Section 35
Overview
Doctrine and Covenants Section 35 is a pivotal revelation in early Mormon history, dictated by Joseph Smith in December 1830 and directed primarily at Sidney Rigdon. Rigdon, a former prominent Reformed Baptist (Campbellite) minister, had recently converted to Mormonism, bringing a significant portion of his Ohio congregation with him. In this text, the voice of Jesus Christ speaks directly, validating Rigdon's past ministry as a preparatory work (likening him to John the Baptist) but explicitly invalidating his previous baptisms because they lacked the proper authority to confer the Holy Ghost. The text establishes several core tenets of Mormon theology: the necessity of exclusive priesthood authority (keys) held solely by Joseph Smith, the mandate to confer the Holy Ghost only by the laying on of hands by authorized administrators, and a stark declaration of total apostasy, claiming that 'there are none that doeth good except those who are ready to receive the fulness of my gospel.' Furthermore, the text calls Rigdon to serve as a scribe for Joseph Smith's 'translation' of the Bible (the Joseph Smith Translation), promising that new scriptures will be revealed. The revelation is heavily eschatological, promising miraculous signs, the threshing of nations by the 'weak things of the world,' and the imminent return of Christ, contingent upon the adherents keeping all commandments and covenants.
Key Figures
- Jesus Christ: The claimed first-person speaker of the text, identifying Himself as Alpha and Omega, the crucified Son of God, and the director of the restoration.
- Joseph Smith: Identified as the Lord's servant who holds the exclusive 'keys of the mystery' and the 'fulness of the gospel,' though his position is warned to be conditional upon his faithfulness.
- Sidney Rigdon: The primary addressee, a recent convert called to be Smith's scribe, whose previous ministry is validated as preparatory but whose previous baptisms are deemed insufficient without the newly restored authority.
- John the Baptist: Used as a typological comparison for Sidney Rigdon's preparatory ministry.
- Elijah: Mentioned as a prophesied figure who 'should come,' referencing Malachi's prophecy of restoration before the end times.
Doctrines Analyzed
Key theological claims identified in this text:
Exclusive Priesthood Keys
Assertion
Joseph Smith holds the exclusive keys to the mysteries of God and the fulness of the gospel, which are necessary to lead Israel.
Evidence from Text
And I have given unto him the keys of the mystery of those things which have been sealed... and by the keys which I have given shall they be led, and no more be confounded at all.
Evangelical Comparison
In Mormon theology, 'keys' represent the specific right of presidency and the authority to direct the use of the priesthood on earth. D&C 35 asserts that Joseph Smith was uniquely given these keys to unlock mysteries and lead the church. This creates a hierarchical, mediated system where access to the 'fulness of the gospel' is bottlenecked through one man and his successors. Evangelical Christianity fundamentally rejects this premise based on the doctrine of the Universal Priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9) and the sufficiency of Christ as the sole mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). Furthermore, Evangelicals believe that the 'mystery' of God has already been fully revealed in the New Testament—namely, Christ in you, the hope of glory, and the inclusion of the Gentiles into the promises of God (Colossians 1:26-27, Ephesians 3:4-6). Therefore, no modern prophet is required to hold 'keys' to mysteries that the Apostles already unlocked and recorded in the closed canon of Scripture.
Total Apostasy and Exclusive Truth
Assertion
No one on earth is doing good except those who accept the specific 'fulness of the gospel' restored through Joseph Smith.
Evidence from Text
And there are none that doeth good except those who are ready to receive the fulness of my gospel, which I have sent forth unto this generation.
Evangelical Comparison
D&C 35:12 makes a sweeping, exclusionary claim: 'there are none that doeth good except those who are ready to receive the fulness of my gospel.' In the context of Mormonism, the 'fulness of the gospel' includes the new revelations, priesthood authority, and ordinances restored through Joseph Smith. This doctrine posits a Great Apostasy so complete that all other Christian denominations are viewed as lacking divine authority and failing to do ultimate spiritual 'good.' Evangelical Christianity views this as a direct contradiction of Christ's promise that the gates of hell would not prevail against His church (Matthew 16:18) and that God would receive glory in the church throughout all generations (Ephesians 3:21). While Evangelicals acknowledge historical periods of corruption within visible church institutions, they maintain that the invisible church—the body of true, regenerate believers—has never ceased to exist. Furthermore, Evangelicals recognize the genuine fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) in believers across various denominations who hold to the biblical gospel, rejecting the claim that goodness is restricted to those who accept Joseph Smith.
