Question
Gramps,
If someone commits a “grievous” sin, and repents, are they still turned over to the buffetings of Satan? Is it true that after that buffeting they will come forth in the next resurrection and still be able to inherit celestial glory – or will it be the first resurrection? I believe that you taught at one time from Joseph Fielding Smith that even after repentance there is a punishment attached. I’m sealed (but not currently married) to someone who has committed adultery more than once.
Gloria
Answer
Gloria,
In our scriptures, we can read the following from our Lord in multiple versus of scripture:
1) Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”
2) Doctrine and Covenants 45:3-5, “Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him— Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified; Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life.
3) Doctrine and Covenants 58:12-13, “Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more. By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them and forsake them.”
I think these scriptures are sufficient to give evidence to those that repent (which means to forsake) are covered in and through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, our Savior. This means they will be partakers of the “first resurrection.” This means they will not have to endure the space of time where they will suffer for their own sins, and thus be partakers of what you describe as the “next” or second resurrection, but if they have not sufficiently repented then there will be a space and time where they will need to repent, suffer for their own sins, and then be partakers of the resurrection after the first.
I’m not sure what article you are referring to regarding Joseph Fielding Smith specifying a punishment attached; however, if people have not repented then yes they will receive punishment as described above. If a person has repented (confessed and forsaken) of their sins, then we can safely assume they will be part of the first resurrection.
As to your ex-husband, this isn’t anything I could make a judgment regarding, except with what is already specified and shared in scripture. I would recommend reading or listening to the following talks provided by President Dallin H. Oaks in the last two general conferences:
1) The Teaching of Jesus Christ
Gramps
