Below are the quotes that were used in the video.
'The Vision' (section 76) is one of the greatest revelations the Lord, Jesus Christ, has ever given to man. It beautifully teaches about Christ and the promises that He has made to the faithful. It also teaches about the spirit world, judgment, resurrection, kingdoms of glory. It is one of my favorite sections and I look forward to studying it with you.
Philo Dibble: “Joseph would, at intervals, say: 'What do I see?' as one might say while looking out the window and beholding what all in the room could not see. Then he would relate what he had seen or what he was looking at. Then Sidney replied, 'I see the same.' Presently Sidney would say 'what do I see?' and would repeat what he had seen or was seeing, and Joseph would reply, 'I see the same.' This manner of conversation was repeated at short intervals to the end of the vision, and during the whole time not a word was spoken by any other person.
“Not a sound nor motion made by anyone but Joseph and Sidney, and it seemed to me that they never moved a joint or limb during the time I was there, which I think was over an hour, and to the end of the vision. Joseph sat firmly and calmly all the time in the midst of a magnificent glory, but Sidney sat limp and pale, apparently as limber as a rag, observing which, Joseph remarked, smilingly, 'Sidney is not used to it as I am.'" (Juvenile Instructor, 15 May 1892, 27:303-304).
Doctrine and Covenants 76 – “The Vision”
What was seen? What stood out to you? What questions do you have?
The Son – vs. 20-24
Satan – vs. 25-29
Sons of Perdition – vs. 30-38; 43-49
Celestial – vs. 50-70; 92-96
Terrestrial vs. 71-80
Telestial vs. 81-91; 98-112
E
lder D. Todd Christofferson: “When I say ‘study,’ I mean something more than reading. … I see you sometimes reading a few verses, stopping to ponder them, carefully reading the verses again, and as you think about what they mean, praying for understanding, asking questions in your mind, waiting for spiritual impressions, and writing down the impressions and insights that come so you can remember and learn more. Studying in this way, you may not read a lot of chapters or verses in a half hour, but you will be giving place in your heart for the word of God, and He will be speaking to you” (“When Thou Art Converted,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 11).
Section 76:20-24 - The Vision of the Son
What does it mean to receive the fulness of the Father and Son?
To receive the fulness that the Savior offered is to accept him as the one who made salvation possible for all through the Atonement and to follow his teachings. Thus, to experience a fulness of joy requires one to keep God's commandments (see D&C 93:27).
What does sanctified mean?
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: To be sanctified is to be saved; to fall short of sanctification is to fail to gain full salvation. Only the sanctified gain eternal life. To be sanctified is to be clean; it is a state of purity and spotlessness in which no taint of sin is found. (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, p.265).
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: It "consists in those laws, doctrines, ordinances, powers, and authorities needed to enable men to gain the fulness of salvation” (Mormon Doctrine, p. 333.).
How do we become begotten sons and daughters of God?
Elder D. Todd Christofferson: "When this true faith takes root in a person, it inevitably leads to repentance. To be complete, however, repentance requires a covenant of obedience. This is the covenant expressed by Benjamin’s people “to do [God’s] will, and to be obedient to his commandments”
"As we reflect on these examples and other scriptures, it becomes clear that spiritual rebirth originates with faith in Jesus Christ, by whose grace we are changed. More specifically, it is faith in Christ as the Atoning One, the Redeemer, who can cleanse from sin and make holy.
"Having thus relied “upon the merits of him who is mighty to save” we are “quickened in the inner man” and, if not yet fully born again, then certainly well into the path of spiritual rebirth.” (Born Again, April 2008).
Section 76:25-29 - Satan
What authority did Satan have?
President George Q. Cannon: “Some have called him the son of the morning, but here it is a son of the morning – one among many, doubtless. This angel was a mighty personage without doubt. The record that is given to us concerning him clearly shows that he occupied a very high position; that he was thought a great deal of, and that he was might in his sphere… (Millennial Star 5 Sept 1895).
Can you sin in pre-mortal life?
Elder Marion D. Hanks: “Another special son, brilliant—the scriptures call him "an authority in the presence of God but lacking love except for self, disdained the Father's plan and rebelled against it. He had strong opinions of his own; he contrived some rules of his own, seemed to feel his Father's way inefficient and imperfect. He rebelled, and misled and led away a multitude of his Father's children." (Bear Ye One Another's Burdens, Oct 1970)
Define Perdition --- Define Lucifer --- Define Satan
What is Satan’s intent?
