>[!Properties]+ Resources >[Gospel Library](https://churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/131?lang=eng) | [Citation Index](https://scriptures.byu.edu/#12e83::c12e83) | [Historical Resources](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/doctrine-and-covenants-historical-resources-2025/46?lang=eng) | [JS Papers](https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/discourse-17-may-1843-a) | [JS Papers](https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/instruction-16-may-1843) | [JS Papers](https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/discourse-17-may-1843-b) | [CFM 2025 (Ch 129-132)](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-home-and-church-doctrine-and-covenants-2025/46-doctrine-and-covenants-129-132?lang=eng) >>[!AI]- AI Context >>Joseph Smith the Prophet gave these instructions in Ramus, Illinois, on May 16 and 17, 1843, likely to Church members or associates during a period of doctrinal teachings on eternal principles. > >>[!AI]- AI Child Summary >>God teaches that heaven has different shining levels like the sun, moon, and stars, and to reach the highest one, people need to get married in a special way. Also, everything, even spirits, is made of some kind of stuff. > >>[!AI]- AI Summary >>Joseph Smith reveals that the celestial kingdom has three degrees, with the highest requiring celestial marriage to attain ([[D&C 131#1|v1-4]] — celestial marriage and degrees of glory). He explains the "more sure word of prophecy" as knowing one's eternal life is sealed through revelation ([[D&C 131#5|v5-6]] — assurance of eternal life). Finally, he teaches that all spirit is refined matter, and there is no immaterial substance ([[D&C 131#7|v7-8]] — nature of spirit and matter). > >#Gospel/CelestialMarriage #Gospel/DegreesOfGlory #Gospel/NatureOfSpirit ###### 1 1 In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees; ###### 2 2 And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage]; ###### 3 3 And if he does not, he cannot obtain it. ###### 4 4 He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom; he cannot have an increase. ###### 5 5 (May 17th, 1843.) The more sure word of prophecy means a man's knowing that he is sealed up unto eternal life, by revelation and the spirit of prophecy, through the power of the Holy Priesthood. ###### 6 6 It is impossible for a man to be saved in ignorance. ###### 7 7 There is no such thing as immaterial matter. All spirit is matter, but it is more fine or pure, and can only be discerned by purer eyes; ###### 8 8 We cannot see it; but when our bodies are purified we shall see that it is all matter.