first resurrection

[debi56]

I have heard 2 different explanations. I was told that the first resurrection happened when Christ was resurrected because it states that the graves were opened, but then again the first resurrection is mentioned later on.

So I would like some feedback about this subject, thanks.

[jimuk]

Hi Debi, i have no view on this, but i do await like yourself other peoples views.

[threepercent]

I have heard 2 different explanations. I was told that the first resurrection happened when Christ was resurrected because it states that the graves were opened, but then again the first resurrection is mentioned later on.

So I would like some feedback about this subject, thanks.

The first resurrection started with Christ and is still in progress, in fact, we are still in the morning of it.

[Maya]

Anyway people were ressaurected when Jesus was ressaurected. That is in the bible too so it has to be the first. IMHO

[HiJolly]

The first resurrection started with Christ and is still in progress, in fact, we are still in the morning of it.

That's right.

HiJolly

[Guest tomk]

It began with Jesus, and is on-going (Moroni, for example).

There will be a MASS resurrection at some point, which will also be a "First Resurrection"

[Justice]

The First Resurrection is the resurrection of the righteous, and it won't all be at the same time. Many righteous were resurrected after Christ was resurrected. Many will be resurrected at the beginning of the Millennium. The Last Resurrection is for the unrepentant and will happen at the end of the Millennium.

Since there will be no death during the Millennium, but all will be changed in the twinkling of an eye, whoever is resurrected at the beginning of the Millennium is typically called the "first resurrection," even though it includes all those who were righteous before the time of Christ, who were resurrected shortly after Christ was. Those who are resurrected at the end of the Millennium will be the unrighteous from all of earth's history.

[Still_Small_Voice]

The following is doctrine about the Resurrection found in the Gospel Principles manual Chapter 46:

Celestial

“They are they who received the testimony of Jesus, and believed on his name and were baptized, … that by keeping the commandments they might be washed and cleansed from all their sins, and receive the Holy Spirit.” These are they who overcome the world by their faith. They are just and true so that the Holy Ghost can seal their blessings upon them. (See Doctrine & Covenants 76:51-53.) Those who inherit the highest degree of the celestial kingdom, who become gods, must also have been married for eternity in the temple (see Doctrine & Covenants 131:1-4). All who inherit the celestial kingdom will live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ forever (see Doctrine & Covenants 76:62).

Terrestrial

These are they who rejected the gospel on earth but afterward received it in the spirit world. These are the honorable people on the earth who were blinded to the gospel of Jesus Christ by the craftiness of men. These are also they who received the gospel and a testimony of Jesus but then were not valiant. They will be visited by Jesus Christ but not by our Heavenly Father. (See Doctrine & Covenants 76:73-79) They will not be part of eternal families; they will live separately and singly forever

Telestial

These people did not receive the gospel or the testimony of Jesus either on earth or in the spirit world. They will suffer for their own sins in hell until after the Millennium, when they will be resurrected. “These are they who are liars, and sorcerers, and adulterers, and whoremongers, and whosoever loves and makes a lie.” These people are as numerous as the stars in heaven and the sand on the seashore. They will be visited by the Holy Ghost but not by the Father or the Son. (See Doctrine & Covenants 76:81-86 & verses 103-106.)

Outer Darkness

These are they who had testimonies of Jesus through the Holy Ghost and knew the power of the Lord but allowed Satan to overcome them. They denied the truth and defied the power of the Lord. There is no forgiveness for them, for they denied the Holy Spirit after having received it. They will not have a kingdom of glory. They will live in eternal darkness, torment, and misery with Satan and his angels forever. (See Doctrine & Covenants 76:28-35 & verses 44-48.)

Might I also add this clarifying doctrine on denying the Holy Ghost found in chapter 20 of the Gospel Principles manual:

The Prophet Joseph Smith said: “What must a man do to commit the unpardonable sin? He must receive the Holy Ghost, have the heavens opened unto him, and know God, and then sin against Him. After a man has sinned against the Holy Ghost, there is no repentance for him. He 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; and from that time he begins to be an enemy”

[justamere10]

I have heard 2 different explanations. I was told that the first resurrection happened when Christ was resurrected because it states that the graves were opened, but then again the first resurrection is mentioned later on.

