“The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead”
Come, Follow Me Study Guide | December 1-7
Reading: Doctrine and Covenants 137-138
Doctrine and Covenants 137–138 invites us to see the plan of salvation with renewed clarity as we learn how the Lord cares for all His children. These revelations show that the work of redemption reaches far beyond mortality and that our loved ones who have passed on are embraced in His perfect mercy.
As we study this week, we discover how the Lord prepares His servants—both in life and in death—to carry His gospel to every soul.
Click here for a helpful study packet the whole family can enjoy!
Setting the Stage for Your Come, Follow Me Study
This section of the study guide aims to provide a deeper understanding of the circumstances surrounding the revelation or scripture being studied. By exploring the events, challenges, and background of the time, this section helps readers appreciate the significance of the teachings and how they apply to our lives today.
In 1836 the Prophet Joseph Smith received a vision of the celestial kingdom in the Kirtland Temple, where he learned that salvation reaches beyond mortal limits. He saw his brother Alvin—who had died without receiving baptism—standing in glory and was taught that the Lord judges according to the desires of the heart and offers every soul the chance to receive the gospel.
More than eighty years later, President Joseph F. Smith faced a world overshadowed by war, disease, and personal grief. As he searched the scriptures for comfort, his attention returned to Peter’s writings about the Savior’s ministry among the dead, and he pondered how the plan of salvation extended to those beyond the veil.
In that moment of seeking, his understanding opened and he beheld the Redeemer’s work in the spirit world, seeing righteous messengers organized to teach every willing soul. Together, these two visions—separated by time but united in doctrine—show that the Lord’s reach is limitless and that the work of salvation continues in both worlds.
Find more helpful historical background here.
Come, Follow Me Study Resources
This section provides additional talks and insights to deepen your study and strengthen your understanding of gospel principles. Explore these messages to gain fresh perspectives and apply what you learn in your daily life.
- “Gathering the Family of God” by Henry B. Eyring
- “The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead” by M. Russell Ballard
- “Susa Young Gates and the Vision of the Redemption of the Dead,” in Revelations in Context
Come, Follow Me Podcasts
These podcasts provide valuable insights, personal stories, and thoughtful perspectives that align with this week’s Come, Follow Me study guide. Tune in to explore new ideas and deepen your understanding of the principles being taught.
- Unshaken – Unshaken Verse-by-Verse: D&C 137-138 – Glorious Visions; Visions of Glory
- Latter Day Kids – What About Grandpa? | A Story About Baptisms for the Dead (Come Follow Me: Dec 1-7)
- Autumn Dickson – Come Follow Me 2025 December 1-7 | Doctrine and Covenants 137-138 Part 1
Questions for Personal Reflection
These thoughtful prompts are designed to help you connect the scriptures and their principles to your own life, encouraging personal insights and spiritual growth. Take time to reflect, journal, or discuss these questions as part of your study.
- What changes when I understand that the work of salvation continues in the spirit world?
- How do these revelations shape the way I think about my ancestors and loved ones who have passed on?
- What is the Lord inviting me to do now to participate in His redeeming work?
Living the Principle: “The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead”
These suggestions are designed to inspire action and help you live the teachings in meaningful, personal ways. By embracing these ideas, you can deepen your discipleship and bring the light of the gospel into your home, relationships, and community.
- Seek opportunities to learn about an ancestor and prepare a family name for temple ordinances.
- Look for ways to recognize the Lord’s mercy toward all His children, including those who never heard the gospel in mortality.
- Show Christlike compassion to someone facing grief or uncertainty this week, offering strength through simple acts of kindness.
Shareable Quotes for Come, Follow Me Inspiration
This section of the study guide features an uplifting quote from Church leaders, scriptures, or this week’s Come, Follow Me lesson—perfect for sharing with family and friends, or on social media. These messages are designed to spark meaningful conversations and keep the truths you learn at the forefront of your week.
How has this week’s study guide inspired or strengthened you? Your reflections could uplift someone else and spark a meaningful conversation in our community. Let’s learn and grow together!
We’d love to hear from you! As you study and apply this week’s principles, take a moment to share your thoughts, experiences, and insights in the comments below.
Holly Wallace is a writer and storyteller drawn to meaningful questions and overlooked details. Her work explores Latter-day Saint life and culture through faithful inquiry, inviting readers to pause, consider, and engage more deeply with what matters most.
