Section 90
Overview
Given in Kirtland, Ohio, in March 1833, Doctrine and Covenants Section 90 serves as the foundational charter for the First Presidency of the Latter-day Saint movement. The text elevates Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams to be 'equal' with Joseph Smith in holding the keys of the kingdom, though it explicitly reserves the perpetual possession of these keys and the reception of 'oracles' (revelations) primarily for Smith. The revelation outlines a comprehensive mandate for these leaders: they are to finish translating the prophets (the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible), preside over the church and the newly formed School of the Prophets, receive continuing revelation, and study languages and good books to prepare for global evangelism. The text envisions a systematic spread of the LDS gospel to Gentiles, Jews, and 'heathen nations,' facilitated by the miraculous hearing of the gospel in native tongues. Furthermore, the section transitions into specific administrative and pastoral directives, including managing church debts by finding a wealthy agent, providing for specific individuals like Vienna Jaques, and issuing stern warnings to various church members (including William E. McLellin and Sidney Gilbert) to repent. Theologically, the text reinforces a hierarchical, prophet-mediated structure where spiritual success and divine providence are strictly conditional upon obedience, upright walking, and adherence to the covenants established through Joseph Smith.
Key Figures
- Joseph Smith: The primary recipient of the revelation, affirmed as holding the perpetual keys of the kingdom and the conduit for divine oracles to the church.
- Sidney Rigdon: Appointed as a counselor in the First Presidency, forgiven of sins, and made equal with Joseph in holding the keys of the kingdom.
- Frederick G. Williams: Appointed as a counselor and scribe in the First Presidency, forgiven of sins, and made equal in holding the keys.
- Joseph Smith, Sen.: The prophet's father, instructed to remain on his current property and keep his household small.
- The Bishop (Edward Partridge): Instructed to find a wealthy agent to discharge church debts and later chastised for needing to repent.
- Vienna Jaques: A faithful woman instructed to receive money for expenses, travel to Zion, consecrate her remaining funds, and receive an inheritance.
- William E. McLellin: A church member explicitly named as one with whom the Lord is not well pleased, requiring repentance.
- Sidney Gilbert: A church member explicitly named as needing to repent.
Doctrines Analyzed
Key theological claims identified in this text:
Exclusive Priesthood Keys
Assertion
Joseph Smith holds the exclusive 'keys of the kingdom' which will never be taken from him in this world or the next, and his counselors are made equal with him in holding these keys.
Evidence from Text
the keys of this kingdom shall never be taken from you, while thou art in the world, neither in the world to come... Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams... are accounted as equal with thee in holding the keys of this last kingdom
Evangelical Comparison
In LDS theology, 'keys' represent the specific authority to direct the use of the priesthood on earth. D&C 90 establishes that Joseph Smith and his First Presidency hold these keys exclusively, making them the indispensable mediators of God's authority and ordinances. Evangelical Christianity, rooted in the New Testament, teaches the Universal Priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9). Evangelicals believe that the 'keys of the kingdom' mentioned in Matthew 16:19 refer to the authority to proclaim the Gospel, which opens the kingdom to those who believe, an authority granted to the entire church, not a hierarchical presidency. Furthermore, the assertion that these keys will never be taken from Joseph Smith even in the 'world to come' elevates him to an eternal mediatorial status that Evangelicals reserve exclusively for Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5).
Continuing Revelation (Oracles)
Assertion
God continues to give binding 'oracles' (revelations) to the church exclusively through the Prophet, and treating these lightly brings condemnation.
Evidence from Text
through you shall the oracles be given to another, yea, even unto the church. And all they who receive the oracles of God, let them beware how they hold them lest they are accounted as a light thing, and are brought under condemnation thereby
Evangelical Comparison
D&C 90 mandates that the church must receive new 'oracles' through Joseph Smith and warns of severe spiritual condemnation for treating them lightly. This establishes an open canon and an ongoing prophetic office that is functionally equal to or supersedes previous scripture. Evangelical Christianity stands firmly on Sola Scriptura, asserting that the 66 books of the Bible are the final, complete, and sufficient revelation of God to humanity (Jude 1:3, Revelation 22:18-19). Evangelicals believe that while the Holy Spirit illuminates Scripture and guides believers, He does not give new, universally binding doctrinal revelations. The LDS requirement to heed modern oracles creates a fundamentally different epistemological foundation, shifting authority from the objective, historical Word of God to the subjective, ongoing pronouncements of a human institution.