So I would like some feedback about this subject, thanks.

Jesus Christ was the first person to be resurrected on this earth.

Word Search: first resurrected

There is a huge amount of information available online by searching "first resurrection" in the study helps:

Word Search: "first resurrection"

[Prodigal_Son]

The Last Resurrection is for the unrepentant and will happen at the end of the Millennium.

Oh good. So I have some time yet.

[tubaloth]

I have heard 2 different explanations. I was told that the first resurrection happened when Christ was resurrected because it states that the graves were opened, but then again the first resurrection is mentioned later on. So I would like some feedback about this subject, thanks.

This can be confusing give or take which time frame (before or after Christ) is being spoken of.

The better way of grouping it (like others have done) is the resurrection of the Just and the resurrection of the Unjust.

The resurrection of the just happen at the time of Christ when the graves where open. We do assume that this resurrection is still happening, but there is no word on that.

This was the first resurrection, because that’s when the graves where open.

Now those talking about the second coming of Christ also talked about the First Resurrection. The reason this is, is because this is the First Resurrection for us!

So its our First Resurrection.

To those who lived before the resurrection of Christ, the day of his coming forth from the dead was known as the first resurrection. Abinadi and Alma, for instance, so considered it. (Mosiah 15:21-25; Alma 40.) To those who have lived since that day, the first resurrection is yet future and will take place at the time of the Second Coming. (D. & C. 88:96-102.) We have no knowledge that the resurrection is going on now or that any persons have been resurrected since the day in which Christ came forth excepting Peter, James, and Moroni, all of whom had special labors to perform in this day which necessitated tangible resurrected bodies.

(Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 2d ed. [salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966], 639.)

This was the first resurrection on this earth, but since it is past, we now speak of the resurrection which will take place at the coming of Christ as the first resurrection. It will be the first unto us.

(Joseph Fielding Smith, The Way to Perfection [salt Lake City: Genealogical Society of Utah, 1949], 298.)

[debi56]

I had been told that his resurrection was the first, but in Relief Society today they talked abotu the plan of salvation and she went through the order of things, but she had on her timeline that the first resurrection would happen later.

I also was somewhat confused about it. My Patriarchal blessing says that I will come forth in the morning of the first resurrection so I assumed it would come later. Thanks for clearing that up for me. It makes much more sense now.

[dubhghall]

I had been told that his resurrection was the first, but in Relief Society today they talked abotu the plan of salvation and she went through the order of things, but she had on her timeline that the first resurrection would happen later.

I also was somewhat confused about it. My Patriarchal blessing says that I will come forth in the morning of the first resurrection so I assumed it would come later. Thanks for clearing that up for me. It makes much more sense now.

At the beginning of the millennium there will be a resurrection of the just, or the First Resurrection, and these will be "caught up" to meet the Savior. All others will have to wait until the end of the millennium to be raised, and that will comprise the Second Resurrection. I think the former is what your PB is talking about.

The First Resurrection began with the Savior taking up His life again, and will end after the Resurrection of the Just during the millennium.

[Elphaba]

Even when I was a member, the “kingdoms” did not make sense to me. I’ve put my questions below each kingdom to explain what I mean:

Celestial: “They are they who received the testimony of Jesus, and believed on his name and were baptized, … that by keeping the commandments they might be washed and cleansed from all their sins, and receive the Holy Spirit.” These are they who overcome the world by their faith. They are just and true so that the Holy Ghost can seal their blessings upon them. Those who inherit the highest degree of the celestial kingdom, who become gods, must also have been married for eternity in the temple. All who inherit the celestial kingdom will live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ forever.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The requirements listed for the CK actually are fairly cut and dried, and not confusing to me, per se. But, based on my observations, the teachings have moved away from what is written above.

For example, I have heard that people who did not have the chance to marry/be sealed to someone on earth will still have the chance to meet and marry someone in “heaven.” I’m not sure what “heaven” means, and I don’t even know if this is true.

