Last week I was ran into my friend's Pastor (they are Independent Fundamentalist Baptist a/k/a IFB). Of course he starts with the scripture talk every time he sees me, but this time he got me good. I had no idea how to answer him. He quoted me some scripture that got me thinking. He said that Jesus on those 3 days after he died was in hell. He wanted to know how I could justify that Jesus was instead in the Americas as we believe.
He quoted the following scriptures off the top of his head.
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison.” 1 Peter 3:18-19 KJV
“For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Matthew 12:40 KJV
“Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” Acts 2:27 KJV
“He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.” Acts 2:31 KJV
3 Days in Hell vs. 3 Days in the Americas...
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sadie_Mormon
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LateOutOfBed
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Re: 3 Days in Hell vs. 3 Days in the Americas...
Where does it say we believe during the time Christ was dead that we believe he was in the Americas? It wasn't until after his resurrection that Christ said:sadie_Mormon wrote:Last week I was ran into my friend's Pastor (they are Independent Fundamentalist Baptist a/k/a IFB). Of course he starts with the scripture talk every time he sees me, but this time he got me good. I had no idea how to answer him. He quoted me some scripture that got me thinking. He said that Jesus on those 3 days after he died was in hell. He wanted to know how I could justify that Jesus was instead in the Americas as we believe.
He quoted the following scriptures off the top of his head.
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison.” 1 Peter 3:18-19 KJV
“For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” Matthew 12:40 KJV
“Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” Acts 2:27 KJV
“He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.” Acts 2:31 KJV
During the 3 days that he was dead, Christ was in the spirit world teaching to the people in Spirit Prison. The pastor is right in a sense. Plus we know in the Book of Mormon that the Nephites saw Christ in his resurrected form.John 10:16
16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
-- Geoff
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marc
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Re: 3 Days in Hell vs. 3 Days in the Americas...
Sadie, I did a write-up in another area of this forum with the following post, well, here's the bulk of it anyway. It's very likely that Jesus didn't visit the Nephites immediately after His resurrection but at the end of that same year of His resurrection. Pay attention to verses 18 and 19 as explained below. Hope it helps:
This particular post is about Jesus Christ's visit to the Nephites. Open your books to 3 Nephi 8.
5 And it came to pass in the thirty and fourth year, in the first month, on the fourth day of the month, there arose a great storm, such an one as never had been known in all the land.
So it's January 4, 0034.
Ok, just for illustrative purposes, I'm using our own Gregorian calendar. Anyway, it's about to get ugly in America. Storms hit, wicked people are destroyed, the land changes. And now there is great darkness in the land so thick they can't light a match (I'm using humor here). This darkness lasted three days.
21 And there could be no light, because of the darkness, neither candles, neither torches; neither could there be fire kindled with their fine and exceedingly dry wood, so that there could not be any light at all;
22 And there was not any light seen, neither fire, nor glimmer, neither the sun, nor the moon, nor the stars, for so great were the mists of darkness which were upon the face of the land.
23 And it came to pass that it did last for the space of three days that there was no light seen; and there was great mourning and howling and weeping among all the people continually; yea, great were the groanings of the people, because of the darkness and the great destruction which had come upon them.
So it was dark on January 4th, 5th and 6th. Then Jesus Christ, presumably from the spirit world, talks to the people of the land.
1 And it came to pass that there was a voice heard among all the inhabitants of the earth, upon all the face of this land, crying:
2 Wo, wo, wo unto this people; wo unto the inhabitants of the whole earth except they shall repent; for the devil laugheth, and his angels rejoice, because of the slain of the fair sons and daughters of my people; and it is because of their iniquity and abominations that they are fallen!
Then it was quiet for many hours as we read in chapter 10.
1 And now behold, it came to pass that all the people of the land did hear these sayings, and did witness of it. And after these sayings there was silence in the land for the space of many hours;
Then Christ speaks to them again and thereafter the darkness is lifted and the morning sun shines on January 7.
9 And it came to pass that thus did the three days pass away. And it was in the morning, and the darkness dispersed from off the face of the land, and the earth did cease to tremble, and the rocks did cease to rend, and the dreadful groanings did cease, and all the tumultuous noises did pass away.
