49 The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead
The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead
The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead
Joseph Smith wondered about the fate of his brother Alvin, who had died without being baptized. Joseph F. Smith, who had lost both of his parents and 13 children to untimely deaths, thought often about the spirit world and wondered about the preaching of the gospel there.
Section 137 casts some initial light on the destiny of God’s children in the next life, and section 138 opens the curtains even wider. Together, both revelations testify of “the great and wonderful love made manifest by the Father and the Son.”
For Kids
All Heavenly Father’s children will have the chance to hear the gospel.
Doctrine and Covenants 137:5–10; 138:18–35
Video: Ministry of Joseph Smith: Temples: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2012-05-0110-ministry-of-joseph-smith-temples?lang=eng
Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 152–53: The Kirtland Temple is Dedicated.
5 I saw Father Adam and Abraham; and my father and my mother; my brother Alvin, that has long since slept;
6 And marveled how it was that he had obtained an inheritance in that kingdom, seeing that he had departed this life before the Lord had set his hand to gather Israel the second time, and had not been baptized for the remission of sins.
7 Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying: All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God;
8 Also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom;
9 For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts.
10 And I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven.
How marvelous it is to know that the Lord has made provisions for all of His children to be able to choose Eternal Life.
Learn about where Jesus went when His body lay in the tomb. Share pictures no. 58 and no. 14 and picture at the end of the lesson.
Read together 138:18–19, 23–24, 27–30. What did Jesus do In the space between His death and resurrection? Who did He visit? What did He ask them to do? Why did He do this?
activity page Isn’t it wonderful to know that there are missionaries on both sides of the veil teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ so that He can help them progress and choose Eternal Life?
Articles of Faith 1:4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Doctrine and Covenants 138:33 These were taught faith in God, repentance from sin, vicarious baptism for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands,
All of Heavenly Father’s children will have the opportunity to choose eternal life.
Doctrine and Covenants 137; 138:30–37, 57–60
Alvin passed away before the Priesthood Power and Authority to baptized had been received. But Joseph learned in D&C 137 that Alvin was in heaven, and that the Lord in His mercy judges men not only by what they have done, but what they would have done if more choices had been available to them.
We have an understanding of God’s Plan of Happiness for His children, but not everyone has the understanding yet. How can you help other to understand the things that you’ve already been taught by referring to truths found in section 137 and in section 138:30–37, 57–60. (See notes below)
The Glorious Gospel Light Has Shone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLoc79W5nsM&list=RDrLoc79W5nsM&start_radio=1
As you study and ponder, you might record your impressions by completing sentences like these:
- Because of these revelations, I know that Heavenly Father .
- Because of these revelations, I know that the Father’s plan of salvation .
- Because of these revelations, I want to .
See also Saints, 1:232–35.
For Kids
When I ponder the scriptures, the Holy Ghost can help me understand them.
Doctrine and Covenants 138:1–11
Read 138:1–11 President Joseph F. Smith received much knowledge in this revelation that is a comfort to members and seekers of truth.
Reading and pondering the scriptures prepares me to receive revelation.
Doctrine and Covenants 138:1–11, 25–30
The Lord often gives us needed inspiration before we can even seek it. Other times, we have to search and pray and ask.
138:1–11, 25–30 Joseph F Smith was ponding, when the eyes of his understanding were opened.
Make sure to keep reading, praying, and thinking about what you read.
1 Nephi 11:1–6 “I sat pondering in mine heart I was caught away in the Spirit of the Lord.”
Joseph Smith—History 1:12–19 “It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did.”
I know I need to incorporate more meaningful prayer time and pondering time. I also need to be more attentive in scripture reading, listening, and studying.
The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead
Saints, 3:202–5
Video: Ministry of Joseph F. Smith: A Vision of the Redemption of the Dead: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2012-05-0604-ministry-of-joseph-f-smith-a-vision-of-the-redemption-of-the-dead?lang=eng
Invite the Spirit. “What have you observed that contributes to a spiritual environment for learning the gospel? What detracts from it?” (Teaching in the Savior’s Way, 18). As you study President Joseph F. Smith’s experience in Doctrine and Covenants 138:1–11, consider how you can encourage pondering and invite spiritual impressions for yourself and, if you are a teacher, for the people you teach. (See notes below.)
The Savior’s work continues on the other side of the veil.
Doctrine and Covenants 138:25–60
“Our message to the world is simple and sincere: we invite all of God’s children on both sides of the veil to come unto their Savior, receive the blessings of the holy temple, have enduring joy, and qualify for eternal life” (President Nelson).
As you read Doctrine and Covenants 138:25–60. You could also consider these questions:
- What do you learn from these verses about how the Savior’s work is being accomplished in the spirit world? Why is it important for you to know that this work is taking place?
- What impresses you about the Lord’s messengers in the spirit world?