But I have heard it said on a few message boards.

I do know the married or ministering angel concepts were taught explicitly during the 1900s. In fact, that is why so many women asked to be sealed to worthy men during the 19th century. And for all I know, perhaps this still happens, though I am not aware of it. I don’t think it would be allowed today, but of course, I don’t know for sure.

Also, I never hear anyone talk about being a ministering angel anymore.

Additionally, as I read the CK’s requirements above, I realized that unless the Second Coming does not occur for thousands of years, there will only be a few million people qualified to enter the CK. And realistically, even if given a couple thousand years, I cannot ever see the entire planet’s population converted and temple goers.

Any thoughts about that?

Next, I have some questions about the Terrestrial and Telestial kingdoms.

Terrestrial:

These are they who rejected the gospel on earth but afterward received it in the spirit world. These are the honorable people on the earth who were blinded to the gospel of Jesus Christ by the craftiness of men. These are also they who received the gospel and a testimony of Jesus but then were not valiant. They will be visited by Jesus Christ but not by our Heavenly Father. (See Doctrine & Covenants 76:73-79) They will not be part of eternal families; they will live separately and singly forever

Telestial:

These people did not receive the gospel or the testimony of Jesus either on earth or in the spirit world. They will suffer for their own sins in hell until after the Millennium, when they will be resurrected. “These are they who are liars, and sorcerers, and adulterers, and whoremongers, and whosoever loves and makes a lie.” These people are as numerous as the stars in heaven and the sand on the seashore. They will be visited by the Holy Ghost but not by the Father or the Son.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have never understood how the requirements for either the Terrestrial or Telestial kingdoms work. For example, the Terrestrial Kingdom includes: “These are the honorable people on the earth who were blinded to the gospel of Jesus Christ by the craftiness of men. “

But then the Telestial Kingdom includes: “These are they who are liars, and sorcerers, and adulterers, and whoremongers, and whosoever loves and makes a lie.”

In reality, human beings are extremely complicated creatures, and people are not usually completely one and not the other. I suppose you could say a person behaved in such a way that weighs one way or the other. But the descriptions are far too simplistic given the billions of normal people who have lived on the planet.

In fact, when I read the traits of those who will inhabit one or the other, I find a huge chasm between the two, as I think normal human beings lie somewhere in between.

Also, regarding the Telestial Kingdom, it reads “Those people who did not ‘receive’ the gospel. . . . “

Why would someone not receive the gospel, either on earth or the spirit world? “Receive” is not the same thing as “accept.“

Finally, why will these people suffer for their sins in hell, when they may not have even known they were sins?

Any thoughts on this as well?

Elphaba

[HiJolly]

Even when I was a member, the “kingdoms” did not make sense to me. I’ve put my questions below each kingdom to explain what I mean:

Celestial: “They are they who received the testimony of Jesus, and believed on his name and were baptized, … that by keeping the commandments they might be washed and cleansed from all their sins, and receive the Holy Spirit.” These are they who overcome the world by their faith. They are just and true so that the Holy Ghost can seal their blessings upon them. Those who inherit the highest degree of the celestial kingdom, who become gods, must also have been married for eternity in the temple. All who inherit the celestial kingdom will live with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ forever.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The requirements listed for the CK actually are fairly cut and dried, and not confusing to me, per se. But, based on my observations, the teachings have moved away from what is written above.

For example, I have heard that people who did not have the chance to marry/be sealed to someone on earth will still have the chance to meet and marry someone in “heaven.” I’m not sure what “heaven” means, and I don’t even know if this is true.

But I have heard it said on a few message boards.

Heaven in this sense means the spirit world of paradise, wherein the faithful can continue to make choices, such as to whom they will marry for eternity. The part about marrying necessarily implies that the marriage in question would have to be perfomed for the deceased in the Temple here in mortality, since marrying itself is not a spirit world activity. And everything neccessary for that is set up and ready to go, as needed.