Conditional Providence
Assertion
God's promise that all things will work together for the believer's good is strictly conditional upon their upright behavior and adherence to covenants.
Evidence from Text
all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another.
Evangelical Comparison
Verse 24 of D&C 90 directly adapts the language of Romans 8:28 ('all things work together for good') but fundamentally alters its theology by adding a conditional clause: 'if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant.' In Evangelical theology, Romans 8:28 is a promise of comfort rooted entirely in God's sovereign grace and His predestined purpose for those who are called according to His purpose. It is an unconditional promise to the justified believer. By making this promise conditional on 'walking uprightly,' D&C 90 shifts the burden of providence from God's faithfulness to human performance. This aligns with the broader LDS theological framework of conditional grace and works-righteousness, creating a system where believers can never be entirely sure if they are walking uprightly enough to secure God's providential care.
Comparative Analysis
Theological Gap (Summary)
The text establishes a mandatory human hierarchy (the First Presidency) as the exclusive conduit for God's authority and ongoing revelation, fundamentally contradicting the Evangelical doctrines of the closed canon and the universal priesthood of believers.
Theological Gap (Explained)
The theological chasm between D&C 90 and Evangelical Christianity centers on authority, mediation, and revelation. D&C 90 constructs a rigid ecclesiastical hierarchy where Joseph Smith and his counselors hold the exclusive 'keys of the kingdom.' This creates a mediatorial layer between the believer and God, asserting that divine authority and ongoing 'oracles' must flow through this specific human office. This directly violates the Evangelical understanding of 1 Timothy 2:5, which declares Christ as the sole mediator, and 1 Peter 2:9, which establishes the priesthood of all believers. Furthermore, the text's insistence on continuing revelation ('oracles') that carry the weight of divine condemnation if ignored strikes at the heart of Sola Scriptura. Evangelicals hold that the biblical canon is closed and sufficient for all matters of faith and practice (Jude 1:3). By demanding adherence to new, extra-biblical revelations, D&C 90 shifts the believer's epistemological foundation from the objective, historical Word of God to the subjective, ongoing pronouncements of the LDS First Presidency. Finally, the adaptation of Romans 8:28 into a conditional promise ('if ye walk uprightly') replaces the Evangelical comfort of God's sovereign grace with a performance-based system of conditional providence.
For All Ages
Imagine you have a direct phone line to your dad, and you can call him anytime to ask for help or read the letters he already wrote to you. That's what Evangelical Christians believe we have with God through Jesus and the Bible. But this text says that to really hear from God, you have to go through a specific person—Joseph Smith—and his helpers. It says God is still writing new rules through them, and if you don't listen to their new rules, you will be in big trouble. Christians believe Jesus is the only middleman we need, and the Bible is God's complete instruction manual.
Friction Points
Sola Scriptura
The text claims that new 'oracles' are continually given to the church through Joseph Smith, and that these must be obeyed under threat of condemnation.
Universal Priesthood / Christ as Sole Mediator
The text establishes a human First Presidency that holds exclusive 'keys of the kingdom' necessary for the administration of the church and salvation.
Sola Gratia
The text makes God's providential care and the promise that 'all things work together for good' strictly conditional upon human performance ('if ye walk uprightly').
Semantic Warnings
Terms that have different meanings between traditions:
"Keys of the kingdom"
In This Text
The exclusive priesthood authority held by the LDS First Presidency to govern the church and administer ordinances.
In Evangelicalism
The authority given to the church to proclaim the Gospel, which opens the kingdom of heaven to those who believe (Matthew 16:19).
"Oracles"
In This Text
New, ongoing, binding revelations given through the modern prophet.
In Evangelicalism
The very words of God, historically referring to the Old Testament scriptures and the completed apostolic witness (Romans 3:2, Hebrews 5:12).
"The Comforter"
In This Text
The Holy Ghost, specifically functioning here to unfold new mysteries and revelations to the First Presidency.
In Evangelicalism
The Holy Spirit, who indwells believers, convicts of sin, and illuminates the already-revealed truth of Christ (John 14:26).
Soteriology (Salvation)
Salvation Defined: In this context, salvation is linked to the 'salvation of Zion' and the gathering of the nations, implying participation in the LDS church and ultimate exaltation.
How Attained: Attained through the administration of the priesthood keys held by the First Presidency, obedience to the oracles, and walking uprightly.
Basis of Assurance: Assurance is highly conditional, based on continuous upright walking, remembering covenants, and avoiding the Lord's displeasure (as seen in the chastisement of McLellin and Gilbert).
