Can An Individual Be Exalted

[mercyngrace]

The thread title is the question. Please give more than a yes/no response. I'm interested in your reasoning and authoritative sources if you have any.

Thanks,

MnG

[mfbukowski]

I think not.

To be exalted one must be sealed in the temple, and one of the blessings associated with that is coming forth in the first resurrection.

Why do you ask?

[Avatar4321]

No. Because individuals can't be exalted. Exaltation comes in pairs.

[inquiringmind]

I think the question is whether an individual who doesn't come forth in the first resurrection can be exaulted (with or without being paired with another individual)?

Is that the question Mercy?

Edited July 22, 2011 by inquiringmind

[inquiringmind]

Deleted

Edited July 22, 2011 by inquiringmind

[mercyngrace]

I think the question is whether an individual who doesn't come forth in the first resurrection can be exaulted (with or without being paired with another individual)?

Is that the question Mercy?

Exactly.

The reason I ask is because depending on your reading of the D&C there is a possible conflict on this issue. D&C 76 says that those in the Celestial kingdom are those who come forth in the first resurrection. D&C 132 says that even if you don't come forth in the first resurrection, you can still achieve godhood.

I was just curious as to whether others had given the issue any thought.

[mfbukowski]

Exactly.

The reason I ask is because depending on your reading of the D&C there is a possible conflict on this issue. D&C 76 says that those in the Celestial kingdom are those who come forth in the first resurrection. D&C 132 says that even if you don't come forth in the first resurrection, you can still achieve godhood.

I was just curious as to whether others had given the issue any thought.

Where is that in 132? It seems to me to say the opposite? Repeatedly?

[ldsfaqs]

No, the First Resurrection (the one after Christ, his was the technical first), will be all the righteous of the earth.

There is actually a Morning and an Afternoon First Resurrection. The Morning is with the Righteous, and the Afternoon is the mostly righteous, those who are of Christ, but not fully worthy of the full inheritance of the kingdom. Those of the First Resurrection will be the only ones to be "Exalted".

The 2nd Resurrection is the Wicked. There is no Exaltation for the wicked.

Then there is the Resurrection of the Damnation, that is the Sons of Perdition.

You'll want to read primarily D&C 88.

Also, fell free to look of "Resurrection" in the Quad scripture helps.

Basically everything the scriptures say about resurrection is listed.

Also, just type "First Resurrection LDS" into Google, and you'll get all the info you need.

D&C 137

7Thus came the ^avoice of the Lord unto me, saying: All who have died ^bwithout a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be ^cheirs of the celestial kingdom of God;

8Also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who^awould have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom;

9For I, the Lord, will ^ajudge all men according to their ^bworks, according to the ^cdesire of their hearts.

Mosiah 15

26But behold, and ^afear, and tremble before God, for ye ought to tremble; for the Lord redeemeth none such that ^brebel against him and ^cdie in their sins; yea, even all those that have perished in their sins ever since the world began, that have wilfully rebelled against God, that have known the commandments of God, and would not keep them; ^dthese are they that have ^eno part in the first ^fresurrection.

27Therefore ought ye not to tremble? For salvation cometh to none such; for the Lord hath redeemed none such; yea, neither can the Lord redeem such; for he cannot deny himself; for he cannot deny ^ajustice when it has its claim.

Edited July 22, 2011 by ldsfaqs

[mercyngrace]

Where is that in 132? It seems to me to say the opposite? Repeatedly?

19 And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood; and it shall be said unto them—Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection; and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths—then shall it be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, that he shall commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, and if ye abide in my covenant, and commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever.

20 Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them. Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them.

[LeSellers]

"The First Resurrection" has two different, albeit related, meanings.

The first is chronological. It starts at the Second Coming of Christ. All the righteous who have died at that point are resurrected in this "first" resurrection.

They who die during and after the Millennium will also be resurrected in the "continued" "first" resurrection.

The First Resurrection is a type of resurrection, not necessarily the first one of them. The First Resurrection is the resurrection of those who will be exalted, so, by definition, all who are exalted will be resurrected in the First Resurrectionh.

It is not always clear from the wording which of the two definitions the scriptures speak of in any given passage.

Lehi

[CV75]

The reason I ask is because depending on your reading of the D&C there is a possible conflict on this issue. D&C 76 says that those in the Celestial kingdom are those who come forth in the first resurrection. D&C 132 says that even if you don't come forth in the first resurrection, you can still achieve godhood.

D&C 76 references those who did not transgress after having the new and everlasting covenant sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, and D&C 132 references those did, resulting in their coming forth after the first resurrection, at which time they will enter the Celestial Kingdom. Both groups received the Holy Spirit of promise, making them able to enter their exaltation despite what they may have subsequently done to warrant being resurrected at different times.

