Hello, friends, and welcome to our Come Follow Me series at Mindful Latter-day Saint Christian Living and Apologetics! Today, we’re tackling one of the most profound questions humanity has ever asked: What happens after I die? It’s a question that echoes in every heart, and in 1832, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon received an answer so breathtaking it’s simply called ‘The Vision’—Doctrine and Covenants Section 76.
In February 1832, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon, while immersed in translating the Bible, received a revelation that would forever alter the landscape of Christian theology: Doctrine and Covenants 76, known simply as "the Vision." This expansive revelation, received in Hiram, Ohio, answers humanity’s timeless question: “What will happen to me after I die?” Unlike traditional Christian doctrines of a binary heaven and hell, D&C 76 unveils a merciful, just, and gloriously detailed plan of salvation, revealing three kingdoms of glory—celestial, terrestrial, and telestial—along with the fate of the sons of perdition. For mindful Latter-day Saints, this vision offers not just doctrinal clarity but a roadmap for Christian living and apologetics, inviting us to align our lives with God’s eternal purposes.
Picture this: For centuries, Christians have leaned on the Bible’s teachings of heaven and hell—paradise for the righteous, torment for the wicked. But is that the whole story? Joseph and Sidney wondered the same thing, and God opened the heavens to reveal a plan so grand, so merciful, that it redefines everything we thought we knew about eternity. This isn’t just about destinations—it’s about Jesus Christ, the Savior who makes it all possible.
I’ve asked myself, ‘What does eternity really hold for me?’ Maybe you have too. Today, we’ll explore how D&C 76 answers that with clarity and hope. So, grab your scriptures, settle in, and let’s journey together into the mysteries of eternity!
Historical Context
In early 1832, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon were residing in the John Johnson home in Hiram, Ohio, diligently working on the Joseph Smith Translation (JST) of the Bible. This effort, begun in 1830, aimed to restore lost truths and clarify existing ones. As they pondered John 5:29—“And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation”—they marveled at its implications. Traditional interpretations suggested a stark division between the saved and the damned, yet Joseph noted, “If God rewarded every one according to the deeds done in the body, the term ‘heaven’… must include more kingdoms than one” (History of the Church, 1:245).
On February 16, 1832, their inquiry led to a divine response. As Philo Dibble, an eyewitness, recounted, Joseph and Sidney sat in a room with about twelve others, describing what they saw in turn: “What do I see?” Joseph would ask, followed by Sidney’s affirmation, “I see the same” (Juvenile Instructor, May 1892, 303–4). For over an hour, they beheld the glories of eternity, with Joseph remaining calm and Sidney appearing physically overwhelmed—a testament to the vision’s intensity.
This revelation challenged the Saints’ preconceptions, rooted in centuries of Christian tradition. Brigham Young admitted, “It was directly contrary and opposed to my former education… I did not reject it; but I could not understand it” (Revelations in Context, 150). Over time, as it was published in The Evening and Morning Star (July 1832) and the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants, the Vision became a cornerstone of Latter-day Saint doctrine, offering hope and purpose to all God’s children.
Reflective Question: How does understanding the historical context of D&C 76 deepen your appreciation for the Restoration’s role in clarifying eternal truths?
The Vision Explained
Now, let’s dive into the heart of D&C 76—six visions that map out eternity. Buckle up, because this is where it gets incredible!
The Vision of the Son of God: Christ as the Heart of Salvation
1. Vision of the Son of God (vv. 1-24)
D&C 76 begins with a majestic declaration of God’s nature and Christ’s role: “Hear, O ye heavens, and give ear, O ye earth… for the Lord is God, and beside him there is no Savior” (D&C 76:1). The vision then transitions to a personal encounter: “We saw the glory of the Son, on the right hand of God… and we bear record… that he lives!” (D&C 76:20–22). This testimony underscores that salvation hinges on Jesus Christ, the “Only Begotten of the Father” (D&C 76:23), whose infinite Atonement redeems “worlds without number” (Moses 1:33; D&C 76:24).
Additional Scriptures:
- John 17:3: “This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”
- 1 Peter 3:18–19: “Christ also hath once suffered for sins… that he might bring us to God… by which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison.”
Key Insights: Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught, “What Has Our Savior Done for Us?” (Liahona, May 2021), emphasizing Christ’s universal role in salvation. D&C 76 reveals not just His divinity but His accessibility—He ministers to all degrees of glory, tailoring salvation to individual faithfulness.
Personal Application: Wilford Woodruff, upon reading the Vision, exclaimed, “I felt to love the Lord more than ever before in my life” (Voices of the Restoration). Consider a time when recognizing Christ’s sacrifice deepened your love for Him. How can you strengthen that relationship daily through prayer or service?
Apologetic Value: When critics question Latter-day Saint beliefs about multiple heavens, we can point to Christ’s centrality in D&C 76, aligning with biblical affirmations (e.g., John 14:2, “In my Father’s house are many mansions”), while expanding traditional views with restored truth.