I do know the married or ministering angel concepts were taught explicitly during the 1900s. In fact, that is why so many women asked to be sealed to worthy men during the 19th century. And for all I know, perhaps this still happens, though I am not aware of it. I don’t think it would be allowed today, but of course, I don’t know for sure.

Me either. Are you saying there's a problem in this? If so, I don't get it.

Also, I never hear anyone talk about being a ministering angel anymore.

I do. I've actually heard people say that that is all they want to be, in the next life. I cringe at their statement, wondering if they really know what they're saying, wondering if they know that it is truly up to them and their choice. In my heart, I hope they are teachable, that they will allow circumstances, as they change, to affect that choice.

Additionally, as I read the CK’s requirements above, I realized that unless the Second Coming does not occur for thousands of years, there will only be a few million people qualified to enter the CK.

I'm not following. ??? Are you equating the second coming to the final judgement?

And realistically, even if given a couple thousand years, I cannot ever see the entire planet’s population converted and temple goers.

Any thoughts about that?

I agree, and I think your time frame is what is suspect. Where do you get that from? I personally think each individual will get all the time they need in the hereafter.

Next, I have some questions about the Terrestrial and Telestial kingdoms.

Terrestrial: (snip)

Telestial: (snip)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have never understood how the requirements for either the Terrestrial or Telestial kingdoms work. For example, the Terrestrial Kingdom includes: “These are the honorable people on the earth who were blinded to the gospel of Jesus Christ by the craftiness of men. “But then the Telestial Kingdom includes: “These are they who are liars, and sorcerers, and adulterers, and whoremongers, and whosoever loves and makes a lie.”

Right.

In reality, human beings are extremely complicated creatures, and people are not usually completely one and not the other. I suppose you could say a person behaved in such a way that weighs one way or the other. But the descriptions are far too simplistic given the billions of normal people who have lived on the planet.

Right.

In fact, when I read the traits of those who will inhabit one or the other, I find a huge chasm between the two, as I think normal human beings lie somewhere in between.

Ok. Are you thinking of actions (works) or intent (heart)? The scriptures speak of judgement involving BOTH of these, in many cases only one or the other, in any given scripture. This is a point worthy of considerable prayer and contemplation.

The Greek legal system didn't give a darn about intent. If your actions resulted in a death, there was ZERO distinction between manslaughter and murder. No difference, the punishment was the same, with no allowance for circumstance or intent. Wherein comes the consideration for the elements of circumstance and intent? Why? How?

You say the distinctions between kingdoms is too simplistic. I think you're missing something. I'll grant that as they are laid out in D&C 76 it is very simplistic to us. But remember, this is in context of the Christianity of the day, which was much MORE simplistic (ie, heaven and hell). Also, this was given in vision, in an 'ineffible' way, and the recorder of the experience is UNABLE to capture the entirety of meaning and nuance. I'm sure they did the best they could, in putting it down on paper for our benefit, but as we read the proper interpretation MUST be supplied by the spirit, or understanding of the whole matter is lost.

Also, regarding the Telestial Kingdom, it reads “Those people who did not ‘receive’ the gospel. . . . “

Why would someone not receive the gospel, either on earth or the spirit world? “Receive” is not the same thing as “accept.“

That depends on how you look at it, but you're right. The difference might be... intent? Something to do with the heart? I seem to recall the word 'receive' in the marriage ceremony. I'm not using a question mark because I don't know, but because I am suggesting we should ponder the point.

Finally, why will these people suffer for their sins in hell, when they may not have even known they were sins?

Any thoughts on this as well?

Elphaba

They will not, if they did not. I guess I interpret the words "without law" differently than you do.

Well, that's my churchy, patriarchal view on it. Thanks for asking the questions. Hope my answers sparked some beneficial thought, if nothing else. As usual, I do not speak for the Church nor its leaders, blah blah blah...

HiJolly

Edited September 15, 2008 by HiJolly

[justamere10]

For example, I have heard that people who did not have the chance to marry/be sealed to someone on earth will still have the chance to meet and marry someone in “heaven.” I’m not sure what “heaven” means, and I don’t even know if this is true. But I have heard it said on a few message boards.