Elder William J. Critchlow, Jr.: “Lucifer's strategy is to induce the cast to use their individual agency in a way that will produce chaos on the stage. By exposing the cast to as much evil as possible, he hopes to gain numerical strength so that he might shout when the curtain rolls down at the end of the play,
"I have the majority of the heavenly host on my side numerical strength is my power. Now I can claim `thine honor' now `I will ascend into heaven' now `I will exalt my throne above the stars of God.'" (See Isa. 14:12-20.) (Conference Report, Oct 1967, p. 85).
Section 76:30-38, 43-49 - Sons of Perdition
What does it mean to know the power of God?
Elder Melvin J. Ballard: “…unto the Holy Ghost has been given the right and the privilege of manifesting the truth unto men as no other power will. So that when he makes a man see and know a thing he knows it better than he shall ever know anything else; and to sin against that knowledge is to sin against the greatest light there is, and consequently commit the greatest sin there is.” (Millennial Star, 11 Aug. 1932, pp. 499–500.)
Joseph Smith: “What must a man do to commit the unpardonable sin? He must receive the Holy Ghost, have the heavens opened unto him, and know God, and then sin against Him. After a man has sinned against the Holy Ghost, there is no repentance for him. He has got to say that the sun does not shine while he sees it; …
“…he has got to deny Jesus Christ when the heavens have been opened unto him, and to deny the plan of salvation with his eyes open to the truth of it; and from that time he begins to be an enemy. This is the case with many apostates of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” (Teachings, p. 358.)
President Spencer W. Kimball: “The sin against the Holy Ghost requires such knowledge that it is manifestly impossible for the rank and file to commit such a sin.” (Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 123.)
Are sons of perdition only boys?
Elder Stephen L Richards: "It is a tremendous responsibility to bear the Holy Priesthood. I wish all of you -- perhaps all did not -- had heard what President Joseph Fielding Smith told us yesterday, something I have long believed, and I was glad to have sanction for my belief. He said in substance that there will be no Sons of Perdition who do not hold the Priesthood." (Conference Oct 1958 p 86).
Elder Melvin J. Ballard: "[God] has other sons and daughters who do not even attain unto the telestial kingdom. They are sons of perdition out with the devil and his angels, and though the Father has grieved over them, he still has not the power to rescue and save them because He gave them free agency, and they used that in such a manner that they have shut themselves out from His presence." (Sermons and Missionary Services of Melvin J. Ballard p. 255–257).
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: Somebody called me up on the telephone and asked if there were daughters of perdition. I said: “I don’t know” and he said, “How can I find out—I just called Spencer Kimball and he told me he didn’t know either.” ("Mormon Doctrine Lecture, #2," Brigham Young University, 1967.)
Elder Orson F. Whitney: Their sin “is an offense so heinous that the sinner is unable to repent; and this is what makes his case hopeless. If he could repent, he could be forgiven; but being incapable of repentance, he cannot be reached by the pardoning power.” ( Improvement Era, Mar. 1920, p. 413.)
How do you deny the Holy Spirit?
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: To commit this unpardonable crime a man must receive the gospel, gain from the Holy Ghost by revelation the absolute knowledge of the divinity of Christ, and then deny ‘the new and everlasting covenant by which he was sanctified, calling it an unholy thing, and doing despite to the Spirit of grace.’ (Teachings, p. 128.)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: He thereby commits murder by assenting unto the Lord’s death, that is, having a perfect knowledge of the truth he comes out in open rebellion and places himself in a position wherein he would have crucified Christ knowing perfectly the while that he was the Son of God. Christ is thus crucified afresh and put to open shame. (D. & C. 132:27.)” (Mormon Doctrine, pp. 816–17.)
What exactly is the 2nd death?
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: “Spiritual death is to be cast out of the presence of the Lord, to die as to the things of righteousness, to die as to the things of the Spirit. Spirit beings as such never die in the sense of annihilation or in the sense that their spirit bodies are disorganized; rather, they continue to live to all eternity either as spirits or as resurrected personages. …
“Eventually, all are redeemed from spiritual death except those who have ‘sinned unto death’, that is, those who are destined to be sons of perdition. This is the second death.’ And thus the Lord said in our day that the sons of perdition are ‘the only ones on whom the second death shall have any power’, meaning any power after the resurrection.” (Mormon Doctrine, pp. 816–17.)
Joseph Smith: "A man is his own tormentor and his own condemner. Hence the saying, They shall go into the lake that burns with fire and brimstone. The torment of disappointment in the mind of man is as exquisite as a lake burning with fire and brimstone. I say, so is the torment of man." (Teachings, 357)
Are Sons of Perdition ordained to Outer Darkness?
“Not foreordained, in the sense of pre-elected by God, to condemnation. God has ordained that rebellion against Him shall result, if persisted in to the end, in misery, but He has not foreordained anyone to that fate. The sons of Perdition pursue their course according to their own choice, and not as victims of inexorable destiny.” (Smith and Sjodahl Commentary, p. 455.)
