Kingdoms of Glory
Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency
President Dallin H. Oaks describes the doctrine of kingdoms of glory and the importance of personal choices in determining our eternal destiny.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin the lesson by asking the class members how they usually answer the question "How is your church different from other Christian churches?"
- Start by asking class members to share their understanding of the doctrine of Jesus Christ.
- Open the lesson by discussing the concept of "Kingdoms of Glory" and how it differentiates The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from other Christian churches.
Topics
Understanding the Doctrine of Kingdoms of Glory
President Oaks discusses the unique doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints regarding the kingdoms of glory. He explains that all children of God will inherit one of three kingdoms of glory according to their choices and desires.
From modern revelation we know that the ultimate destiny of all who live on the earth is not the inadequate idea of heaven for the righteous and the eternal sufferings of hell for the rest. God’s loving plan for His children includes this reality taught by our Savior, Jesus Christ: "In my Father’s house are many mansions."
- What are the three kingdoms of glory?
- How does this doctrine differentiate The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from other Christian churches?
- How do our choices and desires determine which kingdom of glory we will inherit?
- What is the significance of the Savior's teaching that "In my Father’s house are many mansions"?
- How does understanding this doctrine affect your perspective on life and choices?
The Requirements for Exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom
President Oaks explains the unique teachings of the Church that prepare its members for exaltation in the celestial kingdom. He emphasizes the importance of eternal marriage and the family proclamation in preparing us to live with God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
God’s plan, founded on eternal truth, requires that exaltation can be attained only through faithfulness to the covenants of an eternal marriage between a man and a woman in the holy temple, which marriage will ultimately be available to all the faithful. That is why we teach that "gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose."
- What are the requirements for exaltation in the celestial kingdom?
- Why is eternal marriage important in God's plan for our exaltation?
- How does the family proclamation help us prepare for exaltation?
- How does understanding the importance of gender in our eternal identity and purpose impact your perspective on gender issues?
- How can we be more faithful to the covenants of an eternal marriage?
The Process of Conversion and Becoming What God Desires
President Oaks teaches that the gospel of Jesus Christ challenges us to become something, not just to know something. He stresses that the Final Judgment is not just about our actions, but what we have become through a process of conversion.
From such teachings we conclude that the Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts—what we have done. It is based on the final effect of our acts and thoughts—what we have become. We qualify for eternal life through a process of conversion.
- What does it mean to be converted by the gospel?
- How does the gospel of Jesus Christ challenge us to become something?
- How does understanding the Final Judgment as an evaluation of what we have become affect your perspective on repentance and conversion?
- What steps can we take to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become?
- How has the gospel helped you in your process of becoming?
The Role of Jesus Christ and His Atonement in Our Journey
President Oaks testifies of Jesus Christ and His Atonement, which makes it possible for us to repent, rejoin the covenant path, and receive the blessings that our Heavenly Father desires for us.
Because of Jesus Christ and His Atonement, when we fall short in this life, we can repent and rejoin the covenant path that leads to what our Heavenly Father desires for us.
- How does the Atonement of Jesus Christ enable us to repent and rejoin the covenant path?
- How has the Atonement of Jesus Christ impacted your life?
- How does understanding the role of Jesus Christ in our journey influence your faith and actions?
- How can we better utilize the Atonement of Jesus Christ in our lives?
- What steps can we take to rejoin the covenant path when we fall short?
Additional Discussion Questions
- In what ways can we better prepare ourselves for the celestial kingdom?
- How does our understanding of the kingdoms of glory affect our daily decisions?
- Why is the concept of 'becoming' more important than 'doing' in the gospel of Jesus Christ?
- How can we better apply the teachings of the family proclamation in our lives?
- What can we do to help others understand and appreciate the unique doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
- How does the doctrine of kingdoms of glory provide hope and perspective in our lives?
- What are some ways we can strengthen our conversion to the gospel?
- How can we better utilize the Atonement of Jesus Christ in our journey towards exaltation?
- What role does the temple play in preparing us for the celestial kingdom?
- How can understanding the Final Judgment as an evaluation of what we have become influence our approach to repentance and conversion?
