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Dear Gramps,

My husband believes that the idea of Multiple Mortal Probations, wherein all human life lives multiple mortal lives until we have achieved perfection, is true doctrine that we simply aren’t taught in church because it’s too much for most members to accept. Due to the teaching that “this life is the life to prepare to meet God”, I don’t think that this doctrine is correct but I wondered if you know what the church’s stance on this subject is?  Thank you so much!!

Taylor

 

Answer

 

Dear Taylor,

The concept of “Multiple Mortal Probation” would be similar to the teaching of reincarnation, both of which are false doctrines. We aren’t taught “Multiple Mortal Probation” in the Church because it is not true. Let’s review multiple scriptures that allow us to see things as they really are:

1) The Plan of Happiness. Our mortal probation began with Adam and Eve. In order for your husband’s theory to be true we wouldn’t be sealed to our current parents. We would be sealed to multiple parents. Not only that men and women would be sealed to multiple husbands and wives. This whole idea contradicts the central unit of the gospel of Jesus Christ — family.

In light of your husband’s theory, I would have my current mother and father who I am sealed to. Knowing that there is no way I will reach perfection in this life (my first life, or maybe this is my third?) I will then receive another mortal probation and I will be sealed then to a different mother and father. I can easily see just from the truth of “sealings” this idea of Multiple Mortal Probations is false.

2) Mortal Probation (A time to prepare). “For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors”.  (Alma 34:32)

.3) Resurrection. “Resurrection is the reuniting of the spirit with the body in an immortal state, no longer subject to disease or death.”

“The reuniting of the spirit body with the physical body of flesh and bones after death. After resurrection, the spirit and body will never again be separated, and the person will become immortal. Every person born on earth will be resurrected because Jesus Christ overcame death (1 Cor.15:20–22).” (emphasis mine)

We all will experience one resurrection, the reuniting of our spirit and body that will be inseparable once united. We are not able to experience multiple mortal probations once we are resurrected as we will be immortal (without physical death).

4) Judgment. “If they be good, to the resurrection of endless life and happiness; and if they be evil, to the resurrection of endless damnation, being delivered up to the devil, who hath subjected them, which is damnation.” (Mosiah 16:11)

We only have one judgment.

 

Gramps

 

 

 

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