Friend January 2008 “My Life Is a Gift; My Life Has a Plan”

Friend July 2025 “Heavenly Father’s Plan”

Friend January 2026 “The Plan of Happiness and You!”

Premortal Life

• I Lived with Heavenly Father Before I Came to Earth.
  • God is the Father of our spirits.
  • Heavenly Father knew me before I was born.
  • We Are All Children of God.
• Heavenly Father Presented the Plan of Salvation
  • Council in Heaven
    • God the Father provided the plan of salvation by which His spirit children could eventually become like Him.
    • Jesus Christ was chosen and foreordained to come to earth to perform the atoning sacrifice
  • There was a war in heaven.
    • Lucifer, a spirit in authority in the presence of God, sought the glory and honor of God and the elimination of the agency of the children of God
    • Lucifer’s rebellion against God caused a war in heaven
    • One-third of the spirits were cast out of heaven because they chose not to keep their first estate
  • The Creation
    • The Earth was Created so We Could Become Like Our Heavenly Father
    • Jesus Christ Created the Earth Under the Direction of Heavenly Father.

Earth Life

Abraham 3:22–28

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 1; Abraham 3” These verses describing Abraham’s vision of our premortal life can help the children answer the questions “Where did I come from?” and “Why am I here?” How can you help them find answers?

• Why did Heavenly Father send us here to earth? Help the children discover an answer as you read to them Abraham 3:25.

• Sing with the children a song about God’s plan for us (such as “I Will Follow God’s Plan” [Children’s Songbook,164–65]). Help them understand eternal truths taught in the lyrics.

• On the board, write questions related to Abraham 3:22–28, such as What happened in our life before birth? Who was there? Why was the earth created? Invite the children to read these verses to find answers.
• If there is a new baby in the ward, invite the parents to bring him or her to class and share their feelings about welcoming this child into the world. (You could also show a picture of a newborn baby.) Talk with the children about where this baby’s spirit was before he or she came to earth. Why is it important for this baby to learn that he or she is a child of God?
• Sing songs about God’s plan for us, such as “I Know My Father Lives” or “I Will Follow God’s Plan” (Children’s Songbook, 5, 164–65). Invite the children to draw pictures that go with the words. Let them use their pictures to teach each other truths from the songs.

Friend November 2023 “I Know My Father Lives”

• I know my Father lives and loves me too.
• The Spirit whispers this to me and tells me it is true,
• And tells me it is true.
• He sent me here to earth, by faith to live His plan.
• The Spirit whispers this to me and tells me that I can,
• And tells me that I can.

Abraham 3:24–26.

You could give family members a fun but challenging task that allows them to prove they can follow instructions, such as folding a paper airplane or following a recipe. How is this activity similar to the purpose of our mortal life as described in these verses? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 1; Abraham 3”)

Complete Plan of Salvation

Heavenly Father has a plan for the salvation of His children.

Doctrine and Covenants 29

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Doctrine and Covenants 2025 “D&C 29” and Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021

• To start a conversation about Heavenly Father’s plan for us, you and your children could talk about a time when you made a plan, such as for a trip or for accomplishing a task. You could also share examples of plans, such as a calendar with activities written on it or instructions to make something. Why are plans useful? (Share with the children that Heavenly Father has a plan that will allow us to become like Him.)You could then talk about what Heavenly Father wants to accomplish and how His plan helps us accomplish it.
• You could use the images at the end of this outline to help your children find verses in Doctrine and Covenants 29 that teach about different parts of Heavenly Father’s plan.(You could cut off the scripture and have the children look up the scriptures and place each scripture with it’s matching picture.) You could also cut out the images and ask your children to put them in the correct order. Why are we thankful to know that Heavenly Father has a plan for us? How does knowing about it influence our everyday lives?

• To help the children understand God’s plan, make signs with these terms:
  • Premortal life (see verses 36–37)
  • Creation (see verses 31–33)
  • The Fall of Adam and Eve (see verses 40–41)
  • Mortal life (see verses 39, 42–45)
  • The Atonement of Jesus Christ (see verses 1, 42–43, 46–50)
  • The Resurrection (see verses 13, 26)
  • The Final Judgment (see verses 12–13, 27–30)

The Red Crystal

After explaining each term (see Doctrine and Covenants 29:9–45), give each sign to a different child, and ask them to stand in a line in the correct order to show when each event occurs in Heavenly Father’s plan. Each child could share what he or she knows about what is on his or her sign. Help the children see how knowing about Heavenly Father’s plan helps us become more like Him and the Savior.

Friend July 2024 “Plan of Happiness Craft”

Latter Day Kids “The Plan of Salvation” Lesson ideas

See also Resources by Topic: Plan of Salvation

See also Plan of Salvation for additional teaching resources

What new insights did you gain? How would your life be different if you didn’t know about these truths?

Sing “I Will Follow God’s Plan” See here for resources on how to teach the song.

See also Resources for Teaching Children “Plan of Salvation / Plan of Happiness”

Doctrine and Covenants 29

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 29: “Jesus Christ Will Gather His People”

• Ask several children to share an example of a time when they had a plan, such as for a trip or for accomplishing a task. You could also share examples of plans, such as a calendar with activities written on it or instructions to make something. Why are plans useful? Share with the children that Heavenly Father has a plan that will allow us to become like Him.
• To help the children understand God’s plan, make signs with these terms:
  • Premortal life (see verses 36–37)
  • Creation (see verses 31–33)
  • The Fall of Adam and Eve (see verses 40–41)
  • Mortal life (see verses 39, 42–45)
  • The Atonement of Jesus Christ (see verses 1, 42–43, 46–50)
  • The Resurrection (see verses 13, 26)
  • The Final Judgment (see verses 12–13, 27–30)
• After explaining each term (see Doctrine and Covenants 29:9–45), give each sign to a different child, and ask them to stand in a line in the correct order to show when each event occurs in Heavenly Father’s plan. Each child could share what he or she knows about what is on his or her sign. Help the children see how knowing about Heavenly Father’s plan helps us become more like Him and the Savior.

Liahona July 2021 “Gospel Basics: Our Heavenly Father Wants Us to Be Happy” Teaches about the plan of salvation.

Friend July 2021 “Plan of Salvation Board Game”

Friend February 2018 “The Plan of Happiness” Make a booklet about the plan of salvation

Friend February 2018 “A Happy Plan for Emily” Emily is a new member of the church and learns about the plan of salvation during music time in Primary. Click here for links to the songs.

