What happens to us when we die?

[MeeMee]

I am currently a LDS member and I as curious as to the comparison of what other Christian faith believes happens to us when we die? From my understanding of being in the church. We go to the spirit world where we then continue to learn and have the chance to accept Christ. We rest there until the 2nd resurrection of Christ coming. So basically there is no going straight hell or heaven that you go to immediately after death as the bible perceives. Can someone who has all the quotes in the bible quote why other Christians believe different from us.

Also calling all very knowledgeable LDS members can you elaborate on baptism for the dead. Verse from scriptures and why etc. The 3 kingdoms that you go into.

[snowflake]

3 hours ago, MeeMee said:

I am currently a LDS member and I as curious as to the comparison of what other Christian faith believes happens to us when we die? From my understanding of being in the church. We go to the spirit world where we then continue to learn and have the chance to accept Christ. We rest there until the 2nd resurrection of Christ coming. So basically there is no going straight hell or heaven that you go to immediately after death as the bible perceives. Can someone who has all the quotes in the bible quote why other Christians believe different from us.

Also calling all very knowledgeable LDS members can you elaborate on baptism for the dead. Verse from scriptures and why etc. The 3 kingdoms that you go into.

Great question and a very difficult one for both Christians and the LDS faith to fully understand. I will be the first to admit I don't fully understand either perspective.  Here is an expository type presentation from one of my favorite bible teachers Chuck Missler to help you understand what the bible says about this topic. I know it is long but it is excellent. 

 

[Robert F. Smith]

One ultra-orthodox rabbi points to Ecclesiastes 12:7 "Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it."  He then goes on to say the following:

Quote

The Lubavitcher Rebbe would often point out that a basic law of physics (known as the First Law of Thermodynamics) is that no energy is ever “lost” or destroyed; it only assumes another form. If such is the case with physical energy, how much more so a spiritual entity such as the soul, whose existence is not limited by time, space, or any of the other delineators of the physical state. Certainly, the spiritual energy that in the human being is the source of sight and hearing, emotion and intellect, will and consciousness does not cease to exist merely because the physical body has ceased to function; rather, it passes from one form of existence (physical life as expressed and acted via the body) to a higher, exclusively spiritual form of existence.

While there are numerous stations in a soul’s journey, these can generally be grouped into four general phases:

I.  the wholly spiritual existence of the soul before it enters the body;

II.  physical life;

III.  post-physical life in Gan Eden (the “Garden of Eden,” also called “Heaven” and “Paradise”);

IV.  the “world to come” (olam haba) that follows the resurrection of the dead.
http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/282508/jewish/What-Happens-After-We-Die.htm#footnote1a282508 .

 

 

Edited February 13, 2018 by Robert F. Smith

[Robert F. Smith]

A source on Patheos starts off with the following:

Quote

In Mormon teachings, the final judgment comes in stages. The first stage occurs immediately after death. The disembodied spirit is judged as to its general goodness and is assigned to one of two places: paradise or spirit prison. Those souls in paradise enjoy peace of conscience and a time of rest. Those in spirit prison, by contrast, are tormented by guilt and are denied rest. Both groups, however, suffer because they are separated from their physical bodies, something that, according to Mormon scripture, the spirits view as a form of "bondage." At the time of Christ's resurrection from the dead, the inhabitants of paradise were also resurrected. Those who entered the spirit world after Christ's resurrection, however, must await resurrection until the time of Christ's second coming on earth.

Eventually, after Christ returns to the earth, another stage in the judgment occurs. In order to understand this phase, it is first necessary to grasp the three-tiered hierarchy of heavens described by Joseph Smith. The highest heaven, called the Celestial Kingdom, is the destination of those persons who accepted all of the necessary rituals performed by the authority of the Mormon priesthood and who were valiant in their testimony of Jesus Christ.  http://www.patheos.com/library/mormonism/beliefs/afterlife-and-salvation .

It then goes on to describe those kingdoms of glory in greater detail.  Sources for all that can be found at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Degrees_of_glory .

