Lesson 34: Lesson 34: Joseph Joseph Smith Smith

Teaches Teaches about about

Baptism for Baptism for the Deadthe Dead

““Lesson 34: Joseph Smith Teaches about Baptism for the Dead,” Lesson 34: Joseph Smith Teaches about Baptism for the Dead,” Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants: Church History, Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants: Church History, (1997),193(1997),193

 

To help the children To help the children understand the importance understand the importance of priesthood authority and of priesthood authority and have a desire to be worthy have a desire to be worthy of priesthood ordinances of priesthood ordinances

and blessings. and blessings.

PurposePurpose

(Enter name here)(Enter name here)

OUR OPENING PRAYER WILL OUR OPENING PRAYER WILL BE GIVEN BYBE GIVEN BY

Who here thinks Who here thinks they can comb they can comb their hair?their hair?

If I asked you to comb your hair, If I asked you to comb your hair, without bending your arm at the elbow, without bending your arm at the elbow, do you think you could still comb your do you think you could still comb your hair?hair?

Why can’t you Why can’t you comb your hair? comb your hair?

If we were not If we were not able to bend able to bend our elbows, our elbows, how would our how would our hair get hair get combed?combed?

Someone else Someone else would have to would have to comb it for us. comb it for us.

When has someone When has someone helped you by helped you by doing something doing something that you could not that you could not do for yourself, how do for yourself, how did you feel about did you feel about having someone having someone help you in that help you in that wayway

Let’s Read John 3:5Let’s Read John 3:5

5 Jesus answered, Verily, 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the cannot enter into the kingdom of God.kingdom of God.

What do you think is What do you think is the meaning of this the meaning of this scripture?scripture?

Remember, that being Remember, that being baptized is one of the baptized is one of the first steps toward first steps toward returning to live with returning to live with Heavenly Father and Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ again. Jesus Christ again.

People cannot enter People cannot enter the kingdom of God the kingdom of God unless they have been unless they have been baptized. baptized.

Many people have lived Many people have lived on the earth at times on the earth at times when baptism was not when baptism was not available or have died available or have died before they had a before they had a chance to learn about chance to learn about the true gospel and the true gospel and baptism by the proper baptism by the proper priesthood authority.priesthood authority.

Since baptism is Since baptism is required of all required of all people, how will people, how will these people be these people be able to return to able to return to live with Heavenly live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Father and Jesus Christ? Christ? Someone must be Someone must be

baptized for baptized for them. them. ..

Heavenly Father loves each of his Heavenly Father loves each of his children equally and wants each one to children equally and wants each one to have the opportunity to live again with have the opportunity to live again with him. him.

He has made it possible for members of the He has made it possible for members of the Church to help people who were not Church to help people who were not baptized when they lived on the earth. baptized when they lived on the earth.

We can do for these people what they We can do for these people what they cannot do for themselves. cannot do for themselves.

In May 1842 the Saints In May 1842 the Saints living in Nauvoo learned living in Nauvoo learned that Lilburn W. Boggs had that Lilburn W. Boggs had been shot and wounded been shot and wounded in Independence, in Independence, Missouri.Missouri.

Boggs had been the governor of Boggs had been the governor of Missouri when the Saints lived Missouri when the Saints lived there, and he had issued the there, and he had issued the “extermination order” forcing the “extermination order” forcing the Saints out of Missouri.Saints out of Missouri.

Boggs had many political Boggs had many political enemies who would have enemies who would have been likely suspects in been likely suspects in the shooting, but Missouri the shooting, but Missouri authorities accused authorities accused Joseph Smith of trying to Joseph Smith of trying to kill Boggs. kill Boggs.

Joseph knew that he was innocent Joseph knew that he was innocent of this charge, so he made a of this charge, so he made a statement to a newspaper editor statement to a newspaper editor and forgot the incident. and forgot the incident.

Two months later Two months later the Prophet and the Prophet and Orrin Porter Orrin Porter Rockwell, one of his Rockwell, one of his bodyguards, were bodyguards, were arrested. arrested.

Boggs had formally Boggs had formally accused Porter accused Porter Rockwell of firing Rockwell of firing the gun and Joseph the gun and Joseph Smith of ordering Smith of ordering him to do it. him to do it.

Under the laws of Under the laws of the United States, the United States, however, the however, the Prophet and Porter Prophet and Porter Rockwell had been Rockwell had been improperly and improperly and illegally arrested, so illegally arrested, so they were released. they were released.

Realizing that he Realizing that he was in danger, the was in danger, the Prophet went into Prophet went into hiding for the next hiding for the next few months. few months.

During this time of During this time of hiding, Joseph Smith hiding, Joseph Smith wrote two inspired wrote two inspired letters to the Saints letters to the Saints in Nauvoo. in Nauvoo.

These letters contained instructions These letters contained instructions given by the Lord regarding how given by the Lord regarding how baptisms for the dead should be baptisms for the dead should be done. done.

The letters are now published as The letters are now published as Doctrine and Covenants 127 and Doctrine and Covenants 127 and 128.128.

Several years earlier, in Several years earlier, in the Kirtland Temple, the Kirtland Temple, Joseph Smith had received Joseph Smith had received a vision of the celestial a vision of the celestial kingdom in which he saw kingdom in which he saw his brother Alvin, who had his brother Alvin, who had died before Joseph had died before Joseph had received the gold plates received the gold plates (see D&C 137). (see D&C 137).

Joseph was surprised to see Alvin in the Joseph was surprised to see Alvin in the celestial kingdom, because Alvin had celestial kingdom, because Alvin had not been baptized before he died. not been baptized before he died.

