At the end of the twenty years, the knife would be withdrawn and again stabbed into us, with the resulting excruciating pain lasting another twenty years; this process would then be repeated for all eternity. In addition, Alma defined the second death as dying as to things pertaining unto righteousness. These individuals are chained down to an everlasting destruction and are subject to the will of Satan. Then is the time when their torments shall be as a lake of fire and brimstone, whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever; and then is the time that they shall be chained down to an everlasting destruction, according to the power and captivity of Satan, he having subjected them according to his will. Just one sin. In Mormonism, it depends. Just because Hitler, Mao, and Stalin along with Judas Iscariot (as mentioned above) never became Latter-day Saints apparently provides them with a much higher privilegea life in the telestial kingdom over those who once believed but left the true fold, kicking and screaming in their continued fight against the restored church of Jesus Christ. 5:22), burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire (Matt. As with anything in Mormon doctrine, theres a lot of confusion, contradictory information and just all around ignoring a topic that should be as simple as asking a question and getting an answer. Those mortals who did join the LDS Church in this lifetime must fit the following criteria to be classified as a son of perdition, with a destiny to outer darkness. Rev. So we can clearly state no women are Sons of Perdition in outer darkness. Making the LDS Church Slightly Better: A Members Wish List. And the definition contains all of the pre-mortal spirits who followed Lucifer, which would imply that God created a lot more male spirits than women spirits and maybe thats why there was a war in Heaven. You'll need to do a few things to get the most out of your ex-Mormon candle. The Book of Mormon teaches that after death, the spirits of those who "chose evil works rather than good" in mortality will be "cast out . Divine Love in the Fathers Plan (Dallin H. Oaks, April 2022). They place themselves beyond the power of repentance and beyond the mercies of God. 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. 21:8). Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_of_perdition_(Mormonism). It is doubtful if even Judas, who betrayed Jesus, was sufficiently enlightened to become a son of perdition (Gospel Doctrine,p. 545). For those who once were baptized and confirmed into Mormonism, what is your status? Bruce R. McConkie, 3 vols., (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 195456), 31.; Bruce R. McConkie, Seven Deadly Heresies, 1 June 1980, BYU Marriot Center.). 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. Twelfth President Spencer W. Kimball wrote. According to Smith: It is very clear in the Doctrine and Covenants Section 76:30-37, that the only persons who will be completely overcome by this dreadful fate are the sons of perdition who go with the devil and his angels into outer darkness. (Answers to Gospel Questions 5:107-108). Jacob identified death and hell as temporal and spiritual death. Serve Satan. Some Christians have believed the lake of fire John spoke of to be a literal lake. [1] See also Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed. This is full on rejection of God. (-Joseph Smith in the King Follett Discourse), There is my definition I used in my previous post. Mormonism. 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. Which would be a sure-fire way to know that a spirit is headed to Outer Darkness? Please read, the source above, What is Official LDS Doctrine. GOSH. Nephis words can thus be applied to Jesus parable: the reason the rich man could not cross the great gulf to Abrahams bosom, or the reason the wicked could not join the Saints of God at the tree of life, is because the justice of God does not permit it. 15:2830). Ball (Provo, UT: Religious Studies Center, Brigham Young University, 2001), 7789. . How unfair is this scenario? That it is the most severe punishment that can be meted out to man is apparent. In the D&C, the definition of those who go to Outer Darkness is stated as: the end thereof, neither the place thereof, nor their torment, no man knows; Neither was it revealed, neither is, neither will be revealed unto man, except to them who are made partakers thereof;Nevertheless, I, the Lord, show it by vision unto many, but straightway shut it up again; Wherefore, the end, the width, the height, the depth, and the misery thereof, they understand not, neither any man except those who are ordained unto this condemnation (D&C 76:45-48). In this state of torment Alma remembered his fathers teachings about Jesus Christ and his redemptive mission. To look closer at this possibility, lets break humans into two categories: 1) Those who have never been Mormon; 2) Those who are or once were Mormon. But wait! There are three references that connect the judgment with a lake of fire and brimstone, and two references to a lake of fire. However, the use of the word fire in connection with judgment and the torment of the wicked is widespread throughout the Gospels. Here, like John and Samuel, Alma equated the second death with the lake of fire and brimstone. Only a handful of "sons of perdition" would go. The Plan of Salvation kind of negates the reason for missionary work. 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. Yet I never was baptized and confirmed into this church. The Book of Mormon clarifies that the lake of fire and brimstone is a metaphor for the suffering of the wicked. 