> Jerusalem rejoices as the Messiah comes to her riding on an ass/donkey (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:8–10 & John 12:13-15)

> Christ will be pierced (Zechariah 12:10; John 19:32-37)

> Jesus will be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12–13 & Psalm 41:9; Matthew 27:6–10)

> Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple (Malachi 3:1; D&C 36:8)

> As he spake by .. his holy prophets (Luke 1:70)

> This day this scripture fulfilled in your ears (Luke 4:21)

> Expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself (Luke 24:27)

> Found him, of whom Moses … did write, Jesus (1 Nephi 22:21; John 1:45, 5:46)

> This is of a truth that prophet that should come (John 6:14)

> Prophets … foretold of these days (Acts 3:24)

> Christ … should come among the Jews (2 Nephi 10:3)

Jesus’s role in the church of Christ

> God will raise up a prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15–16; John 5:45–47, Acts 7:37; 3 Nephi 20:23)

> There shall come a star out of Jacob (Numbers 24:17)

> God will raise up a faithful priest who does God’s will (Psalm 110:4; 1 Samuel 2:35; Hebrews 2:17)

> The Messiah will judge the world justly (Psalm 9:7–10; Acts 17:31)

> The Messiah will have authority over all judgment (Isaiah 22:22; Revelation 3:7)

> The Messiah will pour out his Spirit (Isaiah 44:3; John 16:7)

> The Messiah will usher in a new covenant (Jeremiah 31:31; Matthew 26:28)

Jesus’s death and resurrection

> Christ will be our Passover Lamb (Exodus 12:21–27; 1 Corinthians 5:7)

> Like the Passover Lamb, none of the Christ’s bones will be broken (Exodus 12:46 & Psalm 34:20; John 19:31–37)

> The Messiah’s blood will be spilled for the atonement (Leviticus 17:11; Matthew 26:28)

> Jesus will be lifted up, and everyone who looks on Him will live (Numbers 21:9; John 3:14–18)

> Christ’s resurrection is foretold (Job 19:23–27; John 5:24–29)

> I have begotten thee (Psalm 2:1-9, 12; Acts 13:33, Hebrews 1:5)

> God’s anointed will not see corrupted flesh (Psalm 16:9–11; Acts 2:31)

> The Messiah would be forsaken (Psalm 22:1; Matthew 27:46 & Mark 15:34)

> The Messiah would be scorned (Psalm 22:8; Matthew 27:42–43)

> The Messiah’s suffering would include thirst (Psalm 22:15; John 19:28)

> They would pierce Christ’s hands and feet (Psalm 22:16; John 19:36–37)

> The captors would cast lots for Jesus’s clothing (Psalm 22:18; John 19:23–24)

> The Messiah will cry, “Into thy hands I commend my Spirit” (Psalm 31:5; Luke 23:46)

> Everyone will abandon the Messiah (Psalm 31:11; Mark 14:50)

> The wicked will plot to kill God’s anointed (Psalm 31:13; Matthew 27:1)

> The Messiah will be quiet before his accusers (Psalm 38:12–13; Matthew 27:12–14)

> The Messiah would be abandoned by those closest to him (Psalm 41:9; John 13:18)

> Christ’s thirst will be quenched with vinegar and gall/myrrh (Psalm 69:21; Matthew 27:33-34, 48 & Mark 15:23 & John 19:29)

> The glorification of Jesus in the context of the resurrection Psalm 110; Acts 2:29-35)

> The Messiah’s resurrection predicted (Psalm 118:17–18; Luke 24:5–7)

> The Messiah will conquer death (Isaiah 25:7–8; 1 Corinthians 15:54)

> The Messiah will be mocked and abused (Isaiah 50:3–6; Matthew 27:27–31)

> I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks (Isaiah 50:6)

> He was wounded for our transgressions (Isaiah 53:5; Mosiah 14:5)

> Redeemer shall come to Zion (Isaiah 59:20)

> I will open your graves (Ezekiel 37:12; Matthew 27:52)

> I will redeem them from death (Hosea 13:14)

> Thou brought up my life from corruption (Jonah 2:2-9)

> Thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy people (Habakkuk 3:13)

> I was wounded in the house of my friends (Zechariah 13:6)

> Call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins (Matthew 1:21 & Luke 2:21)

> Written of the Son of man, that he must suffer (Mark 9:12)

> They had slain the Messiah, who should come (1 Nephi 10:11)

> He was lifted upon the cross (1 Nephi 11:33)

> The Lord is their Savior … the Mighty One (1 Nephi 22:12)

> The Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life (2 Nephi 2:8)

> He will rise from the dead, with healing in his wings (2 Nephi 25:13)

> Redemption cometh through Christ (Mosiah 16:15)

> Redemption … through the death and suffering (Alma 21:9)

> Christ, who shall come … to redeem the world (Helaman 5:9)

> I am he who was prepared … to redeem my people (Ether 3:14)

Prophecies to be fulfilled in the future:

> Utterly destroyed by the brightness of my coming (D&C 5:19)

> I will reveal myself from heaven with power (D&C 29:11)

> You may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom (D&C 33:17)

> Time soon at hand that I shall come (D&C 34:7)

> Shall abide the day of my coming (D&C 35:21)

> Preparing the way … for the time of my coming (D&C 39:20)

> I shall come in my glory in the clouds (D&C 45:16)

> Saints … quickened and be caught up to meet him (D&C 88:96)

> Coming of the Lord draweth nigh (D&C 106:4; 133:17)

> The time of the coming of the Son of Man (D&C 130:14)

“Eve faced a choice between selfish ease and unselfishly facing tribulation and death… This they did with open eyes and minds as to the consequences … the gospel had been taught to them during their sojourn in the Garden of Eden” (John A Widtsoe, JAW-1)

• Some may regret that Adam and Eve sinned. This is nonsense – Brigham Young (BY-1)
• Ordained to do what they did – Wilford Woodruff (WW-1)
• Eve did the thing the Lord intended her to do – Joseph Fielding Smith (JFieldS-1)
• Fall for the good of all mankind – Bruce R McConkie (BRM-1)
• Conversant with God – Brigham Young (BY-2)
• Wonderful intelligence – Joseph Fielding Smith (JFieldS-6)
• Full knowledge of the plan of salvation – Jeffrey R Holland (JRH-1)
• Adam and Eve willingly made a choice, choosing the path toward growth – Jeffrey R Holland (JRH-1)
• God came to him [Adam] and talked to him and told him [and Eve] what course to pursue – John Taylor (JT-1)
• In Eden, there was no veil of forgetfulness – Joseph Smith (JS-1), Orson Pratt (OP-1), Parley P Pratt (PPP-1)
• Intelligence in Garden of Eden surpasses any living human being – Joseph Fielding Smith (JFieldS-2)
• Not forbidden – but a choice – don’t eat and stay, or eat and leave – Joseph Fielding Smith (JFieldS-3, 5)
• Sin versus transgression, a planned offense – Dallin H Oaks (DHO-1)
• We celebrate Eve’s actions – Dallin H Oaks (DHO-2)
•  Eve was a great and noble woman – Marion G Romney (MGR-1)

• Some garden events not historical or literal such as Eve from Adam’s rib, Christ to crush serpant’s head, leave father and mother and become one flesh, Adam-where art thou? (as if Go didn’t know), Adam & Eve as “little” children (not infants, but humble and teachable)
• Adam and Eve are “symbolically representations of all men and women” – Gordon B Hinckley (GBH-1); Act “as if you were Adam and Eve,” Temple Ceremony
• A perfect God couldn’t make imperfect mortals with sickness and death – Orson Pratt (OP-2)
• Woman are partners, work side-by-side with man – Russell M Nelson (RMN-1)
• No blood in Adams body in the Garden of Eden – Joseph Fielding Smith (JFS-4)
• The partaking of the fruit brought blood into their bodies – Joseph Fielding Smith (JFS-5)

References with fuller quotes

BRM -1 — Bruce R McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p 221 (Deseret Book: Salt Lake City, Ut, 1978); bold added for emphasis.

