What Does "telestial" Mean?

[DrewM]

The word "telestial" is not found in the dictionary now nor was it in 1831 when it was first recorded in D&C 76. So what does "telestial" mean? Here are my thoughts.

"Telestial" is derived from the Greek word "Telos" which means "the end, complete/finish, full, perfect" etc. It is used in connection with the Telestial Kingdom because it is the last resurrection of the saved that happens at the end of the world when Jesus has completed and perfected his work. I think this is evident in the following verse from the New Testament:

22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.

24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power(1 Cor. 15:22-24).

Let me give my commentary:

All be made alive] All will be resurrected just like Jesus was.

In his own order] The word for order refers to temporal order or rank. Each person will be resurrected in the order or according to their rank in salvation.

Christ the firstfruits] Christ is the first to be resurrected in time, he is also the highest in rank.

afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming] The next to be resurrected are those who are resurrected at Christ's second coming. This is the first resurrection which consists of those who are resurrected in the morning (the heirs of the celestial kingdom) and those who are resurrected afterwards (the Terrestial Kingdom).

Then cometh the end] "The end" is "telos" in the Greek. Then (after the other resurrections) comes the "telos" resurrection. This is where the word telestial comes from. It occurs after the millennium when Christ "shall have delivered up the kingdom to God..." It carries with it the feeling of completion, ending, perfection.

With this understanding, D&C 76 takes on a new meaning.

"[Telestial inhabitants] are they who shall not be redeemed from the devil until the last resurrection, until the Lord, even Christ the Lamb, shall have finished his work" (D&C 76:85)

"[Telestial inhabitants] are they who are cast down to hell and suffer the wrath of Almighty God, until the fulness of times, when Christ shall have subdued all enemies under his feet, and shall have perfected his work; when he shall deliver up the kingdom, and present it unto the Father [cf. 1 Cor. 15:24] " (D&C 76:106-107)

[MorningStar]

Very cool! I thought I read somewhere that "telos" means "last".

[Still_Small_Voice]

I also heard the word tele means distant as in use of the word telephone. Thus the word telestial could also mean distant from God.

[DrewM]

I also heard the word tele means distant as in use of the word telephone. Thus the word telestial could also mean distant from God.

That is a possibility for sure. I think telos is a better option for it's origin, however, when looking at the scriptures above.

[LdsNana]

The word "telestial" is not found in the dictionary now nor was it in 1831 when it was first recorded in D&C 76. So what does "telestial" mean? Here are my thoughts.

"Telestial" is derived from the Greek word "Telos" which means "the end, complete/finish, full, perfect" etc. It is used in connection with the Telestial Kingdom because it is the last resurrection of the saved that happens at the end of the world when Jesus has completed and perfected his work. I think this is evident in the following verse from the New Testament:

22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.

24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power(1 Cor. 15:22-24).

Let me give my commentary:

All be made alive] All will be resurrected just like Jesus was.

In his own order] The word for order refers to temporal order or rank. Each person will be resurrected in the order or according to their rank in salvation.

Christ the firstfruits] Christ is the first to be resurrected in time, he is also the highest in rank.

afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming] The next to be resurrected are those who are resurrected at Christ's second coming. This is the first resurrection which consists of those who are resurrected in the morning (the heirs of the celestial kingdom) and those who are resurrected afterwards (the Terrestial Kingdom).

Then cometh the end] "The end" is "telos" in the Greek. Then (after the other resurrections) comes the "telos" resurrection. This is where the word telestial comes from. It occurs after the millennium when Christ "shall have delivered up the kingdom to God..." It carries with it the feeling of completion, ending, perfection.

With this understanding, D&C 76 takes on a new meaning.

