WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE "VALIENT IN YOUR TESTIMONY?"

[sbsion]

I don't think Jesus will "have to" ask any questions, when we are aligned with the "light of truth" and reflect on our past, we will KNOW where we need to make changes and realize what it takes to have eternal life

[SpeedRacer]

"Valiant in your testimony" Great phrase. If you are endowed, listen for the word faithful closely in all the ordinances. You will see that at the end of all the washings, anointings, endowments and sealings you have exactly nothing but a fistful of promises hanging on your faithfulness. It is after you are valient, or prove your faithfulness that those promises can be secured. That can happen in this life or the next. Remember, being faithful only means to sacrifice everything for the church, fully consecrate and surrender your will to God. Next to nothing for what you get in return.

Now as to which kingdom you will be committed. Before you oversimplify judgement and kingdoms, remember there are many degrees of each. The church only preaches the Celestial and we know of at least three there.

I would say anyone not keeping the law of chastity is going to be in the telestial kingdom.

I have the same feeling from some ordering in the endowment.

As for numbers in each kingdom. Imagine all of the children who have not made it past 8 in times of high infant mortality rates. Imagine all of the people who would have accepted had they not been deprived the chance to do so in this life. The number is staggering, and they will all be in the CK. There are also special blessings for children born in the Covenant. If the parents make it, they have the ability to make special ways for their children. Not for the children's sake, but the parents. They are the ones with celestial glory.

I do not subscribe to an elitist CK club. All the selfless people who work tirelessly on the behalf of others will cry their eyes out over all the people who have rendered themselves ineligible for such glory.

As for personality, this will matter. If you are a lazy person, you will not desire the top degree of the CK, it is too much work quite frankly. It would not be heaven for you.

We know that the work will be done for everyone so everyone has a chance. So getting your sealing in this life just gives you a head start. I think it will come down to your attitude, and I think this is supported in the BoM. Look for the word. Everyone is going to be informed of what is to come. That is how the Lord operates. You will know what each kingdom and level holds. I think each person will have a pretty good feeling as to where they are going to be comfortable and find their heaven. They will want to be with like people, and live in a like manner.

Then the judgement comes. When all that we have repented of is taken off the record, and a view of all the good we have done is set before our eyes. When we see the cascading impact of our good deeds we will weep with joy. Only then will we know where we truly will be happy. Our gratitude for our Savior will be amplified beyond our comprehension, and we will inherit our kingdom of glory and the level therein.

[Samuel the Lamanite]

SB: WADR, I prefer to believe what ETB said. You may do as you wish.

[Samuel the Lamanite]

Speed: A terrific post. I would add that IF one rises in the Morning of the First Resurrection, one KNOWS that they will be in the Celestial Kingdom. Think upon the promises given in the sealing ceremony if one is faithful.

The "elite CK" has some value even if NOT quite true. How? It is human nature to develop a comfort zone which totally effects your motivation, knowledge, etc. IMO, there is a confort zone for the CK, the Terrestrial K, and the Telestial Kingdom. Let's say I think my comfort zone is compatible with the CK but really its for the Terrestrail. If I think that I've made it because I've been endowed and sealed because the CK is huge, Might I slack off and be rather surprised when I'm NOT ressurected during the morning of the 1st Resurrection? As my brothers keepr, you know I need to get into the CK comfort zone, do you have any resposnibilty to help me see where I truly am>? If not you, does anyone or should the person simply be shocked later?

[SpeedRacer]

Speed: A terrific post. I would add that IF one rises in the Morning of the First Resurrection, one KNOWS that they will be in the Celestial Kingdom. Think upon the promises given in the sealing ceremony if one is faithful.

The "elite CK" has some value even if NOT quite true. How? It is human nature to develop a comfort zone which totally effects your motivation, knowledge, etc. IMO, there is a confort zone for the CK, the Terrestrial K, and the Telestial Kingdom. Let's say I think my comfort zone is compatible with the CK but really its for the Terrestrail. If I think that I've made it because I've been endowed and sealed because the CK is huge, Might I slack off and be rather surprised when I'm NOT ressurected during the morning of the 1st Resurrection? As my brothers keepr, you know I need to get into the CK comfort zone, do you have any resposnibilty to help me see where I truly am>? If not you, does anyone or should the person simply be shocked later?

Love your reasoning. It is us as endowed members who will have the hardest time. We know the most, we are responsible for the most and will have the more difficult time reasoning why we should be allowed into the CK after sinning against so much light. As long as people think like you and feel there is little chance to get in, and are not thinking that "me with my endowments and temple sealing unsealed by the holy spirit of promise" are almost guaranteed.

My elitist CK thing was more along the lines of some members thinking they are going to keep the gospel and the CK to themselves and look down on others who will surely be consigned to a lesser kingdom. It seemed like that more with my parent's generation that with mine, but that always bugged me.

[Samuel the Lamanite]

Speed: Thanks for clarifying what you meant by the "elite." I'm glad that you concur with the reasoning. It doesn't mean I'm right just logical.