the ordinance of the laying on of hands and establishes a 'progressive' revelation model where further knowledge ('the residue') is withheld until the adherent proves themselves through labor. It concludes with a stern warning that salvation is reserved strictly for those who 'endureth unto the end,' framing salvation as a conditional future state rather than a present possession.
Key Figures
- Jesus Christ (The Lord)
- Sidney Gilbert
- Joseph Smith, Jr.
- Sidney Rigdon
- The Bishop (Edward Partridge, implied)
Doctrines Analyzed
Key theological claims identified in this text:
Conditional Revelation
Assertion
Further spiritual knowledge and ordinances ('the residue') are granted only in proportion to the adherent's work ('according to your labor').
Evidence from Text
the residue shall be made known in a time to come, according to your labor in my vineyard.
Evangelical Comparison
In Evangelical theology, the 'mystery' of the Gospel has been fully disclosed in Christ (Colossians 1:26) and Scripture is sufficient (2 Timothy 3:16). This text introduces a tiered system of knowledge where the 'residue' (remaining ordinances or truths) is withheld by God until the adherent performs sufficient 'labor.' This creates a merit-based epistemology where spiritual depth is earned rather than freely given by the Spirit to all believers.
Ordinance-Based Pneumatology
Assertion
The Holy Spirit is received specifically through the ritual of laying on of hands by authorized priesthood holders.
Evidence from Text
reception of the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands.
Evangelical Comparison
While the book of Acts records the laying on of hands, Evangelical theology maintains that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit occurs at the moment of regeneration by faith (Galatians 3:2, Romans 8:9). This text institutionalizes the Holy Spirit as a gift dispensed through priesthood authority and ritual ('ordinances'), effectively placing a human mediator between the believer and the reception of God's presence.
Conditional Salvation
Assertion
Salvation is not a finished work but a future possibility contingent on enduring to the end.
Evidence from Text
it is he only who is saved, that endureth unto the end
Evangelical Comparison
The text utilizes the phrase 'endureth unto the end' to define the prerequisite for being 'saved.' In Evangelical soteriology, endurance is the *evidence* of salvation, not the *cause* of it. By stating 'he only who is saved' is the one who endures, the text shifts the locus of security from Christ's finished work on the cross to the believer's ongoing performance and fidelity.
Comparative Analysis
Theological Gap
While the text opens with a seemingly orthodox reference to Christ being 'crucified for the sins of the world,' it immediately pivots to a system of salvation that requires additional mediators (priesthood), additional rituals (ordinances), and additional works (laboring to receive the residue). The fundamental gap is between 'It is Finished' (John 19:30) and 'It is Conditional.' The text presents a God who withholds the fullness of His will until the human agent performs adequately, contrasting sharply with the God of Grace who gives freely to the undeserving.
Friction Points
Sola Scriptura
Adds new commandments and requirements for salvation not found in the Bible.
Universal Priesthood
Restricts the Holy Spirit's reception to a ritual performed by specific priesthood holders.
Sola Fide
Conditions salvation on enduring in works and labor rather than faith alone.
Semantic Warnings
Terms that have different meanings between traditions:
"Ordinances"
In This Text
Saving rituals (like ordination and laying on of hands) required for spiritual power and salvation.
In Evangelicalism
Outward rites (Baptism/Communion) that symbolize inner grace but do not cause salvation.
"Saved"
In This Text
A final state achieved only after enduring to the end of life in obedience.
In Evangelicalism
A present state of justification possessed by the believer upon faith (Ephesians 2:8).
Soteriology (Salvation)
Salvation Defined: A future state contingent on enduring to the end and keeping ordinances.
How Attained: Faith + Repentance + Ordinances (Laying on of hands) + Labor/Endurance.
Basis of Assurance: Low assurance; based on the individual's ability to endure and labor.
Comparison to Sola Fide: Directly contradicts Sola Fide by adding 'ordinances' and 'labor' as necessary components for the reception of the Spirit and final salvation (Galatians 3:2-3).
Mandates & Requirements
Explicit Commands
- Forsake the world
- Take upon you mine ordinances (become an Elder)
- Preach faith, repentance, and remission of sins
- Act as an agent to the church
- Journey with Joseph Smith Jr. and Sidney Rigdon
Implicit Obligations
- Submit to the Bishop's direction regarding location
- Labor continuously to unlock future revelation
- Accept the exclusivity of the church 'raised up in these last days'
Ritual Requirements
- Ordination to Elder
- Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost
Evangelism Toolkit
Practical tools for engagement and dialogue:
Discovery Questions
Open-ended questions to promote reflection:
- In this passage, the Lord says the 'residue' of knowledge depends on your labor. How do you know when you have labored enough to receive God's full will?
- The text mentions receiving the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands. How does that compare to Acts 10:44, where the Spirit fell on people simply because they heard and believed the Word?
- If salvation is only for those who endure to the end, can you have peace with God right now, or is your status always 'pending'?
Redemptive Analogies
Bridges from this text to the Gospel:
The Desire for Calling and Election
Gilbert wanted to know he was chosen. The Gospel offers this assurance not through a new revelation or job title, but through being 'chosen in Him before the foundation of the world' (Ephesians 1:4).
Spiritual Weight
Burdens this text places on adherents:
The believer is told that God is holding back information ('the residue') until they work hard enough. This creates a relationship based on transaction rather than intimacy.
The believer cannot receive the Holy Spirit directly from God by faith but must rely on a human administrator ('laying on of hands'), creating spiritual dependency on men.
The command to 'endure to the end' to be saved, without the counterbalance of Christ's finished work, places the entire burden of salvation on the believer's consistency.
+ Epistemology
Knowledge Source: Prophetic Revelation (Joseph Smith speaking for God).
Verification Method: Subjective confirmation of prayers ('I have heard your prayers').
Evangelical Contrast: Biblical epistemology relies on the objective standard of written Scripture (Acts 17:11). This text relies on a modern prophet's utterance validated by the adherent's internal desire for an answer.
+ Textual Criticism
Dating: June 8, 1831
Authorship: Joseph Smith (dictated)
Textual Issues: This text was later canonized as D&C 53. The 1835 version shows the formalization of church offices (Elder, Bishop) that were evolving during this period.