Celestial Kingdom

[scdoyle]

Last night, our 6 year old came into our room crying. He couldn't fall asleep and finally told us the reason was because he didn't want to die. (I think this came up because we had watched the Last Leaf DVD as a family.) We've explained death before, so we explained it again in light of the Gospel. We explained it as a rebirth, just like we were born here. He had lots of questions, some of which we could answer, some of which we couldn't. One question I know the answer to (sort of), but couldn't explain well was: What are we going to do after we die?

I talked about the faithful spirits who would teach the Gospel as missionaries, etc. Then he interrupted my explanation and asked what we'd be doing in the Celestial Kingdom. (Honestly, I think in his little mind, he's either worrying about being bored, or deciding whether he really wants to go there.) I mean, we talk it up all the time as a Church, but there aren't very many specifics revealed, or I'm not aware of them. I, of course, read to him from the D&C (verses in sect. 76, and others), but I couldn't find what he was looking for or would accept as an answer. I have a vague recollection of what I've been taught, and honestly, I don't worry about it much. I'm more worried about living worthily now. I'd like to somehow answer his curiosity if possible.

Aren't we supposed to be exalted, and then eventually follow the godlike pattern of creating worlds for other spirits, have eternal increase (posterity), etc.?

Does anyone know where we could find a doctrinally based answer to his question of what we'll be doing post-resurrection? He also wants to know what people in the other kingdoms will be doing.

[Hemidakota]

The first place to start with is always this link for anything that is considered doctrinal: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or Mormon.org - Home. Both of which have search engines to find doctrinal answers.

Searching through book to answer questions of this nature, I would always start with the 'Teachings of Joseph Smith.' Electronic version is provided here Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith

You already answered your first question. Will follow the same pattern after we received the fullness of the FATHER.

To answer your second question, I would first go back to the D&C and begin there to see what becomes of those individuals under various testable mortal living conditions.

Here are some to start with:

Doctrine and Covenants 88

...needs be sanctified from all unrighteousness, that it may be prepared for the celestial glory; 19 For after it hath filled the ... say unto you, the earth abideth the law of a celestial kingdom, for it filleth the measure of its creation, and transgresseth ... more...

Doctrine and Covenants 137

...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 ... if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God; 8 Also all that shall die ... more...

Doctrine and Covenants 105

... cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom; otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself....her banners may be terrible unto all nations; 32 That the kingdoms of this world may be constrained to acknowledge that the... more...

Doctrine and Covenants 130

...receives one, whereby things pertaining to a higher order of kingdoms will be made known; 11 And a white stone is given to each of those who come into the celestial kingdom, whereon is a new name written, which no man knoweth save he that receiveth... more...

You can find electronic version of the scriptures at this link: Scriptures

Last, BYU Library, have more than 79 dedicated articles pertaining to this topic - Celestial Glory. Here are a few found:

Be Worthy of Celestial Exaltation (24 March 1974)

in Bernard Brockbank, BYU Speeches 1974

..., questionable, manmade shortcuts. Progress Toward Celestial Exaltation To the progressive mind, searching is inevitable. Reaching and..., and then I will close. The people who will inherit the celestial kingdom are those that, after being baptized and ... more...

Is It Worth It? (2 September 1979)

in M. Russell Ballard, BYU Speeches 1979

...be sanctified from all unrighteousness, that it may be prepared for the celestial glory; For after it hath filled the measure of..., even with the presence of God the Father; That bodies who are of the celestial kingdom may possess it forever and ever... more...

Believing Christ: A Practical Approach to the Atonement (29 May 1990)

in Stephen E. Robinson, BYU Speeches 1990

...after the righteousness that God has, after the righteousness of the celestial kingdom, because as that is the desire of their heart, they ... of us who are similarly petrified by the questions "Am I celestial? Am I going to make it? Was I good enough today?"... more...

Keep the Commandments--Beginning Right Now! (6 September 1987)

in M. Russell Ballard, BYU Speeches 1987

...be sanctified from all unrighteousness, that it may be prepared for the celestial glory; For after it hath filled the measure of..., even with the presence of God the Father; That bodies who are of the celestial kingdom may possess it forever and ever... more...

Vision and a Hope for the Youth of Zion (12 April 1977)

in Ezra Taft Benson, BYU Speeches 1977

... share with you a vision of your eternal possibilities. The celestial kingdom, residence of God, our Eternal Father, is...repeat and emphasize that the law of consecration is a law for an inheritance in the celestial kingdom. God, the Eternal Father, his Son ... more...

The Seven Deadly Heresies (1 June 1980)

in Bruce R. McConkie, BYU Speeches 1980

... they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God; Also all that shall die henceforth... the resurrection determines the glory we receive in the kingdoms that are prepared. Of those in the telestial world it is written: "... more...

