This is an episode of jubilation, a real jubilee we are all invited to attend. So what are we celebrating? Doctrine and Covenants sections 137–138 answers that question and reminds us it is a celebration we won’t want to miss. The jubilee has its roots in Old Testament doctrine and has been going on for a very long time.
Segment 1
Scriptures:
D&C 138:11 (As I pondered)
D&C 138:2-4 (Reflecting on the atonement)
Segment 2
Scriptures:
D&C 138:18,31,42 (Liberty to the captives)
Leviticus 25:10 (A jubilee to you)
D&C 138:59 (After the penalty)
D&C 137:8-9 (God looks upon the heart)
Segment 3
Scriptures:
D&C 138:2-4 (Learning about the Redeemer)
D&C 138:42 (The Redeemer binds up the broken-hearted)
CR: Isaiah 61:1-3
Luke 4:16-30 (Christ declares His divinity)
D&C 138:12-16 (The joy of the just)
D&C 138:18-19,23 (Preaching to the willing)
D&C 138:50 (Being without a body is bondage)
Translations:
Redeemer - go el = kinsman (Hebrew)
Segment 4
Scriptures:
1 Peter 3:18-20 (Spirits in prison)
1 Peter 4:6 (The gospel preached to the dead)
CR: D&C 138:7-10
D&C 138:20-22 (The fate of the wicked)
D&C 138:27-29 (Christ’s time preaching to the spirits)
D&C 138:28,42 (Opening the prison)
Matthew 6:21 (Your treasure and your heart)
Words of the General Authorities:
There is so much we do not know that our only sure reliance is to trust in the Lord and His love for His children. What we do know about the spirit world is that the Father’s and the Son’s work of salvation continues there. Our Savior initiated the work of declaring liberty to the captives, and that work continues as worthy and qualified messengers continue to preach the gospel, including repentance, to those who still need its cleansing effect. (Dallin H. Oaks, “Trust in the Lord”, October 2019 General Conference)
In the judgment with which we shall be judged, all the conditions and circumstances of our lives shall be considered. The inborn tendencies due to heredity, the effect of environment whether conducive to good or evil, the wholesome teachings of youth, or the absence of good instruction—these and all other contributory elements must be taken into account in the rendering of a just verdict as to the soul’s guilt or innocence. (James E. Talmage, Great Apostasy, p. 21, also found in Jesus the Christ, Chapter 3: The Need of a Redeemer)
Study Helps:
The Apostle Peter referred to the postmortal spirit world as a prison, which it is for some. In the spirit prison are the spirits of those who have not yet received the gospel of Jesus Christ. These spirits have agency and may be enticed by both good and evil. If they accept the gospel and the ordinances performed for them in the temples, they may leave the spirit prison and dwell in paradise.
Also in the spirit prison are those who rejected the gospel after it was preached to them either on earth or in the spirit prison. These spirits suffer in a condition known as hell. They have removed themselves from the mercy of Jesus Christ, who said, “Behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; but if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit.” After suffering for their sins, they will be allowed, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, to inherit the lowest degree of glory, which is the telestial kingdom. (Spirit World, Gospel Topics)
Segment 5
Scriptures:
D&C 138:30-31 (Forces of liberty)
D&C 138:33-35 (Teaching the Doctrine of Christ)
CR: Articles of Faith 1:4
D&C 138:38-49 (Prophets leading in teaching)
Study Helps:
“This is unusual—the mention of women’s labors on the Other Side.” Susa felt that “the direct view of [women] associated with the ancient and modern prophets and elders confirms the noble standard of equality between the sexes which has always been a feature of this Church.”
She continued: “The Vision’s principal message to this people is a clarion call for them to awake to the immediate necessity of looking after their dead.” In spite of the setbacks and challenges in this effort, President Smith’s vision was “an exquisite joy and comfort” to her. Seven decades earlier, Joseph Smith had written to the Saints on the same subject, “Shall we not go on in so great a cause?” Now Susa Young Gates, with renewed vision and commitment, continued the call: “May the people, and especially our sisters, rise to the measure of fulness in response to this heavenly manifestation!” (Susa Young Gates, various sources recorded in Revelations in Context, “D&C 138: Susa Young Gates and the Vision of the Redemption of the Dead”, by Lisa Olsen Tait)
Segment 6
Scriptures:
D&C 138:55-56 (Nobel and great ones)
Jacob 6:4-5 (God reaches His hand to all)
D&C 138:60 (Joseph F Smith’s parting testimony)
Words of the General Authorities:
God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other in the kingdom. (Spencer W. Kimball, “Small Acts of Service”, December 1974 Ensign)
Quotes:
Never suppress a generous thought. (Camilla Kimball, as relayed by Julie B. Beck in “Relief Society: A Sacred Work”, October 2009 General Conference)
View transcript here.