You'll need to do a few things to get the most out of your ex-Mormon candle. Thus the Book of Mormon does seem to contain a reference to the degrees of glory and outer darkness. Mormons also believe that those on Earth with bodies can become a Son of Perdition, tho this is difficult to do. Think along the lines of a religious leader serving God but the opposite. It is true that the only mortals who had once been members are eligible to become sons of perdition, a fact that may worry some former Mormons who wonder if they might be destined for outer darkness. Plagiarism and The Globe a comparative analysis, The Shunning Key by bwv549 - Mormon Bandwagon, https://www.lds.org/scriptures/gs/sons-of-perdition, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_perdition_(Mormonism), https://www.fairmormon.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/What_is_Mormon_Doctrine.pdf, https://www.fairmormon.org/answers/Plan_of_salvation/Sons_of_Perdition/Can_women_be_%22Sons_of_Perdition%22, LDS Church and Same Sex Marriage Timeline, The Pump LDS film and the original source, Ethan Smith, Hyrum Smith, Oliver Cowdery, Solomon Spaulding connections. The Book of Mormon provides another testament concerning the existence of hell, and explains how one can escape the chains of hell in this life, and an everlasting hell in the next life, through application of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. They believe that they are mortal men capable of mistakes just like the rest of us. [2]. Often in the scriptures it is difficult to discern which helltemporary or permanentis being spoken of, since many references to hell in the scriptures are used in a nonspecific manner to simply designate a place or state of suffering for the wicked. While John could be referring to the sons of perdition in this passage, the specific sins he identified are characteristic of those who will suffer in hell but, after experiencing their part in the lake of fire, will be released from their torment and be resurrected to a telestial glory (see D&C 76:10312). The Book of Mormon teaches that after death, the spirits of those who "chose evil works rather than good" in mortality will be "cast out . 22:13-14, D-R.). 4:32; 3 Ne. In Mormonism, it depends. No Mormon since the 1890 change has had the authority to marry any man to more than one woman. Serve Satan. How unfair is this scenario? This page was last edited on 17 September 2010, at 20:26. T F According to a church manual, those who never were Mormon could never be sent to Outer Darkness. 40 talks in 40 days for General Conference, Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Outer Darkness, I always heard, was reserved for a handful of suckers like Cain and Judas who saw God and/or Jesus and were still rebellious. 11:23). He stated that converts made by the Pharisees became twofold more the child of hell than their teachers (Matt. The wicked are cast into outer darkness until the time of their resurrection, Alma 40:13-14. Joseph Fielding Smith and Bruce R. McConkie have rejected the idea that those in perdition can ultimately be redeemed, which contradicts Brighams speculations. This extreme punishment will not be given to any but the sons of perdition. to become a son of perdition? 4. In this parable, a king arranged a wedding for his son, but the normal guests did not come; therefore, the king sent his servants to gather guests from off the street. So apostates from the church are clearly included in this list. Meanwhile, I have known many who could be considered fighters against the church, including those who became involved in what could be considered anti-Mormon activities. And, if you havent come into relationship with the Jesus of the Bible, I encourage you to do some homework and meet Him. The Book of Mormon provides another testament of the reality of a designated place called hell, where the wicked are consigned. That Satan rebelled against Christ and God the Father and was cast out with all of Satans followers and will not receive a body. And I said unto them that it was a representation of that awful hell, which the angel said unto me was prepared for the wicked. Circumcision. But what is light? The Book of Mormon discusses with great clarity the ultimate punishment reserved exclusively for the sons of perdition, or those who are filthy still (2 Ne. As used in the New Testament, hell is an English word which is translated from two Greek words: hades (used ten times) and geenna (twelve times). But to pass it off as a belief of an entire Church, organization and people is wrong. It honors and glorifies Satan. Please note that FAIRMormon states it is not doctrine on the website. Through baptism and confirmation by priesthood authority, you became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference, 2004, p. 21, So, even if you attended LDS Church services, sang the hymns, and