Edited February 14, 2018 by Robert F. Smith

[Garden Girl]

13 hours ago, MeeMee said:

I am currently a LDS member and I as curious as to the comparison of what other Christian faith believes happens to us when we die? From my understanding of being in the church. We go to the spirit world where we then continue to learn and have the chance to accept Christ. We rest there until the 2nd resurrection of Christ coming. So basically there is no going straight hell or heaven that you go to immediately after death as the bible perceives. Can someone who has all the quotes in the bible quote why other Christians believe different from us.

Also calling all very knowledgeable LDS members can you elaborate on baptism for the dead. Verse from scriptures and why etc. The 3 kingdoms that you go into.

Hello MeMee...

As a new member you should be studying these things for yourself... particularly from the Doctrine and Covenants... for instance, Section 76 gives a complete description of the degrees of glory and who is assigned to each glory.  I'm assuming you have a home teacher or ward missionaries .. have them help you locate where these answers can be found, then you look them up and study the information, making note of questions you have as you study and asking the missionaries or your home teacher, etc.  My point is that new members need to become thoroughly familiar with the standard works and how/where to find answers.  This will help build a testimony as you move through the scriptures.  Are you familiar with the Topical Guide... By using the Guide, almost without exception I can find the scriptures that address my questions...  there are also numerous books and scholarly papers on gospel principles by LDS authors and scholars that will help you become familiar with your new faith.   Too many members don't want to put in the effort to study, and they are the ones that are first to say they weren't taught something or didn't know about something...

Anyway, I encourage you... and welcome you here...

Garden Girl

[MCootey]

Brother Meme On your questions:

1. Can someone who has all the quotes in the bible quote why other Christians believe different from us.

No. We can't. Christian is a derogatory term used to discriminate or segragate Roman from disciples of Christ or Jews from the disciples of Christ. Christians are whats left from the aftermath of apostacy. Various forms of Christianity have survived. There are over 5,ooo Christian churches in the United states alone.

The better question would be is what makes a Latter day saint different from Christians?

This link below answers the question," are Mormons Christian ".

https://www.lds.org/topics/christians?lang=eng

 

2. Can you elaborate on baptism for the dead. Verse from scriptures and why etc.

3. The 3 kingdoms that you go into.

Brother Meme  I apologize, but If you are a member these things would have been taught to you by the missionaries before your baptism. All of the plan of salvation would have been revealed by the Elders who served in your home. They would have asked you questions and then the Bishop over seeing this blessed ritual of baptism would have interviewed you. 

The question of baptism of the dead shouldn't be a question at all because it was the Apostle Paul asking why the Saints baptized for the dead. The Apostle Paul revealed in 1 Corinthians 15:29 that that was indeed what the Saints practiced, believed and performed in asking the question to the Corinthians.

Joseph Smith felt very confused in his early days. The same kind of thing then is still happening now. 

Why is the Baptist so different than the Methodist?

Why is the Lutherine so different than the Catholic?

Why is the protestant so different than the seventh day Adventist?

And so on...

Theology is such a blessing. 

The LDS are representatives of a grander picture. We claim ourselves to be Christian, but aren't accepted Christian by the world due to discrimination, lack of the love of Christ, persecution so on and so forth. People in this form of communication don't take on the countinance of Godliness but are vile and ungodly. 

Technically we are Israelite. When you go to the Temple wonderful things will be revealed to you.

We believe in the Bible, and other scriptures revealed through modern prophets. That Jesus Christ's ministry continues through his Priesthood, with keys of authority. The christians believe Gods teachings have stopped with the Bible. The Latter Day Saint believes in modern day communication with God through his chosen leader, what we call a prophet by revelation.

 

On Prophets

Jeremiah 36:27-32

2 Timothy 3:16

Matthew 23:24

Numbers 12:6

Amos 3:7

 

The LDS believe all Christian churches are true but that they have gone through various forms of apostacy.