The Lord explained to Joseph that all The Lord explained to Joseph that all people who would have received the people who would have received the gospel, been baptized, and lived gospel, been baptized, and lived righteously if they had been given the righteously if they had been given the opportunity will be able to be in the opportunity will be able to be in the celestial kingdom (see D&C 137:7). celestial kingdom (see D&C 137:7).

Joseph later learned that baptisms for Joseph later learned that baptisms for the dead could be done vicariously, the dead could be done vicariously, using people on the earth as proxies.using people on the earth as proxies.

VicariouVicariouss

A person A person doesdoes something something

in place ofin place of someone else.someone else.

ProxyProxy The The personperson

doing the doing the work or work or activity.activity.

In the temple we can be baptized In the temple we can be baptized for people who died without being for people who died without being baptized. baptized.

We serve as proxy for these We serve as proxy for these people. people.

We are the ones who go down into the We are the ones who go down into the water and are baptized, but they are water and are baptized, but they are the ones for whom the baptism counts. the ones for whom the baptism counts.

We are participating in vicarious We are participating in vicarious baptisms.baptisms.

Everyone must be Everyone must be baptized in order to baptized in order to enter the celestial enter the celestial kingdom. kingdom.

Because baptism is Because baptism is an earthly an earthly ordinance, baptisms ordinance, baptisms can be done only by can be done only by people living on the people living on the earth. earth.

While we are on the earth, we can While we are on the earth, we can help people who have not been help people who have not been baptized by doing vicarious baptized by doing vicarious baptisms for them.baptisms for them.

Vicarious baptisms Vicarious baptisms for the dead were for the dead were performed after Jesus performed after Jesus Christ’s resurrection Christ’s resurrection (see 1 Corinthians (see 1 Corinthians 15:29) until Christ’s 15:29) until Christ’s church fell into church fell into apostasy and the apostasy and the priesthood was taken priesthood was taken from the earth. from the earth.

Before the Prophet Joseph learned Before the Prophet Joseph learned about baptism for the dead, no one about baptism for the dead, no one in his time realized that vicarious in his time realized that vicarious baptism was a part of the gospel of baptism was a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ.Jesus Christ.

In 1918 Joseph F. In 1918 Joseph F. Smith, the sixth Smith, the sixth President of the President of the Church, received a Church, received a revelation explaining revelation explaining more about what more about what happens to those happens to those who die without who die without baptism. baptism.

This revelation is This revelation is published in Doctrine published in Doctrine and Covenants 138. and Covenants 138.

President Smith saw President Smith saw Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ and some of his followers some of his followers in the spirit world.in the spirit world.

Jesus organized his Jesus organized his followers to teach followers to teach the gospel to people the gospel to people who had not had the who had not had the opportunity to learn opportunity to learn the gospel and be the gospel and be baptized before they baptized before they dieddied

This teaching prepared the people This teaching prepared the people to accept the vicarious baptisms to accept the vicarious baptisms that would be done for them.that would be done for them.

Discussion TimeDiscussion Time

Why do we need to be Why do we need to be baptized? (John 3:5; baptized? (John 3:5; Articles of Faith 1:4.) Articles of Faith 1:4.)

What is baptism for What is baptism for the dead? the dead?

Why do members of Why do members of the Church perform the Church perform baptisms for the baptisms for the dead?dead?

How are we How are we baptized? baptized?

Explain that the baptismal font is usually Explain that the baptismal font is usually placed in the basement or lowest part of placed in the basement or lowest part of the temple.the temple.

Why did the Lord instruct the Saints to Why did the Lord instruct the Saints to keep careful records of the baptisms they keep careful records of the baptisms they performed for the dead? (D&C 127:6–7, 9)performed for the dead? (D&C 127:6–7, 9)

We baptized for the We baptized for the dead? dead? Members of the Church Members of the Church

at least twelve years at least twelve years old who have received old who have received an appropriate temple an appropriate temple recommend from their recommend from their bishop.bishop.

What did Joseph F. Smith see in his vision What did Joseph F. Smith see in his vision of the spirit world? (D&C 138:11–19, 28–35.) of the spirit world? (D&C 138:11–19, 28–35.)

What happens to people who die without What happens to people who die without being taught the gospel? (D&C 138:31–33.)being taught the gospel? (D&C 138:31–33.)

Why is it important for each of us to Why is it important for each of us to make sure our ancestors have had make sure our ancestors have had the ordinance of baptism performed the ordinance of baptism performed for them? (D&C 128:15.) for them? (D&C 128:15.)

Other ordinances, such as temple Other ordinances, such as temple marriage, can also be performed for marriage, can also be performed for the dead by proxy. the dead by proxy. This way all the This way all the

members of our members of our family can be family can be sealed together for sealed together for eternity. eternity.

All our righteous All our righteous ancestors can be ancestors can be part of our eternal part of our eternal family. family.

I am grateful for your baptism and for I am grateful for your baptism and for the opportunity to help make baptism the opportunity to help make baptism available to every person who ever available to every person who ever lived on the earth. lived on the earth.

I encourage you to talk with your I encourage you to talk with your families about having baptisms families about having baptisms performed for your ancestors.performed for your ancestors.

TESTIMONYTESTIMONY

(Enter Name Here)(Enter Name Here)

OUR CLOSING PRAYER WILL OUR CLOSING PRAYER WILL BE GIVEN BYBE GIVEN BY

THE ENDTHE END

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The Lesson and Scripture story are from lds.org. This The Lesson and Scripture story are from lds.org. This presentation was created with the help of the presentation presentation was created with the help of the presentation by Connie Mayes found on Sugar Doodle.net.by Connie Mayes found on Sugar Doodle.net.