Section 76:50-70, 92-96 - Celestial Kingdom
What is the resurrection of the just?
Are there more than one resurrection?
President Joseph Fielding Smith: “In modern revelation given to the Church, the Lord has made known more in relation to this glorious event. There shall be at least two classes which shall have the privilege of the resurrection at this time: ‘First, those who shall dwell in the presence of God and his Christ forever and ever’; and second, honorable men, those who belong to the terrestrial kingdom as well as those of the celestial kingdom." (Doctrines of Salvation, 2:296.)
What is the Holy Spirit of Promise?
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "Thus an act which is sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise is one which is ratified by the Holy Ghost; it is one which is approved by the Lord; and the person who has taken the obligation upon himself is justified by the Spirit in the thing he has done. The ratifying seal of approval is put upon an act only if those entering the contract are worthy as a result of personal righteousness to receive the divine approbation." (Mormon Doctrine, pp. 361–62)
What is the Church of the Firstborn?
President Joseph Fielding Smith: “Those who gain exaltation in the celestial kingdom are those who are members of the Church of the Firstborn; in other words, those who keep all the commandments of the Lord. …
“The Lord has made it possible for us to become members of the Church of the Firstborn, by receiving the blessings of the house of the Lord and overcoming all things. Thus we become heirs, ‘priests, and kings, who have received of his fulness, and of his glory,’ who shall ‘dwell in the presence of God and his Christ forever and ever,’ with full exaltation.” (Doctrines of Salvation, 2:41–42.)
How many people really will make the Celestial Kingdom?
Historical studies suggest that around one-quarter of infants died in their first year of life and around half of all children died before they reached the end of puberty (https://ourworldindata.org/child-mortality-in-the-past)
Total born: 117 Billion (https://www.prb.org/articles/how-many-people-have-ever-lived-on-earth/)
Why will we reign on earth? Won’t we be in the Celestial Kingdom?
President Joseph Fielding Smith: “This new heaven and earth which will come into existence when our Lord comes to reign, is this same earth with its heavens renewed or restored to its primitive condition and beauty. Everything is to be brought back as nearly as it is possible to its position as it was in the beginning. The mountains, we are informed, are to be thrown down, the valleys are to be exalted, and ‘the earth shall be like as it was in the days before it was divided.’” (The Restoration of All Things, 294–95).
Do I have to be perfect to make into the Celestial kingdom?
President Ezra Taft Benson: "Those who are just and true." What an apt expression for those valiant in the testimony of Jesus! They are courageous in defending truth and righteousness. These are members of the Church who magnify their callings in the Church pay their tithes and offerings, live morally clean lives, sustain their Church leaders by word and action, keep the Sabbath as a holy day, and obey all the commandments of God."
"To these the Lord has promised that "all thrones and dominions, principalities and powers, shall be revealed and set forth upon all who have endured valiantly for the gospel of Jesus Christ" (D&C 121:29)." ("Valiant in the Testimony of Jesus," Ensign, Feb. 1987, p. 2)
76:71-80 – Terrestrial Kingdom
If these people received a testimony of Jesus in spirit prison why can they not obtain the Celestial glory?
President Joseph Fielding Smith: “This new heaven and earth which will come into existence when our Lord comes to reign, is this same earth with its heavens renewed or restored to its primitive condition and beauty. Everything is to be brought back as nearly as it is possible to its position as it was in the beginning. The mountains, we are informed, are to be thrown down, the valleys are to be exalted, and ‘the earth shall be like as it was in the days before it was divided.’” (The Restoration of All Things, 294–95). Into the terrestrial kingdom will go all those who are honorable and who have lived clean virtuous lives, but who would not receive the Gospel, but in the spirit world repented and accepted it as far as it can be given unto them. Many of these have been blinded by tradition and the love of the world, and have not been able to see the beauties of the Gospel." (Church History and Modern Revelation 1:287-288)
What does valiant mean?
President Joseph Fielding Smith: “It is to be courageous and bold; to use all our strength, energy, and ability in the warfare with the world; to fight the good fight of faith. . . . The great cornerstone of valiance in the cause of righteousness is obedience to the whole law of the whole gospel." (Church History and Modern Revelation 1:287-288)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: “To be valiant in the testimony of Jesus is to ‘come unto Christ, and be perfected in him’; it is to deny ourselves ‘of all ungodliness,’ and ‘love God’ with all our ‘might, mind and strength.’ ( Moro. 10:32 .)
“To be valiant in the testimony of Jesus is to believe in Christ and his gospel with unshakable conviction. It is to know of the verity and divinity of the Lord’s work on earth. ( Conference Report, Oct. 1974, pp. 45–46)
76:81-90, 95-112 Telestial Kingdom
Is the Telestial Kingdom better than earth?