even partook of the weekly sacrament, yet you were never baptized and confirmed into the faith, you can never become a son of perdition. How impossible would it be for a former Mormon (with full knowledge, even!) This extreme punishment will not be given to any but the sons of perdition ( Doctrines of Salvation 2:220 ). Also, the whole thing about Daughters of Perdition. The first example would be spirits from the preexistence who sided with Lucifer rather than Jesus at the Council in Heavenwhere it was decided who would become the Savior of the World. Mormon theology ultimately portrays Outer Darkness as heaven, and Satan as the God of that realm. However, based on the teaching of church leaders, I believe it is utterly impossible for any mortal to become this despised son of perdition. As with anything in Mormon doctrine, theres a lot of confusion, contradictory information and just all around ignoring a topic that should be as simple as asking a question and getting an answer. [3]. First, LDS Church scripture uses the term outer darkness to refer to a condition in the spirit world. I can give you more than plenty of examples of that. Just one sin. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols., (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 195456), 31.; Bruce R. McConkie, Seven Deadly Heresies, 1 June 1980, BYU Marriot Center.). Joseph restated that anyone who apostatized from the church was a son of perdition in a poem for W.W. Phelps, Sons of Perdition as those who are ever lost, and can never return to the presence of God, the poem declared that such is the torment apostates receive. (Joseph Smith, The Answer to W.W. Phelps, Esq. When the king asked, "Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment?" At the same time, prophets and apostles have taught that you can be sent to outer darkness for simply disbelieving or for apostasy or for being a part of a religion that doesn't have apostles. For those who once were baptized and confirmed into Mormonism, what is your status? Samuel also confirms the relationship John spoke of between the second death and the wicked being cast into fire, but he adds this explanatory clause: For they are cut off again as to things pertaining to righteousness.. Clear as mud. In my last post, I claimed that I might be a candidate for outer darkness. The views expressed . In contrast, Book of Mormon references to the second death are embedded in sermons that teach it in context with other essential elements of the plan of salvation. https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Outer_Darkness&oldid=27067. Some Christians have believed the lake of fire John spoke of to be a literal lake. 13:42), the fire that never shall be quenched (Mark 9:45), where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched (Mark 9:48), and cast into the fire (Luke 3:9). Big Love's episode "Outer Darkness" Summary: It is not our intention to discuss details of the portrayal of the temple ceremony here. Later in the same discourse Alma blended the doctrines of the Fall, agency, and the second death together as an admonition to keep the commandments of God (see Alma 12:3137). Yet what kind of devious person would it be who knew full well that Mormonism was trueincluding the historicity of theBook of Mormon,the authenticity of the restored churchs leadership that began withJoseph Smith,and the accuracy of theFirst Visioneventand then fight against these truths? Clean and Unclean Those mortals who did join the LDS Church in this lifetime must fit the following criteria to be classified as a son of perdition, with a destiny to outer darkness. [1] See also Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. Making the LDS Church Slightly Better: A Members Wish List. Because reasons. Clearly you dont know what is and is not doctrine, and are trying to throw shade. With the sons of perdition, however, even this blessing is denied. That night not one boy was interested in going to hell! . The followers of Satan who will suffer with him in eternity. I was taught that to be condemned to outer darkness you would have to deny Christ to his very face and that could occur . Thank you! There are possible characteristics of a son of perdition. According to the churchs website: The followers of Satan who will suffer with him in eternity. For many are called, but few are chosen." Generally, the outer darkness is thought to be hell; however, many Christians associate the outer darkness more generally as a place of separation from God or from the metaphorical "wedding banquet" that Jesus is expected to have upon his Second Coming. Are the devils before the world created sons of perdition? Is Jesus the Only Redeemer? So get what they deserve. Yet how many sins and wrong choices has every humanincluding me and youmade? We probably do not want to know how horrible it is just like in this life, some things that are so horrible that happen (especially to children) wed rather not know about it, if possible. Smith taught: The sons of perdition are those who have had a knowledge of the truth, have known that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, have had the testimony of the Spirit of the Lord, the Holy Ghost, and these things have all been revealed so that they know they are true; and then they turn against them and fight them knowingly. Yet I never was baptized and confirmed into this church. That it is the most severe punishment that can be meted out to man is apparent. 