Different Definition of Mortality

[classylady]

I was at a Sealing last week, and the Sealer was a former temple president. He talked about the word mortality and it's meaning within the gospel. According to him, after we die and are in the Spirit World, we are still considered mortal, because this is still a probationary state. We still make decisions as to whether we will follow Christ, or not. It's not until the resurrection when we actually become immortal. I had never heard or thought of it in this way. It does make sense. What do you think?

[applepansy]

I agree that we don't become mortal until the resurrection. But is dead mortal? I've never thought of that.

[james12]

In one sense of the term "mortal" I agree. In the spirit world spirits are not yet redeemed from the fall and still subject the spiritual death (separation from God). Physical death has already occurred but spirits have not yet been resurrected and are living with the effects of separation from their body every moment. Of course, there is no more anticipation of physical death as there is here in on earth so in that sense I disagree.

I also agree that the spirit world is still a probationary state.

[Seminarysnoozer]

I was at a Sealing last week, and the Sealer was a former temple president. He talked about the word mortality and it's meaning within the gospel. According to him, after we die and are in the Spirit World, we are still considered mortal, because this is still a probationary state. We still make decisions as to whether we will follow Christ, or not. It's not until the resurrection when we actually become immortal. I had never heard or thought of it in this way. It does make sense. What do you think?

From LDS.org the definition of mortality; "The time from birth until physical death. This is sometimes called the second estate."

So, I see where the confusion comes from, it is sometimes used for the state from birth to death and sometimes used interchangeably with "the second estate."

[Just_A_Guy]

I could be convinced to the contrary; but up until now my thinking has been guided by the following quote from Elder Ballard:

Brothers and sisters, today, tomorrow, next week is the time for our preparation. In fact, it’s a lifelong effort; it does not stop until we are safely dead with our testimony still burning very brightly. [Emphasis added]

[classylady]

What does it mean to be safely dead? If we are still in a probationary state in the Spirit World, then are we safely dead? Or is it at the resurrection when we are safely dead?

[james12]

Regarding the continuation of the probationary state in the spirit world, consider the following:

1. Christ did not minister to the spirits in prison.

2. The spirit world the wicked are still bound until they receive the gospel.

3. Those who died in their sins had to be taught faith in God, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost.

4. The dead must repent in order to be redeemed.

If these conditions exist in the spirit world then it seems to me that probation remains.

[Seminarysnoozer]

I could be convinced to the contrary; but up until now my thinking has been guided by the following quote from Elder Ballard:

The emphasis should be on the word "our" because obviously Elder Ballard speaking to "Brothers and sisters" are those that have had the chance to accept or reject the gospel while in this life. At death, our testimony can make us "safely dead" and the probationary state ends at death. But for the person who hasn't had the chance to accept or reject it then the probationary or preparatory state goes on into the spirit world.

"Safely dead" I think means what Alma described in chapter 40: " 12 And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow."

[classylady]

One of the questions I have on this is about people who know the church is true, but are living a life that is contrary to some of the teachings. They may even want to change their lives for the better, but for whatever reason haven't done so, (addiction), or simply haven't had the strength to better their lives. They know the church is true, but they have flaws (don't we all?). Are they received into Spirit Prison or Paradise? They may have been baptized, endowed, sealed, etc. Good people, but not living the commandments as they should.

[Vort]

One of the questions I have on this is about people who know the church is true, but are living a life that is contrary to some of the teachings. They may even want to change their lives for the better, but for whatever reason haven't done so, (addiction), or simply haven't had the strength to better their lives. They know the church is true, but they have flaws (don't we all?). Are they received into Spirit Prison or Paradise? They may have been baptized, endowed, sealed, etc. Good people, but not living the commandments as they should.

They are received into the area into which they fit. I don't know the mechanism used, but the principle seems obvious: Those who are comfortable and worthy (i.e. able) to live in glory will live in glory. Those who are not, whether or not they are "to blame" for their condition, will not. And when they become able to live in glory, they will live in glory.