Elder John A. Widstoe: “The [Doctrine and Covenants] explains clearly that the lowest glory to which man is assigned is so glorious as to be beyond the understanding of man. It is a doctrine fundamental in Mormonism that the meanest sinner, in the final judgment, will receive a glory which is beyond human understanding, which is so great that we are unable to describe it adequately. Those who do well will receive an even more glorious place." (Message of the Doctrine and Covenants, p. 167)
Is there more than one division or degree in the Telestial Kingdom?
Elder James E. Talmage: "The three kingdoms of widely differing glories are organized on an orderly plan of gradation. We have seen that the telestial kingdom comprises several subdivisions; this also is the case, we are told, with the celestial; and, by analogy, we conclude that a similar condition prevails in the terrestrial. Thus the innumerable degrees of merit amongst mankind are provided for in an infinity of graded glories.” (The House of the Lord, p.83)
What did the saints think about section 76 when it was first given?
Brigham Young: “My traditions were such that when the Vision came first to me, it was so directly contrary and opposed to my former education, I said, wait a
little; I did not reject it, but I could not understand it.” (JD Aug 29, 1852)
Joseph Young: “I could not believe it at first. Why the Lord was going to save everybody.” (Discourse, Deseret Weekly News March 18, 1857)
Summary
Elder Melvin J. Ballard: “The greatest revelation the Lord, Jesus Christ, has ever given to man, so far as record is made, was given to the Prophet Joseph Smith ... known as the 76th section of the book of Doctrine & Covenants, commonly called for years and still known as ‘The Vision.’ I say, this to my mind is the climax of all wonderful revelations that have come from the Lord from the days of Father Adam until the present moment.” (Three Degrees of Glory 1955, 4).
https://faculty.cs.byu.edu/~clement/rel325/vision-poem.pdf
This poetical rendering of Doctrine and Covenants 76, published in Nauvoo in 1843, is the only poem extant supposed to have been written by the Prophet Joseph Smith. Close textual comparisons, however, lead one to suspect that W. W. Phelps was the author. For a long period Phelps served as a personal scribe for Joseph. The poem is a response to Phelps' "Vade Mecum" (https://faculty.cs.byu.edu/~clement/rel325/vision-poem.pdf)
How do you simply explain who goes to the Celestial, terrestrial and telestial kingdoms?
Celestial: “Who received the testimony of Jesus” and accept the gospel of Christ.” (76:51-53, see also 3 Ne 27:20-21).
Terrestrial: Receive the testimony of Jesus in this life or the Spirit World, but no gospel acceptance. (76:74, 79).
Telestial: “Received not the gospel, neither the testimony of Jesus.” (76:82).
Teaching Thoughts:
Philo Dibble: “Joseph would, at intervals, say: 'What do I see?' as one might say while looking out the window and beholding what all in the room could not see. Then he would relate what he had seen or what he was looking at. Then Sidney replied, 'I see the same.' Presently Sidney would say 'what do I see?' and would repeat what he had seen or was seeing, and Joseph would reply, 'I see the same.' This manner of conversation was repeated at short intervals to the end of the vision, and during the whole time not a word was spoken by any other person.
“Not a sound nor motion made by anyone but Joseph and Sidney, and it seemed to me that they never moved a joint or limb during the time I was there, which I think was over an hour, and to the end of the vision. Joseph sat firmly and calmly all the time in the midst of a magnificent glory, but Sidney sat limp and pale, apparently as limber as a rag, observing which, Joseph remarked, smilingly, 'Sidney is not used to it as I am.'" (Juvenile Instructor, 15 May 1892, 27:303-304).
Doctrine and Covenants 76 – “The Vision”
What was seen? What stood out to you? What questions do you have?
The Son – vs. 20-24
Satan – vs. 25-29
Sons of Perdition – vs. 30-38; 43-49
Celestial – vs. 50-70; 92-96
Terrestrial vs. 71-80
Telestial vs. 81-91; 98-112
E
lder D. Todd Christofferson: “When I say ‘study,’ I mean something more than reading. … I see you sometimes reading a few verses, stopping to ponder them, carefully reading the verses again, and as you think about what they mean, praying for understanding, asking questions in your mind, waiting for spiritual impressions, and writing down the impressions and insights that come so you can remember and learn more. Studying in this way, you may not read a lot of chapters or verses in a half hour, but you will be giving place in your heart for the word of God, and He will be speaking to you” (“When Thou Art Converted,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 11).
Section 76:20-24 - The Vision of the Son
- Why is Jesus on the right hand of God?
- What does it mean to receive the fulness of the Father and Son?