[mfbukowski]

Mercy

I think Lehi got it:

"The First Resurrection" has two different, albeit related, meanings.

The first is chronological. It starts at the Second Coming of Christ. All the righteous who have died at that point are resurrected in this "first" resurrection.

They who die during and after the Millennium will also be resurrected in the "continued" "first" resurrection.

The First Resurrection is a type of resurrection, not necessarily the first one of them. The First Resurrection is the resurrection of those who will be exalted, so, by definition, all who are exalted will be resurrected in the First Resurrectionh.

It is not always clear from the wording which of the two definitions the scriptures speak of in any given passage.

Lehi

Notice also in that passage in 132 that it is an extremely long run-on sentence - An "if-then" sentence that says when you boil it all down "IF it has been SAID to you, "you will come forth in the first resurrection and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection (two if's).......THEN.... they shall be gods....

I think all it is saying is that "if this has been said to you- you will be exalted." It doesn't necessarily mean that you will come forth in a later resurrection- it is just saying that if someone says that to you in the sealing ceremony, then you will be exalted.

Sorry about the bold- it would not turn off though I clicked it many times-

Just another take on it

[Ahab]

The thread title is the question. Please give more than a yes/no response. I'm interested in your reasoning and authoritative sources if you have any.

Thanks,

MnG

I think it depends on what you call the "first" resurrection.

Jesus Christ was the "first" to be resurrected (on this Earth), so are you talking about that those who were resurrected with him (after him) at that time, or at some other time later, like the one many people call the "first" resurrection which will occur when Jesus will come back with others to reign in glory?

Edited July 22, 2011 by Ahab

[ERayR]

The thread title is the question. Please give more than a yes/no response. I'm interested in your reasoning and authoritative sources if you have any.

Thanks,

MnG

I don't think so. To become exalted one must become at-one with God and his creations. When this is done you are never alone.

[Ahab]

Exactly.

The reason I ask is because depending on your reading of the D&C there is a possible conflict on this issue. D&C 76 says that those in the Celestial kingdom are those who come forth in the first resurrection. D&C 132 says that even if you don't come forth in the first resurrection, you can still achieve godhood.

I was just curious as to whether others had given the issue any thought.

There was a prophet who wrote something in the Book of Mormon... I don't recall his name at the moment... who said something about not knowing which was the "first" resurrection, considering how some call the resurrection of Christ and those resurrected with him the "first" one (on this planet) while others consider the "first" one to be the resurrection that will happen when Christ returns in glory during what some people call the "Second Advent".

Maybe something along those lines is what Jesus meant in D&C 132 ???

Which verses in 132 are you referring to, and how might you rephrase what you think those verses are saying?

[mercyngrace]

Ldsfaqs,

I appreciate your comments but given the promise in D&C 132 to those who are bound by covenant, do not arise in the first resurrection, and are yet promised that "in time" they "shall be gods", the either or proposition you suggest is an ill fit.

Also, in quoting D&C 137, are you equating exaltation with the Celestial Kingdom?

MnG

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Lehi and MFB,

Whether the "first resurrection" occurs all at once or in stages, whether it is a type of ressurection, is irrelevant since D&C 132 clearly refers to "the next resurrection". If "next" is, as commonly used, an ordinal indicator, then some who arise in a later resurrection - not the first, will be exalted. If it is used as a reference to a type of resurrection, i.e. the resurrection of the righteous, some will come forth in a different - or "next" - resurrection and yet be exalted.

**********************************************

ERay,

Hi It's been a while (waves). As noted above, the quetion isn't over the word "individual" but over whether one who arises in a subsequent or different class of resurrection can ultimately be exalted.

*********************************************

Hi Ahab. That prophet in the BOM was Alma in speaking to his son Corianton (see Alma 40).

[inquiringmind]

Lehi and MFB,

Whether the "first resurrection" occurs all at once or in stages, whether it is a type of ressurection, is irrelevant since D&C 132 clearly refers to "the next resurrection". If "next" is, as commonly used, an ordinal indicator, then some who arise in a later resurrection - not the first, will be exalted. If it is used as a reference to a type of resurrection, i.e. the resurrection of the righteous, some will come forth in a different - or "next" - resurrection and yet be exalted.

Would that mean there could be progression between kingdoms?

Edited July 22, 2011 by inquiringmind

[CV75]

Ldsfaqs,

I appreciate your comments but given the promise in D&C 132 to those who are bound by covenant, do not arise in the first resurrection, and are yet promised that "in time" they "shall be gods", the either or proposition you suggest is an ill fit.

Also, in quoting D&C 137, are you equating exaltation with the Celestial Kingdom?

MnG

*********************************************

Lehi and MFB,

Whether the "first resurrection" occurs all at once or in stages, whether it is a type of ressurection, is irrelevant since D&C 132 clearly refers to "the next resurrection". If "next" is, as commonly used, an ordinal indicator, then some who arise in a later resurrection - not the first, will be exalted. If it is used as a reference to a type of resurrection, i.e. the resurrection of the righteous, some will come forth in a different - or "next" - resurrection and yet be exalted.

