Come, Follow Me is a resource offered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is designed to be used in the home to support personal and family scripture study to build faith in Heavenly Father and His plan of salvation and in the Savior Jesus Christ and His Atonement. Come, Follow Me is self-contained and adequate, when used properly. Products and materials designed to supplement this resource, though they may be helpful in some instances, are not necessary for a successful home study program.
Doctrine and Covenants 76: "Great Shall Be Their Reward and Eternal Shall Be Their Glory"
Salvation comes through Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
From Come, Follow Me :
When Wilford Woodruff read the vision described in section 76, he said, "I felt to love the Lord more than ever before in my life." ...Maybe you had similar feelings as you read this revelation. After all, none of the glorious blessings described in section 76 would be possible without the Savior.
Consider sharing your own testimony of the Savior in Sacrament Meeting fast and testimony meetings, in family testimony meetings, by writing letters to others, making phone calls, and by recording on FamilySearch using the FamilySearch Memories Audio App or the "Record My Story" feature on FamilySearch. You can also share on social media if appropriate.
The Testimonies of Others
Discover the testimonies of your ancestors by searching for them in different ways. To find your stories, check out this list of 10 Ways to Find Ancestor's Stories.
You could also watch the individual videos of the First Presidency and the Apostles: Special Witnesses of Christ.
Discuss how these testimonies have influenced yours. You may want to write a letter of appreciation—even to those who have gone on before.
Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon
"And we beheld the glory of the Son, on the right hand of the Father, and received of his fulness; And saw the holy angels, and them who are sanctified before his throne, worshiping God, and the Lamb, who worship him forever and ever. And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all which we give of him: That he lives! For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God." (Doctrine and Covenants 76:20-24).
Some people, including some early Church members, objected to the vision in section 76 because it taught that almost everyone would be saved and receive some degree of glory. Their objections may have come, in part, from a misunderstanding about God and His relationship to us. As you read this revelation, what do you learn about God’s character and His plan for His children?
"We do not know what marvels God will inspire people to create to help in His work of gathering His family. But whatever marvelous inventions may come, their use will require the Spirit working in people like you and me. This should not surprise us. After all, these are beloved sons and daughters of God. He will send whatever inspiration is needed to give them the opportunity to return to Him.
...The work of gathering Heavenly Father's family is not just for young people, and it is not just for grandparents. It is for everyone. We are all gatherers." (Henry B. Eyring, Gathering the Family of God)
"Many of your ancestors did not receive those ordinances. But in the providence of God, you did. And God knew that you would feel drawn to your ancestors in love and that you would have the technology necessary to identify them. He also knew that you would live in a time when access to holy temples, where the ordinances can be performed, would be greater than ever in history. And He knew that He could trust you to accomplish this work in behalf of your ancestors." (Henry B. Eyring, Gathering the Family of God)
How will you help your family look forward to and prepare for eternal life in the celestial kingdom?
Temple Marriage
"Only those who are married in the temple and whose marriage is sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise will continue as spouses after death (See D&C 76:53; 132:7) and receive the highest degree of celestial glory, or exaltation. A temple marriage is also called a celestial marriage. Within the celestial glory are three levels. To obtain the highest, a husband and wife must be sealed for time and all eternity and keep their covenants made in a holy temple (See D&C 131:1–3). Russell M. Nelson, Celestial Marriage
"... thousands of young men as well as young women, who have passed to the world of spirits without the opportunity of these blessings. Many of them have laid down their lives in battle; many have died in their early youth; and many have died in their childhood. The Lord will not forget a single one of them. All the blessings belonging to exaltation will be given them, for this is the course of justice and mercy. So with those who live in the stakes of Zion and in the shadows of our temples; if they are deprived of blessings in this life these blessings will be given to them during the millennium." (Joseph Fielding Smith, "Answers to Gospel Questions," Vol. 2)
Activity suggestions:
If applicable, share and record your love story and post it in your home.
Talk about the marriages of your ancestors and read any that have been uploaded to FamilySearch.
Explore The Family History Guide to find articles and video links on finding marriage records for ancestors.
Use the FamilySearch timelines to locate the places where family marriages took place. Try Google Earth to locate these places, or use The Family History Guide Countries page along with Google Earth (see this blog post).
Note: President Nelson encouraged us to do the following for six months, but it may be a wonderful opportunity to carry this invitation through your study of the Doctrine and Covenants this year:
"As you study your scriptures during the next six months, I encourage you to make a list of all that the Lord has promised He will do for covenant Israel. I think you will be astounded! Ponder these promises. Talk about them with your family and friends. Then live and watch for these promises to be fulfilled in your own life." (President Russell M. Nelson, Let God Prevail, October 2020 General Conference)
Suggestion: Find the promises in section 76. Write or audio-record about their influence in your life, and share with your family.