            … Be fruitful, and multiply. “Provide bodies for my spirit progeny.” Thus saith thy God. Eternity hangs in the balance. The plans of Deity are at the crossroads. There is only one course to follow: the course of conformity and obedience. Adam, … our father, and Eve, our mother, must obey. They must fall. They must become mortal. Death must enter the world. There is no other way. They must fall that man may be. Such is the reality. Such is the rationale. Such is the divine will. Fall thou must, O mighty Michael. Fall? Yes, plunge down from thy immortal state of peace, perfection, and glory to a lower existence; leave the presence of thy God in the garden and enter the lone and dreary world …. Yes, Adam, fall; fall for thine own good; fall for the good of all mankind; fall that man may be; bring death into the world; do that which will cause an atonement to be made, with all the infinite and eternal blessings which flow therefrom. And so Adam fell as fall he must.

BY-1 — Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 10:312; bold added for emphasis.

            … Some may regret that our first parents sinned. This is nonsense. If I we had been there, and they had not sinned, we should have sinned. I will not blame Adam or Eve, why? Because it was necessary that sin should enter into the world; no man could ever understand the principle of exaltation without its opposite; no one could ever receive an exaltation without being acquainted with its opposite. How did Adam and Eve sin? Did they come out in direct opposition to God and to His government? No. But they transgressed a command of the Lord, and through that transgression sin came into the world. The Lord knew they would do this, and He had designed that they should.

BY-2 — Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 9:149; bold added for emphasis

            … Adam was as conversant with his Father who placed him upon this earth as we are conversant with our earthly parents.

DHO-1 — Dallin H Oaks, “The Great Plan of Happiness.” In Ensign, Nov 1993, pp 72-5. bold added for emphasis

            This transition, or “fall,” could not happen without a transgression-an exercise of moral agency amounting to a willful breaking of a law (see Moses 6:59). This would be a planned offense, a formality to serve an eternal purpose …. It was Eve who first transgressed the limits of Eden in order to initiate the conditions of mortality. Her act . . . was formally a transgression but eternally a glorious necessity to open the doorway toward eternal life. Adam showed his wisdom by doing the same. And thus Eve and ”Adam fell that men might be” (2 Nephi 2:25). This suggested contrast between a sin and a transgression reminds us of the careful wording in the second article of faith: “We believe that men will be punished for their own sins and not for Adam’s transgression” (emphasis added). It also echoes a familiar distinction in the law. Some acts, like murder, are crimes because they are inherently wrong. Other acts, like operating without a license, are crimes only because they are legally prohibited. Under these distinctions, the act that produced the Fall was not a sin- – inherently wrong — but a transgression — wrong because it was formally prohibited.

DHO-2 — Dallin H Oaks, “The Great Plan of Happiness.” In Ensign, Nov 1993, pp 73. bold added for emphasis

            … Some Christians condemn Eve for her act, concluding that she and her daughters are somehow flawed by it. Not the Latter-day Saints! Informed by revelation, we celebrate Eve’s act and honor her wisdom and courage in the great episode called the Fall.

GBH-1 — Gordon B Hinckley, Teachings of Gordon B Hinckley, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book], 636. bold added for emphasis

… we have sketched before (the temple ceremony) us the odyssey of man’s eternal journey from premortal existence through this life to the life beyond. “

JAW-1 — John A Widtsoe, Evidences and Reconciliations, pp 193-4; bold added for emphasis

            … Eve faced a choice between selfish ease and unselfishly facing tribulation and death… This they did with open eyes and minds as to the consequences … the gospel had been taught to them during their sojourn in the Garden of Eden.

JFieldS-1 — Joseph Fielding Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions 4:80; (5 vol, 1957-1966) Deseret Book: Salt Lake City, Ut); bold added for emphasis.

            … The simple fact is, as explained in the Book of Mormon and the revelations given to the Prophet Joseph Smith, the fall was a very essential part of the divine plan. Adam and Eve therefore did the very thing that the Lord intended them to do. If we had the original record, we would see the purpose of the fall clearly stated and its necessity explained.

JFieldS-2 — Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 1:59 (Bookcraft: Salt Lake City, UT, 1998), bold added for emphasis

            ADAM SPOKE CELESTIAL LANGUAGE.

            The first man placed upon this earth was an intelligent being, created in the image of God, possessed of wisdom and knowledge, with power to communicate his thoughts in a language, both oral and written, which was superior to anything to be found on the earth today. This may sound very sweeping and dogmatic to those who hold to the other view, but it is not any more so than their statements to the contrary. Moreover, I do not say it of myself, but merely repeat what the Lord has said; and surely the Creator, above all others, ought to know!

JFieldS-3 — Joseph Fielding Smith, “Fall-Atonement-Resurrection-Sacrament,” in Charge to Religious Educators, 1982, p. 124); bold added for emphasis.

            … What did Adam do? The very thing the Lord wanted him to do; and I hate to hear anybody call it a sin, for it wasn’t a sin. Now this is the way I interpret that: The Lord said to Adam, here is the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you want to stay here, then you cannot eat of that fruit. If you want to stay here, then I forbid you to eat it. But you may act for yourself, and you may eat of it if you want to. And if you eat it, you will die.

            … Mortality was created through the eating of the forbidden fruit, if you want to call it forbidden, but I think the Lord has made it clear that it was not forbidden. He merely said to Adam, if you want to stay here [in the garden] this is the situation. If so, don’t eat it.

JFieldS-4 — Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 1:76–77; bold added for emphasis.

            …Adam had a spiritual body until mortality came upon him through the violation of the law under which he was living, but he also had a physical body of flesh and bones.

            … Now what is a spiritual body? It is one that is quickened by spirit and not by blood. …

            … When Adam was in the Garden of Eden, he was not subject to death. There was no blood in his body and he could have remained there forever. This is true of all the other creations.

JFieldS-5 — Joseph Fielding Smith, The Atonement of Jesus Christ, Brigham Young University Speeches of the Year [25 Jan. 1955], 2); bold added for emphasis.

            … Adam and Eve were chosen to come here as the primal parents of humanity. And they were placed in the Garden of Eden where there was no death and we read in the scriptures that they could have lived in that Garden forever, but not under the most favorable circumstances. For there, although they were in the presence of God, they were deprived of certain knowledge and understanding in a condition where they could not understand clearly things that were necessary for them to know. Therefore, it became essential to their salvation and to ours that their nature should be changed. The only way it could be changed was by the violation of the law under which they were at that time. Mortality could not come without violation of that law and mortality was essential, a step towards our exaltation. Therefore, Adam partook of the forbidden fruit, forbidden in a rather peculiar manner for it is the only place in all the history where we read that the Lord forbade something and yet said, ‘Nevertheless thou mayest choose for thyself.’ He never said that of any sin. I do not look upon Adam’s fall as a sin, although it was a transgression of the law. It had to be. And Adam came under a different law. The temporal law. And he became subject to death. The partaking of that fruit created blood in his body and that blood became the life-giving influence of mortality.

