T F It is practically impossible for those who were human to ever be sent to Outer Darkness. But the children of the kingdom [i.e., covenant breakers] shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt. If he were ignorant, he could not have become perdition. They place themselves beyond the power of repentance and beyond the mercies of God. Mormons also believe that those on Earth with bodies can become a Son of Perdition, tho this is difficult to do. Is Jesus the Only Redeemer? 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. Ellipsis mine). Outer darkness is a place reserved for the Devil, his angels, and the sons of perdition. It is an eternal destination, a place where very few (if any) human beings will ever be sent. Alma 40. Consistently, hell is associated with fire. Your generous support makes the work of MRM possible. The second death is spiritual and is separation from God. In the Book of Mormon the phrase lake of fire and brimstone is used as a metaphor for the suffering that awaits the wicked. For those who once were baptized and confirmed into Mormonism, what is your status? One of the messages of the Book of Mormon is that people sometimes lose the desire to repent. 1. See Michael Hicks, Joseph Smith, W.W. Phelps, and the Poetic Paraphrase of The Vision, Journal of Mormon History 20 (Fall 1994) 2: 63-84 for discussion of authorship of this poem.). 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). Banishment from the joys of heaven. Some Christians have believed the lake of fire John spoke of to be a literal lake. Because of the resurrection, the body and spirit of the wicked are restoredthe body from the grave and the spirit from hell to be judged. I have no fear of hell fire, that doesnt exist, but the torment and disappointment of the mind of man is as exquisite as a lake burning with fire and brimstoneso is the torment of man. So I found one, by Joseph F. Smith, Thus we see that the first death which came into the world is also the last death which shall be pronounced upon the sons of perdition. lift[ed] up his eyes and saw Abraham and Lazarus across an impassable gulf (Luke 16:23). The phrases depths of hell, awful hell, sleep of hell, pains of hell, chains of hell, everlasting hell, and endless hell are all unique to the Book of Mormon. Those in this second group will be resurrected from the dead but will not be redeemed from the second (spiritual) death and cannot dwell in a kingdom of glory (D&C 88:32, 35). But unofficial prophets speaking at BYU or in their own books say no, except Brigham in the Journal of Discourses which is unofficial. The question is, what exactly does full knowledge entail? The manual Gospel Principles sheds additional light: There is no forgiveness for them, for they denied the Holy Spirit after having received it. 23:15). The second death is a second separation from God, not because of Adams transgression (the first death) but because of ones own failure to repent of personal sin. Following this introduction will be a discussion of the usage of these termsfirst in the New Testament, then in the Book of Mormon. 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). so we will be able to realistically discuss the likelihood that a person who left the church could ever end up in Outer Darkness. The third use occurs in the parable of the talents: "And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 25:30). 22:13-14, D-R.). One of these guests, however, appeared without the proper wedding attire. What is it? In a general conference talk, Joseph Fielding Smith further explained that. Dennis L. Largey, Hell Second Death, Lake of Fire and Brimstone, and Outer Darkness, inThe Book of Mormon and the Message of the Four Gospels, ed. 9:16; emphasis added). For example, John saw the judgment in vision and wrote that death and hell delivered up the dead . These spirits never received a mortal body necessary to progress to a kingdom of glory. 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. (To see the differences between the three kingdoms of glory, click here.) With the sons of perdition, however, even this blessing is denied. . In my last post, I claimed that I might be a candidate for outer darkness. 21:8; cf. Everyone is already going to the terrestrial kingdom by default. 25:30). He had a sure witness of the Lord and willfully chose to follow Satan instead. Again Mormons think this is a very hard place to get into. 1:13), gates of hell (2 Ne. To add an RSC website shortcut to your home screen, open the website in the Safari browser. Thank you! Thus, many would say I fight against the church. 5:22), as were those who failed to cast away their sins (JSM 5:34; cf. (p. 273). 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. 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). (Joseph F. Smith,The Second Death,inBrian H. Stuy (editor), Collected Discourses: Delivered by Wilford Woodruff, his two counselors, the twelve apostles, and others, 18681898, 5 vols., (Woodland Hills, Utah: B.H.S. . While this is true, please define Mormon Doctrine before saying I did not quote Mormon Doctrine. 