D & C 76 Unveiling the Kingdoms of Heaven

Revelation Date: February 16, 1832

Revelation Place: Hiram, Ohio

Section 76 - Historical Background: Having returned to Hiram Ohio from the church conference held in Amherst Ohio, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon resumed the revision of the New Testament. When they came to John 5: 28-29, the original KJV read, “Marvel not at this; for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” However, the Spirit inspired new writing as follows: “Marvel not at this; for the hour is coming, in the which all who are in their graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they who have done good, in the resurrection of the just; and they who have done evil, in the resurrection of the unjust.” Implied by this new wording was that there are more than just 2 kingdoms, namely heaven or hell. Both Joseph and Sidney were troubled by this and inquired of the Lord for more enlightenment.  

• Recap: God will reveal to the righteous the mysteries and wonders of eternity, greater wisdom and understanding. Joseph and Sidney commune with Jesus Christ face to face, and declare their testimonies of the reality of God. They witness the council in Heaven, where Jehovah is chosen to be the Savior. Lucifer rebels against God and declares war against God and His Only Begotten Son. One third of God’s spirit children are seduced by Lucifer and follow him, wherefore they are removed from heaven, never to be born and will suffer the second death, that is, to be cast back into outer darkness.
• All those spirits who were not seduced by Lucifer but were committed to Heavenly Father and His plan to send a Redeemer, even Jesus Christ, will be born into mortality and will be resurrected and redeemed to some degree (except for the sons of perdition). All the resurrected will inherit one of three kingdoms: the Celestial Kingdom (verses 51-70) with glory likened to the sun, who will dwell with God the Father and Jesus Christ; or the Terrestrial Kingdom (verses 71-80) with glory likened to the moon, administered by Christ; or the Telestial Kingdom (verses 81-90) with glory likened to the stars, administered by the Holy Ghost and angelic messengers.
• Regardless of which kingdom one inherits, all will bow the knee, and every tongue confess Jesus as the Christ and Father of their salvation. All shall be judged by Him, according to their own works, and receive their appropriate Kingdom of glory.