1 timothy 4:1-2

isaiah 60:2

Hebrews 13:20; Isaiah 24:2-5;Jeremiah 2:13

Acts 20:29-30

2 Timothy 3:1-8; 2 Peter 3:3-7; Jude 18

2 Timothy 4:3-4

2 Peter 2:1-33

 

The Restoration of the fullness of times

Ezekiel 37:15-28

Malachi 4:5-6

psalms 127:1

Isaiah 2:2-3; Micah 4:1-2

Acts 1:6-8

Acts 3:19-24

Matthew 17:10-13

 

The Priesthood Restored

Aeronic Priesthood - D&C 13

Melchizedik Priesthood -  Peter James and John appeared to Joseph Smith and as John the Baptist did, they did as well by the laying on of hands.

Apostles Restored D&C 27:12-13

Elijah confers keys of priesthood D&C 110:1-16

 

Baptism for the dead

isaiah 24:22

isaiah 42:6-7

Luke 23:42-43

1 Peter 3:18-20

1 Peter:4-6

John 5:28-29

Romans 14:9

Isaiah 61:1

 

Degrees of Glory

John 14:2

1 Corinthians 15: 40-42

2 Corinthians 12:2-5

Hebrewss 12:22-25

Psalms 82:6-8; Luke 13:24-28; Romans 8:14-17

1 Corinthians 8:5; John 10:34-36

 

Godhead

A Father seperate from His son Jesus Christ, seperate from the Holy Ghost

3 distinct persons. One in purpose.

John 17:3

2 Thessalonians 1:7-10

Mark 1:10-11; Luke 3:21-23; Matthew 3:15-17

Acts 7:55-56; 1 Peter 3:22

Matthew 26:39-42

John 17:3-5

John 12:28-29

John 20:17-18

Collossians 2:9; Ephesians 1:23

John 14:28

2 Corinthians 13:14

1 Corinthians 8:4-6; Ephesians 4:5-7

Exodus 15:11; Deuteronomy 10:17; Isaiah 46:9

John 14:26

 

The Articles of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is a good source to memorize now that you are LDS

We believe in 3 seperate beings. They are Gods. They rule us as a heavenly presidency like that of the restored gospel, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on earth. 

There is a President, who is our Eternal Father. His first counselor, Jesus Christ  and the second counselor, the Holy Ghost. They make up what Joseph Smith revealed at Brother King Follets funeral service as ELOHEIM. Which is what the Godhead revealed to him. Look up the King Follet Discourse. Its breath taking!

The teachings of the spirit world is taught in the bible.  They are As Brother Robert F. Smith stated above, teachings found also amongst the Jews.

Why other churches don't teach these things is because of the calamities promised by Jehovah our Lord and Messiah Jesus Christ when he cursed the 12 tribes of Israel and destroyed Jerusalem. The earth has had several apostacies. Certain times of falling away. The last was after his ressurection.

We live in a time that we have no need to worry. The Lord is here, guiding his church through the Prophet and Twelve Apostles. This is the Church promised to be restored. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Kevin Christensen]

The Bible has remarkably little about he afterlife.  Just a few verses.  Spirit returns to God,  the rich man and Lazarus, Peter on Christ preaching to the dead, and Jesus drying all our tears in Revelation.  In the Book of Mormon, the one who teaches about the after-life is Alma, who was converted "nigh unto death."

https://publications.mi.byu.edu/fullscreen/?pub=1382&index=2

The most commentary on the after-life from modern LDS leaders has come from Brigham Young, who had an experience in Winter Quarters.  That, I think, is behind the kinds of things in the "Spirit World" chapter of the Brigham Young Priesthood manual.  His comments go into details that are not touched on in the scriptures.  When Jedediah Grant had an experience, and reported it to Heber C. Kimball, he commented, "Why it was just as Brigham has told us many times."

In Oct. 1989, David B. Haight reported his experience in conference.  Joseph Fielding Smith's vision was added to the D&C.  And there are lots of LDS NDE accounts available because the LDS culture is hospitable to telling the stories.   Not all communities, religious or not, are as hospitable.

