From its beginnings, it taught that very few people would go to "outer darkness" the Mormon concept of hell. While Christianity affirms that many people who were created by God will perish in hell, Mormonism also espouses this . 10 reasons why a person ought to consider becoming a Christian. The conclusion: You (former Mormon), despite being baptized into this church, are not a son of perdition! 801-422-6975. Source. The Lord said no man knoweth So, theres probably a good reason that there is some debate and confusion on it. ). Did I really have full knowledge? It clarifies how using an obscure quote does not define LDS doctrines or dogmas. Oh yes they did: after a man has sinned the sin against the Holy Ghost, there is no repentance for himlike many of the apostates of Christof the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Banishment from the power of God. 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. 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). Sorry ladies, you cant actually apostatize from the church, I guess (Someone tell Kate Kelly her excommunication is not valid!). 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. 12:16), hell which hath no end (1 Ne. In Christianity, the "exterior darkness" or outer darkness is a place referred to three times in the Gospel of Matthew (8:12, 22:13, and 25:30) into which a person may be "cast out", and where there is "weeping and gnashing of teeth". Even Nazi dictator Adolph Hitler will get nothing less than the telestial kingdom since he was never baptized/confirmed into the church; work was done in proxy for him in the London, England temple several decades ago. If this is the case, the worst fate any former Latter-day Saint can anticipate is the telestial kingdom. King Benjamin defined the cause of this great torment: Therefore if that man repenteth not, and remaineth and dieth an enemy to God, the demands of divine justice do awaken his immortal soul to a lively sense of his own guilt, which doth cause him to shrink from the presence of the Lord, and doth fill his breast with guilt, and pain, and anguish, which is like an unquenchable fire, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever. Although this is an obvious scare tactic, this accusation is not true according to important LDS leaders. 13:40), cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth (Matt. 1. What is Outer Darkness? Mormon doctrines are often contradictory and inconsistent. 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. 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. Does this description of God make it sound as if he is just (at least according to an LDS context)? So, in the Mormon view, none of these so-called polygamist marriages are valid, religiously or legally. He wrote: But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death (Rev. D&C 133:73 says, These shall go away into outer darkness, where there is weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth. Humans who never heard about Mormonism will not go there, as tenth President Joseph Fielding Smith said, That is a punishment that will not come to those who have never known the truth. 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. 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). But to pass it off as a belief of an entire Church, organization and people is wrong. 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 ). First of all, to become a son of perdition, you need to have been baptized into the church, then turned from the religion in order to fight against it, all the while knowing it is true. Smith described these spirits who were the first to display rebellious ways: Lucifer became perdition by rebellion. 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. But suppose, deep down, I do believe the church is true. Which means that really, no one knows anything about this. 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. Note the Book of Mormons addition of the words is as. However, I think the breakdown I have above is accurate because outer darkest is a place of permanence for the filthy. Source: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/gs/sons-of-perdition. 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. Ray L. Huntington and Terry B. The Book of Mormon also makes reference to everlasting fire (2 Ne. Thus the Book of Mormon does seem to contain a reference to the degrees of glory and outer darkness. One of these guests, however, appeared without the proper wedding attire. (See Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, comp. Women or not. 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. Another name for Outer Darkness is hell. 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. 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. They are sons of perdition because, Having denied the Holy Spirit after having received it, and having denied the Only Begotten Son of the Father, having crucified him unto themselves and put him to open shame (D. & C. 76:35). In the Book of Mormon the phrase lake of fire and brimstone is used as a metaphor for the suffering that awaits the wicked. (2) We believe in allowing our candles to burn for a maximum of four hours at a time. He once said that a person. . 14:1519). 15:2830). Twenty-nine times the word hell is used with descriptive modifiers, for example, depths of hell (1 Ne. 21:8; see also 19:20). 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. [3] Larry E. Dahl, The Concept of Hell, in Doctrines of the Book of Mormon (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1992), 4243. The manual Gospel Principles sheds additional light: There is no forgiveness for them, for they denied the Holy Spirit after having received it. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_perdition_(Mormonism). These are they who do two very specific things. 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. (Elder Bruce R. McConkie Mormon Doctrine Lecture, #2, Brigham Young University, 1967.). For example, Alma the Younger was delivered from the intensity of his hellish pain when he cried to the Lord for mercy. Therefore the Lord used Satans evil acts to accomplish his own purposes. 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. That ought to bring a sigh of relief to many who are reading this article! Brigham Young University Professor Larry E. Dahl reported: The word hell appears sixty-two times in the text of the Book of Mormon. 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. In the parable of the talents, the returning lord instructed that the wicked and slothful servant who hid his talent in the earth be cast into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt. 12:22; Morm. Continuous suffering, however, is reserved only for sons of perditionthose who are still unclean after the final judgment. To qualify, a person would not only have to leave the Mormon church but also vehemently speak against it. So lets turn to that bastion of all wisdom that Jeremy Runnells was blamed for not believing and turning to with questions: FAIRMormon: The church has no official position on this issue. . 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. It is doubtful if even Judas, who betrayed Jesus, was sufficiently enlightened to become a son of perdition (Gospel Doctrine,p. 545). Woman must atone for sins committed by the volition of her own choice, but she will never become an angel to the devil, and sin so far as to place herself beyond the reach of mercy. Brigham Young Discourse delivered October 8, 1861, pp. Thank you! 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 . (To see the differences between the three kingdoms of glory, click here.) The terms spiritual death or second death, lake of fire and brimstone, and outer darkness are all synonymous with hell, and all are descriptive of both the temporary and the permanent hell. Brigham Young University (Selections of Doctrines of Salvation, p. 462. 