**********************************************

ERay,

Hi It's been a while (waves). As noted above, the quetion isn't over the word "individual" but over whether one who arises in a subsequent or different class of resurrection can ultimately be exalted.

*********************************************

Hi Ahab. That prophet in the BOM was Alma in speaking to his son Corianton (see Alma 40).

I'd like your thoughts on this:

D&C 76 references those who did not transgress after having the new and everlasting covenant sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, and D&C 132 references those that did transgress, resulting in their coming forth in the next resurrection, at which time they will enter their exaltation. Both groups received the Holy Spirit of promise (D&C 76:53, 132 as you quoted it), making them able to enter their exaltation despite being resurrected at different times.

Edited July 22, 2011 by CV75

[mercyngrace]

Would that mean there could be progression between kingdoms?

Did you watch the tv series LOST?

It only ends once. Everything that comes before is just progress. ~ Jacob

[inquiringmind]

Did you watch the tv series LOST?

It only ends once. Everything that comes before is just progress. ~ Jacob

No I didn't. and I don't get what you're saying here (though I get the feeling I would if I had watched the series?)

[mercyngrace]

I'd like your thoughts on this:

D&C 76 references those who did not transgress after having the new and everlasting covenant sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, and D&C 132 references those that did transgress, resulting in their coming forth in the next resurrection, at which time they will enter their exaltation. Both groups received the Holy Spirit of promise (D&C 76:53, 132 as you quoted it), making them able to enter their exaltation despite being resurrected at different times.

That's an interesting observation, CV75. Can one only be sealed by the HSoP in mortality? IOW, are our works for the dead of limited effect?

My current understanding is that there is progress to be made in the next world before we are resurrected. The HG witnesses that we have been both faithful and properly instructed as we prepare to enter the Celestial Kingdom. Before that day, we may receive the promise of exaltation but we are still required to progress until we are prepared for godhood. Receiving the promise of exaltation may provide peace but it doesn't circumvent process. Not receiving the promise in mortality doesn't stop the pocess either.

Death cannot stop true love. All it can do is delay it for a while.

[mercyngrace]

No I didn't. and I don't get what you're saying here (though I get the feeling I would if I had watched the series?)

Check your inbox...

I think we mortals like to draw parameters for God's work - we need starting and finishing points. But God doesn't work to time. He works to task. His work is done when it is complete.

[CV75]

That's an interesting observation, CV75. Can one only be sealed by the HSoP in mortality?

I do not think that one can be sealed in the new and everlasting covenant by the Holy Spirit of promise only in this life. D&C 76:53 doesn’t specify when it must occur, only that it must occur in order to come forth in the first resurrection and be exalted. So I think the verse applies to those who received it in this life and did not break the covenant, and to those who received it later in the spirit world before the resurrection.With regards to its connection with the first resurrection, it does not apply to those who were thus sealed but did things that merit their waiting to come forth until the next resurrection.

Edited July 23, 2011 by CV75

[ldsfaqs]

Ldsfaqs,

I appreciate your comments but given the promise in D&C 132 to those who are bound by covenant, do not arise in the first resurrection, and are yet promised that "in time" they "shall be gods", the either or proposition you suggest is an ill fit.

Yes, this is a "sort of" exception to the rule, only for those who have fullfilled the various requirements meat the exception indicated.

Notice starting in verse 21 that it speaks of the requirements of the law.

Look at it this way. We know that Baptism is a requirement to salvation, we must be born of the water and of the spirit.

That doesn't mean we can't ever sin, and there aren't going to be consequences, such as in those verses it indicates those who are sealed and then do wickedness, will be cast into h*** prior to redemption/final judgement. But, we in faith and spirit did when we did it were sealed to God.

You should also note, that those who are like this, will not end up in the highest Kingdom of the Celestial Kingdom. They simply aren't worthy of it.

But, they did follow the requirements of salvation/exaltation, thus they will be rewarded for it.

What's interesting about this, is it's in a way similar to how other Christians believed they are "saved" when accepting Christ, no matter who they are or what they do.

The difference however, is power. The other Christian has no power to seal such a "promise" on their head, while in mormonism, the power is given to the sealer.

Also, in quoting D&C 137, are you equating exaltation with the Celestial Kingdom?

MnG

Yes, Exaltation is living with God, and that means the Celestial Kingdom.

Neither God nor Christ visits the Telestial Kingdom, and only Christ visits the Terrestrial Kingdom.

Also, in the Celestial Kingdom, we know of 3 main Kingdoms.

[ldsfaqs]

forum posting bug....

Edited July 23, 2011 by ldsfaqs