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Teachers should refer to the manual, scriptures and other Teachers should refer to the manual, scriptures and other resources when preparing and conducting the lesson.resources when preparing and conducting the lesson.

Doctrine and Covenants 127Doctrine and Covenants 127 1 Forasmuch as the Lord has revealed unto me that my enemies, 1 Forasmuch as the Lord has revealed unto me that my enemies,

both in Missouri and this State, were again in the pursuit of me; both in Missouri and this State, were again in the pursuit of me; and inasmuch as they pursue me without a cause, and have not and inasmuch as they pursue me without a cause, and have not the least shadow or coloring of justice or right on their side in the the least shadow or coloring of justice or right on their side in the getting up of their prosecutions against me; and inasmuch as getting up of their prosecutions against me; and inasmuch as their pretensions are all founded in falsehood of the blackest dye, their pretensions are all founded in falsehood of the blackest dye, I have thought it expedient and wisdom in me to leave the place I have thought it expedient and wisdom in me to leave the place for a short season, for my own safety and the safety of this for a short season, for my own safety and the safety of this people. I would say to all those with whom I have business, that I people. I would say to all those with whom I have business, that I have left my affairs with agents and clerks who will transact all have left my affairs with agents and clerks who will transact all business in a prompt and proper manner, and will see that all my business in a prompt and proper manner, and will see that all my debts are canceled in due time, by turning out property, or debts are canceled in due time, by turning out property, or otherwise, as the case may require, or as the circumstances may otherwise, as the case may require, or as the circumstances may admit of. When I learn that the storm is fully blown over, then I admit of. When I learn that the storm is fully blown over, then I will return to you again.will return to you again.

Doctrine and Covenants 127Doctrine and Covenants 127 2 And as for the perils which I am called to pass through, they 2 And as for the perils which I am called to pass through, they

seem but a small thing to me, as the envy and wrath of man have seem but a small thing to me, as the envy and wrath of man have been my common lot all the days of my life; and for what cause it been my common lot all the days of my life; and for what cause it seems mysterious, unless I was ordained from before the seems mysterious, unless I was ordained from before the foundation of the world for some good end, or bad, as you may foundation of the world for some good end, or bad, as you may choose to call it. Judge ye for yourselves. God knoweth all these choose to call it. Judge ye for yourselves. God knoweth all these things, whether it be good or bad. But nevertheless, deep water things, whether it be good or bad. But nevertheless, deep water is what I am wont to swim in. It all has become a second nature is what I am wont to swim in. It all has become a second nature to me; and I feel, like Paul, to glory in tribulation; for to this day to me; and I feel, like Paul, to glory in tribulation; for to this day has the God of my fathers delivered me out of them all, and will has the God of my fathers delivered me out of them all, and will deliver me from henceforth; for behold, and lo, I shall triumph deliver me from henceforth; for behold, and lo, I shall triumph over all my enemies, for the Lord God hath spoken it.over all my enemies, for the Lord God hath spoken it.

Doctrine and Covenants 127Doctrine and Covenants 127 3 Let all the saints rejoice, therefore, and be exceedingly glad; for 3 Let all the saints rejoice, therefore, and be exceedingly glad; for

Israel’s God is their God, and he will mete out a just recompense Israel’s God is their God, and he will mete out a just recompense of reward upon the heads of all their oppressors.of reward upon the heads of all their oppressors.

4 And again, verily thus saith the Lord: Let the work of my 4 And again, verily thus saith the Lord: Let the work of my temple, and all the works which I have appointed unto you, be temple, and all the works which I have appointed unto you, be continued on and not cease; and let your diligence, and your continued on and not cease; and let your diligence, and your perseverance, and patience, and your works be redoubled, and perseverance, and patience, and your works be redoubled, and you shall in nowise lose your reward, saith the Lord of Hosts. And you shall in nowise lose your reward, saith the Lord of Hosts. And if they persecute you, so persecuted they the prophets and if they persecute you, so persecuted they the prophets and righteous men that were before you. For all this there is a reward righteous men that were before you. For all this there is a reward in heaven.in heaven.

  5 And again, I give unto you a word in relation to the baptism for 5 And again, I give unto you a word in relation to the baptism for your dead.your dead.

Doctrine and Covenants 127Doctrine and Covenants 127 6 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you concerning your dead: 6 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you concerning your dead:

When any of you are baptized for your dead, let there be a When any of you are baptized for your dead, let there be a recorder, and let him be eye-witness of your baptisms; let him recorder, and let him be eye-witness of your baptisms; let him hear with his ears, that he may testify of a truth, saith the Lord;hear with his ears, that he may testify of a truth, saith the Lord;

  7 That in all your recordings it may be recorded in heaven; 7 That in all your recordings it may be recorded in heaven; whatsoever you bind on earth, may be bound in heaven; whatsoever you bind on earth, may be bound in heaven; whatsoever you loose on earth, may be loosed in heaven;whatsoever you loose on earth, may be loosed in heaven;

  8 For I am about to restore many things to the earth, pertaining 8 For I am about to restore many things to the earth, pertaining to the priesthood, saith the Lord of Hosts.to the priesthood, saith the Lord of Hosts.

  9 And again, let all the records be had in order, that they may be 9 And again, let all the records be had in order, that they may be put in the archives of my holy temple, to be held in remembrance put in the archives of my holy temple, to be held in remembrance from generation to generation, saith the Lord of Hosts.from generation to generation, saith the Lord of Hosts.