JFieldS-6 — Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, 1:59; bold added for emphasis.

            ADAM NOT END PRODUCT OF EVOLUTION. Adam was placed here, not a wild, half- civilized savage, but a perfectly-developed man, with wonderful intelligence, for he helped to create this earth. He was chosen in pre-existence to be the first man upon the earth and the father of the human race, and he will preside over his posterity forever.

            Now, the Lord did not choose a being that had just developed from the lower forms of life, to be a prince, an archangel, to preside over the human race forever! Adam, as Michael, was one of the greatest intelligences in the spirit world and he stands next to Jesus Christ. When he came upon the earth, the Lord gave him a perfect form of government.

JRH-1 — Jeffrey R Holland, Christ and the new Covenant, pp 202-3; Deseret Book: Salt Lake City, Ut, 1997; bold added for emphasis.

            These terrible risks of sorrow and death were facts Adam and Eve were willing to face in order that “men might be.” But they — like us — were able and willing to venture these only with the knowledge that there would be safety at the end of the day for those who wanted it and lived for it. They were willing to transgress knowingly and consciously (the only way they could “fall” into the consequences of mortality, inasmuch as Elohim certainly could not force innocent parties out of the garden and …, be a just God) only because they had a full knowledge of the Plan of salvation, which would provide for them a way back from their struggle with death and hell. As Adam would later say, “Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy, and in the flesh I shall see God.” (Moses 5:10)

            On that same occasion Eve said even more poignantly, “Were it not for our transgression we never should have … known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient.” (Moses 5:11)

            So Adam and Eve willingly made a choice, choosing the path toward growth and godhood inherent in the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil over the potentially meaningless (at least at that point in their development) tree of life.

JS-1 — Joseph Smith, Lectures on Faith, 2:12; bold added for emphasis.

            … [Adam was] lord or governor of all things on earth, and at the same time enjoying communion and intercourse with his Maker, without a veil to separate between.”

JT-1 — John Taylor, The Gospel Kingdom, sel. G. Homer Durham (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1987), p. 91; bold added for emphasis.

            … How did Adam get his information of the things of God? He got it through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and through this same Priesthood of which we have been speaking. God came to him in the garden and talked with him. We are told that no man can see the face of God and live. How was it that he obtained his knowledge of God? Through the Gospel; and he was the first man upon this earth that had the Gospel and the holy Priesthood; and if he had it not, he could not have known anything about God or his revelations. But God revealed himself to him and told him what he might do and what he might not do, what course he was to pursue and what course not to pursue

MGR-1 — Marion G Romney, “Mother Eve, a Worthy Exemplar” Relief Society Magazine 55 (February) 84-89; bold added for emphasis

            … calling your attention to the five great character traits of Mother Eve, as they ae revealed in the scriptures.

            … she was a great and noble woman who set an example in righteous living worthy of emulation not only by members of Relief Society but by all other women.

            The virtues I speak of are these:

1. She labored with her husband.

2. She fulfilled her mission to multiply and replenish the earth.

3. She prayed with her husband.

4. She learned, understood, and appreciated the gospel.

5. With her husband, she taught the gospel to her children.

OP-1– Orson Pratt, Journal of Discourses, 21:203-4; bold added for emphasis.

            … Adam and Eve were placed upon it, and they were immortal, just like all the beasts and just like the fishes of the sea; death had not yet come upon any of them; all things were immortal so far as this creation was concerned. The first pairs, the beginning of his temporal work, were not subject to death. And another thing, they were not to be shut out from the presence of the Almighty. They could behold his countenance, they could hear his voice. Those who then existed—could converse with him freely. There was no veil between them and the Lord.

OP-2 — Orson Pratt, Journal of Discourses, 21:289; bold added for emphasis.

            “God did not make a mortal being. It would be contrary to his great goodness to make a man mortal, subject to pain, subject to sickness, subject to death …. If he had made them mortal, and subject to pain, there would have been some cause, among intelligent beings, to say that the Lord subjected man, without a cause, to afflictions, sorrows, death and mortality. But he could not do this; it was contrary to the nature of his attributes, contrary to the nature of that infinite goodness which dwells in the bosom of the Father and the Son, to make a being subject to any kind of pain.” Pratt, in journal of Discourses, 21:289. See also Pratt (2000), 81-82.

PPP-1 — Parley P Pratt, Voice of Warning, pp 110-122; bold added for emphasis.

            … And to crown the whole, we behold man created in the image of God, and exalted in dignity and power, having dominion over all the vast creation of animated beings, which swarmed through the earth, while, at the same time, he inhabits a beautiful and well-watered garden, in the midst of which stood the tree of life, to which he had free access; while he stood in the presence of his Maker, conversed with him face to face, and gazed upon his glory, without a dimming veil between. O reader, contemplate, for a moment, this beautiful creation, clothed with peace and plenty; the earth teeming, with harmless animals, rejoicing over all the plain; the air swarming with delightful birds, whose never ceasing notes filled the air with varied melody; and all in subjection to their rightful sovereign who rejoiced over them; while, in a delightful garden—the capitol of creation,—man was seated on the throne of his vast empire, swaying his sceptre over all the earth, with undisputed right; while legions of angels encamped round about him, and joined their glad voices, in grateful songs of praise, and shouts of joy; neither a sigh nor groan was heard, throughout the vast expanse; neither was there sorrow, tears, pain, weeping, sickness, nor death; neither contentions, wars, nor bloodshed; but peace crowned the seasons as they rolled, and life, joy, and love, reigned over all his works

            … First, man fell from his standing before God, by giving heed to temptation; and this fall affected the whole creation, as well as man, and caused various changes to take place; he was banished from the presence of his Creator, and a veil was drawn between them, and he was driven from the garden of Eden, to till the earth, which was then cursed for man’s sake, and should begin to bring forth thorns and thistles: and with the sweat of his face he should earn his bread, and in sorrow eat of it, all the days of his life, and finally return to dust.

RMN-1 — Russell M Nelson, “Lessons from Eve.” Ensign, Nov. 1987, pp 86-89; bold added for emphasis.

            From the rib of Adam, Eve was formed (see Genesis 2:22; Moses 3:22; Abraham 5:16). Interesting to me is the fact that animals fashioned by our Creator, such as dogs and cats, have thirteen pairs of ribs, but the human being has one less with only twelve. I presume another bone could have been used, but the rib, coming as it does from the side, seems to denote partnership. The rib signifies neither dominion nor subservience, but a lateral relationship as partners, to work and to live, side by side.

WW-1 — Wilford Woodruff, Journal of Discourses, 23:126. bold added for emphasis.

