21:8; cf. Following this introduction will be a discussion of the usage of these termsfirst in the New Testament, then in the Book of Mormon. Lets go to modern revelation: that there would be no daughters of perdition. Joseph F. Smith Stan Larsen, ed., A Ministry of Meetings: The Diaries of Rudger Clawson, (Salt Lake City, Utah: Smith Associates and Signature Books, 1993) p. 560, Somebody called me up on the telephone and asked if there were daughters of perdition. Delving into the interesting bits about any religion to stem from Joseph Smith Jr. Joseph F. Smith,The Second Death,inBrian H. Stuy (editor). As soon as you define doctrine in a way that includes wikipedia, get back to me. Making the LDS Church Slightly Better: A Members Wish List, You continue to fight against the true church, Those spirits who rebelled against God in the preexistence are the original sons of perdition. There are two categories for those who should be considered sons of perdition. Brigham Young University After inspecting the intruder, the king instructed his servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt. In revealing Satans tactics, Nephi wrote: And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is noneand thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance. Yet I an certainly exempt from outer darkness, no questions asked. 16:811)meaning to be left with those who would partake of that permanent hell reserved only for those who, as Jacob stated, are filthy still.. Their theology was turned upside down! In this context, outer darkness is the spirit prison, or that part of the spirit world that the wicked inhabit prior to their resurrection. First, LDS Church scripture uses the term outer darkness to refer to a condition in the spirit world. In Mormonism, it depends. He called the Pharisees and scribes vipers and questioned, How can ye escape the damnation of hell? (Matt. The Book of Mormon presents several significant insights concerning the lake of fire and brimstone of which John spoke. 14:1519). Outer darkness is a eternal place of torment reserved for those who are "sons of perdition." According to LDS scripture, this will be a place that "where there is weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth" (Doctrine and Covenants 101:91; also see 133:73). Outer darkness is a place reserved for the Devil, his angels, and the sons of perdition. It is an eternal destination, a place where very few (if any) human beings will ever be sent. Followers 0. Mormonism. The "authority" to marry a man to one wife is not the same as the "authority" to marry a man to more than one wife. The Book of Mormon contains six references to the second death: one reference by Jacob (Jacob 3:11), three by Alma (Alma 12:16, 32; 13:30), and two by Samuel the Lamanite (Hel. . However, not once have I ever suspected such a person to be a closet believer in Mormonism. spirit prison. (See D&C 76:2835, 4448.) Clearly, when it comes to perdition and outer darkness, I can clearly not choose the wine in front of me, and anyone who speaks on the matter has a dizzying intellect. Provo, UT 84602 Think along the lines of a religious leader serving God but the opposite. WOMEN ARE BEAUTIFUL ANGELS WHO ARE INCAPABLE OF SINNING. Alma the Younger contributed even more insight on the second death when he gave the wicked people of Ammonihah a detailed description of the fate of those who harden their hearts against the word of God: Then if our hearts have been hardened, yea, if we have hardened our hearts against the word, insomuch that it has not been found in us, then will our state be awful, for then we shall be condemned. For example, Alma the Younger was delivered from the intensity of his hellish pain when he cried to the Lord for mercy. The punishment which is given from my hand is endless punishment, D&C 19:10-12. You have to be pretty bad to go to the Teresita's kingdom, and horrendous to go to outer darkness. Hence, the very worse lot in their lives will be the telestial kingdom. In harmony with this doctrinal truth that death and hell will deliver up the spirits and bodies of their captives, King David received the promise that his soul would not be left in hell (see Ps. Only a handful of "sons of perdition" would go. The Book of Mormon text confirms the truth of New Testament teachings on hell, second death, lake of fire and brimstone, and outer darkness. Italics in original). Outer Darkness. . The righteousness of some (Abraham or Lazarus) cannot erase the consequences of anothers sins (the rich man). Even the regular Wikipedia seems confused: Sons of Perdition are: The pre-mortal spirit followers of Satan. 