Section 77
Overview
Doctrine and Covenants Section 77 is a unique text within the Latter-day Saint scriptural canon, structured entirely as a catechism or Q&A session. Dictated by Joseph Smith in March 1832 during his ongoing effort to produce an inspired revision of the Bible (the Joseph Smith Translation), this section serves as an authoritative hermeneutical key for the Book of Revelation, specifically chapters 4 through 11. The text systematically addresses apocalyptic symbols—such as the sea of glass, the four beasts, the twenty-four elders, the book with seven seals, the 144,000, and the two witnesses. Theologically, D&C 77 acts as a bridge between ancient biblical apocalypticism and 19th-century Mormon restorationism. It injects distinct Latter-day Saint concepts into the Johannine text. For example, it defines the 144,000 not merely as Israelites, but specifically as 'high priests, ordained unto the holy order of God.' It asserts that animals have eternal spirits in the likeness of their physical bodies, establishes a strict 7,000-year timeline for the earth's 'temporal existence,' and identifies John the Revelator himself as an 'Elias' tasked with a continuing mission to gather Israel. For the Latter-day Saint, this text demonstrates Joseph Smith's role as a seer capable of unlocking ancient mysteries. For the Evangelical Christian, it represents a profound departure from the grammatical-historical method of biblical interpretation, replacing the sufficiency of Scripture with modern prophetic fiat and introducing anachronistic theological categories into the biblical text.
Key Figures
- John the Revelator: The author of the Book of Revelation, identified in this text as the one who ate the 'little book' (Rev 10) and is designated as an 'Elias' who must come to restore all things and gather the tribes of Israel.
- Elias: A title or figure mentioned in verses 9 and 14. In verse 9, Elias is the angel ascending from the east to seal the servants of God. In verse 14, John himself is identified as Elias.
- The Four Beasts: Described not as mere symbols, but as figurative expressions representing the happiness and eternal felicity of man, beasts, creeping things, and fowls, limited to four individual beasts representing classes of beings.
- The Four and Twenty Elders: Identified as faithful, deceased elders from the seven churches of Asia who are now in the paradise of God.
- The Four Angels: Angels sent from God with power over the four parts of the earth to save or destroy, and to commit the everlasting gospel to all nations.
- The 144,000: Identified specifically as high priests ordained unto the holy order of God to administer the everlasting gospel.
- The Two Witnesses: Two prophets who will be raised up to the Jewish nation in the last days after the Jews have gathered and rebuilt Jerusalem.
Doctrines Analyzed
Key theological claims identified in this text:
Sanctification of the Earth
Assertion
The 'sea of glass' in Revelation 4:6 represents the earth in its sanctified, immortal, and eternal state.
Evidence from Text
Q. What is the sea of glass spoken of by John, 4th chapter, and 6th verse of the Revelation? A. It is the earth, in its sanctified, immortal, and eternal state.
Evangelical Comparison
In Evangelical theology, the 'sea of glass' in Revelation 4:6 is typically interpreted through the lens of Old Testament temple imagery (the bronze laver) and Ezekiel's visions, symbolizing the unapproachable holiness, purity, and majesty of God's heavenly throne room. It emphasizes the Creator/creature distinction. D&C 77:1 shifts this to a material eschatology, claiming the sea of glass is the Earth itself after it has been sanctified and immortalized. While Evangelicals believe in a New Heaven and New Earth (Revelation 21), the specific identification of the sea of glass as a crystallized, immortalized Earth is unique to Mormonism and reflects its broader theological materialism (the idea that spirit is refined matter and the earth will become a Urim and Thummim, as seen in D&C 130).
Eternal Spirits of Animals
Assertion
Animals, creeping things, and fowls have spirits that are in the exact likeness of their physical bodies, and they will enjoy eternal felicity.
Evidence from Text
...that which is spiritual being in the likeness of that which is temporal; and that which is temporal in the likeness of that which is spiritual; the spirit of man in the likeness of his person, as also the spirit of the beast, and every other creature which God has created.
Evangelical Comparison
D&C 77:2-3 asserts a one-to-one correspondence between the physical and spiritual creation of all living things, explicitly stating that beasts have spirits in the likeness of their bodies and will dwell in 'eternal felicity.' Evangelical Christianity maintains a sharp distinction between humanity, created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27) with an eternal soul, and the animal kingdom. While some Evangelicals believe animals may be present in the New Earth based on passages like Isaiah 11, the Bible does not teach that animals possess eternal, pre-existent, or immortal spirits analogous to human spirits. The Mormon doctrine elevates the metaphysical status of animals beyond biblical parameters.