FWIW

Kevin Christensen

Canonsburg, PA

[MeeMee]

On 2/14/2018 at 2:34 AM, MCootey said:

In response to MCootey: Thank you for all your input. It is so greatly appreciated. I was curious if you had the verse in the holy bible to support what you mentioned below.

The teachings of the spirit world is taught in the bible.  They are As Brother Robert F. Smith stated above, teachings found also amongst the Jews.

Can you find the verse in bible to support spirit world ?

Why other churches don't teach these things is because of the calamities promised by Jehovah our Lord and Messiah Jesus Christ when he cursed the 12 tribes of Israel and destroyed Jerusalem. The earth has had several apostacies. Certain times of falling away. The last was after his ressurection.

Can you find the verse in the bible to support what you said above?

We live in a time that we have no need to worry. The Lord is here, guiding his church through the Prophet and Twelve Apostles. This is the Church promised to be restored. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Can you find in the holy bible verse to support that the times we live now, we will be lead by prophets?

 

 

On 2/14/2018 at 2:34 AM, MCootey said:

For Kevin Christensen: Thank You as well for your input!

Can you find all the verse in the New Testament that shows and support your state that there is very little info spoken about the after life? What I am interested is finding verse in the bible so I can read for myself to support all these theory.

Just a few verses.  Spirit returns to God,  the rich man and Lazarus, Peter on Christ preaching to the dead, and Jesus drying all our tears in Revelation.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[e-eye]

This will give you plenty to chew on:

https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-brigham-young/chapter-38?lang=eng

[MeeMee]

Thank You E-Eye. I love it.

[Stargazer]

I think we're not meant to have a big view of what comes following death. If it were important, there would be more about it in the scriptures.  In fact, it might be important that we DON'T know much at all about it.

And now for a moment of frippery! One of my favorite scenes in LOTR - Return of the King, and yes it deals with subject of the OP.

 

[strappinglad]

IIRC the Sadduces and the Pharisees couldn't agree on a resurrection and they both were interpreting the same OT scriptures so it must not have been a perfectly clear doctrine.

[The Nehor]

Valhalla: women, ale, and glorious battle!

[strappinglad]

what happens when we die? We do a reverse Mozart .

[Tacenda]

I suggest watching/listening to NDE'rs and Mediums. I am addicted to listening at night in bed to them. Most of the time I'm awake, but probably listen to a lot while asleep. So I need to re-listen too. There are some very credible instances with each of these venues to understanding the afterlife and it has helped me with belief of an afterlife. 

I listened to this woman last night, and am so excited to believe in an afterlife again. I know that I need to work on meditation and working harder at showing that I'd like my parent's spirits to reach out somehow. 

I don't believe there is a true "church", I believe there is a true "faith". And whatever leads to that belief is a good way to go. After listening to dozens of these experiences I'm convinced that the LDS belief of families possibly being separated because of their choice in churches is wrong. Or couples not being sealed in the temple will separate them, is false, IMO. The Mediums talk of married couples being together all the time, and they aren't LDS all the time. 

My niece is a Medium, and she is finally admitting to it because for awhile she was afraid to. She gave me a reading and said my parents were together. Although my parents were sealed in the temple, my dad, toward the end of his life didn't believe in the church fully. So at one time I was worried that she'd be in another kingdom. So glad that is not the case. 

This is the one I listened to last night, but still need to finish. I know this isn't necessarily what you OP is about, but since the church is sort of unclear and other churches as well seem to not know for sure, why not listen to people that do? 

 

[strappinglad]

It is incorrect to think that immediately after death , the spirit goes to paradise and is assigned a kingdom . Kingdoms are assigned after the resurrection and it is my opinion that there is a lot of time for growth and reflection and repentance between death and a personal resurrection. I too have listened to many NDE experiences and find that even though there is a general pattern to them but there are also a broad view in the details. I recall one pastor who had an NDE and after separated from his wife because he saw no earthly relationships in the hereafter. May I suggest a book that covers a wide range of types of NDEs.

    The Big Book of Near Death Experiences  by PMH Atwater.