Doctrine and Covenants 127Doctrine and Covenants 127 10 I will say to all the saints, that I desired, with exceedingly 10 I will say to all the saints, that I desired, with exceedingly

great desire, to have addressed them from the stand on the great desire, to have addressed them from the stand on the subject of baptism for the dead, on the following Sabbath. But subject of baptism for the dead, on the following Sabbath. But inasmuch as it is out of my power to do so, I will write the word of inasmuch as it is out of my power to do so, I will write the word of the Lord from time to time, on that subject, and send it to you by the Lord from time to time, on that subject, and send it to you by mail, as well as many other things.mail, as well as many other things.

  11 I now close my letter for the present, for the want of more 11 I now close my letter for the present, for the want of more time; for the enemy is on the alert, and as the Savior said, the time; for the enemy is on the alert, and as the Savior said, the prince of this world cometh, but he hath nothing in me.prince of this world cometh, but he hath nothing in me.

  12 Behold, my prayer to God is that you all may be saved. And I 12 Behold, my prayer to God is that you all may be saved. And I subscribe myself your servant in the Lord, prophet and seer of subscribe myself your servant in the Lord, prophet and seer of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

    Joseph Smith.Joseph Smith.

Revelation 20:12Revelation 20:12

  12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to those things which were written in the books, according to their works.their works.

Matthew 16:18, 19:Matthew 16:18, 19:

  18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon 18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.not prevail against it.

  19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of 19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.shall be loosed in heaven.

1 Corinthians 15:29:1 Corinthians 15:29:

  29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, 29 Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?the dead?

1 Corinthians 15:46, 47, and 1 Corinthians 15:46, 47, and 4848

  46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that 46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

  47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is 47 The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven.the Lord from heaven.

  48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and 48 As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.

1 As I stated to you in my letter before I left my place, that I 1 As I stated to you in my letter before I left my place, that I would write to you from time to time and give you information in would write to you from time to time and give you information in relation to many subjects, I now resume the subject of the relation to many subjects, I now resume the subject of the baptism for the dead, as that subject seems to occupy my mind, baptism for the dead, as that subject seems to occupy my mind, and press itself upon my feelings the strongest, since I have been and press itself upon my feelings the strongest, since I have been pursued by my enemies.pursued by my enemies.

  2 I wrote a few words of revelation to you concerning a recorder. 2 I wrote a few words of revelation to you concerning a recorder. I have had a few additional views in relation to this matter, which I have had a few additional views in relation to this matter, which I now certify. That is, it was declared in my former letter that I now certify. That is, it was declared in my former letter that there should be a recorder, who should be eye-witness, and also there should be a recorder, who should be eye-witness, and also to hear with his ears, that he might make a record of a truth to hear with his ears, that he might make a record of a truth before the Lord.before the Lord.

Doctrine and Covenants 128Doctrine and Covenants 128

  3 Now, in relation to this matter, it would be very difficult for one 3 Now, in relation to this matter, it would be very difficult for one recorder to be present at all times, and to do all the business. To recorder to be present at all times, and to do all the business. To obviate this difficulty, there can be a recorder appointed in each obviate this difficulty, there can be a recorder appointed in each ward of the city, who is well qualified for taking accurate minutes; ward of the city, who is well qualified for taking accurate minutes; and let him be very particular and precise in taking the whole and let him be very particular and precise in taking the whole proceedings, certifying in his record that he saw with his eyes, proceedings, certifying in his record that he saw with his eyes, and heard with his ears, giving the date, and names, and so forth, and heard with his ears, giving the date, and names, and so forth, and the history of the whole transaction; naming also some three and the history of the whole transaction; naming also some three individuals that are present, if there be any present, who can at individuals that are present, if there be any present, who can at any time when called upon certify to the same, that in the mouth any time when called upon certify to the same, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

Doctrine and Covenants 128Doctrine and Covenants 128

4 Then, let there be a general recorder, to whom these other 4 Then, let there be a general recorder, to whom these other records can be handed, being attended with certificates over records can be handed, being attended with certificates over their own signatures, certifying that the record they have made is their own signatures, certifying that the record they have made is true. Then the general church recorder can enter the record on true. Then the general church recorder can enter the record on the general church book, with the certificates and all the the general church book, with the certificates and all the attending witnesses, with his own statement that he verily attending witnesses, with his own statement that he verily believes the above statement and records to be true, from his believes the above statement and records to be true, from his knowledge of the general character and appointment of those knowledge of the general character and appointment of those men by the church. And when this is done on the general church men by the church. And when this is done on the general church book, the record shall be just as holy, and shall answer the book, the record shall be just as holy, and shall answer the ordinance just the same as if he had seen with his eyes and ordinance just the same as if he had seen with his eyes and heard with his ears, and made a record of the same on the heard with his ears, and made a record of the same on the general church book..general church book..

Doctrine and Covenants 128Doctrine and Covenants 128

5 You may think this order of things to be very particular; but let 5 You may think this order of things to be very particular; but let me tell you that it is only to answer the will of God, by conforming me tell you that it is only to answer the will of God, by conforming to the ordinance and preparation that the Lord ordained and to the ordinance and preparation that the Lord ordained and prepared before the foundation of the world, for the salvation of prepared before the foundation of the world, for the salvation of the dead who should die without a knowledge of the gospel.the dead who should die without a knowledge of the gospel.

  6 And further, I want you to remember that John the Revelator 6 And further, I want you to remember that John the Revelator was contemplating this very subject in relation to the dead, when was contemplating this very subject in relation to the dead, when he declared, as you will find recorded in Revelation 20:12 —And I he declared, as you will find recorded in Revelation 20:12 —And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged out of those things which were life; and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. on earth shall be written in the books, according to their works. on earth shall be loosed in heaven. loosed in heaven.