"[Telestial inhabitants] are they who shall not be redeemed from the devil until the last resurrection, until the Lord, even Christ the Lamb, shall have finished his work" (D&C 76:85)

"[Telestial inhabitants] are they who are cast down to hell and suffer the wrath of Almighty God, until the fulness of times, when Christ shall have subdued all enemies under his feet, and shall have perfected his work; when he shall deliver up the kingdom, and present it unto the Father [cf. 1 Cor. 15:24] " (D&C 76:106-107)

In his own order] The word for order refers to temporal order or rank. Each person will be resurrected in the order or according to their rank in salvation.

Hello Drew,

Nice work. When ever I see the word, 'order' -- I always think of ordinance... because of the order in which we must receive each of these laws, in our eternal progression. Therefore, I think this could mean, that depending upon the order in which a person was willing to receive law or light, this will have everything to do with their final judgement.

Is this what you meant?

The word 'perfected', I believe means finished. So at the end of the Seventh Day, or Millennium... Christs' work will be finished or whole, having gathered all the family of God, completely organized and restored to their final state, through the sealing power of Jesus Christ...

You are absolutely doctrinally correct in your conclusion regarding those who inherit the telestial kingdom... they will not come forth until the very end of the Millennium, when all WORK is done and for all of mankind who were willing to cleanse themselves through the blood of Jesus Christ.

This is the process in which... every knee will bow and every tongue confess, that Jesus is the Christ. Hence the need for every soul who ever lives here upon the earth to receive and accept, the principles and ordinances of the Gospel, as taught in our fourth article of faith.

Baptism is the gate into the Kingdom of God. Therefore, any person who desires an inheritance in the Kingdom of God, must accept The King, as Lord of all Lords and King of ALL Kings.

This has everything to do with The Kingdom of God, which is the form of Government under which the eternal worlds are governed, regardless of the final glory received. All must accept Jesus Christ, to have a place in His Kingdom.... telestial, terrestrial or Celestial.

One final thought... those who do not come forth until the final resurrection, will be those who not only inherit the telestial Kingdom, but also sons of perdition... who will receive resurrection prior to their being cast out. It is at this final point that the refusal to acknowledge Jesus as the Christ, that son's of perdition will they be...

So the work during the millennium takes place on both sides of the veil still... to complete the work, to save each and every one of the children of God, who are willing to be saved into a kingdom of glory.

[carpeomnius]

Very nice. Sounds good to me.

[jadams_4040]

The word "telestial" is not found in the dictionary now nor was it in 1831 when it was first recorded in D&C 76. So what does "telestial" mean? Here are my thoughts.

"Telestial" is derived from the Greek word "Telos" which means "the end, complete/finish, full, perfect" etc. It is used in connection with the Telestial Kingdom because it is the last resurrection of the saved that happens at the end of the world when Jesus has completed and perfected his work. I think this is evident in the following verse from the New Testament:

22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.

24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power(1 Cor. 15:22-24).

Let me give my commentary:

All be made alive] All will be resurrected just like Jesus was.

In his own order] The word for order refers to temporal order or rank. Each person will be resurrected in the order or according to their rank in salvation.

Christ the firstfruits] Christ is the first to be resurrected in time, he is also the highest in rank.

afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming] The next to be resurrected are those who are resurrected at Christ's second coming. This is the first resurrection which consists of those who are resurrected in the morning (the heirs of the celestial kingdom) and those who are resurrected afterwards (the Terrestial Kingdom).

Then cometh the end] "The end" is "telos" in the Greek. Then (after the other resurrections) comes the "telos" resurrection. This is where the word telestial comes from. It occurs after the millennium when Christ "shall have delivered up the kingdom to God..." It carries with it the feeling of completion, ending, perfection.

With this understanding, D&C 76 takes on a new meaning.

