Section 78
Overview
Given in March 1832, Doctrine and Covenants Section 78 addresses the organization of the 'United Firm' (later redacted in the 1835 edition to appear as a 'United Order' or storehouse for the poor to protect the firm from creditors). The text instructs Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Newel K. Whitney to organize the church's temporal assets. Theologically, it bridges the gap between the temporal and spiritual, asserting that believers must be 'equal in earthly things' to obtain 'heavenly things.' It introduces significant esoteric doctrines, specifically identifying Jesus Christ as 'Son Ahman' and Adam as 'Michael,' a prince who holds 'keys of salvation' under Christ. The text establishes a conditional framework for entering the 'celestial world,' contingent upon obedience to these organizational mandates, and warns that breaking this covenant results in being delivered to the 'buffetings of Satan' until a future day of redemption.
Key Figures
- The Lord (Son Ahman)
- Joseph Smith, Jun.
- Newel K. Whitney
- Sidney Rigdon
- Michael (Adam)
- Satan
Doctrines Analyzed
Key theological claims identified in this text:
Conditional Celestial Glory
Assertion
Entrance to the celestial world is contingent upon preparing oneself by doing specific commandments, particularly regarding economic equality.
Evidence from Text
For if you will that I give unto you a place in the celestial world, you must prepare yourselves by doing the things which I have commanded you (D&C 78:7)
Evangelical Comparison
In Evangelical theology, entrance into God's presence is secured solely through the finished work of Christ, received by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). D&C 78:7 explicitly structures the 'celestial world' as a conditional reward based on human preparation and obedience to specific commandments ('doing the things which I have commanded'). This establishes a merit-based soteriology where the believer's actions are the deciding factor in their final state, rather than Christ's righteousness imputed to them.
Adam-ondi-Ahman / Michael's Keys
Assertion
Adam (Michael) is a prince who holds 'keys of salvation' under the direction of Christ.
Evidence from Text
Who hath appointed Michael your prince... and given unto him the keys of salvation under the counsel and direction of the Holy One (D&C 78:16)
Evangelical Comparison
Evangelical Christianity views Adam as the first created man whose fall brought sin into the world (Romans 5:12), possessing no saving authority. D&C 78 elevates Adam (Michael) to a high spiritual office, claiming he holds 'keys of salvation.' While the text subordinates him to Christ ('the Holy One'), assigning saving keys to a created being dilutes the exclusive authority of Jesus, who alone holds the keys of death and Hades (Revelation 1:18) and is the sole mediator (1 Timothy 2:5).
Temporal-Spiritual Equivalence
Assertion
Equality in earthly material goods is a prerequisite for obtaining heavenly equality and blessings.
Evidence from Text
For if ye are not equal in earthly things ye cannot be equal in obtaining heavenly things (D&C 78:6)
Evangelical Comparison
The Bible encourages generosity and care for the poor (2 Corinthians 8-9) but never makes spiritual status or eternal inheritance contingent upon a specific economic system of equality. D&C 78:6 creates a theological dependency where spiritual reception is blocked by material inequality. This fuses the temporal and spiritual into a single system of progression, unlike the Evangelical view where spiritual inheritance is guaranteed by the Spirit regardless of earthly status (Galatians 3:28).
Comparative Analysis
Theological Gap
While both traditions value stewardship, D&C 78 fundamentally alters the requirements for salvation. By asserting that one must 'prepare' for the celestial world by 'doing' commandments (specifically economic ones), it replaces the Evangelical doctrine of Sola Fide (Faith Alone) with a system of progressive sanctification through obedience and ritual covenants. Furthermore, the Christology is compromised by the elevation of Adam (Michael) to a position holding 'keys of salvation,' a role Evangelicals reserve exclusively for the Triune God. The text also implies a 'prosperity gospel' mechanic where thankfulness results in a hundred-fold earthly increase.
Friction Points
Sola Fide
Salvation/Celestial glory is conditional upon 'doing' commandments and economic equality.
Sola Scriptura
Introduces extra-biblical requirements and cosmology (Adam-ondi-Ahman) as binding truth.