Friend April 2015

Latter Day Kids “The Plan of Happiness” Lesson ideas

See also Resources by Topic: Plan of Salvation

Moses 1

God reveals Himself to Moses—Moses is transfigured—He is confronted by Satan—Moses sees many inhabited worlds—Worlds without number were created by the Son—God’s work and glory is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

Abraham 3

Abraham learns about the sun, moon, and stars by means of the Urim and Thummim—The Lord reveals to him the eternal nature of spirits—He learns of pre-earth life, foreordination, the Creation, the choosing of a Redeemer, and the second estate of man.

New Testament Stories “Our Heavenly Father’s Plan”

Friend January 2022 “Before We Came to Earth”

Old Testament Scripture Stories “Before the Old Testament”

For the Strength of Youth July 2021 “The Vision”

Friend July 2021 “A Vision of God’s Plan”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Jeremiah 1–3; 7; 16–18; 20”

You could use this verse to talk about our life with Heavenly Father before we were born. Resources like “I Lived in Heaven” (Children’s Songbook, 4) and “Introduction: Our Heavenly Father’s Plan” (in New Testament Stories, 1–5) could help. How can knowing about our premortal life affect the way we live our mortal life?

Follow the Plan of Salvation

Primary 4: Book of Mormon “Lesson 21: The Zoramites and the Rameumptom”  Have a make-believe dinner. Have two plates, two glasses, and two sets of utensils, but no food. Pretend to eat, and act enthusiastic about the delicious food. Invite a child to join you. Eating off empty dishes could be compared to the emptiness of the false and insincere worship of the Zoramites that is described in this lesson. Such empty worship does no more good for our spiritual nourishment than not eating does for our physical strength. In this lesson the children will learn about appropriate and sincere ways to worship God.

Teaching Children the Gospel: Put the bowl, spoon, and measuring items on the table and explain to the children that you are going to make some peanut butter candy for them. Show them the recipe, but then toss it aside. Tell the children that you have decided not to follow the recipe because you want to try some different ingredients. Show the children the substitute ingredients you brought, and then mix together various amounts of those ingredients. (Be sure to mention the correct recipe ingredients as you do this. For example: “The recipe calls for peanut butter, but I want the candy to be really crunchy so I think I will add whole peanuts.”)

After combining the substitute ingredients show the children the results. Ask them if they think the mixture looks like peanut butter candy.

Ask the children what the results would be if someone tried to make up their own ingredients for gaining salvation instead of following Heavenly Father’s plan. Would they get the desired results? Tell the children that in today’s lesson they will be learning about a group of people who tried to do just that.

Book of Mormon Stories “Chapter 28: The Zoramites and the Rameumptom” Video and Images

Heavenly Father Wants Me to Live with Him Again.

Friend October 2022 Has someone you love ever moved far away? Did you miss them? Did you hope they would come back? When Heavenly Father sent us to earth, He wanted us all to come back to Him.

Moses 1:39

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 1; Abraham 3” How have the truths in Moses 1:39 blessed your life? What can you do to help the children experience those blessings too?

• Point out the phrases “this is my work” and “eternal life” in Moses 1:39, and help the children repeat the phrases. Tell the children about the work you do each day. Teach them that Heavenly Father’s work is to help us gain eternal life, which means becoming like Him and living with Him again.
• Invite a parent to come to class and talk about how he or she feels when a child returns home after being away (for example, at school or on a mission), or share feelings you’ve had during these experiences. Use this example to teach the children how much Heavenly Father wants us to return to Him.

Moses 1:4, 30–39.

Would your family enjoy looking at some of “the workmanship of [God’s] hands”? (verse 4). Maybe you could read these verses in a park or under the stars at night. You could then talk about why God created the world and about how we participate in His “work and [His] glory” (verse 39). (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Moses 1; Abraham 3”)

Latter Day Kids “This is My Work and My Glory” Lesson ideas

1. Read and discuss Abraham 3:23 with the children.
   • What kinds of things might we have been chosen to do on earth? Explain that we are free to choose what we will do in this life, but each of us has been foreordained to do an important work on the earth.Lesson 1: Heavenly Father’s Plan for Us,” Primary 6: Old Testament 

Friend January 2022 “You Are a Beloved Child of God”

Earth Life

Friend July 2016 “Your Path to Heavenly Father”

New Era April 2014 “The Gate and the Path”

Friend Oct 1982 fable about elder seeking a successor to share his knowledge with. Boys give up because of laziness, distractions, fear & difficulty.

We Have Been Given Help

Friend January 2018 “Lead Me, Guide Me, Game” Heavenly Father has given us some special things to help us find our way back home.

Ensign June 2016

Friend September 2018 “Keep Paddling” Life is like being on a river. Our goal to return to our Heavenly Father is upstream. We paddle toward this goal by making good choices. Temptations in the world try to take us downstream, away from our goal. It helps if we are part of a team that is paddling together.  Your family is on your rowing crew. Your Primary teachers and Church leaders are also on your rowing crew too.
Make this boat and draw who the people are that are on your rowing crew.

Friend July 2021 “Heavenly Father Has a Plan for Me”

Commandments

• The commandments. Invite the children to make a list on the board of some of the commandments. (For examples, they could search Exodus 20:3–17 and Gospel Art Book, nos. 103–15.) Why does Heavenly Father give us commandments? What do we learn from Doctrine and Covenants 29:35 about Heavenly Father’s commandments?

• See also Commandments

Agency and Choice

• Agency. Help the children understand that Heavenly Father has given us the gift of agency—the freedom to choose—and holds us accountable for our choices (see Doctrine and Covenants 29:39–40). Create two signs for each child: one that represents making a good choice (for example, a smiling face) and one that represents making a bad choice (for example, a frowning face). Share examples of good choices and bad choices, and ask the children to raise the correct sign. Ask the children to share blessings that come when we follow Jesus Christ. Why does Heavenly Father let us make our own choices?Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 29: “Jesus Christ Will Gather His People”

• 2017 Sharing Time Outline Tell the children that you are thinking of a word, and give them clues to help them guess the word. Ask them to raise their hands when they know the answer. Clues could include the following: We had this before we came to earth. It is a gift from our Heavenly Father. It is an important part of Heavenly Father’s plan for us. Satan wanted to take it from us. We use it when we make choices. It is a gift that lets us choose for ourselves. It starts with the letter A. After the children have guessed the answer, say together, “Agency is the gift to choose for ourselves.”

• 2017 Sharing Time Outline Show the children a container of many different colors of crayons. Show them a second container with only one color. Ask the children: “If you were going to color a picture, which of these containers of crayons would you want to use? Why?” Explain that having a variety of choices is a blessing. Testify that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love us and They want us to make correct choices.