Celestial Marriage: A Little Heaven on Earth (9 November 1976)

in Robert D. Hales, BYU Speeches 1976

... Christ of Latter-Day Saints to plan for and prepare for a celestial marriage. It is your parents' responsibility to teach this early... we cannot reach the highest degree of glory in the celestial kingdom? It is also clear what will happen to those who never... more...

The Streams of Your Life (24 November 1987)

in David B. Haight, BYU Speeches 1987

... ordinances and ceremonies that pertain to salvation and exaltation in the kingdom of God. One of the greatest blessings of life is to ... lead you toward the ultimate goal of life everlasting in the celestial kingdom of God our Heavenly Father. We love you... more...

Your Four Great Days (29 January 1974)

in Sterling W. Sill, BYU Speeches 1974

...But if we want to qualify for the celestial kingdom, then we need to live...his poem: My mind to me a kingdom is. Such pleasant joys therein...live with God, who is a member of this highest order of the celestial kingdom. Socrates was a very homely man.... more...

Abide in the Light of the Gospel (21 October 1980)

in M. Russell Ballard, BYU Speeches 1980

...And I give unto you, who are the first laborers in this last kingdom, a commandment that you assemble yourselves together, and organize ... Oh, my brothers and sisters, as I understand the celestial kingdom and what it is going to be like, I see that being ... more...

Hopefully, this is a beginning for you in searching for answers with clarity.

[the_jason76]

Much of what happens in the Celestial kingdom has not been revealed to us, and likely won't be revealed until we actually get there. I think the Lord knows that, as mortals, we are not prepared for the knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom. Not only that, but revealing all things would leave little room for us to excercise faith, which is how growth occurs. A simple answer to a child's questions could be "We don't know, but if we are good we will find out someday."

[Hemidakota]

I have to disagree, some of which has been revealed due to the patternization of what has occurred already on this earth and interaction of the Godhead and its creation. Then, we have Joseph Smith and those who had a glimpse of what lies ahead for those who shall inherit that state of glory. You will find, after a few minutes of that vision, it is hard for that person in continuing in living here in mortality and the priorities of life shifts to one of repentance and pure obedience than materials or status quo.

[the_jason76]

I have to disagree, some of which has been revealed due to the patternization of what has occurred already on this earth and interaction of the Godhead and its creation. Then, we have Joseph Smith and those who had a glimpse of what lies ahead for those who shall inherit that state of glory. You will find, after a few minutes of that vision, it is hard for that person in continuing in living here in mortality and the priorities of life shifts to one of repentance and pure obedience than materials or status quo.

You misread my post. I did not say that nothing has been revealed. I said "much" has not been revealed.

[HiJolly]

I have to disagree, some of which has been revealed due to the patternization of what has occurred already on this earth and interaction of the Godhead and its creation. Then, we have Joseph Smith and those who had a glimpse of what lies ahead for those who shall inherit that state of glory. You will find, after a few minutes of that vision, it is hard for that person in continuing in living here in mortality and the priorities of life shifts to one of repentance and pure obedience than materials or status quo.

The_Jason76

Much of what happens in the Celestial kingdom has not been revealed to us, and likely won't be revealed until we actually get there. I think the Lord knows that, as mortals, we are not prepared for the knowledge of the mysteries of the Kingdom. Not only that, but revealing all things would leave little room for us to excercise faith, which is how growth occurs. A simple answer to a child's questions could be "We don't know, but if we are good we will find out someday."

I agree with both of you. We can learn much of the next life while here, certainly. But there is MUCH we will not know or experience until we get there.

The bottom line of the LDS Church is that it is better to clothe the naked and feed the hungry, than to spend all our time contemplating the eternities (much as I enjoy that).

HiJolly

[the_jason76]

it is better to clothe the naked and feed the hungry, than to spend all our time contemplating the eternities.

Agreed.

[Pyotr]

I was freaked out about this too when I was little. Understanding that I would be spending eternity with my family really helped.

[Hemidakota]

The word "not much is given" is an ambiguous word for those who viewed the Celestial Kingdom. Even, what is accomplished in Paradisaical glory is revealed.

Though, it is agreement Hijolly, it is the goal of the church to prepare the way for the return of the Savior, missionary work for both the living and dead, and to seek our salvation. The rest of what is not known, will come after, when the Holy Ghost presents that Saint before the Godhead. :)

[Prodigal_Son]

I was freaked out about this too when I was little. Understanding that I would be spending eternity with my family really helped.

Weird. That's the part that totally freaked me out.

[Prodigal_Son]

As long as there's a basketball court in each church building, I'm all in.

[Hemidakota]

We can play a game of Celestial 'Pong' game with each other using on of those Telestial Sun.