In Gospel Doctrine class today, we were discussing the kingdoms of glory, and at one point we read D&C 76:86–88:
These are they who receive not of his fulness in the eternal world, but of the Holy Spirit through the ministration of the terrestrial; and the terrestrial through the ministration of the celestial. And also the telestial receive it of the administering of angels who are appointed to minister for them, or who are appointed to be ministering spirits for them; for they shall be heirs of salvation.
While the conversation continued on discussing the checklists necessary to get into each question, I sat there pondering these three verses.
Am I to understand that people in the terrestrial world will minister to people in the telestial world and those in the celestial will minister to those in the terrestrial?
If you look at the footnote in verse 87, you will see it points to D&C 138:37:
That they might carry the message of redemption unto all the dead, unto whom he could not go personally, because of their rebellion and transgression, that they through the ministration of his servants might also hear his words.
It seems that D&C 76:86–88 is referring to people from the higher kingdoms ministering to the lower kingdoms. So, my next question is why?
Why does anyone in the kingdoms need ministering? It seems to be a common belief in the church that once you’re assigned to a kingdom, you will remain there forever. If this is true, what purpose would it serve to be taught the gospel? After all, we received a chance in the Spirit World to accept the gospel.
On the surface, this seems like a pointless exercise. On the other hand, perhaps we’re missing something. What do you think?
D&C 76:113 This is the end of the vision which we saw, which we were commanded to write while we were yet in the Spirit.
114 But great and marvelous are the works of the Lord, and the mysteries of his kingdom which he showed unto us, which surpass all understanding in glory, and in might, and in dominion;
115 Which he commanded us we should not write while we were yet in the Spirit, and are not lawful for man to utter;
116 Neither is man capable to make them known, for they are only to be seen and understood by the power of the Holy Spirit, which God bestows on those who love him, and purify themselves before him;
117 To whom he grants this privilege of seeing and knowing for themselves;
118 That through the power and manifestation of the Spirit, while in the flesh, they may be able to bear his presence in the world of glory.
119 And to God and the Lamb be glory, and honor, and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Note verses 116-118.
Nobody understands what is going on unless they see it for themselves, and the way is prepared if you are willing to become one of those religious nuts who takes the Gospel and the scriptures seriously and does everything the Lord commands.