Doctrine and Covenants 128Doctrine and Covenants 128

7 You will discover in this quotation that the books were opened; 7 You will discover in this quotation that the books were opened; and another book was opened, which was the book of life; but the and another book was opened, which was the book of life; but the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works; consequently, the books spoken books, according to their works; consequently, the books spoken of must be the books which contained the record of their works, of must be the books which contained the record of their works, and refer to the records which are kept on the earth. And the and refer to the records which are kept on the earth. And the book which was the book of life is the record which is kept in book which was the book of life is the record which is kept in heaven; the principle agreeing precisely with the doctrine which heaven; the principle agreeing precisely with the doctrine which is commanded you in the revelation contained in the letter which is commanded you in the revelation contained in the letter which I wrote to you previous to my leaving my place—that in all your I wrote to you previous to my leaving my place—that in all your recordings it may be recorded in heaven.recordings it may be recorded in heaven.

Doctrine and Covenants 128Doctrine and Covenants 128

  8 Now, the nature of this ordinance consists in the power of the 8 Now, the nature of this ordinance consists in the power of the priesthood, by the revelation of Jesus Christ, wherein it is granted priesthood, by the revelation of Jesus Christ, wherein it is granted that whatsoever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and that whatsoever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Or, in whatsoever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Or, in other words, taking a different view of the translation, other words, taking a different view of the translation, whatsoever you record on earth shall be recorded in heaven, and whatsoever you record on earth shall be recorded in heaven, and whatsoever you do not record on earth shall not be recorded in whatsoever you do not record on earth shall not be recorded in heaven; for out of the books shall your dead be judged, according heaven; for out of the books shall your dead be judged, according to their own works, whether they themselves have attended to to their own works, whether they themselves have attended to the ordinances in their own propria persona, or by the means of the ordinances in their own propria persona, or by the means of their own agents, according to the ordinance which God has their own agents, according to the ordinance which God has prepared for their salvation from before the foundation of the prepared for their salvation from before the foundation of the world, according to the records which they have kept concerning world, according to the records which they have kept concerning their dead.their dead.

Doctrine and Covenants 128Doctrine and Covenants 128

9 It may seem to some to be a very bold doctrine that we talk of9 It may seem to some to be a very bold doctrine that we talk of—a power which records or binds on earth and binds in heaven. —a power which records or binds on earth and binds in heaven. Nevertheless, in all ages of the world, whenever the Lord has Nevertheless, in all ages of the world, whenever the Lord has given a dispensation of the priesthood to any man by actual given a dispensation of the priesthood to any man by actual revelation, or any set of men, this power has always been given. revelation, or any set of men, this power has always been given. Hence, whatsoever those men did in authority, in the name of the Hence, whatsoever those men did in authority, in the name of the Lord, and did it truly and faithfully, and kept a proper and faithful Lord, and did it truly and faithfully, and kept a proper and faithful record of the same, it became a law on earth and in heaven, and record of the same, it became a law on earth and in heaven, and could not be annulled, according to the decrees of the great could not be annulled, according to the decrees of the great Jehovah. This is a faithful saying. Who can hear it?Jehovah. This is a faithful saying. Who can hear it?

  

Doctrine and Covenants 128Doctrine and Covenants 128

10 And again, for the precedent, Matthew 16:18, 19: And I say 10 And again, for the precedent, Matthew 16:18, 19: And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.heaven.

  11 Now the great and grand secret of the whole matter, and the 11 Now the great and grand secret of the whole matter, and the summum bonum of the whole subject that is lying before us, summum bonum of the whole subject that is lying before us, consists in obtaining the powers of the Holy Priesthood. For him consists in obtaining the powers of the Holy Priesthood. For him to whom these keys are given there is no difficulty in obtaining a to whom these keys are given there is no difficulty in obtaining a knowledge of facts in relation to the salvation of the children of knowledge of facts in relation to the salvation of the children of men, both as well for the dead as for the living.men, both as well for the dead as for the living.

Doctrine and Covenants 128Doctrine and Covenants 128

12 Herein is glory and honor, and immortality and eternal life—12 Herein is glory and honor, and immortality and eternal life—The ordinance of baptism by water, to be immersed therein in The ordinance of baptism by water, to be immersed therein in order to answer to the likeness of the dead, that one principle order to answer to the likeness of the dead, that one principle might accord with the other; to be immersed in the water and might accord with the other; to be immersed in the water and come forth out of the water is in the likeness of the resurrection come forth out of the water is in the likeness of the resurrection of the dead in coming forth out of their graves; hence, this of the dead in coming forth out of their graves; hence, this ordinance was instituted to form a relationship with the ordinance ordinance was instituted to form a relationship with the ordinance of baptism for the dead, being in likeness of the dead.of baptism for the dead, being in likeness of the dead.

  13 Consequently, the baptismal font was instituted as a 13 Consequently, the baptismal font was instituted as a similitude of the grave, and was commanded to be in a place similitude of the grave, and was commanded to be in a place underneath where the living are wont to assemble, to show forth underneath where the living are wont to assemble, to show forth the living and the dead, and that all things may have their the living and the dead, and that all things may have their likeness, and that they may accord one with another—that which likeness, and that they may accord one with another—that which is earthly conforming to that which is heavenly, as Paul hath is earthly conforming to that which is heavenly, as Paul hath declared, 1 Corinthians 15:46, 47, and 48:declared, 1 Corinthians 15:46, 47, and 48:

Doctrine and Covenants 128Doctrine and Covenants 128

Doctrine and Covenants 128Doctrine and Covenants 128 14 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is 14 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is

natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of natural; and afterward that which is spiritual. The first man is of the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earth, earthy; the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy; and as is the the earthy, such are they also that are earthy; and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as are the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as are the records on the earth in relation to your dead, which are truly records on the earth in relation to your dead, which are truly made out, so also are the records in heaven. This, therefore, is made out, so also are the records in heaven. This, therefore, is the sealing and binding power, and, in one sense of the word, the the sealing and binding power, and, in one sense of the word, the keys of the kingdom, which consist in the key of knowledge.keys of the kingdom, which consist in the key of knowledge.

