Lessons from D&C 138

Here's a few more things that I understood in a deeper way after studying D&C 137-138

1) After we die and as we wait in the spirit world for the day of our "glorious resurrection" (138:14), it will be a time "filled with joy and gladness, and rejoicing together" (138:15), but not total freedom. Even righteous spirits will still experience a form of bondage in the spirit world. Phrases such as "redemption from the bands of death" (138:16), "deliverance from the chains of death", and "liberty to the captives" (138:18) indicate that there is a lack of freedom in the spirit world. Why? Because we have been separated from our bodies! It isn't until after we've been resurrected and "the spirit and the body (are) united never again to be divided, that (we) receive a fullness of joy" (138:17).

The lesson that was reinforced to me was how grateful we need to be for our bodies. Even though we all get frustrated with some of the physical limitations that come as a result of our imperfect bodies (i.e. mental illness, chronic pain, disease, or addiction), having a body is one of our greatest earthly blessings and certainly one that we should appreciate because we will miss it (for a season) after we die.

2) 138:25-26 refers to Jesus Christs' three-year ministry while he was here on the earth, and teaches that even though He was perfectly obedient, knew all the right answers, and performed many mighty miracles, there were still only a relatively few people that listened to his message. I think this is important to remember as we evaluate our own efforts to share the gospel; even if we are as close to perfect as we can be, our perceived success should not be based off of whether or not they use their agency to accept the gospel. 

3) After Christ died and visited the spirit world, "He organized his forces and appointed messengers" to preach the gospel "to those who had died without a knowledge of the truth" (138:30-32). Those people are taught faith, repentance, and the other principles of the gospel. They are also taught about baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, but that it has to be done vicariously (138:33-34), which is where we become a part of their story. We form a companionship with those on the other side of the veil. As they do their part to teach, we have to do our part and perform those saving ordinances in the temple. Sharing the gospel on the earth can reach up to 8 billion people, but redeeming the dead is for billions upon billions of people! The heavens must be shouting for joy (along with us) every time a new temple is announced!