Hence, the term outer darkness. 20:1315). Alma 40. That Satan rebelled against Christ and God the Father and was cast out with all of Satans followers and will not receive a body. Even the regular Wikipedia seems confused: Sons of Perdition are: The pre-mortal spirit followers of Satan. When I was Mormon, I was taught that in order to be sent to Outer Darkness (I'm a woman, that will be relevant in a second) you had to have an UNMISTAKABLE KnOwLeDgE of Christ, and then turn your back on God and deny him. [3] Larry E. Dahl, The Concept of Hell, in Doctrines of the Book of Mormon (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1992), 4243. . Woman must atone for sins committed by the volition of her own choice, but she will never become an angel to the devil, and sin so far as to place herself beyond the reach of mercy. Brigham Young Discourse delivered October 8, 1861, pp. It doesnt matter because I never joined. The Book of Mormon teaches that only through the Atonement of Christ can one escape the damnation of hell. Jacob testified that without the infinite atonement all mankind would be forever subject to the awful monster, death and hell, and thus would become like the devil and his angels (2 Ne. Those who have never received the light are not to become Sons of Perdition. Tenth President Joseph Fielding Smitha general authority who spoke more about this issue than any other leaderstated. What is the Mormon plan of salvation? Okay, so Cain, we have one guaranteed person according to no citation whatsoever. At the end of the twenty years, the knife would be withdrawn and again stabbed into us, with the resulting excruciating pain lasting another twenty years; this process would then be repeated for all eternity. Outer darkness is a place reserved for the Devil, his angels, and the sons of perdition. It is an eternal destination, a place where very few (if any) human beings will ever be sent. It must be emphasized that the witness described means that the person has had the heavens opened unto him and has personally seen, and even spoken with, the Savior, and then has turned against Him, bringing him to open shame. It is the closest Mormon analogy to the concept of hell in most other Christian traditions. Though we have this clarity in the scriptures that we carry with us daily, few members are aware that this insight is there." Dennis L. Largey was an associate professor of ancient scripture at Brigham Young University when this was published. 11:23). Both Luther, who taught soul sleep till the resurrection of the dead, and Calvin, who taught the immortal soul, considered the "outer darkness" references in Matthew to refer to the last judgment. As explained in D&C 88:11-13: Thus the Book of Mormon does seem to contain a reference to the degrees of glory and outer darkness. What do Mormons believe happened in the pre-existence? Consistently, hell is associated with fire. Therefore, they have drunk out of the cup of the wrath of God, which justice could no more deny unto them than it could deny that Adam should fall because of his partaking of the forbidden fruit; therefore, mercy could have claim on them no more forever. Brigham Young University Professor Larry E. Dahl reported: The word hell appears sixty-two times in the text of the Book of Mormon. Thank you! To the Church in Smyrna the Apostle John wrote: He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death (Rev. Clearly you dont know what is and is not doctrine, and are trying to throw shade. Mormon Wiki, for example has a pretty specific definition of who doesnt go there but lacks any citations: Sons of Perdition as those few souls who have been born on this earth who have been made partakers of Gods power, yet suffered themselves through the power of the devil to be overcome, and to deny the truth and defy God by denying the Holy Spirit after having received it, denying the Only Begotten Son and put him to an open shame. They openly and knowingly fight against God and Christ, having sided with Satan even though they had once tasted of full gospel knowledge by the power of the Holy Ghost.There are those who fear that they have committed the unpardonable sin, because they have not been faithful members of the Church. 20:1314). Also God says no one knows in scripture, so stop asking; but He also said in scripture that He upbraideth not those who have questions and if you ask it shall be opened unto you. The wicked are cast into outer darkness until the time of their resurrection, Alma 40:13-14. Just one rebellion. The Book of Mormon also teaches that by coming unto Christ, one can escape the pains of hell experienced in this life. That being said, I don't think it really matters at the end of the day, because if it is all real, I want to stay clear away from anyone who the Church says deserves the Celestial Kingdom. Horror Short Film "Outer Darkness" | ALTER | Online Premiere 31,262 views Mar 31, 2022 Subscribe to ALTER on YouTube: https://goo.gl/LnXRC3 .more .more 1K Dislike Share Save Description. [1], Other views include those of Zane C. Hodges who controversially suggested that it represents a place for those who make it to heaven based on their faith, but have failed to perform good works during their time on the earth.