  15 And now, my dearly beloved brethren and sisters, let me 15 And now, my dearly beloved brethren and sisters, let me assure you that these are principles in relation to the dead and assure you that these are principles in relation to the dead and the living that cannot be lightly passed over, as pertaining to our the living that cannot be lightly passed over, as pertaining to our salvation. For their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation. For their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation, as Paul says concerning the fathers—that they without salvation, as Paul says concerning the fathers—that they without us cannot be made perfect—neither can we without our dead be us cannot be made perfect—neither can we without our dead be made perfect.made perfect.

Doctrine and Covenants 128Doctrine and Covenants 128 16 And now, in relation to the baptism for the dead, I will give you 16 And now, in relation to the baptism for the dead, I will give you

another quotation of Paul, 1 Corinthians 15:29: Else what shall another quotation of Paul, 1 Corinthians 15:29: Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?all? Why are they then baptized for the dead?

  17 And again, in connection with this quotation I will give you a 17 And again, in connection with this quotation I will give you a quotation from one of the prophets, who had his eye fixed on the quotation from one of the prophets, who had his eye fixed on the restoration of the priesthood, the glories to be revealed in the last restoration of the priesthood, the glories to be revealed in the last days, and in an especial manner this most glorious of all subjects days, and in an especial manner this most glorious of all subjects belonging to the everlasting gospel, namely, the baptism for the belonging to the everlasting gospel, namely, the baptism for the dead; for Malachi says, last chapter, verses 5th and 6th: Behold, I dead; for Malachi says, last chapter, verses 5th and 6th: Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

Doctrine and Covenants 128Doctrine and Covenants 128 18 I might have rendered a plainer translation to this, but it is sufficiently 18 I might have rendered a plainer translation to this, but it is sufficiently

plain to suit my purpose as it stands. It is sufficient to know, in this case, plain to suit my purpose as it stands. It is sufficient to know, in this case, that the earth will be smitten with a curse unless there is a welding link that the earth will be smitten with a curse unless there is a welding link of some kind or other between the fathers and the children, upon some of some kind or other between the fathers and the children, upon some subject or other—and behold what is that subject? It is the baptism for subject or other—and behold what is that subject? It is the baptism for the dead. For we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they the dead. For we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect. Neither can they nor we be made perfect without us be made perfect. Neither can they nor we be made perfect without those who have died in the gospel also; for it is necessary in the without those who have died in the gospel also; for it is necessary in the ushering in of the dispensation of the fulness of times, which ushering in of the dispensation of the fulness of times, which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and complete dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories should take place, and be revealed from the days of powers, and glories should take place, and be revealed from the days of Adam even to the present time. And not only this, but those things which Adam even to the present time. And not only this, but those things which never have been revealed from the foundation of the world, but have never have been revealed from the foundation of the world, but have been kept hid from the wise and prudent, shall be revealed unto babes been kept hid from the wise and prudent, shall be revealed unto babes and sucklings in this, the dispensation of the fulness of times. and sucklings in this, the dispensation of the fulness of times.

Doctrine and Covenants 128Doctrine and Covenants 128 19 Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received? A voice 19 Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received? A voice

of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven; and a voice of truth out of of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven; and a voice of truth out of the earth; glad tidings for the dead; a voice of gladness for the living and the earth; glad tidings for the dead; a voice of gladness for the living and the dead; glad tidings of great joy. How beautiful upon the mountains are the dead; glad tidings of great joy. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of those that bring glad tidings of good things, and that say unto the feet of those that bring glad tidings of good things, and that say unto Zion: Behold, thy God reigneth! As the dews of Carmel, so shall the Zion: Behold, thy God reigneth! As the dews of Carmel, so shall the knowledge of God descend upon them!knowledge of God descend upon them!

  20 And again, what do we hear? Glad tidings from Cumorah! Moroni, an 20 And again, what do we hear? Glad tidings from Cumorah! Moroni, an angel from heaven, declaring the fulfilment of the prophets—the book to angel from heaven, declaring the fulfilment of the prophets—the book to be revealed. A voice of the Lord in the wilderness of Fayette, Seneca be revealed. A voice of the Lord in the wilderness of Fayette, Seneca county, declaring the three witnesses to bear record of the book! The county, declaring the three witnesses to bear record of the book! The voice of Michael on the banks of the Susquehanna, detecting the devil voice of Michael on the banks of the Susquehanna, detecting the devil when he appeared as an angel of light! The voice of Peter, James, and when he appeared as an angel of light! The voice of Peter, James, and John in the wilderness between Harmony, Susquehanna county, and John in the wilderness between Harmony, Susquehanna county, and Colesville, Broome county, on the Susquehanna river, declaring Colesville, Broome county, on the Susquehanna river, declaring themselves as possessing the keys of the kingdom, and of the themselves as possessing the keys of the kingdom, and of the dispensation of the fulness of times!dispensation of the fulness of times!