10 And the earth did cleave together again, that it stood; and the mourning, and the weeping, and the wailing of the people who were spared alive did cease; and their mourning was turned into joy, and their lamentations into the praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord Jesus Christ, their Redeemer.
Ok, so much for the first week of the new year in the land. Let's go to verse 18 and 19:
18 And it came to pass that in the ending of the thirty and fourth year, behold, I will show unto you that the people of Nephi who were spared, and also those who had been called Lamanites, who had been spared, did have great favors shown unto them, and great blessings poured out upon their heads, insomuch that soon after the ascension of Christ into heaven he did truly manifest himself unto them—
19 Showing his body unto them, and ministering unto them; and an account of his ministry shall be given hereafter. Therefore for this time I make an end of my sayings.
And thus the resurrected Christ shows himself to this people, which begins with chapter 11. It seems to me, that Christ did not appear to them until the end of that year, 0034, according to verse 18, and not immediately in the morning of the fourth day, which I presumed all my life, reading this book. Christ spent much time among his own apostles in Jerusalem and going about His work, of which we have no other account. So we have approximately eleven months where the righteous Nephites and Lamanites go about rebuilding their way of life. I have to presume at this point that the only surviving temple in the land is in the capital city of Bountiful. Zarahemla, obviously was burned and destroyed. The temple in the Land of Nephi, well, who knows if the land of Nephi even survived the purge as it is never mentioned again. In any case, reading the Second Comforter is what got me to notice all this. At the end of the year is when Christ showed himself to the people at Bountiful, but more particularly at the site of the temple. And it just so happened that there was a multitude gathered there, marveling at all the changes that had taken place.
1 And now it came to pass that there were a great multitude gathered together, of the people of Nephi, round about the temple which was in the land Bountiful; and they were marveling and wondering one with another, and were showing one to another the great and marvelous change which had taken place.
2 And they were also conversing about this Jesus Christ, of whom the sign had been given concerning his death.
I find it interesting that eleven months later, this very large crowd showed this much surprise at changes, which, if they had been living there this entire time, would have noticed all the changes round about way back in January instead of now, in November or December, that is, unless this multitude had just arrived from elsewhere and just happened to be at the right place at the right time. There were 2,500 people who had just migrated to the city and stood around the temple.
3 Nephi 17: 25 And the multitude did see and hear and bear record; and they know that their record is true for they all of them did see and hear, every man for himself; and they were in number about two thousand and five hundred souls; and they did consist of men, women, and children.
If it had included any locals, you'd think they wouldn't need to marvel at all the changes because the locals would have marveled back on January 7th in the morning. This crowd, however, just arrived. They probably were on a pilgrimage to the temple. At least this is what Denver Snuffer thinks. In any case, this is a very interesting observation. And it makes me realize how important all our daily activities are. At any given time, are we about the Lord's work? If the Lord visited any of us today, would He catch us in the temple?.....
This particular post is about Jesus Christ's visit to the Nephites. Open your books to 3 Nephi 8.
5 And it came to pass in the thirty and fourth year, in the first month, on the fourth day of the month, there arose a great storm, such an one as never had been known in all the land.
So it's January 4, 0034.
Ok, just for illustrative purposes, I'm using our own Gregorian calendar. Anyway, it's about to get ugly in America. Storms hit, wicked people are destroyed, the land changes. And now there is great darkness in the land so thick they can't light a match (I'm using humor here). This darkness lasted three days.21 And there could be no light, because of the darkness, neither candles, neither torches; neither could there be fire kindled with their fine and exceedingly dry wood, so that there could not be any light at all;
22 And there was not any light seen, neither fire, nor glimmer, neither the sun, nor the moon, nor the stars, for so great were the mists of darkness which were upon the face of the land.
23 And it came to pass that it did last for the space of three days that there was no light seen; and there was great mourning and howling and weeping among all the people continually; yea, great were the groanings of the people, because of the darkness and the great destruction which had come upon them.
So it was dark on January 4th, 5th and 6th. Then Jesus Christ, presumably from the spirit world, talks to the people of the land.
