Because of Jesus Christ

Because of Jesus Christ The atonement has been made. The world has been made right With the price of man's sins paid! The fearful spectacle of death Yields all the dead unto paradise. Assuring, we will resurrect! The body and spirit both will rise! He, who has marked the narrow way, Invites us to come follow Him. He promises His spirit always As we keep all God's laws for man. Teaching Our Children "Because of Jesus Christ the world has changed, the divine Atonement has been made, the price of sin has been paid, and the fearful spectacle of death yields to the light of truth and the assurance of resurrection. Though the years roll by, His birth, His ministry, His legacy continue to guide the destiny of all who follow Him as He so invitingly urged." —Thomas S. Monson, "Teaching Our Children" Topics: Atonement, Prophetic Messages We talked about Paradise in Family Home Evening.  When Jesus was on the cross, He said, "Tomorrow you will be with me in Paradise. But, He also said to Mary, "Touch me not, for I have not yet ascended to the Father." These are two different places! Paradise (Spirit World) being a place of learning. We will need to reunite with our bodies at some point and be judged at some point. Here is a great explanation:  http://www.lds.org/manual/preach-my-gospel-a-guide-to-missionary-service/what-do-i-study-and-teach/lesson-2-the-plan-of-salvation?lang=eng The Atonement Before the world was organized, our Heavenly Father chose Jesus Christ to be our Savior and Redeemer....

While Reading the Scriptures

While reading the scriptures and pondering all alone
I was greatly impressed, as I'd never been before
Concerning the spirit prison... a vision then was shown,
For understanding, my eyes were opened, through the Spirit of the Lord

I saw innumerable hosts of dead, from the small to the great
Who had been proved faithful while sojourneying here on earth
Even those who had suffered tribulation in our Redeemer's name
And, I beheld their joy and gladness anticipating resurrection's birth

Having departed mortal life, firm in the hope of an eternal one
They knew their sleeping dust was to be restored to perfect frame
Then...as they were assembled awaiting the advent of the Son
Declaring liberty to the faithful captives, the Savior to them... came

Apart from those in darkness, among these righteous there was peace
To them He preached the gospel, every doctrine that ever was
The saints rejoiced in His words and bowed humbly at the knee
Then... He called them forth to teach the wicked of our Father's ways

There to choose to repent through suffering for all they had transgressed
To await their cleansing unto eternal life so pleasant
That each might be judged according to their days in the flesh
And... here is a list of some, that day, whom I saw present:

Adam, the Ancient of Days and father of us all
Eve, with her daughters who had proved they love God
Abel the first martyr, with his mighty brother Seth
Noah, from the flood and the great high priest Shem
Abraham, the father of the covenant, for all who are faithful
And standing by his promised son Isaac was Jacob from the well

Moses, the great law giver, who'd prophesied of this day
Ezekiel, who was shown in vision the resurrection of the dead
Daniel, who foresaw and foretold the Latter-Day restoration
Elias, who was with Moses on the Mount of Transfiguration
Malachi, who spoke of Elijah, who would plant promises in families hearts
All these and many more...(including the prophets of the Book of Mormon,) were waiting for their day of deliverance to start!

And... this labor continues even to this day
Thus the faithful elders who depart from this life
Go forth helping others repent of their ways
There to await ordinances unto Jesus Christ

There is now a welding link between the dispensations
As temple work for the dead has been ushered in
This is the day revealed and promised at the earth's foundation
And as we seal our loved ones the veil becomes evermore so thin

D&C 138 Joseph F. Smith's vision of the righteous dead assembled in paradise- present with the Redeemer came, before His resurrection, to preach and organize the teaching of those in the spirit world.

I wrote this... days passed and I went to the temple. The scriptures opened to this page. I added more... with gratitude ... from my own feelings of anticipation