Have you ever wondered what happens to us before we are born and after we pass away? Understanding the journey of the spirit world and our eternal existence provides immense comfort and profound purpose. The plan of happiness is not limited to our short time here on earth.
The embedded document below is a masterpiece of doctrinal research. It catalogs over 1,300 apostolic quotes detailing the magnificent journey of the human soul. By studying these teachings, you can find brilliant answers to life’s most pressing eternal questions.
Our Glorious Premortal Existence
Long before we were born on this earth, we existed as intelligences, without a beginning and without an end. We then became the literal spirit children of divine, immortal, and omnipotent Heavenly Parents. In this premortal realm, we lived in the presence of God and were taught His eternal laws.
Interestingly, we were not all exactly equal in our intelligence or our faithfulness during this premortal period. Because of their profound spiritual valor and obedience, many noble and great spirits were foreordained to specific missions on the earth.
During this time, we all possessed the incredible gift of free agency. We were given the opportunity to choose our own path, and we eagerly anticipated coming to earth to obtain a physical body. We literally shouted for joy at the prospect of continuing our eternal progression.
The Grand Purpose of Mortality
God created this earth as a specific testing ground where we could prove our faithfulness. Coming to earth to receive a physical body was an absolutely essential step in our eternal development. Without this physical tabernacle, our spirits could not fully progress to become like our Heavenly Father.
This life is a probationary state filled with necessary struggles, learning, and growth. God intentionally designed it so that we would experience trials and opposition to build our character. God’s perfect plan could never force us to be righteous, as that would completely destroy our opportunity for true growth.
Instead, we were given the unfettered power of choice and allowed to experience opposites like good and evil. By overcoming these necessary earthly challenges, we prove our willingness to obey His divine laws. Furthermore, the creation of eternal families is central to His ultimate plan of happiness for His children.
The Peaceful Transition of Death
While mortal death often brings deep sorrow to those left behind, it is a completely necessary component of our eternal existence. It is simply the separation of the eternal spirit from the physical, mortal body. For the righteous who are prepared to meet God, passing through the gateway of death is a time of immense joy.
Prophets have taught that there is no true tragedy in death itself, but only in sin. When we pass through the veil, we are greeted by loving family members and friends who have gone before us. Knowing that this separation is only temporary brings profound peace to our grieving hearts.
Life and Labor in the Spirit World
When our bodies are laid to rest, our spirits immediately enter the postmortal realm. This sphere is not far away; it is located right here upon the earth, existing in another dimension. In this realm, spirits retain their exact identity, personality, and even the likeness of their mortal bodies.
This existence is a place of incredible activity and constant learning. The righteous are heavily engaged in missionary work, preaching the gospel to those who died without a knowledge of the truth. Faithful elders and sisters continue their ministries, organizing the work of salvation on the other side of the veil.
For those who died without accepting the gospel, they enter a state known as spirit prison, where they are lovingly taught the truth. However, they must rely entirely on the living to perform their saving vicarious ordinances in the holy temples. Furthermore, our departed loved ones are often very near to us and anxiously watch over their mortal descendants.
The Glorious Resurrection to Come
The final and most triumphant stage of our journey is the physical resurrection. Because of the infinite atonement of Jesus Christ, every single person born on earth will be resurrected from the grave. Our spirits and bodies will be perfectly and eternally reunited, never to be separated again.
For the faithful who have kept their covenants, this resurrection will be glorious beyond all human imagination. They will be cleansed of all physical deformities and limitations, ascending to a state of absolute perfection. Ultimately, they will dwell with their eternal families in the celestial kingdom forever.
Please take the time to study the massive 317-page document below. It is filled with thousands of inspired quotes that will completely transform your understanding of eternity!