Continuing Revelation and Open Canon
Assertion
New scriptures will be revealed through Joseph Smith, equivalent to those in God's 'own bosom.'
Evidence from Text
And a commandment I give unto thee—that thou shalt write for him; and the scriptures shall be given, even as they are in mine own bosom, to the salvation of mine own elect;
Evangelical Comparison
This text explicitly commands Sidney Rigdon to act as a scribe for Joseph Smith so that new 'scriptures shall be given.' Historically, this refers to the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible, where Smith added, altered, and expanded biblical texts based on claimed revelation, asserting that plain and precious truths had been lost. The text elevates these new writings to the highest divine level ('as they are in mine own bosom'). Evangelical Christianity operates on the foundational pillar of Sola Scriptura—that the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired, infallible, and sufficient word of God. Evangelicals believe the canon is closed, based on warnings against adding to God's words (Proverbs 30:5-6, Revelation 22:18-19) and the assertion that God has spoken His final, ultimate word through His Son, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2), and the foundational teaching of the original Apostles (Ephesians 2:20). The claim that new scriptures are necessary for the 'salvation of mine own elect' directly undermines the sufficiency of the biblical text (2 Timothy 3:15-17).
Necessity of Priesthood Ordinances for the Holy Ghost
Assertion
The Holy Ghost cannot be received merely by faith or water baptism; it requires the physical laying on of hands by someone holding specific restored authority.
Evidence from Text
Thou didst baptize by water unto repentance, but they received not the Holy Ghost; But now I give unto thee a commandment, that thou shalt baptize by water, and they shall receive the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands...
Evangelical Comparison
The text addresses Sidney Rigdon's past as a Baptist/Campbellite minister. It acknowledges his sincere efforts ('baptize by water unto repentance') but declares them spiritually incomplete because his converts 'received not the Holy Ghost.' The text mandates that the Holy Ghost can only be imparted by the laying on of hands by those possessing the newly restored authority (which Rigdon was about to receive). This institutionalizes the Holy Ghost, making the Spirit's indwelling contingent upon a specific church's ritual. Evangelical Christianity teaches that the Holy Spirit is given by God as a seal and a guarantee the moment a person hears the gospel and believes (Ephesians 1:13-14). While the New Testament does record instances of the laying on of hands by Apostles (e.g., Acts 8), Evangelicals understand these as transitional, historical events demonstrating the unity of the early church (Samaritans and Gentiles being brought into the Jewish-originating church), not as a perpetual, rigid requirement for salvation. Romans 8:9 states clearly, 'Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him,' implying that all true believers possess the Spirit by virtue of their faith, not by a mediated priesthood ordinance.
Conditional Prophetic Calling
Assertion
Joseph Smith's position as the key-holder is conditional upon his faithfulness; if he fails, another will be appointed in his place.
Evidence from Text
...if he abide in me, and if not, another will I plant in his stead. Wherefore, watch over him that his faith fail not...
Evangelical Comparison
Verse 18 introduces a fascinating caveat into Mormon theology: the prophet is fallible and his calling is conditional. The Lord warns that if Joseph Smith does not abide in Him, 'another will I plant in his stead.' This places an immense spiritual burden on the prophet and requires the community (specifically Sidney Rigdon) to 'watch over him that his faith fail not.' From an Evangelical perspective, this highlights the fragility of a system built on a single human mediator. While Evangelicals strongly believe in church discipline and the necessity of moral and doctrinal fidelity for pastors and elders (1 Timothy 3), they do not believe the entire dispensation of the gospel or the 'keys' of the kingdom rest on the shoulders of one man. Christ is the head of the church (Colossians 1:18), and the foundation is already laid (1 Corinthians 3:11). The Evangelical assurance rests entirely on the unfailing nature of Christ, not on whether a human prophet manages to maintain his standing.