We are assured by a just God that nobody will be deprived of any blessing because of the unrighteousness of another.

If a righteous woman is married to a man who will not go or is unqualified to go to the temple, for example, but she wants to be sealed and would be if her husband qualified and was willing, she will have an opportunity given her sometime during her eternal progression to be sealed to another man and thus qualify for exaltation. (Assuming she is righteous and did her best to keep all the other commandments and her covenants.)

Intent, the thoughts and desires of the mind and heart, are important in God's eyes. Just do your very best day after day (hard as it sometimes is) to live temple worthy, and you will be in the right lineup on judgment day regardless of the people and circumstances that surrounded you during your mortal days. Because of the atonement of Jesus Christ, it's really that simple!

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding."

In reality, human beings are extremely complicated creatures, and people are not usually completely one and not the other. I suppose you could say a person behaved in such a way that weighs one way or the other. But the descriptions are far too simplistic given the billions of normal people who have lived on the planet. In fact, when I read the traits of those who will inhabit one or the other, I find a huge chasm between the two, as I think normal human beings lie somewhere in between.

Perhaps that is why in each kingdom of glory there are many mansions. It is possible during the eternities to progress from one mansion to a higher mansion, but not from one kingdom to a higher kingdom once the final kingdom assignments are made.

My guess is that judgment will be in favor of advancement for those who are right on the edge of for example Telestial and Terrestrial, so the end result is that there really is no black and white division between the two. But that's just a mere speculation of course.

Also, regarding the Telestial Kingdom, it reads “Those people who did not ‘receive’ the gospel. . . . “Why would someone not receive the gospel, either on earth or the spirit world? “Receive” is not the same thing as “accept.“

To me, in this context receive is the same as accept.

Finally, why will these people suffer for their sins in hell, when they may not have even known they were sins?

God is perfectly just. We will only be judged by the laws that we know. For example if the law known to a cannibal in remote New Guinea long long ago was that it was ok to eat humans from other tribes but not ok to eat humans from one's own tribe, and that law was abided by, I think that would result in a favorable judgment on that matter.

Also, the Telestial Kingdom is still a kingdom of glory. That is not hell!

Those are my personal understandings.

[rameumptom]

The First Resurrection began at Christ's resurrection. It will have a major event occur when he returns again in glory. Then it will continue through much of the Millennium. At the end of the Millennium will be the Second Resurrection for the telestial and sons of perdition.

[HoosierGuy]

When Jesus left his body after the Crucifixion, he went and set up the Spirit World, correct? Where did all those that died go before Jesus set up Spirit World? I know this question but I forgot the answer!

[justamere10]

When Jesus left his body after the Crucifixion, he went and set up the Spirit World, correct? Where did all those that died go before Jesus set up Spirit World? I know this question but I forgot the answer!

The spirit world, with its divisions into "paradise" and "prison" were already in place prior to the death of Jesus. What the Savior did after his death and prior to resurrection was to bridge the gap between those two places to allow missionaries to travel to and fro.

That's my understanding.

[richlittell]

I also can't remember, I've always assumed that those who are resurrected (caught up to meet Him) at Christ's second coming will be here on earth during the millennium. Is that correct? So the prophets of all ages will be here in that time as well, and those of the city of Enoch? Or might there be another abode or mission for those until the millennium is finished?

Concerning the first resurrection Alma 40 says (there are a lot of ellipses here, so it is Better to read the whole chapter, which takes less than a few minutes Alma 40):

1 Now my son, here is somewhat more I would say unto thee; for I perceive that thy mind is worried concerning the resurrection of the dead.

2 Behold, I say unto you, that there is no resurrection—or, I would say, in other words, that this mortal does not put on immortality, this corruption does not put on incorruption—until after the coming of Christ.

3 ... I have inquired diligently of God that I might know—that is concerning the resurrection.

4 Behold, there is a time appointed that all shall come forth from the dead. Now when this time cometh no one knows; but God knoweth the time which is appointed.