22:13) if it is also a place of perpetual fire (Matt. The ex-mortal sons of perdition will be resurrected, as will everyone else; but they will finally suffer the second death, the spiritual death, for they are cut off again as to things pertaining to righteousness. (Hel. Following this introduction will be a discussion of the usage of these termsfirst in the New Testament, then in the Book of Mormon. With the exception of those who left the church and later rejoined, every other former Mormon left the church because they believed it is not true. 5:22), as were those who failed to cast away their sins (JSM 5:34; cf. After inspecting the intruder, the king instructed his servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt. 20:13). And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire [i.e., overcome or defeated by Christs Atonement]. He wrote: But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death (Rev. Is Jesus the Only Redeemer? In my last post, I claimed that I might be a candidate for outer darkness. 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). Delving into the interesting bits about any religion to stem from Joseph Smith Jr. Joseph F. Smith,The Second Death,inBrian H. Stuy (editor). Clearly fire is used as a metaphor for sufferingnot a literal fire but a state of misery. Second, it is the permanent location of Satan and his followers and the sons of perdition, who are not redeemed by the Atonement of Jesus Christ. 34:3435; note Almas repetitive use of the word state in Alma 40:1112; see also D&C 101:9091; 133:7073). They have said things much stranger and I am sure you know of them. Bold and italics in original). Is Jesus the Only Redeemer? This is the second death. Johns references to the second death testify of its existence but do not offer any explanatory information that instructs those readers who do not already understand the doctrine. In this context, outer darkness is the spirit prison, or that part of the spirit world that the wicked inhabit prior to their resurrection. Often in the scriptures it is difficult to discern which helltemporary or permanentis being spoken of, since many references to hell in the scriptures are used in a nonspecific manner to simply designate a place or state of suffering for the wicked. Yea, and it bringeth to pass the condition of repentance, that whosoever repenteth the same is not hewn down and cast into the fire; but whosoever repenteth not is hewn down and cast into the fire; and there cometh upon them again a spiritual death, yea, a second death, for they are cut off again as to things pertaining to righteousness. 14:1519). In each of the New Testament references to outer darkness, Christ declared the punishment that awaits faithless and wicked people. Becoming a son of Perdition is hard therefore going to outer darkness is hard. Latter-day Saints understand hell to be a literal place and/or stateeither the temporary hell in the spirit world where the unjust suffer in a state of torment until they are resurrected to a telestial glory (D&C 76:8185, 98112), or the permanent hell where the wicked (the sons of perdition) continue to suffer eternally after the resurrection (D&C 76:37, 4548). Mormon theology ultimately portrays Outer Darkness as heaven, and Satan as the God of that realm. T F According to a church manual, those who never were Mormon could never be sent to Outer Darkness. This is serving Satan. 9:4. Although this is an obvious scare tactic, this accusation is not true according to important LDS leaders. 2. The Lord said no man knoweth So, theres probably a good reason that there is some debate and confusion on it. Polygamy with tons more men than women sounds ill-thought out. For example, Alma the Younger was delivered from the intensity of his hellish pain when he cried to the Lord for mercy. Even the wicked of the earth who never knew the power of God, after they have paid the price of their sinningfor they must suffer the excruciating torment which sins will bringshall at last come forth from the prison house. Who of the following is NOT eligible for Outer Darkness. If you want to make the point that Mormon Prophets have said some weird stuff, I am all for it. Pingback: The Shunning Key by bwv549 - Mormon Bandwagon, A Son of Perdition is: 185 Heber J. The first three are referred to as the three degrees of glory, often compared to the sun, the moon, and the stars (D&C 76:70 . Those consigned to hell or outer darkness are partakers of the second death, and their torment is as a lake of fire and brimstone. 22:13-14, D-R.). [Discourse given on 20 January 1895.] This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. the man was silent (Matt 22:12); therefore, the king said: "Bind him hand and foot, and cast him into the exterior darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. This extreme punishment will not be given to any but the sons of perdition. The conclusion: You (former Mormon), despite being baptized into this church, are not a son of perdition! 1:13), gates of hell (2 Ne. First, it is another name for spirit prison, a temporary place in the postmortal world for those who died without a knowledge of the truth or those who were disobedient in mortality. Your email address will not be published. You have to be pretty bad to go to the Teresita's kingdom, and horrendous to go to outer darkness. 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. Yea, Alma wrote, I did remember all my sins and iniquities, for which I was tormented with the pains of hell (Alma 36:13). Think along the lines of a religious leader serving God but the opposite. 