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. One memorable night, he instructed us about the pains of hell. He asked us to imagine being stabbed and having that initial intense pain of the insertion of the knife last for twenty years. That being said, I don't think it really matters at the end of the day, because if it is all real, I want to stay clear away from anyone who the Church says deserves the Celestial Kingdom. Ball (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 2001), 7789. 28:2223). Any person who inherits one of the . This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. So I thought Id get it all out there in one simple post. This is the choice of an individual to reject God. So get what they deserve. Yet how many sins and wrong choices has every humanincluding me and youmade? 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). 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. However, sons of perdition cannot achieve forgiveness and will be completely cast outside of the light of God. Death brought a reversal of their conditions wherein the rich man in hell became a beggar, longing for a drop of water from the finger of Lazarus, who was now in heaven, or Abrahams bosom. In the parable Abraham explained the impossibility of receiving his request, because between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence (Luke 16:1926). The righteousness of some (Abraham or Lazarus) cannot erase the consequences of anothers sins (the rich man). Mormons believe we existed before coming to Earth. Yea, and it bringeth to pass the condition of repentance, that whosoever repenteth the same is not hewn down and cast into the fire; but whosoever repenteth not is hewn down and cast into the fire; and there cometh upon them again a spiritual death, yea, a second death, for they are cut off again as to things pertaining to righteousness. Hence the saying: They will go into the lake that burns with fire and brimstone. 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. 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. He cried: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death. This desperate cry for forgiveness through Christ brought deliverance from the pains of hell Alma had experienced because of his sins (Alma 36:1620). In the D&C, the definition of those who go to Outer Darkness is stated as: the end thereof, neither the place thereof, nor their torment, no man knows; Neither was it revealed, neither is, neither will be revealed unto man, except to them who are made partakers thereof;Nevertheless, I, the Lord, show it by vision unto many, but straightway shut it up again; Wherefore, the end, the width, the height, the depth, and the misery thereof, they understand not, neither any man except those who are ordained unto this condemnation (D&C 76:45-48). Source. Matt. Banishment from all progress. I said: I dont know and he said, How can I find outI just called Spencer Kimball and he told me he didnt know either. Meanwhile, sixth President Joseph F. Smith, also taught that a full knowledge of the truth is necessary, adding that not even Judas Iscariotthe betrayer of Jesuswill be destined for Outer Darkness: It is probable that only personages who have acquired similar full knowledge, who willfully and deliberately deny the truth, when they know it to be the truth, can commit the unpardonable sin and become sons of perdition. . 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). Which means that really, no one knows anything about this. 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). The Book of Mormon speaks of only two groups who inhabit the postmortal spirit world: the righteous, who exist in a state of happiness called paradise; and the wicked, who are consigned to outer darknessthe wicked being those who have been captivated by the devil and who will be resurrected to an endless hell. The second possible sons of perdition are mortals. Second, it is the permanent location of Satan and his followers and the sons of perdition, who are not redeemed by the Atonement of Jesus Christ. So only a prophet can put the matter to rest well, thats nice that Brigham said there were no women, Joseph F. said there were no women, but Wilford Woodruff said there was no debate and there must be women. As explained in D&C 88:11-13: The punishment which is given from my hand is endless punishment, D&C 19:10-12. Now go take a nap and rest well! We believe that after the final judgment there are four places to which a person may be sent. 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. Latter-day Saints understand hell to be a literal place and/or stateeither the temporary hell in the spirit world where the unjust suffer in a state of torment until they are resurrected to a telestial glory (D&C 76:8185, 98112), or the permanent hell where the wicked (the sons of perdition) continue to suffer eternally after the resurrection (D&C 76:37, 4548). Making the LDS Church Slightly Better: A Members Wish List, You continue to fight against the true church, Those spirits who rebelled against God in the preexistence are the original sons of perdition. Jesus of Mormonism but the Jesus of the Bible. 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). (Doctrines of Salvation 2:220-221). They have said things much stranger and I am sure you know of them. Those who have never received the light are not to become Sons of Perdition (Conference Reports, October 1958, p. 21). In the Bible, the phrases lake of fire and lake of fire and brimstone, describing the fate of the wicked, are unique to the book of Revelation. One example would not be human since they were cast out of heaven with Satan before they could receive a body. . 