Why Did Joseph Focus on Work for the Dead?

While in hiding from enemies, a prophet writes two of the most doctrinally explosive letters in scripture. How can we make sense of the work of salvation for the dead, and what does it have to do with the "fullness of times"? D&C 127 and 128 reveal the magnificent scope of God's work, which binds heaven and earth together.

Summary: This episode explores D&C 125–128, focusing on lessons in discipleship, divine priorities, and the eternal cause of redemption. D&C 125: Saints in Deed. The Lord gives direction to the Saints in Iowa Territory, asking if they are merely "Saints in name only" or truly "essaying to be my saints." The call is to gather and live up to the Book of Mormon standard by naming their city Zarahemla.

D&C 126: An Honorable Release. The Lord gives Brigham Young an honorable release from constant missionary travel, declaring, "your offering is acceptable to me." His new command: "take especial care of your family from this time, henceforth and forever." This sets the eternal priority of family over temporary callings.

D&C 127-128: The Great Cause. Joseph Smith's letters, written while he was "deep water is what I am wont to swim in," focus intensely on baptism for the dead.

The Power of Binding: We learn the "very bold doctrine" that whatsoever is bound on earth by proper priesthood authority is "bound in heaven". This work is essential, as "their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation."

The Record: The Lord requires a recorder who is an "eye-witness" for every ordinance, ensuring the records are "in order" and worthy to be placed in the temple archives.

The Offering: Joseph encourages the Saints to "waste and wear out our lives" in this cause. The ultimate goal is to present in the holy temple a "book containing the records of our dead, which shall be worthy of all acceptation"—an offering in righteousness to the returning King.

The Final Charge: Joseph rallies the Saints with an ecstatic vision of the Restoration, crying, "shall we not go on in so great a cause? Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory!" This work forms the "welding together of dispensations" that defines the fullness of times.

Call-to-Action: What small act can you do this week to "weld" your family together—living and dead? Share your commitment below! If this message inspired you to go "on, on to the victory," please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay "Unshaken" in your faith.

Chapter Timestamps:

0:00 Introduction

3:20 Saints in Name Only

11:50 An Honorable Release

21:34 Deep Water

38:26 Always On My Mind

50:19 The Infinite Umbrella

1:13:12 A Book of Remembrance

1:27:44 So Great a Cause

1:39:41 One-Liners