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175 years ago
The vision of the three degrees of glory described in Doctrine and Covenants 76 was received by Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon on Feb. 16, 1832, according to the heading of that section.
The two brethren, at Hiram, Ohio, were engaged in translating the scriptures and "it appeared self-evident from what truths were left, that if God rewarded every one according to the deeds done in the body, the term 'Heaven,' as intended for the Saints' eternal home, must include more kingdoms than one," Joseph Smith wrote in the part of his Church history, excerpted for the heading. The heading added, "It was after the Prophet had translated John 5:29 that this vision was given."
In Essentials in Church History by Joseph Fielding Smith it states: "The account of this vision, as it is given in Section 76 of the Doctrine and Covenants, is one of the choicest bits of literature, and one of the greatest revelations ever given to man. It throws a flood of light upon eternity and the destiny of the human race and teaches the mercy of a loving Father, who saves all the workmanship of His Hands, save it be the sons of perdition.... That every man shall be rewarded according to his works, and that a place has been prepared for each individual somewhere in the mansion of the Father, after he is purged from sin, is a glorious and merciful provision in the Plan of Salvation, which this vision declares, was provided before the world began."
