Section 63
Overview
Doctrine and Covenants Section 63 is a revelation given through Joseph Smith in August 1831, addressing the early Latter-day Saints' anxieties regarding the establishment of Zion in Missouri. The text opens with a stark declaration of God's sovereignty and impending wrath upon the wicked and rebellious. It strongly condemns the seeking of signs, establishing the epistemological principle that faith does not come by signs, but rather signs follow those who already believe. The revelation issues severe warnings against adultery and lust, stating that those who commit adultery in their hearts will lose the Spirit, deny the faith, and face the 'second death.' A significant portion of the text provides practical and financial directives for the gathering to Zion. The Lord commands the Saints to purchase the land rather than taking it by force ('by blood'), warning that violence would lead to their own destruction. Specific individuals, such as Titus Billings and Newel K. Whitney, are given instructions regarding their properties and funds, emphasizing the need to consecrate wealth for the building of Zion. Eschatologically, the text describes a coming day of wrath, wars, and the transfiguration of the earth. It promises millennial blessings where the faithful dead will rise and the living will be changed 'in the twinkling of an eye.' The revelation concludes with a rebuke of Sidney Rigdon for pride, and a strict warning against taking the Lord's name in vain, which the text uniquely defines as using God's name without proper priesthood authority.
Key Figures
- Jesus Christ / The Lord: The speaker of the revelation, asserting absolute sovereignty, judgment, and the power to grant spiritual and temporal inheritances.
- Joseph Smith, Jun.: The prophet receiving the revelation, granted specific power to discern by the Spirit who should go to Zion and who should tarry.
- Titus Billings: A disciple commanded to dispose of his land and prepare to journey to Zion in the spring.
- Newel K. Whitney: A disciple commanded to retain his store for a season, impart his money to Zion, and be ordained as an agent.
- Oliver Cowdery: Commanded to visit churches with Newel K. Whitney to expound these teachings and obtain moneys.
- Sidney Rigdon: Rebuked for exalting himself in his heart and grieving the Spirit; his previous writing is rejected by the Lord.
Doctrines Analyzed
Key theological claims identified in this text:
Epistemology of Signs
Assertion
Faith does not come by signs; rather, signs follow those who already believe. Seeking signs for faith displeases God and leads to condemnation.
Evidence from Text
But, behold, faith cometh not by signs, but signs follow those that believe. (v. 9) ... I, the Lord, am not pleased with those among you who have sought after signs and wonders for faith (v. 12)
Evangelical Comparison
Both Mormonism and Evangelical Christianity recognize that a faith entirely dependent on miraculous signs is immature or even wicked, echoing Jesus' rebuke of the Pharisees in Matthew 12:39. However, in Mormon epistemology, this doctrine is often utilized to dismiss the need for historical or archaeological evidence for its unique truth claims (such as the Book of Mormon). Evangelicalism, while affirming that 'faith is the assurance of things hoped for' (Hebrews 11:1), roots its faith in the historically verifiable event of the Resurrection (1 Corinthians 15) and the historically grounded texts of the Bible. Evangelicals do not view the desire for historical corroboration as 'sign-seeking,' whereas this text strictly separates faith from external verification.
Apostasy through Mental Lust
Assertion
Lusting after a woman constitutes adultery in the heart, which results in the immediate loss of the Holy Spirit, denial of the faith, and fear.
Evidence from Text
he that looketh on a woman to lust after her, or if any shall commit adultery in their hearts, they shall not have the Spirit, but shall deny the faith and shall fear. (v. 16)
Evangelical Comparison
This doctrine takes Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:28) and attaches a severe, immediate pneumatological consequence to it. According to this text, a lustful thought causes the Holy Spirit to depart, leading inevitably to denying the faith. In Evangelical theology, the Holy Spirit is given as a permanent seal and guarantee of salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14, 4:30). While a believer can 'grieve' or 'quench' the Spirit through sin, the Spirit does not abandon the justified believer. The Evangelical view provides assurance of salvation despite ongoing struggles with the flesh (Romans 7:14-25), whereas this text creates a precarious state where salvation and the presence of God are lost the moment a sinful thought occurs.