1 And it came to pass that there was a voice heard among all the inhabitants of the earth, upon all the face of this land, crying:
2 Wo, wo, wo unto this people; wo unto the inhabitants of the whole earth except they shall repent; for the devil laugheth, and his angels rejoice, because of the slain of the fair sons and daughters of my people; and it is because of their iniquity and abominations that they are fallen!
Then it was quiet for many hours as we read in chapter 10.
1 And now behold, it came to pass that all the people of the land did hear these sayings, and did witness of it. And after these sayings there was silence in the land for the space of many hours;
Then Christ speaks to them again and thereafter the darkness is lifted and the morning sun shines on January 7.
9 And it came to pass that thus did the three days pass away. And it was in the morning, and the darkness dispersed from off the face of the land, and the earth did cease to tremble, and the rocks did cease to rend, and the dreadful groanings did cease, and all the tumultuous noises did pass away.
10 And the earth did cleave together again, that it stood; and the mourning, and the weeping, and the wailing of the people who were spared alive did cease; and their mourning was turned into joy, and their lamentations into the praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord Jesus Christ, their Redeemer.
Ok, so much for the first week of the new year in the land. Let's go to verse 18 and 19:
18 And it came to pass that in the ending of the thirty and fourth year, behold, I will show unto you that the people of Nephi who were spared, and also those who had been called Lamanites, who had been spared, did have great favors shown unto them, and great blessings poured out upon their heads, insomuch that soon after the ascension of Christ into heaven he did truly manifest himself unto them—
19 Showing his body unto them, and ministering unto them; and an account of his ministry shall be given hereafter. Therefore for this time I make an end of my sayings.
And thus the resurrected Christ shows himself to this people, which begins with chapter 11. It seems to me, that Christ did not appear to them until the end of that year, 0034, according to verse 18, and not immediately in the morning of the fourth day, which I presumed all my life, reading this book. Christ spent much time among his own apostles in Jerusalem and going about His work, of which we have no other account. So we have approximately eleven months where the righteous Nephites and Lamanites go about rebuilding their way of life. I have to presume at this point that the only surviving temple in the land is in the capital city of Bountiful. Zarahemla, obviously was burned and destroyed. The temple in the Land of Nephi, well, who knows if the land of Nephi even survived the purge as it is never mentioned again. In any case, reading the Second Comforter is what got me to notice all this. At the end of the year is when Christ showed himself to the people at Bountiful, but more particularly at the site of the temple. And it just so happened that there was a multitude gathered there, marveling at all the changes that had taken place.
1 And now it came to pass that there were a great multitude gathered together, of the people of Nephi, round about the temple which was in the land Bountiful; and they were marveling and wondering one with another, and were showing one to another the great and marvelous change which had taken place.
2 And they were also conversing about this Jesus Christ, of whom the sign had been given concerning his death.
I find it interesting that eleven months later, this very large crowd showed this much surprise at changes, which, if they had been living there this entire time, would have noticed all the changes round about way back in January instead of now, in November or December, that is, unless this multitude had just arrived from elsewhere and just happened to be at the right place at the right time. There were 2,500 people who had just migrated to the city and stood around the temple.
3 Nephi 17: 25 And the multitude did see and hear and bear record; and they know that their record is true for they all of them did see and hear, every man for himself; and they were in number about two thousand and five hundred souls; and they did consist of men, women, and children.
If it had included any locals, you'd think they wouldn't need to marvel at all the changes because the locals would have marveled back on January 7th in the morning. This crowd, however, just arrived. They probably were on a pilgrimage to the temple. At least this is what Denver Snuffer thinks. In any case, this is a very interesting observation. And it makes me realize how important all our daily activities are. At any given time, are we about the Lord's work? If the Lord visited any of us today, would He catch us in the temple?.....
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sadie_Mormon
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Re: 3 Days in Hell vs. 3 Days in the Americas...
Thank you for that. I thought it was strange but I was so caught off guard that I was tongue tied at the moment. Maybe I heard him wrong and he meant as you said. Could be my bad 
Thank You!
Thank You!
