Do we meet Jesus when we die?

Question

Gramps,

Do we meet Jesus when we die?

Kaycee

Answer

Kaycee,

In the Book of Mormon we are able to read Alma’s words to his son Corianton, “Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that God who gave them life.” This scripture specifies that after death all the sons and daughters of God will be taken “home to that God who gave them life.” (Alma 40:11) What does this mean?

Joseph Fielding Smith had this to say,

“‘Taken home to God,’ simply means that their mortal existence has come to an end, and they have returned to the world of spirits, where they are assigned a place according to their works with the just or with the unjust, there to await the resurrection” (Joseph Fielding Smith, Answers to Gospel Questions, 2:85).

From the Teaching of Harold B. Lee we can read the following,

“As I understand what President Young is saying, when we go home to God, it is just like going back to our home country. We may not go into the presence of the governor of the state where we live, but we will go to the home country, and there we shall find our level among the people with whom we are most accustomed to associate.” (Teachings of Harold B. Lee, p. 58)

When we do die, our spirits (if we chose to live a righteous life) will enjoy “paradise” which Alma described as, “a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow,” until the time of our resurrection. And, if we are in paradise, I believe we can safely assume that Christ will visit those in paradise, and we will see him then. (Alma 40:12,14)

If we die, in our sins, and enter “prison” there isn’t much from scripture (outside of speculation) that Christ will visit those in this state; however, Christ may visit both.

One thing for sure though, all of the children of God will meet Jesus at some point as He is the advocate with the Father. Now, as to when and as to how soon after we die we do not know.

Gramps