Section 96
Overview
Given on June 4, 1833, in Kirtland, Ohio, this revelation (now Doctrine and Covenants Section 96) addresses the practical and spiritual management of church resources. Using code names common in early editions to protect church leaders from legal and creditor scrutiny (e.g., 'Enoch' for Joseph Smith, 'Shinehah' for Kirtland), the text directs Newel K. Whitney ('Ahashdah') to manage the land designated for the 'holy house' (the Kirtland Temple). It establishes a system of land inheritance for the Saints and formally inducts John Johnson ('Zombre') into the 'United Firm' or 'Order,' a mercantile and stewardship consecration organization. Theologically, the text is significant for linking financial contribution and debt relief directly to spiritual standing and offering a conditional promise of eternal life based on future obedience.
Key Figures
- God (The Speaker)
- Joseph Smith (referred to as Enoch)
- Newel K. Whitney (referred to as Ahashdah)
- John Johnson (referred to as Zombre)
Doctrines Analyzed
Key theological claims identified in this text:
Conditional Assurance of Eternal Life
Assertion
Eternal life is promised to an individual only on the strict condition of continuous future obedience.
Evidence from Text
unto whom I give a promise of eternal life inasmuch as he keepeth my commandments from henceforth
Evangelical Comparison
In Evangelical theology, assurance of salvation is rooted in the sufficiency of Jesus's sacrifice and the sealing of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14), not in the believer's ability to maintain perfect obedience. This text introduces a 'probationary' assurance where the promise is valid only 'inasmuch' as the believer keeps commandments 'from henceforth.' This shifts the locus of security from the Savior's merit to the sinner's performance, effectively nullifying the concept of 'Sola Fide' (Faith Alone) by reintroducing a works-maintenance system for final salvation.
The United Firm (The Order)
Assertion
Financial assets and land management are directed by divine revelation as a holy order for the 'subduing' of hearts.
Evidence from Text
let it be divided into lots according to wisdom... for the benefit of mine order... for the purpose of subduing the hearts of the children of men
Evangelical Comparison
While Evangelicals practice stewardship, they generally distinguish between the spiritual organism of the Church and business holding companies. This text elevates a specific economic arrangement (the United Firm) to a divine 'order' necessary for the propagation of the word. It implies that the spiritual success of the Gospel ('subduing hearts') is contingent upon the material organization of this specific group, blurring the lines between corporate management and the Great Commission.
Sacred Space (The Holy House)
Assertion
God designates specific geographic locations for a 'holy house' (Temple) essential to His work.
Evidence from Text
the place which is named among you, upon which I design to build mine holy house
Evangelical Comparison
Evangelical Christianity holds that the physical temple system was fulfilled in Christ (John 2:19-21) and that the Church—the people—is now the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). This text reverts to a pre-Christian or Old Testament model where God requires a specific physical structure ('holy house') in a specific location ('Shinehah'/Kirtland) to manifest His power and order, denying the universal priesthood of believers where worship is 'in spirit and in truth' (John 4:21-24) regardless of location.
Comparative Analysis
Theological Gap
The fundamental gap lies in the mechanism of salvation and the nature of the church. Evangelicalism posits a Church built on the confession of Christ, with salvation as a finished work received by faith (Romans 3:28). This text presents a 'Stake of Zion' built on real estate and a 'United Order,' with salvation ('eternal life') presented as a conditional future possibility dependent on the adherent's ability to 'keep commandments from henceforth.' This creates a 'Works-Righteousness' paradigm where the believer's standing before God is never settled but is always contingent on their latest performance.
Friction Points
Sola Fide (Faith Alone)
Salvation is contingent on future obedience ('inasmuch as he keepeth my commandments').
Christology (Sufficiency of Christ)
Implies Christ's work is insufficient to guarantee eternal life without the believer's added works.
Sola Scriptura
Adds new, binding revelation regarding business and land administration.
Universal Priesthood
Establishes a hierarchical 'Order' and a physical 'Holy House' necessary for God's work.
Semantic Warnings
Terms that have different meanings between traditions:
"Eternal Life"
In This Text
A conditional reward (often equated with Exaltation/Godhood in later LDS theology) granted only after proving oneself through obedience.
In Evangelicalism
The present possession of the believer upon faith in Christ (John 5:24), equating to knowing the only true God (John 17:3).
"Zion"
In This Text
A specific geographic location (Kirtland, and later Missouri/Utah) to be built up physically.
In Evangelicalism
The heavenly city or the spiritual body of believers (Hebrews 12:22).
Soteriology (Salvation)
Salvation Defined: Eternal life is a future state to be earned through endurance and obedience.
How Attained: By joining the Order, contributing financially ('taking away incumbrances'), and keeping commandments 'henceforth'.
Basis of Assurance: Personal performance and obedience.
Comparison to Sola Fide: Directly opposes Sola Fide. The text uses 'inasmuch' (to the extent that) as the qualifier for eternal life, whereas Romans 8:1 declares 'There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.'
Mandates & Requirements
Explicit Commands
- Newel K. Whitney must take charge of the specific plot of land.
- The land must be divided into lots for inheritances.
- John Johnson must be ordained into the United Order.
- John Johnson must pay off the debts ('incumbrances') on the property.
Implicit Obligations
- Believers must submit their property rights to the council's determination.
- Financial solvency is a spiritual prerequisite for dwelling in the 'order'.
Ritual Requirements
- Ordination of John Johnson to the blessing of the order.
Evangelism Toolkit
Practical tools for engagement and dialogue:
Discovery Questions
Open-ended questions to promote reflection:
- In verse 2, the promise of eternal life is given 'inasmuch as he keepeth my commandments from henceforth.' How does that phrase make you feel about your own security with God?
- If your eternal life depends on keeping commandments 'from henceforth,' what happens if you have a bad day or a moment of weakness tomorrow?
- How do you interpret the connection between John Johnson paying off the debt on the house and his spiritual standing in the Order?
Redemptive Analogies
Bridges from this text to the Gospel:
The desire for a 'Holy House'
The text reflects a human longing to dwell with God. The Gospel answers this not with a building, but with the indwelling Holy Spirit.
Taking away incumbrances (Debt)
Just as Johnson was asked to pay the debt for the house, Christ paid the debt of sin that was upon us, which we could never pay.
Spiritual Weight
Burdens this text places on adherents:
The phrase 'inasmuch as he keepeth my commandments from henceforth' places an unbearable burden of perfectionism on the believer. It implies that past forgiveness is insufficient if future performance falters.
Linking spiritual acceptance ('member of the order') to financial output ('take away incumbrances') creates a dynamic where spiritual worth is tied to economic utility.
+ Epistemology
Knowledge Source: Prophetic Revelation (The voice of the Lord through Joseph Smith).
Verification Method: Obedience to the instruction and observation of the resulting 'strength' of Zion.
Evangelical Contrast: Evangelical epistemology relies on the illuminated interpretation of the closed biblical canon (2 Timothy 3:16). This text relies on ongoing, extra-biblical revelation that dictates specific real estate and financial transactions as divine law.
+ Textual Criticism
Dating: June 4, 1833
Authorship: Joseph Smith (Voice of God via Smith)
Textual Issues: The 1835 edition used code names (Enoch, Shinehah, etc.) to mask the identities of the individuals and the location (Kirtland) to protect the church's assets from creditors. These were replaced with real names in later editions (1981).