Question
Dear Gramps,
In reading from “Teachings of Presidents of the Church, Wilford Woodruff” on pg.26, it tells of a vision Pres. Woodruff had from Joseph Smith concerning those in this last dispensation that have gone into the Celestial Kingdom and the work they have to do to prepare to go to the earth with the Savior when he goes to reign on the earth. Is there any place in the scriptures that enlightens us on what kind of work he is referring to since those in the Celestial Kingdom are righteous people (Spirits) to have gotten there in the first place. If no other reference is found what is your personal take on it?
Also one more thing, in the paragraph above, it states that Pres Woodruff saw Joseph Smith at the door of the temple in Heaven. That is the first time I have read of a temple in Heaven. So who uses it? The people of Enoch? It gives me the impression that Joseph was either going in or coming out of the temple. Since temple work for the Spirits in Heaven must be done by us on earth that eliminates spirits doing work for spirits in Heaven, so what was Joseph doing at/in the temple. I know this is something that may not have an answer and is not relevant to my salvation, but if you know or have any idea I would like to hear it. Thanks a bunch,
Pat
Answer
Dear Pat,
As far as I know there are no specific details revealed on the exact nature of the work that those in the celestial kingdom must do to prepare themselves to go to the earth with the Savior as He ushers in his Millenial reign. But certainly there is much to be done and much to be learned in that realm, as we progress toward the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.
Concerning your second question, the temple in Heaven is a euphemism for the Celestial Kingdom.
The temple in Heaven is mentioned several times in the book of Revelation, e.g.,
Rev 14:17 And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.
Rev 15:5 And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened.
Rev 16:17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.
The fact that the phrase “temple in heaven” is a euphemism is attested to by Bruce R. McConkie, in his “Doctrinal New Testament Commentary,” 3:, p.514
In Israel’s temple the ark of the covenant rested behind the veil in the Holy of Holies, which was entered by “the high priest alone once every year.” (Heb. 9:7). Here John sees that ark in the temple in heaven, signifying as Paul had taught aforetime, that all the faithful saints may now enter the Lord’s eternal Holy of Holies and there receive celestial rest. See Heb. 9:1-14. Actually there is no temple in heaven, for heaven itself is a temple, and “the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.”
Gramps