- What does sanctified mean?
- Are there people today that truly have seen the Savior?
- What does ‘Only Begotten’ mean?
- Who creates worlds?
- How vital is the Atonement of Jesus Christ?
- How do we become begotten sons and daughters of God?
What does it mean to receive the fulness of the Father and Son?
To receive the fulness that the Savior offered is to accept him as the one who made salvation possible for all through the Atonement and to follow his teachings. Thus, to experience a fulness of joy requires one to keep God's commandments (see D&C 93:27).
What does sanctified mean?
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: To be sanctified is to be saved; to fall short of sanctification is to fail to gain full salvation. Only the sanctified gain eternal life. To be sanctified is to be clean; it is a state of purity and spotlessness in which no taint of sin is found. (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, p.265).
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: It "consists in those laws, doctrines, ordinances, powers, and authorities needed to enable men to gain the fulness of salvation” (Mormon Doctrine, p. 333.).
How do we become begotten sons and daughters of God?
Elder D. Todd Christofferson: "When this true faith takes root in a person, it inevitably leads to repentance. To be complete, however, repentance requires a covenant of obedience. This is the covenant expressed by Benjamin’s people “to do [God’s] will, and to be obedient to his commandments”
"As we reflect on these examples and other scriptures, it becomes clear that spiritual rebirth originates with faith in Jesus Christ, by whose grace we are changed. More specifically, it is faith in Christ as the Atoning One, the Redeemer, who can cleanse from sin and make holy.
"Having thus relied “upon the merits of him who is mighty to save” we are “quickened in the inner man” and, if not yet fully born again, then certainly well into the path of spiritual rebirth.” (Born Again, April 2008).
Section 76:25-29 - Satan
- What authority did Satan have?
- Can you sin in pre-mortal life?
- How can you be in the presence of God and not get it?
- What does thrust down mean? Thrust down where?
- Define Perdition.
- Define Lucifer.
- Why does in say “was” Lucifer?
- What does it mean “a son of the morning”?
- Define Satan.
- What is Satan’s intent?
What authority did Satan have?
President George Q. Cannon: “Some have called him the son of the morning, but here it is a son of the morning – one among many, doubtless. This angel was a mighty personage without doubt. The record that is given to us concerning him clearly shows that he occupied a very high position; that he was thought a great deal of, and that he was might in his sphere… (Millennial Star 5 Sept 1895).
Can you sin in pre-mortal life?
Elder Marion D. Hanks: “Another special son, brilliant—the scriptures call him "an authority in the presence of God but lacking love except for self, disdained the Father's plan and rebelled against it. He had strong opinions of his own; he contrived some rules of his own, seemed to feel his Father's way inefficient and imperfect. He rebelled, and misled and led away a multitude of his Father's children." (Bear Ye One Another's Burdens, Oct 1970)
Define Perdition --- Define Lucifer --- Define Satan
- Lucifer’s name mean – “light bearer” or ”shining one.”
- Perdition mean “loss or destruction.”
- Lucifer fell from his position as a glorious being to a position of utter loss and destruction (see also Revelation 12:1-11, Moses 4:1-4).
- Satan means – “adversary, one who withstands; an opponent.”
What is Satan’s intent?
Elder William J. Critchlow, Jr.: “Lucifer's strategy is to induce the cast to use their individual agency in a way that will produce chaos on the stage. By exposing the cast to as much evil as possible, he hopes to gain numerical strength so that he might shout when the curtain rolls down at the end of the play,
"I have the majority of the heavenly host on my side numerical strength is my power. Now I can claim `thine honor' now `I will ascend into heaven' now `I will exalt my throne above the stars of God.'" (See Isa. 14:12-20.) (Conference Report, Oct 1967, p. 85).
Section 76:30-38, 43-49 - Sons of Perdition
- What does it mean to know the power of God?
- How do you become a partaker of His promise?
- What is deny and defy?
- Are sons of perdition only boys?
- What does it mean that it would be better for them to never have been born?
- Why is there no forgiveness for Sons of Perdition – does the Atonement of Christ not work?
- How do you deny the Holy Spirit?
- What exactly is the 2nd death?
- Why will God not save them?
- What is Outer Darkness really like?
- Are Sons of Perdition ordained to Outer Darkness?
What does it mean to know the power of God?
Elder Melvin J. Ballard: “…unto the Holy Ghost has been given the right and the privilege of manifesting the truth unto men as no other power will. So that when he makes a man see and know a thing he knows it better than he shall ever know anything else; and to sin against that knowledge is to sin against the greatest light there is, and consequently commit the greatest sin there is.” (Millennial Star, 11 Aug. 1932, pp. 499–500.)
