The Book of Mormon also teaches that by coming unto Christ, one can escape the pains of hell experienced in this life. This extreme punishment will not be given to any but the sons of perdition ( Doctrines of Salvation 2:220 ). First, it is another name for spirit prison, a temporary place in the postmortal world for those who died without a knowledge of the truth or those who were disobedient in mortality. 9:16; emphasis added). This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. About 74 B.C. what about that 1/3 the host of heaven who didnt follow Gods plan Joseph F. Smith was so sure qualify as Sons of Perdition were NONE of them women? Because of the resurrection, the body and spirit of the wicked are restoredthe body from the grave and the spirit from hell to be judged. 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. Also, Mormons believe in three Heavens. Those in this second group will be resurrected from the dead but will not be redeemed from the second (spiritual) death and cannot dwell in a kingdom of glory (D&C 88:32, 35). 9:16), unquenchable fire (Mosiah 2:38), and hell fire (3 Ne. There was a movement a few years ago to have people deny the holy spirit on Youtube, where many a youtuber claimed they would now go to Outer Darkness. However, I think the breakdown I have above is accurate because outer darkest is a place of permanence for the filthy. Therefore, they have drunk out of the cup of the wrath of God, which justice could no more deny unto them than it could deny that Adam should fall because of his partaking of the forbidden fruit; therefore, mercy could have claim on them no more forever. 22:13) that awaits the wicked? 14:34), awful hell (1 Ne. 2:4). spirit prison. It occurs in a doctrinal discussion Alma conducted with his son Corianton. In Christianity, it is understood that anyone who denies the holy spirit goes to outer darkness, but they see it as a synonym for Hell. 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. Outer darkness is something which cannot be described, except that we know that it is to be placed beyond the benign and comforting influence of the Spirit of God banished entirely from his presence (Doctrines of Salvation2:220). To the Church in Smyrna the Apostle John wrote: He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death (Rev. It honors and glorifies Satan. Thus, the only mortals who can possibly become sons of perdition must be Latter-day Saints who fall/fell away. So we can clearly state no women are Sons of Perdition in outer darkness. 10:28). Temporary abode of the wicked. He called the Pharisees and scribes vipers and questioned, How can ye escape the damnation of hell? (Matt. 20:1315). The Book of Mormon contains one reference to outer darkness. Mormons also believe that those on Earth with bodies can become a Son of Perdition, tho this is difficult to do. A) Most humans B) Satan C) His angels D) Sons of Perdition. (-Joseph Smith in the King Follett Discourse), There is my definition I used in my previous post. Discourse delivered October 8, 1861, pp. When the king asked, "Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment?" It clarifies how using an obscure quote does not define LDS doctrines or dogmas. 5. Outer Darkness is the permanent location of Satan and his followers and the Sons of Perdition, who are not redeemed by the Atonement of Jesus Christ. . A) Never had a body B) Did evil things in this world C) Never joined the LDS Church D) All of the above are true. While Christianity affirms that many people who were created by God will perish in hell, Mormonism also espouses this . 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). Required fields are marked *. Therefore repent ye, repent ye, lest by knowing these things and not doing them ye shall suffer yourselves to come under condemnation, and ye are brought down unto this second death (Hel. 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. 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. Even if a person had once been a Latter-day Saint, Kimball said it still was practically impossible for a human to become a son of perdition: The sin against the Holy Ghost requires such knowledge that it is manifestly impossible for the rank and file to commit such a sin (Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 123) (Doctrine and Covenants Student Manual Religion 324 and 325, p. 161). Who will partake of it, and what is the nature of the eternal torment? How impossible would it be for a former Mormon (with full knowledge, even!) For example, Alma the Younger was delivered from the intensity of his hellish pain when he cried to the Lord for mercy. However, Lucifer did not know all the purposes of the Father as we learn from the Pearl of Great Price, Moses 4:6. Please read, the source above, What is Official LDS Doctrine. 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. hell.. There are three references that connect the judgment with a lake of fire and brimstone, and two references to a lake of fire. However, the use of the word fire in connection with judgment and the torment of the wicked is widespread throughout the Gospels. 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 . In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, the tormented rich man in hell . As a young boy, I attended a two-week Christian camp. The Lord said no man knoweth So, theres probably a good reason that there is some debate and confusion on it. And, if you havent come into relationship with the Jesus of the Bible, I encourage you to do some homework and meet Him. 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. 