• Show the children a long stick that has the word choice written on one end and the word consequences written on the other end. Explain that a consequence is what naturally happens because of a choice we make; for example, if we choose to practice playing a musical instrument, we will get better at it, and if we choose to touch fire, we will be burned. Pick up the stick and show the children that every time you pick up the stick, you get both the choice and the consequence of that choice.

• For additional ideas see Choices and Agency

Because of Jesus Christ, I Can Repent and Live with God Again.

Moses 5:4–15

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 3–4; Moses 4–5” Heavenly Father sent Jesus Christ to rescue us from the consequences of the Fall. Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus made it possible for us to be resurrected after we die and forgiven of our sins when we repent.

• Write two titles on the board: Because of Adam and Eve and Because of Jesus Christ. Help the children identify the consequences of the Fall as you read together Moses 4:25; 6:48; Romans 5:12; 2 Nephi 2:22–23. Let them write what they learn under the first title. Then help them identify how Jesus Christ overcame sin and death as you read together Moses 5:8–11, 14–15; 6:59; Alma 11:42. Let them write what they learn under the second title. Why are we thankful for Jesus Christ?
• Show a video about the Savior’s Atonement, such as “Because of Him” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite the children to share how they feel about Jesus Christ.

Lesson 4: The Fall of Adam and Eve,” Primary 6: Old Testament  To help the children understand the fall of Adam and Eve and to have a desire to return to the presence of Heavenly Father.

1. Place the picture of Adam and Eve next to the one of God the Father and Jesus Christ. Explain that when Adam and Eve lived in the Garden of Eden, they could walk and talk with Heavenly Father and Jesus. To help the children understand why the result of Adam and Eve’s choice is known as the Fall, take the picture of Adam and Eve and move it down below the picture of God the Father and Jesus Christ as you tell of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit. Adam and Eve “fell” or were removed from the presence of God. Explain that because Adam and Eve could no longer freely associate with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, this is referred to as the Fall. Adam and Eve’s separation from Heavenly Father and Jesus began mortal life on earth and was an important step in the great plan of happiness.
2. At the top of a piece of paper or on the chalkboard write the words Because of Adam and Eve and invite the children to share ideas that fit under this heading, such as:
   • We could choose to be born on the earth.
   • We know good from evil.
   • We became separated from Heavenly Father.
   • We will someday die.Help the children understand that we were happy to have the chance to come to earth (see Job 38:7). We would not have had this opportunity if Adam and Eve had not partaken of the forbidden fruit. We needed a chance to prove that we could choose good over evil. Gaining a physical body, having the privilege of choice, being separated from God, and being subject to death were all part of Heavenly Father’s plan for us to become like him.Write another heading: “Because of Jesus Christ.” List and explain the following blessings:
   • We will live again after we die.
   • We can return to Heavenly Father if we will repent.
   • We have a perfect example to follow.Give the children each a piece of paper and pencil and have them write Because of Adam and Eve at the top and Because of Jesus Christ in the middle. Encourage the children to take the paper home and discuss with their families the things we have and the things we will be able to do because of Adam and Eve and Jesus Christ.

I can come unto Christ and follow God’s plan.

2 Nephi 9:27–54

Come, Follow Me—For Home and Church: Book of Mormon 2024 “2 Nephi 6-10” In 2 Nephi 9, Jacob used two powerful and contrasting phrases: “the merciful plan of the great Creator” and “that cunning plan of the evil one” (2 Nephi 9:6, 28). Perhaps you could draw a path and label it Heavenly Father’s Plan. Then search 2 Nephi 9:27–52. Look for warnings and invitations that Jacob gave to help us follow this plan. Write what you find beside the path. How does Satan try to lead us away from God’s plan? What do you feel inspired to do in response to Jacob’s warnings and invitations?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “2 Nephi 6-10” Perhaps one day this week your family could search 2 Nephi 9:27–38, looking for the warnings (preceded by “wo”). Which of these seem especially important for your family to discuss? On another day, you could search 2 Nephi 9:39–44, looking for what Jacob invited his people to remember.

Come Follow Me Kid

Oh No!” Game (I Can Come Unto Christ and Receive the Glorious Blessings of His Atonement) –

• The manual says, “Jesus Christ came ‘into the world that he may save all men if they will hearken unto his voice.’ (2 Nephi 9:21). In other words, we must be willing to accept the saving blessings He offers. After describing the great plan of redemption, Jacob gave important warnings and invitations, found in 2 Nephi 9:27-54, to help us receive the blessings of the Atonement.”
• Warnings: Have them stand by the picture of Christ from the monster activity (maybe tape it onto the wall). Explain that the word “wo” in the scriptures we’re about to read isn’t really a good thing. Have them listen carefully while you read 2 Nephi 9:27-40. Each time they hear the word “wo,” they’ll say, “Oh no!” and then hop one hop away from the Christ picture. Briefly summarize what each verse means after they’ve hopped and talk about how those things would take us farther away from Christ.
  
• Invitations: Do we want to stay far away from Christ? Does He want us to be far away from Him? Read the following invitations from this chapter one at a time. As each one is read and discussed, they canhop closer to the Savior.
  
• “But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God.” (2 Nephi 2:29)
• “Give ear to my words” (2 Nephi 9:40)
• “Come unto the Lord, the Holy One” (2 Nephi 9:41)
• “And whoso knocketh, to him will he open” (2 Nephi 9:42)
• “O, my beloved brethren, remember my words” (2 Nephi 9:44)
• “O, my beloved brethren, turn away from your sins; shake off the chains of him that would bind you fast; come unto that God who is the rock of your salvation.” (2 Nephi 9:45)
• “Prepare your souls for that glorious day when justice shall be administered to the righteous, even the day of judgment, that ye may not shrink with awful fear.” (2 Nephi 9:46)
• “Behold, my beloved brethren, remember the words of your God; pray unto him continually by day, and give thanks unto his holy name by night. Let your hearts rejoice.” (2 Nephi 9:52)

6. Because of the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ, I can “Cheer Up” My Heart – The manual says, “Jacob’s message was a joyful one. ‘I speak unto you these things,’ he said, ‘that ye may rejoice, and lift up your heads forever (2 Nephi 9:3).” Find matches in Friend February 2020 “Funstuff: Blessing from Jesus” to talk about some of the ways we can be blessed and happy because of Jesus Christ:
   

The Atonement of Jesus Christ

• The Atonement of Jesus Christ. Help the children see that Heavenly Father prepared a way for us to be forgiven when we make wrong choices. Ask each child to read one of the verses in Doctrine and Covenants 29:1, 42–43 and share what it teaches about the Savior’s Atonement. Find a creative way to invite the children to share what they found, like in order of their birthdays, or shortest to tallest, and so on.Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 29: “Jesus Christ Will Gather His People”

• Show the children the shirt you brought, and lay it on top of a spread out plastic garbage bag. Explain to the children that sin is like dirt and stains. Apply staining items to the shirt as you mention wrong choices that stain our spirits, such as lying, using bad words, hitting a sibling, etc. (The garbage bag is to help prevent spills on the carpet.) Ask the children how they would feel if they had to wear the dirty shirt and how they would feel if they could never change the shirt or take a shower.