10 reasons why a person ought to consider becoming a Christian. ). But the children of the kingdom [i.e., covenant breakers] shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt. So, in conclusion, I would have a hard time believing that you or billions of souls as you put will qualify for perdition even while taking Mormon beliefs into account. FAIRMormon says on this page even: When any man, except the President of the Church, undertakes to proclaim one unsettled doctrine, as among two or more doctrines in dispute, as the settled doctrine of the Church, we may know that he is not moved upon by the Holy Ghost, unless he is acting under the direction and by the authority of the President. This extreme punishment will not be given to any but the sons of perdition (Doctrines of Salvation 2:220). This is what was taught by several important church leaders, including founder Joseph Smith. There are ten references to the lake of fire and brimstone in the Book of Mormon. According to the Doctrine and Covenants, this will be a place that even in outer darkness, where there is weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth (Doctrine and Covenants 101:91; also see 133:73). When I was Mormon, I was taught that in order to be sent to Outer Darkness (I'm a woman, that will be relevant in a second) you had to have an UNMISTAKABLE KnOwLeDgE of Christ, and then turn your back on God and deny him. Matt. We believe that after the final judgment there are four places to which a person may be sent. Who of the following is NOT eligible for Outer Darkness. That being said, I don't think it really matters at the end of the day, because if it is all real, I want to stay clear away from anyone who the Church says deserves the Celestial Kingdom. Did I really have full knowledge? (see Rom. I wonder if the language is tripping people up here. (To see the differences between the three kingdoms of glory, click here.) Which would be a sure-fire way to know that a spirit is headed to Outer Darkness? All missionaries are doing is trying to upgrade people to a premium plan of ruling over planets and polygamy. In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), a son of perdition is a person who will not take part in the glory of God in the afterlife. Outer darkness is not a kingdom of glory. 5:22), burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire (Matt. One memorable night, he instructed us about the pains of hell. He asked us to imagine being stabbed and having that initial intense pain of the insertion of the knife last for twenty years. Just one rebellion. It is simply his opinion. Smith taught: The sons of perdition are those who have had a knowledge of the truth, have known that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, have had the testimony of the Spirit of the Lord, the Holy Ghost, and these things have all been revealed so that they know they are true; and then they turn against them and fight them knowingly. The extent of this punishment none will ever know except those who partake of it. This page was last edited on 17 September 2010, at 20:26. The Book of Mormon clarifies that the lake of fire and brimstone is a metaphor for the suffering of the wicked. [Discourse given on 20 January 1895.] This is a Son of perdition. The Book of Mormon also teaches that by coming unto Christ, one can escape the pains of hell experienced in this life. To become a son of perdition one must sin against the Holy Ghost, but before that is possible, one must receive the gift of the Holy Ghost (Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual Religion 324 and 325, 2001, p. 161). 3:20; 10:9- 10; Eph. This is a place very close in nature to the biblical hell. . The phrases depths of hell, awful hell, sleep of hell, pains of hell, chains of hell, everlasting hell, and endless hell are all unique to the Book of Mormon. 23:15). and they were judged every man according to their works (Rev. Because reasons. One of the messages of the Book of Mormon is that people sometimes lose the desire to repent. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. What qualifies a person to be a Son of Perdition? Grant Building [2]. While Christianity affirms that many people who were created by God will perish in hell, Mormonism also espouses this . 20:14), or the outer darkness (Matt. But behold, the resurrection of Christ redeemeth mankind, yea, even all mankind, and bringeth them back into the presence of the Lord. You quoted a website (Wikipedia) which is not doctrine and another website (FAIRMormon) which directly says it is not doctrine. Jacob identified death and hell as temporal and spiritual death. That last part of the previous sentence is very important. And, if you havent come into relationship with the Jesus of the Bible, I encourage you to do some homework and meet Him. Dennis L. Largey, Hell Second Death, Lake of Fire and Brimstone, and Outer Darkness, inThe Book of Mormon and the Message of the Four Gospels, ed. He also said,I think I am safe in saying that no man can become a Son of Perdition until he has known the light. 67, LDS Church Archives. Yea, Alma wrote, I did remember all my sins and iniquities, for which I was tormented with the pains of hell (Alma 36:13). He had a sure witness of the Lord and willfully chose to follow Satan instead. You'll need to do a few things to get the most out of your ex-Mormon candle. Does this description of God make it sound as if he is just (at least according to an LDS context)? . Twelfth President Spencer W. Kimball wrote. . He cried: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death. This desperate cry for forgiveness through Christ brought deliverance from the pains of hell Alma had experienced because of his sins (Alma 36:1620). He stated that converts made by the Pharisees became twofold more the child of hell than their teachers (Matt. Mormon doctrines are often contradictory and inconsistent. These are they who do two very specific things. Cannot be saved at the last day; except W.W. Phelps who was classified as such by Joseph and then redeemed, and