Joseph Smith: “What must a man do to commit the unpardonable sin? He must receive the Holy Ghost, have the heavens opened unto him, and know God, and then sin against Him. After a man has sinned against the Holy Ghost, there is no repentance for him. He has got to say that the sun does not shine while he sees it; …
“…he has got to deny Jesus Christ when the heavens have been opened unto him, and to deny the plan of salvation with his eyes open to the truth of it; and from that time he begins to be an enemy. This is the case with many apostates of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” (Teachings, p. 358.)
President Spencer W. Kimball: “The sin against the Holy Ghost requires such knowledge that it is manifestly impossible for the rank and file to commit such a sin.” (Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 123.)
Are sons of perdition only boys?
Elder Stephen L Richards: "It is a tremendous responsibility to bear the Holy Priesthood. I wish all of you -- perhaps all did not -- had heard what President Joseph Fielding Smith told us yesterday, something I have long believed, and I was glad to have sanction for my belief. He said in substance that there will be no Sons of Perdition who do not hold the Priesthood." (Conference Oct 1958 p 86).
Elder Melvin J. Ballard: "[God] has other sons and daughters who do not even attain unto the telestial kingdom. They are sons of perdition out with the devil and his angels, and though the Father has grieved over them, he still has not the power to rescue and save them because He gave them free agency, and they used that in such a manner that they have shut themselves out from His presence." (Sermons and Missionary Services of Melvin J. Ballard p. 255–257).
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: Somebody called me up on the telephone and asked if there were daughters of perdition. I said: “I don’t know” and he said, “How can I find out—I just called Spencer Kimball and he told me he didn’t know either.” ("Mormon Doctrine Lecture, #2," Brigham Young University, 1967.)
Elder Orson F. Whitney: Their sin “is an offense so heinous that the sinner is unable to repent; and this is what makes his case hopeless. If he could repent, he could be forgiven; but being incapable of repentance, he cannot be reached by the pardoning power.” ( Improvement Era, Mar. 1920, p. 413.)
How do you deny the Holy Spirit?
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: To commit this unpardonable crime a man must receive the gospel, gain from the Holy Ghost by revelation the absolute knowledge of the divinity of Christ, and then deny ‘the new and everlasting covenant by which he was sanctified, calling it an unholy thing, and doing despite to the Spirit of grace.’ (Teachings, p. 128.)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: He thereby commits murder by assenting unto the Lord’s death, that is, having a perfect knowledge of the truth he comes out in open rebellion and places himself in a position wherein he would have crucified Christ knowing perfectly the while that he was the Son of God. Christ is thus crucified afresh and put to open shame. (D. & C. 132:27.)” (Mormon Doctrine, pp. 816–17.)
What exactly is the 2nd death?
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: “Spiritual death is to be cast out of the presence of the Lord, to die as to the things of righteousness, to die as to the things of the Spirit. Spirit beings as such never die in the sense of annihilation or in the sense that their spirit bodies are disorganized; rather, they continue to live to all eternity either as spirits or as resurrected personages. …
“Eventually, all are redeemed from spiritual death except those who have ‘sinned unto death’, that is, those who are destined to be sons of perdition. This is the second death.’ And thus the Lord said in our day that the sons of perdition are ‘the only ones on whom the second death shall have any power’, meaning any power after the resurrection.” (Mormon Doctrine, pp. 816–17.)
Joseph Smith: "A man is his own tormentor and his own condemner. Hence the saying, They shall go into the lake that burns with fire and brimstone. The torment of disappointment in the mind of man is as exquisite as a lake burning with fire and brimstone. I say, so is the torment of man." (Teachings, 357)
Are Sons of Perdition ordained to Outer Darkness?
“Not foreordained, in the sense of pre-elected by God, to condemnation. God has ordained that rebellion against Him shall result, if persisted in to the end, in misery, but He has not foreordained anyone to that fate. The sons of Perdition pursue their course according to their own choice, and not as victims of inexorable destiny.” (Smith and Sjodahl Commentary, p. 455.)
Section 76:50-70, 92-96 - Celestial Kingdom
- What is the resurrection of the just?
- Are there more than one resurrection?
- How does someone truly receive a testimony?
- What does it mean to make and keep my baptismal covenant?
- We are told to “receive the Holy Ghost” how do we do that?
- What does it mean to overcome by faith? Overcome what?
- What is the Holy Spirit of Promise?
- What is the Church of the Firstborn? Is it different than the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
- What things does the Father give? What does that entail?
- How many people really will make the Celestial Kingdom?
- Is Melchizedek Priesthood necessary for the Celestial Kingdom?
- What does it mean “they are gods”?
- Define subdue.
- Why will we reign on earth? Won’t we be in the Celestial Kingdom?
