Joseph Smith's Vision of the Resurrection of the Saints

On April 16, 1843, in a morning discourse at the Nauvoo Temple intended as a funeral sermon for several Saints, including Elder Lorenzo Barnes who had died while serving in England, Joseph Smith spoke movingly on the resurrection and the sanctity of burial. Emphasizing the comfort of being interred among the Saints in Nauvoo, he expressed a personal desire to be buried alongside his father, Joseph Smith Sr. The Prophet explained that such proximity allowed for immediate reunion, describing a vision he had received: 'So plain was the vision, that I actually saw men, before they had ascended from the tomb, as though they were getting up slowly. They took each other by the hand & it was my father & my son, my mother & my daughter, my brother & my sister.' He likened this to two dear friends sleeping in the same bed, waking together to renew their conversation. Smith taught that even if Saints were buried far apart, the power of the resurrection would ultimately bring them together, yet he maintained that resting near one's loved ones provided a specific, enviable joy. He encouraged the congregation to be prepared for death, promising that faith in the resurrection and the hope of seeing their family members again would sustain them against the trials, storms, and 'peals of thunder' of life.

Fuller account of this event (in the witness’s own words):

Would you think it strange if I relate what I have seen in vision in relation to this interesting theme? Those who have died in Jesus Christ may expect to enter into all that fruition of joy when they come forth, which they possessed or anticipated here. So plain was the vision, that I actually saw men, before they had ascended from the tomb, as though they were getting up slowly. They took each other by the hand and said to each other, 'My father, my son, my mother, my daughter, my brother, my sister.' And when the voice calls for the dead to arise, suppose I am laid by the side of my father, what would be the first joy of my heart? To meet my father, my mother, my brother, my sister; and when they are by my side, I embrace them and they me. ... It is my meditation all the day and more than my meat and drink to know how I shall make the Saints of God comprehend the visions that roll like an overflowing surge before my mind. O how I would delight to bring before you things which you never thought of, but poverty and the cares of the world prevent. But I am glad I have the privilege of communicating to you some things, which if grasped closely will be a help to you when the clouds are gathering and the storms are ready to burst upon you like peals of thunder. Lay hold of these things and let not your knees tremble, nor your hearts faint. What can earthquakes do? Wars and tornadoes do? Nothing. All your losses will be made up to you in the resurrection provided you continue faithful. By the vision of the Almighty I have seen it.