February 1832

Joseph and Sidney Learn about Heaven

A vision about God’s blessings for His children

One day, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon were reading the Bible. They read about what happens to people after they die. Joseph and Sidney thought about what they read, and they wanted to learn more.

Doctrine and Covenants 76:11–18

The Lord gave them an amazing vision. They saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ surrounded by angels. They heard a voice say that Jesus is the Son of God. The voice said that Jesus died for us and then was resurrected—He came back to life. Because He did, we will be resurrected too.

Doctrine and Covenants 76:19–24, 39–43

Joseph and Sidney learned that after we are resurrected, we will live in one of three places in heaven, called kingdoms. People who do not accept the gospel of Jesus Christ will go to the telestial kingdom. The Lord compared this kingdom to the light of the stars.

Doctrine and Covenants 76:81–86

Joseph and Sidney also learned about a kingdom called the terrestrial kingdom. This kingdom is for people who live good lives but do not fully obey the gospel of Jesus Christ. They are not strong in their faith in Him. The Lord compared this kingdom to the light of the moon.

Doctrine and Covenants 76:71–80

The highest kingdom is the celestial kingdom. People in this kingdom made covenants, or promises, with God and kept their covenants. They repented and followed Jesus Christ. They live with Heavenly Father and Jesus forever and become like Them. The Lord compared this kingdom to the light of the sun.

Doctrine and Covenants 76:50–70

The Lord told Joseph and Sidney not to share everything they saw in their vision. But He did want them to write about some of it and share it with others. Many members of the Church were excited to tell people about the vision.

Doctrine and Covenants 76:113–119; Saints, 1:149–50

Some people didn’t like the vision. It was different from what they believed. But most of the Saints were thankful to know about this revelation. It showed them that Heavenly Father loves His children and made a way for them to return to Him.

Saints, 1:149–50