Description

Section 137 – Given on January 21, 1836 in Kirtland, Ohio.

Historical Background: The Kirtland temple was nearing completion. In preparation for its dedication, Joseph Smith, along with other leaders of the church in Kirtland and Missouri, gathered in the upper-west room of the temple. A spiritual manifestation was received by Joseph and an extract of the vision is contained in Section 137 which was added to the Doctrine and Covenants in 1981.

• Recap: Joseph sees the Celestial Kingdom and the throne of God. He also sees his brother Alvin who died 6 years previously. All those who die without a knowledge of the gospel, who would have accepted it, and all those children who die prior to the age of accountability, qualify for the Celestial Kingdom.

Section 138 – Revelation to Joseph F. Smith on October 3, 1918 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Historical Background: 1918 was the final year in the life of Joseph F. Smith and was one of heartache and sorrow. His eldest son, apostle Hyrum Mack Smith, had a bright future as a leader of the church. But in January, 1918, he died suddenly from a ruptured appendix. Two of his daughters-in-law also died that year, leaving orphaned children. World War I was coming to a close with the miseries of post-war realities, along with a global pandemic of the Spanish Flu. Joseph F. Smith was also gravely ill and would die 6 weeks following the October, 1918 general conference. On the night before this conference, he received a magnificent revelation which he dictated to his son, Joseph Fielding Smith, shortly afterwards. It was then shared and accepted as revelation by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve. This revelation was added to the Doctrine and Covenants in the 1981 edition.

• Recap: The prophet ponders the New Testament messages of Peter regarding the spirits of the dead.  Suddenly his eyes are opened and he sees the hosts of the dead in the spirit world at the time of Christ's death. The righteous dead were filled with joy, anticipating the appearance of Christ after his crucifixion. Joseph sees the Spirit of Christ who appears to the righteous dead and delivers them from captivity. Christ organizes messengers to go among the wicked spirits to preach the light of the gospel. This faithful army of missionaries includes Adam, Able, Noah and all the great prophets, the righteous elders, and the glorious mother Eve with all her righteous daughters.  Those spirits who accept the gospel from these messengers can be redeemed through faith on Christ, repentance, and vicarious baptism and vicarious laying of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. After they have paid the penalty of their sins and are washed clean, they will receive a  reward according to their works.