"The Vision of the Redemption of the Dead"

Robert Anthony DeRosa (American, born 1948)
Sunset, Moonset and Stars over Stansbury Island (2021)
Digital photograph, dimensions variable
Collection of the artist
Artist’s website
Used with permission of the artist

Art Companion

What is heaven like and what happens there?

While pondering the scriptures on October 3, 1915, President Joseph F. Smith, experienced the following, as he recounted,

“As I pondered over these things which are written, the eyes of my understanding were opened, and the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me, and I saw the hosts of the dead, both small and great. And there were gathered together in one place an innumerable company of the spirits of the just, who had been faithful in the testimony of Jesus while they lived in mortality…” (D&C 138:11-12).

President Smith described the deliverance of spirits by the Savior, the preaching to the dead, and their redemption, “Their countenances shone, and the radiance from the presence of the Lord rested upon them, and they sang praises unto his holy name.”

The art work above is by Robert Anthony DeRosa, part of a series of works taken on Utah’s Antelope Island titled, The Wild Place Next Door.

Gospel Questions

1. Jesus explains that we will be judged "according to their works according to the desire of their hearts" (D&C 137:9). In thinking about works and desires of our hearts, how are they related and how are they different?

2. President Joseph F. Smith explains that in preceding this revelation, he was pondering on scriptures (D&C 138:1) and "the eyes of [his] understanding were opened, and the Spirit of the Lord rested upon [him]" (D&C 138:11). Have you ever experienced an opening of your eyes of understanding? What preceded this epiphany? How did this change your perspective?

3. President Smith describes the sealing of families together and the "great work to be done in the temples of the Lord" (D&C 138:47-48). How might you describe the blessing of temple sealing to someone with complicated family relationships?

For Children

Hi. Everyone came from the presence of our Heavenly Father, and we want to return to Him. What do you imagine that heaven is like? Who will be there? Read or listen to someone read the marvelous vision of heaven found in D&C 137. Then spend a little time to ponder about what the experience of that world will be like.

Art project

Joseph F. Smith described seeing "great and mighty" spirits, including "our glorious Mother Eve, with many of her faithful daughters" (D&C 138: 38-39). Make a paper doll chain. Label one of the dolls to be Eve and title the others in your chain to be a selection of her "faithful daughters" who have blessed your life, including those who are alive now and those who have passed on.