we should only trust prophets on the matter because they dont conflict, unless they do. Jesus declared that this exalted city would be brought down to hell (Matt. The second death is spiritual and is separation from God. Mormons also believe that those on Earth with bodies can become a Son of Perdition, tho this is difficult to do. In Jesus parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Jesus contrasted the afterlife state of the lowly Lazarus with that of the self-absorbed rich man. They knew better but still chose wrong, one told me. to become a son of perdition? See Michael Hicks, Joseph Smith, W.W. Phelps, and the Poetic Paraphrase of The Vision, Journal of Mormon History 20 (Fall 1994) 2: 63-84 for discussion of authorship of this poem.). (Selections of Doctrines of Salvation, p. 462. These men and women cannot be redeemed, and will be the only ones who will suffer the second death. In this state of torment Alma remembered his fathers teachings about Jesus Christ and his redemptive mission. Generally, the outer darkness is thought to be hell; however, many Christians associate the outer darkness more generally as a place of separation from God or from the metaphorical "wedding banquet" that Jesus is expected to have upon his Second Coming. Additional doctrinal truth concerning the great gulf can be found in the Doctrine and Covenants (see D&C 138:1837). The wicked, or in this particular context, the sons of perdition who are filthy still after judgment and resurrection, are assigned to everlasting punishment (see 2 Ne. The conclusion: You (former Mormon), despite being baptized into this church, are not a son of perdition! The followers of Satan who will suffer with him in eternity. In the Latter Day Saint movement, "outer darkness" can refer to hell (the place where the spirits of the wicked reside after death but before the resurrection)[3] or to the place where the sons of perdition will reside. Banishment from the power of God. . The kingdom that is not a kingdom of glory is called outer darkness. Wilford Woodruff in a meeting with the apostles, 1893 D. Michael Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power (Salt Lake City, Utah: Signature Books, 1997) p. 795. Johns references to the second death testify of its existence but do not offer any explanatory information that instructs those readers who do not already understand the doctrine. Possibly but there is no citation there either. Christ brings to pass the resurrection of all menThe righteous dead go to paradise and the wicked to outer darkness to await the day of their resurrectionAll things will be restored to their proper and perfect frame in the Resurrection. Yea, they are grasped with death, and hell; and death, and hell, and the devil, and all that have been seized therewith must stand before the throne of God, and be judged according to their works, from whence they must go into the place prepared for them, even a lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment (2 Ne. Everyone is already going to the terrestrial kingdom by default. When the lights were out and we were on the verge of sleep, our camp counselor took advantage of the moment and endeavored to imprint his teachings upon the minds of his captive audience. But wait! Whats interesting is that there are many former Mormons who still believe Jesus Christ was the Son of God and have a testimony of the Spirit of the Lord. However, their faith no longer is in the Jesus of Mormonism but the Jesus of the Bible. (J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Church Leaders and the Scriptures, [original title When Are the Writings or Sermons of Church Leaders Entitled to the Claim of Scripture?] Immortality and Eternal Life: Reflections from the Writings and Messages of President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Vol, 2, (1969-70): 221; address to Seminary and Institute Teachers, BYU (7 July 1954); reproduced in Church News (31 July 1954); also reprinted in Dialogue 12/2 (Summer 1979): 6881.). The Book of Mormon provides another testament concerning the existence of hell, and explains how one can escape the chains of hell in this life, and an everlasting hell in the next life, through application of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. In a general conference talk, Joseph Fielding Smith further explained that. There are three references to outer darkness in the New Testament, all contained in the Gospel of Matthew. . (See Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Conclusion So why dont we get outer darkness too? Publishing, 19871989), 4:227228. For those born in this life, the person must be a former member who knew Mormonism was true but still rebelled and went against the truth while still knowing it was true. In Mormonism, it depends. Is Jesus the Only Redeemer? The Book of Mormon contains one reference to outer darkness. hell.. And as such I would qualify. Utterly turn against god. 8:17), and endless hell (Moro. The first three are referred to as the three degrees of glory, often compared to the sun, the moon, and the stars ( D&C 76:70, 78, 98 ). Banishment into outer darkness. Thus, the only mortals who can possibly become sons of perdition must be Latter-day Saints who fall/fell away. 12:22). The Prophet Joseph Smith would not countenance the teaching of this doctrine, and sanctioned the decision of the bishop that any who taught it should be barred from communion (The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 125). Ray L. Huntington and Terry B. In the Bible, the phrases lake of fire and lake of fire and brimstone, describing the fate of the wicked, are unique to the book of Revelation. No Mormon since the 1890 change has had the authority to marry any man to more than one woman. 