Lesson 138 Doctrine and Covenants 131

Introduction

Doctrine and Covenants 131 contains a compilation of principles the Prophet Joseph Smith taught while in Ramus, Illinois, on May 16–17, 1843. He taught about the new and everlasting covenant of marriage and the promise of eternal life for the faithful. He also taught that all spirit is matter.

Doctrine and Covenants 131:1–4

Joseph Smith teaches about the importance of the eternal marriage covenant

Enduring in Love

On May 16, 1843, Joseph Smith traveled to Ramus, Illinois. While staying at the home of Benjamin and Melissa Johnson, he performed their sealing as husband and wife for eternity. He also taught them how eternal marriage is related to the celestial kingdom. These truths are recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 131:1–4. (See History of the Church, 5:391–92.)

Doctrine and Covenants 131:1

1 In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees;

What did Joseph Smith reveal about the celestial kingdom?

We often refer to receiving the highest degree of glory within the celestial kingdom as exaltation or eternal life.

Exaltation

Doctrine and Covenants 131:2–4

2 And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage];

3 And if he does not, he cannot obtain it.

4 He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom; he cannot have an increase.

What do we need to do to obtain the highest degree of the celestial kingdom?

What do you think it means in verse 4 that if we are not sealed in the temple by the proper authority, we “cannot have an increase”?

Expressions of Love

In what ways do you think celestial marriage between a man and a woman prepares them for exaltation?

Elder David A. Bednar

“Two compelling doctrinal reasons help us to understand why eternal marriage is essential to the Father’s plan.

“By divine design, men and women are intended to progress together toward perfection and a fulness of glory. Because of their distinctive temperaments and capacities, males and females each bring to a marriage relationship unique perspectives and experiences. The man and the woman contribute differently but equally to a oneness and a unity that can be achieved in no other way. The man completes and perfects the woman and the woman completes and perfects the man as they learn from and mutually strengthen and bless each other. …

“Reason 1: The natures of male and female spirits complete and perfect each other, and therefore men and women are intended to progress together toward exaltation. …

“Reason 2: By divine design, both a man and a woman are needed to bring children into mortality and to provide the best setting for the rearing and nurturing of children” (“Marriage Is Essential to His Eternal Plan,” Ensign, June 2006, 83–84; boldface and italics removed).

According to Elder Bednar, why is marriage between a man and a woman necessary for our exaltation?

How could understanding the doctrine that celestial marriage is essential for exaltation affect what you look for in a future spouse?

Why is it important at your age to make it a priority to prepare to be married eternally in the temple?

True to the Faith:

“Some members of the Church remain single through no fault of their own, even though they want to marry. If you find yourself in this situation, be assured that ‘all things work together for good to them that love God’ (Romans 8:28). As you remain worthy, you will someday, in this life or the next, be given all the blessings of an eternal family relationship” (True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference [2004], 99).

How can keeping your baptismal covenants now help you prepare to receive the blessings of the temple?

What can young men and young women do now to make celestial marriage in the temple a priority?

Doctrine and Covenants 131:5–6

The Prophet explains the “more sure word of prophecy”

What are the benefits of having a guarantee?

Why would a guarantee from Heavenly Father be especially valuable?

In Ramus, Illinois, on the morning of May 17, 1843, Joseph Smith gave a sermon on a phrase found in 2 Peter 1:19 that represents a guarantee from God (see History of the Church, 5:392). Invite students to read 2 Peter 1:19 silently and look for the phrase. (“A more sure word of prophecy.”)

Doctrine and Covenants 131:5

5 (May 17th, 1843.) The more sure word of prophecy means a man’s knowing that he is sealed up unto eternal life, by revelation and the spirit of prophecy, through the power of the Holy Priesthood.

According to verse 5, what does Heavenly Father guarantee to a person through the more sure word of prophecy?

How do you think it would feel to receive such a guarantee? Why?

Testimonies

Doctrine and Covenants 131:6

6 It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance.