D&C 137

Section Overview

What happens in D&C 137

A vision received by Joseph Smith on January 21, 1836, in the Kirtland Temple during the administration of ordinances. Joseph saw the celestial kingdom and observed his father (who was still living), his deceased brother Alvin (who died before the Restoration), and other righteous figures there. The Lord revealed that all who would have received the gospel if they had lived shall be heirs of celestial glory. This vision was added to the Doctrine and Covenants in 1976.

Scripture

The Vision of the Celestial Kingdom

Study note

Joseph sees the celestial kingdom with its beautiful gate, streets of gold-like fire, and the blazing throne of God. He sees Father Adam, Abraham, and his own parents and brother Alvin there.

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.

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;

3 Also the blazing throne of God, whereon was seated the Father and the Son.

4 I saw the beautiful streets of that kingdom, which had the appearance of being paved with gold.

5 I saw Father Adam and Abraham; and my father and my mother; my brother Alvin, that has long since slept;

The Lord's Declaration on Those Who Die Without the Gospel

Study note

Joseph marvels that Alvin is in the celestial kingdom despite dying before baptism. The Lord declares that all who would have received the gospel had they been permitted to tarry shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom. Children who die before accountability are also saved.

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.

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;

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.

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.

Key Themes

Themes in D&C 137

Vision of the celestial kingdomThose who die without the gospel can inherit celestial gloryGod judges by the desires of the heartChildren who die before accountability are savedThe mercy of God extends beyond mortality

Scripture Connections

How this section connects to Christ

D&C 137 7-9 1 Peter 3:18-20

The principle that the dead can receive the gospel connects to Peter's teaching that Christ preached to the spirits in prison who were disobedient in the days of Noah.

D&C 137 10 Matthew 19:14

The declaration that children who die before accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom echoes Jesus' words: 'Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.'

D&C 137 1-4 Revelation 21:18-21

The description of the celestial kingdom with streets like gold and blazing glory parallels John's description of the New Jerusalem with streets of pure gold and gates of pearl.

Apply This Today

Living D&C 137

This vision transforms our understanding of God's justice and mercy. The Lord does not condemn people for circumstances beyond their control. Those who never had the opportunity to hear the gospel but would have accepted it are not lost—God sees and judges the desires of the heart. This principle brings immense comfort to those who have lost loved ones who were not members of the Church. It also motivates temple work, knowing that the ordinances we perform give real opportunity to those who desire to accept them.

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