General Conference Odyssey post for the Sunday afternoon session of April 1982.

A few weeks ago, I discovered a book called, Salvation Universal, written by Joseph Fielding Smith. In it, I read a phrase that has stuck with me ever since. President Smith said,

“The fact is, the whole plan of redemption is based on vicarious salvation.”

The word “vicarious” means acting for another. Of course, we all understand that Jesus Christ redeemed us vicariously. And I think we all understand that we serve in the temple by doing vicarious work for our kindred dead. But do we really understand what that means to each and every person vicarious work is done for? I did, but maybe I didn’t, or at least my thought process led me to re-appreciate what Jesus Christ did for me, and in turn, I am doing for Him and Heavenly Father and for all my ancestors.

My husband and I decided to read the Book of Mormon together after Pres. Nelson’s challenge. In one of our many discussions together, we reviewed what was really happening in the Spirit World. Those who died, having been baptized in full faith in Jesus Christ, rest in Paradise. Those who die having not received the ordinance of baptism wait in Prison (see Topics—Spirit World). So, what happens to those in prison who accept the gospel and want to be baptized? They can’t move onto Paradise until we are baptized for them vicariously. They are trapped with those who are experiencing hell and paying for their own sins. How miserable is that???

Elder A. Theodore Tuttle spoke on The First and the Last Words, in terms of Joseph Smith. The first message Joseph received from Moroni was Malachi’s prophecy about Elijah coming to turn hearts of fathers to children and children to fathers (see D&C 110:14-16). And the last words were given in Nauvoo when the temple was almost completed. The Lord revealed to Joseph the sacred ordinances that would take place in the temple. Clearly, our dispensation is focused on temple work. Why? Because it is up to us to vicariously save those who are trapped in the Spirit World.

I’ve been called as the Family History and Temple Specialist in my ward, so I have a vested interest in this subject. But I’m learning quickly that we must all have a vested interest in it. In the past, I’ve heard people say all their genealogy work is done. I’ve heard others say the more genealogy they do, the more work they find to do. As for me, all I want to do is free all those ancestors trapped in their prison.

W. Grant Bangerter also spoke in this session about What Temples Are For. He said,

“It would be unfortunate to build temples around the earth and have them stand largely idle. One way to prepare people is to give a strong sermon. Sometimes the result is that we feel guilty. Then after two weeks, this feeling wears off, and we get over it.”

I think that statement is sadly true. I am also a temple worker and everyone is bracing for the first month of the year when many New Year’s resolutions are made, but they peter off by February.

Here’s what I know now. I too must save. Envisioning people who want to get free from a binding prison is enough for me to act. Also, after praying for help to know where to start, I have been led to so many lines to pursue, I’m almost dumbstruck as to where to start first.

As to keeping people interested in Family History work for the long haul? This session of conference included a beautiful talk, by David B. Haight, Jesus Is Our Savior, who said,

“I testify by the power of the Holy Ghost that this same Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, crucified for the sins of the world … that through him all might be saved” (see D&C 76:41-42).

With this most incredible gift, in turn, I too must save.

There is an urgency, coming from Church Headquarters, for work in our homes and in our temples to be our great focus. It centers around talking of Christ, preaching of Christ, and teaching our children that they may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins (see 2 Nephi 25:26). I am a vital part of this work of salvation. I feel it. Don’t you?