Comparative Analysis
Theological Gap (Summary)
The text asserts that the true gospel was lost and had to be restored exclusively through Joseph Smith, requiring new priesthood keys, new scriptures, and new ordinances to receive the Holy Ghost, fundamentally denying the sufficiency of the biblical gospel and the universal priesthood of believers.
Theological Gap (Explained)
The theological chasm between D&C 35 and Evangelical Christianity centers on the doctrines of Ecclesiology (the nature of the church), Authority, and Pneumatology (the Holy Spirit). D&C 35 operates on the premise of a Great Apostasy—the belief that the early Christian church entirely lost divine authority, necessitating a literal 'restoration.' Verse 12 starkly declares that 'there are none that doeth good except those who are ready to receive the fulness of my gospel,' effectively disenfranchising 1,800 years of Christian history and all contemporary non-Mormon believers. This directly violates the Evangelical understanding of Matthew 16:18, where Christ promises the gates of hell will not prevail against His church. Furthermore, the text redefines how the Holy Spirit is received. While Evangelicals hold that the Holy Spirit indwells a believer at the moment of justification by faith (Ephesians 1:13, Romans 8:9), D&C 35:5-6 invalidates Sidney Rigdon's previous Christian baptisms because they lacked the 'laying on of the hands' by someone holding restored priesthood keys. This shifts the reception of the Holy Spirit from a sovereign act of God's grace based on faith to a mechanical ordinance dependent upon a specific human hierarchy. Finally, the text's promise that new 'scriptures shall be given' (v. 20) shatters the Evangelical commitment to Sola Scriptura, opening the door to ongoing theological innovations that contradict the closed biblical canon.
For All Ages
Imagine you have a map that shows you exactly how to get to a treasure. Christians believe the Bible is that complete map, and anyone who reads it and trusts Jesus can find the treasure (salvation). But this text from Mormonism says that the old map isn't enough anymore. It claims that God took away the real power to understand the map a long time ago, and He only gave the special 'keys' to unlock it back to one man: Joseph Smith. Because of this, the text says that even if you love Jesus and were baptized at a regular church, it doesn't fully count. It says you can't even get the Holy Spirit unless someone from Joseph Smith's specific church places their hands on your head. Christians disagree with this because the Bible says that the moment you believe in Jesus, God gives you the Holy Spirit right then and there. We don't need a new prophet with special keys, because Jesus already did everything needed to save us, and the Bible is the only map we need.
Friction Points
Sola Scriptura
The text claims to be direct revelation from Christ, commands the writing of new scriptures (v. 20), and asserts that the Bible is insufficient without Joseph Smith's keys.
Universal Priesthood
Asserts that exclusive 'keys of the mystery' are held by one man (v. 18) and that the Holy Ghost can only be given by authorized administrators laying on hands (v. 6).
Sola Fide
Requires keeping 'all the commandments and covenants by which ye are bound' (v. 24) to ensure Zion flourishes and redemption is achieved.
Ecclesiology (The Church)
Declares a total apostasy where 'none that doeth good' exist outside of those receiving the Mormon restoration (v. 12).
Semantic Warnings
Terms that have different meanings between traditions:
"Fulness of my gospel"
In This Text
The complete set of doctrines, priesthood keys, and ordinances restored through Joseph Smith, necessary for salvation/exaltation.
In Evangelicalism
The good news of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection for the justification of sinners by grace through faith (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
"Sons of God"
In This Text
A status achieved by believing, which in broader Mormon theology is a stepping stone toward exaltation and becoming gods themselves.
In Evangelicalism
Adoption into God's family as created beings who are redeemed, forever distinct from the uncreated Creator (Romans 8:14-15).
"Holy Ghost"
In This Text
A member of the Godhead whose constant companionship is only conferred via the laying on of hands by a Melchizedek priesthood holder.
In Evangelicalism
The third person of the Trinity who immediately and permanently indwells every true believer upon faith in Christ.
