Section Analysis Paper (1)
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Brigham Young University *
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225
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Religion
Date
Apr 3, 2024
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5
Uploaded by KidKangarooMaster1843
Crook 1
Alison Crook
Casey Griffiths
REL C 225-017
20 March 2024
Doctrine and Covenants 76: A Vision of the Eternal
In the 1830s, in Hiram, Ohio, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon faced curiosity and
questions concerning the nature of heaven and life after death. Their search for answers would
take them to a magnificent vision that would reveal the light of eternity itself. During this period
of the church's infancy, Joseph received revelation for our church and what we believe through
"the power of the Spirit our eyes were opened and our understandings were enlightened, so as to
see and understand the things of God" (Doctrine and Covenants 76:12). Doctrine and Covenants
76 delves into the historical backdrop of this revelation, examines the doctrinal insights it
provided, draws on official commentary to clarify its significance, and finally considers its
ongoing relevance for individuals today.
Joseph Smith's careful reading and translation of the scriptures, especially the Gospel of
John, served as an inspiration for his investigation and the revelation that followed in Hiram,
Ohio. Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon became deeply involved in the translation process,
coming across sections that raised intriguing concerns regarding the nature of God's kingdom
and the afterlife. In particular, Joseph and Sidney considered the idea that God would be merciful
towards people based on the deeds they performed while in the body while translating
John 5:29
.
They began to wonder about the nature of heaven and humanity's salvation as a result of their
reflections. In the vision received on February 16, 1832, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon were
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granted profound insights into the nature of God's kingdom and the eternal destiny of
individuals. The revelation, recorded in Doctrine and Covenants Section 76, unveiled the
existence of multiple kingdoms or degrees of glory, each corresponding to the righteousness and
deeds of individuals. The notion of the three degrees of glory—the celestial, terrestrial, and
telestial kingdoms—was one of the main questions made clear by the vision. Those who have
fully embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ, fulfilled His commandments, and persevered
steadfastly to the end reside in the celestial kingdom, the pinnacle of glory. For example, “And
thus we saw the glory of the celestial, which excels in all things—where God, even the Father,
reigns upon his throne forever and ever;” (Doctrine and Covenants 76:92). It was revealed that
the righteous are exalted and enjoy the company of God the Father and Jesus Christ, inheriting
all that the Father possesses. Those who inherit the kingdom of God are going to want to be there
and their actions will manifest that. Verses 50-70 depict those who receive the testimony of
Jesus, believe in His name, and are baptized according to His commandments as heirs of celestial
glory. They are described as priests and kings, having received God's fullness and glory, and are
promised eternal life in the presence of God.
The revelation delineates the characteristics and qualifications for individuals to inherit
each kingdom of glory. Those who inherit the terrestrial kingdom are described in verses 71-80,
while the inhabitants of the telestial kingdom are explained in verses 81-113. Verse 106 states
that, “These are they who are cast down to hell and suffer the wrath of Almighty God, until the
fulness of times, when Christ shall have subdued all enemies under his feet, and shall have
perfected his work” (Doctrine and Covenants 76:106). This quote illustrates the principle of
agency and the role of the Atonement in determining individuals' eternal destinies. Those who
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reject righteousness may face consequences but can still find redemption through Christ's
sacrifice. The verse emphasizes the balance of justice and mercy in God's plan, demonstrating
that, while accountability is necessary, forgiveness and restoration are available to all through the
Atonement.
The revelation in Doctrine and Covenants 76 introduces the notion of the three degrees of
glory, which explains the many degrees of rewards and punishments in the hereafter based on
individual decisions and acts. This doctrine expands upon previous scripture by providing more
detailed insight into the post-mortal existence and the nature of God's judgment. Rather than
merely summarizing verses, it's essential to connect them throughout the section and with other
references to comprehensively explain the topic. For instance, the doctrine of the three degrees of
glory aligns with Jesus Christ's teachings about different levels of reward in the kingdom of
heaven, as illustrated in Matthew 5:19 and Luke 12:47-48. These scriptures all complement the
idea of varying degrees of glory based on an individual's actions. Furthermore, Doctrine and
Covenants 76 improves knowledge by clarifying and specifying the different elements of life
after death. Combining and contrasting these scriptures reveals a deeper understanding of the
concept of degrees of glory. This integrated strategy strengthens the framework while also
emphasizing how consistently God's truths are communicated throughout scripture.
In a General Conference talk, “Trust in the Lord” by Dallin H. Oaks, reaffirms everything
that was revealed to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon in Doctrine and Covenants 76. The talk is
about believing in the Lord and His endless love for His children. President Oaks goes into
conversations about the spirit world, accepting the limitations of scripture while emphasizing the
need of trusting God's plan. He emphasizes the need of distinguishing between personal
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interpretations and official doctrine, and encourages us to rely on the teachings of the First
Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Oaks highlights the importance of relying solely
on the Lord and His unlimited love, as shown through Jesus Christ's Atonement.
Overall, the revelation in Doctrine and Covenants Section 76 serves as a guiding light,
providing insight into what happens when we die. When the church was just getting started and
people had a lot of questions about heaven and other topics, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon
had a vision that revealed several very important truths, recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 76.
They learned about the three degrees of glory and how everyone's decisions and gift of agency
on Earth influence where they end up. This vision also demonstrated that God is extremely
merciful and provides everyone the opportunity to put things right, even after death.
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Works Cited
Nelson, Russell M. “Life after Life.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
, 2 Apr.
1987,
www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1987/04/life-after-life?lang=eng.
Oaks, Dallin H. “Trust in the Lord.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
, 5 Oct.
2019, www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2019/10/17oaks?lang=eng.
Oaks, President Dallin H., et al. “Death, Spiritual.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day
Saints
,
www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/death-spiritual?lang=eng.
Accessed 13 Mar. 2024.
Smith, Joseph. “Doctrine and Covenants 76.”
The Book of Mormon
, Heber, Ohio, 1832.