Understanding Mormon Beliefs About Heaven: The Role of the Resurrection in Dividing Spirits into Eternal Kingdoms
Mormon beliefs view the afterlife with a nuanced understanding that includes multiple layers of spirit existence and physical resurrection. The concept of heaven in Mormonism is not a single, static realm but a variety of realms where spirits and resurrected bodies will exist based on their faithfulness and righteousness. This article aims to clarify these beliefs, particularly focusing on the role of the resurrection in determining one's eternal destination.
The State of the Soul After Death (Alma 40:11-19)
The Book of Mormon provides detailed insights into the state of the soul between death and the physical resurrection. According to Alma 40, spirits of all people, whether righteous or wicked, are taken home to their Creator, God, as soon as their mortal bodies give way. The spirits destined for happiness are received into a state called paradise, a place of rest, peace, and relief from sorrow. In contrast, the spirits of the wicked are cast into outer darkness, facing eternal suffering.
It is important to understand that these states do not finalize one's eternal destiny but serve as temporary abodes for the spirits of the deceased. This concept distinguishes it from the final eternal kingdoms one may enter after the resurrection and judgment. The resurrection, therefore, is the key event that reunites both souls and bodies, determining which eternal kingdom each individual will inhabit.
The Resurrection (Alma 11:42-45)
The resurrection in Mormon belief is a fundamental part of the afterlife. Alma 11:42 and 43 explicitly explain that the spirit and body will be reunited again in its perfect form, ensuring that every part of the body and even a single hair on the head is restored. This restoration symbolizes the completion of one's resurrection, which results in an immortal body that cannot again experience physical death.
Even after such a complete restoration, however, the resurrection is not the end of the journey; it is merely the beginning of the eternal reward system. Alma 11:44-45 emphasizes that during judgment, one's eternal reward will be assigned based on their works, whether they were good or evil. Thus, faithfulness and righteousness play a crucial role in determining one's eternal life beyond mortal existence.
Eternal Kingdoms and the Testimony of Jesus
LDS Church leaders like Elder D. Todd Christopherson and President Russell M. Nelson have spoken about the different eternal kingdoms into which souls may be divided, based on their relationship with the testimony of Jesus.
There are three kingdoms of glory: the celestial kingdom, the second or terrestrial kingdom, and the third or telestial kingdom. The celestial kingdom is described as the highest and most glorious, reserved for those who received the testimony of Jesus, becoming joint-heirs with Christ. Individuals in the terrestrial kingdom are generally considered to be essentially good but fall short of the celestial kingdom due to their lack of valiance in the testimony of Jesus.
The lowest of these kingdoms, the telestial, is for those who did not receive the gospel nor the testimony of Jesus. The distinguishing characteristic for each kingdom is their relationship with the testimony of Jesus, reflecting their faithfulness and righteousness. Therefore, one's eternal future is deeply connected to their decisions and actions in this mortal life.
In summary, the resurrection in Mormon belief is a critical event that reunites the spirit with the physical body and sets the stage for eternal judgment and reward. The type of eternal life one receives is determined by their faithfulness and relationship with the testimony of Jesus, leading to one of three eternal kingdoms.
Understanding these beliefs helps clarify the nature of Mormon heaven and the importance of faith, righteousness, and testimony in one's journey to eternal life.