• • Would it be difficult going out among people in that state?  Would we feel comfortable in heaven being among spiritually clean people if we have stains of sin upon us? Show the children the soap and explain that just like we have soap to clean our bodies and our clothes, Heavenly Father has provided a way for us to become clean from our sins. He provided a Savior for us who took upon himself our sins. How wonderful it is that we can be clean of sin because of what the Jesus Christ did for us

• See also Jesus Christ: Atonement and Resources by Topic: Atonement

Doctrine and Covenants 76:40–42

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 76”

The word gospel means good news. The good news that the gospel brings is that Jesus Christ “came into the world … to cleanse it from all unrighteousness” (verse 41).

• Tell the children about some good news you heard recently. Ask them to share good news they have heard. Then share with them the good news of the gospel by reading Doctrine and Covenants 76:41–42. Ask the children how this good news makes them feel. Share with them the joy this good news brings to you.
• Show a picture of Jesus Christ. Ask the children if they know what Jesus Christ did for us. Show the children something dirty and something clean (like a white handkerchief or sheet of paper), and explain that sin is like dirt on our spirits, but Jesus Christ came to help us become clean again.

Friend February 2020 “Funstuff: Blessing from Jesus” Match the cards to finish each sentence. Examples: Because Jesus died for us… … everyone who dies will live again. Because Jesus paid for our sins… …we can repent and be forgiven.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 76”

• Help the children understand that the glorious blessings God promises to the faithful in the next life are possible only because of the Savior Jesus Christ. Write on the board What has Jesus Christ done for me? Ask each child to silently read verses 41–42 and verse 69. looking for possible answers to the question on the board. Let them share their answers (see also “He Sent His Son,” Children’s Songbook, 34–35). How can we show our gratitude for what the Savior has done for us?
• Write the third article of faith on the board, leaving blanks in place of key words. Give the children these missing words on slips of paper, and invite them to put their words in the correct places on the board. What does this article of faith teach us about why we need Jesus Christ? (see also the video “Why We Need a Savior,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org).

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Moroni 7–9: “May Christ Lift Thee Up”

• Read and explain Moroni 7:41 to the children, and ask them to raise their hands when they hear something Mormon said we should have hope for. Tell the children about the hope you feel because of Jesus Christ.

Ensign December 2020 ““What is it that ye shall hope for?”

The Only Way to Reach Heaven is by Following Jesus Christ.

Friend November 2023 “Heavenly Father’s Fabulous Plan” President Nelson taught that thinking celestial can help us make good choices. In each sun, draw or write what you could do to follow the Savior’s example.

Genesis 11:1–9

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 6–11; Moses 8”

The people of Babel thought they could reach heaven by building a tower rather than by living the gospel of Jesus Christ. How can you help the children understand that following the Savior is the only way back to our Heavenly Father?

• Tell the story of the Tower of Babel in your own words, or read the story found in “The Tower of Babel” (in Old Testament Stories). Encourage the children to help you by sharing what they know about the story.
• Let the children build a tower out of blocks or other objects. Then show the children a picture of the Savior, and ask them which is the way to return to Heavenly Father—building a tower or following Jesus Christ? Invite the children to tell about things they can do to follow the Savior.

While people today might not try to build towers in order to reach heaven, many try to find peace and happiness by following paths other than the one Jesus Christ has established. How might you use the story of the Tower of Babel to teach this principle?

• Ask the children to share what they know about the story of the Tower of Babel (see Genesis 11:1–9). According to Helaman 6:28, why did the people of Babel build the tower? Why was building this tower the wrong way to reach heaven? What advice would we give to the people of Babel?
• Invite the children to search 2 Nephi 31:20–21 and Helaman 3:28 to find the right way to reach heaven. Bear your testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 6–11; Moses 8”

The prophet Mormon… wrote that it was Satan “who put it into the hearts of the people to build a tower sufficiently high that they might get to heaven” (Helaman 6:28; What warnings does the story of the Tower of Babel have for you?

It might be helpful to read Ether 1:33–43 as your family studies Genesis 11 and learns about the Tower of Babel. What do we learn from the families of Jared and his brother that can help our family find spiritual safety despite the wickedness in the world? What additional lessons do we learn from Noah and his family as they faced a similar challenge? (see Moses 8:13, 16–30).

Old Testament Coloring Book “The Tower of Babel”

Friend January 1990 “We Cannot Climb to Heaven: The Tower of Babel

Friend May 1981

Ensign February 2018 “The Tower of Babel”

Ensign March 1998 “The Tower of Babel” Lesson ideas

“Heavenly Father Prepared a Way for Me to Return to Him”(January 2014 Liahona and Friend)
An explanation of the plan of salvation with ideas for talking about it with your family and an activity.

• “On the Right Path” (February 2000 Liahona and January 2000 Friend)
  Tells about how we can stay on the path to the celestial kingdom. Includes an activity.

Friend April 2019 “For Older Kids” Recently my dad was reading the Book of Mormon to my family. When we read 2 Nephi 31:20, Dad explained that it was one of his favorite scriptures. He said that it explains the whole plan of salvation. He read the scripture again, and I could really feel the Spirit say it was true. He said if we ever needed a reminder of how to return to our Heavenly Father, then we could read this scripture. Luke S., age 11, California, USA

2 Nephi 31:20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

Alma 40:6–7, 11–14, 21–23

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 39-42”

Alma 42:4

You could play a game in which pieces of paper with Christlike attributes or gospel principles written on them are scattered around the room. You could see how many pieces of paper family members can gather in a certain amount of time, then discuss how the things written on the papers can help us become more like God. How is the “time granted” to us on earth like the time allotted in this game? How can we use our “probationary time” on earth to become more like the Savior.

We all need Jesus Christ in order to be forgiven of our sins. (Grace)

Romans 3:23–24

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Romans 1-6” Paul wanted the Romans to understand that salvation comes only through Jesus Christ and His grace. Ponder how you can teach this truth to the children.

Give each child a phrase from Romans 3:23–24, written on a piece of paper. Invite the children to put the phrases in the correct order and read the verses together. Ask the children what they learn from these verses. Explain that “grace” in verse 24 means the Savior’s gift of love and mercy, which makes it possible for us to receive forgiveness for our sins and become better.