"[Telestial inhabitants] are they who shall not be redeemed from the devil until the last resurrection, until the Lord, even Christ the Lamb, shall have finished his work" (D&C 76:85)

"[Telestial inhabitants] are they who are cast down to hell and suffer the wrath of Almighty God, until the fulness of times, when Christ shall have subdued all enemies under his feet, and shall have perfected his work; when he shall deliver up the kingdom, and present it unto the Father [cf. 1 Cor. 15:24] " (D&C 76:106-107)

Very Good! have you thought of sharing this on the other board? {madb} :)

[DrewM]

Very Good! have you thought of sharing this on the other board? {madb} :)

They banned me.

You're more than welcome to share it if you'd like. Let me know how it goes.

[HiJolly]

They banned me.

You're more than welcome to share it if you'd like. Let me know how it goes.

Again? Sheesh.

HiJolly

[LdsNana]

They banned me.

You're more than welcome to share it if you'd like. Let me know how it goes.

D r e w s y -

Dude!

Yikes, what DID you do this time? Alas, I was not around to draw a sword on your behalf... this time. Which thread should we go take a look at? Who were you attempting to set straight? Were you having it out with the same old thugs?

Personally, I have never 'read' you to be anything but a nice guy.

Also, it was suggested that you post your commentary of 76 over there... may I ask why? Do you feel that it would or would not be welcome there? This is the same doctrine we teach in seminary, so what problems, etc... do you think you would encounter simply clarifying doctrine, and... out of the canon?

The only problem that comes to my mind, is that they don't know the doctrine and might have other false notions on the subject, or may have not ever thought of it so deeply?

I say this only because I am continually amazed at what is NOT taught and understood in the Church, yet is plainly taught in the scriptures, if we just LOOK a little closer - a bit longer - and desire to really KNOW, what truth there is to be found... in other words, we need to just ask, while we are studying -- and it is amazing how the Spirit will open our eyes so that we may see.

One thing I have noticed since I started to browse around the madb forums just lately... and have had some interesting conversations, is that most of the posters over there are mainly into research and proof of doctrine, versus the spirit teaching of truths. So I find it somewhat lacking in the element of faith, in most conversations.

I was chatting with a guy named, Erik, who is not a member of the church. The topic was repentance... He popped in to respond on a comment that I had made, and proceeded to correct me, saying that it was the cross and not the garden, where Christ' had His greatest suffering. He quoted... cant remember the reference off the top of my head --

but it said... that it was, 'by the blood of the Cross'... to make this correction. I took the time and went through how the actual verse did not say ON the cross, but BY the cross.... meaning his cause, which was to make reconciliation, etc...

What I found so interesting was how he took verses of scripture and attempted to support his cause... and that he completely ignored what was so clearly explained to him, and yet what he did not like was that I did not cite a lot of verses of scripture to make my point. It absolutely drove him nuts. (I simply paraphrased a lot)

And of course, he did not like the fact that I told him that I was not an apologist, so I would not be conversing with him as such... meaning, I bore my testimony to him, told him I would probably make him crazy and that basically, that he should go pick on someone who enjoys that kind of exchange. He did not want to learn, and I was confident in the doctrine on this matter...

Anyway, I am impressed with your search and find. It shows that you are a true seeker of truth.

[DrewM]

Again? Sheesh.

HiJolly

Yeah. I ticked one of the more feminist leaning mods off. Now, however, I'm permanently banned.

Oh well.

[DrewM]

D r e w s y -

Dude!

Yikes, what DID you do this time? Alas, I was not around to draw a sword on your behalf... this time. Which thread should we go take a look at? Who were you attempting to set straight? Were you having it out with the same old thugs?

Someone made a comment on the thread that got me in truoble before asking me why I said something. I briefly told them but said I couldn't stay on the thread because I had been threatened if I stayed. I came back the next day and was banned.

Personally, I have never 'read' you to be anything but a nice guy.

I've never taught anything against the Church, any of its leaders, nor attacked anyone individually. One of the mods just didn't like my views and wanted me silenced.

Also, it was suggested that you post your commentary of 76 over there... may I ask why? Do you feel that it would or would not be welcome there? This is the same doctrine we teach in seminary, so what problems, etc... do you think you would encounter simply clarifying doctrine, and... out of the canon?