Christology
Dilutes Christ's unique mediation by assigning 'keys of salvation' to Adam.
Semantic Warnings
Terms that have different meanings between traditions:
"Salvation"
In This Text
Often synonymous with 'exaltation' or 'celestial glory,' contingent on works and ordinances (v7).
In Evangelicalism
Deliverance from sin and death, granted freely by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8).
"Keys"
In This Text
Authority to direct priesthood labors and administer salvation, held by men and Adam (v16).
In Evangelicalism
Metaphor for authority, ultimately held by Christ (Rev 1:18), with apostolic authority focused on the Gospel message (Matt 16:19).
Soteriology (Salvation)
Salvation Defined: Inheriting 'all things' (v22), obtaining a place in the 'celestial world' (v7), and being made 'rulers over many kingdoms' (v15).
How Attained: Through obedience, organizing legally/economically, being equal in earthly things, and keeping the everlasting covenant.
Basis of Assurance: Based on being a 'faithful and wise steward' (v22).
Comparison to Sola Fide: Directly opposes Sola Fide. Verse 7 explicitly states: 'if you will that I give unto you a place in the celestial world, you must prepare yourselves by doing the things which I have commanded you.' This makes celestial salvation a wage for work, not a gift of grace (Romans 4:4-5).
Mandates & Requirements
Explicit Commands
- Organize and establish a storehouse for the poor (v3)
- Be equal in earthly things (v5-6)
- Sit in council with the saints in Zion (v9)
- Prepare and organize by an everlasting covenant (v11)
- Receive all things with thankfulness (v19)
Implicit Obligations
- Submission to the specific economic orders of church leadership
- Acceptance of Joseph Smith, Newel K. Whitney, and Sidney Rigdon as authoritative regulators of personal property
Ritual Requirements
- Entering into a 'bond or everlasting covenant' regarding property (v11)
Evangelism Toolkit
Practical tools for engagement and dialogue:
Discovery Questions
Open-ended questions to promote reflection:
- In verse 7, it says we must 'prepare' ourselves for the celestial world by 'doing' commandments. How does that fit with the idea that Jesus paid it all?
- Verse 16 mentions that Adam (Michael) was given the 'keys of salvation.' What do you think that means, and how does it relate to Jesus holding the keys of death and hell in Revelation 1:18?
- The text says if we aren't equal in earthly things, we can't be equal in heavenly things. Do you feel that your spiritual standing is tied to your financial participation in the church?
Redemptive Analogies
Bridges from this text to the Gospel:
The Storehouse
The desire to care for the poor reflects God's heart. However, the true 'storehouse' of spiritual provision is Christ himself.
The desire for a permanent order
Humans long for stability and a kingdom that cannot be shaken. This is found only in the Kingdom of God received by grace.
Spiritual Weight
Burdens this text places on adherents:
The believer is burdened with the knowledge that their entrance into the celestial world is contingent upon their performance ('doing the things commanded') and their financial/material compliance. This creates anxiety about whether one has done 'enough' to qualify.
The threat of being 'delivered over to the buffetings of Satan' (v12) for breaking the covenant creates a high-stakes environment of fear rather than a relationship based on love and assurance.
+ Epistemology
Knowledge Source: Prophetic Revelation (The voice of the Lord through Joseph Smith).
Verification Method: Obedience to the revelation is promised to yield understanding and protection from Satan (v10).
Evangelical Contrast: Evangelical epistemology relies on the objective standard of the written Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16). This text relies on subjective, ongoing revelation through a human leader, which introduces doctrines (like Adam holding saving keys) that contradict the tested canon.
+ Textual Criticism
Dating: March 1, 1832 (Kirtland, Ohio).
Authorship: Joseph Smith
Textual Issues: Significant redaction occurred in the 1835 edition. The original 1832 manuscript discussed a 'firm' (business) and mentioned specific mercantile endeavors. The 1835 publication changed 'firm' to 'order' and 'mercantile and publishing establishments' to 'affairs of the storehouse for the poor.'