There is another aspect of this enhanced capacity of righteous spirits in the spirit world that I really look forward to-increased ability to learn and retain knowledge. We engage in the same types of service and ministry there that we use our priesthood for here. President Wilford Woodruff taught that the priesthood and offices we hold in this life go with us into the spirit world. It has a direct application to all of us, for we will all be involved in some way in that work. So, yes we will have a life review, but the life review will be of the new creature, or the new life that Christ has created in us.Īnother doctrine that inspires hope is that of the incredible work of salvation that goes on in the spirit world. The first question that pops up in response to this is, what about repentance? And will I still have to have that life review if I have repented? The answer is that when we repent, the Atonement of Jesus Christ cleanses and purifies us we are made new creatures. We experience all the effects of our own choices. In the spirit world, the law of restoration is an absolutely perfect and just return for our actions in life. The teachings of the early Brethren emphasized the nearness of our family, the nearness of the spirit world, the relationship between the two realms, and the fact that spirits continue to be interested and intimately involved in the Lord’s work on both sides of the veil.ĥ. The Atonement Covers Those in the Spirit World I think it is the unique doctrine of salvation for the dead that really gives personal meaning to the doctrine of the spirit world. Our deceased family and friends are not gone, neither are they far, far away in some distant “heaven.” The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “They are not far from us, and know and understand our thoughts, feelings, and motions, and are often pained therewith.” This doctrine is as comforting to the Saints as it is unique among Christian beliefs of the afterlife. This story highlights another important doctrine of the restored gospel: the spirit world is right here on earth and the spirits of our departed loved ones are in reality among us. Why should I not wish for my time of rest?” And then he said, “I would not be far away from you, and if on the other side of the veil I would still be working with you, and with a power greatly increased, to roll on this kingdom.” Johnson, “From a boy I have been persecuted. In Joseph Smith’s visit to the Johnson farm mentioned earlier, he told Benjamin F. Through these teachings, we can know that our loved ones are at peace, that they are near us and engaged in a profound work, and that they have a never-ending reserve of hope provided through the Savior’s Atonement.ģ. The Spirit World Is Right Here on Earth They wondered if their predecessors would be able to gain exaltation as the Prophet Joseph had taught-and he taught about it a great deal. So of course the Saints were worried about what was going to become of their deceased ancestors and loved ones. Virtually every family in Nauvoo had been touched by death-particularly deaths of children. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught a great deal about death and spirit world, what he called the “principles of consolation.” In fact, some of the Prophet’s greatest doctrinal discourses were at funerals. I am amazed at how much and how often the early prophets and apostles taught about the spirit world. But these ancient prophets don’t give us any description of what the spirit world is like or where it is.Īs members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are blessed to have the additional insight of modern revelation. Peter clearly taught that Christ went to preach the gospel in the spirit world (see 1 Peter 3:18–20 4:6). Jesus, speaking to the thief on the cross, said, “To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). In the Old Testament, the author of Ecclesiastes wrote that after we die we “return unto God” (Ecclesiastes 12:7). Understanding the Afterlife Brings ConsolationĬlearly ancient prophets had some understanding of the spirit world.
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