            Adam and Eve came to this world to perform exactly the part that they acted in the garden of Eden; and I will say, they were ordained of God to do what they did, and it was therefore expected that they would eat of the forbidden fruit in order that man might know both good and evil by passing through this school of experience that this life affords us

Notice the similarities of things in the pre-earth existence, our current earth-life, the spirit world and Resurrection

Note: this is not complete, it is a work in progress, the references refer to the index for the SW quotes

Free agency

1. pre-earth

a. This is a law (law of free agency) which has always existed from all eternity, and will continue to exist throughout all the eternities to come. Every intelligent being must have the power of choice. (Brigham Young, BY21)

b. He (man) possessed it (free agency) in the heaven of heavens before the world was, and the Lord maintained and defended it there against the aggression of Lucifer. … By virtue of this agency you and I and all mankind are made responsible beings… (Wilford Woodruff, WW1)

2. earth

a. God has given to all men an agency and has granted to us the privilege to serve him or serve him not. … But he will hold us strictly to an account for the use that we make of this agency… (Joseph F. Smith, JFS4)

b. . Freedom of choice is more to be treasured than any possession earth can give…. Only to the human being did the Creator say, ‘… thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee;’ … Without this divine power to choose, humanity cannot progress. (David O. McKay, DOM9)

c. They perhaps might have been faithful if they had exercised the agency which God gave them.  But how easily are mankind toppled first this way, then that way; and are led astray, even after the heavens were opened (dedication of Kirtland Temple) and chariots and horses of fire as well as angels were seen; still many of those brethren apostatized. (Orson Pratt, OP30)

d. He wants us to choose to return to Him. He will not, He does not force us in any way. (Russell M. Nelson, RMN2(

3. spirit world

a. … they (in spirit prison) will be left to their own agency, either to receive or reject these glad tidings … (Orson Pratt, OP18)

b. God gave man his agency from the beginning (including the spirit world). (D. Todd Christofferson, DTC1)

4. resurrection (celestial kingdom)

Priesthood/gospel activity

1. pre-earth

a. Every man who has a calling to minister to the inhabitants of the world was ordained to that very purpose in the Grand Council of heaven before this world was. (Joseph Smith, JS8)

b. Even before they [the prophets] were born, they, with many others, received their first lessons in the world of spirits (D&C 138:56)

c. The spirits of men were not equal (in the pre-earth existence)…but the right of free agency which was given to them enabled some to outstrip others, and thus, through the eons of immortal existence, to become more intelligent, more faithful… (Joseph fielding Smith, JFieldS5)

d. The Priesthood was first given to Adam; he obtained the First Presidency, and held the keys of it from generation to generation.  He obtained it in the Creation, before the world was formed … (Joseph Smith, JS39)

e. Joseph Smith, Junior, was ordained to this great calling before the worlds were. (Brigham Young, BY59)

2. earth

a. … therefore God conversed with men (on the earth), and made known unto them the plan of redemption, which had been prepared from the foundation of the world; (Alma 12:30)

b. Who instructed (Joseph Smith) in the mysteries of the Kingdom, and in all things pertaining to Priesthood, law, philosophy, sacred architecture, ordinances, sealings, anointings, baptisms for the dead, and in the mysteries of the first, second, and third heavens, many of which are unlawful to utter? Angels and spirits from the eternal worlds. (Parley P. Pratt, PPP20)

c. … and that through the operation and co-operation of the heavenly priesthood and the earthly priesthood, … a kingdom established that the will of God may be done upon the earth as it is done in heaven. (John Taylor, JT15)

3. spirit world

a. They are organized according to priesthood order in family organizations as we are here; only there they exist in a more perfect order. (Ezra Taft Benson, ETB5)

b. The same Priesthood exists on the other side of the vail. Every man who is faithful in his quorum here will join his quorum there. (Wilford Woodruff, WW3)

4. resurrection (celestial kingdom)

a. This earth, in its sanctified and immortal state, will be made like unto crystal and will be a Urim and Thummim to the inhabitants who dwell thereon, whereby all things pertaining to an inferior kingdom (and) things pertaining to a higher order of kingdoms will be made known (D&C 130:9, 10)

b. … in accordance with the Temples that exist in yonder heaven. (Orson Pratt, OP9)

Man, animal life and plants

1. pre-earth

a.  … then man, animals and plants were not created in the spirit at the time of the creation of the earth, but long before. (Bruce R. McConkie, BRM3)

b. the spirits of mankind and all other creatures were in a perfect form in the spirit world (prior to the creation of the earth) (Joseph Fielding Smith, JFieldS15)

c. Thy spirit, filled with joy and thanksgiving, rejoiced in thy Father, and rendered praise to His holy name, and the (pre-earth) spirit world resounded in anthems of praise to the Father of spirits.  Thou bade father, mother and all farewell … (John Taylor, JT12)

d. …beings that dwelt in eternal light before we came here … (John Taylor, JT26)

e. … they (spirits) had previously been acquainted with every nook and corner … (Brigham Young, BY22)

f. We lived as spirit children-individual, intelligent sons and daughters of God-before our mortal birth. (Boyd K Packer, BKP30)

2. earth

a. God who formed it and established its mineral, vegetable, and animal kingdoms.  (Brigham Young, BY86)

b. … but at the present time it (the earth) is a dark, little speck in space. (Brigham Young, BY88)

c. . God created the earth as an organized sphere; but He certainly did not create, in the sense of bringing into primal existence, the ultimate elements of the materials of which the earth consists … (FP3)

3. spirit world

4. resurrection (celestial kingdom)

a.  John also saw resurrected beasts in heaven, and the revelation specifically says they were “individual beasts … in their destined order or sphere of creation, in the enjoyment of their eternal felicity.” … they were seen and heard by John praising and glorifying God (Bruce R. McConkie, BRM10)

b. John saw beings there of a thousand forms, that had been saved from ten thousand times ten thousand earths like this, strange beasts of which we have no conception; all might be seen in heaven. (Joseph Smith, JS31)

c. When that time comes (earth celestialized), all those people upon the face of the earth who have lived a terrestrial law and been privileged to stay upon the face of the earth, will have to move out. (Joseph Fielding Smith, JFieldS24)

d. In the resurrection, men who have been faithful and diligent in all things in the flesh, have kept their first and second estate, and [are] worthy to be crowned Gods, even the sons of God, will be ordained to organize matter. (Brigham Young, BY76)

e. These (mineral, vegetable, and animal kingdoms) will all be retained upon the earth, come forth in the resurrection, and abide forever and ever. (Brigham Young, BY86)

f. … worlds will continue to be made, formed, and organized, and messengers from this earth will be sent to others. (Brigham Young, BY87)

g. When this is dissolved (body), and we again obtain our bodies by the power of the resurrection, … the food we eat and the water we drink, will be supplanted by another element; for flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. (Brigham Young, BY90)

The Door (John 10:7, 9)

            A door is the place of entrance into a location. In this situation, “the door” is symbolically the entrance into a Kingdom called the Kingdom of God. This Kingdom is both the earthly physical kingdom of believers and the spiritual kingdom (Matt. 6:10) which is organized in Heaven and will join itself with the earthly at the second coming of Christ. Note that Christ said he is “the door” and not “a door.” Christ, as “the door,” leads the faithful to eternal life, in fact he is the only entrance to that kingdom (John 3:16).