6:28), hell fire (3 Ne. Hence, the term outer darkness. [3] Larry E. Dahl, The Concept of Hell, in Doctrines of the Book of Mormon (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1992), 4243. (To see the differences between the three kingdoms of glory, click here.) Because of their disobedience, these spirits ended up not receiving bodies, a necessary ingredient to progress to mortality and be qualified for one of the three kingdoms of glory. In Outer Darkness, there is endless lamentation and no divine presence. This is what was taught by several important church leaders, including founder Joseph Smith. it could be a reference for the resurrected who gain inheritance on other worlds but without the fulness of . This is the second death. That ought to bring a sigh of relief to many who are reading this article! Additionally it provides helpful commentary on New Testament passages concerning hell. You have to be pretty bad to go to the Teresita's kingdom, and horrendous to go to outer darkness. Jesus proclaimed to Peter that the gates of hell would not prevail against the rock upon which He would build the Church (Matt. Both Luther, who taught soul sleep till the resurrection of the dead, and Calvin, who taught the immortal soul, considered the "outer darkness" references in Matthew to refer to the last judgment. https://www.fairmormon.org/answers/Plan_of_salvation/Sons_of_Perdition/Can_women_be_%22Sons_of_Perdition%22. And remember you can be excommunicated for asking church leaders to give solid answers so trust the apologists who say to only trust the prophets on matters like this. These are they who do two very specific things. They are the celestial kingdom, the terrestrial kingdom, the telestial kingdom, and outer darkness. First, it is another name for spirit prison, a temporary place in the postmortal world for those who died without a knowledge of the truth or those who were disobedient in mortality. They place themselves beyond the power of repentance and beyond the mercies of God. Doctrine and Covenants / Pearl of Great Price, Mormon Objections to Christian Evangelism, Teachings of the Presidents of the Church, Why Practically NobodyIncluding You, Former MormonWill Ever End up In Outer Darkness, Divine Love in the Fathers Plan (Dallin H. Oaks, April 2022). In the Latter Day Saint movement, "outer darkness" can refer to hell (the place where the spirits of the wicked reside after death but before the resurrection)[3] or to the place where the sons of perdition will reside. Delving into the interesting bits about any religion to stem from Joseph Smith Jr. Joseph F. Smith,The Second Death,inBrian H. Stuy (editor). For many years, those who have forfeited their membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may have been told by other Mormons that they were Sons of Perdition destined for Outer Darkness. Cain is a Son of Perdition. So, if you are directly listing to Satan, like Cain, and actively turning away from God, like Cain, then you can become a Son of Perdition. Grant Building It must be emphasized that the witness described means that the person has had the heavens opened unto him and has personally seen, and even spoken with, the Savior, and then has turned against Him, bringing him to open shame. The kingdom that is not a kingdom of glory is called outer darkness. According to Smith: It is very clear in the Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:30-37, that the only persons who will be completely overcome by this dreadful fate are the sons of perdition who go with the devil and his angels into outer darkness. (Answers to Gospel Questions 5:107-108). It is simply his opinion. Jacob identified death and hell as temporal and spiritual death. In Peters second general epistle to the Church, he taught concerning the angels who had sinned, saying that God cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness (2 Pet. 15:29, 35; Alma 19:29; 54:7), sleep of hell (2 Ne. This is the choice of an individual to reject God. The Book of Mormon contains six references to the second death: one reference by Jacob (Jacob 3:11), three by Alma (Alma 12:16, 32; 13:30), and two by Samuel the Lamanite (Hel. Clearly, when it comes to perdition and outer darkness, I can clearly not choose the wine in front of me, and anyone