Usually, when one is going to hell, the unspoken caveat is unless they repent. [Discourse given on 20 January 1895.] 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). (Doctrines of Salvation 2:220-221). 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 . J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Church Leaders and the Scriptures, [original title When Are the Writings or Sermons of Church Leaders Entitled to the Claim of Scripture?] Immortality and Eternal Life: Reflections from the Writings and Messages of President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Vol, 2, (1969-70): 221; address to Seminary and Institute Teachers, BYU (7 July 1954); reproduced in Church News (31 July 1954); also reprinted in Dialogue 12/2 (Summer 1979): 6881. Sorry ladies, you cant actually apostatize from the church, I guess (Someone tell Kate Kelly her excommunication is not valid!). 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. Also God says no one knows in scripture, so stop asking; but He also said in scripture that He upbraideth not those who have questions and if you ask it shall be opened unto you. Also, Mormons believe in three Heavens. 12:16), hell which hath no end (1 Ne. The Nephites became so wicked, that contemplating murder was a source of happiness. This is serving Satan. Outer darkness is not a kingdom of glory. Joseph Fielding Smith and Bruce R. McConkie have rejected the idea that those in perdition can ultimately be redeemed, which contradicts Brighams speculations. 16:18). 20:1315). 20:13). 34:3435; note Almas repetitive use of the word state in Alma 40:1112; see also D&C 101:9091; 133:7073). It is taught that, in the pre-mortal life, they chose to follow a plan proposed by Satan, rather than that presented by God the Father. The Book of Mormon also makes reference to everlasting fire (2 Ne. Thus, the only mortals who can possibly become sons of perdition must be Latter-day Saints who fall/fell away. 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. He had a sure witness of the Lord and willfully chose to follow Satan instead. Outer Darkness. 3:12), the tares are gathered and burned in the fire (Matt. He also said,I think I am safe in saying that no man can become a Son of Perdition until he has known the light. Okay so clearly we have billions of souls who qualify as perdition and go to outer darkness according to one prophet in his personal books and not officially speaking as a prophet. This is full on rejection of God. This extreme punishment will not be given to any but the sons of perdition. The second possible sons of perdition are mortals. The apostle John saw the final judgment and wrote of the destiny of the wicked: And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. 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. Articles 1 - 7 will help your candle last longer and perform its best. We will, however, address some of the portrayals of other LDS beliefs and practices that were depicted in this episode. Into the telestial kingdom will go, according to that which is written here in this revelation, the vicious, the unclean, the ungodly (Conference Reports, April 1942, p. 27). 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, 78, 98 ). 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. T F It is practically impossible for those who were human to ever be sent to Outer Darkness. 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. But wait! The wicked are cast into outer darkness until the time of their resurrection, Alma 40:13-14. 15:2830). 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. No exact details are given. In Mormonism, it depends. Jesus declared that this exalted city would be brought down to hell (Matt. Clean and Unclean (p. 273). 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). Banishment from the joys of heaven. However, based on the teaching of church leaders, I believe it is utterly impossible for any mortal to become this despised son of perdition. Outer darkness is something which cannot be described, except that it is to be placed beyond the benign and comforting influence of the Spirit of Godbanished entirely from his presence. Making the LDS Church Slightly Better: A Members Wish List. They are the celestial kingdom, the terrestrial kingdom, the telestial kingdom, and outer darkness. This is what was taught by several important church leaders, including founder Joseph Smith. In each New Testament passage that speaks of hell (the word hades is neutralneither a place of punishment nor reward but the place of departed spirits) the context associates it with suffering and punishment. The punishment which is given from my hand is endless punishment, D&C 19:10-12. 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. 11:23). Cannot be saved at the last day; except W.W. Phelps who was classified as such by Joseph and then redeemed, and we should only trust prophets on the matter because they dont conflict, unless they do. It is impossible for those who never joined Mormonism to become sons 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. . He is damned by mortification and is his own condemner and tormenter. 28:2223). The Sons of Perdition are those who have lived as mortal men and women on the earth, have had the heavens opened to them and received a certain knowledge that Jesus is the Christ, and then have rejected the Savior, "having denied the Only Begotten Son of the Father, having crucified him unto themselves and put him to an open shame" (Doctrine and Covenants 76:34-35; see also Doctrine and Covenants 76:3133, 3637). 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. As a young boy, I attended a two-week Christian camp. It clarifies how using an obscure quote does not define LDS doctrines or dogmas. 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. Clearly fire is used as a metaphor for sufferingnot a literal fire but a state of misery. 12:22; Morm. To the Church in Smyrna the Apostle John wrote: He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death (Rev. This is the final destination of Satan himself. 23:33). 5. Salvation is release from the guilt and power of sin through God's gift of grace. To become a church member, baptism and confirmation are required. The conclusion: You (former Mormon), despite being baptized into this church, are not a son of perdition! 6:8). This extreme punishment will not be given to any but the sons of perdition ( Doctrines of Salvation 2:220 ). 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.). Mormons believe that only a Son of Perdition will go to Outer Darkness, their version of most Christian religions understanding of Hell. Followers 0. 