Have you ever wondered exactly what happens to our physical bodies after we pass away? For members of the Church, the Resurrection is one of the most comforting and glorious doctrines we possess. It completely removes the sting of death and provides eternal, unbreakable hope for our families.
The embedded document below answers some of the most common and fascinating questions about the next life. It covers everything from what our bodies will look like to how the different kingdoms of glory are structured. By studying these answers, you will gain a profound understanding of Heavenly Father’s ultimate plan of happiness.
Understanding the Basics of the Resurrection
What exactly is this miraculous event? Simply put, it is the eternal joining of the physical body and the spirit, never again to be separated. A resurrected person is no longer subject to disease, pain, aging, or death. This incredible, universal blessing is made possible entirely through the infinite atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Because of Him, all individuals who have ever lived on the earth will eventually be resurrected. This includes little children and those with diminished mental capacities, who automatically qualify for celestial glory. For those who did not have the opportunity to accept the gospel on earth, they will have the chance to learn in the spirit world.
Translated Beings and the Millennium
Not everyone experiences death in the traditional, mortal sense. Some individuals are granted a state of translation, meaning their bodies are not subject to death until their eventual resurrection. Ancient prophets like Moses, Elijah, and John the Revelator were translated to perform specific future missions on the earth.
During the glorious millennium, death as we know it will completely cease. People will live in perfect harmony, eating, drinking, and wearing clothing just as we do now. When they reach an old age, known scripturally as the “age of a tree,” they will be changed from mortality to immortality in the twinkling of an eye.
The Judgment and Kingdoms of Glory
Who will act as our great judge when this life is over? God the Father has delegated the keys of perfect judgment directly to His Son, Jesus Christ. We will be judged perfectly according to our works, our daily thoughts, and the pure intents of our hearts.
Depending on our faithfulness, we will be assigned to a specific kingdom of glory. Godly people who obey the gospel ordinances will inherit the Celestial Kingdom, administered by the Father. Goodly people who reject the fullness of the gospel will inherit the Terrestrial Kingdom, while the wicked will inherit the Telestial Kingdom.
Are all resurrected bodies exactly the same? No, they are resurrected with different abilities and glories according to their righteousness. Once a person is assigned to a kingdom after the Resurrection, modern prophets teach that there is no progression between the kingdoms worlds without end.
The Different Periods of the Resurrection
This glorious event does not happen to everyone all at once. Christ was the very first individual to rise from the tomb, opening the graves for many other celestial souls. Since that time, a select few individuals, like Moroni, have been resurrected to fulfill specific priesthood purposes.
There will be another massive resurrection of the just when the Savior returns in glory for His Second Coming. Throughout the millennium, both celestial and terrestrial souls will continue to be resurrected. Finally, at the end of the millennium, the unjust will be resurrected, including those of a telestial glory and the sons of perdition.
The Celestial Earth and the Universe
Will animals and plants be saved? Yes, animals have spirits and will be saved in their destined eternal spheres. Even the earth itself will undergo a magnificent celestial transformation. It was baptized in the days of Noah, will be confirmed with fire at the Second Coming, and will ultimately become a celestialized, resurrected sphere.
Furthermore, the immense power of the Resurrection is completely universal in scope. It applies to and is currently happening on other worlds and across infinite galaxies created by God. Read the amazing 13-page document below to explore these profound questions and explanations in full detail!