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. Hmmm.. I doubt whether it can be found, from the revelations that are given and the facts as they exist, that there is a female in all the regions of hell. Brigham Young Journal of Discourses 8:222. How many people. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire [i.e., overcome or defeated by Christs Atonement]. 20:6). Outer darkness is something which cannot be described, except that we know that it is to be placed beyond the benign and comforting influence of the Spirit of God banished entirely from his presence (Doctrines of Salvation2:220). It is simply his opinion. T F Once a spirit enters Outer Darkness, there will be no leaving there. But Mormons do not believe that just because a Prophet said it, that it makes it true. Sorry ladies, you cant actually apostatize from the church, I guess (Someone tell Kate Kelly her excommunication is not valid!). Learn how your comment data is processed. But behold, the resurrection of Christ redeemeth mankind, yea, even all mankind, and bringeth them back into the presence of the Lord. 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. If this is the case, the worst fate any former Latter-day Saint can anticipate is the telestial kingdom. https://www.fairmormon.org/answers/Plan_of_salvation/Sons_of_Perdition/Can_women_be_%22Sons_of_Perdition%22. Even the wicked of the earth who never knew the power of God, after they have paid the price of their sinningfor they must suffer the excruciating torment which sins will bringshall at last come forth from the prison house. Those who must suffer with Satan for the deeds done in mortality will go with him into outer darkness. As a young boy, I attended a two-week Christian camp. 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. And as such I would qualify. . Also, Mormons believe in three Heavens. 22:13) that awaits the wicked? 801-422-6975. When the lights were out and we were on the verge of sleep, our camp counselor took advantage of the moment and endeavored to imprint his teachings upon the minds of his captive audience. Here, like John and Samuel, Alma equated the second death with the lake of fire and brimstone. To become a son of perdition one must sin against the Holy Ghost, but before that is possible, one must receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual Religion 324 and 325, 2001, p. 161). 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). 12:16), hell which hath no end (1 Ne. Yet I never was baptized and confirmed into this church. For many are called, but few are chosen." They will not have a kingdom of glory. GOSH. In the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), "outer darkness" has two separate meanings.. Sons of Perdition are to be cast out with the devil and his angels into outer darkness. WOMEN ARE BEAUTIFUL ANGELS WHO ARE INCAPABLE OF SINNING. 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. There are three references that connect the judgment with a lake of fire and brimstone, and two references to a lake of fire. However, the use of the word fire in connection with judgment and the torment of the wicked is widespread throughout the Gospels. 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. . 2. 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. The terms spiritual death or second death, lake of fire and brimstone, and outer darkness are all synonymous with hell, and all are descriptive of both the temporary and the permanent hell. 20:14). It is provided through Christ's atonement and received by personal faith in Christ as Savior and Lord. Just because Hitler, Mao, and Stalin along with Judas Iscariot (as mentioned above) never became Latter-day Saints apparently provides them with a much higher privilegea life in the telestial kingdom over those who once believed but left the true fold, kicking and screaming in their continued fight against the restored church of Jesus Christ. Johns references to the second death testify of its existence but do not offer any explanatory information that instructs those readers who do not already understand the doctrine. 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. They are the celestial kingdom, the terrestrial kingdom, the telestial kingdom, and outer darkness. From its beginnings, it taught that very few people would go to "outer darkness" the Mormon concept of hell. 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. Though we have this clarity in the scriptures that we carry with us daily, few members are aware that this insight is there." Mormons believe that only a Son of Perdition will go to Outer Darkness, their version of most Christian religions understanding of Hell. The term "outer darkness" refers to the place to where Satan will be banished. In Christianity, it is understood that anyone who denies the holy spirit goes to outer darkness, but they see it as a synonym for Hell. Italics in original). This extreme punishment will not be given to any but the sons of perdition (Doctrines of Salvation 2:220). Thank you! There are three references to outer darkness in the New Testament, all contained in the Gospel of Matthew. (To see his baptism for the dead record and other temple work done for him, click here.). Outer Darkness - Social Hall - Mormon Dialogue & Discussion Board. 