18:8), hell fire (Matt. 21:8). Conclusion The sinner must deal with the self-created gulf on his own, with the help of the Savior and his Atonement. Mormon Doctrine Lecture, #2, Brigham Young University, 1967.). 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. 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). Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The. Brigham Young University The kingdom that is not a kingdom of glory is called outer darkness. Source: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/gs/sons-of-perdition. 801-422-6975. 8:17), and endless hell (Moro. 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 the Book of Mormon the phrase lake of fire and brimstone is used as a metaphor for the suffering that awaits the wicked. The manual Gospel Principles sheds additional light: There is no forgiveness for them, for they denied the Holy Spirit after having received it. The ex-mortal sons of perdition will be resurrected, as will everyone else; but they will finally suffer the second death, the spiritual death, for they are cut off again as to things pertaining to righteousness. (Hel. Mormon theology ultimately portrays Outer Darkness as heaven, and Satan as the God of that realm. 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 consigned to hell or outer darkness are partakers of the second death, and their torment is as a lake of fire and brimstone. 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). 2:8-10) Jesus' atonement provided immortality for all people. These pains are similar to the state of suffering experienced by the ungodly who after mortality are assigned to hell. First of all, to become a son of perdition, you need to have been baptized into the church, then turned from the religion in order to fight against it, all the while knowing it is true. And as such I would qualify. [1], Other views include those of Zane C. Hodges who controversially suggested that it represents a place for those who make it to heaven based on their faith, but have failed to perform good works during their time on the earth.[2]. 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. This is the choice of an individual to reject God. Mormon doctrines are often contradictory and inconsistent. 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. Can someone get out of this state of Perdition once they are in it? The Book of Mormon presents several significant insights concerning the lake of fire and brimstone of which John spoke. Another manual states, Baptism is the first saving ordinance of the gospel (see Articles of Faith 1:4). I wonder if the language is tripping people up here. 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). Italics in original). 15:29, 35; Alma 19:29; 54:7), sleep of hell (2 Ne. 22:13-14, D-R.). Their theology was turned upside down! They have wilfully (sic) made themselves servants of Satan and servants to him shall they remain forever. He wrote: But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death (Rev. 8 - 14 are for safety. 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. Mormons also believe that those on Earth with bodies can become a Son of Perdition, tho this is difficult to do. 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 (Conference Reports, April 1942, p. 27. Johns announcement of death and hell releasing their dead for judgment is augmented by the Book of Mormon prophet Jacob, who taught the same doctrine but provided significantly more detail. However, Lucifer did not know all the purposes of the Father as we learn from the Pearl of Great Price, Moses 4:6. it could be a reference for the resurrected who gain inheritance on other worlds but without the fulness of To add an RSC website shortcut to your home screen, open the website in the Safari browser. A representation of the tree degrees of glory and outer darkness. 4:32; 3 Ne. Please read, the source above, What is Official LDS Doctrine. 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. So why dont we get outer darkness too? (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. . This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Your email address will not be published. Thus, many would say I fight against the church. 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). John the Revelator heard Christ proclaim that he possessed the keys of hell and of death (Rev. These men and women cannot be redeemed, and will be the only ones who will suffer the second death. John did not define the second death other than to make it synonymous with the lake of fire and brimstone that awaits the wicked. Jesus also referred to outer darkness in two parables he gave during the last week of his life. 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. Just one rebellion. 1:18). 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. (To see the differences between the three kingdoms of glory, click here.) 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). Hell is outer darkness; it is the lake of fire; and it is the second death. 22:13) that awaits the wicked? The wicked, or in this particular context, the sons of perdition who are filthy still after judgment and resurrection, are assigned to everlasting punishment (see 2 Ne. Following this introduction will be a discussion of the usage of these termsfirst in the New Testament, then in the Book of Mormon. Therefore the Lord used Satans evil acts to accomplish his own purposes. 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). 9:710, 19, 26). In this state of torment Alma remembered his fathers teachings about Jesus Christ and his redemptive mission. It is the closest Mormon analogy to the concept of hell in most other Christian traditions. This is a Son of perdition. ; Mormon Temple Worship. . . 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. He wrote. Banishment into outer darkness. And if they be evil they are consigned to an awful view of their own guilt and abominations, which doth cause them to shrink from the presence of the Lord into a state of misery and endless torment, from whence they can no more return; therefore they have drunk damnation to their own souls. When I was Mormon, I was taught that in order to be sent to Outer Darkness (I'm a woman, that will be relevant in a second) you had to have an UNMISTAKABLE KnOwLeDgE of Christ, and then turn your back on God and deny him. Wilford Woodruff in a meeting with the apostles, 1893 D. Michael Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power (Salt Lake City, Utah: Signature Books, 1997) p. 795. I did cite sources spoken from the pulpit by a prophet. 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. In addition, Alma defined the second death as dying as to things pertaining unto righteousness. These individuals are chained down to an everlasting destruction and are subject to the will of Satan.