- Where in heaven are the names of Celestial people written?
- Do I have to be perfect to make in to the Celestial kingdom?
- What is a Celestial body like?
- What does it mean that “they see as they are seen and know as they are known”?
- What does equal in power mean?
- Won’t you get bored being in the Celestial Kingdom forever?
What is the resurrection of the just?
Are there more than one resurrection?
President Joseph Fielding Smith: “In modern revelation given to the Church, the Lord has made known more in relation to this glorious event. There shall be at least two classes which shall have the privilege of the resurrection at this time: ‘First, those who shall dwell in the presence of God and his Christ forever and ever’; and second, honorable men, those who belong to the terrestrial kingdom as well as those of the celestial kingdom." (Doctrines of Salvation, 2:296.)
What is the Holy Spirit of Promise?
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "Thus an act which is sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise is one which is ratified by the Holy Ghost; it is one which is approved by the Lord; and the person who has taken the obligation upon himself is justified by the Spirit in the thing he has done. The ratifying seal of approval is put upon an act only if those entering the contract are worthy as a result of personal righteousness to receive the divine approbation." (Mormon Doctrine, pp. 361–62)
What is the Church of the Firstborn?
President Joseph Fielding Smith: “Those who gain exaltation in the celestial kingdom are those who are members of the Church of the Firstborn; in other words, those who keep all the commandments of the Lord. …
“The Lord has made it possible for us to become members of the Church of the Firstborn, by receiving the blessings of the house of the Lord and overcoming all things. Thus we become heirs, ‘priests, and kings, who have received of his fulness, and of his glory,’ who shall ‘dwell in the presence of God and his Christ forever and ever,’ with full exaltation.” (Doctrines of Salvation, 2:41–42.)
How many people really will make the Celestial Kingdom?
- “An innumerable company” (Section 76:67).
- “Great multitude which no man could number” (Rev 7:7-9).
- “A multitude of nations” (Section 107:55).
- “Thousand thousands” i.e. infinite (Daniel 7:10).
- “Innumerable company of the spirits of the just” (Section 138:12).
- “An innumerable company” in the heavenly Jerusalem (Heb 12:22).
- Children who die before the age of 8 and all those who die without gospel, who would have received it if they had the chance.(Section 137:7-10).
Historical studies suggest that around one-quarter of infants died in their first year of life and around half of all children died before they reached the end of puberty (https://ourworldindata.org/child-mortality-in-the-past)
Total born: 117 Billion (https://www.prb.org/articles/how-many-people-have-ever-lived-on-earth/)
Why will we reign on earth? Won’t we be in the Celestial Kingdom?
President Joseph Fielding Smith: “This new heaven and earth which will come into existence when our Lord comes to reign, is this same earth with its heavens renewed or restored to its primitive condition and beauty. Everything is to be brought back as nearly as it is possible to its position as it was in the beginning. The mountains, we are informed, are to be thrown down, the valleys are to be exalted, and ‘the earth shall be like as it was in the days before it was divided.’” (The Restoration of All Things, 294–95).
Do I have to be perfect to make into the Celestial kingdom?
President Ezra Taft Benson: "Those who are just and true." What an apt expression for those valiant in the testimony of Jesus! They are courageous in defending truth and righteousness. These are members of the Church who magnify their callings in the Church pay their tithes and offerings, live morally clean lives, sustain their Church leaders by word and action, keep the Sabbath as a holy day, and obey all the commandments of God."
"To these the Lord has promised that "all thrones and dominions, principalities and powers, shall be revealed and set forth upon all who have endured valiantly for the gospel of Jesus Christ" (D&C 121:29)." ("Valiant in the Testimony of Jesus," Ensign, Feb. 1987, p. 2)
76:71-80 – Terrestrial Kingdom
- Is there a difference between a Celestial person and a Terrestrial person?
- What does it mean “died without law”?
- If these people received a testimony of Jesus in spirit prison why can they not obtain the Celestial glory?
- What does an honorable man look like? Are they not Celestial?
- What does receive of His glory but not of His fulness mean?
- Will Terrestrial people be in the presence of the Son?
- What does a terrestrial body look like?
- What does valiant mean?
- How does not being valiant assign these people to this kingdom?
- What do people in the Terrestrial kingdom do forever?
If these people received a testimony of Jesus in spirit prison why can they not obtain the Celestial glory?