[2]. Note the Book of Mormons addition of the words is as. 9:16) after the final judgment. Mormons believe that only a Son of Perdition will go to Outer Darkness, their version of most Christian religions understanding of Hell. You are taking quotes that are not Mormon Doctrine. Sorry ladies, you cant actually apostatize from the church, I guess (Someone tell Kate Kelly her excommunication is not valid!). 14:18.) The word hell is mentioned twenty-three times in the New Testament: fifteen times in the Gospels, twice in the book of Acts, once each in James and 2 Peter, and four times in the book of Revelation. It is impossible for those who never joined Mormonism to become sons of perdition. They have said things much stranger and I am sure you know of them. . Jacob identified death and hell as temporal and spiritual death. Yea, behold, this death bringeth to pass the resurrection, and redeemeth all mankind from the first deaththat spiritual death; for all mankind, by the fall of Adam being cut off from the presence of the Lord, are considered as dead, both as to things temporal and to things spiritual. One memorable night, he instructed us about the pains of hell. He asked us to imagine being stabbed and having that initial intense pain of the insertion of the knife last for twenty years. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_perdition_(Mormonism). In Christianity, it is understood that anyone who denies the holy spirit goes to outer darkness, but they see it as a synonym for Hell. 23:15). D&C 76 does say telestial people are the ones thrust down to hell and not redeemed until the last resurrection. The wicked, or in this particular context, the sons of perdition who are filthy still after judgment and resurrection, are assigned to everlasting punishment (see 2 Ne. The followers of Satan who will suffer with him in eternity. See Michael Hicks, Joseph Smith, W.W. Phelps, and the Poetic Paraphrase of The Vision, Journal of Mormon History 20 (Fall 1994) 2: 63-84 for discussion of authorship of this poem.). Your generous support makes the work of MRM possible. It clarifies how using an obscure quote does not define LDS doctrines or dogmas. Matt. You not only need to have been a Mormon, but you have to have full knowledge that this is the restored church of God and still fought against it. So there you go, the souls who end up in Outer Darkness are clearly apostates, or not. Jesus declared that this exalted city would be brought down to hell (Matt. This page was last edited on 17 September 2010, at 20:26. (Elder Bruce R. McConkie Mormon Doctrine Lecture, #2, Brigham Young University, 1967.). Okay so clearly we have billions of souls who qualify as perdition and go to outer darkness according to one prophet in his personal books and not officially speaking as a prophet. So lets turn to that bastion of all wisdom that Jeremy Runnells was blamed for not believing and turning to with questions: FAIRMormon: The church has no official position on this issue. [1] The pains of hell can also be experienced in mortality (Jacob 3:11). These pains are similar to the state of suffering experienced by the ungodly who after mortality are assigned to hell. As used in the New Testament, hell is an English word which is translated from two Greek words: hades (used ten times) and geenna (twelve times). The second death is spiritual and is separation from God. So why dont we get outer darkness too? He cried: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death. This desperate cry for forgiveness through Christ brought deliverance from the pains of hell Alma had experienced because of his sins (Alma 36:1620). . The apostle John saw the final judgment and wrote of the destiny of the wicked: And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. While some apparently have taught that these spirits could be restored to a kingdom of glory, 12th President Spencer W. Kimball said this wasnt true: In the days of the restoration there apparently were those who taught that the devil and his angels and the sons of perdition should sometime be restored. No Mormon since the 1890 change has had the authority to marry any man to more than one woman. 22:13-14, D-R.). Who of the following is NOT eligible for Outer Darkness. Add an RSC shortcut to this device's Homescreen, In the menu, scroll past any icons and tap. Any person who inherits one of the . and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell (James 3:6). Joseph Fielding Smith who said that this class is composed of all who have known the power of God in this mortal life and then, having full knowledge of the power and purposes of God,rebel against him, putting Jesus Christ to open shame (Doctrines of Salvation 2:219-220. (To see the differences between the three kingdoms of glory, click here.) Mormon doctrines are often contradictory and inconsistent. Also, the whole thing about Daughters of Perdition. Over the 30 years in Christian ministry, I have met many former Mormons who once believed in Mormonism, but none has ever confessed that they still believe Mormonism to be true. According to