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. What is the Book of Mormons contribution to our understanding of the New Testaments teachings concerning hell, or that lake of fire John calls the second death (Rev. Severe punishment for eternity, reserved for Satan and his demons as well as the sons of perdition, those humans who once embraced Mormonism and left to fight against the faith, even though they knew Mormonism was true. In Peters second general epistle to the Church, he taught concerning the angels who had sinned, saying that God cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness (2 Pet. . 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. Yet I an certainly exempt from outer darkness, no questions asked. Additional doctrinal truth concerning the great gulf can be found in the Doctrine and Covenants (see D&C 138:1837). This is the choice of an individual to reject God. . However, sons of perdition cannot achieve forgiveness and will be completely cast outside of the light of God. However, Lucifer did not know all the purposes of the Father as we learn from the Pearl of Great Price, Moses 4:6. Their theology was turned upside down! 22:13) that awaits the wicked? But the children of the kingdom [i.e., covenant breakers] shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matt. You dont believe it is true, which is the reason why you left. You are taking quotes that are not Mormon Doctrine. ", 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. I can give you more than plenty of examples of that. Here is one more thing to think about: I work full time with a Christian ministry aimed at converting Mormons. In this context, outer darkness is the spirit prison, or that part of the spirit world that the wicked inhabit prior to their resurrection. We probably do not want to know how horrible it is just like in this life, some things that are so horrible that happen (especially to children) wed rather not know about it, if possible. to become a son of perdition? 10 reasons why a person ought to consider becoming a Christian. The city of Capernaum was upbraided for its lack of faith in view of the miracles Jesus performed there. They are sons of perdition because, Having denied the Holy Spirit after having received it, and having denied the Only Begotten Son of the Father, having crucified him unto themselves and put him to open shame (D. & C. 76:35). Meanwhile, sixth President Joseph F. Smith, also taught that a full knowledge of the truth is necessary, adding that not even Judas Iscariotthe betrayer of Jesuswill be destined for Outer Darkness: It is probable that only personages who have acquired similar full knowledge, who willfully and deliberately deny the truth, when they know it to be the truth, can commit the unpardonable sin and become sons of perdition. Each person must reap the harvest of the seeds sown in this life. Satan and his followers are beings of spirit who were denied bodies and cast out of heaven during pre-mortal existence (see Plan of Salvation ). First, LDS Church scripture uses the term outer darkness to refer to a condition in the spirit world. It also adds insight that, when blended with other essential doctrines, offers a more complete understanding of the plan of salvation. Outer Darkness. 4:32; 3 Ne. - Wilford Woodruff in a meeting with the apostles, 1893 D. Michael Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power (Salt Lake City, Utah: Signature Books, 1997) p. 795. . 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. For example, John saw the judgment in vision and wrote that death and hell delivered up the dead . Gregory A. Boyd, Paul R. Eddy Across the Spectrum: Understanding Issues in Evangelical Theology pp285 2009 "For example, how can hell be a place of outer darkness (Matt. Clear as mud. We found these portrayals to be highly inaccurate. (The Miracle of Forgiveness, p. 125). But what is light? Wilford Woodruff in a meeting with the apostles, 1893 D. Michael Quinn, The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power (Salt Lake City, Utah: Signature Books, 1997) p. 795. Smith told a general conference audience: I think I am safe in saying that no man can become a Son of Perdition until he has known the light. And I said unto them that it was a representation of that awful hell, which the angel said unto me was prepared for the wicked. But suppose, deep down, I do believe the church is true. Generally, the outer darkness is thought to be hell; however, many Christians associate the outer darkness more generally as a place of separation from God or from the metaphorical "wedding banquet" that Jesus is expected to have upon his Second Coming. For many years, those who have forfeited their membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may have been told by other Mormons that they were Sons of Perdition destined for Outer Darkness. A Vision, Times and Seasons 4 (1 Feb 1843) 6:82-5. . Your generous support makes the work of MRM possible. Thank you! Alma 40. It clarifies how using an obscure quote does not define LDS doctrines or dogmas. Just one rebellion. [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]. Historic Christianity. Thus, many would say I fight against the church. They believe that they are mortal men capable of mistakes just like the rest of us. 67, LDS Church Archives. The filthy would be more miserable to dwell with God than to dwell in hell, Morm. The New Testament testifies that there is an actual place identified as hell into which people can be cast, as in the case of the wicked, and from which they can lift up their eyes, as in the case of the rich man, and from which they can be delivered, as in the case of King David. 