August–October 1840

Saints Learn about Baptism for the Dead

Hope for family members who were not baptized

Jane Neyman lived in Nauvoo. She went to a funeral where Joseph Smith was speaking. The funeral made Jane think about her son Cyrus. He had died and wasn’t baptized. Jane worried about Cyrus. She knew that we have to be baptized to live with Heavenly Father.

Saints, 1:421

Joseph knew how she felt. He used to wonder the same thing about his brother Alvin, who had also died without being baptized.

Saints, 1:421

At the funeral, Joseph shared something God had taught him. He said that when someone has died without being baptized, we can be baptized for them.

Saints, 1:421

Jane was so happy to hear this! Soon after the funeral, she went to the river with an elder of the Church. He baptized her for Cyrus.

Saints, 1:421

A few weeks later, Joseph taught the Saints more about baptism for the dead. He said that many people who had died wanted to be baptized. They wanted to follow Jesus Christ. They were waiting and hoping for their family members who were still alive to be baptized for them.

Doctrine and Covenants 128:15–19; Saints, 1:423

The Saints ran to the river right away. They were baptized for people they loved. Hyrum Smith was baptized for Alvin. Later, the Lord taught that baptism for the dead should be done in the temple, someone should keep a record of each baptism, and men should be baptized for men and women for women.

Doctrine and Covenants 124:29–32; 127:5–12; 128:1–9; Saints, 1:424