the Doctrine and Covenants, this will be a place that even in outer darkness, where there is weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth (Doctrine and Covenants 101:91; also see 133:73). Thank you! And since we know that prophets speaking define it, this is the definition we should use. Bruce M. Metzger and Michael D. Coogan (New York: Oxford University Press, 1993), s.v. T F According to a church manual, those who never were Mormon could never be sent to Outer Darkness. How impossible would it be for a former Mormon (with full knowledge, even!) Mormons believe that there Prophets are fallible and in no way perfect. And, if you havent come into relationship with the Jesus of the Bible, I encourage you to do some homework and meet Him. 40 talks in 40 days for General Conference, Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. 2:4). Hmmm.. I doubt whether it can be found, from the revelations that are given and the facts as they exist, that there is a female in all the regions of hell. Brigham Young Journal of Discourses 8:222. 3:12), the tares are gathered and burned in the fire (Matt. 67, LDS Church Archives. 14:1819). 12:16), hell which hath no end (1 Ne. He stated that converts made by the Pharisees became twofold more the child of hell than their teachers (Matt. A) Never had a body B) Did evil things in this world C) Never joined the LDS Church D) All of the above are true. It also adds insight that, when blended with other essential doctrines, offers a more complete understanding of the plan of salvation. 1. Ball (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 2001), 7789. The use of the term exterior darkness is in Jesus' parable of the wedding feast (also known as the parable of the marriage of the king's son). Twelfth President Spencer W. Kimball wrote. Sons of Perdition are to be cast out with the devil and his angels into outer darkness. Did I really have full knowledge? Serve Satan. He also said,I think I am safe in saying that no man can become a Son of Perdition until he has known the light. It is, therefore, important to examine carefully the context of each reference. Yet I never was baptized and confirmed into this church. Ellipsis mine). The manual Gospel Principles sheds additional light: There is no forgiveness for them, for they denied the Holy Spirit after having received it. It occurs in a doctrinal discussion Alma conducted with his son Corianton. spirit prison. In short, Outer Darkness is eternal torture. GOSH. If you want to make the point that Mormon Prophets have said some weird stuff, I am all for it. Additionally it provides helpful commentary on New Testament passages concerning hell. 5. In the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), "outer darkness" has two separate meanings.. When the lights were out and we were on the verge of sleep, our camp counselor took advantage of the moment and endeavored to imprint his teachings upon the minds of his captive audience. Everyone but the Sons of Perdition and the devil and his devils, will overcome spiritual death through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. King Benjamin also taught that the fiery suffering was a state of misery one encounters when viewing ones sinfulness: They shall be judged, every man according to his works, whether they be good, or whether they be evil. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 3:20; 10:9- 10; Eph. 9:1012, 1516). The Lord said no man knoweth So, theres probably a good reason that there is some debate and confusion on it. But Mormons do not believe that just because a Prophet said it, that it makes it true. Sons of perdition include (1) those who followed Satan and were cast out of heaven for rebellion during premortality and (2) those who were permitted to be born to this world with physical bodies but then served Satan and turned utterly against God. Banishment from all progress. If Lucifer had not known the effects of his rebellion, how would he ever become perdition? One fire certainly shall be the lot of both. [4]. Outer Darkness. The Book of Mormon does not teach the doctrinal truth that hell will end for the majority of those who suffer in the spirit prison prior to being resurrected and entering the telestial kingdom; however, this truth is clearly taught in the Doctrine and Covenants (see D&C 76:3638, 106). It is simply his opinion. (Doctrines of Salvation 2:220-221). Your email address will not be published. In the parable of the talents, the returning lord instructed that the wicked and slothful servant who hid his talent in the earth be cast into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt. The punishment which is given from my hand is endless punishment, D&C 19:10-12. Big Love's episode "Outer Darkness" Summary: It is not our intention to discuss details of the portrayal of the temple ceremony here. And remember you can be excommunicated for asking church leaders to give solid answers so trust the apologists who say to only trust the prophets on matters like this. Mormonism. The Book of Mormon presents several significant insights concerning the lake of fire and brimstone of which John spoke. One of these