Hang a picture high on a wall or in another place that the children cannot reach by themselves. Let them try to reach it, and compare this to what Paul taught in Romans 3:23. Then help them reach the picture. What has the Savior done for us that we cannot do for ourselves? Invite the children to share how they feel about the Savior when they think about what He has done and can do to help them.

• The below picture depicts heaven and returning to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus. I thought it would be an appropriate picture to put up high to demonstrate we can’t reach it ourselves, we need the Savior’s atonement so we can be made clean.

• 19 And ^ano unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his ^brest save it be those who have ^cwashed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end. (3 Nephi 27:19)

Ensign August 2019 “Family Study Fun: Grace Carry” All of us fall “short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). But with Jesus Christ we can be saved. Activity: Designate the sofa as “the celestial kingdom.” Have everyone stand, face the sofa, and take three giant steps backward. Have them take one small step toward the sofa (their efforts), with the sofa still out of reach. Have the strongest person (acting as the Savior would) carry each person to the sofa. Discussion: How does Christ’s grace save us “after all we can do”? (see 2 Nephi 25:23). How can we show our love and gratitude for the Savior?

After Death: Spirit World

All of Heavenly Father’s Children Will Have the Chance to Hear the Gospel.

Doctrine and Covenants 138:12–35

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 137-138”

After Jesus Christ was crucified, He visited His faithful Saints in the spirit world. He instructed them to teach the gospel to those who had not received it.

• Show a picture of a tomb (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 58, 59 or Bible Photographs, no. 14), or draw a picture of a tomb on the board. Show a picture of the Savior in the spirit world while His body was in the tomb (such as the one in this week’s outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families). As you do, ask questions to help the children notice key details in Doctrine and Covenants 138:18–19, 23–24, 27–30, such as who Jesus visited, how they felt, and what He asked them to do.

• Show a picture of missionaries (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 109, 110), and ask the children to share what missionaries do. You may also invite them to act out some of the things that missionaries do. Read Doctrine and Covenants 138:31–34 to the children. Explain that just as there are missionaries here on earth, there are also missionaries in the spirit world who teach the people there.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 137-138”

President Joseph F. Smith learned that the work of preaching the gospel continues in the spirit world. This work ensures that everyone will have a chance to accept the gospel.

• On the board, list some verses from section 138. Then list, in a different order, statements that summarize each set of verses. Invite the children to match the statements with the correct verses. Verses could include 12–16 (righteous spirits gather to wait for Jesus to appear), 18–19 (the Savior appears to the righteous spirits), 29–30 (Jesus appoints messengers to preach the gospel), 31–35 (the righteous spirits preach the gospel), and so on. After the children make a match, ask them to share what they learn from the verses.
• Ask some of the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 138:33 to find out what principles of the gospel were taught to the spirits of the dead. Ask other children to read the principles taught in Articles of Faith 1:4. What is similar in these verses, and what is different? What does this teach us about Heavenly Father and His plan?

Doctrine and Covenants 138:38–55.These verses describe those whom President Joseph F. Smith saw in the spirit world and brief details about them. Maybe your family could make a list of your ancestors who are in the spirit world, along with details about their lives.Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 137-138”

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “The Spirit World”

Liahona December 2021 “What does the Doctrine and Covenants teach about life after death?”

Additional Resources

Living Scriptures “Both Sides of the Veil” Lesson ideas.

Latter Day Kids “Baptism for the Dead” Lesson ideas

• BYU TV “I Saw the Hosts of the Dead” Video about Joseph F. Smith’s vision of the redemption of the dead.
• Institute: Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual “Doctrine and Covenants 137-138”
• “Ministry of Joseph F. Smith: A Vision of the Redemption of the Dead,” Video
• Doctrine and Covenants Historical Resources “Doctrine and Covenants 137-138”

After death, our spirits go to the spirit world until the Resurrection and Judgment.

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Book of Mormon 2020 “Alma 39-42”

• Write death, spirit world, resurrection, and judgment on separate pieces of paper, and place them on the board in random order. Help the children understand what these terms mean. Read Alma 40:6–7, 11–14, and 21–23 with the children, and ask them to put the words on the board in the order in which they occur.
• Write on the board a list of questions that can be answered by Alma 40:6–7, 11–14, and 21–23, and invite the children to match each question with the verses that answer it. For example, “What will my body be like when I am resurrected?” can be answered by Alma 40:23. If necessary, explain difficult words to the children while they read. Encourage the children to share why they are grateful for Heavenly Father’s plan.

Friend July 2020 “Come Follow Me for Little Ones” Read Alma 40:23 together and help your little ones say, “Because of Jesus, we will live again.” Look at pictures of family members who have died. Help your children learn their names and faces. Testify that they can meet their family members someday.

More Resurrection teaching ideas.

Spirits in the spirit world learn about the gospel. (Jr)

1 Peter 3:18–20; 4:6

Tell the children about someone you know who has died. Explain that when people die, their spirits leave their bodies and go to the spirit world. Read 1 Peter 3:19 and explain that when Jesus died, he went to visit the spirit world. There, He asked the righteous spirits to teach the gospel to other spirits who had not yet accepted the gospel (see Doctrine and Covenants 138:30).(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Peter”)

Show a picture of a temple. Explain to the children that when they are old enough, they can go to the temple and be baptized for their ancestors who were not baptized while on earth. Help the children fill out a simple family tree (see an example at “Family History Coloring Pages,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org).(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Peter”)

Friend July 2023 “My Family Tree”

Spirits in the spirit world learn about the gospel. (Sr)

1 Peter 3:18–20; 4:6

Draw on the board a circle with a line through the middle. Write Spirit Paradise on one half of the circle and Spirit Prison on the other half. Invite one of the children to read 1 Peter 3:18–20; 4:6 (see 1 Peter 4:6, footnote a, for revisions from the Joseph Smith Translation). Explain that when Jesus died, He went to spirit paradise. He instructed the righteous spirits there to teach the gospel to the spirits in spirit prison. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Peter”)

Seminary Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Seminary Teacher Manual

President Joseph Fielding Smith: “[The Father] is going to give to every man the privilege of hearing the gospel. Not one soul shall be overlooked or forgotten. This being true, what about the countless thousands who have died and never heard of Christ, never had an opportunity of repentance, never met an elder of the Church holding the authority?…The Lord has so arranged his plan…that all who have died without this opportunity shall be given it in the spirit world.”