Exclusive Authority to Use God's Name
Assertion
Taking the Lord's name in vain is defined as using His name without proper (institutional) authority.
Evidence from Text
many there be who are under this condemnation, who use the name of the Lord, and use it in vain, having not authority. (v. 62)
Evangelical Comparison
This is a profound redefinition of the Third Commandment (Exodus 20:7). In Evangelical theology, taking the Lord's name in vain refers to speaking of God irreverently, using His name in false oaths, or emptying His name of its holy significance. In contrast, D&C 63:62 defines it as an issue of institutional authority. To use God's name (e.g., in baptism, preaching, or casting out demons) without the specific priesthood authority restored through Joseph Smith is to take it in vain. This directly contradicts the Evangelical doctrine of the Universal Priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9) and Jesus' own teaching in Mark 9:38-40, where He forbade His disciples from stopping a man casting out demons in His name simply because 'he does not follow us.'
Conditional Reception of Mysteries
Assertion
The mysteries of the kingdom are not given freely but are dispensed conditionally based on strict obedience to commandments.
Evidence from Text
But unto him that keepeth my commandments I will give the mysteries of my kingdom (v. 23)
Evangelical Comparison
In this text, spiritual knowledge ('mysteries') is a reward earned through obedience to commandments. This reflects the broader Mormon paradigm of progressive, works-based exaltation. In Evangelical theology, the 'mystery' of God is not a secret, esoteric knowledge reserved for the hyper-obedient, but rather the previously hidden plan of salvation now fully revealed in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:9, 3:3-9; Colossians 1:26-27). This mystery is freely given and understood by all who have the indwelling Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:12-14), based on grace, not on a prerequisite of perfect obedience.
Comparative Analysis
Theological Gap (Summary)
The text introduces a works-based acquisition of spiritual mysteries, demands financial contributions for eternal inheritance, and restricts the valid use of God's name to those with specific institutional authority.
Theological Gap (Explained)
D&C 63 presents a theological framework that significantly diverges from Evangelical Protestantism, particularly in its soteriology, pneumatology, and ecclesiology. First, the text conditions the reception of the Holy Spirit and spiritual standing on strict obedience and absolute mental purity (v. 16), contrasting sharply with the Evangelical doctrine of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as a permanent seal of salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14). Second, the text redefines the Third Commandment (taking the Lord's name in vain) to mean acting without LDS priesthood authority (v. 61-62). This denies the Universal Priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9) and establishes an exclusive institutional mediator between God and man. Finally, the text intertwines spiritual inheritance with financial and temporal obedience—specifically, purchasing land in Zion and submitting to Joseph Smith's directives. This conflates earthly, institutional building with eternal justification, violating Sola Fide.
For All Ages
Imagine you have a free ticket to the best theme park ever, given to you by a friend who already paid for it. That's how Evangelicals see heaven—Jesus paid for it completely. But this text says you have to keep proving you deserve the ticket by obeying rules perfectly, giving money to build a specific city, and only listening to certain leaders. It also says if you even think about doing something bad, you lose the Holy Spirit. Evangelicals believe the Holy Spirit stays with you forever once you believe in Jesus, helping you get better, rather than leaving you the moment you mess up.
Friction Points
Sola Scriptura
Introduces new, binding revelation that commands temporal actions and redefines biblical commandments.
Sola Fide
Ties eternal inheritance and the reception of spiritual mysteries to strict obedience and financial contributions.
Universal Priesthood
Restricts the valid use of God's name to those holding specific institutional authority, condemning others.
Eternal Security / Perseverance of the Saints
Claims that a single lustful thought causes the immediate loss of the Holy Spirit and inevitable apostasy.
Semantic Warnings
Terms that have different meanings between traditions:
"Taking the Lord's name in vain"
In This Text
Using the name of the Lord without proper LDS priesthood authority.
In Evangelicalism
Using God's name irreverently, falsely swearing by it, or emptying it of its holy significance.
"Inheritance"
In This Text
A physical plot of land in Zion (Missouri) and a corresponding eternal reward, obtained through financial purchase and obedience.
