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The Vision and the Now
Living in the Light of Doctrine and Covenants 76
“Thus saith the Lord…” begins Section 76 of the Doctrine and Covenants, but it could just as easily begin the question many of us silently carry: What is this all for? What happens after this life? And does my everyday struggle really matter in eternity?
In 1832, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon received a vision that forever expanded the understanding of heaven for Latter-day Saints. Far from a simple binary of heaven or hell, this revelation offered a layered, merciful, and profoundly hopeful view of the eternal destiny of God’s children. It was bold. It was controversial. And for us today, it’s a guidepost for how to live — not just how to die.
Glory Comes in Degrees — So Does Growth
One of the most striking parts of Section 76 is its layered description of the afterlife. Instead of a flat judgment, we’re given a spectrum of glory: Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial. This teaches us something modern life is still trying to learn — people grow at different rates, and God honors effort and intent.
In a world obsessed with instant results and all-or-nothing thinking, this vision reminds us that perfection isn’t a prerequisite for worthiness. There’s space to grow. There’s room to rise. God…
