Section 137

Extension of Priesthood and Temple Blessings: The declaration announces that all worthy male members of the Church, regardless of race or color, can now be ordained to the priesthood and receive temple blessings. Revelation to President Spencer W. Kimball: The change came through a revelation received by President Spencer W. Kimball after extended meditation and prayer, which was confirmed by other Church leaders. Unanimous Approval: The revelation was unanimously approved by the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and other General Authorities, and was presented to the Church members for their sustaining vote.

End of Plural Marriage: President Wilford Woodruff declares the end of the practice of plural marriage among Church members, stating that the Church is no longer teaching or permitting it. Compliance with Law: The declaration emphasizes the Church’s intention to comply with the laws of the United States, which had made plural marriage illegal, and to use influence to ensure members do the same. Divine Guidance: President Woodruff explains that the decision to end plural marriage was made following revelation and guidance from the Lord, highlighting the importance of preserving the Church’s temples and the ability to perform ordinances.

Vision of the Spirit World: Joseph F. Smith receives a vision of the spirit world, where he sees the righteous dead rejoicing and the Savior organizing the preaching of the gospel to the spirits in prison. Preaching to the Dead: The vision explains that Christ did not personally go among the wicked and disobedient spirits but sent messengers to preach the gospel to them. Continuing Mission: Faithful elders continue their missionary work in the spirit world, ensuring that all have the opportunity to accept the gospel.

Vision of the Celestial Kingdom: Joseph Smith sees a vision of the celestial kingdom and is surprised to see his deceased brother Alvin there, despite Alvin not having been baptized. Salvation for the Dead: The vision reveals that those who would have accepted the gospel if they had the opportunity will be heirs of the celestial kingdom. Desire Over Death: This section emphasizes that salvation is determined by one’s desires and choices, not by the timing of their death.

Leadership and Organization: This section outlines the instructions given by Brigham Young to the Saints regarding their westward migration. It emphasizes the importance of organized leadership and the role of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in guiding the Church after Joseph Smith’s death. Principles of Conduct: The revelation provides specific guidelines on how the Saints should conduct themselves during the journey. It stresses the importance of unity, faith, and obedience, as well as the need to care for the poor and needy among them. Promise of Divine Support: The section assures the Saints that if they follow these instructions and remain faithful, they will receive the Lord’s protection and guidance. It frames their journey as a divinely sanctioned exodus, with the promise of reaching a new land where they can worship freely and build a new community.

Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith: This section solemnly records the assassination of Joseph Smith, the Prophet, and his brother Hyrum Smith, the Patriarch, at Carthage Jail on June 27, 1844. Their deaths are depicted as a significant and tragic event in the history of the Church. Tribute and Testimony: The section serves as a tribute to their lives and works, emphasizing their innocence and the unjust nature of their deaths. It highlights Joseph Smith’s role in restoring the gospel and his contributions, including the translation of the Book of Mormon. Prophetic Assurance: It concludes with a prophetic assurance that their blood will not be shed in vain and that their testimonies will continue to influence and inspire future generations. The section underscores the belief that their martyrdom will be avenged by the Lord.

Divine Origin of Government: The section emphasizes that governments are instituted by God for the benefit of humanity. It asserts that governments should secure the rights and protection of all citizens, ensuring justice and equity. Religious Freedom: It strongly advocates for the freedom of religion, stating that no government should interfere with the rights of individuals to worship according to their own conscience. This principle underscores the importance of religious liberty as a fundamental human right. Obedience to Law: The section encourages members to uphold and sustain the law, recognizing the importance of lawful order in society. It also highlights the duty of citizens to respect and honor their governments, provided that the laws are just and protect the rights of all.

Key points from this section: • Preparation for the Second Coming: The Lord commands the Saints to prepare for His Second Coming by sanctifying themselves and gathering to Zion. • Call to Flee Babylon: The revelation instructs all people to flee from Babylon (symbolizing wickedness) and come to Zion, emphasizing the need for purity and readiness. • Events of the Second Coming: It describes dramatic events that will accompany the Second Coming, including the Lord standing on Mount Zion, the continents becoming one land, and the return of the lost tribes of Israel. Read this chapter for free at https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/doctrine-and-covenants-contexts/section-133.

New and Everlasting Covenant of Marriage: The revelation introduces the doctrine of eternal marriage, teaching that marriages performed by the proper authority can last beyond this life. This covenant is essential for exaltation and eternal progression. Plural Marriage: Section 132 addresses the practice of plural marriage, explaining that it was commanded by God to raise up seed and fulfill His purposes. This practice was a significant and controversial aspect of early Church history. Conditions of Exaltation: The revelation outlines the conditions required for exaltation, including faithfulness to the new and everlasting covenant of marriage. It emphasizes that those who enter into and honor this covenant will receive the highest blessings in the celestial kingdom.

Eternal Marriage: The revelation emphasizes the importance of eternal marriage, teaching that the highest degree of celestial glory can only be attained through the new and everlasting covenant of marriage. This principle underscores the significance of temple marriage for eternal progression. Three Heavens or Degrees: Joseph Smith explained that within the celestial kingdom, there are three heavens or degrees. To obtain the highest, a person must enter into the order of the priesthood, meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage. Knowledge and Intelligence: The revelation highlights that whatever principle of intelligence we gain in this life will rise with us in the resurrection. This principle encourages the pursuit of knowledge and intelligence as essential for eternal growth and exaltation.