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sadie_Mormon
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Re: 3 Days in Hell vs. 3 Days in the Americas...
Thank you coachmarc that was very helpful. After reading this I'm thinking its the disbelief in the BoM that makes them not believe that such an event was possible. They can't possibly believe that Jesus came to America if they are unwilling to accept that the BoM as gospel.
What they believe from what I can remember is that once Jesus resurrected he met with many for 40 days. Afterwards Jesus assended to Heaven never to return until his second coming. So what you are saying is that it was longer than the 40 days which explains how he was in the Americas?
What they believe from what I can remember is that once Jesus resurrected he met with many for 40 days. Afterwards Jesus assended to Heaven never to return until his second coming. So what you are saying is that it was longer than the 40 days which explains how he was in the Americas?
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marc
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Re: 3 Days in Hell vs. 3 Days in the Americas...
You're welcome. In a nutshell here is a timeline as I see it:
1. Jesus Christ is crucified and buried
2. He spends three days in spirit prison as we read in the NT
3. He resurrects
4. Ministers to apostles and others in Jerusalem for a time
5. Appears to Nephites at the temple in Bountiful
6. Appears to the rest of the lost tribes of Israel
1. Jesus Christ is crucified and buried
2. He spends three days in spirit prison as we read in the NT
3. He resurrects
4. Ministers to apostles and others in Jerusalem for a time
5. Appears to Nephites at the temple in Bountiful
6. Appears to the rest of the lost tribes of Israel
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marc
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Re: 3 Days in Hell vs. 3 Days in the Americas...
What Chrisianity in general doesn't grasp is that there are twelve tribes of Israel, all with a history and they only accept one tribe's record, which we know as the Bible. Isaiah and others like Ezekiel in the OT clearly testify that there will be more (stick of Judah and stick of Joseph). The Bible is a record of the tribe of Judah. The Book of Mormon is a record of another tribe, the tribe of Joseph who was sold into Egypt. A careful study of the first few chapters of 2 Nephi tells us this (Lehi blessing his children before he dies, especially to his youngest, whom he names after Joseph). There are ten more tribes unaccounted for as of yet. If the world can barely accept the record of one tribe, let alone two, we are not ready or worthy of accepting ALL of what we can be offered.
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sadie_Mormon
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Re: 3 Days in Hell vs. 3 Days in the Americas...
When I look at scripture regarding the ascension of Jesus some questions come to mind.
In John 20:17 KJV it says, "Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God."
Why would he say to Mary that he was going to ascend to his Father yet he really wasn't? I just want to prepare myself for further dialog
In 1 Peter 3:21-22 KJV it says, "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: 22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him."
So clearly he is with Father. I guess I'm over thinking the timeline.
In Acts 2:3 KJV it says, "Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God."
To me this sounds like after the 40 days with the apostles Jesus ( when he had given commandments) that he ascended to his father.
I think this is why there is a disconnect for most Christians because they see this and it’s clear to them. This is what I find difficult because if they don’t believe in the BoM any amount of debate is not going to change their views (unless they open up to learn).
In John 20:17 KJV it says, "Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God."
Why would he say to Mary that he was going to ascend to his Father yet he really wasn't? I just want to prepare myself for further dialog
In 1 Peter 3:21-22 KJV it says, "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: 22 Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him."
So clearly he is with Father. I guess I'm over thinking the timeline.
In Acts 2:3 KJV it says, "Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God."
To me this sounds like after the 40 days with the apostles Jesus ( when he had given commandments) that he ascended to his father.
I think this is why there is a disconnect for most Christians because they see this and it’s clear to them. This is what I find difficult because if they don’t believe in the BoM any amount of debate is not going to change their views (unless they open up to learn).
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marc
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Re: 3 Days in Hell vs. 3 Days in the Americas...
I won't profess to be an expert, but He may have ascended several times for varying purposes, such as to receive instruction. I also think that the way Thomas and others like all the Nephites who came forth to feel the prints in his hands and feet, didn't touch Him the way that Mary wanted to run to embrace Him. Just my thoughts at this stage. I confess that I really need to study the New Testament in much greater depth.