The only problem that comes to my mind, is that they don't know the doctrine and might have other false notions on the subject, or may have not ever thought of it so deeply?

It was just suggested that I post it there because such things get more attention there. I don't think it is controversial or anything.

I say this only because I am continually amazed at what is NOT taught and understood in the Church, yet is plainly taught in the scriptures, if we just LOOK a little closer - a bit longer - and desire to really KNOW, what truth there is to be found... in other words, we need to just ask, while we are studying -- and it is amazing how the Spirit will open our eyes so that we may see.

I agree.

One thing I have noticed since I started to browse around the madb forums just lately... and have had some interesting conversations, is that most of the posters over there are mainly into research and proof of doctrine, versus the spirit teaching of truths. So I find it somewhat lacking in the element of faith, in most conversations.

That's because of the nature of the boards, who visits, the topics, etc.

I was chatting with a guy named, Erik, who is not a member of the church. The topic was repentance... He popped in to respond on a comment that I had made, and proceeded to correct me, saying that it was the cross and not the garden, where Christ' had His greatest suffering. He quoted... cant remember the reference off the top of my head --

but it said... that it was, 'by the blood of the Cross'... to make this correction. I took the time and went through how the actual verse did not say ON the cross, but BY the cross.... meaning his cause, which was to make reconciliation, etc...

Well, Christ clearly suffered in both places in our behalf. I wish I could have read the conversation.

What I found so interesting was how he took verses of scripture and attempted to support his cause... and that he completely ignored what was so clearly explained to him, and yet what he did not like was that I did not cite a lot of verses of scripture to make my point. It absolutely drove him nuts. (I simply paraphrased a lot)

Isn't that irratating? It gets worse when the person who disagrees with you is a mod so you get banned because they cannot give any reason for their views. :)

Anyway, I am impressed with your search and find. It shows that you are a true seeker of truth.

Mormonism is true. God lives. Jesus Christ is the Savior of mankind, planet earth, and all that is in her. Joseph Smith conversed with God and is a prophet. Like Brigham Young, I feel like shouting hallelujah all the time when I consider the blessing it is to know these things.

[Still_Small_Voice]

I grew weary of the endless debates about the gospel long ago. As the Apostle Paul said:

II Timothy Chapter 2

23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

[DrewM]

I grew weary of the endless debates about the gospel long ago. As the Apostle Paul said:

II Timothy Chapter 2

23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.

That is a great scripture.

Thanks for sharing.

[LdsNana]

That is a great scripture.

Thanks for sharing.

AMEN!

I have taken II Timothy 2, in particular, and adopted it as my personal creed, as to how we should defend the gospel as 'disciples' of Christ. I love how Paul teaches Timothy, in regards to him dealing with people that are oppositional to the gospel. What I have observed in dealing with opposition doctrinally, is that when we are firm in our faith and understanding of the doctrine, contention dissipates quickly. That is when you see the defense mode take over, and contention begins. I think that contention develops when one is not sufficiently knowledgeable in the doctrine, to then confidently 'teach' the truth. Paul is so wise in how he teaches this principle to Timothy. And this is why I love, love, love this chapter.

Timothy becomes a 'type' of how we are to conduct ourselves, so that the adversary does not take control of the situation. It's kind of like how the Lord told Joseph that he needed to be "wiser than the serpent". This again is another of those thoughts that stays with me.

On a different thread, they have been discussing having classes on Sundays, along the apologetics theme. Some feel that this would be helpful to the members, so that they would know 'how' to defend the church. I disagree for the most part... I am convinced that the better we teach the basic teachings of the gospel, i.e., the first four principles and ordinances, the better the members will then understand the 'deeper' doctrines of the gospel, or be taught by the Spirit. Once we are being taught by the Spirit, he will lead us into all truth that is necessary for our salvation.

