I'm happy to hear that the sociality that we enjoy in this life will continue. (D&C 129-132)

129:1-3

There is a lot of interesting doctrine in these chapters. We could spend a long time trying to fully understand it. First, we learn about different types of beings in heaven. “There are two kinds of beings in heaven, namely: Angels, who are resurrected personages, having bodies of flesh and bones— For instance, Jesus said: Handle me and see, for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. Secondly: the spirits of just men made perfect, they who are not resurrected, but inherit the same glory.” So, the two types of beings in heaven are:

1. Angels/Resurrected persons.

2. Spirits of just men made perfect.

129:4-9

Next, we learn how to determine if a messenger is from God or is from the devil. “When a messenger comes saying he has a message from God, offer him your hand and request him to shake hands with you. If he be an angel he will do so, and you will feel his hand. If he be the spirit of a just man made perfect he will come in his glory; for that is the only way he can appear— Ask him to shake hands with you, but he will not move, because it is contrary to the order of heaven for a just man to deceive; but he will still deliver his message. If it be the devil as an angel of light, when you ask him to shake hands he will offer you his hand, and you will not feel anything; you may therefore detect him. These are three grand keys whereby you may know whether any administration is from God.”

So, there are three scenarios when you offer to shake a messenger’s hand:

1. Angel will shake your hand.

2. Spirit will not move because he cannot deceive.

3. Devil will attempt to shake your hand but you won’t feel it.

That all makes sense - sort of. The question for me is, if the devil is smart and wanted to deceive, wouldn’t he just not move so he could deceive us? Wouldn’t he act like a “spirit of a just man made perfect?” You’d think the devil would want to mimic a righteous spirit in order to deceive. Certainly he’s aware of this little test. So, why does he try to shake your hand?

I think the answer is likely that he cannot help himself. His nature is to deceive people and mimic God. He won’t listen to reason and behave in a logical way. If he were a logical being, he would attempt to repent and get back into the fold of God. He’s not reasonable like us. He isn’t logical. He doesn’t make rational decisions - clearly. We cannot apply logic and reason to this wicked being.

Have you ever attempted to use logic against someone who isn’t logical? I was just watching a video of a “sovereign citizen” arguing with the police. If you don’t know what I’m talking about - search it on YouTube. But, be prepared to be very frustrated listening to these people attempt to make a cogent point. They just argue in circles and it’s very frustrating for everyone involved. I think they are behaving the same way that Satan behaves. You can’t get any traction when attempting to lead them down a logical road. I think that Satan and his minions are something like this. They aren’t making logical decisions because, perhaps, they are just acting on instinct and not logic and reason.

130:2

“And that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy.” This is a comforting thing to me. Those relationships that I enjoy in this life will continue. I’ve often said that the only things that we can take with us are our character and our relationships.

If you click on the footnote. The links are:

• Family, Eternal

• Family, Love within

• Marriage, Continuing Courtship in.

I think the primary “sociality” that will continue there is the relationship between you and your spouse. Consider what everyone will be doing if they are exalted beings. It’s likely we won’t be hanging out with our childhood buddy or even our siblings. We will all be in our own dominions and principalities. We will all be working for the immortality and eternal lives of our own spirit children. I don’t think it will be likely that we will be focused on our high school dear friends.

It appears to me that the marriage relationship will be the primary sociality that will continue in the next life. We should take a hint from the footnotes and continue our courtship.

130:4-7

This is an interesting bunch of verses. “In answer to the question—Is not the reckoning of God’s time, angel’s time, prophet’s time, and man’s time, according to the planet on which they reside? I answer, Yes. But there are no angels who minister to this earth but those who do belong or have belonged to it.” There are different reckonings of time based on the planet where they reside. Time is different for those who live on Kolob than Earth. It’s also interesting to learn that no angels administer to this planet who haven’t belonged to it. There aren’t angels from another galaxy visiting us.

“The angels do not reside on a planet like this earth; But they reside in the presence of God, on a globe like a sea of glass and fire, where all things for their glory are manifest, past, present, and future, and are continually before the Lord.” Remember that angels are considered resurrected beings. This verse is saying that all resurrected beings are not living on this planet. They reside “in the presence of God.” God’s planet is like a sea of glass. As we will learn in the next few verses, it may be a large Urim and Thummim - where beings there can see any lower kingdom - including us.

