Have you ever wondered what the next life will actually look like? When we study the four stages of existence, we quickly realize that our eternal journey is incredibly consistent. The transition from our premortal life to mortality, and eventually to the spirit world and resurrection, is not a series of jarring changes.
Instead, it is a beautiful, continuous progression of familiar eternal principles. The embedded document below contains an amazing collection of 65 apostolic quotes detailing these eternal similarities. By reading this compilation, you will gain a profound understanding of exactly what to expect in the eternities.
The Eternal Law of Free Agency
When examining the four stages of existence, the law of free agency stands out as an absolute constant. Brigham Young taught that every intelligent being must have the power of choice. This is a divine law that has existed from all eternity and will continue forever.
We possessed this freedom in the heaven of heavens before the world was ever formed. The Lord fiercely defended our agency there against the rebellion of Lucifer. Here on earth, God continues to grant us the absolute privilege to choose to serve Him or not.
This same freedom extends directly into the spirit world. Individuals waiting in spirit prison are left to their own agency to receive or reject the glad tidings of the gospel. Without this divine power to choose, humanity simply cannot progress in any sphere.
Priesthood Organization and Gospel Activity
The organization of the priesthood is another beautiful similarity found across the four stages of existence. Joseph Smith revealed that every man who has a calling to minister here was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of heaven. Even before they were born, prophets received their first lessons in the world of spirits.
This sacred authority does not end at physical death. Early leaders confirmed that the exact same priesthood exists on the other side of the veil. Faithful men will join their respective quorums there, continuing their highly organized labor to redeem the human family.
Heavenly Creations, Cities, and Temples
Many people are surprised to learn that animals, plants, and heavenly cities exist in all four stages of existence. Bruce R. McConkie noted that plants and animals were created as spirits long before the physical earth was ever formed. John the Revelator even saw resurrected beasts in heaven, enjoying their eternal felicity and praising God.
Furthermore, the next life will not be a cloudy, formless void. Early leaders described seeing beautiful lakes, massive forests, and magnificent architecture. Wilford Woodruff specifically saw mansions in the Celestial Kingdom built by the best architects in heaven.
Orson Pratt also taught that there will be ample room for delightful agricultural pursuits. He noted that resurrected beings will enjoy lovely orchards, beautiful flowers, and glorious gardens. The earth itself will be sanctified, immortalized, and made like unto crystal.
The Expansion of Wisdom and Knowledge
Our current mortal understanding is severely limited compared to the other four stages of existence. Orson Pratt explained that when our spirits entered physical tabernacles, our former celestial knowledge vanished away. We are currently fed spiritual knowledge little by little, much like feeding a weakly infant.
However, it will be a great, ongoing work to continue learning our exaltation even beyond the grave. In the resurrection, our minds will be completely unclogged from this heavy mortal tabernacle. We will gain new, unimaginable ideas concerning the immensity of God’s glorious creations.
The Continuation of the Family Unit
The most comforting similarity across the four stages of existence is the continuation of the family unit. We were begotten as spirit children and reared to maturity by literal heavenly parents prior to coming to earth. Today, we organize our own earthly families in holy temples according to that exact same divine order.
In the spirit world, fathers, mothers, and children will continue to recognize each other and maintain their sweet family relationships. Ultimately, celestial marriage and eternal increase are the greatest blessings conferred upon the human family. Please review the incredible 7-page document below to read all 65 prophetic quotes regarding our eternal destiny!
