Relief Society Lesson 6/21/2009

Chapter 35 - Redemption for the Dead

How blessed we are to know this doctrine! "The great Jehovah...knows the situation of both the living and the dead, and has made ample provision for their redemption." He wants us all to return home.

Joseph Smith in 1836 received a vision of the celestial kingdom, and in it he saw his brother, Alvin, and both his parents. He was surprised that he saw Alvin, because he hadn't been baptized. The Lord then told him that all who have died or will die without the knowledge of the gospel will have the opportunity to be taught and to accept it. Imagine how excited he was to hear this.

We are able to do this amazing work. The prophet Joseph said, "It is our duty and privilege to be baptized and confirmed for those who have died without the gospel."

Can I give everyone a challenge to spend a little more time on helping those who have passed on? It could be taking an extra trip to the temple each month, spending an hour or two a week researching your kindred dead or learning how to do family indexing (it is easy and also fun). I know that Sister Holloway would love to help anyone with their family history. And if you would like a ride to the temple, Sister Craven and I try to go every Thursday to the 2:40pm session (We leave home around 1pm). We would love to have others join us.

Elisha Jones