The 7,000-Year Temporal Existence
Assertion
The earth has a temporal (fallen) existence strictly limited to 7,000 years, corresponding to the seven seals of Revelation.
Evidence from Text
We are to understand that it contains the revealed will, mysteries, and the works of God; the hidden things of his economy concerning this earth during the seven thousand years of its continuance, or its temporal existence.
Evangelical Comparison
D&C 77:6-7 and 12 establish a rigid chronological framework: the earth's 'temporal existence' (usually interpreted by LDS leaders as the time since the Fall of Adam) will last exactly 7,000 years, with the Millennium occurring in the seventh thousand years. Evangelicalism encompasses various views on the age of the earth (Young Earth, Old Earth, Theistic Evolution), but generally agrees that the seven seals of Revelation are not a literal 7,000-year historical timeline. Furthermore, Jesus explicitly stated that no one knows the day or hour of His return (Matthew 24:36), making strict millennial timetables highly problematic from an Evangelical perspective.
The 144,000 as High Priests
Assertion
The 144,000 mentioned in Revelation 7 are high priests ordained to the holy order of God to administer the everlasting gospel.
Evidence from Text
We are to understand that those who are sealed are high priests, ordained unto the holy order of God, to administer the everlasting gospel...
Evangelical Comparison
This is a major point of theological divergence. D&C 77:11 defines the 144,000 as 'high priests.' In Mormonism, 'High Priest' is an office within the Melchizedek Priesthood held by many mortal men. In strict Evangelical theology, based heavily on the Book of Hebrews (Hebrews 7:23-28, 9:11-12), the Old Testament Levitical high priesthood was fulfilled and abolished by Jesus Christ. Christ is the *only* High Priest of the New Covenant, and His priesthood is untransferable (aparabaton). Therefore, ordaining 144,000 men as 'high priests' is viewed by Evangelicals as a usurpation of Christ's exclusive mediatorial role and a violation of the universal priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9).
John the Revelator as Elias
Assertion
John the Apostle is identified as 'Elias' who must come to restore all things and gather the tribes of Israel.
Evidence from Text
We are to understand that it was a mission, and an ordinance, for him to gather the tribes of Israel; behold, this is Elias, who, as it is written, must come and restore all things.
Evangelical Comparison
In D&C 77:14, the text identifies John the Revelator as 'Elias.' In Mormon theology, 'Elias' is often treated as a title for a forerunner or restorer, distinct from the historical prophet Elijah (though sometimes overlapping). Evangelical Christianity, relying on the Greek New Testament, recognizes that 'Elias' (Ἠλίας) is simply the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name 'Elijah' (אֵלִיָּהוּ). Jesus explicitly identified John the Baptist as the 'Elijah' who was to come (Matthew 11:14, 17:12-13). Assigning the title and restorative mission of 'Elias' to John the Apostle is seen by Evangelicals as a misunderstanding of biblical languages and a contradiction of Christ's own words regarding John the Baptist.
Comparative Analysis
Theological Gap (Summary)
D&C 77 diverges from Evangelicalism by introducing extra-biblical priesthood offices (144,000 high priests), redefining biblical figures (John as Elias), and imposing a strict 7,000-year timeline on the earth's temporal existence.
Theological Gap (Explained)
The theological gap between D&C 77 and Evangelicalism is primarily hermeneutical and ecclesiological. Hermeneutically, Evangelicalism relies on the grammatical-historical method, allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture. Apocalyptic literature like Revelation is understood through its Old Testament antecedents (Daniel, Ezekiel, Zechariah). D&C 77, however, employs prophetic fiat—Joseph Smith dictates the meaning of symbols through direct revelation, often bypassing the historical context of the first-century author. Ecclesiologically, the gap is severe regarding the priesthood. D&C 77:11 explicitly identifies the 144,000 as 'high priests, ordained unto the holy order of God.' In Evangelical theology, grounded in the Book of Hebrews, the office of High Priest was uniquely and permanently fulfilled by Jesus Christ. He has no successors in this role. The idea of ordaining 144,000 mortal men as 'high priests' to administer the gospel is viewed as a direct contradiction of Christ's finished work and His exclusive mediatorial role. Furthermore, the text's redefinition of 'Elias' as a title applied to John the Apostle contradicts the Evangelical understanding of the Greek text, where Elias is simply the name Elijah.
For All Ages
Imagine you have a really complex, beautiful puzzle box (the Book of Revelation). Evangelical Christians believe the instructions to open the box are hidden inside other parts of the Bible, and if you study the Bible carefully, you can figure it out. Mormonism teaches that Joseph Smith was given a brand new, special key by God to open the box. But when he opened it, he said things were inside that Christians don't believe are there. For example, the Bible says Jesus is our only High Priest now, but Joseph Smith said there are 144,000 high priests. He also said the earth will only be in its current state for exactly 7,000 years. Christians believe we should just trust what the Bible says without adding new keys that change the meaning of the words.