8:13). And since we know that prophets speaking define it, this is the definition we should use. Plagiarism and The Globe a comparative analysis, The Shunning Key by bwv549 - Mormon Bandwagon, https://www.lds.org/scriptures/gs/sons-of-perdition, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_perdition_(Mormonism), https://www.fairmormon.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/What_is_Mormon_Doctrine.pdf, https://www.fairmormon.org/answers/Plan_of_salvation/Sons_of_Perdition/Can_women_be_%22Sons_of_Perdition%22, LDS Church and Same Sex Marriage Timeline, The Pump LDS film and the original source, Ethan Smith, Hyrum Smith, Oliver Cowdery, Solomon Spaulding connections. 9:710, 19, 26). (Joseph F. Smith,The Second Death,inBrian H. Stuy (editor), Collected Discourses: Delivered by Wilford Woodruff, his two counselors, the twelve apostles, and others, 18681898, 5 vols., (Woodland Hills, Utah: B.H.S. Conclusion The Book of Mormon text confirms the truth of New Testament teachings on hell, second death, lake of fire and brimstone, and outer darkness. Outer Darkness. Those who have never received the light are not to become Sons of Perdition. 34:3435; note Almas repetitive use of the word state in Alma 40:1112; see also D&C 101:9091; 133:7073). Ellipsis mine). So get what they deserve. Yet how many sins and wrong choices has every humanincluding me and youmade? Delving into the interesting bits about any religion to stem from Joseph Smith Jr. Joseph F. Smith,The Second Death,inBrian H. Stuy (editor). Some Christians have believed the lake of fire John spoke of to be a literal lake. D&C 76 does say telestial people are the ones thrust down to hell and not redeemed until the last resurrection. Mormon Doctrine Lecture, #2, Brigham Young University, 1967.). (To see the differences between the three kingdoms of glory, click here.) In this state of torment Alma remembered his fathers teachings about Jesus Christ and his redemptive mission. This is full on rejection of God. 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 once said that a person. Meanwhile, sixth President Joseph F. Smith, also taught that a full knowledge of the truth is necessary, adding that not even Judas Iscariotthe betrayer of Jesuswill be destined for Outer Darkness: It is probable that only personages who have acquired similar full knowledge, who willfully and deliberately deny the truth, when they know it to be the truth, can commit the unpardonable sin and become sons of perdition. Bruce M. Metzger and Michael D. Coogan (New York: Oxford University Press, 1993), s.v. We believe that after the final judgment there are four places to which a person may be sent. Its just Scary bad. Unfortunately, Apple's iOS doesn't support home screen shortcuts in the Chrome browser. T F It is practically impossible for those who were human to ever be sent to Outer Darkness. Thus the Book of Mormon does seem to contain a reference to the degrees of glory and outer darkness. Although this is an obvious scare tactic, this accusation is not true according to important LDS leaders. 1:18). 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). Jesus proclaimed to Peter that the gates of hell would not prevail against the rock upon which He would build the Church (Matt. 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. 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. Mormons believe that there Prophets are fallible and in no way perfect. Sons of perdition include (1) those who followed Satan and were cast out of heaven for rebellion during premortality and (2) those who were permitted to be born to this world with physical bodies but then served Satan and turned utterly against God. 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. 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. (Elder Bruce R. McConkie Mormon Doctrine Lecture, #2, Brigham Young University, 1967.). 28:2223). 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. Think along the lines of a religious leader serving God but the opposite. They once held membership in the church (through baptism/confirmation); They had full knowledge of their apostasy from the true and restored church of Jesus Christ; They continue to fight against the LDS Church despite their knowledge. Polygamy with tons more men than women sounds ill-thought out. Severe punishment for eternity, reserved for Satan and his demons as well as the sons of perdition, those humans who once embraced Mormonism and left to fight against the faith, even though they knew Mormonism was true. And the definition contains all of the pre-mortal spirits who followed Lucifer, which would imply that God created a lot more male spirits than women spirits and maybe thats why there was a war in Heaven. 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. 22:13) if it is also a place of perpetual fire (Matt. [4] Augustine, The City of God, trans. The question is, what exactly does full knowledge entail? What is the Mormon plan of salvation? Mormon doctrines are often contradictory and inconsistent. 25:30). Yea, behold, this death bringeth to pass the resurrection, and redeemeth all mankind from the first deaththat spiritual death; for all mankind, by the fall of Adam being cut off from the presence of the Lord, are considered as dead, both as to things temporal and to things spiritual. In this context, outer darkness is the spirit prison, or that part of the spirit world that the wicked inhabit prior to their resurrection. The apostle John saw the final judgment and wrote of the destiny of the wicked: And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. Banishment from the glory of God. They place themselves beyond the power of repentance and beyond the mercies of God. It is doubtful if even Judas, who betrayed Jesus, was sufficiently enlightened to become a son of perdition (Gospel Doctrine,p. 545). . Mormon theology ultimately portrays Outer Darkness as heaven, and Satan as the God of that realm. 