JUST MEN MADE PERFECT (Teachings of Joseph Smith)

Spirits of Just Men Made Perfect Do Not Have Bodies — Willard Richards (Between circa June 26 & August 4, 1839)

. . . we may come to the general assembly & church of the first born, Spirits of Just men made perfect, unto Christ. The innumerable company of Angels are those that have been ressurrected from the dead. the Spirits of Just men made perfect are those without bodies.

Discourse, between circa 26 June and circa 4 August 1839–C, as Reported by Willard Richards, p. 77, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Spirits of Just Men Are Ministering Servants  — Willard Richards (Between circa June 26 & August 4, 1839)

The spirits of just men are made ministering servants to those who are sealed unto life eternal. & it is through them that the sealing power comes down—

Discourse, between circa 26 June and circa 4 August 1839–C, as Reported by Willard Richards, p. 77, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Spirits of Just Men Revealed in Fire with Incredible Glory — Willard Richards (October 9, 1843)

Joseph preacheed funeral sermon of Gen James Adams. . . .

Patriarch adams now is now of the spirits of the just men made— and if revealed now. must be revealed in fire. And the glory could not be endured— Jesus. shewed himself to his disciples and they thought it was his spirit. & they were afraid to approach his spirit. . . .

Judge Adams had some enemies, but such a man ought not to have had an enemy. I saw him first at springfield. when on my way from Mo [Missouri] to Washington. he sought me out when a stranger. took me to his house. encouraged & cheered me & give me money— when men are prepared. they are better off to go hence.— Bro Adams has gone to open up a more effectual door for the dead.

Discourse, 9 October 1843, as Reported by Willard Richards, pp. 121-122, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Angels Posess Higher Knowledge & Power than Spirits — Willard Richards (October 9, 1843)

Angels have advanced higher in knowledge & power than Spirits

Discourse, 9 October 1843, as Reported by Willard Richards, p. 122, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Spirits of Just Men Made Perfect Appeared and Revealed Power and Knowledge to Hebrew Church — Times & Seasons (October 9, 1843)

That the organization of the spiritual and heavenly worlds, and of spiritual and heavenly beings, was agreeably to the most perfect order and harmony—that their limits and bounds were fixed irrevocably, and voluntarily subscribed to by themselves—subscribed to upon the earth—hence the importance of embracing and subscribing to principles of eternal truth. He assured the saints that truth in reference to these matters, can, and may be known, through the revelations of God in the way of his ordinances, and in answer to prayer. The Hebrew church “came unto the spirits of just men made perfect, and unto an innumerable company of angels, unto God the Father of all, and to Jesus Christ the Mediator of the New Covenant;” but what they learned, has not been, and could not have been written. What object was gained by this communication with the spirits of the just, &c.? It was the established order of the kingdom of God—the keys of power and knowledge were with them to communicate to the saints—hence the importance of understanding the distinction between the spirits of the just, and angels. Spirits can only be revealed in flaming fire, or glory. Angels have advanced farther—their light and glory being tabernacled, and hence appear in bodily shape.

Discourse, 9 October 1843, as Reported by Times and Seasons, p. 331, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Difference between Angels & Spirits of Just Men Made Perfect — James Burgess (October 9, 1843)

A great many men suppose there is no difference between an angel and a spirit of a just man made perfect but Paul makes a distinction in the 12 chap of Hebrews he tells us that the hebrew church had came into the presence of God and Angels and to the spirits of just men made perfect The spirit of a just man made perfect if he made his appearance he would appear or be enveloped in flaming fire and no man in this mortal state could endure it, but an angel could come and appear as an other man for Paul says be careful to entertain strangers for some have entertained Angels unawares. But to prove spirits view the Saviour after his resurection when he appeared unto his disciples they were afraid and thought they had seen a spirit but he convinces them of their mistake by teling them to handle him for says he a spirit has not flesh and bones as ye see me have.

Discourse, 9 October 1843, as Reported by James Burgess, pp. 18-19, The Joseph Smith Papers.

Spirits of Just Men Made Perfect Are Ministering Servants & Reveal in Fire — Willard Richards (October 9, 1843)

The spirits of just men are made ministering servants to those who are sealed unto life eternal. & it is through them that the sealing power comes down— Patriarch adams now is now of the spirits of the just men made— and if revealed now. must be revealed in fire. And the glory could not be endured— Jesus. shewed himself to his disciples and they thought it was his spirit. & they were afraid to approach his spirit. Angels have advanced higher in knowledge & power than Spirits

Discourse, 9 October 1843, as Reported by Willard Richards, pp. 121-122, The Joseph Smith Papers.