Salvation of the Dead

In Doctrine and Covenants 137 Joseph Smith records what is known as “Vision of the Celestial Kingdom.” Joseph sees Heaven. It struck me that he said he saw its “beauty” and that the gate “was like unto circling flames of fire.” Everything in the gospel is light related. Maybe that’s one of the reasons Joseph used “flames of fire” to describe the eyes of God. Other light connections: “I am the light of the world”; “don’t hide your light under a bushel”; 3 degrees of glory; God descends/ascends in light; light (God) ALWAYS wins against dark (Satan); etc. Fire and light to me are powerful analogies. They make me think of warmth, hope, brightness, and an unstoppable force. Light is something to be reckoned with!

I hadn’t realized before where Joseph’s concern came from. After Joseph sees the throne of God, Adam, Abraham, and his parents, he sees his brother Alvin. Alvin died before baptism, which left Joseph wondering why he was in the Celestial Kingdom. Joseph’s misunderstanding on judgement is cleared when the Lord reveals His mercy.

Verse 9, Lord saying “I…will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts.” The Lord really teaches an important lesson that yes, we are judged by what we DO, but what we DO is determined by who we are; thus, are eternal fate is left up to the condition of our hearts. That is why those “who would have received it [gospel] if they had been permitted to tarry” can be saved. Our test in mortality is a process of turning and coming back to Christ. It’s part of the plan that not everyone could be on the Earth when the gospel is restored.
Salvation of the Dead applies to ALL of the dead—members and nonmembers alike. While an important truth is revealed for those who did not hear the restored gospel, both members and nonmembers will be judged. Salvation can come to ALL. It is said that: “Sow a thought, reap an act; Sow an act, reap a habit; Sow a habit, reap a character; Sow a character, reap a destiny.” How true it is! Our eternal destiny rests in our thoughts, which determines our activity in the gospel. Just as with the oil of the ten virgins, testimony, repentance, forgiveness, happiness, joy, mortality cannot be given away. These things must be personally attained.

It is so comforting to live with the knowledge that I will see those I love again. Death is just a step in this mortal test. Satan and death will not triumph in the end. While those who “died without a knowledge” can still be saved, it is so important to receive saving ordinances now. Just think of Oliver Cowdery. He personally received the restoration of the sealing power and yet never applied it in his own life. He was sealed to his wife years after death. Unless I decide to live the gospel, nothing I do matters.