            The faithful are encouraged to “knock” (Matt 7:7; Luke 11:9). To knock is to act in faith by seeking and following the Lord. The reward is a sure promise, “To him that knocketh, it shall be opened.” (Matt 7:8; Luke 11:10)

The Life (John 14:6)

            Christ is the source of life in two ways: first, through the creation of the earth and the universe (Gen 1:1) he brought life to the earth and all living things on it; and second, through His role of the atonement, He offers mankind both the universal resurrection and conditionally eternal life (John 17:3).  

            In that creation, he brought life to the planet and to the universe. On the first day – light; on the second day – the sky; on the third day – dry lands, seas, plants and trees; on the fourth day – the sun, moon, and stars; on the fifth day – creatures that live in the sea and creatures that fly; on the sixth day – animals, and finally man (who was created in God’s image).

            The Atonement is the sacrifice Jesus Christ made to help us overcome sin, adversity, and death. Jesus’s atoning sacrifice took place in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross at Calvary. He paid the price for our sins, took upon Himself death, and was resurrected. This is the redeeming power of the Atonement is as one turns to Christ and repent of their sins, He will forgive you and cleanse you and change your heart. Through his atonement, “just men are made perfect.” (D&C 76:69). It is the “greatest miracle in human history… nothing done before or since has so affected mankind as the atonement wrought by Jesus of Nazareth..” (Pres. Gordon B Hinckley, Apr 1994 general conference)

The Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)

            Christ’s claim to be the “Resurrection and the Life,” means that he is the source for both things. His statement comes at the death of Lazarus. When Christ was outside Bethany, Lazarus’s sister Martha went out to meet Jesus. “If thou hadst been here,” she said, “my brother had not died.” Such was her faith in Jesus’ power to heal. Jesus replied by assuring Martha that her brother would rise again. Martha responded again in faith: “I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” At this point, Jesus makes His fifth “I Am” statement in John’s gospel, “I am the resurrection, and the life,” and He follows it with a call to faith: “He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whoever liveth and believeth in me, shall never die” (John 11:21-24).

            What Life is Christ referring to and what is the Resurrection?

            The “life” is the promise that “he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father’s kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him.” (D&C 84:33–38.).

            The Resurrection is the joining of the body and the spirit, never again to be separated. A resurrected person is no longer subject to disease nor death. It is made possible through

Christ who provided the opportunity for all to be resurrected (Alma 40:2-3; 1 Cor 15:21-23)

            Where does the body go after death while it is awaiting its resurrection? To the Spirit world.  But what happens in the spirit world while one is awaiting their resurrection?

Brigham Young recounted, “Father Smith [Joseph Smith Sr.] and Carlos [Smith] and Brother [Edward] Partridge, yes, and every other good Saint, are just as busy in the spirit world as you and I are here. They can see us, but we cannot see them unless our eyes were opened. What are they doing there? They are preaching, preaching all the time, and preparing the way for us to hasten our work in building temples here and elsewhere.” (Ref: Brigham Young, Discourses of Brigham Young, p 378).

            Who will be resurrected? All individuals who have ever lived or who will yet live on the earth will be resurrected. (see 1 Cor 15:22)

            Who will judge an individual for their resurrections? What criteria? At the time of a person’s resurrection, they will be judged according to their works and have a bright recollection of their guilt (Alma 11:41, 43). The Criteria will be: works, thoughts, intents of heart.

            Are all resurrected bodies the same? Are all raised to the same glory in the resurrection?

No, they are resurrected with different bodies and abilities according to their righteousness. (1 Cor. 15:39-42; D&C 76). Only the Celestial, Terrestrial and Telestial souls will be assigned to a Kingdom of Glory. Sons of Perdition are assigned to “outer darkness” which is not a kingdom of glory. Every kingdom has laws, for “unto every kingdom is given a law; and unto every law there are certain bounds also and conditions.” (D&C 88:38)

            What abilities and attributes will those with resurrected bodies have? We only have descriptions of those of a celestial resurrection, whose glory will be like the Sun. Those in the top degree of that kingdom will have the ability to create spiritual offspring.

            Spencer W Kimball has said, “Each one of you has it within the realm of his possibility to develop a kingdom over which you will preside as its king and god. You will need to develop yourself and grow in ability and power and worthiness, to govern such a world with all of its people.” Ref: … The Matter of Marriage” [address delivered at University of Utah Institute of Religion, 22 Oct. 1976], 2).

            In addition to all mankind, plants, animals, and even the earth itself be resurrected. Animals have spirits and will be resurrected (D&C 77). The earth was “baptized” in the days of Noah, will be “confirmed” with burning at the second coming of Christ, and will be resurrected and be prepared for it’s celestial glory (D&C 88:17-20)

The Truth (John 14:6)

            What is truth? In metaphysics and the philosophy of language, beliefs, thoughts, assertions or propositions that are said, in ordinary discourse, to agree with the facts or to state what is the case. Truth is absolute and is not based on an individual’s opinion. Truth can be pleasant or it an be bitter. Truth is permanent. Truth emancipates itself from error. Truth is always real. Truth will always be and cannot be destroyed. Truth can be built upon, expanded and enlarged.

            But the truth the Savior is referring to is a selected group of truths that impact the eternal prospects of man. Other truths, like science, math, history, geography are useful in everyday activities but not generic to the salvation of man. It is interesting that man, in an exalted state, will eventually need to know all truths associated with the universe to fulfill God’s commands to receive a fullness of his knowledge and prepare man for future creative activities.

            Truth is in fact a verified or indisputable fact. However a lack of knowledge of truth does not negate its existence or confer on it a negative status. There are facts and truths throughout the universe, but all are not equal? Truth can be prioritized for eternal purposes. Psalm teaches, “Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth.” (Psalm 86:11).

            How do we obtain truth through Christ? Look for verfiable evidences that point to truths: 1- Read the word of God. Search for truth from reliable sources – Christ, the messenger of truth. 2- Listen and measure “representatives” of God to determine their trustworthiness. 3- Measure new truths against known facts already established of truth. 4- Test all truths to see if they bring about verifiable results. 5- Reject false “truths” that often are common to mankind. 6- Seek spiritual understandings through prayer, pondering, study, contemplation and self-inquiry and compare them to known “truths.” 7- To begin to learn the truths of God, one must have an open mind and consider the possibility that God exists. 8- To learn new truths about one’s relationship to God, one must seek to understand both the attributes and characteristics of God. 9- Seek evidences of the Holy Spirit whose mission it is to testify of truths. 10- An atheist would declare that there are no deities and would reason that the evidence is insufficient… using that as a measure, find evidences that seem to indicate that there is a God; and after the preponderance of evidence is statistically measurable, then proceed with testing and the possible establishment of facts derived from the tests.

The Way (John 14:6)

            Inherent in “the way” is the question, “the way to where?” Once we understand the “where,” then the way can be reasonably considered.

            What is man’s purpose on earth? That is the key question. Most individuals would say their existence is purposeful in the acquisition of education, security, good health, recognition, pleasure, some community service, and feeling of approval of individuals in their core group.

            However, the question is “why is man on the earth,” but from God’s point-of-view. Did mankind exist before birth on the earth? If so, for what purpose. Why would man be sent to the earth? And what awaits man after death?