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JohnnyL
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Re: 3 Days in Hell vs. 3 Days in the Americas...
*Jesus wasn't in hell, he was in the spirit world, in paradise. He didn't go to hell; some of the other righteous did (see DaC 138). (Also, check the complete definition of the Hebrew.)
*While it was three days in the Americas--it was also many times after that (3 Nephi 26:13).
*Yes, Jesus did ascend and descend many times, and still does. He even did that in the Americas--He didn't spend the night; He went back to heaven (see 3 Nephi 18:39; 19:15).
*Not only the Nephites, but then the lost tribes (see 3 Nephi 16:3).
*While it was three days in the Americas--it was also many times after that (3 Nephi 26:13).
*Yes, Jesus did ascend and descend many times, and still does. He even did that in the Americas--He didn't spend the night; He went back to heaven (see 3 Nephi 18:39; 19:15).
*Not only the Nephites, but then the lost tribes (see 3 Nephi 16:3).
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marc
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Re: 3 Days in Hell vs. 3 Days in the Americas...
1. Spirit Prison is Hell.
1Peter 3:18-20
18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
2. We can progress in Spirit Prison to a certain degree only. If someone had a chance to accept the gospel in this life and refused it, they go to Spirit Prison in the Postmortal Existence. They will have one more chance in Spirit Prison to accept the Gospel. If they do, they may inherit the Terrestrial Kingdom but that is as far as they will progress. Here's the full scope of our post mortal reward:
There are three kingdoms of glory: the celestial kingdom, the terrestrial kingdom, and the telestial kingdom. The glory we inherit will depend on the depth of our conversion, expressed by our obedience to the Lord's commandments. It will depend on the manner in which we have "received the testimony of Jesus" (D&C 76:51; see also D&C 76:74, 79, 101).
Celestial Kingdom
The celestial kingdom is the highest of the three kingdoms of glory. Those in this kingdom will dwell forever in the presence of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. This should be your goal: to inherit celestial glory and to help others receive that great blessing as well. Such a goal is not achieved in one attempt; it is the result of a lifetime of righteousness and constancy of purpose.
The celestial kingdom is the place prepared for those who have "received the testimony of Jesus" and been "made perfect through Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, who wrought out this perfect atonement through the shedding of his own blood" (D&C 76:51, 69). To inherit this gift, we must receive the ordinances of salvation, keep the commandments, and repent of our sins. For a detailed explanation of those who will inherit celestial glory, see Doctrine and Covenants 76:50–70; 76:92–96.
In January 1836 the Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation that expanded his understanding of the requirements to inherit celestial glory. The heavens were opened to him, and he saw the celestial kingdom. He marveled when he saw his older brother Alvin there, even though Alvin had died before receiving the ordinance of baptism. (See D&C 137:1–6.) Then the voice of the Lord came to the Prophet Joseph:
"All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God; "Also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom;
"For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts" (D&C 137:7–9).
Commenting on this revelation, the Prophet Joseph said, "I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven" (D&C 137:10).
From another revelation to the Prophet Joseph, we learn that there are three degrees within the celestial kingdom. To be exalted in the highest degree and continue eternally in family relationships, we must enter into "the new and everlasting covenant of marriage" and be true to that covenant. In other words, temple marriage is a requirement for obtaining the highest degree of celestial glory. (See D&C 131:1–4.) All who are worthy to enter into the new and everlasting covenant of marriage will have that opportunity, whether in this life or the next.
Terrestrial Kingdom
Those who inherit terrestrial glory will "receive of the presence of the Son, but not of the fulness of the Father. Wherefore, they are bodies terrestrial, and not bodies celestial, and differ in glory as the moon differs from the sun" (D&C 76:77–78). Generally speaking, individuals in the terrestrial kingdom will be honorable people "who were blinded by the craftiness of men" (D&C 76:75). This group will include members of the Church who were "not valiant in the testimony of Jesus" (D&C 76:79). It will also include those who rejected the opportunity to receive the gospel in mortality but who later received it in the postmortal spirit world (see D&C 76:73–74). To learn more about those who will inherit terrestrial glory, see Doctrine and Covenants D&C 76:71–80, 91, 97.
