#20 The Kingdoms of Glory

D&C 76; 131; 132:19-24; 137

**Show Atlas
What are you favorite vacation spots? Have you ever had one of those vacations where you were having so much fun, or you were seeing such wonderful things, or were so relaxed that you didn’t want it to end? Not the kind where you get home from the vacation thinking, “man, I need a vacation from my vacation!” Think of that-Where did you go? Who were you with? Where did you stay? What did you do? Etc.

One of my favorite vacations spots, the one I loved the most was our trip to the Oregon coast. The people I went with were my family and parents. On the way to the coast we got off the main Interstate and visited Highway 30. It was my favorite part of that vacation. All along that highway were about 10 waterfalls all within ½-1 mile apart. Each waterfall was huge and gorgeous. The Foliage surrounding the whole area, on the roads the paths leading up to the falls and surrounding the falls were green, everything was so bright and green lining all the bridges made of cobblestones or old aging cement; the whole experience was amazing! Have you ever been to a place that amazing that when you came home you told everyone about it and told everyone they needed to go there and experience it for themselves?

Joseph Smith had a similar experience. He shares it in D&C 137. He had already received the revelation about the 3 kingdoms, and was wondering what the 3 kingdoms could look like and how they differed and He received this revelation. He actually saw the highest degree of the Celestial Kingdom. We are going to read it since it’s short and to paraphrase just wouldn’t justify it.

Read D&C 137

The vision closed and he only caught that small glimpse but it was glimpse enough to get excited about. He told all about it and tried to get them excited about the prospect. As wonderful as that is why don’t we get excited and drip everything to get ready to go?

The Celestial Kingdom as described by Joseph Smith would be an ideal vacation spot, but as with every vacation there needs to be preparation.
What do you need to do I’ve got a list of 6.
I. A destination, II. People to go with, III. A map, IV. Transportation (way to get there), V. A place to stay and, VI. The plan of what you will do when you get there.

As we talk about these things we are going to relate it to getting us to the ultimate vacation spot.

I. Destination: We actually have 4 potential destinations, where we end up depends on which Road we pick.
1- Celestial 2-Terrestrial 3-Telestial 4-Outer Darkness
We don’t want to even discuss outer darkness today because hopefully because we are all here we won’t head there, not to mention the time constraints we have; we want to keep this upbeat and positive. We should mention however, that it is still a destination that we can end up in should we not be very careful and wary of the way we live.

Looks Like:
Celestial- D&C 76:70, 96 Has the glory of the sun
76:59 All things we will share
70:60 All things are overcome (no more trials) (cars breaking down, getting lost etc)
70:66 City of living God and heavenly place-holiest of all
76:92 Where God- even the father reigns upon his throne forever.
137:2-4 Beauty of gate like circling flames of fire, blazing throne, beautiful streets with the appearance of gold.

Terrestrial-D&C 76:71, 97 glory of the moon
76:91 still a beautiful place-kingdoms patterned after earth
But still the glory of Celestial to Terrestrial is drastic

Telestial 76:81, 98 Glory of the stars
76:89 still surpasses all understanding

II. People to go with
Celestial- 76:62 &63 God and Christ will be there; v67 angels will be there
76:P68-69 Just men Righteous men and women
137:5 Josephs brother Alvin, who wasn’t a member but would’ve been; But relevant to us-our family will be there. Also past and present prophets

Terrestrial- D&C 76:72-79 all those people listed. McConkie, p112 manual clarifies these scriptures
76:77 Christ’s presence
132:17 Those inhabitants will stay unmarried, no families exist here.

Telestial-76:101 those who received not the Gospel here on earth or after.
76:103-106 liars, adulterers etc.
76:82 those who received not a testimony because they didn’t want one

III. A Map; Road to take to get there
Celestial-76:50-56
76:68-69 those who used the atonement
Mormon Doctrine/88:16-32 those who obey completely the celestial law
105:1-5 those who have Holy Ghost as companion
131:1-4 those who were married eternally, staying true to all covenants made in the temple to God and spouse.

Terrestrial-For those in this room-being lukewarm to the gospel is a sure way to get here meaning, bare minimum-coming to church but not praying, speaking, making comments, accepting/doing calling, not to visit/home teach, but continuing to be kind to people, honest, hardworking folk. These things ensure your road straight to this kingdom

Telestial-lie, cheat, steal, have affairs, those who go and follow the way of the world in all things. Gratifying themselves in every turn.

IV. Transportation Normally in our vacation the faster the better airplane-jet etc. Well our transportation to these kingdoms are all Relative to their destination
Celestial-Slow and steady, continually progressing and perfecting ourselves (D&C 76:69), taking upon us Christ’s name daily-hourly. Making our choices wisely with thought and purpose is what will take us here.

Terrestrial-Going at normal speed, not in any hurry to do anything more than you have to continuing with life like there are no worries, no need to push yourself to do anything you not comfortable with, traveling through life day to day not thinking much about what lies ahead as far as spirituality goes.

Telestial-The “fast track” “fast lane” “one-way ticket” “non-stop flight” Going no where without some pleasure to be had, quicker to enjoyment and worldly satisfaction the better- not matter who you hurt even if it is yourself-no thought for anything past the moment.

V. Place to stay- accommodations
Celestial- D7C 98:18 my father’s house are many mansions
132:16 angels will minister to those in heaven

Terrestrial- 1 Chron. 17:10 enemies subdued Lord will build you a house (built for 1 because there are no families)

Telestial- cheap motel-liar runs it, he says it’s a 5 star, cons you into a lifelong contract and then you find it has roach infestations. And for room and board you have to agree to slave labor. (Just kidding, this is all speculation)

VI What you will do there, things to do once you are there.
Celestial-D&C 132:19-20 enjoy family-enjoy more posterity see them grow, live, learn, etc.
76:58 we are Gods we create world’s, flowers trees etc.

Terrestrial-76:86 these beings will be administering to Telestial beings
76:87 Receiving ministrations from Celestial beings
Ministration=138:37 means hearing Lord’s words!

Telestial 76:88 Receive ministering from terrestrial beings or angels who are appointed to them. Otherwise not much is known and we don’t care because we won’t be here anyway right?

Where we end up no matter which kingdom will be the ultimate, never-ending vacation! Where is your map taking you-to which destination, because wherever that is-your accommodations are already being set up with every decision and choice that guides your life! I know that the Lord wants to see us with Him, His Wife and His oldest Son, our Brother and Savior, but He knows it is all up to us and what we choose. In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.