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). 1. The Book of Mormon presents several significant insights concerning the lake of fire and brimstone of which John spoke. Bad as they may suffer, and awful as their punishment may be, they are not among that group which is to suffer the eternal death and banishment from all influence concerning the power of God (Conference Reports, October 1958, 21). If Lucifer had not known the effects of his rebellion, how would he ever become perdition? 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. (See D&C 76:2835, 4448.) Well thats wrapped up as long as no other prophets said oh. How impossible would it be for a former Mormon (with full knowledge, even!) D&C 76 does say telestial people are the ones thrust down to hell and not redeemed until the last resurrection. Sorry ladies, you cant actually apostatize from the church, I guess (Someone tell Kate Kelly her excommunication is not valid!). Then, I say unto you, they shall be as though there had been no redemption made; for they cannot be redeemed according to Gods justice; and they cannot die, seeing there is no more corruption (Alma 12:13,1618). 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). outer darkness. 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. 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. 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. 6:28), hell fire (3 Ne. Thus, the only mortals who can possibly become sons of perdition must be Latter-day Saints who fall/fell away. Hell is outer darkness; it is the lake of fire; and it is the second death. Thus, the second death is taught in conjunction with the first death, which came as a consequence of the Fall of Adam and Eve, and also with the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which redeems all of humankind from the first death through resurrection and the second death through repentance. 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. https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Outer_Darkness&oldid=27067. The manual Gospel Principles sheds additional light: There is no forgiveness for them, for they denied the Holy Spirit after having received it. Outer darkness is a eternal place of torment reserved for those who are "sons of perdition." According to LDS scripture, this will be a place that "where there is weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth" (Doctrine and Covenants 101:91; also see 133:73). It honors and glorifies Satan. It is impossible for those who never joined Mormonism to become sons of perdition. The Nephites became so wicked, that contemplating murder was a source of happiness. 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. there are two answers, one is being cast out of the presence of God which would be a form of darkness and the other is complete darkness without even the spirit of God in a spiritual realm as far as the light has an end, if thats possible. He called the Pharisees and scribes vipers and questioned, How can ye escape the damnation of hell? (Matt. ; Mormon Temple Worship. 12:22). ( Miracle of Forgiveness 129-30) The Lord Will Judge For persons not to receive forgiveness neither in this world nor in the world to come does not mean that they will be cast into outer darkness, for the sin of murder can be pardoned even though it is unforgivable. so we will be able to realistically discuss the likelihood that a person who left the church could ever end up in Outer Darkness. 9:710, 19, 26). The latter meaning is a place where the glory of God is completely absent, and is the place where Satan and his angels will reside. J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Church Leaders and the Scriptures, [original title When Are the Writings or Sermons of Church Leaders Entitled to the Claim of Scripture?] Immortality and Eternal Life: Reflections from the Writings and Messages of President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., Vol, 2, (1969-70): 221; address to Seminary and Institute Teachers, BYU (7 July 1954); reproduced in Church News (31 July 1954); also reprinted in Dialogue 12/2 (Summer 1979): 6881. 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. Death brought a reversal of their conditions wherein the rich man in hell became a beggar, longing for a drop of water from the finger of Lazarus, who was now in heaven, or Abrahams bosom. In the parable Abraham explained the impossibility of receiving his request, because between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence (Luke 16:1926). 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. One of these guests, however, appeared without the proper wedding attire. As soon as you define doctrine in a way that includes wikipedia, get back to me. [1] The pains of hell can also be experienced in mortality (Jacob 3:11). Hell is a state of suffering, both temporary and permanent. The kingdom that is not a kingdom of glory is called outer darkness. Hell is a place prepared for the devil and his angels, D&C 29:37-38. Hence, the term outer darkness. The second death is a second separation from God, not because of Adams transgression (the first death) but because of ones own failure to repent of personal sin. The second possible sons of perdition are mortals. Those who have never received the light are not to become Sons of Perdition (Conference Reports, October 1958, p. 21). This is the final destination of Satan himself. Matt. And since we know that prophets speaking define it, this is the definition we should use. King Benjamin and Alma also use the word as to preface their reference to a lake of fire and brimstone (see Mosiah 3:27; Alma 12:17).