July 7–13: “Great Shall Be Their Reward and Eternal Shall Be Their Glory”: Doctrine and Covenants 76
“July 7–13: ‘Great Shall Be Their Reward and Eternal Shall Be Their Glory’: Doctrine and Covenants 76,” Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 (2025)
“Doctrine and Covenants 76,” Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: 2025
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painting of a galaxy
Refuge, by Shaelynn Abel
July 7–13: “Great Shall Be Their Reward and Eternal Shall Be Their Glory”
“What will happen to me after I die?” Nearly everyone asks this question in some form or another. For centuries, many Christian traditions, relying on biblical teachings, have taught of heaven and hell, of paradise for the righteous and torment for the wicked. But can the entire human family really be divided so strictly? In February 1832, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon wondered if there was more to know about the subject (see Doctrine and Covenants 76, section heading).
There certainly was. While Joseph and Sidney were pondering these things, the Lord “touched the eyes of [their] understandings and they were opened” (verse 19). They received a revelation so stunning, so expansive, so illuminating that the Saints simply called it “the Vision.” It threw open heaven’s windows and gave God’s children a mind-stretching view of eternity. The vision revealed that heaven is grander and broader and more inclusive than most people had previously supposed. God is more merciful and just than we can comprehend. And God’s children have an eternal destiny more glorious than we can imagine.
Salvation comes through Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Section 76 reveals important truths about our eternal destiny, but it would be incomplete to say that this revelation is about the three kingdoms of glory or even just about the plan of salvation. More accurately, section 76 is about Jesus Christ, who makes God’s plan for our salvation and eternal glory possible. As you read, you might look for words or phrases that describe the relationship between Jesus Christ and the people who inherit the different kingdoms of glory. Perhaps a table like the following could help you record what you find.
Focus on Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and Their doctrine. Of everything we can learn in the scriptures, the most important truths help us build faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, repent, make and keep covenants with Them, and receive the Holy Ghost. Although it may be interesting to compare or analyze the attitudes or behavior of people who will receive the different kingdoms of glory, it’s more important to focus on Heavenly Father and the Savior. Everything They do to prepare us for that glory will turn us toward Them.
I can understand God’s will “by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Not all members of the Church easily accepted the revelation in section 76, because it taught that almost everyone would be saved and receive some degree of glory. For example, Brigham Young said: “My traditions were such, that when the Vision came first to me, it was directly contrary and opposed to my former education. I said, Wait a little. I did not reject it; but I could not understand it.” He explained that he had to “think and pray, to read and think, until I knew and fully understood it for myself” (in “The Vision,” in Revelations in Context, 150). What do you learn from his experience that can help you when God reveals things that are different from your current understanding? What do you learn about God in Doctrine and Covenants 76:5–10, 114–18? What do these verses teach about how you can understand “the good pleasure of [God’s] will”? (verse 7).
Doctrine and Covenants 76:39–44 describe salvation generally. Verses 50–70 describe exaltation, a specific kind of salvation. How would you explain the difference between salvation and exaltation? What is the Savior’s role in both? What do you find in these verses that inspires you to seek exaltation?
My Heavenly Father wants me to receive eternal life in the celestial kingdom.
Have you ever wondered—or worried—about whether you can become the kind of person who will receive celestial glory, as described in Doctrine and Covenants 76:50–70, 92–95? While it’s important to know what God expects of us, consider also looking in these verses for what God has done for us—and is doing—to help us become like Him. Why do you feel your efforts matter to Him?
How does this vision of celestial glory affect the way you want to live your daily life?
To help your children understand their divine potential, you could show them pictures of children and their parents. You could then read Doctrine and Covenants 76:24 and share with each other why you’re happy to know that we are all “sons and daughters unto God.”
You could also sing together “I Am a Child of God” (Children’s Songbook, 2–3) and invite your children to point to themselves when they sing “I.” Then sing the song again, replacing “I am” with “you are” while pointing to someone else.
Consider role-playing with your children a scenario in which someone asks, “What has Jesus Christ done for me?” You and your children can look for possible answers in verses 5, 41–42, or 69 in section 76. You could also sing “He Sent His Son,” Children’s Songbook, 34–35. How can we show our gratitude for what the Savior has done for us?
Heavenly Father wants me to return to live with Him forever.
You and your children could read or watch part or all of “Chapter 26: The Three Kingdoms of Heaven” (in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 97–103, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library) and share with each other what you like about the vision Joseph Smith had. Let your children share their thoughts and feelings about what it would be like to live with Heavenly Father in the celestial kingdom.
You could also read Doctrine and Covenants 76:62 and invite your children to draw pictures of themselves with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in the celestial kingdom (see this week’s activity page).
Studying the scriptures can help me “understand the things of God.”
You could invite your children to read verses 15–19 to find out what Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon were doing when they saw the vision in Doctrine and Covenants 76. Tell your children about a time when you received inspiration while reading the scriptures, and ask your children if they have had similar experiences.
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