Once a person grasps the implications of this basic foundation, all other teachings in the scriptures come alive. I believe this fourth article of faith is probably the most powerful key, in itself, (pattern) that we have, so that we may come to know God. That is the mission of the church, to administer these teachings, and clearly, and the ordinances that accompany them. From there, it becomes the responsibility of the member to then receive the teachings of the Spirit. This is the line upon line process of coming to the fulness, or God Himself.

To truly 'receive' the Holy Ghost, is to choose to walk with God, and embrace Him completely. Willing to submit ourselves to His will -- thus the process of 'coming unto Christ'.

Drew, you probably don't think in this way, but I feel that you are supposed to be here. I say this because I feel this forum needs those of sound doctrine, for so many reasons. Things are certainly NOT like they are over at madb. At one point I thought this board was somewhat weak in discussion of serious doctrine, which also was sound. Of late, I am seeing this slowly change as more members spend time here discussing the gospel in a more serious manner.

As much as this forum is not meant for debate, it is meant to teach clearly the doctrine, in our conversations. This requires those that are willing to take the time here. For those that prefer the 'intelligent' debate, this place is not happening for them. I have spoke with other friends that just cannot get into this forum. They feel that it is boring. I simply challenge them to stick around and add to this forum so that it becomes strong doctrinally.

Why is it that so many prefer to contend and debate, versus teach... in defense and the sharing of the gospel?

Go figure...

(Another epistle... Sorry. My good friend keeps reminding me to try and say things with less words. LOL )

[ghost_01]

telestial derives from the Greek telos , “last.” however, may I add a bit more light on this subject. while the terms rendered celestial (“heavenly”) and terrestrial (“earthly”) are often paired in the New Testament, only in Philippians 2:10 do they form a trio of terms. The third term used in that passage is katachthonios , literally “under the ground.” Since the terms “celestial” and “terrestrial” derive from Latin rather than Greek (caelum , “heaven,” and terra , “earth” a Latin term may lie behind “telestial” as well.

The Latin word tellus , “earth, globe, land, ground.” In light of this, it is interesting to note that the earth was a terrestrial sphere prior to the fall, that it will regain its terrestrial state during the millennium (Articles of Faith 10), and that in the meanwhile it is a sphere of the telestial order (see the description in D&C 76:98-103).

Also, a early Coptic document, Pistis Sophia , thought by some scholars to have been translated from an original Greek text dating as early as the second or third century A.D., reflects Paul's idea of different types of bodies rising in the resurrection according to one's merits. Speaking of the soul of a deceased person, it says, “And the Virgin of Light sealeth that soul and handeth it over to one of her receivers and will have it cast into a body which is suitable to the sins which it hat.

I hope this helps.

cool:Ghost_01:

[juliajohnson39]

telestial means "it is finished"

[Moksha]

I thought the greek root "tele" meant remote or far off. Such as its usage in telegraph, telephone and television.

[hordak]

I thought the greek root "tele" meant remote or far off. Such as its usage in telegraph, telephone and television.

Make sense. Where is the Telostial kingdom?

OP. Why the jump from Tele to telo?

[Still_Small_Voice]

I was just reading something in Doctrine and Covenants 76 today about the telestial kingdom and never realised:

85 These are they who shall not be redeemed from the devil until the last resurrection, until the Lord, even Christ the Lamb, shall have finished his work.

86 These are they who receive not of his fulness in the eternal world, but of the Holy Spirit through the ministration of the terrestrial;

87 And the terrestrial through the ministration of the celestial.

I did not realise that telestial inhabitants will be ministered to by the terrestrial kingdom inhabitants.

Also this scripture is interesting as well:

109 But behold, and lo, we saw the glory and the inhabitants of the telestial world, that they were as innumerable as the stars in the firmament of heaven, or as the sand upon the seashore;

[Misshalfway]

Telestial = "we're not in Kansas anymore, Toto."