In Evangelicalism
The eternal kingdom and salvation freely given to believers as co-heirs with Christ, secured by His grace.
Soteriology (Salvation)
Salvation Defined: Overcoming the world, receiving an inheritance in this world and the world to come, and participating in the first resurrection.
How Attained: Enduring in faith, doing God's will, keeping commandments, and contributing temporally and financially to the establishment of Zion.
Basis of Assurance: Conditional upon continuous obedience, financial sacrifice, and maintaining absolute mental purity.
Comparison to Sola Fide: D&C 63:20 states, 'he that endureth in faith and doeth my will, the same shall overcome, and shall receive an inheritance.' This combines faith with works ('doeth my will') as the basis for inheritance, contradicting Romans 4:4-5 and Ephesians 2:8-9, which base inheritance solely on grace through faith.
Mandates & Requirements
Explicit Commands
- Hearken, O ye people, and open your hearts and give ear from afar (v. 1)
- let the wicked take heed (v. 6)
- let the rebellious fear and tremble (v. 6)
- let the unbelieving hold their lips (v. 6)
- Let such beware and repent speedily (v. 15)
- assemble themselves together unto the land of Zion, not in haste (v. 24)
- purchase the lands (v. 27)
- every man should take righteousness in his hands and faithfulness upon his loins (v. 37)
- lift a warning voice unto the inhabitants of the earth (v. 37)
- let my disciples in Kirtland arrange their temporal concerns (v. 38)
- Let my servant Titus Billings... dispose of the land (v. 39)
- let all the moneys which can be spared... be sent up unto the land of Zion (v. 40)
- Let my servant Newel K. Whitney retain his store (v. 42)
- let him impart all the money which he can impart (v. 43)
- let him be ordained as an agent unto the disciples (v. 45)
- speedily visit the churches, expounding these things unto them (v. 46)
- let all men beware how they take my name in their lips (v. 61)
- let the church repent of their sins (v. 63)
- Remember that that which cometh from above is sacred, and must be spoken with care (v. 64)
- Let my servants, Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon, seek them a home (v. 65)
Implicit Obligations
- Submit to Joseph Smith's spiritual discernment regarding who is permitted to move to Zion.
- Accept the rejection of Sidney Rigdon's writings as divine discipline.
- Maintain absolute mental purity to avoid losing the Holy Spirit.
- Trust that the Lord's commands regarding real estate and finances are spiritually binding.
Ritual Requirements
- Ordination to specific powers and offices (v. 45, 57).
Evangelism Toolkit
Practical tools for engagement and dialogue:
Discovery Questions
Open-ended questions to promote reflection:
- In verse 16, it says that if someone lusts in their heart, they will not have the Spirit and will deny the faith. How do you find peace and assurance of your standing with God when the standard for keeping the Spirit is absolute mental perfection?
- Verse 62 talks about taking the Lord's name in vain by using it without authority. How does this compare to the biblical teaching in Mark 9:38-40, where Jesus tells John not to stop someone casting out demons in His name, even though they weren't part of their specific group?
- When you read about the requirement to send money to purchase Zion to receive an inheritance (v. 48), how do you reconcile that with the free gift of eternal life described in Romans 6:23?
Redemptive Analogies
Bridges from this text to the Gospel:
The desire for an inheritance and a place of belonging (Zion).
The longing for a physical Zion and an inheritance reflects a deep human desire for God's Kingdom and a permanent home. The Gospel teaches that our inheritance is not purchased with money or land, but is kept in heaven for us, imperishable, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Spiritual Weight
Burdens this text places on adherents:
Verse 16 places an immense psychological burden on the believer by stating that a single lustful thought results in the loss of the Holy Spirit and inevitable apostasy. This creates a hyper-vigilant, fear-based internal life where normal human struggles with temptation are viewed as catastrophic spiritual failures, robbing the believer of any assurance of grace.
Verses 40-48 tie spiritual inheritance and eternal reward directly to the giving of money ('all the moneys which can be spared') to the church for the building of Zion. This creates a transactional relationship with God and places heavy temporal burdens on families to prove their faithfulness through financial sacrifice.