President Joseph Fielding Smith: “This new heaven and earth which will come into existence when our Lord comes to reign, is this same earth with its heavens renewed or restored to its primitive condition and beauty. Everything is to be brought back as nearly as it is possible to its position as it was in the beginning. The mountains, we are informed, are to be thrown down, the valleys are to be exalted, and ‘the earth shall be like as it was in the days before it was divided.’” (The Restoration of All Things, 294–95). Into the terrestrial kingdom will go all those who are honorable and who have lived clean virtuous lives, but who would not receive the Gospel, but in the spirit world repented and accepted it as far as it can be given unto them. Many of these have been blinded by tradition and the love of the world, and have not been able to see the beauties of the Gospel." (Church History and Modern Revelation 1:287-288)
What does valiant mean?
President Joseph Fielding Smith: “It is to be courageous and bold; to use all our strength, energy, and ability in the warfare with the world; to fight the good fight of faith. . . . The great cornerstone of valiance in the cause of righteousness is obedience to the whole law of the whole gospel." (Church History and Modern Revelation 1:287-288)
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: “To be valiant in the testimony of Jesus is to ‘come unto Christ, and be perfected in him’; it is to deny ourselves ‘of all ungodliness,’ and ‘love God’ with all our ‘might, mind and strength.’ ( Moro. 10:32 .)
“To be valiant in the testimony of Jesus is to believe in Christ and his gospel with unshakable conviction. It is to know of the verity and divinity of the Lord’s work on earth. ( Conference Report, Oct. 1974, pp. 45–46)
76:81-90, 95-112 Telestial Kingdom
- Why wouldn’t someone accept the gospel if it was presented in the Spirit World?
- What does it mean that these people are thrust down to hell?
- When is the last resurrection?
- Will these people by taught by the Holy Spirit?
- Is the Telestial Kingdom better than earth?
- Is there more than one division or degree in the Telestial Kingdom?
- Why are liars grouped with these people?
- What does it mean to bow and confess to God? Won’t they then accept the gospel?
- What do people in the Telestial kingdom do forever?
Is the Telestial Kingdom better than earth?
Elder John A. Widstoe: “The [Doctrine and Covenants] explains clearly that the lowest glory to which man is assigned is so glorious as to be beyond the understanding of man. It is a doctrine fundamental in Mormonism that the meanest sinner, in the final judgment, will receive a glory which is beyond human understanding, which is so great that we are unable to describe it adequately. Those who do well will receive an even more glorious place." (Message of the Doctrine and Covenants, p. 167)
Is there more than one division or degree in the Telestial Kingdom?
Elder James E. Talmage: "The three kingdoms of widely differing glories are organized on an orderly plan of gradation. We have seen that the telestial kingdom comprises several subdivisions; this also is the case, we are told, with the celestial; and, by analogy, we conclude that a similar condition prevails in the terrestrial. Thus the innumerable degrees of merit amongst mankind are provided for in an infinity of graded glories.” (The House of the Lord, p.83)
What did the saints think about section 76 when it was first given?
Brigham Young: “My traditions were such that when the Vision came first to me, it was so directly contrary and opposed to my former education, I said, wait a
little; I did not reject it, but I could not understand it.” (JD Aug 29, 1852)
Joseph Young: “I could not believe it at first. Why the Lord was going to save everybody.” (Discourse, Deseret Weekly News March 18, 1857)
Summary
Elder Melvin J. Ballard: “The greatest revelation the Lord, Jesus Christ, has ever given to man, so far as record is made, was given to the Prophet Joseph Smith ... known as the 76th section of the book of Doctrine & Covenants, commonly called for years and still known as ‘The Vision.’ I say, this to my mind is the climax of all wonderful revelations that have come from the Lord from the days of Father Adam until the present moment.” (Three Degrees of Glory 1955, 4).
https://faculty.cs.byu.edu/~clement/rel325/vision-poem.pdf
This poetical rendering of Doctrine and Covenants 76, published in Nauvoo in 1843, is the only poem extant supposed to have been written by the Prophet Joseph Smith. Close textual comparisons, however, lead one to suspect that W. W. Phelps was the author. For a long period Phelps served as a personal scribe for Joseph. The poem is a response to Phelps' "Vade Mecum" (https://faculty.cs.byu.edu/~clement/rel325/vision-poem.pdf)
How do you simply explain who goes to the Celestial, terrestrial and telestial kingdoms?
Celestial: “Who received the testimony of Jesus” and accept the gospel of Christ.” (76:51-53, see also 3 Ne 27:20-21).
Terrestrial: Receive the testimony of Jesus in this life or the Spirit World, but no gospel acceptance. (76:74, 79).
Telestial: “Received not the gospel, neither the testimony of Jesus.” (76:82).
Teaching Thoughts:
- Before you begin your study, write down question that you have about life the Spirit World, judgment, resurrection, kingdoms of glory. Look for answers in section 76.
- Where do you see you in the plan of happiness?
- Where does Christ see you?
- Break up the section into the 6 visions and have groups study and teach the class what they feel we should know that will help us in our lives today.