AudioBook Recording

In this audiobook recording, the chapter of Doctrine and Covenants 137 is explored. Joseph Smith receives a vision in the temple where he sees his brother Alvin in the celestial kingdom. The doctrine of salvation for the dead is revealed, stating that those who have died without knowledge of the gospel can still inherit the celestial kingdom. It is also mentioned that children who die before reaching the age of accountability are saved in heaven. The reading leaves a peaceful feeling and emphasizes the importance of understanding God's plan. Hello, and welcome. My name is Will Keehan, and this is the DCC Audiobook Recordings. Today we are going to dive into the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants 137. This chapter has so much to offer, so we'll start by reading the heading, and then we will get right into the verses. The heading says, A Vision Given to Joseph Smith, the Prophet, in the Temple at Kirkland, Ohio, January 21st, 1836. The occasion was the administration of ordinances in preparation for the dedication of the temple. The prophet sees his brother, Alvin, in the celestial kingdom. The doctrine of salvation for the dead is revealed, and all the children are saved in the celestial kingdom. We'll start by reading verse 1. The heavens were opened upon us, and I beheld the celestial kingdom of God, and the glory thereof, whether in the body or out, I cannot tell. Verse 2, I saw the transcendent beauty of the gate through which the heirs of that kingdom will enter, which was like unto circling flames of fire. Verse 3, also the blazing throne of God, whereon was seated the Father and the Son. Continuing on with verse 4, it states, I saw the beautiful streets of that kingdom, which had the appearance of being paved with gold. Verse 5, I saw Father Adam and Abraham, and my father and my mother, my brother Alvin, that has long since slept. As we continue on through these last few verses, I just want to point out that those first five were very strong and left a peaceful feeling in my heart as we read about the prophets, the prophet Joseph Smith seeing his brother Alvin in the celestial kingdom again, and it just kind of helps bring a greater understanding of what the Lord's plan was for all of his children. We'll continue on by reading verse 6, and marveled how it was that he had obtained an inheritance 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 not been baptized for the remission of sins. Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying, All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who have received it, if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God. Also, all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be the heirs of that kingdom. For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts. And I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven. Wow, that was a really strong last verse. I really feel a greater comfort knowing that our posterity will be saved before the age of accountability if they happen to pass away, but also that we will all be judged according to the desire of our hearts. Thank you so much for joining me today. I hope that we were able to feel the Spirit as I read this chapter to you. I hope that we will all be able to join each other again in the future as we continue to read this Book of Mormon and begin to understand it and grow closer to our Heavenly Father. Thank you so much, and I'll see you next time.