Friction Points
Sola Scriptura
Adds authoritative, infallible interpretation to the Book of Revelation, introducing concepts (animal spirits, 7,000 years, John as Elias) not found in the biblical text.
Universal Priesthood / Christology
Establishes an order of 144,000 mortal 'high priests,' contradicting Hebrews 7 which teaches Jesus is the final, exclusive High Priest.
Biblical Inerrancy / Translation
Misunderstands the Greek word 'Elias' (Elijah) by turning it into a title applied to John the Apostle.
Semantic Warnings
Terms that have different meanings between traditions:
"High Priests"
In This Text
An office within the 'holy order of God' (Melchizedek Priesthood) held by mortal men (the 144,000) who administer the gospel.
In Evangelicalism
In the Old Covenant, the chief religious official. In the New Covenant, an exclusive title for Jesus Christ, who offered Himself once for all.
"Elias"
In This Text
A title or office of restoration, applied in this text to John the Revelator.
In Evangelicalism
The Greek transliteration of the Hebrew prophet Elijah.
"Ordinance"
In This Text
A required religious ritual or specific commissioned mission (as applied to John eating the little book).
In Evangelicalism
A decree or command; in church practice, a symbolic rite (like baptism or communion) that does not confer saving grace.
Soteriology (Salvation)
Salvation Defined: The text speaks of God completing 'the salvation of man' (v. 12) and beings enjoying 'eternal felicity' (v. 3).
How Attained: Implied through the administration of the 'everlasting gospel' by ordained high priests (v. 11) and participation in ordinances (v. 14).
Basis of Assurance: Assurance is tied to being 'sealed' (v. 9, 11) and being faithful in the work of the ministry (v. 5).
Comparison to Sola Fide: The text emphasizes the necessity of priesthood authority ('ordained unto the holy order of God') to administer the gospel, which contrasts with Sola Fide. In Evangelicalism, salvation is received by faith alone in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9), without the necessary mediation of a mortal priesthood hierarchy.
Mandates & Requirements
Implicit Obligations
- Accept Joseph Smith's prophetic authority as the sole legitimate interpreter of biblical mysteries.
- Believe in the necessity of priesthood ordination to administer the gospel (as modeled by the 144,000).
- Anticipate the literal gathering of the tribes of Israel and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
Ritual Requirements
- Ordination to the 'holy order of God' (Melchizedek Priesthood) to administer the gospel.
- Participation in 'ordinances' (implied by John's mission being described as an ordinance in v. 14).
Evangelism Toolkit
Practical tools for engagement and dialogue:
Discovery Questions
Open-ended questions to promote reflection:
- In verse 11, the 144,000 are called 'high priests.' When we read Hebrews 7:23-25, it says that the old priests had to be many because they died, but Jesus holds His priesthood permanently. How do you reconcile the need for 144,000 high priests with Jesus being our final High Priest?
- Verse 14 identifies John as 'Elias.' In Matthew 11:14, Jesus explicitly says that John the Baptist is the 'Elias' (Elijah) who was to come. How do we understand Jesus's words in light of this verse?
- If the earth's temporal existence is strictly 7,000 years as verse 6 says, how do we handle the overwhelming historical and archaeological evidence of human civilizations existing long before 4000 BC?
Redemptive Analogies
Bridges from this text to the Gospel:
The Sea of Glass as a Sanctified Earth
While Evangelicals disagree with the materialist interpretation of the sea of glass, the underlying desire for a sanctified, pure, and eternal dwelling place is deeply biblical. We can bridge this to the promise of the New Heaven and New Earth, where God will wipe away every tear and dwell directly with His people.
Spiritual Weight
Burdens this text places on adherents:
The believer is taught that the Bible is inherently mysterious, sealed, or incomprehensible without the mediation of a modern prophet. This creates a reliance on the LDS Church hierarchy for truth, stripping the believer of the confidence to read and understand God's Word directly through the Holy Spirit.
The strict assertion of a 7,000-year temporal existence for the earth forces the believer to either reject overwhelming scientific and historical evidence or engage in complex mental gymnastics to redefine 'temporal existence,' creating a wedge between faith and reason.
By inserting mortal 'high priests' into the eschatological completion of salvation, the text reinforces the LDS paradigm that human mediators and institutional authority are necessary for salvation, obscuring the direct, unmediated access to God provided by Jesus Christ.