21 And again, the voice of God in the chamber of old Father Whitmer, in 21 And again, the voice of God in the chamber of old Father Whitmer, in Fayette, Seneca county, and at sundry times, and in divers places Fayette, Seneca county, and at sundry times, and in divers places through all the travels and tribulations of this Church of Jesus Christ of through all the travels and tribulations of this Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! And the voice of Michael, the archangel; the voice of Latter-day Saints! And the voice of Michael, the archangel; the voice of Gabriel, and of Raphael, and of divers angels, from Michael or Adam Gabriel, and of Raphael, and of divers angels, from Michael or Adam down to the present time, all declaring their dispensation, their rights, down to the present time, all declaring their dispensation, their rights, their keys, their honors, their majesty and glory, and the power of their their keys, their honors, their majesty and glory, and the power of their priesthood; giving line upon line, precept upon precept; here a little, and priesthood; giving line upon line, precept upon precept; here a little, and there a little; giving us consolation by holding forth that which is to there a little; giving us consolation by holding forth that which is to come, confirming our hope!come, confirming our hope!

  22 Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not 22 Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing. rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing. Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to the King Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to the King Immanuel, who hath ordained, before the world was, that which would Immanuel, who hath ordained, before the world was, that which would enable us to redeem them out of their prison; for the prisoners shall go enable us to redeem them out of their prison; for the prisoners shall go free.free.

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Doctrine and Covenants 128Doctrine and Covenants 128   23 Let the mountains shout for joy, and all ye valleys cry aloud; 23 Let the mountains shout for joy, and all ye valleys cry aloud;

and all ye seas and dry lands tell the wonders of your Eternal and all ye seas and dry lands tell the wonders of your Eternal King! And ye rivers, and brooks, and rills, flow down with King! And ye rivers, and brooks, and rills, flow down with gladness. Let the woods and all the trees of the field praise the gladness. Let the woods and all the trees of the field praise the Lord; and ye solid rocks weep for joy! And let the sun, moon, and Lord; and ye solid rocks weep for joy! And let the sun, moon, and the morning stars sing together, and let all the sons of God shout the morning stars sing together, and let all the sons of God shout for joy! And let the eternal creations declare his name forever for joy! And let the eternal creations declare his name forever and ever! And again I say, how glorious is the voice we hear from and ever! And again I say, how glorious is the voice we hear from heaven, proclaiming in our ears, glory, and salvation, and honor, heaven, proclaiming in our ears, glory, and salvation, and honor, and immortality, and eternal life; kingdoms, principalities, and and immortality, and eternal life; kingdoms, principalities, and powers!powers!

Doctrine and Covenants 128Doctrine and Covenants 128 24 Behold, the great day of the Lord is at hand; and who can 24 Behold, the great day of the Lord is at hand; and who can

abide the day of his coming, and who can stand when he abide the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap; appeareth? For he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fuller’s soap; and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he shall and he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. Let us, they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. Let us, therefore, as a church and a people, and as Latter-day Saints, therefore, as a church and a people, and as Latter-day Saints, offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness; and let us offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness; and let us present in his holy temple, when it is finished, a book containing present in his holy temple, when it is finished, a book containing the records of our dead, which shall be worthy of all acceptation.the records of our dead, which shall be worthy of all acceptation.

  25 Brethren, I have many things to say to you on the subject; but 25 Brethren, I have many things to say to you on the subject; but shall now close for the present, and continue the subject another shall now close for the present, and continue the subject another time. I am, as ever, your humble servant and never deviating time. I am, as ever, your humble servant and never deviating friend,friend,

    Joseph Smith.Joseph Smith.

D&C 137D&C 137 1 The heavens were opened upon us, and I beheld the celestial 1 The heavens were opened upon us, and I beheld the celestial

kingdom of God, and the glory thereof, whether in the body or kingdom of God, and the glory thereof, whether in the body or out I cannot tell.out I cannot tell.

  2 I saw the transcendent beauty of the gate through which the 2 I saw the transcendent beauty of the gate through which the heirs of that kingdom will enter, which was like unto circling heirs of that kingdom will enter, which was like unto circling flames of fire;flames of fire;

  3 Also the blazing throne of God, whereon was seated the Father 3 Also the blazing throne of God, whereon was seated the Father and the Son.and the Son.

  4 I saw the beautiful streets of that kingdom, which had the 4 I saw the beautiful streets of that kingdom, which had the appearance of being paved with gold.appearance of being paved with gold.

  5 I saw Father Adam and Abraham; and my father and my 5 I saw Father Adam and Abraham; and my father and my mother; my brother Alvin, that has long since slept;mother; my brother Alvin, that has long since slept;

  6 And marveled how it was that he had obtained an inheritance 6 And marveled how it was that he had obtained an inheritance in that kingdom, seeing that he had departed this life before the 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 Lord had set his hand to gather Israel the second time, and had not been baptized for the remission of sins.not been baptized for the remission of sins.

D&C 137D&C 137 7 Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying: All who have 7 Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying: All who have

died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God;the celestial kingdom of God;

  8 Also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who 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 would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom;kingdom;

  9 For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, 9 For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts.according to the desire of their hearts.

  10 And I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive 10 And I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven.of heaven.

D&C 137:7D&C 137:7 7 Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying: All who have 7 Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying: All who have

died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God;the celestial kingdom of God;

D&C 138D&C 138 You need to look this one up, it’s too long to include in this You need to look this one up, it’s too long to include in this

presentation, sorry.presentation, sorry.

John 3:5John 3:5   5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be

born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of Godof God

Articles of Faith 1:4Articles of Faith 1:4   4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the 4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the

Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

D&C 138:11–19, 28–35D&C 138:11–19, 28–35 11 As I pondered over these things which are written, the eyes of my 11 As I pondered over these things which are written, the eyes of my

understanding were opened, and the Spirit of the Lord understanding were opened, and the Spirit of the Lord eerested upon rested upon me, and I saw the hosts of the dead, both small and great.me, and I saw the hosts of the dead, both small and great.

