This Sunday's lesson summary comes from Sis Mark.
"Betty Tobias taught us this week on the Postmortal Spirit World (lesson 41 in our Gospel Principles manual)
Though death is inevitable for all of us, we can gain much comfort from our testimonies of the gospel and feel gratitude for the knowledge that life goes on. President Benson said "sometimes the veil between this life and the life beyond becomes very thin. Our loved ones who have passed on are not far from us.
Though death is inevitable for all of us, we can gain much comfort from our testimonies of the gospel and feel gratitude for the knowledge that life goes on. President Benson said "sometimes the veil between this life and the life beyond becomes very thin. Our loved ones who have passed on are not far from us.
Sister Tobias reminded us that spirits carry from earth the same attitudes of devotion or antagonism toward things of righteousness; they have the same appetites and desires as when they were on earth. Spirits are classified according to the purity of their lives and obedience to the will of the Lord while on earth; either in paradise or in spirit prison. All will have the ability to progress, and have the opportunity to use gifts and talents they were blessed with on earth.
Those who are righteous are received into paradise; where they will enjoy a state of happiness, rest from all their troubles, and peace. Spirits who honored their calling on earth are organized in family capacities. The church is organized in the spirit world, and priesthood holders continue their responsibilities. Spirits in paradise are active in doing the work of the Lord, and missionary work continues to go on to those in spirit prison.
There are two categories in spirit prison, those who have not yet received the gospel of Jesus Christ and those who rejected the gospel. These spirits continue to have agency and my be enticed by both good and evil. Those who accept the gospel and have ordinances performed for them in the temples may leave spirit prison and dwell in paradise. Those who reject the gospel will suffer in a condition known as hell. The prophet Joseph Smith taught that their pain and suffering is from their own accusations. After suffering for their sins they will be allowed, through the attonement of Jesus Christ to inherit the lowest degree of glory, which is the telestial kingdom."
- Teri