Telestial Kingdom
Telestial glory will be reserved for individuals who "received not the gospel of Christ, neither the testimony of Jesus" (D&C 76:82). These individuals will receive their glory after being redeemed from spirit prison, which is also called hell (see D&C 76:84, D&C 76:106). A detailed explanation of those who will inherit telestial glory is found in Doctrine and Covenants 76:81–90, 98–106, 109–112.
Perdition
Some people will not be worthy to dwell in any kingdom of glory. They will be called "the sons of perdition" and will have to "abide a kingdom which is not a kingdom of glory" (D&C 76:32; 88:24). This will be the state of "those who know [God's] power, and have been made partakers thereof, and suffered themselves through the power of the devil to be overcome, and to deny the truth and defy [God's] power" (D&C 76:31; see also D&C 76:30, 32–49).
1Peter 3:18-20
18 For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:
19 By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
20 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
2. We can progress in Spirit Prison to a certain degree only. If someone had a chance to accept the gospel in this life and refused it, they go to Spirit Prison in the Postmortal Existence. They will have one more chance in Spirit Prison to accept the Gospel. If they do, they may inherit the Terrestrial Kingdom but that is as far as they will progress. Here's the full scope of our post mortal reward:
There are three kingdoms of glory: the celestial kingdom, the terrestrial kingdom, and the telestial kingdom. The glory we inherit will depend on the depth of our conversion, expressed by our obedience to the Lord's commandments. It will depend on the manner in which we have "received the testimony of Jesus" (D&C 76:51; see also D&C 76:74, 79, 101).
Celestial Kingdom
The celestial kingdom is the highest of the three kingdoms of glory. Those in this kingdom will dwell forever in the presence of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. This should be your goal: to inherit celestial glory and to help others receive that great blessing as well. Such a goal is not achieved in one attempt; it is the result of a lifetime of righteousness and constancy of purpose.
The celestial kingdom is the place prepared for those who have "received the testimony of Jesus" and been "made perfect through Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, who wrought out this perfect atonement through the shedding of his own blood" (D&C 76:51, 69). To inherit this gift, we must receive the ordinances of salvation, keep the commandments, and repent of our sins. For a detailed explanation of those who will inherit celestial glory, see Doctrine and Covenants 76:50–70; 76:92–96.
In January 1836 the Prophet Joseph Smith received a revelation that expanded his understanding of the requirements to inherit celestial glory. The heavens were opened to him, and he saw the celestial kingdom. He marveled when he saw his older brother Alvin there, even though Alvin had died before receiving the ordinance of baptism. (See D&C 137:1–6.) Then the voice of the Lord came to the Prophet Joseph:
"All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God; "Also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom;
"For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts" (D&C 137:7–9).
Commenting on this revelation, the Prophet Joseph said, "I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven" (D&C 137:10).
From another revelation to the Prophet Joseph, we learn that there are three degrees within the celestial kingdom. To be exalted in the highest degree and continue eternally in family relationships, we must enter into "the new and everlasting covenant of marriage" and be true to that covenant. In other words, temple marriage is a requirement for obtaining the highest degree of celestial glory. (See D&C 131:1–4.) All who are worthy to enter into the new and everlasting covenant of marriage will have that opportunity, whether in this life or the next.
Terrestrial Kingdom
Those who inherit terrestrial glory will "receive of the presence of the Son, but not of the fulness of the Father. Wherefore, they are bodies terrestrial, and not bodies celestial, and differ in glory as the moon differs from the sun" (D&C 76:77–78). Generally speaking, individuals in the terrestrial kingdom will be honorable people "who were blinded by the craftiness of men" (D&C 76:75). This group will include members of the Church who were "not valiant in the testimony of Jesus" (D&C 76:79). It will also include those who rejected the opportunity to receive the gospel in mortality but who later received it in the postmortal spirit world (see D&C 76:73–74). To learn more about those who will inherit terrestrial glory, see Doctrine and Covenants D&C 76:71–80, 91, 97.