5 Now, whether there shall be one time, or a second time, or a third time, that men shall come forth from the dead, it mattereth not; for God knoweth all these things; and it sufficeth me to know that this is the case—that there is a time appointed that all shall rise from the dead.

...

8 Now whether there is more than one time appointed for men to rise it mattereth not; for all do not die at once, and this mattereth not; all is as one day with God, and time only is measured unto men.

...

16 And behold, again it hath been spoken, that there is a first resurrection, a resurrection of all those who have been, or who are, or who shall be, down to the resurrection of Christ from the dead.

...

18... it meaneth the reuniting of the soul with the body, of those from the days of Adam down to the resurrection of Christ.

19 Now, whether the souls and the bodies of those of whom has been spoken shall all be reunited at once, the wicked as well as the righteous, I do not say; let it suffice, that I say that they all come forth; or in other words, their resurrection cometh to pass before the resurrection of those who die after the resurrection of Christ.

20 Now, my son, I do not say that their resurrection cometh at the resurrection of Christ; but behold, I give it as my opinion, that the souls and the bodies are reunited, of the righteous, at the resurrection of Christ, and his ascension into heaven.

21 But whether it be at his resurrection or after, I do not say; but this much I say, that there is a space between death and the resurrection of the body, and a state of the soul in happiness or in misery until the time which is appointed of God that the dead shall come forth, and be reunited, both soul and body, and be brought to stand before God, and be judged according to their works.

...

23 The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame.

...

25 And then shall the righteous shine forth in the kingdom of God.

..

[justamere10]

I also can't remember, I've always assumed that those who are resurrected (caught up to meet Him) at Christ's second coming will be here on earth during the millennium. Is that correct? So the prophets of all ages will be here in that time as well, and those of the city of Enoch? Or might there be another abode or mission for those until the millennium is finished?

..

It is my understanding that during the Millennium everything will be restored as it was in the beginning. The land will be together, the oceans one body of water in the north. The flattening of mountains and raising of valleys will hugely increase the surface area of the earth.

The veil will be open, we will walk and interact with spirits and resurrected beings just as we do now with mortals. In fact we may be in a state similar to that of translated bodies. (My conjecture.)

My understanding is that the righteous who died before the Savior's resurrection (including those in the City of Enoch) were resurrected soon after the Lord's resurrection.

The City of Enoch will descend in or near where Jackson County, MO is today but it is a huge city and will extend well beyond those boundaries. That will be the center of government, the New Jerusalem. There will still be many other churches during the Millennium, but all people will be righteous and every knee shall bow to the King, Jesus Christ who will reign from New Jerusalem, but live in Old Jerusalem.

The wicked and Satan will have a thousand years of separation from the righteous. Sometime after the Millennium and the final battle, the wicked will be resurrected also and the kingdoms will be organized and populated. Satan and his followers and the sons of perdition go off to a place called "hell". And we all live happily (or sadly) ever after, some of us, having made right choices in the face of temptation to do otherwise, will have forever families and eternal increase...

[Prodigal_Son]

The spirit world, with its divisions into "paradise" and "prison" were already in place prior to the death of Jesus.

I've actually been taught that paradise and prison are the same place. That's it's actually a matter of your own personal satisfaction or guilt while you await judgment. That, essentially, it's a prison for those who failed, but paradise for those who can rest assured that they succeeded...

Anyone else taught this?

[tubaloth]

For example, I have heard that people who did not have the chance to marry/be sealed to someone on earth will still have the chance to meet and marry someone in “heaven.” I’m not sure what “heaven” means, and I don’t even know if this is true.

(Doctrine and Covenants 137:5-10.)

5 I saw Father Adam and Abraham; and my father and my mother; my brother Alvin, that has long since slept;

6 And marveled how it was that he had obtained an inheritance in that kingdom, seeing that he had departed this life before the Lord had set his hand to gather Israel the second time, and had not been baptized for the remission of sins.

