In August 1840, Joseph Smith first taught the doctrine of baptism for the dead. Church members rejoiced in the opportunity to provide saving ordinances for their deceased relatives. Joseph Smith wrote letters to the Saints to instruct them regarding the ordinance of baptism for the dead. This lesson can help students feel Heavenly Father’s love for them, manifested through temple ordinances.
Possible Learning Activities
A scenario
The following scenario can help students reflect on how they feel about the Savior’s doctrine of baptism for the dead. Students could role-play how they might respond to Anna.
During a discussion with the missionaries, Anna learned about the need to follow the Savior’s example and be baptized (see Matthew 3:13–17; John 3:5; 2 Nephi 31:4–11). She sincerely desired to receive baptism, but she also became concerned about her deceased sister. Anna asked the missionaries, “What about my sister who died before she could be baptized?”
As you consider elements of the Savior’s doctrine, what feelings do you have that you would share?
Remind students that people throughout the ages, including early members of the Church, have asked questions like Anna’s. Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, Heavenly Father revealed how His plan can save all who want to be saved.
Heavenly Father’s plan
The Lord gradually revealed to Joseph Smith the doctrine of baptism for the dead. In August 1840, Joseph Smith preached at the funeral of Seymour Brunson. During the sermon, he looked at Jane Neyman, a widow whose son had died before he was baptized. Joseph referenced 1 Corinthians 15:29 and taught that God’s plan allowed a living person to be baptized vicariously for someone who had died. Later, Jane was baptized for her son Cyrus. This was the first baptism for the dead performed in this dispensation (see Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days, vol. 1, The Standard of Truth, 1815–1846 [2018], 421–22).
The Lord later revealed that baptisms for the dead were to be performed in the temple (see Doctrine and Covenants 124:29–32). In November 1841, the Saints began to be baptized for their ancestors in the unfinished Nauvoo Temple. In September 1842, Joseph Smith instructed the Saints to keep a record of those ordinances and other important details. Those instructions are now Doctrine and Covenants 127 and 128 (see Saints, 1:476–77). Joseph Smith explained that a recorder should be a witness of the ordinance and keep accurate records that would be recorded in a general church book. He also taught that others should be witnesses of the ordinance (see Doctrine and Covenants 128:2–4). He then explained why this order of things needed to be very particular.
Prior to reading Doctrine and Covenants 128:5, it may be helpful to explain that “before the foundation of the world” refers to the time before the earth was created, when there was a council in heaven (see Abraham 3:22–27).
Read Doctrine and Covenants 128:5, looking for what you learn about baptisms for the dead in Heavenly Father’s plan.
What does this verse teach you about Heavenly Father and His plan?
Help students identify this truth: Heavenly Father prepared a way for the salvation of those who die without a knowledge of the gospel.
Consider writing the truth on the board to help students discuss it. Asking some of the following questions could help students understand this truth. You could enhance the discussion by asking students to share their thoughts about classmates’ comments.
What does this truth teach you about Heavenly Father’s attributes, character, or purpose?
How could this truth impact you and your family?
To help students feel the importance of this truth, consider sharing your witness of it. Or you could share the following statement and invite students to share their reactions to it.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles testified of Jesus Christ and the redemption of the dead.
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Elder D. Todd Christofferson
Our charge extends as far and as deep as the love of God to encompass His children of every time and place. Our efforts on behalf of the dead bear eloquent witness that Jesus Christ is the divine Redeemer of all mankind. His grace and promises reach even those who in life do not find Him. Because of Him, the prisoners shall indeed go free. (D. Todd Christofferson, “The Redemption of the Dead and the Testimony of Jesus,” Ensign, Nov. 2000, 11)
Recorded on earth and in heaven
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baptismal font
Consider showing an image of the temple baptistry. Invite students to point out the recorder and the witnesses. Then invite students to find and mark these assignments in Doctrine and Covenants 128:3. If students have served as a witness, they could share their experiences.
One way to help students find relevance in these sections is to return to the scenario about Anna.
After being baptized, Anna attended the temple and was baptized for her sister who died. She wonders how she can know the ordinance is valid in heaven.
Before students read the following scriptures, you may want to explain that in Doctrine and Covenants 128:8 the phrase “propria persona” refers to people who are baptized for themselves and the phrase “their own agents” refers to those who are baptized for others.
Why do you think keeping a record of ordinances is important in Heavenly Father’s plan?
How could understanding these verses influence your temple experience?
Explain that the ordinances performed in temples are binding on earth and in heaven because of the priesthood keys restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith (see Doctrine and Covenants 128:9–11).
“Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad”
The purpose of this section is to help students feel the greatness of Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation. Consider writing Heavenly Father’s plan on the board and inviting students to add words or phrases that express their feelings about it. Ask a few students to share why they feel that way.
Students could also add to the board some of the feelings they have experienced when participating in baptisms and confirmations in the temple.
As students read the following scripture passage and discuss the accompanying questions, they could add words or phrases to the board.
In his letter, Joseph Smith poetically expressed his views about the glorious doctrine of redemption for the dead. Read Doctrine and Covenants 128:22–23, looking for the emotions expressed about Heavenly Father’s plan.
What words or phrases from these verses reflect your feelings about Heavenly Father’s plan for the salvation of His children?
When have you experienced any of these feelings while participating in temple and family history work?
What do you think it means that “the prisoners shall go free”? (verse 22). Why might this be a reason for great rejoicing?
Consider inviting students to express their own feelings about the doctrine of redemption for the dead. Invite them to pay attention to any promptings of the Spirit as they do. They could write, draw, or record a message. Students could use some of the phrases listed on the board to describe how Heavenly Father’s plan provides hope for those who die without a knowledge of the gospel. They could also write about the impact the plan of salvation has on their own family. Students may want to describe meaningful experiences participating in temple and family history work.
After sufficient time, invite willing students to share their message. You might also share your feelings about the redemption of the dead in Heavenly Father’s plan.