While many Latter-day Saints have the very naïve belief that Joseph Smith’s teachings on the hereafter in D&C 76 is one-to-one equivalent to the primitive/New Testament Christian understanding thereof, other Latter-day Saints, including Church leaders, realise that modern revelation not only restores but expands and amplifies New Testament teaching. For instance, Stephen L. Richards, a counslor in the early years (1951-1959) of David O. McKay’s presidency, noted the following:
In what does the joy of man consist? There are two things: first, an eternal progression in intelligence, knowledge, and power that leads to perfection, even as Christ is perfect; and, second, companionship with God in his presence and in the presence of his Son.
This pronouncement of the purpose of our being together with additional revelations, brings a new concept of heaven. By the perfection of our lives we achieve joy and come into the presence of God. Where is he? He is in his own kingdom. Are there other kingdoms? Yes. And in that revealed knowledge we learn the truth about heaven. There are other kingdoms referred to but not fully explained by Paul and also indicated in “the many mansions of my Father’s house,” spoken of by the Savior.
These scriptures have been fully amplified by the new interpretation. (Where is Wisdom? Addresses of President Stephen L. Richards [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Company, 1955], 166, emphasis added)