who speaks on the matter has a dizzying intellect. Generally, the outer darkness is thought to be hell; however, many Christians associate the outer darkness more generally as a place of separation from God or from the metaphorical "wedding banquet" that Jesus is expected to have upon his Second Coming . Sons of perdition include (1) those who followed Satan and were cast out of heaven for rebellion during premortality and (2) those who were permitted to be born to this world with physical bodies but then served Satan and turned utterly against God. You dont believe it is true, which is the reason why you left. there are two answers, one is being cast out of the presence of God which would be a form of darkness and the other is complete darkness without even the spirit of God in a spiritual realm as far as the light has an end, if thats possible. Satan and his followers are beings of spirit who were denied bodies and cast out of heaven during pre-mortal existence (see Plan of Salvation ). 9:16), unquenchable fire (Mosiah 2:38), and hell fire (3 Ne. Rev. Dennis L. Largey was an associate professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University when this was published. The Book of Mormon clarifies that the lake of fire and brimstone is a metaphor for the suffering of the wicked. 20:13). The Book of Mormon does not teach the doctrinal truth that hell will end for the majority of those who suffer in the spirit prison prior to being resurrected and entering the telestial kingdom; however, this truth is clearly taught in the Doctrine and Covenants (see D&C 76:3638, 106). King Benjamin defined the cause of this great torment: Therefore if that man repenteth not, and remaineth and dieth an enemy to God, the demands of divine justice do awaken his immortal soul to a lively sense of his own guilt, which doth cause him to shrink from the presence of the Lord, and doth fill his breast with guilt, and pain, and anguish, which is like an unquenchable fire, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever. ", Learn how and when to remove this template message, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Outer_darkness&oldid=1136269337, This page was last edited on 29 January 2023, at 15:14. In the rest of the article, were going to have to assume that Mormonism is true (of course, I dont think it is!) Again, the doctrine of the second death is woven together with other essential parts of the plan of salvation, offering the reader the big picture concerning Gods judgments. To become a church member, baptism and confirmation are required. Those who followed Lucifer in his rebellion in the premortal life and those who in mortality sin against the Holy Ghost are sons of perdition. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire (Rev. Their theology was turned upside down! Thus ensued the War in Heaven, which resulted in Satan and his followers being cast out of heaven and denied the opportunity of receiving a physical body. This analysis will first briefly review what we know from the teachings of the Restoration about hell, second death, the lake of fire and brimstone, and outer darkness. So there you go, the souls who end up in Outer Darkness are clearly apostates, or not. Conclusion The Book of Mormon text confirms the truth of New Testament teachings on hell, second death, lake of fire and brimstone, and outer darkness. What is Outer Darkness? Here, like John and Samuel, Alma equated the second death with the lake of fire and brimstone. What is the Book of Mormons contribution to our understanding of the New Testaments teachings concerning hell, or that lake of fire John calls the second death (Rev. The Book of Mormon text confirms the truth of New Testament teachings on hell, second death, lake of fire and brimstone, and outer darkness. So, in conclusion, I would have a hard time believing that you or billions of souls as you put will qualify for perdition even while taking Mormon beliefs into account. Jesus warned that those who mocked their brothers by saying Thou fool were in danger of hell fire (Matt. Thus, the second death is taught in conjunction with the first death, which came as a consequence of the Fall of Adam and Eve, and also with the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which redeems all of humankind from the first death through resurrection and the second death through repentance. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_perdition_(Mormonism). T F It is practically impossible for those who were human to ever be sent to Outer Darkness. Then, I say unto you, they shall be as though there had been no redemption made; for they cannot be redeemed according to Gods justice; and they cannot die, seeing there is no more corruption (Alma 12:13,1618). All missionaries are doing is trying to upgrade people to a premium plan of ruling over planets and polygamy. Conclusion It occurs in a doctrinal discussion Alma conducted with his son Corianton. Satan and his followers are beings of spirit who were denied bodies and cast out of heaven during pre-mortal existence (see Plan of Salvation). We found these portrayals to be highly inaccurate. However, not once have I ever suspected such a person to be a closet believer in Mormonism. (See D&C 76:2835, 4448.) has got to say that the sun does not shine while he sees it; he has got to deny Jesus Christ when the heavens have been opened unto him, and to deny the plan of salvation with his eyes open to the truth of it (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 358). spirit prison. 1. True, some former Mormons have expressed doubts and wondered if the church might possibly be true, which is a completely natural response after having left the one true church. If they decided they made a mistake because they still believed the church were true, they would be more apt to rejoin it rather than stay excommunicated and fight against it. For example, John saw the judgment in vision and wrote that death and hell delivered up the dead . So lets turn to that bastion of all wisdom that Jeremy Runnells was blamed for not believing and turning to with questions: FAIRMormon: The church has no official position on this issue. The Prophet Joseph Smith would not countenance the teaching of this doctrine, and sanctioned the decision of the bishop that any who taught it should be barred from communion (The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 125). Thank you! New Testament [ edit] So a heads up, this does not include you or any one who has ever been or will be born on Earth. 21:8). To look closer at this possibility, lets break humans into two categories: 1) Those who have never been Mormon; 2) Those who are or once were Mormon. Outer Darkness. This is the final destination of Satan himself. 12:22). On the day of Pentecost, the apostle Peter spoke of the promise David had received that his soul would not be left in hell (Acts 2:27). Through his Atonement, Resurrection, and ministry in the spirit world, Christ provided a bridge by which repentant souls could cross the gulf from hell to spiritual freedom. (see Rom. Your generous support makes the work of MRM possible. Italics in original). 2:4). 2:11). Even Nazi dictator Adolph Hitler will get nothing less than the telestial kingdom since he was never baptized/confirmed into the church; work was done in proxy for him in the London, England temple several decades ago. 20:1315). This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. One of these guests, however, appeared without the proper wedding attire. Is Jesus the Only Redeemer? Can someone get out of this state of Perdition once they are in it? Please read, the source above, What is Official LDS Doctrine. The apostle James taught that the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity . Bold and italics in original). One fire certainly shall be the lot of both. [4]. Jesus disciples were told not to fear those who could kill the body but to fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matt. . There are three references to outer darkness in the New Testament, all contained in the Gospel of Matthew. This isnt something like going out and breaking their rule of no drinking. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The. Historic Christianity. Doctrine and Covenants / Pearl of Great Price, Mormon Objections to Christian Evangelism, Teachings of the Presidents of the Church, Divine Love in the Fathers Plan (Dallin H. Oaks, April 2022). In each of the New Testament references to outer darkness, Christ declared the punishment that awaits faithless and wicked people. Christians have debated for centuries the nature of the hell fire of which Jesus spoke (Matt. Yea, behold, this death bringeth to pass the resurrection, and redeemeth all mankind from the first deaththat spiritual death; for all mankind, by the fall of Adam being cut off from the presence of the Lord, are considered as dead, both as to things temporal and to things spiritual. Everyone is already going to the terrestrial kingdom by default. However, Lucifer did not know all the purposes of the Father as we learn from the Pearl of Great Price, Moses 4:6. Nephis commentary to his brothers concerning his fathers dream of the tree of life adds interesting insight into the possible meaning of the great gulf Jesus referred to: And I said unto them that it was an awful gulf, which separated the wicked from the tree of life, and also from the saints of God. 21:8; cf. The first three are referred to as the three degrees of glory, often compared to the sun, the moon, and the stars (D&C 76:70 . 