            The answer to “why is man on the earth,” is found in three statements:

1– “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (John 17:3);

2– “For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” (Moses 1:39) and

3– “God himself, finding he was in the midst of spirits and glory, because he was more intelligent, saw proper to institute laws whereby the rest could have a privilege to advance like himself. … He has power to institute laws to instruct the weaker intelligences, that they may be exalted with himself, so that they might have one glory upon another.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 210)

            Man, having a godly purpose to gain a physical body, to be tested, and to learn godly attributes and characteristics with the end in mind of joining God in “eternal life,” now can look for the most direct path with this end in mind.

            The “way” to the presence of Godly pursuits both in this life and he after-life is through his son, Jesus Christ. It is not solely “the way,” but it is “the only way.” Exclusive, unique, specific things to do, traits to obtain, and practices to inculcate to follow that “way” to Godliness.

The Word (John 1:1)

            “The Word of God” has two different meanings.

            First, it means the things God has said, such as the scriptures, the words of living prophets, his voice to believers through prayer, and the inspiration of the Holy Ghost on individuals and the teachings of his Son, Jesus Christ.

            Second, “The Word of God” is an individual called “The Word,” that is Jesus Christ.

He is a God (“the Word was God,” – John 1:1)

and dwelled with God before coming to earth (“and the Word was with God,” – John 1:1-2);  through whom the worlds were made (“all things were made by him” – John 1:3),

through whom the Father speaks to mankind (“spoken unto us by his Son” – Heb. 1:2)

who came among mankind (“the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” – John 1:14)

to bring to pass God’s plans for his spirit children who have come to earth to take bodies and be tested

True Vine (John 15:1)

            The message of the “true vine” is to “remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” (John 15:4).

            The symbolism of the vine is threefold:

1- The person who cultivates the land (a farmer) was called a husbandman and represented God.

2- The vine of the plant was Christ and

3- The fruit (branches) are the faithful in the fold of God who are fed from the vine (Christ).

            Jesus warns the branches (faithful) that with Christ they can bring forth much fruit, but apart from the vine (Christ), they can do nothing (John 15:5). He indicates that unfruitful branches are gathered and thrown into the fire and burned (John 15:6) which is also a reference to the burning of the wicked at the second coming of the Lord (Malachi 4:1). A good gardner will not let the overall health of the vineyard be destroyed by wild, unruly, or rotten fruit. Instead, he cuts off wilting branches and bad fruit (John 15:2). However, pruning does not necessarily mean cutting people out of the kingdom, pruning also means getting rid of areas in one’s life that are not in harmony with God.

            In the Old Testament, the vine also represents wicked Israel who strayed often  — The Psalmist recounts, “Thou hast brought a vine out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the heathen, and planted it.  Thou preparedst room before it, and didst cause it to take deep root, and it filled the land. (Psalm 80:8-9) but along the way, the vine grew wild, stopped bearing good fruit, withered and was consumed by fire (Jeremiah 2:21, Ezekiel 19:10-14, Isaiah 5:1-7).

Wonderful (Isaiah 9:6)

            The Hebrew word for “wonderful” is pele which means “a miracle, a marvel, a wonder” which indicates “something extraordinary, incomprehensible, inexplicable.”  All of the instances of wonderful in the King James version of the Bible are used to mean “astonishing” and not “extremely good.”

Yahweh

            Yahweh (biblical pronunciation of “YHWH”) is the savior and deliverer and is the exact Hebrew name revealed to Moses (Exodus 3:13-15) and given to the Israelites for their God/Messiah. He is the national god of ancient Israel and Judah.

Yeshua

            Yeshua is the Aramaic short form for yehoshu’a. It is a Hebrew verbal derivative from “to rescue,” “to deliver.”  It can be translated Jesus or Joshua.. When Yeshua is translated into greek, it becomes lesous, which in English is “Jesus.” Jesus is the modern term for the Son of God.

Hidden names of Christ

            To avoid the too frequent repetition of the name of God (D&C 107:4; Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord, thy God in vain; – Exodus 20:7), sometimes in the scriptures the name is veiled but still means literally “Jesus Christ”

– “like unto the Son of man” (Rev 14:14)

– “like a son of man” (Daniel 7:13)

– “Melchizedek Priesthood” is the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God (D&C 107:3)

Gaze into Heaven, Near-Death Experiences in Early Church History by Marlene Bateman Sullivan (Cedar Fort Inc: Springville, UT, 2013, 255 pages)

Common Elements in LDS Near-Death Experiences with a list of Corresponding Accounts (pages 225-248)

The number after the subtopic indicates the number of out-of-body experiences in which the item occur

What Happens First During a Near-Death Experience

• See Lifeless Mortal Body (25)
• Pain is Gone (8)
• Met by a Spiritual Guide (26)

Arrival in The Spirit World

• Life Continues, Feeling Natural and Real (13)
• Same person as Before Death (4)
• Feel Joy, Peace, Love, and Happiness (16)
• Review of Life (3)

Meet with Loved Ones (27)

See Jesus, Joseph Smith, or Other Prophets and Leaders (13)

Light in the Spirit World (9)

Light around Spiritual Personages (8)

Attributes of the Spirit Body

• Vision is increased (7)
• Able to Move Quickly and Effortlessly (13)
• Resurrected Personages (2)

Mental Characteristics of the Spirit Body

• Mental Faculties are Quickened (2)
• Able to Read Thoughts (4)
• Memory is Restored (2)

General Appearance of the Spirit World

• Beauty (14)
• Trees, Flowers, Rivers, and Lakes (14)
• Animals, Fish, and Birds (4)

Cities in the Spirit World (7)

Buildings (14)

Other Aspects of the Spirit world

• Time is different (4)
• Music (7)
• Clothing (14)

People in the Spirit world are Active and Busy (13)

• “Earthly” Activities in the Spirit World — pruning, eating, reading, hold meetings (9)

The Restoration of the Gospel (2)

The Gospel is Taught in the Spirit World (8)

• Some Mortals are Called to the Spirit World to Teach (1)

Agency and Repentance (3)

There are Different Spheres in the Spirit

• black gulf, lowest sphere, prison (10)

• Children are Saved in the Celestial Kingdom (6)

The Spirit world is Organized and Is Governed by the Priesthood (7)

• Requests Made to Priesthood Authorities (6)

The Importance of Ordinance Work (6)

• Ancestors Are Anxious to Have Ordinance Work Done (3)

Those in Spirit World Ask What People on Earth are Doing (6)

See Someone They Didn’t Know was Dead (5)

• Discovers that a Mortal Is going to Die Soon (3)

Message is Given (22)

• Tell Loved Ones to Stop Grieving (4)

Given Choice to Stay or Return to Mortality (11)

• Told They Must Return (20)

Coming Back to Mortality

• Return Occurs Because of Prayer or a Priesthood Blessing (12)
• Physical Sensations upon Re-entering Physical Body (8)
• Don’t Want to Return — Body Appears Loathsome (14)

Table of contents:

What is the resurrection?. 2

Who decides who will go to which kingdom? and what type of resurrected body they will have?. 2

What happens in the resurrection to those who are not capable of committing sin (little children, mentally diminished individuals)?. 2

What happens to those who did not have the opportunity to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ while they lived on earth?. 2

How is the resurrection made possible?. 2

Where does the body go after death while it is awaiting its resurrection?. 2

What happens in the spirit world while one is awaiting their resurrection?. 2

Who will be resurrected?. 2

What are the conditions of translated beings? And who has been “translated?”. 3

Will the resurrection be instantaneous during the millennium? At what age?. 3

Who will judge an individual for their resurrections? What criteria?. 3

Are all resurrected bodies the same? Are all raised to the same glory in the resurrection?. 3

Are all resurrected to a Kingdom of glory?. 3

Who administers the various Kingdoms of Glory?. 4

What types of people will be assigned to the various kingdoms?. 4

Once a person is assigned a kingdom, can they advance to a higher kingdom?. 4

Periods of resurrection. 4

When is The Resurrection of the Just and the Unjust and who are included?. 4

When are the morning, afternoon and evening of the First resurrection and who are included?. 5

When are the First and the last Resurrections and who is included?. 5

What abilities and attributes will those with resurrected bodies have?. 5

Are there individuals who have go one to their celestial glory prior to the end of our earth’s existence?. 5

In addition to mankind, will plants, animals, and even the earth itself be resurrected?. 5

Where will the “resurrected” earth be placed after it is “celestialized?. 5

What is the resurrection?