5:22), burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire (Matt. 6:28), hell fire (3 Ne. Cain is a Son of Perdition. 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. 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.). 9:4. Some Christians have believed the lake of fire John spoke of to be a literal lake. Into the telestial kingdom will go, according to that which is written here in this revelation, the vicious, the unclean, the ungodly (Conference Reports, April 1942, p. 27). 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. Provo, UT 84602 Clearly fire is used as a metaphor for sufferingnot a literal fire but a state of misery. For behold, he surely must die that salvation may come; yea, it behooveth him and becometh expedient that he dieth, to bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, that thereby men may be brought into the presence of the Lord. Thus, the only mortals who can possibly become sons of perdition must be Latter-day Saints who fall/fell away. According to tenth President Joseph Fielding Smith. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire [i.e., overcome or defeated by Christs Atonement]. Even if I did, I still am not eligible for outer darkness. Hence, the term outer darkness. 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. Yet I never was baptized and confirmed into this church. Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols., (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 195456), 31.; Bruce R. McConkie, Seven Deadly Heresies, 1 June 1980, BYU Marriot Center.). 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. 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. In this context, outer darkness is the spirit prison, or that part of the spirit world that the wicked inhabit prior to their resurrection. Additionally it provides helpful commentary on New Testament passages concerning hell. 8 - 14 are for safety. Yet what kind of devious person would it be who knew full well that Mormonism was trueincluding the historicity of theBook of Mormon,the authenticity of the restored churchs leadership that began withJoseph Smith,and the accuracy of theFirst Visioneventand then fight against these truths? That there will also be daughters of Perdition there is no doubt in the minds of the brethren. But wait! The extent of this punishment none will ever know except those who partake of it. There are three references to outer darkness in the New Testament, all contained in the Gospel of Matthew. 22:13) if it is also a place of perpetual fire (Matt. It is simply his opinion. They will live in eternal darkness, torment, and misery with Satan and his angels forever. Marcus Dods (New York: Random House, 1950), 781. The term "outer darkness" refers to the place to where Satan will be banished. Clear as mud. Because reasons. We believe that after the final judgment there are four places to which a person may be sent. 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. John identified specific sins that would lead to the lake of fire and brimstone: But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death (Rev. [1] See also Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. Mormons also believe that those on Earth with bodies can become a Son of Perdition, tho this is difficult to do. Banishment from all progress. Whether Christians have believed hell to be literal or figurative, the New Testament metaphor of an unquenchable lake of fire has conjured up for believers in the Bible harsh images of souls consigned to never-ending punishment as recompense for their evil deeds done while on earth. 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. In the rest of the article, were going to have to assume that Mormonism is true (of course, I dont think it is!) (1) We believe in trimming our wicks to 1/4 between each burn. Alma 40. They will not have a kingdom of glory. 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. 3. 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). He had a sure witness of the Lord and willfully chose to follow Satan instead. GOSH. Mormons believe that only a Son of Perdition will go to Outer Darkness, their version of most Christian religions understanding of Hell. This isnt something like going out and breaking their rule of no drinking. The filthy would be more miserable to dwell with God than to dwell in hell, Morm. T F It is practically impossible for those who were human to ever be sent to Outer Darkness. The ex-mortal sons of perdition will be resurrected, as will everyone else; but they will finally suffer the second death, the spiritual death, for they are cut off again as to things pertaining to righteousness. (Hel. D&C 76 does say telestial people are the ones thrust down to hell and not redeemed until the last resurrection. 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. 5:22), and the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone of which the apostle John wrote (Rev. 4:32; 3 Ne. 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. That night not one boy was interested in going to hell! It occurs in a doctrinal discussion Alma conducted with his son Corianton. In each of the New Testament references to outer darkness, Christ declared the punishment that awaits faithless and wicked people. 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. Source: https://www.fairmormon.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/What_is_Mormon_Doctrine.pdf. Bruce M. Metzger and Michael D. Coogan (New York: Oxford University Press, 1993), s.v. This page was last edited on 17 September 2010, at 20:26. Bad as they may suffer, and awful as their punishment may be, they are not among that group which is to suffer the eternal death and banishment from all influence concerning the power of God (Conference Reports, October 1958, 21). Hell is a place prepared for the devil and his angels, D&C 29:37-38. (The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 125). In Mormonism, it depends. To become a church member, baptism and confirmation are required. Unless someone has rejected love, like the Nephites, I believe there is still hope that they will repent. Horror Short Film "Outer Darkness" | ALTER | Online Premiere 31,262 views Mar 31, 2022 Subscribe to ALTER on YouTube: https://goo.gl/LnXRC3 .more .more 1K Dislike Share Save Description. 8:13). Following this introduction will be a discussion of the usage of these termsfirst in the New Testament, then in the Book of Mormon. They have said things much stranger and I am sure you know of them. Though we have this clarity in the scriptures that we carry with us daily, few members are aware that this insight is there." That it is the most severe punishment that can be meted out to man is apparent. So apostates from the church are clearly included in this list. 28:2223). 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. That it is the most severe punishment that can be meted out to man is apparent. 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. Joseph Fielding Smith and Bruce R. McConkie have rejected the idea that those in perdition can ultimately be redeemed, which contradicts Brighams speculations. The Book of Mormon also teaches that by coming unto Christ, one can escape the pains of hell experienced in this life. He also saw a pale horse with a rider whose name was Death, and Hell followed with him (Rev. Please read, the source above, What is Official LDS Doctrine. Satan and his followers are beings of spirit who were denied bodies and cast out of heaven during pre-mortal existence (see Plan of Salvation). 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. The Plan of Salvation kind of negates the reason for missionary work. (To see his baptism for the dead record and other temple work done for him, click here.). This is a Son of perdition. 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. [DS 2:225.] For many are called, but few are chosen." 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.
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outer darkness mormon