guests, however, appeared without the proper wedding attire. Alma the Younger contributed even more insight on the second death when he gave the wicked people of Ammonihah a detailed description of the fate of those who harden their hearts against the word of God: Then if our hearts have been hardened, yea, if we have hardened our hearts against the word, insomuch that it has not been found in us, then will our state be awful, for then we shall be condemned. So apostates from the church are clearly included in this list. Clean and Unclean Because of their disobedience, these spirits ended up not receiving bodies, a necessary ingredient to progress to mortality and be qualified for one of the three kingdoms of glory. Many of the apostates of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Other sources used in composing this topic: http://en.fairmormon.org/Plan_of_salvation/Sons_of_Perdition/Can_women_be_%22Sons_of_Perdition%22, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outer_darkness#Usage_in_the_Latter_Day_Saint_movement, http://en.fairmormon.org/Plan_of_salvation/Sons_of_Perdition/Eventual_fate, http://emp.byui.edu/satterfieldb/quotes/Sons%20of%20Perdition.htm. Articles 1 - 7 will help your candle last longer and perform its best. Outer darkness is something which cannot be described, except that we know that it is to be placed beyond the benign and comforting influence of the Spirit of God banished entirely from his presence (Doctrines of Salvation2:220). it could be a reference for the resurrected who gain inheritance on other worlds but without the fulness of The LDS version of the King James Bible and the Book of Mormon help us to understand that the word black is actually a Hebrew idiom, meaning gloomy, dejected, or spiritual darkness, and has nothing to do with skin tone. Here is one more thing to think about: I work full time with a Christian ministry aimed at converting Mormons. Each person must reap the harvest of the seeds sown in this life. And I said unto them that our father also saw that the justice of God did also divide the wicked from the righteous; and the brightness thereof was like unto the brightness of a flaming fire, which ascendeth up unto God forever and ever, and hath no end (1 Ne. . ", Learn how and when to remove this template message, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Outer_darkness&oldid=1136269337, This page was last edited on 29 January 2023, at 15:14. (2) We believe in allowing our candles to burn for a maximum of four hours at a time. Outer Darkness is the permanent location of Satan and his followers and the Sons of Perdition, who are not redeemed by the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The Plan of Salvation kind of negates the reason for missionary work. Well thats wrapped up as long as no other prophets said oh. Therefore repent ye, repent ye, lest by knowing these things and not doing them ye shall suffer yourselves to come under condemnation, and ye are brought down unto this second death (Hel. After the millennium, after the last great battle between the forces of God and the forces of Satan, Satan and his followers will be cast into Outer Darkness. This isnt something like going out and breaking their rule of no drinking. It is true that the only mortals who had once been members are eligible to become sons of perdition, a fact that may worry some former Mormons who wonder if they might be destined for outer darkness. Continuous suffering, however, is reserved only for sons of perditionthose who are still unclean after the final judgment. Here, like John and Samuel, Alma equated the second death with the lake of fire and brimstone. D&C 133:73 says, These shall go away into outer darkness, where there is weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth. Humans who never heard about Mormonism will not go there, as tenth President Joseph Fielding Smith said, That is a punishment that will not come to those who have never known the truth. Now go take a nap and rest well! 12:22; Morm. The terms spiritual death or second death, lake of fire and brimstone, and outer darkness are all synonymous with hell, and all are descriptive of both the temporary and the permanent hell. 13:40), cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth (Matt. Is Jesus the Only Redeemer? With the sons of perdition, however, even this blessing is denied. It honors and glorifies Satan. The Book of Mormon provides another testament of the reality of a designated place called hell, where the wicked are consigned. Jesus disciples were told not to fear those who could kill the body but to fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matt. 9:4. 2. Thus ensued the War in Heaven, which resulted in Satan and his followers being cast out of heaven and denied the opportunity of receiving a physical body. The sons of perdition are those who have had a knowledge of the truth, have known that Jesus Christ was the Son of God, have had the testimony of the Spirit of the Lord, the Holy Ghost, and these things have all been revealed so that they know they are true; and then they turn against them and fight them knowingly (Conference Reports, April 1942, p. 27.