Lesson 88: Doctrine and Covenants 76

Doctrine and Covenants 76:71–112

“Valiant in the Testimony of Jesus”

After seeing multiple visions, including visions of the Father and Son’s glory, the fall of Lucifer, and the celestial kingdom, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon saw those who would inherit the terrestrial and telestial kingdoms. A distinguishing characteristic of those in the terrestrial kingdom was that they were not valiant in their testimony of Jesus. This lesson can help students become more valiant in their testimony of Jesus Christ.

Possible Learning Activities

A testimony of Jesus Christ

Consider writing the words Testimony of Jesus Christ on the board. Ask students what they think it means to have a testimony of the Savior. If needed, explain that a testimony is something we know to be true in our hearts and minds given to us by the witness of the Holy Ghost (see Doctrine and Covenants 8:2). Then discuss the following question:

Ask questions that invite introspection: For more training on how to do this, see the training titled “Create settings and opportunities for learners to be taught by the Holy Ghost” found in Teacher Development Skills: Teach by the Spirit. Consider practicing the skill by creating student self-evaluations about a doctrine, truth, or principle.

• How can a testimony of the Savior impact you in this life and throughout eternity?

Invite students to think about their own testimonies of Jesus Christ, including how their testimonies have impacted their actions. You could also invite them to think about the desires they have for their testimonies.

Encourage students as they study to look for teachings that can help them recognize the importance of having a testimony of Jesus Christ and living according to what they know.

Vision of the kingdoms of glory

Consider inviting students to summarize what they have studied so far about the vision recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 76. Then explain the following.

You might remember that Doctrine and Covenants 76 contains a description of a great vision the Lord gave to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon. As part of their vision, Joseph and Sidney learned characteristics of people who would inhabit the different kingdoms of glory after the Resurrection.

It may be helpful to explain that students will not study all the verses that describe the kingdoms of glory in this lesson. The celestial glory is described in verses 50–70, 92–96; the terrestrial glory in verses 71–80; and the telestial glory in verses 81–90, 98–112. Consider inviting students to mark or label these verses in their scriptures so they can study them in greater detail on their own.

Read the following scriptures, looking for differences in the testimonies of the inhabitants of each of the kingdoms of glory:

• Doctrine and Covenants 76:51–52 (celestial)

• Doctrine and Covenants 76:75, 79 (terrestrial)

• Doctrine and Covenants 76:82, 101–103 (telestial)

When students finish studying, invite them to discuss the following questions as a class or in small groups:

• What differences did you notice between the testimonies of these groups?

• What can this teach you about the kind of testimony that is necessary to inherit the celestial kingdom?

Help students identify a truth like the following: If we are valiant in the testimony of Jesus Christ, we can obtain the celestial kingdom of God.

Valiant in our testimony of Jesus Christ

• What do you think it means to be valiant in our testimonies of Jesus Christ?

As part of your discussion of the previous question, consider inviting students to study 2 Nephi 31:20–21 and look for teachings that can add to their understanding. The following statement may also be helpful.

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles helps us understand what it means to be valiant in the testimony of Jesus:

Valiant in the Testimony of Jesus

The 76th section of the Doctrine and Covenants makes it clear that being “valiant in the testimony of Jesus” [Doctrine and Covenants 76:79] is the simple, essential test between those who will inherit the blessings of the celestial kingdom and those in the lesser terrestrial kingdom. To be valiant, we need to focus on the power of Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice to overcome death and, through our repentance, to cleanse us from sin, and we need to follow the doctrine of Christ [see 2 Nephi 31:17–21]. We also need the light and knowledge of the Savior’s life and teachings to guide us on the covenant pathway, including the sacred ordinances of the temple. We must be steadfast in Christ, feast upon His word, and endure to the end [2 Nephi 31:20–21]. (Quentin L. Cook, “Valiant in the Testimony of Jesus,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2016, 43)

• What can make it difficult for you or others to remain valiant in your testimony of Jesus Christ?

• What helps you strive to be valiant in your testimony of the Savior?

As part of the discussion of the previous question, consider inviting students to find and share scriptures that motivate them to be valiant in their testimony of Jesus Christ. You could suggest that they begin with Helaman 5:12.

Make a plan

Spend a moment pondering what you can do to be more valiant in your testimony of Jesus Christ. Complete the following three statements in your study journal.

1. I can be valiant in my testimony of Jesus today by …

2. I can be valiant in my testimony of Jesus over the next few months by …

3. I can help others remain valiant in their testimonies of Jesus by …

Consider inviting a few students who are comfortable to share one or more of their completed statements. To conclude, invite someone to share their witness of Jesus Christ or share your own witness of Him.