Telestial Kingdom
Telestial glory will be reserved for individuals who "received not the gospel of Christ, neither the testimony of Jesus" (D&C 76:82). These individuals will receive their glory after being redeemed from spirit prison, which is also called hell (see D&C 76:84, D&C 76:106). A detailed explanation of those who will inherit telestial glory is found in Doctrine and Covenants 76:81–90, 98–106, 109–112.
Perdition
Some people will not be worthy to dwell in any kingdom of glory. They will be called "the sons of perdition" and will have to "abide a kingdom which is not a kingdom of glory" (D&C 76:32; 88:24). This will be the state of "those who know [God's] power, and have been made partakers thereof, and suffered themselves through the power of the devil to be overcome, and to deny the truth and defy [God's] power" (D&C 76:31; see also D&C 76:30, 32–49).
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7cylon7
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Re: 3 Days in Hell vs. 3 Days in the Americas...
Okay I know it says Jesus went into spirit prison but I read something somewhere that Jesus really did not go into spirit prison but really went into spirit paradise and organized the church there. He then gave them instructions and direction on how the work would go forth. Then those missionaries who are called by God are sent into spirit prison to preach to all those that would listen.
Thus Jesus did not go to hell as some have stated. Also I would like to point out that hell to those in Jesus time was just the realm of the dead. They had no idea that the spirit world was here on this earth and that it was divided up into two parts. Thus, those that are righteous and have been baptized (at least) can enter into some kind of a rest. Those in spirit prison can not get into spirit paradise unless they get baptized. This of course can only be done in the flesh and for the the dead can only be performed in a LDS temple. There must be angels that bar the way into spirit paradise else how would spirit prison be a prison if they were free to roam into paradise.
Thus Jesus did not go to hell as some have stated. Also I would like to point out that hell to those in Jesus time was just the realm of the dead. They had no idea that the spirit world was here on this earth and that it was divided up into two parts. Thus, those that are righteous and have been baptized (at least) can enter into some kind of a rest. Those in spirit prison can not get into spirit paradise unless they get baptized. This of course can only be done in the flesh and for the the dead can only be performed in a LDS temple. There must be angels that bar the way into spirit paradise else how would spirit prison be a prison if they were free to roam into paradise.
Last edited by 7cylon7 on June 26th, 2012, 10:22 am, edited 2 times in total.
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7cylon7
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Re: 3 Days in Hell vs. 3 Days in the Americas...
Also it would appear that Christ also visited the Hawaii islands as well. For they thought Cpt. Cook was the great white god. Or they were nephites that took boats and left the land and where they went no one knows but it is possible he visited those people as well.
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marc
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Re: 3 Days in Hell vs. 3 Days in the Americas...
I agree with you, with Peter the Apostle and with Jesus Christ's own words when he hung on the cross.
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LateOutOfBed
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Re: 3 Days in Hell vs. 3 Days in the Americas...
If you look at symbolism throughout many ancient cultures, it stands well to believe that Christ visited many of the separated people on earth at that time. I have no doubt he visited more than just the Nephites and people of what we now know as North America. It's just the only other account that we have right now. I'd love to read other accounts... but the one we have is most like what will happen to us, so I'm ok with studying just the one other account for now.7cylon7 wrote:Also it would appear that Christ also visited the Hawaii islands as well. For they thought Cpt. Cook was the great white god. Or they were nephites that took boats and left the land and where they went no one knows but it is possible he visited those people as well.
-- Geoff
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marc
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Re: 3 Days in Hell vs. 3 Days in the Americas...
As I mentioned above in my timeline (see #6), Christ did visit all the tribes.
3 Nephi 16
1 And verily, verily, I say unto you that I have other sheep, which are not of this land, neither of the land of Jerusalem, neither in any parts of that land round about whither I have been to minister.
2 For they of whom I speak are they who have not as yet heard my voice; neither have I at any time manifested myself unto them.
3 But I have received a commandment of the Father that I shall go unto them, and that they shall hear my voice, and shall be numbered among my sheep, that there may be one fold and one shepherd; therefore I go to show myself unto them.