It starts with a bang: Joseph and Sidney see Jesus Christ at God’s right hand, surrounded by angels and sanctified beings. They hear a voice testify, ‘He is the Only Begotten of the Father’ (v. 23). This isn’t just a cameo—Christ’s atonement is infinite, covering ‘worlds without number’ (v. 24). Additional Scripture: John 5:29— ‘They that have done good, unto the resurrection of life’—sets the stage, but D&C 76 expands it beyond two fates.
Insight: Christ’s power isn’t limited to Earth—it’s cosmic, saving all God’s children across creation.
The Fall of Satan: Understanding Evil’s Origin and Limits
2. Vision of Satan and His Followers (vv. 25-49)
The vision shifts dramatically to “an angel of God who was in authority… who rebelled against the Only Begotten Son” (D&C 76:25). Lucifer, once a “son of the morning,” became Perdition, leading a third of heaven’s hosts in rebellion (D&C 29:36; Revelation 12:4). “The heavens wept over him” (D&C 76:26), yet his war against the Saints persists (D&C 76:29).
Next, a stark contrast: Lucifer, an angel of light, rebels, seeking God’s throne. The heavens weep as he falls, becoming Perdition, dragging a third of God’s children with him. Then, the sons of perdition—those who know Christ’s power and reject it—face outer darkness. Additional Scripture: Revelation 20:12— ‘The dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books’—ties judgment to choices.
Additional Scriptures:
- Isaiah 14:12–15: “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!”
- 2 Nephi 2:18: “That old serpent… sought the misery of all mankind.”
Key Insights: Elder Neal A. Maxwell noted, “Lucifer sought for things which were unlawful” (Ensign, Apr. 2001), highlighting agency’s role in his downfall. D&C 76 limits Satan’s power—only those who fully reject light become his sons (D&C 76:31–35).
Personal Application: Reflect on a temptation you’ve faced. How did relying on Christ’s strength help you resist? Satan’s influence ends at death for most (TPJS, 357), offering hope that our battles are temporary.
Apologetic Value: Critics may claim Latter-day Saints overemphasize Satan. D&C 76 counters this by framing him as a defeated foe, subservient to God’s plan, with no ultimate victory over the repentant.
Insight: Agency is key—only those who defy God with full knowledge face this fate, a rare and tragic end.
The Celestial Kingdom: Striving for Exaltation
3. Vision of the Celestial Kingdom (vv. 50-70, 92-96)
D&C 76:50–70, 92–96 describes the celestial kingdom, reserved for those who “received the testimony of Jesus… were baptized… kept the commandments… [and] are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise” (D&C 76:51–53). Their glory is “like the sun,” and they become “gods, even the sons of God” (D&C 76:70, 58).
Now, the light returns: the celestial kingdom, where the valiant dwell with God and Christ forever. They’ve received Christ’s testimony, been baptized, and overcome by faith, sealed by the Holy Spirit. Their glory? Like the sun. Additional Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:40-42—‘There are also celestial bodies… the glory of the sun’—Paul’s words bloom here.
Additional Scriptures:
- D&C 131:1–4: “In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees… the highest… [requires] the new and everlasting covenant of marriage.”
- John 3:16–17: “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son… not to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
Key Insights: Joseph Smith taught, “Here, then, is eternal life—to know… God… and you have got to learn how to be gods yourselves” (TPJS, 346). President Russell M. Nelson emphasizes temple covenants as the path to this glory (Liahona, Nov. 2020).
Personal Application: Imagine standing in God’s presence, equal in power with Christ (D&C 76:95). What daily choices—prayer, scripture study, service—move you toward that destiny? A mother I know found celestial motivation in teaching her children the gospel, seeing it as her eternal legacy.
Reflective Question: How does the promise of becoming “joint heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17) inspire you to live more valiantly?
Apologetic Value: When challenged on deification, cite D&C 76 alongside Psalm 82:6 (“Ye are gods”) and Christ’s affirmation (John 10:34), showing a biblical foundation for this doctrine.
The Terrestrial Kingdom: Honorable but Not Valiant
4. Vision of the Terrestrial Kingdom (vv. 71-80, 91, 97)
The terrestrial kingdom (D&C 76:71–80, 97) is for “honorable men… blinded by the craftiness of men… not valiant in the testimony of Jesus” (D&C 76:75, 79). Their glory is “like the moon,” and they enjoy Christ’s presence but not the Father’s fulness (D&C 76:77).
The terrestrial kingdom is for the honorable who aren’t valiant—those who died without law or accepted the gospel later but didn’t fully commit. They enjoy Christ’s presence, but not the Father’s fullness, their glory like the moon. Additional Scripture: John 3:16-17— ‘That the world through him might be saved’—shows God’s broad mercy.
Additional Scriptures:
- D&C 88:21–22: “They who are not sanctified through the law… must inherit another kingdom.”
- Matthew 7:21: “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father.”
Key Insights: Elder Quentin L. Cook warns, “Being valiant… is the great dividing test” (Ensign, Nov. 2014). Terrestrial souls accept truth partially, lacking the zeal for celestial laws.