It sounds like all things “are manifest, present, and future…” Time is certainly different on Kolob. Our current concept of time isn’t the way it works on Kolob.

130:9-11

“This earth, in its sanctified and immortal state, will be made like unto crystal and will be a Urim and Thummim to the inhabitants who dwell thereon, whereby all things pertaining to an inferior kingdom, or all kingdoms of a lower order, will be manifest to those who dwell on it; and this earth will be Christ’s.” So, this earth will be transformed into a crystal and will become a Urim and Thummim. This global crystal will reveal all things “pertaining to an inferior kingdom, or all kingdoms of a lower order.” I imagine we will be able to see what is happening in the terrestrial or telestial kingdoms from this Urim and Thummim.

“Then the white stone mentioned in Revelation 2:17, will become a Urim and Thummim to each individual who receives one, whereby things pertaining to a higher order of kingdoms will be made known.” We will receive our own white stone which will act as our personal Urim and Thummim. This will allow us to see what is above us. Elder James Talmadge said, “To each of the faithful will be given a white stone, on which is a new name.  The stone itself will become a Urim and Thummim to its possessor, and through it things pertaining to higher orders of kingdoms will be made known.”

This white stone, and the new name that is on it, will be very important to us. Verse 11 reads, “And a white stone is given to each of those who come into the celestial kingdom, whereon is a new name written, which no man knoweth save he that receiveth it. The new name is the key word.” Bruce McKonkie said, “The white stone mentioned in Revelation 2:17 and D&C 130:10 will be a Urim and Thummim to each individual who receives one, whereby things pertaining to a higher order of kingdoms will be made known. The new name written in the stone is the new name of the person who receives it.  It is his new name in the celestial world, a key word by which he will gain access to eternal things.”

We learn in the temple the importance of names. This new name that will be on our white stones will act as a key word that will be required to gain access to “eternal things.”

130:18-19

“Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.” First, what is a “principle of intelligence?

Here’s the clear, doctrinal meaning of the phrase “principle of intelligence” in the verse:

So “principle of intelligence” = any developed capacity of truth, understanding, wisdom, or godlike attribute.It is not referring to:

• IQ

• Academic knowledge

• Memorized facts

It means the spiritual and mental capacities you’ve actually developed into your being.Joseph Fielding Smith said, “Knowledge, wisdom, faith, and all godly attributes are intelligence, and whatever we acquire of them in mortality will rise with us. We take with us the increase of capacity we obtain here.”

Examples of “principles of intelligence”:

• Patience

• Wisdom

• Discernment

• Faith

• Humility

• Charity

• The ability to receive revelation

• The ability to govern yourself

• Understanding of eternal law

• Your developed moral character

• Any skill that is tied to godlike attributes (leadership, compassion, discipline)

These do not count:

• Trivial facts

• Memorized but unused knowledge

• Skills not connected to truth/light

• Anything superficial or temporary

A simple definition could be: “Principle of intelligence” means any eternal capacity of truth and godlike character you actually become. Whatever godlike light you gain here becomes permanent.

This type of intelligence is not learned primarily by study. Rather, it’s learned through “diligence and obedience.” It is through experience. It is through living by faith and through struggling to be disciples of Christ. As we do, we will learn principles of intelligence that will give us strength in the next life. We must use the opportunities that we have as mortals to gain this intelligence. I think it’s a lot tricker to develop these principles of intelligence in the spirit world. How do you learn how to govern yourself without a body? How much harder is it to act strictly by faith when there’s a chance that there isn’t an afterlife? How much easier is it to develop moral character when we are surrounded by temptation? I believe this point that whatever we gain in this life will give us advantage in the world to come.

130:20-21

“There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated— And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.” Blessings are given through obedience. This is not to say that wicked people experience “blessings.” Many loathsome people have wealth and health and opportunities that could all be considered blessings. But real blessings - that’s another story.