2:8-10) Jesus' atonement provided immortality for all people. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire [i.e., overcome or defeated by Christs Atonement]. This is serving Satan. For many are called, but few are chosen." Thirty-three times it stands alone, without modifiers or explanation of what it means, as in And thus we see the end of him who perverteth the ways of the Lord; and thus we see that the devil will not support his children at the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to hell (Alma 30:60). Thus ensued the War in Heaven, which resulted in Satan and his followers being cast out of heaven and denied the opportunity of receiving a physical body. They have said things much stranger and I am sure you know of them. Often in the scriptures it is difficult to discern which helltemporary or permanentis being spoken of, since many references to hell in the scriptures are used in a nonspecific manner to simply designate a place or state of suffering for the wicked. Outer Darkness, I always heard, was reserved for a handful of suckers like Cain and Judas who saw God and/or Jesus and were still rebellious. A) Most humans B) Satan C) His angels D) Sons of Perdition. Thus, the second death is taught in conjunction with the first death, which came as a consequence of the Fall of Adam and Eve, and also with the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which redeems all of humankind from the first death through resurrection and the second death through repentance. Sons of Perdition are to be cast out with the devil and his angels into outer darkness. Other sources used in composing this topic: http://en.fairmormon.org/Plan_of_salvation/Sons_of_Perdition/Can_women_be_%22Sons_of_Perdition%22, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outer_darkness#Usage_in_the_Latter_Day_Saint_movement, http://en.fairmormon.org/Plan_of_salvation/Sons_of_Perdition/Eventual_fate, http://emp.byui.edu/satterfieldb/quotes/Sons%20of%20Perdition.htm. [3] Larry E. Dahl, The Concept of Hell, in Doctrines of the Book of Mormon (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1992), 4243. Jesus disciples were told not to fear those who could kill the body but to fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matt. He is damned by mortification and is his own condemner and tormenter. If Lucifer had not known the effects of his rebellion, how would he ever become perdition? and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell (James 3:6). But Mormons do not believe that just because a Prophet said it, that it makes it true. And now behold, I say unto you then cometh a death, even a second death, which is a spiritual death; then is a time that whosoever dieth in his sins, as to a temporal death, shall also die a spiritual death; yea, he shall die as to things pertaining unto righteousness. As with anything in Mormon doctrine, theres a lot of confusion, contradictory information and just all around ignoring a topic that should be as simple as asking a question and getting an answer. [4] Augustine, The City of God, trans. At the same time, prophets and apostles have taught that you can be sent to outer darkness for simply disbelieving or for apostasy or for being a part of a religion that doesn't have apostles. Chapter 40. One fire certainly shall be the lot of both. [4]. Banishment from the presence of God. Doctrine and Covenants / Pearl of Great Price, Mormon Objections to Christian Evangelism, Teachings of the Presidents of the Church. Source: https://www.fairmormon.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/What_is_Mormon_Doctrine.pdf. I have no fear of hell fire, that doesnt exist, but the torment and disappointment of the mind of man is as exquisite as a lake burning with fire and brimstoneso is the torment of man. Additionally it provides helpful commentary on New Testament passages concerning hell. According to tenth President Joseph Fielding Smith. So there you go, the souls who end up in Outer Darkness are clearly apostates, or not. In the D&C, the definition of those who go to Outer Darkness is stated as: the end thereof, neither the place thereof, nor their torment, no man knows; Neither was it revealed, neither is, neither will be revealed unto man, except to them who are made partakers thereof;Nevertheless, I, the Lord, show it by vision unto many, but straightway shut it up again; Wherefore, the end, the width, the height, the depth, and the misery thereof, they understand not, neither any man except those who are ordained unto this condemnation (D&C 76:45-48). How many people. Is Jesus the Only Redeemer? T F It is practically impossible for those who were human to ever be sent to Outer Darkness. 13:40), cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth (Matt. Making the LDS Church Slightly Better: A Members Wish List. However, I think the breakdown I have above is accurate because outer darkest is a place of permanence for the filthy. And I said unto them that it was a representation of that awful hell, which the angel said unto me was prepared for the wicked. 