The Far West Revelations: Understanding Doctrine and Covenants 115–120
Introduction
In 1838, Joseph Smith and early members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints received a series of remarkable revelations in Far West, Missouri—now remembered as the “Far West Revelations.” These sections of the Doctrine and Covenants (115–120) contain profound direction about the Church’s name, sacred locations, consecration, and the law of tithing. Historian and educator Casey Paul Griffiths provides rich commentary on these revelations, explaining their meaning and modern relevance.
Section 115: The Name of the Church
This revelation formally established the divinely given name of the Church—The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Griffiths explains that earlier, members had used titles such as “The Church of Christ” and later “The Church of the Latter Day Saints.” The 1838 revelation in Far West united these under the Savior’s name, emphasizing divine authorship.
Joseph Smith deeply valued this instruction. Even his Nauvoo office bore a sign that read “President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” Griffiths notes that today’s Church leaders continue to stress using the full name to reflect devotion to Jesus Christ and obedience to His revelation.
Section 116: Adam-ondi-Ahman
Section 116 identifies a sacred location in Missouri known as Adam-ondi-Ahman. Griffiths explains that Joseph Smith received this revelation while exploring a valley near the Grand River and learned that this was the place where Adam (the Ancient of Days) would one day return to hold a great council.
Quoting Joseph Smith’s later teachings, Griffiths recounts:
“When [Daniel 7] speaks of the Ancient of Days, he means the oldest man, our Father Adam, Michael; he will call his children together and hold council with them to prepare them for the coming of the Son of Man.”
This makes Adam-ondi-Ahman not only a historical site but a future prophetic site, tied to the events preceding the Second Coming.
Section 117: Counsel to the Hesitant
This section offered counsel to Church leaders William Marks, Newel K. Whitney, and Oliver Granger. Griffiths observes that moving from Ohio to Missouri was difficult, especially for successful businessmen like Whitney. Yet, the Lord commanded them to forsake worldly attachments and follow divine direction.
Oliver Granger’s humble role—settling Church debts in Ohio—was honored by the Lord:
“I remember my servant Oliver Granger; … his name shall be had in sacred remembrance from generation to generation.”
Griffiths reflects that though Oliver is little known today, he is remembered by God, which is the highest honor.
Section 118: The Mission of the Twelve
Section 118 directed the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles to depart from Far West for a mission to England on April 26, 1839.
Griffiths emphasizes the uniqueness of this revelation—it included a specific date and location. Despite severe persecution in Missouri, the Apostles courageously fulfilled it. Led by Brigham Young, they met at the temple site early that morning, sang hymns, ordained new apostles, and departed safely.
Wilford Woodruff later observed that this was the only revelation he knew of that gave a date and place for its fulfillment—a powerful testament of faith and obedience.
Section 119: The Law of Tithing
This revelation established the law of tithing as ten percent of one’s increase.
Before this, Saints supported the Church through various forms of consecration. Section 119 redefined the financial aspect of consecration but did not abolish the principle itself. Griffiths shares two insightful quotes from Joseph Smith. He said the following about tithing:
“Let them [the people] be the judge themselves, for I care not if they do not have a single dime. So far as I am concerned, I do not want anything that they have.”
And he said this about the Law of Consecration:
“For a man to consecrate his property... is nothing more or less than to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the widow and fatherless, the sick and the afflicted, and do all he can to administer to their relief and their afflictions, and for him and his house to serve the Lord.”
Griffiths explains that tithing became the financial foundation for the Church, while consecration remains the spiritual principle guiding discipleship and service.
Section 120: The Council on Disposition of Tithes
Section 120 organized a council consisting of the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and the Presiding Bishopric to oversee how tithing funds are used. Griffiths notes that this system ensures sacred accountability.
Tithes are consecrated to building temples, supporting missionary work, humanitarian efforts, and sustaining worship spaces. The revelation demonstrates that stewardship of sacred funds is part of living the higher law of consecration.
Conclusion
The “Far West Revelations” (Doctrine and Covenants 115–120) reveal a moment of spiritual order and divine foresight in Church history. They established the true name of the Church, sacred geography of Adam-ondi-Ahman, the pattern of discipleship through tithing and consecration, and the enduring principles of faith and obedience. As Griffiths concludes, Joseph Smith looked upon the empty fields of Far West and saw not what was, but what could be—a lesson that reminds every believer that their own life, too, holds eternal promise.
Keywords: Far West, Doctrine and Covenants, tithing, Joseph Smith, Adam-ondi-Ahman
Hashtags: #DoctrineAndCovenants #FarWestRevelations #JosephSmith #LatterDaySaints #Tithing