67, LDS Church Archives. Over the 30 years in Christian ministry, I have met many former Mormons who once believed in Mormonism, but none has ever confessed that they still believe Mormonism to be true. Jacob identified death and hell as temporal and spiritual death. What do Mormons believe happened in the pre-existence? 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 . A church manual reports, To become a son of perdition one must sin against the Holy Ghost, but before that is possible, one must receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual Religion 324 and 325, 2001, p. 161). Making the LDS Church Slightly Better: A Members Wish List. Those consigned to hell or outer darkness are partakers of the second death, and their torment is as a lake of fire and brimstone. Making the LDS Church Slightly Better: A Members Wish List. He called the Pharisees and scribes vipers and questioned, How can ye escape the damnation of hell? (Matt. Another manual states, Baptism is the first saving ordinance of the gospel (see Articles of Faith 1:4). Outer darkness is something which cannot be described, except that we know that it is to be placed beyond the benign and comforting influence of the Spirit of God banished entirely from his presence (Ibid.). Outer darkness is a eternal place of torment reserved for those who are sons of perdition. According to LDS scripture, this will be a place that where there is weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth (Doctrine and Covenants 101:91; also see 133:73). Also, the whole thing about Daughters of Perdition. Jesus also referred to outer darkness in two parables he gave during the last week of his life. 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.. ABCs of Science and Mormonism now available in Print from Amazon! Latter Day Saint beliefs on hell are connected with the movement's doctrines of the plan of salvation, the degrees of glory and the telestial kingdom. Thus the Book of Mormon does seem to contain a reference to the degrees of glory and outer darkness. Clearly fire is used as a metaphor for sufferingnot a literal fire but a state of misery. That it is the most severe punishment that can be meted out to man is apparent. However, Lucifer did not know all the purposes of the Father as we learn from the Pearl of Great Price, Moses 4:6. Thirty-three times it stands alone, without modifiers or explanation of what it means, as in And thus we see the end of him who perverteth the ways of the Lord; and thus we see that the devil will not support his children at the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to hell (Alma 30:60). 3:12), the tares are gathered and burned in the fire (Matt. The Book of Mormon clarifies that the lake of fire and brimstone is a metaphor for the suffering of the wicked. They go too far, and the Spirit leaves themYou cant renew them to repentancyou cannot save them. (Joseph Smith Jr., King Follett Discourse). I wonder if the language is tripping people up here. D&C 76 does say telestial people are the ones thrust down to hell and not redeemed until the last resurrection. Outer darkness is not a kingdom of glory. How unfair is this scenario? The phrase first occurs in Jesus' comment concerning the faith of the Centurion of Capernaum: And I say to thee that many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven: But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into the exterior darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 5:22), and the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone of which the apostle John wrote (Rev. Woman must atone for sins committed by the volition of her own choice, but she will never become an angel to the devil, and sin so far as to place herself beyond the reach of mercy. Brigham Young Discourse delivered October 8, 1861, pp. The term second death refers to spiritual death or separation from God. 5:30). The Lord said no man knoweth So, theres probably a good reason that there is some debate and confusion on it. 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. But suppose, deep down, I do believe the church is true. 6:28), hell fire (3 Ne. John did not define the second death other than to make it synonymous with the lake of fire and brimstone that awaits the wicked. 1:18). 23:33). In Jesus parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Jesus contrasted the afterlife state of the lowly Lazarus with that of the self-absorbed rich man. Required fields are marked *. New Testament [ edit] In short, Outer Darkness is eternal torture. Everyone but the Sons of Perdition and the devil and his devils, will overcome spiritual death through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. So a heads up, this does not include you or any one who has ever been or will be born on Earth. 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. They will not have access to the Holy Ghost or Heavenly Father or Jesus. The Plan of Salvation kind of negates the reason for missionary work. 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 ). Additionally it provides helpful commentary on New Testament passages concerning hell.

Is Captain Universe, The Strongest, Secretary Of State Michigan Renew Tabs, How To Compare Two Different Objects In Java, Cemetery Opening Times, Articles O