Section 105
Overview
Doctrine and Covenants Section 105 was given through Joseph Smith in June 1834 following the expedition known as Zion's Camp. The Saints had marched to Missouri to reclaim lands from which they had been expelled, but faced overwhelming opposition and a lack of promised state militia support. This revelation serves as a theological explanation for the expedition's apparent failure. It asserts that the redemption of Zion was deferred not because of God's inability, but due to the transgressions, disunity, and failure of the church members to live the 'law of the celestial kingdom,' specifically regarding the financial consecration of properties to the poor. Consequently, God commands the Saints to wait for a 'little season' to be taught more perfectly and to receive an 'endowment with power from on high' in the Kirtland Temple. The text shifts the immediate strategy from military confrontation to purchasing land, suing for peace, and spiritual preparation, while maintaining a future apocalyptic vision where the 'army of Israel' will become great, sanctified, and eventually take physical possession of their lands, throwing down their enemies. It establishes a paradigm where spiritual and temporal success are strictly contingent upon absolute obedience to celestial laws and the directives of Joseph Smith.
Key Figures
- God/The Lord: The speaker of the revelation, who chastises the Saints, commands their movements, and promises future deliverance contingent on obedience.
- Joseph Smith, Jun.: The prophet and servant who receives the revelation, directs the Saints' locations, and determines who is chosen by the voice of the Spirit.
- The Saints/My people: The members of the church who are chastised for disobedience but promised future blessings if they remain faithful and humble.
- The first elders of my church: Leaders who are exempted from the general condemnation and promised a specific endowment of power.
- The destroyer: An entity sent forth by God to lay waste to the enemies of the church.
- Enemies/Missourians: Those who have smitten the Saints, polluted the heritage, and whose towers will eventually be thrown down.
Doctrines Analyzed
Key theological claims identified in this text:
Conditional Redemption of Zion
Assertion
The physical and spiritual redemption of Zion is contingent upon the Saints' perfect obedience to the law of the celestial kingdom and their financial unity.
Evidence from Text
were it not for the transgressions of my people... they might have been redeemed even now. But behold, they have not learned to be obedient... And Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom (v. 2-5)
Evangelical Comparison
In this text, 'redemption' is heavily tied to a physical location (Zion/Jackson County, Missouri) and the temporal success of the church, which is explicitly thwarted by the members' failure to obey the 'law of the celestial kingdom' (including financial consecration). This creates a works-based paradigm where God's redemptive purposes are contingent upon human performance and perfection. In contrast, Evangelical Christianity understands redemption primarily in a spiritual sense—the forgiveness of sins and justification before God, accomplished entirely and perfectly by Jesus Christ on the cross (Ephesians 1:7, Hebrews 9:12). Biblical redemption is not thwarted by human failing, nor is it dependent on adherence to a 'celestial law' of works, but is received by grace through faith alone (Sola Fide).
The Temple Endowment of Power
Assertion
Elders must receive a specific ritualistic and spiritual endowment in a physical temple before they can have the power to redeem Zion.
Evidence from Text
And this cannot be brought to pass until mine elders are endowed with power from on high. For behold, I have prepared a great endowment and blessing to be poured out upon them (v. 11-12)
Evangelical Comparison
The text mandates a future 'endowment' in a physical temple (Kirtland) as a strict prerequisite for spiritual and temporal power. This introduces a theology of progressive, ritualistic empowerment mediated through specific locations and church hierarchy. Evangelical Christianity, based on the New Testament, teaches that the 'power from on high' promised by Jesus (Luke 24:49) was fulfilled historically at Pentecost (Acts 2). Furthermore, every believer receives the fullness of the Holy Spirit at the exact moment of salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14, 1 Corinthians 12:13). There are no secondary temple rituals required to receive God's power or blessing, as believers themselves are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).
Theocratic Warfare and Vengeance
Assertion
God will eventually hold the 'armies of Israel' (the church) guiltless for violently taking back their lands and avenging God on their enemies.