Invite a parent or an older sibling of one of the children to tell about going to the temple and receiving ordinances for one of their ancestors. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Peter”)

Why Are Mom and Dad Going to the Temple?”(August 2009 Friend)vNoah learns why his mom and dad keep going back to the temple.

• “Abraham Abraham and Me” (July 2016 Friend)
  James shares how he was baptized for one of his ancestors in the temple.

Invite the children to fill out a simple family tree (see an example at “Family History Coloring Pages,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org). (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Peter”)

Friend July 2023 “My Family Tree”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 “1 and 2 Peter” What can your family do to feel connected to your ancestors? Perhaps you could celebrate deceased ancestors’ birthdays by preparing their favorite meals, looking at pictures, or telling stories from their lives. If possible, you could also plan to receive ordinances for your ancestors in the temple (for help, visit FamilySearch.org).

Judgement

I will be judged by God. (Sr)

Revelation 20:12–13

Write on the board What will Judgment Day be like? Invite the children to look for answers to the question in Revelation 20:12–13 and in “Judgment, the Last” in Guide to the Scriptures (scriptures.ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What has the Savior done so that Judgment Day can be a joyful day? (see Articles of Faith 1:3–4). What can we do so that it is a joyful day for us? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 15–22”)

Bring to class a notebook representing the “book of life” (Revelation 20:12), in which you have written some of the Christlike attributes and good works of the children in your class. Read to the children the things you wrote, and invite them to talk about Christlike qualities they have seen in each other. Share your testimony that Jesus Christ helps us become more like Him and provides a way for us to repent and overcome sin. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 15–22”)

The Red Crystal

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: New Testament 2023 Suppose an author offered to write a book about your life. What details or experiences would you want included? If you knew that your future actions would also be recorded, how would you approach your life differently? Think about this as you read Revelation 20:12–15. What do you hope will be written about you in the book of life? In your opinion, why is it significant that it is called “the Lamb’s book of life”? (Revelation 21:27).How would you describe the Savior’s role in your book of life?

Topics and Questions “Judgment” Lesson ideas

New Testament Seminary Student Manual (2023) “The Final Judgment” Lesson ideas

For the Strength of Youth December 2023 “The Dead Will Stand before God” Line upon line explanation of Revelation 20:12/

Read 1 John 4:17, and explain to the children that to “have boldness in the day of judgment” means having confidence and peace when they stand before God to be judged. What does this verse teach that we need to do to have this confidence? What are some things we can do now to be confident before God? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1-3 John; Jude”)

• “Where Do You Stand?” (June 2013 Friend)
  Take this quiz to see how you could become more loving to others.

The Red Crystal

Three Degrees of Glory

Heavenly Father wants me to live with Him in the celestial kingdom. (Jr)

Revelation 21:1, 3–4, 22–27; 22:1–2

In the last two chapters of Revelation, John used beautiful language to describe the celestial glory that the faithful will enjoy.

Help the children draw the tree described in Revelation 22:2 on the board. Explain that this tree is the tree of life, and its fruit represents the love of God (see 1 Nephi 11:21–22). Give the children pieces of paper shaped like fruit, and invite them to draw on the paper something that helps them feel Heavenly Father’s love. Explain that those who love and obey Heavenly Father will live with Him in the celestial kingdom. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 15–22”)

The Red Crystal

Share with the children some images or details that John used to describe celestial glory (see Revelation 21:1, 3–4, 22–27; 22:1–2), and invite the children to draw pictures of these things. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 15–22”)

Sing together a song that teaches how we can prepare to return to God’s presence, such as “I Will Follow God’s Plan” (Children’s Songbook, 164–65). Invite the children to identify what they can do to live with Heavenly Father again. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 15–22”)

Heavenly Father wants me to live with Him in the celestial kingdom. (Sr)

Revelation 21:1, 3–4, 22–27; 22:1–2, 17

Invite the children to search the following verses for words or phrases that John used to describe celestial glory: Revelation 21:1, 3–4, 22–27; 22:1–2. Let them choose something in these verses that they would like to draw. Then they can talk about their drawings with the class. Encourage them to show their drawings to their families at home. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 15–22”)

For the Strength of Youth July 2021 The Lord has revealed some powerful truths about [the celestial kingdom]. Here are some of the things we know:

• To live there means to dwell in the presence of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ with a perfect, resurrected body and to live the kind of life They live. This life is “a state of never-ending happiness” (Mosiah 2:41) and a “fulness of joy” (3 Nephi 28:10).

• Those who live there have been “made perfect through Jesus,” and “all things are theirs” (Doctrine and Covenants 76:59, 69).

• It has the greatest glory of any kingdom. Its glory has been likened to the brightness of the sun.

• The same kinds of relationships we have here will exist there, including family relationships, but they will be “coupled with eternal glory” (Doctrine and Covenants 130:2).

• It has three degrees. The highest degree is where people live who have been sealed together in eternal marriage and have been true to their covenants (see Doctrine and Covenants 131:1–4).

• The earth will receive a celestial glory (see Doctrine and Covenants 88:17–20).

Read together Revelation 22:17, and explain that the bride who says “Come” is the Church. Who do we, as Church members, want to invite others to “come” to? (see Moroni 10:30–33). What might those around us be “thirsty” for? What are some good ways to invite people to “come”? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “Revelation 15–22”)

Friend April 2022 “Harriet Meets the Missionaries” Harriet’s father died and she missed him so much and wondered if she would ever see him again. Then the missionaries came and they told them about the plan of salvation and about being with our families again after death.

Friend September 2018 “No Matter What!” Christian’s friend at school feels useless because she made some mistakes in the school work. Christian tells her about the love of Jesus and that she is a child of God, so she is not useless.  His friend wants to know where he learned that, and she asks her parents for permission  to go to church with Christian.

Friend July 2023 “How You Can Be a Missionary”

Heavenly Father has Prepared a Kingdom of Celestial Glory for Me.

Doctrine and Covenants 76:50–70

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 76”

• Tell the children about the three kingdoms of glory that Joseph and Sidney saw in their vision. (You might read to the children part or all of “Chapter 26: The Three Kingdoms of Heaven” Focus in particular on describing the celestial kingdom, and testify that this is where Heavenly Father wants each of us to be.

• If someone asked us, “Why should I follow Jesus Christ and keep His commandments?” what would we say? Invite the children to look for answers in Doctrine and Covenants 76:50–70.
• Draw a large picture of the sun on a piece of paper, and cut it into several puzzle pieces. Give each child a piece, along with one of the following scripture passages to read: Doctrine and Covenants 76:51; 76:52; 76:53; 131:1–2. Ask the children to find in their verses something that we must do to receive eternal life in the celestial kingdom (some verses include more than one answer), and write it on their piece of the sun. As they work together to assemble the puzzle, express your confidence in them that with the Savior’s help, they can qualify for the celestial kingdom.