Soteriology (Salvation)
Salvation Defined: Becoming 'sons of God' (v. 2), being purified (v. 21), abiding the day of Christ's coming, and the ultimate salvation of Israel (v. 25).
How Attained: By believing on Christ's name, receiving the 'fulness of the gospel' (Mormonism), being baptized by proper authority, receiving the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands, and keeping all commandments and covenants.
Basis of Assurance: Assurance is conditional. It relies on the believer keeping 'all the commandments and covenants' (v. 24) and even relies on the Prophet Joseph Smith maintaining his faithfulness ('if he abide in me', v. 18).
Comparison to Sola Fide: The text explicitly rejects Sola Fide by adding mandatory priesthood ordinances (v. 6) and the strict keeping of covenants (v. 24) as prerequisites for spiritual success and readiness for the Second Coming. In contrast, Romans 3:28 and Ephesians 2:8-9 declare that justification is by faith apart from works of the law or human covenants.
Mandates & Requirements
Explicit Commands
- Listen to the voice of the Lord your God
- Baptize by water
- Confer the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands
- Sidney Rigdon must write for Joseph Smith (act as scribe)
- Watch over Joseph Smith that his faith fail not
- Tarry with Joseph Smith and journey with him
- Forsake him not
- Preach the gospel and call on holy prophets to prove his words (if not writing)
- Keep all the commandments and covenants by which ye are bound
- Lift up your hearts and be glad
- Fear not
Implicit Obligations
- Accept Joseph Smith as the sole legitimate conduit for the 'fulness of the gospel'
- Reject the validity of all previous sectarian baptisms and ordinations
- View the surrounding world and other Christian denominations as 'Babylon' and apostate
- Expect and seek after miraculous signs and wonders as proof of faith
Ritual Requirements
- Baptism by water (administered by restored authority)
- Receiving the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands (administered by restored authority)
Evangelism Toolkit
Practical tools for engagement and dialogue:
Discovery Questions
Open-ended questions to promote reflection:
- In verse 12, the text says 'there are none that doeth good except those who are ready to receive the fulness of my gospel.' How do you view the faith and good works of Christians outside the LDS church throughout history?
- Verse 18 mentions that Joseph Smith could lose his keys if he didn't abide in Christ. How does it feel to know that the restoration of the gospel depended on the ongoing faithfulness of one man?
- If Jesus promised in Matthew 16:18 that the gates of hell would not prevail against His church, why was a complete restoration of keys and authority necessary in 1830?
- Verse 24 commands you to 'keep all the commandments and covenants by which ye are bound.' Do you feel you are successfully keeping *all* of them? What happens if you fall short?
Redemptive Analogies
Bridges from this text to the Gospel:
The desire for a 'shield and buckler' and divine protection (v. 14).
This deep human desire for divine protection and victory over enemies is fully realized in the Gospel. We don't need to 'thresh the nations' or earn this protection through covenant-keeping; Christ has already defeated our greatest enemies—sin and death—on the cross.
The longing for purification and readiness for Christ's return (v. 21).
Mormonism often ties this purification to enduring to the end and keeping covenants. The biblical Gospel offers this purification as a present reality through the blood of Jesus. We are already washed and justified.
Spiritual Weight
Burdens this text places on adherents:
Verse 24 demands that adherents 'Keep all the commandments and covenants by which ye are bound' in order for the heavens to shake for their good and for Zion to flourish. This places an impossible burden of perfection on the believer. If Zion is not flourishing, or if they lack spiritual power, the implicit blame falls on their failure to perfectly keep their covenants.
Verses 17-19 establish that the 'fulness of the gospel' and the 'keys of the mystery' are held by one man, Joseph Smith. This creates a spiritual bottleneck where a believer's connection to ultimate truth and authority is entirely dependent on the legitimacy and faithfulness of a human leader, rather than directly on Christ.
Verse 12 declares that 'none that doeth good' exist outside of those receiving this specific restored gospel. This forces the believer to view all other Christians and the broader world as apostate ('Babylon'), fostering an 'us vs. them' mentality that isolates them from the broader body of Christ.