Evidence from Text
I will hold the armies of Israel guiltless in taking possession of their own lands... and of throwing down the towers of mine enemies that may be upon them, and scattering their watchmen, and avenging me of mine enemies (v. 30)
Evangelical Comparison
The text envisions a future where the church (identified as the 'armies of Israel') will use physical force to reclaim land and exact vengeance, and God will hold them 'guiltless' for these violent actions. This blends Old Testament theocratic warfare with the identity of the modern church. Evangelical Christianity strictly separates the New Testament Church from theocratic nation-state mandates. Jesus explicitly stated, 'My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight' (John 18:36). The Apostle Paul reinforces that 'the weapons of our warfare are not carnal' (2 Corinthians 10:4). Vengeance is reserved solely for God (Romans 12:19), and believers are commanded to love their enemies, not to form literal armies to overthrow them.
Comparative Analysis
Theological Gap (Summary)
The text establishes a works-based, conditional framework for God's promises, heavily reliant on a modern prophet, temple rituals, and theocratic land acquisition, which contradicts the biblical Gospel of grace.
Theological Gap (Explained)
The theological gap between D&C 105 and Evangelical Christianity is profound, centering on the nature of the New Covenant, the role of the Church, and Soteriology. D&C 105 operates on a conditional, works-righteousness paradigm where the fulfillment of God's promises (the redemption of Zion) is thwarted by the moral and financial failures of the church members. It introduces the necessity of a secondary 'endowment' of power mediated through a physical temple, and it envisions the church as a literal 'army' that will eventually use physical force to reclaim land. This violates Sola Fide (justification by faith alone) by making God's favor contingent on strict adherence to the 'law of the celestial kingdom.' It violates Sola Scriptura by introducing new, binding revelations and temple ordinances. Furthermore, it fundamentally misunderstands the nature of the New Testament Church, which is a spiritual kingdom not bound to a specific geography (like Jackson County, Missouri) and is explicitly forbidden from advancing its cause through carnal warfare (John 18:36).
For All Ages
Imagine you are promised a wonderful gift, but then you are told you can't have it yet because you didn't share your toys enough, and you have to go to a special building to learn a secret handshake first. This text says God wanted to give His people a special land, but He took the promise back for a while because they weren't perfectly obedient or sharing their money. It also says they have to go to a special temple to get power. But the Bible teaches that God's greatest gift—forgiveness and the Holy Spirit—is given to us completely free the moment we believe in Jesus. We don't have to earn it by being perfect, and we don't need to go to a special temple to get God's power, because God's Spirit lives inside every Christian!
Friction Points
Sola Fide / Sola Gratia
Makes God's redemptive action contingent upon the Saints' perfect obedience to the 'law of the celestial kingdom' and financial consecration.
Sola Scriptura
Asserts new, binding revelation through Joseph Smith that dictates church action, doctrine, and temple rituals.
Universal Priesthood / Sufficiency of Christ
Requires a physical temple and a specific 'endowment' ritual for leaders to receive power, denying the sufficiency of the Holy Spirit's indwelling at conversion.
Nature of the Church (Ecclesiology)
Commands the church to form an 'army' to eventually take physical possession of lands and exact vengeance on enemies.
Semantic Warnings
Terms that have different meanings between traditions:
"Redemption"
In This Text
The physical reclamation and building up of a geographical location (Zion/Jackson County) and the temporal deliverance of the Saints.
In Evangelicalism
The spiritual deliverance from the penalty and power of sin through the blood of Jesus Christ.
"Endowment"
In This Text
A specific ritualistic outpouring of power and blessing to be received in a physical temple (Kirtland).
In Evangelicalism
The giving of the Holy Spirit to all believers at the moment of salvation, or the equipping of believers with spiritual gifts.
"Sanctified"
In This Text
A state achieved by being 'chosen' and following the counsel of Joseph Smith, leading to power to accomplish the building of Zion.
In Evangelicalism
The positional holiness believers have in Christ, and the progressive work of the Holy Spirit making the believer more like Christ.
Soteriology (Salvation)
Salvation Defined: In this specific text, 'redemption' and 'salvation' are primarily temporal and communal—the establishment of a physical Zion, safety from enemies, and receiving power.
