"Being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him." (Hebrews 5: 9).
It is evident from the teachings of the Savior that there is a necessity for such a provision in the plan of redemption. Christ emphatically declared that a man cannot enter the kingdom of heaven without baptism. He said to Nicodemus,
"Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3: 5).
In sending His disciples to teach all nations, He commanded them to baptize those who believed. Many good people have died without baptism, not having had the privilege of being baptized in this life; as they cannot themselves attend to that ordinance after death, there is a way provided for them to receive admission into the kingdom of heaven. The Savior has declared, they cannot do so without baptism; therefore someone else must attend to that ordinance for them. Those who die without the privilege of receiving the Gospel will have an opportunity to hear and accept it in the spirit world, and the outward ordinances necessary to salvation can be attended to in their behalf by living persons.
Since this doctrine has been revealed, the hearts of the children have been turned to their fathers, for many thousands of those who have accepted the doctrine have manifested their solicitude for the welfare of their dead ancestors by having the necessary ordinances performed for them in the temples which the Latter-day Saints have built for that purpose.
FACTS PROVEN.
It has been shown in the foregoing—
That the Claims made by Joseph Smith are in Harmony with the Holy Scriptures.
That the Doctrines He Taught are the same as those of the Savior and His Disciples.
That a Number of Ancient Predictions have been Fulfilled Through his Ministry.