The Savior Ministered in the Spirit World ~ Lesson 18

Friday, the 9th hour (3 pm) Sunday, the 1st hour (6 am)

Doctrine and Covenants 128:15, 19, 22 Scriptures Luke 23:39–43 1 Peter 3:18–20 1 Peter 4:6 Doctrine and Covenants 128:15, 19, 22

The facts of Jesus’ death and Resurrection are hailed by those of Christian denominations as fundamental tenets. However, what Jesus’ immortal spirit did after His death and before His Resurrection is a mystery to all but the Latter-day Saints. And the significance of what He did during those hours provides the doctrinal foundation for building temples across the earth. Furthermore, a testimony of what He did can greatly console those who mourn the death of a loved one. (“The Savior’s Visit to the Spirit World,” Ensign, July 2003) Spencer J. Condie

Doctrine and Covenants 138 :1 - 4 :11 – 13 :14 – 17 :18 – 19 :20 – 22 :1 - 4 :11 – 13 :14 – 17 :18 – 19 :20 – 22 :23 – 28 :29 – 32 :33 – 34 :35 – 37 :57 - 59 Joseph F. Smith

What about the countless thousands who have died and never heard of Christ, never had an opportunity of repentance and remission of their sins, never met an elder of the Church holding the authority? Some of our good Christian neighbors will tell you they are lost forever. Would that be fair? Would it be just? No! The Lord is going to give to every man the opportunity to hear and to receive eternal life, or a place in his kingdom. Joseph Fielding Smith

Because it is done by those who give freely of time and That which goes on in the House of the Lord, …comes nearer to the spirit of the sacrifice of the Lord than any other activity of which I know. Why? Because it is done by those who give freely of time and substance, without any expectation of thanks or reward, to do for others that which they cannot do for themselves. (“A Century of Family History Service,” Ensign, Mar. 1995) Gordon B. Hinckley

In our preexistent state, in the day of the In our preexistent state, in the day of the great council, we made a certain agreement with the Almighty. The Lord proposed a plan, conceived by him. We accepted it. Since the plan is intended for all men, we become parties to the salvation of every person under that plan. We agreed, right then and there, to be not only saviors for ourselves, but … saviors for the whole human family. We went into a partnership with the Lord. The working out of the plan became then not merely the Father’s work, and the Savior’s work, but also our work. The least of us, the humblest, is in partnership with the Almighty in achieving the purpose of the eternal plan of salvation” (“The Worth of Souls) John A. Widstoe

“I invite the young people of the Church to learn about and experience the Spirit of Elijah. I encourage you to study, to search out your ancestors, and to prepare yourselves to perform proxy baptisms in the house of the Lord for your kindred dead (see D&C 124:28–36). And I urge you to help other people identify their family histories. Elder David A. Bednar

“As you respond in faith to this invitation, your hearts shall turn to the fathers. The promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will be implanted in your hearts. Your patriarchal blessing, with its declaration of lineage, will link you to these fathers and be more meaningful to you. Your love and gratitude for your ancestors will increase. Your testimony of and conversion to the Savior will become deep and abiding. And I promise you will be protected against the intensifying influence of the adversary. As you participate in and love this holy work, you will be safeguarded in your youth and throughout your lives.” (“The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn,” Ensign, Nov. 2011) Elder David A. Bednar

ordinances available in the temple, Any work you do in the temple is time well spent, but receiving ordinances vicariously for one of your own ancestors will make the time in the temple more sacred, and even greater blessings will be received… Do you young people want a sure way to eliminate the influence of the adversary in your life? Immerse yourself in searching for your ancestors, prepare their names for the sacred vicarious ordinances available in the temple, and then go to the temple to stand as proxy for them to receive the ordinances of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. I can think of no greater protection from the influence of the adversary in your life. (“The Joy of Redeeming the Dead,” Ensign, Nov. 2012) Richard G. Scott Richard G. Scott

Doctrine & Covenants 128:15 And now, my dearly beloved brethren and sisters, let me assure you that these are principles in relation to the dead and the living that cannot be lightly passed over, as pertaining to our salvation. For their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation, as Paul says concerning the fathers—that they without us cannot be made perfect—neither can we without our dead be made perfect.

Jesus Christ’s visit to the spirit world initiates the great work for the dead that now finds its home in the temples of the Church.

Doctrine & Covenants 128:19 Now, what do we hear in the gospel which we have received? A voice of gladness! A voice of mercy from heaven; and a voice of truth out of the earth; glad tidings for the dead; a voice of gladness for the living and the dead; glad tidings of great joy.

Doctrine & Covenants 128:22 22 Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing. Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to the King Immanuel, who hath ordained, before the world was, that which would enable us to redeem them out of their prison; for the prisoners shall go free.

He Is Risen Lesson 19 ~ Next week: Luke 24:1–48 John 20 1 Corinthians 15:1–29, 54–58 Dallin H. Oaks, “Resurrection,” Ensign, May 2000.

Did the Savior suffer for sins both in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross? Did Jesus suffer only for those who believe and repent of their sins? Could He, a perfect man, understand what it is like to have weaknesses—to be rejected? Was there a backup plan if He chose not to proceed?

How does a mere mortal understand and grasp the Savior’s love and sacrifice of infinite proportions? Could a person suffer for his or her own sins and be redeemed? Will our sins add new and additional pain and suffering to Jesus?

Do you have a broken heart and a contrite spirit? Do you have faith that His Atonement provides a remedy for each of your weaknesses, sins, infirmities, and shortcomings? Do you believe you can be totally cleansed of your sins because of the Savior’s infinite sacrifice?