801-422-6975. Many of the apostates of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In Mormonism, Outer darkness is described as "those who are unfaithful, those who will listen to Satan, who will lend a willing ear to his blandishments and to his allurements, when they go from this state of existence, they go into a condition where they are subject to his power. to become a son of perdition? The second possible sons of perdition are mortals. 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.). 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. Salvation is release from the guilt and power of sin through God's gift of grace. 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. . The Book of Mormon teaches that after death, the spirits of those who "chose evil works rather than good" in mortality will be "cast out . Here, like John and Samuel, Alma equated the second death with the lake of fire and brimstone. 5:30). Latter Day Saint beliefs on hell are connected with the movement's doctrines of the plan of salvation, the degrees of glory and the telestial kingdom. . Conclusion If Lucifer had not known the effects of his rebellion, how would he ever become perdition? If he were ignorant, he could not have become perdition. 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. Outer darkness is something which cannot be described, except that we know that it is to be placed beyond the benign and comforting influence of the Spirit of God banished entirely from his presence (Ibid.). The extent of this punishment none will ever know except those who partake of it. But wait! 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. This is what was taught by several important church leaders, including founder Joseph Smith. 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.. 5:22), burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire (Matt. Jesus also referred to outer darkness in two parables he gave during the last week of his life. So, if you are directly listing to Satan, like Cain, and actively turning away from God, like Cain, then you can become a Son of Perdition. 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. 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. 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 New Testament testifies that there is an actual place identified as hell into which people can be cast, as in the case of the wicked, and from which they can lift up their eyes, as in the case of the rich man, and from which they can be delivered, as in the case of King David. For many are called, but few are chosen." Your generous support makes the work of MRM possible. They did what they did with their eyes open, and were in rebellion against God. Another manual states, Baptism is the first saving ordinance of the gospel (see Articles of Faith 1:4). In the parable of the wedding of the kings son, the king discovered that a guest was not properly attired in the required wedding garment, i.e., righteousness. In Mormonism, it depends. The Book of Mormon speaks of only two groups who inhabit the postmortal spirit world: the righteous, who exist in a state of happiness called paradise; and the wicked, who are consigned to outer darknessthe wicked being those who have been captivated by the devil and who will be resurrected to an endless hell. From its beginnings, it taught that very few people would go to "outer darkness" the Mormon concept of hell. According to Smith: It is very clear in the Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:30-37, that the only persons who will be completely overcome by this dreadful fate are the sons of perdition who go with the devil and his angels into outer darkness. (Answers to Gospel Questions 5:107-108). 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. Clear as mud. Those who have never received the light are not to become Sons of Perdition (Conference Reports, October 1958, p. 21). 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. Doctrine and Covenants / Pearl of Great Price, Mormon Objections to Christian Evangelism, Teachings of the Presidents of the Church, Why Practically NobodyIncluding You, Former MormonWill Ever End up In Outer Darkness, Divine Love in the Fathers Plan (Dallin H. Oaks, April 2022). Outer Darkness. 10 reasons why a person ought to consider becoming a Christian. While some apparently have taught that these spirits could be restored to a kingdom of glory, 12th President Spencer W. Kimball said this wasnt true: In the days of the restoration there apparently were those who taught that the devil and his angels and the sons of perdition should sometime be restored. King Benjamin also taught that the fiery suffering was a state of misery one encounters when viewing ones sinfulness: They shall be judged, every man according to his works, whether they be good, or whether they be evil. (1) We believe in trimming our wicks to 1/4 between each burn. 2. (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966), 758. An in depth look at the Mormon doctrine of hell. Now go take a nap and rest well! Through his Atonement, Resurrection, and ministry in the spirit world, Christ provided a bridge by which repentant souls could cross the gulf from hell to spiritual freedom. 