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The Threefold Mission of The Church: Part Two

© Rebecca Talley

A second major focus of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to redeem the dead. We believe all that have lived on the earth must first be given the opportunity to hear the gospel and, second, participate in sacred ordinances. For those who learn of the gospel in the spirit world we must perform these ordinances as proxies, or, in other words, as representatives of those who have died.

After Jesus was crucified, he went to the Spirit World to teach them the gospel. "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison." (1 Peter 3:18-19) He taught them all about the plan of salvation, about Heavenly Father, and all other information they needed to make their own decision to accept or reject His message.

The apostle Paul taught about the practice of baptisms for the dead. "Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? why are they then baptized for the dead?" (1 Corinthians 15:29) He understood the doctrine that we are all responsible for redeeming our dead and doing their necessary work.

Through latter-day revelation we have been taught clearly that we must redeem our dead. For this purpose, The Church has dedicated time and money to promote genealogical research and to provide a library in Salt Lake City that contains collections of records of millions of people. The Church also provides links from its website for those interested in researching their family's history. Genealogical research can be exhausting and time consuming but it is also rewarding. Many have had help from those who have passed away and are on the other side of the veil as they searched for names and dates. Stake Centers and Meetinghouses all over the world provide family history libraries to encourage members as well as nonmembers to conduct research in behalf of their families.

Once the research has been completed, the names are submitted to The Church so that the ordinance work can be performed. Worthy youth, twelve to eighteen years old, are encouraged to participate in baptisms for the dead. These baptisms are performed within temples throughout the world all year long. Worthy adult members are encouraged to regularly attend the temple and participate in other ordinances. We believe that those for whom we serve as proxies, or representatives, are then given the choice to either accept or reject the work. We, as members, participate in this important work so that everyone can have the opportunity to enjoy the blessings of the gospel, whether on this side of the veil, or the other.