”The mysteries of his kingdom which he showed unto us, which surpass all understanding in glory, and in might, and in dominion;” — Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon1
During the winter of 1832, Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon were translating the Bible in an upstairs room of the Johnson home in Hiram, Ohio. As they reflected on questions about the nature of heaven and the salvation of humankind, they were enveloped in a vision where they beheld the glory of the Lord, Jesus Christ at the right hand of God, and angels worshipping at His throne.2
Joseph and Sidney described their vision in turn, revealing that God's plan of salvation began before earthly life and that all of God's children would be resurrected through the power of Jesus Christ. The vision showed the three kingdoms of glory: the celestial kingdom, the terrestrial kingdom, and the telestial kingdom. The two men were instructed that some aspects of the vision were to be understood only through the Holy Spirit.3
The vision, later published in The Evening and the Morning Star and now found in Doctrine and Covenants 76,4,5 caused a stir among the Saints and their neighbors. While many embraced the new teachings, others struggled to reconcile them with traditional Christian beliefs, leading to some leaving the Church.4
