Section 138

This section was given to the prophet, Joseph F. Smith, the son of Hyrum Smith.  In October 1918, he was pondering the scriptures in his room when he received a glorious vision of the Spirit World.  He saw Adam and Eve.  He saw the Bible prophets and the prophet, Joseph Smith. He saw all the righteous spirits that had lived on the earth.  These were the spirits of those who had lived from Adam and Eve up to the time of Christ’s death.

When Christ died, his body was placed in a tomb.  His spirit left the tomb and entered the Spirit World where he was greeted with great joy by these departed spirits.  He taught them his gospel including his atonement and resurrection.  Imagine their great joy as the time of their resurrection was at hand.  Jesus did not go at this time to the spirits of the wicked.  Instead, he organized this work to be done by the righteous spirits there gathered.  So, as those who have died and gone to the Spirit World accept the gospel of Christ and desire to join with him, they can have their ordinances performed in the temples by you and me.