Additional Resources

What impact did the teachings of Doctrine and Covenants 76 have on the early members of the Church?

President Wilford Woodruff (1807–1898) spoke about his impressions of this revelation:

I was taught from my childhood that there was one Heaven and one Hell, and was told that the wicked all had one punishment and the righteous one glory. …

… When I read the vision … , it enlightened my mind and gave me great joy, it appeared to me that the God who revealed that principle unto man was wise, just and true, possessed both the best of attributes and good sense and knowledge, I felt he was consistent with both love, mercy, justice and judgment, and I felt to love the Lord more than ever before in my life. (Wilford Woodruff, “Remarks,” Deseret News, May 27, 1857, 91)

Doctrine and Covenants 76:72–74. What does it mean that those who “died without law” inherit the terrestrial kingdom?

From Doctrine and Covenants 76:72–74, we learn that some people in the terrestrial kingdom will be those “who died without law” and who “received not the testimony of Jesus in the flesh” but did so in the spirit world. However, it is important to understand that some people who are taught the gospel in the spirit world will inherit the celestial kingdom. Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord revealed that “all who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God” (Doctrine and Covenants 137:7).

Doctrine and Covenants 76:79. How can I be valiant in my testimony of Jesus?

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) explained:

Those who are [valiant in the testimony of Jesus] are courageous in defending truth and righteousness. These are members of the Church who magnify their callings in the Church (see Doctrine and Covenants 84:33), pay their tithes and offerings, live morally clean lives, sustain their Church leaders by word and action, keep the Sabbath as a holy day, and obey all the commandments of God. (Ezra Taft Benson, “Valiant in the Testimony of Jesus,” Ensign, May 1982, 63)

How can my testimony of Jesus Christ impact my life?

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

The Power of a Personal Testimony

A testimony provides proper perspective, motivation, and a solid foundation on which to build a life of purpose and personal growth. It is a constant source of confidence, a true and faithful companion during good times and bad. A testimony provides us with a reason for hope and gladness. It helps us cultivate a spirit of optimism and happiness and enables us to rejoice in the beauties of nature. A testimony motivates us to choose the right at all times and in all circumstances. It motivates us to draw nearer to God, allowing Him to draw nearer to us (see James 4:8).

Our personal testimony is a protective shield, and like an iron rod it is guiding us safely through darkness and confusion. (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Power of a Personal Testimony,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2006, 39)

Supplemental Learning Activities

Doctrine and Covenants 76:40–43. Glad tidings for all

Students could prepare to study verses 40–43 by discussing questions like the following:

• What is some good news you have received recently?

• What are some examples of the greatest news ever given to the world?

Invite students to search Doctrine and Covenants 76:40–43, looking for the glad tidings from heaven. Point out that the word gospel in verse 40 means “good news.”

• What good news did you see in these verses?

To help students understand what it means that Jesus Christ “saves all the works of his hands” (Doctrine and Covenants 76:43), explain that those who inherit the celestial kingdom will receive the blessings of exaltation, or eternal life, with Heavenly Father. But through His mercy, the Savior also offers different blessings of salvation in other kingdoms of glory to those who do not qualify for the celestial kingdom.

Consider showing the video “Salvation and Exaltation” from time code 2:55 to 6:05 to help students better understand the salvation the Savior provides to Heavenly Father’s children.

Salvation and Exaltation

Doctrine and Covenants 76:75. “Blinded by the craftiness of men”

To help students better understand the symbolism in verse 75, consider inviting a willing student to cover his or her eyes with a blindfold. Then, invite another student to give the first student instructions for simple tasks, such as drawing a simple picture or placing an object somewhere in the room. After sufficient time, remove the blindfold and ask the previously blindfolded student to describe what the experience was like.

Students could then study Doctrine and Covenants 76:75, looking for a description of those who will inherit the terrestrial kingdom. Consider asking students to discuss what they think it means to be spiritually blind and in what ways spiritual blindness would limit them. Then ask students to identify some of the things that could cause spiritual blindness in teenagers today.

Doctrine and Covenants 76:111. “In the mansions which are prepared”

After students have studied the three degrees of glory, consider helping them connect what they have learned to the Savior’s teachings in the New Testament. Invite a student to read John 14:2 aloud and ask class members to share what they understand from the Savior’s words. Invite them to cross-reference John 14:2 with Doctrine and Covenants 76:111 and look for similarities between the two passages.