Personal Application: Are you valiant or merely honorable? A friend once shared how complacency in his calling led to missed opportunities—prompting a recommitment to diligence. Avoid spiritual coasting by setting specific gospel goals.
Reflective Question: What keeps you from being fully valiant—distractions, fear, or doubt—and how can you overcome it?
Apologetic Value: Defend this doctrine by noting its mercy: God rewards honorable intent (Hebrews 11:6), offering a place for those not fully committed yet not wholly wicked.
Insight: Even good people can fall short if they’re not fully dedicated.
The Telestial Kingdom: Mercy for the Wicked
5. Vision of the Telestial Kingdom (vv. 81-90, 98-112)
The telestial kingdom (D&C 76:81–90, 98–106, 109–112) houses those who “received not the gospel… nor the testimony of Jesus” (D&C 76:82), including “liars, sorcerers, adulterers” (D&C 76:103). After suffering in hell until the last resurrection (D&C 76:85), they receive a glory “like the stars,” surpassing mortal understanding (D&C 76:89).
Additional Scriptures:
- D&C 88:24: “He who cannot abide the law of a telestial kingdom cannot abide a telestial glory.”
- Revelation 22:15: “Without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers…”
Key Insights: Elder Bruce R. McConkie described them as “lukewarm… unrepentant sinners” (A New Witness, 146). Yet, God’s mercy shines: even the telestial glory exceeds earthly comprehension.
Personal Application: Repentance now spares us telestial suffering. A man I met overcame addiction through Christ’s Atonement, illustrating that no one is beyond redemption in this life.
Reflective Question: How does the telestial vision motivate you to repent and share the gospel with others?
Apologetic Value: Critics may see this as lenient. Respond with D&C 76’s balance of justice (suffering for sins) and mercy (a kingdom of glory), reflecting God’s love (1 John 4:8).
Insight: God’s mercy shines here—no one is left without some glory.
The Sons of Perdition: The Unpardonable Choice
Those who “know my power, and have been made partakers thereof, and… deny the truth” (D&C 76:31) become sons of perdition, suffering eternal torment with Satan (D&C 76:43–44). Their fate is the “second death” (D&C 76:37), a permanent separation from God.
Additional Scriptures:
- Hebrews 6:4–6: “Impossible for those… enlightened… if they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance.”
- 2 Nephi 9:16: “They who are filthy shall be filthy still.”
Key Insights: President Spencer W. Kimball clarified, “This sin requires such knowledge that it is manifestly impossible for the rank and file to commit” (Miracle of Forgiveness, 123). It’s a deliberate, fully informed rejection.
Personal Application: Fortify your testimony against apostasy through daily devotion. A sister I know recommitted to the Church after doubting, finding peace in obedience.
Reflective Question: How can you safeguard your faith against spiritual drift?
Apologetic Value: When accused of universalism, highlight D&C 76’s strict conditions for perdition, showing accountability within God’s plan.
6. Vision of the Kingdoms Compared
The vision wraps with a stunning analogy: celestial like the sun, terrestrial like the moon, telestial like the stars—each distinct, each glorious in its way. Reflective Question: How does this vision of God’s justice and mercy reshape your view of eternity?"
Personal and Spiritual Applications
So, what do we do with this? D&C 76 isn’t just a cosmic map—it’s a guide for living.
- Center on Christ: Salvation hinges on Jesus Christ alone. Strengthen that bond through daily prayer, scripture study, and covenant-keeping.
- Live with Purpose: Your choices echo into eternity. Align your actions with celestial goals—service, forgiveness, and obedience.
- Embrace Agency: You decide your path. As Elder Oaks said, ‘No blessing will be denied His children who keep the commandments’ (Liahona, May 2021).
- Find Hope: Worried about loved ones? God’s plan is vast— ‘He saves all except the sons of perdition’ (v. 44). Trust His mercy.
- Additional Scripture: Moses 1:39— ‘This is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.’ God’s whole plan is about lifting us up—let that inspire you every day.
Reflective Questions and Insights
Let’s pause and reflect:
Questions: How does understanding the degrees of glory change your view of God’s love?
- What can you do this week to be more valiant in your testimony?
- How might this vision comfort you about your eternal destiny?
Insights: God’s Mercy and Justice: Every soul gets a fair shot at glory, tailored to their choices.
Christ’s Role: He’s the key—salvation flows through Him alone.
Agency Matters: Your decisions shape your eternity, not chance.
Take a moment with D&C 76 this week—pray, ponder, and let the Spirit teach you."
Conclusion
Thanks for joining us through D&C 76! We’ve seen Christ’s infinite atonement, the fall of Satan, and the glories awaiting us—celestial, terrestrial, telestial. It’s a plan of mercy, justice, and love, all pointing to the Savior.
If this resonated with you, like, comment, and share it with someone who’d love this journey. Subscribe for more Come Follow Me insights! As you go, remember: God’s love is boundless, and He’s guiding you home. Keep seeking Him, and I’ll see you next time!
