“All Are (Really) Alike Unto God” – Keeper of the Gate

Dr. Marcus Martins, Professor of Religion at B.Y.U. Hawaii

BYU Television Lecture on Video

“From time to time I have had students come into my offices–and this when I taught at BYU Provo, at Ricks College, and now at BYU-Hawaii–I always have students come to me and ask me the question, “Is it true that people of the Black race will not go to the celestial kingdom?” The first time I heard that I was aghast, I said, “Where in the world did you get that idea?” The idea behind this question is simply preposterous, because it denies the blessings of the atonement of Jesus Christ. Once again, remember the words of Nephi: “… He denieth none that come unto him black and white, bond and free, male and female.” (The Book of Mormon; 2 Nephi 26:33) When it comes to our salvation, it is not a neighbor down the street who is going to admit us into the celestial his kingdom. Consider these words spoken by Nephi’s younger brother, Jacob: “… the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there …” (The Book of Mormon; 2 Nephi 9:41)

I’m giving you another personal insight here, just another personal reflection of my own, and I’m entirely responsible for it. If someone, anyone out there does not feel comfortable with the idea of seeing me in the celestial kingdom, if I ever make it to that place–and I am striving the best that I can to make it there–but if somebody doesn’t feel comfortable with the idea of being with me in the celestial kingdom, this person may look for another kingdom of glory for him or herself. Because “the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel and he employeth no servant there.” Imperfect mortal hands cannot try to close the heavenly gates without keeping themselves on the outside.”