Zach McClure

“What happens after we die?” This is a question commonly asked by all of God’s children. Because of continuing revelation through living prophets, we know! Doctrine and Covenants Sections 137 and 138 reveal that our loved ones who have died go to a place of rest if they were faithful in their testimony of Christ, where they are then prepared to teach the gospel in the spirit world. Those who died who were not faithful are given the opportunity to learn about Jesus Christ and accept ordinances performed by the living: “and thus was the gospel preached to the dead” (D&C 138:30).

Doctrine and Covenants Section 135 could be viewed as the conclusion of the entire Doctrine and Covenants scriptures, were it not for additional revelation given to the saints. This section witnesses the divinity of the Prophet Joseph’s calling. It declares Joseph’s work to be of God and that it will never fail. It also testifies that those who read the Doctrine and Covenants, as well as the Book of Mormon, “will be reminded that the Book of Mormon, and this book of Doctrine and Covenants of the church, cost the best blood of the nineteenth century to bring them forth” (D&C 135:6).

What does it mean to “go ye out of Babylon” (D&C 133:7)? As a parent, it might mean using kinder words with our children or putting our phones down to be a better listener. For children, it might mean learning to share or being willing to help around the house without being asked. Fleeing Babylon means choosing to be more like Jesus, even in the smallest of ways.

We all have trials regardless of how many times in a row we have Family Home Evening or make it to Church on time. Joseph Smith taught that those called of God to serve His children would be blessed through their struggles. Obeying God’s commandments can bring rewards that bless us in life and in eternity. When we look to our Father in Heaven for help in our lives, we choose Him instead of relying only on ourselves. We can feel His love daily, for “if ye receive me in the world, then shall ye know me” (D&C 132:23).

Even during the early years in Nauvoo, there were times when the Prophet Joseph still had to flee for his life from those who sought to stop the work. Yet even in hiding, he continued to keep his focus on the restoration of the gospel, specifically with baptisms for the dead. “That subject seems to occupy my mind, and press itself upon my feelings the strongest, since I have been pursued by my enemies” (Doctrine and Covenants 128:1). No matter what trials he faced, Joseph never forgot his calling to restore Christ’s Church.