  12 And there were gathered together in one place an innumerable 12 And there were gathered together in one place an innumerable company of the spirits of the company of the spirits of the aajust, who had been just, who had been bbfaithful in the faithful in the testimony of Jesus while they lived in mortality;testimony of Jesus while they lived in mortality;

  13 And who had offered sacrifice in the similitude of the great 13 And who had offered sacrifice in the similitude of the great sacrifice of the Son of God, and had suffered tribulation in their sacrifice of the Son of God, and had suffered tribulation in their Redeemer’s name.Redeemer’s name.

  14 All these had departed the mortal life, firm in the hope of a 14 All these had departed the mortal life, firm in the hope of a glorious glorious bbresurrection, through the grace of God the Father and his resurrection, through the grace of God the Father and his Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ.Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ.

  15 I beheld that they were filled with joy and gladness, and were 15 I beheld that they were filled with joy and gladness, and were rejoicing together because the day of their deliverance was at hand.rejoicing together because the day of their deliverance was at hand.

  16 They were assembled awaiting the advent of the Son of God into 16 They were assembled awaiting the advent of the Son of God into the spirit world, to declare their redemption from the bands of death.the spirit world, to declare their redemption from the bands of death.

D&C 138:11–19, 28–35D&C 138:11–19, 28–35 17 Their sleeping dust was to be restored unto its perfect frame, 17 Their sleeping dust was to be restored unto its perfect frame,

bone to his bone, and the sinews and the flesh upon them, the bone to his bone, and the sinews and the flesh upon them, the spirit and the body to be united never again to be divided, that spirit and the body to be united never again to be divided, that they might receive a fulness of joy.they might receive a fulness of joy.

  18 While this vast multitude waited and conversed, rejoicing in 18 While this vast multitude waited and conversed, rejoicing in the hour of their deliverance from the chains of death, the Son of the hour of their deliverance from the chains of death, the Son of God appeared, declaring liberty to the captives who had been God appeared, declaring liberty to the captives who had been faithful;faithful;

  19 And there he preached to them the everlasting gospel, the 19 And there he preached to them the everlasting gospel, the doctrine of the resurrection and the redemption of mankind from doctrine of the resurrection and the redemption of mankind from the fall, and from individual sins on conditions of repentance.the fall, and from individual sins on conditions of repentance.

28 And I wondered at the words of Peter—wherein he said that 28 And I wondered at the words of Peter—wherein he said that the Son of God preached unto the spirits in prison, who sometime the Son of God preached unto the spirits in prison, who sometime were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited in were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah—and how it was possible for him to preach to the days of Noah—and how it was possible for him to preach to those spirits and perform the necessary labor among them in so those spirits and perform the necessary labor among them in so short a time.short a time.

D&C 138:11–19, 28–35D&C 138:11–19, 28–35 29 And as I wondered, my eyes were opened, and my 29 And as I wondered, my eyes were opened, and my

understanding quickened, and I perceived that the Lord went not understanding quickened, and I perceived that the Lord went not in person among the wicked and the disobedient who had in person among the wicked and the disobedient who had rejected the truth, to teach them;rejected the truth, to teach them;

  30 But behold, from among the righteous, he organized his 30 But behold, from among the righteous, he organized his forces and appointed messengers, clothed with power and forces and appointed messengers, clothed with power and authority, and commissioned them to go forth and carry the light 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 the gospel to them that were in darkness, even to all the spirits of men; and thus was the gospel preached to the dead.of men; and thus was the gospel preached to the dead.

D&C 138:31-33D&C 138:31-33 31 And the chosen messengers went forth to declare the 31 And the chosen messengers went forth to declare the

acceptable day of the Lord and proclaim liberty to the captives acceptable day of the Lord and proclaim liberty to the captives who were bound, even unto all who would repent of their sins and who were bound, even unto all who would repent of their sins and receive the gospel.receive the gospel.

  32 Thus was the gospel preached to those who had died in their 32 Thus was the gospel preached to those who had died in their sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having sins, without a knowledge of the truth, or in transgression, having rejected the prophets.rejected the prophets.

33 These were taught faith in God, repentance from sin, vicarious 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 baptism for the remission of sins, the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands,laying on of hands,

  

D&C 138:11–19, 28–35D&C 138:11–19, 28–35 34 And all other principles of the gospel that were necessary for 34 And all other principles of the gospel that were necessary for

them to know in order to qualify themselves that they might be them to know in order to qualify themselves that they might be aajudged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.in the spirit.

  35 And so it was made known among the dead, both small and 35 And so it was made known among the dead, both small and great, the unrighteous as well as the faithful, that redemption had great, the unrighteous as well as the faithful, that redemption had been wrought through the sacrifice of the Son of God upon the been wrought through the sacrifice of the Son of God upon the cross.cross.

D&C 128:15 D&C 128:15 15 And now, my dearly beloved brethren and sisters, let me 15 And now, my dearly beloved brethren and sisters, let me

assure you that these are principles in relation to the dead and assure you that these are principles in relation to the dead and the living that cannot be lightly passed over, as pertaining to our the living that cannot be lightly passed over, as pertaining to our salvation. For their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation. For their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation, as Paul says concerning the fathers—that they without salvation, as Paul says concerning the fathers—that they without us cannot be made perfect—neither can we without our dead be us cannot be made perfect—neither can we without our dead be made perfect.made perfect.