Kingdoms of Glory

Understanding the Kingdoms of Glory

President Oaks explains the doctrine of the three kingdoms of glory, which are celestial, terrestrial, and telestial. He emphasizes that all children of God will inherit a kingdom of glory according to their choices and the laws they choose to follow.

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."

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."

• The kingdoms of glory are a unique doctrine of the restored Church of Jesus Christ.
• All children of God will inherit one of three kingdoms of glory.
• The kingdom of glory we receive will be determined by our choices and the laws we choose to follow.

• Reflect on a time when you felt a deep understanding of God's plan of happiness for His children.
• How has the doctrine of the kingdoms of glory influenced your choices and actions?
• Can you share an experience where understanding the doctrine of the kingdoms of glory provided comfort or guidance?

Exaltation and the Celestial Kingdom

President Oaks discusses the highest degree of glory, exaltation in the celestial kingdom. He explains the requirements for exaltation and how the Church helps prepare God's children for this highest degree of glory.

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.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints focuses on these because the purpose of this restored Church is to prepare God’s children for salvation in the celestial glory and, more particularly, for exaltation in its highest degree.

• Exaltation in the celestial kingdom is the highest degree of glory.
• Exaltation can only be attained through faithfulness to the covenants of an eternal marriage in the temple.
• The purpose of the Church is to prepare God's children for exaltation.

• Share an experience when you felt a strong desire for exaltation in the celestial kingdom.
• How has the doctrine of exaltation shaped your decisions and actions in life?
• Can you share an experience where the understanding of exaltation brought you comfort or hope?

Conversion and Final Judgment

President Oaks teaches that the Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of our acts but of what we have become. He emphasizes the importance of conversion, a profound change of nature, in qualifying for eternal life.

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. As used here, this word of many meanings signifies a profound change of nature.

• The Final Judgment is based on what we have become through our acts and thoughts.
• Conversion, a profound change of nature, is necessary to qualify for eternal life.
• The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become.

• Reflect on a time when you experienced a profound change of nature or conversion.
• How has the understanding of the Final Judgment influenced your choices and actions?
• Can you share an experience where understanding the importance of conversion brought you comfort or guidance?

Repentance and the Atonement of Jesus Christ

President Oaks discusses the role of repentance and the Atonement of Jesus Christ in our lives. He explains that when we fall short, we can repent and rejoin the covenant path that leads to what 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.

• Repentance is a key part of our journey towards what our Heavenly Father desires for us.
• The Atonement of Jesus Christ allows us to repent and rejoin the covenant path.

• Share an experience when you felt the power of repentance and the Atonement in your life.
• How has the understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ influenced your choices and actions?
• Can you share an experience where understanding the importance of repentance brought you comfort or guidance?

The Plan of Salvation

President Oaks underscores the importance of understanding the plan of salvation, including the premortal spirit world, mortality, and the next life. He emphasizes that salvation is an individual matter, but exaltation is a family matter.

There is much we do not know about the three major periods in the plan of salvation and their relationship to one another: (1) the premortal spirit world, (2) mortality, and (3) the next life.

We have a loving Heavenly Father who will see that we receive every blessing and every advantage that our own desires and choices allow.

• The plan of salvation includes the premortal spirit world, mortality, and the next life.
• Salvation is an individual matter, but exaltation is a family matter.
• Our Heavenly Father will ensure that we receive every blessing and advantage that our desires and choices allow.

• Reflect on a time when you gained a deeper understanding of the plan of salvation.
• How has the understanding of the plan of salvation influenced your choices and actions?
• Can you share an experience where understanding the plan of salvation brought you comfort or guidance?