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 23: The Prophet Receives a Vision of the Three Degrees of Glory,”

Before class, make a large illustration of the sun out of paper, and cut it into four puzzle pieces. Write one of the following on each piece:

1. Be baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
2. Receive the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.
3. Receive the temple endowment.
4. Be married, or sealed, in the temple.

Explain to the children that we must receive certain ordinances to be able to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom. Place the four puzzle pieces on the table or floor, with the illustration facing up. Have a child turn over a piece and read what it says. Repeat with the other three pieces. Then have the children put the puzzle together.

Friend July 2021 “Heavenly Father’s Plan of Happiness”

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 76”

Doctrine and Covenants Scripture Stories “Chapter 26: The Three Kingdoms of Heaven” Includes images and video

Gospel Media “Degrees of Glory”

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 23: The Prophet Receives a Vision of the Three Degrees of Glory,”

Ask the children to close their eyes and imagine they are outside on a cloudy night when everything is absolutely dark.

• What do you see?
• What could you see if you had the light of the stars?
• What could you see if you had the light of the moon?
• What could you see if you had the light of the sun?

Have the children open their eyes. Draw pictures of a star, the moon, and the sun on the chalkboard, with the star at the bottom of the chalkboard, the moon above the star, and the sun above the moon.

• If you could choose just one of these sources of light to see by, which would it be? Why?

Explain that Heavenly Father has provided three different places for people to live after they are resurrected. These places are referred to as kingdoms of glory in heaven.

As you explain the following information about these kingdoms, put the corresponding wordstrip next to the drawing of the star, moon, or sun:

• The telestial kingdom is the lowest kingdom. It has a glory compared to the brightness of the stars. (See D&C 76:81.)
• The terrestrial kingdom is the middle kingdom. It has a glory compared to the brightness of the moon. (See D&C 76:71.)
• The celestial kingdom is the highest kingdom. It has a glory compared to the brightness of the sun. (See D&C 76:70.)

• Who will live in the telestial kingdom? (D&C 76:81–82, 103.) Which member of the Godhead will visit the people in the telestial kingdom? (D&C 76:86, 88.) Explain that the Holy Ghost and angels will minister to the people in the telestial kingdom. The people there will know about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ but will never live with them or see them. 

For the Strength of Youth July 2025 ” Fun Stop” Doctrine and Covenants 76:75 says that those who go to the terrestrial kingdom (rather than the celestial) are “blinded by the craftiness of men.” These three “crafty” images might be what they seem, or they might be optical illusions. Can you recognize the truth? ( Answers: 1. Same, 2. Both, 3. Straight.)

• Who will live in the terrestrial kingdom? (D&C 76:71–76.) Which member of the Godhead will visit the people in the terrestrial kingdom? (D&C 76:77.) Explain that Jesus Christ will visit the people in the terrestrial kingdom. The people there will know about Heavenly Father but will never live with him. 

For the Strength of Youth July 2025 ” Fun Stop” Doctrine and Covenants 76:75 Find each Number 1 (there are three of them). Draw a line from each 1 to its matching Number 2. Then connect each Number 2 to its matching Number 3. Once everything is matched, look at the image you’ve created and decide which kingdom of glory it represents.

(Answers: 1. Celestial Kingdom, 2. Glory of the Sun, 3. All Things Are Theirs; 1. Terrestrial Kingdom, 2. Glory of the Moon, 3. Honorable but Blinded; 1. Telestial Kingdom, 2. Glory of the Stars, 3. Received Not the Gospel. FINAL IMAGE: Telestial Kingdom)

For the Strength of Youth December 2024 “The Testimony of Jesus”

• Who will live in the celestial kingdom? (D&C 76:50–52.) Explain that the celestial kingdom will include faithful members of the Church who have been baptized and confirmed and have kept the commandments (see enrichment activity 1). Which members of the Godhead will the people in the celestial kingdom live with? (D&C 76:62;

As you discuss the three kingdoms, emphasize that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ want all of us to live in the highest level, or degree, of the celestial kingdom with them and our families. To be worthy of the celestial kingdom, we must keep Heavenly Father’s commandments and receive important gospel ordinances. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been restored to the earth to help us reach the celestial kingdom.

For the Strength of Youth July 2021

The Lord has revealed some powerful truths about [the celestial kingdom]. Here are some of the things we know:

• To live there means to dwell in the presence of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ with a perfect, resurrected body and to live the kind of life They live. This life is “a state of never-ending happiness” (Mosiah 2:41) and a “fulness of joy” (3 Nephi 28:10).
• Those who live there have been “made perfect through Jesus,” and “all things are theirs” (Doctrine and Covenants 76:59, 69).
• It has the greatest glory of any kingdom. Its glory has been likened to the brightness of the sun.
• The same kinds of relationships we have here will exist there, including family relationships, but they will be “coupled with eternal glory” (Doctrine and Covenants 130:2).
• It has three degrees. The highest degree is where people live who have been sealed together in eternal marriage and have been true to their covenants (see Doctrine and Covenants 131:1–4).
• The earth will receive a celestial glory (see Doctrine and Covenants 88:17–20).

Doctrine and Covenants Coloring Book “Three Kingdoms of Glory”

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” Doctrine and Covenants 76″

What do we learn from these verses about the importance of our testimonies? What role do our testimonies play in our eternal destiny? It might help to look up definitions of valiantto discuss how to be “valiant in the testimony of Jesus” (verse 79). You could also sing “I Will Be Valiant” (Children’s Songbook, 162).

1–6, The Prophet sees his brother Alvin in the celestial kingdom; 7–9, The doctrine of salvation for the dead is revealed; 10, All children are saved in the celestial kingdom.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 137-138” The revelations recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 137and 138 are separated by more than 80 years and 1,500 miles. Section 137 was received by the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1836 in the unfinished Kirtland Temple, and section 138 was received by Joseph F. Smith, sixth President of the Church, in 1918 in Salt Lake City. But doctrinally, these two visions belong side by side. They both answer questions about the destiny of God’s children in the next life. Joseph Smith’s vision helped him understand the eternal destiny of his beloved brother Alvin, who had died six years before the authority to baptize was restored. Joseph F. Smith’s vision revealed glorious truths about the spirit world—surely a comforting revelation to one who had grieved the deaths of many close family members. Joseph F. Smith lost his father, Hyrum Smith, at age 5 and his mother, Mary Fielding Smith, at age 13. By the time of his vision in 1918, he had mourned the passing of 13 children.