How Attained: Through strict obedience to the celestial law, financial consecration, unity, and following the prophet.
Basis of Assurance: Assurance is highly unstable, as it is entirely dependent on collective obedience. If the group fails to live the law perfectly, God's promises are withdrawn or deferred.
Comparison to Sola Fide: The text stands in stark contrast to Sola Fide. Here, God says, 'Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom; otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself' (v. 5). This is a pure works-righteousness system. Biblical justification is by faith alone: 'For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast' (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Mandates & Requirements
Explicit Commands
- impart of their substance... to the poor and afflicted (v. 3)
- wait for a little season for the redemption of Zion (v. 9, 13)
- continue in humility before me (v. 12)
- let them stay [in the region] (v. 20)
- let them tarry for a little season [in the east] (v. 21)
- be very faithful, and prayerful, and humble before me (v. 23)
- reveal not the things which I have revealed unto them, until it is wisdom in me (v. 23)
- Talk not of judgments, neither boast of faith nor of mighty works (v. 24)
- carefully gather together (v. 24)
- Execute judgment and justice for us according to law, and redress us of our wrongs (v. 25)
- purchasing of all the lands in Jackson county... and in the adjoining counties (v. 28)
- let my army become very great, and let it be sanctified before me (v. 31)
- first elders... should receive their endowment from on high in my house (v. 33)
- let those commandments which I have given concerning Zion and her law be executed (v. 34)
- sue for peace... to all people (v. 38)
- lift up an ensign of peace, and make a proclamation of peace (v. 39)
- make proposals for peace unto those who have smitten you (v. 40)
- be faithful (v. 41)
Implicit Obligations
- Absolute obedience to Joseph Smith's appointments and counsel regarding where to live and travel.
- Financial contribution to purchase lands in Missouri.
- Living the 'law of consecration' regarding personal property.
- Willingness to participate in future physical conflicts to reclaim land as part of the 'army of Israel'.
Ritual Requirements
- Receiving an 'endowment from on high' in the Kirtland temple (v. 11-12, 33).
Evangelism Toolkit
Practical tools for engagement and dialogue:
Discovery Questions
Open-ended questions to promote reflection:
- In verse 5, it says Zion cannot be built up unless it's by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom. How do you know if you or the church are living that law perfectly enough for God to fulfill His promises?
- Verse 14 says God will fight your battles, but verse 30 talks about the armies of Israel throwing down towers and avenging God. How do you reconcile God fighting the battles with the church forming an army to take back land?
- In verse 27, it says God softened Pharaoh's heart. When you read the story of Exodus, do you recall God softening or hardening Pharaoh's heart? Why do you think this verse says 'soften'?
- If the redemption of Zion was delayed because of the members' transgressions (v. 2), does that mean God's plans can be stopped by human failure? How does that compare to Job 42:2, which says no purpose of God can be thwarted?
Redemptive Analogies
Bridges from this text to the Gospel:
The desire for peace and safety.
The text commands the Saints to seek peace with their enemies to find safety. The Gospel teaches that we were once enemies of God, but Christ made peace for us through His cross. We don't have to 'sue for peace' through our own efforts; Christ is our peace.
Spiritual Weight
Burdens this text places on adherents:
The text places the entire burden of the church's success and God's favor on the members' ability to perfectly obey the 'law of the celestial kingdom' and impart their substance. This creates a constant treadmill of performance, where any failure or setback can be blamed on a lack of personal or collective righteousness.
When Zion's Camp failed, the members who had sacrificed time, money, and safety were told it was their own fault due to 'transgressions' and lack of unity. This fosters a culture where leadership is never wrong, and systemic failures are always blamed on the rank-and-file members' lack of faith.
Members are required to wait on the specific appointments of Joseph Smith (v. 21-22) and not reveal things until permitted (v. 23). This demands absolute submission to human leadership, suppressing individual conscience and critical thinking.
The text reinforces a stark division between the 'armies of Israel' and their 'enemies,' promising future vengeance and destruction upon those who oppose them (v. 30). This cultivates a persecution complex and a militaristic spiritual identity.