LDS Freedom Forum

While I was studying I read that the three nephites were changed from their mortal state and the Book of Mormon says "for it did seem unto them like a transfiguration of them, they were changed from this body of flesh into an immortal state, that they could behold the things of God." In the bible dictionary it says that Moses and Elijah were translated when they appeared to the apostles on the Mount of transfiguration. So I conclude that translation is a long term state before being able to be ressurected as Christ had not been ressurected yet. Transfiguration is a short term state to allow one to behold the things of God and bare his presence. Joseph Smith said that it is a terrestial state. I was wondering if anyone could shed some more light on this. How are they different?

A transfiguration is only a temporary "upgrade" in glory whereas a translation is a change in the body that lasts until the resurrection, and that change results in an inability to feel physical pain and an inability to die except at the time of resurrection when the change comes "in the twinkling of an eye." There are other gifts which come to translated beings as well which are mentioned in the scriptures. I recommend checking out the references in the LDS topical guide of the standard works.