Spirit world
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In Latter Day Saints theology, the term spirit world refers to the realm where the spirits of the dead await the Resurrection. In LDS thought, this spirit world is divided into at least three conditions: Paradise, the spiritual condition "of the spirits of the just, who had been faithful in the testimony of Jesus while they lived in mortality" (Doctrine and Covenants 138:12) or who "would have received it with all their hearts" (Doctrine and Covenants 137:8) and who have had temple ordinances performed in their behalf by proxy on earth; a conditional paradise for the spirits of those who did good works among men, but await hearing the fulness of the gospel or await the performing of temple ordinances in their behalf or who choose not to receive those ordinances; and the Spirit Prison (sometimes identified in LDS belief with hell), the condition of the spirits of "the wicked...the ungodly and the unrepentant who had defiled themselves while in the flesh...the rebellious who rejected the testimonies and the warnings of the ancient prophets..." (Doctrine and Covenants 138:20-21) The latter will continue to receive gospel teaching and be given the opportunity to repent, though their disposition toward repentance will only change as they recognize and accept gospel truths and believe in Jesus Christ.
The spirit world is believed to be a place of continued spiritual growth for all spirits who embrace the teachings of Christ. Christ himself organized this teaching process during the time between his death on the cross and his resurrection, among those who had been faithful to the gospel, so that they could teach those who had not yet heard its message.
[edit] Quotes by LDS Church leaders
Brigham Young stated: "Where is the spirit world? It is right here...Do [spirits of the departed] go beyond the boundaries of the organized earth? No, they do not...Can you see it with your natural eyes? No. Can you see spirits in this room? No. Suppose the Lord should touch your eyes that you might see, could you then see the spirits? Yes, as plainly as you now see bodies."
Joseph Smith taught "The spirits of the just...are not far from us, and know and understand our thoughts, feelings, and motions, and are often pained therewith."
[edit] References
- Joseph Fielding Smith, The Way to Perfection, 1949, Chapter 44.
- Alvin R. Dyer, Who Am I, 1966, Chapter 40.
- Joseph Fielding McConkie, Straightforward Answers to Tough Gospel Questions, 1998, p. 96 (Chapter 6).
- Joseph Fielding Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 1976, p. 310.
- Doctrine and Covenants, Section 138.
[edit] See also
- Latter-day Saints
- Spirit
- Spiritual being
- Temple Mormonism