The Resurrection is the joining of the body and the spirit, never again to be separated. A resurrected person is no longer subject to disease nor death.

Who decides who will go to which kingdom? and what type of resurrected body they will have?

Jesus Christ is the Great Judge. (Alma 11:44)

God the Father delegated the keys of judgement to His Son, Jesus Christ. ref

What happens in the resurrection to those who are not capable of committing sin (little children, mentally diminished individuals)?

Little children who die before the age of accountability (age 8) and those with diminished capacities (age 8) ?? will automatically qualify for celestial resurrection and the celestial kingdom.

What happens to those who did not have the opportunity to accept the gospel of Jesus Christ while they lived on earth?

When an individual dies, their spirit departs from the body and goes to a world of spirits awaiting their resurrection.  In that world, they have their freedom of choice and will have the opportunity to hear and accept the teachings of Jesus Christ.

How is the resurrection made possible?

Christ provided the opportunity for all to be resurrected (Alma 40:2-3; 1 Cor 15:21-23)

Where does the body go after death while it is awaiting its resurrection?

To the Spirit world. 

What happens in the spirit world while one is awaiting their resurrection?

Brigham Young recounted, “Father Smith [Joseph Smith Sr.] and Carlos [Smith] and Brother [Edward] Partridge, yes, and every other good Saint, are just as busy in the spirit world as you and I are here. They can see us, but we cannot see them unless our eyes were opened. What are they doing there? They are preaching, preaching all the time, and preparing the way for us to hasten our work in building temples here and elsewhere.”     (Ref: Brigham Young, Discourses of Brigham Young, p 378).

Who will be resurrected?

All individuals who have ever lived or who will yet live on the earth will be resurrected. (see 1 Cor 15:22)

What are the conditions of translated beings? And who has been “translated?”

Some individuals are given a state of “translation” in which their bodies are not subject to death but will eventually be resurrected.

• Moses (1500 BC) did not die but was “carried into heaven.” He was translated and did not go to the spirit world but was eventually resurrected at the first coming of Christ.
• Elijah (850 BC), did not die but was “carried away in a whirlwind.” He was translated and eventually
• John the Revelator did not die (96 AD) but was translated and continues to minister to men on the earth. He appeared to Joseph Smith in 1929 and assisted Peter & James in the restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood
• The Three Nephites (abt 33 AD) continue to minister to men on the earth and will eventually be resurrected.

Will the resurrection be instantaneous during the millennium? At what age?

During the millennium, there will be no death as we know it. People will live in harmony. They will eat, drink and wear clothing as we do now. (Brigham Young, Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young [1997], 333) When people have lived to an old age, they will be changed from mortality to an immortal condition instantaneously (“in the twinkling of an eye,”). There will be both celestial and terrestrial resurrected beings on the earth at the same time.

What is the “age of a tree?”

The age of a tree is that age at which people “die” in the millennium, that is they are changed from mortality to immortality. It’s called the “age of a tree” and is defined as one hundred years old (D&C 63:50-51).

Who will judge an individual for their resurrections? What criteria?

At the time of a person’s resurrection, they will be judged according to their works and have a bright recollection of their guilt (Alma 11:41, 43)

Criteria

• works
• thoughts
• intents of heart

Are all resurrected bodies the same? Are all raised to the same glory in the resurrection?

No, they are resurrected with different bodies and abilities according to their righteousness. (1 Cor. 15:39-42; D&C 76)

Are all resurrected to a Kingdom of glory?

No, only the Celestial, Terrestrial and Telestial souls will be assigned to a Kingdom of Glory. Sons of Perdition are assigned to “outer darkness” which is a kingdom of glory

Are these kingdoms administered to by laws?

Yes, every one, for “unto every kingdom is given a law; and unto every law there are certain bounds also and conditions.” (D&C 88:38)

Who administers the various Kingdoms of Glory?

Celestial is administered by God the Father

Terrestrial is administered by Jesus with assistance from Celestial beings

Telestial is administered by the Holy Ghost

What types of people will be assigned to the various kingdoms?

Celestial Kingdom (sun): Godly people who obey the principles and ordinances of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints either on the earth or in the spirit world; all children who die before the age of 8; those of a diminished capacity who are not accountable for their actions

Terrestrial Kingdom (moon): Goodly people who reject the teachings of Jesus Christ

Telestial Kingdom (stars): Malicious, evil, contemptable people

Sons of Perdition (not a glory): Avid followers of Satan including rebellious pre-mortal spirits who were cast out of heaven; and those who deny the Son after the Father has revealed him (D&C 76:43)

Once a person is assigned a kingdom, can they advance to a higher kingdom?

No, never “worlds without end.” (D&C 76:112). Numerous prophets have repeated this same understanding. For example, Spencer W Kimball said, ““No progression between kingdoms. After a person has been assigned to his place in the kingdom, either in the Telestial, the Terrestrial, or the Celestial, or to his exaltation, he will never advance from his assigned glory to another glory.” (Ref:  Edward L. Kimball, ed., The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1982), 50.)

Periods of resurrection

1- Christ was the first individual to be resurrected (33 AD). (Matt 28:1-8; Luke 24:1-48, 3 Nephi 11:10-17) and many other references) and is referred to as the “firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Cor 15:20)

2- Along with Christ, many graves were opened (33 AD) and celestial-bound souls were resurrected.

3- From that mass resurrection to modern days, only a few selected celestial souls have been resurrected and each with a specific mission to accomplish:

Peter and James (Christ’s original apostles) who ordained Joseph Smith to the Melchizedek Priesthood,

Moroni who appeared to Joseph Smith (22 times) and gave him instruction and assistance with the gold plates

4- There will be a mass resurrection of celestial souls when Christ returns to earth for his second coming

5- During the millennium, there will be both celestial and terrestrial souls resurrected, some of which may remain on the earth during that time period.

6- At the end of the millennium, there will be a mass resurrection of telestial souls

7- After all telestial souls are resurrected, the sons of perdition will receive their resurrection.

When is The Resurrection of the Just and the Unjust and who are included?

The Just started with Christ himself. At his resurrection there was a large number of celestials also resurrected. Between his resurrection and his second coming there have been a few individuals resurrected (i.e. Moroni). At his second coming there will be another large group of celestials resurrected (D&C 88:97-8; 1 Thess. 14:6)). During the millennium, there will be both celestials and terrestrials resurrected (in the twinkling of an eye).