The common understanding among Christians in 1836 was that if a person died without being baptized—as Joseph Smith’s brother Alvin had—that person could not go to heaven. Yet Joseph saw Alvin in a vision of the celestial kingdom. See also Saints, 1:232–35.

Doctrine and Covenants Stories “Chapter 39: The Kirtland Temple Is Dedicated”

Doctrine and Covenants 137:1–5

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 137-138”

In a vision, Joseph Smith saw members of his family together in the celestial kingdom. How can you use his vision to teach the children that families can be together forever?

• Show a picture of someone in your family, and talk about how much you want to be with him or her in the celestial kingdom. Explain that Joseph Smith’s brother Alvin died as a young man and Joseph missed him very much. Read Doctrine and Covenants 137:1, 5, and ask the children who Joseph Smith saw in his vision of the celestial kingdom (see also Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 152–53). Invite the children to stretch their arms out wide to show how much they love their families, and ask them to share why they want to be with their families in the celestial kingdom.
• Use Doctrine and Covenants 137:1–5 and this week’s activity page to help the children discover details about Joseph Smith’s vision of the celestial kingdom. Invite them to draw a picture of themselves and their family on the activity page while you play or sing a song about families, such as “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 188).

Joseph Smith had a vision of the celestial kingdom and saw his parents and his brother Alvin there. This vision teaches us that if we are righteous, our family relationships can continue in the next life.

• Invite the children to read Doctrine and Covenants 137:1–5 and draw a picture of what they read (see also this week’s activity page). How might Joseph Smith have felt when he saw members of his family in the celestial kingdom?
• Show the video “Families Can Be Together Forever” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), or sing a song about families, such as “Families Can Be Together Forever” (Children’s Songbook, 188). What does the video or the song teach us about what we can do to make our families eternal?

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 137-138”

Invite your family to draw what they think the celestial kingdom might look like based on these verses. What do you find in these verses that helps you look forward to living there? What are we doing now to prepare to live in the celestial kingdom with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

Friend December 2021 “Scripture Time Fun: Our Heavenly Home”

• Sing “Did Jesus Really Live Again?” (Children’s Songbook,64).
• When Joseph Smith was young, his brother Alvin died. Much later, Joseph had a vision that Alvin would go to the celestial kingdom. Because Jesus Christ died and was resurrected, we can live with our families again after we die and are resurrected.
• Read Doctrine and Covenants 137:1–5. What do you think the celestial kingdom will be like? Take turns saying words to describe it. Then draw a picture of your family with Heavenly Father and Jesus.

Friend November 2021 “Scripture Time Fun for Little Ones” Tell a story about a family member or friend who has died. Now draw a picture of them! Help your little ones say, “I will be with my loved ones again.”

Friend August 1983 “A dream come true” – a boy learns to be a shepherd and take care of a flock and in return gets his own flock.

Friend February 2018

Heavenly Father wants me to live with Him in the celestial kingdom. (Jr)

1 Corinthians 15:40–41

Write on the board celestial, terrestrial, and telestial. Help the children learn to say these words.(Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 Corinthians 14–16” )

Show pictures of the sun, moon, and stars. Invite the children to put them in order from the brightest to the least bright. Read 1 Corinthians 15:40–41 to the children (see also the Joseph Smith Translation in verse 40, footnote a). Explain that the sun, moon, and stars represent the kingdoms we can live in after we are resurrected. In the celestial kingdom, we can live with Heavenly Father. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 Corinthians 14–16” )

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 23: The Prophet Receives a Vision of the Three Degrees of Glory,” Ask the children to close their eyes and imagine they are outside on a cloudy night when everything is absolutely dark.

• What do you see?
• What could you see if you had the light of the stars?
• What could you see if you had the light of the moon?
• What could you see if you had the light of the sun?

Have the children open their eyes. Draw pictures of a star, the moon, and the sun on the chalkboard, with the star at the bottom of the chalkboard, the moon above the star, and the sun above the moon.

• If you could choose just one of these sources of light to see by, which would it be? Why?

Explain that Heavenly Father has provided three different places for people to live after they are resurrected. These places are referred to as kingdoms of glory in heaven.

Gospel Media

For the Strength of Youth July 2021 To live there (in the Celestial Kingdom means to dwell in the presence of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ with a perfect, resurrected body and to live the kind of life They live. This life is “a state of never-ending happiness” (Mosiah 2:41) and a “fulness of joy” (3 Nephi 28:10).

Give the children a copy of this week’s activity page to color. While they are coloring, share with them your feelings about the Savior and what He has done to make it possible for us to live with Heavenly Father again. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 Corinthians 14–16” )

Hang a picture high on a wall or in another place that the children cannot reach by themselves. Let them try to reach it, and compare this to what Paul taught in Romans 3:23. Then help them reach the picture. What has the Savior done for us that we cannot do for ourselves? Invite the children to share how they feel about the Savior when they think about what He has done and can do to help them.

• The below picture depicts heaven and returning to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus. I thought it would be an appropriate picture to put up high to demonstrate we can’t reach it ourselves, we need the Savior’s atonement so we can be made clean.

• 19 And ^ano unclean thing can enter into his kingdom; therefore nothing entereth into his ^brest save it be those who have ^cwashed their garments in my blood, because of their faith, and the repentance of all their sins, and their faithfulness unto the end. (3 Nephi 27:19)

After I am resurrected, I can live in the celestial kingdom.(Sr)

1 Corinthians 15:40–41

Read 1 Corinthians 15:40–41 and invite a child to draw a sun, moon, and star on the board. Ask class members to identify which kind of resurrected body is represented by each drawing. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 Corinthians 14–16” )

Gospel Media

Sing together a song related to this topic, such as “The Lord Gave Me a Temple” (Children’s Songbook, 153). Or show the video “Our Eternal Life” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). What does the song or the video teach us about preparing to live in celestial glory? (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 Corinthians 14–16” )

Explain that Joseph Smith had a vision in which he saw three kingdoms that match the kinds of bodies Paul describes. Help the children find phrases from Doctrine and Covenants 76:50–53, 70; 76:71–79; 76:81–82 that describe these three kingdoms. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “1 Corinthians 14–16” )

I Will Follow God’s Plan

Sing “I Will Follow God’s Plan” See here for resources on how to teach the song.

Friend January 2023 “A Plan for Me” Your covenant path back to Heavenly Father.

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 ” Doctrine and Covenants 76″

What do we learn from these verses about the importance of our testimonies? What role do our testimonies play in our eternal destiny? It might help to look up definitions of valiant to discuss how to be “valiant in the testimony of Jesus” (verse 79). You could also sing “I Will Be Valiant” (Children’s Songbook, 162).