7 Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying: All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God;

8 Also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom;

9 For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts.

10 And I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven.

It just means God can’t judge you on something you didn’t know or weren’t able to full fill in this life. So if that chance to marry never happens in this life, then you aren’t held accountable for it. We ASSUME that people are getting married in the next life, but this we don’t know. Marriages performed in the temple are for those that are already married and just never got it sealed! We don’t know what happens with those that aren’t marred in the next life.

Additionally, as I read the CK’s requirements above, I realized that unless the Second Coming does not occur for thousands of years, there will only be a few million people qualified to enter the CK. And realistically, even if given a couple thousand years, I cannot ever see the entire planet’s population converted and temple goers.

You would think this once you do the math, but we don’t know how different the earth is going to change once the second coming/millennium is here!

In reality, human beings are extremely complicated creatures, and people are not usually completely one and not the other. I suppose you could say a person behaved in such a way that weighs one way or the other. But the descriptions are far too simplistic given the billions of normal people who have lived on the planet.

In fact, when I read the traits of those who will inhabit one or the other, I find a huge chasm between the two, as I think normal human beings lie somewhere in between.

I don’t really see it that way, maybe you can help me see your point of view.

The Celestial Kingdom is for those that followed Jesus Christ, his gospel, the Plan of Salvation to the best of there ability.

The Terrestrial Kingdom is for those that had the chance here to follow Christ! But because they were to much “of the world” choose not to. They died, then in the next life they had there “second chance” so to speek. They then realized what they SHOULD have done while on the earth but didn’t, really until the last second.

The Telestial Kingdom is for those that reject Christ, the Gospel, the Plan of Salvation. The not only rejected it during this earth life, but also in the next life. It also seems like these people were also trying to lead others away from Christ and the Gospel! Because these Reject Christ, and the Atonement, they are left to suffer for there owns sins.

I realize everybody is different in the type of show they like to watch, or how they like there pizza, but when it comes to obeying the laws of God, is actually pretty cut and dry! Either you are obeying the law, or you aren’t!

(Doctrine and Covenants 88:21-24.)

21 And they who are not sanctified through the law which I have given unto you, even the law of Christ, must inherit another kingdom, even that of a terrestrial kingdom, or that of a telestial kingdom.

22 For he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory.

23 And he who cannot abide the law of a terrestrial kingdom cannot abide a terrestrial glory.

24 And he who cannot abide the law of a telestial kingdom cannot abide a telestial glory; therefore he is not meet for a kingdom of glory. Therefore he must abide a kingdom which is not a kingdom of glory.

36 All kingdoms have a law given;

37 And there are many kingdoms; for there is no space in the which there is no kingdom; and there is no kingdom in which there is no space, either a greater or a lesser kingdom.

38 And unto every kingdom is given a law; and unto every law there are certain bounds also and conditions.

39 All beings who abide not in those conditions are not justified.

Finally, why will these people suffer for their sins in hell, when they may not have even known they were sins?

By the time they reach this point, these would have been taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and would have known what they have done as wrong! They would have still believed there own ways were better! But nobody suffers unless they realize why they are suffering.

[HoosierGuy]

The Celestial Kingdom is for those that followed Jesus Christ, his gospel, the Plan of Salvation to the best of there ability.

Ok to the "best of there ability." I'm not married. I hope to find some one in this life tho. Lets say I do not, but live the Plan of Salvation to the best of my ability. That means I will find some one in the Spirit World to marry? I was under the assumption I will find some. The way I personally view things now - If I try my best to keep the Covenants I have made, and work on being a better person, and try to find a sister to marry, then if I do not find that sister in this life I will find her in the Spirit World.

[Justice]

I've actually been taught that paradise and prison are the same place. That's it's actually a matter of your own personal satisfaction or guilt while you await judgment. That, essentially, it's a prison for those who failed, but paradise for those who can rest assured that they succeeded...

Anyone else taught this?

Not sure about "same place," other than they are both in the Spirit World, but I do know that they could not mingle with those of the opposite holding place until Christ "bridged the gap" after His death and before His resurrection. "Place" may have an entirely different meaning in the Spirit World, so it really can't be answered for sure. It makes it sound like 2 different "places," but I haven't read anything by General Authorities about them being the "same place."