The Unjust is at the end of the millennium and includes Telestial (D&C 88:101) and Sons of Perdition (D&C 88:102).

When are the morning, afternoon and evening of the First resurrection and who are included?

• The morning: Those being resurrected with celestial bodies, whose destiny it is to inherit a celestial kingdom, will come forth in the morning of the first resurrection and caught up to meet the Lord at his Second Coming (Bruce R McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p 640)
• The afternoon: The afternoon takes place after our Lord has ushered in the millennium. These individuals will have telestial bodies (Bruce R McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p 640)
• The evening: xxx

When are the First and the last Resurrections and who is included?

The first commenced with Christ and goes through the completion of the millennium. The Last resurrection is that of unrepentant sinners (Rev 20:5-13) at the end of the millennium, the resurrection of the telestial (who didn’t repent of their sins throughout the millennium and have to answer to the law of justice for their deeds) and sons of perdition.

What abilities and attributes will those with resurrected bodies have?

We only have descriptions of those of a celestial resurrection, whose glory will be like the Sun. Those in the top degree of that kingdom will have the ability to create spiritual offspring.

Spencer W Kimball has said, “Each one of you has it within the realm of his possibility to develop a kingdom over which you will preside as its king and god. You will need to develop yourself and grow in ability and power and worthiness, to govern such a world with all of its people.”

            Ref: … The Matter of Marriage” [address delivered at University of Utah Institute of Religion, 22 Oct. 1976], 2).

Have there been other earths that have already been resurrected?

Yes.

Bruce R McConkie has said, “Just as the creative and redemptive powers of Christ extend to the earth and all things thereon, as also to the infinite expanse of worlds in immensity, so the power of the resurrection is universal in scope. Man, the earth, and all life thereon will come forth in the resurrection. And the resurrection applies to and is going on in other worlds and other galaxies.”

            (Ref: Mormon Doctrine, Bookcraft, 1966, pp. 65, 642.)

Are there individuals who have go one to their celestial glory prior to the end of our earth’s existence?

• Abraham “hath entered into his exaltation and sitteth upon his throne.” (D&C 132:29-30).
• Isaac and Jacob “they have entered into their exaltation, according to the promises, and sit upon thrones, and are not angels but are gods.” (D&C 132:37

In addition to mankind, will plants, animals, and even the earth itself be resurrected?

Yes. Animals have spirits and will be resurrected (D&C 77).

The earth was “baptized” in the days of Noah, will be “confirmed” with burning at the second coming of Christ, and will be resurrected and be prepared for it’s celestial glory (D&C 88:17-20)

Where will the “resurrected” earth be placed after it is “celestialized?

The celestialized earth will “dwell in the presence of God and his Christ forever and ever.” (D&C 76:62)

References

-Chapter 32: The Resurrection and the Judgement

https://abn.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/doctrines-of-the-gospel/chapter-32?lang=eng&adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.churchofjesuschrist.org%2Fstudy%2Fmanual%2Fdoctrines-of-the-gospel%2Fchapter-32%3Flang%3Deng&adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D494237AA255B8C38-62A1129B29146EEA%7CMCORGID%3D66C5485451E56AAE0A490D45%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1642475253

I believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, the only perfect man who lived on the earth and that he organized a church when he dwelled here 2,000 years ago. Although the people in his church were not perfect, the organization and doctrines were perfect and provide me an outline of what his church should look like today.

I know both organizations and doctrines can evolve given the specific needs of the people at the time (Old Testament Law of Moses became the New Testament Law of Christ) but the core organization and doctrines will be the same from Father Adam, through Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, and Christ and his Apostles … down to today.

The Church of Jesus Christ ancient organization

Members called Saints. (Ephesians 2:19-20)

Christ received instructions from God. (Heb 1:1-2)

Christ’s church built on the rock of revelation. (Matt 16:16-18)

Christ continued to direct His church after death (appeared to Saul, Peter). (Acts 18:9, Acts 10:9-16)

Christ ordained apostles. (John 15:16, Mark 13:34)

New Apostles such as Mathias, Paul, Barnabas & James, the Lord’s brother. (Acts 1:18-26, I Cor 1:1, Acts 14:14, Gal 1:19)

Church compared to a building, built on the foundation of apostles and prophets. (Eph 2:20)

Christ is the chief cornerstone of the church and the “rock” of the Church. (Eph 2:20; I Cor 10:1-4)

Christ sent Seventies to assist the apostles. (Luke 10:1)

Church Officers –Evangelists (patriarchs). (2 Tim 4:5, Eph 4:11)

Church Officer — Pastors (presiding leaders). (I Tim 4:14))

Church Officers — High Priests (only Christ, 10 times in NT). (Heb 3:1)

Church Officer — Elders. (1 Tim 3:1-7, Titus 1:6-9)

Church Officer — Bishops. (Acts 20:28, Philippians 1:1)

Church Officer — Priests. (Acts 20:17-38)

Church Officer — Teachers. (I Cor 12:28)

Church Officer — Deacons. (1 Tim 3:8-13)

All church officers were to assist the members to come to “a unity of the faith.” (Eph 4:13)

Teachings of the ancient church that should be found in the modern church

Apostacy foretold (Acts 3:20-21; 2 Thess. 2:3)

Apostolic keys not on the earth

          John Lathrop, 1623; See Mark E. Petersen, The Great Prologue (1975), 34–35

          Roger Williams, seventeenth-century pastor, See William Cullen Bryant, ed., Picturesque America; or, the Land We Live In, 2 vols. (1872–74), 1:502; see also LeGrand Richards, A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, rev. ed. (1966), 29.

(Doctrines, principles, practices – alpha)

• Apostles and Prophets (Eph. 2:20)
• Authority by ordaining (Mark 3:14)
• Baptism by immersion (Mark 1:9-10)
• Baptism of infants (not a single instance of infant baptism)
• Baptism for the dead (1 Cor. 15:29, 1 Peter 4:6)
• Church organization (Eph. 4:11)
• Condemnation of false teachings (Matt. 23:4, 23:23, 25:15; Titus 1:11
• Godhead – three separate persons (Matt 3:17; Luke 22:34, Acts 7:55-6)
• Health restrictions like drinking wine (Ephesians 5 & 1 Timothy 3)
• Holy Ghost received by the laying on of hands (Acts 8:14-17, 19:5-6)
• Family-centered (Eph 5:23-25, 6:1; 1 Tim. 3:4-5)
• Man and woman together in the Lord (1 Cor 11:11, 1 Peter 3:7)
• Miracles – Jesus (numerous references), the apostles (Mark 16:17-18)
• Priesthood (Eph. 4:11)
• Repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38); Christ baptized (Matt 3.16)
• Resurrection of Christ (Luke 24:39-43)
• Resurrection – universal to all mankind (Acts 24:15, 1 Cor 15:41)
• Revelation continuous (Daniel 2:28; Amos 3:7; 2 Cor 12:1, Acts 1:2)
• Savior is the only basis for worship (John 6:67-8)
• Temple work for living and dead (Obadiah 1:21; Malachi 4:6; 1 Cor 15:29; Rev 7:13, 15)
• Works necessary for salvation (Deut. 11:26-28; 1 John 2:3-4)
•           (But works by themselves are insufficient – Eph. 2:8-9)