Blessings of the Spirit are given only through obedience. I cannot continually ignore the Spirit and expect the blessing of revelation from the Spirit. I cannot receive any of the blessings promised to Abraham if I am disobedient.

Sometimes, this world can hide the cause and effect of obedience. Again, I can be healthy and wealthy and disobedient. My health and wealth can disguise the real consequences of my disobedience. If everything were laid bare - and we could see the actual blessings from obedience, it would be a lot easier to focus on the blessings directly connected to obedience. Unfortunately, that’s not how it is and someone can easily continue in disobedience and the worldly blessings that mortality can provide can hide the real and inevitable consequences of disobedience.

130:22-23

“The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us. A man may receive the Holy Ghost, and it may descend upon him and not tarry with him.”

We know that God has a body of flesh and bones. This is important doctrine that teaches us the nature of God and our own potential and relationship with him.

The Holy Ghost does not have a body - yet. This is so the Spirit can “dwell in us.” A person may feel the influence of the Holy Ghost temporarily—even receive revelation, comfort, or confirmation—but the Holy Ghost will not remain with them continually unless they are worthy and living in a state that allows His constant companionship.

The Spirit can come briefly to warn, teach, testify or comfort for a time. This can happen to investigators before baptism, members who are struggling, anyone receiving a spiritual impression. But, the Spirit may not tarry. What does it mean to tarry? “Tarry” means to remain, stay or abide continuously. The Spirit can leave because of sin, rebellion, neglect, or disobedience.

Or simply because the person has not yet entered the covenant relationship that grants the right to His constant companionship. Joseph Smith said, “The Spirit may be upon a man and he may prophesy…but the Holy Ghost does not tarry with him unless he is a faithful, baptized member, living worthy of the companionship.”

Anyone can receive a prompting, a spiritual feeling or a witness. But if you’re not living in a state of obedience, the Spirit will withdraw. This explains:

• Why people feel the Spirit before baptism but it doesn’t stay.

• Why members feel spiritual bursts but then “lose the feeling”

• Why sin causes the Spirit to leave.

• Why enduring worthiness is required for constant companionship.

131:1-4

“In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees; And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage]; And if he does not, he cannot obtain it. He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom; he cannot have an increase.“ This is pretty straightforward and interesting. How important is the covenant of marriage? Why is it so important?

As we know the highest part of the celestial kingdom involves exaltation, continuation of family, eternal increase, divine parenthood. This, obviously, requires a man and a woman. It’s not optional, it’s not symbolic. It is a fact that eternal marriage is the required priesthood order by which God himself operates.

Our Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother are married, united, exalted, creators, parents of spirit children. Therefore, to receive godhood, creation power and eternal increase, one must become what God is, which requires an exalted, sealed, eternal marriage partnership.

Without marriage, your progression stops at the boundary of yourself. How can one multiply himself without a partner? Eternal increase is only through marriage. We cannot create spirit children, build an eternal family, become like God or receive the fullness of his power without the same type of relationships GOD HIMSELF is in - the covenant of marriage is the mechanism of exaltation.

131:6

“It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance.” This is also straightforward and clear. No one will get a pass because they never learned the gospel. They WILL have an opportunity to learn and accept but cannot just simply progress in ignorance.

131:7-8

“There is no such thing as immaterial matter. All spirit is matter, but it is more fine or pure, and can only be discerned by purer eyes; We cannot see it; but when our bodies are purified we shall see that it is all matter.” Spirits are not made of nothing. They are just a different type of matter that is more spiritually refined that makes it so we cannot see it.

I have heard to people seeing spirits. I don’t know how this works. Perhaps the spirit-matter changes temporarily? Or the person is being changed so that he/she can view the spirit? When we are separated from our bodies, there must be a process that allows us to see the other spirits around us. It’ll be a weird experience but I think we’ll get used to it pretty quick.

132:13-14

“And everything that is in the world, whether it be ordained of men, by thrones, or principalities, or powers, or things of name, whatsoever they may be, that are not by me or by my word, saith the Lord, shall be thrown down, and shall not remain after men are dead, neither in nor after the resurrection, saith the Lord your God. For whatsoever things remain are by me; and whatsoever things are not by me shall be shaken and destroyed.” All of the things of this world created by men are temporary. None of the physical things that we’re important to us will be important in the next life.