- How does this revelation strengthen your faith in God’s plan of redemption? (See below)
Susa Young Gates and the Vision of the Redemption of the Dead
Video: A Visit from Father: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/video/2017-02-1030-a-visit-from-father?lang=eng
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/137?lang=eng
A vision given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, in the temple at Kirtland, Ohio, January 21, 1836. The occasion was the administration of ordinances in preparation for the dedication of the temple.
We have an understanding of God’s Plan of Happiness for His children, but not everyone has the understanding yet. How can you help other to understand the things that you’ve already been taught by referring to truths found in section 137.
Vs 7-10 These are remarkably kind and graceful truths. The Lord knows our hearts and the truths that we follow. He will judge us according to the goodness we show, and we will not be accountable for more than we are capable of, whether we haven't learned more truth or if our lives have been cut short.
Robby is also an heir to the celestial Kingdom of heaven.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/137?lang=eng
A vision given to President Joseph F. Smith in Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 3, 1918. In his opening address at the 89th Semiannual General Conference of the Church, on October 4, 1918, President Smith declared that he had received several divine communications during the previous months. One of these, concerning the Savior’s visit to the spirits of the dead while His body was in the tomb, President Smith had received the previous day. It was written immediately following the close of the conference. On October 31, 1918, it was submitted to the counselors in the First Presidency, the Council of the Twelve, and the Patriarch, and it was unanimously accepted by them.
As you study President Joseph F. Smith’s experience in Doctrine and Covenants 138:1–11, consider how you can encourage pondering and invite spiritual impressions for yourself and, if you are a teacher, for the people you teach.
Vs 1-4 Take time to ponder the scriptures. Especially, make the time to reflect on the Atonement of Jesus Christ and what that means to you personally. Allow yourself to feel gratitude and to seek repentance and forgiveness. Be grateful for the ordinances that you have received and be obedient to the principles of the gospel. As you do these things, God will give you revelation and understanding, beyond your own mortal capabilities.
Vs 14-17 The righteous day, who lived before the resurrection of Christ, had great hopes in the sacrifice of the Son of God and His resurrection; knowing that their resurrection would follow after His; that they would again receive their bodies and have a fulness of joy.
Vs 18-29 During the time between the Lord's death and resurrection, He appeared to the righteous dead and delivered them from the chains of death, declaring liberty to the faithful.
Here he preached to them the everlasting gospel, the same doctrine taught to His apostles; and He also commissioned them to teach faith on Jesus Christ and repentance to those in the Spirit World.
22 … among the righteous there was peace;
23 And the saints rejoiced in their redemption, and bowed the knee and acknowledged the Son of God as their Redeemer and Deliverer from death and the chains of hell.
24 Their countenances shone, and the radiance from the presence of the Lord rested upon them, and they sang praises unto his holy name.
We have an understanding of God’s Plan of Happiness for His children, but not everyone has the understanding yet. How can you help other to understand the things that you’ve already been taught by referring to truths found in section 138:30–37, 57–60.
As you read Doctrine and Covenants 138:25–60. You could also consider these questions:
- What do you learn from these verses about how the Savior’s work is being accomplished in the spirit world? Why is it important for you to know that this work is taking place?
- What impresses you about the Lord’s messengers in the spirit world?
- How does this revelation strengthen your faith in God’s plan of redemption?
I perceived that the Lord went not in person among the wicked and the disobedient who had rejected the truth, to teach them;
30 But behold, from among the righteous, he organized his forces and appointed messengers, clothed with power and authority, and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light of the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to all the spirits of men; and thus was the gospel preached to the dead.
31 And the chosen messengers went forth to declare the acceptable day of the Lord and proclaim liberty to the captives who were bound, even unto all who would repent of their sins and receive the gospel.
Vs 32-35 The gospel was taught to those who died before Christ's death, and it is still being taught to those in the Spirit world. This is also a great work of gathering.
36 Thus was it made known that our Redeemer spent his time during his sojourn in the world of spirits, instructing and preparing the faithful spirits of the prophets who had testified of him in the flesh;
37 That they might carry the message of redemption unto all the dead, unto whom he could not go personally, because of their rebellion and transgression, that they through the ministration of his servants might also hear his words.
Vs 47-48 We are to take part of making the ordinances of the gospel to the faithful and repentant on the other side of the veil.
Vs 53-54 The leaders of the Church in this dispensation were given the keys so that ordinances for the dead could be performed in temples of our God.
55 I observed that they were also among the noble and great ones who were chosen in the beginning to be rulers in the Church of God.
56 Even before they were born, they, with many others, received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth in the due time of the Lord to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men.
57 I beheld that the faithful elders of this dispensation, when they depart from mortal life, continue their labors in the preaching of the gospel of repentance and redemption, through the sacrifice of the Only Begotten Son of God, among those who are in darkness and under the bondage of sin in the great world of the spirits of the dead.
58 The dead who repent will be redeemed, through obedience to the ordinances of the house of God,
59 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.
60 Thus was the vision of the redemption of the dead revealed to me, and I bear record, and I know that this record is true, through the blessing of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, even so. Amen
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