4 And I command you that ye shall write these sayings after I am gone, that if it so be that my people at Jerusalem, they who have seen me and been with me in my ministry, do not ask the Father in my name, that they may receive a knowledge of you by the Holy Ghost, and also of the other tribes whom they know not of, that these sayings which ye shall write shall be kept and shall be manifested unto the Gentiles, that through the fulness of the Gentiles, the remnant of their seed, who shall be scattered forth upon the face of the earth because of their unbelief, may be brought in, or may be brought to a knowledge of me, their Redeemer.
3 Nephi 16
1 And verily, verily, I say unto you that I have other sheep, which are not of this land, neither of the land of Jerusalem, neither in any parts of that land round about whither I have been to minister.
2 For they of whom I speak are they who have not as yet heard my voice; neither have I at any time manifested myself unto them.
3 But I have received a commandment of the Father that I shall go unto them, and that they shall hear my voice, and shall be numbered among my sheep, that there may be one fold and one shepherd; therefore I go to show myself unto them.
4 And I command you that ye shall write these sayings after I am gone, that if it so be that my people at Jerusalem, they who have seen me and been with me in my ministry, do not ask the Father in my name, that they may receive a knowledge of you by the Holy Ghost, and also of the other tribes whom they know not of, that these sayings which ye shall write shall be kept and shall be manifested unto the Gentiles, that through the fulness of the Gentiles, the remnant of their seed, who shall be scattered forth upon the face of the earth because of their unbelief, may be brought in, or may be brought to a knowledge of me, their Redeemer.
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shadow
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Re: 3 Days in Hell vs. 3 Days in the Americas...
As johnnyL mentioned above- Read section 138! It's one of my all-time fav's.7cylon7 wrote:Okay I know it says Jesus went into spirit prison but I read something somewhere that Jesus really did not go into spirit prison but really went into spirit paradise and organized the church there. He then gave them instructions and direction on how the work would go forth. Then those missionaries who are called by God are sent into spirit prison to preach to all those that would listen.
Thus Jesus did not go to hell as some have stated.
Christ did not directly teach those in Hell, He commissioned those who were waiting their own resurrections (worthy of a Celestial glory) to go and teach their brothers and sisters who were either in complete ignorance of the gospel or who had previously rejected it.
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rockwood
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Re: 3 Days in Hell vs. 3 Days in the Americas...
Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.coachmarc wrote:Jesus Christ's own words when he hung on the cross.
Is this what you're referring to?
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marc
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Re: 3 Days in Hell vs. 3 Days in the Americas...
Yup!rockwood wrote:Luke 23:43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.coachmarc wrote:Jesus Christ's own words when he hung on the cross.
Is this what you're referring to?
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sadie_Mormon
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Re: 3 Days in Hell vs. 3 Days in the Americas...
See when I look at the below scripture it still says that Christ was in Hell. I'm getting mixed messages... was he or was he not? And if not then how do you explain these verses?
“Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” Acts 2:27 KJV
“He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.” Acts 2:31 KJV
“Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” Acts 2:27 KJV
“He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.” Acts 2:31 KJV
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marc
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Re: 3 Days in Hell vs. 3 Days in the Americas...
Read vs. 22 through 36. Peter is talking about both Christ and David. He is also essentially quoting David through several verses.
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ldsfireguy
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Re: 3 Days in Hell vs. 3 Days in the Americas...
Christ did NOT go to spirit prison during the time before his resurrection - the spirits there could not have endured his presence. He did go to the spirit world, but to the portion known to us as Paradise. There he organized the missionary effort to go amongst the spirits in prison. Just as he did not go himself to the unclean, to the gentile world, but he organized those amongst the tribes of Israel to then go out to the unclean and teach them.
This is a mere translation thing - the original words for Paradise and Hell or Spirit Prison are often interchanged. Take a look at what Christ said to the thief on the cross: "Today you shall be with me in Paradise." Yet we know that the thief went to spirit prison, not Paradise - the original word means the spirit world.
This is a mere translation thing - the original words for Paradise and Hell or Spirit Prison are often interchanged. Take a look at what Christ said to the thief on the cross: "Today you shall be with me in Paradise." Yet we know that the thief went to spirit prison, not Paradise - the original word means the spirit world.