Comparison to Sola Fide: The text's emphasis on conditional promises ('if ye walk uprightly') and the necessity of human mediators (the First Presidency) stands in stark contrast to Sola Fide, which teaches that justification is a completed legal declaration based solely on faith in Christ's finished work (Romans 5:1).
Mandates & Requirements
Explicit Commands
- Beware how you hold the oracles of God (v. 5)
- Continue in the ministry and presidency (v. 12)
- Finish the translation of the prophets (v. 13)
- Preside over the affairs of the church and the school (v. 13)
- Receive revelations to unfold the mysteries of the kingdom (v. 14)
- Set in order the churches (v. 15)
- Study and learn, and become acquainted with all good books, and with languages, tongues, and people (v. 15)
- Preside in council (v. 16)
- Set in order all the affairs of this church and kingdom (v. 16)
- Be not ashamed, neither confounded (v. 17)
- Be admonished in all your high-mindedness and pride (v. 17)
- Set in order your houses (v. 18)
- Keep slothfulness and uncleanness far from you (v. 18)
- Provide a place for the family of Frederick G. Williams (v. 19)
- Let Joseph Smith, Sen., continue with his family upon the place where he now lives (v. 20)
- Do not sell the place until the mouth of the Lord shall name (v. 20)
- Let Sidney Rigdon remain where he now resides until the mouth of the Lord shall name (v. 21)
- Let the bishop search diligently to obtain an agent who has riches in store (v. 22)
- Search diligently (v. 24)
- Pray always (v. 24)
- Be believing (v. 24)
- Walk uprightly (v. 24)
- Remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another (v. 24)
- Let your families be small, especially Joseph Smith, Sen.'s (v. 25)
- Vienna Jaques should receive money to bear her expenses and go up unto the land of Zion (v. 28)
- Consecrate the residue of the money unto the Lord (v. 29)
- Vienna Jaques should settle down in peace and not be idle (v. 31)
- Write this commandment (v. 32)
- Say unto your brethren in Zion that I have called you also to preside over Zion (v. 32)
- Cease wearying the Lord concerning this matter (v. 33)
- Repent (directed at William E. McLellin, Sidney Gilbert, the bishop, and others) (v. 35)
Implicit Obligations
- Submit absolutely to the authority and directives of the First Presidency.
- Prioritize the financial solvency and reputation of the church ('that the storehouse... may not be brought into disrepute').
- Accept chastisement and correction from church leadership as the voice of the Lord.
Ritual Requirements
- Ordination to power by the administration of the Comforter (v. 11)
- Administration of the keys of the school of the prophets (v. 7)
- Consecration of financial resources (v. 29)
Evangelism Toolkit
Practical tools for engagement and dialogue:
Discovery Questions
Open-ended questions to promote reflection:
- In verse 24, the promise that all things will work together for your good is conditional ('if ye walk uprightly'). How does this compare to Paul's unconditional promise to believers in Romans 8:28? How does that condition affect your daily peace?
- Verse 3 says the keys of the kingdom will never be taken from Joseph Smith, even in the world to come. How do you reconcile this with Revelation 1:18, where Jesus says He alone holds the keys of Death and Hades?
- If the 'oracles' of God are continually changing or being added to, how can a believer have a firm, unchanging foundation for truth?
Redemptive Analogies
Bridges from this text to the Gospel:
The Rich Agent Discharging Debt
This administrative need perfectly mirrors our spiritual reality. We have a spiritual debt of sin we cannot pay, bringing our souls into 'disrepute' before a holy God. Jesus Christ is the ultimate 'agent' who has infinite 'riches in store' (His perfect righteousness and grace). He stepped in to fully 'discharge every debt' on the cross, not just managing our deficit, but clearing it entirely.
Spiritual Weight
Burdens this text places on adherents:
Verse 24 places the burden of securing God's providential care squarely on the believer's shoulders. By making the promise that 'all things work together for good' conditional upon 'walking uprightly,' the adherent is left in a constant state of self-evaluation, wondering if a current hardship is a result of not walking uprightly enough.
Verse 5 threatens believers with condemnation and spiritual collapse ('stumble and fall') if they treat the prophet's oracles lightly. This creates a fear-based compliance, where questioning or doubting church leadership is equated with inviting divine wrath.
By centralizing all authority, keys, and revelation in the First Presidency, the believer is made entirely dependent on the institution for their connection to God, rather than enjoying direct, unmediated fellowship with Christ.