The Importance of Section 76 in D&C

Doctrine and Covenants section 76 was a big shift for the saints. This revelation was given to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon ad Hiram, Ohio, February 16, 1832. In is precisely in this revelation that Lord teaches us all that their is more than just a division between paradise and spiritual prison after we die; he reveals some of the mysteries of the kingdom to us. An important principle taught here was defining the true meaning between salvation and exaltation. Members of our church today, including myself have used these two words interchangeably. The truth is that these words must be used in accordance with the doctrines of the scriptures, which contain the word of God. Salvation comes through individuals alone and independently. Thus, eternal live is used in context to teach that each individual can have eternal live if they accordingly to what the gospel of Jesus Christ teaches. Exaltation on the other hand deals with inheriting the Celestial Kingdom, where our Father in Heaven lives. The only way to reach this highest kingdom of glory, it must be done with "team work - families. This is where the the ordinances of the temple come into play with a sacred duty and deep covenant with Heavenly Father. It is thorugh a celetial marriage in the temple that we can have the privilege to live with God. Now, just because one is sealed in the temple, does not entitled the couple to a free passage into the Celestial Kingdom. It takes two, plus the children of the couple to work together and be righteous. God does not expect perfection but he does ask of each and one of us to do our best. We do our best when we go the extra mile, and come to a rest in our journey when the burdens life are just to heavy to carry on our shoulders. Here is where the Savior's atonement heals, supports, uplifts us, and purifies anyone who comes unto our Savior, Jesus Christ. In context, when the scriptures read eternal lives, this is referring to families and the principle thereof. When the prophet Joseph Smith received the revelation, along with Sidney Rigdon, they were given a total of five revelations: (1) Celestial Kingdom (2) Outer darkness (3) Celestial kingdom (4) Terrestrial kingdom (5) Telestial Kingdom. Heavenly Father showed the Celestial Kingdom twice, with outer darkness in between, in order that they could see the shocking and deep contrast in the both. In the Telestial kingdom, the Holy Ghost will be the only one present. In the Terrestrial Kingdom, Jesus Christ will rein there as well. Those who inherit the Celestial Kingdom will have the privilege to meet God. When the saints first received this revelation, much contention, argumentation, and debate arose. In class, we discussed that maybe the view of the people was centered more on themselves and the idea that everyone would be exalted together did not seem right for them in the beginning. We discussed how human nature will sometimes have feelings to condemn people. We are sometimes to harsh on other and are hard to forgive. But when it comes us personally, we are easier on ourselves and excuse our sins and imperfections. It through section 76 that Mormonism changed forever and God wants each and one of us to return to him, which is why be has commanded that we follow principle of celestial marriages in order to strengthen each other and lighten our paths.