We were watching this show where a wealthy man had built a beautiful house. It was amazing. He had spared no expense and had spent 7 years building it. Unfortunately, he died almost immediately after the house was finished. I don’t think he even moved in. It really hit me that all of his wealth and incredible properties and possessions literally didn’t mean anything to him one minute after he died.

The only things that will matter one minute after we die will be those things that are “by” God. It’s hard to maintain this perspective in this physical world. It is why we must constantly remind ourselves through prayer and scripture study and serving etc.

132:15-17

“Therefore, if a man marry him a wife in the world, and he marry her not by me nor by my word, and he covenant with her so long as he is in the world and she with him, their covenant and marriage are not of force when they are dead, and when they are out of the world; therefore, they are not bound by any law when they are out of the world.” Those who are married by a worldly authority are not permanently connected throughout eternity. Obviously, they can have the option of accepting proxy ordinances done by others - but if they reject those ordinances, there are consequences.

“Therefore, when they are out of the world they neither marry nor are given in marriage; but are appointed angels in heaven, which angels are ministering servants, to minister for those who are worthy of a far more, and an exceeding, and an eternal weight of glory.” This gives more clarity to what Jesus said as recorded in the New Testament when he was questioned by those attempting to trick him by asking about a woman who was married multiple times.

This is not to say that those who don’t have the opportunity to be married with God’s authority won’t hav the chance in the next life to find someone and be sealed together to exalted blessings. I firmly believe that they will have the opportunity. It would not be fair to force someone to a lower kingdom because they didn’t have the opportunity.

Rather, I think this is about those who reject the concept. “For these angels did not abide my law; therefore, they cannot be enlarged, but remain separately and singly, without exaltation, in their saved condition, to all eternity; and from henceforth are not gods, but are angels of God forever and ever.” I don’t know what these folks will do. Those who reject the covenant relationship of celestial marriage will be angels. They will be saved. They will never be God but “angels of God forever and ever.” I don’t know what they will be doing but I assume it will be rewarding, challenging work… They will "minister for those who are worthy of a far more, and an exceeding, and an eternal weight of glory."

132:19

“And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood; and it shall be said unto them—Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection;” Those who are married through God’s law will come forth on the morning of the first resurrection. Those who are not will come forth “after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection.” What does this mean?

My understanding is that it mean that, for those who are not married, they will have the opportunity to marry and, after they do, they will be resurrected at a later date. It sounds like they will not have any “penalty” other than having to wait. This verse says that they “shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths.”

This is interesting doctrine that I haven’t heard taught that I can remember. It makes sense.

132:34-36

“God commanded Abraham, and Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham to wife. And why did she do it? Because this was the law; and from Hagar sprang many people. This, therefore, was fulfilling, among other things, the promises. Was Abraham, therefore, under condemnation? Verily I say unto you, Nay; for I, the Lord, commanded it. Abraham was commanded to offer his son Isaac; nevertheless, it was written: Thou shalt not kill. Abraham, however, did not refuse, and it was accounted unto him for righteousness.” If we are commanded by God to do something that may violate another one of God’s laws, it is okay because God said it was okay.

This is why it was okay for Nephi to cut the head off of Laban. Normally, that would be a big no-no. But, since he was being directed to do it by the Spirit, it was okay and wasn’t wicked and was “accounted unto him for righteousness.” I suppose the rule is to follow the commandments unless God tells you not to.

All of this is to make the point that, at times, it is okay for a man to have more than one wife. God mentions Abraham and David and Solomon and Moses and David as men who had multiple wives that were given them by the Lord and “counted unto them for righteousness.”

I have to admit that I am confused and a little unsettled by the early practice of polygamy. I am grateful that it isn’t practiced now. I’m grateful not to be put in a position where I am asked to disobey a commandment because of the voice of the Spirit in my head. I’m not that confident in my certainty about receiving revelation this way. I clearly understand that I do not know all things and definitely don’t have the same perspective as God has. I will trust in him and do what he commands even though it may not make sense to my limited mortal mind. I will not revere more own logic and reason more than God.