Kingdoms of Glory

Understanding the Kingdoms of Glory

President Oaks explains that all children of God, with very limited exceptions, will inherit one of three kingdoms of glory. The celestial kingdom is the highest, followed by the terrestrial and telestial kingdoms. The glory we receive is determined by the laws we choose to follow in mortality.

The revealed doctrine of the restored Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that all the children of God—with exceptions too limited to consider here—will ultimately inherit one of three kingdoms of glory, even the least of which “surpasses all understanding.”

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 as taught by the Church?
• How do our choices in mortality affect our eternal destiny?
• How does understanding the kingdoms of glory affect your choices and actions?
• What steps are you taking to strive for the celestial kingdom?

The Role of Conversion and Covenants

President Oaks emphasizes that achieving exaltation requires more than acquiring knowledge or being convinced of the gospel. It requires a profound change of nature, a conversion that comes about by observing the commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel.

We qualify for eternal life through a process of conversion. As used here, this word of many meanings signifies a profound change of nature.

The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become.

• What does it mean to be converted according to President Oaks?
• Why are commandments, ordinances, and covenants important in our journey towards exaltation?
• In what ways have you experienced conversion in your life?
• How can you better live the commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel to deepen your conversion?

The Role of Jesus Christ and His Atonement

President Oaks testifies of the crucial role of Jesus Christ and His Atonement in our journey towards exaltation. Through His Atonement, we can repent and return to the covenant path when we fall short.

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.

I testify of our Lord Jesus Christ, “the author and finisher of our faith,” whose Atonement, under the plan of our Father in Heaven, makes it all possible.

• What is the role of Jesus Christ and His Atonement in our journey towards exaltation?
• How does the Atonement allow us to return to the covenant path when we fall short?
• How has the Atonement of Jesus Christ impacted your life?
• What steps can you take to better utilize the Atonement in your life?

The Importance of Eternal Marriage and Family

President Oaks highlights the importance of eternal marriage and family in achieving exaltation. He emphasizes that gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose, and that the family is where the most important part of our eternal development occurs.

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.

We affirm that the family proclamation, founded on irrevocable doctrine, defines the mortal family relationship where the most important part of our eternal development can occur.

• What is the significance of eternal marriage and family in the plan of salvation?
• Why is gender an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose?
• How do you view your role in your family in light of the teachings of eternal marriage and family?
• What can you do to strengthen your family relationships and prepare for an eternal family?

The Plan of Salvation and Our Agency

President Oaks discusses the plan of salvation and how it honors our agency. He explains that during our mortal life, we get to choose which laws we are willing to obey and, therefore, in which kingdom of glory we will live forever.

Mortal lifetime is barely a nanosecond compared with eternity. But what a crucial nanosecond it is! Consider carefully how it works: During this mortal life you get to choose which laws you are willing to obey—those of the celestial kingdom, or the terrestrial, or the telestial—and, therefore, in which kingdom of glory you will live forever. What a plan! It is a plan that completely honors your agency.

• How does the plan of salvation honor our agency?
• How do our choices in mortality determine our eternal destiny?
• How does understanding the plan of salvation and your agency influence your daily decisions?
• What can you do to better align your choices with the laws of the celestial kingdom?