5:22), and the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone of which the apostle John wrote (Rev. Just one sin. https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Outer_Darkness&oldid=27067. The second death is a second separation from God, not because of Adams transgression (the first death) but because of ones own failure to repent of personal sin. Mormons believe we existed before coming to Earth. As used in the New Testament, hell is an English word which is translated from two Greek words: hades (used ten times) and geenna (twelve times). Thank you! Also God says no one knows in scripture, so stop asking; but He also said in scripture that He upbraideth not those who have questions and if you ask it shall be opened unto you. 12:22; Morm. So we can clearly state no women are Sons of Perdition in outer darkness. So only a prophet can put the matter to rest well, thats nice that Brigham said there were no women, Joseph F. said there were no women, but Wilford Woodruff said there was no debate and there must be women. It also teaches that the Atonement ransoms humankind from physical death through the resurrection and from spiritual death, or hell, through repentance. Please note that FAIRMormon states it is not doctrine on the website. Also, Mormons believe in three Heavens. 185 Heber J. What is it? ABCs of Science and Mormonism now available in Print from Amazon! 22:13) that awaits the wicked? 40 talks in 40 days for General Conference, Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. A representation of the tree degrees of glory and outer darkness. [2] For a discussion of the New Testament words that translate hell, see The Oxford Companion to the Bible, ed. Nephis words can thus be applied to Jesus parable: the reason the rich man could not cross the great gulf to Abrahams bosom, or the reason the wicked could not join the Saints of God at the tree of life, is because the justice of God does not permit it. He also saw a pale horse with a rider whose name was Death, and Hell followed with him (Rev. Yet I never was baptized and confirmed into this church. It is, therefore, important to examine carefully the context of each reference. Add an RSC shortcut to this device's Homescreen, In the menu, scroll past any icons and tap. Joseph Fielding Smith and Bruce R. McConkie have rejected the idea that those in perdition can ultimately be redeemed, which contradicts Brighams speculations. So I found one, by Joseph F. Smith, Thus we see that the first death which came into the world is also the last death which shall be pronounced upon the sons of perdition. In short, Outer Darkness is eternal torture. In the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), "outer darkness" has two separate meanings.. . Note the Book of Mormons addition of the words is as. To become a church member, baptism and confirmation are required. In this context, outer darkness is the spirit prison, or that part of the spirit world that the wicked inhabit prior to their resurrection. Today, interpretation of these "outer darkness" verses are a subset of Protestant discussion on hell and annihilationism. The term second death refers to spiritual death or separation from God. [1], Other views include those of Zane C. Hodges who controversially suggested that it represents a place for those who make it to heaven based on their faith, but have failed to perform good works during their time on the earth.[2]. Joseph Fielding Smith who said that this class is composed of all who have known the power of God in this mortal life and then, having full knowledge of the power and purposes of God,rebel against him, putting Jesus Christ to open shame (Doctrines of Salvation 2:219-220. Alma 40. To the Church in Smyrna the Apostle John wrote: He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death (Rev. Italics in original). 14:34), awful hell (1 Ne. Johns announcement of death and hell releasing their dead for judgment is augmented by the Book of Mormon prophet Jacob, who taught the same doctrine but provided significantly more detail. 14:1819). Now go take a nap and rest well! The first death is physical death, and everyone but the devil and his angels will overcome physical death through Resurrection. D&C 76 does say telestial people are the ones thrust down to hell and not redeemed until the last resurrection. After the millennium, after the last great battle between the forces of God and the forces of Satan, Satan and his followers will be cast into Outer Darkness. It even warns its readers to beware of the devils temptation to disbelieve the doctrine of a personal devil and that there is an actual place and/or state called hell. For many years, those who have forfeited their membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may have been told by other Mormons that they were Sons of Perdition destined for Outer Darkness. Gregory A. Boyd, Paul R. Eddy Across the Spectrum: Understanding Issues in Evangelical Theology pp285 2009 "For example, how can hell be a place of outer darkness (Matt. Outer darkness is something which cannot be described, except that it is to be placed beyond the benign and comforting influence of the Spirit of Godbanished entirely from his presence.