LDS Doctrine and Covenants Critique
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The Doctrine and Covenants
SECTION 137
A vision given to Joseph Smith the Prophet, in the
temple at Kirtland, Ohio, January 21, 1836. The occasion was the
administration of ordinances in preparation for the dedication of the
temple.
1–6, The Prophet sees his brother Alvin in the celestial kingdom; 7–9,
The doctrine of salvation for the dead is revealed; 10, All children
are saved in the celestial kingdom.
1 The heavens were opened upon us, and I beheld the celestial kingdom
of God, and the glory thereof, whether in the body or out I cannot tell.
Note: Joseph Smith did not see heaven.
It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions
and revelations of the Lord: I know a man in Christ who fourteen years
ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do
not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven. And I
know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know,
God knows— how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible
words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 2 Corinthians 12:1-4
2 I saw the transcendent beauty of the gate through which the heirs of
that kingdom will enter, which was like unto circling flames of fire;
Note: Joseph Smith did not see heaven.
After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in
heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking
with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must
take place after this.” Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a
throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne. And He who sat there
was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance; and there was a
rainbow around the throne, in appearance like an emerald. Revelation
4:1-3
3 Also the blazing throne of God, whereon was seated the Father and the Son.
Note: Joseph Smith did not see heaven.
Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw
twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes; and they had crowns
of gold on their heads. And from the throne proceeded lightnings,
thunderings, and voices. Seven lamps of fire were burning before the
throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. Revelation 4:4-5
4 I saw the beautiful streets of that kingdom, which had the appearance of being paved with gold.
Note: Joseph Smith did not see heaven.
Before the throne there was a sea of glass, like crystal. And in the
midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four living creatures
full of eyes in front and in back. The first living creature was like a
lion, the second living creature like a calf, the third living creature
had a face like a man, and the fourth living creature was like a flying
eagle. The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of
eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying:
“Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!”
Revelation 4:6-8
5 I saw Father Adam and Abraham; and my father and my mother; my brother Alvin, that has long since slept;
Note: Joseph Smith did not see heaven.
Whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him
who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four
elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who
lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne,
saying: “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power;
For You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were
created.” Revelation 4:9-11
6 And marveled how it was that he had obtained an inheritance in that
kingdom, seeing that he had departed this life before the Lord had set
his hand to gather Israel the second time, and had not been baptized
for the remission of sins.
Note: Baptism is not the Christian Gospel.
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not
with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no
effect. For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are
perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1
Corinthians 1:17-18
7 Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying: All who have died
without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they
had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of
God;
Note: Everyone is without excuse.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness
and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown
it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible
attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are
made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without
excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as
God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their
foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools,
and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like
corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
Romans 1:18-23
8 Also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who
would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that
kingdom; 9 For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their
works, according to the desire of their hearts.
Note: Everyone is without excuse.
And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the
judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those
who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin,
for salvation. Hebrews 9:27-28
10 And I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at
the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of
heaven.
Note: Believers will enter the kingdom of God through childlike faith in Jesus Christ.
Then they also brought infants to Him that He might touch them; but
when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them to
Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid
them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you,
whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by
no means enter it.” Luke 18:15-17