2:8-10) Jesus' atonement provided immortality for all people. The manual Gospel Principles sheds additional light: There is no forgiveness for them, for they denied the Holy Spirit after having received it. King Benjamin also taught that the fiery suffering was a state of misery one encounters when viewing ones sinfulness: They shall be judged, every man according to his works, whether they be good, or whether they be evil. This is serving Satan. lift[ed] up his eyes and saw Abraham and Lazarus across an impassable gulf (Luke 16:23). Here is one more thing to think about: I work full time with a Christian ministry aimed at converting Mormons. 6:8). They have said things much stranger and I am sure you know of them. You not only need to have been a Mormon, but you have to have full knowledge that this is the restored church of God and still fought against it. Which means that really, no one knows anything about this. The first death is physical death, and everyone but the devil and his angels will overcome physical death through Resurrection. hell.. It is the closest Mormon analogy to the concept of hell in most other Christian traditions. For most, outer darkness, the lake of fire, and the second death have an end, but for the sons of perdition these states continue eternally. 67, LDS Church Archives. Outer Darkness. Severe punishment for eternity, reserved for Satan and his demons as well as the sons of perdition, those humans who once embraced Mormonism and left to fight against the faith, even though they knew Mormonism was true. Nephis words can thus be applied to Jesus parable: the reason the rich man could not cross the great gulf to Abrahams bosom, or the reason the wicked could not join the Saints of God at the tree of life, is because the justice of God does not permit it. They once held membership in the church (through baptism/confirmation); They had full knowledge of their apostasy from the true and restored church of Jesus Christ; They continue to fight against the LDS Church despite their knowledge. lucifer. But as with anything, that doesnt stop prophets from talking about it like they knew. In the parable of the wedding of the kings son, the king discovered that a guest was not properly attired in the required wedding garment, i.e., righteousness. An in depth look at the Mormon doctrine of hell. And their torment is as a lake of fire and brimstone, whose flames are unquenchable, and whose smoke ascendeth up forever and ever (Mosiah 3:2427; emphasis added). Alma the Younger contributed even more insight on the second death when he gave the wicked people of Ammonihah a detailed description of the fate of those who harden their hearts against the word of God: Then if our hearts have been hardened, yea, if we have hardened our hearts against the word, insomuch that it has not been found in us, then will our state be awful, for then we shall be condemned. [4] Augustine, The City of God, trans. Bad as they may suffer, and awful as their punishment may be, they are not among that group which is to suffer the eternal death and banishment from all influence concerning the power of God (Conference Reports, October 1958, 21). The conclusion: You (former Mormon), despite being baptized into this church, are not a son of perdition! In revealing Satans tactics, Nephi wrote: And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is noneand thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), a son of perdition is a person who will not take part in the glory of God in the afterlife. 2. The Book of Mormon teaches that only through the Atonement of Christ can one escape the damnation of hell. Jacob testified that without the infinite atonement all mankind would be forever subject to the awful monster, death and hell, and thus would become like the devil and his angels (2 Ne. Polygamy with tons more men than women sounds ill-thought out. Therefore, they have drunk out of the cup of the wrath of God, which justice could no more deny unto them than it could deny that Adam should fall because of his partaking of the forbidden fruit; therefore, mercy could have claim on them no more forever. Salvation is release from the guilt and power of sin through God's gift of grace. These pains are similar to the state of suffering experienced by the ungodly who after mortality are assigned to hell. The city of Capernaum was upbraided for its lack of faith in view of the miracles Jesus performed there. Jacob taught that the lake of fire is not a literal fire but a figurative representation of torment: And assuredly, as the Lord liveth, for the Lord God hath spoken it, and it is his eternal word, which cannot pass away, that they who are righteous shall be righteous still, and they who are filthy shall be filthy still; wherefore, they who are filthy are the devil and his angels; and they shall go away into everlasting fire, prepared for them; and their torment is as a lake of fire and brimstone, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever and has no end (2 Ne.

Brewton, Al Obituaries, Belinda Jensen House, Articles O