22:13). The Book of Mormon text confirms the truth of New Testament teachings on hell, second death, lake of fire and brimstone, and outer darkness. Christians have debated for centuries the nature of the hell fire of which Jesus spoke (Matt. Each person must reap the harvest of the seeds sown in this life. Thank you! Meanwhile, I have known many who could be considered fighters against the church, including those who became involved in what could be considered anti-Mormon activities. Outer darkness is something which cannot be described, except that we know that it is to be placed beyond the benign and comforting influence of the Spirit of God-banished entirely from his presence. 6:28), hell fire (3 Ne. In each of the New Testament references to outer darkness, Christ declared the punishment that awaits faithless and wicked people. Okay so clearly we have billions of souls who qualify as perdition and go to outer darkness according to one prophet in his personal books and not officially speaking as a prophet. So, in the Mormon view, none of these so-called polygamist marriages are valid, religiously or legally. (see Rom. Sorry ladies, you cant actually apostatize from the church, I guess (Someone tell Kate Kelly her excommunication is not valid!). There are possible characteristics of a son of perdition. According to the churchs website: The followers of Satan who will suffer with him in eternity. He is damned by mortification and is his own condemner and tormenter. Also, the whole thing about Daughters of Perdition. Samuel also confirms the relationship John spoke of between the second death and the wicked being cast into fire, but he adds this explanatory clause: For they are cut off again as to things pertaining to righteousness.. They knew better but still chose wrong, one told me. 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. The prophet Alma described the disposition of those in outer darkness: And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of the wicked, yea, who are evilfor behold, they have no part nor portion of the Spirit of the Lord; for behold, they chose evil works rather than good; therefore the spirit of the devil did enter into them, and take possession of their houseand these shall be cast out into outer darkness; there shall be weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth, and this because of their own iniquity, being led captive by the will of the devil (Alma 40:13; cf. Add an RSC shortcut to this device's Homescreen, In the menu, scroll past any icons and tap. Severe punishment for eternity, reserved for Satan and his demons as well as the sons of perdition, those humans who once embraced Mormonism and left to fight against the faith, even though they knew Mormonism was true. 9:4. Bold and italics in original). 9:16) after the final judgment. In the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), "outer darkness" has two separate meanings.. One of the messages of the Book of Mormon is that people sometimes lose the desire to repent. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The. As explained in D&C 88:11-13: Is Jesus the Only Redeemer? 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). Smith told a general conference audience: I think I am safe in saying that no man can become a Son of Perdition until he has known the light. Utterly turn against god. Later in the same discourse Alma blended the doctrines of the Fall, agency, and the second death together as an admonition to keep the commandments of God (see Alma 12:3137). In this realm, as the name implies, there will be no light, and consequently no heat. The term second death refers to spiritual death or separation from God. This isnt something like going out and breaking their rule of no drinking. lift[ed] up his eyes and saw Abraham and Lazarus across an impassable gulf (Luke 16:23). 185 Heber J. Marcus Dods (New York: Random House, 1950), 781. Therefore the Lord used Satans evil acts to accomplish his own purposes. This analysis will first briefly review what we know from the teachings of the Restoration about hell, second death, the lake of fire and brimstone, and outer darkness. Everyone but the Sons of Perdition and the devil and his devils, will overcome spiritual death through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. So a heads up, this does not include you or any one who has ever been or will be born on Earth. 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. 16:18). The Book of Mormon does not teach the doctrinal truth that hell will end for the majority of those who suffer in the spirit prison prior to being resurrected and entering the telestial kingdom; however, this truth is clearly taught in the Doctrine and Covenants (see D&C 76:3638, 106). The third use occurs in the parable of the talents: "And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 25:30). The sinner must deal with the self-created gulf on his own, with the help of the Savior and his Atonement. [1] See also Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. You dont believe it is true, which is the reason why you left. ; Mormon Temple Worship. All missionaries are doing is trying to upgrade people to a premium plan of ruling over planets and polygamy. The city of Capernaum was upbraided for its lack of faith in view of the miracles Jesus performed there. Well thats wrapped up as long as no other prophets said oh. If you want to make the point that Mormon Prophets have said some weird stuff, I am all for it. Sons of perdition include (1) those who followed Satan and were cast out of heaven for rebellion during premortality and (2) those who were permitted to be born to this world with physical bodies but then served Satan and turned utterly against God.