Do We Have Access to the Celestial Kingdom Prior to Resurrection?

Question

 

Gramps,

Does mankind have access to the Celestial Kingdom before Christ’s resurrection?

Jared

 

Answer

 

Jared,

The question of whether mankind had access to the celestial kingdom prior to resurrection is a profound and thought-provoking topic within the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Understanding this principle involves exploring the concepts of premortal existence, the role of Jesus Christ in the resurrection, the nature of the spirit world, and the conditions for entering the celestial kingdom.

Latter-day Saints believe in the concept of premortal existence, which posits that all human spirits lived with God before being born into mortality. This belief is supported by various scriptures, including Doctrine and Covenants 93:29, which states, “Man was also in the beginning with God.” The Book of Abraham further expands on this idea, describing a heavenly council where noble spirits were chosen for their roles on Earth (Abraham 3:22-23). This premortal life was not merely a waiting period; it was a time of preparation and decision-making.

In this context, spirits had the opportunity to choose to follow God’s plan. Those who accepted the plan and chose to follow Jesus Christ were promised the possibility of exaltation in the celestial kingdom. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland poignantly expressed this belief by stating, “We lived before we came here.” This premortal choice is crucial, as it sets the stage for the individual’s journey through mortality and beyond.

Central to the understanding of resurrection and access to the celestial kingdom is Jesus Christ. His resurrection is viewed as the pivotal event that made resurrection possible for all humanity. According to 1 Corinthians 15:20, Christ is the “firstfruits of them that slept,” marking the beginning of the resurrection process. Prior to Christ’s resurrection, it is taught that no one could be resurrected, and therefore, no one could enter the celestial kingdom in a resurrected state (Alma 40:2-3).

The resurrection is not merely a return to life; it is an elevation to a glorified state. This transformative process is universally applicable, but individuals’ experiences and the timing of their resurrection depend on their faithfulness and adherence to the principles of the gospel during their mortal lives. The teachings of The Church emphasize that resurrection is a gift made possible through Christ’s atonement, and it is through Him that all can attain eternal life.

After death, spirits do not immediately enter the celestial kingdom. Instead, they enter the spirit world, which is divided into two distinct parts: paradise and spirit prison. Those who lived righteously during their mortal lives go to paradise, a place of peace and learning, where they can continue to progress and prepare for resurrection (Alma 40:12-14). In contrast, spirits who did not live according to God’s commandments go to spirit prison, where they await the opportunity for redemption.

Doctrine and Covenants 138:56 elaborates on the spirit world, stating, “Even before they were born, they… received their first lessons in the world of spirits and were prepared to come forth in the due time of the Lord.” This scripture highlights the ongoing nature of learning and progression, even after death. The spirit world serves as a waiting place, where individuals can reflect on their choices and continue their spiritual education.

Access to the celestial kingdom is not granted automatically; it requires individuals to meet specific conditions. According to Latter-day Saint doctrine, one must receive the ordinances of the gospel and live in accordance with God’s commandments to gain access to the celestial kingdom (D&C 76:51-52). This includes faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost.

Furthermore, Doctrine and Covenants 76:50-53 teaches that those who “overcome by faith” and are “sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise” will inherit celestial glory. This underscores the importance of agency and personal accountability in determining one’s eternal destiny. While Christ’s atonement makes resurrection possible, it is the individual’s adherence to gospel principles that ultimately determines their standing in the afterlife.

It is explicitly taught in Latter-day Saint doctrine that no one could enter the celestial kingdom without first being resurrected. The resurrection process is universal, but the timing and nature of that resurrection are based on one’s faithfulness during mortality. Doctrine and Covenants 76:72 states, “And I, the Lord, will make them mighty in the land,” emphasizing that access to the celestial kingdom is contingent upon the choices made while in mortality.

The teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reinforce the belief that individuals cannot progress from one kingdom to another post-judgment. Each kingdom is assigned based on one’s choices and faithfulness during their mortal life (D&C 76:112). Therefore, the notion of accessing the celestial kingdom prior to resurrection does not align with the doctrine of the Church.

One of the most comforting aspects of Latter-day Saint theology is the principle of eternal progression. This doctrine posits that individuals can continue to learn and grow in the afterlife. Elder Neal A. Maxwell articulated this concept well, stating, “The veil of forgetfulness of the first estate… will continue in some key respects into the spirit world.” This suggests that while individuals may not initially remember their premortal choices, they will regain that knowledge over time, especially as they approach judgment.

After resurrection, individuals will receive bodies that correspond to the glory of the kingdom they are assigned to. Those in the celestial kingdom will have glorified bodies capable of enduring the presence of God (D&C 76:50-70). This eternal progression allows individuals to strive for greater knowledge and understanding, fulfilling their divine potential.

In summary, according to the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, mankind did not have access to the celestial kingdom prior to resurrection. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the pivotal event that allows all of humanity the opportunity for resurrection and the chance at exaltation in the celestial kingdom, contingent upon their faithfulness and adherence to God’s commandments during their mortal lives. The spirit world serves as a waiting place for souls until the final resurrection, at which point they will be assigned to their respective kingdoms of glory.

These teachings emphasize the importance of agency, faith, and the role of Jesus Christ in the eternal plan of salvation, inviting individuals to make choices that align with divine purposes and prepare them for eternal life.

 

Gramps