D&C 59:23 and "reward" for "works of righteousness," not "wage"--gracious merit in the D&C (cf. articles on gracious merit in the Bible)
I have discussed the concept of gracious merit in the Bible, including:
While reading the Doctrine and Covenants today, the following verse struck me as teaching this concept, too:
But learn that he who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come. (D&C 59:23)
Notice that those who do “works of righteousness” do not receive a “wage” or something based on strict, legal merit; instead, what they receive is their “reward.”
An analogy that I am fond of using to differentiate between strict legal merit and “gracious” merit is this: a king calling his son, the prince, into his presence and asking him to pick him some apples from his favourite orchard. The prince does as his father asks, and when he returns with a basket full of apples, the king, out of his fatherly love and kindness, gives him half his kingdom. Did the prince “earn” this as a “wage”? No. However, as the father gave him something as a result of his actions, albeit in a superabundant and gracious manner, it is given to him as a “reward.”
Other texts in the Doctrine and Covenants include:
He that sendeth up treasures unto the land of Zion shall receive an inheritance in his world, and his works shall follow him, and also a reward in the world to come. (D&C 63:48)
Therefore, I must gather together my people, according to the parable of the wheat and the tares, that the wheat may be Secured in the garners to possess eternal life, and be crowned with celestial glory, when I shall come in the kingdom of my Father to reward every man according as his work shall be; (D&C 101:65)
And again, verily thus saith the Lord: Let the work of my temple, and all the works which I have appointed unto you, be continued on and not cease; and let your diligence, and your perseverance, and patience, and your works be redoubled, and you shall in nowise lose your reward, saith the Lord of Hosts. And if they persecute you, so persecuted they the prophets and righteous men that were before you. For all this there is a reward in heaven. (D&C 127:4)
And after they have paid the penalty of their transgressions, and are washed clean, shall receive a reward according to their works, for they are heirs of salvation. (D&C 138:59)
